JP2011042108A - Method for manufacturing thermal transfer medium and thermal transfer medium - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a method for manufacturing a thermal transfer medium by which a thermal transfer layer is provided on a base material film without having dirt by an ink mist or a plate grain of a printed matter even when various ink having viscosities from low viscosity ink applicable to gravure printing to high viscosity ink, is applied, and also to provide the thermal transfer medium manufacturing by the method. <P>SOLUTION: In the method for manufacturing the thermal transfer medium, a coating solution for the thermal transfer layer is applied onto one surface of the continuously running base material film by gravure printing and then is dried to provide one or more thermal transfer layers. Wherein, the thermal transfer layer is composed of a region (a) and a region (b) in this order from a running direction, and when there is a space of ≥3 mm between the region (a) and the region (b), length of the region (b) in the running direction is defined as 1 to 7 mm, a space of 0.5 to 2 mm is provided between the region (a) and the region (b) and application quantity per unit area of the region (b) is set to 5 to 150% to application quantity per unit area of the region (a). <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a method for producing a thermal transfer medium, and in particular, when a wide viscosity range ink is applied on a substrate film by gravure printing for a long time, producing a thermal transfer medium that can be satisfactorily applied without ink mist contamination. The present invention relates to a method and a thermal transfer medium.

  Conventionally, a method of forming a coating film on a substrate by gravure printing has been widely used in the production process of a thermal transfer medium. Specifically, when a thermal transfer layer such as a yellow layer, a magenta layer, or a cyan layer is formed on a base film, each color ink is transferred in a surface sequence on the base using a gravure plate, and yellow, magenta A solid pattern of cyan is formed. Generally, in the transfer method using a gravure plate, ink is brought into contact with the surface of the gravure plate, the ink is filled in the recess (cell) on the surface of the gravure plate, and then the excess ink is removed by a doctor blade and conveyed. The substrate film to be pressed is pressed against the gravure plate from the back side by an impression roll, and the ink held in the cells is transferred to the substrate.

  Although the ink transfer rate varies depending on the printing conditions, the surface shape of the plate, etc., it is said to be 35 to 65%, and the ink filled in the cell hardly transfers onto the substrate. Thus, immediately after the ink adheres to the base material, when the base film is transported without completely separating the ink transferred onto the base material and the ink remaining in the cell, the ink is transferred between the transfer part and the residual part. The mist-like ink scatters when the yarn is separated and cut. When the ink mist adheres to a thermal transfer layer of another color, the ink mist adhering to an image formed by thermal transfer is transferred, resulting in a problem that the quality is deteriorated as printing stains.

  In order to solve such a problem, several methods have been proposed. For example, in Patent Document 1, printing is performed such that the ink transfer amount of 0.5 to 5 mm width at the end portion of a pattern printed solidly for each color is reduced within a range of 90 to 5% compared to the amount of a normal portion. By doing so, it has been proposed to reduce the occurrence of ink mist and prevent stains.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 7-117369

  However, when the coating is performed for a long time by the method proposed in Patent Document 1, a so-called semi-dried product of ink is considered to be caused by a cell having a volume smaller than the volume of the printed portion of the regular transfer layer. There was a problem that a plate clogging phenomenon occurred and the plate was visible at the end of printing. In addition, it was found that the ink clogging of the cells and the resulting prints tend to be severe when high-viscosity ink is used, and the above method is not suitable when high-viscosity ink is applied.

  In view of the above problems, the present invention prevents printing stains due to ink mist even when inks of various viscosities are applied for a long time, from low-viscosity inks applicable to gravure printing to high-viscosity inks. An object of the present invention is to provide a thermal transfer layer on a base film without causing the thermal transfer layer to become clogged or the print grain to be seen.

  The present inventor has found that the above problem can be solved by specifying the shape of the solid pattern of the thermal transfer layer, and has completed the present invention.

That is, the invention according to claim 1 is provided with one or more thermal transfer layers provided on one surface of a continuously running base film by applying and drying a thermal transfer layer coating liquid by gravure printing. In the method for producing a thermal transfer medium,
At least one thermal transfer layer is composed of two regions a and b in order from the running direction,
An interval of 3 mm or more is provided in the traveling direction between the region b and the region a,
The length of the region b in the traveling direction is 1 to 7 mm,
Between the region a and the region b, an interval of 0.5 to 2 mm is provided in the traveling direction,
Applying and drying the thermal transfer layer coating solution so that the coating amount per unit area of the region b is 5 to 150% with respect to the coating amount per unit area of the region a,
This is a method for producing a thermal transfer medium.

  As can be understood from the examples and comparative examples described later, when the distance between the region b and the region a is 3 mm or more, the following conditions 1 to 3 are satisfied, and the ink is used for a long time. Neither mist nor plate is generated, and a good thermal transfer medium can be obtained.

Condition 1: The length of the region b in the traveling direction is 1 to 7 mm.
Condition 2: The distance between the region a and the region b is set to 0.5 to 2 mm.
Condition 3: The coating amount per unit area of the region b is set to 5 to 150% with respect to the coating amount per unit area of the region a.

  And since the invention of Claim 1 satisfies these conditions 1-3, it does not generate | occur | produce an ink mist and a plate | grain irrespective of long-time coating, and a favorable thermal transfer medium is obtained. .

Next, the invention described in claim 2 is to apply one or two or more thermal transfer layers on one surface of a continuously running base film by applying and drying a thermal transfer layer coating liquid by gravure printing. In the method for manufacturing a thermal transfer medium,
At least one thermal transfer layer is composed of two regions a and b in order from the running direction,
An interval of 1.0 mm or more is provided in the traveling direction between the region b and the region a,
The length in the traveling direction of the region b is 5 to 7 mm,
Between the region a and the region b, an interval of 0.5 to 2 mm is provided in the traveling direction,
Applying and drying the thermal transfer layer coating solution so that the coating amount per unit area of the region b is 5 to 80% with respect to the coating amount per unit area of the region a,
This is a method for producing a thermal transfer medium.

  As can be understood from the examples and comparative examples described later, when the distance between the region b and the region a is 1.0 mm or more, when the following conditions 4 to 6 are satisfied, long-time coating is also possible. Regardless, neither ink mist nor plate is generated, and a good thermal transfer medium can be obtained.

Condition 4: The length of the region b in the traveling direction is 5 to 7 mm.
Condition 5: The distance between the region a and the region b is set to 0.5 to 2 mm.
Condition 6: The coating amount per unit area of the region b is set to 5 to 80% with respect to the coating amount per unit area of the region a.

  The invention described in claim 2 satisfies these conditions 4 to 6, and therefore, neither ink mist nor plate is generated in spite of long-time coating, and a good thermal transfer medium is obtained. It is done.

Next, the invention described in claims 3 and 4 relates to the thermal transfer medium obtained by the manufacturing method of claims 1 and 2, and the invention described in claim 3 is one of the rolled-up base film. In the thermal transfer medium in which two or more types of thermal transfer layers are provided on the surface along the running direction,
At least one of the thermal transfer layers is composed of two regions a and b in order from the running direction,
Between the region b and the region a, there is an interval of 3 mm or more in the traveling direction,
The length of the region b in the traveling direction is 1 to 7 mm,
Between the region a and the region b, there is an interval of 0.5 to 2 mm in the running direction,
The application amount per unit area of the region b is 5 to 150% with respect to the application amount per unit area of the region a.
This is a thermal transfer medium.

The invention according to claim 4 is a thermal transfer medium in which two or more types of thermal transfer layers are provided on one surface of a wound base film along the running direction.
At least one of the thermal transfer layers is composed of two regions a and b in order from the running direction,
Between the region b and the region a, there is an interval of 1.5 mm or more in the traveling direction,
The length of the region b in the traveling direction is 5 to 7 mm,
Between the region a and the region b, there is an interval of 0.5 to 2 mm in the running direction,
The application amount per unit area of the region b is 5 to 80% with respect to the application amount per unit area of the region a.
This is a thermal transfer medium.

  Next, the invention described in claims 5 and 6 limits the thermal transfer layer, and the invention described in claim 5 is characterized in that the thermal transfer layer is a dye layer containing a heat sublimable dye. 5. The thermal transfer medium according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the invention according to claim 6 is characterized in that the thermal transfer layer is a melt transfer layer containing a color pigment and having heat melting property. The thermal transfer medium according to 3 or 4.

  According to the inventions according to claims 1 to 6, even if inks of various viscosities, from low viscosity inks applicable to gravure printing to high viscosity inks, are applied for a long time, neither ink mist nor prints are generated. Therefore, since a good thermal transfer medium is obtained, it is possible to obtain a high-quality image on the screen after printing, which prevents printing stains due to ink mist and does not cause a print grain.

It is a side surface schematic diagram of the manufacturing apparatus of the thermal transfer medium of this invention. It is a top schematic diagram of one embodiment of a thermal transfer medium of the present invention. It is a top schematic diagram of one embodiment of a thermal transfer medium of the present invention.

  Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in more detail. FIG. 1 shows an example of a thermal transfer medium manufacturing apparatus according to the present invention. The thermal transfer layer coating liquid filled in the ink pan 6 is brought into contact with the gravure plate 5 to fill the cells on the surface of the gravure plate with the thermal transfer layer coating liquid. Thereafter, the substrate film 3 to be conveyed is pressed against the gravure plate 5 from the back side by the impression roll 4 to transfer the coating liquid held in the cell to the substrate, thereby forming a solid pattern of the thermal transfer layer. In the present invention, as shown in FIG. 2, it is necessary to apply the thermal transfer layer coating liquid to form the thermal transfer layer 2 composed of the regions 2a and 2b.

  FIG. 2 shows an example of the thermal transfer medium of the present invention. The thermal transfer medium of the present invention is composed of at least a base film 5 and a thermal transfer layer 2. Furthermore, the thermal transfer layer 2 is composed of a region a and a region b. In the thermal transfer medium of the present invention, the length of the region 2b, the region 2a to the region b measured along the traveling direction, according to the length of the interval from the region 2b to the region 2a measured along the traveling direction. The ratio of the application amount per unit area of the region 2a needs to satisfy the following conditions: the length of the interval until and the application amount per unit area of the region 2b.

(1) When the space | interval of the area | region 2b and the said area | region 2a is 3 mm or more Condition 1: The length of the running direction of the area | region 2b shall be 1-7 mm.
Condition 2: The distance between the region 2a and the region 2b is set to 0.5 to 2 mm.
Condition 3: the coating amount per unit area of the region 2b is set to 5 to 150% with respect to the coating amount per unit area of the region a.

(2) When the distance between the region 2b and the region 2a is 1.0 mm or more Condition 4: The length of the region 2b in the traveling direction is 5 to 7 mm.
Condition 5: The distance between the region 2a and the region 2b is set to 0.5 to 2 mm.
Condition 6: The coating amount per unit area of the region 2b is set to 5 to 80% with respect to the coating amount per unit area of the region 2a.

  In FIG. 2, the solid pattern having the same width direction is shown. However, the width direction is not necessarily the same. If the solid pattern is formed in the above range, the width pattern may not be the same.

  Next, FIG. 3 is an example of a thermal transfer medium in the case where a plurality of types of thermal transfer layers are provided in the surface order on a rolled-up base film. The three thermal transfer layers in FIG. 3 are a yellow layer 7, a magenta layer 8, and a cyan layer 9, and each layer forms a solid pattern of the present invention. That is, the yellow layer 7 is composed of regions 7a and 7b, and the magenta layer 8 is composed of regions 8a and 8b. The cyan layer 9 is composed of a region 9a and a region 9b. The thermal transfer layers of these colors are repeatedly arranged on the base film in the order of the yellow layer 7, the magenta layer 8, and the cyan layer 9 along the running direction.

  In the thermal transfer medium of FIG. 3, each layer forms the same solid pattern, but it is not necessary that all the thermal transfer layers provided on the base film have the same shape, and different solid patterns may be formed.

  Thus, when providing a multiple types of thermal transfer layer on a base film, the said conditions can be paraphrased as follows.

(1) When the distance between the region 7b and the region 8a is 3 mm or more Condition 1 (7): The length of the region 7b in the traveling direction is 1 to 7 mm.
Condition 2 (7): The distance between the region 7a and the region 7b is set to 0.5 to 2 mm.
Condition 3 (7): The coating amount per unit area of the region 7b is set to 5 to 150% with respect to the coating amount per unit area of the region 7a.

(2) When the distance between the region 7b and the region 8a is 1.0 mm or more Condition 4 (7): The length of the region 7b in the traveling direction is 5 to 7 mm.
Condition 5 (7): The distance between the region 7a and the region 7b is set to 0.5 to 2 mm.
Condition 6 (7): The application amount per unit area of the region 7b is set to 5 to 80% with respect to the application amount per unit area of the region 7a.

(3) When the distance between the region 8b and the region 9a is 3 mm or more Condition 1 (8); The length of the region 8b in the traveling direction is 1 to 7 mm.
Condition 2 (8): The distance between the region 8a and the region 8b is set to 0.5 to 2 mm.
Condition 3 (8): The coating amount per unit area of the region 8b is set to 5 to 150% with respect to the coating amount per unit area of the region 8a.

(4) When the distance between the region 8b and the region 9a is 1.0 mm or more Condition 4 (8): The length of the region 8b in the traveling direction is 5 to 7 mm.
Condition 5 (8): The distance between the region 8a and the region 8b is set to 0.5 to 2 mm.

  Condition 6 (8): The coating amount per unit area of the region 8b is set to 5 to 80% with respect to the coating amount per unit area of the region 8a.

(5) When the distance between the region 9b and the region 7a is 3 mm or more Condition 1 (9): The length of the region 9b in the traveling direction is 1 to 7 mm.
Condition 2 (9): The distance between the region 9a and the region 9b is set to 0.5 to 2 mm.
Condition 3 (9): The coating amount per unit area of the region 9b is set to 5 to 150% with respect to the coating amount per unit area of the region 9a.

(6) When the distance between the region 9b and the region 7a is 1.0 mm or more Condition 4 (9): The length of the region 9b in the traveling direction is 5 to 7 mm.
Condition 5 (9): The distance between the region 9a and the region 9b is set to 0.5 to 2 mm.
Condition 6 (9): The application amount per unit area of the region 9b is set to 5 to 80% with respect to the application amount per unit area of the region 9a.

<Description of the structure of the thermal transfer medium>
In the thermal transfer medium of the present invention, the thermal transfer medium is superimposed on a thermal transfer medium, and partially heated by a thermal head, thereby transferring the thermal transfer layer at the heating site or the thermal sublimation dye in the thermal transfer layer, Characters and images are recorded on the thermal transfer member.

  Such a thermal transfer medium needs to be composed of at least the base film 3 and the thermal transfer layer 2. In addition, in order to prevent thermal contraction of the base film 3 due to heat of the thermal head during transfer recording and breakage of the base due to friction with the thermal head, the opposite side of the surface of the base film 3 on which the thermal transfer layer is provided. A heat resistant slipping layer may be provided on the surface. Moreover, in order to improve the adhesiveness between a base film and a heat resistant slipping layer, an easily bonding layer can also be provided in the base film 3. FIG.

  A dye layer containing a heat sublimable dye can be used as the thermal transfer layer. In this case, the dye is sublimated by the heating by the thermal head and transferred onto the thermal transfer member to record characters and images. In this case, it is only the heat sublimable dye that is transferred onto the thermal transfer member, and the dye layer needs to remain on the base film 3, so that the above-mentioned between the base film 3 and the dye layer. An easy-adhesion layer can also be provided. Moreover, you may provide the dye diffusion prevention layer which suppresses the spreading | diffusion of the dye to the base film 3 side under a dye layer.

  Further, as the thermal transfer layer, a melt transfer layer containing a color pigment and having heat melting property can be used. In this case, the thermal transfer layer itself is transferred onto the thermal transfer member to record characters and images. In this case, in order to improve the peelability between the base film 3 and the melt transfer layer, a release layer or a release layer may be provided between them. The release layer is a layer that remains on the base film 3 side without being transferred to the thermal transfer body even when heated by a thermal head. The release layer is a layer that is transferred to a thermal transfer medium by heating with a thermal head.

A protective layer containing a functional additive such as an ultraviolet absorber or an antioxidant can also be used as the thermal transfer layer. In this case, it is transferred onto the character or image formed on the thermal transfer member. If the protective layer is not heat-meltable, an adhesive layer can be provided on the protective layer. The adhesive layer is activated by heating with a thermal head and has a role of adhering to the thermal transfer member. In addition, the said release layer and the said peeling layer can also be provided between the base film 3 and a protective layer as needed.

<Description of base film 3>
In the present invention, since the thermal transfer layer coating liquid is printed on the base film 3 by gravure printing, the base film 3 needs to be wound. As the material, a material equivalent to that used as a base film of a conventionally known thermal transfer sheet can be used, and it is preferable to have mechanical strength, heat resistance and the like. Examples thereof include synthetic resin films such as polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene naphthalate, polystyrene, polypropylene, polycarbonate, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinyl alcohol, polysulfone, aliphatic polyamide, aromatic polyamide, polyimide, and polyamideimide. In particular, a polyethylene terephthalate film suitable for physical properties and processability is preferable. These base films can be used alone or as a combined composite. The thickness of the substrate film can be 2 to 50 μm in consideration of operability and workability, but preferably about 2 to 10 μm in consideration of handling properties such as transfer suitability and workability. . In addition, in order to adjust adhesiveness and peelability with the various layers provided on the base film 3, the surface roughness can also be adjusted.

<Description of heat resistant slipping layer>
The heat resistant slipping layer is a surface on the side of the base film that comes into contact with the thermal head in order to prevent thermal contraction of the base film due to the heat of the thermal head and breakage of the base film due to friction with the thermal head, that is, It is provided on the surface opposite to the surface provided with the thermal transfer layer. Examples of the binder used in the heat resistant slipping layer include cellulose resins, polyester resins, acrylic resins, vinyl resins, polyurethane resins, polyether resins, polycarbonate resins, and acetal resins. The thickness of the heat resistant slipping layer is preferably from 0.1 to 2.5 μm, more preferably from 0.5 to 1.5 μm. When the thickness of the heat resistant slipping layer is smaller than 0.1 μm, the heat resistance from the thermal head is inferior, and thermal contraction of the support tends to occur during printing. On the other hand, when the thickness is larger than 2.5 μm, the heat from the thermal head is not sufficiently transmitted to the thermal transfer layer, and a printed matter having a desired density cannot be obtained. The glass transition point of the binder is preferably 40 ° C. or higher. When the glass transition point is 40 ° C or higher, the ribbon strength at the time of printing is further increased, and the ears are cut (a phenomenon in which the non-printing parts on both sides of the ribbon are cut by heat shrinkage), tearing, and tearing (the printing part end point is cut) (Phenomenon) is unlikely to occur.

  Further, the heat resistant slipping layer may contain a lubricant for the purpose of improving slipperiness. For example, natural waxes such as animal waxes and plant waxes, synthetic hydrocarbon waxes, aliphatic alcohols and acid waxes, fatty acid esters and glycerite waxes, synthetic ketone waxes, amine and amide waxes, chlorinated hydrocarbons Waxes, synthetic waxes such as alpha-olefin waxes, higher fatty acid esters such as butyl stearate and ethyl oleate, higher fatty acid metal salts such as sodium stearate, zinc stearate, calcium stearate, potassium stearate, magnesium stearate, Surfactants such as long-chain alkyl phosphate esters, polyoxyalkylene alkyl aryl ether phosphate esters, or phosphate esters such as polyoxyalkylene alkyl ether phosphate esters. By containing the lubricant, the coefficient of dynamic friction between the heat resistant slipping layer and the thermal head can be reduced, so that deformation of the substrate due to the force from the thermal head can be prevented.

Moreover, you may use a crosslinking agent together in order to improve heat resistance. By containing a crosslinking agent, the heat resistance of the heat resistant slipping layer is improved, and deformation of the substrate due to heat from the thermal head during printing can be prevented. Examples of the cross-linking agent include polyisocyanates, which are used in combinations of acrylic, urethane, and polyester polyol resins, cellulose resins, and acetal resins.

  Furthermore, the heat resistant slipping layer may contain particles. By including particles, irregularities are formed on the surface of the heat resistant slipping layer and the contact area with the thermal head is reduced, so that the releasability of the thermal head during printing is improved. The particles may be either organic particles or inorganic particles, but those that are not deformed by heat from the thermal head are preferred. Specific examples include silica particles, magnesium oxide, zinc oxide, calcium carbonate, magnesium carbonate, talc, kaolin, clay, silicone particles, polyethylene particles, polypropylene particles, polystyrene particles, polymethyl methacrylate resin particles, polyurethane resin particles, and the like. be able to. The particles may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

<Description of easy adhesion layer>
The easy adhesion layer is provided between the base film and the heat resistant slipping layer in order to improve the adhesion. Moreover, when a thermal transfer layer is comprised with the dye layer containing a heat sublimable dye, it can provide between this thermal transfer layer and a base film, and these adhesiveness can also be improved.

  Suitable materials for the easy-adhesion layer are those having compatibility with both the base film and the heat-resistant slipping layer or the thermal transfer layer. Specifically, such materials as acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, maleic acid and the like are not suitable. Saturated carboxylic acid resin, polyurethane resin, polyester resin and the like can be mentioned. The easy-adhesion layer has a thickness that does not hinder heat transfer from the thermal head to the thermal transfer layer, and is 0.01 to 1 μm, more preferably 0.05 to 0.5 μm. An easy-adhesion layer can be formed by apply | coating a coating liquid with a well-known coating method on a base film. Moreover, when a base film is a plastic film, you may form simultaneously in the process which forms this plastic film.

<Description of Dye Layer Containing Thermal Sublimation Dye>
The dye layer containing a heat sublimable dye contains a heat sublimable dye and a binder. As the dye, a dye used in a conventionally known dye layer can be used. For example, diarylmethane, triarylmethane, thiazole, methine, azomethane, xanthene, axazine, thiazine, azine, acridine, azo, spirodipyran, isorinospiropyran, fluorane, rhodamine Examples include ductams and anthraquinones. Specifically, as the yellow dye, C.I. I. Solvent Yellow 14, 16, 29, 30, 33, 56, 93 etc., C.I. I. Disperse yellow 7, 33, 60, 141, 201, 231 and the like, and magenta dyes include C.I. I. Solvent Red 18, 19, 27, 143, 182, C.I. I. Disperse thread 60, 73, 135, 167, C.I. I. Disperse violet 13, 26, 31, 56, etc., cyan dyes include C.I. I. Solvent Blue 11, 36, 63, 105, C.I. I. Disperse Blue 24, 72, 154, 354 and the like are exemplified, but not limited thereto. Further, the dyes may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

  As the binder used in the dye layer, conventionally known binders can be used. Vinyl resins such as polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl acetate, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, polyvinyl acetal, polyvinyl butyral, ethyl cellulose, methyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, cellulose acetate Cellulose resins such as cellulose acetate butyrate and cellulose acetate propionate, polyester resins, phenoxy resins, styrene-acrylonitrile copolymer resins, polycarbonate resins, polyacrylamide resins and other resins with excellent heat resistance and dye transfer properties Can be used.

  The glass transition point of the binder of the dye layer is preferably 60 ° C. or higher, more preferably 90 ° C. or higher. When the glass transition point is low, there is a high possibility of causing printing defects. Moreover, 0.1-3.0 are preferable and, as for the weight ratio (dye / binder) of a dye and a binder, 0.5-1.5 are more preferable. If it is less than 0.1, the dye density becomes small, so that the color density becomes insufficient and a good thermal transfer image cannot be obtained. On the other hand, when the ratio is larger than 3.0, the solubility of the dye in the binder is extremely lowered, so that the storage stability of the dye layer is lowered and the dye is likely to precipitate, which is not preferable.

  The dye layer may contain particles. By including particles, irregularities are formed on the surface of the dye layer and the contact area with the receiving layer is reduced, so that sticking during storage can be prevented and releasability during printing can be improved. The particles may be either organic particles or inorganic particles, but those that do not deform due to heat from the thermal head are preferred. Specific examples include silica particles, magnesium oxide, zinc oxide, calcium carbonate, magnesium carbonate, talc, kaolin, clay, silicone particles, polyethylene particles, polypropylene particles, polystyrene particles, polymethyl methacrylate resin particles, polyurethane resin particles, and the like. be able to. The particles may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

  The dye layer may contain a lubricant. By containing a lubricant, sticking between the dye layer and the receiving layer during printing can be prevented. Examples of the lubricant include various oils and surfactants such as silicone-based, fluorine-based, and phosphate-based compounds, and silicone-based or fluorine-based oils and surfactants are particularly preferable. Specifically, straight silicone oils such as dimethyl silicone and methylphenyl silicone, amino modification, epoxy modification, carbinol modification, mercapto modification, carboxyl modification, methacryl modification, polyether modification, phenol modification, one-end reaction as silicone series And non-reactive modified silicone oils such as polyether modified, aralkyl modified, fluoroalkyl modified, long chain alkyl modified, higher fatty acid ester modified, phenyl modified and the like. Examples of the fluorine-based agent include surfactants containing a fluoroalkyl group or a perfluoroalkyl group.

  Furthermore, the dye layer may be used in combination with a crosslinking agent for the purpose of improving heat resistance. By containing a crosslinking agent, the heat resistance is improved, and deformation of the thermal transfer medium due to heating from the thermal head can be prevented. Examples of the cross-linking agent include polyisocyanates, which are used in combinations of acrylic, urethane, and polyester polyol resins, cellulose resins, and acetal resins.

<Description of Melt Transfer Layer Having Thermal Meltability Containing Colored Pigment>
The hot melt transfer layer generally contains a colorant, a hot melt binder, and a wax. Then, the binder is melted by the heat of the thermal head, and is adhered and transferred to the thermal transfer member.

  It is desirable that the hot melt transfer layer is easily peeled off from the base film. If the peelability is inferior, a release layer or a release layer can be provided between the base film and the heat-melt transfer layer.

  A known organic pigment or inorganic pigment can be used as the colorant. Examples of organic pigments include azo pigments such as phthalimide yellow, benzimidazolone orange, sulfoamide yellow, and benzimidazolone yellow, phthalocyanine pigments, diketopyrrolopyrrole, quinophthalone, isoindolinone, and diaminodianthraquinone. Can be mentioned.

Examples of the heat-meltable binder include ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, polyamide resin, rosin derivative, acrylic resin, and epoxy resin.

  As the wax, paraffin wax, microcrystalline wax, carnauba wax, montan wax, polyethylene wax, ester wax, oxidized wax, or the like is used.

<Description of release layer>
The release layer is provided to adjust the degree of peeling of the heat-melt transfer layer and the protective layer from the base film within an appropriate range, and to ensure stable peelability from the base film. It is a layer that remains on the base film 3 side without being transferred to the thermal transfer body even when heated by a thermal head. If the degree of peeling of the hot-melt transfer layer or the protective layer is in an appropriate range, it is not always necessary. The material of the release layer is not particularly limited, but for example, water-soluble polymers such as polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, starch, methyl cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose, sodium alginate, natural rubber such as chlorinated rubber and cyclized rubber. Rubber derivatives, waxes such as natural wax, synthetic wax, cellulose derivatives such as nitrocellulose, cellulose, cellulose acetate propionate, acrylic, polyurethane, polyamide, polyimide, polyacetal, chlorinated polyolefin, vinyl chloride -Thermoplastic resins such as vinyl acetate copolymer systems, melamine-based, epoxy-based, polyurethane-based, silicone-based thermosetting resins, and the like.

<Description of release layer>
The release layer is also provided to adjust the degree of release of the hot-melt transfer layer and the protective layer from the base film within an appropriate range and to ensure stable release from the base film. Since the release layer is transferred to the thermal transfer body even by heating with a thermal head, it can serve to protect the transferred image.

  The release layer is composed of, for example, a binder, an ultraviolet absorber, a functional additive that imparts releasability, slipperiness, and the like, and the thickness of the release layer is preferably about 0.3 to 3 μm. Examples of the binder constituting the release layer include styrene resins such as polystyrene and poly-α-methylstyrene, acrylic resins such as polymethyl methacrylate and polyethyl acrylate, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinyl acetate, and vinyl chloride. Vinyl acetate copolymers, vinyl resins such as polyvinyl butyral and polyvinyl acetal, polyester resins, polyamide resins, epoxy resins, polyurethane resins, petroleum resins, ionomers, ethylene-acrylic acid copolymers, ethylene-acrylic acid ester copolymers Synthetic resins such as nitrocellulose, ethyl cellulose, cellulose acetate propionate, etc., rosin, rosin-modified maleic acid resin, ester gum, polyisobutylene rubber, butyl rubber, styrene-butadiene rubber, butadiene - acrylonitrile rubber, derivatives of natural resins and synthetic rubber such as polychlorinated olefins, carnauba wax, waxes such as paraffin wax. In particular, acrylic resins, polyester resins, cellulose derivatives, and epoxy resins are preferable.

  Examples of the ultraviolet absorber contained in the release layer include benzophenone, benzotriazole, benzoate, and triazine. Specifically, as an example, benzotriazole-based ultraviolet absorbers include 2- (2H-benzotriazol-2-yl) -p-cresol, 2- (2H-benzotriazol-2-yl) -4-6- Bis (1-methyl-1-phenylethyl) phenol, 2- [5-chloro (2H) -benzotriazol-2-yl] -4-methyl-6- (tert-butyl) phenol, 2- (2H-benzo Triazol-yl) -4,6-di-tert-pentylphenol, 2- (2H-benzotriazol-2-yl) -4- (1,1,3,3-tetramethylbutyl) phenol and the like and mixtures thereof , Modified products, polymers, derivatives and the like. These may be used alone or in combination. Examples of triazine ultraviolet absorbers include 2- (4,6-diphenyl-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl) -5-[(hexyl) oxy] -phenol, 2- [4- [(2-hydroxy-3-dodecyloxypropyl) oxy] -2-hydroxyphenyl] -4,6-bis (2,4-dimethylphenyl) -1,3,5-triazine, 2- [4-[( 2-hydroxy-3-tridecyloxypropyl) oxy] -2-hydroxyphenyl] -4,6-bis (2,4dimethylphenyl) -1,3,5-triazine, 2,4-bis (2,4 -Dimethylphenyl) -6- (2-hydroxy-4-iso-octyloxyphenyl) -s-triazine and the like, mixtures thereof, modified products, polymers, derivatives and the like. These may be used alone or in combination. It is preferable that 1-20 weight part of said ultraviolet absorbers are added with respect to 100 weight part of binders. When the addition amount is less than 1 part by weight, there may be a case where sufficient ultraviolet absorbing ability cannot be exhibited. On the other hand, when added in an amount of 20 parts by weight or more, bleeding out to the surface of the printed matter occurs, and there is a high possibility that the obtained transferred object itself has a problem.

  Moreover, as a functional additive contained in the release layer, silicone oil such as straight silicone and modified silicone, a surfactant having a fluoroalkyl group or a perfluoroalkyl group, a release agent represented by a phosphate ester type, Examples thereof include waxes such as carnauba wax, paraffin wax, polyethylene wax, and rice wax, and slip agents represented by organic or inorganic fillers. In addition, if necessary, light stabilizers such as hindered amines and Ni chelates, heat stabilizers such as hindered phenols, sulfurs and fertilizer resins, flame retardants such as aluminum hydroxide and magnesium hydroxide, phenols , Sulfur-based and phosphorus-based antioxidants, anti-blocking agents, catalyst accelerators, colorants in a range that maintains transparency, light scattering agents for translucency, gloss adjusting agents, fluorescent whitening agents, An antistatic agent or the like may be added.

<Description of protective layer>
The protective layer is a layer containing functional additives such as an ultraviolet absorber and an antioxidant, and protects these images from abrasion by transferring them over the image formed on the thermal transfer member. is there. It is desirable that the protective layer is easy to peel from the base film. If the peelability is inferior, a release layer or a release layer may be provided between the base film and the protective layer. The release layer is a layer that remains on the base film 3 side without being transferred to the thermal transfer body even when heated by a thermal head. The release layer is a layer that is transferred to a thermal transfer medium by heating with a thermal head.

  The composition of the protective layer can be the same as that of the release layer.

<Description of adhesive layer>
The adhesive layer is not particularly limited except for heat meltability, but examples include styrene resins such as polystyrene and poly α-methylstyrene, acrylic resins such as polymethyl methacrylate and polyethyl acrylate, polychlorinated Vinyl resin such as vinyl, polyvinyl acetate, vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate copolymer, polyvinyl butyral, polyvinyl acetal, etc., polyester resin, polyamide resin, epoxy resin, polyurethane resin, petroleum resin, ionomer, ethylene-acrylic acid copolymer , Synthetic resins such as ethylene-acrylic acid ester copolymer, cellulose derivatives such as nitrocellulose, ethyl cellulose, cellulose acetate propionate, rosin, rosin-modified maleic acid resin, ester gum, polyisobutylene rubber, butyl rubber, styrene- Tajiengomu, butadiene - acrylonitrile rubbers, natural resins and synthetic rubber derivatives such as polychlorinated olefins, carnauba wax, waxes such as paraffin wax. In particular, acrylic resins and cellulose derivatives are preferable. If necessary, silicone oils, surfactants, mold release agents, waxes, slip agents represented by organic or inorganic fillers, UV absorbers, light stabilizers, heat stabilizers, flame retardants, antioxidants An antiblocking agent, a catalyst accelerator, a colorant, a light scattering agent, a gloss adjusting agent, a fluorescent whitening agent, an antistatic agent, and the like can be added.

  Below, the material used for each Example and each comparative example of this invention is shown. In the text, “part” is based on mass unless otherwise specified.

<Base film>
Polyester film: Thickness 4.5μm
<Coating fluid for heat resistant slipping layer>
Acrylic polyol resin 15.0 parts Zinc stearate 1.5 parts Polyoxyalkylene alkyl ether 1.5 parts Talc 1.0 parts 2,6-tolylene diisocyanate 5.0 parts Toluene 50.0 parts Methyl ethyl ketone 20.0 parts Acetic acid Ethyl 6.0 parts <Yellow coating liquid for thermal transfer layer>
C. I. Solvent Yellow 93 3.0 parts C.I. I. Solvent Yellow 16 1.0 part Polyvinyl butyral resin 4.2 part Silicone modified resin 0.6 part 2,6-tolylene diisocyanate 0.2 part Tetrahydrofuran 60.0 part Methyl ethyl ketone 31.0 part <Magenta coating liquid for thermal transfer layer>
C. I. Disperse thread 60 1.5 parts C.I. I. Disperse Violet 26 1.5 parts Polyvinyl butyral resin 4.0 parts Silicone-modified resin 0.8 part 2,6-tolylene diisocyanate 0.2 part Tetrahydrofuran 60.0 parts Methyl ethyl ketone 31.0 parts <Cyan coating liquid for thermal transfer layer >
C. I. Solvent Blue 63 1.5 parts C.I. I. Solvent Blue 36 1.5 parts Polyvinyl butyral resin 3.8 parts Silicone-modified resin 1.0 part 2,6-tolylene diisocyanate 0.2 part Tetrahydrofuran 60.0 parts Methyl ethyl ketone 31.0 parts <Transfer substrate>
Foamed polyester film: 188μm thick
<Image-receiving layer forming coating solution for thermal transfer>
Vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate-vinyl alcohol copolymer 19.5 parts Amino-modified silicone oil 0.5 part Toluene 40.0 parts Methyl ethyl ketone 40.0 parts <Preparation of base film with heat-resistant slipping layer of thermal transfer medium>
By forming a heat-resistant slipping layer with a dry thickness of 0.9 μm on one surface of the base sheet by the gravure coating method, and then aging at 40 ° C. for 5 days, A base film with a heat-resistant slip layer was produced.

<Preparation of transfer object>
By forming a thermal transfer image receiving layer with a dry thickness of 5.0 μm on one surface of the transfer substrate using a gravure coating method, a thermal transfer image receiving layer forming coating solution is formed. Produced.

<Gravure cylinder for thermal transfer layer formation>
In order to form three types of thermal transfer layers composed of yellow, magenta, and cyan, A to I gravure cylinders shown in Table 1 were prepared.

＜実施例１＞
耐熱滑性層付き基材フィルムの耐熱滑性層非塗工面に、シリンダーＡを用いてグラビア印刷法により、熱転写層用イエロー塗液、熱転写層用マゼンタ塗液、熱転写層用シアン塗液を、１００ｍ／ｍｉｎにて、各層乾燥厚１．０μｍとなるよう１２０００ｍ塗工、乾燥し、熱昇華性染料を含む３種類の染料層を、走行方向に沿って面順次に配置した熱転写媒体を作製した。

<Example 1>
On the non-coated surface of the heat-resistant slipping layer of the base film with the heat-resistant slipping layer, a yellow coating liquid for the thermal transfer layer, a magenta coating liquid for the thermal transfer layer, and a cyan coating liquid for the thermal transfer layer are prepared by gravure printing using a cylinder A. A thermal transfer medium was prepared by coating and drying 12,000 m so that each layer had a dry thickness of 1.0 μm at 100 m / min, and three types of dye layers containing a heat sublimable dye were arranged in the surface order along the running direction. .

<Example 2>
A thermal transfer medium of Example 2 was produced in the same manner as in Example 1 except that cylinder B was used instead of cylinder A.

<Example 3>
A thermal transfer medium of Example 3 was produced in the same manner as in Example 1 except that the cylinder C was used instead of the cylinder A.

<Example 4>
A thermal transfer medium of Example 4 was produced in the same manner as in Example 1 except that the cylinder D was used instead of the cylinder A.

<Example 5>
A thermal transfer medium of Example 5 was produced in the same manner as in Example 1 except that the cylinder E was used instead of the cylinder A.

<Example 6>
A thermal transfer medium of Example 6 was produced in the same manner as in Example 1 except that the cylinder F was used instead of the cylinder A.

<Comparative Example 1>
A thermal transfer medium of Comparative Example 1 was produced in the same manner as in Example 1 except that the cylinder G was used instead of the cylinder A.

<Comparative Example 2>
A thermal transfer medium of Comparative Example 2 was produced in the same manner as in Example 1 except that the cylinder H was used instead of the cylinder A.

<Comparative Example 3>
A thermal transfer medium of Comparative Example 3 was produced in the same manner as in Example 1 except that the cylinder I was used instead of the cylinder A.

<Comparative example 4>
A thermal transfer medium of Comparative Example 4 was produced in the same manner as in Example 1 except that the cylinder J was used instead of the cylinder A.

<Comparative Example 5>
A thermal transfer medium of Comparative Example 5 was produced in the same manner as in Example 1 except that the cylinder K was used instead of the cylinder A.

<Comparative Example 6>
A thermal transfer medium of Comparative Example 6 was produced in the same manner as in Example 1 except that the cylinder L was used instead of the cylinder A.

<Comparative Example 7>
A thermal transfer medium of Comparative Example 7 was produced in the same manner as in Example 1 except that the cylinder M was used instead of the cylinder A.

<Comparative Example 8>
A thermal transfer medium of Comparative Example 8 was produced in the same manner as in Example 1 except that the cylinder N was used instead of the cylinder A.

<Coating surface evaluation>
Regarding the thermal transfer media of Examples 1 to 6 and Comparative Examples 1 to 8, the results of visual observation of the ink mist of the thermal transfer medium at the time of coating 1000 m, 5000 m and 10000 m from the start of coating, and the state of occurrence of the printed plate are visually observed. It shows in Table 2. For convenience of consideration, the specifications of the gravure cylinder shown in Table 1 are also shown in Table 2.

＜考察＞
１．まず、領域ｂと前記領域ａとの間隔が３ｍｍの場合について考察する。該当する実験例は、実施例１〜５及び比較例１〜６である。

<Discussion>
1. First, consider the case where the distance between the region b and the region a is 3 mm. Corresponding experimental examples are Examples 1 to 5 and Comparative Examples 1 to 6.

  (1) When the length of the region b is 10 mm (Comparative Example 2), the plate is generated at the time of 5000 m. From this result, it can be seen that the length of the region b needs to be less than 10 mm. In addition, in other examples, it is 7 mm (Example 2) or less, and 7 mm (Example 2) shows no good results with no ink mist or plate even at 10000 m. It can be understood that 7 mm or less is sufficient.

  (2) Even when the length of the region b is 7 mm or less, when the distance between the region a and the region b is 0 mm (Comparative Example 3), ink mist is generated at the time of 10000 mm, and the coating is performed for a long time. Work is impossible. Further, when the distance between the region a and the region b is 2.3 mm (Comparative Example 4), a plate has occurred at the time of 5000 m. From these results, it can be seen that the distance between the region a and the region b needs to be larger than 0 mm and smaller than 2.3 mm. In Example 1, 0.5 mm, and in Example 2, 2 mm, no ink mist or plate was produced, and good results were shown. Therefore, it is understood that 0.5 to 2 mm is sufficient. it can.

(3) Even if the length of the region b is 7 mm or less and the distance between the region a and the region b is 0.5 to 2 mm, the coating amount per unit area of the region b is the unit of the region a. When it is 4% of the coating amount per area (Comparative Example 6), the plate is generated at the time of 5000 m. Moreover, when it is 155% (Comparative Example 5), ink mist is generated at the time of 5000 m.
From these results, it can be seen that the coating amount per unit area of the region b needs to be larger than 4% and smaller than 155% with respect to the coating amount per unit area of the region a. And since it is 10% in Example 3 and 100% in Example 5 with no ink mist or generation of prints and shows good results, it can be inferred that 5 to 150% is sufficient. .

  (4) Summarizing the above considerations, when the distance between the region b and the region a is 3 mm, the ink mist and the plate are both in spite of long-time coating when the following three conditions are satisfied. It can be understood that a good thermal transfer medium can be obtained without occurrence.

Condition 1: The length of the region b in the traveling direction is 1 to 7 mm.
Condition 2: The distance between the region a and the region b is set to 0.5 to 2 mm.
Condition 3: The coating amount per unit area of the region b is set to 5 to 150% with respect to the coating amount per unit area of the region a.

  As will be discussed next, when the distance between the region b and the region a is shorter than 3 mm, conditions more severe than these conditions are required. On the contrary, when the distance is longer than 3 mm, these 3 It can be inferred that satisfying the conditions is sufficient.

  2. Consider the case where the distance between the region b and the region a is 1.5 mm. Corresponding experimental examples are Example 6 and Comparative Examples 7-8.

  (1) Despite satisfying the above conditions 1 to 3, when the length of the region b is 1 mm (Comparative Example 7), ink mist is generated at the time of 5000 m. From this result, it can be seen that when the distance between the region b and the region a is 1.5 mm, the above conditions 1 to 3 are not sufficient, and the length of the region b needs to be larger than 1 mm. In Example 6, 5 mm or more is free from ink mist and printing, and good results are shown. Therefore, 5 mm or more is sufficient.

  (2) When the application amount per unit area of the region “b” is 100% with respect to the application amount per unit area of the region “a” (comparison) even though the above conditions 1 to 3 are satisfied Example 8) Ink mist is generated at 5000 m. From this result, it can be seen that when the distance between the region b and the region a is 1.5 mm, the above-mentioned conditions 1 to 3 are not sufficient, and it is necessary to make it smaller than 100%. Example 6 was 70%, and no ink mist or plate was produced, and good results were shown. Therefore, it can be inferred that 80% or less is sufficient.

  (3) Summarizing the above, when the distance between the region b and the region a is 1.5 mm, the following conditions 4 to 6 are satisfied, and the ink mist is also removed in spite of long-time coating. And a good thermal transfer medium can be obtained. In addition, by extending this conclusion, when the distance between the region b and the region a is slightly smaller than this, for example, in the case of 1.0 mm or more, neither ink mist nor plate is generated under the same conditions. It can be assumed that a good thermal transfer medium can be obtained.

Condition 4: The length of the region b in the traveling direction is 5 to 7 mm.
Condition 5: The distance between the region a and the region b is set to 0.5 to 2 mm.
Condition 6: The coating amount per unit area of the region b is set to 5 to 80% with respect to the coating amount per unit area of the region a.

  The thermal transfer medium obtained according to the present invention is an ink ribbon used in a thermal transfer printer, and can easily form full-color images in combination with advanced functions of the printer. Cards such as cards, amusement output, etc. can be widely used.

1 Thermal transfer medium 2 Thermal transfer layer 2a Region a
2b region b
3 Substrate film 4 Impression roll 5 Gravure plate 6 Ink pan 7 Yellow layer 7a Yellow layer region a
7b Yellow layer area b
8 Magenta layer 8a Magenta layer area a
8b Magenta layer area b
9 Cyan layer 9a Cyan layer area a
9b Cyan layer region b

Claims (6)

In the method for producing a thermal transfer medium, one or two or more thermal transfer layers are provided by applying a coating liquid for thermal transfer layer by gravure printing and drying on one surface of a substrate film that runs continuously.
At least one thermal transfer layer is composed of two regions a and b in order from the running direction,
An interval of 3 mm or more is provided in the traveling direction between the region b and the region a,
The length of the region b in the traveling direction is 1 to 7 mm,
Between the region a and the region b, an interval of 0.5 to 2 mm is provided in the traveling direction,
Applying and drying the thermal transfer layer coating solution so that the coating amount per unit area of the region b is 5 to 150% with respect to the coating amount per unit area of the region a,
A method for producing a thermal transfer medium. In the method for producing a thermal transfer medium, one or two or more thermal transfer layers are provided by applying a coating liquid for thermal transfer layer by gravure printing and drying on one surface of a substrate film that runs continuously.
At least one thermal transfer layer is composed of two regions a and b in order from the running direction,
An interval of 1.0 mm or more is provided in the traveling direction between the region b and the region a,
The length in the traveling direction of the region b is 5 to 7 mm,
Between the region a and the region b, an interval of 0.5 to 2 mm is provided in the traveling direction,
Applying and drying the thermal transfer layer coating solution so that the coating amount per unit area of the region b is 5 to 80% with respect to the coating amount per unit area of the region a,
A method for producing a thermal transfer medium. In a thermal transfer medium in which two or more types of thermal transfer layers are provided on one surface of a wound base film along the running direction,
At least one of the thermal transfer layers is composed of two regions a and b in order from the running direction,
Between the region b and the region a, there is an interval of 3 mm or more in the traveling direction,
The length of the region b in the traveling direction is 1 to 7 mm,
Between the region a and the region b, there is an interval of 0.5 to 2 mm in the running direction,
The application amount per unit area of the region b is 5 to 150% with respect to the application amount per unit area of the region a.
A thermal transfer medium characterized by the above. In a thermal transfer medium in which two or more types of thermal transfer layers are provided on one surface of a wound base film along the running direction,
At least one of the thermal transfer layers is composed of two regions a and b in order from the running direction,
Between the region b and the region a, there is an interval of 1.0 mm or more in the traveling direction,
The length of the region b in the traveling direction is 5 to 7 mm,
Between the region a and the region b, there is an interval of 0.5 to 2 mm in the running direction,
The application amount per unit area of the region b is 5 to 80% with respect to the application amount per unit area of the region a.
A thermal transfer medium characterized by the above.   The thermal transfer medium according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the thermal transfer layer is a dye layer containing a heat sublimable dye.   5. The thermal transfer medium according to claim 3, wherein the thermal transfer layer is a melt transfer layer containing a color pigment and having heat melting properties.

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