JPH11180049A - Heat-sensitive reversible recording medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a heat-sensitive reversible recording medium by which a recording and the erasing can be reversibly performed by heat, and also, desired variable items of information can be impressed to the owner stronger than other information. SOLUTION: For this heat-sensitive reversible recording medium 1, a heat- sensitive reversible recording film 3 is provided on at least one surface of a base material 2, and on the heat-sensitive reversible recording film 3, a transparent or semi-transparent surface layer 4 is provided in such a manner that an area rate in at least one region of a variable information recording region, may become different from an area rate of other regions. It is preferable that the heat-sensitive reversible recording film 3 contains a resin base material, and an organic low molecular substance which is dispersed in the resin base material, as the major components.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a thermosensitive reversible recording medium capable of recording and erasing information and images reversibly by heat and rewritable.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, thermosensitive reversible recording media having a thermosensitive recording layer made of a mixture of a base material and an organic low-molecular substance dispersed therein have been developed. In this thermosensitive reversible recording medium, images, characters, patterns, and the like are temporarily recorded by heating, and when unnecessary, these images, characters, patterns, and the like can be erased by heating.

As such a thermosensitive reversible recording medium, for example, a resin base material having a low glass transition point, such as a vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate copolymer, is used, and an organic low-molecular substance such as a higher fatty acid is dispersed therein. (Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Nos. 54-119377 and 55-154198), and those having a heat-sensitive recording layer formed using a leuco dye.

[0004] A thermoreversible recording medium having a magnetic recording layer in addition to the above-described thermosensitive recording layer has also been developed (Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 8-90935).

[0005]

When the thermosensitive reversible recording medium as described above is used as a point card for displaying a point or a prepaid card for displaying a balance, a point display or the like can be performed on the same portion of the thermosensitive recording layer. Variable information such as a balance display is recorded. However, the conventional thermosensitive reversible recording medium does not impress the cardholder with the above-described variable information more strongly than other information and raises the recognition, and therefore, fails to receive the privilege corresponding to the accumulated points. In addition, there is a problem in that the user does not notice that the remaining balance is running low, thereby hindering the purchase.

Further, in order to give the thermal recording layer a thermal head characteristic, that is, a sliding characteristic of the thermal head, the conventional thermosensitive reversible recording medium has a surface smoothness on the upper side of the thermal recording layer or the protective layer. Coarse (for example, Ra = 0.
5) Some have a solid printed layer made of a transparent resin. However, when the surface of the solid printing layer is slightly smoothed due to heat and pressure due to repeated running of the thermal head of the printer, if the observation angle of the thermosensitive reversible recording medium is changed and light reflected regularly on the surface is observed. However, there has been a problem that the variable information recording area on which recording is repeatedly performed looks as if an afterimage remains even after the recording is erased.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and allows information and the like to be reversibly recorded and erased by heat, and that the desired variable information is stronger than other information. It is an object of the present invention to provide a thermosensitive reversible recording medium capable of giving an impression to the subject.

[0008]

In order to achieve the above object, a thermoreversible recording medium of the present invention comprises a substrate, a thermosensitive reversible recording film provided on at least one surface of the substrate, and With a transparent or translucent surface layer formed on the thermosensitive reversible recording film, the area ratio of the surface layer in at least a part of the variable information recording area on the thermosensitive reversible recording film, The structure was made different from the area ratio of the surface layer in other regions.

The thermoreversible recording medium of the present invention comprises a substrate, a thermoreversible recording film provided on at least one surface of the substrate, and a transparent or translucent transparent film formed on the thermoreversible recording film. A surface layer, and the area ratio of the surface layer provided so as to continuously or intermittently surround at least a part of the variable information recording area on the thermosensitive reversible recording film is another area on the thermosensitive reversible recording film. And the area ratio of the surface layer was different.

The thermoreversible recording medium of the present invention comprises a base material, a thermosensitive reversible recording film provided on at least one surface of the base material, and at least a part of a variable information recording area on the thermosensitive reversible recording film. And a transparent or translucent surface layer formed in the region of (1).

Further, the thermosensitive reversible recording medium of the present invention comprises a base material, a thermosensitive reversible recording film provided on at least one surface of the base material, and at least a part of a variable information recording area on the thermosensitive reversible recording film. And a transparent or translucent surface layer formed in a region excluding the above.

Further, the thermosensitive reversible recording medium of the present invention is characterized in that the thermosensitive reversible recording film comprises a resin base material and an organic low-molecular substance dispersed in the resin base material as main components. The configuration was such that the recording film was a leuco dye layer.

Further, the thermosensitive reversible recording medium of the present invention has a structure in which a metal thin film layer or a colored layer is provided between the substrate and the thermosensitive reversible recording film.

Further, the thermosensitive reversible recording medium of the present invention has a structure in which a protective layer is provided between the thermosensitive reversible recording film and the surface layer.

Further, the thermosensitive reversible recording medium of the present invention is configured such that the area ratio of the surface layer in the variable information recording area is in the range of 10 to 90%.

Further, the thermosensitive reversible recording medium of the present invention has a structure in which a magnetic recording layer is provided on at least a part of the substrate.

According to the present invention, a difference in glossiness occurs between at least a part of the area of the thermoreversible recording film and another area, and the effect of attracting the attention of the holder is obtained. The surface layer having an area ratio of the region within the range of 10 to 90% has an effect of preventing an afterimage on the thermoreversible recording film from being visually recognized.

[0018]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Basic Structure of Thermosensitive Reversible Recording Medium of the Present Invention FIG. 1 is a partial sectional view showing a schematic configuration of an embodiment of the thermosensitive reversible recording medium of the present invention. In FIG. 1, a thermosensitive reversible recording medium 1 includes a base material 2, a thermosensitive reversible recording film 3 formed on one surface of the base material 2, and a transparent or translucent transparent film formed on the thermosensitive reversible recording film 3. And a surface layer 4.

FIG. 2 is a partial sectional view showing a schematic configuration of another embodiment of the thermosensitive reversible recording medium of the present invention. FIG.
, The thermosensitive reversible recording medium 11 includes a base material 12 and a thermosensitive reversible recording film 13 formed on one surface of the base material 12.
A transparent or translucent surface layer 14 formed on the thermosensitive reversible recording film 13 and a magnetic recording layer 15 formed on the other surface of the substrate 12 are provided.

FIG. 3 is a partial sectional view showing a schematic configuration of another embodiment of the thermosensitive reversible recording medium of the present invention. In FIG. 3, a thermosensitive reversible recording medium 21 includes a base material 22, a thermosensitive reversible recording film 23 formed on one surface of the base material 22 via a metal thin film layer 26, and a protective film on the thermosensitive reversible recording film 23. A colored print layer 28 formed via the layer 27, a transparent or translucent surface layer 24 formed on the protective layer 27 so as to cover the colored print layer 28, and on the other surface of the substrate 22. And the formed magnetic recording layer 25. Formation of Surface Layer Here, the formation of the surface layer in the thermosensitive reversible recording medium of the present invention will be described using the thermosensitive reversible recording medium 21 as an example.

FIG. 4 is a plan view of the thermosensitive reversible recording medium 21 on the side where the thermosensitive reversible recording film 23 is formed. In FIG. 4, the thermoreversible recording medium 21 has a rectangular thermosensitive reversible recording section M on which a thermosensitive reversible recording film 23 is formed.
In the area, two variable information recording areas A1, A2 and a fixed information recording area B are set. The cross-sectional structure of the thermosensitive reversible recording medium 21 in such a thermosensitive reversible recording section M has a structure as shown in FIG. (1) First Form of Surface Layer The first mode of forming the surface layer 24 in the thermosensitive reversible recording medium 21 of the present invention is a transparent or translucent surface layer formed on the thermosensitive reversible recording film 23. 24, the area ratio of the surface layer formed in at least a part of the variable information recording areas A1 and A2 on the thermosensitive reversible recording film is different from the surface layer formed in another area on the thermosensitive reversible recording film 23. Is different from the area ratio.

FIG. 5 is a view for explaining a first embodiment of the formation of such a surface layer, and is a view showing each embodiment of the thermosensitive reversible recording section M of the thermosensitive reversible recording medium 21 shown in FIG. It is. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the variable information recording area A1
And the area ratio of the surface layer 24b formed in another area of the thermosensitive reversible recording section M is 100% (all solid). (FIG. 5A): The area ratio of the surface layer 24a formed in the variable information recording area A1 is 100% (all solid), and the surface layer 24b formed in another area of the thermosensitive reversible recording section M Those having an area ratio in the range of 10 to 90% (FIG. 5)
(B)); Surface layer 2 formed in variable information recording area A1
4a is an area ratio of 100% (all solid) and an area ratio of 10
A pattern (a lattice pattern in the illustrated example) composed of a portion within a range of 90%, and an area ratio of the surface layer 24b formed in another region of the thermosensitive reversible recording portion M is 100% (all solid). (FIG. 5C): The area ratio of the surface layer 24a formed in the variable information recording area A1 is 100% (all solid), and the surface layer 24b formed in another area of the thermosensitive reversible recording section M is A pattern (a lattice pattern in the illustrated example) of a portion having an area ratio of 100% (all solids) and a portion having an area ratio of 10 to 90% (FIG. 5D).

The surface layer 24 thus formed has a glossiness between the variable information recording area A1 on the thermosensitive reversible recording film 23 and other areas (variable information recording area A2 and fixed information recording area B). And causes the holder to recognize the variable information displayed in the variable information recording area A1.

The variable information recording area A1 (FIGS. 5A and 5C) in which the surface layer 24a having the area ratio of 10 to 90% is formed, and the area ratio of 10 to 90%. %
In the variable information recording area A2 (FIGS. 5 (B) and 5 (D)) on which the surface layer 24b is formed within the range of (1), a pattern which appears due to smoothing by a thermal head (appears due to a difference in reflectance). Surface layer 2 having an area ratio in the range of 10 to 90% as compared with the pattern which is erroneously recognized as an afterimage).
Since the patterns appearing from 4a and 24b are more clearly and reliably recognized, it is possible to conceal the patterns that are erroneously recognized as the afterimages. As a result, it is possible to prevent the afterimage from appearing to remain in the variable information recording area where the recording is repeatedly performed, even after the recording is erased.

In the illustrated example, the variable information recording areas A1,
A2 of the surface layer 24 in the variable information recording area A1
Although the area ratio of a is set to be different from the area ratio of the surface layer 24b of the other area on the thermosensitive reversible recording film 23 (thermosensitive reversible recording section M), the variable information recording area A1 is replaced with the variable information recording area A1. The recording area A2 may be targeted, or both the variable information recording areas A1 and A2 may be targeted.

In place of the above-mentioned surface layer having an area ratio of 100% (all solids), the surface layer has an area ratio of less than 100% which is different from other surface layers having an area ratio within a range of 10 to 90%. May be formed. In this case, the difference in the area ratio is preferably 30% or more. (2) Second Form of Surface Layer The second embodiment of the formation of the surface layer 24 in the thermosensitive reversible recording medium 21 of the present invention is a transparent or translucent surface layer formed on the thermosensitive reversible recording film 23. 24, the area ratio of the surface layer provided so as to continuously or intermittently surround at least a part of the variable information recording areas A1 and A2 on the thermosensitive reversible recording film is different from that on the thermosensitive reversible recording film 23. Is different from the area ratio of the surface layer formed in the region.

FIG. 6 is a view for explaining a second embodiment of the formation of such a surface layer, and is a view showing each form of the thermoreversible recording section M of the thermosensitive reversible recording medium 21 shown in FIG. It is. In the example shown in FIG. 6, the variable information recording area A1
The area ratio of the band-shaped surface layer 24 ′ provided so as to continuously surround the surface layer is in the range of 10 to 90%, and the surface layer (variable information recording area A1) The area ratio of the surface layer 24a formed on the substrate and the surface layer 24b formed on another region is 100% (all solid) (FIG. 6A); the variable information recording region A1 is continuously surrounded. The area ratio of the band-shaped surface layer 24 'provided as described above is 100% (all solid), and the surface layer formed in another area of the thermosensitive reversible recording section M (the surface layer formed in the variable information recording area A1) 24
a and the area ratio of the surface layer 24b) formed in the other region is 1
The area ratio is in the range of 0 to 90% (FIG. 6B); the area ratio of the band-shaped surface layer 24 'intermittently provided so as to surround the variable information recording area A1 is 100% (all solid). The area ratio of the surface layer formed in the other area of the thermosensitive reversible recording section M (the surface layer 24a formed in the variable information recording area A1 and the surface layer 24b formed in the other area) is 10 to 90%. It is within the range (FIG. 6C).

In the surface layer 24 thus formed,
A surface layer 24 'on the thermosensitive reversible recording film 23 and a surface layer in another area (the surface layer 24a formed in the variable information recording area A1)
And a surface layer 24b) formed in another area, a difference in glossiness is generated, which evokes the holder's recognition of the variable information displayed in the variable information recording area A1 surrounded by the surface layer 24 '. It becomes possible.

As shown in FIGS. 6B and 6C, the surface layer 24a having an area ratio within the range of 10 to 90% is used.
Is formed in a variable information recording area A1 having an area ratio of 10 to 10.
In the variable information recording area A2 in which the surface layer 24b is formed within the range of 90%, a pattern appearing due to smoothing by the thermal head (a pattern which is erroneously recognized as an afterimage appearing due to a difference in reflectance) is compared with the pattern. And the area ratio is 1
Since the patterns appearing from the surface layers 24a and 24b within the range of 0 to 90% are more clearly and surely recognized, it is possible to hide the patterns that are erroneously recognized as the afterimages. As a result, it is possible to prevent the afterimage from appearing to remain in the variable information recording area where the recording is repeatedly performed, even after the recording is erased.

In the illustrated example, the variable information recording areas A1,
Of A2, the surface layer 24 'is provided so as to surround the variable information recording area A1, but the variable information recording area A2 may be used instead of the variable information recording area A1, and the variable information recording area A1, Both A2 may be targeted.

In place of the above-mentioned surface layer having an area ratio of 100% (all solid), the surface layer has an area ratio of less than 100% which is different from other surface layers having an area ratio within a range of 10 to 90%. May be formed. In this case, the difference in the area ratio is preferably 30% or more. (3) Third Aspect of Forming Surface Layer As a third aspect of the formation of the surface layer 24 in the thermosensitive reversible recording medium 21 of the present invention, at least one of the variable information recording areas A1 and A2 on the thermosensitive reversible recording film 23 is used. A transparent or translucent surface layer is provided in the region of the part.

FIG. 7 is a view for explaining a third mode of the formation of such a surface layer, and is a view showing each form of the thermoreversible recording section M of the thermosensitive reversible recording medium 21 shown in FIG. It is. In the example shown in FIG. 7, the variable information recording area A1
In which the surface layer 24 is formed at an area ratio of 100% (all solid) (FIG. 7A);
No. 4 is formed within an area ratio of 10 to 90% (FIG. 7B).

The surface layer 24 formed in this way includes a variable information recording area A1 on the thermosensitive reversible recording film 23 and areas other than the variable information recording area A1 (variable information recording area A2 and fixed information recording area B). In this case, a difference in glossiness is generated depending on the presence or absence of the surface layer, and the function of inviting the holder to recognize the variable information displayed in the variable information recording area A1 is performed.

Further, as shown in FIG. 7B, in the variable information recording area A1 in which the surface layer 24 having the area ratio within the range of 10 to 90% is formed, the variable information recording area A1 appears by the smoothing by the thermal head. As compared with a pattern (a pattern that is erroneously recognized as an afterimage that appears due to a difference in reflectance), a pattern that emerges from the surface layer 24 whose area ratio is in the range of 10 to 90% is clearer and more reliable. Is recognized by
A pattern that is erroneously recognized as the afterimage can be hidden. As a result, it is possible to prevent the afterimage from appearing to remain in the variable information recording area where the recording is repeatedly performed, even after the recording is erased.

In the illustrated example, the variable information recording areas A1,
Of the A2, the surface layer 24 is provided in the variable information recording area A1, but the variable information recording area A2 may be used instead of the variable information recording area A1, and both the variable information recording areas A1 and A2 may be used. It may be targeted. (4) Fourth Mode of Forming Surface Layer As a fourth mode of forming the surface layer 24 in the thermosensitive reversible recording medium 21 of the present invention, at least one of the variable information recording areas A1 and A2 on the thermosensitive reversible recording film 23 is used. A transparent or translucent surface layer is provided in a region excluding the portion.

FIG. 8 is a view for explaining a fourth embodiment of the formation of such a surface layer, and is a view showing each embodiment of the thermosensitive reversible recording section M of the thermosensitive reversible recording medium 21 shown in FIG. It is. In the example shown in FIG. 8, the variable information recording area A1
Area (variable information recording area A2 and fixed information recording area B) in which the surface layer 24 is formed with an area ratio of 100% (all solid) (FIG. 8A); area excluding the variable information recording area A1 The surface layer 24 is formed in the (variable information recording area A2 and the fixed information recording area B) with an area ratio of 10 to 90% (FIG. 8B).

The surface layer 24 thus formed is provided between the variable information recording area A1 on the thermosensitive reversible recording film 23 and the other areas (variable information recording area A2 and fixed information recording area B). A difference in gloss depending on the presence / absence of the variable information is provided, and the function of inviting the holder to recognize the variable information displayed in the variable information recording area A1 is performed.

Further, as shown in FIG. 8B, in the variable information recording area A2 in which the surface layer 24 having the area ratio in the range of 10 to 90% is formed, the variable information recording area A2 appears by the smoothing by the thermal head. As compared with a pattern (a pattern that is erroneously recognized as an afterimage that appears due to a difference in reflectance), a pattern that emerges from the surface layer 24 whose area ratio is in the range of 10 to 90% is clearer and more reliable. Is recognized by
A pattern that is erroneously recognized as the afterimage can be hidden. As a result, it is possible to prevent the afterimage from appearing to remain in the variable information recording area where the recording is repeatedly performed, even after the recording is erased.

In the illustrated example, the variable information recording areas A1,
Of the A2, the surface layer 24 is provided in an area other than the variable information recording area A1, but the variable information recording area A2 may be used instead of the variable information recording area A1, and the variable information recording areas A1, A2 May be targeted.

In each of the first to fourth modes of forming the surface layer 24 as described above, if the area ratio is less than 10%, the surface layer is reduced to 10% to 90%. When it is more than 90%, it is the same as when a surface layer is formed over the entire surface, and in any case, the visibility is not sufficiently improved due to the difference in gloss. In addition, the visual effect by the surface layer in which the area ratio should be within the range of 10 to 90% as described above is as follows.
%, The area ratio can be further enhanced by using a transparent or translucent surface layer which also serves as a protective layer, as shown in FIGS. It is preferable to make the above.

The surface layer whose area ratio is to be in the range of 10 to 90% is formed into a desired pattern by halftone dots, lines, or a combination of halftone dots and lines, or is provided with halftone dot densities depending on locations. be able to. Specifically, (1) a transparent or translucent surface layer is formed by halftone dots, and the area ratio of the entire surface layer is 70%. (2) A transparent or translucent combination of halftone dots and lines is used. The surface layer is formed, and the area ratio of the entire surface layer is 60%. (3) A pattern is formed by a combination of the density of halftone dots. 70%, and the area ratio of the entire transparent or translucent surface layer is 50%. (4) A pattern is formed with the density of halftone dots. Can be set to 60%.

The surface state of the surface layer whose area ratio should be within the range of 10 to 90% and the surface layer whose area ratio should be 100% (all solid) are fine polygonal pyramids and cones. , A hemisphere or the like is preferably present, and the surface roughness (Ra) is preferably about 0.2 to 1.5 nm.

In the example shown in FIG. 4, a rectangular thermosensitive reversible recording section M having a thermosensitive reversible recording film 23 is formed in a partial area of the thermosensitive reversible recording medium 21. There is no limitation on the formation site and the number of formation, and the thermosensitive reversible recording portion M may be formed on the entire surface of the thermosensitive reversible recording medium 21. Constituent Materials of Thermosensitive Reversible Recording Medium of the Present Invention Next, the materials constituting the thermosensitive reversible recording medium of the present invention and the production method will be described.

The thermosensitive reversible recording medium of the present invention 1, 11, 21
Are transparent, opaque, colored or uncolored resin films (vinyl chloride,
Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), ABS resin, polyolefin resin, PET-G, polycarbonate resin, acrylonitrile styrene copolymer, cellulose propionate, cellulose acetate butyrate, etc.), alloy materials, paper (Art paper, coated paper, synthetic paper, etc.), ceramics, metal and the like. Such a substrate 2,
The thicknesses of the recording media 12 and 22 are not particularly limited, and can be appropriately set according to the purpose of use of the thermosensitive reversible recording media 1, 11 and 21.

The thermosensitive reversible recording medium of the present invention 1, 11, 21
The thermosensitive reversible recording films 3, 13, and 23 can be formed as layers mainly composed of a mixture in which a low-molecular organic substance is dispersed in a resin base material.

The above resin matrix has transparency,
Those which have good film-forming properties and can uniformly disperse and hold low-molecular organic substances are preferable. Specifically, polyvinyl chloride resins such as polyvinyl chloride, vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate copolymer and partially saponified products thereof, vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate-maleic acid copolymer, vinyl chloride-acrylate copolymer, etc. . Vinylidene chloride-vinyl chloride copolymer, vinylidene chloride-acrylate copolymer, vinylidene chloride-
Vinylidene chloride resin such as acrylonitrile copolymer.
In addition, acrylic resins such as various polyacrylic esters and polymethacrylic esters, and other various polyester resins can be used.

As the organic low-molecular substance dispersed in the resin matrix, various fatty acids and their derivatives can be used. Among them, saturated straight-chain fatty acids are preferable, and in particular,
Those having a carbon number C of 10 to 30 and a melting point of 30 to 160 ° C are preferred.

These organic low-molecular substances are used alone or in combination.
It can be dispersed in the resin matrix as a mixture of more than one species, especially when organic low-molecular substances having different melting points, for example, a mixture of a monocarboxylic acid and a dicarboxylic acid of a saturated linear fatty acid are used, This is preferable in that the temperature range for making it transparent is widened. Examples of such substances include capric acid, lauric acid, dodecanoic acid, myristic acid, pentadecanoic acid, palmitic acid, heptadecanoic acid, stearic acid, nonadecanoic acid, arachiic acid, heneicosanoic acid, behenic acid, and tricosanoic acid. , Lignoceric acid, pentacosanoic acid, and the like. Among the dicarboxylic acids, pimelic acid, suberic acid, azelaic acid, sebacic acid, undecane diacid, dodecane diacid, tridecane diacid,
Tetradecane diacid, pentadecane diacid, hexadecane 2
Acid, heptadecane diacid, octadecane diacid, nonadecane diacid, eicosane diacid, heneicosane diacid, docosan diacid, and the like.

The mixing amount of the organic low-molecular substance with respect to the resin base material is about 1 to 60% by weight as the content of the organic low-molecular substance in the entire mixture of the resin base material and the organic low-molecular substance, and 20 to 50% by weight. % Is more preferable. When the content of the organic low-molecular substance is 1% by weight or less, the print density is low and the sharpness is insufficient. On the other hand, when the content is 60% by weight or more, it is difficult to form a uniform coating film.

The thermosensitive reversible recording films 3, 13 and 23 mainly composed of a mixture in which an organic low-molecular substance is dispersed in such a resin base material are used for improving film forming properties and workability. In addition, a small amount of a high boiling point solvent or a surfactant can be added. Specific examples of such additives include dimethyl phthalate, diethyl phthalate, dibutyl phthalate, butylbenzyl phthalate, dioctyl phthalate, diisooctyl phthalate, dicapryl phthalate, dicapryl phthalate, and high-boiling solvents (plasticizers). Diisobutyl acid, dioctyl adipate, dibenzyl sebacate, dioctyl sebacate, triphenyl phosphate, tricresyl phosphate, trioctyl phosphate, octyl diphenyl phosphate, triacetin and the like.

The surfactants include higher fatty acid alkali salts, polyethylene glycol alkyl ether, polyethylene glycol fatty acid ester, sorbitan fatty acid ester, fatty acid monoglyceride, polyhydric alcohol higher fatty acid ester, polyhydric alcohol higher alkyl ether, and higher fatty acid alkyl sulfone. Acid salts, higher fatty acid alkylaryl sulfonates, higher amine halogenates and the like.

The thermosensitive reversible recording films 3 and 1 mainly composed of a mixture in which an organic low-molecular substance is dispersed in such a resin base material.
The layers 3 and 23 can be formed by applying and drying a known method such as roll coating or printing on the substrates 2 and 12 or the metal thin film layer 26 provided on the substrate 22. The thicknesses of the thermosensitive reversible recording films 3, 13, and 23 are as follows.
A range of 2 to 25 μm is appropriate.

If the adhesiveness of the thermosensitive reversible recording films 3, 13, 23 to the substrates 2, 12 or the metal thin film layer 26 is insufficient, the surfaces of the substrates 2, 12 are previously subjected to a known chemical treatment. Or a corona discharge treatment or a primer coat layer can be provided to improve the adhesiveness, and a primer coat layer can be provided on the metal thin film layer 26 to improve the adhesiveness.

In the present invention, the thermosensitive reversible recording media 1, 11,
The thermosensitive reversible recording films 3, 13, and 23 constituting 21 can also be a leuco dye layer. In this case, the thermosensitive reversible recording films 3, 13, and 23 undergo a transparent and colored reversible reaction. The thickness of the thermosensitive reversible recording films 3, 13, 23 is 5-20.
The range of μm is preferred. Since leuco dyes generally have poor light fastness, thermosensitive reversible recording films (leuco dye layers) 3,
An ultraviolet absorbing layer to which a known ultraviolet absorbing material is added may be provided on the layers 13 and 23.

In the thermosensitive reversible recording medium 21 shown in FIG. 3, the metal thin film layer 26 provided between the base material 22 and the thermosensitive reversible recording film 23 improves the visibility of images, information and the like at the time of heating recording. It is for. The metal thin film layer 26 is not particularly limited as long as it has high light reflection efficiency. For example, a metal vapor-deposited film of aluminum, tin, nickel, or the like can be suitably used. In the case where such a metal thin film layer 26 is provided, in order to eliminate irregularities on the surface of the base material 22 and increase the reflection efficiency of the metal thin film layer 26,
Below the metal thin film layer 26, a smoothing layer made of various resins, for example, various thermosetting resins, ionizing radiation curable resins, or the like can be provided.

The thermosensitive reversible recording medium 1, 11, 21 of the present invention
Or translucent surface layers 4, 14, 24 constituting
(24a, 24b, 24 ') desirably has high heat resistance and high mechanical strength. For example, silicone rubber, silicone resin, polysiloxane graft polymer, acrylic resin, urethane resin, melamine resin, epoxy resin,
It can be formed using a polyamide resin, an ultraviolet curable resin, an electron beam curable resin, or the like. In particular, it is preferably formed of a curable resin using an ultraviolet ray or an electron beam. The thickness of the surface layers 4, 14, 24 is 0.5 to 10 μm,
Preferably it is 1 to 6 μm. In addition, the above translucency means
It means that the light transmittance in the visible light region is 50% or more.

Transparent or translucent surface layers 4, 14, 24
Is formed by a known printing method such as gravure printing, offset printing, screen printing, or the like, molding with a curable resin, injection molding, embossing (in this case, forming the protective layer 27 and the surface layer 24 integrally. ).

The thermosensitive reversible recording medium 21 shown in FIG.
In the above, the protective layer 27 provided between the thermosensitive reversible recording film 23 and the surface layer 24 can be formed of the material used for forming the surface layer 24 described above. The thickness of the protective layer 27 is preferably about 1 to 5 μm.

The magnetic recording layers 15 and 25 constituting the thermosensitive reversible recording media 11 and 21 of the present invention, in the illustrated example,
2, 22 are formed on the entire surface opposite to the surface on which the thermosensitive reversible recording film is formed, but are not limited thereto, and may be formed on a part of the surface opposite to the surface on which the thermosensitive reversible recording film is formed. Is also good. Further, the magnetic recording layer may be formed on a part of the surface on the same side as the thermosensitive reversible recording film. In this case, it is preferable to form the magnetic recording layer between the base material and the thermosensitive reversible recording film.

The magnetic recording layers 15 and 25 are made of γ-Fe ₂ O
₃ , Co-coated γ-Fe ₂ O ₃ , Fe ₃ O ₄ , Fe, Fe
-Cr, Fe-Co, Co- Cr, Co-Ni, Ba ferrite, Sr ferrite, can be formed of a magnetic material and a resin binder such as CrO _2, also, a vacuum deposition method using the above magnetic material itself , A sputtering method, a plating method, or the like. Note that a self-cleaning layer (cleaning layer for a magnetic head) may be provided on the magnetic recording layers 15 and 25.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing another embodiment of the thermoreversible recording medium of the present invention. In FIG. 9, a thermosensitive reversible recording medium 31 has a thermosensitive reversible recording section M, a magnetic stripe 34, and an emboss area 35 provided on one surface of a base material 32.

Base material 32 constituting thermosensitive reversible recording medium 31
Can be the same as the above-mentioned base materials 2, 12, 22. Further, the thermosensitive reversible recording unit M can be configured in the same manner as the thermosensitive reversible recording unit M described above using the thermosensitive reversible recording medium 21 as an example. The thermosensitive reversible recording unit M
Is separated from the emboss area 35.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing another embodiment of the thermosensitive reversible recording medium of the present invention. In FIG. 10, a thermosensitive reversible recording medium 41 is provided with a thermosensitive reversible recording portion M, a magnetic stripe 44, an emboss area 45, and a hologram 46 on one surface of a base material 42.

The base material 42 constituting the thermosensitive reversible recording medium 41
Can be the same as the above-mentioned base materials 2, 12, 22. Further, the thermosensitive reversible recording unit M can be configured in the same manner as the thermosensitive reversible recording unit M described above using the thermosensitive reversible recording medium 21 as an example. The thermosensitive reversible recording unit M
Are separated from the emboss area 45. The magnetic stripe 44 has been concealed and is not visible from the surface of the thermoreversible recording medium. The hologram 46 may be any conventionally known hologram.

[0065]

Next, the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to specific examples. Example 1 An epoxy acrylate resin layer having a thickness of 2 μm was formed as a smoothing layer on one surface of a polyethylene terephthalate film having a thickness of 188 μm (Lumilar E-22 manufactured by Toray Industries, Inc. (both sides treated)). An aluminum vapor-deposited layer having a thickness of 600 ° was laminated as a metal thin film layer on the smoothing layer. Next, a coating solution for a thermosensitive reversible recording film having the following composition is applied on the metal thin film layer by a conventionally known reverse roll coater so that the thickness of the coated film after drying is 10 μm, and dried to perform thermosensitive reversible recording. A film is formed, and subsequently, a coating solution for a protective layer having the following composition is applied thereon by a reverse roll coater equipped with a hot air drying device and an ultraviolet irradiation device, and the solvent is removed by hot air drying, and the ultraviolet irradiation device is used. (Two high-pressure mercury lamps with an output of 160 W / cm, distance 1
(0 cm) was continuously passed through at a speed of 10 m / min to form a protective layer having a thickness of 4 μm.

Composition of coating solution for thermosensitive reversible recording film Resin base material: vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate copolymer: 30 parts by weight (VYHH manufactured by Union Carbide Co.) Organic low molecular weight substance: stearic acid: 7 parts by weight Eikosan 2 Acid: 3 parts by weight-Tetrahydrofuran / ethyl cellosolve: 100 parts by weight (weight ratio: 1: 1) Composition of coating solution for protective layer -Polyene / thiol-based ultraviolet curable resin: 50 parts by weight (ADEKA manufactured by Asahi Denka Kogyo Co., Ltd.) Optomer BY-320B)-isopropyl alcohol / ethyl acetate ... 50 parts by weight (weight ratio: 1: 1) Next, a 10x variable information recording area was formed on the protective layer.
A rectangular area of 20 mm was set, and a U-carton M-OP varnish manufactured by The Inc. Tech.
A surface layer (thickness: 1 μm) consisting of a pattern of halftone dots (halftone dot area ratio: 70%) was formed by V offset printing. Further, a UV Carton M-OP varnish manufactured by The Inktech Co., Ltd. is used on the protective layer around the variable information recording area to form a U-shaped varnish.
By V offset printing method, all solid surface layer (thickness 1μ)
m) was formed to obtain a thermosensitive reversible recording medium (Example 1). (Example 2) In the same manner as in Example 1, a smoothing layer, a metal thin film layer, a thermosensitive reversible recording film, and a protective layer were formed on a polyethylene terephthalate film.

Next, a rectangular area of 10 × 20 mm was set as a variable information recording area on the above-mentioned protective layer, and a 1 mm wide band-like surface layer (dot area ratio of 40%) was surrounded so as to surround the outside of this area. , 1 μm in thickness) was formed by a UV offset printing method using a UV Carton M-OP varnish manufactured by The Inktech Co., Ltd. Further, on the protective layer excluding the above-mentioned belt-like surface layer, UV Inc.
A solid surface layer (1 μm in thickness) was formed by UV offset printing using a P varnish to obtain a thermosensitive reversible recording medium (Example 2). Example 3 In the same manner as in Example 1, a smoothing layer, a metal thin film layer, a thermosensitive reversible recording film, and a protective layer were formed on a polyethylene terephthalate film.

Next, a rectangular area of 10 × 20 mm was set as a variable information recording area on the above-mentioned protective layer, and a UV offset was applied to this area using a UV Carton M-OP varnish made by The Inktech Co., Ltd. A thermosensitive reversible recording medium (Example 3) was obtained by forming a surface layer (thickness 1 μm) having a pattern of halftone dots (halftone dot area ratio 70%) by a printing method. (Example 4) In the same manner as in Example 1, a smoothing layer, a metal thin film layer, a thermosensitive reversible recording film, and a protective layer were formed on a polyethylene terephthalate film.

Next, a rectangular area of 10 × 20 mm was set as a variable information recording area on the above-mentioned protective layer, and a UV carton M-OP varnish made by The Inktech Co., Ltd. was formed on the protective layer excluding this area. Was used to form a surface layer (thickness: 1 μm) having a pattern of halftone dots (halftone dot area ratio: 70%) by a UV offset printing method to obtain a thermosensitive reversible recording medium (Example 4). (Comparative Example) For comparison, a smoothing layer, a metal thin film layer, a thermoreversible recording film, and a protective layer were formed on a polyethylene terephthalate film in the same manner as in Example 1, and then Dainichi Seika was formed on the protective layer. Seika Beam OP manufactured by Kogyo Co., Ltd.
Using a varnish to form a solid printing layer (1 μm thick) by UV offset printing, and a thermosensitive reversible recording medium (Comparative Example)
I got

With respect to the thermosensitive reversible recording media of Examples 1 to 4 and Comparative Example prepared as described above, fixed information and variable information were printed by the following printing method, and the visibility of the variable information was evaluated according to the following evaluation criteria. The results are shown in Table 1 below.

In the thermosensitive reversible recording media of Example 1 and Comparative Example, the following printing / erasing was repeatedly performed 200 times on the variable information recording area, and the visibility and rewriting of the variable information were performed according to the following evaluation criteria. The durability was evaluated. The results of these evaluations are shown in Table 1 below.

Printing Method An image is formed by a thermal head printer using an applied energy of 0.45 mj / dot using a 6 dot / mm line type thermal head.

Erasing Method The image is erased by a heat roller at a set temperature of 80 ° C.

Evaluation criteria for variable information visibility 〇: The print information in the variable information recording area looks more prominent than the print information in other areas. ×: The print information in the variable information recording area and the print information in other areas are the same. Evaluation criteria for rewriting durability that seem to be at a level The extent of an afterimage after repeating printing / erasing 200 times by the above method was visually evaluated according to the following criteria.

A: Almost no afterimage was observed from any angle of the medium in the entire area of the thermosensitive reversible recording medium. X: An afterimage was observed in an area without ordinary colored printing.

[0076]

[Table 1] As shown in Table 1, the thermosensitive reversible recording media of Examples 1, 3, and 4 all had a large difference in gloss between the variable information recording area and the other areas, and the variable information recording area was clearly sharp with high contrast. The variable information displayed in the variable information recording area has higher visibility than the fixed information. Further, the thermoreversible recording medium of Example 2 has a large difference in glossiness between the band-shaped surface layer and the surface layer in the other region, and the variable information recording region surrounded by the band-shaped surface layer is a rectangular region having a sharp shape. The recognizable variable information displayed in the variable information recording area had higher visibility than the other information.

In the thermoreversible recording medium of Example 1, even after printing / erasing was repeated 200 times, the high visibility of the variable information did not change, and the variable information recording area hardly recognized the afterimage. there were.

On the other hand, in the comparative example, the variable information displayed in the variable information recording area is not particularly high in visibility as compared with the fixed information, and the afterimage after printing / erasing is repeated 200 times. Was recognized.

[0079]

As described in detail above, according to the present invention, a difference in glossiness occurs between at least a part of the variable information recording area on the thermoreversible recording film and other areas, thereby causing the above-mentioned difference. The variable information recorded in the variable information recording area has an effect of impressing the holder more strongly than other information to enhance recognition. In a variable information recording area in which the area ratio of the surface layer is in the range of 10 to 90%, for example, when the surface layer is smoothed by repeatedly performing rewriting using a thermal head printer, the reflectance of the surface layer is reduced. Since the pattern emerging from the surface layer is more clearly and reliably recognized than the pattern that is erroneously recognized as an afterimage due to the difference, the pattern that is erroneously recognized as the afterimage is concealed and can be visually observed from any angle. Therefore, it is possible to realize a thermosensitive reversible recording medium having high quality information and significantly improved durability in repeated rewriting of image formation.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating a schematic configuration of an embodiment of a thermosensitive reversible recording medium of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a partial sectional view showing a schematic configuration of another embodiment of the thermosensitive reversible recording medium of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a partial sectional view showing a schematic configuration of another embodiment of the thermosensitive reversible recording medium of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a plan view showing an example of a thermosensitive reversible recording medium forming side of the thermosensitive reversible recording medium of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing each form of a thermosensitive reversible recording section in which a thermosensitive reversible recording film of the thermosensitive reversible recording medium shown in FIG. 4 is formed.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing each form of a thermosensitive reversible recording section in which a thermosensitive reversible recording film of the thermosensitive reversible recording medium shown in FIG. 4 is formed.

FIG. 7 is a view showing each form of a thermosensitive reversible recording section in which a thermosensitive reversible recording film of the thermosensitive reversible recording medium shown in FIG. 4 is formed.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing each form of a thermosensitive reversible recording section on which a thermosensitive reversible recording film of the thermosensitive reversible recording medium shown in FIG. 4 is formed.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing another embodiment of the thermosensitive reversible recording medium of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing another embodiment of the thermosensitive reversible recording medium of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1,11,21,31,41 thermosensitive reversible recording medium 2,12,22,32,42 base material 3,13,23 thermosensitive reversible recording film 4,14,24 surface layer 15,25,34, 44 ... magnetic recording layer 26 ... metal thin film layer 27 ... protective layer 28 ... colored printing layer 35,45 ... emboss area 46 ... hologram M ... thermosensitive reversible recording section A1, A2 ... variable information recording area B ... fixed information recording area

Claims (10)

[Claims] 1. A thermosensitive reversible recording system comprising: a base material; a thermosensitive reversible recording film provided on at least one surface of the base material; and a transparent or translucent surface layer formed on the thermosensitive reversible recording film. A thermosensitive reversible recording medium characterized in that the area ratio of the surface layer in at least a part of the variable information recording area on the film is different from the area ratio of the surface layer in other areas on the thermosensitive reversible recording film. 2. A thermoreversible recording system comprising: a substrate; a thermoreversible recording film provided on at least one surface of the substrate; and a transparent or translucent surface layer formed on the thermoreversible recording film. The area ratio of the surface layer provided so as to continuously or intermittently surround at least a part of the variable information recording area on the film is different from the area ratio of the surface layer in other areas on the thermosensitive reversible recording film. A thermosensitive reversible recording medium characterized by the following. 3. A substrate, a thermosensitive reversible recording film provided on at least one surface of the substrate, and a transparent or semi-transparent film formed on at least a part of a variable information recording area on the thermosensitive reversible recording film. A thermosensitive reversible recording medium comprising a transparent surface layer. 4. A base material, a thermosensitive reversible recording film provided on at least one surface of the base material, and a transparent or reversible recording film formed in an area excluding at least a part of a variable information recording area on the thermosensitive reversible recording film. A thermosensitive reversible recording medium comprising a translucent surface layer. 5. The thermosensitive reversible recording film according to claim 1, wherein the thermosensitive reversible recording film is mainly composed of a resin base material and an organic low-molecular substance dispersed in the resin base material. 2. The thermosensitive reversible recording medium according to 1. 6. The thermosensitive reversible recording medium according to claim 1, wherein the thermosensitive reversible recording film is a leuco dye layer. 7. The thermosensitive reversible recording medium according to claim 1, further comprising a metal thin film layer or a colored layer between the substrate and the thermosensitive reversible recording film. 8. The thermoreversible recording medium according to claim 1, further comprising a protective layer between the thermoreversible recording film and the surface layer. 9. The thermosensitive reversible recording medium according to claim 1, wherein an area ratio of the surface layer in the variable information recording area is in a range of 10 to 90%. 10. The thermosensitive reversible recording medium according to claim 1, wherein a magnetic recording layer is provided on at least a part of the base material.