Thermal transfer recording medium and printing apparatus

The integration of a thermoplastic elastomer intermediate layer in the thermal transfer recording medium addresses the challenge of clear two-color recording, ensuring effective color separation and clarity without blurring or peeling, even with general-purpose printers.

JP7866425B2Active Publication Date: 2026-05-27BROTHER KOGYO KK +1
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Patent Information

Application Number
JP2022075254
Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Patents
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2022-04-28
Publication Date
2026-05-27
Estimated Expiration
2042-04-28

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing thermal transfer recording media face challenges in achieving clear, two-color recording without color blurring or excessive peeling, particularly when used with general-purpose thermal transfer printers, and often require specialized thermal heads for effective color separation.

Method used

Incorporating an intermediate layer containing a thermoplastic elastomer between the first and second thermal transfer layers in the recording medium, which enhances adhesion and separation properties, allowing for clear two-color recording even with general-purpose printers.

Benefits of technology

The intermediate layer with thermoplastic elastomer ensures clear separation of colors, reduces color blurring, and maintains clarity in continuous thermal transfer recording, while avoiding excessive peeling.

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Abstract

To provide a thermal transfer recording medium that can record characters of at least two colors having good sharpness.SOLUTION: A thermal transfer recording medium 47 includes: a base material layer 48 having a front surface 53 and a rear surface 54; and a first thermal transfer layer 50, an intermediate layer 51, and a second thermal transfer layer 52 laminated in direct contact with each other in this order on the front surface 53 of the base material layer 48. The intermediate layer 51 contains a thermoplastic elastomer. Thus, in a first state where the thermal transfer recording medium 47 is heated to a level equal to or higher than a first temperature and equal to or lower than a second temperature and then cooled to a level equal to or lower than a third temperature, it can be broken between the first thermal transfer layer 50 and the base material layer 48, while in a second state where the thermal transfer recording medium 47 is heated to a level higher than the second temperature and then cooled to a level equal to or lower than the third temperature, it can be broken between the first thermal transfer layer 50 and the second thermal transfer layer 52.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6
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