JPH01157851A - Hologram foil thermal transfer apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To increase transfer and printing efficiency by providing an alignment sensor for stopping the conveyance of hologram foils, and a sensor driving means for evacuating the sensor from between a heat plate and a pedestal on completion of the alignment of a pattern. CONSTITUTION:When a hologram foil Z is conveyed, an alignment mark zn' of a pattern to be next transferred being detected, a motor for feeding foils is caused to stop by means of a signal from a sensor 30, and the pattern zn is then caused to stop at a predetermined transfer position. A cylinder 35 is actuated, and a fluctuating unit 24 is then caused to move toward an evacuation position. In this case, since a second arm member 37 is adapted to come off a roller 42 just after the initiation of the fluctuation, a foil receiving plate 39 moves down to a lower position, whereby a wider space is produced between the sensor 30 and itself, thus making it possible to eliminate a risk of the hologram foil Z being damaged. A heat plate 3 is caused to move down to a pedestal 2 on which a transfer receiving object X is set, and the patterned portion of the aligned hologram foil Z that is to be currently transferred is then pressed against the transfer receiving object X while being heated, whereby the pattern zn is transferred on the transfer receiving X.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION (Field of Industrial Application) The present invention relates to a thermal transfer device, and particularly to a thermal transfer device using hologram foil as a transfer foil.

(Prior art) A thermal transfer device used for transfer printing on various articles is
As shown in FIG. 5, a pedestal A that supports the transferred object X;
A heating platen B, which is provided above the heating platen so as to be movable up and down, and a belt-shaped transfer foil Y wound into a roll are fed out from the feeding section C1 and supplied between the pedestal A and the heating platen B, and the It has a foil feeding device C that winds up the finished foil Y onto a winding section C2. Further, the above-mentioned transfer foil Y used in this thermal transfer device has, as shown in FIG. ... yn are provided, and positioning marks 'Jx'+3'2'...yn' are attached in correspondence to each of these symbols '1113'2...yn'.

Then, as shown in FIG. 5, with the heating section B separated from the pedestal A, the transfer foil Y is transferred from the feeding section C1 to the winding section C2 by the foil feeding means C, and then transferred. When the pattern reaches the predetermined transfer position between the pedestal A and the heating part B and the sensor D detects the alignment mark, the transfer foil Y
At the same time, in this state, the heating part B is moved down to press the pattern part of the transfer foil Y to be transferred to the object X on the pedestal A while heating it. It is designed to be transferred to object X.

(Problem to be Solved by the Invention) By the way, the transfer foil used in this type of thermal transfer device is generally a base film with designs and alignment marks printed by gravure printing, etc. In the case of foil, as shown in FIG. 6, a large number of patterns 'Jx, y2. ...yn and a large number of alignment marks '/l' + Yz'+...yn' are printed continuously along the base film Y', so these patterns 5'Il y2...yn And the spacing and positional relationship between the alignment marks 'Jl' + 3'2', . . . yn' will not be disturbed. Therefore, for example, as shown by the chain line in FIG.
When reaching the transfer position where
Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 5, sensor D can be set to detect
It becomes possible to arrange the transfer position upstream of the transfer position where the transfer position is located.

However, in recent years, so-called hologram designs have been transferred to various products for the purpose of increasing their decorativeness and commercial value, or to prevent counterfeiting by applying them to cards such as cash cards and credit cards. However, in this case, the following problems arise. In other words, this hologram pattern uses diffused reflection of light to change colors and patterns depending on the viewing angle, or to give a three-dimensional effect.It is obtained using a special printing method, but it is not possible to use a thermal transfer device. When printing a large number of hologram designs on a strip-shaped base film for use in
As shown in FIG. 7, each pattern Zl, Z2...zn is placed in each section al, a2...zn of the base film Z'. ...It is necessary to print one by one for each an. Therefore,
As shown in the figure, alignment marks Zl', 72'...zn are placed near each pattern zl+z2...zn.
Even if you print ', these marks Zl ' z2 ',
...zn' is the same pattern Zl, Z3...zn in the same section
However, the spacing and positional relationship for the patterns in other sections are not constant. Therefore, as shown in Figure 5, the sensor placed upstream of the transfer position is Even if the feeding of the transfer foil is stopped when the alignment mark is detected by D, the pattern to be transferred next, which has a different section from this mark, will be correctly positioned at the predetermined transfer position facing the transferred object X on the pedestal A. This means that they will not be matched. To deal with this, the sensor is placed near the transfer position,
It is conceivable that when the sensor detects an alignment mark, the pattern in the same section as the mark is aligned at the transfer position, but in the vicinity of this transfer position, the pedestal and the hot part are in contact with each other and are separated from each other. There is no space to install the sensor.

Therefore, in the past, it was not possible to use a hologram base printed with a large number of hologram designs for continuous transfer printing, and the hologram base was cut out for each design and used one by one. be.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems when thermally transferring hologram patterns, the present invention realizes a thermal transfer device that can continuously use a band-shaped hologram base printed with a large number of hologram patterns, and thereby achieves this type of transfer printing. The purpose is to improve work efficiency.

(Means for Solving the Problems) In order to achieve the above object, the present invention is characterized by the following configuration.

That is, the thermal transfer device according to the present invention uses a hologram foil formed by printing a large number of hologram patterns on a strip-shaped base film, each having alignment marks attached thereto in a predetermined positional relationship. a pedestal for supporting the hologram, a seedling feeding means for intermittently transporting the hologram foil and sequentially supplying each pattern to a transfer position facing the object to be transferred on the pedestal, and transporting the hologram foil by the seedling feeding means. an alignment sensor that detects an alignment mark attached to the pattern and stops the transfer of the hologram foil by the seedling feeding means when a pattern to be transferred next reaches the transfer position; A heating section is provided for heating and pressing the pattern portion aligned at the transfer position on the object to be transferred on the pedestal, and a driving means for moving the alignment sensor. By this driving means, when the hologram foil is transferred while the heating part is separated from the pedestal,
When the sensor is inserted between the heating part and the pedestal and set at a position where it can detect the alignment mark on the hologram foil, and when the alignment of the pattern by the sensor is completed,
This is configured to be evacuated from between the heating section and the pedestal.

(Function) According to the above configuration, when the hologram foil is transferred, the positioning sensor is set at a predetermined mark detection position between the pedestal and the hot part by the driving means, so that the next position of the hologram foil is moved. When the pattern to be transferred to the foil reaches a predetermined transfer position, the alignment mark attached to the pattern is detected by the sensor and the feeding of the foil is stopped.
This aligns the pattern with the transfer position. When this alignment is completed, the sensor retreats from between the pedestal and the heating part, and then the heating part moves down and the aligned pattern part of the hologram foil is transferred to the transferred object on the pedestal. The design is transferred to the object by being heated and pressed.

In this way, the alignment sensor can detect the alignment mark in the vicinity of the transfer position between the pedestal and the hot part without interfering with the contact movement between the pedestal and the hot part. Therefore, if alignment marks are attached to each design in a predetermined positional relationship, these designs can always be aligned at the predetermined transfer position even if the spacing or positional relationship between each design is not constant. It becomes possible to do so. Therefore, it becomes possible to perform continuous transfer work using hologram foil printed with a large number of hologram patterns.

(Example) Examples of the present invention will be described below.

As shown in FIG. 1, the thermal transfer apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment includes a pedestal 2 for setting an object to be transferred X at a predetermined position, a heating section 3 provided above the pedestal 2, and a pedestal 2 and a heating section. 3 and a seedling feeding device 4 that supplies a hologram foil Z as shown in FIG. The heating part 3 is movable up and down between the illustrated separation position and the lower facing position so that they can be sandwiched and brought into contact with each other. Here, the pedestal 2 can be vertically adjusted according to the thickness of the transferred object X, and can be moved horizontally to supply the transferred object X to the illustrated transfer position. It has become.

Further, the seedling feeding device 4 has a feeding section 6 provided on one side of the main body frame 5 extending in the horizontal direction, and a winding section 7 provided on the other side. ,
A roll support shaft 8 that supports the roll-shaped hologram foil Z and a guide roller 9 whose position is adjustable are provided, and the roll support shaft 8 is moved in the counter-feeding direction by a motor (not shown) via a slip clutch. is under pressure,
In addition, in order to adjust the biasing force according to the diameter of the roll so that the tension of the foil Z is always constant, a roll diameter sensor 10 is provided to detect the diameter of the roll. The winding unit 7 also includes a winding shaft 11 that winds the transferred foil Z (base film) into a roll again, a feed roller 12 that transports the foil Z in the winding direction, and a roller that drives the roller 12. A motor 13, a slack removing roller 14 for wrapping the foil 2 around the roller 12, and a guide roller 15 whose position is adjustable are provided. Here, the winding shaft 11 is constantly urged in the winding direction by a feed roller 12 via a belt 16.

On the other hand, a sensor support device 20 is provided at a transfer position where the pedestal 2 and the heating section 3 are arranged facing each other.

Next, the configuration of this sensor support device 20 will be explained with reference to FIGS. 2 to 4. This device 20 consists of a vertical mounting plate 21 which is attached to the main body frame 5 so as to be adjustable in horizontal and vertical positions. and a horizontal substrate 22 coupled to the lower end of the mounting plate 21. As shown in FIG. 3.4, a support shaft 23 is erected at the rear of one side of the substrate 22 (on the winding section 7 side of the foil feeding device 4), and a swing unit 24 is attached to the support shaft 23. is supported swingably in a horizontal plane. The swing unit 24 includes a base member 26 rotatably attached to the support shaft 23 via a bearing 25 (see FIG. 4), and a bolt 22 attached to the upper surface of the base member 26.
An arm member 28 having an opening in cross section and having a proximal end fixed by 7.
and a sensor mounting member 29 that is fixed to the tip-side surface of the arm member 28 and protrudes further forward, and a light-reflecting type is attached to the lower surface of the L-shaped tip 29a of the mounting member 29. A positioning sensor 30 is attached facing downward. Here, the base end portion of the arm member 28 is engaged with a longitudinal groove 26a provided on the upper surface of the base member 26, and a bolt hole 28a in the arm member 28 through which the bolt 27 is inserted is formed. An L-shaped bracket 31 is fastened together with the bolt 27 to the upper surface of the arm member 28, and a screw shaft 32 rotatably supported by the bracket 1-31 is attached to the arm member 28. Since it is screwed into a female threaded member 33 that is not fixed to the upper surface, when the bolt 27 is loosened and the threaded shaft 32 is rotated, the arm member 28 moves back and forth. The front and rear positions (left and right positions in the drawing of FIG. 4) of the sensor 30 attached to the tip via two attachment members are adjusted.

The substrate 22 is attached to the rear end of the base member 26.
The tip of a rod 35a of a cylinder 35 rotatably supported is connected between and an auxiliary member 34 provided parallel to this, and as the cylinder 35 operates, the arm member 28 or swings. The entire unit 24 is attached to the support shaft 23
Centered on , there is a detection position where the sensor 30 is projected into the passage of the hologram foil Z, as shown by a solid line in FIG. It is designed to swing between (a) and (b) directions. Incidentally, an adjustable stopper member 36 is provided on the side surface of the mounting plate 21 to restrict the swinging of the arm member 28 toward the detection position at a predetermined position.

The swing unit 24 also includes a second arm member 37 that is provided below the front half of the arm member 28 and projects forward.
The seedling holder is attached to the plate 3 so as to be located directly below the sensor 30 via a mounting member 38 extending downward at the tip thereof.
9 is attached. This second arm member 37 is
The rear end portion is connected to the intermediate portion of the arm member 28 by a horizontal pin 40, and the seedling holder at the front end portion is configured such that the plate 39 can swing up and down within a certain range as shown in FIG. A support member 4 is provided at the front end of the m portions of the substrate 22.
1 is provided with a roller 42 rotatably supported, and when the swing unit 24 swings to the detection position, the second arm member 37 rides on this roller 42, so that the second arm member 37 The seedling holder at the tip of the seedling holder is swung from the lower position shown by the chain line in FIG. 4 to the upper position shown by the solid line in FIG. It looks like this.

Here, a spring 43 is installed between the arm member 28 and the second arm member 37 to bias the second arm member 37 or the seedling tray plate 39 downward, and also to prevent the downward swinging of the second arm member 37 or the seedling tray. A stopper member 44 is provided to restrict the movement at a predetermined position.

In this embodiment, the entire horizontal and vertical positions of the sensor support device 20 can be adjusted. That is, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, a slide member 45 is engaged with the main body frame 5 so as to be slidable left and right, and the mounting plate 2 is attached to the back surface of this slide member 45.
1 is supported so as to be slidable up and down. By loosening the screw member provided at the lower part of the slide member 45, the slide member 45 or the sensor support device 20 as a whole becomes movable left and right, and the mounting plate 21
A screw member 47 rotatably supported by the slide member 4
5, and the mounting plate 21 or the sensor support device is screwed together by the rotation of the screw member 47! 20 is designed to move up and down. As a result, the arm member 28 can be adjusted in the front and back positions, and the sensor 30 can be adjusted in the front and back, left and right, and up and down directions.

Next, the operation of the above embodiment will be explained.

Now, suppose that the transfer work for one transferred object X has been completed and the heating section 3 shown in FIG. When the hologram foil Z is actuated, the hologram foil Z is transferred from the feeding section 6 to the winding section 7, and at the same time, the tray 2 moves in the horizontal direction and the next object to be transferred X is supplied to the transfer position. However, at this time, the cylinder 35 in the sensor support device 20 operates, and the swing unit 24 swings in the (A) direction from the retracted position shown by the chain line in FIG. 3 to the detection position shown by the solid line. In this case, the second arm member 37 of the swinging unit 24 and the seedling tray plate 39 attached to its tip are initially in the lower position shown by the chain line in FIG. A required gap is created between the sensor 30 and the alignment sensor 30 above the foil Z, so that the sensor 30 does not interfere with the hologram foil 2 when entering the passage path of the hologram foil 2. Above, the seedling tray plate 39 enters below the foil Z, respectively. Then, the second arm member 36 rides on the roller 42 just before the detection position where the arm member 28 comes into contact with the stopper member 36, and the plate 39 of the seedling holder is moved upward.
At the detection position shown by the solid line in the figure, the hologram foil Z of the seedling support is supported from below by the plate 39, and the sensor 30 is directly above it and faces very closely. Since the distance from the spindle 23 is adjusted so as to be located on the passage path of the alignment marks Zl', Z3'...zn' provided on the foil Z, the alignment mark Zl' by the sensor 30 is adjusted.
+z3'...zn' will be detected correctly.

Then, when the alignment mark zn' attached to the pattern zn to be transferred next is detected by the transfer of the hologram foil Z, the motor 13 in the foil feeding device 4 is stopped by a signal from the sensor 30. , the symbol zn is correctly stopped at a predetermined transfer position.

In this way, when the alignment of the pattern zn to be transferred next is completed, the cylinder 3 in the sensor support device 20
5 is activated again, and the swinging unit 24 is swung in the (b) direction toward the retracted position shown by the chain line in FIG. is detached from above the roller 42, the plate 39 of the seedling holder swings to a lower position and the distance between the sensor 3.0 and the sensor 30 increases. It has never caused any damage.

Thereafter, when the swinging unit 24 is swung to the retracted position, the heating section 3 moves downward toward the pedestal 2 on which the transferred object X is set, so that it is moved to the transfer position as described above. The pattern portion of the aligned hologram foil Z to be transferred this time is heated and pressed against the transferred object X on the pedestal 2, whereby the pattern zn is transferred to the transferred object X.

Then, by repeating the same operation, a large number of patterns Zl+Z2...zn provided on the hologram foil Z are
are sequentially transferred to the transferred object X...X, and in that case, each section al,
Designs Zl, z2... printed on a2...an respectively
・Even if the spacing or positional relationship between zn is not constant, the same -
Since the alignment mark printed at the same time as the pattern is detected within the section and the pattern is aligned, each pattern zl+Z2
. . . zn is always correctly aligned at a predetermined transfer position. In addition, in order to detect the alignment mark in the same section as the pattern to be transferred in this way, the alignment sensor 30 and the foil receiver need to be located close to the transfer position with the three plates. Since it is oscillated between the detection position near the transfer position and the retracted position away from the transfer position 1, it does not interfere with the contact between the pedestal 2 and the heating plate 3 during transfer.

In this embodiment, three plates of the foil receiver are attached to the tip of the second arm member 37 via a support member 38 extending downward, and the position thereof is at the same height as the lower end of the substrate 22 and the roller 42. The detection surface on the lower surface of the sensor 30 and the passing position of the hologram foil Z held between the detection surface and the foil receiver plate 39 are generally It is positioned at the bottom of the screen. Therefore, even if the transferred object X is placed directly below the hologram foil Z, the transferred object
Since the receiver is located below the rollers 42 and rollers 42, the transfer object X can be placed up to the rear of the table 2, as shown by the chain line in FIG. 4, without being obstructed by these.

(Effects of the Invention) As described above, according to the thermal transfer device of the present invention, when using a hologram foil formed by printing a large number of hologram designs on a strip-shaped base film as a transfer foil, the spacing between each design can be changed. Even if the positional relationship is not constant, it becomes possible to perform continuous transfer work using the hologram foil as it is. As a result, the efficiency of this type of transfer work will be significantly improved compared to the conventional method of cutting out each pattern from the hologram foil and using each sheet one by one. .

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

1 to 4 show embodiments of the present invention, in which FIG. 1 is an overall front view of a thermal transfer device, FIG. 2 is an enlarged front view of a sensor support device in the device, and FIG. [[-A cross-sectional plan view of the support device taken along line I, FIG. 4 is similar to FIG. 3 IV
It is the same vertical side view cut along the -IV line. In addition, FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of the thermal transfer device used to explain the conventional example, and FIG.
The figure is a plan view showing a normal transfer foil, and FIG. 7 is a plan view showing a hologram foil targeted by the present invention. DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1...Thermal transfer device, 2...Base, 3...Heating part, 4
... Foil feeding means (foil feeding device), 30... Positioning sensor, 24.35... Sensor drive means (swing unit, cylinder), X... Transferred object, Z... Hologram foil, Zl, z2...zn...design, Zl'
, Z2 '...zn'... Alignment mark. IIs Figure 6Y゛fsI diagram

Claims (1)

[Claims] (1) A thermal transfer device that uses a hologram foil formed by printing a large number of hologram patterns each with alignment marks attached in a predetermined positional relationship on a strip-shaped base film, and includes a pedestal for supporting an object to be transferred; , a foil feeding means that intermittently transports the hologram foil and sequentially supplies each pattern to a transfer position facing the object to be transferred on the pedestal, and a pattern to be transferred next when the hologram foil is transferred by the foil feeding means; an alignment sensor that detects a mark attached to the pattern when it reaches the transfer position and stops the transfer of the hologram foil by the foil feeding means; and a pedestal for holding the pattern portion of the hologram foil that is aligned with the transfer position. a heating plate that presses the transfer object while heating it, and the positioning sensor;
When transferring the hologram foil with the heating plate separated from the pedestal, the sensor is inserted between the heating plate and the pedestal and set at a position where the alignment mark on the hologram foil can be detected. 1. A thermal transfer device for hologram foil, comprising a sensor driving means for retracting the sensor from between the heating plate and the pedestal after pattern alignment is completed.