TWI555651B - Dye-sublimation printing method for light transmissive medium and product made by the same - Google Patents

Description

Heat sublimation transparent medium printing method and product thereof

The present invention relates to a thermal sublimation printing technique, and in particular to a method of thermal sublimation transparent medium printing and articles thereof.

Because of the excellent printing ability of the thermal sublimation (also known as thermal transfer) printer, for example, it can achieve continuous tone printing function, so it is widely used. The printing method of the sublimation printer mainly uses a thermal print head (TPH) to heat the ribbon, vaporize the dye on the ribbon, and transfer it to the white card, depending on the heating time. The length of the length or the temperature of the heating to form a continuous color gradation.

More specifically, the ribbon has a plurality of dye zones thereon. These dye zones each have a dye of a different color. The sublimation printer can use a drive mechanism such as a roller to drive the white card to the position of the thermal print head, and then use the thermal print head to transfer the dye of the single dye zone on the ribbon to the white card. Upon completion of the transfer of the dye in the dye zone, the actuator will move the white card back to its original position for dye transfer in another dye zone.

However, the products printed in the above manner can only be used by the viewer to view the printed pattern from above the printing surface, and the viewer cannot view the printed pattern from the non-printing surface.

In view of the above, it is an object of the present invention to provide a thermal sublimation printing technique that allows a user to view a print pattern from a non-printed side of a printed matter.

In order to achieve the above object, according to an embodiment of the present invention, a method of printing a thermal sublimation transparent medium comprises the following steps. First, a ribbon is provided over a transparent medium. Next, the transparent medium is moved, and during the moving of the transparent medium, at least a first dye zone of the ribbon is heated, and the first dye in the first dye zone is transferred to the transparent medium.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, a sublimation print article comprises a transparent medium and at least a first dye layer. The transparent medium has a printing surface and a non-printing surface opposite to each other. The first dye layer is transferred onto the printing surface of the transparent medium. The thickness of the transparent medium is greater than the thickness of the first dye layer.

In the above embodiment, since the first dye layer is transferred onto the transparent medium instead of the white card, the viewer can view the first dye layer from the non-printing surface of the first dye layer on the transparent medium. The pattern presented.

The above description is only for explaining the problems to be solved by the present invention, the technical means for solving the problems, the effects thereof, and the like, and the specific details of the present invention will be described in detail in the following embodiments and related drawings.

100‧‧‧Hot sublimation printer

110‧‧‧Print media actuating device

112‧‧‧Roller

120‧‧‧Hot print head

130‧‧‧Control Module

160‧‧‧ Ribbon supply device

170‧‧‧ Ribbon recovery device

200‧‧‧Transparent media

210‧‧‧Non-printed surface

220‧‧‧Printed surface

230‧‧ ‧ raster

300, 300a‧‧‧ ribbons

311, 312, 313‧‧‧ first dye zone

314, 315, 316‧‧‧Second dye zone

320‧‧‧Background dye zone

330‧‧‧Protective material area

411, 412, 413‧‧‧ first dye layer

414, 415, 416‧‧‧ second dye layer

420‧‧‧Background dye layer

430‧‧‧protection layer

The above and other objects, features, advantages and embodiments of the present invention will become more <RTIgt; </ RTI> <RTIgt; </ RTI> <RTIgt; </ RTI> <RTIgt; 2 is a top view of the ribbon shown in FIG. 1; FIG. 3 is a schematic view of the viewer viewing the sublimation print from the non-printing surface of the transparent medium; and FIG. 4 is a transparent view of the viewer. A schematic view of the sublimation printed product viewed from above the printed surface of the medium; FIG. 5 is a schematic view of the sublimation printed product according to another embodiment of the present invention; and FIG. 6 is a view showing a ribbon according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a schematic view showing the viewer viewing the sublimation printed product from the non-printing surface of the transparent medium; and FIG. 8 is a schematic view showing the viewer viewing the sublimation printed product from above the printed surface of the transparent medium.

The embodiments of the present invention are disclosed in the following drawings, and for the purpose of clarity However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that in some embodiments of the present invention, these practical details are not necessary and therefore are not applied. To limit the invention. In addition, some of the conventional structures and elements are shown in the drawings in a simplified schematic manner in order to simplify the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a simplified schematic diagram of a sublimation printer 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1 , in the present embodiment, the thermal sublimation printer 100 can include a print medium actuator 110 , a thermal print head 120 , a control module 130 , a ribbon supply device 160 , and a ribbon recovery device . 170. In the present embodiment, the print medium actuating device 110 can include a roller 112. The transparent medium 200 is carried on the roller 112, and when the roller 112 rolls, it can drive the transparent medium 200 to move. In addition to the rollers 112, the print media actuating device 110 can be implemented with other transmission mechanisms. In some embodiments, the printing medium actuating device 110 may further include a mechanism such as an auxiliary roller or a bearing roller (not shown) to further ensure that the transparent medium 200 can move smoothly.

The ribbon supply device 160 and the ribbon recovery device 170 can collectively transport the ribbon 300 to provide the ribbon 300 over the transparent medium 200. For example, both the ribbon supply device 160 and the ribbon recovery device 170 can be rollers, and the ribbon 300 can be conveyed in a roll-to-roll manner. The thermal print head 120 is located above the transparent medium 200 and is located on the transport path of the ribbon 300. The control module 130 is electrically connected to the thermal print head 120 to control the thermal print head 120 to heat the ribbon 300 to transfer the dye on the ribbon 300 to the transparent medium 200 to form a pattern.

With the above embodiment, since the dye on the ribbon 300 is transferred onto the transparent medium 200 instead of the white card, the viewer can view the dye from the non-printing surface of the ribbon 300 on the transparent medium 200. Presented The current pattern.

In some embodiments, the ribbon 300 can include a plurality of first dye zones arranged in sequence, each of the first dye zones having a first dye of a different color to form a color pattern. For example, referring to FIG. 2, a top view of the ribbon 300 shown in FIG. 1 is illustrated. As shown in FIG. 2, the ribbon 300 may include first dye regions 311, 312, 313, background dye regions 320, and protective material regions 330 arranged in sequence. The first dye regions 311, 312, and 313 respectively contain first dyes of different colors therein. For example, a yellow dye may be included in the first dye region 311, a magenta dye may be included in the first dye region 312, and a cyan dye may be included in the first dye region 313 when the dye is transferred. When printed onto the transparent medium 200, these different colored dyes can collectively form a first pattern of color.

The background dye region 320 may comprise a background dye therein, the color of the background dye being different from the color of the first dye described above as the background of the first pattern. For example, the background dye region 320 can include a white dye, a black dye, or a brown dye, and the like. The protective material region 330 may include a protective material to protect the above dye.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, when the ribbon supply device 160 and the ribbon recovery device 170 collectively transport the ribbon 300, the first dye regions 311, 312, 313, the background dye region 320, and the protective material region 330 can be sequentially The ground is conveyed toward the thermal print head 120. When the first dye zone 311 is transported under the thermal printhead 120, the print media actuating device 110 can move the transparent media 200, while during the movement of the transparent media 200, the thermal printhead 120 can heat the first dye a first dye in zone 311 to first dye the first dye zone 311 A material such as a yellow dye is transferred onto the transparent medium 200. Upon completion of the transfer of the yellow dye, the print medium actuating device 110 can move the transparent medium 200 back to the print position. In some embodiments, a dye receiving layer can be applied over the transparent medium 200 to facilitate the transfer of the first dye.

Next, the ribbon supply device 160 and the ribbon recovery device 170 can collectively transport the ribbon 300 such that the first dye zone 312 is delivered below the thermal printhead 120. Next, the print medium actuating device 110 can move the transparent medium 200, and during the movement of the transparent medium 200, the thermal print head 120 can heat the first dye in the first dye region 312 to pass the first dye region 312. The first dye (such as magenta dye) is transferred to the transparent medium 200. Upon completion of the transfer of the magenta dye, the print medium actuating device 110 can move the transparent medium 200 back to the print position.

Next, the ribbon supply device 160 and the ribbon recovery device 170 can collectively transport the ribbon 300 such that the first dye zone 313 is delivered below the thermal printhead 120. Next, the print medium actuating device 110 can move the transparent medium 200, and during the movement of the transparent medium 200, the thermal print head 120 can heat the first dye in the first dye region 313 to pass the first dye region 313. The first dye (such as cyan dye) is transferred onto the transparent medium 200. When the transfer of the cyan dye is completed, the print medium actuating device 110 can move the transparent medium 200 back to the print position.

Next, the ribbon supply device 160 and the ribbon recovery device 170 can collectively transport the ribbon 300 while the background dye region 320 is delivered below the thermal print head 120. Then, the print medium actuating device 110 can move the transparent medium 200, and during the movement of the transparent medium 200, the hot print head 120 can be added. The background dye in the hot background dye zone 320 is used to transfer a background dye (such as a silver, gold, white, black, or brown dye) in the background dye zone 320 to the transparent medium 200, the first dye, or both. Upon completion of the transfer of the background dye, the print medium actuating device 110 can move the transparent medium 200 back to the print position.

Next, the ribbon supply device 160 and the ribbon recovery device 170 can collectively transport the ribbon 300 such that the protective material region 330 is delivered below the thermal print head 120. Next, the print medium actuating device 110 can move the transparent medium 200, and during the movement of the transparent medium 200, the thermal print head 120 can heat the protective material in the protective material region 330 to protect the protective material region 330. The material is transferred onto the background dye on the transparent medium 200. Upon completion of the transfer of the protective material, the print medium actuating device 110 can move the transparent medium 200 back to the print position.

The sublimation printed product printed by the above method can be referred to FIG. 3, which is a schematic view of the viewer viewing the sublimation printed product from the non-printing surface 210 of the transparent medium 200. As shown in FIG. 3, the sublimation print product may include a transparent medium 200, first dye layers 411, 412, and 413 having different colors, a background dye layer 420, and a protective layer 430. The transparent medium 200 can include a non-printing surface 210 and a printing surface 220 that are opposite each other. The first dye layer 411 is transferred from the first dye in the first dye region 311 and superposed on the printing surface 220 of the transparent medium 200, and may include a first dye such as a yellow dye therein. The first dye layer 412 is transferred from the first dye in the first dye region 312 and superposed on the first dye layer 411, which may comprise a first dye (such as a magenta dye) different from the yellow dye. its in. The first dye layer 413 is transferred from the first dye in the first dye region 313 and superposed on the first dye layer 412, which may comprise a first dye (such as a cyan dye) different from the yellow and magenta dyes. ) in it. Therefore, the dyes of different colors contained in the first dye layers 411, 412, and 413 can collectively form a first pattern of color. The background dye layer 420 is superimposed on the first dye layer 413 by the background dye in the background dye region 320, which may comprise a background dye other than yellow, magenta, and cyan dyes (eg, silver, gold, White, black, or brown dyes are included therein. The protective layer 430 is transferred from the protective material in the protective material region 330 and superposed on the background dye layer 420, which may include a protective material in the dye to prevent the background dye, the first dye or both from being subjected to an external force. Effects (such as scratches on the nails) and shedding.

Although the first dye layers 411, 412, 413 are located on the printing surface 220 of the transparent medium 200, since the transparent medium 200 is translucent, the viewer can also view the first dye from the non-printing surface 210 of the transparent medium 200. The first pattern formed by layers 411, 412, 413. In addition, since the viewer can also view the background dye layer 420 from the non-printing surface 210 of the transparent medium 200, the background dye in the background dye layer 420 can be used as the pattern formed by the first dye layers 411, 412, and 413. background.

In addition, the protective layer 430 can protect the background dye layer 420 from some of the background dye in the background dye layer 420 from being affected by external forces. The transparent medium 200 protects the first dye layers 411, 412, and 413, preventing a portion of the first dyes in the first dye layers 411, 412, and 413 from being affected by an external force and falling off. Therefore, the first dye and the background dye can be sandwiched between the transparent medium 200 and the Between the protective layers 430, they are protected by the transparent medium 200 and the protective layer 430.

In some embodiments, the first dye layers 411, 412, and 413 may cover only a partial area of the printing surface 220 of the transparent medium 200, and expose a portion of the printing surface 220. In this embodiment, the background dye layer 420 can be transferred not only to the first dye of the first dye layer 413 but also to the printing surface 220 of the transparent medium 200 as the first dye layer 411, 412. And the background of the pattern formed by 413.

In some embodiments, when the first dye layers 411, 412, and 413 cover only a partial area of the printing surface 220 of the transparent medium 200, and the partial printing surface 220 is exposed, the background dye layer 420 may also be transferred only to the exposed surface. The portion of the printing surface 220 is not transferred onto the first dye layer 413. In this transfer mode, the background dye in the background dye layer 420 can also be formed as the first dye layers 411, 412 and 413. Background of the pattern.

In some embodiments, the thickness of the transparent medium 200 is greater than the sum of the thicknesses of the first dye layers 411, 412, and 413 to stably carry the first dye layers 411, 412, and 413. In some embodiments, the transparent medium 200 may be made of a transparent material, so that the user can view the pattern formed by the first dye layers 411, 412, and 413 from the non-printing surface 210.

FIG. 4 is a schematic view of the viewer viewing the sublimation printed product from above the printed surface 220 of the transparent medium 200. As shown in FIG. 4, the viewer can also view the protective layer 430 and the background dye layer 420 from above the printing surface 220. In some embodiments, the protective layer 430 can be translucent so that the color of the background dye can be viewed by the viewer from above the printing surface 220. In some embodiments, the background dye layer 420 can have a pattern, such as a heart pattern, A circular pattern or a diamond pattern, and the like. The viewer can view the above pattern through the transparent protective layer 430 from above the printing surface 220.

For example, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the background dye region 320 of the ribbon 300 can comprise a red dye therein. The thermal print head 120 can heat the background dye region 320 in a heart-shaped region on the first dye layer 413 (see FIG. 3), and transfer the red dye to the first dye layer 413. As such, the background dye layer 420 can have a red heart pattern.

As can be seen from FIGS. 3 and 4, the viewer can view not only the pattern formed by the first dye layers 411, 412, and 413 from the lower side of the non-printing surface 210, but also the background dye layer 420 as viewed from above the printing surface 220. picture of.

FIG. 5 is a schematic view showing a sublimation print product according to another embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 5, the main difference between the present embodiment and the foregoing embodiment is that the transparent medium 200 may include the grating 230. The grating 230 is disposed on the non-printing surface 210 of the transparent medium 200. In this way, when the first dye layers 411, 412, and 413 form a three-dimensional pattern, the grating 230 allows the viewer to view the above-described three-dimensional pattern from below the non-printing surface 210. In some embodiments, the grating 230 is integrally formed with the non-printing surface 210 of the transparent medium 200.

Figure 6 is a plan view of a ribbon 300a in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 6, the main difference between the present embodiment and the foregoing embodiment is that the ribbon 300a may further include second dye regions 314, 315, and 316. The second dye zones 314, 315, and 316 are located between the background dye zone 320 and the protective material zone 330. Further, the first dye The zones 311, 312 and 313, the background dye zone 320, the second dye zones 314, 315 and 316 and the protective material zone 330 are arranged in sequence. The second dye zones 314, 315, and 316 can comprise a second dye of a different color. For example, the second dye zone 314 can comprise a yellow dye, the second dye zone 315 can comprise a magenta dye, and the second dye zone 316 can comprise a cyan dye.

The color of the background dye is different from the color of the second dye described above as the background of the second pattern. For example, the background dye region 320 can include a white dye, a black dye, or a brown dye, and the like.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 6, when the ribbon supply device 160 and the ribbon recovery device 170 collectively transport the ribbon 300a, the first dye regions 311, 312, 313, the background dye region 320, and the second dye regions 314, 315. The 316 and protective material regions 330 can be sequentially transported toward the thermal printhead 120. When the first dye zone 311 is transported under the thermal printhead 120, the print media actuating device 110 can move the transparent media 200, while during the movement of the transparent media 200, the thermal printhead 120 can heat the first dye The first dye in zone 311 is to transfer the first dye (e.g., yellow dye) in first dye zone 311 onto transparent medium 200. Upon completion of the transfer of the yellow dye, the print medium actuating device 110 can move the transparent medium 200 back to the print position. In some embodiments, a dye receiving layer can be applied over the transparent medium 200 to facilitate the transfer of the first dye.

Next, the ribbon supply device 160 and the ribbon recovery device 170 can collectively transport the ribbon 300a such that the first dye zone 312 is delivered below the thermal printhead 120. Next, the print medium actuating device 110 can move the transparent medium 200, and during the movement of the transparent medium 200, the thermal print head 120 The first dye in the first dye zone 312 can be heated to transfer the first dye (e.g., magenta dye) in the first dye zone 312 onto the transparent medium 200. Upon completion of the transfer of the magenta dye, the print medium actuating device 110 can move the transparent medium 200 back to the print position.

Next, the ribbon supply device 160 and the ribbon recovery device 170 can collectively transport the ribbon 300a such that the first dye region 313 is delivered below the thermal print head 120. Next, the print medium actuating device 110 can move the transparent medium 200, and during the movement of the transparent medium 200, the thermal print head 120 can heat the first dye in the first dye region 313 to pass the first dye region 313. The first dye (such as cyan dye) is transferred onto the transparent medium 200. When the transfer of the cyan dye is completed, the print medium actuating device 110 can move the transparent medium 200 back to the print position.

Next, the ribbon supply device 160 and the ribbon recovery device 170 can collectively transport the ribbon 300a such that the background dye region 320 is delivered below the thermal print head 120. Next, the print medium actuating device 110 can move the transparent medium 200, while during the movement of the transparent medium 200, the thermal print head 120 can heat the background dye in the background dye region 320 to background in the background dye region 320. A dye such as a dye such as silver, gold, white, black, or brown is transferred to the transparent medium 200, the first dye, or both. Upon completion of the transfer of the background dye, the print medium actuating device 110 can move the transparent medium 200 back to the print position.

Next, the ribbon supply device 160 and the ribbon recovery device 170 can collectively transport the ribbon 300a while the second dye region 314 is delivered below the thermal printhead 120. Then, the print medium actuating device 110 can move the transparent medium Quality 200, while during the movement of the transparent medium 200, the thermal print head 120 can heat the second dye in the second dye zone 314 to transfer the second dye (eg, yellow dye) in the second dye zone 314 Onto the background dye on the transparent medium 200. Upon completion of the transfer of the yellow dye, the print medium actuating device 110 can move the transparent medium 200 back to the print position.

Next, the ribbon supply device 160 and the ribbon recovery device 170 can collectively transport the ribbon 300a while the second dye region 315 is delivered below the thermal printhead 120. Next, the print medium actuating device 110 can move the transparent medium 200, and during the movement of the transparent medium 200, the thermal print head 120 can heat the second dye in the second dye region 315 to pass the second dye region 315. A second dye (such as a magenta dye) is transferred to the background dye on the transparent medium 200. Upon completion of the transfer of the magenta dye, the print medium actuating device 110 can move the transparent medium 200 back to the print position.

Next, the ribbon supply device 160 and the ribbon recovery device 170 can collectively transport the ribbon 300a while the second dye region 316 is delivered below the thermal printhead 120. Next, the print medium actuating device 110 can move the transparent medium 200, and during the movement of the transparent medium 200, the thermal print head 120 can heat the second dye in the second dye region 316 to pass the second dye region 316. A second dye (such as a cyan dye) is transferred onto the background dye on the transparent medium 200. Upon completion of the transfer of the yellow dye, the print medium actuating device 110 can move the transparent medium 200 back to the print position.

Next, the ribbon supply device 160 and the ribbon recovery device 170 can collectively transport the ribbon 300a such that the protective material region 330 is delivered below the thermal head 120. Then, the print medium actuating device 110 can move the transparent medium The thermal print head 120 can heat the protective material in the protective material region 330 to transfer the protective material in the protective material region 330 to the second dye on the transparent medium 200 during the movement of the transparent medium 200. , background dye or both. Upon completion of the transfer of the protective material, the print medium actuating device 110 can move the transparent medium 200 back to the print position.

The sublimation printed product printed by the above method can be referred to FIG. 7, and FIG. 7 is a schematic view of the viewer viewing the sublimation printed product from the non-printing surface 210 of the transparent medium 200. As shown in FIG. 7, the sublimation print product may comprise a transparent medium 200, first dye layers 411, 412 and 413 of different colors, a background dye layer 420, and second dye layers 414, 415 having different colors. And 416 and the protective layer 430. The first dye layer 411 is transferred from the first dye in the first dye region 311 and superposed on the printing surface 220 of the transparent medium 200, and may include a first dye such as a yellow dye therein. The first dye layer 412 is transferred from the first dye in the first dye region 312 and superposed on the first dye layer 411, which may comprise a first dye (such as a magenta dye) different from the yellow dye. among them. The first dye layer 413 is transferred from the first dye in the first dye region 313 and superposed on the first dye layer 412, which may comprise a first dye (such as a cyan dye) different from the yellow and magenta dyes. ) in it. The background dye layer 420 is superimposed on the first dye layer 413 by the background dye in the background dye region 320, which may comprise a background dye other than yellow, magenta, and cyan dyes (eg, white, black, or Brown dye) is included.

The second dye layer 414 is a second dye in the second dye zone 314 It is transferred and superimposed on the background dye layer 420, and may contain a second dye such as a yellow dye. The second dye layer 415 is transferred from the second dye in the second dye region 315 and superposed on the second dye layer 414, which may comprise a second dye (such as a magenta dye) different from the yellow dye. among them. The second dye layer 416 is transferred from the second dye in the second dye zone 316 and superposed on the second dye layer 415, which may comprise a second dye (such as a cyan dye) different from the yellow and magenta dyes. ) in it. The protective layer 430 is transferred from the protective material in the protective material region 330 and may be laminated on the second dye layer 416, the background dye layer 420, or both, which may include a protective material therein to prevent background dyes, A dye, a second dye, or both of them are detached by an external force (such as a scratch of a nail).

In this way, the viewer can view not only the pattern formed by the first dye layers 411, 412, and 413 from the lower side of the non-printing surface 210, but also the second dye layers 414, 415, and 416 viewed from above the printing surface 220. The pattern, while in the case of printing only a single print surface 220 of the transparent medium 200, presents the visual effect of double-sided printing.

In some embodiments, the transparent medium 200 may be a transparent card or a transparent paper, but the invention is not limited thereto, as long as the transparent material capable of attaching the dye conforms to the definition of the transparent medium 200 of the present invention.

Although the present invention has been disclosed in the above embodiments, it is not intended to limit the present invention, and the present invention can be modified and modified without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. The scope is subject to the definition of the scope of the patent application attached.

100‧‧‧Hot sublimation printer

110‧‧‧Print media actuating device

112‧‧‧Roller

120‧‧‧Hot print head

130‧‧‧Control Module

160‧‧‧ Ribbon supply device

170‧‧‧ Ribbon recovery device

200‧‧‧Transparent media

300‧‧‧ ribbons

Claims (5)

A method for printing a sublimation transparent medium, comprising: providing a color ribbon over a transparent medium; moving the transparent medium; during moving the transparent medium, heating at least a first dye region of the ribbon, and the Transferring a first dye in a dye zone to the transparent medium; after transferring the first dye, heating at least one background dye zone of the ribbon, and transferring the background dye in the background dye zone to the And the first dye is on the transparent medium, wherein the color of the background dye is different from the color of the first dye; and after transferring the background dye, heating at least one second dye region of the ribbon, and the first dye A second dye in the second dye zone is transferred to the background dye, wherein the background dye has a different color than the second dye. The method of printing a thermal sublimation transparent medium according to claim 1, further comprising: after transferring the second dye, heating at least one protective material region of the ribbon, and transferring the protective material in the protective material region To the dye on the second dye, the background dye or both. A sublimation printed product comprising: a transparent medium having a plurality of printing surfaces and a non-printing surface opposite to each other; at least one first dye layer transferred onto the printing surface of the transparent medium, wherein the thickness of the transparent medium Greater than the thickness of the first dye layer; a background dye layer, transferred onto the first dye layer and the transparent medium, Wherein the color of the background dye in the background dye layer is different from the color of the first dye in the first dye layer; and at least a second dye layer is transferred onto the background dye layer, wherein the color of the background dye is The second dye in the second dye layer has a different color. The sublimation printed product of claim 3, further comprising: a protective layer, a dye transferred to the second dye layer, the background dye layer or both. The sublimation print product of claim 3, wherein the transparent medium comprises at least one grating disposed on the non-printing surface of the transparent medium.