Transfer method and transfer device

Abstract

To properly transfer images onto various fabric transfer target media.SOLUTION: A transfer method for transferring an image printed on a transfer medium 50 onto a fabric transfer target medium 60, includes: a transfer condition determination step of determining transfer conditions, which are conditions for the transfer step of transferring the image; and a transfer execution step of performing the transfer step under the transfer conditions determined in the transfer condition determination step. The transfer medium 50 includes: a transfer layer 54 of resin, which at least partially transfers onto the transfer target medium 60 when transferring the image thereto; and a base layer 52, which serves as the substrate of the transfer medium 50. In the transfer condition determination step, the transfer conditions are determined based on transfer quality conditions specifying the quality of the transfer and the type of fabric used as the transfer target medium 60, and as the transfer quality conditions, conditions selected from a plurality of preset conditions are used.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a transfer method and a transfer device. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, sublimation transfer printing has been widely used as a transfer printing method (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In the sublimation transfer method, a transfer medium (transfer body) is printed using sublimation transfer ink that can only be transferred to polyester fabrics or polyester-coated surfaces, and the image is then transferred from the transfer medium to a transfer-receiving medium (transfer-receiving body). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Re-tabled publication No. 2011 / 132695 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When printing using a dye-sublimation transfer method, the materials that can be used as the transfer medium are usually limited. In contrast, when transferring using, for example, an iron-on transfer (rubber transfer) method or a DTF (Direct to Film) method, it is possible to use materials other than polyester, such as cloth, as the transfer medium. However, when transferring using the iron-on transfer method, for example, the rubber sheet that serves as the adhesive layer may adhere to the transfer medium, degrading the texture of the transfer medium after transfer. This may also result in, for example, a loss of the fabric characteristics (e.g., the gloss of the fabric) used as the transfer medium. In this case, the adhesion of the rubber sheet to the transfer medium may also reduce the breathability of the transfer medium. Furthermore, when transferring using the iron-on transfer method, for example, the rubber sheet must be cut to fit the image to be transferred, which may increase the labor required. Furthermore, when transferring using the DTF method, for example, the adhesive, such as a hot-melt resin, used for transfer may adhere to the transfer medium, easily causing problems such as a deterioration in the texture of the transfer medium after transfer. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a transfer method and a transfer device that can solve the above problems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The inventors of the present application conducted extensive research into transfer printing methods that allow for more appropriate use of various materials as receiving media. They found that, for example, by printing on a known transfer medium using ink containing a pigment, such as an aqueous pigment, and then transferring the image to a cloth receiving medium, various materials can be used as the receiving medium while minimizing deterioration in the texture of the receiving medium. However, the types of fabrics that can be used as cloth receiving media are extremely diverse. Furthermore, when using various types of cloth receiving media, it is conceivable that the preferred transfer conditions, which are the conditions for the transfer process, will vary depending on the type of fabric. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the preferred transfer conditions will vary depending, for example, on the quality desired for the resulting product.

[0006] In response to this, the inventors of the present application conducted various experiments and confirmed preferable transfer conditions according to the type of fabric, the desired quality, etc. Furthermore, through extensive research based on the experimental results, the inventors of the present application discovered that by determining the transfer conditions based on the type of fabric, the desired quality, etc., it is possible to appropriately transfer images to various types of fabric as transfer media. Furthermore, through further extensive research, the inventors of the present application discovered the characteristics necessary to achieve such effects, and arrived at the present invention.

[0007] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides a transfer method for transferring an image printed on a transfer medium to a cloth receiving medium, the method comprising a transfer condition determination step for determining transfer conditions, which are conditions for the transfer process for transferring the image, and a transfer execution step for executing the transfer process under the transfer conditions determined in the transfer condition determination step, wherein the transfer medium has a transfer layer, which is a layer of resin at least part of which is transferred to the receiving medium when the image is transferred to the receiving medium, and a base layer, which is a layer that serves as the base material for the transfer medium, and in the transfer condition determination step, the transfer conditions are determined based on transfer quality conditions that specify the quality of the transfer and the type of cloth used as the receiving medium, and the transfer quality conditions are selected from a plurality of preset conditions.

[0008] With this configuration, for example, by using a transfer medium having a transfer layer that is at least partially transferred to the receiving medium during image transfer, it is possible to appropriately transfer images to receiving media made of various fabrics. Furthermore, in this case, deterioration of the texture of the receiving medium after transfer can be appropriately suppressed compared to, for example, when a rubber sheet is attached to the receiving medium during iron transfer. Furthermore, by determining the transfer conditions based on the transfer quality conditions and the type of fabric in the transfer condition determination stage, it is possible to appropriately determine transfer conditions that allow transfer of the desired quality to receiving media made of various fabrics. This also allows for more appropriate image transfer from the transfer medium to the receiving medium in the transfer execution stage. In this transfer method, for example, a known transfer medium having a transfer layer and a base layer can be suitably used as the transfer medium. More specifically, for example, Texcol, a pigment transfer paper provided by Neenah Coldenhove, can be suitably used as the transfer medium. With this configuration, for example, it is possible to appropriately transfer images to receiving media made of various fabrics.

[0009] Furthermore, in the transfer condition determination step, the multiple conditions used include, for example, at least standard quality conditions and high color development conditions. In this case, the standard quality conditions can be considered, for example, as predetermined standard conditions. The high color development conditions can be considered, for example, as conditions that enhance color development compared to the standard quality conditions. In this case, the transfer conditions corresponding to the standard quality conditions and the high color development conditions can be considered, for example, as standard transfer conditions and high color development transfer conditions. The standard transfer conditions can be considered, for example, as transfer conditions when transfer is performed under standard quality conditions. The high color development transfer conditions can be considered, for example, as transfer conditions when transfer is performed under high color development conditions. In this case, in the transfer condition determination step, for example, for at least some types of fabric receiving medium, the relationship between the standard transfer conditions and the high color development transfer conditions is determined so that the high color development transfer conditions are either high-temperature, short-time conditions or low-temperature, long-time conditions in terms of heating temperature and pressure time when compared to the standard transfer conditions. In this case, the transfer conditions can be considered, for example, as conditions that specify at least the heating temperature and pressure time. The heating temperature can be considered, for example, as the temperature at which the transfer medium is heated during transfer. The pressure application time can be considered, for example, as the time for applying pressure to the transfer medium during transfer. Furthermore, the high-temperature, short-time conditions can be considered, for example, as conditions in which the heating temperature is higher and the pressure application time is shorter, as compared to the reference transfer conditions, as high-color development transfer conditions. The low-temperature, long-time conditions can be considered, for example, as conditions in which the heating temperature is lower and the pressure application time is longer, as compared to the reference transfer conditions, as high-color development transfer conditions. By configuring in this way, it is possible to appropriately determine high-color development transfer conditions that can achieve transfer with high color development, for example.

[0010] More specifically, when the transfer medium is a first type of cloth, the transfer condition determination step determines, for example, transfer conditions that are high temperature and short time conditions as the high color development transfer conditions. When the transfer medium is a second type of cloth different from the first type of cloth, the transfer condition determination step determines, for example, transfer conditions that are low temperature and long time conditions as the high color development transfer conditions. This configuration allows the high color development transfer conditions to be appropriately determined, for example, according to the type of cloth used as the transfer medium. In this case, examples of different types of cloth include cotton canvas and synthetic fiber cloth. In this case, for example, if the transfer medium is cotton canvas, the transfer condition determination step determines, for example, transfer conditions that are high temperature and short time conditions as the high color development transfer conditions. For example, if the transfer medium is synthetic fiber cloth primarily composed of polyester, rayon, or nylon, the transfer condition determination step determines, for example, transfer conditions that are low temperature and long time conditions as the high color development transfer conditions. This configuration allows the high color development transfer conditions to be appropriately determined, for example, for cotton canvas and synthetic fiber cloth.

[0011] More specifically, when the transfer medium is cotton canvas, the heating temperature under the reference transfer conditions determined in the transfer condition determination step is, for example, a first temperature in the range of 150 to 210°C. Under these reference transfer conditions, the pressurizing time is, for example, a first pressurizing time in the range of 20 to 60 seconds. When the transfer medium is cotton canvas, the heating temperature under the high color development transfer conditions determined in the transfer condition determination step is, for example, a temperature higher than the first temperature. Under these high color development transfer conditions, the pressurizing time is shorter than the first pressurizing time. When the transfer medium is the synthetic fiber cloth, the heating temperature under the reference transfer conditions determined in the transfer condition determination step is, for example, a second temperature in the range of 140 to 200°C. Under these reference transfer conditions, the pressurizing time is, for example, a second pressurizing time in the range of 30 to 50 seconds. Under the high color development transfer conditions determined in the transfer condition determination step when the transfer medium is the synthetic fiber cloth, the heating temperature is, for example, a temperature lower than the second temperature. In addition, under the high color transfer conditions, the pressurizing time is, for example, longer than the second pressurizing time. By configuring in this way, the standard transfer conditions and the high color transfer conditions can be appropriately determined for, for example, cotton canvas and synthetic fiber cloth.

[0012] Furthermore, in the transfer condition determination stage, the weave of the fabric may be taken into consideration with regard to the type of fabric. The weave of the fabric can be considered, for example, as the way the threads that make up the fabric intersect. In this case, in the transfer condition determination stage, the type of fabric may be considered, for example, at least as regards the material and weave of the fabric. In this case, for example, cotton canvas and cotton broadcloth, which are both made of cotton, can be considered as fabrics with different weaves. If the fabric used as the transfer medium is made of cotton, in the transfer condition determination stage, for example, it is possible to at least set different standard quality conditions for the transfer medium being cotton broadcloth and the standard quality conditions for the transfer medium being cotton canvas. Furthermore, in this case, it is possible to set the standard quality conditions for the transfer medium being cotton canvas to a higher heating temperature than the standard quality conditions for the transfer medium being cotton broadcloth. This configuration, for example, allows for more appropriate determination of transfer conditions tailored to the type of fabric.

[0013] Furthermore, the features of the present invention can be considered by focusing on, for example, the transfer medium used and specific transfer conditions. In this case, the present invention can be considered as, for example, a transfer method for transferring an image printed on a transfer medium to a transfer receiving medium such as cloth, comprising a transfer execution step for transferring the image from the transfer medium to the transfer receiving medium, and in the transfer execution step, using Neenah as the transfer medium. The method uses Texcol, a pigment transfer paper provided by Coldenhove, and varies the transfer conditions for transferring the image during the transfer execution step depending on the type of fabric used as the transfer medium. The transfer conditions specify at least the heating temperature (temperature to which the transfer medium is heated) and the pressure time (time for which pressure is applied to the transfer medium). For cotton fabric, the transfer conditions specify a heating temperature in the range of 140 to 210°C and a pressure time in the range of 20 to 60 seconds. For synthetic fabrics primarily composed of polyester, rayon, or nylon, the transfer conditions specify a heating temperature in the range of 140 to 200°C and a pressure time in the range of 30 to 50 seconds. This configuration allows for proper image transfer from the transfer medium to the transfer medium, whether the transfer medium is cotton fabric or one of the synthetic fabrics. In this case, for example, the heating temperature in the transfer conditions when the transfer medium is the above-mentioned synthetic fiber cloth can be set to a lower temperature than the heating temperature in the transfer conditions when the transfer medium is cotton cloth. By configuring in this way, for example, the image can be transferred more appropriately from the transfer medium to the transfer medium.

[0014] The features of the present invention can also be considered by focusing on the transfer conditions when using specific transfer media and transfer receiver media. In this case, the present invention can be characterized as, for example, a transfer method for transferring an image printed on a transfer medium to a transfer receiver medium such as fabric, comprising a transfer execution step of transferring the image from the transfer medium to the transfer receiver medium, wherein the transfer execution step uses Texcol, a pigment transfer paper provided by Neenah Coldenhove, as the transfer medium, and the transfer conditions for transferring the image in the transfer execution step specify at least a heating temperature, which is the temperature at which the transfer medium is heated during transfer, and a pressure time, which is the time for applying pressure to the transfer medium during transfer. When the transfer receiver medium is cotton fabric, the transfer conditions specify a heating temperature in the range of 140 to 210°C and a pressure time in the range of 20 to 60 seconds. This configuration, for example, allows for more appropriate image transfer from the transfer medium to the transfer receiver medium.

[0015] More specifically, when the cotton cloth used as the transfer medium is cotton broadcloth, the transfer conditions include a heating temperature in the range of 140 to 200°C and a pressure application time in the range of 20 to 50 seconds. When the cotton cloth used as the transfer medium is cotton canvas, the transfer conditions include a heating temperature in the range of 150 to 210°C and a pressure application time in the range of 20 to 60 seconds. When the cotton cloth used as the transfer medium is cotton knit, the transfer conditions include a heating temperature in the range of 140 to 200°C and a pressure application time in the range of 20 to 60 seconds. In this case, it is possible to vary the transfer conditions depending on the type of cloth used as the transfer medium. For example, it is possible to vary at least one of the heating temperature and pressure application time in the transfer conditions when the transfer medium is cotton canvas from the transfer conditions when the transfer medium is at least either cotton broadcloth or cotton knit.

[0016] As mentioned above, it is also possible to use synthetic fiber cloth, etc., in addition to cotton cloth, as the transfer medium. In this case, for example, at least one of the heating temperature and pressure application time in the transfer conditions when the transfer medium is cotton cloth may be different from the transfer conditions when the transfer medium is synthetic fiber cloth. Furthermore, when the transfer medium is synthetic fiber cloth primarily composed of polyester, rayon, or nylon, for example, the transfer conditions include a heating temperature in the range of 140 to 200°C and a pressure application time in the range of 30 to 50 seconds. More specifically, when the synthetic fiber cloth used as the transfer medium is polyester pongee, for example, the transfer conditions include a heating temperature in the range of 140 to 190°C and a pressure application time in the range of 30 to 50 seconds. When the synthetic fiber cloth used as the transfer medium is rayon broadcloth, for example, the transfer conditions include a heating temperature in the range of 140 to 200°C and a pressure application time in the range of 30 to 50 seconds. When the synthetic fiber cloth used as the transfer medium is nylon oxford, the transfer conditions are, for example, a heating temperature in the range of 140 to 200°C and a pressure time in the range of 30 to 50 seconds.

[0017] The transfer medium may be, for example, a blended fabric of cotton and synthetic fibers. In this case, at least one of the heating temperature and pressure application time may be different from those for a cotton medium. When the transfer medium is a blended fabric of cotton and synthetic fibers, the transfer conditions may include a heating temperature in the range of 140 to 200°C and a pressure application time in the range of 30 to 60 seconds. More specifically, when the blended fabric used as the transfer medium is TC broadcloth, the transfer conditions may include a heating temperature in the range of 140 to 200°C and a pressure application time in the range of 30 to 50 seconds. When the blended fabric used as the transfer medium is Lycra knit, the transfer conditions may include a heating temperature in the range of 140 to 200°C and a pressure application time in the range of 30 to 60 seconds.

[0018] Furthermore, the present invention can also be considered to be characterized as a transfer method for transferring an image printed on a transfer medium to a receiving medium such as cloth, comprising a transfer execution step for transferring the image from the transfer medium to the receiving medium, wherein in the transfer execution step, Texcol, a pigment transfer paper provided by Neenah Coldenhove, is used as the transfer medium, and the transfer conditions for the process of transferring the image in the transfer execution step specify at least a heating temperature, which is the temperature to which the transfer medium is heated during transfer, and a pressure time, which is the time for which pressure is applied to the transfer medium during transfer, and when the receiving medium is a synthetic fiber cloth primarily composed of polyester, rayon, or nylon, the transfer conditions include a heating temperature in the range of 140 to 200°C and a pressure time in the range of 30 to 50 seconds. Furthermore, the present invention can also be considered to be characterized as a transfer method for transferring an image printed on a transfer medium to a receiving medium such as cloth, comprising a transfer execution step for transferring the image from the transfer medium to the receiving medium, wherein in the transfer execution step, Texcol, a pigment transfer paper provided by Neenah Coldenhove, is used as the transfer medium, and the transfer conditions for the process of transferring the image in the transfer execution step specify at least a heating temperature, which is the temperature to which the transfer medium is heated during transfer, and a pressure time, which is the time for which pressure is applied to the transfer medium during transfer, and when the receiving medium is a blend of cotton and synthetic fiber, the transfer conditions include a heating temperature in the range of 140 to 200°C and a pressure time in the range of 30 to 60 seconds.

[0019] The features of the present invention can also be considered, for example, by focusing on the relationship between the weave of a fabric and transfer conditions. In this case, the present invention can be characterized as a transfer method for transferring an image printed on a transfer medium to a receiving medium such as fabric, comprising a transfer execution step of transferring the image from the transfer medium to the receiving medium, wherein the transfer execution step uses Texcol, a pigment transfer paper provided by Neenah Coldenhove, as the transfer medium, and the transfer conditions for transferring the image in the transfer execution step specify at least a heating temperature, which is a temperature at which the transfer medium is heated during transfer, and a pressure time, which is a time for which pressure is applied to the transfer medium during transfer, and when the receiving medium is woven fabric, the transfer conditions include a heating temperature in the range of 140 to 210°C and a pressure time in the range of 20 to 60 seconds. More specifically, when the woven fabric used as the transfer medium is a plain-woven cotton fabric, the transfer conditions include a heating temperature of 140 to 210°C and a pressure application time of 20 to 60 seconds. When the woven fabric used as the transfer medium is a plain-woven synthetic fiber fabric primarily composed of polyester, rayon, or nylon, the transfer conditions include a heating temperature of 140 to 200°C and a pressure application time of 30 to 50 seconds. When the woven fabric used as the transfer medium is a plain-woven cotton and synthetic fiber blend fabric, the transfer conditions include a heating temperature of 140 to 200°C and a pressure application time of 30 to 50 seconds. It is also possible to use, for example, a knitted fabric as the transfer medium.In this case, the present invention can be considered to be characterized as, for example, a transfer method for transferring an image printed on a transfer medium to a cloth receiving medium, comprising a transfer execution step for transferring the image from the transfer medium to the receiving medium, wherein in the transfer execution step, Texcol, a pigment transfer paper provided by Neenah Coldenhove, is used as the transfer medium, and the transfer conditions for the process of transferring the image in the transfer execution step specify at least a heating temperature, which is the temperature to which the transfer medium is heated during transfer, and a pressure time, which is the time for which pressure is applied to the transfer medium during transfer, and when the receiving medium is knitted cloth, the transfer conditions include a heating temperature in the range of 140 to 200°C and a pressure time in the range of 20 to 60 seconds.

[0020] The transfer conditions may be varied depending on, for example, the quality required for the transfer product. In this case, the present invention may be characterized as a transfer method for transferring an image printed on a transfer medium to a receiving medium such as fabric, comprising a transfer execution step of transferring the image from the transfer medium to the receiving medium, wherein in the transfer execution step, Texcol, a pigment transfer paper provided by Neenah Coldenhove, is used as the transfer medium, and the transfer conditions for transferring the image in the transfer execution step specify at least a heating temperature, which is the temperature at which the transfer medium is heated during transfer, and a pressure time, which is the time for which pressure is applied to the transfer medium during transfer, and at least one of the heating temperature and the pressure time is varied between a reference transfer condition, which is the transfer condition when transfer is performed under predetermined reference conditions, and a high color development condition, which is the transfer condition that enhances color development compared to the reference transfer condition.

[0021] More specifically, when the transfer medium is cotton broadcloth, the standard transfer conditions include a heating temperature of 140 to 200°C and a pressure application time of 20 to 50 seconds, while the high color development conditions include a heating temperature of 170 to 200°C and a pressure application time of 20 to 40 seconds. When the transfer medium is cotton broadcloth, the high color development conditions include a heating temperature of 160 to 180°C and a pressure application time of 40 to 50 seconds. When the transfer medium is cotton canvas, the standard transfer conditions include a heating temperature of 150 to 210°C and a pressure application time of 20 to 60 seconds, while the high color development conditions include a heating temperature of 170 to 200°C and a pressure application time of 30 to 50 seconds. When the transfer medium is a cotton knit, for example, under standard transfer conditions, the heating temperature is in the range of 140 to 200°C and the pressure time is in the range of 20 to 60 seconds, while under high color development conditions, the heating temperature is in the range of 170 to 200°C and the pressure time is in the range of 30 to 40 seconds. When the transfer medium is a cotton knit, for example, under high color development conditions, the heating temperature may be in the range of 160 to 180°C and the pressure time may be in the range of 40 to 50 seconds. When the transfer medium is a polyester pongee, for example, under standard transfer conditions, the heating temperature is in the range of 140 to 190°C and the pressure time is in the range of 30 to 50 seconds, while under high color development conditions, the heating temperature is in the range of 140 to 170°C and the pressure time is in the range of 40 to 50 seconds. When the transfer medium is rayon broadcloth, for example, under standard transfer conditions, the heating temperature is in the range of 140 to 200°C and the pressure application time is in the range of 30 to 50 seconds, and under high color development conditions, the heating temperature is in the range of 140 to 180°C and the pressure application time is in the range of 40 to 50 seconds.When the transfer medium is TC broadcloth, for example, under standard transfer conditions, the heating temperature is in the range of 140 to 200°C and the pressure application time is in the range of 30 to 50 seconds, and under high color development conditions, the heating temperature is in the range of 140 to 170°C and the pressure application time is in the range of 40 to 50 seconds. When the transfer medium is Lycra knit, for example, under standard transfer conditions, the heating temperature is in the range of 140 to 200°C and the pressure application time is in the range of 30 to 60 seconds, and under high color development conditions, the heating temperature is in the range of 170 to 200°C and the pressure application time is in the range of 30 to 50 seconds. When the transfer medium is a knitted fabric, for example, under standard transfer conditions, the heating temperature is in the range of 140 to 200°C and the pressure application time is in the range of 20 to 60 seconds, and under high color development conditions, the heating temperature is in the range of 150 to 190°C and the pressure application time is in the range of 30 to 50 seconds.

[0022] The transfer conditions can also be considered in terms of, for example, the time required for transfer. In this case, the present invention can be considered to be characterized as a transfer method for transferring an image printed on a transfer medium to a receiving medium such as fabric, comprising a transfer execution step of transferring the image from the transfer medium to the receiving medium, wherein in the transfer execution step, Texcol, a pigment transfer paper provided by Neenah Coldenhove, is used as the transfer medium, and the transfer conditions for transferring the image in the transfer execution step specify at least a heating temperature, which is a temperature to which the transfer medium is heated during transfer, and a pressure application time, which is a time for which pressure is applied to the transfer medium during transfer, and at least the pressure application time is different between a reference transfer condition, which is a transfer condition when transfer is performed under predetermined reference conditions, and a short-time condition, which is a transfer condition in which the pressure application time is shorter than that of the reference transfer condition.

[0023] More specifically, when the transfer medium is cotton broadcloth, the standard transfer conditions are, for example, a heating temperature in the range of 140 to 200°C and a pressure application time in the range of 20 to 50 seconds, and when the short-time conditions are, a heating temperature in the range of 170 to 200°C and a pressure application time in the range of 20 to 30 seconds. When the transfer medium is cotton canvas, the standard transfer conditions are, for example, a heating temperature in the range of 150 to 210°C and a pressure application time in the range of 20 to 60 seconds, and when the short-time conditions are, a heating temperature in the range of 170 to 200°C and a pressure application time in the range of 30 to 40 seconds. When the transfer medium is TC broadcloth, for example, the standard transfer conditions are a heating temperature of 140 to 200°C and a pressure time of 30 to 50 seconds, and when the short-time conditions are a heating temperature of 180 to 200°C and a pressure time of 30 to 40 seconds. When the transfer medium is cotton knit, for example, the standard transfer conditions are a heating temperature of 140 to 200°C and a pressure time of 20 to 60 seconds, and when the short-time conditions are a heating temperature of 170 to 200°C and a pressure time of 30 to 40 seconds. When the transfer medium is rayon broadcloth, for example, the standard transfer conditions are a heating temperature in the range of 140 to 200°C and a pressure time in the range of 30 to 50 seconds, and when the short-time conditions are a heating temperature in the range of 170 to 200°C and a pressure time in the range of 30 to 40 seconds. When the transfer medium is lycra knit, for example, the standard transfer conditions are a heating temperature in the range of 140 to 200°C and a pressure time in the range of 30 to 60 seconds, and when the short-time conditions are a heating temperature in the range of 170 to 200°C and a pressure time in the range of 30 to 40 seconds.When the transfer medium is polyester sponge, for example, under standard transfer conditions, the heating temperature is in the range of 140 to 190°C and the pressure time is in the range of 30 to 50 seconds, and under short-term conditions, the heating temperature is in the range of 140 to 160°C and the pressure time is in the range of 40 to 50 seconds.

[0024] With the above configuration, it is possible to properly transfer an image onto a variety of fabrics as a transfer medium. Furthermore, as a configuration of the present invention, it is also possible to consider a configuration of a transfer device having the same characteristics as described above. In this case, too, it is possible to obtain, for example, the same effects as described above. [Effects of the Invention]

[0025] According to the present invention, for example, an image can be appropriately transferred onto a variety of cloth receiving media. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0026] [Figure 1] 1A and 1B are diagrams illustrating a printing system 10 that executes a transfer method according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 1A shows an example of the configuration of the printing system 10. Fig. 1B is a flowchart showing an example of a printing operation executed in the printing system 10. [Figure 2] 2A and 2B are diagrams illustrating in more detail the configuration of the transfer medium 50 and the transfer operation performed in this example. FIG. 2A shows an example of the configuration of the transfer medium 50. FIG. 2B shows an example of how the transfer medium 50 and the transfer recipient medium 60 overlap when the pressure bonding process is performed. FIG. 2C shows an example of the state of the transfer recipient medium 60 after the peeling process has been performed. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of transfer conditions used in this example. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of transfer conditions used in this example. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of transfer conditions used in this example. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a transfer and peeling device 22. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0027] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a printing system 10 that executes a transfer method according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1(a) shows an example of the configuration of the printing system 10. Except for the points described below, the printing system 10 of this example and its respective components may have the same or similar features as known printing systems and their respective components. In this example, the printing system 10 is a system that performs printing using a transfer method in which an image is transferred from a transfer medium to a transfer medium, and includes a printing unit 12, a transfer unit 14, a peeling unit 16, and a control unit 18.

[0028] The printing unit 12 is configured to perform a printing process of printing an image on a transfer medium. For example, a known printing device can be suitably used as the printing unit 12. In this example, the printing unit 12 is an inkjet printer that performs printing using an inkjet method, and has multiple inkjet heads. The printing unit 12 performs color printing on the transfer medium by ejecting multiple colors of ink from the multiple inkjet heads. The ink used in the printing unit 12 is, for example, a pigment ink containing a pigment as a coloring material. More specifically, in this example, the printing unit 12 uses an aqueous ink containing an aqueous pigment. In this case, the ink containing an aqueous pigment is an example of a textile pigment ink. Furthermore, in this example, the printing unit 12 uses, as the multiple colors of ink, for example, at least yellow (Y color), magenta (M color), cyan (C color), and black (K color). Furthermore, the printing unit 12 uses a medium as a transfer medium having a base layer, which is a layer serving as the substrate of the transfer medium, a transfer layer, which is a layered portion at least part of which is transferred to the transfer-receiving medium during the transfer process, and a release layer formed between the base layer and the transfer layer. The transfer process can be considered, for example, as a process of transferring an image printed on the transfer medium to the transfer-receiving medium. The characteristics of the transfer medium used in the printing unit 12 will be described in more detail later.

[0029] The transfer unit 14 and the peeling unit 16 are configured to perform the transfer process. In this example, the transfer process includes a pressure-bonding process and a peeling process. In this case, the transfer unit 14 performs the pressure-bonding process. And the peeling unit 16 performs the peeling process. More specifically, in the pressure-bonding process, the transfer unit 14 applies heat and pressure to the transfer medium and the transfer recipient medium in a state where they are stacked together, thereby adhering at least a portion of the transfer layer of the transfer medium to the transfer recipient medium. For example, a known transfer device can be suitably used as the transfer unit 14. Furthermore, in the peeling process, the peeling unit 16 peels off the base layer from the transfer medium that is stacked on the transfer recipient medium.

[0030] The control unit 18 controls the operation of each unit of the printing system 10. The control unit 18 can be, for example, a computer executing a program for controlling the operation of each unit of the printing system 10. The control unit 18 controls the operation of the printing unit 12 by, for example, supplying print data indicating an image to be printed to the printing unit 12. In this example, the control unit 18 determines transfer conditions, which are the conditions for the transfer process performed in the transfer unit 14 and the peeling unit 16. The control unit 18 then controls the operation of the transfer unit 14 and the peeling unit 16 based on the determined transfer conditions. More specifically, in the printing system 10 of this example, various types of fabrics (textiles) are used as the transfer medium. In this case, the control unit 18 determines the transfer conditions, for example, according to the characteristics of the fabrics used as the transfer medium. This configuration can appropriately determine transfer conditions according to the characteristics of the fabrics, for example, when using transfer mediums made of various fabrics. This can also, for example, more appropriately transfer an image from the transfer medium to the transfer medium. The transfer conditions used in this example will be described in more detail later.

[0031] Next, the printing operation performed by the printing system 10 will be described in more detail. FIG. 1B is a flowchart showing an example of the printing operation performed by the printing system 10. As described above, in this example, the printing system 10 uses various types of fabric as the receiving medium. In this case, for example, before performing the transfer process in the printing system 10, the control unit 18 acquires receiving medium information, which is information indicating the type of fabric used as the receiving medium, and determines the type of fabric used as the receiving medium based on the receiving medium information (S102). In this example, the operation of step S102 is an example of the operation of the receiving medium information acquisition stage. The control unit 18 may acquire, for example, information indicating the characteristics of the fabric used as the receiving medium as the receiving medium information. In this case, the control unit 18 determines the type of fabric used as the receiving medium based on the characteristics of the fabric indicated in the receiving medium information. The control unit 18 acquires the receiving medium information by, for example, accepting information input from a user. In this example, the control unit 18 determines transfer conditions based on the transfer medium information acquired in step S102 (S104). In this example, the operation of step S104 is an example of an operation in a transfer condition determination stage. The operation of determining the transfer conditions in the control unit 18 will also be described in more detail later. After determining the transfer conditions in step S104, the control unit 18 supplies print data to the printing unit 12, causing the printing unit 12 to execute an operation of printing an image on the transfer medium (S106). In this example, the operation of step S106 is an example of an operation in a printing stage that executes a printing process. In a modified example of the operation of the printing system 10, the operation corresponding to step S106 in this example may be performed before the operation corresponding to step S102. In addition, after causing the printing unit 12 to print an image on the transfer medium in step S106, the control unit 18 causes the transfer unit 14 and the peeling unit 16 to execute an operation of the transfer process based on the transfer conditions determined in step S104 (S108). In this example, the operation of step S108 is an example of an operation of a transfer execution stage in which the transfer process is executed. The transfer execution stage can be considered as a stage in which the transfer process is executed under the transfer conditions determined in the transfer condition determination stage, for example.More specifically, in this example, the control unit 18 causes the transfer unit 14 to perform the pressing step (S202) as the operation of step S108, and then causes the peeling unit 16 to perform the peeling step (S204). With this configuration, for example, in the printing system 10, the printing operation using the transfer method can be appropriately performed.

[0032] In a modified configuration of the printing system 10, the printing system 10 may further include components other than those described above. In the printing system 10 of this example, the printing unit 12, the transfer unit 14, the peeling unit 16, and the control unit 18 may be, for example, separate devices. In this case, the separate devices may be considered, for example, as devices for each individual function. In contrast, in a modified configuration of the printing system 10, it is possible to use a single device that corresponds to multiple devices among the printing unit 12, the transfer unit 14, the peeling unit 16, and the control unit 18. More specifically, in this case, it is possible to use a device that has the functions of the printing unit 12 and the transfer unit 14. It is also possible to configure the transfer unit 14 to also function as the peeling unit 16. It is also possible to use a device that has the functions of the printing unit 12, the transfer unit 14, and the peeling unit 16. It is also possible to use, for example, any other device that also functions as the control unit 18. Even with this configuration, it is possible to properly transfer an image in the printing system 10. Also, as described above, the operation of determining the transfer conditions in step S104 in this example is an operation executed by the control unit 18. In contrast, in a modified example of the operation of determining the transfer conditions, for example, the user may determine the transfer conditions in accordance with the type of fabric used as the transfer medium. In this case, the operation of acquiring the transfer medium information in step S102 can also be considered to be an operation performed by the user. In this case, for example, the operation of the user determining the type of fabric used as the transfer medium can be considered to correspond to the operation of acquiring the transfer medium information.

[0033] Next, the characteristics of the transfer medium used in the printing unit 12 will be described in more detail. FIG. 2 is a diagram further illustrating the configuration of the transfer medium 50 and the transfer operation performed in this example. FIG. 2(a) shows an example of the configuration of the transfer medium 50. As described above, in this example, the transfer medium 50 has a base layer 52, a transfer layer 54, and a release layer 56. By using a transfer medium 50 with this configuration, an image can be properly transferred from the transfer medium 50 to a transfer recipient medium without attaching rubber or the like to the transfer recipient medium, as is the case with rubber transfer methods. This also allows for more proper image transfer, for example, when using a cloth transfer recipient medium, while preventing damage to the texture of the transfer recipient medium. In this example, the base layer 52 is a paper layer. The base layer 52 being a paper layer can be considered to be, for example, when at least a portion of the base layer 52 in the thickness direction is made of paper. In this case, for example, it is possible to use a base layer 52 in which at least the interface on the transfer layer 54 side is formed of paper. Regarding the base layer 52 being a paper layer, it is also possible to consider, for example, that the base layer 52 is essentially a paper layer. The paper layer can also be considered, for example, as a cellulose (wood fiber) layer. It is also possible to use, for example, a resin film layer as the base layer 52. However, in this case, the interface of the base layer 52 on the transfer layer 54 side is made smoother, which, for example, tends to increase the smoothness of the surface of the transferred image. In contrast, when a paper base layer 52 is used as in this example, it is possible to appropriately prevent the surface of the transferred image from becoming excessively smooth, compared to, for example, when a resin film base layer is used. This also makes it possible, for example, to make the state of the transferred image appear more natural.

[0034] Furthermore, in the transfer medium 50, the transfer layer 54 is a layer that separates from the base layer 52 and adheres to the transfer medium during transfer. The transfer layer 54 can also be considered, for example, as a layer that receives ink ejected from the printing unit 12 (see FIG. 1 ) and transfers to the transfer medium together with the ink during transfer. The transfer layer 54 can be, for example, a resin layer. As described above, in this example, the printing unit 12 prints on the transfer medium 50 using ink containing an aqueous pigment. In this case, the transfer layer 54 can also be considered, for example, as a layer that can print an image using ink containing an aqueous pigment and that can be peeled off from the base layer 52 during transfer. The transfer layer 54 can also be considered, for example, as an ink-receiving layer that peels off from the base layer 52. As described above, in this example, the transfer medium 50 has a peeling layer 56 between the base layer 52 and the transfer layer 54. The peeling layer 56 is a layer that separates the base layer 52 and the transfer layer 54 during the peeling process. The release layer 56 is preferably a layer whose releasability increases with the heat applied during the pressure-bonding process. In this example, the release layer 56 is made of, for example, a meltable material. More specifically, silicone-based materials or various wax-based materials can be used as the release layer 56. In this example, the release layer 56 is thinner than the base layer 52 and the transfer layer 54. Therefore, in practice, the release layer 56 can be considered to essentially disappear after the peeling process. The base layer 52, the transfer layer 54, and the release layer 56 can be made of layers having the same or similar characteristics as the base layer, transfer layer, and release layer of a known transfer medium for pigment transfer. More specifically, in this example, the transfer medium 50 can be made of, for example, a known transfer medium capable of printing an image using an ink containing a pigment, such as an aqueous pigment (pigment ink), and transferring the image to a transfer medium.

[0035] As described above, in this example, the transfer unit 14 (see FIG. 1) performs a pressure bonding process in which heat and pressure are applied to the transfer medium 50 and the transfer receiver medium 50 in an overlapping state. In this case, as shown in FIG. 2(b), for example, the transfer medium 50 and the transfer receiver medium 60 are overlapped in the transfer unit 14 so that the transfer layer 54 of the transfer medium 50 and the transfer receiver medium 60 are in contact with each other. FIG. 2(b) shows an example of how the transfer medium 50 and the transfer receiver medium 60 are overlapped during the pressure bonding process. By performing the pressure bonding process in this state, the transfer unit 14 adheres at least a portion of the transfer layer 54 of the transfer medium 50 to the transfer receiver medium 60. After the pressure bonding process is performed in the transfer unit 14, the peeling unit 16 performs a peeling process to peel the base layer 52 from the transfer medium 50. In this case, peeling the base layer 52 from the transfer medium 50 can be considered, for example, to peel the base layer 52 while the transfer medium 50 and the transfer receiver medium 60 are overlapping. In this case, after the peeling step, at least a portion of the transfer layer 54 remains on the transfer medium 60, as shown in FIG. 2(c), for example. FIG. 2(c) shows an example of the state of the transfer medium 60 after the peeling step. As described above, in practice, the release layer 56 can be considered to be substantially absent after the peeling step. In this case, the release layer 56 can be considered to be attached to, for example, either the base layer 52 or the transfer layer 54. After the peeling step, a portion of the release layer 56 may be attached to the base layer 52, and the remaining portion may be attached to the transfer layer 54. As described above, in this example, a resin layer is used as the transfer layer 54. In this case, the transfer medium 60 after transfer may have some change in texture due to, for example, the adhesion of the resin that constituted the transfer layer 54. However, even in this case, the change in texture can be appropriately and sufficiently suppressed compared to the change in texture that occurs when a rubber sheet adheres during iron transfer. Therefore, according to this example, for example, it is possible to appropriately transfer an image from one transfer medium 50 to another while suppressing deterioration in the texture of the transfer medium 60.

[0036] Next, the transfer conditions used during transfer in the transfer process in this example and the operation of determining the transfer conditions in the control unit 18 will be described in more detail. As described above, in this example, the control unit 18 of the printing system 10 (see FIG. 1) determines the transfer conditions based on information about the transfer medium. For example, the transfer medium information may include information indicating the type of fabric used as the transfer medium. In this case, the control unit 18 can be considered to determine the transfer conditions based on the type of fabric used as the transfer medium. In this example, the control unit 18 determines the transfer conditions based on transfer quality conditions that specify the transfer quality. In this case, the control unit 18 can be considered to determine the transfer conditions based on the transfer quality conditions and the type of fabric used as the transfer medium. In this case, the control unit 18 uses, for example, a condition selected from a plurality of preset conditions as the transfer quality condition. With this configuration, it is possible to appropriately determine transfer conditions that enable transfer with desired quality for various types of transfer medium fabrics. This also makes it possible to more appropriately transfer an image from a transfer medium to a transfer receiving medium, for example, even when various types of fabric are used as transfer receiving mediums.

[0037] In this example, the multiple conditions available as options for the transfer quality conditions include at least normal transfer conditions, high color development and high fastness conditions, and high productivity conditions. In this case, the normal transfer conditions are an example of reference quality conditions. The reference quality conditions can be considered, for example, as predetermined reference conditions. The transfer conditions determined in accordance with the reference quality conditions (transfer conditions corresponding to the reference quality conditions) can be considered, for example, as reference transfer conditions. The reference transfer conditions can be considered, for example, as transfer conditions when transfer is performed under the reference quality conditions. The reference quality conditions can also be considered, for example, as transfer conditions when transfer is performed under predetermined reference conditions. The high color development and high fastness conditions are an example of high color development conditions. The high color development conditions can be considered, for example, as conditions that enhance color development compared to the reference quality conditions. The transfer conditions determined in accordance with the high color development conditions (transfer conditions corresponding to the high color development conditions) can be considered, for example, as high color development transfer conditions. The high color development transfer conditions can be considered, for example, as transfer conditions when transfer is performed under high color development conditions. Furthermore, the high-productivity conditions are, for example, conditions that emphasize improving the productivity of the transfer process. One possible high-productivity condition is to use conditions that shorten the pressure application time during transfer. In this case, the transfer conditions determined in accordance with the high-productivity conditions (transfer conditions corresponding to the high-productivity conditions) can be considered to be, for example, short-time conditions that shorten the pressure application time compared to the reference transfer conditions. In this case, the transfer conditions determined in accordance with the high-productivity conditions can be, for example, conditions that shorten the pressure application time compared to the reference transfer conditions and that facilitate peeling of the base layer of the transfer medium, depending on the type of fabric used as the transfer medium.

[0038] More specifically, in this example, the control unit 18 determines the transfer conditions, as shown in FIGS. 3 to 5. FIGS. 3 to 5 are diagrams showing examples of transfer conditions used in this example, and show examples of transfer conditions determined when a predetermined transfer medium is used. In the illustrated example, the transfer medium is, for example, Texcol, a pigment transfer paper provided by Neenah Coldenhove. By using such a transfer medium, it is possible to appropriately transfer an image to a transfer medium made of various fabrics. Furthermore, in this case, by using such a transfer medium, it is possible to appropriately transfer an image even when a wide transfer medium is used. A wide transfer medium may be, for example, a wide piece of fabric wound in a roll. In this example, the transfer conditions are conditions that specify at least the heating temperature, which is the temperature to which the transfer medium is heated during transfer, and the pressure time, which is the time for which pressure is applied to the transfer medium during transfer. The transfer conditions can be considered, for example, as conditions for transferring an image during the transfer execution stage. The heating temperature can be considered, for example, as the temperature to which the transfer medium is heated during the pressure bonding process during transfer. The pressure application time can be considered, for example, as the time required to apply pressure to the transfer medium during the pressure application process during transfer. The heating temperature and pressure application time can also be considered, for example, as the heating temperature and pressure application time during the pressure application process. In addition, in FIGS. 3 to 5, the transfer conditions are shown as ranges of heating temperature and pressure application time for each type of cloth used as the transfer medium. In this case, the transfer conditions shown in FIGS. 3 to 5 can be considered, for example, as conditions that vary depending on the type of cloth used as the transfer medium. The heating temperature and pressure application time in the transfer conditions actually used during transfer can be considered, for example, as predetermined values ​​within the ranges shown in the figures for each type of cloth. In this case, the control unit 18 determines the transfer conditions based on, for example, the heating temperature and pressure application time preset for each type of cloth.

[0039] More specifically, FIG. 3 shows an example of transfer conditions when the transfer quality conditions are normal transfer conditions. In this example, when the transfer medium is cotton cloth, as shown in the figure, the transfer conditions include a heating temperature in the range of 140 to 210°C and a pressure time in the range of 20 to 60 seconds. In this example, cotton cloth is an example of a natural fiber cloth. As described above, the heating temperature and pressure time in the transfer conditions when the transfer medium is cotton cloth can be considered to be predetermined values ​​within the above ranges. These predetermined values ​​can be, for example, values ​​previously determined through prior experiments. These points are the same or similar in the transfer conditions described below. Furthermore, as shown in the figure, in this example, when a specific type of cotton cloth is used as the transfer medium, individual transfer conditions are used for each specific type of cloth. In this case, the transfer conditions for cotton cloth can be considered to be, for example, standard transfer conditions for cotton cloth. In this case, with regard to the transfer conditions for a specific cloth, if the cotton cloth used as the transfer medium is cotton broadcloth, the transfer conditions may include a heating temperature in the range of 140 to 200°C and a pressure application time in the range of 20 to 50 seconds. If the cotton cloth used as the transfer medium is cotton canvas, the transfer conditions may include a heating temperature in the range of 150 to 210°C and a pressure application time in the range of 20 to 60 seconds. If the cotton cloth used as the transfer medium is cotton knit, the transfer conditions may include a heating temperature in the range of 140 to 200°C and a pressure application time in the range of 20 to 60 seconds. In this case, the transfer conditions for a specific cotton cloth may differ from the standard transfer conditions for cotton cloth. More specifically, in this case, it is conceivable that the specific values ​​used for at least one of the heating temperature and the pressure time between the transfer conditions corresponding to the specific fabric and the standard transfer conditions for cotton fabric are different but within the ranges shown in the figure. In this case, it is also conceivable that the transfer conditions between the specific fabrics mentioned above can be varied depending on the type of fabric used as the transfer medium.In this case, for example, at least one of the heating temperature and pressure time in the transfer conditions when the transfer medium is cotton canvas may be different from the transfer conditions when the transfer medium is at least one of cotton broadcloth and cotton knit.

[0040] In addition, it is also possible to use synthetic fiber cloth as the transfer medium in addition to cotton cloth. In this case, for example, at least one of the heating temperature and pressure application time in the transfer conditions when the transfer medium is synthetic fiber cloth may be different from those in the transfer conditions when the transfer medium is cotton cloth. More specifically, in this case, the heating temperature in the transfer conditions when the transfer medium is synthetic fiber cloth may be set lower than the heating temperature in the transfer conditions when the transfer medium is cotton cloth. In this example, if the transfer medium is synthetic fiber cloth primarily composed of polyester, rayon, or nylon, the transfer conditions may include a heating temperature in the range of 140 to 200°C and a pressure application time in the range of 30 to 50 seconds. In this case, the primary component of the synthetic fiber cloth may be considered to be, for example, the material that accounts for the largest proportion (e.g., weight ratio) of the cloth. Furthermore, these transfer conditions may be considered to be, for example, standard transfer conditions for synthetic fiber cloth. Furthermore, in this example, even when a specific type of chemical fiber cloth is used as the transfer medium, individual transfer conditions are used for each specific type of cloth. More specifically, when the chemical fiber cloth used as the transfer medium is polyester pongee, the transfer conditions include a heating temperature in the range of 140 to 190°C and a pressure application time in the range of 30 to 50 seconds. When the chemical fiber cloth used as the transfer medium is rayon broadcloth, the transfer conditions include a heating temperature in the range of 140 to 200°C and a pressure application time in the range of 30 to 50 seconds. When the chemical fiber cloth used as the transfer medium is nylon oxford, the transfer conditions include a heating temperature in the range of 140 to 200°C and a pressure application time in the range of 30 to 50 seconds.

[0041] The transfer medium may be, for example, a blend of cotton and synthetic fibers (e.g., a blend of cotton and polyester). In this case, at least one of the heating temperature and pressure time in the transfer conditions for a blended fabric may be different from those for a cotton fabric. At least one of the heating temperature and pressure time in the transfer conditions for a blended fabric may be different from those for a synthetic fabric. In this example, when the transfer medium is a blend of cotton and synthetic fibers, the transfer conditions may be, for example, a heating temperature in the range of 140 to 200°C and a pressure time in the range of 30 to 60 seconds. In this case, these transfer conditions may be considered, for example, standard transfer conditions for blended fabrics. In this example, even when a specific type of blended fabric is used as the transfer medium, individual transfer conditions are used for each specific type of fabric. More specifically, when the blended fabric used as the transfer medium is TC broadcloth (for example, TC broadcloth made of 65% cotton and 35% polyester), the transfer conditions include a heating temperature of 140 to 200°C and a pressure application time of 30 to 50 seconds. When the blended fabric used as the transfer medium is Lycra knit, the transfer conditions include a heating temperature of 140 to 200°C and a pressure application time of 30 to 60 seconds.

[0042] The transfer conditions described above can be considered to be material-specific conditions, focusing on the material of the cloth used as the transfer medium. Alternatively, the transfer conditions can be considered to be related to the weave of the cloth. The weave of the cloth can be considered to be, for example, the way the threads constituting the cloth intersect. In this case, the control unit 18 determines the transfer conditions based on the weave of the cloth. The weave of the cloth can be considered to be, for example, whether the cloth used as the transfer medium is woven or knitted. For example, in the illustrated example, if the transfer medium is woven, the transfer conditions include a heating temperature in the range of 140 to 210°C and a pressure application time in the range of 20 to 60 seconds. For example, if the transfer medium is knitted, the transfer conditions include a heating temperature in the range of 140 to 200°C and a pressure application time in the range of 20 to 60 seconds. In this case, these transfer conditions can be considered to be standard transfer conditions for woven or knitted cloth. Furthermore, in this example, when a specific type of woven fabric is used as the transfer medium, individual transfer conditions are used for each specific type of fabric. More specifically, when the woven fabric used as the transfer medium is a plain-woven cotton fabric, the transfer conditions, for example, include a heating temperature in the range of 140 to 210°C and a pressure application time in the range of 20 to 60 seconds. When the woven fabric used as the transfer medium is a plain-woven synthetic fiber fabric primarily composed of polyester, rayon, or nylon, the transfer conditions, for example, include a heating temperature in the range of 140 to 200°C and a pressure application time in the range of 30 to 50 seconds. When the woven fabric used as the transfer medium is a plain-woven cotton and synthetic fiber blend fabric, the transfer conditions, for example, include a heating temperature in the range of 140 to 200°C and a pressure application time in the range of 30 to 50 seconds. Although not shown in the figure, for example, when a specific type of knitted fabric is used as the transfer medium, individual transfer conditions may be used for each specific type of fabric.Furthermore, when using a specific woven or knitted fabric, such as cotton broadcloth, as described above, it is possible to use individual transfer conditions for each type of specific fabric. According to this example, by using transfer conditions that match the fabric used as the transfer medium, it is possible to appropriately transfer an image to a variety of fabrics as the transfer medium.

[0043] As explained above, in this example, the control unit 18 determines the transfer conditions based on the transfer quality conditions that specify the transfer quality. In this case, the transfer conditions may be varied depending on the desired quality of the transfer product, for example. For high color development and high fastness conditions, the transfer conditions shown in FIG. 4 may be used. FIG. 4 shows an example of transfer conditions (high color development and high fastness mode) when the transfer quality conditions are high color development and high fastness. In the example of transfer conditions for high color development and high fastness conditions shown in the figure, when the transfer medium is cotton broadcloth, for example, the transfer conditions for the high color development and high fastness mode are a heating temperature in the range of 170 to 200°C and a pressure time in the range of 20 to 40 seconds. When the transfer medium is cotton broadcloth, for example, under the transfer conditions of the high color development and high fastness mode, the heating temperature may be in the range of 160 to 180°C and the pressure time may be in the range of 40 to 50 seconds. When the transfer medium is cotton canvas, for example, under the transfer conditions of the high color development and high fastness mode, the heating temperature may be in the range of 170 to 200°C and the pressure time may be in the range of 30 to 50 seconds. When the transfer medium is cotton knit, for example, under the transfer conditions of the high color development and high fastness mode, the heating temperature may be in the range of 170 to 200°C and the pressure time may be in the range of 30 to 40 seconds. When the transfer medium is cotton knit, for example, under the transfer conditions of the high color development and high fastness mode, the heating temperature may be in the range of 160 to 180°C and the pressure time may be in the range of 40 to 50 seconds. When the transfer medium is polyester sponge, for example, under the transfer conditions of high color development and high fastness mode, the heating temperature is in the range of 140 to 170°C and the pressure time is in the range of 40 to 50 seconds. When the transfer medium is rayon broadcloth, for example, under the transfer conditions of high color development and high fastness mode, the heating temperature is in the range of 140 to 180°C and the pressure time is in the range of 40 to 50 seconds.When the transfer medium is TC broadcloth, for example, the transfer conditions for the high color development and high fastness mode are a heating temperature in the range of 140 to 170°C and a pressure time in the range of 40 to 50 seconds. When the transfer medium is Lycra knit, for example, the transfer conditions for the high color development and high fastness mode are a heating temperature in the range of 170 to 200°C and a pressure time in the range of 30 to 50 seconds. Furthermore, the transfer conditions for the high color development and high fastness conditions can also be considered, for example, in terms of the relationship with the fabric weave. For example, in the illustrated example, when the transfer medium is knitted fabric, the transfer conditions for the high color development and high fastness mode are a heating temperature in the range of 150 to 190°C and a pressure time in the range of 30 to 50 seconds.

[0044] As explained above, it is also possible to consider high-productivity conditions, for example, when determining transfer quality conditions. For example, high-productivity conditions can be used to shorten the pressure application time during transfer. In this case, the transfer conditions shown in FIG. 5 can be used as the high-productivity conditions. FIG. 5 shows an example of transfer conditions when the transfer quality conditions are high-productivity conditions. In the figure, the transfer conditions shown as high-productivity mode 1 shorten the pressure application time during transfer and facilitate peeling of the base layer of the transfer medium. By facilitating peeling of the base layer of the transfer medium, the time required for the transfer process (production time) can be further reduced, for example, when peeling the base layer manually. The transfer conditions of high-productivity mode 1 are suitable for use when the transfer medium is a cloth (fabric) with a certain strength, such as a cotton cloth or a plain-woven cotton-blend cloth, in terms of the material and weave of the cloth. Furthermore, the transfer conditions shown as high productivity mode 2 are conditions that shorten the pressure application time during transfer without considering how easily the base layer of the transfer medium can be peeled off. The transfer conditions of high productivity mode 1 and high productivity mode 2 can be considered, for example, as transfer conditions that can shorten production time even if color development and fastness are slightly reduced. Furthermore, such transfer conditions can be considered, for example, as conditions that shorten the pressure application time by increasing the heating temperature compared to the transfer conditions for normal transfer. Furthermore, as explained above, in this example, the transfer conditions determined in accordance with the high productivity conditions can be considered, for example, as short-time conditions that shorten the pressure application time compared to the standard transfer conditions.

[0045] Furthermore, in the examples of high-productivity transfer conditions shown in the figure, with regard to the conditions by material, when the transfer medium is cotton broadcloth, for example, in the transfer conditions of high-productivity mode 1, the heating temperature is in the range of 170 to 200°C and the pressure time is in the range of 20 to 30 seconds. When the transfer medium is cotton canvas, for example, in the transfer conditions of high-productivity mode 1, the heating temperature is in the range of 170 to 200°C and the pressure time is in the range of 30 to 40 seconds. When the transfer medium is TC broadcloth, for example, in the transfer conditions of high-productivity mode 1, the heating temperature is in the range of 180 to 200°C and the pressure time is in the range of 30 to 40 seconds. When the transfer medium is cotton knit, for example, in the transfer conditions of high-productivity mode 2, the heating temperature is in the range of 170 to 200°C and the pressure time is in the range of 30 to 40 seconds. When the transfer medium is rayon broadcloth, for example, under the transfer conditions of high productivity mode 2, the heating temperature is in the range of 170 to 200°C and the pressure time is in the range of 30 to 40 seconds. When the transfer medium is lycra knit, for example, under the transfer conditions of high productivity mode 2, the heating temperature is in the range of 170 to 200°C and the pressure time is in the range of 30 to 40 seconds. When the transfer medium is polyester pongee, for example, the heating temperature is in the range of 140 to 160°C and the pressure time is in the range of 40 to 50 seconds. According to this example, for example, by using transfer conditions that match the transfer quality conditions, it is possible to appropriately transfer an image with the desired quality. Furthermore, in this case, for example, by using a predetermined transfer medium having a base layer and a transfer layer and using transfer conditions that match the type of fabric used as the transfer medium, it is possible to appropriately transfer an image to transfer mediums made of various fabrics.

[0046] Next, supplementary explanations will be given regarding the matters explained above. As explained above, in this example, the control unit 18 determines the transfer conditions according to the type of fabric used as the transfer medium. In this case, the control unit 18 can be considered, for example, as an example of a transfer condition determination device that determines the transfer conditions. In this case, the control unit 18 can be considered, for example, to function as a transfer condition determination device by executing a predetermined program. Furthermore, with regard to the operation of the control unit 18, the operation of determining the transfer conditions can be considered, for example, to correspond to the operation of suggesting the transfer conditions to the user. Furthermore, the program that controls the operation of the control unit 18 can be considered, for example, as software that suggests the transfer conditions.

[0047] As described above, in this example, the transfer medium has a base layer, a transfer layer, and a release layer. These three layers are stacked such that the release layer is sandwiched between the base layer and the transfer layer. In this case, the transfer medium can be considered to be composed of, for example, at least three layers including these layers. As explained above, the base layer is, for example, a paper layer. In this case, the base layer is, for example, a paper layer having a weight per square meter of 50 to 120 g (50 to 120 g / m 2 ) can be suitably used. In this example, the peeling unit 16 (see FIG. 1) performs the peeling process before the temperature of the transfer medium, etc., heated in the pressing process, drops to room temperature or below. In this case, if the base layer is made of resin, for example, the heat may cause the base layer to soften or stretch, reducing the peelability of the base layer. In contrast, when a paper layer is used as the base layer, the base layer becomes substantially non-stretchable, allowing the base layer to be peeled more appropriately even when the peeling process is performed at a high temperature (e.g., 100°C or higher). Therefore, using a paper layer as the base layer can be considered particularly suitable for performing the peeling process when the transfer medium is at a high temperature.

[0048] As explained above, the transfer layer may be, for example, a resin layer. In this case, the transfer layer may be, for example, a resin layer having a weight per square meter of 5 to 20 g (5 to 20 g / m 2 ) can be suitably used. Furthermore, as the resin in the transfer layer, a thermoplastic resin that softens when heated during the pressure bonding process can be suitably used. More specifically, as the transfer layer, for example, a layer mainly composed of polyethylene can be used. Furthermore, as the transfer layer, for example, a layer made of a fiber-reactive polymer including a crosslinkable polymer can be suitably used. As the fiber-reactive polymer, for example, a polymer containing an isocyanate group can be suitably used. Furthermore, the transfer layer may also contain, for example, a binder, a rheology modifier, an antifoaming agent, a pigment (white), a crosslinking agent, a wetting agent, etc. As the antifoaming agent, for example, a siloxane-based substance can be suitably used. As the binder, for example, a combination of urethane and acrylic or styrene-acrylic can be suitably used.

[0049] Furthermore, the printing surface on which the ink lands in the transfer layer may be, for example, a surface on which particulate matter solidifies. Such a printing surface may be, for example, an uneven surface with fine irregularities. By configuring the printing surface in this manner, the transfer layer may, for example, more appropriately receive the ink ejected onto the transfer layer. Furthermore, the transfer layer may be configured to suppress the wetting and spreading of ink dots at temperatures higher than room temperature, for example, about 60°C (50-70°C). The suppression of the wetting and spreading of ink dots at temperatures higher than room temperature can be understood as, for example, the fact that the ink dots are less likely to wetting and spreading compared to conditions at room temperature. In this case, for example, by performing printing while heating the transfer medium in the printing unit 12 (see FIG. 1), it is possible to reduce the occurrence of ink bleeding.

[0050] As explained above, the release layer can be preferably made of, for example, a silicone-based material or various wax-based materials. 2 ) can be suitably used. Furthermore, by forming the release layer between the base layer and the transfer layer, it can be considered that, for example, it makes it difficult for the ink in the transfer layer to reach the base layer. More specifically, in this example, the ink ejected onto the transfer layer remains almost entirely within the transfer layer. Therefore, for example, if a large amount of ink is ejected onto the transfer layer, the ink exceeding the allowable amount will pile up on the surface of the transfer layer. Furthermore, in this case, it can be considered that there is almost no penetration of the ink into the base layer. With this configuration, for example, it is possible to appropriately prevent changes in the release properties of the base layer due to ink penetration into the base layer.

[0051] As explained above, the transfer medium in this example can be, for example, a known transfer medium. More specifically, as explained above, a suitable transfer medium is, for example, Texcol (registered trademark), a pigment transfer paper provided by Neenah Coldenhove. As can be understood from the above explanation, the printing system 10 of this example can transfer images to various types of fabric as a transfer medium without pre- or post-treatment using water. In this case, the transfer medium can be considered, for example, as transfer paper that can transfer images to various types of fabric (textile) in one step without using water. The transfer unit 14 can also be suitable, for example, as a known transfer device manufactured by Klieverik Heli BV. When various types of fabric are used as a transfer medium, the properties of the fabric may vary depending on, for example, the yarn material, the twisting method of the yarn, the knitting method, the weaving method, etc. As a result, depending on the type of fabric used as the transfer medium, for example, the thickness, texture, softness (or hardness), elongation rate, etc. of the transfer medium will vary. In contrast, in this example, by using transfer conditions that match the type of fabric, for example, it is possible to transfer an image more appropriately to transfer media made of various fabrics.

[0052] Regarding the transfer conditions described above, other conditions related to the pressure applied to the transfer medium during transfer, such as adjusting the pressure, besides the pressure application time, can be considered. However, as long as the pressure applied is sufficient for transfer, it is generally considered that the impact on the transfer quality, etc., is small. Therefore, when determining transfer conditions according to the type of fabric, it is particularly preferable to determine the heating temperature and pressure application time, as described above, according to the fabric used as the transfer medium. In this case, the pressure applied during transfer can be, for example, the normal pressure used in the transfer device used as the transfer unit 14. More specifically, this pressure can be set to a predetermined pressure, for example, in the range of 3 to 6 bar. In this case, the transfer conditions described above can also be considered as conditions for setting the pressure applied to such a pressure, for example.

[0053] As explained above, when determining transfer conditions for different types of fabric, the control unit 18 may determine individual transfer conditions for each specific type of fabric, for example, for transfer media made of the same fabric. In this case, the control unit 18 may consider, for example, at least the material and texture of the fabric when determining the type of fabric. More specifically, in this case, for example, cotton fabrics that share the commonality of being made of cotton, such as cotton canvas and cotton broadcloth, may be considered to have different textures. In this case, for example, when the transfer quality conditions (e.g., normal transfer conditions) are the same and the fabric used as the transfer medium is made of cotton, the control unit 18 may, for example, at least, set different transfer conditions when the transfer medium is cotton broadcloth (e.g., transfer conditions under normal transfer conditions) from the transfer conditions when the transfer medium is cotton canvas (e.g., transfer conditions under normal transfer conditions). In this case, for example, when the transfer medium is cotton canvas, the transfer conditions can be set to a higher heating temperature than when the transfer medium is cotton broadcloth. By configuring in this way, it is possible to more appropriately determine the transfer conditions according to the type of fabric, for example.

[0054] As described above, in this example, the control unit 18 determines transfer conditions for each of a plurality of transfer quality conditions, including at least normal transfer conditions, high color development and fastness conditions, and high productivity conditions. In this case, the control unit 18, for example, varies the transfer conditions for each transfer quality condition for at least some types of fabric receiving media. For example, for transfer conditions for at least some types of fabric receiving media, it is possible to vary at least one of the heating temperature and pressure time between normal transfer conditions, which are transfer conditions for normal transfer conditions, and high color development transfer conditions, which are transfer conditions for high color development and fastness conditions. More specifically, in this example, the control unit 18 determines the transfer conditions for at least some types of fabric receiving media, for example, with respect to the relationship between the normal transfer conditions and the high color development transfer conditions, so that the high color development transfer conditions are either high temperature / short time conditions or low temperature / long time conditions when compared to the reference transfer conditions. The high-temperature, short-time conditions can be considered to be, for example, conditions in which the heating temperature is higher and the pressure application time is shorter than the reference transfer conditions, as high-color transfer conditions compared to the reference transfer conditions. The low-temperature, long-time conditions can be considered to be, for example, conditions in which the heating temperature is lower and the pressure application time is longer than the reference transfer conditions, as high-color transfer conditions compared to the reference transfer conditions. By configuring in this way, it is possible to appropriately determine high-color transfer conditions that can achieve transfer with high color development and fastness, for example.

[0055] In this case, the control unit 18 determines high-color transfer conditions, which are either high-temperature, short-time conditions or low-temperature, long-time conditions, depending on the type of fabric used as the transfer medium. In this case, the control unit 18 may, for example, determine only the high-temperature, short-time condition out of the high-temperature, short-time condition or the low-temperature, long-time condition as the high-color transfer condition corresponding to some types of fabric. Alternatively, the control unit 18 may, for example, determine only the low-temperature, long-time condition out of the high-temperature, short-time condition or the low-temperature, long-time condition as the high-color transfer condition corresponding to at least some other types of fabric. Alternatively, the control unit 18 may, for example, determine both the high-temperature, short-time condition and the low-temperature, long-time condition as the high-color transfer condition corresponding to some types of fabric. In this case, the operation of the control unit 18 to determine the reference transfer conditions and the high-color transfer conditions depending on the desired transfer quality can be considered, for example, as follows: when the transfer medium is a first type of fabric, the control unit 18 determines the high-temperature, short-time condition as the high-color transfer condition; and when the transfer medium is a second type of fabric different from the first type of fabric, the control unit 18 determines the low-temperature, long-time condition as the high-color transfer condition. With this configuration, it is possible to appropriately determine the high color development transfer conditions in accordance with the type of fabric used as the transfer medium, for example.

[0056] More specifically, examples of different types of fabric include cotton canvas and synthetic fiber fabric. For example, when the transfer medium is cotton canvas, the control unit 18 determines transfer conditions that are high-temperature, short-time conditions as the high-color transfer conditions. For example, when the transfer medium is synthetic fiber fabric primarily composed of polyester, rayon, or nylon, the control unit 18 determines transfer conditions that are low-temperature, long-time conditions as the high-color transfer conditions. This configuration allows appropriate determination of high-color transfer conditions for cotton canvas and synthetic fiber fabric. More specifically, as described above with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, when the transfer medium is cotton canvas, the reference transfer conditions include a heating temperature of, for example, a first temperature in the range of 150 to 210°C. The reference transfer conditions include a first pressure time of, for example, 20 to 60 seconds. The high-color transfer conditions determined when the transfer medium is cotton canvas include a heating temperature that is, for example, higher than the first temperature. Furthermore, under these high color transfer conditions, the pressurization time is shorter than the first pressurization time. When the transfer medium is the above-mentioned synthetic fiber cloth, under the reference transfer conditions, the heating temperature is, for example, a second temperature in the range of 140 to 200°C. Under these reference transfer conditions, the pressurization time is, for example, a second pressurization time in the range of 30 to 50 seconds. Under the high color transfer conditions determined when the transfer medium is the synthetic fiber cloth, the heating temperature is, for example, lower than the second temperature. Under these high color transfer conditions, the pressurization time is, for example, longer than the second pressurization time. This configuration allows the reference transfer conditions and high color transfer conditions to be appropriately determined for, for example, cotton canvas and synthetic fiber cloth.

[0057] Furthermore, even when a cloth other than cotton canvas or synthetic fiber cloth is used as the transfer medium, the reference transfer conditions and the high-color transfer conditions can be appropriately determined, as can be understood from the matters described above with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4. Furthermore, in this example, the short-time conditions, which are transfer conditions determined to correspond to high-productivity conditions, can also be appropriately determined according to the type of cloth used as the transfer medium, as described above with reference to FIGS. 3 and 5. In this case, for example, it is possible to differentiate at least the pressure time between the reference transfer conditions, which are transfer conditions corresponding to normal transfer, and the short-time conditions, which are transfer conditions corresponding to high-productivity conditions. Furthermore, in this case, it is preferable to differentiate the reference transfer conditions and the short-time conditions so that the pressure time under the short-time conditions is shorter than the pressure time under the reference transfer conditions. This configuration allows, for example, the short-time conditions to be appropriately determined. Furthermore, in this example, the short-time conditions are an example of transfer conditions for specific requirements. The control unit 18 may further determine transfer conditions other than the high-color transfer conditions and the short-time conditions as transfer conditions for specific requirements. In this case, it is possible to further determine transfer conditions that emphasize the texture of the transfer medium (transfer conditions in a texture-emphasized mode), etc. By configuring in this way, it is possible to more appropriately determine a variety of transfer conditions, for example, depending on the required transfer quality.

[0058] As described above, in a modified configuration of the printing system 10, for example, it is possible to use a single device corresponding to multiple devices in the configuration illustrated in FIG. 1(a). In this case, for example, it is possible to configure the transfer unit 14 to also function as the peeling unit 16. In this case, the transfer unit 14 configured to also function as the peeling unit 16 can be considered, for example, as a transfer and peeling device. More specifically, when using a roll-shaped transfer medium 50 and a transfer-receiving medium 60, it is possible to use, for example, a transfer and peeling device 22 configured as shown in FIG. 6. FIG. 6 shows an example of the configuration of the transfer and peeling device 22 corresponding to the transfer unit 14 configured to also function as the peeling unit 16. In this case, it is possible to use the transfer and peeling device 22 shown in FIG. 6 instead of the transfer unit 14 and peeling unit 16 shown in FIG. 1(a).

[0059] In the illustrated example, the transfer / separation device 22 includes a drum 302, an endless belt 304, and multiple rollers 306-316. The drum 302 and the endless belt 304 are configured to apply heat and pressure for the pressure bonding process. The drum 302 and the endless belt 304 contact each other with the overlapping transfer medium 50 and the transfer receiving medium 60 sandwiched therebetween, thereby applying heat and pressure to the transfer medium 50 and the transfer receiving medium 60. In this case, the drum 302 contacts the overlapping transfer medium 50 and the transfer receiving medium 60 over a portion of the rotational direction and rotates while generating heat. The drum 302 can be considered, for example, as a rotating body that rotates while generating heat. The drum 302 can also be considered, for example, as a cylindrical structure that generates heat. The endless belt 304 is a belt that moves along a circular path that contacts a portion of the drum 302. In this case, the contact of the endless belt 304 with a part of the drum 302 can be considered to be, for example, as in the illustrated configuration, the contact between the endless belt 304 and the drum 302 with the transfer medium 50 and the transfer receiving medium 60 sandwiched therebetween. In this configuration, the endless belt 304 moves at a speed that matches the rotation speed of the drum 302. In this case, the area where the endless belt 304 and the drum 302 are in contact can be considered to be, for example, an area where heating and pressurization are performed in the pressing process.

[0060] Among the rollers 306 to 316, rollers 306, 308, and 310 are rollers for defining the movement path of endless belt 304. More specifically, in the illustrated configuration, roller 306 contacts drum 302 at the upstream end position in the movement direction of endless belt 304 within the range where endless belt 304 and drum 302 are in contact, with transfer medium 50, transfer receiving medium 60, and endless belt 304 sandwiched between roller 306 and roller 308. Roller 308 contacts drum 302 at the downstream end position in the movement direction of endless belt 304 within the range where endless belt 304 and drum 302 are in contact, with transfer medium 50, transfer receiving medium 60, and endless belt 304 sandwiched between roller 306 and roller 308. Roller 310 contacts endless belt 304 between roller 306 and roller 308 within a range where drum 302 and endless belt 304 are not in contact. With this configuration, for example, the drum 302 and the endless belt 304 can appropriately apply heat and pressure in the bonding process. In this case, the position where the drum 302 and the roller 306 come into contact can be considered to be, for example, the point where heating and pressure in the bonding process start. Also, the position where the drum 302 and the roller 308 come into contact can be considered to be, for example, the separation point where the base layer 52 is separated from the overlapping portion of the transfer medium 50 and the transfer receiving medium 60.

[0061] Among the rollers 306-316, rollers 312 and 314 guide the transfer medium 50 and the transfer receiver medium 60 so that they overlap. More specifically, in the illustrated configuration, roller 312 guides the transfer medium 50 toward the position where the drum 302 and roller 306 contact each other. Roller 314 guides the transfer receiver medium 60 toward the position where the drum 302 and roller 306 contact each other. With this configuration, for example, the transfer medium 50 and the transfer receiver medium 60 can be appropriately overlapped at the position where the drum 302 and roller 306 contact each other. Roller 316 guides the transfer receiver medium 60 after it has passed the peeling point. In the illustrated configuration, roller 316 guides the transfer receiver medium 60 in a direction away from roller 308. In this case, the base layer 52 continues to move along roller 308 for a while even after it has passed the peeling point. With this configuration, for example, it is possible to properly peel off the base layer 52. In this case, the drum 302 and the plurality of rollers 308, 316 can be considered as, for example, a configuration for performing the peeling process in the transfer and peeling device 22. By using the transfer and peeling device 22 configured in this way, for example, when using roll-shaped transfer medium 50 and transfer receiving medium 60, the pressing process and peeling process can be properly performed in a single device. [Industrial Applicability]

[0062] The present invention can be suitably used, for example, in a method for transferring an image. [Explanation of symbols]

[0063] 10 printing system, 12 printing unit, 14 transfer unit, 16 peeling unit, 18 control unit, 22 transfer and peeling device, 302 drum, 304 endless belt, 306 roller, 308 roller, 310 roller, 312 roller, 314 roller, 316 roller, 50 transfer medium, 52 base layer, 54 transfer layer, 56 peeling layer, 60 transfer medium

Claims

1. A transfer method for transferring an image printed on a transfer medium to a fabric transfer medium, A transfer condition determination step in which the transfer conditions, which are the conditions for the transfer process in which the aforementioned image is transferred, A transfer execution step in which the transfer process is carried out using the transfer conditions determined in the transfer condition determination step. Equipped with, The aforementioned transfer medium is A transfer layer which is a resin layer that at least a portion of which is transferred to the transfer medium when the image is transferred to the transfer medium, The base layer is a layer that serves as the substrate for the transfer medium. It has, A transfer method characterized in that, in the step of determining the transfer conditions, the transfer conditions are determined based on transfer quality conditions that specify the quality of the transfer and the type of fabric used as the medium to be transferred, and the transfer quality conditions are selected from a plurality of pre-set conditions.

2. In the step of determining the transcription conditions, As the aforementioned multiple conditions, at least a standard quality condition, which is a predetermined standard condition, and a high-color development condition, which is a condition that enhances color development more than the standard quality condition, are used. Regarding the relationship between the standard transfer conditions, which are the transfer conditions when transferring to the transfer medium of at least some types of the fabric under the standard quality conditions, and the high-color transfer conditions, which are the transfer conditions when transferring under the high-color conditions, the relationship relates to the heating temperature, which is the temperature at which the transfer medium is heated during transfer, and the pressurizing time, which is the time at which pressure is applied to the transfer medium during transfer. The high-color development transfer conditions compared to the standard transfer conditions are, The transfer method according to claim 1, characterized in that the transfer conditions are determined such that the heating temperature is higher and the pressurizing time is shorter, which is a high-temperature, short-duration condition, or the heating temperature is lower and the pressurizing time is longer, which is a low-temperature, long-duration condition.

3. If the medium to be transferred is a first type of cloth, in the step of determining the transfer conditions, the transfer conditions that result in the high-temperature, short-time conditions are determined as the high-color transfer conditions. The transfer method according to claim 2, characterized in that, when the transfer medium is a second type of fabric different from the first type of fabric, in the step of determining the transfer conditions, the transfer conditions that become the low-temperature, long-time conditions are determined as the high-color development transfer conditions.

4. When the transfer medium is cotton canvas, in the step of determining the transfer conditions, the transfer conditions that result in the high-temperature, short-time conditions are determined as the high-color development transfer conditions. The transfer method according to claim 2, characterized in that, when the transfer medium is a fabric of chemical fibers mainly composed of polyester, rayon, or nylon, the transfer conditions that result in the low-temperature, long-duration conditions are determined as the high-color development transfer conditions in the step of determining the transfer conditions.

5. The transfer conditions are conditions that specify at least the heating temperature and the pressurizing time. When the transfer medium is the cotton canvas, in the standard transfer conditions determined in the transfer condition determination step, the heating temperature is a first temperature in the range of 150 to 210°C, and the pressurizing time is a first pressurizing time in the range of 20 to 60 seconds. When the transfer medium is the cotton canvas, in the high-color transfer conditions determined in the transfer condition determination step, the heating temperature is higher than the first temperature, and the pressurizing time is shorter than the first pressurizing time. When the transfer medium is the fabric of the chemical fibers, in the standard transfer conditions determined in the transfer condition determination step, the heating temperature is a second temperature in the range of 140 to 200°C, and the pressurizing time is a second pressurizing time in the range of 30 to 50 seconds. The transfer method according to claim 4, characterized in that, when the transfer medium is a fabric of chemical fibers, in the high-color transfer conditions determined in the transfer condition determination step, the heating temperature is lower than the second temperature and the pressurizing time is longer than the second pressurizing time.

6. In the step of determining the transcription conditions, With regard to the type of fabric, at least the material and structure of the fabric must be taken into consideration. When the material of the cloth used as the transfer medium is cotton, at least the standard quality conditions when the transfer medium is cotton broadcloth are different from the standard quality conditions when it is cotton canvas. Furthermore, the transfer method according to claim 2, characterized in that, with respect to the standard quality conditions when the transfer medium is the cotton canvas, the heating temperature is higher than that of the standard quality conditions when the transfer medium is the cotton broadcloth.

7. A transfer device that transfers an image printed on a transfer medium to a fabric transfer medium, A transfer step is performed to transfer the aforementioned image, As the transfer conditions for the transfer process, the conditions used are transfer quality conditions that specify the quality of the transfer and conditions determined based on the type of fabric used as the transfer medium. The aforementioned transfer quality conditions are conditions selected from a set of multiple conditions, The aforementioned transfer medium is A transfer layer which is a resin layer that at least a portion of which is transferred to the transfer medium when the image is transferred to the transfer medium, The base layer is a layer that serves as the substrate for the transfer medium. A transfer apparatus characterized by having the following features.

Images