JP2010228436A - Method and device for processing surface of printed matter - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a device and a method for simply processing the surface of printed matter at a low cost. <P>SOLUTION: The device for processing the surface of printed matter thermally transfers the resin of the transfer layer to the printed side of the printed matter by pressing a heating bar 12 against a platen roller 19 and heating the resin of the transfer layer to the melting temperature or higher of the resin of the transfer layer while interposing the printed matter 1 between a thermal ribbon 11 having a transfer layer (11c) mainly made of a resin to be turned into a transparent film by melting and a backup belt 18 and carrying the printed matter. The continuous execution of a thermal transfer using the thermal ribbon having a width wider than the printed matter from just before the front end of the printed matter arrives at a thermal transfer point to just after the rear end crosses the thermal transfer point permits a transparent protective film (11c') of the resolidified resin to be overlyingly formed on the entire printed side of the printed matter. The printed matter is separated by a separating roller 15 during cooling. The resin of the transfer layer on the periphery of the printed side of the printed matter is left on the thermal ribbon side without being transferred to a backup means, thereby permitting the backup belt to be repeatedly used without being stained. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for performing surface processing for the purpose of improving gloss, surface strength, water resistance, light resistance, and the like of printed matter printed by various methods.

  In addition, printing here means recording characters, symbols, images, etc. on a medium such as paper. Regardless of the method, electrophotographic method (laser method, LED method, etc.), ink jet method, thermal transfer This includes printing with a small printer such as a method (melting type / sublimation type), printing using offset printing / flexo printing / gravure printing, and photographic image formation using a silver salt method. In addition, printed material means a sheet-like tangible material in which characters etc. are recorded on a medium by these various methods. Printed material by printers such as electrophotographic method, inkjet method, sublimation heat transfer method, offset printing, flexographic printing, gravure printing, etc. In addition, the printed matter by, and also silver salt photograph etc. are included.

  As a surface processing method to improve the gloss, surface strength, water resistance, light resistance, etc. of printed matter by offset printing, etc., a method of applying a liquid medicine uniformly to the surface of the printed matter and then drying it (commonly known as varnish Pull ") is adopted.

  On the other hand, in recent years, small printer technologies such as electrophotographic method, ink jet method, and thermal transfer method have advanced, and printed matter with quality close to that of large printers such as offset can be easily obtained in small offices, stores, and homes. It has become like this.

  Even in such printed matter, surface processing may be required to improve gloss, surface strength, water resistance, light resistance, etc., but in varnishing processing, a large machine is used to uniformly apply and dry the liquid. This is not practical because there are many unacceptable problems in the environment where the printer is used, such as handling of liquids and generation of organic solvents during drying.

  Therefore, film lamination has been proposed as a method suitable for surface processing on printed matter in a small office, store, or home. Film laminating is a method of laminating a transparent film on the surface of a printed material, and a method of laminating with heat, and applying a sticking process to the film to provide a back separator, and peeling the back separator at the time of laminating on the surface of the printed material There is a method of bonding. Patent Document 1 is presented as a prior art document disclosing these conventional techniques. The former thermal lamination method is described in paragraph 0057 of Patent Document 1, and the latter cold lamination method is described in Paragraph 0058 of Patent Document 1.

  Patent Document 2 describes a technique for forming an overcoat using a transparent ink on a printed matter immediately after thermal transfer printing using a thermal transfer printer using a thermal head.

JP 2001-353829 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-263033 JP 2004-175001 A JP 2005-280157 A

  Various proposals have been made for surface processing or surface protection of printed matter by film lamination, but in order to fully protect the printed surface of the printed matter, a film having a size larger than the printed matter is used. Further, the blank portion must be cut, and a post-process is required, and the laminate film is wasted. In addition, since a blade is used for cutting, it is not suitable for use at home. In Patent Document 1, it is assumed that double-sided laminating (pouching) is performed mainly including a card-like base material up to four rounds (see FIG. 1). However, when surface processing is performed on a printed matter, a blank portion is unnecessary. Cutting is necessary.

  When an overcoat is formed on a printed matter by a thermal transfer printer using a thermal head as described in Patent Document 2, in the thermal transfer printer, the transfer resin in which the ink ribbon is melted is formed in a region protruding outward from both side edges in the width direction of the printed matter. In order to prevent transfer to the platen roll, the heating width of the thermal head is controlled to be slightly narrower than the width of the printed matter. For this reason, it is not possible to form an overcoat that extends over the entire width of the printed material, and portions of the printed material that are not surface-treated remain. If the heating width of the thermal head is wider than the printed material, an overcoat can be formed over the entire width of the printed material. Pull state occurs. Further, the resin adhering to the platen roller gradually solidifies and accumulates, and eventually the thermal head cannot be pressed against the printed matter with a predetermined pressure, which hinders subsequent transfer.

  If a thermal transfer printer is used to perform thermal transfer by pressing the thermal head against the platen roll with an ink ribbon in between, and the thermal transfer for the overcoat is continuously performed over the entire length of the printed material, the front end of the printed material is the thermal transfer point. The ink ribbon is in direct pressure contact with the platen roller without passing through the printed matter, although it is a short time each before reaching the printhead and after the trailing edge of the printed matter passes through the thermal transfer point. As a result, the transfer resin in which the ink ribbon is melted is transferred to the surface of the platen roller, and the resin is shown on the printed matter and the resin is solidified horizontally on the platen roller, so that the pressure on the printed matter of the ink ribbon is sent. This causes a transfer failure in subsequent thermal transfer that fluctuates in direction. This is pointed out also in Patent Document 3 (paragraph 0005), and the invention described in the Patent Document attempts to solve this problem by giving a specific resin composition to the laminate film (transparent transparent ink ribbon). However, it is difficult to exert general-purpose effects under actual thermal transfer conditions in which the temperature rise of the platen roll, the surface state of the printed matter, and the like change variously.

  In Patent Document 4, the overcoat is formed on the recording surface of the printed matter using a laminate material having a size larger than the printed matter, and the laminate material after the transfer is separated from the printed matter, whereby the margin that protrudes from the recording surface of the printed portion. A portion of the overcoat layer is transferred to the under film side. According to this method, the overcoat can be formed so as to fully cover the recording surface of the printed matter, and a post-process for cutting the blank portion is unnecessary, but the overcoat layer in the blank portion is transferred to the under film. Therefore, the wound underfilm cannot be reused as it is. Cleaning is necessary for reuse, resulting in an increase in cost.

  Therefore, the problem to be solved by the present invention is to improve the gloss, surface strength, water resistance, light resistance, etc. of various printed materials including printed matter by a small printer such as an electrophotographic method, an ink jet method, and a thermal transfer method. It is an object of the present invention to provide a novel method and apparatus that can be easily used at a low cost in a small office, a store, or a home when processing.

  In order to solve this problem, a printed material surface processing method according to the present invention transfers a thermal ribbon having a transfer layer mainly composed of a resin that is melted to form a transparent film and a printed material having a printing surface on at least one side, to transfer the thermal ribbon. The layer and the printed surface of the printed material are overlapped, and the thermal ribbon is transferred between the heating means and the backup means that are opposed to each other with the thermal ribbon and the printed material sandwiched therebetween. The resin is thermally transferred to the printed surface of the printed matter by heating it above the melting or softening temperature, and the transparent or protective film is coated on the printed surface of the printed matter by re-solidifying the molten or softened resin, Use a thermal ribbon and backup means that are wider than the printed product, and immediately before the front edge of the printed product reaches the thermal transfer point, The transparent protective film is formed so as to cover the entire printing surface of the printed matter by continuously performing the thermal transfer until the end exceeds the thermal transfer point, and the thermal ribbon and the printed material on the downstream side in the running direction. Printed matter characterized in that the thermal ribbon is peeled off from the printed matter at a predetermined point away from the printed matter, and at this time, the resin of the transfer layer around the printed surface of the printed matter is left on the thermal ribbon side without being transferred to the backup means. This is a surface processing method.

  In this method, the backup means can be driven in synchronism with the thermal ribbon and the printed matter at least in the running region from the thermal transfer point to the cold peeling point. In this case, the backup means may be wound endlessly, or may be sent out from the supply bobbin and wound up on the take-up bobbin. Further, the backup unit may be formed in a roller shape and placed on the heating unit with the thermal ribbon and the printed material sandwiched at the thermal transfer point.

  Further, according to a preferred embodiment of this method, the thermal ribbon is heated again to a temperature equal to or higher than the melting or softening temperature of the resin of the transfer layer without applying a strong pressure immediately after the thermal transfer.

  The printed material surface processing apparatus according to the present invention is a device for forming a transparent protective film for protecting the printed surface of the printed material so as to cover the entire surface of the printed surface, and the printed material having a printed surface on at least one side. A feeding unit for feeding, a ribbon feeding unit for causing a thermal ribbon having a transfer layer mainly composed of a resin to be melted and formed into a transparent film to run on the printed surface of the printed material, and a transfer layer for the thermal ribbon A heating means for melting or softening the resin, a backup means provided opposite to the heating means across the thermal ribbon and the printed matter, and driven at a direction and speed synchronized with the thermal ribbon, and the heating means as a backup means Moving means for moving the thermal ribbon toward the printed product and the heating means moved by the moving means The separation means for separating the thermal ribbon from the printed material at the time of the cold transfer from the point where the thermal transfer is performed, and the heating means are moved immediately before the front end of the printed material reaches the thermal transfer point. Control means for controlling the moving means so that the thermal ribbon is brought into pressure contact with the printed matter and the pressure contact state is released immediately after the rear end of the printed matter passes through the thermal transfer point, the thermal ribbon, the heating means, and the backup means Are formed wider than the printed material, and when the thermal ribbon is peeled from the printed material by the peeling means, the resin of the transfer layer around the printed surface of the printed material is left on the thermal ribbon side without being transferred to the backup means. Therefore, the surface of the backup means is formed of a material having excellent peeling characteristics.

  In this apparatus, the backup means may be an endless backup belt that circulates synchronously with the thermal ribbon and printed matter at least in the region from the thermal transfer point to the cold peeling point, or at least from the thermal transfer point to the cold peeling point. May be a backup film that runs in synchronism with the thermal ribbon and the printed material in the region, and is fed from a supply bobbin and wound on a take-up bobbin. Alternatively, it may be a backup roller that is opposed to the heating means with the thermal ribbon and the printed material sandwiched at the thermal transfer point.

  Further, according to a preferred embodiment of this apparatus, a post-heating means is provided in the vicinity of the thermal ribbon and the downstream side in the running direction of the printed matter from the thermal transfer point, and the thermal ribbon is again attached to the transfer layer without applying strong pressure. Heat to a temperature above the melting or softening temperature of the resin. The post-heating means is controlled by the control means so as to move at the same timing as the heating means.

  According to the present invention, the gloss, surface strength, water resistance, light resistance, etc. of printed matter by various small printers such as an electrophotographic method, an ink jet method, and a thermal transfer method are improved even in a small office, a store or a home. Therefore, surface processing can be performed easily and at low cost. The transfer layer of the thermal ribbon transfers the melted or softened resin to the printing surface of the printed matter, and is automatically cut cleanly at the paper edge of the printed matter by peeling off in the cold. No post-process for cutting the re-solidified resin is required.

  In addition, since the transfer layer of the blank portion that protrudes from the printing surface of the printed material is once melted or softened, it is solidified again and remains on the thermal ribbon side. There is nothing to do. Therefore, it can be used semi-permanently without the need for cleaning or replacement, and waste of resources can be eliminated and cost reduction can be realized.

  According to the apparatus configuration in which the post-heating unit is provided close to the downstream side in the transport direction from the point where the thermal transfer is performed by the heating unit, the post-heating unit is immediately connected to the thermal ribbon immediately after the transfer layer of the thermal ribbon is thermally transferred to the printed matter. Is heated, the resin transferred to the printed matter can be sufficiently melted even when the heating means is insufficient in heat, and sufficient gloss can be given to the transparent protective film formed by re-solidification. In addition, when heated and pressed using a resilient heating means such as a rubber roller, fine irregularities on the printed paper may move to the thermal ribbon and may remain on the transparent protective film as fine irregularities after peeling. Even in such a case, by heating without applying strong pressure with the post-heating bar, the unevenness of the thermal ribbon is eliminated, and the transparent protective film formed on the printed surface after peeling is given a strong gloss as a smooth surface. Can do.

It is a mechanism figure of the printed matter surface processing apparatus by one Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the positional relationship and dimensional relationship of the heating bar in the thermal transfer part of the same apparatus, a thermal ribbon, printed matter, and a backup belt. It is a top view explaining the thermal transfer operation | movement by the apparatus in time series. It is sectional drawing explaining the thermal transfer operation | movement by the apparatus in time series. It is sectional drawing which shows the structural example of the thermal ribbon used for the apparatus. It is a mechanism figure of the printed material surface processing apparatus by other embodiment of this invention. It is a mechanism figure of the printed matter surface processing apparatus by further another embodiment of this invention. It is a mechanism figure of the printed matter surface processing apparatus by further another embodiment of this invention.

  FIG. 1 schematically shows the mechanism of a printed surface processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. This printed material surface processing apparatus 10 melts or transfers the transfer layer of the thermal ribbon 11 with a heating bar 12 in order to improve the gloss, surface strength, water resistance, light resistance, etc. of the printed surface formed on at least one side of the printed material 1. The printed surface of the printed matter 1 is covered with a transparent protective film by being softened and thermally transferred to the printed surface. In this embodiment, it is shown as an apparatus 10 for coating a transparent protective film on the printing surface formed on the upper surface of the printed matter 1.

  The apparatus 10 includes a feed roller 13 for feeding the printed material 1 in the arrow direction. The feed roller 13 is composed of a pair or a plurality of pairs of rollers arranged opposite to each other with the printed material 1 sandwiched between the front and back surfaces of the printed material 1.

  The thermal ribbon 11 is fed out from a supply bobbin (not shown) and is heated by a heater 14 (in this embodiment) while being moved in parallel and at the same speed along the upper surface of the printed material 1 in the thermal transfer section. The transfer bar resin is heated to a temperature sufficient to melt or soften the resin of the transfer layer by the heating bar 12), and the transfer layer resin is transferred to the printing surface of the printed matter 1, and the remaining portion is peeled off from the printed matter 1 by the peeling roller 15. And wound on a winding bobbin (not shown).

  The thermal ribbon 11 has a configuration in which a transfer layer to be thermally transferred and peeled is formed on a base such as PET in the same manner as a thermal ribbon used in a conventionally known melt type thermal transfer printer. The layer 11c is not made of ink but is formed mainly of a resin that melts into a transparent film. Further, the resin of the transfer layer 11c is required to have a surface protection function for improving the gloss, surface strength, water resistance, light resistance, etc. of the printed surface of the printed material 1 and transferability (adhesiveness) to the printed material 1. The In order to satisfy these required performances, it is preferable to use acrylic resin, polyester resin, epoxy resin, or a mixed resin thereof as the resin for the transfer layer 11c. These resins generally have a Tg (glass transition temperature) of about 20 to 110 ° C.

  As a preferred example, the thermal ribbon 11 has a configuration in which a transfer layer 11c is laminated on a base 11a such as PET via a release layer 11b (FIG. 5). Since the release layer 11b is required to have transparency and a surface protection function after melting in the same manner as the transfer layer 11c, the same resin (acrylic, polyester-based, epoxy-based, or a mixed resin thereof) as the transfer layer 11c is used. Although it can be used as a main component, it is preferable to add a wax to this to give a peeling assist function for peeling the transfer layer 11c from the base 11a at the time of cold peeling after thermal transfer. Examples of the waxes added to the release layer 11b include natural waxes such as carnauba wax, petroleum waxes such as paraffin / microcrystalline wax, and synthetic waxes such as ester / polyolefin wax. For example, the thickness of each layer is 4 to 6 μm for the base 11a, 0.05 to 2.0 μm for the release layer 11b, and 1.5 to 4.0 μm for the transfer layer 11c.

  Reference numeral 21 denotes a heat insulating guide made of a heat insulating material, and its outer surface defines a traveling path of the thermal ribbon 11 and is not affected by heat until the thermal ribbon 11 comes into contact with the heating bar 12. Prevent pre-melting of

  The heating bar 12 can be moved up and down by the lifting mechanism 17, and the timing of the lifting is controlled by the control device 22. That is, the control device 22 determines that the front end of the printed material 1 fed by the feed roller 13 is immediately before the thermal transfer point of the device 10 (in other words, the position immediately before the printed material 1 arrives directly below the heating bar 12 = FIGS. 1 and 3). When the front end sensor (not shown) detects that it has reached (a)), the heating bar 12 is lowered and brought into pressure contact with the platen roller 19, and the rear end of the printed matter 1 passes through the thermal transfer point (FIG. 3). (B)) When this is detected by a rear end sensor (not shown), the heating bar 12 is raised to release the pressure contact state.

  Reference numeral 16 denotes a post-heating bar that constitutes post-heating means, and is disposed immediately above the thermal ribbon 11 that travels with the printed material 1 in the thermal transfer section of the apparatus 10 and on the downstream side of the heating bar 12. The post-heating bar 16 is moved up and down at the same lifting timing as the heating bar 12 by the lifting mechanism 17 under the control of the control device 22. That is, the position is lowered when the front end sensor is detected, becomes a height position that is close (FIG. 1) or slightly touches the upper surface of the thermal ribbon 11 running in the thermal transfer portion of the apparatus 10, and rises when the rear end sensor is detected. Retreat to a position away from the ribbon 11.

  In the thermal transfer section of the apparatus 10, backup means (in this embodiment, the backup belt 18) that moves in parallel directly below the conveyance surface of the printed material 1 is provided. The backup belt 18 is conveyed by the platen roller 19 in the same direction as the conveyance direction of the printed material 1, and circulates along the conveyance path defined by the guide rollers 20, 20, 20. The printed material 1 is conveyed in the direction of the arrow while being placed on the backup belt 18. The material of the backup belt 18 is not particularly limited, and may be not only a belt with a core material but also a thin film, but at least the surface thereof has a low friction property such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). Alternatively, an easily peelable material is coated, or the backup belt 18 itself is formed of a low friction or easily peelable material.

  As is clear from FIG. 2, the thermal ribbon 11, the heating bar 12, and the backup belt 18 are all wider than the printed material 1. Further, although not shown, the post-heating bar 16 is also wider than the printed material 1 in the same manner.

  The thermal transfer operation by the apparatus 10 configured as described above will be described with reference to FIG. While the thermal ribbon 11 is running at a predetermined speed, the printed material 1 is fed in the direction of the arrow by the feed roller 13 at a speed synchronized with this, and the front end of the print reaches the position immediately before the thermal transfer of the apparatus 10 by the front end sensor. When this is detected, the above-described control device lowers the heating bar 12 by the lifting mechanism 17 and presses it against the platen roller 19 (FIG. 3A). At this time, the backup belt 18 also circulates at a speed synchronized with the thermal ribbon 11 and the printed material 1.

  As a result, the printed material 1 enters the space between the heated bar 12 and the platen roller 19 brought into the pressure contact state (= between the thermal ribbon 11 and the backup belt 18), and the heat of the heating bar 12 heated by the heater 14. In response, the transfer layer 11c of the thermal ribbon 11 is melted or softened, and is fused so as to cover the upper surface (printing surface) of the printed matter 1.

  Thereafter, when the trailing edge sensor detects that the trailing edge of the printed material 1 has passed the thermal transfer point (pressing position), the control device lifts the heating bar 12 by the lifting mechanism 17 to release the pressing state. (FIG. 3B).

  The thermal transfer operation will be further described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4A shows a state before the start of thermal transfer, and is a stage (FIG. 3A) where the front end of the printed material 1 has not yet reached the detection position (position immediately before thermal transfer) by the front end sensor. At this time, the thermal ribbon 11 is in an unheated state and maintains an initial state (FIG. 5) in which the transfer layer 11c is entirely laminated on the base 11a (the peeling layer 11b is not shown).

  FIG. 4B shows a state when the thermal transfer is performed, and the printed material 1 is placed between the heating bar 12 and the platen roller 19 that are in a pressure contact state (= between the thermal ribbon 11 and the backup belt 18). The transfer layer 11c of the thermal ribbon 11 is in pressure contact with the upper surface (printing surface) of the printed material 1. Accordingly, the resin of the transfer layer 11 c of the thermal ribbon 11 is melted or softened by receiving heat from the heating bar 12 and is fused to the upper surface of the printed material 1.

  Since the thermal ribbon 11 is wider than the printed material 1, the resin of the transfer layer 11 c is fused to the full width of the printed surface of the printed material 1. Further, since this state is maintained from before the front end of the printed matter 1 reaches the pressure contact point (thermal transfer point) until after the rear end passes, the transfer layer 11c is thermally transferred over the entire printing surface of the printed matter 1. . That is, the resin of the transfer layer 11c is fused so as to fully cover the printing surface of the printed matter 1.

  FIG. 4C shows a state after the thermal ribbon 11 is peeled from the printed material 1 by the peeling roller 15. By the time the thermal ribbon 11 is peeled off, the transfer layer 11c has been lowered to a temperature sufficiently lower than the melting / softening temperature of the resin. Therefore, the thermal ribbon transfer layer 11c is cleanly cut at the paper edge of the printed matter 1 by cold peeling, and the resin of the melted / softened transfer layer 11c is transferred to the printing surface so as to cover the printed matter 1 fully. A transparent protective film 11c ′ is formed by solidification. On the other hand, the transfer layer 11c around the printing surface is wound by the peeling roller 15 together with the base 11a toward the winding bobbin.

  Since the surface of the backup belt 18 is coated with a low friction or easily peelable material such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), or the backup belt 18 itself is formed of a low friction or easily peelable material, The transfer layer 11c of the ribbon 11 is set so that the adhesive force to the backup belt 18 is weaker than the adhesive force to the base 11a. Therefore, at the time of cold peeling by the peeling roller 15, the transfer layer 11 c around the printing surface of the printed matter 1 is wound around the backup belt 18 without being banded on the backup belt 18 side, and is wound on the surface of the backup belt 18. Since the resin of the transfer layer 11c does not adhere, the backup belt 18 can be used semipermanently without the need for cleaning or replacement.

  Thus, the process of forming a transparent protective film 11c 'on the entire printed surface of the printed material 1 and coating the entire surface is finished. If there is no detection of the front end entry of the printed matter by the front end sensor during the predetermined time interval after detection of the passage of the rear end of the printed matter by the rear end sensor, the operation of the apparatus is stopped. If there is detection by the front end sensor during the predetermined time interval, the apparatus 10 is continuously operated to sequentially perform surface processing on a plurality of printed materials 1.

  As described above, the post-heating bar 16 moves up and down at the same timing as the heating bar 12 and contacts the thermal ribbon 11 when the lowering bar 16 is lowered (about a slight contact without applying strong pressure). Immediately after the transfer layer 11c of the thermal ribbon 11 melted or softened by the pressure contact with the bar 12 is transferred to the printed matter 1, the resin transferred to the printed matter 1 is sufficiently melted by contact with the thermal ribbon 11 and re-solidified. This is useful for giving sufficient gloss to the formed transparent protective film 11c ′.

  Using the apparatus 10 shown in FIG. 1, the printing surface of the printed matter 1 that has been printed with a color laser printer was subjected to surface processing. The thermal ribbon 11 is coated on a 5 μm-thick PET base 11a with a resin paint obtained by adding a wax to an acrylic resin (Tg 80 ° C.) that is melted to form a transparent film, thereby forming a 1.5 μm-thick release layer 11b. Further, a transfer layer 11c having a thickness of 3.0 μm was formed by applying the same resin as that of the release layer 11b to form a transfer layer 11c having a total thickness of 10 μm. As the backup belt 18, a glass fiber belt surface coated with polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) was used. The heating bar 12 was heated to 180 ° C. by the heater 14 and the post-heating bar 16 was heated to 150 ° C. for use. The apparatus 10 was operated such that the laminating speed by thermal transfer was 25 mm / second, and the cold peeling by the peeling roller 15 was performed 2 seconds after the heating by the post-heating bar 16 was completed.

  As a comparative example, the same thermal ribbon 11 was used for the same printed matter 1 as in the example, the apparatus operating conditions were substantially the same, and surface treatment was performed using a hot peeling method instead of a cold peeling method. That is, a thermal head similar to that used in a general thermal transfer printer is used as a heat source, the heat generation width of the thermal head is controlled to be slightly wider than the width of the printed material 1, and the thermal head is also used before and after the printed material 1 passes through the thermal head. While being pressed against the platen roll, thermal transfer was performed on the entire surface of the printed matter 1, and the thermal ribbon was peeled off immediately after passing through the thermal head.

  For these Examples and Comparative Examples, the gloss, water resistance, surface strength, and adhesion to the surface of the printed material 1 of the transparent protective film 11c 'formed on the surface of the printed material 1 were evaluated. Further, whether or not the end surface of the transparent protective film 11c ′ was cleanly broken along the paper edge of the printed matter 1 (“end surface cutting property”) was visually evaluated. These results are shown in Table 1 below.

  Particularly, the evaluation item of “end face cutting performance” was divided, and in the surface processing according to the embodiment of the present invention, the transfer layer 11c of the thermal ribbon 11 peels cleanly along the paper edge of the printed matter 1 and the transparent protective film 11c. Whereas 'is formed, the transfer layer 11c cannot be peeled cleanly along the paper edge of the printed matter 1 in the surface processing according to the comparative example, and the resin solidified from the end face of the transparent protective film 11c' becomes a thread shape. Many were in a state of overflowing. From this, it was confirmed in the present invention that cold peeling is an essential condition.

  In the above-described embodiment, the endless backup belt 18 is used as the backup means to run around. However, the backup means is not limited to such a backup belt 18, and is used for heat transfer. Any material may be used as long as the molten resin of the transfer layer 11c of the thermal ribbon 11 can be wound up by the peeling roller 15 as it is adhered to the thermal ribbon 11 side without being transferred to the backup means. For example, instead of the backup belt 18, a film or a sheet (backup film) that travels so as to be sent out from the supply bobbin and wound around the take-up bobbin below the conveyance surface of the printed matter 1 may be used. Alternatively, it is also possible to use a roller (backup roller) that is opposed to the heating means with the thermal ribbon 11 and the printed material 1 interposed therebetween.

  In the above-described embodiment, the heating bar 12 is used as a heating means for heating and melting or softening the resin of the transfer layer 11c of the thermal ribbon 11. However, any heating is possible as long as the same function is achieved. For example, a heating roller such as a metal roller or a rubber roller formed in a roller shape may be used, or a thermal head used in a thermal transfer printer may be used.

  The combination of the backup means and the heating means described above is arbitrary, and as an example, FIG. 6 schematically shows an apparatus configuration in which the backup film 23 is used as the backup means and the thermal head 24 is used as the heating means. In this figure, substantially the same components, members, parts or elements in the apparatus 10 of FIG. The backup film 23 is fed from the supply bobbin 25 below the conveyance surface of the printed material 1, and travels directly under the printed material 1 between the platen roller 19 and the guide roller 20 to provide a traveling surface for the printed material 1. Is passed through the print bobbin 26 after leaving the printed product 1. The backup film 23 travels at a speed synchronized with the thermal ribbon 11 and the printed material 1. Also in this embodiment, the mechanism of thermal transfer and cold peeling is the same as that of the above-described embodiment, and when the printed material (printed material 1A on the right side of the figure) is conveyed immediately before the thermal transfer, the thermal head 24 is moved to the platen roller 19. The thermal transfer is started by pressing, and this state is continued until immediately after the rear end of the printed material 1A passes, whereby the resin of the transfer layer 11c of the thermal ribbon 11 is melted or softened and fused to the entire surface of the printed material. Thereafter, the thermal ribbon 11 is peeled from the printed material by the peeling roller 15 to form a transparent protective film 11c ′ that fully covers the printed surface of the printed material (printed material 1B on the left side of the figure). Also in this embodiment, the transfer layer 11c around the printing surface is wound around the thermal ribbon 11 by the peeling roller 15 without moving to the backup film 23. The backup film 23 wound around the winding bobbin 26 without the resin of the transfer layer 11c being attached can be reused without the need for cleaning or replacement.

  In this embodiment, the heat insulating guide roller 29 provided in the vicinity of the thermal head 24 defines the travel path of the thermal ribbon 11 and influence of the heat of the thermal head 24 until the thermal ribbon 11 contacts the thermal head 24. In this way, the pre-melting of the transfer layer 11c is prevented so as to achieve substantially the same function as the heat insulating guide 21 in the above-described embodiment.

  FIG. 7 schematically shows an apparatus configuration in which a backup film 23 is used as a backup means and a heating roller 30 made of metal or rubber is used as a heating means so as to face the platen roller 19. 6 is the same as the apparatus configuration of FIG. 6 except that the heating roller 30 is used instead of the thermal head 24 as a heating means and the thermal ribbon 11 and the printed material 1 are rotated synchronously.

  FIG. 8 schematically shows an apparatus configuration in which a backup roller 31 is used as a backup unit and is placed on a heating roller 30 made of metal or rubber used as a heating unit. Also in this configuration, the heating roller 30 is lowered and pressed against the backup roller 31 to melt the resin of the transfer layer 11c of the thermal ribbon 11 and transfer it to the upper surface (printing surface) of the printed matter 1, so that the resin is sufficiently After the cooling, the thermal ribbon 11 is peeled off from the printed matter 1 by the peeling roller 15 to form the transparent protective film 11c ′ on the printing surface, and the mechanism of thermal transfer and cold peeling is a backup belt 18 (FIG. 1) or backup film as backup means. 23 (FIGS. 6 and 7), but in the case of the backup belt 18 and the backup film 23, the printed material 1 is transferred from the thermal transfer point (position just below the heating means) to the cold peeling point (position just below the peeling roller 15). Since the backup operation that runs in synchronization with the lower part is continuously performed, The molten resin in the peripheral portion that protrudes is cooled and solidified before it reaches the peeling roller 15 after being in close contact with the backup belt 18 / backup film 23, and is separated from the backup belt 18 / backup film 23 by the peeling roller 15 to become a thermal ribbon. In contrast, when the backup roller 31 is used as the backup unit as in the embodiment of FIG. 8, only the instantaneous backup action at the thermal transfer point can be exhibited. The molten resin in the surrounding portion protruding from the thermal ribbon 11 must be left without being transferred to the backup roller 31. In order to achieve such an action, a material (for example, polytetrafluoroethylene resin) having excellent peeling characteristics is used for the surface of the backup roller 31.

  Although not shown in FIGS. 6 to 8, as in the above-described embodiment, the rear side is closer to the downstream side in the transport direction than the point where the thermal transfer is performed by the heating means (thermal head 24, heating roller 30). It is preferable to provide a heating means (for example, the post-heating bar 16). Immediately after the thermal ribbon transfer layer is thermally transferred to the printed material, the thermal ribbon is heated by post-heating means, so that the resin transferred to the printed material can be sufficiently melted and re-solidified even if the heating means has insufficient heat. A sufficient gloss can be given to the transparent protective film. In particular, when adopting an embodiment using a heating means having elasticity, such as when a rubber roller is used as the heating roller 30 in the embodiment of FIG. Since it may remain in the transparent protective film as fine irregularities even after peeling, it is heated on the post-heating bar without applying strong pressure, eliminating the irregularities of the thermal ribbon, and formed on the printed surface after peeling The transparent protective film is preferably used as a smooth surface to give a strong gloss.

  The present invention is glossy for printed matter by various small printers by electrophotographic method, ink jet method, thermal transfer method, etc., various printed matter by offset printing, flexographic printing, gravure printing, etc., and photographic image formations such as silver salt photography. As a device for performing surface processing for the purpose of giving or the like, it is particularly suitable for use in a small office or a store, and has high industrial applicability.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Printed material 10 Printed surface processing apparatus 11 Thermal ribbon 11a Base 11b Release layer 11c Transfer layer 11c 'Transparent protective film 12 Heating bar (heating means)
13 Feed roller (paper feeding means)
14 heater 15 peeling roller (peeling means)
16 Post-heating bar (post-heating means)
17 Lifting mechanism (moving means)
18 Backup belt (backup means)
19 Platen roller 20 Guide roller 21 Heat insulation guide 22 Control device (control means)
23 Backup film (backup means)
24 Thermal head (heating means)
25 Backup film supply bobbin 26 Backup film take-up bobbin 27 Thermal ribbon supply bobbin 28 Thermal ribbon take-up bobbin 29 Thermal insulation guide roller 30 Heating roller (heating means)
31 Backup roller (backup means)

Claims (12)

A thermal ribbon having a transfer layer mainly composed of a resin that is melted to form a transparent film and a printed material having a printing surface on at least one side are placed in a state where the transfer layer of the thermal ribbon and the printed surface of the printed material are overlapped. Pass between a heating means and a backup means provided opposite to each other with the ribbon and the printed material sandwiched between them, and the heating means heats the resin of the transfer layer of the thermal ribbon to a temperature higher than the melting or softening temperature so that the resin is A method of thermally transferring to a printed surface and re-solidifying the molten or softened resin to form a transparent protective film on the printed surface of the printed material, using a thermal ribbon and backup means wider than the printed material, and the front end of the printed material By continuing the thermal transfer from immediately before the thermal transfer point is reached until the trailing edge of the printed product exceeds the thermal transfer point The transparent protective film is formed so as to cover the entire printed surface of the printed material, and the thermal ribbon is peeled off from the printed material at a predetermined point away from the thermal transfer point to the downstream side in the running direction of the printed material. A printed matter surface processing method characterized in that the resin in the transfer layer around the printed surface of the printed matter is left on the thermal ribbon side without being transferred to the backup means. 2. The printed matter surface processing method according to claim 1, wherein the backup means is caused to run synchronously with the thermal ribbon and the printed matter at least in a running region from the thermal transfer point to the cold peeling point. 3. The printed surface processing method according to claim 2, wherein the backup means is circulated endlessly. 3. The printed surface processing method according to claim 2, wherein the backup means is sent out from the supply bobbin and wound up on the take-up bobbin. 2. The printed matter surface processing method according to claim 1, wherein the backup means is formed in a roller shape and is placed on the heating means with the thermal ribbon and the printed matter sandwiched at the thermal transfer point. 6. The printed material surface processing method according to claim 1, wherein the thermal ribbon is heated again to a temperature equal to or higher than the melting or softening temperature of the resin of the transfer layer without applying a strong pressure immediately after the thermal transfer. An apparatus for forming a transparent protective film for protecting a printed surface of a printed material so as to cover the entire surface of the printed surface, and a sheet feeding means for supplying a printed material having a printed surface on at least one side, and being melted and transparent Ribbon supply means for running a thermal ribbon having a transfer layer mainly composed of a resin to be filmed on a printed surface of the printed matter, and heating means for melting or softening the resin of the transfer layer of the thermal ribbon And a backup means provided opposite to the heating means with the thermal ribbon and the printed material sandwiched therebetween and driven in a direction and speed synchronized with the thermal ribbon, and the heating means is moved toward the backup means to make the thermal ribbon into the printed material. Traveling direction below the point where thermal transfer is performed by the moving means for press contact and the heating means moved by the moving means The peeling means is provided at a point away from the printed sheet to peel off the thermal ribbon from the printed matter when it is cold, and the heating means is moved just before the front edge of the printed matter reaches the thermal transfer point to press the thermal ribbon against the printed matter and after the printed matter. Control means for controlling the moving means so as to release the press-contact state immediately after the end passes through the thermal transfer point, and the thermal ribbon, the heating means, and the backup means are all formed wider than the printed material and are peeled off. When the thermal ribbon is peeled from the printed matter by the means, the surface of the backup means has excellent peeling characteristics so that the resin of the transfer layer around the printed surface of the printed matter is left on the thermal ribbon side without being transferred to the backup means. Printed material surface processing apparatus, characterized in that the printed surface processing apparatus is made of a material. 8. The printed surface processing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the backup means is an endless backup belt that circulates synchronously with the thermal ribbon and the printed material at least in a region from a thermal transfer point to a cold peeling point. The backup means is a backup film that runs synchronously with the thermal ribbon and the printed matter at least in a region from a thermal transfer point to a cold peeling point, and is sent out from a supply bobbin and taken up on a take-up bobbin. The printed matter surface processing apparatus according to claim 7. 8. The printed material surface processing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the backup unit is a backup roller that faces the heating unit with the thermal ribbon and the printed material interposed therebetween at a thermal transfer point. A post-heating means is provided in the vicinity of the thermal ribbon and the downstream side in the running direction of the printed matter from the thermal transfer point, and the thermal ribbon is again heated to a temperature equal to or higher than the melting or softening temperature of the transfer layer resin without applying strong pressure. The printed matter surface processing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein: The printed surface processing apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the post-heating unit is controlled by the control unit to move at the same timing as the heating unit.

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