JP6891579B2 - Method for manufacturing a heat-expandable sheet and a heat-expandable sheet - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a heat-expandable sheet that foams and expands according to the amount of heat absorbed and a method for producing a heat-expandable sheet.

Conventionally, there is known a heat-expandable sheet in which a heat-expandable layer containing a heat-expandable material that foams and expands according to the amount of heat absorbed is formed on one surface of the base sheet. By forming a photothermal conversion layer that converts light into heat on the heat-expandable sheet and irradiating the photothermal conversion layer with light, the heat-expandable layer can be partially or wholly expanded. Further, a method of forming a three-dimensional model (three-dimensional image) on a heat-expandable sheet by changing the shape of the photothermal conversion layer is also known (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2).

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 64-28660 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2001-150812

In such a heat-expandable sheet, the structure of the layer differs depending on the application and the like. For example, the ink receiving layer has a structure in which an ink receiving layer for printing a color ink layer or a photothermal conversion layer is provided only on the upper surface. There are configurations provided on the upper surface and the lower surface.

When manufacturing a heat-expandable sheet having such a different layer structure, it is required to standardize the members or materials from the viewpoint of improving the availability of the members or materials and reducing the manufacturing cost. Similarly, even when manufacturing one type of heat-expandable sheet having a plurality of layers, it is required to standardize the material among the layers having different intended functions contained in the heat-expandable sheet. Has been done.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and provides a method for producing a heat-expandable sheet and a heat-expandable sheet capable of sharing members or materials.

The heat-expandable sheet according to the present invention is
An ink receiving layer formed on one surface of the base material and capable of receiving ink,
A heat-expanding layer formed on the ink receiving layer and containing a heat-expandable material ,
A first ink receiving layer formed on the thermal expansion layer is provided.
The first ink-receiving layer, Ru is formed from the same material as the ink-receiving layer,
It is characterized by that.

The method for producing a heat-expandable sheet according to the present invention is
A step of forming a heat-expandable layer containing a heat-expandable material on an ink-receptive layer formed on one surface of a base material and capable of receiving ink .
Including a step of forming a first ink receiving layer on the thermal expansion layer.
The ink receiving layer has adhesiveness to the base material and the thermal expansion layer.
The first ink receiving layer and the ink receiving layer are formed of the same material.
It is characterized by that.

According to the present invention, members or materials can be shared.

It is sectional drawing which shows the outline of the heat-expandable sheet which concerns on embodiment. It is sectional drawing which shows the outline of the manufacturing method of the thermal expansion sheet which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure which shows the outline of the corona processing apparatus which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure which shows the outline of the stereoscopic image formation unit which concerns on embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the stereoscopic image formation process which concerns on embodiment. It is sectional drawing which shows the outline of the stereoscopic image formation process which concerns on embodiment. It is sectional drawing which shows the outline of the heat-expandable sheet which concerns on embodiment. It is sectional drawing which shows the outline of the manufacturing method of the thermal expansion sheet which concerns on embodiment. It is sectional drawing which shows the outline of the heat-expandable sheet which concerns on embodiment. It is sectional drawing which shows the outline of the manufacturing method of the thermal expansion sheet which concerns on embodiment. It is sectional drawing which shows the outline of the heat-expandable sheet which concerns on a modification. It is sectional drawing which shows the outline of the heat-expandable sheet which concerns on a modification.

Hereinafter, a method for producing a heat-expandable sheet and a heat-expandable sheet according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. As will be described in detail later, in the present embodiment, the members are shared between the heat-expandable sheet 10 and the heat-expandable sheet 20, or between the heat-expandable sheet 10 and the heat-expandable sheet 30. Take an example. Further, a configuration in which materials are shared in the layers contained in the heat-expandable sheet 20 will be given as an example.

(Thermal expandable sheet 10)
As shown in FIG. 1, the heat-expandable sheet 10 includes a base material 11, an anchor layer 12, a heat-expandable layer 13, a first ink receiving layer 14, and a second ink receiving layer 15. Further, as will be described in detail later, the heat-expandable sheet 10 is a three-dimensional image forming system 70 whose outline is shown in FIGS. 4 (a) to 4 (c), and is printed and has irregularities (three-dimensional shape). Image) is formed.

The base material 11 is a sheet-like member that supports the thermal expansion layer 13 and the like. As the base material 11, a commonly used resin sheet-like (including film) material can be appropriately selected and used. The base material 11 is a sheet containing a material selected from polyolefin resins such as polyethylene and polypropylene, polyester resins, polyamide resins such as nylon, polyvinyl chloride resins, polyimide resins, and silicone resins. The material can be used. Further, when the thermal expansion layer 13 is totally or partially expanded by foaming, the base material 11 does not rise on the opposite side (lower side shown in FIG. 1) of the base material 11, and also causes wrinkles. It has enough strength to prevent large wrinkles. In addition, it has heat resistance sufficient to withstand the heating when foaming the thermal expansion layer. Further, the base material 11 may have elasticity in addition to the above-mentioned strength and heat resistance.

As will be described later, in the present embodiment, a sheet-like member in which the ink receiving layer and the sheet are integrally formed can also be used as the base material 11. Specifically, the heat-expandable sheet 10 is manufactured by using a sheet-like member having an ink receiving layer on the uppermost surface (outermost surface) of a sheet (film) formed of the above-mentioned material as the base material 11. You can also. When such a sheet is used as the base material 11, the ink receiving layer provided on the base material 11 is used as the second ink receiving layer 15.

The anchor layer 12 is provided on one surface (upper surface shown in FIG. 1) of the base material 11, and the thermal expansion layer 13 is provided on the anchor layer 12. The anchor layer 12 is a layer having good adhesiveness to both the base material 11 and the thermal expansion layer 13. Further, the anchor layer 12 has a function of increasing the adhesive force between the base material 11 and the thermal expansion layer 13. In particular, if the thermal expansion layer 13 is provided directly on the resin base material 11, peeling is likely to occur when the thermal expansion layer 13 is expanded, but by providing the anchor layer 12, heat is generated when the thermal expansion layer 13 is foamed and expanded. It is possible to prevent the lower surface of the expansion layer 13 from peeling off.

The anchor layer 12 is a layer containing a material having good adhesiveness to the base material 11 and the thermal expansion layer 13. Specifically, the anchor layer 12 contains at least one resin selected from the group consisting of polyester, acrylic, polyurethane, or a copolymer thereof. For example, the resin contained in the anchor layer 12 may be, for example, only a polyester-based resin, or may include a polyester-based resin and a polyurethane-based resin. Further, the resin contained in the anchor layer 12 may be modified by a modifying agent. In particular, in the present embodiment, the anchor layer 12 preferably contains a polyester / acrylic / urethane composite resin. Although not limited to this, examples of the aqueous dispersion containing the polyester / acrylic / urethane composite resin include “WAC-17XC” manufactured by Takamatsu Oil & Fat Co., Ltd.

Further, in the present embodiment, the anchor layer 12 is not limited to the case where it is formed from the above materials, and includes a surface modification layer formed by applying a corona treatment to the surface of the base material 11. Specifically, the surface modification layer is formed by using the corona treatment device 60 shown in FIG. 3, which will be described later. This surface-modified layer is a layer having improved adhesiveness to the thermal expansion layer 13 as compared with the unmodified base material 11. Since the surface modification layer adheres well to the thermal expansion layer 13, peeling of the thermal expansion layer 13 can be suppressed when the thermal expansion layer 13 expands.

The thermal expansion layer 13 is formed in contact with the anchor layer 12 on the anchor layer 12 provided on one surface (upper surface in FIG. 1) of the base material 11. The thermal expansion layer 13 is a layer that expands to a size corresponding to the heating temperature and heating time, and a plurality of thermal expansion materials (thermally expandable microcapsules, microcapsules) are dispersed and arranged in the binder. Further, as will be described in detail later, in the present embodiment, a photothermal conversion layer is formed on the first ink receiving layer 14 provided on the upper surface (front surface) of the base material 11 and / or on the lower surface (back surface) of the base material 11. Is formed and irradiated with light to generate heat in the region provided with the photothermal conversion layer. Since the thermal expansion layer 13 absorbs the heat generated in the photothermal conversion layer on the front surface and / or the back surface of the thermal expansion sheet 10, foams and expands, only a specific region of the thermal expansion sheet 10 is selectively selected. Can be inflated.

As the binder, a thermoplastic resin such as a vinyl acetate polymer or an acrylic polymer is used. Further, the heat-expandable microcapsules contain propane, butane, and other low-boiling vaporizable substances in the shell of the thermoplastic resin. The shell is formed from a thermoplastic resin such as polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinylidene chloride, polyvinyl acetate, polyacrylic acid ester, polyacrylonitrile, polybutadiene, or a copolymer thereof. The average particle size of the heat-expandable microcapsules is about 5 to 50 μm. When the microcapsules are heated above the thermal expansion start temperature, the polymer shell made of resin softens, the low boiling point vaporizable substance contained therein evaporates, and the capsule expands due to the pressure. Although it depends on the characteristics of the microcapsules used, the microcapsules expand to about 5 times the particle size before expansion. The particle size of the microcapsules varies, and not all microcapsules have the same particle size.

The first ink receiving layer 14 is formed on the thermal expansion layer 13. The first ink receiving layer 14 is a layer that receives and fixes ink used in the printing process, for example, ink of an inkjet printer. The first ink receiving layer 14 is formed by using a general-purpose material depending on the ink used in the printing process. For example, in the case of using water-based ink, in the type of receiving ink by utilizing voids, the first ink receiving layer 14 is formed by using, for example, porous silica. In the type that swells and receives ink, the first ink receiving layer 14 is formed by using, for example, a resin selected from polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) -based resin, polyester-based resin, polyurethane-based resin, acrylic-based resin, and the like. Will be done.

The second ink receiving layer 15 is formed on the other surface (lower surface shown in FIG. 1) of the base material 11. The second ink receiving layer 15 is a layer that receives and fixes ink used in the printing process, for example, ink of an inkjet printer, like the first ink receiving layer 14. In this embodiment, since a film made of resin is used as the base material 11, it is a layer necessary for fixing ink when forming a photothermal conversion layer on the back surface (lower surface shown in FIG. 1) of the base material 11.

(Manufacturing method of thermally expandable sheet 10)
Next, a method for manufacturing the heat-expandable sheet 10 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 (a) and 2 (d).
First, a sheet-like material is prepared as the base material 11. As the base material 11, it is preferable to use, for example, a film having an ink receiving layer formed on one surface of a film made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Examples of such a base material include an OHP (Overhead projector) film having an ink receiving layer formed on the outermost surface. As shown in FIG. 2A, the ink receiving layer provided in advance on the base material 11 is used as the second ink receiving layer 15 according to its function. The base material 11 may be in the form of a roll or may be pre-cut. By using a material that constitutes the second ink receiving layer 15, for example, a material selected from porous silica, PVA, and the like, a coating liquid is applied onto the base material 11 by a known coating apparatus and dried. The second ink receiving layer 15 may be formed.

Next, a solution or emulsion of the material used as the anchor layer 12 is prepared on one surface of the base material 11 (upper surface shown in FIG. 2A). Subsequently, the coating liquid is applied onto the base material 11 using a known coating device such as a bar coater, a roller coater, or a spray coater. Subsequently, the coating film is dried to form the anchor layer 12 as shown in FIG. 2 (b).

In the step of forming the anchor layer 12, instead of the above, the corona treatment may be performed using the corona treatment device 60 schematically shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 3, the corona processing device 60 is a so-called roll-to-roll processing device, and includes a processing roll 61, an electrode 62, and a guide roll 63. The base material 11 before treatment is guided to the treatment roll 61 by the guide roll 63. When a high-frequency high voltage is applied between the processing roll 61 and the electrode 62 from a high-frequency power supply device (not shown), a corona discharge is performed between the processing roll 61 and the electrode 62 within the region shown by the dotted line in FIG. Occurs. When the base material 11 passes under this discharge, the surface of the base material 11 is subjected to corona treatment, and a surface modification layer (anchor layer 12) is formed on the base material 11. Further, the corona processing device 60 is not limited to the roll-to-roll type, and may be a single-wafer type.

Next, a binder made of a thermoplastic resin or the like and a heat-expandable material (heat-expandable microcapsules) are mixed to prepare a coating liquid for forming the heat-expandable layer 13. Subsequently, the coating liquid is applied onto the anchor layer 12 using a known coating device such as a bar coater, a roller coater, or a spray coater. Subsequently, the coating film is dried to form the thermal expansion layer 13 as shown in FIG. 2 (c). In addition, in order to obtain the target thickness of the thermal expansion layer 13, the coating liquid may be applied and dried a plurality of times.

Next, a coating liquid is prepared using a material that constitutes the first ink receiving layer 14, for example, a material selected from porous silica, PVA, and the like. Subsequently, this coating liquid is applied onto the thermal expansion layer 13 using a known coating device such as a bar coater, a roller coater, or a spray coater. In addition, in order to obtain the target thickness of the first ink receiving layer 14, the coating liquid may be applied and dried a plurality of times. Subsequently, the coating film is dried to form the first ink receiving layer 14 as shown in FIG. 2 (d). When the roll-shaped base material 11 is used, it is cut into a size suitable for the stereoscopic image forming system 70.

The heat-expandable sheet 10 is manufactured by the above steps.

(3D image formation system)
Next, a stereoscopic image forming system 70 that forms a stereoscopic image on the heat-expandable sheet 10 of the present embodiment will be described. As shown in FIGS. 4A to 4C, the stereoscopic image forming system 70 includes a control unit 71, a printing unit 72, an expansion unit 73, a display unit 74, a top plate 75, and a frame 80. And. FIG. 4A is a front view of the stereoscopic image forming system 70, FIG. 4B is a plan view of the stereoscopic image forming system 70 with the top plate 75 closed, and FIG. 4C is a plan view of the stereoscopic image forming system 70. , Is a plan view of the stereoscopic image forming system 70 in a state where the top plate 75 is opened. In FIGS. 4 (a) to 4 (c), the X direction is the same as the horizontal direction, the Y direction is the same as the transport direction D in which the sheet is transported, and the Z direction is the same as the vertical direction. is there. The X, Y and Z directions are orthogonal to each other.

The control unit 71, the printing unit 72, and the expansion unit 73 are each mounted in the frame 80 as shown in FIG. 4A. Specifically, the frame 80 includes a pair of substantially rectangular side plates 81 and a connecting beam 82 provided between the side plates 81, and a top plate 75 is passed above the side plates 81. Further, the printing unit 72 and the expansion unit 73 are installed side by side in the X direction on the connecting beam 82 passed between the side plates 81, and the control unit 71 is fixed under the connecting beam 82. The display unit 74 is embedded in the top plate 75 so that the height coincides with the upper surface of the top plate 75.

The control unit 71 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and the like, and controls the printing unit 72, the expansion unit 73, and the display unit 74.

The printing unit 72 is an inkjet printing device. As shown in FIG. 4C, the printing unit 72 includes a carry-in unit 72a for carrying in the heat-expandable sheet 10 and a discharge part 72b for discharging the heat-expandable sheet 10. The printing unit 72 prints the designated image on the front surface or the back surface of the heat-expandable sheet 10 carried in from the carry-in unit 72a, and discharges the heat-expandable sheet 10 on which the image is printed from the discharge unit 72b. Further, the printing unit 72 includes color inks (cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y)) for forming the color ink layer 92 described later, a front side photothermal conversion layer 91, and a back side photothermal conversion layer 91. A black ink (including carbon black) for forming with 93 is provided. In addition, in order to form a black or gray color in the color ink layer 92, a black color ink that does not contain carbon black may be further provided as the color ink.

The printing unit 72 acquires color image data indicating a color image (color ink layer 92) to be printed on the surface of the heat-expandable sheet 10 from the control unit 71, and based on the color image data, color ink (cyan, magenta, A color image (color ink layer 92) is printed using (yellow). The black or gray color of the color ink layer 92 is formed by mixing the three colors of CMY or by further using a black color ink that does not contain carbon black.

Further, the printing unit 72 prints the front side photothermal conversion layer 91 using black ink based on the surface foaming data which is the data indicating the portion to be foamed and expanded on the surface of the heat-expandable sheet 10. Similarly, the back side photothermal conversion layer 93 is printed using black ink based on the back surface foaming data which is the data indicating the portion to be expanded and expanded on the back surface of the heat expandable sheet 10. In addition, black ink containing carbon black is an example of a material that converts light into heat. The higher the density of the black ink is formed, the higher the expansion height of the thermal expansion layer 13. Therefore, the density of the black ink is determined so as to correspond to the target height.

The expansion unit 73 is an expansion device that inflates the heat-expandable sheet 10 by applying heat. As shown in FIG. 4C, the expansion unit 73 includes a carry-in unit 73a for carrying in the heat-expandable sheet 10 and a discharge unit 73b for discharging the heat-expandable sheet 10. The expansion unit 73 applies heat to the heat-expandable sheet 10 carried in from the carry-in portion 73a to expand it, and discharges the expanded heat-expandable sheet 10 from the discharge unit 73b. The expansion unit 73 includes an irradiation unit (not shown) inside. The irradiation unit is, for example, a halogen lamp, and has a near-infrared region (wavelength 750 to 1400 nm), a visible light region (wavelength 380 to 750 nm), or a mid-infrared region (wavelength 140 to 4000 nm) with respect to the heat-expandable sheet 10. ) Is irradiated. When the heat-expandable sheet 10 on which the black ink containing carbon black is printed is irradiated with light, the light is converted into heat more efficiently in the portion where the black ink is printed than in the portion where the black ink is not printed. Will be done. Therefore, in the thermal expansion layer 13, the region on which the black ink is printed is mainly heated, and as a result, the region on which the black ink is printed expands in the thermal expansion layer 13.

The display unit 74 is composed of a touch panel or the like. The display unit 74 displays an image (stars shown in FIG. 4B) printed on the heat-expandable sheet 10 by the printing unit 72, for example, as shown in FIG. 4B. Further, the display unit 74 displays an operation guide or the like, and the user can operate the stereoscopic image forming system 70 by touching the display unit 74.

(Three-dimensional image formation processing)
Next, referring to the flowchart shown in FIG. 5 and the cross-sectional view of the heat-expandable sheet 10 shown in FIGS. 6 (a) to 6 (e), a stereoscopic image is formed on the heat-expandable sheet 10 by the stereoscopic image forming system 70. The flow of the processing to be formed will be described.

First, the user prepares the heat-expandable sheet 10 before the stereoscopic image is formed, and designates the color image data, the front surface foaming data, and the back surface foaming data via the display unit 74. Then, the heat-expandable sheet 10 is inserted into the printing unit 72 with its surface facing upward. The printing unit 72 prints a photothermal conversion layer (front side photothermal conversion layer 91) on the surface of the inserted heat-expandable sheet 10 (step S1). The front side photothermal conversion layer 91 is a layer formed of a material that converts light into heat, specifically, black ink containing carbon black. The printing unit 72 ejects black ink containing carbon black onto the surface of the heat-expandable sheet 10 according to the designated surface foaming data. As a result, as shown in FIG. 6A, the front photothermal conversion layer 91 is formed on the first ink receiving layer 14. For ease of understanding, the front photothermal conversion layer 91 is shown to be formed on the first ink receiving layer 14, but more accurately, the black ink is the first ink receiving layer 14. Since it is received inside, the front side photothermal conversion layer 91 is formed in the first ink receiving layer 14.

Second, the user inserts the heat-expandable sheet 10 on which the front-side photothermal conversion layer 91 is printed into the expansion unit 73 with its surface facing upward. The expansion unit 73 irradiates the inserted heat-expandable sheet 10 with light from the surface to heat it (step S2). Specifically, the expansion unit 73 irradiates the surface of the heat-expandable sheet 10 with light by the irradiation unit. The front side photothermal conversion layer 91 printed on the surface of the heat-expandable sheet 10 generates heat by absorbing the irradiated light. As a result, as shown in FIG. 6B, the area on which the front side photothermal conversion layer 91 of the heat-expandable sheet 10 is printed rises and expands. Further, in FIG. 6B, when the density of the black ink in the front side photothermal conversion layer 91 shown on the right is darker than that in the front side photothermal conversion layer 91 shown on the left, as shown in the figure, a darkly printed area is displayed. It is possible to inflate higher.

Third, the user inserts the heat-expandable sheet 10 whose surface is heated and expanded into the printing unit 72 with its surface facing upward. The printing unit 72 prints a color image (color ink layer 92) on the surface of the inserted heat-expandable sheet 10 (step S3). Specifically, the printing unit 72 ejects cyan C, magenta M, and yellow Y inks onto the surface of the heat-expandable sheet 10 according to the designated color image data. As a result, as shown in FIG. 6C, a color ink layer 92 is formed on the first ink receiving layer 14 and the front side photothermal conversion layer 91.

Fourth, the user inserts the heat-expandable sheet 10 on which the color ink layer 92 is printed into the expansion unit 73 with the back surface facing upward. The expansion unit 73 heats the inserted heat-expandable sheet 10 from the back surface to dry the color ink layer 92 formed on the front surface of the heat-expandable sheet 10 (step S4). Specifically, the expansion unit 73 irradiates the back surface of the heat-expandable sheet 10 with light by the irradiation unit to heat the color ink layer 92 and volatilize the solvent contained in the color ink layer 92.

Fifth, the user inserts the heat-expandable sheet 10 on which the color ink layer 92 is printed into the printing unit 72 with the back surface facing upward. The printing unit 72 prints a photothermal conversion layer (back side photothermal conversion layer 93) on the back surface of the inserted heat-expandable sheet 10 (step S5). The photothermal conversion layer 93 on the back side is a layer formed of a material that converts light into heat, specifically black ink containing carbon black, similarly to the photothermal conversion layer 91 printed on the surface of the heat-expandable sheet 10. Is. The printing unit 72 ejects black ink containing carbon black to the back surface of the heat-expandable sheet 10 according to the designated back surface foaming data. As a result, as shown in FIG. 6D, a photothermal conversion layer 93 is formed on the back surface of the base material 11. As for the back side photothermal conversion layer 93, when the density of the black ink in the photothermal conversion layer 93 shown on the right is darker than that in the photothermal conversion layer 93 shown on the left, the darkly printed area is expanded higher as shown in the figure. It becomes possible.

Sixth, the user inserts the heat-expandable sheet 10 on which the back side photothermal conversion layer 93 is printed into the expansion unit 73 with the back side facing upward. The expansion unit 73 irradiates the inserted heat-expandable sheet 10 with light from the back surface to heat it (step S6). Specifically, the expansion unit 73 irradiates the back surface of the heat-expandable sheet 10 with light by an irradiation unit (not shown). The back side photothermal conversion layer 93 printed on the back surface of the heat-expandable sheet 10 generates heat by absorbing the irradiated light. As a result, as shown in FIG. 6E, the area on which the back side photothermal conversion layer 93 of the heat-expandable sheet 10 is printed rises and expands.

A stereoscopic image is formed on the heat-expandable sheet 10 by the above procedure.

The photothermal conversion layer may be formed only on the front side or only on the back side. When printing the photothermal conversion layer only on the front side, steps S1 to S4 of the above processes are performed. On the other hand, when the photothermal conversion layer is formed only on the back side, steps S3 to S6 of the above processes are carried out.

(Thermal expandable sheet 20)
Next, the heat-expandable sheet 20 is shown in FIG. The heat-expandable sheet 20 is different from the heat-expandable sheet 10 in that a layer capable of functioning as an ink receiving layer is used as an anchor layer 22, or the anchor layer 22 is made of the same material as the first ink receiving layer 14. It is at the point of forming. The same components as the heat-expandable sheet 10 are numbered the same, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 7, the heat-expandable sheet 20 includes a base material 11, an anchor layer 22, a heat-expandable layer 13, and a first ink receiving layer 14. The base material 11 and the heat-expandable layer 13 have the same structure as the heat-expandable sheet 10.

Further, since the heat-expandable sheet 20 has a configuration in which only the first ink receiving layer 14 is provided as an example, the photothermal conversion layer is formed only on the front side. Therefore, the stereoscopic image forming process performs steps S1 to S4 of the flowchart shown in FIG. The heat-expandable sheet 20 may be provided with a second ink receiving layer on the back surface of the base material 11 in the same manner as the heat-expandable sheet 10. In this case, the stereoscopic image forming process performs steps S1 to S6 of the flowchart shown in FIG.

The anchor layer 22 of the heat-expandable sheet 20 has good adhesiveness to both the base material 11 and the heat-expandable layer 13, and is a material capable of receiving and fixing ink of an inkjet printer. Formed from. The thermal expansion layer 13 is formed on the anchor layer 22 so as to be in contact with the anchor layer 22. As the anchor layer 22, for example, a resin selected from the group consisting of polyvinyl alcohol-based, polyester-based, polyurethane-based, acrylic-based, etc., which is used as a type for swelling and receiving ink, can be used. Although these materials can swell and receive ink, they also have good adhesiveness to the materials constituting the thermal expansion layer 13. Therefore, it can function not only as an ink receiving layer but also as an anchor layer 22. As the anchor layer 22, any material other than the above-mentioned material can be used as long as it is used for receiving ink and has good adhesiveness to the thermal expansion layer 13.

The first ink receiving layer 14 is the same as the first ink receiving layer 14 of the heat-expandable sheet 10, and is formed by using a material that is widely used depending on the ink used in the printing process. .. For example, in the case of using water-based ink, in the type of receiving ink by utilizing voids, the first ink receiving layer 14 is formed by using, for example, porous silica. In the type that swells and receives ink, the first ink receiving layer 14 is formed by using, for example, a resin selected from polyvinyl alcohol-based, polyester-based, polyurethane-based, acrylic-based, and the like. The first ink receiving layer 14 may be formed from any material, but particularly when the anchor layer 22 is formed on the base material 11 by using a coating liquid when producing the heat-expandable sheet 20. The first ink receiving layer 14 is preferably formed using the same material as the anchor layer 22.

(Manufacturing method of heat-expandable sheet 20)
Next, a method for manufacturing the heat-expandable sheet 20 will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 (a) to 8 (c).
First, a sheet-like material is prepared as the base material 11. As the base material 11, it is preferable to use a base material 11 having an ink receiving layer formed on one surface of a film made of, for example, PET, as in the method for producing the heat-expandable sheet 10. Examples of such an integrated base material include an OHP film in which an ink receiving layer is formed on the outermost surface of one surface. The base material 11 may be in the form of a roll or may be pre-cut. In particular, since the ink receiving layer provided in advance on the base material 11 functions as the anchor layer 22 as shown in FIG. 8A, the ink receiving layer provided in advance is not only the base material 11 but also heat. Adhesion with the expansion layer 13 needs to be good. Therefore, the ink receiving layer provided in advance is formed of a resin selected from polyvinyl alcohol-based, polyester-based, polyurethane-based fat, acrylic-based, and the like, which is used as a type for swelling and receiving ink.

The ink receiving layer used as the anchor layer 22 may be formed by preparing a coating liquid, applying the coating liquid, and drying the coating liquid in the same manner as in the heat-expandable sheet 10. In this case, if the same material as the material forming the first ink receiving layer 14 is used, the layers provided for different functions can be formed by the same material in the manufacturing process of the heat-expandable sheet 20. ..

Next, as in the case of the heat-expandable sheet 10, the heat-expandable layer 13 is as shown in FIG. 8 (b) by using a binder made of a thermoplastic resin or the like and a heat-expandable material (heat-expandable microcapsules). Is formed on the anchor layer 22. Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 8C, the first ink receiving layer 14 is formed on the thermal expansion layer 13. When the roll-shaped base material 11 is used, it is cut into a size suitable for the stereoscopic image forming system 70.

The heat-expandable sheet 20 is manufactured by the above steps.
In addition to the above steps, a step of forming the second ink receiving layer 15 on the back surface of the base material 11 may be further carried out. Further, when forming the second ink receiving layer 15, a material different from that of the first ink receiving layer 14 and the anchor layer 22 may be used, but forming using the same material further standardizes the material. It is possible and preferable.

As described above, in the heat-expandable sheet 20 and its manufacturing method, when the layer functioning as the ink-receiving layer also has good adhesiveness to the heat-expandable layer 13, this ink-receiving layer is used as the anchor layer 22. This makes it possible to use the same member as the member used when manufacturing the heat-expandable sheet 10 having a different layer structure. Specifically, in the heat-expandable sheet 10 and the method for producing the same, an ink receiving layer previously provided on one surface of the base material is used as the second ink receiving layer 15 according to its function, and is used on the other surface. The anchor layer 12, the thermal expansion layer 13, and the first ink receiving layer 14 are formed. On the other hand, in the heat-expandable sheet 20 and its manufacturing method, an ink receiving layer previously provided on one surface of the base material is used as the anchor layer 22, and the heat-expandable layer 13 and the first ink are placed on the anchor layer 22. It forms the receiving layer 14. As a result, the members can be shared between the heat-expandable sheet 10 and the heat-expandable sheet 20 having different layer configurations, and the procurement of the members can be improved and the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

Further, according to the method for producing the heat-expandable sheet 20, the materials used can be standardized. Specifically, even when the ink receiving layer is not formed on the base material 11 in advance, the anchor layer 22 is formed by using a material that can receive ink and has good adhesiveness to the thermal expansion layer 13. It is formed and the same material is used to form the first ink receiving layer 14. As a result, the first ink receiving layer 14 and the anchor layer 22 included in the heat-expandable sheet 20 can be formed from the same material, and the procurement of the material can be improved and the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

(Thermal expandable sheet 30)
Next, the heat-expandable sheet 30 is shown in FIG. The heat-expandable sheet 30 differs from the heat-expandable sheet 10 in that the anchor layer 32 is formed on the third ink receiving layer 31. The same components as those in the first embodiment are designated by the same numbers, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 9, the heat-expandable sheet 30 includes a base material 11, a third ink receiving layer 31, an anchor layer 32, a heat-expanding layer 13, and a first ink receiving layer 14. The heat-expandable sheet 30 may be provided with the second ink receiving layer 15 on the back surface of the base material 11 as in the first embodiment.

The third ink receiving layer 31 is formed of a material capable of receiving and fixing ink of an inkjet printer, similarly to the material constituting the first ink receiving layer 14. Unlike the anchor layer 22 of the second embodiment, the third ink receiving layer 31 is a layer capable of receiving ink of an inkjet printer, but its adhesiveness to the thermal expansion layer 13 is higher than that of the anchor layer 22. It is a low layer. For example, as the third ink receiving layer 31, porous silica or the like, which is a type that utilizes voids, is used.

The anchor layer 32 is formed from the material mentioned as the anchor layer 12 of the first embodiment, and is a layer having good adhesiveness to the third ink receiving layer 31 and the thermal expansion layer 13. When the thermal expansion layer 13 is expanded by the anchor layer 32, the thermal expansion layer 13 is prevented from peeling off.

(Manufacturing method of heat-expandable sheet 30)
Next, a method for manufacturing the heat-expandable sheet 30 will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 (a) to 10 (d).
First, a sheet-like material is prepared as the base material 11. As the base material 11, as in the method for producing the heat-expandable sheet 10, for example, a base material 11 having an ink receiving layer formed on the outermost surface (top surface) of one surface of a film made of PET is used. Examples of such a base material include an OHP film having an ink receiving layer formed on one surface thereof. The base material 11 may be in the form of a roll or may be pre-cut. In particular, the ink receiving layer provided in advance on the base material 11 is used as the third ink receiving layer 31 as shown in FIG. 10 (a). Further, in the heat-expandable sheet 30, since the anchor layer 32 is formed on the ink receiving layer provided in advance, the adhesiveness with the heat-expandable layer 13 may be low, and porous silica or the like may be formed. Formed from materials selected from.

Next, a solution or emulsion of the material used as the anchor layer 32 is prepared on one surface of the base material 11 (upper surface shown in FIG. 10A). Subsequently, the coating liquid is applied onto the base material 11 using a known coating device such as a bar coater, a roller coater, or a spray coater. Subsequently, the coating film is dried to form the anchor layer 32 as shown in FIG. 10 (b).

Next, as in the case of the heat-expandable sheet 10, the heat-expandable layer 13 is as shown in FIG. 10 (c) by using a binder made of a thermoplastic resin or the like and a heat-expandable material (heat-expandable microcapsules). Is formed on the anchor layer 32. Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 10D, the first ink receiving layer 14 is formed on the thermal expansion layer 13. When the roll-shaped base material 11 is used, it is cut into a size suitable for the stereoscopic image forming system 70.

The heat-expandable sheet 30 is manufactured by the above steps.
In addition to the above steps, a step of forming the second ink receiving layer 15 on the back surface of the base material 11 may be further carried out.

As described above, in the heat-expandable sheet 30 and its manufacturing method, the same member as the member used when manufacturing the heat-expandable sheet 10 is formed by forming the anchor layer 32 on the layer that originally functions as an ink receiving layer. Can be used. Specifically, in the heat-expandable sheet 10 and its manufacturing method, an ink receiving layer previously provided on one surface of the sheet is used as a second ink receiving layer 15 according to its function, and is anchored on the other surface. The layer 12, the thermal expansion layer 13, and the first ink receiving layer 14 are formed. On the other hand, in the heat-expandable sheet 30, since the ink receiving layer provided on one surface in advance does not have high adhesiveness to the heat-expanding layer 13, the anchor layer 32 is formed on the ink receiving layer, and the anchor layer 32 is formed. A thermal expansion layer 13 and a first ink receiving layer 14 are formed on the thermal expansion layer 13. As a result, the members can be shared between the heat-expandable sheet 10 and the heat-expandable sheet 30 having different layer configurations, and the procurement property can be improved and the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

As described above, according to the method for producing a heat-expandable sheet and a heat-expandable sheet of the present embodiment, a layer that functions as an ink receiving layer is used as an anchor layer, or an anchor layer is further formed on the ink receiving layer. Thereby, the heat-expandable sheet can be manufactured by using the same member as the member used when manufacturing another heat-expandable sheet. Therefore, according to the method for manufacturing the heat-expandable sheet and the heat-expandable sheet of the present embodiment, it is possible to obtain the effect of improving the procurement property of the member and reducing the manufacturing cost.

In addition, even when one type of heat-expandable sheet is manufactured, the material availability is improved by sharing the material of the first ink receiving layer and the anchor layer having different target functions. , The manufacturing cost can be reduced.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various applications are possible.
In each of the above-described embodiments, a configuration in which the second ink receiving layer 15 is provided on the back surface of the base material 11 or a configuration in which the second ink receiving layer 15 is not provided is given as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this. The back surface of the material 11 may be provided with an adhesive layer and a release paper. By providing the adhesive layer and the release paper, the heat-expandable sheet on which the three-dimensional image is printed can be attached to various objects such as a container.

For example, the heat-expandable sheet 40 shown in FIG. 11 has an adhesive layer 45 and a release paper 46 provided on the back surface of the heat-expandable sheet 20. In this case, as shown in FIG. 11, the heat-expandable sheet 40 includes a base material 11, an anchor layer 22, a heat-expandable layer 13, a first ink receiving layer 14, an adhesive layer 45, and a release paper 46. The adhesive layer 45 is a generally used adhesive, and is appropriately selected depending on the object to which the heat-expandable sheet is attached. The release paper 46 is formed from a material generally used as a backing paper such as a sticker. The release paper 46 is not limited to paper, but may be a film. Like the heat-expandable sheet 20, the anchor layer 22 is formed of a material that is also used as an ink receiving layer, and is a layer having good adhesiveness to the heat-expandable layer 13. Further, the second ink receiving layer 15 may be provided on the release paper 46 (the lower surface of the release paper 46 in FIG. 11).

Further, when the heat-expandable sheet 40 is manufactured, an ink receiving layer (anchor layer 22) is provided on one surface of the base material 11, and an adhesive layer 45 and a release paper 46 are provided on the other surface. It is preferable to obtain a sheet and use this sheet to form a thermal expansion layer 13 or the like because the manufacturing process can be simplified.

Similarly, the heat-expandable sheet 50 shown in FIG. 12 is provided with an adhesive layer and a release paper on the back surface of the heat-expandable sheet 30. In this case, as shown in FIG. 12, the heat-expandable sheet includes the base material 11, the third ink receiving layer 31, the anchor layer 32, the heat expanding layer 13, the first ink receiving layer 14, the adhesive layer 45, and the release. The paper 46 is provided. The adhesive layer 45 is a generally used adhesive, and is appropriately selected depending on the object to which the heat-expandable sheet is attached. The release paper 46 is formed from a material generally used as a backing paper such as a sticker. The third ink receiving layer 31 is a layer that receives and fixes ink as in the third embodiment, but has low adhesiveness to the thermal expansion layer. Like the heat-expandable sheet 30, the anchor layer 32 is a layer having good adhesiveness to the heat-expandable layer 13. Further, the second ink receiving layer 15 may be provided on the release paper 46 (the lower surface of the release paper 46 in FIG. 11).

Further, when the heat-expandable sheet 50 is manufactured, an ink receiving layer (third ink receiving layer 31) is provided on one surface of the base material 11, and an adhesive layer 45 and a release paper 46 are provided on the other surface. It is preferable to obtain a sheet provided with the above and use this sheet to form an anchor layer 32, a thermal expansion layer 13, and the like because the manufacturing process can be simplified.

The figures used in each embodiment are for explaining each embodiment. Therefore, it is not intended to be construed as limiting the thickness of each layer of the heat-expandable sheet to be formed in the ratio as shown in the figure. For example, in FIG. 1, the base material 11 is shown thinner than the thermal expansion layer 13, but the base material 11 is formed to have the same thickness as the thermal expansion layer 13, or is formed to be thicker than the thermal expansion layer 13. It does not exclude it. The same applies to other layers.

Although some embodiments of the present invention have been described, the present invention is included in the invention described in the claims and the equivalent scope thereof. The inventions described in the claims of the original application of the present application are described below.

[Appendix 1]
An ink receiving layer formed on one surface of the base material and capable of receiving ink,
A heat-expanding layer formed on the ink receiving layer and containing a heat-expandable material.
A heat-expandable sheet characterized by that.
[Appendix 2]
The ink receiving layer has adhesiveness to the base material and the thermal expansion layer, and functions as an anchor layer.
The heat-expandable sheet according to Appendix 1, wherein the heat-expandable sheet is characterized by the above.
[Appendix 3]
A first ink receiving layer formed on the thermal expansion layer is provided.
The first ink receiving layer is formed of the same material as the ink receiving layer.
The heat-expandable sheet according to Appendix 1 or 2, characterized in that.
[Appendix 4]
An anchor layer provided on the ink receiving layer is further provided.
The thermal expansion layer is formed on the anchor layer.
The heat-expandable sheet according to Appendix 1, wherein the heat-expandable sheet is characterized by the above.
[Appendix 5]
A step of forming a heat-expanding layer containing a heat-expandable material on an ink-receiving layer formed on one surface of a base material and capable of receiving ink is included.
A method for producing a heat-expandable sheet.
[Appendix 6]
The ink receiving layer has adhesiveness to the base material and the thermal expansion layer.
The ink receiving layer functions as an anchor layer.
The method for producing a heat-expandable sheet according to Appendix 5, wherein the heat-expandable sheet is produced.
[Appendix 7]
A step of forming a first ink receiving layer on the thermal expansion layer is further included.
The first ink receiving layer and the ink receiving layer are formed of the same material.
The method for producing a heat-expandable sheet according to Appendix 5 or 6, wherein the heat-expandable sheet is produced.
[Appendix 8]
A step of forming an anchor layer on the ink receiving layer is further included.
The thermal expansion layer is formed on the anchor layer.
The method for producing a heat-expandable sheet according to Appendix 5, wherein the heat-expandable sheet is produced.
[Appendix 9]
Including a thermal expansion layer forming step of forming a thermal expansion layer containing a thermally expandable material,
In the thermal expansion layer forming step, a base material having an ink receiving layer capable of receiving ink on the outermost surface is used.
In order for the ink receiving layer to function as an anchor layer between the base material and the thermal expansion layer, the thermal expansion layer is formed so as to be in contact with the ink receiving layer.
A method for producing a heat-expandable sheet.
[Appendix 10]
Including a thermal expansion layer forming step of forming a thermal expansion layer containing a thermally expandable material,
In the thermal expansion layer forming step, a base material having an ink receiving layer capable of receiving ink on the outermost surface is used.
In order to make the ink receiving layer function as a layer for enhancing the adhesive force between the base material and the thermal expansion layer, the thermal expansion layer is formed so as to be in contact with the ink receiving layer.
A method for producing a heat-expandable sheet.

10, 20, 30, 40, 50 ... Thermal expansion sheet, 11 ... Substrate, 12, 22, 32 ... Anchor layer, 13 ... Thermal expansion layer, 14 ... First Ink receiving layer, 15 ... 2nd ink receiving layer, 31 ... 3rd ink receiving layer, 45 ... adhesive layer, 46 ... release paper, 60 ... corona processing device, 61.・ ・ Processing roll, 62 ・ ・ ・ Electrode, 63 ・ ・ ・ Guide roll, 70 ・ ・ ・ Solid image forming system, 71 ・ ・ ・ Control unit, 72 ・ ・ ・ Printing unit, 72a ・ ・ ・ Carrying part, 72b ・・ ・ Discharge part, 73 ・ ・ ・ Expansion unit, 73a ・ ・ ・ Carry-in part, 73b ・ ・ ・ Discharge part, 74 ・ ・ ・ Display unit, 75 ・ ・ ・ Top plate, 80 ・ ・ ・ Frame, 81 ・ ・ ・Side plate, 82 ... connecting beam, 91 ... front side photothermal conversion layer, 92 ... color ink layer, 93 ... back side photothermal conversion layer

Claims (7)

An ink receiving layer formed on one surface of the base material and capable of receiving ink,
A heat-expanding layer formed on the ink receiving layer and containing a heat-expandable material ,
A first ink receiving layer formed on the thermal expansion layer is provided.
The first ink-receiving layer, Ru is formed from the same material as the ink-receiving layer,
A heat-expandable sheet characterized by that. The ink receiving layer has adhesiveness to the base material and the thermal expansion layer, and functions as an anchor layer.
The heat-expandable sheet according to claim 1. A step of forming a heat-expandable layer containing a heat-expandable material on an ink-receptive layer formed on one surface of a base material and capable of receiving ink .
Including a step of forming a first ink receiving layer on the thermal expansion layer.
The ink receiving layer has adhesiveness to the base material and the thermal expansion layer.
The first ink receiving layer and the ink receiving layer are formed of the same material.
A method for producing a heat-expandable sheet. The ink receiving layer functions as an anchor layer.
The method for producing a heat-expandable sheet according to claim 3. A thermal expansion layer forming step of forming a thermal expansion layer containing a thermally expandable material ,
Including an ink receiving layer forming step of forming a first ink receiving layer capable of receiving ink on the thermal expansion layer.
In the thermal expansion layer forming step, a base material having an ink receiving layer formed on the same material as the first ink receiving layer formed on the thermal expansion layer in the ink receiving layer forming step on the outermost surface is used. The thermal expansion layer is formed so as to be in contact with the ink receiving layer.
A method for producing a heat-expandable sheet. In the thermal expansion layer forming step, by forming the thermal expansion layer so as to be in contact with the ink receiving layer, the ink receiving layer functions as an anchor layer between the base material and the thermal expansion layer.
The method for producing a heat-expandable sheet according to claim 5. In the thermal expansion layer forming step, the ink receiving layer functions as a layer for enhancing the adhesive force between the base material and the thermal expansion layer by forming the thermal expansion layer in contact with the ink receiving layer. Let,
The method for producing a heat-expandable sheet according to claim 5.

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