JP2021120232A - Method for producing seal with stock - Google Patents

Abstract

To allow a seal with a desired impression to be easily produced.SOLUTION: A thermally-expandable sheet 10 has a base material 2 and a thermally expanded layer 3 that is put on it and expands when heated to a predetermined temperature or higher, and on the surface of the thermally-expandable sheet 10, a mirror image of an impression is printed with black ink to form a photothermal conversion layer 5. The surface of the thermally-expandable sheet 10 is irradiated with light to cause the photothermal conversion layer 5 to produce heat, so that the thermally expanded layer 3 expands directly under it, causing the surface of the region to bulge into a seal face, resulting in a seal 1.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

The present invention relates to a stamp and a method for producing the same.

Unlike stamps that are registered and used among stamps (seals, stamps), so-called stamps such as rubber stamps and penetrating stamps that do not necessarily have to be immutable, that is, do not require high durability, are for corporate use, for example. If there is, fixed phrases such as "FAX completed" and "secret" in ○ are mass-produced. On the other hand, stamps such as original designs, unique names, or stamps that combine these with fixed phrases are made to order mainly based on the manuscripts of the stamps, except for hand-carving, so it is difficult to obtain them at an early stage. , The imprint imprinted on paper etc. does not always match the image. Therefore, a technique for easily manufacturing a stamp has been developed (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2).

The techniques described in Patent Documents 1 and 2 include a photosensitive resin layer on a water-resistant base material to form a stamping material. The stamp material is irradiated with ultraviolet rays such as sunlight through a negative film to cure the photosensitive resin layer in the region to be imprinted (attaching ink for stamping or the like). Then, the non-cured portion of the photosensitive resin layer is washed away with water or the like and removed to form a stamp surface. The negative film is, for example, a black-and-white reversal pattern of imprint printed on a transparent sheet with a printing machine (Patent Document 1), drawn with an oil-based pen or the like, or a transparent sheet having a light-shielding scratch layer coated on the entire surface. Then, the scratch layer is scraped off with a needle or the like (Patent Document 2).

Japanese Patent No. 3312947 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 7-144463

In the techniques described in Patent Documents 1 and 2, in order to produce a negative film, it is necessary to invert the original of the imprint in black and white, which is particularly difficult to produce manually. In addition, it takes a sufficient exposure time to completely cure the photosensitive resin layer, but when a pattern is printed on a transparent sheet with a general inkjet printer, the exposure time is long because the ink layer is thin. The photosensitive resin layer is hardened to the area to be removed, which makes adjustment difficult.

An object of the present invention is to make it possible to easily produce a stamp having a desired imprint.

That is, in order to solve the above problems, the stamp manufacturing method according to the present invention includes a thermal expansion layer that expands when heated to a predetermined temperature or higher and a base material on which the thermal expansion layer is laminated on one surface. An imprint drawing step of drawing a mirror image of the imprint with a printing material containing a photothermal conversion component that converts absorbed light into heat and emits it on the one-sided side of the sex sheet, and the one-sided side of the heat-expandable sheet. The light irradiation step of irradiating the light converted into heat by the photothermal conversion component to expand the thermal expansion layer and raise the one surface in the region where the mirror image of the imprint is drawn is performed.

Further, another method for producing a stamp according to the present invention includes a heat-expandable sheet including a heat-expandable layer that expands when heated to a predetermined temperature or higher and a base material on which the heat-expandable layer is laminated on one surface. An imprint drawing step of drawing a normal image of the imprint with a printing material containing a photothermal conversion component that converts absorbed light into heat and emits it on the surface side, and the photothermal conversion on the other surface side of the heat-expandable sheet. A light irradiation step of irradiating light that is converted into heat by the components to expand the thermal expansion layer and raise the one surface in the region where the normal image of the imprint is drawn is performed.

The stamp according to the present invention has a configuration in which the stamp surface is provided with a thermal expansion layer that expands when heated to a predetermined temperature or higher.

According to the present invention, a stamp with a desired imprint can be easily manufactured.

It is an external view of the imprint of the stamp according to the present invention. It is a schematic diagram explaining the structure of the stamp and the stamp material according to the first embodiment of the present invention, (a) is an external view of the stamp, (b) is a partial cross-sectional view taken along line AA of (a), (a). c) is a cross-sectional view of the stamp material. It is a schematic diagram explaining the structure of the rootstock supporting the stamp according to the present invention, (a) is an external view, and (b) is a partial cross-sectional view. It is sectional drawing explaining the outline of the apparatus used for manufacturing a stamp. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the manufacturing method of the stamp which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic diagram explaining the process in the manufacturing method of the stamp which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention, (a) is a plan view in the photothermal conversion layer formation process, (b) is the BB line cross section of (a). FIGS., (C) and (d) are cross-sectional views in the light irradiation step and correspond to the cross-sectional view taken along the line BB of (a). It is a schematic diagram explaining the structure of the stamp which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention, (a) is the external view, (b) is the CC line sectional view of (a), (c) is the external appearance of the back side. It is a figure. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the manufacturing method of the stamp which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic diagram explaining the structure of the stamp material of the stamp which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention, and the process in the manufacturing method of a stamp, (a) is the sectional view of the stamp material, and (b) is the formation of a photothermal conversion layer. The step, (c) is a cross-sectional view in each of the base material fixing step and (d) is a light irradiation step, and corresponds to the cross-sectional view taken along the line CC of FIG. 7 (a).

Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail with reference to each figure. However, the form shown below is an example of a stamp for embodying the technical idea of the present embodiment, and is not limited to the following. The members shown in the drawings may be exaggerated in size, positional relationship, etc., and may be simplified in shape in order to clarify the explanation. Further, in the following description, members and processes of the same or the same quality are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[First embodiment: stamp]
The structure of the stamp according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 1 is an external view of a stamp imprint of a stamp according to the present invention. 2A and 2B are schematic views illustrating the stamp according to the first embodiment of the present invention and the configuration of the stamp material, FIG. 2A is an external view of the stamp, and FIG. 2B is a portion taken along line AA of FIG. A cross-sectional view, (c) is a cross-sectional view of a stamp material. In the present specification, the stamp is a sheet-like member having a convex region having flush irregularities on one side (stamp surface), and is exclusively used by being fixed to a rootstock (stamp).

The stamp 1 according to the first embodiment stamps the stamp imprint i shown in FIG. The imprint i is composed of a curved paper pattern, in detail, a paper whose front side is black, and a white "FAXED" character on the surface of the paper (inside the outline of the paper), and is represented in black. The region is transferred to an imprinted object such as paper with ink of a desired color or the like (hereinafter, stamp ink). The imprint is designed so that the black (black background) region and the white (white background) region have a predetermined width w _TMIN and w _BMIN (see FIG. 2B) or more, respectively. The frame represented by the alternate long and short dash line in FIG. 1 represents the region where the stamp surface can be formed in the stamp 1 (the stamp surface region 1i in FIG. 2A), that is, the imprint is designed in the dimensions included in this frame. ..

The stamp 1 is a sheet-like member, and as shown in FIG. 2A, the plan shape is a horizontally long rectangle, and a gray photothermal conversion layer 5 is shown in FIG. 1 on one surface (surface) serving as a stamp surface. It is covered in the shape of a mirror image of the imprint i, and the region covered by the photothermal conversion layer 5 is raised to form irregularities. The mirror image of the imprint (photothermal conversion layer 5) is provided in the inner imprint region 1i excluding the predetermined width of the peripheral edge of the imprint 1. Then, as shown in FIG. 2B, the stamp 1 has a base material 2, a thermal expansion layer 3 provided on the entire surface of the base material 2, and an ink receiver provided on the entire surface of the thermal expansion layer 3. The photothermal conversion layer 5 is composed of a layer 4 and a photothermal conversion layer 5 partially provided on the ink receiving layer 4 (surface), and a thermal expansion layer 3 is provided above the ink receiving layer 4 via the ink receiving layer 4. Since it is thicker than the other regions and the upper surface is raised substantially immediately below the above, unevenness is formed on the surface as described above. In the stamp 1, the raised regions are in the same plane, that is, the photothermal conversion layer 5 is in the same plane. The flush surface of the seal 1 is referred to as the top surface. In this specification, unless otherwise specified, the top and bottom in FIGS. 2 (b) and 2 (c) and other cross-sectional views are also referred to as top and bottom, that is, the stamp surface is directed upward. The stamp 1 is manufactured using the heat-expandable sheet 10 shown in FIG. 2 (c) as a stamp material.

[Thermal expansion sheet]
The configuration of the heat-expandable sheet 10 used for the stamp 1 will be described below with reference to FIG. 2 (c). The heat-expandable sheet 10 is a sheet-like member having a uniform thickness, and is formed on the base material 2, the heat-expandable layer 3 provided on the entire surface of the base material 2 with a uniform thickness, and the heat-expandable layer 3. An ink receiving layer 4 provided with a uniform thickness on the entire surface of the ink receiving layer 4 is provided. The heat-expandable sheet 10 is a printed matter for printing a photothermal conversion layer 5 on the front surface, a photothermal conversion layer 5A (see FIG. 7) on the back surface, black ink constituting each, or color ink on the front surface. Therefore, the stamp is not limited to the stamp according to the present invention, and a stamp for producing a three-dimensional model having irregularities on the surface can be diverted. Such a heat-expandable sheet 10 may have a size of 1 or more stamps, and has a size corresponding to a printing machine for forming the photothermal conversion layer 5, and is, for example, A4 paper size.

(Base material)
The base material 2 supports the soft heat-expanding layer 3 on the surface, and the heat-expandable sheet 10 is sufficient as a printed matter, and when the heat-expanding layer 3 is partially expanded, wrinkles are generated or become large. It has strength (rigidity) that does not undulate, and also has heat resistance. In the present specification, the heat resistance refers to the heat resistance to the temperature in the production of the stamp 1, particularly the heating temperature for expanding the thermal expansion layer 3. Specifically, the base material 2 is made of thick paper or the like.

(Thermal expansion layer)
The thermal expansion layer 3 of the thermal expansion sheet 10 is a main member of the stamp material of the stamp 1. The thermal expansion layer 3 partially expands to form irregularities on the surface of the stamp 1. Such a heat-expandable layer 3 contains heat-expandable microcapsules applied to a known heat-expandable sheet for producing a three-dimensional model, and has a uniform thickness on the base material 2 using a thermoplastic resin as a binder. It is a film formed at t _0. The microcapsules are formed of a thermoplastic resin, contain a volatile solvent, and depending on the type of the thermoplastic resin or the volatile solvent, when heated to about 80 ° C. or higher, the heating temperature and further the heating time It expands to a size corresponding to. That is, the stamp 1 is fixed to the base material 2 as a result of the thermal expansion layer 3 of the heat-expandable sheet 10 being limitedly foamed in the heated region and expanded by bubbles to increase the thickness. The upper surface of the thermal expansion layer 3 is raised together with the ink receiving layer 4, and irregularities are formed on the surface. Such partial heating to the thermal expansion layer 3 is performed as in the photothermal conversion layer 5 (see FIG. 2B) made of black ink formed on the surface of the thermal expansion sheet 10 or a modification described later. The photothermal conversion layer 5A (see FIG. 7), which is also made of black ink and is formed on the back surface of the heat-expandable sheet 10 (the back surface of the base material 2), converts light and releases heat. Depending on the use of the heat-expandable sheet 10, the heat-expandable layer 3 may contain a white pigment such as titanium oxide so as to whiten the ground color. The thermal expansion layer 3 expands to a maximum thickness of about 10 times that before expansion, and the thickness t in the thermal expansion sheet 10 before expansion, that is, in the non-expandable region (bottom surface), depending on the desired unevenness difference. ₀ is designed.

(Ink receiving layer)
Since the heat-expanding layer 3 is generally hydrophobic and it is difficult for ink to adhere to the ink receiving layer 4 before expansion, the outermost surface of the heat-expandable sheet 10 is for adhering black ink or the like constituting the photothermal conversion layer 5. It is provided in. The ink receiving layer 4 is applied to those used for general inkjet printer printing paper, and is made of porous silica or alumina that absorbs ink in the voids, a superabsorbent polymer that swells and absorbs ink, and the like. ..

The heat-expandable sheet 10 forms a heat-expandable layer 3 before expansion on the surface of a base paper (rolling paper or the like) of a base material 2 having a size larger than that of the heat-expandable sheet 10, and further, the heat-expandable layer 3 The ink receiving layer 4 is formed on the ink receiving layer 4 and cut to a predetermined size by a cutting machine or the like to manufacture the ink receiving layer 4. The thermal expansion layer 3 and the ink receiving layer 4 are formed by applying a slurry in which each material is mixed and dispersed in a solvent to a certain thickness by a known coating device such as a bar coater method, and drying the slurry.

Returning to the structure of the stamp 1, each element will be described with respect to what is not in the heat-expandable sheet and what is different. The base material 2 is the same as the heat-expandable sheet 10 except for its flat shape. The ink receiving layer 4 is covered so as to follow the deformation of the upper surface of the thermal expansion layer 3.

(Thermal expansion layer)
The thermal expansion layer 3 is a main component of the stamp 1, and as described above, is a film having a thickness different for each region so as to form irregularities on the stamp surface (surface) of the stamp 1. _{The thermal expansion layer 3 has the thickest and uniform thickness t T} in the region (top surface) where the photothermal conversion layer 5 is formed on the surface of the stamp 1. Further, in the thermal expansion layer 3, the region (bottom surface) in which the photothermal conversion layer 5 is not formed is preferably a thickness t ₀ before expansion, but the thickness does not have to be uniform. The thermal expansion layer 3 is pulled up when the region sandwiched between the photothermal conversion layers 5 and 5 separated by a narrow interval is expanded immediately below the photothermal conversion layers 5 and 5 on both sides thereof and the upper surface is raised. Uplift to. Therefore, the thermal expansion layer 3 becomes thicker as it is narrower on the bottom surface having a width less than a certain value, and does not expand on the bottom surface having a width equal to or more than a certain value, so that the thickness becomes _{uniform t 0. The maximum thickness t BMAX} of the bottom surface of the thermal expansion layer 3 is stamped on a stamped object such as paper by adhering stamp ink to the surface of the stamp 1 based on the step (t _T −t _{BMAX) with the top surface.} Occasionally, the soft thermal expansion layer 3 is crushed, especially on the top _{surface, and the bottom surface of the thickness t BMAX} is set to a value that does not come into contact with the stamped object and transfer the stamp ink. On the other hand, when the expansion height (t _{T −} t _{0 ) of the thermal expansion layer 3 is large, the thermal expansion layer 3 does not reach the thickness t T} immediately below the end of the photothermal conversion layer 5, and the falling edge from the top end is rounded. Therefore, the black area on which the stamp ink is transferred in the stamp 1 becomes small, and it becomes difficult to form a narrow top surface, so that a thin line or the like cannot be used for the stamp imprint. Further, as the expansion height (t _{T −} t ₀ ) of the thermal expansion layer 3 increases, the shape of the imprint transferred by the stamp 1 becomes softer on the top surface, although it depends on the thermoplastic resin material. It is highly dependent on pressing, especially the image transferred from a narrow top surface such as a linear image is easily distorted, and even in a narrow area on the bottom surface, stamp ink is transferred from the top surfaces on both sides and the white areas are crushed ( Easy to disappear). Therefore, it is not possible to use a thin (narrow) line, a white line, or the like for the imprint. In other words, when the imprint line is thick and may be deformed to some extent by pressing and transferred, the expansion height (t _{T −} t ₀ ) of the thermal expansion layer 3 can be designed to be large. Since the top surface of such a stamp 1 is soft, it is easy to stamp a stamp even if the surface of the stamped object has some unevenness, for example.

_{From this, based on the material and thickness t 0} of the thermal expansion layer 3 of the thermal expansion sheet 10, the thermal expansion layer 3 expands even at _{the minimum width w TMIN} of the black region of the imprint (photothermal conversion layer 5). It is designed to have a thickness t _T, and at the same time, _{the thickness t BMAX} of the thermal expansion layer 3 in _{the minimum width w BMIN} of the white background region is designed to be equal to or less than a predetermined thickness on the bottom surface. _{Alternatively, the thicknesses t 0} and t _T of the thermal expansion layer 3 of the thermal expansion sheet 10 before and after expansion are preset, and based on this, the minimum widths w _TMIN and w _{BMIN of the black and white regions of the imprint are used.} Is designed. It is preferable that the thermal expansion layer 3 is not expanded (thickness is t _{0) outside the stamp surface region 1i of the stamp 1.}

(Photothermal conversion layer)
As described above, the photothermal conversion layer 5 is formed on the surface of the stamp 1 in the shape of a mirror image of the stamp i shown in FIG. The photothermal conversion layer 5 is a layer that absorbs light in a specific wavelength range, for example, near infrared rays (wavelength 780 nm to 2.5 μm), converts it into heat, and emits it. Specifically, carbon black is used as a photothermal conversion component. It is made of a printing material such as black (K) ink for general printing containing. In the photothermal conversion layer 5, the heat generation temperature when irradiated with light changes according to the shade, that is, the concentration of carbon black (black density), and the thermal expansion layer 3 before expansion is expanded according to this temperature. Unevenness is formed on the surface of the stamp 1. In this embodiment, the photothermal conversion layer 5 is printed in gray with a uniform density. The black density of the photothermal conversion layer 5 is the specifications (expansion temperature, upper limit temperature, etc.) of the thermal expansion layer 3 of the thermally expandable sheet 10, the thickness t ₀ , t _T before and after expansion, and the amount of light irradiation (light intensity, light intensity, etc.). It is set according to the irradiation time) and the like. In addition, in this specification, "light" is a near-infrared ray which is converted into heat by carbon black of a photothermal conversion layer 5 unless otherwise specified.

(Rootstock)
The configuration of the rootstock supporting the stamp 1 will be described with reference to FIG. 3A and 3B are schematic views illustrating the configuration of a rootstock supporting the stamp according to the present invention, where FIG. 3A is an external view and FIG. 3B is a partial cross-sectional view. The rootstock is used for general rubber stamps and the like, and has a flat surface equal to or larger than that of the stamp 1 and has a shape that is easy to grip by hand. A sheet of rubber or the like is formed on the flat surface. Support the stamps in contact with each other. In the stamp 1 according to the present embodiment, as described above, the soft thermal expansion layer 3 and the like are laminated on the base material 2 made of thick paper, and the stamp 1 has flexibility as a whole, so that the flat surface of the rootstock is flat. By fixing the back surface (the back surface of the base material 2) to face each other, the top surface is supported and used in a flush state. Here, the rootstock 8 that supports the stamp 1 has a replaceable structure that allows the stamp 1 to be easily attached and detached. The rootstock 8 is a prism (rectangular parallelepiped) having a rectangular parallelepiped whose bottom surface is a rectangle slightly larger than the stamp 1, and is provided on one of the main body 81 and the bottom surface (upper surface) and can be attached to and detached from the main body 81. It has a body 82 and. In addition, in FIG. 3B, the stamp 1 shows only the base material 2 and the thermal expansion layer 3.

The main body 81 is made of, for example, ABS resin (acrylonitrile, butadiene, styrene copolymer resin) and is hollow for weight reduction. The main body 81 has a flat surface (mounting surface) on which the stamp 1 is placed, and the frame body 82 is covered on this surface so as to sandwich the stamp 1 and cover it. Further, the main body 81 has an edge projecting over the entire circumference of the mounting surface so as to surround the mounted stamp 1 so that the stamp 1 does not protrude. The frame body 82 is a shallow box shape having a large hole in the center of the bottom surface, and the bottom surface covers the outline of the stamp 1 (represented by a broken line in FIG. 3A), and the stamp surface region 1i is formed from the hole. It is a rectangular frame that exposes the whole. In other words, the stamp 1 is designed so that the outer shape is smaller than the outer circumference of the bottom surface of the frame body 82 and larger than the inner circumference (hole), and the stamp surface area 1i is smaller than the inner circumference. The thickness of the bottom surface of the frame body 82 is preferably less than _{the expansion height (t T −} t _{0 ) of the thermal expansion layer 3 and preferably (t BMAX −} t ₀ ) or less. With such a thick bottom surface, the stamp 1 is pressed against the mounting surface of the main body 81 outside the peripheral stamp surface area 1i and fixed to the outer surface (upper surface) of the bottom surface of the frame body 82. Since the top surface of the stamp 1 is projected, it does not interfere with the stamping. Further, the frame body 82 is provided with claws on the inner surface so that one of the facing side surfaces is connected to the main body 81 by a hinge 82h and the other side is fitted and fixed to the recess provided in the main body 81 ( Not shown). The frame body 82 may be formed of a material having such a shape and sufficient strength, and the same resin as the main body 81, a metal plate, or the like is applied. Further, the rootstock 8 can be used as a mark (hit) for which the hinge 82h distinguishes the upper and lower parts of the imprint.

In the rootstock 8, the gap between the inner surface on the bottom surface (upper surface) of the frame body 82 and the mounting surface of the main body 81 is the thickness of the heat-expandable sheet 10 (the thickness of the heat-expandable layer 3 of the stamp 1 before expansion). Below, it is preferably configured to be slightly narrower than the thickness of the heat-expandable sheet 10 (with a difference of less than the _{thickness t 0 of the heat-expandable layer 3 before expansion).} Alternatively, the rootstock 8 is provided with a sheet-shaped cushion material 83 on the mounting surface of the main body 81 so that the gap to the inner surface of the bottom surface of the frame body 82 is narrower than the thickness of the heat-expandable sheet 10. The cushion material 83 is larger than the hole (inner circumference) on the bottom surface of the frame body 82, preferably has a size of 1 or more stamps, and may be attached to the mounting surface of the main body 81 with an adhesive or the like. It may be fixed together with 1 only by being sandwiched between the main body 81 and the frame body 82 at the peripheral edge. With the rootstock 8 having such a structure, when the stamp 1 is fixed to the rootstock 8, the thermal expansion layer 3 outside the stamp surface region 1i on the peripheral edge is crushed by the bottom surface of the frame body 82, and the cushioning material is also used. If the 83 is provided, it is also crushed and firmly fixed between the mounting surface of the main body 81 and the frame body 82 by the elasticity of the thermal expansion layer 3 and the cushion material 83, and an adhesive or the like is required. do not. Therefore, the rootstock 8 can be used by replacing the stamps 1 of various imprints having the same outer shape (dimensions).

[First Embodiment: Method for manufacturing a stamp]
(Seal manufacturing equipment)
The apparatus used for manufacturing the stamp according to the present invention will be briefly described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an outline of an apparatus used for manufacturing a stamp. The stamp 1 is manufactured by a printing machine that prints the photothermal conversion layer 5 on the heat-expandable sheet 10 (not shown), and heat-expands the photothermal conversion layer 5 by irradiating the heat-expandable sheet 10 with near infrared rays. A light irradiation device 9 that expands the layer 3, a cutting tool such as a scissors or a cutter knife that cuts out into the shape of the stamp 1, or a punching machine or the like is used.

The printing machine is a printing machine that prints the photothermal conversion layer 5 with black ink, and has a method in which the printed matter is not heated above the thermal expansion temperature of the thermal expansion layer 3 (for example, about 80 ° C. or higher). Can be applied. Further, as the printing machine, those having specifications according to the print quality, the production form (mass production, small quantity production), the size and thickness of the heat-expandable sheet 10 as the printed matter, and the like are applied.

The light irradiation device 9 is a device that heats the heat expansion layer 3 by irradiating the surface of the heat expansion sheet 10 on which the photoheat conversion layer 5 is formed with light. Specifically, the light irradiation device 9 includes a transport mechanism 93 that transports a sheet-shaped object to be irradiated in one direction like a printing machine, and a light source that emits light including near infrared rays that are converted into heat by a photothermal conversion layer 5. A 91, a reflector 92, and a cooler (not shown) for cooling the light irradiation device 9 are mainly provided. The light source 91 is, for example, a halogen lamp, and is provided on the irradiated object over its entire width. The reflector 92 is formed on a substantially semi-cylindrical columnar curved surface and has a mirror surface inside in order to efficiently irradiate the irradiated object from the light source 91, and faces the irradiated object of the light source 91. Cover the opposite side of the side. The cooler is an air-cooled fan, a water-cooled radiator, or the like, and is provided in the vicinity of the reflector 92. In the transport mechanism 93, in order to suppress deformation such as the heat-expandable sheet 10 warping due to expansion of the thermal expansion layer 3, the transport rollers and the transport belts stretched on the front and rear rollers are heated as a set of upper and lower parts. The expandable sheet 10 is gripped and conveyed from both sides. Further, the transport mechanism 93 is, for example, both in the transport width direction, at least in the region irradiated with light and the region where the expansion of the thermal expansion layer 3 proceeds so as not to block the light or hinder the expansion of the thermal expansion layer 3. Grasp only the edges. In FIG. 4, the transport mechanism 93 is a transport roller provided on the carry-in side and the carry-out side with a region irradiated with light interposed therebetween, and the heat-expandable sheet 10 is spread over the entire width on the carry-in side (left side in the drawing). It is long in the axial direction so as to be gripped over, and on the carry-out side (on the right side in the figure), it is separated into two and grips only both edges.

The method for producing a stamp according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 5, 6, and 2 and 3 as appropriate. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a flow of a stamp manufacturing method according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 6A and 6B are schematic views illustrating a process in a stamp manufacturing method according to the first embodiment of the present invention, in which FIG. 6A is a plan view in a photothermal conversion layer forming step, and FIG. -B line cross-sectional view, (c), (d) is a cross-sectional view in the light irradiation step and corresponds to the BB line cross-sectional view of (a). As shown in FIG. 5, the method for manufacturing a stamp according to the present embodiment includes a photothermal conversion layer forming step S11 for forming a photothermal conversion layer 5 on the surface of the heat-expandable sheet 10 and light on the surface of the heat-expandable sheet 10. The stamp 1 is manufactured by the stamp manufacturing step S10 in which the light irradiation step S13 for irradiating the heat-expandable sheet 10 and the cutting step S14 for cutting the heat-expandable sheet 10 into a desired shape are sequentially performed. Correspondingly, the rootstock attachment step S21 for attaching the stamp 1 to the rootstock is performed.

(Photothermal conversion layer forming process)
In the photothermal conversion layer forming step S11, as shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, a mirror image pattern of the imprint i (see FIG. 1) is formed on the surface of the heat-expandable sheet 10 (on the ink receiving layer 4). The photothermal conversion layer 5 is printed with black ink. At this time, at the same time as the photothermal conversion layer 5, the cut line 6 that matches the outer shape (contour) of the stamp 1 can be printed. The cut line 6 is printed with a printing material having substantially no light absorption, such as general printing cyan (C), magenta (M), and yellow (Y) color inks, without using black ink. Is preferable. The cut line 6 has a significantly lower photothermal conversion efficiency than the photothermal conversion layer 5 so that the heat expansion layer 3 does not expand in the area where the cut line 6 is printed in the subsequent light irradiation step S13. Therefore, a printing material having a lower photothermal conversion component concentration than the black ink for printing the photothermal conversion layer 5 is selected. Therefore, the photothermal conversion layer 5 and the cut line 6 are printed at the same time using a printing machine that supports four colors (CMYK) or more. Further, the cut line 6 is formed in a broken line shape in FIG. 6A, but is not limited to this, and it is sufficient that the cut line 6 can be visually recognized as a mark in the subsequent cutting step S14. The printing data of the photothermal conversion layer 5 (mirror image of the imprint) includes the cut line 6 so that the cut line 6 is printed at the same time as the photothermal conversion layer 5.

(Light irradiation process)
In the light irradiation step S13, the surface (surface) of the heat-expandable sheet 10 on the printed side of the photothermal conversion layer 5 is irradiated with light using the light irradiation device 9. When light enters the photothermal conversion layer 5 and is absorbed, it is converted into heat. As shown in FIG. 6C, the heat expansion sheet 10 has the heat expansion layer 3 having a black density of the photothermal conversion layer 5. It is heated to the corresponding temperature and expands, and the surface rises together with the ink receiving layer 4 to form irregularities. Here, since the black density of the photothermal conversion layer 5 is uniform, the thermal expansion layer 3 has a constant thickness t _T in the region covering the photothermal conversion layer 5. The heating temperature of the thermal expansion layer 3 depends on the material of the thermal expansion layer 3, but it may be set to about 80 ° C. or higher and set to a temperature in the range of 100 to 120 ° C. corresponding to the black density of the photothermal conversion layer 5. preferable. The output and transport speed of the light source 91 of the light irradiation device 9 are set so that the amount of light converted to such a temperature is incident on the photothermal conversion layer 5.

(Cutting process)
In the cutting step S14, the heat-expandable sheet 10 in which the heat-expandable layer 3 shown in FIG. 6C is expanded is cut out at a predetermined position represented by a alternate long and short dash line with the cut line 6 on the surface as a mark to obtain a stamp 1. Since the cut line 6 is printed with a color ink having substantially no light absorption, the thermal expansion layer 3 does not rise at this portion as shown in FIG. 6 (c), which hinders the work by scissors or the like. It doesn't become. The stamp 1 may be punched with a punching machine corresponding to the shape of the contour of the stamp 1, and since the outer shape of the stamp 1 according to the present embodiment is rectangular, the contour is cut one side at a time with a cutting machine. You can also do it.

(Rootstock mounting process)
In the rootstock mounting step S21, the frame body 82 of the rootstock 8 is opened, the stamp 1 is placed with the back surface (the back surface of the base material 2) facing the mounting surface of the main body 81, and the peripheral edge is formed by the frame body 82. Hold it in place and fix it. If necessary, a cushion material 83 is laid between the main body 81 and the stamp 1.

In the method for producing a stamp according to the present invention, in the heat-expandable sheet 10, the stamp 1 is used as long as it is within a common area between the printable area by the printing machine and the area irradiated with uniform light by the light irradiation device 9. Can be formed. Therefore, a plurality of stamps 1 may be formed on one heat-expandable sheet 10 at the same time. Specifically, printing data in which a plurality of mirror images of desired imprints are arranged in the region is prepared, and in the photothermal conversion layer forming step S11, the photothermal conversion layer in which these imprints (mirror images) are arranged using this data. 5 is printed. It is preferable to incorporate the data of the cut line 6 for each imprint into the data. Then, in the same manner as described above, in the light irradiation step S13, the photothermal conversion layer 5 of the heat-expandable sheet 10 is uniformly irradiated with light over the entire printed region to expand the heat-expandable layer 3. Then, in the cutting step S14, the stamp 1 is cut out one by one from the heat-expandable sheet 10 in which the heat-expandable layer 3 is expanded. According to such a method, a plurality of stamps 1 can be efficiently manufactured in both the material and the number of steps.

A plurality of stamps 1 manufactured simultaneously on one heat-expandable sheet 10 may be the same stamp or different stamps. However, since the amount of light irradiated in the light irradiation step S13 is the same, the black density of the photothermal conversion layer 5 corresponding to this is set. Further, the patterns of the photothermal conversion layer 5 in which the black density and the line widths of the black and white backgrounds are slightly changed may be arranged and printed on the mirror image of the same imprint. As a result, the stamp 1 capable of transferring the imprint as per the image or closer to the image can be obtained by one treatment each of the photothermal conversion layer forming step S11 and the light irradiation step S13.

The cut line 6 printed on the heat-expandable sheet 10 in the photothermal conversion layer forming step S11 does not have to expand the heat-expanded layer 3 in the light irradiation step S13 as described above, and has such a sufficiently low photothermal conversion efficiency. If this is the case, the cut line 6 can be printed (lightly) with black ink at a low black density. Alternatively, if the expansion height is small enough not to interfere with cutting in the cutting step S14, the thermal expansion layer 3 may expand in the area where the cut line 6 is printed, and the cut line 6 can be visually recognized as a mark. It may be printed in a low black density. Further, the cut line 6 can suppress the expansion height of the thermal expansion layer 3 while making it visible by combining the black density and the line width ( _{less than the minimum width w TMIN of the photothermal conversion layer 5).} By printing the cut line 6 with black ink like the photothermal conversion layer 5 and with a black density lower than that of the photothermal conversion layer 5, a printing machine corresponding to one black color is used in the photothermal conversion layer forming step S11. Therefore, the mark in the cutting step S14 can be formed on the heat-expandable sheet 10.

In the photothermal conversion layer forming step S11, the cutting auxiliary line 5c (see FIG. 6D) may be printed with black ink instead of the cutting line 6. It is preferable that the cutting auxiliary line 5c is drawn in a linear shape (solid line) slightly outside the contour of the stamp 1. As shown in FIG. 6D, the thermal expansion layer 3 expands directly under the cutting auxiliary line 5c in the light irradiation step S13 due to the cutting auxiliary line 5c, and the outline of the stamp 1 (represented by the alternate long and short dash line in the figure). ) Slightly outward and rises like a wall. Here, since the line width of the cutting auxiliary line 5c _{is narrower than the minimum width w TMIN} of the photothermal conversion layer 5, the thickness of this region is smaller than _{the thickness t T of the top surface.} By applying a cutter knife or the like to the inner side wall raised in the shape of a wall to cut the stamp 1, the stamp 1 is cut at an accurate position along the contour of the designed stamp 1. Further, since the expanded portion of the thermal expansion layer 3 is separated from the stamp 1 by the cutting auxiliary line 5c, the cutting auxiliary line 5c is not transferred together with the imprint regardless of the expansion height. Alternatively, the cutting auxiliary line 5c may be drawn slightly inside the outline of the stamp 1. In this case, the surface of the stamp 1 is raised at the peripheral edge, and the raised portion may be fixed so as to be crushed by the frame body 82 of the rootstock 8 in the rootstock attaching step S21. Since the cutting auxiliary line 5c is printed with black ink in the same manner as the photothermal conversion layer 5, a printing machine corresponding to a single black color can be used in the photothermal conversion layer forming step S11.

(Modification example)
In addition to the photothermal conversion layer 5 on the front surface of the stamp 1, a desired image may be printed on the back surface (back surface of the base material 2) (not shown). For example, by printing a normal image of the imprint on the back surface, the imprint can be easily visually recognized by the stamp 1, and it is possible to prevent mistakes when attaching the imprint to the rootstock 8. Therefore, prior to the light irradiation step S13, a normal image of the imprint is printed on the back surface of the heat-expandable sheet 10 by a printing machine in the same manner as in the photothermal conversion layer forming step S11. In this case, the cut line 6 may be printed on the back surface together with the normal image of the imprint without printing the cut line 6 on the front surface of the heat-expandable sheet 10. The printing on the back surface of the heat-expandable sheet 10 may be performed before or after the photothermal conversion layer forming step S11. As with the cut line 6, the normal image and the cut line of the imprint printed on the back surface of the heat-expandable sheet 10 are preferably printed with general printing color ink without using black ink. Alternatively, a normal image of the imprint may be printed on the back surface of the heat-expandable sheet 10 with black ink, but in the light irradiation step S13, light is transmitted through the heat-expandable layer 3 and the base material 2 and printed on the back surface. Even if it reaches the black ink, the black density is set to be sufficiently low so as not to affect the expansion of the thermal expansion layer 3. The pattern printed on the back surface of the stamp 1 with color ink (or lightly with black ink) is not only the normal image of the stamp imprint and the cut line, but also the notes related to the stamp 1 (for example, the triangle indicating the upper side of the stamp imprint, "take out". It may be "prohibited" characters, etc.).

Like the photothermal conversion layer 5 on the front surface of the stamp 1, a normal image of the imprint may be printed on the back surface with black ink at a high black density (not shown). By printing a mirror image of the imprint (photothermal conversion layer 5) on the front surface of the heat-expandable sheet 10 and a normal image of the imprint on the back surface with black ink, the photothermal conversion layer 5 on the front surface is printed in the light irradiation step S13. Part of the light that was not absorbed in Let me. Therefore, the expansion height (t _{T −} t ₀ ) of the thermal expansion layer 3, that is, the step between the top surface and the bottom surface of the stamp 1 can be increased. A black ink pattern is formed symmetrically with the heat-expandable sheet 10 sandwiched between the front surface and the back surface so that the normal image of such an imprint completely overlaps with the photothermal conversion layer 5 when viewed from the front surface. As described above, it is preferable that the printing is performed with high alignment accuracy.

In the stamp 1, the region not covered with the photothermal conversion layer 5 on the surface, that is, the bottom surface may be covered with an overcoat layer (not shown). The overcoat layer is a transparent ink that covers the top printed with normal ink (black ink, color ink) in order to improve the appearance of the printed surface, and is a material that stamp ink does not easily adhere to (easily repels). Is selected. By providing such an overcoat layer in the stamp 1, the bleeding of the stamp ink of the transferred imprint is suppressed. The overcoat layer may be printed on the surface of the heat-expandable sheet 10 before the light irradiation step S13, and in the photothermal conversion layer forming step S11, a photothermal conversion layer is used using a printing machine compatible with transparent ink. It is preferable to print at the same time as 5.

In the above embodiment, the heat-expandable sheet 10 of A4 paper size or the like is irradiated with light in the light irradiation step S13 to expand the thermal expansion layer 3, and then the stamp 1 is cut out in the cutting step S14. However, the heat-expandable sheet 10 cut out to a small size including the stamp 1 or one stamp 1 may be irradiated with light. That is, the cutting step S14 is performed before the light irradiation step S13. Further, in the light irradiation step S13, when the object to be irradiated is small and it is difficult to grip it by the transport mechanism 93 of the light irradiation device 9, the entire surface of one stamp 1 is simultaneously irradiated with light of uniform intensity. It is preferable to use a light irradiation device capable of capable. Such a light irradiation device does not require a transport mechanism, and includes, for example, a light source and a reflector configured to irradiate light of uniform intensity in a postcard-sized area, and a mounting table for fixing an object to be irradiated. Be prepared. The mounting table is preferably a glass plate or the like that transmits light so that it is difficult to be heated by light. For example, a light source and a reflector are arranged so as to irradiate light downward, and a glass plate is horizontally fixed under the light source and a reflector. Further, it is preferable that the light irradiation device has at least one of a timer function and an output adjustment function of a light source, and irradiates light for a set time or at a desired intensity. When irradiating the heat-expandable sheet 10 with light, the heat-expandable sheet 10 is placed on a mounting table with the surface facing upward, and the peripheral portion (outside the stamp surface area 1i) is placed together with the mounting table with a clip or the like. It is preferable that the back surface is attached to a mounting table with a gripping or peelable adhesive or the like to fix it, and to suppress deformation such as warping due to expansion of the thermal expansion layer 3.

The photothermal conversion layer 5 can also be formed without using a printing machine. In the photothermal conversion layer forming step S11, a mirror image of an imprint is formed on the surface of the heat-expandable sheet 10 by hand with a writing instrument such as a felt-tip pen, ink and a brush, or a pencil of black ink. The writing tool can draw with a constant black density, and since the thermal expansion layer 3 is soft, it is preferable that the writing pressure is not high, and specifically, a felt-tip pen is preferable. Before drawing the photothermal conversion layer 5, the surface of the heat-expandable sheet 10 may be drafted with a felt-tip pen or the like of color ink. Alternatively, the tracing paper or the like on which the normal image of the imprint is drawn may be turned over and transferred to the surface of the heat-expandable sheet 10 with carbon paper to make a draft. Further, since a printing machine is not used, the heat-expandable sheet 10 may be cut into the outer shape of the stamp 1 by performing the cutting step S14 before the photothermal conversion layer forming step S11.

The stamp 1 may be adhered and fixed to the mounting surface of the rootstock without the frame body 82. That is, in the rootstock attaching step S21, the stamp 1 is attached to and fixed to the rootstock on the back surface (the back surface of the base material 2). The means for bonding is not particularly limited, and an adhesive, double-sided tape, or the like corresponding to the materials of the base material 2 and the rootstock can be applied. The rootstock is made of a material having the required strength, such as wood or resin, and may be provided with a mark (hit) for identifying the upper side of the stamp surface (imprint). Further, the stamp 1 having the normal image of the stamp imprint printed on the back surface can be visually recognized by being attached to a rootstock made of a transparent acrylic resin. By fixing to the rootstock in this way, even if the stamp 1 has a particularly large outer shape, the entire stamp surface is supported flatly without the center rising from the mounting surface of the rootstock. .. Further, since the entire surface of the stamp 1 including the peripheral edge is exposed, the stamp surface region 1i may be provided up to the end.

The stamp 1 does not have to be fixed to the rootstock with the stamp surface flattened. Although it depends on the thickness and rigidity of the base material 2, the stamp 1 has a certain degree of flexibility and can be deformed into a developable surface such as a columnar surface of a cylinder, so that it corresponds to the shape of the stamped object. It may be fixed by adhering to a rootstock having a mounting surface. Further, for example, the stamp 1 is attached so as to go around a cylindrical rootstock that is pivotally supported by the handle, and the stamp imprint of the stamp 1 is repeatedly and continuously transferred in a strip shape as a roller stamp. be able to.

[Second embodiment: stamp]
In the method for producing a stamp according to the first embodiment, it is necessary to form a mirror image of the imprint, but it is also possible to manufacture a stamp that forms a normal image and imprints the imprint. Hereinafter, the stamp according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 7. 7A and 7B are schematic views illustrating the configuration of a stamp according to a second embodiment of the present invention, where FIG. 7A is an external view, FIG. 7B is a sectional view taken along line CC of FIG. 7A, and FIG. Is an external view of the back side. The same elements as those in the above-described embodiments (see FIGS. 1 to 6) are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

The stamp 1A according to the second embodiment imprints the same stamp i as the stamp 1 according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. Like the stamp 1, the stamp 1A is a rectangular sheet-like member having a horizontally long planar shape, and is used by being fixed to a rootstock as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 7A, the surface of the stamp 1A expands in the shape of curved paper, and in this expanded region, the surface is recessed in the shape of the mirror writing of "FAXED". That is, the stamp 1A has the same surface shape as the stamp 1 shown in FIGS. 2 (a) and 2 (b). As shown in FIG. 7B, the stamp 1A has a base material 2A in which the light transmitting base material 22 and the base material 21 are laminated with the adhesive layer 23 interposed therebetween, and the base material 2A (on the base material 21). The thermal expansion layer 3 is composed of a thermal expansion layer 3 provided on the entire surface of the above surface and a photothermal conversion layer 5A partially provided at the interface between the light transmitting base material 22 and the base material 21 (the lower surface of the base material 21). However, since it is thicker than the other regions and the upper surface (surface) is raised substantially directly above the base material 21 of the photothermal conversion layer 5A, irregularities are formed on the surface. Since the light transmitting base material 22 and the adhesive layer 23 transmit light, the photothermal conversion layer 5A is visually recognized on the back surface of the stamp 1A as shown in FIG. 7 (c). Since the thermal expansion layer 3 is raised in the region where the photothermal conversion layer 5A is formed, the photothermal conversion layer 5A seen from the back surface of the stamp 1A is a mirror image of the stamp surface (front surface) of the stamp 1A shown in FIG. 7 (a). That is, it is a normal image of the imprint i shown in FIG. Since FIG. 7 (c) is shown vertically symmetrically with respect to FIG. 7 (a), the photothermal conversion layer 5A is represented by being rotated by 180 °. The stamp 1A is manufactured using the heat-expandable sheet 10A shown in FIG. 9A as a stamp material.

(Thermal expandable sheet)
The configuration of the heat-expandable sheet 10A used for the stamp 1A will be described below with reference to FIG. 9A. FIG. 9A is a cross-sectional view illustrating the structure of a stamp material for a stamp according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The heat-expandable sheet 10A is a sheet-like member having a uniform thickness, and includes a base material 21 and a heat-expandable layer 3 provided on the entire surface of the base material 21 with a uniform thickness. The heat-expandable sheet 10A is a printed matter for printing black ink constituting the photothermal conversion layer 5A on the back surface, and is compatible with a printing machine for forming the photothermal conversion layer 5A like the heat-expandable sheet 10. The size is, for example, A4 paper size.

Like the base material 2 of the heat-expandable sheet 10, the base material 21 has heat resistance and supports the soft heat-expandable layer 3 on the surface, so that the heat-expandable sheet 10A has sufficient strength as a printed matter. On the other hand, the strength is secured so that the heat released by the photothermal conversion layer 5A formed on the back surface can be easily propagated to the thermal expansion layer 3 by suppressing diffusion in the surface direction of the base material 21. It is preferable that the thickness is small. Further, the base material 21 is made of a material on which ink can be printed on the back surface, and specifically, is made of general printing paper or the like.

The thermal expansion layer 3 has the same structure as that of the first embodiment before and after expansion. The stamp 1A according to the present embodiment and the heat-expandable sheet 10A which is the stamp material thereof do not have to be provided with the ink receiving layer 4 on the surface. As described in the first embodiment, it is difficult for the thermal expansion layer 3 to adhere ink before expansion. However, since the stamp ink is absorbed when it expands to become porous with bubbles, the stamp ink adheres to the surface of the stamp 1A on the top surface, while the stamp ink adheres to the region other than the top surface of the surface, that is, the bottom surface. Since it is difficult to adhere, bleeding of the stamp ink of the transferred imprint is suppressed. However, the heat-expandable sheet 10A may be provided with the ink receiving layer 4 on the surface like the heat-expandable sheet 10, and in particular, the structure of the heat-expandable layer 3 and the expansion height of the heat-expandable layer 3 in the stamp 1A. If the stamp ink does not sufficiently adhere to the surface of the thermal expansion layer 3 after expansion due to the above, the ink receiving layer 4 is provided.

The light-transmitting base material 22 attaches the heat-expandable sheet 10A on the back surface of the heat-expandable sheet 10A before expanding the heat-expandable layer 3, and supports the heat-expandable sheet 10A when the heat-expandable layer 3 is partially expanded. Avoid wrinkles and large waviness. Therefore, the light transmitting base material 22 has sufficient strength and at least a higher rigidity than the heat-expandable sheet 10A. Further, the light transmitting base material 22 is made of a material that has heat resistance and transmits light so that the photothermal conversion layer 5A printed on the back surface of the heat-expandable sheet 10A is irradiated with light. On the other hand, if the light transmitting base material 22 is too thick, it becomes difficult to cut it into the shape of the stamp 1A. For such a light transmitting base material 22, for example, a heat-resistant resin film made of polyester or the like used for an OHP sheet or the like can be applied.

The adhesive layer 23 is an adhesive that adheres the heat-expandable sheet 10A (base material 21) and the light-transmitting base material 22, and more specifically, the back surface of the base material 21 and the photothermal conversion layer 5A printed on the back surface thereof. , And the surface of the light transmitting base material 22 are bonded together. A known material corresponding to the base material 21 and the light transmitting base material 22 can be applied to the adhesive layer 23, and further, when the thermal expansion layer 3 is partially expanded, the base material 21 is subsequently deformed. Those having strong adhesiveness, sufficient heat resistance, and light transmittance that do not peel off from the light transmitting base material 22 are preferable, and double-sided tape or the like may be used as long as these conditions are satisfied.

The photothermal conversion layer 5A has the same configuration as the photothermal conversion layer 5 of the stamp 1 according to the first embodiment, except that the photothermal conversion layer 5A is formed on the back surface of the heat-expandable sheet 10A with a normal image of the imprint. _{That is, in the photothermal conversion layer 5A, the minimum value w TMIN} of the black density and the line width is designed so that the thermal expansion layer 3 expands to a predetermined thickness t _T , and the photothermal conversion layer 5A is sandwiched between the photothermal conversion layers 5A and 5A. _{The minimum value w BMIN} is designed so that the thermal expansion layer 3 does not exceed the _{thickness t BMAX} in the gap (see FIG. 2B).

[Second embodiment: method for manufacturing a stamp]
A method for producing a stamp according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a flow of a stamp manufacturing method according to a second embodiment of the present invention. 9 (b) to 9 (d) are schematic views for explaining the steps in the method for producing a stamp according to the second embodiment of the present invention, (b) is a photothermal conversion layer forming step, and (c) is a base. The material fixing step and (d) are cross-sectional views in each of the light irradiation steps, and correspond to the CC line cross-sectional view of FIG. 7 (a). As shown in FIG. 8, the method for manufacturing a stamp according to the present embodiment includes a photothermal conversion layer forming step S11A for forming a photothermal conversion layer 5A on the back surface of the heat-expandable sheet 10A, and light on the back surface of the heat-expandable sheet 10A. A base material fixing step S12 for laminating the transparent base material 22, a light irradiation step S13A for irradiating the back surface of the heat-expandable sheet 10A with light, and a cutting step S14 for cutting the heat-expandable sheet 10A into a desired shape. The stamp 1A is manufactured by the stamp manufacturing step S10A in which the steps are sequentially performed, and then, if necessary, the rootstock mounting step S21 for attaching the stamp 1A to the rootstock is performed. Hereinafter, each step of manufacturing the stamp 1A according to the second embodiment will be described in detail, particularly different from the step of manufacturing the stamp 1 according to the first embodiment. As the apparatus used for manufacturing the stamp according to the second embodiment, the device described in the first embodiment can be used.

(Photothermal conversion layer forming process)
In the photothermal conversion layer forming step S11A, as shown in FIG. 9B, the photothermal conversion of the normal image pattern of the imprint i (see FIG. 1) on the back surface of the heat-expandable sheet 10A (on the back surface of the base material 21). Layer 5A (see FIG. 7C) is printed with black ink. At this time, as in the photothermal conversion layer forming step S11 of the first embodiment, the cut line 6A that matches the outer shape (contour) of the stamp 1A can be printed at the same time as the photothermal conversion layer 5A. Similar to the cut line 6 of the first embodiment, the cut line 6A is preferably printed with a printing material having a lower photothermal conversion component concentration than the black ink, such as color ink. Further, on the back surface of the heat-expandable sheet 10A, in addition to the cut line 6A, the annotation regarding the stamp 1A described in the modification of the first embodiment may be printed with color ink.

(Base material fixing process)
In the base material fixing step S12, as shown in FIG. 9C, the light transmitting base material 22 is attached to the back surface of the heat-expandable sheet 10A with the adhesive layer 23. At this stage, the light transmitting base material 22 is the same as or larger than the heat-expandable sheet 10A, and has dimensions corresponding to the light irradiation device 9. Further, after the heat-expandable sheet 10A and the light-transmitting base material 22 are laminated, if necessary, the heat-expandable sheet 10A and the light-transmitting base material 22 may be cut and cut off to have dimensions corresponding to the light irradiation device 9.

(Light irradiation process)
In the light irradiation step S13A, the side (back surface) of the heat-expandable sheet 10A to which the light-transmitting base material 22 is bonded is irradiated with light using the light irradiation device 9. Except for the surface to be irradiated with light, it is as described in the light irradiation step S13 of the first embodiment. When light passes through the light transmitting base material 22 and the adhesive layer 23 and is absorbed by the photothermal conversion layer 5A and converted into heat, this heat propagates to the thermal expansion layer 3 via the base material 21 in the thickness direction. Then, as shown in FIG. 9D, in the heat-expandable sheet 10A, the heat-expandable layer 3 is heated and expanded, and the surface of the heat-expandable sheet 10A is raised to form irregularities.

(Cutting process)
In the cutting step S14, the heat-expandable sheet 10A in which the heat-expanding layer 3 shown in FIG. In the same manner as in the embodiment of the above, the stamp 1A is obtained by cutting out at a predetermined position represented by the alternate long and short dash line.

(Rootstock mounting process)
In the rootstock attachment step S21, the stamp 1A is attached to the rootstock 8 (see FIG. 3) or attached to other desired rootstocks to be fixed in the same manner as in the first embodiment. In particular, the stamp 1A according to the present embodiment is attached to a rootstock made of a transparent acrylic resin because the photothermal conversion layer 5A, which is a normal image of the imprint, is visually recognized through the light transmitting base material 22 on the back surface. As a result, the imprint becomes visible.

In the photothermal conversion layer forming step S11A, the cut line 6A is printed with black ink in a low (pale) black density so as to be visible through the light transmitting base material 22 as a mark and the thermal expansion layer 3 does not expand. You may. By printing the cut line 6A with black ink like the photothermal conversion layer 5A and with a black density lower than that of the photothermal conversion layer 5A, a printing machine corresponding to one black color is used in the photothermal conversion layer forming step S11A. be able to. Alternatively, instead of the cut line 6A, the cut auxiliary line may be printed with black ink slightly outside the contour of the stamp 1A, similarly to the cut auxiliary line 5c shown in FIG. 6 (d). The cutting auxiliary line printed on the back surface of the heat-expandable sheet 10A with black ink together with the photothermal conversion layer 5A raises the front surface of the heat-expandable sheet 10A along the contour of the stamp 1A. When using a knife, a cutting machine, or the like, the flat back surface can be placed facing down for work.

(Modification example)
The cutting step S14 may be performed before the light irradiation step S13A. Further, in the base material fixing step S12, the light transmitting base material 22 previously processed into the outer shape of the stamp 1A may be attached to the heat-expandable sheet 10A. At this time, the heat-expandable sheet 10A may be cut into the outer shape of the stamp 1A and then bonded to the light transmitting base material 22, or the light transmitting base material 22 may be bonded first to the outer shape of the light transmitting base material 22. The heat-expandable sheet 10A may be cut along the line. In these cases, as described in the modified example of the first embodiment, it is preferable to use a light irradiation device capable of simultaneously irradiating the entire back surface of the stamp 1A with light. In the case of the light irradiating device that irradiates light downward, the light transmitting base material 22 is brought into contact with the lower surface of the glass plate (mounting table) with the back surface of the heat-expandable sheet 10A facing upward, and the peripheral portion is attached with a clip or the like. Fix it by grasping it. Further, when the light transmitting base material 22 is previously processed into the outer shape of the stamp 1A, a polycarbonate plate or the like having heat resistance and high strength can be applied. By being attached to such a light transmitting base material 22, the heat-expandable sheet 10A does not deform even if it is not fixed to the mounting table of the light irradiation device in the light irradiation step S13A. Further, since the stamp surface of the stamp 1A is held flat by such a high-strength light-transmitting base material 22, the stamp-shaped handle is adhered to the central portion of the back surface (light-transmitting base material 22) as it is or as a knob. It can be used by doing so.

Similar to the photothermal conversion layer 5 of the first embodiment, the photothermal conversion layer 5A can be formed on the back surface of the heat-expandable sheet 10A (the back surface of the base material 21) by hand drawing or the like without using a printing machine. In particular, in the present embodiment, since the photothermal conversion layer 5A becomes a normal image of the imprint as it is, it is easy to draw characters and the like. Further, a paper obtained by printing and copying the imprint with black ink, black toner, or the like may be attached to the back surface of the heat-expandable sheet 10A with an adhesive or the like. Like the base material 21, the printed paper preferably has a small thickness so as to easily transfer heat. Further, since the printed paper only needs to have a black area of the imprint, it may be cut out smaller than the outer shape of the stamp 1A and the stamp surface area 1i (see FIG. 2A), and further separated into two or more. One imprint may be composed of the paper. In these cases, the cutting step S14 may be performed before the photothermal conversion layer forming step S11A to cut the heat-expandable sheet 10A into the outer shape of the stamp 1A.

For the stamp 1A, the heat-expandable sheet 10 of the first embodiment (see FIG. 2C) may be used as the stamp material. In this case, the light transmitting base material 22 is unnecessary, and the base material fixing step S12 Do not do. Since the base material 2 of the heat-expandable sheet 10 has a large thickness, the heat released from the photothermal conversion layer 5A formed on the back surface in the light irradiation step S13A propagates to the heat-expandable layer 3 via the base material 2. When doing so, it diffuses not only in the thickness direction but also in the surface direction. As a result, the stamp 1A using the heat-expandable sheet 10 as the stamp material _{tends not to reach the thickness t T} in the vicinity immediately above the end of the photothermal conversion layer 5A, and the fall from the top end tends to be rounded. Therefore, it is difficult to obtain imprints of fine patterns such as thin (narrow) lines and white lines. On the other hand, the stamp 1A using the heat-expandable sheet 10 as a stamp material has a small number of steps and can be easily manufactured by diverting the heat-expandable sheet 10 for manufacturing a three-dimensional model. It is suitable for quickly obtaining a stamp that imprints a rough pattern such as that drawn with a felt-tip pen or the like.

As described above, according to the present invention, a stamp of a desired imprint can be easily and quickly obtained.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be modified without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

The inventions described in the claims originally attached to the application of this application are added below. The item number of the claim described in the appendix is as per the scope of the patent claim originally attached to the application of this application.
[Additional Notes]
<< Claim 1 >>
The light absorbed on one surface side of the heat-expandable sheet including the heat-expanding layer that expands when heated to a predetermined temperature or higher and the base material on which the heat-expanding layer is laminated on one surface is converted into heat. The imprint drawing step of drawing a mirror image of the imprint with a printing material containing a photothermal conversion component that is emitted
The one side of the heat-expandable sheet is irradiated with light converted into heat by the photothermal conversion component to expand the heat-expandable layer in a region where a mirror image of the imprint is drawn to raise the one side. A stamp manufacturing method characterized by performing a light irradiation step.
<< Claim 2 >>
The light absorbed on the other surface side of the heat-expandable sheet including the heat-expanding layer that expands when heated to a predetermined temperature or higher and the base material on which the heat-expanding layer is laminated on one surface is converted into heat. The imprint drawing step of drawing a normal image of the imprint with a printing material containing a photothermal conversion component that is emitted
The other surface side of the heat-expandable sheet is irradiated with light converted into heat by the photothermal conversion component, and the heat-expandable layer is expanded in the region where the normal image of the imprint is drawn to expand the one surface. A stamp manufacturing method characterized by performing a light irradiation step of raising.
<< Claim 3 >>
As a step after the imprint drawing step and before the light irradiation step, light transmission that transmits the light irradiated in the light irradiation step to the other surface side of the heat-expandable sheet. The stamp manufacturing method according to claim 2, wherein the base material fixing step of attaching the base material is performed.
<< Claim 4 >>
The stamp manufacturing method according to claim 1, wherein as a step prior to the light irradiation step, a display imprint drawing step of drawing a normal image of the imprint on the other surface side of the heat-expandable sheet is performed.
<< Claim 5 >>
The stamp manufacturing method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a cutting step of cutting the heat-expandable sheet and processing the heat-expandable sheet into a desired shape is further performed.
<< Claim 6 >>
The cutting step is performed after the imprint drawing step,
The stamp manufacturing method according to claim 5, wherein the cutting line cut in the cutting step is drawn in the imprint drawing step.
<< Claim 7 >>
As a step after the imprint drawing step and the display imprint drawing step, a cutting step of cutting the heat-expandable sheet and processing it into a desired shape is performed.
The stamp manufacturing method according to claim 4, wherein the cutting line cut in the cutting step is drawn in the display imprint drawing step.
<< Claim 8 >>
6. The described stamp manufacturing method.
<< Claim 9 >>
A stamp manufacturing step of manufacturing a stamp by performing the stamp manufacturing method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, and a rootstock mounting step of fixing the stamp with the other side facing the rootstock. A method for manufacturing a stamp with a rootstock, which is characterized by performing.
<< Claim 10 >>
A stamp manufacturing step of manufacturing a stamp by performing the stamp manufacturing method according to any one of claims 5 to 8, and a frame body in which the stamp is brought into contact with the periphery thereof with the other side facing the rootstock. Perform the rootstock mounting step and fix with
The stamp manufacturing step is a method for manufacturing a stamp with a rootstock, which comprises processing the stamp into an outer shape corresponding to the frame in the cutting step to manufacture the stamp.
<< Claim 11 >>
A stamp characterized in that the stamp surface is provided with a thermal expansion layer that expands when heated to a predetermined temperature or higher.
<< Claim 12 >>
The stamp according to claim 11, wherein the stamp has an ink receiving layer on the thermal expansion layer, and a photothermal conversion component that converts absorbed light into heat and emits it is attached to a convex region of the stamp surface.

10,10A Thermal expansion sheet 1,1A Stamp 2 Base material 21 Base material 22 Light transmission base material 3 Thermal expansion layer Ink receiving layer 4 Ink receiving layer 5, 5A Photothermal conversion layer 5c Cutting auxiliary line 6, 6A Cutting line 8 Rootstock i Imprint S10, S10A Stamp manufacturing process S11, S11A Photothermal conversion layer forming process S12 Base material fixing process S13, S13A Light irradiation process S14 Cutting process S21 Rootstock mounting process

The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a stamp with a rootstock.

An object of the present invention is to make it possible to easily manufacture a stamp with a rootstock of a desired imprint.

That is, in order to solve the above problems, the method for producing a stamp with a rootstock according to the present invention is a base material in which a thermal expansion layer that expands when heated to a predetermined temperature or higher and the thermal expansion layer are laminated on one surface. An imprint drawing step of drawing a normal image of the imprint with a printing material containing a photothermal conversion component that converts absorbed light into heat and emits it on the other surface side of the heat-expandable sheet provided with The other surface side of the sheet is irradiated with light converted into heat by the photothermal conversion component, and the thermal expansion layer is expanded in the region where the normal image of the imprint is drawn to raise the one surface. a step, have rows and rootstock mounting step of fixing the stock, to the other side, in the rootstock mounting step, the rootstock formed from a material which transmits visible light and raised the one side Therefore, the normal image of the imprint drawn for this purpose is fixed so that the user can see it from the other surface side .

According to the present invention, a stamp with a rootstock of a desired imprint can be easily manufactured.

Claims (12)

The light absorbed on one surface side of the heat-expandable sheet including the heat-expanding layer that expands when heated to a predetermined temperature or higher and the base material on which the heat-expanding layer is laminated on one surface is converted into heat. The imprint drawing step of drawing a mirror image of the imprint with a printing material containing a photothermal conversion component that is emitted
The one side of the heat-expandable sheet is irradiated with light converted into heat by the photothermal conversion component to expand the heat-expandable layer in a region where a mirror image of the imprint is drawn to raise the one side. A stamp manufacturing method characterized by performing a light irradiation step. The light absorbed on the other surface side of the heat-expandable sheet including the heat-expanding layer that expands when heated to a predetermined temperature or higher and the base material on which the heat-expanding layer is laminated on one surface is converted into heat. The imprint drawing step of drawing a normal image of the imprint with a printing material containing a photothermal conversion component that is emitted
The other surface side of the heat-expandable sheet is irradiated with light converted into heat by the photothermal conversion component, and the heat-expandable layer is expanded in the region where the normal image of the imprint is drawn to expand the one surface. A stamp manufacturing method characterized by performing a light irradiation step of raising. As a step after the imprint drawing step and before the light irradiation step, light transmission that transmits the light irradiated in the light irradiation step to the other surface side of the heat-expandable sheet. The stamp manufacturing method according to claim 2, wherein the base material fixing step of attaching the base material is performed. The stamp manufacturing method according to claim 1, wherein as a step prior to the light irradiation step, a display imprint drawing step of drawing a normal image of the imprint on the other surface side of the heat-expandable sheet is performed. The stamp manufacturing method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a cutting step of cutting the heat-expandable sheet and processing the heat-expandable sheet into a desired shape is further performed. The cutting step is performed after the imprint drawing step,
The stamp manufacturing method according to claim 5, wherein the cutting line cut in the cutting step is drawn in the imprint drawing step. As a step after the imprint drawing step and the display imprint drawing step, a cutting step of cutting the heat-expandable sheet and processing it into a desired shape is performed.
The stamp manufacturing method according to claim 4, wherein the cutting line cut in the cutting step is drawn in the display imprint drawing step. 6. The described stamp manufacturing method. A stamp manufacturing step of manufacturing a stamp by performing the stamp manufacturing method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, and a rootstock mounting step of fixing the stamp with the other side facing the rootstock. A method for manufacturing a stamp with a rootstock, which is characterized by performing. A stamp manufacturing step of manufacturing a stamp by performing the stamp manufacturing method according to any one of claims 5 to 8, and a frame body in which the stamp is brought into contact with the periphery thereof with the other side facing the rootstock. Perform the rootstock mounting step and fix with
The stamp manufacturing step is a method for manufacturing a stamp with a rootstock, which comprises processing the stamp into an outer shape corresponding to the frame in the cutting step to manufacture the stamp. A stamp characterized in that the stamp surface is provided with a thermal expansion layer that expands when heated to a predetermined temperature or higher. The stamp according to claim 11, wherein the stamp has an ink receiving layer on the thermal expansion layer, and a photothermal conversion component that converts absorbed light into heat and emits it is attached to a convex region of the stamp surface.

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