JP2014198456A - Clear file manufacturing method and apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a method and an apparatus for manufacturing a clear file easily enabling high image quality printing thereon by on-demand and capable of coping with small-lot printing.SOLUTION: A clear file manufacturing apparatus includes means for supplying a heat transfer sheet provided with a color material layer on a substrate sheet, means for supplying an image receiving sheet provided with a receiving layer on a transparent substrate, image forming means for transferring a color material to the receiving layer by superimposing the color material layer of the heat transfer sheet on the receiving layer of the image receiving sheet, means for supplying a white heat transfer sheet provided with a white transfer sheet, containing a white pigment or filler, on a substrate sheet, means for heating transferring the white heat transfer sheet to the receiving layer surface of the image receiving sheet, folding means for performing two-folding along a bend line in a state where the receiving layer surface of the image receiving sheet is located inside, and means for bonding the image receiving sheet two-folded by the folding means at at least a peripheral part parallel to one side vertical to the bend line.

Description

  A thermal transfer sheet provided with a color material layer on a base sheet, a white thermal transfer sheet provided with a white transfer layer containing a white pigment or filler on the base sheet, and an image receiver provided with a receiving layer on a transparent base The present invention relates to a manufacturing method and a manufacturing apparatus of a clear file having an image printed on demand using a sheet.

  Conventionally, a thermal transfer method has been widely used as a simple printing method. The thermal transfer method, which is one of the thermal transfer methods, is a thermal transfer image receiving sheet such as a paper or a plastic sheet. The thermal transfer sheet is provided with a color material such as a pigment and a hot melt ink layer containing a binder such as a hot melt wax or resin. And an image forming method in which energy corresponding to image information is applied from the back side of the thermal transfer sheet by a heating means such as a thermal head to transfer the color material together with the binder onto the thermal transfer image receiving sheet. An image obtained by the melt transfer method has a high density and excellent sharpness, and is suitable for recording binary images such as characters.

  The sublimation transfer method, which is one of the thermal transfer methods, is a thermal transfer image receiving sheet in which a dye transfer layer is provided on a base sheet such as a polyester film, and a thermal transfer sheet having a colorant layer containing a sublimable dye that transfers heat by sublimation. And an image forming method in which energy corresponding to image information is applied from the back side of the thermal transfer sheet by a heating means such as a thermal head to transfer and transfer the sublimation dye onto the thermal transfer image receiving sheet. In this sublimation transfer method, the amount of dye transfer can be controlled in accordance with the amount of energy applied, so that it is possible to form a gradation image in which the image density is controlled for each dot of the thermal head. Further, since the color material to be used is a dye, the formed image is transparent, and the reproducibility of intermediate colors when dyes of different colors are superimposed is excellent. Therefore, when using thermal transfer sheets of different colors such as yellow, magenta, cyan, black, etc., and transferring each color dye on the thermal transfer image receiving sheet, high-quality photographic tone full-color images with excellent reproducibility of intermediate colors can be obtained. Formation is possible.

  Due to the development of various hardware and software related to multimedia, this thermal transfer method has been used in various applications. The specific application of the thermal transfer image receiving sheet by this thermal transfer method is diverse. Representative examples include the output of images taken with digital cameras, various medical analytical instruments such as CT scans and endoscopic cameras, output applications for measuring instruments, and as an alternative to instant photos, as well as identification cards and ID cards. It can be used as an output for credit cards and other cards, as well as for composite photos and commemorative photos at amusement facilities such as amusement parks, game centers, museums and aquariums. In addition, output forms have become very diverse, such as photographic prints, stickers, and photo books.

  As described above, among prints used for many purposes by the thermal transfer method, for example, a print incorporating on-demand information into a clear file is being considered. Conventionally, printing to a clear file has been performed by printing various designs using an offset printing method. In this method, a color-specific plate for printing was formed and printed using that plate. However, if the lot to be manufactured is not large, it cannot be profitable, and variable information printing on demand is possible. It was difficult to do.

In order to solve the above problem, printing to a clear file is performed by an inkjet recording or an electrophotographic recording method as an on-demand printing method. (For example, Patent Document 1)
However, this method is easy to cope with printing of a small lot, but there is a problem that an image having the image quality equivalent to a silver salt photograph cannot be obtained.

JP 2011-121216 A

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above situation, and a clear file manufacturing method that enables easy printing with high image quality equivalent to a silver halide photograph by on-demand to the clear file, and is compatible with small lot printing. And providing a manufacturing apparatus.

  In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides a thermal transfer sheet in which a color material layer is provided on a base sheet and an image receiving sheet in which a receiving layer is provided on one surface of a transparent base, and the color is obtained by heating. An image forming step of forming an image by transferring a color material from the material layer to the receiving layer of the image receiving sheet, a white thermal transfer sheet provided with a white transfer layer containing a white pigment or a filler on the base sheet, and the image The image-receiving sheet on which an image has been formed in the forming process is overlaid, and the white transfer layer is heated and transferred onto the receiving layer surface of the image-receiving sheet. A folding process for folding the sheet in half, and a bonding process for bonding the image receiving sheet folded in the folding process in the order of at least one side in the direction perpendicular to the folding line are performed in this order. That features It has a configuration of a method of manufacturing a clear file that you want to.

  The present invention also provides a thermal transfer sheet provided with a color material layer on a base material sheet and an image receiving sheet provided with a receiving layer on one surface of a transparent base material, and heating the image receiving layer from the color material layer. An image forming process for forming an image by transferring a color material to a receiving layer of the sheet, a white thermal transfer sheet provided with a white transfer layer containing a white pigment or a filler on a base sheet, and an image in the image forming process described above The formed image receiving sheet is overlapped, and the white transfer layer is heated and transferred onto the receiving layer surface of the image receiving sheet, the cutting step for dividing the image receiving sheet into two, the divided and cut image receiving sheet And an adhering step of adhering the image receiving sheet superposed in the overlapping step at a peripheral portion parallel to at least one side of the outer piece of the image receiving sheet in this order. It has a configuration of a method of manufacturing a clear file that characterized the door.

  Further, the present invention has a configuration of a clear file manufacturing method, wherein the heat transfer step heat-transfers the white transfer layer to the receiving layer a plurality of times. Further, in the present invention, the image forming step includes performing either one or both of a step of transferring the color material of the special color to the receiving layer and a step of transferring the hologram transfer layer. The file manufacturing method is configured. Further, the present invention has a configuration of a clear file manufacturing method characterized by performing a receiving layer transfer step of transferring and forming a receiving layer on the transparent substrate before the image forming step. . Further, the present invention has a configuration of a clear file manufacturing method, wherein the bonding step is a step by ultrasonic fusion. In addition, the present invention has a configuration of a manufacturing method of a clear file, further comprising a step of punching out corners of the outer shape of the clear file.

  The apparatus for producing a clear file of the present invention comprises means for supplying a thermal transfer sheet provided with a color material layer on a substrate sheet, means for supplying an image receiving sheet provided with a receiving layer on one surface of a transparent substrate, An image forming means for forming an image by superimposing a color material layer of a thermal transfer sheet and a receiving layer of the image receiving sheet and transferring the color material to the receiving layer, and a white color containing a white pigment or filler in the base sheet A means for supplying a white heat transfer sheet provided with a transfer layer, a heating transfer means for heating and transferring the white transfer layer to the receiving layer surface of the image receiving sheet, and a folding line with the receiving layer surface of the image receiving sheet facing inward. Folding means for folding in half, and adhering means for adhering the image receiving sheet folded in half by the folding means at a peripheral portion parallel to at least one side in a direction perpendicular to the folding line. Characterized by It was formed.

  The present invention also provides means for supplying a thermal transfer sheet provided with a color material layer on a base sheet, means for supplying an image receiving sheet provided with a receiving layer on one side of a transparent base, and the color of the thermal transfer sheet An image forming means for forming an image by superimposing a material layer and a receiving layer of the image receiving sheet and transferring a color material to the receiving layer, and a white transfer layer containing a white pigment or a filler provided on a base sheet A means for supplying a white heat transfer sheet; a heat transfer means for heat-transferring the white transfer layer onto a receiving layer surface of the image-receiving sheet; a cutting means for dividing the image-receiving sheet into two parts; A superimposing unit for superimposing sheets, and an adhering unit for adhering the image receiving sheet superimposed by the superimposing unit at a peripheral edge parallel to at least one side of the outer piece of the image receiving sheet. Special It has a structure of an apparatus for producing a clear file to.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a clear file manufacturing apparatus characterized in that the means for supplying the image receiving sheet includes a receiving layer transfer means for transferring and forming the receiving layer on the transparent substrate. did. Further, the present invention has a configuration of a clear file manufacturing apparatus, wherein the bonding means is a means by ultrasonic fusion. According to another aspect of the present invention, the clear file manufacturing apparatus further includes a punching unit that punches out corners of the outer shape of the clear file.

  According to the clear file manufacturing method and manufacturing apparatus of the present invention, on-demand variable information printing is possible, and a clear file corresponding to printing of a small lot and having a high-quality printed image comparable to a silver halide photograph. Can be manufactured.

It is the schematic which shows one Embodiment of the manufacturing apparatus of the clear file of this invention. It is the schematic which shows other embodiment which is a manufacturing apparatus of the clear file of this invention. It is a schematic plan view which shows one embodiment of the thermal transfer sheet used with the manufacturing apparatus of a clear file. FIG. 6 is a schematic plan view showing a spread state before the image receiving sheet is folded in half. A clear file in which the image receiving sheet as shown in FIG. 4 is folded at the position of the folding line, with the receiving layer surface inside, folded in half, and glued at the peripheral edge parallel to one side perpendicular to the folding line. It is the schematic which shows one embodiment of. It is the schematic which shows one Embodiment which shows having provided the capstan roller and the pinch roller facing the printing direction downstream of the image forming means. It is the schematic which shows other embodiment which is a manufacturing apparatus of the clear file of this invention.

Next, an embodiment of the invention will be described in detail.
FIG. 1 shows a clear file manufacturing apparatus 10 according to this embodiment. The clear file manufacturing apparatus 10 according to this embodiment includes a thermal transfer sheet supply unit 11, an image receiving sheet supply unit 12, an image forming unit 13 that forms an image using the thermal transfer sheet and the image receiving sheet, and a base sheet. A means 14 for supplying a white heat transfer sheet provided with a white transfer layer containing a white pigment or a filler, a heat transfer means 15 for heating and transferring the white transfer layer to the receiving layer surface of the image receiving sheet, and the image receiving sheet being folded. In the position, the folding means 16 for folding in half with the receiving layer surface inside so that one sheet and the other sheet are folded over at the fold line, and the one folded in half by the folding means Adhesive means 17 is provided for adhering the sheet and the other sheet at a peripheral edge parallel to at least one side in the direction perpendicular to the folding line.

  In FIG. 1, the thermal transfer sheet provided with the color material layer on the base sheet and the white thermal transfer sheet provided with the white transfer layer containing the white pigment or filler on the base sheet are shown as separate thermal transfer sheets. Not only this but the thermal transfer sheet which provided the color material layer and the white transfer layer surface-sequentially on the same base material sheet as shown in FIG. 3 can be used. According to this, in the clear file manufacturing apparatus, the supply means of the thermal transfer sheet is integrated into one, and it becomes compact. The thermal transfer sheet 1 shown in FIG. 3 has a color material layer 2 that is a three-color dye layer of a yellow dye layer 2Y, a magenta dye layer 2M, and a cyan dye layer 2C, and a white pigment or This is a thermal transfer sheet in which a white transfer layer 3 containing a filler is repeatedly provided in the surface order.

Although not shown in FIG. 1, the means 11 for supplying a thermal transfer sheet is installed by winding up a long thermal transfer sheet 1 on a bobbin or the like, and rotating the winding by a drive motor or the like to perform thermal transfer. The sheet is conveyed to the image forming unit 13 that forms an image by heating. The means 12 for supplying the image receiving sheet, although not shown, can be supplied by winding a long image receiving sheet. Further, the means 12 for supplying the image receiving sheet can convey a stack of a large number of sheets of clear files (sheets) to the image forming means 13 for forming an image one by one.
The image receiving sheet is a means for supplying the image receiving sheet. The image receiving sheet is provided with a receiving layer transfer means for transferring and forming the receiving layer on the transparent substrate. The image receiving sheet is formed by transferring the receiving layer on the transparent substrate. Prepare. The prepared image receiving sheet can be wound up or applied to means for supplying the image receiving sheet in a sheet. This consists of a receiving layer transfer sheet provided with a receiving layer that can be transferred by heating to a base sheet, and a transparent substrate, and the receiving layer is heated and transferred on the transparent substrate by a thermal head or the like. It is. With the clear file manufacturing apparatus having this receptor layer transfer means, there is no need to apply the receptor layer to the transparent substrate in advance, and the receptor layer is heated and transferred to an arbitrary position on the transparent substrate on demand. Can be formed.

  As the image forming means 13 for forming an image in the clear file manufacturing apparatus, an apparatus generally used in a thermal transfer recording apparatus such as a thermal head can be applied. Pass between the thermal head and the platen roll so that the color material layer of the thermal transfer sheet and the receiving layer of the image receiving sheet are in contact with each other, and heat by the thermal head to transfer the color material of the color material layer to the receiving layer. Transfer and transfer to form an image. Since the heating means for forming the image performs thermal transfer recording with a thermal head or the like, on-demand variable information can be easily printed. Furthermore, it can handle small lot printing and can easily obtain high-quality printed images comparable to silver halide photographs.

The means 14 for supplying a white thermal transfer sheet provided with a white transfer layer containing a white pigment or filler on the base sheet in the clear file manufacturing apparatus is a long one, similar to the means 11 for supplying the thermal transfer sheet. The white thermal transfer sheet is placed on a bobbin or the like by winding it up, and the winding is rotated by a drive motor or the like, and the thermal transfer sheet is conveyed to a heating transfer means for heating and transferring the white transfer layer.
The thermal transfer unit 15 for heating and transferring the white transfer layer in the clear file manufacturing apparatus can use the thermal head itself used in the image forming unit 13 for forming the image. Also, a thermal head different from the thermal head used in the image forming means 13 for forming an image can be used. Further, when the pattern for transferring the white transfer layer is a solid pattern, the hot stamp method can be applied as a means for heating and transferring the white transfer layer.

As shown in FIG. 6, a capstan roller 30 and a pinch roller 31 are provided facing each other downstream in the printing direction of the image forming means 13 for forming the image. That is, in order to perform full-color printing, it is necessary to repeatedly transfer a plurality of colors of ink, so that each time printing of each color is performed, the image receiving sheet 1 is conveyed in a direction opposite to the printing direction. That is, printing is performed while the image receiving sheet 5 is being conveyed by the capstan roller 30 and the pinch roller 31 provided downstream in the printing direction, and after the first color printing is completed, the pressure contact of the thermal head is released for printing the next color. In this state, the image receiving sheet is returned to the printing start position by rotating the capstan roller and the pinch roller in the direction opposite to that during printing. The second and subsequent colors are printed by the same operation as the first color.
In FIG. 6, one thermal head is shown in the image forming unit 13. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and another thermal head is provided on the opposite side of the image receiving sheet 5 to the illustrated thermal head so that both sides of the image receiving sheet are provided. A thermal transfer image can also be formed. Further, one thermal head of the image forming unit 13 is used to form a thermal transfer image on one side of the image receiving sheet, and then the image receiving sheet is again formed on the other side of the image receiving sheet by the image forming unit. You can also

Further, a capstan roller and a pinch roller are also provided facing each other downstream in the printing direction of the heat transfer means 15 that heat-transfers the white transfer layer. This is because, after the white transfer layer is heated and transferred to the image forming surface of the image receiving sheet, it is conveyed to a means for folding the image receiving sheet in half. As the capstan roller, a roller manufactured by a special processing method in which a projection of several tens of microns is formed on the surface of a metal shaft is generally used so that a deviation or the like does not occur when the image receiving sheet is conveyed. The vertical relationship between the capstan roller and the pinch roller shown in FIG. 6 may be reversed.
The image receiving sheet pressed by the capstan roller and the pinch roller having protrusions on the surface is reciprocated every time printing is performed, such as the first color and the second color, and further when the white transfer layer is heated and transferred. However, the image receiving sheet is conveyed by being pressed by a capstan roller and a pinch roller. An image formed using such an apparatus has a problem that the trace of the shape of the protrusion is likely to occur. On the other hand, since the white transfer layer is transferred in the present invention, the trace of the above-mentioned protrusion shape can be made inconspicuous.
The coating amount of the white transfer layer of the white heat transfer sheet, it is preferable to 2.0g / m ² ~4.0g / m ² in solids. By ensuring the thickness of the white transfer layer to be transferred as described above, it is possible to further reduce the influence of the embossed trace caused by the protrusion. In other words, it is possible to prevent the trace of the embossing from being conspicuous so as to reduce the commercial value on the appearance of the clear file.

In addition, in order to adjust the transparency and concealment of the white transfer layer transferred to the image receiving sheet, or to improve durability such as abrasion resistance of the transferred white transfer layer, the white transfer layer is used as the receiving layer. The thickness of the white transfer layer transferred to the image receiving sheet can be increased by transferring a plurality of times, i.e., overlapping the white transfer layer transferred to the receiving layer.
The above-described white transfer layer is transferred to the image forming surface of the image receiving sheet. The transferred white transfer layer is the background of the thermal transfer image in the form of a clear file folded in half. If the background is white and the concealing property is high, the thermal transfer image can be clearly highlighted. If the white transfer layer transferred to the image receiving sheet has a sufficient thickness as described above, it is possible to make the thermal transfer image stand out, and furthermore, the thermal transfer image and background due to embossing and scratches by a capstan roller etc. It can be prevented from lowering. On-demand printing such as inkjet recording and electrophotographic methods, and when the white layer that forms the background described above is formed, there is a limit to the thickness of the white layer, which is sufficient compared to the thermal transfer method. The thickness cannot be ensured and the sharpness of the image is impaired.

  The folding means 16 for folding the image-formed image receiving sheet in the clear file manufacturing apparatus comprises the image and the white transfer layer on which the image and the white transfer layer are transferred. It is a means to fold it inward. FIG. 4 is a schematic plan view showing a spread state before the image receiving sheet is folded in half. A folding line 6 is pushed in the image receiving sheet 5, and the image receiving sheet is located at the position of the folding line 6. Is easy to fold in half. The folding means 16 for folding in half can normally be used as a folding machine, and it is efficient and preferable to use it in-line with a streak pushing machine. Further, the notched portion 7 is provided on the image receiving sheet in a spread state before folding in half. The notched portion 7 is folded in two, and at the position of the fold line, the one sheet and the other sheet folded in two with the receiving layer surface inside so that the one sheet and the other sheet are folded together, A peripheral portion parallel to at least one side in the direction perpendicular to the fold line is provided to facilitate loading and unloading of a required item in a clear file after bonding. Even if one sheet and the other sheet of the clear file folded in two are in close contact with each other, the one sheet and the other sheet can be easily peeled from the cutout portion 7. The notch 7 can be formed by a male and female punching method.

  The bonding means 17 for bonding one sheet and the other sheet folded in the clear file manufacturing apparatus with a peripheral edge parallel to at least one side in a direction perpendicular to the fold line is a transparent base constituting the image receiving sheet. When the material is made of a plastic material, means by ultrasonic fusion is preferred. This ultrasonic fusion is a processing means for instantly melting and adhering a thermoplastic resin of a plastic material by fine ultrasonic vibration and pressure. An ultrasonic fusing machine (ultrasonic welder) converts electrical energy into mechanical vibration energy and simultaneously applies pressure to apply one of two thermoplastic resin parts, that is, one of the image receiving sheets to be folded in half. Strong frictional heat is generated on the joint surface between the sheet and the other sheet, and the resin is melted and bonded.

  The ultrasonic fusion will be described in more detail. For example, an electrical signal of 50/60 Hz is converted into an electrical signal of 20 kHz (or 35 kHz) by an oscillator (generator). The input voltage is generally 200 to 240 V AC, but is amplified to near 1000 V inside the oscillator and transmitted to the vibrator. An electrical signal of 20 kHz (or 35 kHz) amplified by the oscillator is transmitted from the oscillator to a vibrator (converter), where it is converted into mechanical vibration energy. The 20 kHz vibrator vibrates 20,000 times per second, and the vibration energy is transmitted to the image receiving sheet through a resonator called a horn. Due to the transmitted vibrational energy, strong frictional heat is generated at the boundary surface, and instantaneously rises to the melting temperature of the resin and is welded.

  FIG. 5 is a schematic view showing an embodiment of a clear file that is bonded to the image receiving sheet as shown in FIG. 4 after being folded in two and having a peripheral portion parallel to one side perpendicular to the folded side. It is. The clear file shown in FIG. 5 has a peripheral portion parallel to at least one side perpendicular to the side folded in two (corresponding to the fold line 6 shown in FIG. 4) of the image and the transfer sheet of the white transfer layer. In FIG. 8, the image and the white transfer layer are bonded in the folded state with the transfer-formed surface of the white transfer layer inside.

  FIG. 2 shows another embodiment of the clear file manufacturing apparatus of the present invention. Compared with the embodiment of the clear file manufacturing apparatus shown in FIG. The punching means 18 for punching the sheet and the other sheet at the peripheral edge parallel to at least one side in the direction perpendicular to the folding line, downstream of the printing means of the bonding means, that is, on the discharge side of the clear file manufacturing apparatus. Is added. This punching means punches one corner 20 and the other sheet 21 of the image receiving sheet 5 folded in half, and punches the corner 4 of the outer shape of the clear file. Thereby, since it is hard to produce the position shift of one sheet | seat and the other sheet | seat, a punching process with a sufficient precision can be performed. The outer shape of the clear file after punching can be finished into a shape with rounded corners on a circular arc, or a shape cut obliquely into a straight line. This is because when handling clear files, the corners that come in contact with the hand and things are not sharp, but punched like arcs to prevent injury and damage such as scratches. . A general means can be adopted as the punching means.

  FIG. 7 shows another embodiment of the clear file manufacturing apparatus of the present invention. Compared to the embodiment of the clear file manufacturing apparatus shown in FIG. 1, means 11 for supplying a thermal transfer sheet, means for supplying an image receiving sheet 12, the image forming means 13, the white heat transfer sheet supplying means 14, and the heat transfer means 15 for heating and transferring the white transfer layer are not changed, but the folding means for folding in half is not used, and the image receiving sheet is divided into two. Cutting means 9 at the center line (corresponding to folding line 6 in FIG. 4) corresponding to the position to be divided, superposing means 19 for superposing the divided and cut image receiving sheets, and the image received by the superposing means. Adhesive means 17 is provided for adhering the sheet at a peripheral edge parallel to at least one side of the outer piece of the image receiving sheet. Further, although not shown, a punching for forming the cutout portion 7 shown in FIG. 4 between the heating transfer means 15 for heating and transferring the white transfer layer and the cutting means 9 for dividing the image receiving sheet into two parts. Means may be provided. Further, punching means for punching is provided downstream of the bonding means 17 in the printing direction, that is, on the discharge side of the clear file manufacturing apparatus, so that the corner 4 of the outer shape of the clear file can be punched.

  As shown in FIG. 4, it is possible to pre-process the corners (four corners) of the image receiving sheet into a round shape on an arc in the spread state before folding the image receiving sheet in half. The above punching means may be performed before the means for supplying the image receiving sheet. Further, it may be performed between the means for heat-transferring the white transfer layer and the folding means for folding in half. The notch shown above can be performed before the means for supplying the image receiving sheet. Although not described in the above description of the clear file manufacturing apparatus, the image receiving sheet is cut into a predetermined size (such as an A3 size that is twice the A4 size) before the folding means for folding in half. Means can be taken. It is also possible to perform means for cutting the image receiving sheet into a predetermined size between the folding means for folding in half and the adhering means.

The above-described clear file manufacturing apparatus uses a camera, a touch panel, a medium storing an image, a thermal transfer image to be formed on the receiving layer of the image receiving sheet, and a white transfer layer pattern to be transferred to the thermal transfer image surface. A device including a device for reading data and the like and having each means as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 can be configured by a self method. In addition, a clear file can be manufactured at a photo shop by using an input device such as a device for reading image data from the camera, touch panel, or a medium storing images as a print reception.
In addition to the clear file manufacturing apparatus described above, a protective layer transfer unit can be provided between the heating transfer unit that heat-transfers the white transfer layer and the folding unit that folds the white transfer layer. By this protective layer transfer means, the protective layer can be formed in a form covering the white transfer layer transferred to the image receiving sheet, and the durability of the clear file can be enhanced. In this method, a protective layer transfer sheet provided with a protective layer that can be transferred by heating on a substrate sheet is used to transfer and form the protective layer on the image receiving sheet by heating with a thermal head or the like. In addition to the protective layer, an arbitrary layer can be transferred and formed.

Hereinafter, the thermal transfer sheet and the image receiving sheet used in the clear file manufacturing method and manufacturing apparatus of the present embodiment will be described.
(Thermal transfer sheet)
The base sheet of the thermal transfer sheet and the white thermal transfer sheet may be a commonly used one. Also, the color material layer used in the thermal transfer sheet is a dye layer containing a sublimation dye having a hue such as yellow, magenta, cyan, etc., a molten ink that melts by the heat of a hue such as black, fluorescent color, gold, silver, etc. Layers can be used. A thermal transfer image such as a color photographic image can be formed on the image receiving sheet constituting the clear file, for example, using the above dye layer, and a specific pattern can be formed by thermal transfer using a special color such as a fluorescent color or gold color. . As a result, it is possible to provide a product with a very high design in appearance of the clear file.
As the thermal transfer sheet, a so-called hologram transfer foil in which a hologram layer that can be transferred by heating is provided on a base sheet can be used. It is possible not only to transfer this hologram layer to the receiving layer of the image receiving sheet, but also to transfer it directly to the transparent substrate of the image receiving sheet. As the hologram transfer foil, known ones described in Japanese Patent No. 4564381 can be used. Thereby, it can apply to the use with high designability using the reproduction | regeneration of a three-dimensional image and light interference, and the high anti-counterfeiting use using the fact that forgery is difficult.

The white transfer layer used in the white heat transfer sheet can be made of the same material as the white layer described in JP-A-11-20309. The white transfer layer can be, for example, a gravure printing method or a screen printing method. It can be formed by coating and drying by known means such as reverse roll coating printing. Further, the coating amount of the white transfer layer, as described above, as not issue the effect of such traces of pressure of the capstan roller, a solids 2.0g / m ² ~4.0g / m ² It is preferable to make it. In addition, it is preferable to provide a white transfer layer on a base material sheet through a peeling layer. The conditions for this release layer are the same as those described in JP-A-11-20309.

(Image receiving sheet)
The image receiving sheet 5 has a configuration in which a receiving layer is provided on one surface of a transparent substrate. The transparent substrate only needs to be a thermoplastic resin, and examples thereof include polypropylene, polyethylene, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, polyester, polymethyl methacrylate, polyvinyl acetate, and the like. preferable. The receiving layer provided on the image receiving sheet can be formed by adding a resin material that easily receives a sublimable dye and a release agent. This receptor layer can be formed by coating on a transparent substrate, but the receptor layer is transferred onto a transparent substrate using a receptor layer transfer sheet provided with a receptor layer that can be transferred to a substrate sheet by heating. It can also be formed.

As the image receiving sheet, a receiving layer can be formed on both sides of the transparent substrate. The receiving layer formed on both surfaces of the transparent substrate may use the same type of resin and release agent on both sides, or may use different types of resin and release agent.
In addition, when the clear file manufactured by the clear file manufacturing method and manufacturing apparatus of the present invention is used as office supplies, it is irradiated with sunlight, fluorescent light, and a high-quality image printed on demand is faded. It is preferable to add an ultraviolet absorber to the receiving layer so as not to be deteriorated due to discoloration.

  As the above ultraviolet absorber, organic ultraviolet absorbers such as conventionally known benzophenone compounds, benzotriazole compounds, oxalic acid anilide compounds, cyanoacrylate compounds, salicylate compounds, etc. can be used, and zinc, Fine particles having an inorganic ultraviolet absorbing ability such as oxides of titanium, cerium, tin, iron and the like can be added to the receiving layer. In addition, for example, addition organic double bonds such as vinyl group, acryloyl group, methacryloyl group, or functional groups such as alcoholic hydroxyl group, amino group, carboxyl group, epoxy group, isocyanate group, etc. A UV-absorbing resin into which is introduced may be contained in the receiving layer.

  An intermediate layer can be provided between the transparent substrate and the receiving layer. Examples of the function of the intermediate layer include solvent resistance performance, barrier performance, adhesion performance, and the like, but it is preferable to provide an intermediate layer having heat insulating and cushioning functions, that is, a heat insulating layer. Because the above transparent base material does not have heat insulation and cushioning properties, the thermal transfer image formed on the receiving layer tends to be insufficiently sharp. This is because it is possible to form a clear thermal transfer image that prevents density unevenness and white spots in highlight portions during printing.

  The heat insulating layer may have a configuration composed of a single layer, or may have a configuration in which a plurality of layers are laminated. Here, the heat insulating layer having a configuration in which a plurality of layers are stacked may have a configuration in which layers of the same composition are stacked, or have a configuration in which layers of different compositions are stacked. It may be. As an example of the case where the heat insulating layer has a two-layer structure, the heat insulating layer includes, from the transparent base material side, a heat insulating layer containing hollow particles, and a heat insulating layer containing hollow particles having a hollow ratio smaller than the hollow particles. The thing which has the structure by which was laminated | stacked can be mentioned.

The hollow particles are not particularly limited as long as desired heat insulating properties and cushioning properties can be imparted to the heat insulating layer. Foamed particles may be used, or non-foamed particles may be used. The expanded particles used as the hollow particles may be independent expanded particles or continuous expanded particles. Furthermore, the hollow particles used may be organic hollow particles composed of resin or the like, or inorganic hollow particles composed of glass or the like. The hollow particles may be cross-linked hollow particles.
Examples of the resin constituting the hollow particles include styrene resins such as crosslinked styrene-acrylic resins, (meth) acrylic resins such as acrylonitrile-acrylic resins, phenolic resins, fluorine resins, polyamide resins, and polyimide resins. Examples thereof include resins, polycarbonate resins, and polyether resins.

  The average particle diameter of the hollow particles is not particularly limited as long as the desired heat insulating property and cushioning property can be imparted to the heat insulating layer depending on the type of resin constituting the hollow particles, etc. It is preferably in the range of 0.1 μm to 15 μm, particularly preferably in the range of 0.1 μm to 10 μm. This is because if the average particle size is too small, the amount of hollow particles used increases and the cost increases, and if the average particle size is too large, it becomes difficult to form a smooth heat insulating layer.

  The amount of the hollow particles contained in the heat insulating layer is not particularly limited as long as a heat insulating layer having desired heat insulating properties and cushioning properties can be obtained, but the total solid content contained in the heat insulating layer is 100% by weight. The ratio of the hollow particles is preferably in the range of 30% to 90% by weight, and more preferably in the range of 50% to 80% by weight. If the content of the hollow particles is too small, the voids in the heat insulating layer may be reduced, and sufficient heat insulating properties and cushioning properties may not be obtained. If the weight ratio is too small, the heat insulating layer becomes brittle and the moldability of the layer may be deteriorated.

  As the binder resin used to form the heat insulating layer, a so-called aqueous resin that can be dispersed or dissolved in an aqueous solvent is usually used. Examples of such water-based resins include polyurethane resins such as acrylic urethane resins, polyester resins, gelatin, polyvinyl alcohol, polyethylene oxide, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, pullulan, carboxymethyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, dextran, dextrin, and polyacrylic acid. And salts thereof, agar, κ-carrageenan, λ-carrageenan, ι-carrageenan, casein, xanthene gum, locust bean gum, alginic acid, gum arabic, and those described in JP-A-7-195826 and 7-9757. Homopolymerization of a real xylene oxide copolymer, water-soluble polyvinyl butyral, or a vinyl monomer having a carboxyl group or a sulfonic acid group described in JP-A-62-245260 And copolymers and the like. Moreover, you may use in combination of 2 or more types of the said resin. As the binder resin, for example, when using materials such as gelatin, polyvinyl alcohol, agar, κ-carrageenan, λ-carrageenan, ι-carrageenan, these binder resins can also exhibit a cooling gelling function, Separately, it can be satisfactorily manufactured in the simultaneous multilayer coating method without using a cooling gelling agent described later.

  The amount of the binder resin contained in the heat insulating layer is appropriately determined depending on the type of hollow particles used, the heat insulating properties required for the thermal transfer image-receiving sheet, image forming conditions, etc. When the solid content is 100% by weight, the ratio of the binder resin is preferably 5% to 70% by weight, more preferably 10% to 60% by weight, and 15% to 40% by weight. % Is particularly preferred. When there is too little content of binder resin, a heat insulation layer becomes weak and there exists a possibility that layer formation may become defective. Moreover, when there is too much binder resin, the content rate of a hollow particle is not fully ensured, and there exists a possibility that the heat insulation property and cushioning property of the heat insulation layer which are the objectives may not be ensured.

  Next, the cooling gelling agent used for a heat insulation layer is demonstrated. The cooling gelling agent used has the property of gelling when cooled, and it can be added to the heat-insulating layer. However, when the thermal transfer image-receiving sheet is produced by the simultaneous multilayer coating method, it is acceptable. It is necessary to contain the cooling gelling agent in the layer and to contain the cooling gelling agent in the heat insulating layer. The type of the cooling gelling agent used in the heat insulating layer is not particularly limited as long as it has cooling gelling properties. In particular, in the cooling gelling agent dissolved in water, 80 The viscosity of the cooling gelling agent at 15 ° C is preferably 3 times or more, more preferably 5 times or more, and particularly preferably 10 times or more the viscosity of the cooling gelling agent at 15 ° C. Examples of the cooling gelling agent used include gelatin, polyvinyl alcohol, agar, κ-carrageenan, λ-carrageenan, ι-carrageenan, and pectin.

  The ratio of the hollow particles contained in the heat insulating layer and the cooling gelling agent is not particularly limited as long as a heat insulating layer having desired heat insulating properties can be formed. , Preferably in the range of 5 to 50 parts by weight, more preferably in the range of 10 to 40 parts by weight, based on 100 parts by weight of the solid content in the heat insulating layer coating liquid, It is preferably within the range of 12 to 40 parts by weight. It is because the heat insulation layer excellent in heat insulation can be formed because the content ratio of a hollow particle and a cooling gelatinizer is in the said range.

  The heat insulating layer to be used may contain an optional additive component as required in addition to the hollow particles, binder resin and cooling gelling agent described above. Examples of the optional additive component that can be contained in the heat insulating layer include nonionic silicone surfactants, curing agents such as isocyanate compounds, wetting agents, and dispersants.

The heat insulating property of the heat insulating layer can be arbitrarily adjusted by the thickness of the heat insulating layer or the porosity of the heat insulating layer mainly resulting from the amount of hollow particles contained in the heat insulating layer. From the viewpoint of providing sufficient thermal insulation to the heat insulating layer, heat insulating layer thickness is preferably in the range of 10g / m ² ~100g / m ² in terms of solid content, of 10g / m ² ~50g / m ² More preferably within the range. At this time, the density of the heat insulating layer is preferably in the range of 0.1 g / cm3 to 0.8 g / cm3, and more preferably in the range of 0.2 g / cm3 to 0.7 g / cm3.
Similarly, the porosity of the heat insulating layer is preferably in the range of 15% to 80% from the viewpoint of giving sufficient heat insulating properties to the heat insulating layer. The porosity is as follows:
(Void ratio of hollow particles) × (content ratio of hollow particles in the heat insulating layer)
The value represented by

In the thermal transfer image receiving sheet, an antistatic layer may be provided on the receiving layer surface, the back surface, or the outermost surface of both surfaces. Thereby, dust adhesion to the receiving layer surface before printing due to the influence of static electricity can be reduced, and white spots of the printing due to dust can be reduced. The antistatic layer is prepared by dissolving or dispersing an antistatic agent such as a fatty acid ester, a sulfate ester, a phosphate ester, an amide, a quaternary ammonium salt, a betaine, an amino acid, an acrylic resin, or an ethylene oxide adduct in a solvent. Can be formed by coating The coating amount of the antistatic layer is preferably dried at ^{0.001g / m 2 ~0.1g / m 2} .

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Thermal transfer sheet 2 Color material layer 2Y Yellow dye layer 2M Magenta dye layer 2C Cyan dye layer 3 White transfer layer 4 Corner 5 Image receiving sheet 6 Folding line 7 Notch part 8 Peripheral part 9 Image receiving sheet cutting means 10 Clear file manufacturing apparatus 11 Means for supplying an integrated thermal transfer sheet 12 Means for supplying an image receiving sheet 13 Image forming means 14 Means for supplying a white thermal transfer sheet 15 Heat transfer means 16 Folding means for folding in half 17 Adhesive means 18 Punching means 19 Overlaying means 19 20 One sheet 21 The other sheet 30 Capstan roller 31 Pinch roller

Claims (12)

The thermal transfer sheet provided with the color material layer on the base sheet and the image receiving sheet provided with the receiving layer on one side of the transparent base are overlaid,
An image forming step of forming an image by transferring the color material from the color material layer to the receiving layer of the image receiving sheet by heating,
A white thermal transfer sheet provided with a white transfer layer containing a white pigment or filler on a base sheet, and an image receiving sheet on which an image has been formed in the image forming step are overlaid,
A heating transfer step of heating and transferring the white transfer layer to the receiving layer surface of the image receiving sheet;
A folding step in which the receiving layer surface of the image-receiving sheet is on the inside and folded in half at a fold line;
An adhesion step of adhering the image receiving sheet folded in two in the folding step, at a peripheral portion parallel to at least one side in a direction perpendicular to the folding line;
A method for producing a clear file, which is performed in this order. The thermal transfer sheet provided with the color material layer on the base sheet and the image receiving sheet provided with the receiving layer on one side of the transparent base are overlaid,
An image forming step of forming an image by transferring the color material from the color material layer to the receiving layer of the image receiving sheet by heating,
A white thermal transfer sheet provided with a white transfer layer containing a white pigment or filler on a base sheet, and an image receiving sheet on which an image has been formed in the image forming step are overlaid,
A heating transfer step of heating and transferring the white transfer layer to the receiving layer surface of the image receiving sheet;
A cutting step of dividing the image receiving sheet into two parts;
An overlapping step of overlapping the divided and cut image receiving sheets,
An adhesion step of adhering the image receiving sheet superposed in the superposition step at a peripheral edge parallel to at least one side of the outer piece of the image receiving sheet;
A method for producing a clear file, which is performed in this order.   3. The method of manufacturing a clear file according to claim 1, wherein the heat transfer step heat-transfers the white transfer layer to the receiving layer a plurality of times.   4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the image forming step performs either one or both of a step of transferring a color material of a special color to the receiving layer and a step of transferring a hologram transfer layer. The manufacturing method of the clear file of crab.   The clear file according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a receiving layer transfer step of transferring and forming a receiving layer on the transparent substrate is performed before the image forming step. Manufacturing method.   The method for manufacturing a clear file according to claim 1, wherein the bonding step is a step by ultrasonic fusion.   The method for manufacturing a clear file according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a step of punching out corners of the outer shape of the clear file. Means for supplying a thermal transfer sheet provided with a color material layer on a base material sheet;
Means for supplying an image receiving sheet provided with a receiving layer on one side of the transparent substrate;
Image forming means for superposing the color material layer of the thermal transfer sheet and the receiving layer of the image receiving sheet and transferring the color material to the receiving layer to form an image;
Means for supplying a white thermal transfer sheet provided with a white transfer layer containing a white pigment or filler on a base sheet;
A heating transfer means for heating and transferring the white transfer layer to the receiving layer surface of the image receiving sheet;
Folding means for folding the image receiving sheet into two with a fold line, with the receiving layer surface of the image receiving sheet inside.
Bonding means for bonding the image receiving sheet folded in two by the folding means at a peripheral portion parallel to at least one side in a direction perpendicular to the folding line;
A clear file manufacturing apparatus characterized by comprising: Means for supplying a thermal transfer sheet provided with a color material layer on a base material sheet;
Means for supplying an image receiving sheet provided with a receiving layer on one side of the transparent substrate;
Image forming means for superposing the color material layer of the thermal transfer sheet and the receiving layer of the image receiving sheet and transferring the color material to the receiving layer to form an image;
Means for supplying a white thermal transfer sheet provided with a white transfer layer containing a white pigment or filler on a base sheet;
A heating transfer means for heating and transferring the white transfer layer to the receiving layer surface of the image receiving sheet;
Cutting means for dividing the image receiving sheet into two parts;
Superimposing means for superimposing the divided and cut image receiving sheets,
An adhering means for adhering the image receiving sheet superposed by the superimposing means at a peripheral edge parallel to at least one side of the outer piece of the image receiving sheet;
A clear file manufacturing apparatus characterized by comprising:   10. The apparatus for producing a clear file according to claim 8, wherein the means for supplying the image receiving sheet comprises receiving layer transfer means for transferring and forming a receiving layer on the transparent substrate.   The apparatus for producing a clear file according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the bonding means is a means by ultrasonic fusion.   The clear file manufacturing apparatus according to any one of claims 8 to 11, further comprising punching means for punching out corners of the outer shape of the clear file in the clear file manufacturing apparatus.

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