JP2019130692A - Thermal transfer printer and thermal transfer method - Google Patents

Abstract

To record/acquire information on a thermal transfer sheet and an intermediate transfer medium without using an RFID tag.SOLUTION: A thermal transfer printer includes: a printing section 50 which heats a thermal transfer sheet 20 on the basis of image data, forms an image by transferring a color material layer to a transfer layer 14 of an intermediate transfer medium 10, heats the thermal transfer sheet 20 on the basis of first information on the thermal transfer sheet 20 and second information on the intermediate transfer medium 10, and forms patterns corresponding to the first information and the second information on the transfer layer 14; a transfer section 60 which heats the intermediate transfer medium and transfers the transfer layer 14 formed with the image thereon to a body 40 to be transferred; a first reading section 36 which reads the pattern corresponding to the first information remaining in the color material layer 27 of the thermal transfer sheet 20; and a second reading section 38 which reads the pattern corresponding to the second information which is formed in the intermediate transfer medium 10.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a thermal transfer printer and a thermal transfer method.

  As one of printers for forming a thermal transfer image on an arbitrary object, an intermediate transfer medium having a receiving layer releasably provided on a substrate and a thermal transfer sheet having a color material layer are used. There has been proposed a thermal transfer printer in which an image is formed by transferring a color material to a receiving layer, and then a transfer layer including the receiving layer on which the image is formed is transferred from an intermediate transfer medium onto a transfer medium.

  In recent years, due to advances in thermal transfer recording technology, there are a wide variety of types of thermal transfer sheets and intermediate transfer media, and these multiple types of thermal transfer sheets and intermediate transfer media may be used in one type of thermal transfer printer. is increasing. In order to obtain desired printing performance and durability, it is necessary to identify the type of the thermal transfer sheet and the intermediate transfer medium, and to control the heating energy of the thermal transfer sheet and the intermediate transfer medium according to the type.

  Conventionally, an RFID tag is attached to a spool, a cassette, or the like carrying a thermal transfer sheet, and information recorded on the RFID tag is read by a reader to identify the type of thermal transfer sheet. However, the attachment of RFID tags has been a factor in increasing costs.

  In addition, at present, the RFID tag is not attached to the winding of the intermediate transfer medium in most products. For example, when an intermediate transfer medium in use is loaded into another thermal transfer printer, the remaining thermal transfer printer cannot grasp the number of remaining screens of the intermediate transfer medium. If the RFID tag is attached to the intermediate transfer medium, the cost is further increased.

JP 2004-276243 A

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described conventional situation, and provides a thermal transfer printer and a thermal transfer method capable of recording / acquiring information on a thermal transfer sheet and an intermediate transfer medium without using an RFID tag. Is an issue.

  A thermal transfer printer according to an aspect of the present invention includes a first supply unit that supplies an intermediate transfer medium provided with a transfer layer including a receiving layer on one side of a support, and a color material on one side of a substrate. A second supply unit for supplying a thermal transfer sheet provided with a layer; heating the thermal transfer sheet based on image data; transferring the color material layer to the transfer layer to form an image; and The thermal transfer sheet is heated based on the first information and the second information on the intermediate transfer medium, and the color material layer is transferred to the transfer layer to form a pattern corresponding to the first information and the second information. A printing unit; a third supply unit that supplies a transfer target; a transfer unit that heats the intermediate transfer medium and transfers the transfer layer on which the image is formed; The first remaining in the color material layer A first reading unit for reading a pattern corresponding to the information, and a second reading unit for reading a pattern corresponding to the second information which is formed on the intermediate transfer medium, in which comprises a.

  In the thermal transfer printer according to an aspect of the present invention, the color material layer of the thermal transfer sheet includes a molten layer, and the printing unit heats the molten layer to transfer the first information and the second information to the transfer layer. A pattern corresponding to is formed.

  In the thermal transfer printer according to an aspect of the present invention, the color material layer of the thermal transfer sheet includes yellow, magenta, and cyan dye layers, and the printing unit heats at least one dye layer to transfer the transfer layer. A pattern corresponding to the first information and the second information is formed on the layer.

  In the thermal transfer printer according to one aspect of the present invention, the first information regarding the thermal transfer sheet includes information regarding at least one of the type of the thermal transfer sheet and the number of remaining screens.

  In the thermal transfer printer according to one aspect of the present invention, the second information regarding the intermediate transfer medium includes information regarding at least one of the type of the intermediate transfer medium and the number of remaining screens.

  In the thermal transfer printer according to one aspect of the present invention, information on the type of the thermal transfer sheet or the number of printable screens is formed at the leading end of the thermal transfer sheet, and the first reading unit reads this information.

  The thermal transfer method according to one aspect of the present invention includes an intermediate transfer medium in which a transfer layer including a receiving layer is provided on one side of a support, and a thermal transfer sheet in which a color material layer is provided on one side of a substrate. A step of heating the thermal transfer sheet to transfer the color material layer to the transfer layer to form an image; and heating the intermediate transfer medium to transfer the transfer layer on which the image has been formed to the transfer target And transferring the color material layer to the transfer layer by heating the thermal transfer sheet based on first information relating to the thermal transfer sheet and second information relating to the intermediate transfer medium. Forming a pattern corresponding to the first information and the second information, reading a pattern corresponding to the first information remaining in the color material layer of the thermal transfer sheet, and the intermediate transfer medium. Formed said A step of reading a pattern corresponding to the second information, but with a.

  A thermal transfer printer according to an aspect of the present invention includes a photographic paper roll that feeds out a photographic sheet, a supply unit that supplies a thermal transfer sheet provided with a color material layer on one surface of a substrate, and the thermal transfer based on image data. The sheet is heated to transfer the color material layer to the printing sheet to form an image, and the thermal transfer sheet is heated based on the first information about the thermal transfer sheet and the third information about the printing sheet, and the printing A printing portion for transferring the color material layer to a sheet to form a pattern corresponding to the first information and the third information; and a pattern corresponding to the first information remaining in the color material layer of the thermal transfer sheet. A first reading unit for reading, and a third reading unit for reading a pattern corresponding to the third information formed on the printing sheet.

  In the thermal transfer printer according to one aspect of the present invention, the printing unit forms an image in a print sheet area of the printing sheet, and the first information and the third information are formed in a margin area on the rear side of the print sheet area. A pattern corresponding to is formed.

  A thermal transfer printer according to an aspect of the present invention cuts the printing sheet in a width direction, and cuts out a printed sheet including an image from the printing sheet and a margin piece including the margin area, and collects the margin piece. And a recovery container.

  The thermal transfer method according to an aspect of the present invention uses a printing sheet and a thermal transfer sheet provided with a color material layer on one surface of a substrate, heats the thermal transfer sheet, and the color sheet is applied to the printing sheet. A thermal transfer method for forming an image by transferring the image, wherein the thermal transfer sheet is heated based on first information relating to the thermal transfer sheet and third information relating to the printing sheet, and the color material layer is transferred to the printing sheet. Forming a pattern corresponding to the first information and the third information, reading a pattern corresponding to the first information remaining in the color material layer of the thermal transfer sheet, and forming the pattern on the printing sheet. And a step of reading a pattern corresponding to the third information.

  According to the present invention, information relating to the thermal transfer sheet and the intermediate transfer medium can be recorded and acquired without using an RFID tag.

1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a thermal transfer printer according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a plan view of an intermediate transfer medium. It is the III-III sectional view taken on the line of FIG. It is a top view of a thermal transfer sheet. It is the VV sectional view taken on the line of FIG. It is a flowchart explaining the thermal transfer method which concerns on the embodiment. It is a top view of the thermal transfer sheet after transfer. FIG. 3 is a plan view of an intermediate transfer medium on which an image is formed. It is a top view of the to-be-transferred body to which the transfer layer was transferred. It is a schematic block diagram of the thermal transfer printer which concerns on another embodiment. It is a top view of a printing sheet.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a thermal transfer printer according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the thermal transfer printer uses a thermal transfer sheet 20 to print an image on a receiving layer 13 (see FIG. 3) provided on the intermediate transfer medium 10, and transfer of the intermediate transfer medium 10. And a transfer section 60 that transfers the layer 14 (see FIG. 3) onto the transfer target 40.

  The thermal transfer printer includes a control unit 30, a storage unit 32, an operation display unit 34, and reading units 36 and 38. The storage unit 32 stores thermal transfer sheet information and intermediate transfer medium information. A plurality of types of thermal transfer sheets 20 and intermediate transfer media 10 can be loaded in this thermal transfer printer. The thermal transfer sheet information and the intermediate transfer medium information stored in the storage unit 32 include information on a plurality of types of thermal transfer sheets and intermediate transfer media, respectively. For example, information such as the product name, model number, number of printable screens, suitable transfer speed, and applied energy is included.

  The operation display unit 34 includes an operation unit that receives an operation from the user and a display unit that presents information to the user. The operation display unit 34 may be configured with buttons and a liquid crystal display, or may be configured with a touch panel.

  The reading unit 36 (first reading unit) reads information recorded on the thermal transfer sheet 20. The reading unit 38 (second reading unit) reads information recorded on the intermediate transfer medium 10. For example, when the information recorded on the thermal transfer sheet 20 and the intermediate transfer medium 10 is a barcode, a barcode reader is used for the reading units 36 and 38.

  In the printing unit 50, information is written (recorded) on the thermal transfer sheet 20 and the intermediate transfer medium 10. A method for writing information will be described later.

  2 is a plan view of the intermediate transfer medium 10 before information writing, and FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line III-III in FIG. The intermediate transfer medium 10 includes a support 11 and a transfer layer 14 provided on one surface of the support 11. The transfer layer 14 has a laminated structure including a peeling layer 12 provided on the support 11 and a receiving layer 13 laminated on the peeling layer 12. The receiving layer 13 is located on the outermost surface of the intermediate transfer medium 10, and is located farthest from the support 11 among the layers constituting the transfer layer 14.

  Detection marks 15 are formed on the intermediate transfer medium 10 at regular intervals. The space between the detection marks 15 is an area for one screen, and the color material is thermally transferred to the receiving layer 13 to form an image. After the image formation, the region including the image on the transfer layer 14 is transferred onto the transfer target 40.

(Support 11)
The material of the support 11 is not particularly limited, and for example, stretched or unstretched plastics such as polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene naphthalate, and other highly heat-resistant polyester, polypropylene, polycarbonate, cellulose acetate, polyethylene derivatives, polyamide, polymethylpentene, etc. A film etc. can be mentioned. Moreover, the composite film which laminated | stacked 2 or more types of these materials can also be used. The thickness of the support 11 can be appropriately selected depending on the material so that its strength, heat resistance, etc. are appropriate, but is usually in the range of 3 μm to 30 μm, preferably 4 μm to 15 μm. It is a range.

(Receptive layer 13)
The material of the receiving layer 13 is not particularly limited, and a conventionally known receiving layer can be appropriately selected and used in the field of intermediate transfer media. For example, polyolefin resin such as polypropylene, halogenated resin such as polyvinyl chloride or polyvinylidene chloride, polyvinyl acetate, vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate copolymer, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer or polyacrylate Vinyl resins, polyester resins such as polyethylene terephthalate or polybutylene terephthalate, polystyrene resins, polyamide resins, copolymers of olefins such as ethylene or propylene and other vinyl polymers, cellulose resins such as ionomers or cellulose diastases And solvent-based resins such as polycarbonate and acrylic resins. Moreover, the receiving layer 13 may contain 1 type of these components independently, and may contain 2 or more types.

  Moreover, the receiving layer 13 may contain a mold release agent together with the resin component. Examples of the release agent include solid waxes such as polyethylene wax, amide wax, and Teflon (registered trademark) powder, fluorine or phosphate surfactant, silicone oil, reactive silicone oil, and curable silicone oil. And various modified silicone oils, and various silicone resins.

  Although there is no limitation in particular about the thickness of the receiving layer 13, as an example, it is the range of 1 micrometer or more and 10 micrometers or less.

(Peeling layer 12)
The release layer 12 is for improving transferability (peelability) of the transfer layer 14, and is located closest to the support 11 among the layers constituting the transfer layer 14. Examples of the component of the release layer 12 include waxes, silicone wax, silicone resin, silicone-modified resin, fluorine resin, fluorine-modified resin, polyvinyl alcohol, acrylic resin, heat-crosslinkable epoxy-amino resin, and heat-crosslinkable alkyd-amino. Examples thereof include resins. Moreover, the peeling layer 12 may contain 1 type of these components independently, and may contain 2 or more types.

  Although there is no limitation in particular about the thickness of the peeling layer 12, as an example, it is the range of 0.5 micrometer or more and 5 micrometers or less.

  The configuration of the intermediate transfer medium 10 is not limited to that shown in FIG. For example, an arbitrary layer such as a protective layer (not shown) may be provided between the release layer 12 and the receiving layer 13. Moreover, it can also be set as the transfer layer 14 by which the protective layer and the receiving layer 13 are laminated | stacked in this order from the support body 11 side. Further, an arbitrary layer may be provided between the support 11 and the transfer layer 14. Further, a back layer (not shown) may be provided on the other surface of the support 11.

  Next, the thermal transfer sheet 20 used in the thermal transfer printer will be described. 4 is a plan view of the thermal transfer sheet 20, and FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line V-V in FIG. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the thermal transfer sheet 20 includes a base material 21, a yellow (Y) layer 22, a magenta (M) layer 23, and a cyan (C) layer provided on the same surface of the base material 21. 24 and a molten layer 26 of black (BK). A set of a color material layer 27 composed of a dye layer 25 and a melt layer 26 is repeatedly provided.

(Substrate 21)
The base material 21 is not particularly limited, and heat resistant such as thin paper such as glassine paper, condenser paper or paraffin paper, polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene naphthalate, polybutylene terephthalate, polyphenylene sulfide, polyether ketone or polyether sulfone. Mention may be made of stretched or unstretched films of high polyester, polypropylene, polycarbonate, cellulose acetate, polyethylene derivatives, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinylidene chloride, polystyrene, polyamide, polyimide, polymethylpentene or ionomer. Moreover, the composite film which laminated | stacked 2 or more types of these materials can also be used.

  Although there is no limitation in particular about the thickness of the base material 21, as an example, it is the range of 2 micrometers or more and 10 micrometers or less.

(Dye layer 25)
The dye layer 25 contains a dye and a binder resin for supporting the dye. As the dye and the binder resin, those conventionally known in the field of sublimation thermal transfer sheets can be appropriately selected and used.

(Melted layer 26)
The molten layer 26 may be any layer that satisfies the condition that it is melted and softened by heating and can be transferred onto the transfer layer 14, and includes, for example, a hot-melt ink and a binder resin. The heat-meltable ink can be appropriately selected from known organic or inorganic pigments or dyes, and preferably has a sufficient color density and does not discolor or fade due to light, heat, or the like.

  Although there is no limitation in particular about the thickness of the molten layer 26, the range of 0.1 micrometer or more and 30 micrometers or less is preferable.

  The configuration of the thermal transfer sheet 20 is not limited to that shown in FIGS. For example, a back layer (not shown) may be provided on the surface of the thermal transfer sheet 20 opposite to the surface on which the color material layer is formed.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the supply unit 70 (first supply unit) of the thermal transfer printer is loaded with a winding obtained by winding the intermediate transfer medium 10 in a ribbon shape. The supply unit 70 rotates the winding of the intermediate transfer medium 10 and sequentially conveys the intermediate transfer medium 10 to the printing unit 50 and the transfer unit 60 in a long band shape.

  The printing unit 50 includes a thermal head 53, a platen roll 54 that is rotatably provided on the lower side of the thermal head 53, and lifting means (not shown) that allows the thermal head 53 to move up and down with respect to the platen roll 54. Have. The intermediate transfer medium 10 supplied from the supply unit 70 passes between the thermal head 53 and the platen roll 54.

  In the printing unit 50, the thermal transfer sheet 20 passes from the supply roll 51 (second supply unit) side through the guide roll 55, passes between the thermal head 53 and the platen roll 54, and passes through the guide roll 56. Thus, the take-up roll 52 is wound up. Between the thermal head 53 and the platen roll 54, the dye layer 25 and the molten layer 26 of the thermal transfer sheet 20 and the receiving layer 13 of the intermediate transfer medium 10 are opposed to each other.

  The thermal head 53 heats the dye layer 25 from the substrate 21 side of the thermal transfer sheet 20 and transfers the dye to the receiving layer 13 of the intermediate transfer medium 10 to form an image. Further, the thermal head 53 heats the molten layer 26 from the base material 21 side of the thermal transfer sheet 20 and transfers hot-melt ink or the like to the receiving layer 13 of the intermediate transfer medium 10 to form an image (character). In this embodiment, the transfer of the color material layer includes the transfer of only the dye from the dye layer 25.

  The intermediate transfer medium 10 on which an image is formed on the receiving layer 13 in the printing unit 50 is conveyed to the transfer unit 60 via the guide roll 72.

  The transfer unit 60 includes a heat roller 61 and a pressure roll 62 provided below the heat roller 61. The transfer unit 60 transfers the transfer layer 14 of the intermediate transfer medium 10 to the transfer target 40 supplied from the transfer target supply unit 42 (third supply unit).

  The transferred material supply unit 42 includes a feeding device that feeds the sheet-like transferred material 40 one by one in accordance with the conveyance of the intermediate transfer medium 10, and a conveyor device that conveys the fed transferred material 40. In the present embodiment, the case of using a sheet-like transferred object 40 will be described, but the transferred object may be a long winding shape.

  The transfer unit 60 heats the receiving layer 13 surface of the intermediate transfer medium 10 on which the image is formed on the transfer target 40 between the heat roller 61 and the pressure roll 62. As a result, the transfer layer 14 is transferred to the transfer target 40 and an image is formed on the transfer target 40.

  The transfer target 40 on which the image is formed is conveyed to the discharge unit 44 and is collected one by one. The intermediate transfer medium 10 on which the transfer layer 14 has been transferred to the transfer target 40 is taken up by a take-up roll 71.

  Next, the thermal transfer method according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  When the thermal transfer printer is turned on and activated, the operation display unit 34 displays a selection screen as to whether or not the loaded intermediate transfer medium 10 and thermal transfer sheet 20 are new. When the user selects a new product (step S1_Yes), the control unit 30 displays the product type (model number or product name) on the operation display unit 34 based on the thermal transfer sheet information and the intermediate transfer medium information in the storage unit 32. The user selects a product type loaded in the thermal transfer printer (step S2).

  The control unit 30 grasps the number of screens that can be printed on the loaded intermediate transfer medium 10 and the thermal transfer sheet 20, the energy applied during transfer, and the like from the thermal transfer sheet information and intermediate transfer medium information corresponding to the selected product type.

  When image data is input from a computer (not shown), the thermal transfer printer prints an image and information on the intermediate transfer medium 10 (step S3).

  In the image forming process, first, the intermediate transfer medium 10 and the Y layer 22 of the thermal transfer sheet 20 are aligned, and the thermal head 53 is lowered toward the platen roll 54, and the thermal transfer sheet 20 and the intermediate transfer medium 10 are interposed therebetween. The thermal head 53 comes into contact with the platen roll 54. The platen roll 54 is rotated and the thermal transfer sheet 20 and the intermediate transfer medium 10 are fed. During this time, the area of the Y layer 22 of the thermal transfer sheet 20 is selectively heated by the thermal head 53 based on the image data transmitted to the thermal head 53, and the yellow dye moves from the thermal transfer sheet 20 to the receiving layer 13.

  After the yellow transfer, the thermal head 53 rises and leaves the platen roll 54. Next, the intermediate transfer medium 10 and the M layer 23 of the thermal transfer sheet 20 are aligned. Then, in the same manner as the method of transferring the yellow dye to the receiving layer 13, the M layer 23 and the C layer 24 are heated, and the magenta dye and the cyan dye are sequentially transferred to the receiving layer 13. As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the dye corresponding to the image G <b> 1 of the Y layer 22, the M layer 23, and the C layer 24 is transferred, and the image G <b> 1 is formed on the intermediate transfer medium 10.

  After the formation of the image G1, the thermal head 53 moves up and leaves the platen roll 54. Next, the intermediate transfer medium 10 and the molten layer 26 of the thermal transfer sheet 20 are aligned. The thermal head 53 descends toward the platen roll 54, and the thermal head 53 comes into contact with the platen roll 54 through the thermal transfer sheet 20 and the intermediate transfer medium 10. The platen roll 54 is rotated and the thermal transfer sheet 20 and the intermediate transfer medium 10 are fed. During this time, based on the image data transmitted to the thermal head 53, the area of the molten layer 26 of the thermal transfer sheet 20 is selectively heated by the thermal head 53. As a result, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the molten layer 26 corresponding to the image G <b> 2 moves, and the image G <b> 2 is formed on the intermediate transfer medium 10. In the example shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the image G2 is a character.

  The control unit 30 transmits data indicating the types of the intermediate transfer medium 10 and the thermal transfer sheet 20 and the number of remaining screens to the thermal head 53. The transmission data is, for example, a barcode image. Following the image G2, the thermal head 53 selectively heats the molten layer 26 based on the data transmitted from the control unit 30, and forms a pattern corresponding to the information J1 and J2 on the intermediate transfer medium 10 ( Record. In addition, a pattern corresponding to information J1 and J2 whose color (ink presence / absence) is reversed from that formed on the intermediate transfer medium 10 is formed (recorded) on the molten layer 26.

  For example, the information J1 is a barcode indicating the type of the thermal transfer sheet 20 and the number of remaining screens. Information J2 is a barcode indicating the type of intermediate transfer medium 10 and the number of remaining screens.

  The intermediate transfer medium 10 on which the images G1 and G2 and the information J1 and J2 are formed is conveyed to the transfer unit 60. The transfer unit 60 transfers the transfer layer 14 in the image area 16 (see FIG. 8) where the images G1 and G2 are formed onto the transfer target 40 (step S4). As a result, as shown in FIG. 9, images G <b> 1 and G <b> 2 are formed on the transfer target 40. Of the transfer layer 14 of the intermediate transfer medium 10, the area where the information J 1 and J 2 is formed is not transferred onto the transfer target 40.

  When the thermal transfer process is continued (step S5_Yes), the control unit 30 reduces the number of remaining screens of the managed intermediate transfer medium 10 and the thermal transfer sheet 20 by one.

  In this way, information J1 and J2 are recorded on each screen of the intermediate transfer medium 10 on which the thermal transfer process has been performed and on each molten layer 26 of the thermal transfer sheet 20.

  If the intermediate transfer medium 10 or the thermal transfer sheet 20 is not new at the start of the thermal transfer process (step S1_No), the thermal transfer printer rewinds or unwinds the intermediate transfer medium 10 or the thermal transfer sheet 20 (step S6), and finally records. Then, the information J1 remaining in the melted layer 26 is read by the reading unit 36, and the information J2 formed on the last used screen of the intermediate transfer medium 10 is read by the reading unit 38 (step S7).

  As a result, the control unit 30 can acquire information on the type and number of remaining screens of the thermal transfer sheet 20 and the type and number of remaining screens of the intermediate transfer medium 10. The control unit 30 refers to the thermal transfer sheet information and the intermediate transfer medium information in the storage unit 32 and performs control suitable for the thermal transfer sheet 20 and the intermediate transfer medium 10 loaded in the thermal transfer printer. Further, the control unit 30 updates the number of remaining screens in accordance with the number of transferred objects 40 on which images are formed.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, in the image printing process in the printing unit 50, the information J1 indicating the type of the thermal transfer sheet 20 and the number of remaining screens is recorded on the molten layer 26, and the type and the remaining type of the intermediate transfer medium 10 are recorded. Information J2 indicating the number of screens is recorded on the intermediate transfer medium 10. A pattern in which the color (ink presence / absence) is reversed from the information J2 recorded on the intermediate transfer medium 10 is also formed on the molten layer 26. Similarly, a pattern in which the information J1 color (ink presence / absence) recorded in the molten layer 26 is reversed is also formed on the intermediate transfer medium 10.

  By reading the information J1 recorded in the last used molten layer 26 among the plurality of molten layers 26 of the thermal transfer sheet 20, information regarding the number of remaining screens and the type of the thermal transfer sheet 20 can be acquired. Further, by reading the information J2 recorded on the last used screen of the intermediate transfer medium 10, information regarding the number of remaining screens and the type of the intermediate transfer medium 10 can be acquired. According to this embodiment, it is possible to record / acquire information about the thermal transfer sheet 20 and the intermediate transfer medium 10 without using an RFID tag.

  In the above embodiment, the example in which the information J1 and J2 are expressed by barcodes has been described.

  When the information J2 is transferred to the intermediate transfer medium 10 by the printing unit 50, the detection mark may be transferred together. This eliminates the need to previously form the detection mark 15 on the intermediate transfer medium 10. In the intermediate transfer medium 10, a pattern of information J2 (or information J1) may be used as a detection mark.

  In the above embodiment, an example in which the type of the intermediate transfer medium 10 or the thermal transfer sheet 20 is selected and input using the operation display unit 34 when a new intermediate transfer medium 10 or the thermal transfer sheet 20 is loaded has been described. A lead film is connected to the tip of the unused intermediate transfer medium 10 or thermal transfer sheet 20 wound up on the supply bobbin, and a bar code or the like indicating information such as the type or the number of printable screens is attached to the lead film. Also good. When the new intermediate transfer medium 10 or the thermal transfer sheet 20 is loaded, the reading units 36 and 38 can read the barcode attached to the lead film and acquire information. Thereby, it is possible to save the user from selecting and inputting the type of the intermediate transfer medium 10 and the thermal transfer sheet 20.

  The front end of the thermal transfer sheet 20 may be connected (directly) to the supply bobbin. The thermal transfer sheet 20 is repeatedly provided with a set of a color material layer 27 composed of a Y layer 22, an M layer 23, a C layer 24, and a molten layer 26. The front end portion of the thermal transfer sheet 20 connected to a supply bobbin. Is a surplus part that is less than one set, and is an area that is not used for printing. A bar code or the like indicating information such as the product type or the number of printable screens may be attached to the tip.

  In the above embodiment, the example in which the heat-meltable ink or the like is transferred from the melt layer 26 to the intermediate transfer medium 10 to form the information J1 and J2 on the thermal transfer sheet 20 and the intermediate transfer medium 10 has been described. Information J1 and J2 may be formed using other color material layers. For example, the information J1, J2 is formed using at least one dye layer among the dye layers of the Y layer 22, the M layer 23, and the C layer 24.

  FIG. 1 shows a configuration in which the reading unit 36 reads information J1 from the thermal transfer sheet 20 between the thermal head 53 and the take-up roll 52. However, the position of the reading unit 36 is not limited to this, and for example, Information J1 may be read from the thermal transfer sheet 20 between the supply roll 51 and the thermal head 53.

  FIG. 1 shows a configuration in which the reading unit 38 reads information J2 from the intermediate transfer medium 10 between the supply unit 70 and the printing unit 50. However, the position of the reading unit 38 is not limited to this, and for example, Information J <b> 2 may be read from the intermediate transfer medium 10 between the transfer unit 60 and the winding roll 71.

  In the above-described embodiment, the example in which the information J1 and J2 indicate the type and the number of remaining screens has been described. However, only the number of remaining screens may be indicated, or other information may be included. Information J1 and J2 may show only a kind.

  In the above embodiment, the example in which the information J1, J2 and the detection mark are formed for each screen has been described. However, when continuously printing a plurality of screens, it is not necessary to form each screen, and after printing a plurality of screens. Information J1, J2 and detection marks may be formed. When the pattern of information J2 (or information J1) is used as a detection mark in the intermediate transfer medium 10, the printable area of the intermediate transfer medium 10 becomes shorter and the number of remaining screens decreases as the number of times the information J2 is printed. . Therefore, the number of remaining screens may be determined in consideration of the number of times of printing of information J2 by including the number of times of printing of information J2 in information J2.

  In the above embodiment, the intermediate transfer medium 10 and the thermal transfer sheet 20 are used to transfer the color material to the receiving layer 13 of the intermediate transfer medium 10 to form an image, and then the receiving layer 13 on which the image is formed is included. In the thermal transfer printer that transfers the transfer layer 14 from the intermediate transfer medium 10 onto the transfer target 40, information J1 indicating the type of the thermal transfer sheet 20 and the number of remaining screens is recorded on the molten layer 26, and the type of the intermediate transfer medium 10 and The method of recording the information J2 indicating the number of remaining screens on the intermediate transfer medium 10 has been described. This method uses a thermal transfer sheet 20 and a printing sheet (printing paper), and a color material is applied from the thermal transfer sheet 20 to the printing sheet. The present invention can also be applied to a thermal transfer printer that transfers and forms an image. In this case, information indicating the type of the thermal transfer sheet 20 and the number of remaining screens is recorded in the molten layer 26, and information indicating the type of printing sheet and the number of remaining screens is recorded on the printing sheet.

  FIG. 10 is a schematic configuration diagram of a thermal transfer printer that uses the thermal transfer sheet 20 and the printing sheet 107. In this thermal transfer printer, the color material of the thermal transfer sheet 20 is transferred to the printing sheet 107 to form an image. The configurations of the thermal transfer sheet 20 and the printing unit 50 are the same as those in FIG.

  The printing sheet 107 is wound around the printing paper roll 106 and is fed out from the printing paper roll 106. As the printing sheet 107, a known sheet used in this type of thermal transfer printer can be used. Between the printing unit 50 and the photographic paper roll 106, there is a capstan roller 113 that can be driven to rotate for conveying the printing sheet 107, and a pinch roller 114 for pressing the printing sheet 107 against the capstan roller 113. Is provided.

  When forming an image on the printing sheet 107, first, the printing sheet 107 and the Y layer 22 are aligned, and the thermal head 53 contacts the platen roll 54 via the printing sheet 107 and the thermal transfer sheet 20. Next, the capstan roller 113 and the supply roll 51 are rotationally driven, and the printing sheet 107 and the thermal transfer sheet 20 are fed. During this time, the area of the Y layer 22 is selectively and sequentially heated by the thermal head 53 based on the image data, and Y is transferred from the thermal transfer sheet 20 onto the printing sheet 107.

  After the sublimation transfer of Y, the thermal head 53 rises and leaves the platen roll 54. Next, the printing sheet 107 and the M layer 23 are aligned.

  M and C are sequentially sublimated and transferred onto the printing sheet 107 in the same manner as the Y sublimation transfer method, and an image is formed on the printing sheet 107. Next, the printing sheet 107 and the molten layer 26 are aligned, and the thermal head 53 heats the molten layer 26 to transfer the color material to the printing sheet 107. Thereafter, the printing unit 50 forms (prints) information on the printing sheet 107. Information formation will be described later.

  After the printing process in the printing unit 50, the printing sheet 107 is cut in the width direction by the cutter 108 on the downstream side and cut out as a printed sheet 111, and the printed sheet 111 is discharged from a discharge port (not shown). Further, as will be described later, in addition to the printed sheet 111, a margin piece 110 is also cut out and collected in a collection container 109 disposed immediately below the cutter.

  FIG. 11 is a plan view of the printing sheet 107 on which an image is formed. As shown in FIG. 11, an image is formed on the printing sheet 107 by transferring a color material, and a printed sheet area P that becomes a printed sheet 111 after being cut by the cutter 108 and a margin area mj are printed sheets. They are alternately formed along the length direction 107.

  When the boundary between the printed sheet area P and the margin area mj is cut by the cutter 108, the printed sheet area P becomes a printed sheet 111 and is discharged from the discharge port. On the other hand, the margin area mj is cut out as a margin piece 110 and collected in the collection container 109.

  The image is printed slightly larger than the printed sheet area P. That is, the image forming area (shaded area in FIG. 11) is larger than the print sheet area P. Therefore, the image forming area is slightly included on the front side and the rear side of the margin area mj. Thereby, even if the cutting position of the cutter 108 is slightly deviated, a printed sheet 111 having an image formed on the entire surface is obtained.

  After the image is formed on the printing sheet 107, the printing unit 50 forms a pattern of information J1 indicating the type of the thermal transfer sheet 20 and the number of remaining screens, and the type of the printing sheet 107 in the margin area mj behind the image forming area. And a pattern of information J3 indicating the number of remaining screens. In forming the information J1, J3, the molten layer 26 may be used, or a dye layer such as the M layer 23 or the C layer 24 may be used.

  The margin area mj on the front side of the image forming area is cut out when the print sheet area P is cut and collected in the collection container 109. Therefore, after discharge (production) of the printed sheet 111, information J3 indicating the latest remaining screen number is formed in the margin area mj at the front end of the printing sheet 107. The reading unit 39 reads information J3 formed at the leading end of the printing sheet 107.

  The control unit 30 can acquire information on the type of print sheet 107 and the number of remaining screens. The control unit 30 refers to the thermal transfer sheet information and the printing sheet information in the storage unit 32 and performs suitable control for the thermal transfer sheet 20 and the printing sheet 107 loaded in the thermal transfer printer. Further, the control unit 30 updates the number of remaining screens of the printing sheet 107 in accordance with the number of printed sheets 111 discharged.

  Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment as it is, and can be embodied by modifying the constituent elements without departing from the scope of the invention in the implementation stage. In addition, various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining a plurality of components disclosed in the embodiment. For example, some components may be deleted from all the components shown in the embodiment. Furthermore, constituent elements over different embodiments may be appropriately combined.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Intermediate transfer medium 11 Support body 12 Peeling layer 13 Receiving layer 14 Transfer layer 15 Detection mark 20 Thermal transfer sheet 21 Base material 22 Yellow layer 23 Magenta layer 24 Cyan layer 25 Dye layer 26 Melting layer 27 Color material layer 36 Reading part (1st part) Reading unit)
38 Reading unit (second reading unit)
40 Transfer object 42 Transfer object supply unit (third supply unit)
50 Printing unit 51 Supply roll (second supply unit)
60 Transfer section 70 Supply section (first supply section)
107 Printing sheet 108 Cutter 109 Collection container 110 Margin piece

Claims (11)

A first supply unit for supplying an intermediate transfer medium provided with a transfer layer including a receiving layer on one side of the support;
A second supply unit for supplying a thermal transfer sheet provided with a color material layer on one surface of the substrate;
The thermal transfer sheet is heated based on image data, the color material layer is transferred to the transfer layer to form an image, and the first information about the thermal transfer sheet and the second information about the intermediate transfer medium A printing unit that heats a thermal transfer sheet, transfers the color material layer to the transfer layer, and forms a pattern corresponding to the first information and the second information;
A third supply unit for supplying a transfer object;
A transfer unit that heats the intermediate transfer medium and transfers the transfer layer on which the image is formed onto the transfer target;
A first reading unit that reads a pattern corresponding to the first information remaining in the color material layer of the thermal transfer sheet;
A second reading unit that reads a pattern corresponding to the second information formed on the intermediate transfer medium;
A thermal transfer printer. The color material layer of the thermal transfer sheet has a molten layer,
2. The thermal transfer printer according to claim 1, wherein the printing unit heats the molten layer to form a pattern corresponding to the first information and the second information on the transfer layer. The color material layer of the thermal transfer sheet has yellow, magenta and cyan dye layers,
2. The thermal transfer printer according to claim 1, wherein the printing unit heats at least one dye layer to form a pattern corresponding to the first information and the second information on the transfer layer.   4. The thermal transfer printer according to claim 1, wherein the first information regarding the thermal transfer sheet includes information regarding at least one of a type of the thermal transfer sheet and a number of remaining screens.   5. The thermal transfer printer according to claim 1, wherein the second information regarding the intermediate transfer medium includes information regarding at least one of a type of the intermediate transfer medium and a number of remaining screens.   6. Information regarding the type of the thermal transfer sheet or the number of printable screens is formed at the front end of the thermal transfer sheet, and the first reading unit reads this information. The thermal transfer printer described in the item. Using an intermediate transfer medium provided with a transfer layer including a receiving layer on one side of a support and a thermal transfer sheet provided with a color material layer on one side of a substrate, the thermal transfer sheet is heated. A step of transferring the color material layer to the transfer layer to form an image; and a step of heating the intermediate transfer medium to transfer the transfer layer on which the image has been formed onto a transfer medium. A method,
The thermal transfer sheet is heated based on the first information relating to the thermal transfer sheet and the second information relating to the intermediate transfer medium, and the color material layer is transferred to the transfer layer to correspond to the first information and the second information. Forming a pattern;
Reading a pattern corresponding to the first information remaining in the color material layer of the thermal transfer sheet;
Reading a pattern corresponding to the second information formed on the intermediate transfer medium;
A thermal transfer method comprising: A photographic paper roll for feeding out a photographic sheet;
A supply unit for supplying a thermal transfer sheet provided with a color material layer on one surface of the substrate;
The thermal transfer sheet is heated based on image data, and the color material layer is transferred to the printing sheet to form an image, and the thermal transfer is performed based on the first information on the thermal transfer sheet and the third information on the printing sheet. A printing unit that heats a sheet and transfers the color material layer to the printing sheet to form a pattern corresponding to the first information and the third information;
A first reading unit that reads a pattern corresponding to the first information remaining in the color material layer of the thermal transfer sheet;
A third reading unit for reading a pattern corresponding to the third information formed on the printing sheet;
A thermal transfer printer.   The printing unit forms an image in a printed sheet area of the printing sheet, and forms a pattern corresponding to the first information and the third information in a margin area on the rear side of the printed sheet area. The thermal transfer printer according to claim 8. A cutter that cuts the printing sheet in the width direction and cuts out a printed sheet including an image from the printing sheet and a margin piece including the margin area;
A collection container for collecting the margin piece;
The thermal transfer printer according to claim 9, further comprising: A thermal transfer method using a printing sheet and a thermal transfer sheet provided with a color material layer on one surface of a substrate, heating the thermal transfer sheet, and transferring the color material layer to the printing sheet to form an image Because
A pattern corresponding to the first information and the third information by heating the thermal transfer sheet based on the first information relating to the thermal transfer sheet and the third information relating to the printing sheet, and transferring the color material layer to the printing sheet. Forming a step;
Reading a pattern corresponding to the first information remaining in the color material layer of the thermal transfer sheet;
Reading a pattern corresponding to the third information formed on the printing sheet;
A thermal transfer method comprising:

Images