Printed matter manufacturing method and printing device

Abstract

To provide a printed matter on which a high-quality image can be visually recognized regardless of the state of light incidence. [Solution] The printed matter (31P) comprises a transparent substrate (31) and an image body (P12T) formed on a first surface (31a) of the substrate (31) and having an image (P12) visible through the substrate (31) from a second surface (31b) opposite the first surface (31a). The image body (P12T) has a first intermediate image body (P1T) including a transfer image receiving layer (21d) on which a first image (P1) is formed using dye ink, a second intermediate image body (P2T) including a transfer image receiving layer (21d) on which a second image (P2) is formed using pigment ink, and a dye ink transfer preventing layer (Pa) interposed between the first intermediate image body (P1T) and the second intermediate image body (P2T).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention provides mark How to make printed materials Law and Seal Regarding printing equipment. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a card in which characters or pictures printed by offset printing or the like on one side of a transparent substrate can be viewed through the substrate from the other side. Patent Document 2 describes a so-called retransfer printing method and printing device in which images made of multiple types of dye-sublimation inks arranged in surface order on an ink film are superimposed and transferred to an intermediate transfer film to form a full-color image, and the full-color image is retransferred to one side of the card substrate to obtain a card with a printed full-color image. Patent Document 3 describes a dye transfer prevention layer that prevents dye transfer. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-315475 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-330782 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 7-266720 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In cards such as those described in Patent Document 1, an image printed on one side of a transparent substrate is viewed through the substrate, which adds a sense of transparency and depth to the image that is viewed, and is said to have excellent design, and is expected to become popular as a so-called acrylic card that utilizes favorite characters. In such applications, high image quality is particularly important, so it is desirable to print using sublimation inks with vivid colors, as described in Patent Document 2, using a retransfer method that can achieve high resolution.

[0005] In printed matter such as the card described in Patent Document 1, when the light incidence pattern is such that a strong light source is present on the printed surface side, not only reflected light from the printed image but also transmitted light is visible, which may result in a decrease in the contrast and density of the image. Therefore, there is a need for a method that can further improve the concealing properties of the printed image and enable the visibility of a high-quality image with maintained contrast and density regardless of the light incidence pattern on the printed matter.

[0006] Therefore, the problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a method for making it possible to view a high-quality image regardless of the state of light incidence. mark Manufacturing method of printed matter and Bi stamp Printing Place The purpose is to provide. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides the following embodiments: ,2 ) has the following features. 1a film base; a dye ink migration preventing layer formed on the film base; and a transfer image receiving layer formed on the dye ink migration preventing layer; and an intermediate transfer film having the ink ribbon, the dye ink migration preventing layer formed on the film base, and the transfer image receiving layer formed on the dye ink migration preventing layer; and with the ink ribbon and the intermediate transfer film attached, a first image formed with dye ink is transferred from the ink ribbon to a first frame of the intermediate transfer film, a second image formed with pigment ink is transferred to a second frame of the intermediate transfer film, and the transfer image receiving layer and the dye ink migration preventing layer of the first frame are transferred to a first surface of a transparent substrate to form a first intermediate image body, and the transfer image receiving layer and the dye ink migration preventing layer of the second frame are transferred on the dye ink migration preventing layer of the first intermediate image body. and a second intermediate image body is formed by transferring the first intermediate image body and the second intermediate image body onto the first surface of the substrate, thereby forming an image body in which the first intermediate image body and the second intermediate image body are laminated on the first surface of the substrate using a printing device that forms by transfer printing an image body in which the first intermediate image body and the second intermediate image body are laminated on the first surface of the substrate, wherein the first image is a color image selectively using yellow ink, magenta ink, and cyan ink, which are the dye inks, and the second image is formed by an image layer of white ink, which is the pigment ink, and an image layer of glossy ink, and the second intermediate image body is formed by an image layer of the white ink and an image layer of the glossy ink, in that order from the first intermediate image body side, as the pigment ink image layers, so that a printed matter is produced in which light incident on the image body from the opposite side to the substrate reaches the image layer of glossy ink rather than the image layer of white ink. 2) An ink ribbon on which layers of dye inks including yellow ink, magenta ink, and cyan ink and layers of pigment inks including white ink and glossy ink are repeatedly formed in face-sequential order on a ribbon base; and an intermediate transfer film having a film base, a dye ink migration preventing layer formed on the film base, and a transfer image receiving layer formed on the dye ink migration preventing layer, can be attached; and with the ink ribbon and the intermediate transfer film attached, a first image, which is a color image selectively using yellow ink, magenta ink, and cyan ink as the dye inks, is transferred from the ink ribbon to a first frame of the intermediate transfer film, and the white ink and glossy ink of the pigment inks are transferred to a second frame of the intermediate transfer film. a second image made of glossy ink on a second frame of the intermediate transfer film so that the image layer of the glossy ink faces the dye ink migration preventing layer; a first intermediate image body is formed by transferring the transfer image receiving layer of the first frame and the dye ink migration preventing layer onto a first surface of a transparent substrate; a second intermediate image body is formed by transferring the transfer image receiving layer of the second frame and the dye ink migration preventing layer onto the dye ink migration preventing layer of the formed first intermediate image body; and an image body in which the first intermediate image body and the second intermediate image body are stacked on the first surface of the substrate is formed by transfer printing so that light incident on the second intermediate image body from the opposite side of the substrate reaches the image layer made of glossy ink rather than the image layer made of white ink. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to an embodiment of the present invention mark Printing method and Bi stamp The printing device can produce printed matter that allows high-quality images to be viewed regardless of the light incidence state. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a structural diagram of a printing device PR, which is one aspect of a retransfer printing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the printing device PR. [Figure 3A]FIG. 3A is a plan view of the ink ribbon 11 used in the printing device PR. [Figure 3B] FIG. 3B is a side view of the ink ribbon 11. [Figure 4A] FIG. 4A is a plan view of the intermediate transfer film 21 used in the printing device PR. [Figure 4B] FIG. 4B is a side view of the intermediate transfer film 21. FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic side view showing a state in which an intermediate image P1 and an intermediate image P2 are transferred and formed on the intermediate transfer film 21 using the ink of the ink ribbon 11. [Figure 6A] FIG. 6A is a schematic side view showing a mode in which an intermediate image medium P1T on which an intermediate image P1 is formed is transferred to a substrate 31. FIG. [Figure 6B] FIG. 6B is a schematic side view showing an embodiment in which an intermediate image P2T on which an intermediate image P2 has been formed is transferred and superimposed on an intermediate image P1T to form an image P12T. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a plan view showing a printed matter CD on which an image body P12T is formed. [Figure 8A] FIG. 8A is a schematic cross-sectional view for explaining the ink configuration of the region RC1 in the image P12 formed on the image body P12T. [Figure 8B] FIG. 8B is a schematic cross-sectional view for explaining the ink configuration of region RC2 in image P12. [Figure 8C] FIG. 8C is a schematic cross-sectional view for explaining the ink configuration of region RC3 in image P12. [Figure 8D] FIG. 8D is a schematic cross-sectional view for explaining the ink configuration of region RC4 in image P12. [Figure 8E] FIG. 8E is a schematic cross-sectional view for explaining the ink configuration of the region RS in the image P12. [Figure 8F] FIG. 8F is a schematic cross-sectional view for explaining the ink configuration of region RK in image P12. [Figure 9A] FIG. 9A is a schematic cross-sectional view for explaining the ink configuration of the region RW. [Figure 9B] FIG. 9B is a schematic cross-sectional view for explaining the ink configuration in the region (H+S). [Figure 9C] FIG. 9C is a schematic cross-sectional view for explaining the ink configuration of the region (K+S). DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The configuration of a printing device PR, which is one aspect of a retransfer printing device according to an embodiment of the present invention, will first be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4B. FIG. 1 is a structural diagram of a printing device PR, which is one aspect of a retransfer printing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the printing device PR. FIG. 3A is a plan view of an ink ribbon 11 used in the printing device PR. FIG. 3B is a side view of the ink ribbon 11. FIG. 4A is a plan view of an intermediate transfer film 21 used in the printing device PR. FIG. 4B is a side view of the intermediate transfer film 21.

[0011] As shown in Figure 1, the printing device PR is a so-called retransfer card printer, and includes a housing PRa, an image forming device 51, and a retransfer device 52. The image forming device 51 and the retransfer device 52 are housed inside the housing PRa. In the following explanation, the up, down, left, and right directions are defined as the directions indicated by arrows in Figure 1. These up, down, left, and right directions are defined for the sake of convenience of explanation, and do not limit the structure of the printing device PR, the posture of its components, or the direction of use.

[0012] The image forming device 51 is designed to allow a supply reel 12 and a take-up reel 13 for the ink ribbon 11 to be detachably mounted. The mounted supply reel 12 and take-up reel 13 are rotated by drive motors M12 and M13, respectively. The rotation speed and direction of the motors M12 and M13 are controlled by a control unit CT provided in the image forming device 51.

[0013] The ink ribbon 11 is guided by multiple guide shafts 14 and stretched along a predetermined running path between the supply reel 12 and the take-up reel 13. The ink ribbon 11 is stretched so that its ribbon base 11a (see FIG. 3B) is positioned on the side that contacts the guide shafts 14. An ink ribbon sensor 15 for locating the ink ribbon 11 is disposed midway along the running path. The ink ribbon sensor 15 detects the color boundary positions of the ink ribbon 11 shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, and sends ribbon detection information J1 (see FIG. 2) to the control unit CT.

[0014] A thermal head 16 is disposed between the ink ribbon sensor 15 and the take-up reel 13 on the travel path of the ink ribbon 11. The thermal head 16 moves in contact with and away from the surface of the wound ink ribbon 11 on the ribbon base 11a side (left and right directions in FIG. 1). This contact and separation operation of the thermal head 16 is performed by a head contact and separation drive unit D16 under the control of the control unit CT.

[0015] The image forming device 51 is designed so that a supply reel 22 and a take-up reel 23 for the intermediate transfer film 21 can be detachably attached to the left side of the loaded ink ribbon 11 in FIG. 1. The attached supply reel 22 and take-up reel 23 are rotated by drive motors M22 and M23, respectively. The rotation speed and direction of motors M22 and M23 are controlled by control unit CT.

[0016] The intermediate transfer film 21 is guided by a plurality of guide shafts 24 and stretched along a predetermined travel path between a supply reel 22 and a take-up reel 23. A frame mark sensor 25 for cueing is disposed midway along the travel path of the intermediate transfer film 21. The frame mark sensor 25 detects a frame mark 21e (see FIGS. 4A and 4B) on the intermediate transfer film 21 and sends frame mark detection information J2 (see FIG. 2) to the control unit CT. The intermediate transfer film 21 is optically transparent. For example, the frame mark sensor 25 may be an optical sensor, and the frame mark 21e may be formed as a light-blocking portion, so that the frame mark sensor 25 detects the position of the frame mark 21e based on the difference between light transmission and light blocking.

[0017] A platen roller 26 that is rotated by driving a motor M26 is disposed between the frame mark sensor 25 and the supply reel 22 in the travel path of the intermediate transfer film 21. The rotation speed and direction of the motor M26 are controlled by a control unit CT.

[0018] The thermal head 16 moves toward and away from the ink ribbon 11 by moving toward and away from the ink ribbon 11 in the left and right directions in Fig. 1 using the head moving / separating drive unit D16. This moving toward and away from the ink ribbon 11 may be performed by the platen roller 26, as long as the thermal head 16 and the platen roller 26 move toward and away from each other. More specifically, the thermal head 16 moves between a pressure-contact position where the thermal head 16 presses the ink ribbon 11 toward the platen roller 26 and sandwiches the intermediate transfer film 21 and the ink ribbon 11 between them and the platen roller 26, and a spaced position (position shown in Fig. 1) where the thermal head 16 is spaced from the ink ribbon 11. When the thermal head 16 is in the pressure-contact position, transfer, which will be described later, takes place.

[0019] When the thermal head 16 is in the separated position, the ink ribbon 11 and the intermediate transfer film 21 can be independently wound onto the take-up reels 13, 23 and rewound onto the supply reels 12, 22 by the operation of motors M12, M13 and motors M22, M23, respectively.

[0020] The ink ribbon 11 and the intermediate transfer film 21 are in close contact with each other and can move toward the supply reel or the take-up reel with the thermal head 16 in the pressure contact position. This movement is performed by the rotation of the supply reels 12 and 22, the take-up reels 13 and 23, and the platen roller 26 driven by the motors M12, M13, M22, and M23 and the motor M26 under the control of the control unit CT.

[0021] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the control unit CT includes an image data sending unit CT1. When the thermal head 16 is in the pressure contact position, the image data sending unit CT1 supplies image data SN1 to the thermal head 16 at an appropriate timing to be transferred to each frame F (see FIGS. 4A and 4B), which is the transfer area of ​​one image on the intermediate transfer film 21. This timing is determined by the control unit CT as a whole based on frame mark detection information J2 and the like. The image data sending unit CT1 generates the image data SN1 based on transfer image information J3 supplied to the control unit CT from an external data device 38 or the like via the communication unit 37, as shown in FIG.

[0022] 3A and 3B, the ink ribbon 11 has a ribbon base 11a in the shape of a strip, and an ink layer 11b formed by coating on the ribbon base 11a. The ink layer 11b is formed by repeatedly coating ink sets 11b1, which are sets of ink layers of multiple colors (six colors in this example) aligned in the strip direction.

[0023] The ink set 11b1 is a set of a yellow ink layer Y, a magenta ink layer M, a cyan ink layer C, a black ink layer K, a glossy ink layer S, and a white ink layer W, which are applied in this order in the band direction. The inks in each layer are yellow ink IY, magenta ink IM, cyan ink IC, black ink IK, glossy ink IS, and white ink IW, respectively.

[0024] The yellow ink IY, magenta ink IM, and cyan ink IC are dye sublimation inks, while the black ink IK, glossy ink IS, and white ink IW are melt-type pigment inks. The glossy ink IS is an ink containing metallic powder in colors such as gold, silver, and pearl to give it a metallic sheen. Therefore, the ink ribbon 11 has layers of dye ink and layers of pigment ink repeatedly formed in a surface-sequential manner on the ribbon base 11a. In the following explanation, the glossy ink IS will refer to silver ink IS, which appears silver in color.

[0025] Hereinafter, the yellow ink IY, magenta ink IM, and cyan ink IC will be collectively referred to as the dye ink group ISG, and the black ink IK, glossy ink IS, and white ink IW will be collectively referred to as the pigment ink group IGG. The yellow ink layer Y, magenta ink layer M, and cyan ink layer C will be collectively referred to as the dye ink group layer LS, and the black ink layer K, glossy ink layer S, and white ink layer W will be collectively referred to as the pigment ink group layer LG. The yellow ink layer Y, magenta ink layer M, cyan ink layer C, black ink layer K, silver ink layer S, and white ink layer W will also be simply referred to as the ink layer Y, ink layer M, ink layer C, ink layer K, ink layer S, and ink layer W, respectively.

[0026] The ink layers Y, M, C, K, S, and W all have the same band-direction length La. Therefore, the pitch Lap of the ink set 11b1 is six times the length La. The area of ​​each of the ink layers Y, M, C, K, S, and W is set to a size that encompasses the printed matter 31P described below. The ink ribbon sensor 15 detects the boundary position of each ink layer based on the difference in color. The ink ribbon sensor 15 is positioned so that, for example, when the ink ribbon sensor 15 detects the boundary between the white ink layer W and the ink layer Y, the pressure contact position of the thermal head 16 coincides with the leading edge of the ink layer Y in the running direction.

[0027] 4A and 4B, the intermediate transfer film 21 has a strip-shaped film base 21a, and a release layer 21b, a protective layer 21c, and a transfer image-receiving layer 21d laminated on the film base 21a. The release layer 21b peels off from the protective layer 21c during a transfer operation, which will be described later, and has the function of facilitating separation of the protective layer 21c and the transfer image-receiving layer 21d from the film base 21a.

[0028] The protective layer 21c is a colorless and transparent resin film, which protects the transfer image receiving layer 21d as an outer surface layer of the intermediate image bodies P1T and P2T formed and laminated on the substrate 31 after a transfer operation from the intermediate transfer film 21 to the substrate 31, as described below. The protective layer 21c also functions as a dye ink migration preventing layer that prevents the migration of dye ink, as described in Patent Document 3.

[0029] The width of the film base 21a is the same as the width of the ribbon base 11a of the ink ribbon 11. The frame marks 21e are repeatedly formed on the transfer image receiving layer 21d in the band direction at a predetermined pitch Lb. The frame marks 21e are formed across the entire width. The pitch Lb is the same as the length La of the ink ribbon 11 (La = Lb).

[0030] The areas of the intermediate transfer film 21 that are separated at regular intervals by the pitch Lb are transfer frames F. Hereinafter, the transfer frames F will be simply referred to as frames F. That is, the frame marks 21e are provided at the boundary portions between adjacent frames F, and separate the frames F so that multiple frames F are arranged side by side in the band direction.

[0031] The position of the frame mark sensor 25 is set so that when the frame mark sensor 25 detects the frame mark 21e, the pressure contact position of the thermal head 16 coincides with the position of the leading edge of the frame mark 21e in the running direction. In other words, the running path length from the pressure contact position to the detection position of the frame mark sensor 25 is set to an integer multiple of the pitch Lb.

[0032] In the image forming apparatus 51 shown in FIG. 1, the intermediate transfer film 21 and the ink ribbon 11 are stretched in such a direction that the transfer image receiving layer 21d and the ink layer 11b face each other directly. The transfer image receiving layer 21d has the property of receiving and fixing the ink of the ink layer 11b sublimated by heating. Thus, when the thermal head 16 is pressed and heated, the ink is transferred from the ink layer 11b crimped to the transfer image receiving layer 21d, and an image is formed on the transfer image receiving layer 21d. The ink is transferred in a heating pattern corresponding to the image data SN1 (see FIG. 2) supplied to the thermal head 16.

[0033] The image forming apparatus 51 described in detail above is configured to be able to move the ink ribbon 11 and the intermediate transfer film 21 set by the user while bringing them into close contact by the pressing of the thermal head 16.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 2, the thermal head 16 has n heating resistors 16a numbered #1 to #n (n is an integer of 2 or more) arranged in alignment in the width direction of the ink ribbon 11. Further, the thermal head 16 has a head driver 16b that energizes each of the plurality of heating resistors 16a independently according to the image data SN1. For example, there are 300 heating resistors 16a arranged side by side per inch.

[0035] The head driver 16b energizes each of the plurality of heating resistors 16a based on the transfer image data SN1 sent from the image data sending unit CT1. Normally, the number of heating resistors 16a corresponding to the image to be formed is not the total number n, but m (m is an integer of 1 or more where m < n) adjacent ones with a margin at both ends in the parallel arrangement direction. That is, (n - m) of the plurality of heating resistors 16a arranged in parallel are not used for image formation as a margin. Also, the m heating resistors 16a are selected as m consecutive ones excluding at least one end heating resistor among the n ones. Therefore, if the number of lines (corresponding to the number of selections of ON and OFF of energization) in the band direction (vertical) of the image to be transferred is defined as the number of lines LNa, an image is formed on the intermediate transfer film 21, which is the object to be imaged, with dots of width × vertical = m × LNa. For example, when the printing apparatus PR forms an image of 300 dpi on the substrate 31, which is the retransfer receiving body and has an outer dimension of 86 mm×54 mm, m is about 1000 and the value of LNa is about 600.

[0036] The image forming device 51 moves the ink ribbon 11 and the intermediate transfer film 21 in a tight contact state, and heats each of the multiple heating resistors 16a of the thermal head 16 appropriately based on the image data to be transferred, thereby transferring the ink in the ink layer 11b of the ink ribbon 11 to the transfer image receiving layer 21d of the intermediate transfer film 21. In this way, a desired image can be transferred and formed as an intermediate image P onto the transfer image receiving layer 21d of the frame F.

[0037] Returning to FIG. 1, the printing apparatus PR is equipped with a retransfer device 52 that retransfers a portion of the intermediate image P formed by the image forming apparatus 51 onto the transfer image receiving layer 21d of the intermediate transfer film 21, which is the transfer object, to another transfer object. The other transfer object is a rectangular resin plate substrate 31. The substrate 31 is, for example, a transparent acrylic resin plate having a length of 85.6 mm, a width of 54.0 mm, and a thickness of 2.0 mm. In FIG. 1, the substrate 31 being transported is indicated by a thick line. The retransfer device 52 shares a control unit CT with the image forming apparatus 51.

[0038] The retransfer device 52 has a retransfer section ST1 located between the platen roller 26 and the take-up reel 23 on the travel path of the intermediate transfer film 21, a supply section ST2 that supplies a substrate 31 to the retransfer section ST1, and an output section ST3 that outputs a card 31P as a printed matter that has been printed on the substrate 31 by passing through the retransfer section ST1.

[0039] The retransfer unit ST1 has a heat roller 41 rotated by a motor M41, an opposing roller 42 arranged opposite the heat roller 41, and a heat roller drive unit D41 that moves the heat roller 41 toward and away from the opposing roller 42 in the vertical direction in Figure 1.

[0040] The supply unit ST2 has a position change unit ST2a that rotates 90° to change the position of the substrate 31 from vertical to horizontal while sandwiching the substrate 31. The supply unit ST2 also has a lifting roller 33 that rotates to lift up one substrate 31, the rightmost one in FIG. 1, from among the multiple substrates 31 loaded in an upright position in the stacker 32. The supply unit ST2 also has a pair of feed rollers 34 that sandwich and feed the substrate 31 lifted by the lifting roller 33 into the position change unit ST2a located above, and multiple pairs of conveying rollers 35 that feed the substrate 31 that has been brought to a horizontal position by the position change unit ST2a to the re-transfer unit ST1 on the left.

[0041] The operation of the motor M41 is controlled by the control unit CT. The lifting roller 33, the feed roller 34, and the transport roller 35 are rotated by the driving of a motor (not shown) under the control of the control unit CT.

[0042] As described above, the retransfer device 52 converts a single substrate 31, which is removed from the stacker 32 in a vertical position at the supply unit ST2, to a horizontal position at the position conversion unit ST2a and transports and supplies the substrate 31 to the retransfer unit ST1. At the retransfer unit ST1, the substrate 31 is pressed and sandwiched together with the intermediate transfer film 21 between the heated heat roller 41 and the counter roller 42 by the operation of the heat roller drive unit D41, and is moved toward the discharge unit ST3 by the drive of the motor M41. The transfer image receiving layer 21d of the intermediate transfer film 21 is pressed against the substrate 31. During this pressure movement, all or a portion of the intermediate image P formed on the transfer image receiving layer 21d of the frame F is transferred to the substrate 31 by the image forming device 51. That is, an image PZ is formed by retransfer on the first surface 31a (the upper surface in FIG. 12) of the substrate 31.

[0043] One aspect of the method for producing a printed matter according to an embodiment of the present invention involves performing the following transfer operation using the printing device PR described above: First, as shown in Figure 5, an intermediate image P1, which is a first image made of the dye sublimation inks ISG of the ink ribbon 11, is formed in a first frame F1 of the frames F on the intermediate transfer film 21, and an intermediate image P2, which is a second image made of the pigment melting inks IGG of the ink ribbon 11, is formed in a second frame F2.

[0044] Next, as shown in Fig. 6A, the transfer image receiving layer 21d of the first frame F1 on which the intermediate image P1 has been formed is transferred together with the protective layer 21c to the first surface 31a of the substrate 31, thereby forming an intermediate image body P1T of a first intermediate image body in which the protective layer 21c covers the surface as a protective layer Pa (see arrow DR61). Next, as shown in Fig. 6B, the intermediate transfer film 21 is moved relative to the substrate 31 (see arrow DR62) to align the intermediate image P2 of the second frame F2 with the intermediate image P1. Once aligned, the transfer image receiving layer 21d of the second frame F2 is transferred together with the protective layer 21c onto the protective layer Pa of the intermediate image body P1T in a superimposed manner (see arrow DR63), thereby forming an intermediate image body P2T of a second intermediate image body in which the protective layer 21c of the second frame F2 covers the surface as a protective layer Pb. As a result, an image body P12T is formed on the first surface 31a of the substrate 31, in which the intermediate image body P2T is laminated on the intermediate image body P1T.

[0045] Thus, according to one embodiment of the method for printing a printed matter using the printing device PR, an image body PZTn can be formed on the first surface 31a of the base 31 by n (n is an integer of 2 or more) retransfer operations to superimpose and transfer n intermediate image bodies PT. In other words, a card CD is obtained, which is a printed matter having the image body PZTn on the base 31.

[0046] The image body PZTn is a laminate of k layers of dye ink layers LS and m layers of pigment ink layers LG, where k and m are integers greater than or equal to 0 and satisfy the relation k+m=n. Therefore, the above-mentioned image body P12T is an image body PZTn where n=2 and k=m=1.

[0047] The card 31P on which the image body PZTn is formed is transported to the discharge section ST3 and stored in a stack in an external stocker 36, for example.

[0048] The timing of the superimposed transfer from the intermediate transfer film 21 to the substrate 31 is not limited. The image body PZTn may be formed each time after all intermediate images P for forming one image body PZTn are formed, or all intermediate images P for forming multiple image bodies PZTn may be formed first, and then the image bodies PZTn may be formed one by one. Alternatively, multiple image bodies PZTn may be formed all at once by performing the first transfer of multiple image bodies PZTn and then performing the second superimposed transfer.

[0049] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the image forming apparatus 51 has a control unit CT, a memory unit MR, and a communication unit 37. The memory unit MR pre-stores an operating program for executing the overall operation of the printing apparatus PR, including the image forming apparatus 51, and transfer image information J3, which is information about the image to be transferred. The contents stored in the memory unit MR are referenced by the control unit CT as needed. As shown in FIG. 2, the operating program and transfer image information J3 are supplied to the control unit CT from an external data device 38 or the like via the communication unit 37 and stored in the memory unit MR.

[0050] Next, a detailed description will be given of one embodiment of a method for producing a printed matter using the above-described printing device PR to produce a card 31P. First, as shown in FIG. 2, the image data sender CT1 of the control unit CT generates transfer image data Dy, Dm, Dc, Dk, Ds, and Dw as image data SN1 based on transfer image information J3. Specifically, the transfer image data Dy, Dm, Dc, Dk, Ds, and Dw are data for images to be transferred using yellow ink IY, magenta ink IM, cyan ink IC, black ink IK, silver ink IS, and white ink IW, respectively. That is, the image data sender CT1 generates transfer image data Dy using yellow ink IY, transfer image data Dm using magenta ink IM, transfer image data Dc using cyan ink IC, transfer image data Dk using black ink IK, transfer image data Ds using silver ink IS, and transfer image data Dw using white ink IW.

[0051] As shown in Fig. 5, the control unit CT selectively transfers the sublimation dye inks of the ink ribbon 11, namely, yellow ink IY, magenta ink IM, and cyan ink IC, in this order onto the transfer image receiving layer 21d of the first frame F1 of the intermediate transfer film 21 based on the transfer image data Dy, Dm, and Dc, respectively. As a result, a color intermediate image P1 is transferred and formed on the first frame F1. On the transfer image receiving layer 21d, image layers of the yellow ink IY, magenta ink IM, and cyan ink IC are layered in the order of transfer from the protective layer 21c side. Fig. 5 shows a schematic diagram of the layered state of each ink.

[0052] Next, the control unit CT selectively transfers the black ink IK, silver ink IS, and white ink IW, which are melt-type pigment inks of the ink ribbon 11, to the transfer image receiving layer 21d of the second frame F2 in this order based on the transfer image data Dk, Ds, and Dw, respectively. As a result, the image layers of the black ink IK, silver ink IS, and white ink IW are stacked on the transfer image receiving layer 21d of the second frame F2 from the protective layer 21c side, forming an intermediate image P2.

[0053] In this way, the intermediate image P1 is formed by the dye ink group layer LS, which is an image layer of the dye ink group that selectively contains the dye inks yellow ink IY, magenta ink IM, and cyan ink IC, while the intermediate image P2 is formed by the pigment ink group layer LG, which is an image layer of the pigment ink group that selectively contains the pigment inks black ink IK, silver ink IS, and white ink IW.

[0054] As described above, after intermediate images P1 and P2 are formed on the first frame F1 and the second frame F2 of the intermediate transfer film 21, respectively, the control unit CT operates the retransfer unit ST1 to retransfer these intermediate images P1 and P2 to the substrate 31 side.

[0055] Specifically, as shown in Fig. 6A, the transfer operation of the first frame F1 is first performed. That is, in the first frame F1, the protective layer 21c is separated from the peeling layer 21b, and the transfer image receiving layer 21d on which the intermediate image P1 is formed is transferred to the first surface 31a of the substrate 31 together with the protective layer 21c, thereby forming the intermediate image body P1T. As a result, the protective layer 21c is positioned on the outer surface of the intermediate image body P1T so as to cover the transfer image receiving layer 21d. Hereinafter, the protective layer 21c of the intermediate image body P1T will also be referred to as the protective layer Pa for distinction.

[0056] Next, as shown in FIG. 6B, the transfer operation for the second frame F2 is performed. Specifically, first, the intermediate transfer film 21 is moved relative to the substrate 31 by one frame to align the intermediate image P2 with the intermediate image P1 of the intermediate image body P1T that was previously transferred and formed on the substrate 31 (see arrow DR62). After alignment is complete, the transfer operation is performed. That is, in the second frame F2, the protective layer 21c is separated from the peeling layer 21b, and the transfer image receiving layer 21d that has formed the intermediate image P2 is transferred and superimposed on the protective layer of the previously transferred intermediate image body P1T, i.e., the dye ink migration preventing layer Pa, to form the intermediate image body P2T. As a result, the protective layer 21c is positioned on the outer surface of the intermediate image body P2T so as to cover the transfer image receiving layer 21d.

[0057] By performing this transfer operation multiple times (twice in this example), an image body P12T in which the intermediate image body P1T and the intermediate image body P2T are superimposed on the substrate 31 is formed. In the image body P12T, an image P12 (details will be described later) in which the intermediate image P1 and the intermediate image P2 are combined can be viewed.

[0058] The substrate 31 on which the image body P12T is formed by transfer printing is the printed matter CD. When the substrate 31 is a transparent acrylic resin plate as described above, the printed matter CD is a transparent card. Hereinafter, it will also be referred to as the card CD.

[0059] As shown in Figure 6B, the image body P12T has the pigment ink layer LG of the intermediate image body P2T and the dye ink layer LS of the intermediate image body P1T arranged adjacent to each other with a protective layer Pa sandwiched between them. Normally, when a dye ink layer and a pigment ink layer are arranged adjacent to each other, there is a risk of the dye ink in the dye ink layer migrating to the pigment ink layer, causing problems such as discoloration of the dye ink layer. However, according to one embodiment of the method for producing a printed matter of the present invention, the protective layer Pa, which has a dye ink migration prevention function, prevents the dye ink from migrating to the pigment ink layer, so problems such as discoloration of the intermediate image P1 do not occur.

[0060] As described above, the card 31P has an image body P12T formed by laminating an intermediate image body P1T having a color image layer on which the color intermediate image P1 is visible, and an intermediate image body P2T having, in this order from the intermediate image body P1T side, an image layer of at least a white ink layer W and a silver ink layer S, on the base 31. The image P12 on the image body P12T formed in this way exhibits various visual effects, which will be described with reference to Figures 7 to 9C.

[0061] FIG. 7 shows an example of image P12 that is visible when a card having a transparent substrate 31 and an image body P12T formed on its first surface 31a is viewed from the second surface 31b (see FIG. 6B), which is the surface opposite to the first surface 31a. The image of image P12 has multiple areas that are visually perceived in different states. That is, the image of image P12 has multiple areas that are visually perceived differently in terms of color, brightness, gloss, etc. As shown in FIG. 7, the multiple areas are classified into areas RC1 to RC4, RS, and RK. The layer structures of each area are shown in FIGS. 8A to 8F, and the combinations of each area with the ink layer are shown in Table 1. FIGS. 8A to 8F correspond to cross sections of each area at position S8-S8 in FIG. 7. [Table 1]

[0062] Table 1 shows the relationship between regions and the layers that make up those regions, with rows representing regions and columns representing ink layers. For ease of explanation, the CL layer, which refers to the color layer, is a collective term for the yellow ink layer Y, magenta ink layer M, and cyan ink layer C, which are color ink layers. The presence of any of these layers is indicated by "O" and the absence of all layers by "-". The relationships shown in Table 1 can be freely set using the transfer image data Dy, Dm, Dc, Dk, Ds, and Dw that form the basis of the image.

[0063] (Area RC1) Region RC1 is a background region where only the color layer CL is present. As shown in FIG. 8A, light incident on the base 31 from the second surface 31b of the base 31 is reflected by the color layer CL and is perceived by the eye E as light G1 of a color corresponding to the distribution of the yellow ink IY, magenta ink IM, and cyan ink IC in the color layer CL. On the other hand, light incident on the base 31 from the protective layer Pb on the first surface 31a side reaches the eye E as light N1 that passes through the color layer CL because the color layer CL does not have high concealing properties. Therefore, region RC1 is perceived as having soft colors with reduced contrast, making the layer configuration of region RC1 suitable for use as a background region, etc.

[0064] (Area RC2) Region RC2 is the region of the person's hair, where the color layer CL and white ink layer W are arranged. As shown in FIG. 8B , light incident on the base 31 from the second surface 31b side of the base 31 reaches the eye E as light G1 reflected by the color layer CL and light G2 passing through the color layer CL, reflecting off the white ink layer W, and passing through the color layer CL again, and is perceived as a color image against a white background. On the other hand, the amount of light N1 incident on the base 31 from the protective layer Pb, passing through the white ink layer W, and reaching the eye E is small (shown by the dashed line). Therefore, region RC2 is perceived as a color image with higher brightness and contrast than region RC1, and is therefore suitable as a sub-region of the main character to be made to stand out against the background.

[0065] (Area RC3) Region RC3 is a region of metallic-glossy accessories of a person, and is an area where only the color layer CL and the silver ink layer S are formed. As shown in FIG. 8C , light incident on the substrate 31 from the second surface 31b side of the substrate 31 reaches the eye E as light G1 reflected by the color layer CL and light G2 passing through the color layer CL, reflecting off the silver ink layer S, and then passing through the color layer CL again. These light beams are perceived as a highly decorative color image with a metallic luster. On the other hand, almost all of the light incident on the substrate 31 from the protective layer Pb is reflected by the silver ink layer S and does not reach the eye E. This allows the eye E to perceive a glossy color image with high saturation, brightness, and contrast, making this region suitable for metal components and areas where a metallic luster is desired. Furthermore, region RC3 can achieve a metallic luster in a color tone that corresponds to the color of the color layer CL, allowing for the reproduction of metallic luster in any color that cannot be reproduced with glossy ink IS, offering a high degree of freedom of expression.

[0066] (Area RC4) Region RC4 corresponds to the person's skin in FIG. 7 and is typically an area where the highest quality color image, such as color reproduction, is required. As shown in FIG. 8D, region RC4 is formed with a color layer CL, a white ink layer W, and a silver ink layer S. Light incident on the substrate 31 from the second surface 31b side of the substrate 31 reaches the eye E as light G1 reflected by the color layer CL and light G2 passing through the color layer CL, reflecting off the white ink layer W, and passing through the color layer CL again, and is perceived as a color image against a white background. Light G3 also passes through the color layer CL and white ink layer W, reflects off the silver ink layer S, and passes through the white ink layer W and color layer CL again to reach the eye E, but this is minimal (shown by a dashed line). Meanwhile, light incident on the substrate 31 from the protective layer Pb is reflected by the silver ink layer S and white ink layer W, which are substantially opaque to light, and therefore does not reach the eye E. The layer structure of region RC4 is a layer structure in which a silver ink layer S is added to region RC2, completely blocking light incident from the protective layer Pb. Therefore, region RC4 has excellent color reproducibility of the color layer CL, and color images with higher brightness and contrast are visible, making it suitable as a region where the highest quality color images are required.

[0067] (Area RS) Region RS is the edge of the person's hair in Figure 7, and is an area that requires a glossy appearance that shines in backlight. As shown in Figure 8E, region RC4 is formed with only the silver ink layer S. Light that enters the base 31 from the second surface 31b side of the base 31 is reflected by the silver ink layer S and reaches the eye E as light G1. On the other hand, light that enters the base 31 from the protective layer Pb is reflected by the silver ink layer S, which is substantially opaque to light, and does not reach the eye E. Therefore, region RS is perceived by the eye E as an area with a good silver gloss, making it suitable as an area requiring a glossy appearance. If other glossy inks, such as gold ink, are used instead of silver ink, it can be formed as an area in which metallic gloss of various colors is visible.

[0068] (Area RK) In FIG. 7, region RK is formed as a region corresponding to black characters or symbols. As shown in FIG. 8F, only a black ink layer K is formed in region RK. Light incident on substrate 31 from the second surface 31b side of substrate 31 is reflected by the black ink layer K and reaches eye E as light G1. On the other hand, all of the light incident on substrate 31 from protective layer Pb is reflected by the black ink layer K and is therefore visible to eye Ea through protective layer Pb. In other words, characters or symbols in region RK are visible from both sides of substrate 31. Therefore, when region RK is to contain characters, transfer image data Dk is generated with an orientation that allows an upright image to be viewed from the viewing direction.

[0069] One aspect of the method for producing a printed matter according to an embodiment of the present invention can also form regions RW, R(W+S), and R(K+S), which are not shown in Fig. 7. These will be described with reference to Table 2 and Figs. 9A, 9B, and 9C. [Table 2] Figure 9A is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the ink configuration in region RW, Figure 9B is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the ink configuration in region (H+S), and Figure 9C is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the ink configuration in region (K+S).

[0070] (Area RW) In region RC2, only the white ink layer W is disposed. As shown in Figure 9A, light incident on the substrate 31 from the second surface 31b side of the substrate 31 is reflected by the white ink layer W and reaches the eye E, whereupon a white image formed by the white ink layer W is visible. On the other hand, a small amount of light incident on the substrate 31 from the protective layer Pb passes through the white ink layer W and reaches the eye E as light N1 (see dashed line). Therefore, in region RW, a white image with reduced brightness can be visible.

[0071] [Area R(W+S)] In region R(W+S), only the white ink layer W and the silver ink layer S are arranged. As shown in FIG. 9B, light incident on the substrate 31 from the second surface 31b side of the substrate 31 is reflected by the white ink layer W and reaches the eye E as light G1. There is also a small amount of light G2 that passes through the white ink layer W, reflects off the silver ink layer S, and passes through the white ink layer W again to reach the eye E. On the other hand, not all of the light incident on the substrate 31 from the protective layer Pb is reflected by the silver ink layer S and does not reach the eye E. As a result, region R(W+S) has high concealment properties, and a white image with high brightness is visible.

[0072] [Area R(K+S)] In region R(K+S), only the silver ink layer S and the black ink layer K are arranged. The black ink layer K is formed to correspond to black characters or symbols. As shown in FIG. 9C, almost all of the light incident on the substrate 31 from the second surface 31b side of the substrate 31 is reflected by the silver ink layer S and reaches eye E. In other words, the characters or symbols in the black ink layer K cannot be seen by eye E. On the other hand, light incident on the substrate 31 from the protective layer Pb is reflected by the black ink layer K and reaches eye Ea, which is located on the opposite side of the substrate 31 from eye E. In other words, the characters or symbols in the black ink layer K can be seen by eye Ea.

[0073] As described above in detail, the method for producing a printed matter according to one aspect of the present invention provides a printed matter 31P having an image P12 that provides a variety of visual effects. Also, as shown in region RC4, a printed matter 31P is obtained in which a high-quality image P12 can be viewed regardless of the light incidence pattern.

[0074] Furthermore, according to one embodiment of the method for manufacturing a printed matter and the printed matter 31P of the present invention, the image element P12T included in the printed matter 31P has a protective layer Pa interposed between the dye ink layer LS and the pigment ink layer LG, which functions to prevent the migration of dye ink. Therefore, there is no migration of ink from the dye ink layer LS to the pigment ink layer LG, and this migration is prevented over time. As a result, the color areas of the image P12 have excellent color reproducibility and produce color images with extremely high contrast and brightness, and these color reproducibility, high contrast, and high brightness are maintained for a long period of time.

[0075] The embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the above-described configurations and procedures, and may be modified within the scope of the present invention.

[0076] The printed matter CD is not limited to a card, and may be any material as long as the base 31 is transparent. The base 31 does not have to have a rectangular outer shape, and there are no restrictions on its thickness. The thickness does not have to be constant. Furthermore, the base 31 is not limited to being colorless and transparent, and may be colored and transparent.

[0077] As described above, the image element PZTn formed on the printed matter CD is a laminate of multiple intermediate image elements PT, with a protective layer Pa interposed between adjacent intermediate image elements PT as a dye ink migration prevention layer. Each intermediate image element PT contains either a dye ink or a pigment ink. This prevents defects such as discoloration caused by migration of dye ink from one layer to another, and the printed matter CD produces a high-quality visible image. The n-layer intermediate image elements PT that make up the image element PZTn are formed by superimposing and transferring n times the transfer image receiving layers 21d of n frames F of the intermediate transfer film 21 onto the substrate 31 using a retransfer printing device PR. This allows the printed matter CD to be visually recognized as a vivid, high-resolution image obtained by retransfer printing. [Explanation of symbols]

[0078] 11 Ink ribbon 11a Ribbon Base 11b Ink layer 11b1 Ink group 12 Supply reel 13 Take-up reel 14 Guide shaft 15 Ink ribbon sensor 16 Thermal head 16a Heating resistor 16b head driver 21 Intermediate transfer film 21a film base 21b Peeling layer 21c Protective layer (dye ink migration prevention layer) 21d Transfer image receiving layer 21e Frame Mark 22 Supply reel 23 Take-up reel 24 Guide shaft 25 Frame mark sensor 26 Platen roller 31 Base 31a 1st page 31b 2nd side 31P Printed material (card) 32 stacker 33 Lifting roller 34 Feed roller 35 Conveyor roller 36 Stocker 37 Communications Department 38 Data Equipment 41 Heat Roller 42 opposing roller 51 Image forming device 52 Retransfer device CD Printed material (card) CL Color Layer CT control unit CT1 Image data transmission unit Dy, Dm, Dc, Dk, Ds, Dw Transfer image data D16 Head contact / separation drive unit D41 Heat roller drive unit E,Ea eyes F frame (transfer frame) F1 1st Frame F2 2nd frame G1, G2, G3, N1, N2 Light IY Yellow Ink IM Magenta Ink IC cyan ink IK Black Ink IS glossy ink (silver ink) IW White Ink IGG pigment ink group ISG dye ink group J1 Ribbon detection information J2 Frame mark detection information J3 Transfer image information K Black ink layer La length Number of LNa lines Lap,Lb pitch LG Pigment Ink Group Layer LS dye ink group layer MR storage unit M12, M13, M22, M23, M26, M41 motor P, P1, P2 intermediate images P1T, P2T, PT intermediate image body P12 Image P12T Image Body Pa,Pb protective layer PR printing equipment PRa housing PZ Images PZTn imaging body RC1~RC4,RS,RK,RW,R(W+S),R(K+S) area S Glossy ink layer SN1 image data ST1 Retransfer Unit ST2 supply section ST2a Posture change section ST3 Unloading section Y Yellow ink layer M Magenta ink layer C Cyan ink layer K Black ink layer S Glossy ink layer W White ink layer

Claims

1. an ink ribbon in which a layer of dye ink and a layer of pigment ink are repeatedly formed in a surface-sequential manner on a ribbon base; an intermediate transfer film having a film base, a dye ink migration preventing layer formed on the film base, and a transfer image receiving layer formed on the dye ink migration preventing layer; With the ink ribbon and the intermediate transfer film attached, a first image in dye ink is transferred from the ink ribbon to a first frame of the intermediate transfer film, and a second image in pigment ink is transferred to a second frame of the intermediate transfer film; a first intermediate image body is formed by transferring the transfer image receiving layer of the first frame and the dye ink migration preventing layer onto a first surface of a transparent substrate, and a second intermediate image body is formed by transferring the transfer image receiving layer of the second frame and the dye ink migration preventing layer onto the dye ink migration preventing layer of the first intermediate image body; A method for manufacturing a printed matter, which includes printing on the first surface of the substrate using a printing device that forms an image body by transfer printing, in which the first intermediate image body and the second intermediate image body are laminated, the first image is a color image selectively using yellow ink, magenta ink, and cyan ink, which are the dye inks; the second image is formed by an image layer of white ink, which is the pigment ink, and an image layer of glossy ink; A method for manufacturing a printed matter, in which the second intermediate image body is formed with an image layer of the white ink and an image layer of the glossy ink in that order from the side of the first intermediate image body as an image layer of the pigment ink, and a printed matter is produced in which light incident on the image body from the side opposite the substrate reaches the image layer of the glossy ink rather than the image layer of the white ink.

2. an ink ribbon in which a layer of dye ink including yellow ink, magenta ink, and cyan ink and a layer of pigment ink including white ink and glossy ink are repeatedly formed in a surface-sequential manner on a ribbon base; an intermediate transfer film having a film base, a dye ink migration preventing layer formed on the film base, and a transfer image receiving layer formed on the dye ink migration preventing layer; With the ink ribbon and the intermediate transfer film attached, a first image, which is a color image selectively using yellow ink, magenta ink, and cyan ink as the dye ink, is transferred from the ink ribbon to a first frame of the intermediate transfer film, and a second image using the white ink and glossy ink of the pigment ink is transferred to a second frame of the intermediate transfer film so that the image layer of the glossy ink is on the side of the dye ink migration preventing layer, a first intermediate image body is formed by transferring the transfer image receiving layer of the first frame and the dye ink migration preventing layer onto a first surface of a transparent substrate, and a second intermediate image body is formed by transferring the transfer image receiving layer of the second frame and the dye ink migration preventing layer onto the dye ink migration preventing layer of the formed first intermediate image body; A printing device that forms an image body by transfer printing, in which the first intermediate image body and the second intermediate image body are stacked on a first surface of the substrate, so that light incident on the second intermediate image body from the opposite side of the substrate reaches the image layer made of the glossy ink rather than the image layer made of the white ink.

Images