JPH08112920A - Thermal transfer recording method and apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To enable the formation of an image and the transfer of a receiving layer having an image formed thereon to both surfaces of a receiving material in a thermal transfer recording method once forming an image on the receiving layer of an intermediate transfer recording medium and then transferring the receiving layer having the image formed thereon to the receiving material to record the image. CONSTITUTION: A thermal transfer sheet 7 and an intermediate transfer recording medium 1 are brought to a pressure contact state between a first thermal head 11 and a first platen roller 15 and the energy corresponding to image data is applied to them by the first thermal head 11 to transfer the dye of the thermal transfer sheet 7 to the receiving layer of the intermediate transfer recording medium 1 to form an image A. The intermediate transfer recording medium 1 having the image formed thereon and a receiving material 8 are brought to a pressure contact state between a second thermal head 12 and a second platen roller 16 to be heated by the second thermal head 12 to transfer the receiving layer having the image formed thereon of the intermediate transfer recording medium 1 to one surface of the receiving material 8.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to image recording by a heat-sensitive transfer system, and more particularly, a thermal transfer recording method for forming an image on an object to be transferred which cannot be directly formed on the surface by the heat-sensitive transfer system. It is about.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a thermal transfer sheet having a color material layer provided on one surface of a base sheet, and a transfer target provided with an image receiving layer as needed are used as a heating device such as a thermal head. It is pressed against the platen roller to selectively generate heat in the heating portion of the heating device according to the image information, and the color material contained in the color material layer on the thermal transfer sheet is transferred to the transfer target to record an image. Various thermal transfer systems have been proposed.
Among them, the heat-sensitive melting transfer method and the heat-sensitive sublimation transfer method are widely used.

The heat-sensitive melt transfer system uses a heat transfer sheet in which a base material sheet such as a plastic film carries a heat-melting ink layer in which a coloring material such as a pigment is dispersed in a binder such as a heat-melting wax or a resin. An image forming method in which a coloring material is transferred together with a binder onto an object to be transferred such as paper or a plastic sheet by applying energy corresponding to image information of a heating device such as a thermal head. An image formed by this heat-sensitive melt transfer method has high density and excellent sharpness, and is suitable for recording binary images such as characters and line drawings. In addition, a multicolor or color image can be formed by recording by superimposing on a transfer target using a thermal transfer sheet of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), black (Bk) or the like. is there.

The thermal sublimation transfer system is a thermal transfer sheet in which a dye layer obtained by melting or dispersing a sublimable dye used as a color material in a binder resin is carried on a base material sheet such as a plastic film, and a support such as paper or a plastic sheet. By using an object to be transferred having an image receiving layer on the body, by applying energy according to the image information of a heating device such as a thermal head, the sublimable dye contained in the dye layer on the thermal transfer sheet is removed. It is a method of recording an image by transferring it to an image receiving layer on a transfer target. In this thermal sublimation transfer method, since the amount of dye transfer can be controlled in dot units by the amount of energy applied to the thermal transfer sheet, gradation reproduction by density gradation is possible. In addition, since the coloring material used is a dye, the image formed is transparent and has excellent reproducibility of intermediate colors when colors are overlapped by using a plurality of dye layers. Therefore, a high-quality full-color image can be obtained by recording three or four colors of yellow, magenta, and cyan, or a four-color thermal transfer sheet in which black is added to the transferred material in an overlapping manner. Can be formed.

Among these image forming systems by thermal transfer, particularly in the latter thermal sublimation transfer system, it is necessary that the image receiving surface of the transferred material has a dyeing property.
It has been almost impossible to form an image on a transfer body without an image receiving layer. For this reason, as a method of forming an image on a transfer target other than the dedicated paper in which the image receiving layer is preset by the thermal sublimation transfer method, the image receiving layer is formed on the base sheet so that the image can be peeled off from the transfer sheet. A technique has been proposed in which an image is formed by transferring a receptor layer onto a transfer medium and then transferring a color material from a thermal transfer sheet (see JP-A-62-264994). However, in this method, the image receiving layer on the transfer receiving material is strongly influenced by the surface quality of the transfer receiving material, and the transfer receiving portion of the image receiving layer may be missing in the recesses of the transfer receiving material or the surface of the transfer receiving material may be uneven. As a result, the surface of the image receiving layer becomes uneven, which may cause unevenness in the formed image. Therefore, in order to obtain a good image-formed product, it is necessary to select a transfer target having a smooth surface.

Therefore, in order to form an image on any transfer material and to prevent the image quality from being affected by the surface unevenness and texture of the transfer material, first the image receiving layer is formed on the base sheet. On the image receiving layer of the intermediate transfer recording medium, which is releasable, the dye layer transfers the sublimation dye from the thermal transfer sheet formed on the base material sheet to form an image. A method has been proposed in which an image-receiving layer on which an image is formed is transferred onto a transfer-receiving member by heating (see JP-A-62-238791).
With this method, a high-quality image that does not depend on the surface state of the transferred material can be obtained. Furthermore, since the color material transfer surface of the receiving layer formed on the transfer body is located on the transfer body side, the durability is improved.

[0007]

When an image is formed on both sides of a transfer target by the sublimation transfer recording method, two sheets of special paper having an image formed on one side are stuck together. However, with this method, the final transferred material becomes considerably thick, and there is no sense of unity and the appearance is poor, and the dedicated paper may peel off. Further, it is very difficult to perform the image forming process and the laminating process in the same device. According to the method of using the intermediate transfer recording medium, it is possible to form an image on both sides of the transfer target such as plain paper, but by passing the transfer target twice through the apparatus, the image on the intermediate transfer recording medium is transferred. It is necessary to transfer the receptor layer on which an image has been formed to the transfer target twice, and it has been difficult to carry out alignment and transfer of the transfer target when transferring the receptor layer by the conventional method.

The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and enables image formation and transfer of an image-formed receiving layer onto both surfaces of a transfer target by the same or different apparatus, and can be applied to a substrate such as plain paper. An object of the present invention is to provide a thermal transfer recording method and a thermal transfer recording apparatus that can easily form an image on both surfaces of a transfer body.

[0009]

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, a thermal transfer recording method according to the present invention comprises a thermal transfer sheet in which at least a heat transferable color material layer is provided on one surface of a substrate sheet. , The intermediate transfer recording medium having at least the receiving layer provided on one surface of the substrate sheet is pressed between the thermal head and the platen roller so that the coloring material layer and the receiving layer overlap each other, and the thermal head is imaged. An image is formed by causing heat to be generated according to the data and transferring the heat transferable color material contained in the color material layer to the receiving layer, and then the image formed on the intermediate transfer recording medium together with the receiving layer, In a thermal transfer recording method for transferring onto a transfer-receiving member such as plain paper, it is characterized in that images are formed on both sides of the transfer-receiving member.

Then, the transfer medium is conveyed along a plurality of rollers, and the transfer direction is controlled by controlling the rotational directions of these conveyance rollers during transfer, thereby reversing the transfer medium, and the receiving layer on which the image is formed. By transferring, it is possible to form an image on both surfaces of the transfer target.

Further, the loop-shaped path is conveyed so that the rearmost end of the transfer body when transferring the receiving layer to one surface of the transfer body becomes the leading edge when transferring to the other surface. It is also possible to form an image on both surfaces of the transfer target by reversing the transfer target.

In addition, the two intermediate transfer recording media are opposed to each other on both sides of the transfer medium, and in this state, they are sandwiched by two heating devices and conveyed, so that images are simultaneously formed on both sides of the transfer medium. It can also be configured to transfer layers.

In addition, the intermediate transfer recording medium conveyed so as to be folded back through the storage portion is faced to both sides of the transferred material, and in this state, it is sandwiched by two heating devices and conveyed, It is also possible to transfer the image-receiving layers to both surfaces of the transfer body at the same time.

The thermal transfer recording apparatus according to the present invention comprises means for conveying a thermal transfer sheet having at least a heat transferable color material layer provided on one surface of a base sheet, and at least one receiving surface for receiving the thermal transfer sheet on the base sheet. A means for conveying the intermediate transfer recording medium provided with the layer, and the conveyed thermal transfer sheet and the intermediate transfer recording medium are pressed against the platen roller so that the color material layer and the receiving layer are overlapped, and the image data A thermal head that generates heat in accordance with the above, and forms an image by migrating a heat transferable color material contained in the color material layer to the receiving layer;
The image formed on the intermediate transfer recording medium together with the receiving layer,
In a thermal transfer recording apparatus comprising a transfer means such as plain paper, one is to convey the transfer material after transferring the receiving layer to one surface of the transfer material. It is constructed so that images are formed on both sides of the transferred body by transferring the receiving layer to one side, and the other is constructed so as to form images on both sides of the transferred body at the same time. Is.

[0015]

According to the thermal transfer recording method of the present invention having the above-mentioned structure, since images are formed on both surfaces of the transferred material, it is possible to form a high quality image with a sense of unity.

[0016]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below.

FIG. 1 shows an example of the structure of an intermediate transfer recording medium used in the present invention. The illustrated intermediate transfer recording medium 1 is basically a base sheet 2 on which an image receiving layer 3 is formed in a peelable manner.

The base sheet 2 is not limited to a material having a microvoid layer, such as a polyolefin-based or polystyrene-based synthetic paper, and the same base sheet used in a conventional thermal transfer sheet can be used as it is. Can
It is not particularly limited. Specific examples of the preferable base sheet 2 include thin paper such as glassine paper, condenser paper, paraffin paper, polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene naphthalate, polybutylene terephthalate, polyphenylene sulfide, polyether ketone, and polyether sulfone. High polyester, polypropylene, polycarbonate, cellulose acetate, polyethylene derivative, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinylidene chloride, polystyrene, polyamide, polyimide, polymethylpentene, ionomer plastic stretched or unstretched filter, or a laminate of these materials Etc. The thickness of the base sheet 2 can be appropriately selected depending on the material so that the strength, thermal conductivity, heat resistance and the like are appropriate, but normally, a thickness of about 1 to 100 μm is preferably used.

The image receiving layer 3 is composed of at least a binder resin, and various additives such as a release agent may be added if necessary. It is preferable to use a binder resin that is easily dyed with a sublimation dye, such as a polyolefin resin such as polypropylene, a halogenated resin such as polyvinyl chloride or polyvinylidene chloride, or a vinyl resin such as polyvinyl acetate or polyacrylic acid ester. Polyester resins such as polyethylene terephthalate and polybutylene terephthalate, polystyrene resins, polyamide resins, copolymers of olefins such as ethylene and propylene with other vinyl monomers, ionomer cellulose derivatives and the like can be used. Of these, vinyl resins and polyester resins are particularly preferably used.

The image-receiving layer 3 preferably contains a release agent in the resin in order to prevent thermal fusion with the thermal transfer sheet. As the release agent, silicone oil, phosphoric acid ester-based surfactant, fluorine-based compound and the like can be used, and among these, silicone oil is particularly preferably used. The amount of the release agent added is preferably 0.2 to 30 parts by weight with respect to 100 parts by weight of the binder resin forming the image receiving layer 3. The image-receiving layer 3 is formed by adding a necessary additive such as a release agent to the resin on the base sheet 2 and dissolving the ink in a solvent such as water or an organic solvent by a bar coater, a gravure printing method, The application can be performed by a usual method such as a screen printing method or a reverse roll coating method using a gravure plate. The coating amount is preferably such that the film thickness after coating and drying is 0.1 to 10 μm.

For the purpose of preventing thermal fusion between the intermediate transfer recording medium and a heating device such as a thermal head and improving the slidability, as shown in FIG. 2, the base sheet 2 of the intermediate transfer recording medium 1 is used. The back surface layer 4 may be set on the other surface on the side where the image receiving layer 3 is provided.

The resin used for the back layer 4 is, for example, a cellulose resin such as ethyl cellulose, hydroxycellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, methyl cellulose, cellulose acetate, cellulose acetate butyrate, nitrified cotton, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl acetate, polyvinyl butyral. , Vinyl acetals such as polyvinyl acetal and polyvinyl pyrrolidone, acrylic resins such as polymethyl methacrylate, polyethyl acrylate, polyacrylamide, acrylonitrile / styrene copolymer, polyamide resins, vinyltoluene resins, coumarone indene resins, polyesters A system resin, a polyurethane resin, a silicone modified urethane, a fluorine modified urethane, etc. can be used. In addition, these resins may be mixed and used.
In order to further improve the heat resistance of the back layer 4, a resin having a reactive group such as a hydroxyl group may be used among the above resins, and polyisocyanate or the like may be used in combination as a crosslinking agent to form a crosslinked resin layer. . Further, in order to provide slidability with a heating device such as a thermal head, a solid or liquid mold release agent or lubricant may be added to the back surface layer 4 to give it heat-resistant lubricity. Examples of release agents or lubricants include various waxes such as polyethylene wax and paraffin wax, higher aliphatic alcohols, organopolysiloxanes,
Anionic surfactant, cationic surfactant, amphoteric surfactant, nonionic surfactant, fluorochemical surfactant, organic carboxylic acid and its derivatives, fluorocarbon resin, silicone resin, talc, inorganic such as silica Fine particles of the compound can be used. The preferable amount of the lubricant added to the back layer 4 is 5 to 50% by weight, particularly preferably 10 to 30% by weight, based on the total solid content of the back layer 4. The back layer 4 can be formed by the same method as the image receiving layer 3 described above, and the thickness thereof is preferably about 0.1 to 10 μm.

In order to control the peeling performance of the image receiving layer 3 from the base sheet 2, as shown in FIG.
A release layer 5 may be provided between the image receiving layer 3 and the image receiving layer 3. In this case, the image receiving layer 3 is peeled between the image receiving layer 3 and the release layer 5, and the release layer 5 is It remains on the base sheet 2 side. The release layer 5 is composed of a composition in which a release material is added to a binder resin as necessary, or a resin having releasability.

When the release layer 5 is formed by adding a release material to the binder resin as required, usable binder resins include thermoplastic resins such as polymethylmethacrylate and polyethylmethacrylate. Acrylic resin such as polybutyl acrylate, polyvinyl acetate, vinyl chloride / vinyl acetate copolymer, vinyl resin such as polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl butyral, cellulose derivative such as ethyl cellulose, nitrocellulose, cellulose acetate,
Alternatively, thermosetting resins such as unsaturated polyester resins, polyester resins, polyurethane resins, aminoalkyd resins, etc. may be mentioned, and the release layer 5 should be composed of a composition comprising one or more of the above resins. You can Examples of the releasing material include releasable resins such as waxes, silicone wax, silicone oil, silicone resin, melamine resin and fluorine resin, talc, fine powder of silica, surfactant and metal soap. Lubricants and the like can be used. When the release layer 5 is composed of a resin having releasability, silicone resin, melamine resin, fluorine resin, etc. can be used, and polysiloxane is included in the resin molecule of acrylic resin, vinyl resin, polyester resin or the like. A graft polymer grafted with a releasable segment such as a segment or a fluorocarbon segment may be used, and may be composed of a composition comprising one or more of the above resins. The release layer 5 can be formed by a method similar to that of the image receiving layer 3 described above and has a thickness of 0.
1 to 5 μm is preferable.

For the purpose of protecting the image receiving layer 3 transferred together with the image on the transferred material, an image protecting layer 6 is provided between the base sheet 2 and the image receiving layer 3 as shown in FIG. Good. This image protective layer 6 is located on the outermost surface of the image receiving layer 3 on the transferred body when transferred onto the transferred body together with the image receiving layer 3 to improve weather resistance of the image and durability against fingerprints and chemicals. Improve.

The image protective layer 6 is composed of at least a binder resin, has an appropriate releasability from the base sheet 2, and is transferred together with the image receiving layer 3 to the transfer receiving material.
A resin composition having desired physical properties is selected as the surface protective layer. Generally, cellulose derivatives such as ethyl cellulose, nitrocellulose, and cellulose acetate, acrylic resins such as polymethyl methacrylate, polyethyl methacrylate, and polybutyl acrylate, polyvinyl chloride, vinyl chloride vinyl acetate copolymer, polyvinyl. As the image protection layer resin, a vinyl polymer thermoplastic resin such as butyral or a thermosetting resin such as an unsaturated polyester resin, a polyurethane resin or an aminoalkyd resin can be used. Abrasion resistance to the image-formed product on which the image receiving layer 3 is transferred,
When chemical resistance and stain resistance are particularly required, an ionizing radiation curable resin can be used as the image protective layer resin. In addition, a lubricant for improving the scratch resistance of the image formed product, a surfactant for preventing contamination, an ultraviolet absorber for improving weather resistance, an antioxidant, etc. may be added to the resin. . The image protective layer 6 can be formed in the same manner as the image receiving layer 3 described above, and has a thickness of 0.1 to 10 μm.
m is preferred.

The thermal transfer sheet used in the present invention has a heat resistant slipping layer provided on one side of a base sheet and a color material layer having heat transferability on the other side. In the thermal sublimation transfer method, a known dye thermal transfer sheet using a dye layer composed of a sublimable dye and a binder resin as a color material layer is used. In the heat-sensitive fusion transfer method,
A known thermoplastic resin melt ink transfer sheet using a melt transfer layer composed of a color material such as a pigment or a dye and wax or a thermoplastic resin is used as the color material layer. Then, in the dye thermal transfer sheet, the dye that sublimates / migrates due to heat becomes a color material that forms an image, and when the heat-melt ink transfer sheet is used, the ink itself that melts / migrates becomes a color material.

When the image-receiving layer 3 on which the image of the intermediate transfer recording medium 1 is formed is transferred to the transferred material through the adhesive layer, the adhesive layer is provided on either the thermal transfer sheet or the intermediate transfer recording medium. Be prepared. As a material used for this adhesive layer, a thermoplastic resin, a natural resin, rubber, wax or the like, which has good adhesiveness to the base sheet 2, can be used. For example, ethyl cellulose, cellulose derivatives such as cellulose acetate butyrate, polystyrene, poly α-
Styrene copolymer such as methylstyrene, acrylic resin such as polymethylmethacrylate, polyethylmethacrylate, polyethylacrylate, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinyl acetate, vinyl chloride vinyl acetate copolymer, vinyl resin such as polyvinyl butyral, Polyester resin, nylon resin, epoxy resin, polyurethane resin, ionomer, ethylene acrylic acid copolymer, synthetic resin such as ethylene acrylic acid ester copolymer, rosin as a tackifier, rosin-modified maleic acid resin, ester rubber, Examples thereof include polyisobutylene rubber, butyl rubber, styrene butadiene rubber, butadiene acrylonitrile rubber, polyamide resin, and polychlorinated olefin, and the adhesive layer can be composed of a composition containing one or more of the above materials.

Next, an embodiment of the thermal transfer recording method according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

(First Embodiment) In this embodiment, the transfer target is conveyed along a plurality of rollers, and the transfer direction is controlled by controlling the rotational directions of these transfer rollers during transfer. Then, by transferring the receiving layer on which the image is formed, the image is formed on both surfaces of the transfer target.

FIG. 5 shows a structural example of the apparatus used in this embodiment. In this embodiment, one sheet of the thermal transfer sheet 7 and one sheet of the intermediate transfer recording medium 1 are used.
The apparatus is configured by including a first thermal head 11 as one heating means and a second thermal head 12 as one heating means for transferring the receiving layer. Then, the thermal transfer sheet 7 and the intermediate transfer recording medium 1 conveyed from the respective supply rolls 13 and 14 are brought into pressure contact with each other between the first thermal head 11 and the first platen roller 15, and the first thermal head 11 By applying energy according to the image information by the intermediate transfer recording medium 1
The image A is formed by transferring the dye of the thermal transfer sheet 7 to the receiving layer. Next, the intermediate transfer recording medium 1 on which the image is formed and the transferred body 8 are pressed against each other between the second thermal head 12 and the second platen roller 16 and heated by the second thermal head 12. Then, the receiving layer on which the image is formed on the intermediate transfer recording medium 1 is transferred onto one surface of the transferred material 8.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 5 to 6, the transfer roller 8 is reversely conveyed by the guide roller 17 so that the surface on which the receiving layer has been transferred is on the platen roller 16 side. The image A on the intermediate transfer recording medium 1 is formed by pressing the transfer recording medium 1 between the second thermal head 12 and the second platen roller 16 and heating the transfer recording medium 1 by the second thermal head 12. The receptive layer is transferred to the other surface of the transferred material 8. The transfer direction at the time of transfer is opposite to that at the time of first transfer to one surface.

In the above embodiment, the transferred material 8
In order to ensure the transport of the transfer medium 8, the platen roller 16 and the guide roller 17 are provided with a mechanism for nipping the transfer target 8. Further, in the above embodiment, the platen roller 1
Although 6 serves as the conveyance roller for the transferred material 8, it goes without saying that another conveyance roller may be used. In addition, as a modification, the guide roller 17 is not provided and the second roller
It is also possible to provide a transport path as in the embodiment (described later).

(Second Embodiment) In the present embodiment, the rearmost end of the transfer target when transferring the receptor layer to one surface of the transfer target becomes the leading edge when transferring to the other surface. The image is formed on both sides of the transfer target by conveying the transfer target by reversing the transfer target through a loop-shaped path.

FIG. 7 shows a structural example of the apparatus used in this embodiment. This apparatus is different from that of the first embodiment only in the transporting mechanism of the transferred material. In the present embodiment, the transfer target 8 is supplied as shown in the figure and is conveyed along a loop-shaped conveyance path 18. Then, as shown in FIG. 8, the transfer target 8 is pressed together with the intermediate transfer recording medium 1 on which the image A is formed between the second thermal head 12 and the second platen roller 16, and the second thermal head 12 is pressed. By heating with the head, the receiving layer on the intermediate transfer recording medium 1 on which the image is formed is transferred onto one surface of the transfer target 8. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 9, the transferred body 8 is reversely conveyed from the rearmost end along the conveying path 18, and similarly, the intermediate transfer recording medium 1 on which the image is formed on the other surface of the transferred body 8 is transferred. Transfer the receiving layer.
In addition, the above-mentioned transport path 18 is connected to the second platen roller 16
It may be arranged behind (on the right side of the figure).

(Third Embodiment) In this embodiment, two intermediate transfer recording media are faced to both sides of a transfer medium, and in this state, they are sandwiched by two heating devices and conveyed.
The image-receiving layer is simultaneously transferred onto both surfaces of the transfer target.

FIG. 10 shows a structural example of the apparatus used in this embodiment. In this embodiment, two sheets of thermal transfer sheet 7 (7a, 7b) and two sheets of intermediate transfer recording medium 1 (1
a, 1b) used, each sheet conveying means, and two thermal heads 21 and 22 for image formation
And two heat rolls 23, 24 for transferring the receiving layer
The device is configured by including. Then, the conveyed first intermediate transfer recording medium 7a and first thermal transfer sheet 1
a is pressed between the thermal head 21 and the platen roller 25, and energy corresponding to image information is applied by the thermal head 21 to the first thermal transfer sheet 7a on the receiving layer of the first intermediate transfer recording medium 1a. Image D is formed by transferring the dye of FIG. Similarly, the second intermediate transfer recording medium 1b and the second thermal transfer sheet 1b are pressed against each other between the thermal head 22 and the platen roller 26, and the second intermediate transfer recording medium 1b is placed on the receiving layer of the second intermediate transfer recording medium 1b. Thermal transfer sheet 7b
Image D is formed by transferring the dye of FIG.

After that, while the first and second intermediate transfer recording media 1a and 1b on which the image is formed are conveyed, the transfer medium 8 is sandwiched between the two heat rolls 23 and 24. Between the first and second heat rolls 23 and 24 by pressure contact between them.
The image-formed receiving layers on the intermediate transfer recording media 1a and 1b are simultaneously transferred to both surfaces of the transferred material 8.

(Fourth Embodiment) In the present embodiment, two surfaces of a transfer medium are opposed to each other between the intermediate transfer recording media conveyed so as to be folded back through the storage section, and two heating devices are used in this state. By sandwiching and conveying, the receiving layer on which an image is formed is simultaneously transferred to both surfaces of the transfer target.

FIG. 11 shows a structural example of the apparatus used in this embodiment. In this embodiment, one sheet of thermal transfer sheet 7 and one sheet of intermediate transfer recording medium 1 are used, each sheet conveying means, one thermal head 31 for image formation, and one transfer layer for receiving layer transfer. The apparatus is configured by including two heat rolls 32 and 33. Then, the conveyed intermediate transfer recording medium 1 and the thermal transfer sheet 7 are pressed against each other between the thermal head 31 and the platen roller 34, and energy corresponding to image information is applied by the thermal head 31 so that the intermediate transfer recording medium 1 is transferred. The dye of the thermal transfer sheet 7 is transferred to the receiving layer of the
An image A for transfer is formed on one surface of the sheet. After leaving a predetermined interval, an image to be transferred to the other surface of the transfer target 8 is similarly formed on the receiving layer of the intermediate transfer recording medium 1.

Thereafter, the intermediate transfer recording medium 1 on which the image is formed is conveyed so as to be folded back through the storage portion C so as to pass between the two heat rolls 32 and 33, and each image is transferred to the first image. Between the heat roll 32 and the take-up roll 35, and between the second heat roll 33 and the platen roller 3.
Place it between 4 and the position. Then, the receiving layer on which the image is formed on the intermediate transfer recording medium 1 is simultaneously transferred to both surfaces of the transferred material 8 by being heated by the first and second heat rolls 32 and 33. In the present embodiment, the receptor layer is transferred while conveying the transferred body 8 in the right direction of the drawing, but actually, the transferred body 8 may be transferred while being conveyed in either direction of the drawing. After the transfer of the receiving layer to the transferred body 8,
The unused portion between the transferred images is rewound between the thermal head 31 and the platen roller 34. Alternatively, it is possible to form an image to be transferred on one surface of the transferred material 8, then form an image to be transferred to a different transferred material with a predetermined gap, and form an image to be transferred on the other surface. Thus, the intermediate transfer recording medium 1 can be used without waste.

As described above, the storage section C is a mechanism for holding the two image forming areas used in the intermediate transfer recording medium 1 when the two image forming areas are used, and wrinkles are formed in the intermediate transfer recording medium 1. It is necessary that the paper be transported smoothly without causing any problems. Therefore, the length of the intermediate transfer recording medium 1 to be stored can be adjusted by moving the roller of the storage section C that conveys the intermediate transfer recording medium 1 so as to be folded back up and down and to the left and right. Furthermore, if a tension control mechanism is provided, more stable transfer becomes possible.

In the first and second embodiments, the mechanism for reversing and conveying the transferred body 8 is not limited to the above-mentioned mechanism.

Further, in the first, second, and fourth embodiments, it is possible to perform the alignment based on the feed amount between the images formed on the intermediate transfer recording medium 1 corresponding to the respective surfaces of the transferred material 8. . To improve the accuracy, the detection mark may be provided on the intermediate transfer recording medium 1. This detection mark may be provided at the time of manufacturing the intermediate transfer recording medium, or may be provided at the time of image formation. Further, the detection mark can have not only a function of detecting the position of the image (cueing), but also information for discriminating whether or not the images on both sides match (for example, a barcode, a magnetic stripe, etc.).

Further, in the third embodiment, it is possible to perform the alignment by suppressing the timing of image formation and conveyance on the receiving layer of the intermediate transfer recording medium 1. For higher accuracy, the detection mark may be provided on the intermediate transfer recording medium as described above.

Although not shown in the example, it is also possible to use a sheet in which the dye layer and the receiving layer are integrated. Further, in each of the above-mentioned embodiments, the sublimation image formation and the receiving layer transfer are carried out in the same apparatus, but the two processes may be processed by different apparatuses. For example, the intermediate transfer recording medium on which the sublimation image is formed may be wound once, and then only the transfer may be performed.

Any conventionally known method can be used as a means for applying heat energy in the transfer process of the receiving layer. For example, thermal head, line heater,
Examples include heat rolls and hot stampers. Also,
The means for applying thermal energy in the image forming process and the receiving layer transfer process may be arranged on the back side of either sheet. The image finally obtained by the present invention is
Since it has a mirror image relationship with the image formed on the image receiving layer of the intermediate transfer recording medium, the image formed on the intermediate transfer recording medium needs to be previously formed as a reverse image.

[0048]

As described above, according to the present invention,
When forming an image on both sides of a transfer material such as plain paper, it becomes possible to easily form a high-quality image as compared with the conventional method in which two dedicated papers on which an image is formed are pasted. It is possible to obtain a printed matter with a feeling.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration example of an intermediate transfer recording medium used in the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration example of an intermediate transfer recording medium provided with a back layer.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration example of an intermediate transfer recording medium provided with a release layer.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration example of an intermediate transfer recording medium provided with an image protection layer.

FIG. 5 is a schematic view showing a configuration example of an apparatus used in the first embodiment of the thermal transfer recording method according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a schematic view showing a state following FIG.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration example of an apparatus used in a second embodiment of the thermal transfer recording method according to the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a schematic view showing a state following FIG.

FIG. 9 is a schematic view showing a state following FIG.

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration example of an apparatus used in a third embodiment of the thermal transfer recording method according to the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a schematic view showing a structural example of an apparatus used in a fourth embodiment of the thermal transfer recording method according to the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 Intermediate Transfer Recording Medium 7 Thermal Transfer Sheet 8 Transfer Target 11 Thermal Head 15 Platen Roller 21, 22 Thermal Head 23, 24 Heat Roller 25, 26 Platen Roller 31 Thermal Head 32, 33 Heat Roller 34 Platen Roller

Continuation of the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁶ Identification number Office reference number FI technical display location 7416-2H B41M 5/26 101H

Claims (7)

[Claims] 1. A thermal transfer sheet having at least a heat transferable color material layer provided on one surface of a base sheet, and an intermediate transfer recording medium having at least a receiving layer provided on one surface of the base sheet. , The color material layer and the receiving layer are pressed against each other between the thermal head and the platen roller to heat the thermal head according to the image data and receive the heat transferable color material contained in the color material layer. An image is formed by transferring it to a layer, and then the image formed on the intermediate transfer recording medium is transferred onto a transfer material such as plain paper together with the receiving layer in a thermal transfer recording method. A thermal transfer recording method comprising forming an image. 2. The receiving layer on which an image is formed by reversing the transfer target by conveying the transfer target along a plurality of rollers and controlling the rotational directions of the transfer rollers during transfer. The thermal transfer recording method according to claim 1, wherein an image is formed on both surfaces of the transfer target by transferring the image. 3. A loop-shaped path is conveyed so that the rearmost end of the transfer body when transferring the receptor layer to one surface of the transfer body becomes the leading edge when transferring to the other surface. 2. The thermal transfer recording method according to claim 1, wherein images are formed on both sides of the transfer target by reversing the transfer target. 4. A receiving device in which an image is simultaneously formed on both surfaces of a transfer medium by facing two surfaces of the transfer medium with two intermediate transfer recording media, sandwiching them by two heating devices in this state, and transporting them. The thermal transfer recording method according to claim 1, wherein the layer is transferred. 5. An intermediate transfer recording medium conveyed so as to be folded back via a storage unit is faced to both sides of a transfer target, and in this state, is sandwiched by two heating devices and transferred, 2. The thermal transfer recording method according to claim 1, wherein the receiving layer on which an image is formed is simultaneously transferred onto both surfaces of the transfer body. 6. A means for transporting a thermal transfer sheet having at least a heat transferable color material layer provided on one surface of a base material sheet, and an intermediate transfer having at least a receiving layer provided on one surface of the base material sheet. The means for conveying the recording medium and the conveyed thermal transfer sheet and intermediate transfer recording medium are pressed into contact with each other between the platen roller so that the color material layer and the receiving layer are overlapped with each other, and heat is generated according to the image data to generate the color. A thermal head that forms an image by migrating a heat transferable color material contained in the material layer to the receiving layer, and an image formed on the intermediate transfer recording medium together with the receiving layer, and a transfer material such as plain paper. In a thermal transfer recording apparatus including a transfer means for transferring the image to the upper side, after the transfer of the receiving layer to one surface of the transferred material is completed, the transferred material is conveyed to transfer the receiving layer to the other surface. Form images on both sides of the transferred material A thermal transfer recording device characterized by the following. 7. A means for transporting a thermal transfer sheet having at least a heat transferable color material layer provided on one surface of a base material sheet, and an intermediate transfer having at least a receiving layer provided on one surface of the base material sheet. The means for conveying the recording medium and the conveyed thermal transfer sheet and intermediate transfer recording medium are pressed into contact with each other between the platen roller so that the color material layer and the receiving layer are overlapped with each other, and heat is generated according to the image data to generate the color. A thermal head that forms an image by migrating a heat transferable color material contained in the material layer to the receiving layer, and an image formed on the intermediate transfer recording medium together with the receiving layer, and a transfer material such as plain paper. A thermal transfer recording apparatus comprising: a means for transferring the image to an upper side, wherein images are simultaneously formed on both surfaces of a transfer target.