JP2009226900A - Heat transfer printing method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a heat transfer printing method which can form a screen on printing paper without providing a margin between adjacent screens and can maintain the image quality of this screen. <P>SOLUTION: The heat transfer printing method, first dispatches the printing paper 2 from a printing paper roll 3, and sends this printing paper 2. Then, yellow, magenta, and cyan are sublimated and transferred by a first heating means 10 using an ink ribbon 14 having a yellow layer 15, a magenta layer 16, and a cyan layer 17 without providing the margin between the adjacent screens 6 on the printing paper 2, and the screen 6 having an image is formed. Then, the printing paper 2 is cut at the backward edge 6a of the screen 6 using a cutting means 19. Individual printing papers 4, in which the screen 6 is formed, is manufactured, and the individual printing paper 4 is transferred to a second heating means 20 side. Then, a screen protection film 25 is thermal transferred by the second heating means 20 using a screen protection ribbon 24 having the screen protection film 25 on an entire face of the screen 6 formed on the individual printing paper 4, and the screen protection layer 24 is formed. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a thermal transfer printing method in which a screen having an image is formed by sublimation transfer of yellow, magenta, and cyan on photographic paper, and a screen protective layer is formed on the screen. The present invention relates to a thermal transfer printing method capable of forming a screen on photographic paper without providing a margin and maintaining the image quality of the screen.

Generally, when a screen is formed on a photographic paper in a thermal transfer printing system that forms a screen having an image on the photographic paper, first, yellow (Y), magenta (M), and cyan (C) are sequentially sublimated and transferred onto the photographic paper. Thus, a screen having an image is formed. As shown in FIG. 9, the screen 56 is formed to be larger than the size of the individual photographic paper 54 to be cut and then the margin cut portion 53 between the screens 56 adjacent to the front side and the rear side. Is provided. Next, a screen protection layer 55 having the same size as the screen 56 is formed on the screen 56, leaving a predetermined margin with respect to the front edge 56b of the screen 56 formed on the photographic paper 52. The photographic paper 52 is cut at the position. Thereafter, the photographic paper 52 is cut at a position where a predetermined margin is left with respect to the rear edge 56a of the screen 56, and the individual photographic paper 54 is produced (see, for example, Patent Document 1). At this time, the margin cut portion 53 provided between the screen 56 adjacent to the front side and the rear side is cut off.
Japanese Patent No. 3688433

  In such a thermal transfer printing system, when the individual printing papers 54 are sequentially produced, the margin cut portion 53 described above is cut off in large quantities and discarded. For this reason, there is a problem that a large amount of waste is generated. Further, when the margin cut portion 53 is cut off in a large amount, the mechanism portion of the thermal transfer printing system may be clogged and the operation of the thermal transfer printing system may be stopped.

  Furthermore, since the front side and the rear side are each cut by the cutter with respect to one screen 56, the cutter cuts the photographic paper 52 twice with respect to one screen 56. For this reason, there also exists a problem that consumption of a cutter is comparatively quick.

  In order to solve such a problem, a method of forming a screen without providing a margin between adjacent screens is known. When a screen is formed on photographic paper by this method, first, a screen 66 having the same size as that of the individual photographic paper 64 is formed on the photographic paper 62 as shown in FIG. Next, a screen protection layer 65 is formed on the screen 66 leaving a predetermined margin with respect to the rear edge 66a of the screen 66, and the photographic paper 62 is cut at the rear edge 66a of the screen 66 to obtain individual photographic paper. 64 is produced. Here, the screen protection layer 65 is formed leaving a predetermined margin with respect to the rear edge 66a of the screen 66 in consideration of the case where the position at which the photographic paper 62 is cut is shifted from the rear edge 66a of the screen 66. The

  However, as described above, when the screen protective layer is formed leaving a predetermined margin with respect to the rear edge of the screen, the screen protective layer is not formed on the screen near the rear edge of the individual photographic paper. In the vicinity of the rear edge, a part of the screen is exposed to the outside. As a result, a part of the exposed screen does not have light resistance, and the color of the image may be faded over time. Further, when a part of the exposed screen is touched, the Y, M, and C dyes forming the screen may be touched and the screen image may be destroyed. For this reason, it becomes difficult to maintain the image quality of the screen.

  The present invention has been made in consideration of the above points, and is a thermal transfer printing method capable of forming a screen on photographic paper without providing a margin between adjacent screens and maintaining the image quality of the screen. The purpose is to provide.

  The present invention includes a step of feeding a photographic paper from a photographic paper roll and feeding the photographic paper, and an ink ribbon having a yellow layer, a magenta layer, and a cyan layer on the photographic paper without providing a margin between adjacent screens. Using the first heating means to sublimate and transfer yellow, magenta, and cyan to form a screen having an image; after forming the screen on the photographic paper, the cutting means is used to place the photographic paper behind the screen. Cutting the edges to produce individual photographic paper with a screen formed, transferring the individual photographic paper to the second heating means side, and applying a screen protection film to the entire surface of the screen formed on the individual photographic paper. And a step of thermally transferring the screen protective film by a second heating means to form a screen protective layer using the screen protective ribbon having the thermal protection printing method.

  In the present invention, when the screen is formed on the photographic paper by the first heating means, at least in the vicinity of the rear edge of the screen, the screen image formed on the photographic paper is gradually thinned toward at least the rear edge of the screen. This is a thermal transfer printing method.

  In the present invention, when the screen is formed on the photographic paper by the first heating means, at least in the vicinity of the rear edge of the screen, the amounts of the yellow, magenta, and cyan dyes that are sublimated and transferred onto the photographic paper are set at least at the rear of the screen. The thermal transfer printing method is characterized in that the image on the screen formed on the photographic paper is gradually thinned by gradually decreasing toward the edge.

  In the present invention, when the screen is formed on the photographic paper by the first heating unit, the amount of energy for heating the yellow layer, the magenta layer, and the cyan layer by the first heating unit at least near the rear edge of the screen is set to at least The thermal transfer printing method is characterized in that the image on the screen formed on the photographic paper is gradually thinned by gradually decreasing toward the rear edge of the screen.

  According to the present invention, first, yellow, magenta, and magenta are formed on the photographic paper by using the ink ribbon having a yellow layer, a magenta layer, and a cyan layer without providing a margin between adjacent screens. Cyan is sublimated and a screen having an image is formed. Next, the cutting means cuts the photographic paper at the rear edge of the screen to produce individual photographic paper on which the screen is formed, and the individual photographic paper is transferred to the second heating means side. Thereafter, the screen protective film is thermally transferred by the second heating means using the screen protective ribbon having the screen protective film on the entire surface of the screen formed on the individual photographic paper, thereby forming the screen protective layer. That is, after the photographic paper is cut to form the individual photographic paper, the screen protection layer is formed over the entire surface on the screen formed on the individual photographic paper. Thereby, a part of the screen formed on the photographic paper is not exposed to the outside, and the image quality of the screen can be maintained.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS First Embodiment Hereinafter, an embodiment of the invention will be described with reference to the drawings. 1 to 4 are diagrams showing a thermal transfer printing method according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of a thermal transfer printing system according to the thermal transfer printing method in the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a thermal transfer printing method in the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a top view showing a screen protection ribbon used in the thermal transfer printing method according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4A is a diagram showing a state in which a screen having an image is formed on a photographic paper in the thermal transfer printing method according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. FIG. 4C is a diagram illustrating a state in which an individual photographic paper is produced, and FIG. 4C is a diagram illustrating a state in which a screen protection layer is formed on the entire surface of the screen formed on the individual photographic paper.

  First, the overall configuration of the thermal transfer printing system will be described with reference to FIG. Here, the thermal transfer printing system sublimates and transfers yellow, magenta, and cyan onto photographic paper to form a screen having an image, and a screen protective layer is formed on the screen.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a thermal transfer printing system 1 includes a photographic paper roll 3 around which photographic paper 2 is wound, a downstream side of the photographic paper roll 3, and a yellow (Y) layer 15, a magenta (M) layer 16, And a first thermal head for forming a screen 6 having an image by sublimation transfer of Y, M, and C onto the photographic paper 2 using an ink ribbon 14 (see FIG. 2) having a cyan (C) layer 17. First heating means) 10. Here, as shown in FIG. 2, a yellow (Y) layer 15, a magenta (M) layer 16, and a cyan (C) layer 17 are sequentially formed on one surface of the ink ribbon 14. An ink ribbon supply roll 11 formed by winding an ink ribbon 14 is provided on the upstream side of the first thermal head 10, and an ink ribbon collection roll 12 is provided on the downstream side of the first thermal head 10, The ink ribbon 14 fed out from the ribbon supply roll 11 passes through the first thermal head 10 and is collected by the ink ribbon collection roll 12.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a platen roll 18 that can be driven to rotate is provided below the first thermal head 10, and the first thermal head 10 is attached to the first thermal head 10 with respect to the platen roll 18. First elevating means 13 that can be raised and lowered is connected.

  Further, a cutting means 19 for cutting the photographic paper 2 on which the screen 6 is formed by the first thermal head 10 is provided on the downstream side of the first thermal head 10. By this cutting means 19, the photographic paper 2 on which the screen 6 is formed is cut at the rear edge 6a of the screen 6 (see FIG. 4A), and the individual photographic paper 4 on which the screen 6 is formed (FIG. 4B). )) Is produced. Moreover, it is preferable that the distance between the 1st thermal head 10 and the cutting | disconnection means 19 is 50 mm or less, especially 20 mm or less.

  Further, the screen protective film 25 is thermally transferred to the entire surface of the screen 6 formed on the individual photographic paper 4 by using a screen protective ribbon 24 (see FIG. 3) having the screen protective film 25 on the downstream side of the cutting means 19. A second thermal head (second heating means) 20 for forming the screen protective layer 5 is provided. Here, as shown in FIG. 3, the screen protection film 25 is sequentially formed on one surface of the screen protection ribbon 24. Further, a screen protection ribbon supply roll 21 around which the screen protection ribbon 24 is wound is provided on the upstream side of the second thermal head 20, and a screen protection ribbon collection roll 22 is provided on the downstream side of the second thermal head 20, The screen protection ribbon 24 fed out from the screen protection ribbon supply roll 21 passes through the second thermal head 20 and is collected by the screen protection ribbon collection roll 22.

  Further, a transfer means 26 for transferring the individual photographic paper 4 formed by the cutting means 19 to the second thermal head 20 is provided between the cutting means 19 and the second thermal head 20. The transfer means 26 includes a transfer conveyor 26a on which the individual photographic paper 4 is placed, and a drive unit 26b that drives the transfer conveyor 26a.

  Further, the second thermal head 20 is connected to a second elevating means 23 that allows the second thermal head 20 to move up and down with respect to the transfer conveyor 26 a of the transfer means 26.

  Next, the material of each component will be described. As a material used for the Y layer 15, the M layer 16, and the C layer 17 of the ink ribbon 14, it is desirable to use a material obtained by melting or dispersing a sublimation dye in a binder resin.

  Moreover, as a material used for the screen protective film 25 of the screen protective ribbon 24, it is desirable to use a transparent material having adhesiveness, light resistance, and the like.

  Next, the operation of the present embodiment having such a configuration, that is, the thermal transfer printing method according to the present invention will be described.

  First, as shown in FIG. 1, the photographic paper 2 is fed out from the photographic paper roll 3, and the photographic paper 2 is sent to the first thermal head 10. During this time, the ink ribbon 14 wound around the ink ribbon supply roll 11 is fed out, and the ink ribbon 14 is sent to the first thermal head 10.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 4A, the Y, M, and C are formed on the photographic paper 2 by the first thermal head 10 using the ink ribbon 14 without providing a margin between the adjacent screens 6. Are sequentially transferred by sublimation to form a screen 6 having an image. In this case, first, the photographic paper 2 and the Y layer 15 (see FIG. 2) of the ink ribbon 14 are aligned. Next, the first elevating means 13 connected to the first thermal head 10 lowers the first thermal head 10 toward the platen roll 18, and the first thermal head 10 is moved via the photographic paper 2 and the ink ribbon 14. It contacts the platen roll 18.

  Next, the platen roll 18 is driven to rotate, and the photographic paper 2 and the ink ribbon 14 are fed forward. During this time, based on the image data transmitted to the first thermal head 10, the area of the Y layer 15 of the ink ribbon 14 is selectively and sequentially heated by the first thermal head 10, and the ink ribbon 14 onto the photographic paper 2. Y is sublimated.

  During this time, in the vicinity of the rear edge 6 a of the screen 6, the amount of Y dye sublimated and transferred onto the photographic paper 2 is gradually reduced toward the rear edge 6 a of the screen 6. As a result, the screen 6 is formed on the photographic paper 2 in the vicinity of the rear edge 6 of the screen 6 so that the image gradually becomes thinner toward the rear edge 6 a of the screen 6. Here, the region where the amount of dye is gradually decreased is preferably 0.5 mm or less from the rear edge 6a over the entire width of the photographic paper 2. As a result, the range in which the image becomes thin in the vicinity of the rear edge 6a of the screen 6 is minimized, and even when a part of the image of the screen 6 overlaps the image of the screen 6 adjacent to the rear side. It is possible to prevent a part of the image on the screen 6 from appearing on the screen 6 adjacent to the rear side.

  In this way, Y is sublimated and transferred onto the photographic paper 2 in an area corresponding to the screen 6 having an image corresponding to the image data. In this case, the photographic paper 2 is fed forward by a distance corresponding to the screen 6 formed on the photographic paper 2 and the ink ribbon 14 is forwarded by a distance corresponding to the screen 6 (ink ribbon recovery). Roll 12 side).

  Next, the first thermal head 10 is lifted by the first lifting / lowering means 13 and is separated from the platen roll 18.

  Next, the photographic paper 2 and the M layer 16 of the ink ribbon 14 are aligned. In this case, the photographic paper 2 is sent to the rear side by a distance corresponding to the screen 6, and the ink ribbon 14 is sent to the front side by a distance corresponding to the margin between the Y layer 15 and the M layer 16.

  Next, in the same manner as the method of sublimation transfer of Y, M and C are successively sublimated and transferred onto the photographic paper 2 to form a screen 6 having an image on the photographic paper 2 (see FIG. 4A). ).

  Next, as shown in FIG. 4 (b), the photographic paper 2 is cut at the rear edge 6a (see FIG. 4 (a)) of the screen 6 by using the cutting means 19, and the individual print on which the screen 6 is formed. Paper 4 is produced.

  Here, as described above, the distance between the first thermal head 10 and the cutting means 19 is 50 mm or less, preferably 20 mm or less. The cutting means 19 is compared with the first thermal head 10. Provided close to each other. As a result, the photographic paper 2 aligned with the first thermal head 10 with high accuracy is sent to the cutting means 19 while maintaining this accuracy. For this reason, the cutting means 19 can accurately cut the photographic paper 2 with respect to the rear edge 6 a of the screen 6 on the photographic paper 2.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 1, the individual photographic paper 4 is placed on the transfer conveyor 26 a of the transfer means 26, and the transfer conveyor 26 a is driven by the drive unit 26 b of the transfer means 26, so that the individual photographic paper is printed. 4 is transferred below the second thermal head 20. During this time, the screen protection ribbon 24 wound around the screen protection ribbon supply roll 21 is fed out, and the screen protection ribbon 24 is sent to the second thermal head 20.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 4C, the screen protection film 25 is thermally transferred by the second thermal head 20 using the screen protection ribbon 24 over the entire surface of the screen 6 formed on the individual photographic paper 4. A screen protective layer 5 is formed. In this case, first, the individual photographic paper 4 and the screen protection film 25 of the screen protection ribbon 24 are aligned. Next, as shown in FIG. 1, the second elevating means 23 connected to the second thermal head 20 lowers the second thermal head 20 toward the transfer conveyor 26a of the transfer means 26, and the individual photographic paper 4 and The second thermal head 20 contacts the transfer conveyor 26 a of the transfer means 26 via the screen protection ribbon 24.

  Next, the transfer conveyor 26a is driven by the drive unit 26b of the transfer means 26, and the individual photographic paper 4 and the screen protection ribbon 24 on the transfer conveyor 26a are fed forward. During this time, the screen protection ribbon 24 is heated by the second thermal head 20, and the screen protection film 25 is thermally transferred from the screen protection ribbon 24 to the entire surface of the screen 6 formed on the individual photographic paper 4. In this case, the individual photographic paper 4 is fed forward by a distance corresponding to the screen 6 formed on the individual photographic paper 4, and the screen protection ribbon 24 is forwarded by a distance corresponding to the screen 6 (screen protection ribbon). To the collection roll 22 side).

  Next, the second thermal head 20 is lifted by the second lifting / lowering means 23 and is separated from the transfer conveyor 26 a of the transfer means 26. In this way, the screen protection layer 5 is formed on the entire surface of the screen 6 formed on the individual photographic paper 4 (see FIG. 4C).

  Thus, according to the present embodiment, first, the ink ribbon 14 having the yellow layer 15, the magenta layer 16, and the cyan layer 17 is used on the photographic paper 2 without providing a margin between the adjacent screens 6. Thus, Y, M, and C are sublimated and transferred by the first thermal head 10 to form a screen 6 having an image. Next, the cutting means 19 cuts the photographic paper 2 at the rear edge 6a of the screen 6 to produce the individual photographic paper 4 on which the screen 6 is formed. The transfer means 26 turns the individual photographic paper 4 into the second thermal paper. It is transferred to the head 20 side. Thereafter, the screen protection film 25 is thermally transferred by the second thermal head 20 using the screen protection ribbon 24 having the screen protection film 25 on the entire surface of the screen 6 formed on the individual photographic paper 4, so that the screen protection layer 5 is formed. It is formed. That is, after the photographic paper 2 is cut to form the individual photographic paper 4, the screen protective layer 5 is formed over the entire surface of the screen 6 formed on the individual photographic paper 4.

  Here, after the screen protective layer 5 is formed on the entire surface of the screen 6 formed on the photographic paper 2, the photographic paper 2 is cut when the photographic paper 2 is cut to produce the individual photographic paper 4. When the position is shifted forward from the rear edge 6a of the screen 6, a part of the screen protective layer 5 remains on the photographic paper 2 on the rear side. In this case, it is difficult to form the screen 6 adjacent to the rear side on the photographic paper 2.

  In contrast, according to the present invention, first, the photographic paper 2 is cut to form the individual photographic paper 4, and then the screen protection layer 5 is formed on the entire surface of the individual photographic paper 4. As a result, part of the screen protection layer 5 does not remain on the photographic paper 2 on the rear side. Therefore, the screen protection layer 5 can be formed over the entire screen 6 on the individual photographic paper 4 without forming the screen protection layer 5 with respect to the rear edge 6a of the screen 6 leaving a predetermined margin. it can. As a result, a part of the screen 6 is not exposed to the outside, the light resistance of the screen 6 is ensured, and the image quality of the screen 6 can be maintained.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, as described above, no margin is provided between the screens 6 adjacent on the photographic paper 2. Thus, a margin cut portion (see FIG. 5) is provided between the screen 6 adjacent to the front side and the rear side, and the margin cut portion is not discarded. For this reason, the individual photographic paper 4 can be produced from the photographic paper 2 without waste. Further, since the margin cut portion is not cut off from the photographic paper 2, it is possible to prevent a trouble such as clogging of the cut margin cut portion from the mechanism portion of the thermal transfer printing system.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, when the photographic paper 2 is cut at the rear edge 6a of the screen 6 using the cutting means 19, no margin is provided between the screens 6 adjacent on the photographic paper 2. The individual photographic paper 4 is produced by cutting the photographic paper 2 once by the cutting means 19. For this reason, when the cutting | disconnection means 19 consists of a cutter, it can suppress that this cutter wears out and can lengthen the lifetime of a cutter.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, as described above, when the screen 6 is formed by sublimation transfer of Y, M, and C, the photographic paper 2 is moved forward according to the sublimation transfer of Y, M, and C. Move side and back. On the other hand, when the screen protective layer 5 is formed on the entire surface of the screen 6, the individual photographic paper 4 does not move backward. Here, when the photographic paper 2 on which the screen 6 is formed by the first thermal head 10 is sent to the second thermal head 20 without being cut and the screen protective layer 5 is formed, the first thermal head 10 and the second thermal head. 20, due to the difference in movement of the photographic paper 2 or the individual photographic paper 4 in each thermal head described above, the photographic paper 2 is bent or pulled, and the quality of the screen 6 formed on the photographic paper 2 is deteriorated. It is possible.

  On the other hand, according to the present embodiment, after the screen 6 is formed on the photographic paper 2 by the first thermal head 10, the photographic paper 2 is cut by the cutting means 19 to produce the individual photographic paper 4. Then, it is transferred to the second thermal head 20. As a result, the photographic paper 2 is not bent or pulled between the first thermal head 10 and the second thermal head 20. For this reason, the quality of the screen 6 formed on the photographic paper 2 can be reliably ensured.

  In the present embodiment, a thermal head is used as the second heating means. However, the present invention is not limited to the thermal head, and a line heater, a heat roll, or the like may be used.

  In the present embodiment, when the screen 6 is formed on the photographic paper 2 by the first thermal head 10, the screen 6 is placed on the photographic paper 2 in the vicinity of the rear edge 6 a of the screen 6 toward the rear edge 6 a of the screen 6. The image of the screen 6 to be formed is gradually thinned. However, the image of the screen 6 formed on the photographic paper 2 may be gradually thinned toward the periphery of the screen 6 in the vicinity of the periphery of the screen 6 without being limited to the rear edge 6 a of the screen 6.

Next, a modified example of the thermal transfer printing method according to the present invention will be described. In this modification, instead of reducing the amount of each of the Y, M, and C dyes, the amount of energy for heating the Y layer, the M layer, and the C layer by the first thermal head is applied to the rear edge of the screen. The configuration is gradually reduced, and the other configurations are substantially the same as those of the first embodiment shown in FIGS.

  According to this modification, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, when the screen 6 is formed on the photographic paper 2 by the first heating means 10, the first heating means 10 near the rear edge 6 a of the screen 6 produces Y. The amount of energy for heating each of the layer 15 (see FIG. 2), the M layer 16, and the C layer 17 is gradually decreased toward the rear edge 6a of the screen 6 based on the image data. Here, the dyes Y, M, and C are sublimated and transferred onto the photographic paper 2 in accordance with the amount of energy heated by the first thermal head 10. As a result, the first thermal head 10 selectively heats the regions of the Y layer 15, M layer 16 and C layer 17 of the ink ribbon 14 sequentially based on the image data, and the rear edge 6a of the screen 6. In the vicinity, the screen 6 is formed on the photographic paper 2 so that the image gradually becomes thinner toward the rear edge 6 a of the screen 6. Here, the region where the amount of energy heated by the first thermal head 10 is gradually reduced is preferably 0.5 mm or less from the rear edge 6 a over the entire width of the photographic paper 2. As a result, the range in which the image becomes thin in the vicinity of the rear edge 6a of the screen 6 is minimized, and even when a part of the image of the screen 6 overlaps the image of the screen 6 adjacent to the rear side. It is possible to prevent a part of the image on the screen 6 from appearing on the screen 6 adjacent to the rear side.

Second Embodiment Next, referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, a thermal transfer printing method according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. Here, FIG. 5 is a top view showing an ink ribbon used in the thermal transfer printing method according to the second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 6A is a thermal transfer printing according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The figure which shows the state in which two screens which have an image on photographic paper were formed among the methods. FIG. 6B is a diagram showing a state where two individual photographic papers are produced. FIG. 6C is a diagram showing a state in which a screen protection layer is formed on the entire surface of the screen formed on the individual photographic paper.

  The thermal transfer printing method according to the second embodiment shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 is different only in that two screens having images are continuously formed on the printing paper. Or substantially the same as the first embodiment shown in FIG. 5 and 6, the same parts as those in the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  In this embodiment, when a screen having an image is formed on the photographic paper 2 and the screen protective layer is formed on the screen, first, the photographic paper 2 is fed out from the photographic paper roll 3 as shown in FIG. This photographic paper 2 is sent to the first thermal head 10. During this time, the ink ribbon 14 wound around the ink ribbon supply roll 11 is fed out, and the ink ribbon 14 is sent to the first thermal head 10.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 6A, Y, M, and C are formed on the photographic paper 2 by the first thermal head 10 using the ink ribbon 30 without providing a margin between the adjacent screens 6. Are sequentially transferred by sublimation, and two screens 6 having images are continuously formed. In this case, first, the photographic paper 2 and the Y layer 31 (see FIG. 5) of the ink ribbon 30 are aligned. Next, the first elevating means 13 connected to the first thermal head 10 lowers the first thermal head 10 toward the platen roll 18, and the first thermal head 10 is moved via the photographic paper 2 and the ink ribbon 30. It contacts the platen roll 18.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 5, the Y ribbon 31, the M layer 32, and the C layer 33 are sequentially formed on one surface of the ink ribbon 30, and the Y ribbon 31, the M layer 32, and The C layer 33 has a size corresponding to each of the two screens 6 having images.

  Next, the platen roll 18 is driven to rotate, and the photographic paper 2 and the ink ribbon 30 are fed forward. During this time, based on the image data transmitted to the first thermal head 10, the area of the Y layer 31 of the ink ribbon 30 is selectively heated sequentially by the first thermal head 10, and the ink ribbon 30 onto the photographic paper 2. Y is sublimated.

  When Y is sublimated and transferred onto the photographic paper 2, the amount of Y dye sublimated and transferred onto the photographic paper 2 is gradually increased toward the rear edge 6 a of each screen 6 in the vicinity of the rear edge 6 a of each screen 6. Reduce. Thus, each screen 6 is formed on the photographic paper 2 so that the image gradually becomes thinner toward the rear edge 6a of each screen 6 in the vicinity of the rear edge 6 of each screen 6. Here, the region where the amount of dye is gradually decreased is preferably 0.5 mm or less from the rear edge 6a over the entire width of the photographic paper 2. As a result, the range in which the image becomes thin in the vicinity of the rear edge 6a of the screen 6 is minimized, and even when a part of the image of the screen 6 overlaps the image of the screen 6 adjacent to the rear side. It is possible to prevent a part of the image on the screen 6 from appearing on the screen 6 adjacent to the rear side.

  In this way, Y is sublimated and transferred onto the photographic paper 2 in accordance with the image data in an area corresponding to the two screens 6 having images. In this case, the photographic paper 2 is fed forward by a distance corresponding to the two screens 6 formed on the photographic paper 2 and the ink ribbon 30 is forwarded by a distance corresponding to the two screens 6. (Ink ribbon recovery roll 12 side).

  Next, the photographic paper 2 and the M layer 32 of the ink ribbon 30 are aligned. In this case, the photographic paper 2 is fed backward by a distance corresponding to the two screens 6 and the ink ribbon 30 is fed forward by a distance corresponding to a margin between the Y layer 31 and the M layer 32. It is done.

  Next, in the same manner as the method of sublimation transfer of Y, M and C are sequentially sublimated and transferred onto the photographic paper 2, and two screens 6 having images are continuously formed on the photographic paper 2 (FIG. 6 (a)).

  Next, as shown in FIG. 6 (b), the photographic paper 2 is cut at the rear edge 6 a of each screen 6 for each screen 6 using the cutting means 19, so that two individual photographic papers comprising one screen 6 are obtained. (First individual photographic paper 4a and second individual photographic paper 4b) are sequentially produced.

  Here, as described above, the distance between the first thermal head 10 and the cutting means 19 is 50 mm or less, preferably 20 mm or less. The cutting means 19 is compared with the first thermal head 10. Provided close to each other. As a result, the photographic paper 2 aligned with the first thermal head 10 with high accuracy is sent to the cutting means 19 while maintaining this accuracy. For this reason, the cutting means 19 can accurately cut the photographic paper 2 with respect to the rear edge 6 a of the screen 6 on the photographic paper 2.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 1, the first individual photographic paper 4a and the second individual photographic paper 4b (see FIG. 6B) are sequentially placed on the transfer conveyor 26a of the transfer means 26 and transferred. The transfer conveyor 26 a is driven by the drive unit 26 b of the means 26, and the first individual photographic paper 4 a and the second individual photographic paper 4 b are sequentially transferred below the second thermal head 20. During this time, the screen protection ribbon 24 wound around the screen protection ribbon supply roll 21 is fed out, and the screen protection ribbon 24 is sent to the second thermal head 20.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 6C, the screen protective film 25 is thermally transferred by the second thermal head 20 using the screen protective ribbon 24 over the entire surface of the screen 6 of the first individual photographic paper 4a. A protective layer 5 is formed. In this case, first, the first individual photographic paper 4a and the screen protective film 25 of the screen protective ribbon 24 are aligned. Next, as shown in FIG. 1, the second elevating means 23 connected to the second thermal head 20 lowers the second thermal head 20 toward the transfer conveyor 26a of the transfer means 26, and the first individual photographic paper. The second thermal head 20 comes into contact with the transfer conveyor 26a of the transfer means 26 via 4a and the screen protection ribbon 24.

  Next, the transfer conveyor 26a is driven by the drive unit 26b of the transfer means 26, and the first individual photographic paper 4a and the screen protection ribbon 24 on the transfer conveyor 26a are sent forward. During this time, the screen protection ribbon 24 is heated by the second thermal head 20, and the screen protection film 25 is thermally transferred from the screen protection ribbon 24 to the entire surface of the screen 6 formed on the first individual photographic paper 4a. In this case, the first individual photographic paper 4a is sent forward by a distance corresponding to one screen 6 formed on the first individual photographic paper 4a, and the screen protection ribbon 24 corresponds to one screen 6. It is sent to the front side (screen protection ribbon collection roll 22 side) by the distance.

  Next, the second thermal head 20 is lifted by the second lifting / lowering means 23 and is separated from the transfer conveyor 26 a of the transfer means 26. In this way, the screen protection layer 5 is formed on the entire surface of the screen 6 formed on the first individual photographic paper 4a (see FIG. 6C).

  Next, the second individual photographic paper 4b and the screen protective film 25 on the rear side of the screen protective ribbon 24 are aligned, and then the screen protective layer 5 is applied to the entire surface of the screen 6 on the first individual photographic paper 4a. Similar to the forming method, the screen protection layer 5 is formed on the entire surface of the screen 6 on the second individual photographic paper 4b.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, after the photographic paper 2 is cut to form the individual photographic papers 4a and 4b, the screen is spread over the entire surface of each screen 6 formed on the individual photographic paper 4a and 4b. Each of the protective layers 5 is formed. Here, after the screen protective layer 5 is formed on the entire surface of each screen 6 formed on the photographic paper 2, the photographic paper 2 is cut to produce the individual photographic papers 4a and 4b. When the position to be cut is shifted forward from the rear edge 6a of the screen 6 on the rear individual photographic paper 4b, a part of the screen protection layer 5 remains on the rear photographic paper 2. In this case, it is difficult to form the screen 6 adjacent to the rear side on the photographic paper 2.

  In contrast, according to the present invention, first, the photographic paper 2 is cut to form the individual photographic papers 4a and 4b, and then the screen protection layer 5 is formed on the entire surface of the individual photographic papers 4a and 4b. . As a result, part of the screen protection layer 5 does not remain on the photographic paper 2 on the rear side. Therefore, the screen protection layer 5 is formed over the entire screen 6 on the individual photographic paper 4b without forming a predetermined margin with respect to the rear edge 6a of the screen 6 on the rear individual photographic paper 4b. The screen protective layer 5 can be formed. As a result, a part of the screen 6 is not exposed to the outside, the light resistance of the screen 6 is ensured, and the image quality of the screen 6 can be maintained.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, Y, M, and C sublimation transfer by the first thermal head 10 and thermal transfer of the screen protection layer 5 by the second thermal head 20 can be performed at the same time on the photographic paper 2. The time required for forming the screen 6 and forming the screen protective layer 5 on the entire surface of the screen 6 can be further shortened. That is, it is possible to increase the rate limiting as a whole thermal transfer printing method.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, the second thermal head 20 takes a relatively long time during which Y, M, and C are sublimated and transferred onto the photographic paper 2 by the first thermal head 10. The screen protective film 25 is reliably thermally transferred onto the entire surface of the screen 6 formed on each individual photographic paper 4a, 4b. Thereby, the screen protection film 25 is reliably heated by the second thermal head 20 over a relatively long time, and is thermally transferred onto the entire surface of the screen 6. For this reason, the screen protective layer 5 can be formed with high quality on the entire surface of the screen 6 formed on the individual photographic papers 4a and 4b.

  As described above, when the screen 6 is formed by sublimation transfer of Y, M, and C, the photographic paper 2 moves to the front side and the rear side according to the sublimation transfer of Y, M, and C. . On the other hand, when the screen protective layer 5 is formed on the entire surface of the screen 6, the individual photographic papers 4a and 4b do not move backward. Here, when the photographic paper 2 on which the screen 6 is formed by the first thermal head 10 is sent to the second thermal head 20 without being cut and the screen protective layer 5 is formed, the first thermal head 10 and the second thermal head. The screen 6 formed on the photographic paper 2 is bent or pulled due to the difference in movement of the photographic paper 2 or the individual photographic papers 4a and 4b in the thermal heads described above. It is thought that it falls.

  On the other hand, according to the present embodiment, after the screen 6 is formed on the photographic paper 2 by the first thermal head 10, the photographic paper 2 is cut by the cutting means 19, and the individual photographic papers 4a and 4b are separated. It is manufactured and transferred to the second thermal head 20. As a result, the photographic paper 2 is not bent or pulled between the first thermal head 10 and the second thermal head 20. For this reason, the quality of the screen 6 formed on the photographic paper 2 can be reliably ensured.

  In the present embodiment, when the screen 6 is formed on the photographic paper 2 by the first thermal head 10, the screen 6 is placed on the photographic paper 2 in the vicinity of the rear edge 6 a of the screen 6 toward the rear edge 6 a of the screen 6. The image of the screen 6 to be formed is gradually thinned. However, the image of the screen 6 formed on the photographic paper 2 may be gradually thinned toward the periphery of the screen 6 in the vicinity of the periphery of the screen 6 without being limited to the rear edge 6 a of the screen 6.

  In the present embodiment, two screens 6 having images on the photographic paper 2 are continuously formed by the first thermal head 10. However, the number of screens 6 continuously formed on the photographic paper 2 is not limited to two, and three or more screens 6 may be formed. In this case, the cutting means 19 cuts the photographic paper 2 for each individual screen 6 to produce three or more individual photographic papers composed of one screen 6.

Third Embodiment Next, a thermal transfer printing method according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 7 is a top view showing a screen protection ribbon used in the thermal transfer printing method according to the third embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 8A is a thermal transfer according to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8B is a diagram showing a state in which two screens having an image are formed on a photographic paper, and FIG. 8B shows a state in which a multi-screen photographic paper composed of two screens having an image is produced. FIG. 8C is a diagram showing a state in which a screen protective layer is formed on the entire surface of the screen formed on the multi-screen printing paper, and FIG. It is a figure which shows the produced state.

  The thermal transfer printing method according to the third embodiment shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 is different only in that the printing paper is cut into two screen units by the cutting means to produce a multi-screen printing paper. The configuration is substantially the same as that of the second embodiment shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the same parts as those of the second embodiment shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 8 (a), after two screens 6 having images are continuously formed on the photographic paper 2, as shown in FIG. 8 (b), the cutting means 19 (see FIG. 1) is used. Using the two screens 6, the photographic paper 2 is cut in units of two screens having images at the rear edge 6a of the screen 6 on the rear side. As a result, a multi-screen photographic paper 7 composed of two screens 6 having images is produced. Next, the multi-screen photographic paper 7 is placed on the transfer conveyor 26 a of the transfer means 26, and the transfer conveyor 26 a is driven by the driving unit 26 b of the transfer means 26, so that the multi-screen photographic paper 7 becomes the second thermal printing paper. It is transferred to the lower part of the head 20 (see FIG. 1). During this time, as shown in FIG. 1, the screen protection ribbon 34 (see FIG. 7) wound around the screen protection ribbon supply roll 21 is fed out, and this screen protection ribbon 24 is sent to the second thermal head 20. Here, as shown in FIG. 7, a screen protective film 35 is sequentially formed on one surface of the screen protective ribbon 34, and each of the screen protective films 35 has a size corresponding to two screens 6 having images. Have.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 8C, the screen protection film 35 is thermally transferred by the second thermal head 20 over the entire surface of the two screens 6 on the multiple screen photographic paper 7 using the screen protection ribbon 34. Thus, the screen protective layer 8 is formed. In this case, first, the multi-screen photographic paper 7 and the screen protection film 35 of the screen protection ribbon 34 are aligned. Next, as shown in FIG. 1, the second elevating means 23 connected to the second thermal head 20 lowers the second thermal head 20 toward the transfer conveyor 26 a of the transfer means 26, and the multi-screen photographic paper 7. The second thermal head 20 contacts the transfer conveyor 26 a of the transfer means 26 via the screen protection ribbon 34.

  Next, the transfer conveyor 26a is driven by the drive unit 26b of the transfer means 26, and the multi-screen photographic paper 7 and the screen protection ribbon 34 on the transfer conveyor 26a are sent to the front side. During this time, the screen protection ribbon 34 is heated by the second thermal head 20, and the screen protection film 35 is thermally transferred from the screen protection ribbon 34 to the entire surface of the two screens 6 formed on the plurality of screen printing papers 7. In this case, the multi-screen photographic paper 7 is fed forward by a distance corresponding to the two screens 6 formed on the multi-screen photographic paper 7, and the screen protection ribbon 34 is only a distance corresponding to the two screens 6. It is sent to the front side (screen protection ribbon collection roll 22 side).

  Next, the second thermal head 20 is lifted by the second lifting / lowering means 23 and is separated from the transfer conveyor 26 a of the transfer means 26. In this way, the screen protection layer 8 is formed on the entire surface of the two screens 6 formed on the multi-screen photographic paper 7 (see FIG. 8C).

  Next, using a second cutting means (not shown), the multi-screen photographic paper 7 on which the two screens 6 are formed is cut for each screen 6, and the screen protection layers 8 a and 8 b are formed on each screen 6. Individual photographic papers 7a and 7b are formed (see FIG. 8D).

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the first thermal head 10 causes the second thermal head 20 to take a relatively long time during which Y, M, and C are sublimated and transferred onto the photographic paper 2. The screen protective film 35 is thermally transferred all over the two screens 6 formed on the multiple screen photographic paper 7 at a time. As a result, the second thermal head 20 reliably heats the screen protective film 35 over a relatively long time, and is thermally transferred onto the entire surface of the two screens 6 formed on the plurality of screen printing papers 7. . Therefore, the screen protection layer 8 can be formed with high quality on the entire surface of the two screens 6 formed on the multi-screen photographic paper 7.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an overall configuration of a thermal transfer printing system according to a thermal transfer printing method according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a top view showing an ink ribbon used in the thermal transfer printing method according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a top view showing a screen protection ribbon used in the thermal transfer printing method according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4A is a diagram showing a state in which a screen having an image is formed on photographic paper in the thermal transfer printing method according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. FIG. 4C is a diagram illustrating a state where a screen protection layer is formed on the entire surface of the screen formed on the individual photographic paper. FIG. 5 is a top view showing an ink ribbon used in the thermal transfer printing method according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6A is a diagram showing a state in which two screens having images on a photographic paper are formed in the thermal transfer printing method according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6B is a diagram showing a state where two individual photographic papers are produced. FIG. 6C is a diagram showing a state in which a screen protection layer is formed on the entire surface of the screen formed on the individual photographic paper. FIG. 7 is a top view showing a screen protection ribbon used in the thermal transfer printing method according to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8A is a diagram showing a state in which two screens having images on a photographic paper are formed in the thermal transfer printing method according to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8B is a diagram showing a state in which a multi-screen photographic paper composed of two screens having images is produced. FIG. 8C is a diagram showing a state in which a screen protection layer is formed on the entire surface of the screen formed on the multi-screen photographic paper. FIG. 8D is a diagram showing a state in which individual photographic paper has been created. FIG. 9 is a top view showing a state in which a screen is formed on printing paper in a conventional thermal transfer printing system. FIG. 10 is a top view showing a state in which a screen is formed on printing paper in a conventional thermal transfer printing system.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Thermal transfer printing system 2 Printing paper 3 Printing paper roll 4 Individual printing paper 4a Individual printing paper 4b Individual printing paper 5 Screen protection layer 6 Screen 6a Rear edge 7 Multiple screen printing paper 7a Individual printing paper 7b Individual printing paper 8 Screen protection layer 8a Screen protection layer 8b Screen protection layer 10 First thermal head 11 Ink ribbon supply roll 12 Ink ribbon recovery roll 13 First elevating means 14 Ink ribbon 15 Y layer 16 M layer 17 C layer 18 Platen roll 19 Cutting means 20 Second thermal head 21 Screen Protection Ribbon Supply Roll 22 Screen Protection Ribbon Collection Roll 23 Second Lifting Unit 24 Screen Protection Ribbon 25 Screen Protection Film 26 Transfer Unit 26a Transfer Conveyor 26b Drive Unit 30 Ink Ribbon 31 Y Layer 32 M Layer 33 C Layer 34 Screen Protection Ribbon 35 Screen protection film 40 Integrated ribbon 41 Y layer 42 M layer 43 C layer 4 Screen protective film 52 paper 53 margin cut portion 54 individual paper 55 screen protective layer 56 screen 56a rear edge 56b front edge 62 paper 64 individual paper 65 screen protective layer 66 screen 66a rear edge

Claims (4)

A process of feeding out the photographic paper from the photographic paper roll and sending the photographic paper;
On the photographic paper, yellow, magenta and cyan are sublimated and transferred by the first heating means using an ink ribbon having a yellow layer, a magenta layer, and a cyan layer without providing a margin between adjacent screens. Forming a screen having:
After the screen is formed on the photographic paper, the cutting paper is used to cut the photographic paper at the rear edge of the screen to produce the individual photographic paper on which the screen is formed, and the individual photographic paper is transferred to the second heating means side. Process,
And a step of forming a screen protective layer by thermally transferring the screen protective film by the second heating means using a screen protective ribbon having a screen protective film over the entire surface of the screen formed on the individual photographic paper. A thermal transfer printing method characterized by the above.   When the screen is formed on the photographic paper by the first heating means, at least in the vicinity of the rear edge of the screen, the screen image formed on the photographic paper is gradually thinned toward at least the rear edge of the screen. The thermal transfer printing method according to claim 1.   When the screen is formed on the photographic paper by the first heating means, at least in the vicinity of the rear edge of the screen, the amounts of yellow, magenta, and cyan dyes sublimated and transferred onto the photographic paper are at least directed toward the rear edge of the screen. 3. The thermal transfer printing method according to claim 2, wherein the image on the screen formed on the photographic paper is gradually reduced and gradually thinned.   When the screen is formed on the photographic paper by the first heating means, at least in the vicinity of the rear edge of the screen, the amount of energy for heating the yellow layer, the magenta layer, and the cyan layer by the first heating means is set to at least the rear edge of the screen. The thermal transfer printing method according to claim 2, wherein the image on the screen formed on the photographic paper is gradually made thinner and gradually thinner.

Images