JPH091994A - Image transfer method and material to be transferred to be used therefor - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To obtain a high quality transfer image by a method wherein a receptor layer is formed by applying a resin onto a surface of a base material to be transferred to, the receptor layer is processed by drying with an electric furnace to make a material to be transferred to, and a photographic sheet having a subliming dye image is superimposed on the receptor layer of the material to be transferred to, which are pressure welded by heating. SOLUTION: When an output image from a video printer is transferred to, for example, a mug, at first a video camera 2 and a video scanner 3 are connected to the video printer 1 to take in an optional image, and a subliming dye is transferred onto a photographic sheet 4. Besides a preliminary mixture of an epoxy resin and an acrylic resin is applied onto a surface of the mug 11, which is baked to form a receptor layer. Then, the photographic sheet 4 is stuck onto the surface of the mug 11 so that the image by the subliming dye is superimposed on the receptor layer by being opposed thereto, which are heated and pressurized with a heat press machine to transfer the subliming dye. Thereby the subliming dye on the photographic sheet 4 is transferred to the receptor layer.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image transfer method for thermally transferring an image output from a video printer or the like onto a transfer medium, and more particularly to a transfer medium used therefor.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art For example, an image from a video scanner, a video camera or the like is taken into a thermal sublimation type video printer and printed out on photographic paper, which can be handled in the same manner as silver halide photography, and is widely used. This makes it possible to easily enjoy various images.

Under such circumstances, a method of enjoying different from silver halide photography has been attempted, and a new product in which an output image of a video printer is transferred to an arbitrary transfer object, for example, a ceramic cup (so-called mug). Is also being developed. If a still video image taken by an electronic still camera or the like can be transferred to a mug or the like on the spot and sold at an event venue or the like, the commercial value becomes very large.

When the output image of the video printer is transferred to the transfer target as described above, a receiving layer for fixing the dye is necessary on the surface of the transfer target, and the dye is simply attached to the surface of the mug. The dye is not fixed even if the transfer is tried.

Excellent weather resistance is required for the receiving layer, and epoxy resins have been mainly used so far.

The epoxy resin is a thermosetting resin,
By coating this on the surface of a mug and baking, for example, a receptive layer having excellent weather resistance can be formed.

[0007]

By the way, in the above-mentioned image transfer method, the characteristics of the receiving layer have a great influence on the quality of the obtained image and the improvement thereof is desired.

For example, when the receiving layer is formed by coating with various resins, the drying step has been performed so far in a hot air drying oven or the like, but the receiving layer is discolored due to reasons such as difficulty in temperature control. There is a problem.

Alternatively, when the receiving layer is formed of an epoxy resin, it takes a long time to transfer.

For example, when a sublimable dye is transferred to a mug having a receptive layer made of an epoxy resin based on an output image of a video printer, a pressing temperature of 170 is applied.
A transfer time of about 3 minutes at ° C is required.

In consideration of mass production, the shorter the transfer time, the higher the productivity, but it is hard to say that the transfer time of 3 minutes is short. In particular, when a still video image taken by an electronic still camera or the like is transferred to a mug or the like and sold at an event venue, etc., it takes a long time of 3 minutes because the transfer time determines the number that can be processed. The cost is extremely disadvantageous.

Further, the receiving layer made of, for example, an epoxy resin has excellent durability and weather resistance, but the dye transferred to the receiving layer is only attached to the receiving layer. The weather resistance is not sufficient, and there is a risk of fading or discoloration. Furthermore, the solvent resistance and the chemical resistance are insufficient, and the dye image easily disappears, for example, when it comes into contact with an organic solvent or the like.

The surface of the receiving layer is generally smoothed in order to improve transfer efficiency, and only a surface that reflects external light can be obtained. Therefore, the application is limited due to the restriction on the appearance, and it is not possible to sufficiently cope with this when a wide variety of appearances such as building materials are required.

The present invention has been proposed to eliminate these disadvantages.

That is, an object of the present invention is to provide an image transfer method capable of obtaining a high quality transferred image.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an image transfer method capable of transferring a sublimable dye image in a short time and a transfer target.

A further object of the present invention is to provide an image transfer method which can realize various surface conditions, not limited to the reflective surface, and can meet various external requirements.

[0018]

In the image transfer method of the present invention, first, a resin is applied to the surface of a substrate to be transferred to form a receptive layer, and the receptive layer is dried in an electric furnace to be transferred. After being formed into a body, a printing sheet (for example, printing paper) having a sublimable dye image is superposed on the receiving layer of the transferred material, and is heated and pressed to transfer the sublimable dye image to the receiving layer.

As described above, by using the electric furnace for the drying treatment of the receiving layer, precise temperature control can be performed, discoloration of the receiving layer can be suppressed, and a high quality transferred image can be obtained. At the same time, mixing of foreign matter, which is a problem during the drying process by the hot air drying furnace, is eliminated, and the deterioration of quality due to this is suppressed.

When a ceramic cup is used as the substrate to be transferred during the coating of the receiving layer, the resin is applied by a coating gun while reversing the cup to form the receiving layer.

In particular, when a resin mainly containing an acrylic resin is used as the resin forming the receiving layer, the drying temperature is 170 to 180 ° C., and the viscosity of the resin is Ford cup 4
3 seconds to 52 seconds, set the resin discharge pressure from the coating gun to 3
5 kg / m2 ± 0.01 kg / m2, and the distance between the coating gun and the transferred substrate is 100 mm ± 5 mm. The thickness of the receiving layer formed as described above is 10 to 50 μm. This makes it possible to form a uniform receiving layer.

Although the resin forming the receiving layer is arbitrary, for example, a receiving layer for image transfer is formed by forming a receiving layer containing an epoxy resin and an acrylic resin on the surface of a substrate to be transferred.

In this case, a second receiving layer containing an acrylic resin as a main component may be laminated on a first receiving layer containing an epoxy resin as a main component, or the second receiving layer containing an epoxy resin and an acrylic resin may be laminated. A receiving layer containing both may be formed.

Epoxy resins exhibit excellent properties in terms of durability and weather resistance, but when they are used as a receiving layer, the transfer speed is insufficient.

Although the acrylic resin has a good transfer speed, it is not satisfactory in terms of weather resistance.

On the other hand, when the epoxy resin and the acrylic resin are used in combination, the advantages of the two are utilized in the form of complementing each other, and the transfer speed and the weather resistance are compatible.

[0027]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION As shown in FIG. 1, the image transfer method of the present invention is roughly divided into a step (step J1) of applying a receptive layer resin to a transferred substrate and the applied resin by an electric furnace. Drying process to obtain a transferred body (Step J
2) Receptive layer forming step, which captures a still image (step P1) and outputs a sublimable dye image on a printing sheet by a video printer (step P2) Printer output step, superimposes the printing sheet on a transfer material (Step T1) It comprises a heat pressing (Step T2) transfer step and, if necessary, a transparent film is bonded to the surface of the receiving layer (Step L) a transparent film bonding step.

Each of these steps will be described below.

Formation of Receptive Layer First, a method for forming a receptive layer will be described by taking as an example a case where a special resin mainly made of acrylic resin (Mino Clay Co., Ltd., trade name M-II type medium) is used as a receptive layer resin. .

The special resin used here is mainly composed of acrylic resin, and contains an extender pigment, an adhesion promoter and an antifoaming agent.

Examples of extender pigments include silica, alumina, alumina silicate, calcium carbonate, mica, and quartz powder. The amount used is not particularly limited as long as it is an amount necessary to adjust the flowability of the composition, but is usually 2 to 20 parts by weight (preferably 2 to 4 parts by weight) per 100 parts by weight of the acrylic resin. Degree).

As the adhesion promoter, γ-glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane, N-β (aminoethyl)-
Aminopropyltrimethoxysilane, β- (3,4-epoxycyclohexyl) ethyltrimethoxysilane, γ
Examples thereof include silane-based coupling agents such as chloropropyltrimethoxysilane. The amount used is not particularly limited, but is usually 0.1% with respect to 100 parts by weight of the acrylic resin.
It is about 05 to 5 parts by weight (preferably about 0.07 to 3 parts by weight).

Examples of the defoaming agent include known siloxane-based defoaming agents such as polyether modified methylalkyl polysiloxane and polyester modified polydimethyl siloxane. The amount used is not particularly limited, but is usually about 0.05 to 5 parts by weight (preferably about 0.07 to 3 parts by weight) with respect to 100 parts by weight of the acrylic resin.

The above-mentioned special resin is mixed with a diluting organic solvent (for example, xylene or the like), and the viscosity is adjusted to be in the range of 43 seconds to 52 seconds for Ford cup (JIS standard), for example 48 seconds for Ford cup. When the viscosity of the resin is lower than this, the receiving layer becomes thin and the transferability becomes poor. On the other hand, if the viscosity is too high, the uniformity of the surface of the receiving layer will deteriorate.

After adjusting the mixing ratio in this way, using an airless type coating machine manufactured by Nordson Co.,
0.12 seconds in the forward direction, then reverse to 0.2 in the reverse direction
Apply this while rotating the mug for 9 seconds.

At this time, if the coating time is too long, the coating thickness becomes too thick and the resin solidifies in a dripping state. On the other hand, if it is too short, the receiving layer becomes too thin and the transferability deteriorates. .

The reason for inverting the mug at the time of coating is to eliminate uneven coating (this condition is a condition where the temperature is 25 ° C., and the condition changes if the temperature changes).

The nozzle used for coating with an airless type coating machine manufactured by Nordson Co. is type # 4, and it is difficult to apply well to either type # 3 or type # 5.

The discharge pressure of the resin from the coating gun at this time is 35 kg / m2 ± 0.01 kg / m2, and the distance between the coating gun and the substrate to be transferred is 100 mm ± 5 mm.

After application, an interval of 180 seconds or more is taken, and then a drying treatment is carried out for 40 minutes or more in a drying oven at 170 to 180 ° C. The drying oven is an electric oven, and if the drying time is too short, the resin will not solidify. Performance is not affected if the drying time is too long, but it is a waste of power.

By carrying out the above-mentioned treatment, a receiving layer for retransferring an image of the sublimation thermal transfer system can be applied on the mug in a thickness of 10 to 50 μm. Here, if the thickness of the receiving layer is less than 10 μm, the transferred image becomes thin. Further, when the thickness is 50 μm or more, the resin is hardened in a dripping state and the surface becomes dirty.

As described above, a receptor layer having a surface hardness of about 1H in pencil scratching strength (according to JIS standard) and no abnormalities in surface whiteness and other conditions is formed.

The material for forming the receiving layer is not limited to this, and for example, an epoxy resin and an acrylic resin can be used together. There are roughly two types of modes in which these are used in combination.

First, in the first embodiment, a layer made of an epoxy resin and a layer made of an acrylic resin are laminated and used as a receiving layer.

In this case, the number of layers and the order of lamination are not limited, but in consideration of transfer efficiency and the like, after epoxy resin is applied and baked on the substrate to be transferred, acrylic resin is applied and baked on it. Is good.

When the above-mentioned laminated structure is adopted, the total thickness of the receiving layer (the thickness of the epoxy resin layer + the thickness of the acrylic resin layer) is preferably 10 to 50 μm, and the acrylic resin layer is also preferable. The thickness is preferably 10 to 90% of the total thickness, and more preferably 10 to 70%. If the thickness of the acrylic resin layer is too thin or too thick, the significance of using it together with the epoxy resin layer may be diminished.

The epoxy-based resin layer and the acrylic-based resin layer may be mainly composed of epoxy-based resin or acrylic-based resin, for example, polyester-based resin or other resin other than epoxy-based or acrylic-based resin. It is also possible to use together. Furthermore, it is also possible to laminate a layer made of a resin other than an epoxy or acrylic resin such as a polyester resin.

On the other hand, in the second embodiment, an epoxy resin and an acrylic resin are mixed and coated on a substrate to be transferred and baked to form a receiving layer.

At this time, the thickness of the receiving layer is still 10 to 5
Preferably, it is 0 μm. Further, the proportion of the acrylic resin contained in the receiving layer is preferably 10 to 90% by weight, more preferably 10 to 70% by weight.

When the epoxy resin and the acrylic resin are mixed to form the receiving layer as described above, it is possible to mix a resin other than the epoxy type and the acrylic type resin such as polyester resin into the receiving layer. Further, it is also possible to laminate a layer made of a resin other than an epoxy resin such as a polyester resin or an acrylic resin on the receiving layer.

In the present invention, any material can be used as the substrate to be transferred, but a ceramic product, for example, a ceramic beverage cup (so-called mug) is suitable. Of course, other than a mug, it is applicable to various tiles, tableware, and the like.

Transfer Method First, a method of transferring the output image from the video printer to the mug will be described.

At the time of transfer, as shown in FIG. 2, for example, a video camera 2 or a video scanner 3 is connected to a thermal sublimation type video printer 1, an arbitrary image is taken in, and the sublimable dye is transferred onto a printing sheet 4. To print out the image.

FIG. 3 shows a system for synthesizing and outputting an image of a subject and a superimposed image by superimposing.

That is, in this system, the subject 6 in front of the screen 5 is photographed by the video camera 2. Then, from the prepared superimposing images 8, an arbitrary one is selected, and the superimposing device 9 superimposes the selected superimposing image 8 on the video camera 2 to the video printer 1. Output. At this time, the output image can be confirmed on the monitor 10, and the desired image can be printed out on the printing sheet 4.

The video printer 1 has a structure as shown in FIG. In this video printer 1, the analog input signal supplied to the analog input terminal 30 is A
It is converted into a digital signal by the / D converter 31. The digital input signal from the A / D converter 31 is supplied to one contact of the switch 33. The digital input signal supplied to the digital input terminal 32 is supplied to the other contact of the switch 33. As a result, the switching device 3
3 can switch between the analog input signal supplied to the analog input terminal 30 and the digital signal supplied to the digital input terminal 32.

An analog input signal or a digital input signal is supplied from the video camera to the analog input terminal 30 or the digital input terminal 32.

The color thermal transfer ink ribbon 34 is provided with a reflector 35 for reflecting light on its side surface. Correspondingly, the video printer has a reflection type optical sensor 36 having a light projecting portion and a light receiving portion. Are arranged.

The color thermal transfer ink ribbon 3
When 4 is attached to the video printer, the optical sensor 36 irradiates the reflector 35 with light from the light projecting portion, and the reflected light reflected by the reflector 35 is received by the light receiving portion.

As a result, the optical sensor 36 is turned on, and data that the color thermal transfer ink ribbon 34 and the printing sheet 4 are transfer media is supplied to the controller 37. At this time, when the color thermal transfer ink ribbon 34 and the printing sheet 4 are non-transfer printing media, a reflector 35 is provided on the side surface of the color thermal transfer ink ribbon 34.
Since the optical sensor 36 is not provided, the optical sensor 36 is kept in the off state, and it can be determined that the print medium is a non-transfer print medium.

On the other hand, the memory 38 stores the digital input signal switched by the switch 33 and reads it at a predetermined timing.

The controller 37 controls the thermal transfer printer, and is composed of a CPU.
The controller 37 reads the data from the memory 38, converts the digital signal into an analog signal by the D / A converter 40, and then supplies the analog signal to the monitor 41.

The monitor 41 displays the input signal as an image and superimposed text information, and visually determines whether or not these are signals requiring left-right inversion.

A keyboard 39 is connected to the controller 37 and inputs an instruction as to whether or not the digital input signal determined by the monitor 41 is a signal that needs left / right inversion.

The controller 37 determines the transfer print medium from the optical sensor 36 and the input data from the keyboard 39 based on the input data from the keyboard 39. , Γ correction circuit 42
Control the correction operation of.

The γ correction circuit 42 is used for the thermal transfer ink ribbon 3
When printing on the printing sheet 4 by heating and pressing 4 with a thermal head, in order to optimize the density of the transferred image after transfer, the color of the transfer print medium including the color thermal transfer ink ribbon 34 and the printing sheet 4 is developed. The gamma correction is performed so as not to be affected by the characteristics and the like. Here, in particular, γ depends on whether the color thermal transfer ink ribbon 34 and the printing sheet 4 are transfer print media or non-transfer print media, and whether or not the input signal is a signal that needs left-right inversion. Change the correction characteristics.

The digital input signal is the γ correction circuit 4
After proper .gamma.-correction according to the print medium is performed by 2, it is supplied to the thermal head 44 via the thermal head driver 43. The thermal head 44 heats the color thermal transfer ink ribbon 34 to print an image on the printing sheet 4.

The ink ribbon used in the video printer 1 is optional, but in order to improve transferability,
As shown in FIG. 5, in an ink ribbon in which a plurality of dye-containing layers 52 having different colors are formed in parallel in a predetermined order on a belt-shaped substrate 51, the dye-containing layer to be printed last contains a lubricant. You may use what has been.

The plurality of dye-containing layers 52 are yellow,
Each dye such as magenta or cyan is contained in an arbitrary resin material. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, a yellow dye-containing layer Y, a magenta dye-containing layer M, and a cyan dye-containing layer C are arranged in this order. The strip-shaped substrates 51 are repeatedly formed in parallel. In this ink ribbon, among the three dye-containing layers, the cyan dye-containing layer C to be printed lastly contains a lubricant for improving the slippage of the surface of the printing sheet.

That is, in the ink ribbon 53, the dye-containing layers Y, M, and C are sequentially superposed on the printing sheet in the order of their arrangement, and the superposed dye-containing layer and printing sheet are placed on the video printer. In order to transfer the yellow dye, magenta dye or cyan dye to the necessary part on the printing sheet according to the image information captured in the
The image is printed by heating and pressurizing it partially.

On the other hand, the printing sheet 56 to which the image is transferred by the ink ribbon 53 is constituted by having the receiving layer 55 on which the dye is transferred on the substrate 54 as shown in FIG.

The printing sheet 56 and the ink ribbon 53
When the dye-containing layer of is heated and pressed, as shown in FIG.
Each of the dyes y, m, and c from the dye-containing layer is transferred so as to overlap the receiving layer 55.

Here, when the cyan dye-containing layer C to be printed last contains a lubricant, the cyan dye-containing layer C is contained when the cyan dye-containing layer C is superposed on the printing sheet 56 and heated and pressed. The applied lubricant also migrates and adheres to the surface of the print sheet 56, and the surface of the print sheet 56 is provided with good slipperiness.

The printing sheet 5 provided with the good smoothness.
In No. 6, when re-transferring the superimposed image with the transfer target such as a mug, the bubbles that have entered between the printing sheet 56 and the transfer target are likely to escape to the outside, and wrinkles are less likely to occur.
Therefore, a good image having no untransferred portion is retransferred to the transfer target without performing an operation such as rubbing the top of the printing sheet 56 with a spatula.

It is possible to apply a lubricant directly to the surface of the printing sheet or the surface of the transferred material to provide good slippage, but the number of steps is increased and the operator's hands are contaminated with the lubricant. There is an inconvenience. In the present invention, the above-mentioned advantages are obtained while avoiding such inconvenience, and it can be said that this is a very advantageous method.

As the lubricant, a lubricant that does not adversely affect the dye transfer or color development is selected from the commonly used lubricants, for example, silicone oil is suitable. In addition, higher fatty acids such as myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid, and the like, metal salts or amine salts of these higher fatty acids, ester compounds of fatty acids and alcohols, alkyl phosphates, perfluoropolyethers And its modified products can be used.

The ink ribbon 55 and the printing sheet 56 protect the bases 51 and 54 from the heat generated by the thermal head on the side opposite to the side on which the dye-containing layer 52 or the receiving layer 55 is formed. Protective layers 57, 58 for
May be provided.

As for the ink ribbon, instead of containing the lubricant in the dye-containing layer to be printed last, the ink ribbon shown in FIG.
In addition to the dye-containing layer, the lubricant-containing layer 59 is formed next to the last dye-containing layer to be printed (in this case, after the cyan dye-containing layer C), as shown in FIG. It may be something.

In the ink ribbon 53 provided with the lubricant-containing layer 59, the yellow dye-containing layer Y, the magenta dye-containing layer M, and the cyan dye-containing layer C are sequentially superposed on the printing sheet, and heated and pressed. After that, the lubricant-containing layer 59 is finally superposed on the printing sheet and heated and pressed. At this time, the lubricant contained in the lubricant-containing layer 59 moves to and adheres to the surface of the printing sheet 56, so that the surface of the printing sheet 56 has good slipperiness. When a lubricant is contained in the dye-containing layer, heating / pressurization is partial depending on the image information, and therefore there is a concern that the amount of lubricant transferred to the printing sheet 56 may be somewhat uneven. If the lubricant-containing layer 59 is separately provided in this manner, the entire surface can be uniformly heated and pressed, and the lubricant can be uniformly transferred onto the printing sheet 56.

The lubricant contained in the lubricant-containing layer 59 is selected from the same viewpoint as described above, and silicone oil is also suitable.

The above-mentioned ink ribbon is contained and handled in the ink ribbon cassette.
As shown in FIG. 10, a take-up reel 62 and a take-up reel 63, around which an ink ribbon 61 is wound, are built in a cassette shell 64.

The ink ribbon 61 is composed of a belt-shaped substrate containing sublimable dyes of yellow, magenta or cyan in any resin, and as shown in FIG. Magenta dye-containing layer M,
The cyan dye-containing layer C is repeatedly formed in parallel in this order. Silicon oil is contained in the cyan dye-containing layer C that is printed last among the three types of dye-containing layers. The ink ribbon 61 is provided with a ribbon cue mark 65 immediately before the yellow dye-containing layer Y to be printed first, and between the yellow dye-containing layer Y and the magenta dye-containing layer M and the magenta dye-containing layer. Color head marks 66 are provided between M and the cyan dye-containing layer C, respectively.

The cassette shell 64 is provided with a pair of substantially cylindrical reel accommodating portions 68 at opposite ends of a plate having a window 67. It should be noted that the pair of reel accommodating portions 68 are formed with slits 68a through which the ink ribbon 61 passes, on the sides facing each other. The take-up reel 62 and the take-up reel 63 on which the ink ribbon 61 is wound are respectively accommodated in the pair of roll accommodating portions 68 in a direction in which the dye-containing layer side of the ink ribbon 61 is exposed through the window of the cassette shell 64. Has been done.

The ink ribbon 61 incorporated in the cassette shell 64 is run with the ribbon cue mark 65 as an index until the yellow dye-containing layer Y, which is the first in the sequence, is exposed from the entire surface of the window 67 of the cassette shell. Then, the yellow dye-containing layer Y exposed through the window 67 and the printing sheet set in conformity with the window 67 are overlapped with each other, and the thermal head is applied to the back side of the ink ribbon 61, so that the yellow dye-containing layer Y is formed. Of the yellow dye is thermally transferred to a necessary portion of the printing sheet.

In this way, after the yellow dye has been transferred, the ink ribbon 61 runs this time until the magenta dye-containing layer M, which is located second, is exposed from the entire window portion using the color head mark 66 as an index. And is overlaid on the print sheet. Then, in the same manner, the magenta dye of the magenta dye-containing layer M is thermally transferred to a necessary portion of the printing sheet by the thermal head.

Finally, using the color head mark 66 as an index, the ink ribbon 61 is run until the cyan dye containing layer C is exposed from the entire window portion 67, and is superposed on the printing sheet. Then, the dye of the cyan dye containing layer C is thermally transferred to a necessary portion of the printing sheet by the thermal head, and the image is completed.

In this ink ribbon 61, since the cyan dye-containing layer C contains silicon oil, the silicon oil contained in the cyan dye-containing layer C when it is thermally transferred is also transferred to the printing sheet to print. Good slipperiness is imparted to the sheet surface.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 12, the spray gun 12 is previously attached to the surface of the mug 11 which is the substrate to be transferred.
Then, a mixture of epoxy resin and acrylic resin is applied and baked to form a receiving layer.

Alternatively, after the epoxy resin is applied to the surface of the mug 11 with the spray gun 12 and baked, the acrylic resin is subsequently applied with the spray gun 12 and baked to form the receptive layer as the epoxy resin layer. It may have a two-layer structure of an acrylic resin layer.

Then, as shown in FIG. 13, the printed-out printing sheet 4 is attached to the surface of the mug 11 so that the image formed by the sublimable dye faces and overlaps with the receiving layer, and the heat press 13 (Xpress Co.) is used. The product is heated and pressed with a product name of Magpress 300X) to transfer the sublimable dye.

The heat press machine 13 has a mug support portion 13a in which a cylinder is divided into two parts corresponding to the outer peripheral surface shape of the mug 11, and the operation lever 13b is operated to operate the mug support portion 13a. The crimping operation is performed on the mug 11. Also, the mug support 1
3a has a heating mechanism and can be heated to any temperature. Further, a timer is incorporated in the heat press machine 13, and the mug support portion 13a is
The heating / pressurizing time can be set arbitrarily.

When the mug 11 is attached to the heat press machine 13 and a predetermined pressure and heat are applied, as shown in FIG. 14, the sublimable dye on the printing sheet 4 is received by the surface of the mug 11 by these pressure and heat. Transfer to layers.

Examination of Receiving Layer The following four types of receiving layers were formed on a mug and the transfer efficiency thereof was examined. The transfer efficiency was evaluated by the transfer density and the transfer time. The formed receiving layer is as follows, and the measurement results of transfer efficiency are shown in Table 1 and FIG.

Receiving layer A: Epoxy resin Receiving layer B: Epoxy resin layer + acrylic resin layer (two-layer coating) Receiving layer C: Mixed layer of epoxy resin and acrylic resin (epoxy resin: acrylic resin = 5: 5) Receiving layer D: Acrylic resin The epoxy resin used is product number EP-4100 manufactured by Asahi Denka Co., Ltd. The thickness of each of the receiving layers is about 30 μm (however, the receiving layer B has an epoxy resin layer of 15 μm + acrylic resin layer of 15 μm).

[0095]

[Table 1]

As is clear from Table 1 and FIG. 15, when an acrylic resin is used for the receiving layer (receiving layer B, receiving layer C, receiving layer D), the transfer efficiency is excellent and the addition of 2 minutes Even with pressure and heating, the transfer density is 1.55 or more (DMAX measured by a Macbeth densitometer), and the transfer is sufficiently advanced. On the other hand, when only the epoxy resin is used (receptor layer A), the transfer density is insufficient by pressurizing and heating for 2 minutes, and it takes 3 minutes or more to perform sufficient transfer. I understand.

Next, the weather resistance of each receiving layer was examined.
For weather resistance, after crushing the mug into a suitable size, this is immersed in pure water for 10 minutes, 99% ethanol for 10 minutes,
Each was subjected to ultrasonic cleaning, immersed in ethanol for 1 hour as it was, and examined by observing changes in the receptor layer. Table 2 shows the results.

[0098]

[Table 2]

When only the acrylic resin was used (receptive layer D), wrinkles and peeling occurred, and the weather resistance was insufficient. On the other hand, when the epoxy resin is used, there is little change even after the above test, and the weather resistance is sufficiently secured.

From these examination results, it is understood that it is necessary to use the epoxy resin and the acrylic resin together in order to achieve both the transfer speed and the weather resistance.

Bonding of Transparent Film After transferring the image as described above, a transparent film may be bonded to the surface of the receiving layer, if necessary. In this case, an acrylic resin film or the like can be used as the transparent film, and the thickness thereof is preferably 5 to 100 μm (more preferably 5 to 20 μm).

Here, as shown in FIG. 16, the transparent film 14 is attached on the receiving layer, and this is heated and pressed to bond them. In this example, an acrylic film containing an ultraviolet absorber (Kanefuchi Chemical Industry Co., Ltd., trade name Sunduren) is used as the transparent film 14 and heated and pressed at 140 ° C. for 2 seconds,
Heat welded.

At the time of heat-sealing the transparent film 14, the transparent film 14 is laminated on the mug 11 having the sublimable dye image transferred on its surface, and the press machine for heat-sealing at this time is used. It is preferable to overlap the retransfer prevention sheet 15 on the transparent film 14 so that the dye is not re-transferred to the side and dust or the like on the press side does not adhere.

The image transfer mug produced as described above is greatly enhanced in weather resistance, solvent resistance and chemical resistance, and for example, fading and discoloration due to ultraviolet rays can be suppressed. In addition, even if it is washed with a detergent, it does not discolor or fade.

The surface of the mug 11 is made smooth in order to improve the transfer efficiency of the sublimable dye image.
By using the retransfer prevention sheet 15 provided with unevenness, the surface of the transparent film 14 can be textured.

For example, as shown in FIG. 17, when an image transfer body having a grain pattern is formed on the mug 11, a retransfer prevention sheet 15a having irregularities corresponding to the desired grain pattern is used. The transparent film 14 may be heat-welded through this. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 18, when an image transfer member having a mesh pattern is formed on the tile 16, a retransfer prevention sheet 15b having irregularities corresponding to a desired mesh pattern is used, and the retransfer prevention sheet 15b is used to form the image. The transparent film 14 may be heat-welded.

[0107]

As is apparent from the above description, according to the image transfer method of the present invention, it is possible to form a uniform receiving layer and obtain a transferred image of high quality.

Further, by using the transferred material of the present invention, the sublimable dye can be transferred in a short time,
Moreover, it is possible to secure sufficient weather resistance. Therefore, the productivity can be significantly improved, which is extremely advantageous in consideration of mass production and demonstration sales at an event venue, for example.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a flowchart showing a process sequence in an image transfer method of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of an image output system using a video printer.

FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of an image output system by superimposing.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an example of a video printer.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing one configuration example of an ink ribbon.

FIG. 6 is a plan view of the ink ribbon shown in FIG.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a printing sheet on which an image is printed with an ink ribbon.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a dye is transferred to a printing sheet.

FIG. 9 is a plan view showing another configuration example of the ink ribbon.

FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view showing an ink ribbon cassette incorporating an ink ribbon.

FIG. 11 is a plan view showing an ink ribbon incorporated in an ink ribbon cassette.

FIG. 12 is a schematic perspective view showing a spray coating step of a receiving layer.

FIG. 13 is a schematic perspective view showing a transfer process using a heat press.

FIG. 14 is a schematic perspective view showing a state in which a sublimable dye image is transferred.

FIG. 15 is a characteristic diagram showing the relationship between transfer time and transfer density in various receiving layers.

FIG. 16 is a schematic perspective view showing a step of thermally welding a transparent film.

FIG. 17 is a schematic perspective view showing formation of an image transfer body using a retransfer prevention sheet having a grain pattern.

FIG. 18 is a schematic perspective view showing formation of an image transfer body using a retransfer preventing sheet having a mesh pattern formed therein.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 Video Printer 2 Video Camera 4 Printing Sheet 11 Mug (Transfer Substrate)

(72) Inventor Hidehiko Funayama 6-735 Kitashinagawa, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo Sony Corporation (72) Seijiro Tomita 6-735 Kitashinagawa, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo Sony Corporation Shares In-house (72) Inventor Mitsuaki Ogihara 1-5 Oda-cho, Tajimi-shi, Gifu Mino Clay Stock Company (72) Inventor Koji Ogihara 1-5 Oda-cho, Tajimi-shi, Gifu Mino Clay Stock In-company

Claims (15)

[Claims] 1. A resin is applied to the surface of a substrate to be transferred to form a receiving layer, and the receiving layer is dried by an electric furnace to obtain a transferred body, and a sublimable dye image is formed on the receiving layer of the transferred body. An image transfer method for transferring a sublimable dye image to a receiving layer, which comprises stacking printing sheets having the above-mentioned and heat-pressing them. 2. The image according to claim 1, wherein a ceramic cup is used as the substrate to be transferred, and the resin is applied by a coating gun while rotating the cup to form the receiving layer. Transfer method. 3. A resin mainly comprising an acrylic resin is used as a resin forming the receiving layer, and a temperature at which the drying process is performed is 170 to 180 ° C.
The image transfer method described. 4. The image transfer method according to claim 3, wherein the viscosity of the resin is set to 43 seconds to 52 seconds for Ford cup. 5. The discharge pressure of the resin from the coating gun is 35 kg / m2 ± 0.01 kg / m2, and the distance between the coating gun and the transferred substrate is 100 mm ± 5 mm.
The image transfer method according to claim 3, wherein 6. The image transfer method according to claim 1, wherein the receiving layer has a thickness of 10 to 50 μm. 7. A transfer member for image transfer, comprising a receiving layer formed by using an epoxy resin and an acrylic resin in combination on the surface of a transfer substrate. 8. The receptive layer is formed by laminating a first receptive layer mainly composed of an epoxy resin and a second receptive layer mainly composed of an acrylic resin on the first receptive layer. The transferred material for image transfer according to claim 7, characterized in that: 9. The transfer member for image transfer according to claim 7, wherein the receiving layer is formed of one receiving layer containing both an epoxy resin and an acrylic resin. 10. The transfer body for image transfer according to claim 7, wherein the transfer base body is made of ceramic or porcelain. 11. The image-transferring member according to claim 10, wherein the transfer-receiving substrate is a ceramic cup. 12. A step (a) of reversing an image to be transferred, a step (b) of transferring the reversed image to a printing sheet by using a sublimable ink ribbon, and a resin which becomes a receiving layer on a substrate to be transferred. (C) in which the substrate to be transferred is used as a transfer target by applying and applying the liquid to an image in an electric furnace; and a step (d) in which the image transferred to the printing sheet is transferred to the transfer target. And a step (e) of peeling the printing sheet from the transfer body, the image transfer method for transferring an image to a transfer base body made of ceramics. 13. The image according to claim 12, wherein a ceramic cup is used as the substrate to be transferred, and the resin is applied by a coating gun while rotating the ceramic cup to form the receiving layer. Transfer method. 14. The image transfer method according to claim 12, wherein a resin mainly containing an acrylic resin is used as a resin forming the receiving layer, and a temperature at which the drying process is performed is 170 to 180 ° C. 15. The image transfer method according to claim 12, wherein the receiving layer has a thickness of 10 to 50 μm.