Medium, cartridge, thermal printer and method of creating a medium

Abstract

The present application provides a medium, a cartridge, a thermal printer, and a method of creating a medium. The medium includes: a thermal medium for thermal printing; and an adhesive medium stacked on the thermal medium in a thickness direction and bonded to the thermal medium. The thermal medium includes: a surface in contact with the adhesive medium; a thermal medium base material having transparency; and a first color generation layer having transparency. The thermal medium base material has a concave-convex shape having a roughness greater than a roughness of the surface of the thermal medium. The first color generation layer is configured to generate a first color when heated to a temperature higher than or equal to a first temperature. The adhesive medium includes: an adhesive medium base material; and an adhesive layer provided on the adhesive medium base material. The adhesive layer is in contact with the surface of the thermal medium such that the adhesive medium is bonded to the thermal medium.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a medium, a cartridge, a thermal printer, and a method for creating the medium. Background Technology

[0002] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-177438 describes a cartridge, a thermal printer, a thermal medium, and an adhesive medium. The cartridge contains both a thermal medium and an adhesive medium. The thermal medium is stacked on a substrate and produces a single color when heated. During printing, the cartridge is attached to the thermal printer. The thermal printer performs the printing operation by heating the thermal medium stacked on the substrate. An adhesive medium is then bonded to the printed thermal medium, thereby creating a laminated medium.

[0003] When light is reflected away from the substrate, the visibility of the laminate may deteriorate, leading to a decrease in the quality of the laminate. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of this, the purpose of this disclosure is to provide a cartridge, a thermal printer, a high-quality medium with a simple construction, and a method for creating the medium.

[0005] (1) To achieve the above and other objectives, according to one aspect, this disclosure provides a medium comprising: a thermal medium for printing by a thermal printer; and an adhesive medium stacked on the thermal medium in the thickness direction of the thermal medium and the adhesive medium, and the adhesive medium being bonded to the thermal medium. The thermal medium includes: a surface in contact with the adhesive medium; a thermal medium substrate; and a first color generating layer. The thermal medium substrate is transparent. The thermal medium substrate has a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface in the thickness direction. The first surface is positioned closer to the surface of the thermal medium than the second surface is positioned closer to the surface of the thermal medium. The thermal medium substrate has an uneven shape having a roughness greater than the roughness of the surface of the thermal medium. The first color generating layer is positioned closer to the first surface of the thermal medium substrate than to the second surface of the thermal medium substrate. The first color generating layer is transparent. The first color-generating layer is configured to become less transparent and produce a first color when heated to a temperature above or equal to a first temperature. The adhesive medium includes: an adhesive medium substrate; and an adhesive layer. The adhesive layer is an adhesive layer disposed on the adhesive medium substrate. The adhesive layer is in contact with the surface of the thermosensitive medium, such that the adhesive medium bonds to the thermosensitive medium.

[0006] Light incident on the medium is scattered by the uneven shape of the thermal media substrate. Therefore, the thermal media substrate can suppress direct reflection of incident light, thereby improving the quality of the medium. Furthermore, the uneven shape is provided on the thermal media substrate, rather than on the surface of the thermal media that contacts the adhesive layer (i.e., the surface that contacts the thermal printhead). This construction ensures good contact between the thermal printhead and the thermal media.

[0007] Because the heat transfer performance does not degrade when heat from the heat head is applied to the first color-generating layer of the thermal medium, image quality at the desired density can be achieved without applying unnecessary energy to the heat head. Therefore, thanks to the raised and recessed shape, the medium can achieve thermal printing while also improving image quality.

[0008] (2) In the medium according to aspect (1), it is preferred that the thermosensitive medium further includes a second color generating layer, the second color generating layer being transparent, the second color generating layer being configured to become less transparent and produce a second color different from the first color when heated to a second temperature different from the first temperature, and the thermosensitive medium substrate, the first color generating layer and the second color generating layer being arranged sequentially in the thickness direction.

[0009] This design enables the medium to be printed in multiple colors, thus improving image quality.

[0010] (3) Preferably, in the medium according to aspect (1) or (2), the uneven shape is provided on at least one of the first surface and the second surface of the thermosensitive medium substrate.

[0011] When an uneven shape is formed on the first surface of the thermosensitive dielectric substrate, the dielectric can suppress reflection by scattering incident light. Furthermore, the other surface of the thermosensitive dielectric substrate is neither uneven nor rough, and is therefore less likely to be worn.

[0012] When an uneven shape is formed on the second surface of the thermosensitive medium substrate, the effect of scattering incident light in the medium is even stronger than when an uneven shape is set in the first surface of the thermosensitive medium substrate, and the medium is also highly weather resistant.

[0013] When an uneven shape is formed on both the first and second surfaces of the thermosensitive medium substrate, the medium can achieve the effects of both the case where the first surface of the thermosensitive medium substrate has an uneven shape and the case where the second surface of the thermosensitive medium substrate has an uneven shape.

[0014] (4) Preferably, the embossed shape is formed in a medium according to any one of aspects (1) to (3) by one of embossing and polishing.

[0015] It can create uneven shapes in a medium using simple techniques.

[0016] (5) Preferably, the uneven shape is formed in a medium according to any one of aspects (1) to (3) by adding microparticles to the thermal medium substrate.

[0017] It can create uneven shapes in a medium using simple techniques.

[0018] (6) According to another aspect, this disclosure also provides a box containing a medium according to any one of aspects (1) to (5). The box includes: a housing; a first holding portion disposed inside the housing and holding the thermosensitive medium; and a second holding portion disposed inside the housing and holding the adhesive medium.

[0019] By means of the box according to aspect (6), the same technical advantages as those shown by the aforementioned medium according to any one of aspects (1) to (5) can be obtained.

[0020] (7) According to another aspect, this disclosure also provides a thermal printer, comprising: an attachment portion to which a cartridge according to aspect (6) can be attached; a thermal head; a detection unit; and a controller. The thermal head is configured to perform a printing operation by heating the thermal medium contained in the cartridge attached to the attachment portion at a position opposite to the thermal medium substrate relative to the first color generating layer. The detection unit is configured to detect the type of the cartridge attached to the attachment portion. The controller is configured to perform predetermined thermal control on the thermal printer to control the thermal head to perform the printing operation on the thermal medium. The controller is configured to: determine, based on the detection result of the detection unit, whether the thermal medium substrate of the thermal medium contained in the box attached to the attachment portion has the uneven shape; and when it is determined that the thermal medium substrate of the thermal medium contained in the box attached to the attachment portion has the uneven shape, perform a first thermal control on the hot head, the first thermal control being different from the second thermal control, and when it is determined that the thermal medium substrate of the thermal medium contained in the box attached to the attachment portion does not have the uneven shape, perform the second thermal control.

[0021] When the thermal printer contains a thermal medium including a thermal medium substrate with an uneven shape, the above-mentioned thermal printer can reduce the power consumed by the thermal head.

[0022] (8) According to another aspect, this disclosure also provides a method for creating a medium according to any one of aspects (1) to (5) by a thermal printer, the method comprising: performing a printing operation on the thermal medium by heating the thermal medium; and, after the operation, bonding the adhesive medium to the surface of the thermal medium on which the printing operation was performed in the operation, to create the medium.

[0023] The medium created by the method according to aspect (8) can obtain the same technical advantages as the medium according to any one of aspects (1) to (5). Attached Figure Description

[0024] Specific features and advantages of the embodiments, as well as other objects, will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0025] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a thermal printer;

[0026] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the cartridge and attachments of a thermal printer;

[0027] Figure 3 It is a floor plan showing the attachment with the box already installed;

[0028] Figure 4A This is a perspective view of the thermal strip;

[0029] Figure 4B It is a perspective view of the adhesive tape;

[0030] Figure 4C This is a perspective view of a laminated tape consisting of a heat-sensitive tape and an adhesive tape;

[0031] Figure 5A It is a plan view used to describe how to perform a printing operation on a thermal tape;

[0032] Figure 5B It is a planar diagram used to describe how to combine the adhesive tape with the printed thermal tape;

[0033] Figure 6 This is a block diagram showing the electrical structure of a thermal printer;

[0034] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating the process of creating the laminated tape;

[0035] Figure 8A It is a perspective view showing how to see a reversed image on a printed thermal tape;

[0036] Figure 8B It is a perspective view showing how to see the inverted image on the created laminated tape;

[0037] Figure 9A It is a diagram showing the thermal band; and

[0038] Figure 9B This is a diagram showing the thermal band. Detailed Implementation

[0039] <Printing System According to an Embodiment>

[0040] In the following text, reference will be made to Figures 1 to 8B An embodiment of this disclosure is described below. Reference is made to the accompanying drawings to illustrate the technical features achievable through this disclosure. The construction, control, etc., of the device described below are merely examples, and this disclosure is not intended to be limited to these constructions, controls, etc.

[0041] A printing system according to this embodiment will be described. The printing system of this embodiment includes a thermal printer 1 (see...). Figure 1 ) and boxed 30 (see Figure 2 ).

[0042] In the following description, Figure 1 The lower left, upper right, lower right, upper left, upper, and lower sides are defined as the front, rear, right, left, upper, and lower sides of the thermal printer 1, respectively. Furthermore, Figure 2 The lower right, upper left, upper right, lower left, upper, and lower sides are defined as the front, rear, right, left, upper, and lower sides of the cartridge 30, respectively. Furthermore, the cartridge 30 attached to the attachment part 8 of the thermal printer 1 (see...) Figure 3 It is drawn without the upper housing 312 for ease of understanding.

[0043] Thermal printer 1 can print characters, symbols, graphics, etc. on thermal tape 4 using tape cassette 30. Subsequently, thermal printer 1 attaches adhesive tape 7 to thermal tape 4 to create laminate tape 9.

[0044] <External Structure of Thermal Printer 1>

[0045] like Figure 1 As shown, the thermal printer 1 includes a device body 2. The device body 2 is box-shaped. A keyboard 3 is located on the upper surface of the front part of the device body 2. The user can input various information into the thermal printer 1 by operating the keyboard 3. A display 5 is located on the upper surface of the device body 2, behind the keyboard 3. The input information can be displayed on the display 5.

[0046] The cover 6 is located behind the display 5. The cover 6 can be opened and closed on the device body 2 to expose or cover the attachment portion 8, which will be described later (see [link to device body]). Figure 2 When replacing the attachment to the attachment part 8 with a new cartridge 30 (see...) Figure 2When the tape cassette 30 is in place, the user opens and closes the cassette cover 6. An exhaust slit (not shown) is formed in the rear part of the left side surface of the device body 2. The laminated tape 9 is discharged from the thermal printer 1 through the exhaust slit.

[0047] <Internal Structure of Thermal Printer 1>

[0048] like Figure 2 As shown, the attachment part 8 is located inside the device body 2 below the cover 6 (see Figure 1). Figure 1 The attachment portion 8 is a recessed portion that extends downward from the upper surface of the device body 2, and its shape is consistent with that of the cassette 30. Therefore, when the cassette cover 6 is opened, the cassette 30 can be attached to the attachment portion 8 and can be detached from the attachment portion 8.

[0049] A head holder 19 is disposed at the front of the attachment portion 8. The head holder 19 has a plate-like shape and extends in both the vertical and horizontal directions. The head holder 19 has a front surface 191. A heating head 10 is disposed on the front surface 191 of the head holder 19. The heating head 10 includes a plurality of heating elements 11. The heating elements 11 are arranged in a straight line relative to the vertical direction. In the printing operation described later, the heating head 10 applies heat to the thermal tape 4 exposed through the opening 341 (described later) using the heating elements 11, while the tape cartridge 30 is attached to the attachment portion 8.

[0050] A drive shaft 18 for conveying the thermal tape 4 and adhesive tape 7 is located diagonally to the left rear of the head holder 19. The drive shaft 18 extends upward from the bottom surface of the attachment portion 8. The conveyor motor 95 (see...) Figure 6 The drive shaft 18 rotates.

[0051] like Figure 3 As shown, a cutting mechanism 16 is provided on the left side of the drive shaft 18 in the device body 2. When the cutting mechanism 16 is mounted on the cutting motor 96 in the thermal printer 1 (see...),... Figure 6 When driven, the cutting mechanism 16 cuts the laminated tape 9. The pressure plate holder 12 is located in the device body 2, in front of the head holder 19. The pressure plate holder 12 is an arm-shaped member and is pivotally supported by a support shaft 121 about its axis extending in the vertical direction. The support shaft 121 is located at the right end of the pressure plate holder 12.

[0052] The pressure roller 15 and the movable roller 14 are rotatably supported by the distal end (i.e., the left end) of the pressure plate holder 12. The pressure plate holder 12 is capable of being in a standby position ( Figure 3 The position indicated by the short dashes) and the printing position ( Figure 3The pressure plate roller 15 is pivotally moved between the positions shown by the solid lines in the middle. The pressure plate roller 15 is configured to contact and separate from the hot head 10 as the pressure plate holder 12 pivots. The movable roller 14 is located to the left of the pressure plate roller 15 and is configured to contact and separate from the transfer roller 33 (described later) as the pressure plate holder 12 pivots.

[0053] In this embodiment, when the cover 6 is opened, the pressure plate holder 12 moves toward the standby position to separate from the attachment portion 8, and when the cover 6 is closed, the pressure plate holder 12 moves toward the printing position to approach the attachment portion 8. In the standby position, the pressure plate holder 12 is separated from the attachment portion 8. Therefore, the cartridge 30 can be attached to or detached from the attachment portion 8.

[0054] At the printing position, the pressure plate holder 12 is positioned adjacent to the attachment portion 8. Therefore, when the tape cassette 30 is attached to the attachment portion 8 and the cassette cover 6 is closed, the pressure plate roller 15 presses the thermal tape 4 against the heat head 10, and the movable roller 14 presses the thermal tape 4 and the adhesive tape 7 against the transfer roller 33, so that the thermal tape 4 and the adhesive tape 7 overlap each other.

[0055] Transmission motor 95 (see) Figure 6 The pressure roller 15 is configured to rotate together with the drive shaft 18. To prevent the thermal belt 4 from slackening during its transport, the pressure roller 15 and the drive shaft 18 are connected to the transfer motor 95 via a plurality of gears (not shown), such that the rotational speed of the pressure roller 15 is slower than that of the drive shaft 18 (transfer roller 33).

[0056] <Construction of Box 30>

[0057] like Figure 2 As shown, the box 30 includes a box housing 31. The box housing 31 has a generally cuboid shape and is constructed by assembling a lower housing 311 and an upper housing 312 together.

[0058] An arm 34 is disposed on the front surface 301 of the housing 31. The arm 34 extends from the front right portion of the housing 31 to the front left. An opening 341 is formed in the left end of the arm 34. The opening 341 is in the form of a slit extending in the vertical direction. From the first supply roll 40 described later (see...) Figure 3 The pulled-out heat-sensitive strip 4 is configured to be discharged from the housing 31 through the opening 341. Thus, as... Figure 2 As shown, a portion of the thermal strip 4 is exposed outside the housing 31.

[0059] A head insertion portion 39 is formed in the housing 31 at a position behind the arm portion 34 and extends through the housing 31 in the vertical direction. The left front portion of the head insertion portion 39 opens forward. Hereinafter, this opening will be referred to as the head opening 391. The head opening 391 is located downstream (left) of the opening 341 formed in the arm portion 34 in the conveying direction of the thermal tape 4. When the tape cassette 30 is attached to the attachment portion 8, the head retainer 19 is inserted into the head insertion portion 39.

[0060] A conveyor roller 33 is positioned to the left of the head insertion portion 39. The conveyor roller 33 is located between the opening 341 and the guide portion 38 (described later) in the conveying direction of the thermal tape 4 (i.e., to the left). The conveyor roller 33 has a hollow cylindrical shape extending vertically. The conveyor roller 33 has a front portion protruding forward from the housing 31. The conveyor roller 33 supports the adhesive tape 7, such that the thermal tape 4 and the adhesive tape 7 are stacked. The conveyor roller 33 is rotatably supported in a support hole 35 that extends vertically through the housing 31. When the tape cassette 30 is attached to the attachment portion 8, a drive shaft 18 is inserted into the conveyor roller 33. The drive shaft 18 is configured to drive the conveyor roller 33 to rotate, such that the rotating conveyor roller 33 can convey the thermal tape 4 and the adhesive tape 7.

[0061] A guide portion 38 is formed in the left front corner of the housing 31. The guide portion 38 is located downstream (leftward) of the opening 341 in the conveying direction, and specifically, downstream of the conveyor roller 33 in the conveying direction. The guide portion 38 has a slit-like shape extending in the vertical direction. When conveyed by the conveyor roller 33, the laminated belt 9 passes through the inside of the guide portion 38. At this time, the guide portion 38 supports the end of the laminated belt 9 in the width direction, allowing the laminated belt 9 to maintain its orientation while being discharged from the housing 31. In other words, the guide portion 38 guides the laminated belt 9 to the outside of the housing 31.

[0062] like Figure 3 As shown, a first supply roll 40 and a second supply roll 70 are housed within a housing 31. The first supply roll 40 is located at the rear right of the housing 31 and supplies the thermal tape 4. The first supply roll 40 is constructed of the thermal tape 4, which is wound clockwise around a first belt shaft 21 in the plan view, thereby gradually separating from the center of rotation of the first belt shaft 21. Specifically, the thermal tape 4 is wound around the first belt shaft 21 such that the plurality of thermal layers 42 are located further inward than the substrate 41 described later (see [reference]). Figure 4A The first belt shaft 21 is rotatably supported in a support hole 36, which extends vertically through the housing 31.

[0063] The second supply roll 70 is located at the rear left of the housing 31, i.e., to the left of the first supply roll 40, and supplies the adhesive tape 7. The second supply roll 70 is constructed of the adhesive tape 7, which is wound counterclockwise around the second belt shaft 22 in the plan view, thereby gradually separating from the center of rotation of the second belt shaft 22. More specifically, the adhesive tape 7 is wound around the second belt shaft 22 such that the first adhesive layer 73 is located further inward than the second adhesive layer 74 (and the release paper 75) described later (see [link]). Figure 4B The second belt shaft 22 is rotatably supported in a support hole 37, which penetrates the housing 31 in the vertical direction.

[0064] <Structure of thermal band 4>

[0065] In the following description, Figures 4A to 4C The upper and lower sides will be referred to as the upper and lower sides of the tape (thermal tape 4, adhesive tape 7 and lamination tape 9), respectively.

[0066] like Figure 4A As shown, the thermal tape 4 is a strip recording medium composed of multiple overlapping layers. Specifically, the thermal tape 4 includes a substrate 41, multiple thermally sensitive layers 42, multiple thermally insulating layers 43, and an outer coating layer 44 (hereinafter collectively referred to as "layers of the thermal tape 4"). In this embodiment, the thermally sensitive layer 42 includes a first thermally sensitive layer 421, a second thermally sensitive layer 422, and a third thermally sensitive layer 423. The thermally insulating layer 43 includes a first thermally insulating layer 431 and a second thermally insulating layer 432.

[0067] Substrate 41, first thermally sensitive layer 421, first thermally insulating layer 431, second thermally sensitive layer 422, second thermally insulating layer 432, third thermally sensitive layer 423, and outer coating 44 start from the underside of thermally sensitive strip 4 and extend in the thickness direction of thermally sensitive strip 4. Figure 4A The layers are stacked in the order described above (vertical direction). Therefore, the outer coating 44 is positioned opposite the substrate 41 relative to the thermally sensitive layer 42. That is, the outer coating 44 constitutes the upper surface of the thermally sensitive strip 4. Note that each of the substrate 41, the first thermally sensitive layer 421, the first thermally insulating layer 431, the second thermally sensitive layer 422, the second thermally insulating layer 432, and the third thermally sensitive layer 423 is transparent.

[0068] The substrate 41 is a resin film, specifically a non-foamed resin film, and more specifically a non-foamed polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film. In other words, there are no trapped air bubbles inside the substrate 41. The upper surface of the substrate 41 has an uneven shape 411 (see...). Figure 5A The roughness of the uneven shape 411 is greater than the roughness of the surface of the thermal tape 4 that contacts the first adhesive layer 73. Note that the surface of the thermal tape 4 that contacts the first adhesive layer 73 (i.e., the upper surface of the outer coating 44) is closer to the upper surface of the substrate 41 than to the lower surface of the substrate 41.

[0069] The uneven shape 411 is formed by processes such as embossing or polishing. The uneven shape 411 can also be formed by adding fine particles to the substrate 41 during the manufacturing process. The fine particles can be, for example, silicon dioxide, and are added during the manufacturing process of the substrate 41.

[0070] Here, the thermal printer 1 also includes a media sensor 97 for detecting the type of tape cassette 30 (see [link]). Figure 6 Using the media sensor 97, the thermal printer 1 is able to detect whether the printing media contained in the attached cartridge 30 includes a concave-convex shape 411 in the substrate 41.

[0071] Each thermosensitive layer 42 is disposed on the upper surface of the substrate 41, i.e., it is positioned closer to the lower surface of the substrate 41 than to the upper surface of the substrate 41. When each thermosensitive layer 42 is heated to a color development temperature specific to that layer, the layer produces the corresponding color. The thermosensitive layers 42 achieve this effect by using chemicals, such as those described in Japanese Patent Application Publication 2008-6830.

[0072] The first thermally sensitive layer 421 is formed as a film by coating the lower surface of the first thermally insulating layer 431 with a chemical reagent. The first thermally sensitive layer 421 is disposed on the upper surface of the substrate 41, that is, disposed closer to the upper surface of the substrate 41 than to the lower surface of the substrate 41. When the first thermally sensitive layer 421 is heated to a temperature higher than or equal to a first temperature (a predetermined temperature), the first thermally sensitive layer 421 becomes less transparent and produces a first color. In this embodiment, the first color is cyan.

[0073] The second thermally insulating layer 422 is formed as a film by coating the lower surface of the second thermally insulating layer 432 with a chemical reagent. The second thermally sensitive layer 422 is configured opposite to the substrate 41 compared to the first thermally sensitive layer 421. When the second thermally sensitive layer 422 is heated to a temperature higher than or equal to a second temperature, the second thermally sensitive layer 422 becomes less transparent and produces a second color. The second temperature is higher than the first temperature. In this embodiment, the second color is magenta.

[0074] The third thermistor layer 423 is formed as a film by coating the upper surface of the second thermally insulating layer 432 with a chemical reagent. The third thermistor layer 423 is positioned opposite the first thermistor layer 421 to the second thermistor layer 422. When the third thermistor layer 423 is heated to a temperature higher than or equal to a third temperature, the third thermistor layer 423 becomes less transparent and produces a third color. The third temperature is higher than the second temperature. In this embodiment, the third color is yellow.

[0075] Each thermal insulation layer 43 is in the form of a sheet. Due to the low thermal conductivity of the thermal insulation layer 43, it acts as a barrier to heat conduction. Therefore, a temperature gradient is generated within the thermal insulation layer 43 along the direction of heat transfer. As will be described later, when the hot head 10... Figures 4A to 4C When heat is applied to the upper side of the heat-sensitive strip 4, the temperature of the lower surface of each thermal insulation layer 43 will be lower than the temperature of the upper surface of the corresponding layer of the thermal insulation layer 43.

[0076] Thus, based on the thermal conductivity of each layer in the thermal insulation layer 43, each layer in the thermal insulation layer 43 can generate a desired temperature difference between the two adjacent heat-sensitive layers 42 on its upper and lower sides and the corresponding layer in the thermal insulation layer 43.

[0077] Specifically, the second thermal insulation layer 432 can generate a lower temperature in the second thermistor layer 422 than in the third thermistor layer 423. Similarly, the first thermal insulation layer 431 can generate a lower temperature in the first thermistor layer 421 than in the second thermistor layer 422. In this way, the thermistor strip 4 can be configured to intentionally control the temperature of the first thermistor layer 421 to a temperature higher than a first temperature and lower than a second temperature, control the temperature of the second thermistor layer 422 to a temperature higher than a second temperature and lower than a third temperature, and control the temperature of the third thermistor layer 423 to a temperature higher than a third temperature by utilizing the function of the thermal insulation layer 43.

[0078] The outer coating 44 is formed as a film by coating the upper surface of the third thermistor layer 423. Compared to blue visible light (e.g., light with a wavelength of approximately 470 nm), the outer coating 44 is able to transmit more yellow visible light (e.g., light with a wavelength of approximately 580 nm). Therefore, the outer coating 44 has a lower transmittance for yellow visible light than for blue visible light. The outer coating 44 protects the thermistor layer 42 at a position opposite to the substrate 41 relative to the thermistor layer 42 (i.e., on the upper surface of the thermistor strip 4).

[0079] The thermally sensitive strip 4 as a whole has visible light transmittance in the thickness direction. In other words, all layers of the thermally sensitive strip 4 have visible light transmittance. The visible light transmittance (%) of the substrate 41 may be the same as the visible light transmittance of at least one of the thermally sensitive layer 42, the thermally insulating layer 43, and the outer coating layer 44; or it may be different from the visible light transmittance of all these layers.

[0080] The visible light transmittance of each layer of the thermal band 4 is, for example, at least 90%, preferably at least 99%, and more preferably at least 99.9%. Even if it is less than 90%, the visible light transmittance of each layer should be high enough so that the user can visually identify the color produced in the thermal layer 42 through the substrate 41. The layers of the thermal band 4 can be transparent or translucent, but are preferably transparent.

[0081] The ultraviolet transmittance (%) of the substrate 41 is lower than that of the first thermal insulation layer 431, specifically lower than that of any layer in the thermal insulation layer 43.

[0082] The thermal conductivity of the substrate 41 is lower than that of the first thermal insulation layer 431, specifically, it is lower than the thermal conductivity of any layer in the thermal insulation layers 43. The thermal conductivity (W / K) of the layer is the product of the thermal conductivity of the layer material (W / (m·K)) and the layer thickness (m).

[0083] The refractive index of the substrate 41 is higher than that of the first thermal insulation layer 431, specifically higher than that of any layer in the thermal insulation layer 43.

[0084] The thickness of the substrate 41 is greater than the thickness of the first thermal insulation layer 431, specifically greater than the thickness of any one of the thermal insulation layers 43. The thickness of the layer corresponds to... Figure 4A The dimensions of the middle layer in the vertical direction. Figure 4A For ease of understanding, the diagram illustrates the thickness of each layer of the thermal band 4 and the relationship between the thicknesses of each layer. However, the actual layer thicknesses and their relationships may differ from the actual thicknesses. Figure 4A The differences given in (this also applies to) Figure 4B , Figure 5A , Figure 5B , Figure 8A and Figure 8B For example, the thickness of the outer coating 44 can be greater than the thickness of each thermal layer 42, or it can be equal to or less than the thickness of each thermal layer 42.

[0085] <Construction of Adhesive Band 7>

[0086] like Figure 4B As shown, the adhesive tape 7 is a strip-shaped recording medium and is composed of multiple overlapping layers. Specifically, the adhesive tape 7 includes a double-sided adhesive tape 71 and a release paper 75. The double-sided adhesive tape 71 is white. The double-sided adhesive tape 71 includes a sheet 72, a first adhesive layer 73, and a second adhesive layer 74. The sheet 72 is white. Figure 4B In the middle, sheet 72 (double-sided adhesive tape 71) is filled with diagonal lines to indicate white (this also applies to...). Figure 4C , Figure 5B and Figure 8B In this embodiment, the visible light transmittance of sheet 72 is lower than that of any layer in the thermal band 4.

[0087] A first adhesive layer 73 is disposed on the lower surface of the sheet 72, and a second adhesive layer 74 is disposed on the upper surface of the sheet 72. That is, a double-sided adhesive tape 71 is formed by applying adhesive to both the upper and lower surfaces of the sheet 72.

[0088] The release paper 75 is bonded to the double-sided adhesive tape 71 via a second adhesive layer 74. A notch 76 is formed in the release paper 75. The notch 76 extends in the longitudinal direction of the adhesive tape 7 and bisects the release paper 75 in the transverse direction. The notch 76 does not penetrate into the double-sided adhesive tape 71 and therefore does not reach the first adhesive layer 73 opposite to the release paper 75. The sheet 72 is formed continuously across the notch 76; therefore, the double-sided adhesive tape 71 is formed continuously across the notch 76. In other words, a portion of the adhesive tape 7 is cut in its thickness direction.

[0089] <Structure of Laminated Belt 9>

[0090] like Figure 4C As shown, the laminated tape 9 is constructed by bonding the lower surface of the adhesive tape 7 to the upper surface of the printed thermal tape 4. Therefore, the laminated tape 9 includes a substrate 41, a first thermal layer 421, a first thermal insulation layer 431, a second thermal layer 422, a second thermal insulation layer 432, a third thermal layer 423, an outer coating layer 44, a first adhesive layer 73, a sheet 72, a second adhesive layer 74, and a release paper 75, which are stacked sequentially in the thickness direction.

[0091] The user observes the laminated tape 9 from the substrate 41 toward the adhesive tape 7 (i.e., from the underside of the laminated tape 9), as shown. Figure 4C The observation direction Y1 is shown in the figure. Since the thermal tape 4 as a whole is visible light transmissive, the user can see the color development of each thermal layer 42 (i.e., the printed image) and the appearance of the adhesive tape 7 (as the background when viewing the laminate tape 9 from the side of the substrate 41 toward the adhesive tape 7) through the substrate 41.

[0092] Because the double-sided adhesive tape 71 is white in this embodiment, the background of the laminated tape 9 appears white when the user observes the laminated tape 9 from the substrate 41 side toward the adhesive tape 71. The user uses the laminated tape 9 by peeling the release paper 75 from the double-sided adhesive tape 71 and attaching the laminated tape 9 to a given wall, support, etc.

[0093] Note that even after the release paper 75 is peeled off from the double-sided adhesive tape 71, the user cannot see the color development (i.e., the printed image) in the thermal layer 42 from the adhesive tape 7 side toward the substrate 41 (i.e., the upper surface side of the laminating tape 9), because the double-sided adhesive tape 71 is present above the thermal layer 42.

[0094] When a user observes the laminated tape 9, the light incident on the laminated tape 9 is scattered by the uneven shape 411 of the substrate 41. Therefore, the incident light cannot be easily reflected directly away from the substrate 41, thereby improving the user's visibility. Accordingly, this structure can improve the quality of the laminated tape 9.

[0095] <Transportation path of thermal tape 4 and adhesive tape 7>

[0096] like Figure 3 As shown, the thermal tape 4 is pulled forward from the right edge of the first supply roll 40, and then turned to the left at the right front corner of the housing 31. The thermal tape 4 passes through the interior of the arm 34 and is then discharged from the housing 31 through the opening 341.

[0097] And such Figure 5A As shown, in the head opening 391, the side of the thermal tape 4 with the thermal layer 42 (i.e., the upper surface of the thermal tape 4) faces the heat head 10, while the substrate 41 side of the thermal tape 4 (the lower surface of the thermal tape 4) faces the pressure roller 15. Therefore, when the tape cassette 30 is attached to the attachment portion 8, the heat head 10 is positioned opposite to the substrate 41 (i.e., behind the thermal tape 4) relative to the thermal layer 42. Therefore, the heat head 10 can heat the thermal tape 4 in the head opening 391 on the side of the thermal tape 4 opposite to the substrate 41 (see...). Figure 5A The printing direction is Y2).

[0098] like Figure 3 As shown, the thermal belt 4 passes through the head opening 391 and between the conveyor roller 33 and the movable roller 14. At this time, as... Figure 5B As shown, the thermal layer 42 side (i.e., the upper surface of the thermal belt 4) of the thermal belt 4 faces the conveyor roller 33, while the substrate 41 side (i.e., the lower surface of the thermal belt 4) of the thermal belt 4 faces the movable roller 14.

[0099] like Figure 3 As shown, the adhesive tape 7 is pulled forward from the left edge of the second supply roll 70. Then, the adhesive tape 7 bends to the left while contacting the right front periphery of the conveyor roller 33. At this time, as... Figure 5B As shown, the release paper 75 side of the adhesive tape 7 (i.e., the upper surface of the adhesive tape 7) faces the conveyor roller 33, while the double-sided adhesive tape 71 side (i.e., the lower surface of the adhesive tape 7) faces the movable roller 14. Therefore, when the adhesive tape 7 overlaps with the thermal tape 4 on the side of the thermal layer 42 opposite to the substrate 41, the conveyor roller 33 supports the adhesive tape 7 from the opposite side of the thermal tape 4.

[0100] With the thermal tape 4 and adhesive tape 7 stacked on top of each other, the thermal tape 4 and adhesive tape 7 are bonded together between the movable roller 14 and the conveyor roller 33, thereby forming a laminated tape 9. Figure 3 As shown, the laminating tape 9 is discharged from the tape cassette 30 after passing inside the guide section 38. The laminating tape 9 is conveyed to a predetermined position relative to the cutting mechanism 16, and the cutting mechanism 16 cuts the laminating tape 9. Once the laminating tape 9 has been cut, it is discharged from the thermal printer 1 through the discharge slit formed in the device body 2.

[0101] <Electrical Structure of Thermal Printer 1>

[0102] like Figure 6 As shown, the thermal printer 1 further includes a CPU 91. The CPU 91 serves as a processor for controlling the thermal printer 1. The CPU 91 is electrically connected to the flash memory 92, ROM 93, and RAM 94, as well as the previously described keyboard 3, display 5, thermal head 10, conveyor motor 95, cutting motor 96, and media sensor 97.

[0103] Flash memory 92 stores programs executed by CPU 91. ROM 93 stores various parameters required for executing various programs. RAM 94 stores various temporary data, such as printing data used to form images.

[0104] <The process of creating lamination tape in thermal printer 1>

[0105] The user inputs a print start command into the thermal printer 1 via keyboard 3. After receiving the print start command, CPU 91 reads the program from flash memory 92 and executes it. Figure 7 The laminated tape creation process is shown in the diagram. During the laminated tape creation process, CPU 91 controls thermal printer 1 to perform a printing operation to create laminated tape 9.

[0106] exist Figure 7 In step S1 of the lamination tape creation process, CPU 91 determines whether the tape cassette 30 has been attached to the attachment part 8. When CPU 91 determines that the tape cassette 30 has not been attached to the attachment part 8 (S1: No), CPU 91 returns to step S1 and waits until the tape cassette 30 has been attached to the attachment part 8. When CPU 91 determines that the tape cassette 30 has been attached to the attachment part 8 (S1: Yes), in step S3, CPU 91 identifies the type of the attached tape cassette 30 based on the detection result of the media sensor 97.

[0107] In S5, based on the identified type of tape cassette 30, the CPU 91 determines whether the upper surface of the substrate 41 of the thermal tape 4 housed in the attached tape cassette 30 has an uneven shape 411. When the CPU 91 determines that the upper surface of the substrate 41 does not have an uneven shape 411 (S5: No), in S7, the CPU 91 sets the printing mode to the normal printing mode, wherein the thermal head 10 is driven based on normal printing conditions.

[0108] On the other hand, when the CPU 91 determines that the upper surface of the substrate 41 has an uneven shape 411 (S5: Yes), in S9, the CPU 91 sets the printing mode to a low-power printing mode, in which the thermal head 10 is driven based on printing conditions different from the normal printing mode. That is, when it is determined that the substrate 41 has an uneven shape 411, the thermal control performed by the CPU 91 on the thermal head 10 is different from the thermal control performed on the thermal head 10 when it is determined that the substrate 41 does not have an uneven shape 411.

[0109] The thermal printer 1 in low-power printing mode can perform printing operations using less power than in normal printing mode. When the substrate 41 has an uneven shape 411, the heat supplied from the thermal head 10 does not escape from the thermal layers 42 as easily as when the surface of the substrate 41 is smooth and without unevenness. In other words, due to the uneven shape 411 of the substrate 41, each thermal layer 42 can more easily produce color. Therefore, the CPU 91 can consume less power in thermal control of the thermal head 10 while performing printing operations.

[0110] Subsequently, in S11, CPU91 acquires image data representing the image specified by the user. The user pre-specifies the image to be formed on the lamination belt 9 via keyboard 3. The image to be formed on the lamination belt 9 is the image that the user can see when observing the lamination belt 9 in the viewing direction Y1. In the following description, the case where the user specifies an image of "q" will be used as an example.

[0111] In S13, CPU91 creates image data representing the inverted image by inverting the acquired image data. Inversion is the process of flipping the image content around the horizontal axis. Figure 8A In the example, a horizontal line 85 extending longitudinally along the thermal strip 4 and passing through its transverse center serves as the axis of rotation, and when the image is viewed in the printing direction Y2, the image content is flipped around this line 85. More specifically, when an image for "q" has been specified, the CPU 91 inverts the image for "q" to create image data representing "d" (hereinafter referred to as inverted image 81), as shown below. Figure 8A As shown.

[0112] In S15, CPU91 performs a printing operation based on image data representing the reversed image created in S13. CPU91 controls the conveyor motor 95 to rotate the drive shaft 18. As the drive shaft 18 is driven to rotate, the thermal tape 4 is pulled out from the first supply roll 40 and the adhesive tape 7 is pulled out from the second supply roll 70 through the cooperative operation of the conveyor roller 33 and the movable roller 14.

[0113] While continuing to control the conveyor motor 95, the CPU 91 further controls the thermal head 10. Specifically, while conveying the thermal strip 4, the CPU 91 selectively heats the heating element 11, thereby forming the inverted image created in S13 in the thermal layer 42. At this time, as described above, relative to the thermal layer 42, the thermal head 10 heats the thermal strip 4 at a position opposite to the substrate 41, thereby printing the inverted image on the thermal strip 4.

[0114] like Figure 8A As shown, when the user has specified image "q", an inverted image 81 is formed in the thermal layer 42. When viewed in the printing direction Y2, the inverted image 81 represents "d".

[0115] In S17, CPU 91 performs control to bond the adhesive tape 7 to the printed thermal tape 4. Specifically, by controlling the conveyor motor 95 to rotate the drive shaft 18, CPU 91 conveys the printed thermal tape 4 and the adhesive tape 7 between the conveyor roller 33 and the movable roller 14, thereby bonding the adhesive tape 7 relative to the thermal layer 42 to the surface of the thermal tape 4 opposite to the substrate 41, thus creating the laminated tape 9. In S19, CPU 91 controls the cutting motor 96 to drive the cutting mechanism 16 to cut the laminated tape 9, thereby completing the laminated tape creation process.

[0116] like Figure 8B As shown, the viewing direction Y1 and the printing direction Y2 are opposite to each other relative to the thermal tape 4. Therefore, when the user observes the laminate tape 9 from the substrate 41 side toward the adhesive tape 7 (i.e., in the viewing direction Y1), the reversed image 81 represents the image of "q". Thus, the thermal printer 1 has produced a laminate tape 9 with the "q" image specified by the user in this way.

[0117] <Key Technical Advantages of the Embodiments>

[0118] As described above, the laminated tape 9 is formed by stacking the thermally sensitive tape 4 and the adhesive tape 7 in its thickness direction and bonding the thermally sensitive tape 4 and the adhesive tape 7 together. The substrate 41 has an uneven shape 411, the roughness of which is greater than the surface of the thermally sensitive tape 4 in contact with the first adhesive layer 73.

[0119] Light incident on the laminating tape 9 is scattered by the unevenness of the substrate 41. Therefore, the substrate 41 can suppress direct reflection of incident light, thereby improving the quality of the laminating tape 9. Furthermore, the unevenness 411 is provided on the substrate 41, rather than on the surface of the thermal tape 4 that contacts the first adhesive layer 73 (i.e., the surface that contacts the thermal head 10). Therefore, the thermal printer 1 can ensure good contact between the thermal head 10 and the thermal tape 4.

[0120] Since the heat transfer performance does not decrease when heat from the heat head 10 is applied to the first thermal layer 421 of the thermal tape 4, the thermal printer 1 is able to achieve the desired image quality at the desired density without applying unnecessary energy to the heat head 10. Therefore, thanks to the embossed shape 411, the laminating tape 9 is able to achieve thermal printing while also improving image quality.

[0121] The second thermal layer 422 is transparent. When the second thermal layer 422 is heated to a temperature different from the predetermined temperature, it becomes less transparent and produces a second color different from the first color produced in the first thermal layer 421. Thus, the laminating tape 9 enables printing operations to be performed in multiple colors, thereby improving the quality of the printed image.

[0122] An uneven shape 411 is formed on the upper surface of the substrate 41. Because the unevenness is formed in the upper surface of the substrate 41, the laminate 9 can suppress reflection by scattering incident light. In addition, the lower surface of the substrate 41 is not uneven or rough, and is therefore less likely to be worn.

[0123] The raised or recessed shape 411 is formed by embossing or polishing. Therefore, it is possible to form raised or recessed shapes in the laminate 9 using a simple technique.

[0124] By adding fine particles to the substrate 41, it is also possible to form an uneven shape 411. Therefore, it is possible to form an uneven shape in the laminate 9 using a simple technique.

[0125] The first tape shaft 21 is disposed inside the housing 31 and holds the thermal tape 4. Similarly, the second tape shaft 22 is disposed inside the housing 31 to hold the adhesive tape 7. Therefore, the tape cassette 30 can accommodate both the thermal tape 4 and the adhesive tape 7.

[0126] The CPU 91 detects the type of tape cassette 30 attached to the attachment portion 8. When it detects that a thermal tape 4, including a substrate 41 with an uneven shape 411, is contained in the tape cassette 30 attached to the attachment portion 8, the CPU 91 performs thermal control on the thermal head 10 in a low-power printing mode. This low-power printing mode differs from the printing mode used when the substrate 41 does not have an uneven shape 411. Therefore, when the substrate 41 of the thermal tape 4 contained in the tape cassette 30 attached to the thermal printer 1 has an uneven shape 411, the thermal printer 1 can reduce the electrical power consumed by the thermal head 10.

[0127] CPU 91 performs the printing operation by heating the thermal tape 4. After the thermal tape 4 has been printed, CPU 91 creates a laminated tape 9 by bonding an adhesive tape 7 to the surface of the thermal tape 4 opposite to the substrate 41 relative to the first thermal layer 421. Therefore, the thermal printer 1 is able to create a high-quality laminated tape 9 using the thermal tape 4 and the adhesive tape 7.

[0128] <Variation>

[0129] Although detailed description has been given with reference to embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many variations and modifications can be made thereto.

[0130] For example, the substrate 41 in the above embodiments can be a foamed PET film. Alternatively, the substrate 41 may be a resin film formed from the following: polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) copolymer, ethylene methacrylate (EMAA) copolymer, polybutene (PB), polybutadiene (BDR), polymethylpentene (PMP), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polyimide (PI), polyetherimide (PEI), polyetherketone (PEK), polyetheretherketone (PEEK), nylon (NY), polyamide (PA), polycarbonate (PC), polystyrene (PS), expanded polystyrene / foamed polystyrene (FS / EPS), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC), saponified ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), transparent (PT) celluloid, moisture-proof and sealable transparent (MST) celluloid, polyacrylonitrile (PAN), vinylon (VL), polyurethane (PU), triacetyl cellulose (TAC), etc. In these cases, the substrate 41 can be a foamed or non-foamed resin film.

[0131] In the above embodiments, an uneven shape 411 is formed on the upper surface of the substrate 41, but the present invention is not limited to this structure. For example, Figure 9A Another example of a thermal strip 4A used instead of a thermal strip 4 is shown. The thermal strip 4A includes a substrate 41A, and an uneven shape 412A is formed on the lower surface of the substrate. In this case, the effect of scattering incident light in the laminate 9 is even stronger than when the uneven shape is set in the upper surface of the substrate, and the laminate 9 is also highly weather resistant.

[0132] also, Figure 9B Another example of a thermal strip 4B replacing thermal strip 4 or thermal strip 4A is shown. Thermal strip 4B includes a substrate 41B. Undulated shapes 411B and 412B are formed in the upper and lower surfaces of the substrate 41B, respectively. When the undulated shape is formed in both surfaces, the medium can obtain the effect of both the undulated shape on the upper surface and the undulated shape on the lower surface of the substrate. Thus, an undulated shape can be provided on at least one of the upper and lower surfaces of the substrate of the thermal strip.

[0133] Since foamed resin has a lower thermal conductivity than the same unfoamed resin, when the substrate 41 is made of a foamed resin film, the thermal conductivity of the substrate 41 can be reduced through a simple construction. When the substrate 41 has a low thermal conductivity, heat input from the thermal layer 42 side to the thermal strip 4 is less likely to diffuse within the substrate 41 when a printing operation is performed in the thermal printer 1.

[0134] Therefore, by using a foamed resin film as the substrate 41, the amount of heat that needs to be input into the thermally sensitive band 4 to produce color in the thermally sensitive layer 42 can be reduced through a simple structure. In other words, by using a foamed resin film as the substrate 41, the amount of heat input into the thermally sensitive band 4 to generate color in the thermally sensitive layer 42 can be reduced without the need to use special materials in the substrate 41 to reduce thermal conductivity.

[0135] When the thermal printer 1 has printed on the thermal tape 4 and then attaches the adhesive tape 7 to the thermal tape 4, the substrate 41 serves as a laminating member to protect the thermal layer 42. Compared to the case where the substrate 41 is formed of a material with high thermal conductivity, if the substrate 41 has a lower thermal conductivity, the substrate 41 is better able to prevent unintentional discoloration of the thermal layer 42 caused by heat input from the lower surface of the substrate 41 (relative to the surface of the substrate 41 opposite to the thermal layer 42) into the substrate 41.

[0136] When the substrate 41 is made of a non-foamed resin film, the visible light transmittance of the substrate 41 tends to be higher than when the substrate 41 is formed of a foamed resin film. Therefore, the printed image in the laminating tape 9 will appear clear and distinct to the user.

[0137] Provided that the substrate 41 has sufficient visible light transmittance according to its application, the substrate 41 can be formed from metal foil (aluminum foil or copper foil), vacuum metallization (VM) film, etc., or it can be constructed from a variety of types of paper, such as translucent paper, washi paper (traditional Japanese paper), wood-free paper, dust-free paper, cellophane, clay-coated paper, resin-coated paper, laminated paper (polyethylene laminated paper, polypropylene composite paper, etc.), synthetic paper, kraft paper, etc. The substrate 41 can also be formed from, for example, nonwoven fabric or glass cloth.

[0138] Compared to transmitting blue visible light, the outer coating 44 of this embodiment can transmit more yellow visible light and can be a translucent or opaque object. Alternatively, the outer coating 44 can be made of the same material as the thermal insulation layer 43. In other words, another thermal insulation layer (a third thermal insulation layer) can be provided as the outer coating 44. Alternatively, the outer coating 44 can be omitted. In this case, the thermal conductivity from the heat head 10 to the thermal layer 42 is increased. Accordingly, the thermal printer 1 can shorten the time period during which heat is applied by the heat head 10 and can reduce the cost required for the outer coating 44.

[0139] The double-sided adhesive tape 71 (sheet 72) of this embodiment can be a color other than white, or it can be colored with one or more colors. Therefore, patterns can be applied to the double-sided adhesive tape 71 (sheet 72). When a user looks at the laminated tape 9 from the thermal tape 4 toward the adhesive tape 7 (i.e., in the viewing direction Y1), the tape cassette 30 can provide a variety of background colors and patterns by changing the color of the sheet 72. Compared to coloring the first adhesive layer 73, especially when the double-sided adhesive tape 71 is given a dark color, it is easier to reduce the thickness of the adhesive tape 7 when coloring the sheet 72.

[0140] The double-sided adhesive tape 71 can be opaque, or it can be translucent or transparent. The visible light transmittance of the sheet 72 can be lower than that of one layer of the thermal tape 4, or higher than that of all layers of the thermal tape 4, or higher than that of one layer of the thermal tape 4.

[0141] If the laminated tape 9 is adhered to a specified wall, for example, when the double-sided adhesive tape 71 is transparent or translucent (i.e., when the double-sided adhesive tape 71 has visible light transmittance), then the wall becomes the background. Therefore, the user can freely modify the background of the laminated tape 9 according to the wall to which it is adhered. At least one of the first adhesive layer 73 and the second adhesive layer 74 can be colored or opaque.

[0142] In this embodiment, the adhesive tape 7 can be composed of a sheet 72 and a first adhesive layer 73. In this case, once the laminated tape 9 has been created, the user can apply adhesive to the surface of the sheet 72 opposite to the first adhesive layer 73 (i.e., the exposed surface of the sheet 72). Alternatively, the adhesive tape 7 can also be self-adhesive. When the above-described configuration is used in the adhesive tape 7, the second supply roll 70 housed inside the tape cassette 30 can be made more compact due to the smaller thickness of the adhesive tape 7. Therefore, the housing 31 of the tape cassette 30 can be made more compact.

[0143] In the above embodiments, the thermistor layer 42 can consist of only two layers. In other words, the third thermistor layer 423 can be omitted, and therefore the second thermal insulation layer 432 can also be omitted. In this case, the first thermistor layer 421 can be formed by applying a chemical reagent to the lower surface of the first thermal insulation layer 431, while the second thermistor layer 422 can be formed by applying a chemical reagent to the upper surface of the first thermal insulation layer 431. Therefore, in the above case, it is sufficient for the thermistor strip 4 to include at least one thermal insulation layer.

[0144] Alternatively, the thermistor layer 42 in this embodiment may be composed of four or more layers. For example, a fourth thermistor layer (not shown) may be provided opposite to the second thermistor layer 422 to the third thermistor layer 423. In this case, when the fourth thermistor layer is heated to a fourth temperature, the fourth thermistor layer produces a fourth color. The fourth temperature is higher than the third temperature. For example, the fourth color is black. In this structure, a third thermally insulating layer (not shown) is provided between the third thermistor layer 423 and the fourth thermistor layer in the thickness direction.

[0145] In the above embodiments, the first color, the second color, and the third color can be colors other than cyan, magenta, and yellow. For example, the first color, the second color, and the third color can all be the same color. When multiple layers of the same color are stacked in the laminating tape 9, the laminating tape 9 can depict depth in the formed image.

[0146] The heat-sensitive layer 42 can be formed by applying a chemical reagent to the upper surface of the thermal insulation layer 43. Alternatively, the heat-sensitive layer 42 can be pre-formed in a sheet and bonded to the respective thermal insulation layers 43 by an adhesive.

[0147] The ultraviolet transmittance of the substrate 41 can be higher than that of the first thermal insulation layer 431, or higher than that of all thermal insulation layers 43. The thermal conductivity of the substrate 41 can be higher than that of the first thermal insulation layer 431, or higher than that of all thermal insulation layers 43. The thickness of the substrate 41 can be less than that of the first thermal insulation layer 431, or less than that of all thermal insulation layers 43.

[0148] The refractive index of the substrate 41 can be lower than that of the first thermal insulation layer 431, lower than that of one of the thermal insulation layers 43, or lower than that of all the thermal insulation layers 43. When the refractive index of the substrate 41 is low, light incident on the substrate 41 of the thermally sensitive tape 4 is difficult to be completely reflected through the interface between the substrate 41 and a thermal insulation layer 43. Therefore, the tape cassette 30 can provide users with a laminated tape 9 with low gloss, referred to as a matte finish.

[0149] The notch line 76 described in the embodiments need not be formed as a straight line, but can be formed as a wavy line or the like. Furthermore, multiple laterally parallel notch lines 76 can be formed in the release paper 75, instead of just a single notch line 76. Alternatively, multiple laterally extending notch lines 76 can be formed at predetermined intervals in the longitudinal direction of the release paper 75. The notch lines 76 can also extend obliquely in both the lateral and longitudinal directions.

[0150] Instead of the first supply roll 40, the housing 31 in the above embodiment can accommodate a first folded stack therein. That is, the first folded stack can be accommodated in the housing 31 for supplying the thermal tape 4, which has been folded into a stacked state. Furthermore, a second folded stack can be accommodated in the housing 31 instead of the second supply roll 70. In other words, the second folded stack can be accommodated in the housing 31 for supplying the adhesive tape 7, which has been folded into a stacked state.

[0151] The first supply roll 40 in the above embodiment may be a coreless roll not wound on the first belt shaft 21. Similarly, the second supply roll 70 may be a coreless roll not wound on the second belt shaft 22.

[0152] The conveyor roller 33 described in this embodiment can be configured as a component of the thermal printer 1, rather than a component of the tape cassette 30. In other words, the conveyor roller 33 can be pre-mounted on the drive shaft 18, and the printed thermal tape 4 and adhesive tape 7 can be joined together by the components in the thermal printer 1 (the conveyor roller 33 and the movable roller 14 pre-mounted on the drive shaft 18).

[0153] CPU 91 does not need to execute process S13 of the lamination tape creation process described in the above embodiments. In other words, CPU 91 does not need to create inverted image data. In this case, the user can invert the image to be formed on the lamination tape 9 and input the inverted image data into the thermal printer 1. Therefore, if the image to be formed on the lamination tape 9 is "q", the user specifies "d". The processes in S11 and S13 can be executed on an external device connected to the thermal printer 1, such as a personal computer or smartphone.

[0154] The user can manually cut the laminated tape 9. The cutting mechanism 16 can perform a half-cut at the cutting position, which is performed by cutting the entire heat-sensitive tape 4 through the laminated tape 9 in the thickness direction while keeping the adhesive tape 7 continuous and intact in the longitudinal direction.

[0155] The user can also manually attach the printed thermal tape 4 to the adhesive tape 7. In this case, the thermal printer 1 does not need to have a mechanism for attaching the thermal tape 4 to the adhesive tape 7.

[0156] Furthermore, a portion of the upper, lower, and side surfaces of the housing 31 can be omitted. The conveyor roller 33 can also be a non-rotatable component, such as a fixed cylindrical or plate-shaped component. In this case, for example, the driving force from the conveyor motor 95 can be transmitted to the movable roller 14.

[0157] In the above embodiment, the thermal tape 4 has multiple thermal layers 42. However, the thermal tape 4 may instead have only a single thermal layer (i.e., a first thermal layer 421). In this case, for example, the substrate 41, the first thermal layer 421, the first thermal insulating layer 431, and the outer coating 44 are stacked in the aforementioned order. After the thermal tape 4 has been printed, an adhesive tape 7 with serrated lines 76 is bonded to the side of the thermal tape 4 opposite to the substrate 41.

[0158] Therefore, the cartridge can suppress the degradation of print quality caused by the scribe line 76. That is, since the adhesive tape 7 is bonded to the thermal tape 4 after it has been printed, the cartridge 30 can suppress the white line effect not only when the thermal tape 4 has multiple thermal layers 42, but also when the thermal tape 4 has only a single thermal layer.

[0159] Note that when the thermally sensitive strip 4 has only a single thermally sensitive layer, both the first thermal insulation layer 431 and the outer coating layer 44 can be omitted. In this case, a single thermally sensitive layer can be formed by applying a chemical reagent to the upper surface of the substrate 41.

[0160] When the image is viewed in the printing direction Y2, the CPU91 can create image data representing the reversed image in process S13 by flipping the content of the image about a rotation axis that extends in the lateral direction parallel to the thermal strip 4 and passes through the longitudinal center of the thermal strip 4. More specifically, if the user has specified an image "q", the CPU91 can reverse the image "q" to create image data representing "p", instead of the image "d" described in the embodiment.

[0161] Instead of CPU 91, thermal printer 1 can use a microcomputer, application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or the like as a processor. The process of creating the lamination tape can be a distributed process executed by multiple processors. The non-transitory storage medium can be any storage medium capable of holding information, regardless of the duration for which the information is stored. The non-transitory storage medium does not need to include transient storage media (e.g., transmitted signals). For example, a program can be downloaded from a server connected to a network (i.e., transmitted as a transmission signal) and stored in flash memory 92. In this case, the program can be stored in a non-transitory storage medium (such as a hard disk drive provided in a server).

[0162] These variants can be combined in any way, as long as they do not produce inconsistencies.

[0163] <Note>

[0164] The laminated tape 9 is an example of a medium. Thermosensitive tapes 4, 4A, and 4B are examples of thermosensitive media. The adhesive tape 7 is an example of an adhesive medium. The thickness directions of the thermosensitive tape 4 and the adhesive tape 7 are examples of thickness directions. The upper surface of the outer coating 44 is an example of a surface in contact with the adhesive medium. The substrate 41 is an example of a thermosensitive medium substrate. The upper surface of the substrate 41 is an example of a first surface, and the lower surface of the substrate 41 is an example of a second surface. The convex and concave shapes 411, 412A, 411B, and 412B are examples of convex and concave shapes. The first thermosensitive layer 421 is an example of a first color-generating layer. The first temperature is an example of a first temperature. The sheet 72 is an example of an adhesive medium. The first adhesive layer 73 is an example of an adhesive layer. The second thermosensitive layer 422 is an example of a second color-generating layer. The second temperature is an example of a second temperature. The first thermal insulation layer 431 is an example of a first insulation layer. The cassette 30 is an example of a cassette. The cassette housing 31 is an example of a housing. The first belt shaft 21 is an example of a first retaining portion. The second belt shaft 22 is an example of a second holding part. The thermal printer 1 is an example of a thermal printer. The attachment part 8 is an example of an attachment part. The thermal head 10 is an example of a thermal head. The media sensor 97 is an example of a detection unit. The CPU 91 is an example of a controller. The low-power printing mode is an example of a first thermal control. The normal printing mode is an example of a second thermal control.

Claims

1. A medium, comprising: A thermal medium used for printing by a thermal printer; and An adhesive medium is stacked on the thermosensitive medium in the thickness direction of the thermosensitive medium, and the adhesive medium is bonded to the thermosensitive medium. The thermal medium includes: The surface in contact with the adhesive medium; A thermosensitive dielectric substrate, the thermosensitive dielectric substrate being transparent, the thermosensitive dielectric substrate having a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface in the thickness direction, the first surface being positioned closer to the surface of the thermosensitive dielectric than the second surface is positioned closer to the surface of the thermosensitive dielectric, the thermosensitive dielectric substrate having an uneven shape, the uneven shape having a roughness greater than the roughness of the surface of the thermosensitive dielectric; and A first color-generating layer is disposed closer to the first surface of the thermosensitive dielectric substrate than to the second surface of the thermosensitive dielectric substrate. The first color-generating layer is transparent and is configured to become less transparent and generate a first color when heated to a temperature higher than or equal to a first temperature. The adhesive medium includes: Adhesive medium substrate; and An adhesive layer is disposed on the adhesive medium substrate and is in contact with the surface of the thermosensitive medium, such that the adhesive medium is bonded to the thermosensitive medium.

2. The medium according to claim 1, The thermosensitive medium further includes a second color-generating layer, the second color-generating layer being transparent, and configured to become less transparent and produce a second color different from the first color when heated to a second temperature different from the first temperature. The thermally sensitive substrate, the first color generating layer, and the second color generating layer are arranged sequentially in the thickness direction.

3. The medium according to claim 1 or 2, The uneven shape is provided on at least one of the first surface and the second surface of the thermosensitive medium substrate.

4. The medium according to claim 1 or 2, The uneven shape is formed by one of embossing and polishing.

5. The medium according to claim 1 or 2, The uneven shape is formed by adding microparticles to the thermosensitive medium substrate.

6. A box, comprising: The medium according to any one of claims 1 to 5; A housing that contains the medium; A first holding portion is disposed inside the housing and holds the thermosensitive medium. and The second retaining part is disposed inside the housing and retains the adhesive medium.

7. A thermal printer, comprising: The box according to claim 6; An attachment portion, to which the box can be attached; A heat head configured to perform a printing operation by heating the thermal medium contained in the cartridge attached to the attachment portion at a position opposite to the thermal medium substrate relative to the first color generating layer. A detection unit configured to detect the type of the box attached to the attachment portion; and A controller, configured to perform prescribed thermal control on the thermal printer to control the thermal head to perform the printing operation on the thermal medium, the controller being configured to: Based on the detection results of the detection unit, it is determined whether the thermal medium substrate containing the thermal medium in the box attached to the attachment portion has the uneven shape. and When it is determined that the thermal medium substrate containing the thermal medium in the box attached to the attachment portion has the uneven shape, a first thermal control is performed on the hot head. The first thermal control is different from the second thermal control. When it is determined that the thermal medium substrate containing the thermal medium in the box attached to the attachment portion does not have the uneven shape, the second thermal control is performed.

8. A method for creating media according to any one of claims 1 to 5 using a thermal printer. The method includes: The printing operation is performed on the thermal medium by heating it. as well as After the execution, the adhesive medium is bonded to the surface of the thermal medium that has already undergone the printing operation in the execution to create the medium.

Images