Transfer system, transfer method, method for manufacturing a transfer sheet, transfer sheet, and transfer product

Abstract

To properly transfer an image from one transfer medium to another. [Solution] A transfer system for transferring an image printed on a transfer medium 50 to a transfer medium comprises a printing device 12 which is a printing unit and a transfer device 14 which is a transfer unit. The printing device 12 has a row of nozzles for color ink and a row of nozzles for light-reflective ink that ejects white ink which is a light-reflective ink. A color layer on the transfer medium 50 in which an image is represented using color ink and a white layer which is a light-reflective ink layer formed on the color layer using white ink are formed. The transfer device 14 transfers the image printed on the transfer medium 50 to the transfer medium by applying heat and pressure to the transfer medium 50 and the transfer medium while the transfer medium 50 and the transfer medium are stacked so that the white layer is in contact with the transfer medium.

Description

[[Technical Field]]

[0001] The present invention relates to a transfer system, a transfer method, a method for manufacturing a transfer sheet, a transfer sheet, and a transferred product. [[Background Art]]

[0002] Conventionally, methods for transferring an image such as DTF (Direct To Film) transfer (on-demand transfer) have been widely used (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In this method, an image printed on a transfer medium is generally transferred to a transfer-receiving medium using adhesive resin powder. [[Prior Art Literature]] [[Patent Literature]]

[0003] [[Patent Document 1]] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2025-1188 [[Summary of the Invention]] [[Problem to be Solved by the Invention]]

[0004] However, when transfer is performed by such a method, for example, a separate process and mechanism for applying powder to a transfer medium is required, which causes problems such as an increase in the time required for work and an increase in cost. In addition, when powder is used during transfer, it is conceivable that the generation of dust may cause environmental problems. Therefore, it has been conventionally desired to transfer an image by a more appropriate method. Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a transfer system, a transfer method, a method for manufacturing a transfer sheet, a transfer sheet, and a transferred product that can solve the above-described problems. [[Means for Solving the Problem]]

[0005] When transferring an image printed on a transfer medium to a transfer target medium, one possible method to perform the transfer without using adhesive powder is to form an adhesive layer with adhesive ink instead of powder. However, in this case, for example, forming a new adhesive layer in the printing device that prints the image on the transfer medium would significantly increase the printing time and reduce the printing speed. Furthermore, depending on the method of forming the adhesive layer and the configuration of the printing device, it may be necessary to add an inkjet head or similar component that ejects ink for the adhesive layer, which could significantly increase the cost of the device.

[0006] In response to this, the inventors of the present invention considered not adding a new adhesive layer, but rather providing adhesion to the ink layer corresponding to the ink layer formed by the conventional method. More specifically, the inventors considered providing adhesion to the light-reflective ink layer formed as the background of the image. Through various experiments, they confirmed that transfer was possible under conditions that met requirements such as ink ejection stability and the quality of the transfer output. Furthermore, through further diligent research, the inventors of the present invention discovered the features necessary to obtain such effects, leading to the present invention.

[0007] To solve the above problems, the present invention provides a transfer system for transferring an image printed on a transfer medium to a transfer medium, comprising: a printing unit for printing the image on the transfer medium; and a transfer unit for transferring the image printed on the transfer medium to the transfer medium, wherein the printing unit has a nozzle row for color ink, which is a nozzle row in which nozzles for ejecting color ink that expresses the image are arranged, and a nozzle row for light-reflective ink, which is a nozzle row in which nozzles for ejecting light-reflective ink are arranged, and a color layer, which is a layer of ink in which the image is expressed using the color ink, and a light-reflective ink layer, which is a layer of ink formed on the color layer using the light-reflective ink, are formed on the transfer medium, and the transfer unit transfers the image printed on the transfer medium to the transfer medium by applying heat and pressure to the transfer medium and the transfer medium while the transfer medium and the transfer medium are stacked so that the light-reflective ink layer and the transfer medium are in contact.

[0008] With this configuration, for example, an image can be properly transferred from one transfer medium to another without using adhesive powder. In this case, the light-reflective ink layer can be considered as, for example, a layer of ink that functions as the background of the image after transfer. Therefore, in this case, an image can be properly transferred without adding any additional adhesive layers or other layers separate from those necessary for image representation. In this configuration, the light-reflective ink can also be considered as, for example, an opacifying ink that hides the underlying color at the location where the ink is applied. In this case, the light-reflective ink layer can also be considered as functioning as an opacifying layer that hides the color of the medium after transfer. In this case, the light-reflective ink layer after transfer to the medium can be considered to reduce the influence of the color of the medium on the color expressed in the color layer by, for example, hiding the color of the medium. By using such a light-reflective ink layer, for example, the color expression in the color layer can be made more appropriate.

[0009] In this configuration, the transfer medium can be, for example, fabrics such as various types of cloth or clothing. The light-reflective ink can be, for example, an ink containing a thermoplastic resin. In this case, the transfer unit applies heat and pressure to the transfer medium and the transfer medium while the transfer unit is heated to a temperature at which the thermoplastic resin contained in the light-reflective ink layer is at least softened. This causes the thermoplastic resin to penetrate the gaps between the fabric fibers in the transfer medium, thereby adhering the light-reflective ink layer to the transfer medium. With this configuration, for example, when using a fabric transfer medium, the image can be appropriately transferred from the transfer medium to the transfer medium.

[0010] Furthermore, in this configuration, it is conceivable to use, for example, a resin-containing ink as the color ink. In this case, it is conceivable to make the properties of the resin (thermoplastic resin) contained in the light-reflective ink and the resin contained in the color ink different. More specifically, in this case, the resin contained in the light-reflective ink could be, for example, a resin that becomes fluid at the temperature at which the transfer part heats the transfer medium during the transfer of the image to the transfer medium. With this configuration, for example, the image transfer can be performed appropriately. On the other hand, the resin contained in the color ink could be, for example, a resin that does not become fluid at the temperature at which the transfer part heats the transfer medium during the transfer. With this configuration, for example, it is possible to appropriately prevent distortion from occurring in the image represented by the color layer during the transfer.

[0011] Furthermore, in this configuration, the light-reflective ink layer during the transfer process may be left in a tacky state without being completely dry. With this configuration, for example, even if a preheating process such as heating the transfer medium immediately before the transfer is not performed, the image can be transferred more appropriately from the transfer medium to the transfer target medium. However, in this case, if there is too much residual liquid component such as solvent in the light-reflective ink layer, for example, the light-reflective ink will adhere to objects that come into contact with the light-reflective ink layer. As a result, for example, when the transfer medium is moved from the printing area to the transfer area, smudges are more likely to occur in the surrounding area.

[0012] To address such problems, one possible solution is to use a light-reflective ink containing multiple liquid components with varying volatility. With this configuration, for example, the drying state of the light-reflective ink can be easily and appropriately controlled. More specifically, in this case, the printing unit further includes a heating unit that heats the transfer medium on which the color layer and the light-reflective ink layer are formed. As the color ink and light-reflective ink, for example, an aqueous ink containing water as a solvent can be used. In this case, as the light-reflective ink, for example, an ink containing water and a high-boiling point solvent, which is an organic solvent with a higher boiling point than water, can be used. In this case, in the printing unit, the heating unit heats the transfer medium so that, for example, the water in the light-reflective ink layer is substantially volatilized and removed, and at least a portion of the high-boiling point solvent remains. The transfer unit then applies heat and pressure to the transfer medium and the medium to be transferred, for example, while the high-boiling point solvent remains in the light-reflective ink layer.

[0013] With this configuration, for example, the amount of liquid component remaining in the light-reflecting ink layer after heating in the heating section is complete can be easily and appropriately adjusted. Furthermore, this allows for more appropriate transfer of images in the transfer section. In this case, it is conceivable that the transfer can be performed in the transfer section without additional heating, such as preheating, of the transfer medium. Additional heating, such as preheating, can be considered as heating performed after heating the transfer medium in the heating section of the printing section, and before heating is performed during the transfer.

[0014] Furthermore, it is conceivable to use an ink containing multiple types of organic solvents as the light-reflective ink. In this case, the light-reflective ink may contain, for example, a thermoplastic resin, a first organic solvent, and a second organic solvent that is more volatile than the first organic solvent. In this case, in the printing section, the heating section heats the transfer medium such that, for example, the second organic solvent in the light-reflective ink layer is substantially volatilized and removed, while at least a portion of the first organic solvent remains. The transfer section then applies heat and pressure to the transfer medium and the medium to be transferred, for example, while the first organic solvent remains in the light-reflective ink layer. Even with this configuration, for example, the amount of liquid component remaining in the light-reflective ink layer when heating in the heating section is completed can be easily and appropriately adjusted. This also allows for more appropriate transfer of images in the transfer section. In this case, the light-reflective ink may also be, for example, an aqueous ink further containing water. In this case, the heating unit in the printing unit heats the transfer medium such that, for example, the water and the second organic solvent in the light-reflecting ink layer are substantially evaporated and removed, while at least a portion of the first organic solvent remains. Even with this configuration, for example, the amount of liquid component remaining in the light-reflecting ink layer when heating in the heating unit is completed can be appropriately adjusted.

[0015] Furthermore, in this configuration, the light-reflective ink is, for example, an ink containing a pigment as a colorant. As the pigment in the light-reflective ink, for example, titanium dioxide particles can be used. In this case, the adhesion of the light-reflective ink may change depending on, for example, the pigment content per unit volume. In this regard, the adhesion and whiteness required of the light-reflective ink layer may vary depending on, for example, the surface condition of the transfer medium and the design required for the transfer output. In this case, in the printing section, for example, multiple types of light-reflective inks with different properties may be used to form the light-reflective layer. With this configuration, for example, the adhesion and whiteness of the light-reflective ink layer can be more appropriately adjusted according to, for example, the surface condition of the transfer medium and the design required for the transfer output.

[0016] More specifically, in this case, the printing unit has, as a nozzle row for light-reflective ink, for example, a first nozzle row for light-reflective ink in which nozzles for dispensing a first type of light-reflective ink are arranged, and a second nozzle row for light-reflective ink in which nozzles for dispensing a second type of light-reflective ink are arranged. In this case, as the first type of light-reflective ink, for example, an ink containing a thermoplastic resin and a white pigment is used. As the second type of light-reflective ink, for example, an ink containing at least a white pigment and having a lower thermoplastic resin content than the first type of light-reflective ink is used. The printing unit then forms a light-reflective ink layer using, for example, the first type of light-reflective ink and the second type of light-reflective ink. With this configuration, for example, a light-reflective ink layer having characteristics that match the surface condition of the transfer medium and the design required for the transfer output can be appropriately formed.

[0017] Furthermore, depending on the surface condition of the transfer medium, if it is desired to form a light-reflecting ink layer with higher adhesion, for example, it may be possible to use an ink that does not contain pigment to further enhance adhesion. In this case, the printing unit further includes, for example, a nozzle row for translucent ink, which is a row of nozzles that dispense translucent ink. As the translucent ink, for example, an ink that does not contain the above-mentioned pigment and contains a thermoplastic resin is used. The printing unit then uses, for example, the translucent ink to form a light-reflecting ink layer. With this configuration, for example, a variety of light-reflecting ink layers can be formed more appropriately. Furthermore, as a configuration of the present invention, for example, a transfer method, a method for manufacturing a transfer sheet, a transfer sheet, and the configuration of a transfer product having the same characteristics as described above can also be considered. In these cases as well, for example, the same effects as described above can be obtained. In this case, the transfer sheet can be considered to correspond to, for example, a transfer medium on which an image has been printed by the printing unit. Also, the transfer product can be considered to correspond to, for example, a transfer medium on which an image has been transferred by the transfer unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0018] According to the present invention, for example, an image can be appropriately transferred from a transfer medium to a transfer target medium. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0019] [Figure 1] This figure illustrates a transfer system 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1(a) shows an example of the configuration of the transfer system 10. Figure 1(b) shows an example of the configuration of the printing device 12 in the transfer system 10. Figure 1(c) shows an example of the configuration of the head unit 102 in the printing device 12. [Figure 2] This diagram illustrates the process of transferring materials using adhesive resin powder. Figures 2(a) to (d) show a simplified representation of the state of the transfer medium 50 and the transfer medium 60 at each stage of this process. [Figure 3]This figure explains the operation of transferring an image by another method. FIGS. 3(a) to 3(c) schematically show the states of a transfer medium 50 and a transferred medium 60 at each stage of this operation. [Figure 4] This figure illustrates an example of an image transfer operation in the present embodiment. FIGS. 4(a) to 4(c) schematically show the states of a transfer medium 50 and a transferred medium 60 at each stage of this operation. [Figure 5] This figure shows examples of specific compositions of white ink. [Figure 6] This figure explains a modified configuration of a head unit 102. FIG. 6(a) shows an example of the configuration of the head unit 102 when a plurality of types of white ink are used, as a modification of the configuration of the head unit 102. FIG. 6(b) shows a further modified example of the configuration of the head unit 102. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0020] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 explains a transfer system 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1(a) shows an example of the configuration of the transfer system 10. FIG. 1(b) shows an example of the configuration of a printing apparatus 12 in the transfer system 10. FIG. 1(c) shows an example of the configuration of a head unit 102 in the printing apparatus 12. Except as described below, the transfer system 10 of the present example and each component of the transfer system 10 may have the same features as known transfer systems and the respective components thereof. In addition to the configurations shown in the drawings, the transfer system 10 and each component of the transfer system 10 may further have the same or similar configurations as those of known transfer systems and the components thereof.

[0021] In the present example, the transfer system 10 is a system for transferring an image printed on a transfer medium 50 to a transfer-receiving medium (transfer-receiving object), and includes a printing device 12 and a transfer device 14. As the transfer medium 50, for example, a sheet-shaped medium such as a film having a base material portion and a receptive layer can be suitably used. In this case, the base material portion can be considered as, for example, a sheet-shaped portion constituting the main part of the transfer medium 50. The receptive layer can be considered as, for example, a layer for absorbing ink ejected onto the transfer medium 50. Further, the receptive layer can also be considered as a layer formed on the surface of the base material portion. As such a transfer medium 50, for example, a known transfer film for DTF (Direct To Film) transfer can be suitably used. In this case, the transfer system 10 can also be considered as, for example, a system that performs transfer by the DTF method. Further, in the present example, a cloth medium such as various fabrics and clothes is used as the transfer-receiving medium. In this case, the fact that the transfer-receiving medium is cloth can also be considered as, for example, that the transfer-receiving area onto which an image is transferred is constituted by cloth. More specifically, as the transfer-receiving medium, for example, natural fibers such as cotton fabric, TC (cotton-polyester blend) fabric, polyester single jersey, chemical fibers, and blended fabrics of natural fibers and chemical fibers can be suitably used. As the transfer-receiving medium, it is also conceivable to use, for example, cloth products such as clothes manufactured using these fabrics.

[0022] In the transfer system 10, the printing device 12 is an example of a printing unit, and prints an image onto the transfer medium 50, for example, using an inkjet method. In this example, the printing device 12 includes, for example, a head unit 102, a platen 104, a main scanning drive unit 106, a sub-scanning drive unit 108, a heating unit 110, and a control unit 120, as shown in Figure 1(b). The head unit 102 is configured to eject ink to be attached to the transfer medium 50 toward the transfer medium 50. In this example, the head unit 102 has a plurality (2) of inkjet heads 202 arranged in a staggered configuration, as shown in Figure 1(c). The staggered configuration can be thought of as an arrangement in which the positions in the main scanning direction (Y direction in the figure) and sub-scanning direction (X direction in the figure) set in the printing device 12 are offset. In the head unit 102 of this example, one of the two inkjet heads 202 is an inkjet head 202 for color ink. In this case, the color ink can be considered, for example, a colored ink used to represent an image. Furthermore, the other of the two inkjet heads 202 is an inkjet head 202 for white ink. For example, inkjet heads with the same specifications can be suitably used as the inkjet heads 202 for color ink and white ink. With this configuration, for example, control of multiple inkjet heads 202 can be easily and appropriately performed.

[0023] Furthermore, in this example, the inkjet head 202 for color ink has nozzle rows for yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K), as shown by the letters YMCK in the figure, and ejects ink of each of the YMCK colors. In this example, the nozzle rows for each of the YMCK colors are an example of a nozzle row for color ink. The nozzle row for color ink can be thought of as, for example, a nozzle row in which nozzles that eject color ink are lined up. As the color ink used in the inkjet head 202 for color ink, for example, known color inks used for printing on the transfer medium 50 in the DTF method can be suitably used. In this example, the color ink used is an ink (evaporative drying type ink) that contains a solvent, which is a liquid component, and is fixed to the transfer medium 50 by evaporating the solvent. In this case, for example, water can be used as the solvent. Water can be thought of as, for example, an example of an inorganic solvent. The solvent may include an organic solvent as at least a part of it. Furthermore, the inkjet head 202 for white ink has a row of nozzles for white (W) ink, as shown by the letter W in the figure. In this case, white ink is an example of a light-reflective ink. White ink can also be considered, for example, as an opaque ink that does not transmit light. Opaque ink can also be considered, for example, as an ink that hides the underlying color at the location where the ink is applied.

[0024] Furthermore, in this example, the inkjet head 202 for white ink ejects white ink from multiple nozzle rows, as shown in the figure. With this configuration, for example, the amount of ink ejected per unit time can be appropriately increased. Also, this allows for the formation of a white ink layer in a short time, even when a large amount of white ink needs to be ejected per unit area, such as when forming a white ink layer with white ink. In this example, the nozzle row for white ink is an example of a nozzle row for light-reflective ink. A nozzle row for light-reflective ink can be considered, for example, a nozzle row in which nozzles that eject light-reflective ink are lined up. In this example, the white ink used is, for example, an ink that exhibits adhesive properties to the transfer medium when the transfer is performed in the transfer device 14. In this case, the white ink can also be considered, for example, an adhesive ink containing a light-reflective colorant. Furthermore, in this example, the white ink used is one that contains water or other liquid solvent as its liquid component and is fixed to the transfer medium 50 by evaporation (evaporative drying ink). The characteristics of the white ink used in this example will be explained in more detail later.

[0025] Furthermore, the platen 104 is a table-shaped member that holds the transfer medium 50 at a position opposite the head unit 102. The main scanning drive unit 106 is a drive unit that causes the head unit 102 to perform a main scanning operation. The main scanning operation can be considered, for example, as an operation in which ink is ejected while moving in the main scanning direction relative to the transfer medium 50. Furthermore, causing the head unit 102 to perform a main scanning operation can be considered, for example, as causing the inkjet head 202 in the head unit 102 to perform a main scanning operation. The sub-scanning drive unit 108 is a drive unit that causes the head unit 102 to perform a sub-scanning operation. The sub-scanning operation can be considered, for example, as an operation in which the head unit 102 moves relative to the transfer medium 50 in a sub-scanning direction perpendicular to the main scanning direction. Conversely, causing the head unit 102 to perform a sub-scanning operation can be considered, for example, as causing the inkjet head 202 in the head unit 102 to perform a sub-scanning operation. In this example, the sub-scanning drive unit 108 causes the head unit 102 to perform a sub-scanning operation by, for example, rotating a roller (which is not indicated by its symbol in the figure) to move the transfer medium 50 in a predetermined transport direction. In this case, the sub-scanning drive unit 108 moves the transfer medium 50 in the transport direction along a roller appropriately installed in the transport path of the transfer medium 50. The sub-scanning drive unit 108 also causes the head unit 102 to perform a sub-scanning operation between main scanning operations, for example, thereby changing the range of the transfer medium 50 that faces the head unit 102 during each execution of the main scanning operation.

[0026] The heating unit 110 is a fixing means for fixing ink to the transfer medium 50. It heats the transfer medium 50 to evaporate at least a portion of the solvent contained in the ink adhering to the transfer medium 50, thereby fixing the ink to the transfer medium 50. More specifically, in this example, the heating unit 110 has a platen heater 112 and an after heater 114. In this case, the platen heater 112 is a heater that heats the transfer medium 50 at the position of the platen 104. In this example, the platen heater 112 is housed in the platen 104, so that it heats the transfer medium 50 at a position opposite the head unit 102. With this configuration, for example, the viscosity of the ink can be increased immediately after impact with the transfer medium 50, thereby appropriately preventing bleeding and other issues. The after heater 114 is a heater that heats the transfer medium 50 downstream of the platen heater 112 in the transport direction of the transfer medium 50. By using the afterheater 114, for example, the heating temperature of the platen heater 112 can be suppressed while the ink adhering to the transfer medium 50 can be heated appropriately and sufficiently. The heating unit 110 may further include heaters other than the platen heater 112 and the afterheater 114. For example, the heating unit 110 may further include a heater (preheater) that heats the transfer medium 50 upstream of the platen heater 112 in the transport direction of the transfer medium 50.

[0027] Furthermore, the control unit 120 includes, for example, the CPU of the printing device 12, and controls the operation of each part of the printing device 12. According to this example, for example, the printing device 12 can appropriately print on the transfer medium 50. In this example, the printing device 12 forms a color layer and a white layer on the transfer medium 50, for example. In this case, the color layer is a layer of ink on which an image is expressed using color ink. The white layer is a layer of ink formed using white ink. In this example, the white layer is an example of a light-reflective ink layer. The light-reflective ink layer can be considered, for example, a layer of light-reflective ink formed on the color layer using light-reflective ink. The ink layers that the printing device 12 forms on the transfer medium 50 in this example will be explained in more detail later.

[0028] Furthermore, in the transfer system 10, the transfer device 14 is an example of a transfer unit, and transfers the image printed on the transfer medium 50 to the transfer medium. In this example, the transfer device 14 transfers the image printed on the transfer medium 50 to the transfer medium by applying heat and pressure to the transfer medium 50 and the transfer medium while the transfer medium 50 and the transfer medium are stacked on top of each other. In this case, the transfer device 14 can be considered, for example, a heat press that transfers images by heating and pressurizing. Also, as the transfer device 14, for example, a transfer device having the same or similar configuration as a known transfer device used in the DTF method can be suitably used. According to this example, for example, the image printed on the transfer medium 50 by the printing device 12 can be appropriately transferred to the transfer medium. Also, in this case, the operations performed by the printing device 12 and the transfer device 14 in the transfer system 10 can be considered, for example, an example of an operation to execute a transfer method. And the operations performed by the printing device 12 can be considered, for example, an example of an operation in the printing stage. And the operations performed by the transfer device 14 can be considered, for example, an example of an operation in the transfer stage.

[0029] Next, we will explain in more detail the ink layer that the printing device 12 forms on the transfer medium 50 in this example, and the transfer operation performed by the transfer device 14. As explained above, the printing device 12 in this example uses, for example, an ink that exhibits adhesive properties to the transfer medium when the transfer is performed by the transfer device 14, as the white ink. In this case, for example, the white layer formed with the white ink functions as an adhesive layer to transfer the image from the transfer medium 50 to the transfer medium. In contrast, other methods of transferring an image include, for example, making components other than the white layer adhesive. Therefore, before explaining the transfer operation performed by making the white layer function as an adhesive layer in this example, we will explain the operation of transfer using other methods. When performing transfer using other methods, a printing device with a different configuration from the printing device 12 described above may be used, as shown in Figure 1. Furthermore, regarding transfer using other methods, we will first explain the operation of transfer using adhesive resin powder, as shown in Figure 2.

[0030] Figure 2 illustrates the operation of transfer using adhesive resin powder. Figures 2(a) to (d) show a simplified representation of the state of the transfer medium 50 and the transfer medium 60 at each stage of this operation. The operation shown in Figure 2 can also be considered as, for example, the operation of a normal DTF method transfer using powder. In this case, the printing device forms a color layer 302 by printing an image using color ink onto the printing area of ​​the transfer medium 50 having a base material portion 52 and a receiving layer 54, as shown in Figure 2(a). The printing device also forms a white layer 304 on top of the color layer 302 using white ink. In this case, as the white ink, for example, a known white ink used in DTF printing can be suitably used.

[0031] In this case, after forming the color layer 302 and the white layer 304 on the transfer medium 50 in the printing apparatus, the adhesive resin powder 306 is applied to the transfer medium 50, for example as shown in Figure 2(b), so that the powder 306 is placed on top of the white layer 304. In this case, for example, a known powder used in the DTF method can be suitably used as the powder 306. For example, hot melt resin powder can be suitably used as such a powder. After the powder 306 is attached to the white layer 304, the transfer medium 50 is heated to a predetermined temperature to make the powder 306 tacky. Then, in the transfer apparatus, for example as shown in Figure 2(c), the transfer medium 50 and the transfer medium 60 are placed on top of each other so that the powder 306 is in contact with the transfer medium 60, and heat and pressure are applied to perform a heat press, thereby adhering the powder 306 to the transfer medium 60. In this case, by subsequently peeling off the transfer medium 50, the color layer 302 and the white layer 304 remain on the transfer medium 60 side along with the powder 306, as shown in Figure 2(d), and the image is transferred.

[0032] Even when transferring images using this method, for example, images can be transferred appropriately. However, in this case, since the adhesive resin powder 306 is used, a separate process or mechanism is required to apply the powder 306. In addition, in this case, the powder 306 may scatter into the surroundings, potentially causing environmental problems such as dust generation. In contrast, if the image is transferred using the method shown in Figure 3, for example, these problems can be appropriately prevented.

[0033] Figure 3 illustrates the process of transferring an image by another method, showing an example of the process when an adhesive layer is formed with an adhesive ink instead of powder 306. Figures 3(a) to (c) show a simplified representation of the state of the transfer medium 50 and the transfer medium 60 at each stage of this process. In this case, the adhesive ink is, for example, an ink containing a thermoplastic resin without pigment. With this configuration, for example, the ink can exhibit appropriate adhesiveness. Such an ink can be considered, for example, a transparent binder ink. In this case, the printing apparatus is, for example, an apparatus further comprising a nozzle row or inkjet head for transparent adhesive ink.

[0034] In this case, the printing apparatus forms a color layer 302 by printing an image using color ink onto the printing area of ​​the transfer medium 50 having a base material 52 and a receiving layer 54, as shown in Figure 3(a), for example. The printing apparatus also forms a white layer 304 on top of the color layer 302 using white ink. In this case, as the white ink, for example, a known white ink used in printing by the DTF method can be suitably used. Furthermore, in this case, the printing apparatus further forms an adhesive layer 308 on top of the white layer 304 using a transparent adhesive ink. In this case, the adhesive layer 308 can be considered, for example, as a layer of ink used in place of the powder 306 (see Figure 2) in the operation explained using Figure 2. In this case, except for using the adhesive layer 308 instead of the powder 306, the operation is the same as or similar to that described with reference to Figure 2(c). For example, as shown in Figure 3(b), the transfer device 14 places the transfer medium 50 and the transfer medium 60 on top of each other and applies heat and pressure to perform a heating press, thereby adhering the adhesive layer 308 to the transfer medium 60. In this case as well, afterwards, the transfer medium 50 is peeled off, so that the color layer 302 and the white layer 304 remain on the transfer medium 60 along with the adhesive layer 308, as shown in Figure 3(c), and the image is transferred.

[0035] Even when transfer is performed using this method, for example, the image can be transferred appropriately. In this case, the powder coating process is unnecessary, and therefore, no separate process or mechanism for that purpose is required. However, in this case, forming the adhesive layer 308 on the white layer 304 in the printing device 12 increases the time required for printing in the printing device 12. Also, depending on how the adhesive layer 308 is formed and the configuration of the printing device, it may be necessary to add an inkjet head or the like to eject ink for the adhesive layer 308, which may significantly increase the cost of the device. In contrast, in this example, by using a printing device 12 with the configuration shown in Figure 1 and transferring the image using the method shown in Figure 4, it is possible to transfer the image more appropriately.

[0036] Figure 4 illustrates an example of the image transfer operation in this example. Figures 4(a) to 4(c) show a simplified representation of the state of the transfer medium 50 and the transfer medium 60 at each stage of this operation. In this case as well, the printing device 12 (see Figure 1) forms a color layer 302 by printing an image using color ink onto the printing area of ​​the transfer medium 50 having a base material 52 and a receiving layer 54, as shown in Figure 4(a), for example. The printing device also forms a white layer 304 on top of the color layer 302 using white ink.

[0037] However, in this case, as explained above in relation to Figure 1, a white ink is used, for example, an ink that exhibits adhesive properties to the transfer medium when the transfer is performed in the transfer device 14. In this case, this white ink can also be considered as, for example, a light-reflective ink that also functions as an adhesive ink as explained above in relation to Figure 3. Alternatively, this white ink can also be considered as, for example, a binder ink (white binder ink) that functions as a white ink. By using such a white ink, it becomes possible to appropriately transfer the image from the transfer medium 50 to the transfer medium 60 in a later process without using, for example, powder or a separate adhesive layer.

[0038] In this case, except for matters related to the use of an adhesive white layer 304 instead of the adhesive layer 308, the transfer device 14 performs a heating press by stacking the transfer medium 50 and the transfer medium 60 and applying heat and pressure, in the same or similar manner as described using Figure 3(b), for example as shown in Figure 4(b). In this case, the transfer device 14 applies heat and pressure to the transfer medium 50 and the transfer medium 60 while the transfer medium 50 and the transfer medium 60 are stacked so that the white layer 304 formed on the transfer medium 50 is in contact with the transfer medium 60, for example as shown in the figure. As a result, the transfer device 14 adheres the white layer 304 to the transfer medium 60. In this case as well, afterwards, for example as shown in Figure 4(c), the transfer medium 50 is peeled off, leaving the color layer 302 on the transfer medium 60 side along with the white layer 304, and the image is transferred. In this case, the transfer of the image to the transfer medium 60 can be considered as, for example, transferring the color layer 302 together with the white layer 304 to the transfer medium 60. According to this example, the transfer of the image from the transfer medium 50 to the transfer medium 60 can be appropriately performed without using, for example, adhesive powder or a separate adhesive layer. In this case, the white layer 304 can be considered as, for example, a layer of ink that functions as the background of the image after transfer. And in this case, the absence of a separate adhesive layer can be considered as, for example, not using an adhesive layer other than the layer necessary for image representation.

[0039] Next, we will provide supplementary explanations regarding the configuration and operation described above, as well as explanations of modified examples. As explained above, in the transfer system 10 of this example, after a layer of ink is formed on the transfer medium 50 in the printing device 12, the image is transferred in the transfer device 14. In this case, the transfer medium 50 at the stage in which the ink layer has been formed in the printing device 12 can be considered, for example, as a transfer sheet, which is a sheet used for transfer afterward. Furthermore, the operation of forming the ink layer on the transfer medium 50 in the printing device 12 can be considered, for example, as an operation for manufacturing a transfer sheet, which involves printing an image to be transferred to the transfer medium 60 onto the transfer medium 50. In this case, the transfer sheet can be considered, for example, as the transfer medium 50 on which the image has been printed in the printing device 12. Furthermore, the transfer sheet created by the printing device 12 in this example can be considered, for example, as having a color layer 302 and a white layer 304 formed on a film or the like used as the transfer medium 50. In this case, the portion of the transfer sheet corresponding to the transfer medium 50 can be considered, for example, as an example of a transfer medium portion corresponding to the portion before the image is printed. Furthermore, the white layer 304 of the transfer sheet can be considered, for example, as a layer of ink that comes into contact with the transfer medium 60 during image transfer.

[0040] Furthermore, in this example, the transfer medium 60 after the image has been transferred by the transfer device 14 can be considered, for example, as a transfer product created by the image transfer. In this case, the transfer product can be considered to comprise, for example, a transfer portion, a light-reflecting layer, and a color layer. The transfer portion can be considered, for example, as the part of the transfer medium 60 that corresponds to the transfer medium 60 before the image transfer. Alternatively, the transfer portion can be considered as the part to which the image is transferred. The light-reflecting layer can be considered, for example, as the layer corresponding to the white layer 304 that was on the transfer medium 50 before the transfer. Also, in the transfer product, the light-reflecting layer can be considered as the layer in contact with the transfer portion. The color layer in the transfer product can be considered as the layer corresponding to the color layer 302 that was on the transfer medium 50 before the transfer. The color layer in the transfer product can be considered as the layer facing the transfer portion across the light-reflecting layer, and as the layer on which the image drawn with color ink is represented. Furthermore, the operations performed by the printing device 12 and the transfer device 14 in the transfer system 10 can be considered, for example, as operations for manufacturing a transfer sheet.

[0041] Furthermore, as explained above, the white ink used to form the white layer 304 can be considered, for example, an opaque ink. In this case, the white layer 304 can be considered to function as an opacity layer that hides the color of the transfer medium 60 after transfer. In this case, the white layer 304 after transfer to the transfer medium 60 can be considered to reduce the influence of the color of the transfer medium 60 on the color expressed by the color layer 302 by hiding the color of the transfer medium 60. By using such a white layer 304, it can be considered that, for example, images can be transferred appropriately with high quality.

[0042] Furthermore, in this example, as the white ink, for example, an ink containing a pigment as a colorant can be suitably used. Furthermore, as this pigment, for example, titanium dioxide particles can be suitably used. In this case, the titanium dioxide particle pigment can be considered, for example, as an example of a light-reflective colorant. With this configuration, for example, the light reflectivity and opacity of the white ink can be appropriately enhanced. As the pigment for the white ink, for example, a pigment of a substance other than titanium dioxide may be used. Furthermore, in this example, as the white ink, an ink further containing a thermoplastic resin is used. In this case, the white layer 304 formed by the white ink can be considered, for example, as a light-reflective layer containing a light-reflective color pigment and a thermoplastic resin. Furthermore, in this case, the thermoplastic resin can be considered, for example, as an example of an adhesive resin.

[0043] In this case, the transfer device 14 applies heat and pressure to the transfer medium 50 and the transfer medium 60, for example, by heating them to a temperature that softens the thermoplastic resin contained in the white layer 304, thereby allowing the thermoplastic resin to penetrate the gaps between the fabric fibers in the transfer medium 60 and adhering the white layer 304 to the transfer medium 60. In this case, softening the thermoplastic resin can be considered, for example, by changing the thermoplastic resin to a state where it can penetrate the gaps between the fabric fibers in the transfer medium 60 by the pressure applied during transfer. Softening the thermoplastic resin contained in the white layer 304 may also be, for example, by softening a portion of the thermoplastic resin contained in the white layer 304. The transfer device 14 may heat the transfer medium 50 and the transfer medium 60 so that at least a portion of the thermoplastic resin contained in the white layer 304 melts. Furthermore, focusing on the characteristics of the transfer output, the white layer in the transfer output can be considered to be adhered to the transfer medium 60 by, for example, the thermoplastic resin penetrating into the gaps between the fibers of the cloth in the transfer medium 60. With this configuration, for example, when using a cloth transfer medium 60, the image can be appropriately transferred from the transfer medium 50 to the transfer medium 60.

[0044] Furthermore, regarding the white ink used in this example, in order to use it more appropriately in the printing apparatus 12, it is desirable to set the amount of pigment and thermoplastic resin content, etc., so that it can be appropriately ejected from the nozzles of the inkjet head 202 (see Figure 1) and printing at an appropriate printing speed. In addition, it is desirable to determine the composition of the ink while considering, for example, the quality required for the image after transfer. In this regard, in order to appropriately eject the ink from the nozzles of the inkjet head 202, it is usually desirable to reduce the amount of solids in the ink and sufficiently lower the viscosity of the ink. In this case, for example, if the amount of thermoplastic resin in the ink is high, the viscosity of the ink will usually increase. Therefore, when considering the stability of ink ejection, it is usually preferable to keep the amount of thermoplastic resin low. However, in order to exhibit sufficient adhesion to the white layer 304 formed on the transfer medium 50, it is usually preferable to increase the amount of thermoplastic resin contained per unit area.

[0045] In this case, for example, while appropriately suppressing the content of thermoplastic resin in the white ink, it is conceivable to increase the amount of thermoplastic resin contained per unit area in the white layer 304 by repeatedly performing the main scanning operation that ejects ink to the same ejection position multiple times when forming the white layer 304 in the printing apparatus 12. However, even in this case, if the number of times the main scanning operation that ejects ink to the same ejection position is excessively large, the printing speed will decrease significantly. Also, if the amount of ink ejected to the same ejection position is large, it usually becomes difficult to properly dry the ink. To address this, for example, it is possible to improve the drying properties of the ink by using a highly volatile organic solvent as the solvent for the ink. However, in this case, problems such as the nozzle drying out more easily may occur. Therefore, it is preferable to determine the content of thermoplastic resin in the white ink while taking these points into consideration.

[0046] Furthermore, in cases where a pigment is included in addition to the thermoplastic resin, as in the case of the white ink in this example, the pigment can be considered a factor that reduces adhesion. Therefore, from the viewpoint of improving adhesion, it is desirable to reduce the content of pigments such as titanium dioxide. Also, from the viewpoint of reducing the solid content in the ink, it is desirable to reduce the content of pigments such as titanium dioxide. However, if the pigment content in the white ink is excessively low, it is conceivable that the white layer 304 after transfer may not be able to fully perform its function as a background for the image. Therefore, it is preferable to determine the pigment content in the white ink taking these points into consideration. Furthermore, it is preferable to further consider factors such as stability during storage when determining the composition of the ink.

[0047] In this case, considering all of the above, it is desirable that the amount of ink dispensed per unit area corresponds to a print volume that allows the ink to dry within a reasonable printing time. Furthermore, it is preferable to determine the content of thermoplastic resin and pigment in the white ink by considering factors such as ensuring appropriate adhesion to the transfer medium and stability of ink storage, and ensuring that the amount of solids in the ink is less than the maximum amount of solids that can be dispensed. In this case, it is preferable to dispense white ink to the same dispensing position when forming the white layer 304 to 10 times or less (for example, about 5 to 8 times). In this case, if we consider this number as the ratio of the number of times ink is dispensed to one dispensing position (Duty), it is preferable to set it to 1000% or less (for example, about 500 to 800%). Furthermore, in this case, it is preferable to dispense thermoplastic resin pigment in the white ink to a content that allows appropriate adhesion and whiteness to be achieved within this range of print volume. Furthermore, the film thickness of the white layer can be adjusted by controlling the number of times ink is ejected from a single ejection position. When determining the number of times ink is ejected from a single ejection position, it is preferable to increase the film thickness of the white layer in order to improve durability and other aspects of robustness. For example, it is conceivable to maximize the number of times ink is ejected from a single ejection position. In this case, since the amount of ink at a single ejection position becomes large, there is a risk that the ink being transported before the white layer ink has dried sufficiently may drip or bleed through to the other side. Also, the more times ink is ejected from a single ejection position, the lower the productivity becomes. For this reason, it is preferable to determine the number of times ink is ejected from a single ejection position after considering factors such as the required level of durability, the performance of the drying mechanism of the printing device, and productivity.

[0048] Furthermore, the inventors of this application have confirmed through various experiments that an image can be appropriately transferred by a white layer 304 formed using the white ink described above. In this case, a polyurethane resin can be suitably used as the thermoplastic resin to be contained in the white ink. In this case, a white ink can be appropriately manufactured by using a dispersion of a white pigment such as titanium dioxide dispersed in a liquid such as water, and a dispersion of polyurethane resin dispersed in a liquid such as water, as ink materials. In this case, the polyurethane resin in the white ink can be considered to exist in a dispersed state in the liquid, for example. As the dispersion of polyurethane resin, commercially available dispersion solutions sold by resin manufacturers, etc., can be suitably used, for example. In this case, the thermoplastic resin can be considered to be dispersed in the solvent of the ink, for example. In addition, various known additives may be added to the white ink. In addition, an auxiliary agent that improves the adhesion of the ink to the transfer medium may be added to the white ink, for example. In this case, an organic solvent different from the main solvent of the ink may be used as the auxiliary agent. Furthermore, it is conceivable to use a resin other than polyurethane resin as the thermoplastic resin added to the white ink. In this case, for example, vinyl acetate resin, acrylic resin, or SB rubber resin could be used as the thermoplastic resin.

[0049] Furthermore, regarding the liquid components of the white ink, such as the solvent, it is preferable to use a liquid that can be appropriately dried by heating the transfer medium 50 in the heating unit 110 (see Figure 1) of the printing device 12, and that is less likely to cause drying problems in the nozzles of the inkjet head 202. In this case, it is also possible to use a liquid selected for the solvent in the white ink, for example, by focusing on the state of the white layer 304 during transfer in the transfer device 14. More specifically, in the transfer system 10, it is sometimes preferable to leave the white layer 304 in an adhesive state without completely drying it during the transfer in the transfer device 14. In this case, when printing is performed in the printing device 12, the heating unit 110 dries the white layer 304 to an adhesive state by leaving a portion of the solvent in the white layer 304, for example, without completely drying it. Then, in the transfer device 14, the transfer medium 50 and the transfer medium 60 are placed on top of each other so that the adhesive white layer 304 is in contact with the transfer medium 60. With this configuration, even if a preheating step, such as heating the transfer medium 50 immediately before the transfer is performed, is not carried out, the image can be transferred more appropriately from the transfer medium 50 to the transfer medium 60. In this case, the configuration of the transfer system 10 can also be considered as one in which, for example, the preheating step is not performed before the transfer is performed in the transfer device 14.

[0050] Furthermore, in this regard, if there is too much residual solvent in the white layer 304 after heating in the heating section 110, white ink may adhere to objects that come into contact with the white layer 304. As a result, contamination is more likely to occur in the surrounding area, for example, when the transfer medium 50 is moved from the printing device 12 to the transfer device 14. Therefore, when drying the white layer 304 to a sticky state in the printing device 12, it is preferable to dry the white layer 304 to an extent that such problems are less likely to occur. In this case, for example, it is conceivable to use a white ink containing multiple types of liquid components with different volatility to facilitate adjustment of the drying state of the white ink.

[0051] More specifically, in this example, as color inks or light-reflective inks, for example, water-based inks containing water as a liquid component can be suitably used. Water-based inks can be considered, for example, inks containing water as the main solvent. The main solvent can be considered, for example, the liquid that accounts for the largest proportion among the liquid components contained in the ink. The solvent of the ink can be considered a liquid that dissolves or disperses other components. In this case, as a white ink, for example, an ink containing water and a high-boiling point solvent, which is an organic solvent with a higher boiling point than water, can be used. In this case, the high-boiling point solvent can be considered, for example, a liquid with lower volatility than water.

[0052] In this case, the heating unit 110 in the printing apparatus 12 heats the transfer medium 50 such that, for example, the water in the white layer 304 is substantially volatilized and removed, and at least a portion of the high-boiling point solvent remains. In this case, the state after heating in the heating unit 110 can be considered, for example, the state after heating of the transfer medium 50 by the printing apparatus 12 is completed. Also, when using the printing apparatus 12 with the configuration shown in Figure 1, the state after heating in the heating unit 110 can be considered, for example, the state at the time when heating by the afterheater 114 (see Figure 1) in the heating unit 110 is completed. The state at the time when heating by the afterheater 114 is completed can be considered, for example, the state of the part of the transfer medium 50 that has passed the position facing the afterheater 114 due to the transport operation of the transfer medium 50. Furthermore, regarding the fact that water in the white layer 304 is substantially removed by evaporation, it can be considered that, for example, depending on the quality required for transfer in the transfer system 10, water is removed by evaporation to the extent that there is no difference in the surface condition of the white layer 304 due to the influence of water.

[0053] In this case, the transfer device 14 applies heat and pressure to the transfer medium 50 and the transfer medium 60 while, for example, high-boiling point solvent remains in the white layer 304 on the transfer medium 50. In this case, the transfer device 14 removes the high-boiling point solvent contained in the white layer 304 by heating. With this configuration, for example, the amount of liquid component remaining in the white layer 304 when heating in the heating unit 110 of the printing device 12 is completed can be easily and appropriately adjusted. Furthermore, this allows the transfer device 14 to perform image transfer more appropriately without performing additional heating, such as preheating, on the transfer medium 50. Additional heating, such as preheating, can be considered as heating performed between heating the transfer medium 50 in the heating unit 110 of the printing device 12 and the heating performed in the transfer device 14 during the execution of the transfer.

[0054] As explained above, the water contained in the ink can be considered, for example, an example of an inorganic solvent. The high-boiling point solvent can be considered, for example, an example of an organic solvent. In this case, solvents such as inorganic solvents and organic solvents can be considered, for example, liquids that have the property of dissolving other substances. In this case, the other substances may be, for example, substances other than the components of the ink. Furthermore, regarding the liquid components contained in the white ink, the high-boiling point solvent can be considered, for example, an example of the first solvent. The first solvent can be considered, for example, an example of the first liquid component. Furthermore, the water, which is an inorganic solvent, can be considered, for example, an example of a second solvent that is more volatile than the first solvent. The second solvent can be considered, for example, an example of the second liquid component. Furthermore, in this case, the white ink can be considered to contain, for example, a thermoplastic resin, the first solvent, and the second solvent. In addition, the liquid components contained in the white ink, such as water and organic solvents (high-boiling point solvents), can be considered, for example, solvents that dissolve or disperse other components in the ink. Furthermore, among the liquid components in white ink, the liquid component with the highest content can be considered, for example, the main solvent of the white ink. Liquid components with a lower content compared to the main solvent can be considered, for example, auxiliary agents. In this case, the organic solvent used as an auxiliary agent may be used for purposes such as moisturizing (swelling), adjusting permeability, or adjusting drying properties.

[0055] Furthermore, as mentioned above, in this example, the white ink contains a thermoplastic resin. In contrast, inks containing resins such as binder resins have been widely used in printing equipment. Therefore, it is conceivable that a resin-containing ink could also be used as the color ink in this example. In this case, the resin contained in the color ink can be considered to have different properties from, for example, the resin contained in the white ink (a thermoplastic resin). More specifically, in this case, the thermoplastic resin contained in the white ink could be, for example, a resin that becomes fluid at the heating temperature during image transfer in the transfer device 14 (for example, around 140-200°C). With this configuration, for example, image transfer can be performed appropriately. In contrast, if the resin contained in the color ink becomes fluid during transfer, it is conceivable that line spreading or misalignment may occur in the image represented by the color layer 302, resulting in image distortion. Therefore, it is conceivable that the resin contained in the color ink could be, for example, a resin that does not become fluid at the heating temperature during transfer. With this configuration, for example, distortions that occur during transfer in the image represented by the color layer 302 can be appropriately prevented. In this example, the thermoplastic resin contained in the white ink can be considered, for example, a resin that provides adhesion during transfer. In this case, the fact that the thermoplastic resin contained in the white ink becomes fluid during transfer can be considered, for example, by the white layer 304 softening appropriately to the extent that the transfer can be performed properly. The resin contained in the color ink can be considered, for example, a resin that fixes colorants such as pigments to the ink ejection position. In this case, the fact that the resin contained in the color ink does not become fluid during transfer can be considered, for example, by preventing problematic distortions from occurring in the image represented by the color layer 302, depending on the quality required for the transfer.

[0056] In this example, the white ink can be more specifically, for example, an ink with the composition shown in Figure 5. Figure 5 is a diagram showing an example of a specific composition of white ink, and shows five examples of compositions, distinguished in the figure as Examples 1 to 5. In the figure, the numerical values ​​indicating the proportion of each component are weight percentages (weight %). Among the components of the ink shown in the figure, the component shown as white pigment is a dispersion of titanium dioxide, which is the colorant of the white ink, dispersed in water. In this dispersion, the amount of solid components (solid content) is 50%. The component shown as resin is a dispersion of thermoplastic resin dispersed in water. In Examples 1 to 5, two types of polyurethane resin (polyurethane-based resin) dispersions are used as the resin dispersion. The two types of dispersions used are W-5130 (registered trademark) and PUE-829 (registered trademark), which are commercially available and known polyurethane dispersions. In W-5130, the solid content is 35%. In PUE-829, the solid content is 40%.

[0057] Furthermore, the components indicated as solvents are components of organic solvents. In Examples 1 to 5, solvents with a higher boiling point than water were used as organic solvents. These organic solvents are examples of high-boiling-point solvents. More specifically, in Examples 1 to 3, DEG (diethylene glycol) and Gly (glycerol, glycerin) were used as organic solvents. In Examples 4 and 5, only one of DEG or Gly was used as the organic solvent. Furthermore, the components indicated as surface modifiers and preservatives are additives used to adjust the properties of the ink. In Examples 1 to 5, BYK348®, a commercially available and known surface modifier, was used as the surface modifier. PROXEL XL2®, a commercially available and known preservative, was used as the preservative. Also, in the figures, the component indicated as water represents the amount of other water. In this case, the total amount of water actually contained in the ink includes water in the white pigment and resin dispersions. Therefore, the inks of Examples 1 to 5 can be considered to be aqueous inks containing water as the main solvent.

[0058] Furthermore, the inventors of this application evaluated the physical properties, ejection properties, and output performance of the white inks from Examples 1 to 5 when transferring images using the method shown in Figure 4, as shown in Figure 5. This confirmed that, for example, using the methods described above with reference to Figure 4, the white inks from Examples 1 to 5 could be used to transfer images appropriately. More specifically, the physical properties were evaluated by measuring the viscosity and surface tension of the ink using a known method. It was confirmed that the viscosity and surface tension were within an appropriate range in all of Examples 1 to 5. For the evaluation of ejection properties, patch printing was performed on a predetermined size (A4 x 2), and the percentage of missing prints before and after printing (before and after transfer) was confirmed. The patches were printed using a TxF300-1600 manufactured by Mimaki Engineering Co., Ltd., at 100% print density and a resolution of 600 x 1200 dpi. It was confirmed that high-quality transfer was achieved in all of Examples 1 to 5. Furthermore, in this case, it was confirmed that particularly good results were obtained in Examples 1 to 3, which used multiple types of high-boiling point solvents.

[0059] Furthermore, regarding the performance of the deliverables, the durability against washing (wash durability) was evaluated using a rounder meter and through actual washing. For this evaluation, the rounder meter used was the L-8Z-T (registered trademark) rounder meter manufactured by Daiei Kagaku Seiki Seisakusho. For the evaluation of actual washing, a commercially available and known washing machine, SANYO ASW-TP7 (HS) (registered trademark), and a commercially available and known powder detergent, Attack (registered trademark), were used. For the washing settings, the indicated water volume for washing with detergent was set to 40L, and the washing time to 6 minutes. For rinsing, the indicated water volume was set to 40L, and the rinsing time to 2 minutes. Furthermore, for spin-drying, the indicated water volume was set to 40L, and the spin-drying time to 3 minutes. For both washing and rinsing, room temperature water (approximately 15-20°C) was used. In this evaluation, as shown in the figure, the evaluation was conducted on a scale of 1 to 5, with higher values ​​indicating greater wash durability. Based on these evaluations, the inventors of this application confirmed that the products obtained using the white inks of Examples 1 to 5 exhibit high wash durability.

[0060] Furthermore, as can be understood from the above explanation, the composition of the white ink used in this example is not limited to the specific compositions shown in Examples 1 to 5, but can be changed in various ways. For example, with respect to the white pigment, resin, and solvent, it is conceivable to use various specific compositions within the range of the characteristics of the white ink in this example described above. Also, various substances can be used as additives such as surface modifiers. More specifically, various known surfactants can be suitably used as surface modifiers. As surfactants, for example, at least one of anionic surfactants, nonionic surfactants, cationic surfactants, and amphoteric surfactants can be used. Also, focusing on the substance used as a surfactant, for example, at least one of glycol-based surfactants, acetylenediol-based surfactants, silicone-based surfactants, and fluorine-based surfactants can be used. As preservatives, for example, various known preservatives can be used.

[0061] As explained above, the multiple types of organic solvents contained in the white inks of Examples 1 to 3 are all examples of high-boiling point solvents. In this case, as explained above, the heating unit 110 in the printing apparatus 12 heats the transfer medium 50 so that, for example, the water in the white layer 304 is substantially evaporated and at least a portion of the high-boiling point solvent remains. In contrast, in a modified configuration of the white ink, it is also conceivable to use multiple types of organic solvents that differ in their volatility when heated in the printing apparatus 12 as the multiple types of organic solvents contained in the white ink. In this case, it is conceivable to use an organic solvent that is as volatile as or more volatile than water as one of the organic solvents. In this case, regarding the heating in the heating unit 110 of the printing apparatus 12, it is conceivable to heat the transfer medium 50 so that, for example, one type of organic solvent is substantially evaporated and at least a portion of any other organic solvent remains without being evaporated.

[0062] More specifically, in this case, the white ink includes, for example, a thermoplastic resin, a first organic solvent, and a second organic solvent that is more volatile than the first organic solvent. Such a white ink could also be, for example, an aqueous ink further containing water. In this case, the heating unit 110 in the printing apparatus 12 heats the transfer medium 50 such that, for example, the second organic solvent in the white layer 304 is substantially volatilized and removed, while at least a portion of the first organic solvent remains. Furthermore, if the white ink is an aqueous ink, it can be assumed that, after heating in the heating unit 110, the water and the second organic solvent in the white layer 304 of the transfer medium 50 are substantially volatilized and removed, while at least a portion of the first organic solvent remains. In this case, the transfer apparatus 14 applies heat and pressure to the transfer medium 50 and the transfer medium 60, for example, while the first organic solvent remains in the white layer 304 on the transfer medium 50. Even with this configuration, for example, the amount of liquid component remaining in the white layer 304 after heating in the heating unit 110 is completed can be easily and appropriately adjusted. Furthermore, this allows for more appropriate image transfer in the transfer apparatus 14, for example.

[0063] Furthermore, in the transfer system 10 of this example, various materials such as fabrics can be used as the transfer medium 60. In this case, even for white layers 304 formed under the same conditions, differences in the adhesion of the white layer 304 to the transfer medium 60 may occur depending on the material of the transfer medium 60. Also, in this case, it can be considered that the required adhesion of the white layer 304 may vary depending on the surface condition of the transfer medium 60. Moreover, it is conceivable that differences in the required adhesion of the white layer 304 may occur depending on the intended use of the transfer product produced by the transfer. Furthermore, the required whiteness of the white layer 304 may also vary depending on the design required for the transfer product. In this case, it is conceivable that the adhesion and whiteness of the white layer 304 can be adjusted by changing the amount of printing during the formation of the white layer 304. Furthermore, regarding the relationship between the adhesion and whiteness of the white layer 304, it can be considered that the adhesion changes depending on the pigment content per unit volume. In this case, for example, the printing apparatus 12 may use multiple types of white inks, each with different properties due to differences in thermoplastic resin content, etc. In this case, by forming the white layer 304 with multiple types of white inks, the adhesion and whiteness of the white layer 304 can be varied in various ways. With this configuration, for example, the adhesion and whiteness of the white layer 304 can be adjusted more appropriately according to the surface condition of the transfer medium 60 and the design required for the transfer output. More specifically, in this case, as the inkjet head 202 for the white ink, for example, as shown in Figure 6(a), a configuration that ejects multiple types of white ink can be used.

[0064] Figure 6 illustrates a modified configuration of the head unit 102. Except for the points described below, components in Figure 6 that are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in Figure 1, etc., may have the same or similar characteristics as those in Figure 1, etc. Figure 6(a) shows an example of a modified configuration of the head unit 102 when multiple types of white ink are used. In this configuration, the head unit 102 uses an inkjet head 202 for white ink that ejects multiple types of white ink, distinguished in the figure as Wa and Wb. In this case, the white ink corresponding to one of Wa and Wb is an example of a first type of light-reflective ink. The nozzle row in which nozzles ejecting this one type of white ink (hereinafter referred to as the first white ink) are arranged is an example of a nozzle row for the first light-reflective ink. The white ink corresponding to the other of Wa and Wb is an example of a second type of light-reflective ink. Furthermore, the nozzle row in which nozzles for dispensing the other white ink (hereinafter referred to as the second white ink) are arranged is an example of a nozzle row for the second light-reflective ink. In this case, the first white ink is, for example, an ink containing a thermoplastic resin and a white pigment such as titanium dioxide particles. The second white ink is, for example, an ink that contains at least the same or similar white pigment as the first white ink, and has a lower thermoplastic resin content than the first white ink. In this case, the first white ink can be considered, for example, an ink that enhances adhesion by relatively increasing the thermoplastic resin content. The second white ink may also be, for example, an ink with a higher white pigment content than the first white ink. In this case, the second white ink can also be considered, for example, an ink that enhances the expressiveness of whiteness compared to the first white ink. The second white ink may also be, for example, an ink that does not contain thermoplastic resin. As a colorant for the second white ink, for example, a colorant different from the pigment in the first white ink may be used.

[0065] In this case, the printing device 12 (see Figure 1) uses a first white ink and a second white ink to form a white layer on the transfer medium, for example, according to the type of fabric used as the transfer medium in the transfer device 14 (see Figure 1), and the design to be expressed in the transfer output. In this case, the formation of the white layer using the first white ink and the second white ink can be considered as using at least the first white ink, and further using the second white ink as needed to form the white layer. With this configuration, for example, the adhesion and whiteness of the white layer can be adjusted in various ways by changing the ratio of the first ink and the second ink used. Therefore, with this configuration, for example, a white layer with characteristics that match the surface condition of the transfer medium and the design required for the transfer output can be formed more appropriately. Also, when considering the use of various types of transfer mediums in the transfer system 10 (see Figure 1), it may be desirable to form a white layer with higher adhesion, for example, depending on the surface condition of the transfer medium. In this case, for example, by using the head unit 102 with the configuration shown in Figure 6(b), it is also possible to use an ink that does not contain pigment, thereby increasing adhesion.

[0066] Figure 6(b) shows a further modification of the configuration of the head unit 102. In this modification, the inkjet head 202 for white ink further ejects a translucent ink, indicated by the letter T in the figure, in addition to the first white ink and the second white ink. In this case, the nozzle row in which the nozzles ejecting this translucent ink are arranged is an example of a nozzle row for translucent ink. Furthermore, as this translucent ink, for example, an ink that does not contain white pigment and contains a thermoplastic resin is used. Translucent ink can be thought of as, for example, an ink that is colorless because no colorant is added (clear ink). Not adding a colorant to the ink can be thought of as, for example, intentionally not adding a colorant. Furthermore, in this configuration, this translucent ink can be thought of as, for example, an ink that does not contain pigment and has higher adhesion than the first white ink by containing a thermoplastic resin. Then, for example, if it is necessary to further improve the adhesion of the white layer depending on the surface condition of the transfer medium, the printing apparatus 12 further uses this translucent ink to form the white layer. In this case, depending on the required adhesion and whiteness of the white layer, the printing apparatus 12 may, for example, use both the first white ink and the second white ink, along with the translucent ink, to form the white layer. Depending on the required adhesion and whiteness of the white layer, the printing apparatus 12 may, for example, use only one of the first white ink and the second white ink, along with the translucent ink, to form the white layer. With this configuration, for example, a variety of white layers can be formed more appropriately. Furthermore, in a further modification of the configuration of the head unit 102, the inkjet head 202 for the white ink may have a nozzle row corresponding to only one of the first white ink and the second white ink, and a nozzle row for the translucent ink.

[0067] Furthermore, in relation to the configuration shown in Figure 1, as explained above, in the configurations shown in Figures 6(a) and (b), a resin-containing ink may be used as the color ink ejected from the nozzle row indicated by the letters YMCK in the figure. In this case as well, the resin contained in the color ink can be considered, for example, a resin that does not become fluid at the heating temperature during image transfer in the transfer device 14. In contrast, in the configuration shown in Figure 6(b), the thermoplastic resin contained in the translucent ink can be considered, for example, a resin that becomes fluid at the heating temperature during image transfer in the transfer device 14, similar to the thermoplastic resin contained in the white ink. Therefore, in the modified example shown in Figure 6(b), regarding the relationship between the resin contained in the translucent ink and the resin contained in the color ink, for example, the properties of the resin contained in the ink can be considered to be different. Also, when using such a translucent ink, in the printing device 12, for example, depending on the required quality of the printed output, an adhesive layer may be formed on the white layer using this translucent ink, similar to the operation explained using Figure 3. In this case, by forming an adhesive layer in addition to the white layer formed with a white ink containing a thermoplastic resin, higher adhesion can be obtained compared to, for example, the case where only the white layer is adhesive. Furthermore, regarding the configuration in which an adhesive layer is formed in addition to the white layer, even if a thinner adhesive layer is formed compared to, for example, the case where the white layer is formed with a white ink that does not become adhesive during transfer, the adhesion can be appropriately enhanced. Also, focusing on the characteristics of such translucent inks, in a printing apparatus 12 using such translucent ink, for example, as explained above in relation to Figure 3, it is conceivable to form a white layer with a white ink that does not become adhesive during transfer, and then form an adhesive layer on top of it with translucent ink. In this case as well, by forming an adhesive layer with a translucent ink containing a resin that becomes fluid at the heating temperature during transfer, for example, the transfer of images can be appropriately performed. [Industrial applicability]

[0068] The present invention can be suitably used, for example, in a transfer system. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0069] 10...Transfer system, 102...Head unit, 104...Platen, 106...Main scanning drive unit, 108...Sub-scanning drive unit, 110...Heating unit, 112...Platen heater, 114...After heater, 12...Printing device, 120...Control unit, 14...Transfer device, 202...Inkjet head, 302...Color layer, 304...White layer, 306...Powder, 308...Adhesive layer, 50...Transfer medium, 52...Substrate unit, 54...Receiving layer, 60...Transfer medium

Claims

1. A transfer system that transfers an image printed on a transfer medium to a transfer medium, A printing unit for printing the image onto the transfer medium, A transfer unit that transfers the image printed on the transfer medium to the transfer medium. Equipped with, The aforementioned printing unit is A nozzle row for color inks, which is a row of nozzles that eject color inks to represent the aforementioned image, A nozzle row for light-reflective ink, which is a row of nozzles that eject light-reflective ink, and It has, On the aforementioned transfer medium, A color layer is a layer of ink on which the image is represented using the aforementioned color ink, A light-reflective ink layer is formed on the color layer using the light-reflective ink. Forming, The transfer section is A transfer system characterized by transferring the image printed on the transfer medium to the transfer medium by applying heat and pressure to the transfer medium and the transfer medium while the transfer medium and the transfer medium are stacked so that the light-reflecting ink layer and the transfer medium are in contact with each other.

2. The transfer medium is a cloth medium, The aforementioned light-reflective ink contains a thermoplastic resin, The transfer system according to claim 1, characterized in that the transfer portion is heated to a temperature that at least softens the thermoplastic resin contained in the light-reflecting ink layer, and heat and pressure are applied to the transfer medium and the medium to be transferred, thereby causing the thermoplastic resin to penetrate into the gaps between the fabric fibers in the medium to be transferred, and adhering the light-reflecting ink layer to the medium to be transferred.

3. The light-reflective ink contains a resin that becomes fluid at the temperature at which the transfer portion heats the transfer medium during the transfer process, in which the image is transferred to the transfer medium. The transfer system according to claim 1, characterized in that the color ink contains a resin that does not become fluid at the temperature at which the transfer portion heats the transfer medium during the transfer.

4. The printing unit further includes a heating unit for heating the transfer medium on which the color layer and the light-reflecting ink layer are formed, The aforementioned light-reflective ink is Thermoplastic resins, The first organic solvent, A second organic solvent having higher volatility than the first organic solvent, Includes, In the printing section, the heating section is The transfer medium is heated such that the second organic solvent in the light-reflecting ink layer is substantially volatilized and removed, and at least a portion of the first organic solvent remains. The transfer system according to claim 1, characterized in that the transfer unit applies heat and pressure to the transfer medium and the medium to be transferred while the first organic solvent remains in the light-reflecting ink layer.

5. The aforementioned light-reflective ink is a water-based ink that further contains water. In the printing section, the heating section is The transfer system according to claim 4, characterized in that the transfer medium is heated such that the water and the second organic solvent in the light-reflecting ink layer are substantially removed by evaporation, and at least a portion of the first organic solvent remains.

6. The printing unit further includes a heating unit for heating the transfer medium on which the color layer and the light-reflecting ink layer are formed, The aforementioned light-reflective ink is an aqueous ink containing water as a solvent. Water and, High-boiling point solvents are organic solvents with a higher boiling point than water. Includes, In the printing section, the heating section is The transfer medium is heated such that the water in the light-reflecting ink layer is substantially evaporated and at least a portion of the high-boiling point solvent remains. The transfer system according to claim 1, characterized in that the transfer unit applies heat and pressure to the transfer medium and the medium to be transferred while the high-boiling point solvent remains in the light-reflecting ink layer.

7. The aforementioned light-reflective ink is an ink containing a pigment as a colorant. The aforementioned printing unit is As the nozzle array for the light-reflective ink, A first nozzle row for the light-reflective ink, which is arranged in a row of nozzles for dispensing a first type of light-reflective ink comprising a thermoplastic resin and the pigment, A second nozzle row for the light-reflective ink, comprising nozzles for dispensing a second type of light-reflective ink that contains at least the pigment and has a lower content of the thermoplastic resin than the first type of light-reflective ink, and It has, The transfer system according to claim 1, characterized in that the light-reflective ink layer is formed using the first type of light-reflective ink and the second type of light-reflective ink.

8. The printing unit further includes a nozzle row for translucent ink, which is a nozzle row in which nozzles for dispensing translucent ink that does not contain the pigment but contains the thermoplastic resin, The transfer system according to claim 7, characterized in that the light-reflecting ink layer is formed by further using the translucent ink.

9. The transfer system according to claim 1, characterized in that, after transfer to the transfer medium, the light-reflecting ink layer obscures the color of the transfer medium, thereby reducing the influence of the color of the transfer medium on the color expressed by the color layer.

10. A transfer method for transferring an image printed on a transfer medium to a transfer medium, A printing step of printing the image onto the transfer medium, A transfer step of transferring the image printed on the transfer medium to the transfer medium. Equipped with, In the aforementioned printing stage, A nozzle row for color inks, which is a row of nozzles that eject color inks to represent the aforementioned image, A nozzle row for light-reflective ink, which is a row of nozzles that eject light-reflective ink, and Using, On the aforementioned transfer medium, A color layer is a layer of ink on which the image is represented using the aforementioned color ink, A light-reflective ink layer is formed on the color layer using the light-reflective ink. Forming, In the aforementioned transcription step, A transfer method characterized by transferring the image printed on the transfer medium to the transfer medium by applying heat and pressure to the transfer medium and the transfer medium while the transfer medium and the transfer medium are stacked so that the light-reflecting ink layer and the transfer medium are in contact with each other.

11. A method for manufacturing a transfer sheet, comprising printing an image to be transferred to a transfer medium onto the transfer medium to produce a transfer sheet, A nozzle row for color inks, which is a row of nozzles that eject color inks to represent the aforementioned image, A nozzle row for light-reflective ink, which is a row of nozzles that eject light-reflective ink, and Using, On the aforementioned transfer medium, A color layer is a layer of ink on which the image is represented using the aforementioned color ink, A light-reflective ink layer is formed on the color layer using the light-reflective ink. Forming, A method for manufacturing a transfer sheet, characterized in that the light-reflecting ink layer is a layer of ink that comes into contact with the transfer medium during the transfer from the transfer medium to the transfer medium.

12. A transfer sheet on which an image to be transferred to a transfer medium is printed, A transfer medium section corresponding to the portion of the image before it is printed, On the transfer medium portion, there is a color layer which is a layer of ink on which the image is expressed using color ink, A light-reflective ink layer is formed on the aforementioned color layer using a light-reflective ink. Equipped with, The transfer sheet is characterized in that the light-reflecting ink layer is a layer of ink that comes into contact with the transfer medium during the transfer of the image.

13. A transcription product created by image transcription, The area to be transferred is the part onto which the aforementioned image is transferred, A layer in contact with the transfer portion, comprising a light-reflective layer containing a light-reflective pigment and a thermoplastic resin, A layer facing the transfer portion with the light-reflecting layer in between, and a color layer on which the image drawn with color ink is represented. Equipped with, The portion to be transferred is made of cloth, at least in part. The aforementioned light-reflecting layer is A transfer product characterized in that the thermoplastic resin penetrates into the gaps between the fibers of the fabric in the transfer portion, thereby adhering to the transfer portion.

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