JP2017209875A - Heat-sensitive recording medium and drawing toy - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a heat-sensitive recording medium that can change its colors with a rich variety according to temperature.SOLUTION: A heat-sensitive recording medium 10 includes a thermosensitive recording layer 1 that provides a recording face, and a support 2 that supports the thermosensitive recording layer. The thermosensitive recording layer includes plural kinds of temperature-sensitive color changing agents 12 differing in color changing temperatures, in a predetermined arrangement pattern. When heated, different sites of the recording face thus exhibit plural kinds of colors according to temperature.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a heat-sensitive recording medium and a drawing toy provided with the heat-sensitive recording medium, for example.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there has been known a color changing device that uses a heating device to heat a part of the thermochromic layer and change the color of a predetermined surface on which a thermochromic layer reversibly discolored by heating / cooling is disposed. (Patent Document 1). For example, when the heating device takes the form of a writing instrument, the writing trajectory changes color, so that a drawing device or the like can be realized.

JP-A-6-7549

  However, in the above apparatus, as the thermosensitive dye constituting the thermochromic layer, a dye that changes from colorless to colored or changes from a predetermined colored to another colored depending on the temperature is employed. Even if heating is performed using the apparatus, the heated portion changes from colorless to colored, or only changes monotonously from a predetermined color to another color. I couldn't expect it.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described technical background, and an object of the present invention is to provide a heat-sensitive recording medium that can change color in a rich manner according to temperature.

  Still other objects and operational effects of the present invention will be easily understood by those skilled in the art by referring to the following description of the specification.

  The above technical problem is solved by the following configuration.

  That is, the thermosensitive recording medium according to the present invention includes a thermosensitive recording layer that provides a recording surface and a support that supports the thermosensitive recording layer, and the thermosensitive recording layer includes a plurality of types of thermosensitive recording media having different color change temperatures. A thermochromic agent is included in a predetermined arrangement pattern, whereby each portion of the recording surface exhibits a plurality of colors according to the temperature when heated.

  According to such a configuration, when each part of the recording surface is heated, it exhibits a plurality of kinds of colors according to the temperature, and thus provides a thermal recording medium that changes color richly according to the temperature. Can do.

  In the above-described invention, the predetermined arrangement pattern is a pattern in which unit regions in which the plurality of types of temperature-sensitive color change agents are closely arranged are regularly arranged, and each of the temperature-sensitive color change agents changes color. The viewer perceives the colors as mixed with each other.

  According to such a configuration, a plurality of types of temperature-sensitive color change agents are closely arranged, so that the viewer can perceive a color mixture regardless of the transparency of the temperature-sensitive color change agents. As a result, it is possible to provide a heat-sensitive recording medium that changes color richly according to temperature.

  In the above-described invention, the unit area may be a predetermined polygon area, and the polygon areas may be arranged adjacent to each other.

  In the above-described invention, each of the temperature-sensitive color-changing agents may be disposed in the predetermined polygonal area in the vicinity of the inside of each vertex of the polygonal area in the form of dots.

  In the above-described invention, each of the temperature-sensitive color changing agents may be arranged linearly and in a cross in the unit region.

  In the above-described invention, the temperature-sensitive color change agent disposed in the unit region is three types of temperature-sensitive color change agents, and may change to cyan, magenta, and yellow at each color change temperature. .

  In the above-described invention, the temperature-sensitive color change agent disposed in the unit region is four types of temperature-sensitive color change agents, and each color change color changes to cyan, magenta, yellow, and black. Also good.

  In the above-described invention, the temperature-sensitive discoloring agent disposed in the unit region is three kinds of temperature-sensitive discoloring agents, and may be changed to red, green, and yellow at each discoloration temperature.

  In the above-described invention, each of the temperature-sensitive color change agents may have a hysteresis characteristic that returns to the original color at a temperature sufficiently lower than the color change temperature after the color change.

  The predetermined arrangement pattern may be a pattern in which a plurality of the temperature-sensitive color changing agents are laminated.

  According to such a configuration, it is possible to provide a heat-sensitive recording medium that changes color in a rich manner according to the temperature by laminating and arranging a plurality of types of temperature-sensitive color-changing agents.

  In the above-described invention, when one temperature-sensitive color-changing agent layer and the other temperature-sensitive color-changing agent layer are both discolored, they may be perceived as being mixed with each other.

  According to such a configuration, various color expressions can be realized by mixing a plurality of kinds of colors.

  Moreover, in the above-mentioned invention, when one temperature-sensitive color-changing agent layer and the other temperature-sensitive color-changing agent layer discolor both, the observer may perceive the color of the upper layer.

  According to such a configuration, since it is not necessary to consider color mixing, the design is facilitated and various color expressions can be realized.

  The method for producing a thermosensitive recording medium according to the present invention may include a step of providing a support and a step of providing a thermosensitive recording layer to be a recording surface on the surface of the support, The thermosensitive recording layer contains a plurality of types of thermosensitive color-changing agents having different color-changing temperatures in a predetermined arrangement pattern, whereby each part of the recording surface is heated according to the temperature. Multiple types of colors may also be exhibited.

  According to such a configuration, it is possible to provide a method for manufacturing a heat-sensitive recording medium that changes color richly according to temperature.

  Further, the drawing toy according to the present invention includes a thermosensitive recording medium in which a plurality of types of thermosensitive color-changing agents having different color-changing temperatures are arranged in a predetermined arrangement pattern, a support housing that supports the thermosensitive recording medium, A heating writing instrument capable of changing the temperature-changing color change agent around the contact portion as a predetermined temperature by bringing the tip portion into contact with the surface of the heat-sensitive recording medium, The predetermined temperature may be configured to be adjustable by a temperature adjustment operation unit provided in the main body or the heating writing instrument.

  According to such a configuration, it is possible to provide a drawing toy including a heat-sensitive recording medium that changes color richly according to temperature.

  In the above-described invention, the thermal recording medium and the heating writing instrument are electrically connected, and are configured to be energized when the tip of the heating writing instrument contacts the surface of the thermal recording medium, and are heated to the predetermined temperature. May be performed using the heat generated by the energization at the tip of the heated writing instrument or inside the thermal recording medium.

  According to such a configuration, since a heat generation phenomenon is seen only when the heated writing instrument comes into contact with the thermal recording medium, it is possible to realize a safe drawing toy with little risk of burns and the like.

  In the above-described invention, each of the temperature-changing color changing agents may be a mixture of a conductive dye and a temperature-sensitive color changing dye.

  According to such a structure, it becomes possible to heat a temperature-sensitive color-change agent more directly and efficiently.

  In the above-described invention, a plurality of resistors having different resistance values may be provided inside the heating writing instrument, and the resistors may be switched by operating the temperature adjustment operation unit. .

  According to such a configuration, the current flowing through the circuit can be adjusted by switching the resistance, and thereby the temperature of the temperature-sensitive color changing agent can be adjusted.

  In the above-described invention, a plurality of preheatable rod-shaped heating elements are provided inside the heating writing instrument, and each of the rod-shaped heating elements is operated by operating the temperature adjusting operation unit, thereby leading the tip of the heating recording tool. It may be configured to selectively protrude from.

  According to such a configuration, since the rod-shaped heating element is preheated, there is no need to wait for the tip of the heating writing instrument to reach a predetermined temperature, and thus the usability of the heating writing instrument is improved.

  In the above-described invention, each of the temperature-changing color changing agents may be one in which a temperature-sensitive dye composed of a dye, a color developer and a desensitizer is encapsulated in a microcapsule.

  According to such a configuration, it is possible to protect the inclusion from the external environment by encapsulating it in the microcapsule, and to stably mix substances that are inherently difficult to mix.

  In the above-described invention, in the vicinity of the temperature adjustment operation unit, when a heating writing instrument comes into contact with the thermal recording medium at a set temperature, a display corresponding to the color perceived by the naked eye around the contact unit is provided. May have been made.

  According to such a configuration, the user of the drawing toy can perform the operation based on only the predetermined display indicating the color, and thus can easily adjust the temperature without directly adjusting the temperature. . This is particularly suitable because the user of the drawing toy is usually a child.

  In the recording apparatus according to the present invention, a plurality of types of temperature-sensitive color change agents having different color change temperatures are supplied from a storage unit that stores a thermal recording medium arranged in a predetermined arrangement pattern, and the storage unit. A heating unit that heats the thermal recording medium and changes the color of the thermal recording medium; a heating control unit that controls a heating temperature of the heating unit and changes the color of the thermal recording medium into a plurality of colors; And a discharge unit for discharging the heat-sensitive recording medium to the outside.

  According to such a configuration, it is possible to provide a recording apparatus that discharges a thermal recording medium exhibiting various colors.

  In the above-described invention, the heating control unit may change the color of the thermal recording medium according to a game result of a predetermined game.

  According to such a configuration, it is possible to provide a game device that discharges a thermal recording medium having various colors according to the game contents.

  The thermal recording medium recording apparatus according to the present invention includes a storage unit for storing a thermal recording medium in which a plurality of types of thermosensitive color change agents having different color change temperatures are arranged in a predetermined arrangement pattern, and the thermal recording medium. A plurality of heating units that are heated at different temperatures and change the color of the thermal recording medium, respectively, and one of the plurality of heating units according to the color that changes the color of the thermal recording medium carried out from the storage unit. And a sorter that sorts the heat-sensitive recording medium and a discharge unit that discharges the heat-sensitive recording medium after the color change to the outside.

  According to such a configuration, it is possible to provide a recording apparatus that discharges a thermal recording medium exhibiting various colors.

  The thermal printer according to the present invention conveys a sheet-like thermal recording medium in which a plurality of types of thermosensitive color-changing agents having different color changing temperatures are arranged in a predetermined arrangement pattern and exhibit a plurality of types of colors according to the temperature. A thermal mechanism that heats the sheet-like thermal recording medium in a row, and a temperature control unit that locally controls the temperature on the row of the thermal heads. And may be provided.

  According to such a configuration, it is possible to provide a thermal printer that can print a colorful image on a thermal recording medium.

  A thermal printer according to the present invention includes a conveyance mechanism that conveys a sheet-like print medium, and a plurality of types of temperature-sensitive discoloration that are arranged in the middle of the conveyance path of the conveyance mechanism and have different color change temperatures. A temperature-sensitive color changer arrangement head for arranging the agent in a predetermined arrangement pattern; and a sheet disposed in the middle of the conveyance path of the conveyance mechanism, following the temperature-sensitive color changer arrangement head. And a thermal head for heating in a row.

  According to such a configuration, the thermal printer has the head for disposing the temperature-sensitive color change agent at the front stage and the thermal head at the rear stage, so that they can cooperate with each other and print with a high degree of freedom. It can be performed.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a heat-sensitive recording medium that can change color richly according to temperature.

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a cross-sectional configuration of a thermal recording medium. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram (part 1) showing an arrangement pattern of the temperature-sensitive color change agent. FIG. 3 is an explanatory view (No. 1) showing a state of discoloration of the temperature-sensitive discoloring agent. FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram showing the hysteresis characteristics of the temperature-sensitive color change agent. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing variations of the arrangement pattern of the temperature-sensitive color changing agent. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram (No. 2) showing an arrangement pattern of the temperature-sensitive color changing agent. FIG. 7 is an explanatory view (No. 2) showing a state of discoloration of the temperature-sensitive discoloring agent. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram (No. 3) showing an arrangement pattern of the temperature-sensitive color changing agent. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing the overall configuration of the drawing toy. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the temperature adjustment operation unit. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing the mechanism of temperature adjustment. FIG. 12 is an explanatory view showing a cross section of the drawing toy main body in a state of being in contact with the heated writing instrument. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram (part 1) illustrating variations of the temperature adjustment operation unit. FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram (part 2) illustrating a variation of the temperature adjustment operation unit. FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram (No. 3) illustrating variations of the temperature adjustment operation unit. FIG. 16 is an external perspective view of a recording apparatus for a thermal recording medium. FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram of a main part of a recording device for a thermal recording medium. FIG. 18 is a schematic view (variation example) of a main part of a recording apparatus for a thermal recording medium. FIG. 19 is a schematic view of the main part of the thermal printer. FIG. 20 is an external perspective view of the game apparatus. FIG. 21 is a schematic view of the main part of the thermal printer for game devices. FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of printing on a card.

  Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of a thermal recording medium according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

<1. First Embodiment (Thermosensitive Recording Medium)>
First, the thermal recording medium according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

<1.1 Overall configuration>
FIG. 1 shows a cross-sectional configuration of the thermal recording medium 10. The heat-sensitive recording medium 10 has a sheet-like or plate-like shape, and includes a heat-sensitive recording layer 1 having a thickness of about 10 μm and a support 2 made of a conductive sheet or the like that supports the heat-sensitive recording layer 1. Yes. In the thermosensitive recording layer 1, a plurality of types of thermosensitive color-changing agents 12 that change color according to temperature are arranged in the form of dots at intervals of about 120 to 150 dpi in a predetermined arrangement pattern to be described later. The interval between the temperature-sensitive color changing agents 12 may be such that a color mixing phenomenon between the temperature-sensitive color changing agents, which will be described later, can be observed. Accordingly, for example, 72 to 300 dpi, or 72 to 300 mesh (1 inch). It may be about (number of eyes in all directions).

  As the temperature-sensitive discoloring agent 12, various temperature-sensitive dyes that change color according to temperature and are known to those skilled in the art can be used. In this embodiment, “colorless and transparent” and “specific” are used depending on the temperature. A paste in which a thermosensitive dye having a viscosity of about 7,000 to 8,000 cps that changes color reversibly between “color” and encapsulated in microcapsules is used. The temperature-sensitive dye includes a dye (ink, etc.), a developer, and a desensitizer, and is configured to be able to adjust, for example, color, color density, color change temperature, transparency, and the like by adjusting these components. . Moreover, it becomes possible to protect inclusions from the external environment by encapsulating them in microcapsules and to stably mix substances that are inherently difficult to mix.

  Although the temperature-sensitive color changing agent 12 can be arranged on the support 2 by various methods known to those skilled in the art, in this embodiment, it is arranged by screen printing (silk printing or the like).

<1.2 Arrangement pattern of temperature-sensitive discoloring agent>
Next, the arrangement pattern of the temperature-sensitive color changing agent, which is one of the features of the present invention, will be described.

  FIG. 2 is a plan view for explaining the arrangement pattern of the temperature-sensitive color change agent 12. In the figure, the three types of temperature-sensitive color changing agents (12a, 12b, 12c) are scattered like dots corresponding to the inside of each vertex of the virtual polygonal (regular triangle) unit region 11. The unit regions 11 are regularly spread over the entire surface so as to be adjacent to each other.

  In the figure, for easy understanding, each temperature-sensitive color change agent is arranged at a predetermined distance while maintaining a predetermined size, but each temperature-sensitive color change agent is actually As will be described later, when each of the temperature-sensitive color-changing agents is colored, the colors are closely arranged at such a distance that the colors are perceived as mixed as a whole with the naked eye.

<1.3 Discoloring action of thermal recording medium>
With reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, the state of discoloration of each temperature-sensitive discolorant 12 due to heating will be described.

  FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram showing the color change characteristics of the above-described three types of temperature-sensitive color change agents 12. In the figure, the horizontal axis represents temperature, and the vertical axis represents a conceptual distance in a color space from a predetermined color inherent in each dye. As is apparent from FIGS. 4A to 4C, the first temperature-sensitive color changing agent 12a is at the time of temperature rise, and when it exceeds 25 ° C. (t1), the first color (this embodiment) The second temperature-sensitive discoloring agent 12b is at the time of temperature rise and exceeds 35 ° C. (t3), and when the temperature exceeds 35 ° C. (t3), the second color (in this embodiment, magenta). In addition, the third temperature-sensitive color change agent (12c) is at the time of temperature rise, and when it exceeds 45 ° C. (t5), it turns from colorless and transparent to the third color (in this embodiment). The color changes to (cyan). In addition, the first temperature-sensitive color changer 12a is at a temperature (t2) far lower than the color change temperature t1 during heating when the temperature is lowered, and the second temperature-sensitive color changer 12b is At a temperature (t4) far lower than the color change temperature t3, the third temperature-sensitive color change agent 12c has a specific color (yellow) at a temperature (t6) much lower than the color change temperature t5 during heating. , Magenta, cyan) to the original colorless and transparent.

  That is, the first to third temperature-sensitive color-changing agents have hysteresis characteristics having different color-changing temperatures between heating and cooling. According to the hysteresis characteristic of such a temperature-sensitive color changing agent, once the color is changed, the original color is not restored again unless the temperature is sufficiently lowered, so that the color can be stably maintained. .

  In the present embodiment, the colors exhibited by the three types of temperature-sensitive color changing agents 12 are cyan, magenta, and yellow, respectively, but are not limited to such colors, depending on the color to be developed. For example, other colors such as red, green, and yellow can be used.

  FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing the state of color change in a certain unit area when the heat-sensitive recording layer 1 on which the temperature-sensitive color changing agents 12a to 12c having the above characteristics are arranged is heated. The heating is performed in a planar shape so as to include at least the entire unit region by a heating device (not shown). The heating device is configured to be able to freely lead the temperature-sensitive discoloring agent to various temperatures by switching the degree of heating.

  First, as shown in FIG. 3A, in the initial state at a temperature sufficiently lower than 25 ° C., each of the temperature-sensitive color changing agents 12a to 12c is colorless and transparent. At this time, since the support 2 is white in the present embodiment, the unit region 11 is perceived as white as a whole by the naked eye.

  Next, FIG. 3B shows the state of each of the temperature-sensitive color changing agents 12a to 12c when the heat-sensitive recording layer 1 is heated to approximately 30 ° C. (first temperature). At this time, the second temperature-sensitive color change agent 12b and the third temperature-sensitive color change agent 12c are colorless and transparent as in the initial state, but the first temperature-sensitive color change agent 12a ′ is the color change temperature. Since it exceeds 25 ° C, it turns yellow. At this time, since only the first temperature-sensitive color changing agent 12a ′ is yellow, the unit region 11 is perceived as yellow as a whole by the naked eye.

  Further, FIG. 3C shows the state of each of the temperature-sensitive color changing agents 12a to 12c when the heat-sensitive recording layer 1 is heated to approximately 40 ° C. (second temperature). At this time, the third temperature-sensitive color changing agent 12c is colorless and transparent without changing from the initial state, but the first temperature-sensitive color changing agent 12a ′ becomes yellow exceeding the color change temperature of 25 ° C., and The second temperature-sensitive color changing agent 12b ′ becomes magenta color exceeding the color change temperature of 35 ° C. At this time, since the temperature-sensitive color-changing agents are closely arranged, the unit region 11 is perceived by the naked eye as a red color in which yellow and magenta are mixed as a whole.

  FIG. 3D shows the state of each temperature-sensitive color change agent 12a to 12c when the heat-sensitive recording layer 1 is heated to approximately 50 ° C. (third temperature). At this time, all temperature-sensitive discoloring agents change color. That is, the first temperature-sensitive color changing agent 12a ′ becomes yellow when the color change temperature exceeds 25 ° C., and the second temperature-sensitive color change agent 12b ′ exceeds magenta that is 35 ° C. which is the color change temperature. Further, the third temperature-sensitive color changing agent 12c ′ becomes cyan when the color change temperature exceeds 45 ° C. At this time, since the temperature-sensitive color-changing agents are closely arranged, the unit region 11 is perceived as black, which is a mixture of yellow, magenta, and cyan, as a whole.

  That is, when the temperature-sensitive color changing agent 12 is arranged in the arrangement pattern as described above, the heat-sensitive recording layer 1 of the heat-sensitive recording medium 10 is given to an observer who observes the image at a predetermined distance. Perceived as white, yellow, red or black depending on the temperature. Therefore, it is possible to provide a heat-sensitive recording medium that changes color richly according to temperature.

<1.4 Other arrangement pattern of temperature-sensitive discoloring agent>
<1.4.1 Other closely arranged patterns>
In the above-described embodiment, three types of temperature-sensitive color change agents are used as the arrangement pattern of the temperature-sensitive color change agent, but the present invention is not limited to this. Accordingly, two or more kinds of temperature-sensitive discoloring agents may be used.

  FIG. 5A is a plan view of the thermosensitive recording medium 20 in the case where four types of temperature-sensitive color change agents 22a to 22d are used. As is clear from the figure, the polygonal virtual unit region is a regular square unit region 21, and the first to fourth temperature-sensitive color change agents are located at positions corresponding to the inside of each vertex of the unit region. 22a-22d are arranged.

  Each of the temperature-sensitive color changing agents 22a to 22d changes to cyan, magenta, yellow, and black. When the temperature rises, different color changing temperatures (for example, 25 ° C, 35 ° C, 45 ° C, and 55 ° C) are used. Change color). Further, the temperature-sensitive color changing agents 22a to 22d are closely arranged at such a distance that the colors of each other are perceived as being mixed with the naked eye as a whole. Therefore, even with such a configuration, it is possible to provide the thermal recording medium 20 that changes its color richly according to the temperature by the same action.

  In the above-described embodiment, the temperature-sensitive color change agent is arranged in the form of dots, but in the present invention, the arrangement of the temperature-sensitive color change agent is an arrangement that is perceived by color mixing with an observer who observes with the naked eye. Any arrangement may be used, and therefore the present invention is not limited to such an arrangement. As an example, FIG. 5B is a plan view of a thermosensitive recording medium 30 in which four temperature-sensitive color changing agents 32a to 32d are linearly arranged in a cross shape. In this arrangement example, the unit region 31 has a cross shape and includes four temperature-sensitive color changing agents 32a to 32d.

  Each of the temperature-sensitive color changing agents 32a to 32d changes to cyan, magenta, yellow, and black. When the temperature rises, different color changing temperatures (for example, 25 ° C, 35 ° C, 45 ° C, and 55 ° C) are used. Change color). Further, the temperature-sensitive color changing agents 32a to 32d are closely arranged at such a distance that their colors are perceived as being mixed with the naked eye as a whole. Therefore, even with such a configuration, it is possible to provide the thermal recording medium 30 that changes its color richly according to the temperature by the same action.

<1.4.2 Stacked pattern>
In the above-described embodiment, the configuration in which the temperature-sensitive color change agent is closely arranged on the plane is exemplified, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the heat-sensitive color change richly by laminating the temperature-sensitive color change agent. A recording medium may be realized.

  FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the thermal recording medium showing a state in which the first to third temperature-sensitive color changer layers 42 to 44 are laminated on the support 41 in order from the bottom as the thermal recording layer 40. In the figure, the heat-sensitive recording layer 40 is heated from above by a heating device 48 whose tip is sufficiently heated. The heating device 48 is configured to freely guide the temperature-sensitive color changing agent to various temperatures by switching the degree of heating of the tip portion.

  As in the above embodiment, the first temperature-sensitive color changing agent layer 42 is at the time of temperature rise, and when it exceeds 25 ° C., it changes from colorless and transparent to the first color (yellow), and the second temperature-sensitive color changing layer 42. The color changer layer 43 is at the time of temperature rise, and when it exceeds 35 ° C., the color change from colorless and transparent to the second color (magenta having a certain degree of transparency), and the third temperature-sensitive color change agent. When the temperature of the layer 44 rises and exceeds 45 ° C., the layer 44 changes from colorless and transparent to the third color (cyan color having a certain degree of transparency). In addition, any of the temperature-sensitive color changer layers has a hysteresis characteristic that returns to the original color at a temperature sufficiently lower than the color change temperature during heating.

  FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing the state of color change in a certain region when the heat-sensitive recording layer having the temperature-sensitive color changer layers 42 to 44 having the above characteristics is heated.

  First, as shown in FIG. 7A, in the initial state at a temperature sufficiently lower than 25 ° C., each of the temperature-sensitive color changer layers 42 to 44 is colorless and transparent. At this time, since the support 41 is white, the thermal recording medium is perceived as white by the naked eye when observed from above.

  Next, FIG. 7B shows a state of each of the temperature-sensitive color changer layers 42 to 44 when the heat-sensitive recording layer is heated to about 30 ° C. (first temperature). At this time, although the second temperature-sensitive color changer layer 43 and the third temperature-sensitive color changer layer 44 are colorless and transparent as in the initial state, the first temperature-sensitive color changer layer 42 ′ is discolored. Since the temperature exceeds 25 ° C., the color changes to yellow. At this time, since only the first thermosensitive color-changing agent layer 42 'is yellow, the thermal recording medium is perceived as yellow by the naked eye when observed from above.

  Further, FIG. 7C shows the state of each of the thermosensitive color changer layers 42 to 44 when the thermosensitive recording layer is heated to approximately 40 ° C. (second temperature). At this time, the third temperature-sensitive color-changing agent layer 44 is colorless and transparent without changing from the initial state, but the first temperature-sensitive color-changing agent layer 42 ′ becomes yellow exceeding the color change temperature of 25 ° C., Further, the second temperature-sensitive color changing agent layer 43 ′ has a magenta color with a certain degree of transparency exceeding the color changing temperature of 35 ° C. At this time, when the thermal recording medium is observed from above, it is perceived by the naked eye as red in which yellow and magenta are mixed.

  FIG. 7D shows the state of each of the temperature-sensitive color changer layers 42 to 44 when the heat-sensitive recording layer is heated to about 50 ° C. (third temperature). At this time, all thermosensitive color-changing agent layers change color. That is, the first temperature-sensitive color-changing agent layer 42 ′ becomes yellow exceeding the color change temperature of 25 ° C., and the second temperature-sensitive color change agent layer 43 ′ exceeds the color change temperature of 35 ° C. Thus, a magenta color having a certain degree of transparency is obtained, and further, the third temperature-sensitive color changing agent layer 44 ′ becomes a cyan color having a certain degree of transparency exceeding the discoloration temperature of 45 ° C. At this time, when the thermal recording medium is observed from above, it is perceived by the naked eye as black in which yellow, magenta, and cyan are mixed.

  That is, when the temperature-sensitive discoloring agent is arranged in the above-described laminated arrangement pattern, when the thermal recording medium is observed from above, white, yellow, Perceived red or black. Therefore, it is possible to provide a heat-sensitive recording medium that changes color richly according to temperature.

  In addition, in the case where the above-mentioned temperature-sensitive color change agent is arranged in a laminated type, it has been described that when a plurality of layers change color, they are always perceived as being mixed with each other. Not limited to. Therefore, for example, the hue, brightness, saturation, transparency, etc. of the temperature-sensitive color changing agent may be adjusted so that only the color of the upper temperature-sensitive color changing agent layer is perceived.

  For example, the first temperature-sensitive color changer layer may exhibit a light yellow color, and the second temperature-sensitive color changer layer may exhibit a sufficiently dark magenta color with little transparency. At this time, the yellow color of the lower first temperature-sensitive color changing agent layer is hardly perceived at the second temperature, and only the magenta color is perceived by the naked eye when viewed from above. Therefore, in this case, the thermal recording medium is perceived to change in the order of white, light yellow, magenta, and black according to the temperature.

  Moreover, although the case where the thermosensitive recording layer was three layers was illustrated above, this invention is not limited to this, For example, it is good also as a structure in which a thermosensitive recording layer contains several layers of 2 layers or 4 layers or more. Of course.

<1.4.3 Other arrangement patterns>
In the above-described embodiment, the configuration in which the temperature-sensitive color change agent is stacked and disposed over the entire predetermined plane is exemplified, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and may be configured to be stacked in a discrete manner.

  FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a thermosensitive recording medium having an arrangement pattern in which temperature-sensitive discoloring agents are discretely laminated in a dotted pattern. The heat-sensitive recording medium includes a heat-sensitive recording layer 50 and a support 51 that supports the heat-sensitive recording medium. The heat-sensitive recording layer 50 has two-dimensional temperature-sensitive color change agents 52 to 54 laminated in three points. Aligned in the direction. The interval between each of the temperature-sensitive color changing agents 52 to 54 is about 120 to 150 dpi, which is an interval at which each of the points exhibits a predetermined color and is observed as the predetermined color as a whole. .

  Each of the point-like temperature-sensitive color changing agents 52 to 54 changes from colorless and transparent to yellow at 25 ° C., magenta at 35 ° C., and cyan at 45 ° C. when heated. It is perceived that the color of the body 51 changes from yellow in the initial state to yellow, red, and black in order according to the temperature. Accordingly, in combination with the close arrangement of the respective thermosensitive color-changing agents, the surface of the heat-sensitive recording medium is perceived by the naked eye as changing in order of white, yellow, red and black as a whole.

  Here, the configuration of all the laminated temperature-sensitive color change agents is the same, but the type and combination of the temperature-sensitive color change agents may be changed for each point, and color mixing may be perceived between adjacent points. Good. In this case, a more complicated color change can be realized on the surface of the thermal recording medium.

<2. Second Embodiment (Drawing Toy)>
Next, a drawing toy (drawing toy) using the above-described thermal recording medium that exhibits a plurality of colors according to temperature will be described with reference to FIGS.

<2.1 Drawing toy configuration>
FIG. 9 shows the overall configuration of the drawing toy 60. The drawing toy 60 includes a heating writing tool 63 corresponding to a writing tool, and a drawing toy main body 67 electrically connected to the writing tool 63 by a conducting wire 64. The drawing toy main body 67 includes a thermosensitive recording medium 61 in which a thermosensitive discoloring agent is arranged in an arrangement pattern in which triangular virtual unit regions are arranged in close proximity as shown in FIG. Consists of. Inside the drawing toy main body 67, a power supply unit 66 (not shown) is provided between the conductor 64 and the sensitive recording medium 61, and supplies power for heating the heating writing instrument 63. As will be described later, the user of the drawing toy 60 can freely draw in various colors by switching the temperature of the tip of the heating writing instrument 63 as appropriate and bringing the tip into contact with the surface of the thermal recording medium 61. It can be performed.

  A mechanism for adjusting the temperature of the tip of the heating writing instrument 63 will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the external configuration of the heating writing instrument 63. The heating writing instrument 63 includes a gripping part 6315 for gripping and a conductive tip part 6314 protruding from one end of the heating writing instrument 63. As will be described later, a temperature adjustment operation unit 6311 for adjusting the temperature of the leading end portion 6314 when the leading end portion 6314 comes into contact with the thermal recording medium 61 is provided on the grip portion 6315.

  The temperature adjustment operation unit 6311 is of a slide type and includes a slide operation element 6312 and a guide hole 6313 that can slide the slide operation element 6312 in the longitudinal direction of the heating writing instrument. On the edge of the guide hole 6313, characters of “yellow”, “red”, and “black” are printed in order at equal intervals. The temperature of the tip 6314 is adjusted by sliding the slide operator 6312 along the guide hole 6313.

  FIG. 11 is a conceptual diagram showing the electrical configuration of the drawing toy 60. A mechanism in which temperature adjustment is performed by switching the temperature adjustment operation unit 6311 will be described with reference to FIG.

  The heating writing instrument 63 is electrically coupled to the thermal recording medium 61 via a conductive wire 64 that is electrically connected to the tip 6314, and a power supply unit such as a battery is interposed between the thermal recording medium 61 and the conductive wire 64. 66 is provided. Inside the heating writing instrument 63, three resistors 630a to 630c having different resistance values are arranged in parallel, and by operating the temperature adjustment operation unit 6311, a resistance to be contacted from among the resistors 630a to 630c is arbitrarily set. It is configured to be selectable. Therefore, when the tip 6314 of the heating writing instrument 63 comes into contact with the surface of the thermal recording medium 61, the tip 6314, the thermal recording medium 61, the power source 66, the conductor 64, the resistor 630, and the closed back to the tip 6314 again. A circuit is formed.

  According to such a circuit configuration, the circuit becomes a closed circuit and is energized only when the tip portion 6314 of the heating writing instrument 63 contacts the thermal recording medium 61. As will be described later, the tip 6314 of the heating writing instrument 63 generates heat due to the current during energization, and the temperature-sensitive color change agent is heated and discolored. Therefore, since the heat generation phenomenon is seen only when the heating writing instrument 63 comes into contact with the thermal recording medium 61, a safe drawing toy with less risk of burns and the like can be realized.

  Further, according to the circuit configuration described above, the current flowing through the circuit can be adjusted by switching the resistor 630, thereby adjusting the heat generation temperature of the tip portion 6314 of the heating writing instrument 63. That is, this corresponds to associating the resistors 630a to 630c with the color change temperature of the temperature sensitive color change agent. For example, the resistance value of the resistor 630a that is in contact with the slide operation element 6312 at the “yellow” position is set to a resistance value at which the periphery of the tip 6314 of the thermal recording medium 61 is 30 ° C. The resistance 630b that is in contact with the slide operation element 6312 at the position is set to a resistance value at which the periphery of the tip 6314 of the thermal recording medium 61 is 40 ° C. Further, the slide operation element 6312 is positioned at the “black” position. By setting the resistance value of the resistor 630c that is in contact at a certain time to a resistance value at which the periphery of the tip portion 6314 of the thermal recording medium 61 is 50 ° C., the color display attached to the grip portion 6315 of the heating writing instrument 63 and the actual display The color change temperature at the time of drawing can be made to correspond. Therefore, since the user of the drawing toy 60 can perform an operation based on only a predetermined display indicating the color, the temperature can be easily adjusted without directly adjusting the temperature.

<2.2 Heating action during drawing>
Next, a mechanism for heating and changing the color of the thermosensitive color change agent in the thermal recording medium 61 using the heating writing instrument 63 will be described in detail.

  FIG. 12 is a view showing a state in which the tip 6314 of the heating writing instrument 63 is in contact with the upper surface of the thermal recording medium 61, and the contact portion is shown enlarged. When the tip 6314 contacts the thermal recording medium 61, the tip 6314, the thermal recording medium 61, the battery 66, the conductor 64, the resistor 630 (not shown) in the heating writing instrument 63, and one closed circuit that returns to the tip 6314 is completed. Current flows.

  The partial enlarged view of FIG. 12 includes a heat sensitive recording medium arranged in the close arrangement type arrangement pattern of FIG. 2 so as to include a first temperature sensitive color change agent 612a and a second temperature sensitive color change agent 612b. It is sectional drawing cut | disconnected. As described above, the temperature-sensitive color change agent 612 is disposed in the heat-sensitive recording layer 611, and the heat-sensitive recording layer 611 is supported by the support 613. The thermal recording medium 61 composed of the thermal recording layer 611 and the support 613 is supported by a non-conductive support housing 62.

  When a current flows through the above-described closed circuit, the tip 6314 of the heating writing instrument 63 is a conductor having a predetermined resistance value, and generates heat due to Joule heat and reaches a predetermined temperature. The vicinity of the tip portion 6314 on the heat-sensitive recording layer 611 is heated by the heat from the tip portion 6314, whereby the first temperature-sensitive color change agent 612a and the second temperature-sensitive color change agent 612b in the vicinity of the tip portion 6314 are heated. Are heated and change color when the temperature exceeds a predetermined temperature. In FIG. 12, the two temperature-sensitive color changing agents 612a and 612b immediately below the tip 6314 are discolored by heating.

  Therefore, since the heat generation phenomenon is seen only when the heating writing instrument 63 comes into contact with the thermal recording medium 61, a safe drawing toy with less risk of burns and the like can be realized.

<2.3 Modification>
In the above-described embodiment, the temperature adjustment operation unit 6311 is a slide type, but the present invention is not limited to such a configuration.

  Therefore, for example, as shown in FIG. 13A, a push button type temperature control provided with temperature control buttons 6321 to 6323 for adjusting the temperature of the tip portion 6324 to the temperature corresponding to each color of yellow, red, and black. It is good also as a part.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 13B, a knock-type temperature control that can switch the temperature of the tip 6324 to a temperature corresponding to each color every time the knock 6331 provided at one end of the heating writing instrument 633 is knocked. It is good also as a part. At this time, it is difficult to recognize the currently selected color at a glance. Therefore, in the case of this modification, a color display window 6332 is provided in the grip portion of the heating writing instrument 633, and the currently selected color can be visually recognized using characters or colors.

  Furthermore, as shown in FIG.13 (c), it is good also as a dial adjustment type temperature control operation part. The gripping portion 6346 of the heating writing instrument 634 is provided with a tip portion 6347 at one end, and color displays 6343 to 6345 corresponding to yellow, red, and black at the other end. A color can be selected by rotating a dial portion 6341 provided with a triangular mark 6342 on a part of the circumference and aligning the mark 6342 with one of the color displays 6343 to 6345.

  In addition, in the above-described embodiment, the temperature adjustment operation unit 6311 is provided in the heating writing instrument 63, but is not limited to such a configuration of the present invention. Therefore, for example, as shown in FIG. 14, the temperature adjustment operation unit 65 may be provided on the support housing 62. In this case, the temperature adjusting resistors 630 a to 630 c may be provided inside the support housing 62. According to such a configuration, the structure of the heated writing instrument 63 can be reduced in size and weight.

  In the above-described embodiment, switching of the temperature of the tip portion 6314 of the heating writing instrument 63 is realized by switching the resistors 630a to 630c connected in series with the tip portion 6314 while sharing the tip portion 6314 itself. did. However, the present invention is not limited to such a configuration. For example, as shown in FIG. 15, the rod-shaped heating elements 6351b to 6353b preheated to the temperatures corresponding to the respective colors of yellow, red, and black are switched by sliding the corresponding slide operation elements 6351a to 6353a. Also good. According to such a configuration, since the rod-shaped heating elements 6351b to 6353b are preheated, it is not necessary to wait for the tip portion 6354 to reach a predetermined temperature, and thus the usability of the heating writing instrument 635 is improved.

  Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the heating writing instrument 63 and the drawing toy main body 67 are connected by the conducting wire 64. However, the present invention is not limited to such a configuration. That is, a power source may be incorporated in the heating writing instrument 63 so that the tip 6314 of the heating writing instrument 63 generates heat independently. According to such a configuration, free writing is possible without being restricted by the conductive wire 64.

  In addition, in the above-described embodiment, the tip of the heating writing instrument is heated, and the heated tip is brought into contact with the surface of the heat-sensitive recording medium for heating. However, the present invention is not limited to such a configuration. For example, the temperature-sensitive color changing agent may be a mixture of a temperature-sensitive ink and a conductive ink, and the ink itself may generate heat due to Joule heat when energized. According to such a structure, it becomes possible to heat a temperature-sensitive color-change agent more directly and efficiently.

  Moreover, in the above-mentioned embodiment, it was set as the structure which heat-generates the front-end | tip part of a heating writing instrument by switching resistance. However, the present invention is not limited to such a configuration. Therefore, the amount of heat generated may be controlled by chopper-controlling the voltage waveform or current of the circuit using a switching element or the like. As this type of control, any control method known to those skilled in the art can be used. As an example, PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) control or the like can be used. According to such a configuration, it is possible to perform control with less heat loss than resistance and the like.

<3. Third Embodiment (Game Device for Heating Temperature Sensitive Recording Medium)>
Next, a third embodiment relating to a game device that plays using a coin-shaped thermal recording medium will be described.

  FIG. 16 is an external perspective view of a game apparatus 70 capable of changing the coin-shaped thermal recording medium 75 to various colors. The game device 70 includes a display 71 provided in the housing so as to face the player, and operation buttons 72 connected to a control unit of the game device 70 (not shown). At the lower part of the casing, there are provided a discharge port 74 for discharging the coin-shaped thermal recording medium 75 and a tray portion 73 for receiving the coin-shaped thermal recording medium 75 discharged from the discharge port 74.

  FIG. 17 is a schematic configuration diagram of a portion related to heating / discoloration of the coin-shaped thermal recording medium 75 inside the game apparatus 70. The coin-shaped thermal recording medium 75 (75a, 75b, 75c) is first stored in the storage unit 76. This coin-shaped heat-sensitive recording medium 75 is a plastic coin having a heat-sensitive recording layer on its surface, which is changed into a plurality of kinds of colors according to temperature, as described in any of the above-described embodiments. In the stored state, it is in the initial state at normal temperature where no color is changed. The coin-shaped heat-sensitive recording medium 75 is sent to the conveyance path 77 in response to a command from a control unit (not shown), heated by a heating unit 78 on the way, and changed to various colors, and then the discharge port 74. Then, a predetermined number of sheets are sequentially discharged out of the apparatus by the discharge unit 80. That is, from the discharge port 74, coin-shaped thermal recording media (75a, 75b, 75c...) Having various colors are discharged.

  The heating temperature in the heating unit 78 that heats each thermal recording medium 75 is controlled by a heating control unit 79. The heating control unit 79 determines the heating temperature of the heating unit 78 and controls the heating unit 78 in response to a command from the control unit regarding the game content (not shown). For example, the first color (eg, yellow) indicates that the game result is good, and the second color (eg, black) indicates the game result is not good. In other cases, when the setting is such that coins exhibiting a third color (for example, red) are ejected, the heating control unit 79 sets the temperature to the target first to third colors. The temperature of the heating unit 78 or the heating time is controlled so that the color changes.

  That is, according to the above configuration, it is possible to provide a game device that discharges a coin-shaped thermal recording medium having various colors according to game contents. According to such an apparatus, it is not necessary to facilitate coins of a plurality of colors in advance, and the cost can be reduced. In addition, since coins having various colors are provided, it is possible to provide a game device that can provide enjoyment of collection at the same time.

  In addition, although this embodiment illustrated about the game device, it does not necessarily require having game property. Therefore, for example, a recording apparatus that simply ejects a thermal recording medium exhibiting a color selected by the user may be used.

  In the present embodiment, various heating temperatures in the single heating unit 78 are controlled by the heating control unit 79. However, the present invention is not limited to such a configuration.

  FIG. 18 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating a modified example of the game apparatus 70, and the same reference numerals are used for configurations similar to the configurations illustrated in FIG. In the same figure, the game device according to the modified example has first to third heating units 78a to 78c, and before and after each heating unit 78a to 78c, a first corresponding to each heating unit 78a to 78c. 1st-3rd conveyance paths 77a-77c are provided.

  The first heating unit 78a heats the thermal recording medium 75 at a temperature that changes the thermal recording medium 75 to the first color, and the second heating unit 78b converts the thermal recording medium 75 to the second color. The thermal recording medium 75 is heated at a temperature at which the thermal recording medium 75 changes color, and the third heating unit 78c heats the thermal recording medium 75 at a temperature at which the thermal recording medium 75 changes color to the third color. That is, any of the heating units 78a to 78c heats the thermal recording medium 75 at a constant temperature. A control unit (not shown) appropriately carries out the thermal recording medium 75 stored in the storage unit 76 and distributes it to one of the first to third transport paths 77a to 77c. That is, the heating temperature can be selected by assigning to any one of the conveyance paths 77a to 77c.

  According to such a configuration, it is possible to select the transport paths 77a to 77c with an appropriate sorter, that is, a heating unit adjusted to a predetermined heating temperature without providing the heating control unit 79 for changing and controlling the heating temperature. By selecting 78a to 78c, the thermal recording medium 75 can be changed to a plurality of colors.

<4. Fourth Embodiment (Thermal Printer)>
Next, a fourth embodiment relating to a thermal printer that changes the color of a sheet-like thermal recording medium exhibiting a plurality of colors according to temperature will be described.

  FIG. 19 is a schematic configuration diagram of a portion related to heating and discoloration of the sheet-like thermal recording medium 91 inside the thermal printer 90. A sheet-like thermal recording medium 91 is wound around a roller 92 to form a roll, and is supported by a roller 92 or a feed roller 93 according to a command from a control unit (not shown) to maintain a predetermined tension while maintaining a predetermined tension. Is sent out on the transport path 95. The sheet-like heat-sensitive recording medium 91 is a heat-sensitive recording medium that exhibits a plurality of colors according to the temperature described in any of the above-described embodiments. A thermal head 94 is provided in the vicinity of the feed roller 93 on the conveyance path 95, and the thermal recording medium 91 is heated by the thermal head 94.

  The thermal head 94 has a large number of independent heating portions (not shown) in a row in the depth direction of FIG. 19, and the temperature of each heating portion is controlled by a temperature control device 96. The temperature control device 96 is supplied with color information of each point of the image to be printed on the sheet-like thermal recording medium 91, and the temperature control device 96, one row at a time, in accordance with the color information, the thermal head 94. The temperature of each heating part is controlled. In other words, images of a plurality of colors are printed on the sheet-like thermal recording medium 91 by the thermal head 94 one by one.

  According to the thermal printer having such a configuration, it is possible to print a rich image on the thermal recording medium.

<5. Fifth Embodiment (Game Device Equipped with Thermal Printer)>
Next, a thermal printer that operates in conjunction with the game device and performs printing using a plurality of temperature-sensitive color-changing agents will be described.

  FIG. 20 is an external perspective view of the game apparatus 100 that performs printing described later on the game card 101 in conjunction with the game, and discharges it. The game apparatus 100 includes a display 104 provided in a housing so as to face the player, and operation buttons 102 connected to a control unit (not shown) of the game apparatus 100. A discharge port 103 for discharging the card 101 is provided at the lower part of the housing. The player can play a predetermined game by operating the operation button 102 while looking at the display 104, and can receive a card 101 printed according to the game result.

  FIG. 21 is a schematic configuration diagram of a thermal printer unit 110 that is arranged inside the game apparatus 100 and is involved in printing of the card 101. The card 101 is transported on the transport path 115 from the right side to the left side of the drawing by the upper and lower clamping rollers 112a and 112b, the second feed roller 119, and the first feed roller 113. A predetermined card storage unit (not shown) is provided further upstream than the sandwiching roller 112, and a predetermined card discharge mechanism (not shown) is provided further downstream than the first feed roller 113.

  On the card 101, a plurality of temperature-sensitive color change agents (for example, the color that changes to cyan, magenta, and yellow at a predetermined temperature or higher, respectively) are detected by an inkjet head 117 disposed in the vicinity of the second feed roller 119. (Temperature discoloration ink or the like) is irradiated. At this time, the inkjet head 117 is controlled by the print control device 118 so that a plurality of temperature-sensitive color change agents can be arranged in the predetermined arrangement pattern described in the first embodiment and the like. In addition, although the inkjet head 117 is described as one in the drawing, for example, a head may be provided for each color.

  After printing by the inkjet head 117, the temperature-sensitive discoloring agent on the card 101 is heated by the thermal head 114 disposed in the subsequent stage. The thermal head 114 has a single heat generating portion (not shown) in a row in the depth direction of FIG. 21, and the temperature of the heat generating portion is controlled by the temperature control device 116. The temperature control device 116 is supplied with the color information of each column of the image printed on the card 101, and the temperature control device 116 detects the temperature of each heat generating portion of the thermal head 114 one row at a time according to the color information. To control. That is, images are printed on the cards 101 one by one by the thermal head 114.

  FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of printing on a game card 101 using the thermal printer unit 110. As shown in FIG. 22A, in the game card 101, in the initial state, that is, in the state stored in the storage unit, a predetermined game-related image 120 printed by a normal method and , “Player game level (Lv.)” And “skilled skill” are printed. As will be described later, the thermal printer unit 110 applies a game to each of the first print area 121 and the second print area 122 under the words “player level (Lv.)” And “skill of skill”. The player level indicated by the three-stage triangle determined in conjunction with the result and the star determined in conjunction with the game result and representing the skill of the player's operation, that is, the skill of the trick (up to three stars ) Will be printed.

  FIG. 22B shows an example of printing on the card 101 when the game result is very good. In the drawing, in the first print area 121 under the word “player game level (Lv.)”, A display indicating that the player level is “3” out of three levels is made. In the second print area 122 under the word “skillfulness”, an indication is made that the skillfulness of the skill is the highest 3 stars out of 3 levels.

  The first stage of the three-stage triangle representing the player level is yellow, the second stage is red, and the third stage is black. This is due to printing by the following method. That is, first, the inkjet head 117 is temperature-sensitive in the first stage region of the triangle, which is colorless and transparent in the initial state, but turns yellow at a temperature equal to or higher than the first heating temperature (50 ° C.). The discoloring agent is arranged in the form of dots in such a manner that the discoloration is perceived as yellow by the naked eye. In addition, the inkjet head 117 includes a temperature-sensitive color change agent that is colorless and transparent in the initial state, but changes to yellow at a temperature equal to or higher than the first heating temperature (50 ° C.). A temperature-sensitive discolorant that is colorless and transparent in the initial state but changes to a magenta color at a temperature equal to or higher than the second heating temperature (60 ° C.) is perceived as red by color mixing with the naked eye at the time of discoloration. Arrange closely in the manner. Further, the inkjet head 117 includes a temperature-sensitive color change agent that is colorless and transparent in the initial state in the triangular third region, but changes to yellow at a temperature equal to or higher than the first heating temperature (50 ° C.). A temperature-sensitive discoloring agent that is colorless and transparent in the initial state but changes to a magenta color at a temperature equal to or higher than the second heating temperature (60 ° C.), and a third heating temperature that is colorless and transparent in the initial state ( A temperature-sensitive color-changing agent that changes to cyan at a temperature of 70 ° C. or higher is closely arranged in such a manner that when they change color, they are mixed with the naked eye and perceived as black. Next, the thermal head 114 heats such a triangular region at a temperature of 70 ° C. or higher. According to such heating, the first stage exhibits yellow, the second stage exhibits red, and the third stage exhibits black. As described above, by causing the inkjet head 117 and the thermal head 114 to cooperate with each other, a graphic having a desired shape and color can be printed on the card 101.

  In addition, three stars representing the skill of the skill are arranged in a row with the same color. This is due to printing by the following method. That is, first, the inkjet head 117 is colorless and transparent in the initial state, but the temperature-sensitive discoloring agent that exhibits a predetermined color when heated to a predetermined temperature or higher is applied to the 3 in the second printing region 122. Place as many stars as you want in one star area. In this example, the number is three. Next, the thermal head 114 heats the three star regions in the second print region 122 at the predetermined temperature or higher. As a result, a desired number of stars are printed in the second print region 122. As described above, by causing the inkjet head 117 and the thermal head 114 to cooperate with each other, it is possible to freely arrange figures on the card 101.

  On the other hand, FIG. 22C shows an example of printing on the card 101 when the game result is not good. In the figure, the first print area 121 is displayed to indicate that the player level is “2” of the three levels, and the second print area 122 shows the skill of the trick. The display shows that it is the lowest one star. These displays are heated and discolored in the same manner as described above, and the first stage of the three-stage triangle representing the player level is displayed in yellow, and the second stage is displayed in red.

  According to the above configuration, the thermal printer unit 110 has the head for disposing the temperature-sensitive color change agent at the front stage and the thermal head at the rear stage. High printing can be performed. That is, for example, according to a change in game content of the game apparatus 100, the print content (for example, the number and color of stages included in a triangle, the design and number of stars, and other designs) can be freely changed.

  Further, according to the above configuration, it is possible to reduce the consumption amount of the temperature-sensitive discoloring agent as compared with the case where printing is performed on the card 101 in advance. For example, when the game result is very bad and no printing is performed in the first print area 121 and the second print area 122, it is possible to dispose the temperature-sensitive color change agent from the beginning. This makes it possible to save temperature-sensitive discoloring agents.

  Furthermore, according to the above configuration, it is possible to provide a game device that discharges cards printed in various colors in conjunction with game results. Thereby, it is possible to provide a game device that can provide enjoyment of collection.

  In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the thermal head 114 has a single heating unit (not shown). However, the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment. For example, as described in the above-described fourth embodiment, the thermal head 114 may have a large number of independent heat generation units, and the temperature of each heat generation unit may be controlled by a predetermined temperature control device. In this case, in cooperation with the head on which the temperature-sensitive color change agent is arranged, for example, only the region where the temperature-sensitive color change agent is arranged can be heated, and efficient heating by the thermal head 114 is possible. Become.

  In this embodiment, a simple figure is printed on the card, but the present invention is not limited to such a configuration. Therefore, more complicated printing contents such as superimposing printing on a predetermined game image area 120 and printing of complicated graphics may be used. For example, a figure of a person holding a weapon is printed in the game image area 120, and is superficially superimposed on the periphery of the weapon so that it is colorless and transparent in the initial state, but exhibits a red color above a predetermined temperature. Place the discolorant in the shape of a flame. In this state, the weapon portion may be heated at a predetermined temperature or higher according to a game result (for example, when the game result is “highest”), and an effect may be performed so that the weapon burns. At this time, in the first print area 121, a display indicating that the player level is “3” out of the three levels is made, and the second print area under the word “skill of skill”. 122 may be displayed indicating that the skill of the skill is the highest three of the three levels.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the inkjet head 117 is exemplified as the means for arranging the temperature-sensitive discoloring agent, but the present invention is not limited to such an invention, and other various printing methods known to those skilled in the art are available. It can be adopted. Examples of such a printing technique include offset printing, letterpress printing, silk printing, and the like.

  According to the present invention, there is provided a temperature-sensitive recording medium that can change colors in a rich manner according to the applied temperature. Therefore, for example, a drawing toy or the like provided with a temperature-sensitive recording medium that can be varied in color according to the applied temperature can be provided.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Thermal recording layer 2 Support body 10 Thermal recording medium 11 Unit area | region 12 Thermosensitive color change agent 12a 1st thermosensitive color change agent 12b 2nd thermosensitive color change agent 12c 3rd thermosensitive color change agent 20 Thermal recording Medium 21 Unit region 22 Temperature-sensitive color changer 22a First temperature-sensitive color changer 22b Second temperature-sensitive color changer 22c Third temperature-sensitive color changer 22d Fourth temperature-sensitive color changer 30 Thermal recording medium 31 unit region 32 thermosensitive color changer 32a first temperature sensitive color changer 32b second temperature sensitive color changer 32c third temperature sensitive color changer 32d fourth temperature sensitive color changer 40 heat sensitive recording layer 41 Support 42 First temperature-sensitive color changing layer 43 Second temperature-sensitive color changing layer 44 Third temperature-sensitive color changing layer 48 Heating device 50 Thermal recording layer 51 Support 52 First temperature-sensitive color changing agent 53 First 2 temperature sensitive color change agent 54 3rd temperature sensitive color change agent 60 drawing toy DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Thermal recording medium 611 Thermal recording layer 612a 1st thermosensitive color changer 612b 2nd thermosensitive color change agent 613 Support body 62 Support housing | casing 63 Heating writing instrument 630 Resistance 630a 1st resistance 630b 2nd resistance 630c 2nd Resistance of 3 631 Heating writing tool 6311 Temperature adjusting operation part 6312 Slide operation element 6313 Guide hole 6314 Tip part 6315 Grasping part 632 Heating writing tool 6321 Temperature adjusting button 6322 Temperature adjusting button 6323 Temperature adjusting button 6324 Tip part 633 Heating writing tool 6331 Coloring part 6332 Display window 6334 Tip 634 Heating writing instrument
6341 Dial part 6342 Mark 6343 Color display (first color)
6344 Color display (second color)
6345 color display (third color)
6346 Grasping part 6347 Tip part 635 Heating writing instrument 6351a 1st slide operation element 6351b 1st rod-shaped heating element 6352a 2nd slide operation element 6352b 2nd rod-shaped heating element 6353a 3rd slide operation element 6353b 3rd rod-shaped heat generation Body 6354 Front end portion 64 Conductor 65 Temperature adjustment operation portion 66 Power supply portion 67 Drawing toy main body 70 Game device 71 Display 72 Operation button 73 Tray portion 74 Discharge port 75 Coin-shaped thermosensitive recording medium 76 Storage portion 77 Conveyance path 77a First conveyance Path 77b second transport path 77c third transport path 78 heating section 78a first heating section 78b second heating section 78c third heating section 79 heating control section 80 discharge section 90 thermal printer 91 sheet-like thermal recording Medium 92 Roller 93 Feed roller 94 Thermal f 95 Transport path 96 Temperature control device 100 Game device 101 Card 102 Operation button 103 Card discharge port 104 Display 110 Thermal printer section 112 Nipping roller 113 First feed roller 114 Thermal head 115 Transport path 116 Temperature control device 117 Inkjet head 118 Printing Control device 119 Second feed roller 120 Game-related image 121 First print area 122 Second print area

Claims (25)

A thermal recording layer providing a recording surface;
Including a support for supporting the thermosensitive recording layer,
The thermosensitive recording layer includes a plurality of types of thermosensitive color-changing agents having different color-changing temperatures in a predetermined arrangement pattern,
Thereby, when each part of the recording surface is heated, it exhibits a plurality of kinds of colors according to the temperature. The predetermined arrangement pattern is a pattern in which unit regions in which the plurality of types of temperature-sensitive color change agents are closely arranged are regularly arranged,
The heat-sensitive recording medium according to claim 1, wherein when each of the thermosensitive color-changing agents changes color, it is perceived by the viewer as a mixture of colors.   The thermal recording medium according to claim 2, wherein the unit area is a predetermined polygonal area, and the polygonal areas are arranged adjacent to each other.   The thermosensitive recording medium according to claim 3, wherein each of the thermosensitive color-changing agents is disposed in the predetermined polygonal area in the vicinity of the inside of each vertex of the polygonal area.   The heat-sensitive recording medium according to claim 2, wherein each of the temperature-sensitive color-changing agents is arranged linearly and in a cross shape in the unit region.   The heat-sensitive color change agent disposed in the unit region is three types of temperature-sensitive color change agents, and changes color to cyan, magenta, and yellow at each color change temperature. recoding media.   The temperature-sensitive color change agent disposed in the unit region is four types of temperature-sensitive color change agents, and changes color to cyan, magenta, yellow, and black at each color change temperature. Thermal recording media.   The thermosensitive recording medium according to claim 2, wherein the temperature-sensitive color change agent disposed in the unit region is three types of temperature-sensitive color change agents and changes color to red, green, and yellow at each color change temperature. .   The thermosensitive recording medium according to claim 1, wherein each of the thermosensitive color-changing agents has a hysteresis characteristic of returning to the original color at a temperature sufficiently lower than the color-changing temperature after the color is once changed.   The heat-sensitive recording medium according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined arrangement pattern is a pattern in which a plurality of the temperature-sensitive color change agents are laminated.   The thermosensitive recording medium according to claim 10, wherein when one temperature-sensitive color-changing agent layer and the other temperature-sensitive color-changing agent layer are discolored, the viewer perceives the color mixture with each other.   The heat-sensitive recording medium according to claim 10, wherein when one temperature-sensitive color-changing agent layer and the other temperature-sensitive color-changing agent layer are changed in color, the color of the upper layer is perceived by an observer. Providing a support; and
Providing a thermosensitive recording layer to be a recording surface on the surface of the support,
The thermosensitive recording layer contains a plurality of types of thermosensitive color change agents having different color change temperatures in a predetermined arrangement pattern,
Thereby, when each part of the recording surface is heated, it exhibits a plurality of kinds of colors according to the temperature. A main body composed of a thermosensitive recording medium in which a plurality of types of thermosensitive color-changing agents having different discoloration temperatures are arranged in a predetermined arrangement pattern; and a support housing that supports the thermosensitive recording medium;
A heating writing instrument capable of changing the temperature of the thermochromic discoloring agent around the contact portion to a predetermined temperature by bringing the tip portion into contact with the surface of the heat-sensitive recording medium;
A drawing toy consisting of
The drawing toy configured such that the predetermined temperature can be adjusted by a temperature adjustment operation unit provided in the main body or the heating writing instrument. The thermal recording medium and the heating writing instrument are electrically connected, and configured to energize when the tip of the heating writing instrument contacts the surface of the thermal recording medium,
The drawing toy according to claim 14, wherein the heating to the predetermined temperature is performed using heat generated in a tip portion of the heating writing instrument or in the heat-sensitive recording medium by the energization.   The drawing toy according to claim 14, wherein each temperature-changing color changing agent is a mixture of a conductive dye and a temperature-sensitive color changing dye. A plurality of resistors having different resistance values are provided inside the heating writing instrument,
The drawing toy according to claim 14, wherein the resistance can be switched by operating the temperature adjustment operation unit. Inside the heating writing instrument, a plurality of rod-like heating elements that can be preheated are provided,
The drawing toy according to claim 14, wherein each of the rod-shaped heating elements is configured to selectively protrude from a distal end portion of the heating recording tool by operating the temperature adjustment operation unit.   The drawing toy according to claim 14, wherein each of the thermochromic color-changing agents is one in which a temperature-sensitive dye composed of a dye, a color developer, and a desensitizer is encapsulated in a microcapsule.   In the vicinity of the temperature adjustment operation unit, when a heated writing instrument comes into contact with the thermal recording medium at a set temperature, a display according to a color perceived by the naked eye around the contact unit is made. Item 15. A drawing toy according to Item 14. A storage unit for storing a thermosensitive recording medium in which a plurality of types of thermosensitive color change agents having different color change temperatures are arranged in a predetermined arrangement pattern;
A heating unit that heats the thermal recording medium supplied from the storage unit and discolors the thermal recording medium;
A heating control unit that controls the heating temperature of the heating unit and changes the color of the thermal recording medium into a plurality of colors;
A discharge section for discharging the heat-sensitive recording medium after the color change to the outside;
A thermal recording medium recording apparatus comprising:   The heating recording medium recording apparatus according to claim 21, wherein the heating control unit changes a color of the thermal recording medium according to a game result of a predetermined game. A storage unit for storing a thermosensitive recording medium in which a plurality of types of thermosensitive color change agents having different color change temperatures are arranged in a predetermined arrangement pattern;
A plurality of heating units for heating the thermosensitive recording medium at different temperatures and changing the color of the thermosensitive recording medium,
A sorter that sorts the thermal recording medium carried out of the storage unit into one of the plurality of heating units according to a color to be changed;
A discharge section for discharging the heat-sensitive recording medium after the color change to the outside;
A thermal recording medium recording apparatus comprising: A plurality of types of thermosensitive color-changing agents having different color-changing temperatures are arranged in a predetermined arrangement pattern, and a conveyance mechanism that conveys a sheet-like thermal recording medium that exhibits a plurality of types of colors according to temperature
A thermal head that is arranged in the middle of the conveyance path of the conveyance mechanism and heats the sheet-like thermal recording medium in a row;
A temperature controller for locally controlling the temperature on the row of thermal heads;
A thermal printer for sheet-like thermal recording media. A transport mechanism for transporting a sheet-like print medium;
A temperature-sensitive color changer arrangement head arranged in a predetermined arrangement pattern on the sheet-like print medium, which is arranged in the middle of the conveyance path of the conveyance mechanism, and a plurality of types of temperature-sensitive color change agents having different color change temperatures;
A thermal head that is arranged in the middle of the conveyance path of the conveyance mechanism and is arranged downstream of the temperature-sensitive color changer arrangement head, and heats the sheet-like print medium in a row,
A thermal printer.

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