JP2009056793A - Image forming method, image forming apparatus, surface nature modifying sheet, thermal transfer sheet - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To modify surface condition of a protective layer formed on an image on a recording paper and to thereby provide glossiness, mat tone and silky tone. <P>SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus is equipped with conveying means 2, 3 and 4 for conveying a recording paper 1 in a specified direction, a thermal transfer sheet running means 6 and 7 for running a thermal transfer sheet 5 in which a dye layer for forming the image on the surface of the recording paper 1 and a protective material layer for protecting the image are formed by being arranged in the longitudinal direction of a substrate sheet, modified sheet moving means 9 and 10 for moving a surface nature modifying sheet 8 in which an opening part for printing so that the thermal transfer sheet 5 is brought into direct contact with the surface of the recording paper 1 and a surface nature modifying part for modifying the surface condition of the protective layer for protecting the image formed on the recording paper 1 are formed by being arranged in the longitudinal direction of the substrate sheet, and a thermal head 11 for thermally transferring the dye layer and the protective material layer successively on the recording paper 1 by applying a thermal energy under a condition that the thermal transfer sheet 5 or the surface nature modifying sheet 8 are opposed to the surface of the recording paper 1 and thereby modifying the surface condition of the protective layer. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming method and an image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording medium using a thermal transfer sheet and forming a protective layer for protecting the surface of the image, and more specifically, on the image of the recording medium. The present invention relates to an image forming method and an image forming apparatus for modifying the surface state of the formed protective layer to give glossiness, matte tone or silky tone, a surface property modifying sheet used therefor, and a thermal transfer sheet. is there.

  As a conventional image forming apparatus, there is a sublimation type apparatus that forms an image by transferring a dye layer of a thermal transfer sheet to a recording medium. In this apparatus, a transparent protective layer is further formed on the image in order to protect the surface of the image formed on the recording medium. Specifically, this protective layer has a function of blocking an image from gas that causes image degradation, a function of absorbing ultraviolet rays to prevent discoloration and fading of an image, a dye forming an image, an eraser, etc. It has a function to prevent transition to articles containing various plastics, a function to prevent image abrasion, a function to protect from sebum, and the like.

  The protective layer is provided, for example, on a ribbon-like substrate sheet, and is thermally transferred onto the image by a thermal head. By being thermally transferred onto the image, in addition to protecting the image, curling of the recording medium can be prevented. Further, when the protective layer is thermally transferred using a thermal head, a minute uneven pattern is formed by arbitrarily changing the thermal energy from the thermal head, and the surface thereof is arbitrarily glossy, matte or The surface may be processed to a silky tone or the like.

The conventional image forming apparatus conveys a recording medium in which a receiving layer for receiving a dye is formed on a thermoplastic substrate, and the dye layer and the protective layer are formed side by side in the running direction on the sheet. The thermal transfer sheet is run, and thermal energy is applied by a thermal head with the receiving layer of the recording medium facing the dye layer of the thermal transfer sheet, and the dye layer of the thermal transfer sheet is received by the recording medium. An image is formed by thermal transfer to a layer, and thermal energy is applied by a thermal head in a state where the image formed on the recording medium and the protective layer of the thermal transfer sheet face each other, and the protective layer of the thermal transfer sheet is Thermal transfer is performed on an image formed on a recording medium (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
JP 2007-76332 A

  However, in the thermal transfer sheet integrated with the protective layer in the conventional image forming apparatus, the dye layer for forming an image is formed directly on the base sheet or is easily adhered to the base sheet. A layer called a layer for stabilizing adhesion is formed between the layers. In addition, the back surface of the base sheet (the surface opposite to the surface on which the dye layer is formed) reduces the friction between the thermal head and the thermal transfer sheet at the time of printing, and makes the thermal transfer sheet run stably. In general, a heat-resistant slip layer is mainly formed.

  On the other hand, the protective layer for protecting the image is provided with a release layer on the easy-adhesion layer on the base sheet in consideration of transferability when thermally transferring to the recording medium. It is formed on a base material sheet. When the protective layer is transferred to the recording medium, peeling occurs at the interface between the peeling layer and the protective layer, the peeling layer remains on the thermal transfer sheet side, and only the protective layer is thermally transferred to the recording medium to protect the printed matter. To do. For the protective layer and the release layer, a combination of materials that can be easily peeled off at the interface is used. When the protective layer is transferred from the thermal transfer sheet to the recording medium, the protective layer and the release layer are separated from each other. Interfacial debonding occurs at the interface with the layer. The image formed on the recording medium in this way has a structure in which a protective layer is formed on the uppermost layer, and since the surface thereof is smooth to some extent, a printed matter having gloss can be obtained. It was said.

  However, since the release layer for peeling the protective layer is formed by applying and drying a resin on the easy-adhesion layer on the base sheet, the smoothness is not sufficient. And since the smoothness of the said peeling layer surface influences the peeling surface when a protective layer is transcribe | transferred from a thermal transfer sheet, the smoothness of the protective layer surface of the uppermost layer of a printed matter will also become inadequate. Therefore, the printed matter obtained with the conventional image forming apparatus has insufficient glossiness, which is inferior to that of general silver salt photography. In the case of a natural image print such as a color photograph, the surface finish of the print has a matte tone or a silky tone in addition to a gloss requirement.

  Accordingly, the present invention addresses such problems and attempts to give glossiness, matte tone or silky tone by modifying the surface state of the protective layer formed on the image of the recording medium. It is an object of the present invention to provide an image forming method, an image forming apparatus, a surface property modified sheet, and a thermal transfer sheet used therefor.

  In order to achieve the above object, an image forming method according to the present invention includes a step of conveying a recording medium in a predetermined direction, and forming an image by being thermally transferred onto a surface of the recording medium on a ribbon-like base sheet. And a protective material layer for protecting the image by being thermally transferred to the surface of the image formed on the surface of the recording medium, the thermal transfer sheet formed in a longitudinal direction of the substrate sheet in a predetermined direction And thermal energy is applied by a thermal head in a state where the recording medium and the dye layer of the thermal transfer sheet are opposed to each other, and the dye layer of the thermal transfer sheet is thermally transferred to the surface of the recording medium to form an image. The thermal head applies thermal energy with the thermal head in a state where the image formed on the recording medium and the protective material layer of the thermal transfer sheet face each other. The step of thermally transferring the protective material layer of the sheet onto the image formed on the recording medium and the surface state of the protective layer protecting the image formed on the recording medium are modified on the ribbon-like base sheet. A surface property modifying section for moving the surface property modifying sheet formed side by side in the longitudinal direction of the substrate sheet, a protective layer formed on the image of the recording medium, and the surface property The step of aligning the surface property modification part of the modified sheet, heating and pressurizing with the thermal head, and peeling the surface property modified sheet after cooling to modify the surface state of the protective layer. Is what you do.

  With such a configuration, the recording medium is conveyed in a predetermined direction, and is formed on the surface of the recording medium and a dye layer for forming an image by being thermally transferred onto the surface of the recording medium on a ribbon-like base sheet. A protective material layer that is thermally transferred to the surface of an image and protects the image is caused to travel in a predetermined direction along a thermal transfer sheet formed in a longitudinal direction of the base sheet, and the recording medium and the thermal transfer sheet Thermal energy is applied by a thermal head in a state where the dye layer is opposed to the dye layer, and the dye layer of the thermal transfer sheet is thermally transferred to the surface of the recording medium to form an image. The image formed on the recording medium and the image A thermal energy is applied by the thermal head in a state where the protective material layer of the thermal transfer sheet is opposed to the thermal transfer sheet, and the protective material layer of the thermal transfer sheet is thermally transferred onto an image formed on a recording medium to form a ribbon shape. A surface property in which a surface property modifying portion for modifying the surface state of a protective layer for protecting an image formed on the recording medium is formed side by side in the longitudinal direction of the substrate sheet. The modified sheet is moved, the protective layer formed on the image of the recording medium is aligned with the surface modification portion of the surface modification sheet, heated and pressurized by the thermal head, and after cooling The surface modification sheet is peeled off to modify the surface state of the protective layer.

  An image forming method using another means includes a step of conveying a recording medium in a predetermined direction, a dye layer for forming an image by being thermally transferred onto a surface of the recording medium on a ribbon-like base sheet, and a target layer. Surface property modification for modifying the surface condition of the protective material layer for protecting the image by being thermally transferred to the surface of the image formed on the surface of the recording medium and the protective layer for protecting the image formed on the recording medium. The mass portion is heated by a thermal head in a state in which a thermal transfer sheet formed side by side in the longitudinal direction of the base sheet travels in a predetermined direction and the recording medium and the dye layer of the thermal transfer sheet face each other. Applying energy and thermally transferring the dye layer of the thermal transfer sheet to the surface of the recording medium to form an image; and the image formed on the recording medium and the protective material layer of the thermal transfer sheet Applying thermal energy with the thermal head in a state of being heated, and thermally transferring the protective material layer of the thermal transfer sheet onto the image formed on the recording medium; and a protective layer formed on the image of the recording medium And the surface property modification portion of the thermal transfer sheet are heated and pressed by the thermal head, and after cooling, the thermal transfer sheet is peeled off to modify the surface state of the protective layer. It is.

  With such a configuration, the recording medium is conveyed in a predetermined direction, and is formed on the surface of the recording medium and the dye layer for forming an image by being thermally transferred to the surface of the recording medium on a ribbon-like base sheet. A protective layer for protecting the image by being thermally transferred to the surface of the image, and a surface property modifying unit for modifying the surface state of the protective layer for protecting the image formed on the recording medium. A thermal transfer sheet formed side by side in the longitudinal direction of the sheet travels in a predetermined direction, and thermal energy is applied by a thermal head in a state where the recording medium and the dye layer of the thermal transfer sheet face each other. The dye layer is thermally transferred onto the surface of the recording medium to form an image, and the thermal head is used for thermal energy in a state where the image formed on the recording medium and the protective material layer of the thermal transfer sheet face each other. The protective material layer of the thermal transfer sheet is thermally transferred onto the image formed on the recording medium, and the protective layer formed on the image of the recording medium and the surface property modifying portion of the thermal transfer sheet are positioned. In combination, the thermal head is heated and pressed, and after cooling, the thermal transfer sheet is peeled off to modify the surface state of the protective layer.

  The image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes a conveying unit that conveys a recording medium in a predetermined direction, a dye layer for forming an image by being thermally transferred to the surface of the recording medium on a ribbon-like base sheet. A thermal transfer sheet in which a thermal transfer sheet formed in a longitudinal direction of the base sheet travels in a predetermined direction with a protective material layer that is thermally transferred to the surface of the image formed on the surface of the recording medium and protects the image The surface of the protective layer for protecting the image formed on the running means, the printing opening provided on the ribbon-like base sheet so that the thermal transfer sheet is in direct contact with the surface of the recording medium, and the recording medium A surface property modifying unit for modifying the state, a modified sheet moving means for moving the surface property modified sheet formed side by side in the longitudinal direction of the base sheet, and a surface of the recording medium. Thermal transfer sheet A thermal head that applies thermal energy with the dye layer or the protective material layer facing each other and thermally transfers the dye layer and the protective material layer onto the recording medium in order, and a thermal transfer sheet is provided on the recording medium. After forming an image using and forming a protective layer for protecting the image, the surface property modification portion of the surface property modification sheet is aligned with the surface on which the protection layer is formed and heated by the thermal head. And pressurizing to modify the surface state of the protective layer formed on the recording medium.

  With such a configuration, the dye layer for transporting the recording medium in a predetermined direction by the transporting means and being thermally transferred onto the surface of the recording medium by the thermal transfer sheet running means on the surface of the recording medium. And a protective material layer that is thermally transferred to the surface of the image formed on the surface of the recording medium and protects the image, and runs the thermal transfer sheet formed in the longitudinal direction of the base sheet in a predetermined direction. Then, the modified sheet moving means protects the image formed on the recording medium and the printing opening provided on the ribbon-shaped base sheet so that the thermal transfer sheet is in direct contact with the surface of the recording medium. A surface property modifying section for modifying the surface state of the protective layer moves the surface property modifying sheet formed side by side in the longitudinal direction of the base sheet, and the thermal head On the surface Thermal energy is applied with the dye layer or the protective material layer of the thermal transfer sheet facing each other to thermally transfer the dye layer and the protective material layer onto the recording medium in order, and the thermal transfer sheet is used as an image on the recording medium. And a protective layer for protecting the image is formed, and then the surface property modification portion of the surface property modification sheet is aligned with the surface on which the protection layer is formed and heated and pressurized by the thermal head. The surface state of the protective layer formed on the recording medium is modified.

  An image forming apparatus using another means includes a conveying means for conveying a recording medium in a predetermined direction, a dye layer for forming an image by being thermally transferred to a surface of the recording medium on a ribbon-like base sheet, and Surface property for modifying the surface condition of the protective material layer for protecting the image by being thermally transferred to the surface of the image formed on the surface of the recording medium and the protective layer for protecting the image formed on the recording medium The reforming section has a thermal transfer sheet running means for running a thermal transfer sheet formed side by side in the longitudinal direction of the base sheet in a predetermined direction, and a dye layer or a protective material layer of the thermal transfer sheet on the surface of the recording medium. A thermal head that applies thermal energy in a facing state to thermally transfer the dye layer and the protective material layer onto the recording medium in order, and forms an image on the recording medium using a thermal transfer sheet. So After forming the protective layer for protecting the image, the surface property modification portion is aligned with the surface on which the protective layer is formed, and heated and pressed by the thermal head to form the protective layer formed on the recording medium. It is intended to modify the surface state.

  With such a configuration, the dye layer for transporting the recording medium in a predetermined direction by the transporting means and being thermally transferred onto the surface of the recording medium by the thermal transfer sheet running means on the surface of the recording medium. And a protective material layer for protecting the image by being thermally transferred to the surface of the image formed on the surface of the recording medium, and a surface for modifying the surface state of the protective layer for protecting the image formed on the recording medium The property modifying section travels a thermal transfer sheet formed in the longitudinal direction of the base sheet in a predetermined direction, and a thermal head forms a dye layer or a protective material layer of the thermal transfer sheet on the surface of the recording medium. Heat energy is applied in the state of being opposed to the dye layer and the protective material layer in order on the recording medium, and an image is formed on the recording medium using a thermal transfer sheet and the image is protected. After forming the protective layer, the surface property modification portion is aligned with the surface on which the protective layer is formed and heated and pressurized by the thermal head, so that the surface state of the protective layer formed on the recording medium is changed. Reform.

  The surface property modifying sheet according to the present invention is one or more for modifying the surface state of a protective material layer that protects an image formed on a recording medium of an image forming apparatus on a ribbon-like base material sheet. Types of surface property reforming portions are formed side by side in the longitudinal direction of the base sheet.

  With such a configuration, one or a plurality of types of surface property modification portions are formed on a recording medium of an image forming apparatus using a surface property modification sheet formed in a longitudinal direction of a ribbon-like base material sheet. The surface property modification part is heated and pressurized on the surface of the protective layer protecting the formed image to modify the surface state.

  The thermal transfer sheet according to the present invention is formed on a surface of an image formed on a surface of a recording medium and a dye layer for forming an image by being thermally transferred onto a surface of the recording medium of an image forming apparatus. A protective material layer for protecting the image after being thermally transferred, and one or more types of surface property modifying portions for modifying the surface state of the protective layer for protecting the image formed on the recording medium, It is formed side by side in the longitudinal direction of the material sheet.

  With such a configuration, a dye layer, a protective material layer, and one or a plurality of types of surface property reforming portions are formed on the surface of the image forming apparatus using a thermal transfer sheet formed side by side in the longitudinal direction of the ribbon-like substrate sheet. The dye layer is thermally transferred to the surface of the recording medium to form an image, and the protective material layer is thermally transferred to the surface of the image formed on the surface of the recording medium to protect the image and formed on the recording medium. The surface property modification part is heated and pressurized on the surface of the protective layer for protecting the printed image to modify the surface state.

  According to the image forming method of the first aspect, the recording medium is conveyed in a predetermined direction, and the dye layer and the recording medium are formed on the surface of the recording medium by being thermally transferred to a ribbon-like base sheet. A protective material layer that is thermally transferred to the surface of the image formed on the surface of the medium and protects the image is caused to travel in a predetermined direction while the thermal transfer sheet formed side by side in the longitudinal direction of the base sheet is used. Thermal energy is applied by a thermal head in a state where the recording medium and the dye layer of the thermal transfer sheet face each other, and the dye layer of the thermal transfer sheet is thermally transferred to the surface of the recording medium to form an image. Thermal energy is applied by the thermal head in a state where the formed image and the protective material layer of the thermal transfer sheet face each other, and the protective material layer of the thermal transfer sheet is thermally transferred onto the image formed on the recording medium. In addition, a surface property modifying portion for modifying the surface state of the protective layer that protects the image formed on the recording medium is arranged in the ribbon-like base sheet in the longitudinal direction of the base sheet. The formed surface property modifying sheet is moved, the protective layer formed on the image of the recording medium and the surface property modifying part of the surface property modifying sheet are aligned and heated by the thermal head. After pressurizing and cooling, the surface property modifying sheet is peeled off to modify the surface state of the protective layer. Then, depending on the type of the surface property modifying portion of the surface property modifying sheet, the surface state of the printed matter can be modified by giving the surface state of the protective layer glossiness, matte tone or silky tone. .

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, the printing opening is disposed at the position of the thermal head by the surface property modifying sheet provided with the printing opening so that the thermal transfer sheet is in direct contact with the surface of the recording medium. The thermal transfer sheet and the recording medium can be directly brought into contact with each other using the printing opening to form an image.

  According to the invention of claim 3, the surface property reforming part of the surface property modifying sheet is heated by the thermal head by heating at a temperature near the glass transition temperature of the protective material layer of the thermal transfer sheet. The protective layer that protects the image formed on the recording medium is in a state of being slightly softened and in close contact with the surface property modifying portion, so that the surface state of the protective layer is changed to the contact surface of the surface property modifying portion. It can be modified to a surface property that conforms to the surface state.

  Furthermore, according to the invention according to claim 4, the modification of the surface state of the protective layer formed on the image of the recording medium gives gloss to the surface state of the protective layer. A printed matter with good gloss can be obtained.

  Furthermore, according to the invention of claim 5, the modification of the surface state of the protective layer formed on the image of the recording medium is to finish the surface state of the protective layer to a matte or silky tone. By being, it is possible to obtain a printed matter finished in a surface state such as a matte tone or a silky tone.

  According to the image forming method of the present invention, the recording medium is conveyed in a predetermined direction, and a dye layer for forming an image by being thermally transferred to the surface of the recording medium on a ribbon-like base sheet, and Surface property for modifying the surface condition of the protective material layer for protecting the image by being thermally transferred to the surface of the image formed on the surface of the recording medium and the protective layer for protecting the image formed on the recording medium The reforming unit travels the thermal transfer sheet formed side by side in the longitudinal direction of the base sheet in a predetermined direction, and the thermal energy is applied by the thermal head in a state where the recording medium and the dye layer of the thermal transfer sheet face each other. The thermal transfer sheet dye layer is thermally transferred onto the surface of the recording medium to form an image, and the image formed on the recording medium and the protective layer of the thermal transfer sheet are opposed to each other in the thermal head. The thermal energy is applied by the thermal transfer sheet, the protective material layer of the thermal transfer sheet is thermally transferred onto the image formed on the recording medium, and the surface property modification of the protective layer formed on the image of the recording medium and the thermal transfer sheet is performed. And the surface of the protective layer can be modified by peeling the thermal transfer sheet after cooling. Then, depending on the type of the surface property modifying portion of the thermal transfer sheet, the surface state of the printed matter can be modified by giving the surface state of the protective layer glossiness, matte tone or silky tone.

  According to the seventh aspect of the invention, the surface property reforming portion of the thermal transfer sheet is heated by the thermal head by heating at a temperature near the glass transition temperature of the protective material layer of the thermal transfer sheet. Since the protective layer that protects the image formed on the recording medium is in a state of being slightly softened and in close contact with the surface property modifying portion, the surface state of the protective layer is changed to the surface state of the contact surface of the surface property modifying portion. It can be modified to a surface quality that matches.

  According to the invention of claim 8, the modification of the surface state of the protective layer formed on the image of the recording medium gives gloss to the surface state of the protective layer. A printed matter with good gloss can be obtained.

  Furthermore, according to the invention of claim 9, the modification of the surface state of the protective layer formed on the image of the recording medium is to finish the surface state of the protective layer to a matte or silky tone. As a result, it is possible to obtain a printed matter finished in a surface state such as a matte tone or a silky tone.

  According to the image forming apparatus of the tenth aspect, the recording medium is conveyed in a predetermined direction by the conveying means, and is thermally transferred to the ribbon-like base sheet by the thermal transfer sheet running means on the surface of the recording medium. A dye layer for forming an image and a protective material layer for protecting the image by thermal transfer to the surface of the image formed on the surface of the recording medium were formed side by side in the longitudinal direction of the base sheet. The printing transfer opening provided on the ribbon-shaped base sheet so that the thermal transfer sheet is in direct contact with the surface of the recording medium by the modified sheet moving means by running the thermal transfer sheet in a predetermined direction and the recording medium A surface modification portion for modifying the surface state of the protective layer protecting the image formed on the substrate, and moving the surface modification sheet formed side by side in the longitudinal direction of the base sheet, By head Thermal energy is applied with the dye layer or protective material layer of the thermal transfer sheet facing the surface of the recording medium to thermally transfer the dye layer and the protective material layer onto the recording medium in order, and the recording medium After forming an image using the thermal transfer sheet and forming a protective layer for protecting the image, the surface property modifying portion of the surface property modifying sheet is aligned with the surface on which the protective layer is formed, and The surface state of the protective layer formed on the recording medium can be modified by heating and pressing with a thermal head. Then, depending on the type of the surface property modifying portion of the surface property modifying sheet, the surface state of the printed matter can be modified by giving the surface state of the protective layer glossiness, matte tone or silky tone. .

  And according to the invention which concerns on Claim 11, the dye layer and protective material layer of 1 color or multiple colors are formed in order on the surface of a ribbon-shaped base material sheet, In the vicinity of each dye layer and the protective material layer With respect to each thermal transfer sheet provided with a position detection mark, the position detection mark can be detected by detection means provided in the middle of the travel path of the thermal transfer sheet. Accordingly, it is possible to detect the positions of the dye layer and the protective material layer formed on the thermal transfer sheet, and match the desired dye layer or protective material layer to the position of the thermal head.

  According to the twelfth aspect of the present invention, the protective layer formed on the recording medium on the surface of the ribbon-shaped substrate sheet is modified with one or more kinds of surface properties for reforming to one or different surface states. The surface property modification sheet is formed in order, and the position detection mark is moved to the surface property modification sheet in which the position detection mark is provided in the vicinity of the printing opening and each surface property modification part. It can be detected by detection means provided in the middle of the route. Therefore, it is possible to detect the positions of the printing opening and the surface modification portion formed on the surface modification sheet, and align the printing opening or the desired surface modification portion with the position of the thermal head. it can.

  Furthermore, according to the invention of claim 13, the protective layer has a surface property modifying portion that imparts gloss to the surface state of the protective layer that protects the image formed on the recording medium. Glossiness can be given to the surface state to make the surface state of the printed material glossy.

  Furthermore, according to the invention of claim 14, the surface property modifying portion of the surface property modifying sheet finishes the surface state of the protective layer for protecting the image formed on the recording medium in a matte or silky tone. The surface state of the protective layer can be finished to a matte tone or a silky tone to make the surface state of the printed matter a matte tone or a silky tone finish.

  According to the image forming apparatus of the fifteenth aspect, the recording medium is conveyed in a predetermined direction by the conveying means, and is thermally transferred to the ribbon-like base sheet by the thermal transfer sheet running means on the surface of the recording medium. A dye layer for forming an image, a protective material layer for protecting the image by being thermally transferred to the surface of the image formed on the surface of the recording medium, and a surface of the protective layer for protecting the image formed on the recording medium A surface property reforming section for modifying the state causes the thermal transfer sheet formed side by side in the longitudinal direction of the base sheet to travel in a predetermined direction, and the thermal transfer sheet is applied to the surface of the recording medium by a thermal head. Heat energy is applied with the dye layer or the protective material layer facing each other to thermally transfer the dye layer and the protective material layer onto the recording medium in order, and an image is formed on the recording medium using a thermal transfer sheet. Then After the protective layer for protecting the image was formed on the surface, the surface property modification portion was aligned with the surface on which the protective layer was formed and heated and pressed by the thermal head to form the recording medium. The surface state of the protective layer can be modified. Then, depending on the type of the surface property modifying portion of the thermal transfer sheet, the surface state of the printed matter can be modified by giving the surface state of the protective layer glossiness, matte tone or silky tone.

  According to the invention according to claim 16, one or more dye layers, a protective material layer, and one or more kinds of surface property reforming portions are sequentially formed on the surface of the ribbon-shaped base sheet, For the thermal transfer sheet provided with a position detection mark in the vicinity of each dye layer, the protective material layer, and each surface property modification portion, the position detection mark is detected by a detection means provided in the middle of the travel path of the thermal transfer sheet. Can be detected. Therefore, it is possible to detect the positions of the dye layer and the protective material layer formed on the thermal transfer sheet and the surface property modification portion, and align the desired dye layer, the protection material layer or the surface property modification portion with the position of the thermal head. it can.

  According to the seventeenth aspect of the present invention, the surface state of the protective layer is improved by the surface property modifying portion of the thermal transfer sheet that gives gloss to the surface state of the protective layer that protects the image formed on the recording medium. Glossiness can be imparted so that the surface state of the printed material can be a glossy finish.

  Furthermore, according to the invention of claim 18, the protective layer is formed by the surface property modifying portion of the thermal transfer sheet that finishes the surface state of the protective layer that protects the image formed on the recording medium in a matte or silky tone. The surface state of the printed material can be finished to a matte tone or silky tone, and the surface state of the printed matter can be made a matte tone or silky tone finish.

  According to the surface property modifying sheet according to claim 19, one or a plurality of types of surface property modifying parts formed side by side in the longitudinal direction of the ribbon-like base material sheet are provided on the recording medium of the image forming apparatus. The surface state of the protective layer can be modified by heating and pressing the surface of the protective layer that protects the image formed on the surface of the protective layer with a thermal head of the image forming apparatus. Then, depending on the type of the surface property modifying portion, the surface state of the printed matter can be modified by giving the surface state of the protective layer glossiness, matte tone or silky tone.

  According to the invention of claim 20, the position detection provided in the vicinity of the printing openings and the one or more types of surface property reforming sections sequentially formed in the longitudinal direction of the ribbon-like base sheet. Using the marks, it is possible to detect the positions of the printing openings and the respective surface property reforming portions formed in the surface property modification sheet.

  According to the invention of claim 21 or 22, the surface property reforming portion made of a heat-resistant resin film is heated by the thermal head near the glass transition temperature of the protective material layer of the thermal transfer sheet of the image forming apparatus. Even so, it is possible to modify the surface state of the protective layer without deteriorating the surface property reforming part by the heating.

  Furthermore, according to the invention of claim 23, the surface subjected to the mold release treatment so as not to be bonded to the surface of the protective material layer in the vicinity of the glass transition temperature of the protective material layer of the thermal transfer sheet of the image forming apparatus. Even if the property modifying portion is heated by a thermal head, the surface property modifying portion can be peeled off from the surface of the protective layer.

  Furthermore, according to the invention of claim 24, the surface condition of the protective layer is glossy by the surface property modifying section that gives the surface condition of the protective layer protecting the image formed on the recording medium. To give the surface finish of the printed product a glossy finish.

  Furthermore, according to the invention of claim 25, the surface state of the protective layer is provided by the surface property modifying section that finishes the surface state of the protective layer protecting the image formed on the recording medium to be matte or silky. Can be finished in a matte tone or silky tone, and the surface state of the printed matter can be changed to a matte tone or silky tone finish.

  According to the thermal transfer sheet of claim 26, the dye layer and the protective material layer formed in a longitudinal direction of the ribbon-shaped base sheet and the one or more kinds of surface property reforming portions are provided in the image forming apparatus. Using the thermal head, the dye layer is thermally transferred onto the surface of the recording medium to form an image, and the protective material layer is thermally transferred onto the surface of the image formed on the surface of the recording medium to protect the image. The surface condition can be modified by heating and pressurizing the surface modification portion on the surface of the protective layer that protects the image formed on the recording medium. Then, depending on the type of the surface property modifying portion, the surface state of the printed matter can be modified by giving the surface state of the protective layer glossiness, matte tone or silky tone.

  According to the invention of claim 27, the vicinity of one or more color dye layers, a protective material layer, and one or more types of surface property reforming portions sequentially formed on the surface of the ribbon-like substrate sheet By using the position detection marks provided respectively on the thermal transfer sheet, it is possible to detect the positions of the dye layers, the protective material layer, and the surface property modification portions formed on the thermal transfer sheet.

  Further, according to the invention of claim 28, by making the surface property modifying part an exposed part of the base sheet itself, the material of the surface property modifying part can be saved and the production of the thermal transfer sheet is facilitated. Can do.

  Further, according to the invention of claim 29, the surface condition of the protective layer is made glossy by the surface property modifying section that gives the surface condition of the protective layer protecting the image formed on the recording medium. The surface condition of the printed product can be given a glossy finish.

  Furthermore, according to the invention of claim 30, the surface of the protective layer is formed by the surface property modifying unit that finishes the surface state of the protective layer that protects the image formed on the recording medium in a matte tone or a silky tone. The surface state of the printed material can be matte or silky finished by finishing the state in a matte or silky tone.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a first embodiment of an image forming apparatus used in an image forming method according to the present invention. This image forming apparatus (for example, a thermal printer) forms an image on a recording medium using a thermal transfer sheet and forms a protective layer for protecting the surface of the image, and a platen roller 2 that holds a recording paper 1. A pinch roller 3, a capstan roller 4, a supply reel 6 for a thermal transfer sheet 5, a take-up reel 7, a supply reel 9 for a surface modification sheet 8, a take-up reel 10, and a thermal head 11. It has. In the following description, a case where an image is formed on the recording paper 1 wound in a roll shape (hereinafter sometimes referred to as “printing”) will be described.

  The recording paper 1 serves as a recording medium on which an image is formed in the image forming apparatus, and is composed of, for example, sublimation transfer printing paper. Here, the platen roller 2 holds the recording paper 1 during printing. The pinch roller 3 and the capstan roller 4 rotate synchronously in opposite directions with the recording paper 1 interposed therebetween, and feed the recording paper 1 in a predetermined direction, or rewind it in the opposite direction. . The platen roller 2, the pinch roller 3, the capstan roller 4, and a roller driving mechanism (not shown) constitute a conveying means for conveying the recording paper 1 in a predetermined direction.

  For convenience of later explanation, the conveyance direction of the recording paper 1 is defined as follows. In other words, the forward direction A in which the recording paper 1 on which the image is formed is conveyed to be output from the image forming apparatus is defined as “downstream side”, and the reverse direction B is defined as “upstream side”.

  The thermal transfer sheet 5 forms an image by thermally transferring a dye onto the surface of the recording paper 1 in the image forming apparatus. As shown in FIG. 2, the surface of the recording paper 1 is formed on a ribbon-shaped base sheet 12. A single-color or multi-color dye layer 13 that is thermally transferred to the recording paper 1, and a protective material layer 14 that is thermally transferred to the surface of the image formed on the surface of the recording paper 1 to protect the image; Are formed side by side in the longitudinal direction of the substrate sheet 12 and are usually called ink ribbons. The protective material layer 14 improves the wear resistance, chemical resistance, etc. of the image formed on the surface of the recording paper 1. Moreover, it is also possible to improve the light resistance of an image by adding an ultraviolet absorber to the protective material layer 14. Furthermore, as the protective material layer 14, a conventionally known thermoplastic resin such as polystyrene resin can be used, and is formed on the recording paper 1 and the surface thereof as one of the layers constituting the protective material layer 14. The adhesive layer for improving the adhesiveness of the protective material layer 14 to the image surface may be composed of a plurality of layers provided in the upper layer (the uppermost layer as the protective material layer). In this embodiment, a protective material layer 14 having a two-layer structure made of a polystyrene resin and an acrylic modified resin as an upper layer is used.

  That is, in FIG.2 (b), the heat resistant slipping layer 15 is formed in the back surface side of the ribbon-shaped base material sheet 12, The easy-adhesion layer 16 is formed in the surface side of this base material sheet 12, For example, yellow (Y), magenta (M), and cyan (C) dye layers 13y, 13m, and 13c that form an image on the surface of the recording sheet 1 by sublimation transfer or melt transfer on the surface of the recording paper 1. 13c and a protective material layer 14 for protecting an image formed on the surface of the recording paper 1 are formed in a surface sequential manner with a predetermined thickness. A release layer 17 is interposed between the lower surface of the protective material layer 14 and the easy adhesion layer 16. As shown in FIG. 2 (a), four regions of these dye layers 13y, 13m, and 13c and the protective material layer 14 are taken as one constituent unit, and one color image is formed using these constituent units. Alternatively, a black and white image is formed, and these structural units are repeatedly formed along the longitudinal direction (winding direction) of the thermal transfer sheet 5 so that a plurality of images can be printed. The dye layer 13 may include black (Bk) in addition to yellow (Y), magenta (M), and cyan (C), or only black (Bk). .

  In FIG. 2, reference numeral 18y indicates the leading position of the yellow (Y) dye layer 13y, and reference numeral 19y indicates the trailing position of the dye layer 13y. Reference numeral 18m represents the leading position of the magenta (M) dye layer 13m, and reference numeral 19m represents the trailing position of the dye layer 13m. Further, reference numeral 18c indicates the leading position of the cyan (C) dye layer 13c, and reference numeral 19c indicates the trailing position of the dye layer 13c. Furthermore, reference numeral 18L indicates the leading position of the protective material layer 14, and reference numeral 19L indicates the trailing position of the protective material layer 14.

  Further, in FIG. 2, reference numeral 21 y detects the position of the dye layer 13 y that is the head of the entire region in which the four regions of the dye layers 13 y, 13 m, 13 c and the protective material layer 14 are combined into one constituent unit. Therefore, an ink position detection mark provided in the vicinity of the dye layer 13y is indicated. Reference numeral 21m indicates an ink position detection mark provided in the vicinity of the dye layer 13m in order to detect the position of the dye layer 13m. Reference numeral 21c denotes an ink position detection mark provided in the vicinity of the dye layer 13c for detecting the position of the dye layer 13c. Reference numeral 21L denotes a vicinity of the protective material layer 14 for detecting the position of the protective material layer 14. The protective material layer position detection mark provided in FIG. Further, reference numeral 21y ′ denotes a position near the dye layer 13y in order to detect the position of the dye layer 13y that is the head of the next constituent unit following the one constituent unit composed of the plurality of dye layers 13 and the protective material layer 14. Other ink position detection marks provided are shown.

  Each of the position detection marks is a linear marking formed across the ribbon-shaped base sheet 12, and for example, an ink position detection mark indicating the position of the dye layer 13y that is the head of the structural unit. 21y and 21y ′ are composed of two lines. The ink position detection marks 21m and 21c indicating the positions of the dye layers 13m and 13c and the protective material layer position detection mark 21L indicating the position of the protective material layer 14 are one line. It is made up of.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the thermal transfer sheet 5 configured in this manner is stretched between a supply reel 6 and a take-up reel 7 and stored in a ribbon cassette (not shown). It is detachable from the body. When the ribbon cassette is mounted in the apparatus main body, the thermal transfer sheet 5 is sandwiched between the platen roller 2 and the thermal head 11 so as to run in the direction of arrow C in synchronization with the conveyance of the recording paper 1. It has become. Here, the supply reel 6 and the take-up reel 7 constitute a thermal transfer sheet running means for running the thermal transfer sheet 5 in a predetermined direction. The thermal transfer sheet 5, the supply reel 6 and the take-up reel 7 do not necessarily have to be stored in the ribbon cassette, and may be configured to operate by setting them at predetermined positions on the apparatus main body. Absent.

  An optical sensor 22 is provided in the middle of the traveling path of the thermal transfer sheet 5 by the thermal transfer sheet traveling means. This optical sensor 22 serves as detection means for detecting various position detection marks 21y, 21y '; 21m, 21c, 21L of the thermal transfer sheet 5, and as shown in FIG. Is disposed at a position away from the position of the thermal head 11 by a predetermined distance in the traveling direction indicated by the arrow C. Thus, when the various position detection marks 21y, 21y ′; 21m, 21c, 21L are detected, the positions of the dye layers 13y, 13m, 13c and the protective material layer 14 shown in FIG. It will match the site.

  The surface property modifying sheet 8 modifies the surface state of the protective layer that protects the image formed on the recording paper 1 in the image forming apparatus. As shown in FIG. In addition, the surface 24 of the printing opening 24 provided so that the thermal transfer sheet 5 is in direct contact with the surface of the recording paper 1 and the surface state of the protective layer for protecting the image formed on the recording paper 1 can be modified. Surface modification parts 25 a, 25 b and 25 c are formed side by side in the longitudinal direction of the base material sheet 23.

  The base material sheet 23 itself becomes a surface property modifying member for modifying the surface state of the protective layer that protects the image formed on the recording paper 1, and is formed into a ribbon having a predetermined length. Is formed. And this base material sheet 23 consists of a resin film which has heat resistance in the glass transition temperature (Tg) vicinity of the protective material layer 14 of the thermal transfer sheet 5 of the said image forming apparatus, for example, consists of a polyimide film. Specifically, a polyimide film called Upilex S (trade name: manufactured by Ube Industries) having a thickness of about 25 μm may be used. Since the surface property of the polyimide film is extremely smooth, the surface state of the protective layer of the image formed on the recording paper 1 becomes smooth according to the surface state of the polyimide film.

  Further, the surface property reforming portions 25a, 25b, and 25c of the base sheet 23 were formed on the recording paper 1 in the vicinity of the glass transition temperature (Tg) of the protective material layer 14 of the thermal transfer sheet 5 of the image forming apparatus. It is desirable that a release treatment is performed so as not to adhere to the surface of the protective layer that protects the image. As a result, when the surface modification sheet 8 is peeled after the surface modification treatment of the protective layer of the image formed on the recording paper 1, no peeling failure due to cohesive failure or the like inside the protective layer does not occur. Further, good interface peeling at the interface between the protective layer of the recording paper 1 and the surface property reforming portions 25a, 25b, and 25c becomes possible. Therefore, the surface of the protective layer of the image formed on the recording paper 1 after the surface modification treatment has a very good finished state.

  The base sheet 23 is not limited to the above-mentioned Upilex S (trade name: manufactured by Ube Industries), but other polyimides such as Kapton (trade name: manufactured by DuPont), polysulfone, polyetherimide, or polyethylene. A super engineering plastic material, such as terephthalate (PET), which has sufficient heat resistance at the temperature during the surface modification treatment, an engineering plastic material, or the like may be used.

  The printing opening 24 allows the thermal transfer sheet 5 to be in direct contact with the surface of the recording paper 1 when an image is formed on the recording paper 1. For example, the planar shape is formed in a rectangular shape, and the base sheet The width W (see FIG. 3A) extending in the width direction of 23 is slightly larger than the length of the thermal head 11 in the main scanning direction (direction perpendicular to the paper surface of FIG. 1). The length L (see FIG. 3A) extending in the longitudinal direction is slightly larger than the width of the thermal head 11 in the sub-scanning direction (direction parallel to the paper surface of FIG. 1). As a result, the thermal head 11 is pressed against the photographic paper 1 via the thermal transfer sheet 5 during normal printing of the recording paper 1 and protective layer formation, and the thermal head 11 is moved while moving the photographic paper 1 and the thermal transfer sheet 5. A printing operation can be performed in which an image is formed using and a protective layer is further formed thereon.

  Note that the width W and the length L of the printing opening 24 are not necessarily larger than the length of the thermal head 11 in the main scanning direction and the width of the sub scanning direction. It is only necessary that the width and length be larger than the region where the heater (not shown) is formed and the area around which the convex glaze 26 is formed.

  The surface property reforming portions 25a, 25b, and 25c modify the surface state of the protective layer that protects the image formed on the recording paper 1, and for example, to modify each protective layer to a different surface state. A plurality of types are sequentially formed adjacent to the printing opening 24. For example, the first surface property reforming part 25a is for glossy finishing that gives glossiness, the second surface property modifying part 25b is for matte finish, and the third surface property modifying part 25c is textured. For different matte finishes (or for silky finishes). The number of types of surface states to be modified, the order of arrangement, and the like are not limited to those described above. For example, only one surface property modifying unit may be provided, or an image formed on the recording paper 1 may be provided. Depending on the expected frequency of use in the surface modification treatment of the protective layer, for example, a plurality of glossy finishes may be arranged.

  In FIG. 3, reference numeral 27 a indicates the leading position of the first surface property modifying unit 25 a, and reference numeral 28 a indicates the trailing position of the surface property modifying unit 25 a. Reference numeral 27b indicates the leading position of the second surface property modifying portion 25b, and reference numeral 28b indicates the trailing position of the surface property modifying portion 25b. Further, reference numeral 27c indicates the leading position of the third surface property modifying portion 25c, and reference numeral 28c indicates the trailing position of the surface property modifying portion 25c.

  Further, in FIG. 3, reference numeral 29 denotes an opening position detection mark provided in the vicinity of the printing opening 24 in order to detect the leading position of the printing opening 24, and reference numeral 30a denotes the first position detection mark. In order to detect the head position of the surface property modification unit 25a, a modification unit position detection mark provided in the vicinity of the surface property modification unit 25a is shown. Reference numeral 30b denotes the second surface property modification unit 25b. A modification portion position detection mark provided in the vicinity of the surface property reforming portion 25b for detecting the head position is shown, and reference numeral 30c is a symbol for detecting the head position of the third surface property modification portion 25c. The modification part position detection mark provided in the vicinity of the surface property modification part 25c is shown.

  Each of the position detection marks 29, 30 a, 30 b, and 30 c includes a marking hole in which a through hole having a predetermined size is formed in the base material sheet 23. Here, the opening position detection mark 29 is composed of two marking holes, and the modified portion position detection marks 30a, 30b, and 30c are distinguished by changing the position of one marking hole.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the surface property reforming sheet 8 configured in this manner is stretched between the supply reel 9 and the take-up reel 10 and is detachable from the apparatus main body. Then, when the surface property modifying sheet 8 stretched between the supply reel 9 and the take-up reel 10 is mounted in the apparatus main body, the surface property modifying sheet 8 together with the thermal transfer sheet 5 is a platen roller. 2 and the thermal head 11 are moved in the directions of arrows D and E in synchronization with the conveyance of the recording paper 1. Here, the supply reel 9 and the take-up reel 10 constitute a modified sheet moving means for moving the surface modified sheet 8.

  A mechanical sensor 31 is provided in the middle of the path of movement of the surface modified sheet 8 by the modified sheet moving means. The mechanical sensor 31 serves as detection means for detecting various position detection marks 29, 30a, 30b, and 30c of the surface modification sheet 8, and as shown in FIG. Is disposed at a position away from the position of the thermal head 11 by a predetermined distance in the moving direction indicated by the arrow D. Thereby, when the various position detection marks 29, 30a, 30b, and 30c are detected, the positions of the printing opening 24 and the first to third surface property modification portions 25a, 25b, and 25c shown in FIG. Corresponds to the recording part of the thermal head 11.

  Here, a specific structure and operation of the mechanical sensor 31 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 4 is a structural diagram showing a specific mechanism corresponding to the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 1, and the same portions are denoted by the same reference numerals. The mechanical sensor 31 is assembled to a sensor substrate 35 attached to, for example, a thermal printer casing (not shown). A roller 37 supported by a support shaft 36 is rotatably provided at a tip portion where the mechanical sensor 31 contacts the surface of the surface modification sheet 8.

  FIG. 5 is a top view (a) and a front view (b) showing the internal structure of the mechanical sensor 31 assembled to the sensor substrate 35. For example, an elongated plate-like actuator 38 is supported on the sensor substrate 35 so as to be swingable by a fulcrum shaft 39 biased to one side. At one end of the actuator 38, for example, the left end, a roller 37 supported by the support shaft 36 is rotatably provided following the movement of the surface property modifying sheet 8. In this case, as shown in FIG. 5A, in the actuator 38 and the roller 37, the respective modified portion position detection marks 30a, 30b, 30c provided on the surface property modifying sheet 8 are the surface property modifying sheet. It is provided so that it may be located on the path | route which passes with 8 movement. Further, as shown in FIG. 5B, the fulcrum shaft 39 is supported in a state of being biased to the right side of the actuator 38, so that the actuator 38 has a left end that is balanced by its own weight and the weight of the roller 37. Is biased downward by force F. This urging force is set to such a magnitude that the surface modification sheet 8 is not deformed. If necessary, a spring having an appropriate strength may be added and biased.

  As shown in FIG. 5A, a light emitting unit 40a such as a light emitting diode and a light receiving unit 40b such as a photosensor are provided on the other end of the actuator 38, for example, both sides of the right end. Yes. For example, the right end of the actuator 38 is rocked and blocked in the middle of the optical axis connecting the light emitting unit 40a and the light receiving unit 40b. In this state, the actuator 38, the roller 37, the light emitting unit 40a, and the light receiving unit 40b constitute the mechanical sensor 31.

  Next, the operation of the mechanical sensor 31 configured as described above will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6. FIG. 5 shows a state before detecting the modified portion position detection mark 30a for detecting the leading position of the first surface modified portion 25a of the surface modified sheet 8 shown in FIG. The roller 37 of the mechanical sensor 31 is in contact with the surface of the surface modification sheet 8 in the direction of arrow E and is rotated in a driven manner. At this time, as shown in FIG. 5B, for example, the right end portion of the actuator 38 does not swing and does not block the optical axis connecting the light emitting portion 40a and the light receiving portion 40b.

  As the surface property reforming sheet 8 moves in the direction of arrow E, as shown in FIG. 6B, when the reforming portion position detection mark 30a advances to the position of the roller 37 of the mechanical sensor 31, The roller 37 falls into a marking hole as the modified portion position detection mark 30a by the urging force F shown in FIG. As a result, the right end portion of the actuator 38 swings upward as indicated by an arrow U, and the optical axis connecting the light emitting portion 40a and the light receiving portion 40b shown in FIG. Thereby, it can be detected that the modified portion position detection mark 30a has advanced to the position of the mechanical sensor 31, and the leading position of the first surface modified portion 25a of the surface modified sheet 8 can be detected. .

  The combination of the position detection marks 29, 30a, 30b, 30c and the mechanical sensor 31 may be any combination of other means as long as it has a function of detecting each position. For example, the position detection marks 29, 30a, 30b, and 30c may be light-shielding marks printed on the surface of the base sheet 23 instead of the through holes, and the mechanical sensor 31 may be replaced with a light transmission sensor and combined. Alternatively, a combination of a light shielding mark and a reflection sensor or a reflection plate may be used. Further, when the base sheet 23 has a high light shielding property, a combination of a through hole and a light transmission sensor may be used.

  FIG. 7 is an explanatory view showing another embodiment of the surface property modifying sheet 8. In this embodiment, a plurality of printing openings 24a, 24b are provided between a plurality of surface property reforming portions 25a, 25b, 25c. In FIG. 7, the surface property modifying portions and the printing openings are alternately arranged, the first printing openings 24a are adjacent to the surface property modifying portions 25a or 25b, and the second printing openings. 24b is adjacent to the surface property modification part 25b or 25c. In FIG. 7, reference numeral 29a denotes an opening position detection mark (two marking holes) provided in the vicinity of the printing opening 24a in order to detect the leading position of the first printing opening 24a. Reference numeral 29b denotes an opening position detection mark (three marking holes) provided in the vicinity of the printing opening 24b in order to detect the leading position of the second printing opening 24b.

  In the case of this embodiment, when printing on the recording paper 1, one of these printing openings 24 a, 24 b is appropriately selected according to the modification type of the surface state of the image formed on the recording paper 1. You can choose. For example, in the case of printing a plurality of images, when it is desired to continuously process the matte finish (25c) having a different texture in the surface condition, the third surface property modifying unit 25c is used. When the next printing is performed after the first surface property reforming process having a matte finish with a different texture, the second printing opening adjacent to the third surface property modifying portion 25c is performed. If the portion 24b is selected and printed, the moving amount of the surface property modifying sheet 8 can be reduced, and it is efficient in terms of time.

  In this embodiment as well, a mechanical sensor 31 is provided in the middle of the path of movement of the surface modified sheet 8 by the modified sheet moving means. The specific structure and operation of the mechanical sensor 31 are the same as those described with reference to FIGS.

  3 and 7, the surface property modifying sheet 8 has been described as being composed of the base material sheet 23 alone. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a reinforcing member is appropriately used for the base material sheet 23. It may be reinforced. For example, a metal reinforcing layer is formed on the portion where the opening 24 for printing is formed and on portions other than the surface property reforming portions 25a, 25b and 25c where the heater portion of the thermal head 11 hits through the thermal transfer sheet 5 at the time of printing. Alternatively, the base sheet 23 may be partially thickened.

  FIG. 8 is an explanatory view showing a process for producing the surface property modified sheet 8 shown in FIG. 3, for example. First, FIG. 8A is a plan view showing a base sheet 23a that becomes the first surface modification part 25a for gloss finishing in FIG. 3, and FIG. 8B is a plan view of FIG. It is the FF sectional view taken on the line. In this embodiment, the base sheet 23a alone is used. As the base sheet 23a alone, for example, polyimide such as the above-mentioned Upilex S (trade name: manufactured by Ube Industries) is used as the first surface property. A member for forming the reforming portion 25a is prepared.

  Next, FIG. 8C is a plan view showing the base material sheet 23b which becomes the second surface property modifying portion 25b for matte finishing in FIG. 3, and FIG. It is a GG sectional view taken on the line c). This embodiment is composed of a base material sheet 23b alone. As this base material sheet 23b, for example, polyimide such as the aforementioned Upilex S (trade name: manufactured by Ube Industries) is used, and surface processing by sandblasting is performed. The member which forms the 2nd surface property modification part 25b is prepared in the state where a predetermined uneven surface was formed by performing. It should be noted that the matte finish (25c) having a different texture can be obtained by appropriately selecting the processing conditions (for example, the material and particle diameter of the particles used for sandblasting, the spraying pressure, and other conditions) during the surface processing by the above sandblasting. It is also possible to prepare a member for forming the third surface property modifying portion 25c corresponding to the above.

  Further, as another production example of the member that forms the second surface property modification portion 25b or the third surface property modification portion 25c, irregularities are intentionally formed on the surface of the base sheet 23b. It is also possible to use a sheet member made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET). This can be produced, for example, by forming a sheet member using a filler kneaded into pellets for forming the sheet member, and appropriately adjusting the size and amount of filler kneaded. Thus, it is possible to form a surface property modified portion corresponding to matte finish (25b) or matte finish (25c) having a different texture.

  Furthermore, as another example of manufacturing the member that forms the second surface property modification portion 25b or the third surface property modification portion 25c, as shown in FIG. A base member made of a thermoplastic resin such as PET, for example, using a mold member 32 such as an embossing roller on which a predetermined uneven pattern is formed by a conventionally known method such as machining, etching or electric discharge machining. The surface shape may be transferred to the sheet 23b.

  Here, FIG. 9A is a plan view showing the base material sheet 23b to be the second surface property modifying portion 25b for matte finishing in FIG. 3, and FIG. 9B is a plan view of FIG. It is a GG sectional view taken on the line a). FIG. 9C shows a state in which the concave / convex pattern is transferred by pressing a mold member 32 such as an emboss roller on the surface of the base sheet 23b shown in FIG. 9B. It is sectional drawing which uses as a cut surface. FIG. 9D is a plan view showing the base sheet 23b in a state where the uneven pattern is transferred, and FIG. 9E is a cross-sectional view taken along the line GG in FIG. 9D.

  Next, FIG.8 (e) shows the state which formed the printing opening part 24 in a part of base material sheet 23a used as the member which forms the 1st surface property modification part 25a shown to Fig.8 (a). FIG. 8F is a cross-sectional view taken along line FF in FIG. In this embodiment, a punching member having the same size as that of the printing opening 24 is pressed against a part of the base sheet 23a to punch the meat of the base sheet 23a.

  FIG. 8G shows a member in which the printing opening 24 is formed in a part of the base material sheet 23a which is a member for forming the first surface property reforming portion 25a shown in FIG. FIG. 8C is a plan view showing a state in which the base material sheets 23b to be the second surface property reforming portion 25b for matte finish shown in FIG. 8C are joined, and FIG. FIG. In this embodiment, one end edge of the base sheet 23a and the opposite edge of the base sheet 23b are joined together with an adhesive or the like. The surface modified sheet 8 having the first surface modified portion 25a and the second surface modified portion 25b integrally is manufactured.

  In the embodiment of FIG. 8, a plurality of substrate sheets 23a and 23b are connected after forming a punched portion corresponding to the printing opening 24 in one substrate sheet 23a. After the plurality of base material sheets 23a and 23b are joined and integrated, the printing opening 24 may be formed in one base material sheet 23a. Moreover, although the position detection marks 29, 30a, 30b, and 30c (marking holes) shown in FIG. 3 may be formed in the state of the individual base material sheets 23a and 23b, a plurality of base material sheets 23a as described above. , 23b are joined and integrated to form the printing opening 24, the printing opening 24 may be formed simultaneously by punching or the like.

  The above description shows, for example, the steps for manufacturing the surface property modifying sheet 8 shown in FIG. 3. In FIG. 3, the first surface property modifying part 25 a and the second surface property modifying part are shown. The surface modified sheet 8 having both of 25b and the third surface modified portion 25c can be manufactured in the same manner. Further, the surface property modifying sheet 8 having a plurality of printing openings 24a and 24b shown in FIG. 7 can be manufactured by joining a plurality of base material sheets in the same way.

  The thermal head 11 records the dye layer 13 and the protective material layer 14 in order by applying thermal energy with the dye layer 13 or the protective material layer 14 of the thermal transfer sheet 5 facing the surface of the recording paper 1. This is a thermal transfer on the paper 1, and has a large number of heating elements arranged in a straight line in a direction substantially perpendicular to the running direction (arrow C direction) of the thermal transfer sheet 5, and the heating elements are arranged based on input image data. Each of the dye layers 13y, 13m, 13c and the protective material layer 14 of the thermal transfer sheet 5 is heated by generating heat energy by being driven individually.

  The thermal head 11 is driven by a head driving mechanism (not shown) and moves in the directions of arrows J and K shown in FIG. In this case, at the time of printing, the thermal head 11 advances in the direction of the arrow J to push up the thermal transfer sheet 5 from the back surface, and the platen roller 2 together with the recording paper 1 conveyed along the outer peripheral surface of the platen roller 2. Press to. Further, when the recording paper 1 is rewound to the upstream side in the reverse direction B during standby, the thermal head 11 moves backward in the arrow K direction.

  Here, in the present invention, after forming an image on the recording paper 1 using the thermal transfer sheet 5 and forming a protective layer for protecting the image, the surface property modifying portion 25a of the surface property modifying sheet 8 is formed. 25b or 25c is aligned with the surface on which the protective layer is formed and heated and pressurized by the thermal head 11 to modify the surface state of the protective layer formed on the recording paper 1. . For example, the surface state of the protective layer formed on the recording paper 1 is given gloss, or is finished in a matte or silky tone.

  Next, an image forming method performed using the image forming apparatus configured as described above will be described. First, in FIG. 1, a platen roller 2, a pinch roller 3, and a capstan roller 4 are driven by a roller driving mechanism (not shown) to carry the recording paper 1 in a predetermined direction. Thus, the position where the image is formed on the recording paper 1 is cued. At this time, in the initial state, the surface modification sheet 8 is caused to travel in a predetermined direction by the operation of the modification sheet traveling means constituted by the supply reel 9 and the take-up reel 10, and the thermal head 11 performs printing. The print opening 24 shown in FIG. 3 or FIG. 7 is set in a recording region where the heater and the surrounding glaze 26 are formed.

  Next, a step of causing the thermal transfer sheet 5 to run in the direction of arrow C by the operation of the thermal transfer sheet running means constituted by the supply reel 6 and the take-up reel 7 is performed. Thereby, any one region of each of the dye layers 13y, 13m, and 13c of the thermal transfer sheet 5 shown in FIG. 2 coincides with a position where an image is formed on the recording paper 1. At this time, the optical sensor 22 shown in FIG. 1 detects the ink position detection marks 21y, 21m, and 21c on the thermal transfer sheet 5 and performs alignment.

  Next, the thermal head 11 is advanced in the direction of arrow J with the recording paper 1 and any one of the dye layers 13y, 13m, 13c of the thermal transfer sheet 5 facing each other, and the thermal transfer sheet 5 is pushed up from the back side to move the platen. While pressing against the roller 2, thermal energy is applied by the thermal head 11, and the dye layers 13y, 13m and 13c of the thermal transfer sheet 5 are thermally transferred onto the surface of the recording paper 1 to form an image. Thereby, an image is formed on the recording paper 1 by the desired dye layers 13y, 13m, and 13c.

  Next, thermal energy is applied by the thermal head 11 with the image formed on the recording paper 1 facing the protective material layer 14 of the thermal transfer sheet 5, and the protective material layer 14 of the thermal transfer sheet 5 is applied. A step of performing thermal transfer onto the image formed on the recording paper 1 is performed. At this time, in the same manner as described above, the thermal transfer sheet 5 is caused to run in the direction of arrow C by the operation of the thermal transfer sheet running means, and the ink position detection marks 21y, 21m, 21c and the protective material layer of the thermal transfer sheet 5 are detected by the optical sensor 22. It is necessary to simultaneously perform the step of detecting the position detection mark 21L and aligning the position of the protective material layer 14 with the image formed on the recording paper 1. By the thermal transfer of the protective material layer 14, a protective layer 34 is formed on the surface of the image 33 formed on the surface of the recording paper 1 as shown in FIG. In this state, the surface state of the protective layer 34 has not been modified yet and the glossiness is not sufficient.

  Immediately after the protective layer 34 is formed on the surface of the image 33 of the recording paper 1, the protective material layer 14 of the thermal transfer sheet 5 shown in FIG. 2 is transferred to the recording portion of the thermal head 11 shown in FIG. The rear position 19L is located. Therefore, by the operation of the thermal transfer sheet running means, the thermal transfer sheet 5 is rewound to the position before the protective material layer 14 is transferred, that is, the leading position 18L. At this time, in the surface property modifying sheet 8 shown in FIG. 3, the printing opening 24 is located in the recording portion of the thermal head 11.

  Next, a step of moving the surface modified sheet 8 in the direction of arrow D or E by the operation of the modified sheet moving means constituted by the supply reel 9 and the take-up reel 10 is performed.

  Thereafter, the thermal head 11 is positioned by aligning the protective layer 34 formed on the image 33 of the recording paper 1 and any one of the surface property reforming portions 25a, 25b, and 25c of the surface property reforming sheet 8. The step of heating and pressurizing is performed, and the surface property modifying sheet 8 is peeled off after cooling to modify the surface state of the protective layer 34. That is, as shown in FIG. 10B, a first surface for glossy finishing, for example, of the surface modification sheet 8 shown in FIG. 3 is placed at the position of the protective layer 34 formed on the surface of the image 33 of the recording paper 1. The surface property modification part 25a is selected and aligned. At this time, the mechanical sensor 31 shown in FIG. 1 detects and positions the various position detection marks 29, 30a, 30b, and 30c of the surface modification sheet 8.

  In this state, protection is performed on the position of the transferred protective material layer 14 (not shown) in the thermal transfer sheet 5, the first surface property modifying portion 25 a of the surface property modifying sheet 8, and the image 33 on the recording paper 1. The position where the layer 34 is formed overlaps. On the other hand, the thermal head 11 shown in FIG. 1 is advanced in the direction of the arrow J, and as shown in FIG. 10C, pressure is applied by the thermal head 11 and the platen roller 2 in the same manner as in normal printing, and about 70 The surface modification treatment is performed while moving the thermal transfer sheet 5, the surface property reforming sheet 8, and the recording paper 1 while being heated to about ˜120 ° C.

  After the surface modification process is performed, the thermal transfer sheet 5, the surface property modified sheet 8, and the recording paper 1 move downstream with the rotation of the platen roller 2 to leave the thermal head 11, and the temperature is lowered and cooled. In this state, the surface property modifying sheet 8 peels from the recording paper 1. As a result, as shown in FIG. 10 (d), the surface state of the protective layer 34 shown in FIG. 10 (a) is modified, and for example, a printed matter having a glossy protective layer 34 ′ is obtained. It is done.

  In the description of FIG. 10, the area on the thermal transfer sheet 5 used in the surface modification treatment is the area of the protective material layer 14 that has been transferred. However, the area is not limited to this, and yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan A transferred region or a non-transferred region of the dye layers 13y, 13m, and 13c of each color of (C) may be used. Even when these transferred or untransferred dye layers 13y, 13m, and 13c are used, the thermal transfer sheet 5 is transferred to the respective dye layers 13y, 13m, and 13c by the operation of the thermal transfer sheet running means as described above. What is necessary is just to rewind to the position before being carried out, ie, the head positions 18y, 18m, and 18c of each dye layer. In this case, even if ink remains in each of the dye layers 13y, 13m, and 13c, the ink is transferred to the back surface of the surface property modifying sheet 8, but due to the presence of the surface property modifying sheet 8, the ink is transferred to the recording paper 1. Is not transcribed.

  FIG. 11 shows another example in which the surface property modifying portion of the surface property modifying sheet 8 is aligned with the protective layer 34 formed on the image 33 of the recording paper 1 to modify the surface state of the protective layer 34. It is explanatory drawing which shows an Example. In this embodiment, the surface state of the protective layer 34 is finished in a matte tone. The process of FIG. 11A is exactly the same as the process of FIG. In FIG. 11B, the second surface property for matte finish, for example, of the surface property modified sheet 8 shown in FIG. 3 is placed at the position of the protective layer 34 formed on the surface of the image 33 of the recording paper 1. The reforming unit 25b is selected and aligned. At this time, the mechanical sensor 31 shown in FIG. 1 detects and positions the various position detection marks 29, 30a, 30b, and 30c of the surface modification sheet 8.

  Next, in FIG. 11C, the position of the transferred protective material layer 14 (not shown) in the thermal transfer sheet 5, the second surface property modification portion 25 b of the surface property modification sheet 8, and the recording paper 1. The thermal head 11 shown in FIG. 1 is advanced in the direction of arrow J with respect to the state where the protective layer 34 is formed on the image 33, and the thermal head 11 and the platen roller are moved in the same manner as in normal printing. The surface modification treatment is performed while moving the thermal transfer sheet 5, the surface property modification sheet 8, and the recording paper 1 in a state of being heated to about 70 to 120 ° C.

  In FIG. 11D, after the surface modification process is performed, the thermal transfer sheet 5, the surface property modified sheet 8, and the recording paper 1 move downstream as the platen roller 2 rotates, and the thermal head 11. The surface-modified sheet 8 is peeled from the recording paper 1 in a state where the temperature is lowered and the cooling is performed. As a result, the surface state of the protective layer 34 shown in FIG. 11A is modified, and a printed matter in which a protective layer 34 ″ having a matte finish, for example, is formed is obtained.

  In the embodiment of FIGS. 10 and 11, the case where one image 33 is printed and the surface state of the protective layer 34 is modified for the image 33 has been described. Even when the surface modification state for each print is mixed, the surface state of the protective layer 34 can be modified by continuous processing. Here, for the sake of simplification of explanation, a case will be described in which the first printed material has a gloss finish and the second printed material has a matte finish to improve the surface condition.

  First, after the first image 33 and the protective layer 34 are formed by the same operation as shown in FIG. 10, the first surface property for glossy finishing of the surface property modifying sheet 8 is continuously formed. Surface modification processing is performed using the modification unit 25a, and a first printed matter with improved glossiness is obtained.

  Subsequently, the head position 18y of the dye layer 13 in the structural unit corresponding to the second image in the thermal transfer sheet 5 shown in FIG. Then, the thermal transfer sheet 5 is fed. Then, the surface property modifying sheet 8 is moved so that the printing opening 24 is positioned at the recording portion of the thermal head 11. In this state, the second image 33 and the protective layer 34 are formed.

  At this time, since the trailing position 19L after the protective material layer 14 of the thermal transfer sheet 5 shown in FIG. 2 is transferred is located at the recording site of the thermal head 11 shown in FIG. 1, the operation of the thermal transfer sheet running means is performed. Thus, the thermal transfer sheet 5 is rewound to the position before the protective material layer 14 is transferred, that is, to the leading position 18L. Then, the surface property modifying sheet 8 is moved so that the leading position 27b of the second surface property modifying part 25b for matte finishing is located at the recording portion of the thermal head 11. Next, in the same manner as the first sheet, two sheets having a matte finish are obtained by performing a surface modification process using the second surface modification part 25b of the surface modification sheet 8 in a continuous operation. Get an eye print.

  As described above, according to the image forming apparatus and the image forming method of the present invention, the formation of the image 33 and the formation of the protective layer 34 on the recording paper 1 and the modification of the surface state thereof are all formed by a series of continuous processes. It is possible. Therefore, even when a plurality of images 33 are continuously printed and the surface modification state of each print product is mixed, the surface state modification process of the protective layer 34 is performed by a series of continuous processes. Can do.

  10 and 11, when a plurality of images 33 are continuously printed and the surface state of the protective layer 34 is modified by continuous processing, first, a plurality of printed materials are to be printed. Only the formation of the image 33 and the formation of the protective layer 34 are performed, and thereafter, the protective layer 34 of a plurality of prints is subjected to a surface modification process continuously according to the surface condition required for each print. You may make it perform.

  FIG. 12 is a schematic view showing a second embodiment of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention. The image forming apparatus according to this embodiment is provided with a surface property modifying sheet 8 stretched between a supply reel 9 and a take-up reel 10 with respect to the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. Not different. Others are basically the same as those of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1, and therefore, the same reference numerals are given and description thereof is omitted.

  In the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment, the configuration of the thermal transfer sheet 5 ′ stretched between the supply reel 6 and the take-up reel 7 is shown in FIG. It differs from the thermal transfer sheet 5 of the first embodiment shown in FIG. For example, as shown in FIG. 13, one or more dye layers 13 for forming an image by being thermally transferred to the surface of the recording paper 1 on a ribbon-shaped base sheet 12, and the surface of the recording paper 1 A protective material layer 14 for protecting the image by being thermally transferred to the surface of the image formed on the recording medium and a surface property modification for modifying the surface state of the protective layer for protecting the image formed on the recording paper 1. The mass part 25 is formed side by side in the longitudinal direction of the base sheet 12. That is, different from the thermal transfer sheet 5 shown in FIG. 2 in that the surface property reforming part 25 is formed on the thermal transfer sheet 5 ′ alongside the dye layer 13 and the protective material layer 14 of one color or plural colors. Is the same.

  The thermal transfer sheet 5 ′ in this embodiment is integrally provided with the surface property modifying sheet 8 shown in FIG. 1 on the thermal transfer sheet itself, and includes a supply reel 9 and a take-up reel 10 shown in FIG. 1. Since the modified sheet moving means for moving the surface property modified sheet 8 can be omitted, the structure becomes simple and the entire apparatus can be miniaturized.

  The thermal transfer sheet 5 ′ shown in FIG. 13 is one structural unit used when forming one printed material. In actuality, these structural units are used for thermal transfer corresponding to the image formation of a plurality of printed materials. It is repeatedly formed along the longitudinal direction of the sheet 5 ′. In this example, polyimide such as the above-mentioned Upilex S (trade name: manufactured by Ube Industries) is used as the surface property modifying portion 25, and the easy-adhesion layer 16 is formed on the ribbon-like substrate sheet 12. And a polyimide film attached through an adhesive layer (not shown). In FIG. 13, reference numeral 21 </ b> T indicates a surface property modification portion position detection mark provided in the vicinity of the surface property modification unit 25 in order to detect the position of the surface property modification unit 25. Moreover, the said easily bonding layer 16 does not necessarily need to be provided.

  The surface property modification portion 25 is not limited to the one formed by pasting a polyimide film, and is, for example, a heat-resistant material formed by PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) method such as sputtering, ion plating, vapor deposition or the like. Various films made of excellent materials and siloxane-modified polyimide films (for example, heat-resistant adhesive materials “UPA series” manufactured by Ube Industries) may be applied and heat-treated. When a siloxane-modified polyimide film is used, it exhibits good release properties due to the siloxane modification. Therefore, peeling between the surface property-modified portion 25 after the surface modification treatment and the protective layer of the printed material occurs. It becomes more stable.

  Furthermore, since this siloxane-modified polyimide film can adhere well to the polyimide film, when a polyimide film is used as the surface property modification portion 25, a thin film layer of this siloxane-modified polyimide film is formed on the surface. By forming, it is possible to further improve the releasability as described above. In this regard, not only in the case of the present embodiment, but also the surface property modifying section 25 used in other embodiments can be used in the same manner.

  In FIG. 13, for simplicity of explanation, only one type of surface property reforming portion 25 is shown, but in the same manner as in the embodiment shown in FIG. 3 or FIG. Depending on the type of modification, the surface of the surface modification part 25a for gloss finish, the surface modification part 25b for matte finish, or the surface of matte finish (or silky finish) with a different texture The property modifying portion 25c and the like may be formed. In the case of gloss finish, the surface of the film 1 that is in contact with the recording paper 1 is the surface of the film of UPILEX S (trade name: manufactured by Ube Industries Co., Ltd.), and for matte finish or silky finish. In some cases, the contact surface with the recording paper 1 is predetermined by a PET film in which irregularities are intentionally formed on the surface by mixing filler in the film, or by a mold member 32 such as an embossing roller shown in FIG. It can be formed by using a film with a surface-treated film attached to the uneven surface.

  Next, an image forming method performed using the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment configured as described above will be described. The image forming method in this embodiment differs from the image forming method performed using the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1 in that there is no step of moving the surface property modifying sheet 8. .

  That is, the step of transporting the recording paper 1 in a predetermined direction, and the thermal transfer sheet 5 ′ in which the dye layer 13, the protective material layer 14, and the surface property modifying unit 25 are formed side by side in the longitudinal direction of the base sheet 12 are moved in the predetermined direction. A thermal head 11, applying thermal energy by the thermal head 11, thermally transferring the dye layer 13 of the thermal transfer sheet 5 ′ to the surface of the recording paper 1, and forming a protective material layer of the thermal transfer sheet 5 ′. 14 is thermally transferred onto the image formed on the recording paper 1, and the protective layer formed on the image on the recording paper 1 is aligned with the surface property modifying portion 25 of the thermal transfer sheet 5 ′. The step of heating and pressurizing with the thermal head 11 and modifying the surface state of the protective layer by peeling off the thermal transfer sheet 5 ′ after cooling is performed.

  At this time, in FIG. 12, as in normal printing, the thermal head 11 is advanced in the direction of arrow J with the recording paper 1 and the thermal transfer sheet 5 ′ overlapped, and the thermal transfer sheet 5 ′ is pushed up from the back side to move the platen. Thermal energy is applied by the thermal head 11 while pressing against the roller 2, and an image is formed on the surface of the recording paper 1 using the thermal transfer sheet 5 ', a protective layer is formed, and the surface state of the protective layer is further modified. Can be quality.

  FIG. 14 is an explanatory view showing another embodiment of the thermal transfer sheet 5 '. In this embodiment, the surface property modification portion 25 ′ is an exposed portion of the base sheet 12 itself, and the others are the same as those shown in FIG. 13. That is, in this embodiment, the base sheet 12 is directly exposed. In this way, by exposing the exposed portion of the base sheet 12 itself to the surface property modifying portion 25 ′, the same surface as the PET film surface of the base sheet 12 is inverted and transferred to the protective layer surface of the image of the recording paper 1. As a result, a print having a modified surface state is obtained. According to this embodiment, it is not necessary to add a special member for forming the surface property reforming portion 25 ′.

  The surface property modifying section 25 ′ uses a normal base sheet 12 itself for gloss finish, and a predetermined uneven pattern on the exposed base sheet 12 for matte finish or silk finish finish. What is necessary is just to use what was formed by the heat transfer etc. which used the type | mold member corresponding to the uneven | corrugated pattern.

  Further, the surface property modifying portion 25 ′ is subjected to a releasability process such as forming a releasable layer on the surface thereof, whereby the thermal transfer sheet 5 ′ and the recording paper 1 after the surface modification process are performed. Can be more stably stabilized. As a material used for the releasability treatment, for example, a material in which a thin film layer of the aforementioned siloxane-modified polyimide layer is formed can be used. Further, for example, various fluoroalkylsilanes represented by “KP-801M” (trade name: manufactured by Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.) and the like, and fluorine-based coating agents such as “Cytop” (trade name: manufactured by Asahi Glass Co., Ltd.) are used. It is also possible to form. When a release layer is formed using a fluoro-coating agent such as these fluoroalkylsilanes or “Cytop”, the thin film layer can be formed very thin and is transparent in the visible light region. Therefore, the position of the surface property modification unit 25 ′ for inspection at the time of manufacturing the thermal transfer sheet 5 ′ integrally provided with the surface property modification sheet 8, for printing with the image forming apparatus, and for surface modification processing. At the time of detection, it can be used smoothly without any problems.

  FIG. 15 is an explanatory view showing still another embodiment of the thermal transfer sheet 5 '. In this embodiment, in the thermal transfer sheet 5 ′ shown in FIG. 14, the heat-resistant slipping layer 15 corresponding to the surface property modification portion 25 ′ is omitted on the back surface side of the base sheet 12, and the other The configuration is the same as that of the thermal transfer sheet 5 ′ shown in FIG. The heat-resistant slip layer 15 is omitted because the heat-resistant slip layer 15 is inferior in surface smoothness to the base sheet 12. Thereby, when performing the surface modification process which gives glossiness in particular, a printed product with a better gloss finish can be obtained.

  In the above description, an example of a so-called sublimation transfer type thermal printer is shown as the image forming apparatus. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and can be applied to a thermal transfer type thermal printer. . Further, in a thermal type thermal printer that records on a thermal type recording paper without requiring a thermal transfer sheet, it can be applied to the modification of the surface state of the printed matter.

1 is a schematic diagram showing a first embodiment of an image forming apparatus used in an image forming method according to the present invention. It is a figure which shows the Example of the thermal transfer sheet used for the image forming apparatus of 1st Embodiment, (a) is a top view, (b) is a center longitudinal cross-sectional view of (a). It is a figure which shows the Example of the surface property modification sheet | seat used for the said image forming apparatus, (a) is a top view, (b) is a center longitudinal cross-sectional view of (a). FIG. 2 is a structural diagram illustrating a specific mechanism corresponding to the image forming apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1. It is a figure which shows the internal structure of the mechanical sensor assembled | attached to the sensor board | substrate shown in FIG. 4, (a) is a top view, (b) is a front view. It is a figure which shows operation | movement of the mechanical sensor comprised like FIG. 5, (a) is a top view, (b) is a front view. It is a figure which shows the other Example of the said surface property modification sheet | seat, (a) is a top view, (b) is the center longitudinal cross-sectional view of (a). It is explanatory drawing which shows the process at the time of manufacturing the surface property modification sheet | seat shown in FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the other example of manufacture of the member which forms the 2nd surface property modification part for matte finishing in the surface property modification sheet | seat shown in FIG. In the image forming method performed using the image forming apparatus, the surface property modifying portion of the surface property modifying sheet is aligned with the protective layer formed on the image of the recording paper to modify the surface state of the protective layer. It is explanatory drawing which shows the Example to do. It is explanatory drawing which shows the other Example which aligns the surface property modification part of a surface property modification sheet | seat with the protective layer formed on the image of the said recording paper, and modifies the surface state of the said protective layer. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a second embodiment of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention. It is a figure which shows the Example of the thermal transfer sheet used for the image forming apparatus of 2nd Embodiment, (a) is a top view, (b) is a center longitudinal cross-sectional view of (a). It is a figure which shows the other Example of the said thermal transfer sheet, (a) is a top view, (b) is the center longitudinal cross-sectional view of (a). It is a figure which shows other Example of the said thermal transfer sheet, (a) is a top view, (b) is a center longitudinal cross-sectional view of (a).

Explanation of symbols

1. Recording paper (recording medium)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 2 ... Platen roller 3 ... Pinch roller 4 ... Capstan roller 5, 5 '... Thermal transfer sheet 6 ... Thermal transfer sheet supply reel 7 ... Thermal transfer sheet take-up reel 8 ... Surface property modified sheet 9 ... Surface property modified sheet Supply reel 10 ... Rewind reel for surface property modified sheet 11 ... Thermal head 12 ... Base sheet for thermal transfer sheet 13, 13y, 13m, 13c ... Dye layer 14 ... Protective material layer 15 ... Heat resistant slipping layer 16 ... Easy adhesion Layer 21y, 21m, 21c ... Ink position detection mark 21L ... Protective material layer position detection mark 21T ... Surface property reforming part position detection mark 22 ... Optical sensor (detection means)
23 ... Surface modified sheet base material sheet 24, 24a, 24b ... Printing openings 25, 25 ', 25a, 25b, 25c ... Surface modified parts 29, 29a, 29b ... Opening position detection marks 30a, 30b, 30c ... reforming part position detection mark 31 ... mechanical sensor (detection means)
33 ... Image of recording paper 34 ... Protective layer formed on surface of image 34 '... Protective layer given glossiness 34 "... Protective layer finished in matte tone 37 ... Roller 38 ... Actuator 39 ... Supporting shaft 40a ... Light emitting part 40b ... Light receiving part

Claims (30)

Conveying the recording medium in a predetermined direction;
A dye layer for forming an image by being thermally transferred to the surface of the recording medium on a ribbon-like base sheet and a protective material for protecting the image by being thermally transferred to the surface of the image formed on the surface of the recording medium A layer and a thermal transfer sheet formed side by side in the longitudinal direction of the base sheet and traveling in a predetermined direction;
Applying thermal energy by a thermal head in a state where the recording medium and the dye layer of the thermal transfer sheet face each other, and thermally transferring the dye layer of the thermal transfer sheet to the surface of the recording medium to form an image;
An image formed on the recording medium by applying thermal energy with the thermal head in a state where the image formed on the recording medium and the protective material layer of the thermal transfer sheet are opposed to each other. A thermal transfer step on the top,
A surface property modifying portion for modifying the surface state of the protective layer that protects the image formed on the recording medium is formed on the ribbon-like base material sheet side by side in the longitudinal direction of the base material sheet. Moving the modified surface property sheet,
The protective layer formed on the image of the recording medium and the surface property modification part of the surface property modification sheet are aligned, heated and pressurized by the thermal head, and after cooling, the surface property modification sheet is Peeling and modifying the surface state of the protective layer;
Performing an image forming method.   The surface-modified sheet is provided with a printing opening so that the thermal transfer sheet is in direct contact with the surface of the recording medium. The printing opening is moved to the position of the thermal head, and the printing is performed. The image forming method according to claim 1, wherein the thermal transfer sheet and the recording medium are directly brought into contact with each other using the opening for forming the image.   2. The image according to claim 1, wherein the surface property modification portion of the surface property modification sheet is heated by the thermal head at a temperature in the vicinity of the glass transition temperature of the protective material layer of the thermal transfer sheet. Forming method.   2. The image forming method according to claim 1, wherein the modification of the surface state of the protective layer formed on the image of the recording medium imparts gloss to the surface state of the protective layer.   2. The image according to claim 1, wherein the modification of the surface state of the protective layer formed on the image of the recording medium is to finish the surface state of the protective layer in a matte or silky tone. Forming method. Conveying the recording medium in a predetermined direction;
A dye layer for forming an image by being thermally transferred to the surface of the recording medium on a ribbon-like base sheet, and a protective material for protecting the image by being thermally transferred to the surface of the image formed on the surface of the recording medium The surface property modifying portion for modifying the surface state of the protective layer that protects the layer and the image formed on the recording medium has a thermal transfer sheet formed side by side in the longitudinal direction of the base sheet in a predetermined direction. A step of running,
Applying thermal energy by a thermal head in a state where the recording medium and the dye layer of the thermal transfer sheet face each other, and thermally transferring the dye layer of the thermal transfer sheet to the surface of the recording medium to form an image;
An image formed on the recording medium by applying thermal energy with the thermal head in a state where the image formed on the recording medium and the protective material layer of the thermal transfer sheet are opposed to each other. A thermal transfer step on the top,
The protective layer formed on the image of the recording medium and the surface property reforming portion of the thermal transfer sheet are aligned, heated and pressed by the thermal head, and after cooling, the thermal transfer sheet is peeled off and the protective layer Modifying the surface condition of
Performing an image forming method.   The image forming method according to claim 6, wherein the surface property modification portion of the thermal transfer sheet is heated by the thermal head at a temperature in the vicinity of the glass transition temperature of the protective material layer of the thermal transfer sheet.   7. The image forming method according to claim 6, wherein the modification of the surface state of the protective layer formed on the image of the recording medium gives gloss to the surface state of the protective layer.   7. The image according to claim 6, wherein the modification of the surface state of the protective layer formed on the image of the recording medium is to finish the surface state of the protective layer in a matte or silky tone. Forming method. Conveying means for conveying a recording medium in a predetermined direction;
A dye layer for forming an image by being thermally transferred to the surface of the recording medium on a ribbon-like base sheet and a protective material for protecting the image by being thermally transferred to the surface of the image formed on the surface of the recording medium A thermal transfer sheet running means for running a thermal transfer sheet formed in a predetermined direction along the longitudinal direction of the base sheet;
The surface state of the protective layer that protects the image opening formed on the recording medium and the print opening provided so that the thermal transfer sheet is in direct contact with the surface of the recording medium is modified on the ribbon-shaped base sheet. A modified sheet moving means for moving the surface modified sheet formed side by side in the longitudinal direction of the base sheet;
A thermal head that heat-transfers the dye layer and the protective material layer sequentially onto the recording medium by applying thermal energy in a state where the dye layer or the protective material layer of the thermal transfer sheet is opposed to the surface of the recording medium; With
After forming an image on the recording medium using a thermal transfer sheet and forming a protective layer for protecting the image, the surface property modifying portion of the surface property modifying sheet is positioned on the surface on which the protective layer is formed. In addition, the image forming apparatus is characterized in that the surface state of the protective layer formed on the recording medium is modified by heating and pressing with the thermal head.   In the thermal transfer sheet, one or more color dye layers and a protective material layer are sequentially formed on the surface of a ribbon-shaped base sheet, and a position detection mark is provided in the vicinity of each dye layer and the protective material layer. 11. The image forming apparatus according to claim 10, further comprising a detection unit that detects the position detection mark in the middle of the travel path of the thermal transfer sheet.   The surface modification sheet includes one or more types of surface modification portions for modifying the protective layer formed on the recording medium on the surface of the ribbon-shaped base sheet to one or different surface states. A position detection mark is provided in the vicinity of each of the printing opening and each surface property reforming part, and the position detection mark is detected in the middle of the path of the surface property modification sheet. The image forming apparatus according to claim 10, further comprising a detection unit configured to detect the image.   11. The image according to claim 10, wherein the surface property modifying portion of the surface property modifying sheet gives gloss to the surface state of the protective layer protecting the image formed on the recording medium. Forming equipment.   The surface property modifying portion of the surface property modifying sheet is characterized in that the surface state of a protective layer that protects an image formed on the recording medium is finished in a matte or silky tone. The image forming apparatus according to 10. Conveying means for conveying a recording medium in a predetermined direction;
A dye layer for forming an image by being thermally transferred to the surface of the recording medium on a ribbon-like base sheet, and a protective material for protecting the image by being thermally transferred to the surface of the image formed on the surface of the recording medium The surface property modifying portion for modifying the surface state of the protective layer that protects the layer and the image formed on the recording medium has a thermal transfer sheet formed side by side in the longitudinal direction of the base sheet in a predetermined direction. A thermal transfer sheet running means for running;
A thermal head that heat-transfers the dye layer and the protective material layer sequentially onto the recording medium by applying thermal energy in a state where the dye layer or the protective material layer of the thermal transfer sheet is opposed to the surface of the recording medium; With
After forming an image on the recording medium using a thermal transfer sheet and forming a protective layer for protecting the image, the surface property modifying portion is aligned with the surface on which the protective layer is formed, and the thermal head An image forming apparatus characterized in that the surface state of the protective layer formed on the recording medium is modified by heating and pressurizing with the use of.   In the thermal transfer sheet, one or a plurality of color dye layers, a protective material layer, and one or a plurality of types of surface property modification portions are sequentially formed on the surface of a ribbon-shaped base sheet, and each dye layer and the protective material layer In addition, a position detection mark is provided in the vicinity of each surface property reforming section, and a detection means for detecting the position detection mark is provided in the middle of the travel path of the thermal transfer sheet. Item 15. The image forming apparatus according to Item 15.   16. The image forming apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the surface property modifying portion of the thermal transfer sheet gives gloss to the surface state of the protective layer protecting the image formed on the recording medium.   The surface modification part of the thermal transfer sheet is for finishing the surface state of a protective layer for protecting an image formed on the recording medium in a matte or silky tone. Image forming apparatus.   One or a plurality of types of surface property modifying portions for modifying the surface state of a protective layer for protecting an image formed on a recording medium of an image forming apparatus is provided on the ribbon-shaped substrate sheet. A surface-modified sheet characterized by being formed side by side in the longitudinal direction.   The ribbon-shaped base sheet has a printing opening for allowing the thermal transfer sheet of the image forming apparatus to directly contact the surface of the recording medium, and a protective layer for protecting the image formed on the recording medium. Alternatively, one or a plurality of types of surface property reforming parts for modifying to different surface states are sequentially formed, and a position detection mark is provided in the vicinity of the printing opening and each surface property modifying part. The surface property-modified sheet according to claim 19.   20. The surface property-improving sheet according to claim 19, wherein the surface property-modifying part is made of a resin film having heat resistance near the glass transition temperature of the protective material layer of the thermal transfer sheet of the image forming apparatus.   The surface-modified sheet according to claim 21, wherein the resin film is made of polyimide.   The surface property reforming part is subjected to a release treatment so as to be non-adhered to the surface of the protective material layer in the vicinity of the glass transition temperature of the protective material layer of the thermal transfer sheet of the image forming apparatus. The surface property-modified sheet according to claim 19.   The surface property modifying sheet according to claim 19, wherein the surface property modifying part imparts gloss to the surface state of a protective layer for protecting an image formed on the recording medium.   20. The surface property modification unit according to claim 19, wherein the surface property modification unit finishes the surface state of the protective layer that protects the image formed on the recording medium in a matte tone or a silky tone. Quality sheet.   In order to protect the image by being thermally transferred to the surface of the image formed on the surface of the recording medium surface and the dye layer for forming the image on the surface of the recording medium of the image forming apparatus. One or a plurality of types of surface property modifying portions for modifying the surface state of the protective material layer and the protective layer for protecting the image formed on the recording medium are formed side by side in the longitudinal direction of the base sheet. The thermal transfer sheet characterized by being made.   On the surface of the ribbon-shaped substrate sheet, one or more color dye layers, a protective material layer, and one or more types of surface property reforming portions are sequentially formed. 27. The thermal transfer sheet according to claim 26, wherein a position detection mark is provided in the vicinity of the surface property modification portion.   27. The thermal transfer sheet according to claim 26, wherein the surface property modifying portion is an exposed portion of the base material sheet itself.   27. The thermal transfer sheet according to claim 26, wherein the surface property modifying section gives gloss to the surface state of a protective layer for protecting an image formed on the recording medium.   27. The thermal transfer sheet according to claim 26, wherein the surface property modifying section finishes the surface state of the protective layer protecting the image formed on the recording medium in a matte or silky tone.

Images