Recording device

Abstract

This recording device includes: a first unit that transfers a first pattern from a first film to a recording medium by means of a first thermal head; and a second unit that transfers a second pattern from a second film to the recording medium by means of a second thermal head. The transfer characteristics of the first unit and the transfer characteristics of the second unit are different from each other; and / or the structure of the first unit and the structure of the second unit are different from each other.

Description

Recording device

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a recording device having a thermal head.

[0002] Recording devices having a thermal head are known. As an example, a thermal transfer type thermal printer heats an ink ribbon to print an arbitrary image on a recording medium (e.g., paper). Patent Documents 1 and 2 disclose a technique of transferring a conductive layer instead of ink by a thermal head.

[0003] International Publication No. 2022-114125, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-162994

[0004] The recording device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a first unit that transfers a first pattern from a first film to a recording medium by a first thermal head, and a second unit that transfers a second pattern from a second film to the recording medium by a second thermal head. In one example, the transfer characteristics of the first unit and the transfer characteristics of the second unit are different from each other. In one example, the structure of the first unit and the structure of the second unit are different from each other.

[0005] Schematic cross-sectional view of the recording device according to the embodiment. Oblique projection view schematically showing the thermal head of the recording device of FIG. 1. Cross-sectional view schematically showing the state of printing by the recording device of FIG. 1. Cross-sectional view showing an example of the transfer unit of the recording device of FIG. 1. Cross-sectional view showing another example of the transfer unit of the recording device of FIG. 1. Cross-sectional view showing still another example of the transfer unit of the recording device of FIG. 1. Cross-sectional view showing an example of the heat generating portion and its peripheral portion of the thermal head of FIG. 2. Cross-sectional view showing another example of the heat generating portion and its peripheral portion of the thermal head of FIG. 2. Cross-sectional view showing an example of the transfer unit of the recording device of FIG. 1. Cross-sectional view showing another example of the transfer unit of the recording device of FIG. 1. Side view schematically showing an example of the thermal head of the recording device of FIG. 1. Schematic cross-sectional view of the recording device according to another example.

[0006] The embodiments relating to this disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. The figures used in the following description are schematic. Therefore, for example, the dimensional ratios on the drawings do not necessarily match those of reality. Also, the dimensional ratios may not match between drawings. Certain shapes and / or dimensions may be exaggerated, or details may be omitted. However, the above does not negate the fact that the actual shape and / or dimensions may be as shown in the drawings, or that the characteristics of the shape and / or dimensions may be extracted from the drawings.

[0007] For convenience, the drawings may be labeled with a Cartesian coordinate system D1, D2, and D3, and terms such as D1 direction, D2 direction, and D3 direction may be used. The thermal head and recording device according to the embodiment may be used in any orientation. However, for convenience, terms (top surface, bottom surface, etc.) that assume the +D3 side is upward may be used.

[0008] Regarding descriptions of aspects explained relatively later, only the differences from those explained earlier should be noted. Unless otherwise specified, matters may be treated the same as those explained earlier, or inferred from those aspects.

[0009] (Outline of Embodiments) Figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a printer 1 (an example of a recording device) according to an embodiment. The printer 1 prints (records) by thermal transfer onto a medium 101 (an example of a recording medium) that is transported from the -D1 side to the +D1 side.

[0010] More specifically, printer 1 has multiple (five in the illustrated example) transfer units 7 (7A to 7E). Each transfer unit 7 has a thermal head 9 (9A to 9E). Each transfer unit 7 also has a transfer film 103 (103A to 103E) set inside it. The media 101 passes through the multiple transfer units 7 sequentially. In each transfer unit 7, the transfer film 103 is heated by the head 9, and an arbitrary pattern 105 (see Figure 11) is transferred to the media 101. Note that the term "pattern" may refer to the planar shape (design) itself, or to the layer having that planar shape, or it may be interpreted as either. Please interpret it appropriately in light of the context.

[0011] Figure 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the printing process by printer 1. This figure shows a magnified view of the area where the head 9 and the transfer film 103 come into contact and its surroundings. As described above, patterns 105 (105A to 105E) are sequentially formed on the media 101 by multiple transfer units 7. At this time, at least a portion of the later transferred patterns 105 may overlap with at least a portion of the previously transferred patterns 105 (however, they do not have to overlap at all).

[0012] Thus, the printer 1, by having multiple transfer units 7, can produce a media 101 in which multiple patterns 105 are stacked. In this disclosure, the terms "recording medium" and "media" basically refer to the substrate when a pattern is formed on the substrate. However, there are also cases where they refer to a laminate on which the pattern 105 is formed on the substrate (or where they may be interpreted as referring to either the substrate or the laminate). Please interpret them appropriately in light of the context.

[0013] At least two of the multiple transfer units 7 have, for example, different transfer characteristics. The "transfer characteristics" of the transfer units 7 include, for example, the performance of the transfer units 7 that affects the quality of the transferred pattern 105. Examples of transfer quality include the adhesion between the media 101 (or the previously transferred pattern 105) and the transfer film 103, the accuracy of the pattern 105 (e.g., error in planar shape), and the surface properties of the pattern 105.

[0014] From another perspective, at least two of the multiple transcription units 7 differ from each other, for example, in their mode (e.g., the mode related to transcription). For example, they differ only in structure, only in control, or both. The structural differences referred to here may be interpreted broadly, excluding differences in control, as will be described later.

[0015] By having at least two different transfer characteristics among the multiple transfer units 7, for example, multiple transfer films 103 (103A to 103E in the illustrated example) can be used that have different configurations (materials and thicknesses) (or, from another viewpoint, require different transfer characteristics). For example, multiple transfer films 103 can laminate a pattern 105 (design layer) containing color ink and a pattern 105 (functional layer) for a predetermined function containing a conductive material.

[0016] Generally, decorative films like the one described above are constructed by laminating a design film, which has a design layer such as a pattern formed on it, with a functional film, which has a functional layer formed on it. In this case, for example, the design film and the functional film are patterned and manufactured in separate factories. Then, both films are transported to the same factory and laminated together.

[0017] On the other hand, according to the printer 1 of this embodiment, the need for processing, transporting, and lamination as described above can be reduced. As a result, costs can be reduced and cycle times can be shortened. If the printer 1 does not include other methods (e.g., screen printing), the drying process, the wet etching process using chemicals, and plate making can be omitted, thereby reducing the impact on the environment.

[0018] It should be noted that technical ideas from perspectives different from those described above may be extracted from this disclosure. For example, a technical idea characterized by having a fixing unit, as described later, may be extracted. In this case, for example, it is not a mandatory requirement that multiple transfer units 7 be provided, nor is it a mandatory requirement that at least two of the transfer characteristics of the multiple transfer units 7 be different from each other.

[0019] The above is an overview of the head 9 according to the embodiment. Below, the head 9 will be described in general order as follows: 1. Printer (Figure 1) 1.1. Printer in general 1.2. Transport device 1.3. Controller 1.4. Head (Figure 2) 1.5. Heating unit (Figure 7) 2. Transfer unit (Figure 1) 2.1. Independence of multiple transfer units 2.2. Types of transfer units 2.3. Components of the transfer unit (Figure 4) 3. Media and transfer film (Figure 3) 3.1. Media 3.2. Transfer film 3.3. Pattern 3.4. Usage of film products 4. General transfer characteristics 5. Adhesion characteristics 5.1. General adhesion characteristics 5.2. Platen (Figure 4) 5.3. Transport device (Figure 5) 5.4. Pressing mechanism (Figure 6) 5.5. Glaze (Figure 7) 5.6. 6. Other aspects of adhesion 6.1. General aspects of temperature control 6.2. Time required for heating by the heat-generating part 6.3. Length of the heat-generating part (Figure 8) 6.4. Energy of the heat-generating part (Figure 8) 6.5. Preheating (Figure 9) 6.6. Cooling mechanism (Figure 10) 6.7. Other aspects of temperature 7. Peeling aspects 7.1. General aspects of peeling 7.2. Distance from the heat-generating part to the peeling position (Figures 5, 6, 10 and 11) 7.3. Cooling mechanism related to peeling (Figures 10 and 11) 7.4. Sliding part of the heat sink (Figure 11) 7.5. Other aspects of peeling 8. Differences in other aspects 9. Fixing unit (Figure 12) 9.1. Fixing unit related to heating 9.2. Fixing unit related to cooling 9.3. Fixing unit for forming the adhesion layer 10. Method for evaluating adhesion force 11. Summary of embodiments

[0020] (1. Printer) (1.1. Printer in general) The printer 1 shown in Figure 1 is configured to print on a film-like media 101 (roll film) that is pulled out from a roller like roll paper. Unlike the illustrated example, the printer 1 may be configured to print on a film-like media 101 (sheet film) that has a rectangle of a certain size, like sheet paper, or it may be configured to print on a card-like media 101. For convenience, the description of the embodiments may assume the illustrated example without further notice.

[0021] The size of printer 1 is also arbitrary. From another perspective, the size of the printing medium 101 is also arbitrary. For example, the size of the medium 101 may be similar to the size of a receipt (i.e., relatively small), similar to the size of a sheet of paper commonly used in an office, or similar to the size of a poster (i.e., relatively large).

[0022] The printer 1 includes, for example, a mechanism 3 that performs mechanical operations and a controller 5 that controls the mechanism 3. The mechanism 3 includes a plurality of transfer units 7 and a transport device 13 that transports the media 101. However, contrary to the description herein, the transfer units 7 and the transport device 13 may be defined to include a part of the controller 5.

[0023] Each transfer unit 7, to put it simply and disregarding accuracy, has a configuration that is the same as a normal thermal printer but without the transport device 13. However, each transfer unit 7 may have a part that assists in the transport of the media 101 by the transport device 13. In the following, all combinations of transfer units 7 that the printer 1 has may be referred to as a unit set 8. The upstream and downstream sides of the transport path for the media 101 and / or transfer film 103 may be simply referred to as the upstream side and the downstream side.

[0024] (1.2. Conveying device) The configuration of the conveying device 13 is arbitrary. For example, the conveying device 13 may have the same configuration as the conveying device of a known thermal printer. In the illustrated example, the conveying device 13 conveys the media 101 by a plurality of rollers (15A to 15C). However, as is clear from the fact that the media 101 described above may be of various forms, the conveying device 13 may have other configurations. For example, the conveying device 13 may convey the media 101 by a belt.

[0025] The transport device 13 in the illustrated example more specifically includes, for example, a supply roller 15A that feeds out the media 101 before printing, a recovery roller 15B that winds up the media 101 after printing, and a plurality (two in Figure 1) of intermediate rollers 15C that are in contact with the media 101 between the two rollers.

[0026] The recovery roller 15B is rotated, for example, by an electric motor (not shown) to wind up the media 101. The supply roller 15A and the multiple relay rollers 15C may or may not be rotated by an electric motor (not shown). The media 101 is conveyed by the rotation of one or more rollers, including the recovery roller 15B.

[0027] The specific configuration (material, radius, etc.) of the various rollers (15A to 15C) is arbitrary. The same applies to the other rollers for conveying the media 101 and / or transfer film 103, which will be described later. The rollers (15A to 15C and those described later) have, for example, an axial length that spans the width of the object to be conveyed (media 101 and / or transfer film 103).

[0028] The number and position of the intermediate rollers 15C are arbitrary. The intermediate rollers 15C may be provided in pairs so as to sandwich the media 101. The intermediate rollers 15C illustrated in Figure 1 contribute to keeping the position of the media 101 in the D3 direction constant at the inlet and outlet of the unit set 8, regardless of the amount of media 101 wound on the supply roller 15A and the recovery roller 15B. The intermediate rollers 15C can also be provided as a component of the transfer unit 7, or they can be omitted from the conveying device 13.

[0029] The configuration of the transport path for the media 101 is also arbitrary. In the illustrated example, the positions of the inlet and outlet of the unit set 8 in the D3 direction are the same. The transport path extends in a straight line parallel to the D1 direction from the inlet to the outlet of the unit set 8. Unlike the illustrated example, the positions of the inlet and outlet of the unit set 8 in the D3 direction may be different from each other, or the positions of the inlet and outlet of any of the transfer units 7 in the D3 direction may be different from each other, or the transport path may be curved within each transfer unit 7.

[0030] In relation to the transport path, the arrangement of the multiple transfer units 7 is also arbitrary. In the illustrated example, the multiple transfer units 7 are arranged in a straight line in the D1 direction. Unlike the illustrated example, for example, the multiple transfer units 7 may be arranged in the D1 direction in a total of two rows, one on the top and one on the bottom. The transport path may then pass through the multiple transfer units 7 in one row, make a U-turn, and pass through the multiple transfer units 7 in the other row.

[0031] The transport speed of the media 101 by the transport device 13 is arbitrary. For example, the transport speed may be 50 mm / s or more and 200 mm / s or less, and it may also be slower or faster than this range.

[0032] (1.3. Controller) The controller 5 is composed of, for example, a CPU (central processing unit), ROM (read-only memory), RAM (random access memory), and an external storage device, although these are not specifically shown in the diagram. In other words, the controller 5 is composed of, for example, a computer. Various control units that perform various controls are constructed by the CPU executing programs stored in the ROM and / or external storage device. The controller 5 may also include logic circuits that perform only certain operations, or it may be conceptualized to include drivers that supply power to various elements.

[0033] The controller 5 may be appropriately distributed in terms of hardware. For example, the controller 5 may be configured to include a plurality of lower controllers individually provided on a plurality of transfer units 7, a lower controller provided on the transport device 13, and a higher-level controller that controls (for example, synchronizes) the plurality of lower controllers by sending and receiving signals between these lower controllers. As can be understood from this explanation, the controller 5 shown in Figure 1 does not represent a single hardware component, but rather, for convenience, may be considered to conceptually represent the entire control configuration for the printer 1 as a whole.

[0034] (1.4. Head) Figure 2 is a schematic oblique projection view of the head 9. The head 9 has a plurality of heating elements 11 arranged in the D2 direction (the direction perpendicular to the direction of relative movement between the media 101 and the head 9, the width direction).

[0035] As can be seen from Figures 7 and 8 described later, in Figure 2, for convenience, the protective layer covering the multiple heat-generating parts 11 is labeled with a reference numeral. In the following explanation, for convenience, expressions that ignore the existence of the protective layer, etc. (or expressions that define the heat-generating parts including the protective layer, etc.) may be used. Also, in Figure 2, for convenience, the boundaries of the multiple heat-generating parts 11 are shown, but such boundaries do not necessarily have to appear in the protective layer.

[0036] In each transfer unit 7, the media 101 and the transfer film 103 are both sliding (approximately) in the D1 direction relative to the multiple heating elements 11, and the temperatures of the multiple heating elements 11 are controlled separately. As a result, a pattern 105 of any shape is transferred from the transfer film 103 to the media 101.

[0037] For clarification, in this disclosure, "thermal head" refers to a device having multiple independently controllable heating elements 11, as described above, and capable of recording patterns of any shape. Conversely, a heater that uniformly heats the transfer film 103 in its width direction (for example, a rod-shaped heater extending in the D2 direction) is not included in the thermal head. Furthermore, "individually" here does not necessarily mean individually (one by one). For example, two adjacent heating elements 11 may be controlled together.

[0038] The configuration of the head 9 is arbitrary and may be the same as a known configuration, for example. For example, the head 9 may have the following components: ・Head body 17: Has a plurality of heat-generating parts 11 and is directly responsible for heating. ・Heat sink 19: For example, absorbs and releases excess heat from the head body 17. ・FPC (Flexible Printed Circuits) 21: For example, contributes to the electrical connection between the head body 17 and internal or external elements of the head 9 (in the illustrated example, the connector 23 shown below). ・Connector 23: For example, contributes to the electrical connection between the head body 17 and external elements of the head 9 (for example, a power supply circuit and controller 5 not shown). Although not specifically shown, the head 9 may also have an adhesive interposed between the head body 17 and the heat sink 19.

[0039] Unlike the illustrated example, the connector 23 may be directly connected to the head body 17. In other words, the FPC 21 may be omitted. Conversely, the connector 23 may be omitted. Also, contrary to the explanation here, the head body 17 may be considered as the head alone.

[0040] The head body 17 mainly consists of a substrate 25, for example. The material of the substrate 25 is, for example, an insulating material (e.g., ceramic) or a semiconductor material. The shape of the substrate 25 (head body 17) is, for example, generally a rectangular plate. The head body 17 may have a plurality of heating elements 11 at arbitrary positions on the substrate 25.

[0041] The head body 17 can be classified into the following types, for example, according to the position of the heating portion 11 with respect to the substrate 25. - Corner type (illustrated example): A plurality of heating portions 11 are located on a chamfered surface obtained by chamfering a corner portion of the substrate 25. The corner portion is, more specifically, for example, a corner portion formed by the upper surface of the substrate 25 and an end surface of the substrate 25 (for example, a side surface that becomes a long side in a plan view). - Flat type: A plurality of heating portions 11 are located on the main surface of the substrate 25 (the widest surface, the upper surface in FIG. 2). - Edge type: A plurality of heating portions 11 are located on an end surface of the substrate 25 (for example, a side surface that becomes a long side in a plan view). - Near-edge type: A plurality of heating portions 11 are located on the main surface of the substrate 25 but are close to the end surface of the substrate 25. It can also be regarded as a kind of flat type. The head body 17 may be of any of the above types. However, in the description of the embodiment, for the sake of convenience, the illustrated example (corner type) may be assumed without particular notice.

[0042] The length (printing width) of the head body 17 in the printable D2 direction is arbitrary. For example, the length may be 200 mm or more and 1500 mm or less, and may also be shorter or longer than this range. Also, the image quality (for example, dpi. From another perspective, the density of a plurality of heating portions 11) realized by the head body 17 is also arbitrary. For example, the image quality may be 300 dpi or more and 1200 dpi or less, and may also be lower or higher than this range.

[0043] In addition to the substrate 25 and the heating portion 11, the head body 17 may have, for example, the following components. - Driver IC (Integrated Circuit) 27: For example, applies a voltage to a plurality of heating portions 11. - Sealing portion 29: For example, made of resin and seals the driver IC 27.

[0044] For the driver IC 27, for example, a control signal corresponding to the pattern 105 from the controller 5 and power from a power supply circuit (not shown) are input via wirings (not shown) of the connector 23, the FPC 21, and the substrate 25. Then, the driver IC 27 generates a drive signal of an appropriate voltage and / or current from the power from the power supply circuit based on the control signal, and inputs it to the plurality of heat generating portions 11 via a wiring (not shown) of the substrate 25. Thereby, the heat generation of the plurality of heat generating portions 11 is controlled separately. Note that the specific role sharing among the controller 5, the power supply circuit, and the driver IC 27 is arbitrary.

[0045] The shape and dimensions of the heat sink 19 are arbitrary. For example, the heat sink 19 includes a plate-shaped portion 19a that overlaps the lower surface of the substrate 25 (which may be a layer overlapping the substrate 25). The shape and area of the plate-shaped portion 19a in plan view are, for example, generally the same as the shape and area of the substrate 25. The thickness of the plate-shaped portion 19a is arbitrary, and for example, it is thicker than the thickness of the substrate 25. Also, the heat sink 19 may (or may not) have a convex portion that protrudes toward the substrate 25 at an arbitrary position on its outer edge. In the example of FIG. 2, the heat sink 19 has a convex portion (reference numeral omitted) along the edge on the side of the connector 23 (the upstream side of the conveyance path of the medium 101 in the example of FIG. 1). The material of the heat sink 19 is, for example, metal. The type of metal is arbitrary, and for example, it is aluminum (or its alloy), copper (or its alloy), or stainless steel. The heat sink 19 is, for example, integrally formed as a whole.

[0046] (1.5. Heat generating portion) FIG. 7 is a diagram schematically showing an example of the structure of the heat generating portion 11 and its peripheral portion. The left and right diagrams of FIG. 7 respectively correspond to the cross-sectional views taken along the VII-VII line in FIG. 2. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the difference between the transfer units 7A and 7B in the unit set 8D described later, but in the description here, the difference between the two is ignored, and the heat generating portion 11 in general will be described.

[0047] The head body 17 may have the following components (layers) stacked sequentially on the substrate 25, for example. Each layer may consist of two or more layers made of different materials. ・Glaze 51: For example, contributes to heat storage beneath the heat-generating section 11. ・Heat-generating element layer 53: For example, a part of which constitutes the heat-generating section 11. ・Conductor layer 55: For example, contributes to applying voltage to the heat-generating section 11. ・Protective layer 57: For example, contributes to the insulation of the layer below the protective layer 57 and / or improves the durability of the media 101 against sliding. Although not specifically shown, the head body 17 may also have, in addition to the above, an underlayer that covers the entire surface of the substrate 25 over the glaze 51, on which the heat-generating element layer 53 and the conductor layer 55 are stacked.

[0048] The conductive layer 55 has a first electrode 55a and a second electrode 55b. When a voltage is applied to these electrodes, the portion of the heating element layer 53 sandwiched between these electrodes generates heat. In other words, the portion of the heating element layer 53 sandwiched between the first electrode 55a and the second electrode 55b functions as the heating element 11.

[0049] The glaze 51 is made of, for example, glass. The glaze 51 extends linearly in the D2 direction with a fixed cross-sectional shape (D1D3 cross-section) directly below the heating element 11. The specific shape and dimensions of the cross-sectional shape are arbitrary. In the example in Figure 7, all or most of the lower part is dome-shaped (a curved shape with the upper surface bulging outwards). As an example of dimensions, the height (maximum height; the same applies hereafter in the description of the glaze 51) is 10 μm to 150 μm, and the width (in the D1 direction) is 400 μm to 2000 μm (it may be outside these ranges).

[0050] Unlike the illustrated example, the cross-sectional shape may be polygonal in whole or in large part on the lower side (for example, the upper surface may be a straight line parallel to the D1 direction). Also, the glaze 51 may extend in a solid form over a relatively wide area including the area directly below the heating element 11 (it does not have to be partially provided at the location of the heating element 11).

[0051] The heating element layer 53 is made of a material with relatively high electrical resistance and generates Joule heat when a voltage is applied. The material of the heating element layer 53 is, for example, TaN-based, TaSiO-based, TaSiNO-based, TiSiO-based, TiSiCO-based, NbSiO-based, or RuO ２ The material is of the same type. The planar shape of the heating element layer 53 may be the same as that of the conductive layer 55, except for the position of the heating element 11. However, the heating element layer 53 may have only the portion that becomes the heating element 11. The thickness of the heating element layer 53 is arbitrary, for example, 0.01 μm or more and 3 μm or less, or 0.01 μm or more and 0.5 μm or less (it may be outside these ranges).

[0052] The material of the conductive layer 55 is arbitrary and may include, for example, gold, gold alloy, copper, copper alloy, aluminum, or aluminum alloy. The thickness of the conductive layer 55 is arbitrary and may be, for example, 0.5 μm or more and 2.0 μm or less (it may be outside this range).

[0053] The first electrode 55a and the second electrode 55b are provided for each heating element 11. That is, a plurality of first electrodes 55a and a plurality of second electrodes 55b are arranged in the D2 direction. The first electrode 55a extends, for example, from the -D1 side to the +D1 side and reaches the upper surface of the glaze 51. The second electrode 55b extends, for example, from the +D1 side to the -D1 side and reaches the upper surface of the glaze 51. The first electrode 55a and the second electrode 55b extend, for example, in a straight line parallel to the D1 direction with a constant width on the glaze 51 (approximately rectangular in plan view).

[0054] The first electrode 55a and the second electrode 55b are positioned with their tips facing each other in the D1 direction on the glaze 51. The heating element 11 is located between their tips (or, from another viewpoint, at the top of the glaze 51). Unlike the illustrated example, the multiple first electrodes 55a and the multiple second electrodes 55b may be arranged alternately in the D2 direction. That is, the first electrode 55a and the second electrode 55b may sandwich the heating element 11 in the D2 direction.

[0055] Multiple first electrodes 55a are each individually driven by a driver IC 27, for example. Multiple second electrodes 55b are each assigned a constant potential (e.g., a reference potential) by a driver IC 27 or FPC 21, for example. This allows the temperature of the heating element 11 to be controlled individually. In terms of potential, the first electrodes 55a are individual electrodes provided for each heating element 11, while the second electrodes 55b are common electrodes (or a portion thereof) provided in common for multiple heating elements 11.

[0056] The protective layer 57 may be made of, for example, glass, ceramic, diamond-like carbon, or a laminate of two or more of these. The thickness of the protective layer 57 is arbitrary, for example, 3 μm or more and 20 μm or less. The upper surface of the protective layer 57 may have irregularities due to the presence or absence of the conductive layer 55 and / or the heat-generating layer 53 (as shown in the illustration), or it may not have such irregularities.

[0057] (2. Transfer Units) (2.1. Independence of Multiple Transfer Units) Return to Figure 1. The degree of independence of the multiple transfer units 7 is arbitrary. For example, each of the multiple transfer units 7 may have its own housing 7a (as in the example in Figure 1), or they may have a housing common to each other. In the latter case, the multiple transfer units 7 may or may not be separated by partitions within the housings. In the absence of partitions, the arrangement areas of adjacent transfer units 7 (for example, the smallest rectangular parallelepiped with sides parallel to the D1, D2, and D3 directions, including all the components of each transfer unit 7) may or may not overlap.

[0058] Furthermore, for example, the printer 1 may be configured to allow multiple transfer units 7 to be replaced on a unit basis, or it may not be configured in that way. In the former embodiment, the printer 1 may be customizable relatively easily by changing the number, position, and / or type of transfer units 7. This customization may be possible not only by the manufacturer of the printer 1 but also by the user of the printer 1.

[0059] In a configuration where the transfer unit 7 is replaceable, for example, each transfer unit 7 may have a housing 7a that houses (holds) various components (e.g., a head 9) (example in Figure 1). Replacement may be performed, for example, by fixing and separating adjacent housings 7a from each other, and / or by attaching and detaching the housings 7a to a member common to multiple transfer units 7. Alternatively, for example, each transfer unit 7 may have a frame to which various components are fixed. Replacement of the unit may be performed by attaching and detaching this frame to a housing (or frame within the housing) common to multiple transfer units 7. In a configuration where replacement of the unit is not possible, for example, the various components of each transfer unit 7 may be fixed to a housing (or frame within the housing) common to multiple transfer units 7.

[0060] The portion of the controller 5 that controls each transfer unit 7 separately (the lower-level controller) may be distributed in hardware at the locations where the transfer units 7 are placed (for example, it may be housed in the housing 7a), or it may not be. In any case, the transfer unit 7 may be defined to include the lower-level controller, or it may be defined to not include it.

[0061] Each of the multiple transfer units 7 may have an individual interface (e.g., an operation unit and / or a display unit) that interposes between the user and a lower-level controller (but not between the user and a higher-level controller), or they may simply have a common interface with each other. The transfer unit 7 may be defined to include or exclude individual interfaces.

[0062] (2.2. Types of Transfer Units) As previously described, the transfer unit 7 shown in Figure 1 can generally be considered to have a configuration that eliminates the transport device 13 from a normal thermal printer. Therefore, the configuration of the transfer unit 7 can be appropriately adapted from the configurations of various known thermal printers, except for the transport device 13. From another perspective, just as there are various forms of thermal printers, the transfer unit 7 can be implemented in various forms. The same applies to the various components described later.

[0063] Unlike the above, the transfer unit 7 may have a media transport device for the media 101. This transport device, for example, receives the media 101 from the transport device 13 or another upstream transfer unit 7 and delivers the media 101 to the transport device 13 or another downstream transfer unit 7. Except for this point, the configuration of the transport device of the transfer unit 7 may be based on the configuration of various known thermal printer transport devices. In addition, contrary to the description herein, the entire system of the transport device 13 and the transport device of the transfer unit 7 may be considered as the transport device of the printer 1.

[0064] The relative positions of the media 101, transfer film 103, and head 9 are arbitrary. In the example shown in Figure 1, the media 101 is transported in the D1 direction (horizontal direction). The transfer film 103 overlaps the media 101 from below. The head 9 heats the transfer film 103 from below. Unlike the illustrated example, for example, the transfer film 103 may overlap the media 101 from above. The head 9 may heat the transfer film 103 from above relative to the media 101. Also, the media 101 may be transported in directions other than horizontal. It is also possible for the head 9 to be in contact with the media 101.

[0065] The shape and orientation of the media 101 transport path (the portion near the head 9) relative to the head 9 are also arbitrary. This shape and orientation may be set, for example, according to the type of head 9. In the example in Figure 1, the head 9 is a corner type. The media 101 transport path extends in a straight line at an angle to the upper surface of the substrate 25 (it is a straight path). However, the media 101 transport path may extend in a V-shape, convex towards the heating element 11 or concave towards the heating element 11 when viewed in the D2 direction, with the V-shaped corners overlapping the heating element 11.

[0066] The explanation for the corner type can also be applied to the edge type and near-edge type. However, the settable range of the inclination angle of the transport path (upstream and / or downstream of the heating element 11) relative to the upper surface of the substrate 25, and the settable range of the V-shape angle of the transport path will differ. In the flat type, the transport path of the media 101 may extend in a V-shape that protrudes toward the heating element 11 when viewed in the D2 direction, with the corner of the V-shape overlapping the heating element 11. In any type, the specific values ​​of the inclination angle and the V-shape angle are arbitrary (the same applies to the transfer film 103).

[0067] The transport path of the transfer film 103 (the portion near the head 9) is also arbitrary. In the example in Figure 1, the transport path of the transfer film 103, for example, when viewed in the direction D2, approaches the transport path of the media 101 (the portion near the head 9) as it moves from the upstream side towards the heating unit 11, and moves away from the transport path of the media 101 as it moves downstream from the heating unit 11. However, unlike the illustrated example, the transport path of the transfer film 103 and the transport path of the media 101 may coincide in a portion upstream of the heating unit 11 and / or in a portion downstream of the heating unit 11. The magnitude of the angle formed by the media 101 and the transfer film 103 at the portions where they merge and separate is arbitrary. As a result of extending as described above, the transport path of the transfer film 103 (the portion near the head 9) may be straight, or it may be V-shaped, concave or convex towards the heating unit 11.

[0068] (2.3. Components of the Transfer Unit) Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view showing transfer units 7A and 7B, and corresponds to an enlarged view of a part of Figure 1. Figure 4 shows the differences between transfer units 7A and 7B in the unit set 8A described later, but in this explanation, the differences between the two will be ignored and the components of the transfer unit 7 in general will be described.

[0069] The transfer unit 7 may have, for example, the following components in addition to the head 9: • Platen 31: For example, contributes to applying pressure to the media 101 and the transfer film 103. • Film transport device 33: For example, transports the transfer film 103.

[0070] The platen 31 faces the head 9 (more specifically, the heating element 11) with the media 101 and transfer film 103 in between. One of the platen 31 and the head 9 (the head 9 in the illustrated example) is held in a fixed position, for example. The other (the platen 31 in the illustrated example) is subjected to force toward the other. As a result, the platen 31 and the head 9 push against each other via the media 101 and transfer film 103, and consequently, pressure is applied to the media 101 and transfer film 103 in the stacking direction.

[0071] The specific configuration of the platen 31 and its surroundings is arbitrary. For example, the platen 31 is roller-shaped and has a length (axial direction) that allows its outer surface to contact all of the heating elements 11 arranged in the D2 direction. The diameter of the platen 31 is arbitrary. The platen 31 may be driven by an electric motor (not shown) to rotate around its axis at an appropriate speed (it may not be driven). Although not specifically reference numerals, the platen 31 has a shaft member made of a rigid body (e.g., a metal body) and an elastic member (e.g., rubber or urethane resin) located around the shaft member. Because the outer circumference of the platen 31 is made of an elastic member, it deforms according to the shape of the heating elements 11 (more precisely, the protective layer), and pressurizes the media 101 and the transfer film 103 with the heating elements 11 over a certain length in the D1 direction.

[0072] Furthermore, for example, the force applied to the platen 31 or the head 9 may be the restoring force of a spring, and / or the driving force from a drive source (e.g., an electric motor or a pneumatic circuit). The specific form of the spring (e.g., coil-shaped, plate-shaped, or dish-shaped) is also arbitrary. Also, the force applied to one of the platen 31 and the head 9 may be a force pushing one toward the other, or a force pulling one toward the other. The trajectory of the platen 31 or the heating element 11 toward the other may be straight or arc-shaped. Unlike the illustrated example, the platen 31 does not have to be a roller, and may be, for example, a member that slides against the media 101 (e.g., a member having a planar surface facing the head 9).

[0073] The film transport device 33 includes, for example, a supply roller 35 that feeds out the transfer film 103 before transfer, a recovery roller 37 that winds up the transfer film 103 after transfer, and a plurality of (two in Figure 4) intermediate rollers 39 (39A and 39B) that are in contact with the transfer film 103 between the two rollers.

[0074] The recovery roller 37 is rotated, for example, by an electric motor (not shown) to wind up the transfer film 103. The supply roller 35 and a plurality of intermediate rollers 39 (including those described later) may or may not be rotated by an electric motor (not shown). The transfer film 103 is conveyed by the rotation of one or more rollers, including the recovery roller 37.

[0075] The number and position of the intermediate rollers 39 are arbitrary. The intermediate rollers 39 may be provided in pairs so as to sandwich the transfer film 103. The positions of the various rollers (35, 37, and 39) and the number of intermediate rollers 39 may be set to realize any transport path (as described above) for the transfer film 103. In the example of Figure 4, the intermediate rollers 39, etc. are arranged near the head 9 so as to realize a V-shaped transport path that is concave towards the head 9 (heating section 11).

[0076] In the example in Figure 4, the intermediate roller 39A contributes to keeping the angle of the transfer film 103 with respect to the head 9 (or, in other words, the media 101) constant, regardless of the amount of transfer film 103 wound on the supply roller 35. The intermediate roller 39B contributes to keeping the angle of the transfer film 103 with respect to the head 9 constant, regardless of the amount of transfer film 103 wound on the recovery roller 37. In other words, the intermediate roller 39B contributes to defining the angle between the media 101 and the transfer film 103 when they are separated (the pattern 105 is peeled off the transfer film 103).

[0077] (3. Media and Transfer Film) (3.1. Media) As previously described, the media 101 may be in any suitable form such as a roll film, a sheet film, or a card. The film has a certain degree of flexibility, for example, by being relatively thin. The specific thickness of the media 101 is arbitrary. For example, the thickness of the media 101 (film and / or card) may be 0.5 mm or more and 2.0 mm or less, and it may be thinner or thicker than this range. The size of the media 101 in plan view is arbitrary, as previously described. For example, the specific example of the range of the printing width (previously described) may be applied to the width of the media 101 (in the D2 direction).

[0078] The material of media 101 is arbitrary. For example, the material of media 101 may be resin, paper, metal, cloth (including nonwoven fabric), ceramic, glass, or wood, or a combination of two or more of these. The term "film" is sometimes limited to those made of resin, but in this disclosure, no such limitation is made. For example, the material of the film (its main material) may be resin, paper, metal (metal film), cloth, or ceramic (ceramic film). The specific type of resin is also not particularly limited, but acrylic resin can be given as an example.

[0079] (3.2. Transfer Film) The transfer film 103 has a carrier film 103a and a transfer layer 103b that overlaps the carrier film 103a, as indicated by the reference numerals in Figure 11, which will be described later. At least a portion of the transfer layer 103b is transferred to the medium 101 as a pattern 105. Although not specifically shown, a release layer may be interposed between the carrier film 103a and the transfer layer 103b to facilitate separation of the two.

[0080] Furthermore, the previously described explanation regarding the film as an example of media 101 (flexibility, thickness, and material) may be applied to the transfer film 103 and carrier film 103a, provided that no inconsistencies arise. The width of the transfer film 103 is, for example, roughly the same as the width of media 101.

[0081] The material of the carrier film 103a is arbitrary, for example, a resin. The specific type of resin is also arbitrary, but examples include polyester (e.g., PET: polyethylene terephthalate), polyimide, and polypropylene. The thickness of the carrier film 103a is also arbitrary, for example, it may be 3 μm or more or 100 μm or less, and may be thinner or thicker than this range.

[0082] In Figures 3 and 11, the transfer layer 103b is depicted as a single layer. However, the transfer layer 103b may be composed of two or more layers made of different materials. The materials of each of the one or more layers included in the transfer layer 103b are arbitrary. For example, the materials may be resin, metal, ceramic, glass, fiber, wood, paper, pigment, dye, ink, adhesive, conductive material, insulating material, light-shielding material or light-transmitting material, or two or more combinations thereof. The overall thickness of the transfer layer 103b, or the thickness of each of the one or more layers included in the transfer layer, is also arbitrary. For example, the thickness may be 1 μm or more or 100 μm or less, and may be thinner or thicker than this range.

[0083] The specific principle (method) by which the transfer layer 103b is thermally transferred to the media 101 may be any appropriate method. For example, specific types of general thermal transfer printers include the melt type, in which the ink melts, and the sublimation type, in which the dye diffuses. The principle of transferring the transfer layer 103b to the media 101 may be classified as one of the above types of principles, or it may be classified as another principle. A portion of the transfer layer 103b may disappear upon fixing.

[0084] Multiple (for example, all) transfer films 103 may differ from one another in their composition (or, in other words, type). For example, they may differ in material and / or thickness. However, some or all of the multiple transfer films 103 may be of the same type. Multiple transfer films 103 may (or may not) have the same width (in the D2 direction).

[0085] Differences in the composition (type) of the transfer film 103 may include, for example, a configuration in which only the color of the ink layer as the transfer layer 103b differs from one another (a configuration in which the difference is relatively minor). However, the differences in the composition of the transfer film 103 may be greater. For example, 20% or more, 50% or more, or 80% or more by mass of the material of the transfer layer 103b may differ from one another. And / or, when comparing the thickness of the transfer film 103 (or the transfer layer 103b), the ratio obtained by dividing the thickness of the thicker one by the thickness of the thinner one may be 1.1 times or more, 1.2 times or more, or 1.5 times or more. Furthermore, differences in the composition of the transfer film 103 may also include differences in the material and / or thickness of the carrier film 103a.

[0086] The transfer film 103 may have different heat transfer characteristics from the surface on the carrier film 103a side to the surface on the transfer layer 103b side. Here, it seems that the higher the thermal conductivity (W / m·K), the easier it is for the heat from the head 9 to reach the transfer layer 103b (especially the part in contact with the media 101), thus facilitating transfer. However, if, for example, a layer with high thermal conductivity (e.g., a metal layer) is included in the middle of the thickness direction, the heat will disperse to the surroundings, reducing the effect of transferring to each pixel. Therefore, the following heat transfer ratio is defined as an evaluation index for the heat transfer of the transfer film 103.

[0087] Heat transfer ratio: When a 200°C object is brought into contact with only one side of a square region of a 20°C film with sides of 0.085 mm for 0.85 milliseconds, and the temperature of the other side of the region is raised, the value obtained by dividing the temperature of the other side of the region by 200°C. The area of ​​the 20°C film may be sufficiently large relative to the region. The 200°C object may be in contact with the region without excess or deficiency, and may have a glaze (heat storage area) or the like so that the temperature change is suppressed to the same extent as or greater than that of the heat-generating section 11. The temperature of the other side may be the maximum value over time of the average value of the area of ​​the region. 20°C is based on the temperature range generally considered to be room temperature. A square with sides of 0.085 mm is based on the pixel spacing (25.4 inches / 300 dpi) at the lowest image quality (300 dpi) generally required for printing. 200°C is based on the typical heating temperature range for thermal printers (e.g., 150°C to 300°C). 0.85 milliseconds is based on the heating time (0.085 mm / 100 mm / s) when transporting media at 100 mm / s and printing at 300 dpi. The heat transfer ratio may be determined experimentally or by simulation calculations.

[0088] The transfer films 103 may have different heat transfer ratios. In the various embodiments of the transfer units 7A and 7B described later, the principle that the heat transfer ratio of transfer film 103A is smaller than that of transfer film 103B may be applied (or may not be applied) as long as it does not cause inconsistencies. And / or, the principle that the amount of heat required for transfer is greater for transfer film 103A than for transfer film 103B may be applied (or may not be applied) as well. The amount of heat here may be, for example, the amount of heat (J) required for transfer per pixel or per unit area. For transfer per pixel or per unit area, the explanation of the energy applied to the heat generating section 11 (described later) may be appropriately applied. Differences in the amount of heat required for transfer arise, for example, from the heat transfer ratio and the melting temperature of the layer to be transferred 103b.

[0089] (3.3. Pattern) The planar shape of pattern 105 is arbitrary. The shape of pattern 105 may be an appropriate shape depending on the mode of use (e.g., design or electronic circuit) which will be described later. Unless otherwise specified, "pattern" (shape) includes so-called solid-color patterns (see 105C in Figure 3). A solid-color pattern 105 is, for example, a pattern that basically spreads over a relatively wide area without gaps. Also, for example, the shape of its outer edge may follow the shape of the outer edge of the media 101, or it may be a shape that does not produce any particular visual or functional effect, such as a rectangle. For example, if a pattern 105 is formed over the entire printing width of the transfer unit 7 (or the width of the media 101 or transfer film 103) on the roll film-like media 101 without interruption in the transport direction (or interrupted at intervals of a length greater than or equal to the width), then the pattern 105 is a solid-color pattern.

[0090] Pattern 105 (layer) may have irregularities on its upper surface (the surface opposite to the media 101) depending on the presence or absence of pattern 105 below it (on the media 101 side) (see 105B and 105E in Figure 3), or it may have a shape with the irregularities mitigated (e.g., a flat surface) on its upper surface (see 105C). The latter embodiment is achieved, for example, by pattern 105 being relatively thick with respect to the height difference of the irregularities below it, and / or by the relatively high fluidity of pattern 105 when it is transferred. The former embodiment is the opposite.

[0091] Multiple patterns 105 (105A to 105E in Figure 3) may differ from each other in at least one of their material, shape, and thickness. This allows, for example, multiple patterns 105 to produce different effects (see the description of usage below). However, multiple patterns 105 (some or all thereof) may have the same material and shape (and even thickness). In this case, for example, two or more patterns 105 of the same material and shape may overlap each other to produce the same effect as forming a relatively thicker pattern 105.

[0092] (3.4. Use of Film Products) In the following description, multiple patterns 105 (all or part thereof), or combinations of multiple patterns 105 (all or part thereof) and media 101 may be referred to as film products for convenience.

[0093] Film products may consist of various products distributed to end users in various forms. Examples are shown below.

[0094] For example, the film product may constitute a decorative film (design film) that forms the surface of a touch panel. This decorative film may have, for example, the pattern 105 side adhered to the main body of the touch panel, and the media 101 may function as a protective layer. However, the media 101 may be peeled off, and only the pattern 105 may constitute the decorative film.

[0095] Furthermore, for example, the film product may constitute a film-like or solid-like heater or sensor (film-like electronic component). This film-like electronic component may be distributed directly to the end user and used by the end user for any purpose, or it may be distributed to the end user in a state where it is placed inside or on the surface of a product such as a car.

[0096] As can be seen from the above example, the media 101 may or may not constitute the end user's product. Furthermore, the film product may constitute the entire thickness of the film-like portion of the end user's product, or it may constitute a part of the non-film-like portion (e.g., the surface).

[0097] The method of fixing the film product to other products is arbitrary. For example, the film product may be bonded to the surface of other products via an adhesive. The adhesive may be the pattern 105 furthest away from the media 101, or it may be a different adhesive from the film product. In the latter case, either the pattern 105 side or the media 101 side may be the other product side.

[0098] Furthermore, for example, the film product may be fixed to another product by in-mold molding. Specifically, for example, a portion of the film product (in the form of a roll film) is placed in a mold, and a molding material (e.g., resin) is filled into the mold. This fixes the film product (e.g., the pattern 105 side) to the surface of the molded product. The media 101 may be part of the product (surface) or it may be peeled off from the product after molding.

[0099] Film products, depending on their material (combination of materials) and thickness, may contribute to imparting the following properties and functions to the product (the film product itself or a combination of film products with other products): • Design: e.g., color (e.g., cyan, magenta, yellow, black), gloss (e.g., metallic gloss), hologram • Adhesion: e.g., thermosetting resins, thermoplastic resins, UV-curable resins • Contents protection: e.g., gas barrier, heat insulation, chemical resistance • Radio wave control: e.g., transmission or blocking of electromagnetic waves • Light control: e.g., transmission, modification, reflection, or diffusion of light • Enhanced surface strength: e.g., scratch resistance, impact resistance • Conductivity control: e.g., metal foil, nanowires, transparent electrodes (material e.g., ITO: Indium Tin Oxide) • Thermal control: e.g., heat resistance, heat dissipation

[0100] (4. General Transfer Characteristics) As described in the overview of the embodiment, at least two transfer units 7 may have different transfer characteristics from each other. This makes it easier to improve the quality of patterns 105 made of different materials after transfer. For the sake of clarity, when we say that the transfer characteristics of the transfer units 7 are different from each other, differences in transfer characteristics caused by different types of transfer films 103 between the transfer units 7 are not included in the differences in the transfer characteristics of the transfer units 7. The same applies to differences in aspects related to adhesion, temperature, or peeling, which will be described later. Assuming that the same type of transfer film 103 is set, the differences in transfer characteristics and various aspects between the transfer units 7 may be compared.

[0101] Furthermore, at least two transfer units 7 may have different structures and / or controls. Differences in structure and / or control may result in differences in transfer characteristics, or differences in technical effects from a different perspective than transfer characteristics. Differences in structure and / or control that are not technically significant may be ignored in determining whether or not the printer 1 was publicly known prior to the filing of this application. Furthermore, at least two transfer units 7 may have different structures and / or controls relating to transfer characteristics, for example. In this case, differences in structure and / or control that do not substantially affect the transfer characteristics may be ignored.

[0102] When we say that the transfer units 7 have different structures, the term "structure" can be interpreted broadly, as long as it does not include "control." For example, differences in "structure" may include not only differences in the types of components, the shapes of components, and / or the positional relationships of multiple components, but also differences in materials only and differences in dimensions only. Since the transfer film 103 is a consumable item, it can be considered not to be a component of the transfer unit 7. In other words, differences in the structure of the transfer films 103 are not included in the differences in the structure of the transfer units 7.

[0103] Figure 1 illustrates an example where the schematic configuration of multiple transfer units 7 is the same for all of them. Specifically, the size of the placement area of ​​each transfer unit 7 (for example, the size of the housing 7a) is the same for all of the transfer units 7, the type of head 9 is the same (corner type), and the transport path of the media 101 and / or transfer film 103 is the same for all of them. However, the structures of the multiple transfer units 7 may differ significantly from one another. For example, the size of the placement area, the type of head 9, and / or the transport path may differ from one another.

[0104] Differences in the transfer characteristics of the transfer units 7 may be achieved by the relative positions of the transfer units 7. For example, the heat from the thermal transfer in the upstream transfer unit 7 may be used as preheating for the downstream transfer unit 7 to make the transfer characteristics of the two units different. Alternatively, the structure and / or control of the transfer units 7 may be used not to make the transfer characteristics of the transfer units 7 different, but to make their transfer characteristics the same. For example, a configuration may be provided in one of the transfer units 7 to absorb the heat from the thermal transfer in the upstream transfer unit 7 so that the heat from the thermal transfer in the upstream transfer unit 7 does not affect the downstream transfer unit 7.

[0105] There are countless ways to make the transfer characteristics of the transfer units 7 different from each other. For example, the following may be made different from each other: - The manner in which the media 101 and the transfer film 103 are in close contact from the position of the heating element 11 up to the point before the media 101 and the transfer film 103 are separated - The manner in which the temperature of the transfer film 103 and / or the media 101 is controlled - The manner in which the pattern 105 is peeled off from the carrier film 103a

[0106] The following will explain these matters in order. Note that differences in the specified structure and / or control may simultaneously result in differences in two or more of the three embodiments described above. Therefore, the explanations of the specified structure and / or control may be redundant or out of order. The same applies to the embodiments of the lower-level concepts of each embodiment.

[0107] In the following explanation, for convenience, we may use transfer units 7A and 7B as examples among the multiple transfer units 7. In the example in Figure 1, transfer unit 7B is located immediately downstream of transfer unit 7A. However, unless otherwise specified and as long as it does not create a contradiction, the relative positions of the two may be reversed, or other transfer units 7 may be interposed between them.

[0108] (5. Modes of Adhesion) (5.1. General Modes of Adhesion) Differences in the modes of adhering the media 101 and the transfer film 103 to each other may be understood as differences in the state of adhesion, for example, as follows. When the media 101 and the transfer film 103 are said to be in close contact, adhesion (bonding) between the media 101 and the transfer layer 103b (pattern 105) may or may not occur. ・Adhesion pressure: Pressure applied to the media 101 and the transfer film 103 in the direction that overlaps them. ・Adhesion distance: The distance at which the media 101 and the transfer film 103 are in close contact. More specifically, this may be the distance at a temperature above a certain temperature at which the transfer action can occur, and the distance from the upstream end of the heating element 11 to the peeling start position of the pattern 105. ・Adhesion shape: The shape of the media 101 and the transfer film 103 when they are in close contact. From another viewpoint, for example, the shape of a predetermined area on the upper surface of the protective layer 57 that includes the area directly above the heating element 11.

[0109] The adhesion pressure may be compared at any position or region. For example, the pressure at the location of the heat-generating part 11 may be compared. The pressure distribution when the location of the heat-generating part 11 is viewed microscopically may be ignored, for example. That is, the average value may be compared. The average value may be calculated from, for example, the area of ​​the position or region being compared (for example, the projected area in the D3 direction) and the force applied to the member contributing to the adhesion pressure (for example, the platen 31). The ratio or difference of the adhesion pressures between the transfer units 7 is arbitrary. For example, the ratio obtained by dividing the larger value by the smaller value may be 1.1 times or more, 1.2 times or more, or 1.5 times or more.

[0110] When the heat transfer ratio of transfer film 103A is smaller than that of transfer film 103B, the transfer unit 7A may have a higher adhesion pressure or a longer adhesion distance compared to the transfer unit 7B. This makes it possible to make the adhesion of the transfer layer 103b of transfer film 103A to the media 101 closer to that of transfer film 103B.

[0111] There are countless ways to create different patterns of adhesion between the transfer units 7. Examples are shown below.

[0112] (5.2. Platen) Figure 4 (as described above) shows a part of unit set 8A as an example of unit set 8. In unit set 8A, the force applied to the platen 31 is different between transfer unit 7A and transfer unit 7B.

[0113] More specifically, Figure 4 illustrates an example of a mechanism that applies force to the platen 31 toward the head 9, which includes a spring 43 (more specifically, a compressed coil spring). As the wire of the spring 43 in transfer unit 7A is depicted as thicker than the wire of the spring 43 in transfer unit 7B, the force applied to the platen 31 of transfer unit 7A is greater than the force applied to the platen 31 of transfer unit 7B. Consequently, the contact pressure in transfer unit 7A (average value and / or maximum value; for example, the average value in the region directly above the heating element 11) is greater than the contact pressure in transfer unit 7B.

[0114] As can be understood from the above explanation, in the embodiment where the pressing force differs between the transfer units 7 as in the example in Figure 4, the force applied to the head 9 instead of the platen 31 may also differ between them. The transfer unit 7 may differ in which force is applied to the platen 31 or the head 9. The mechanism for applying force to the platen 31 or the head 9 (the mechanism for moving it) may also differ between the transfer units 7. The difference in force may be achieved by a difference in control, in addition to or instead of a difference in structure. The difference in structure may be achieved by the user adjusting the position of some component. The ratio or difference of force between the transfer units 7 is arbitrary. For example, the ratio obtained by dividing the larger one by the smaller one may be 1.1 times or more, 1.2 times or more, or 1.5 times or more.

[0115] (5.3. Conveying device) Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of unit set 8B as an example of unit set 8, and is similar to the figure in Figure 4. In unit set 8B, the adhesion state achieved by the film conveying device 33 is different between transfer unit 7A and transfer unit 7B.

[0116] More specifically, in Figure 5, in the transfer unit 7A, the transport path of the media 101 extends in a V-shape that is concave towards the heating element 11 (Figure 2) of the head 9 when viewed in the D2 direction, with the corner of the V-shape overlapping the heating element 11. As a result, for example, the tension of the media 101 includes a component force that contributes to the contact pressure that presses the media 101 and the transfer film 103A against the heating element 11. On the other hand, the transfer unit 7B is not configured in this way. Consequently, for example, the contact pressure in the transfer unit 7A is greater than the contact pressure in the transfer unit 7B.

[0117] Furthermore, in the example shown in Figure 5, the media 101 and the transfer film 103A do not separate at the location of the heating element 11 (more precisely, immediately downstream therefrom), but separate at a location further downstream from the heating element 11 (more specifically, at the location of the intermediate roller 39B). In other words, the transport path of the media 101 (and the transfer film 103A) is defined in this manner. Unlike the illustrated example, the transport path of the media 101 (and the transfer film 103A) may be set such that the aforementioned V-shaped transport path of the media 101 is maintained, while separation occurs at the location of the heating element 11, or at a location downstream of the intermediate roller 39B and / or the intermediate roller 45A.

[0118] The transport path for the media 101 (and transfer film 103A) in the transfer unit 7A described above can be realized by various methods. For example, it can be realized by arranging rollers that define the transport path of the media 101. The number and position of the rollers are also arbitrary.

[0119] In the example shown in Figure 5, a relay roller 45A is provided downstream of the heat-generating section 11 in the transport path of the media 101. The relay roller 45A overlaps the media 101 from the upper side (opposite the side where the heat-generating section 11 overlaps). The overlapping position (a part of the outer surface, the point of application) is located on the lower side of the media 101 relative to a straight line extending downstream from the portion of the media 101 upstream of the heat-generating section 11. This realizes a V-shaped transport path.

[0120] Furthermore, in the example shown in Figure 5, the intermediate roller 45A is located downstream of the intermediate roller 39B. The portion of the intermediate roller 45A that overlaps with the media 101 (point of application) is located on the lower side of the media 101, relative to the straight line connecting the heating element 11 and the portion of the intermediate roller 39B that overlaps with the transfer film 103A (point of application). As a result, close contact between the transfer film 103A and the media 101 is maintained between the heating element 11 and the intermediate roller 39B. Separation of the two occurs at the position of the intermediate roller 39B.

[0121] Unlike the illustrated example, for example, when a V-shaped transport path for the media 101 is realized, the point of action of the intermediate roller 45A may be located above the straight line connecting the heating element 11 and the point of action of the intermediate roller 39B. In this case, the intermediate roller 45A may be located either upstream or downstream of the intermediate roller 39B, or it may be facing the intermediate roller 39B with the media 101 in between. Alternatively, the point of action of the intermediate roller 45A may be located upstream of the intermediate roller 39B and below the straight line connecting the heating element 11 and the point of action of the intermediate roller 39B, thereby defining the inclination angle of the portion of the transport path for the media 101 and transfer film 103 immediately after the heating element 11.

[0122] In the example in Figure 5, an intermediate roller 45B is also shown for returning the vertical position of the media 101 downstream of the intermediate roller 45A. The presence, number, and position of the intermediate rollers 45B may be appropriately set according to the transport path of the media 101 upstream and downstream. In addition, in the example in Figure 5, an intermediate roller 39C is also shown that defines the direction of separation between the media 101 and the transfer film 103, regardless of the amount of transfer film 103 wound around the recovery roller 37. The intermediate rollers 45A and 45B may or may not be driven by an electric motor. The intermediate roller 45A (or an intermediate roller not shown) may be used as a dancer roller.

[0123] Unlike the illustrated example, in the transfer unit 7B as well, the transport path of the media 101 may be V-shaped with a concave end on the head 9 side, and its corner may overlap with the heating element 11. Furthermore, the angle of the V-shaped corner of the transfer unit 7A may be smaller than the angle of the V-shaped corner of the transfer unit 7B. This allows the component of the tension of the media 101 in the transfer unit 7A that presses the media 101 against the heating element 11 to be larger than that in the transfer unit 7B. And / or, for example, at least in the transfer unit 7A, a roller and electric motor that can adjust the tension of the media 101 may be provided to control the torque. This allows the tension in the transfer unit 7A to be greater than the tension in the transfer unit 7B.

[0124] As can be understood from the above explanation, the V-shaped transport path with a concave side on the heating element 11 side may be applied not only to corner types but also to edge types and near-edge types. The head types of the transfer units 7A and 7B may be different. By having different head types, it may be possible to make the angle difference of the V-shape (one of which may be straight) between the transfer units 7 significantly different.

[0125] (5.4. Pressing Mechanism) Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of unit set 8C as an example of unit set 8, and is similar to the figure in Figure 4. In unit set 8C, a pressing mechanism 47 is provided to bring the media 101 and the transfer film 103 into close contact, resulting in different contact states between transfer unit 7A and transfer unit 7B.

[0126] More specifically, in Figure 6, the transfer unit 7A has a pressing mechanism 47. The pressing mechanism 47 includes intermediate rollers 39B and 39D. The two rollers face each other with the media 101 and the transfer film 103A in between. One of the intermediate rollers 39B and 39D (39B in the illustrated example) is held in a fixed position. The other (39D in the illustrated example) has a force applied toward the one above. As a result, the intermediate rollers 39B and 39D press against each other via the media 101 and the transfer film 103, and consequently, pressure is applied to the media 101 and the transfer film 103 in a direction that causes them to come into contact with each other.

[0127] On the other hand, the transfer unit 7B does not have a pressing mechanism 47. As a result, for example, the adhesion pressure in the transfer unit 7A (for example, the average value from the position of the heating element 11 to just before peeling) is greater than the adhesion pressure in the transfer unit 7B. Unlike the illustrated example, the transfer unit 7B may also have a pressing mechanism 47. Furthermore, the adhesion pressures that the two units apply to the media 101 and the transfer film 103 (for example, the maximum or average value between the intermediate rollers 39B and 39D) may be different from each other.

[0128] The description relating to the platen 31 may be applied to the intermediate roller 39B or 39D, or to other pressing members (for example, members having a flat surface that contacts the media 101), unless contradictions arise. For reference, a brief description is provided below.

[0129] The configuration of the pressing members (e.g., 39B and 39D) is arbitrary. For example, the surface in contact with the media 101 or transfer film 103 (e.g., the outer surface of the roller) may be made of an elastic material. The dimensions (e.g., diameter) of the pressing members are also arbitrary. The configuration of the mechanism that applies force to the pressing members is also arbitrary; for example, the restoring force of a spring may be used, and / or the driving force of a drive source (e.g., an electric motor or pneumatic circuit) may be used. In Figure 6, a spring 49 is schematically shown as an example. As described in the explanation of unit set 8A (Figure 4), differences in force may be achieved by differences in the structure and / or control of the pressing mechanism 47. The force ratio may be 1.1 times or more, etc.

[0130] The above explanation focused on the force (adhesion pressure) applied by the pressing mechanism 47. However, for example, the diameters of the intermediate rollers 39B and / or 39D may be made different for each transfer unit 7, thereby making the area (or length in the transport direction, from another perspective) that presses the media 101 and the transfer film 103 different. In other words, the area to which pressure is applied, which is one indicator of the state of adhesion, may be made different for each unit.

[0131] Furthermore, in the example shown in Figure 6, the media 101 and the transfer film 103A are not separated at the location of the heating element 11 (more precisely, at a location near it), but rather at a location downstream of the heating element 11 (more specifically, at the location of the intermediate roller 39B). This will be explained later. In the example shown in Figure 6, an intermediate roller 39C is also provided that defines the direction of separation between the media 101 and the transfer film 103, regardless of the amount of transfer film 103 wound on the recovery roller 37.

[0132] (5.5. Glazing) Figure 7 (as described above) shows a part of unit set 8D as an example of unit set 8. In unit set 8D, the heat-generating section 11 and its surrounding structure are different in transfer unit 7A and transfer unit 7B. As a result, for example, the adhesion state of the media 101 and the transfer film 103 is different in both transfer units 7.

[0133] More specifically, in the example shown in Figure 7, the glaze 51 of the transfer unit 7A has a dome-shaped base 51a and a protrusion 51b projecting upward from the base 51a. On the other hand, the glaze 51 of the transfer unit 7B does not have a protrusion 51b (the entire glaze 51b corresponds to the base 51a). As a result, the transfer unit 7A has a higher relative height to the surrounding areas (more specifically, both sides in the D1 direction) of the area directly above the heating element 11 on the upper surface of the protective layer 57 compared to the transfer unit 7B. This makes it easier for the upper surface of the protective layer 57 of the transfer unit 7A to contact the transfer film 103A directly above the heating element 11 compared to the transfer unit 7B.

[0134] More specifically, in the example shown in Figure 7, on the upper surface of the protective layer 57 of the transfer unit 7B, the area directly above the heat-generating part 11 is lower than the surrounding area. That is, the upper surface of the protective layer 57 is concave. On the other hand, on the upper surface of the protective layer 57 of the transfer unit 7A, the area directly above the heat-generating part 11 is higher than the surrounding area. That is, the upper surface of the protective layer 57 has a convex portion. Unlike the illustrated example, for example, the upper surface of the protective layer 57 of the transfer unit 7A may have a convex portion while the upper surface of the protective layer 57 of the transfer unit 7B may not be concave, or the upper surface of the protective layer 57 of the transfer unit 7A may not have a convex portion while the upper surface of the protective layer 57 of the transfer unit 7B is concave.

[0135] The size of the protrusion 51b is arbitrary. For example, the height of the protrusion 51b (height from the upper surface of the base 51a; the same applies hereinafter) may be 0.1 to 0.9 times the height of the base 51a, or it may be lower or higher than that range. The width of the protrusion 51b (in the D1 direction) may be, for example, 0.1 to 0.9 times the width of the base 51a. The previously described example for the absolute value (μm) of the height of the glaze 51 may be applied to the height of the base 51a, or to the combined height of the base 51a and the protrusion 51b. The previously described example for the absolute value (μm) of the width of the glaze 51 may be applied to the width of the base 51a.

[0136] The specific shape of the protrusion 51b is arbitrary. For example, the upper surface of the protrusion 51b may be curved or flat, and the curvature in the case of a curved surface is also arbitrary. The ratio of height to width of the protrusion 51b is also arbitrary; for example, the height / width ratio may be between 0.02 and 1.5 (it may also be outside this range). The protrusion 51b may be provided on a polygonal base 51a, or on a base 51a that spreads out in a flat manner over a relatively wide area. The presence or absence of the protrusion 51b can be determined, for example, by the inflection point at the position where the upper surface of the base 51a and the upper surface of the protrusion 51b connect in a cross-sectional view as shown in Figure 7.

[0137] The relative dimensions and positions of the protrusion 51b and other layers (e.g., the heating element layer 53 and the conductor layer 55) are also arbitrary. For example, the entire protrusion 51b may be located between the first electrode 55a and the second electrode 55b, or only a portion of the top side may be located between the first electrode 55a and the second electrode 55b. The height of the protrusion 51b may (or may not) be greater than the thickness of the conductor layer 55.

[0138] The above illustrates the difference in the shape of the glaze 51 depending on the presence or absence of the protrusion 51b. However, there are countless ways to make the shape and / or dimensions of the glaze 51 different for each transfer unit 7. Any of these methods may be adopted.

[0139] For example, the glaze 51 in each of the transfer units 7 may have the same conceptual shape, differing only in dimensions. Specifically, unlike the example in Figure 7, both transfer units 7A and 7B may have a protrusion 51b (or neither may have a protrusion 51b), and their dimensions and / or dimensional ratios may differ. Furthermore, in embodiments other than the example in Figure 7, the conceptual shape of the glaze 51 in transfer units 7A and 7B may differ. For example, both transfer units 7A and 7B may have a protrusion 51b, while the base 51a of one may be partial (e.g., dome-shaped), and the base 51a of the other may spread out in a solid shape over a relatively wide area.

[0140] When the dimensions of the glazes 51 differ between the transfer units 7, for example, the width (D1 direction) of the glazes 51 may differ. In this case, for example, a glaze 51 with a relatively longer width may contribute to ensuring close contact between the media 101 and the transfer film 103 even downstream of the heating element 11. On the other hand, a glaze 51 with a relatively shorter width may contribute to increasing the pressure applied to the transfer film 103 if, for example, its height is the same as that of a glaze 51 with a longer width. Either option may be selected depending on the characteristics of the transfer film 103.

[0141] (5.6. Regarding the manner of adhesion, etc.) Although not specifically illustrated, the following are examples of other methods for differentiating the manner in which the media 101 and the transfer film 103 are adhered to each other in the transfer units 7. - Differentiate the type of head 9 (corner type, etc.). This changes the relative relationship of the orientation of the media 101, the transfer film 103 and / or the heating element 11, and changes the state of adhesion. - Differentiate the structure and / or dimensions of the heating element 11 and its surrounding parts in a way different from the method described above. This makes the shape and / or dimensions of the upper surface of the protective layer 57 different. - For example, in one of the transfer units 7, lengthen the length of the heating element 11 in the D1 direction (distance between the first electrode 55a and the second electrode 55b). This lengthens the recess (or protrusion) on the upper surface of the protective layer 57 (see Figure 8 described later).・For example, in any of the transfer units 7, the portions of the first electrode 55a and the second electrode 55b excluding the tips (at least on the glaze 51) are made thinner. This changes the shape of the upper surface of the protective layer 57. ・For example, in any of the transfer units 7, the recesses on the upper surface of the protective layer 57 (the area directly above the heat-generating portion 11) are filled. ・A portion is formed that affects the contact state with the heat sink 19 (see Figure 11 described later). ・The positions of the rollers of the conveying device 13 (e.g., intermediate rollers 39A and 39B) are made different from each other. ・The materials (in other words, rigidity and / or hardness) and / or dimensions (diameter and / or thickness) of the members constituting the outer surface of the platen 31 are made different from each other. This makes, for example, the state of elastic deformation and / or restoring force of the outer surface of the platen 31 different from each other.

[0142] In the transfer unit 7, the positions of the rollers (e.g., platen 31 or intermediate roller 39) and / or the head 9 may be adjustable. In this case, the positions of the rollers and / or head 9 of the multiple transfer units 7 may be adjusted by the user of the printer 1, thereby resulting in different structures (or, from another viewpoint, different aspects relating to adhesion, temperature, and / or peeling) in the usage stage. In other words, the multiple transfer units 7 may be configured to have the same structure (and control) as each other.

[0143] (6. Modes for controlling temperature) (6.1. Modes for controlling temperature in general) Modes for controlling the temperature of the transfer film 103 and / or the media 101 include, for example, modes for heating the transfer film 103 and / or the media 101. It is clear that heating affects the transfer characteristics. Modes for controlling temperature also include modes for cooling the media 101 and / or the transfer film 103. For example, by cooling the pattern 105 after it has adhered to the media 101, the adhesion of the pattern 105 to the media 101 can be improved. Cooling here is not limited to active methods such as using a Peltier element, but also includes passive methods such as heat dissipation within the housing 7a.

[0144] Furthermore, the mode of controlling temperature includes mode of changing temperature. It is clear that an increase in the temperature of the transfer film 103 and / or media 101 contributes to the transfer. Also, as mentioned above, a decrease in temperature also contributes to the transfer (fixation of the pattern 105). Furthermore, the mode of controlling temperature also includes mode of maintaining temperature. For example, the temperature of a region of the media 101 located upstream or downstream of the heat-generating section 11 may be maintained at a predetermined temperature. This stabilizes the operation of the transfer unit 7 or the transfer unit 7 immediately downstream of it in which the temperature is maintained. However, considering that the temperature rises at the location of the heat-generating section 11, the maintenance of a local temperature may be considered as a change in temperature from a macroscopic perspective.

[0145] In the example shown in Figure 1, the heating element 11 directly heats the transfer film 103. In this configuration, the heating element 11 typically also heats the media 101 via the transfer film 103. Therefore, even if, for example, none of the transfer units 7 have a mechanism to directly heat the media 101, it does not mean that there is no way to control the temperature of the media 101. Consequently, it is possible to determine whether or not the methods for controlling the temperature of the media 101 (and the transfer film 103) are different.

[0146] The amount of heat generated by the multiple heat-generating units 11 is controlled by the shape of the pattern 105 (or, depending on the transfer method, by the concentration, etc., in addition to the shape; the same applies hereafter in this paragraph). Differences in control according to the shape of this pattern 105 are excluded from the differences in the manner in which the temperature is controlled. Therefore, for example, differences in the manner in which the temperature is controlled may be differences assuming that patterns 105 of the same shape are transferred.

[0147] There are countless ways to make the temperature change patterns different for each transfer unit 7. Examples are shown below.

[0148] (6.2. Time required for heating by the heating element) The time required for heating by the heating element 11 may differ between the transfer units 7. For example, the time required for the same position (one point) of the media 101 to pass the heating element 11 (more precisely, directly above it) from its upstream end to its downstream end (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "heating element passage time") may be used as the time required for heating. This heating element passage time is determined, for example, by the length of the heating element 11 in the D1 direction and the transport speed of the media 101 (the relative speed between the media 101 and the head 9 in the D1 direction). Therefore, the length of the heating element 11 and / or the transport speed may differ between the transfer units 7.

[0149] In the example shown in Figure 1, since the media 101 is a roll film, the transport speeds of the transfer units 7 are the same. Therefore, the travel times through the heating section may differ from unit to unit due to the different lengths of the heating sections 11. When the media 101 is a sheet film or a card, for example, the transport speeds of the transfer units 7 may be the same or different from unit to unit. In the latter case, for example, each transfer unit 7 may have a mechanism to transport the media 101 independently of each other, and the media 101 may be transferred from the upstream transfer unit 7 to the downstream transfer unit 7. Productivity is determined, for example, by the transfer unit 7 with the slowest transport speed.

[0150] The heating element 11 may have a voltage applied over the entire time the image passes through it. However, the voltage application time may change depending on the pixel density, etc., so that the voltage is applied only for a portion of the time the image passes through the heating element. Also, regardless of whether the voltage application time changes depending on the density, etc., the voltage application time may be for a portion of the time the image passes through the heating element. In such cases, the voltage application time (the maximum length if it changes depending on the density, etc. (the total length in the case of chopper control)) is used as the heating time instead of, or in addition to, the time the image passes through the heating element, and this time may differ between the transfer units 7.

[0151] The media 101 and transfer film 103 are pressed against the heating element 11 (more precisely, the protective layer 57) by, for example, an elastically deformable platen 31, so that they are in close contact with the entire width (D1 direction) of the heating element 11. However, they may be in close contact with only a portion of the width of the heating element 11. In such cases, the time during which the media 101 and transfer film 103 are in close contact with the heating element 11 is used instead of, or in addition to, the time during which they pass through the heating element and / or the time during which the voltage is applied, and this contact time may differ between the transfer units 7.

[0152] If the heat transfer ratio of the transfer film 103A is smaller than that of the transfer film 103B, the heating time in the transfer unit 7A may be made longer than the heating time in the transfer unit 7B. This makes it possible to make the adhesion of the transfer layer 103b of the transfer film 103A to the media 101 closer to that of the transfer film 103B.

[0153] (6.3. Length of the heating element) Figure 8 shows unit set 8E as an example of unit set 8. The upper part of Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view similar to that of Figure 7. The lower part of Figure 8 will be described later.

[0154] In unit set 8E, the lengths L1 and L2 of the heat-generating section 11 in the D1 direction are different for transfer unit 7A and transfer unit 7B. As a result, for example, the passing times through the heat-generating section differ between the two transfer units 7. More specifically, length L1 is longer than length L2. In this case, for example, the heat transfer ratio of transfer film 103A may be smaller than (or not smaller than) the heat transfer ratio of transfer film 103B.

[0155] In the example shown in Figure 8, the shape and dimensions of the glaze 51 (and heating element layer 53) are the same for all transfer units 7. However, the distance between the first electrode 55a and the second electrode 55b is different, and as a result, the surface shape of the protective layer 57 is different. Unlike the illustrated example, the shape and dimensions of the glaze 51 may differ between the transfer units 7.

[0156] Furthermore, in the example shown in Figure 8, a dome-shaped glaze 51 is exemplified. Unlike the illustrated example, one or both of the transfer units 7A and 7B may, for example, have a convex portion 51b, or the base portion 51a may be solid.

[0157] The ratio and / or difference between lengths L1 and L2 is arbitrary; for example, L1 / L2 may be 1.1 times or more, 1.2 times or more, or 1.5 times or more. Microscopically, the length of the heat-generating part 11 in the D1 direction is different from the length along the surface of the heat-generating part 11 (or protective layer 57). However, since the difference between the two is usually small, for example, the former may be used as the comparison point.

[0158] (6.4. Energy of the Heat-Generating Section) In the unit set 8E shown in Figure 8, the energy supplied to the heat-generating section 11 by the transfer unit 7A and the transfer unit 7B is different from that supplied by the transfer unit 7B. For example, the energy of the transfer unit 7A is greater than the energy of the transfer unit 7B. In this case, for example, the heat transfer ratio of the transfer film 103A may be smaller than the heat transfer ratio of the transfer film 103B (but it does not have to be).

[0159] The energy referred to here may be, for example, the energy applied to the heating element 11 when transferring one pixel (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "pixel energy"). From another perspective, it may be energy that does not change according to the shape of the pattern 105. Depending on the transfer method, such as a dye-sublimation thermal transfer printer, it may be possible to adjust the density of one pixel. In such cases, the pixel energy may be the energy used when transferring at the maximum density. Either the pixel energy or the pixel energy may be set by the manufacturer or set by the user according to the material of the pattern 105, etc.

[0160] The lower part of Figure 8 shows the pixel energy in transfer units 7A and 7B, respectively. The horizontal axis t represents time, and the vertical axis V represents voltage. The left figure shows the change over time of the drive signal SgA input to the heat-generating section 11 of transfer unit 7A. The right figure shows the change over time of the drive signal SgB input to the heat-generating section 11 of transfer unit 7B.

[0161] The drive signals SgA and SgB are, for example, pulses whose potential changes with respect to a reference potential. The second electrode 55b is always supplied with a reference potential, for example. The first electrode 55a is supplied with a reference potential when no transfer is performed, and the drive signal SgA or SgB is input when a single pixel is transferred. Consequently, pixel energy is supplied to the heating unit 11, and the transfer is performed.

[0162] Assuming the waveform (pulse) shown in the example, if V is the voltage applied to the heating element 11, I is the current flowing through the heating element 11, R is the resistance of the heating element 11, and T is the time for which the voltage is applied to the heating element 11, then the energy supplied to the heating element 11 is, as is well known, for example, V × I × T = V ２ R × T = I ２ The energy is R × T. And Joule heat proportional to this energy is generated. For the purposes of this explanation, time T is assumed to be less than or equal to the time of passage through the heat-generating section described earlier.

[0163] In the example in Figure 8, the voltage V1 of the drive signal SgA is greater than the voltage V2 of the drive signal SgB, and the time T1 (pulse width) of the drive signal SgA is longer than the time T2 of the drive signal SgB. As a result, the energy from the drive signal SgA is greater than the energy from the drive signal SgB. Note that in the example in Figure 8, L1 > L2, and assuming the other structures are the same, the resistance values ​​R of the two are different. The voltage V (or current I) and time T are set so that the above energy relationship holds true.

[0164] In the example shown in Figure 8, the drive signals SgA and SgB are represented as a single pulse. However, the drive signal may contain two or more pulses, or a pulse for chopper control, or an analog waveform. The drive signal may be generated by either voltage control or current control.

[0165] When the pixel energy of transfer unit 7A is greater than the pixel energy of transfer unit 7B, unlike the illustrated example, only one of the physical quantities, voltage (or current) and time (total time in the case of chopper control), may be greater for transfer unit 7A than for transfer unit 7B. In this case, the other physical quantity may be the same for both transfer units 7A and 7B, or it may be smaller for transfer unit 7A.

[0166] The energy differences between the transfer units 7 may be energy other than pixel energy. For example, it may be the energy (energy for transfer per unit area) when assuming a solid transfer (i.e., without gaps) is performed over a predetermined area (the same area for all transfer units 7). The predetermined area may be, for example, a square with sides equal to the printing width described above (the smallest width if the transfer units 7 differ). Similar to pixel energy, if the density is adjustable, the comparison is performed assuming the transfer is performed at the maximum density.

[0167] The configuration in which the energy of the transfer units 7 differs from that of the other (for example, the configuration in which the energy of transfer unit 7A is greater than the energy of transfer unit 7B; the same applies hereinafter in this paragraph) can be applied to various structures. For example, the configuration in which the energy differs from that of the other can be applied to transfer unit 7A and transfer unit 7B in which the heat-generating structure (including the length of the heat-generating part 11) is the same for both. Also, for example, the configuration in which the energy differs from that of the other can be applied to transfer units 7A and 7B in which, in addition to the length of the heat-generating part 11, or instead, the structure of the head 9 (for example, the type and / or the specific structure of the heat-generating part 11) is different for both.

[0168] (6.5. Preheating) The upper part of Figure 9 shows a unit set 8F as an example of unit set 8, and corresponds to the upper part of Figure 4. In the transfer unit 7, the media 101 and / or transfer film may be heated (preheated) before heating by the heating unit 11. In other words, the transfer unit 7 may have a heating mechanism upstream of the heating unit 11. In unit set 8F, the manner of this preheating differs from one another.

[0169] More specifically, in the upper example of Figure 9, the transfer unit 7A has heater rollers 59 (59A and 59B) as an example of a heating mechanism for preheating. On the other hand, the transfer unit 7B does not have heater rollers 59. As a result, the modes of temperature control (mode of preheating) of the transfer units 7A and 7B are different.

[0170] Unlike the illustrated example, the transfer unit 7B may also have a heating mechanism for preheating. In this case, the structure and / or control of the two heating mechanisms may differ. This allows the amount of heating for preheating in the transfer unit 7A to be smaller than the amount of heating for preheating in the transfer unit 7B. The amount of heating may be, for example, the amount of heat transferred from the heating mechanism to the object (media 101 and / or transfer film 103) before it reaches the heat-generating section 11 (within the transfer unit 7), assuming that the object directly heated by the heating mechanism (media 101 and / or transfer film 103) is at 20°C (room temperature).

[0171] The heater roller 59 is a roller that functions as a heater. Its mechanism is arbitrary. For example, the heater roller 59 may generate heat when power is supplied to it (as shown in the illustration), and / or a heated medium (gas or liquid) may flow through it. The heater roller 59 to which power is supplied may, for example, have a built-in resistor (heater) that generates Joule heat, a built-in coil that generates induction heating, or a built-in Peltier element. The dimensions (diameter, etc.) of the heater roller 59 are also arbitrary.

[0172] The heating mechanism can be configured in various ways other than using the heater roller 59. Examples are given below, although they are not shown in the diagrams: • Sliding heater • Light irradiation mechanism • Hot air mechanism • Preheating heating element of the head body 17 • Preheating head

[0173] The sliding heater is a heater that slides against the media 101 and / or the transfer film 103. Its shape is arbitrary. One example is a rod shape. The mechanism for generating heat in the sliding heater may be the same as that of the heater roller 59, for example.

[0174] The light irradiation mechanism heats the media 101 and / or the transfer film 103 by irradiating them with light. The light is, for example, infrared or ultraviolet light. The light irradiation mechanism has, for example, a light source.

[0175] The hot air mechanism heats the media 101 and / or the transfer film 103 by blowing hot air (the term "hot air" and "warm air" are not particularly distinguished in this disclosure) toward them. The hot air mechanism includes, for example, a heater and a fan.

[0176] The preheating heating element is a heating element located upstream of the heating element 11 on the head body 17 and is in contact with the transfer film 103. The preheating heating element is composed of, for example, a heating element layer 53 or another heating element layer. The preheating heating element may be provided in multiple units, arranged along the D2 direction, and powered by the driver IC 27. The multiple preheating heating elements may be controlled separately (for example, individually) like the multiple heating elements 11, or they may be controlled uniformly, unlike the multiple heating elements 11. The preheating heating element may also be provided so as to extend in the D2 direction over the length of the arrangement of the multiple heating elements 11.

[0177] The preheating head, like the head 9 (or head body 17), has a structure that allows for the thermal transfer of a pattern 105 of any shape and is in contact with the transfer film 103. Its specific structure may be the same as or different from that of the head 9 included in the same transfer unit 7. The multiple heating elements of the preheating head may be controlled separately (for example, individually) or uniformly.

[0178] In describing the location of the heating mechanism, unless otherwise specified and unless contradictions arise, the location of the part directly involved in heating, or the location of the object to be heated (media 101 and / or transfer film 103) that is directly heated, may be referred to. For example, for the heater roller 59, sliding heater, preheating heating element and preheating head, the contact location with respect to the object to be heated may be referred to. For the light irradiation mechanism, the aperture from which light is emitted from the light source, or the irradiation location on the object to be heated, may be referred to. For the hot air mechanism, the hot air outlet, or the location on the object to which the hot air is blown, may be referred to. And, for example, when the heating mechanism is located upstream of the heating element 11, these locations may be referred to. The same applies to the cooling mechanism, etc., which will be described later.

[0179] The heating mechanism for preheating may heat only the media 101, only the transfer film 103, or both. In other words, the position of the heating mechanism is arbitrary.

[0180] For example, in the unit set 8F illustrated in the upper part of Figure 9, the heater roller 59A is in contact only with the media 101 and the transfer film 103A before they merge. The heater roller 59B is in contact only with the media 101 and the transfer film 103A before they merge. Note that the heater roller 59A may be in contact with either the carrier film 103a side or the transfer layer 103b side of the transfer film 103. Similarly, the heater roller 59B may be in contact with any surface of the media 101.

[0181] Furthermore, for example, in the unit set 8F-2 illustrated in the lower part of Figure 9, the heater rollers 59A or 59B are in contact with the transfer film 103A or the media 101 after they have merged. In this example, each heater roller directly heats only one of the media 101 or the transfer film 103A, but it may be considered that it heats both. For example, even if one of the heater rollers 59A and 59B is a roller that does not have a heating function, the other may be considered to be heating both the media 101 and the transfer film 103A.

[0182] Although not specifically shown in the diagram, the heater rollers 59A and / or 59B may be in contact with the media 101 and the transfer film 103 at the point where they merge. In the unit set 8F, a roller (which may or may not have a heating function) that sandwiches the heater roller 59A and the transfer film 103A may be arranged. The same applies to the heater roller 59B. Conversely, in the unit set 8F-2, the heater roller 59A or 59B that contributes to heating after the merging point does not have to face any other rollers. For example, one of the heater rollers 59A and 59B may be omitted, or their positions in the transport direction may be offset from each other.

[0183] The above description of the positions in which the heater rollers 59A and / or 59B contact the media 101 and / or transfer film 103 may be used to describe the positions in which the sliding heater contacts, the positions in which light is irradiated, the positions in which hot air is blown, and the positions in which the preheating head contacts, as long as no inconsistencies arise. The preheating heating element, for example, contacts the transfer film 103 before or after it merges with the media 101, immediately upstream of the heating element 11. In any embodiment, the heating area may, like the rollers, extend over the entire width of the media 101 and / or the entire width of the transfer film 103.

[0184] The temperature of the media 101 and / or transfer film 103 achieved by preheating is also arbitrary. In another respect, for example, the temperature of the heater (e.g., heater roller 59) (e.g., surface temperature) is also arbitrary. For example, the temperature of the media 101 and / or transfer film 103 (or the heater temperature) may be higher than room temperature (e.g., 20°C), and may be lower than the temperature at which the heat-generating unit 11 performs the transfer.

[0185] The heater roller 59 and other heaters (e.g., sliding heaters or preheating heads) may contribute to defining the transport path of the media 101 and / or the transfer film 103. The heater roller 59 may or may not be rotationally driven by an electric motor.

[0186] If the amount of heat generated for preheating the transfer unit 7A is greater than the amount of heat generated for preheating the transfer unit 7B (including cases where preheating is not performed in the transfer unit 7B), then, for example, one of the following two effects may be achieved: • When the amount of heat required for transfer of the transfer film 103A is greater than that required for transfer of the transfer film 103B (for example, when the heat transfer ratio is lower), both the transfer film 103A and the transfer film 103B can be preheated with a reasonable amount of heat. • When the heating in the transfer unit 7A is used to preheat the transfer unit 7B downstream (not necessarily immediately downstream) via the media 101, etc., both the transfer unit 7A and 7B can be preheated with a reasonable amount of heat.

[0187] (6.6. Cooling Mechanism) Figure 10 shows a unit set 8G as an example of unit set 8, and corresponds to Figure 4. In the transfer unit 7, the media 101 and transfer film 103 may be cooled after heating by the heat-generating section 11. In other words, the transfer unit 7 may have a cooling mechanism downstream of the heat-generating section 11. In unit set 8G, the manner of this cooling differs from one another.

[0188] More specifically, in the example shown in Figure 10, the transfer unit 7A has a cooling roller 61 (61A) as an example of a cooling mechanism. On the other hand, the transfer unit 7B does not have a cooling roller 61. As a result, the transfer units 7A and 7B have different modes of temperature control (modes of cooling).

[0189] Unlike the illustrated example, the transfer unit 7B may also have a cooling mechanism. In this case, the structure and / or control of the two cooling mechanisms may differ. This may result in the amount of cooling in the transfer unit 7A being less than the amount of cooling in the transfer unit 7B. The amount of cooling may be defined as the amount of heat removed from the object (media 101 and / or transfer film 103) downstream of the heat-generating section 11 (and within the transfer unit 7) due to the cooling mechanism, assuming that the object being directly cooled by the cooling mechanism is at 100°C (higher than room temperature and lower than the temperature of a typical thermal transfer).

[0190] The cooling roller 61 is, for example, a roller with an active cooling capacity. For example, the cooling roller 61 may have a function to lower the temperature of its outer surface to a temperature lower than the ambient temperature inside the housing 7a. Alternatively, for example, the cooling roller 61 may have a function to actively dissipate heat absorbed from the media 101 and / or transfer film 103 from a part that is not in contact with them. On the other hand, for example, even if a roller with the same structure as a roller that simply defines a transport path has a temperature lower than the temperature of the media 101 and transfer film 103, and heat is transferred from the media 101 and transfer film 103 to the roller, that roller is not a cooling roller (cooling mechanism).

[0191] The cooling mechanism of the cooling roller 61 is arbitrary. For example, the cooling roller 61 may be powered to exert its cooling capacity, and / or a cooled medium (gas or liquid) may flow through it. Furthermore, a powered cooling roller 61 may have a built-in Peltier element or a built-in fan. The cooling roller 61 may also have a special shape (e.g., fins) for heat dissipation on the outside in the width direction of the media 101, or its outer surface may be made of a material with high thermal conductivity that is not normally used on the outer surface of a roller. The dimensions (diameter, etc.) of the cooling roller 61 are also arbitrary.

[0192] The cooling mechanism can be configured in various ways other than using the cooling roller 61. Although not shown in the diagrams, examples are listed below: • Sliding cooler • Cooling air mechanism

[0193] The sliding cooler cools the media 101 and / or the transfer film 103 by sliding against them. The shape of the sliding cooler is arbitrary. One example is a rod shape. The cooling mechanism of the sliding cooler may be the same as that of the cooling roller 61, for example.

[0194] The cooling mechanism cools the media 101 and / or the transfer film 103 by blowing cold air onto them. The cold air here only needs to be cooler than the temperature of the object to be cooled (media 101 and / or transfer film 103), and does not need to be lower than 20°C (room temperature) (it may be lower). The cooling mechanism may have, for example, a fan and, if necessary, a chiller or the like.

[0195] The cooling mechanism may, for example, provide at least one of the following two effects: • After heating by the heat-generating unit 11, cool the pattern 105 to improve the adhesion of the pattern 105 to the media 101. • After heating by the heat-generating unit 11, cool the media 101 to a temperature corresponding to the transfer or other process downstream (not necessarily immediately downstream).

[0196] As can be understood from the above, the cooling mechanism may cool the media 101 and the transfer film 103 before they are separated from each other, or it may cool the media 101 (and pattern 105) after it has been separated from the transfer film 103. Unlike in the description of the embodiment, the cooling mechanism may be located upstream of the heat-generating section 11 in the transfer unit 7.

[0197] For example, in the unit set 8G illustrated in Figure 10, the cooling roller 61A cools the media 101 and transfer film 103 before separation. The cooling roller 61B, shown by the dashed line in Figure 9, cools the media 101 after it has been separated from the transfer film 103.

[0198] The cooling roller 61A may be in contact with either the media 101 or the transfer film 103. The cooling roller 61A in contact with the media 101 and the cooling roller 61 in contact with the transfer film 103 may be arranged facing each other (or at different positions in the conveying direction). Similarly, the cooling roller 61B in contact with the media 101 may be in contact with either surface, or there may be two or more rollers corresponding to both sides.

[0199] In the example shown in Figure 10, the cooling roller 61A is positioned just before the media 101 and the transfer film 103 separate from each other. Unlike the illustrated example, the cooling roller 61A may be positioned further upstream from the separation point.

[0200] The description above of the positions where the cooling roller 61 contacts the media 101 and / or the transfer film 103 (or pattern 105) may be used to describe the positions where the sliding cooler contacts and the positions where cold air is blown, as long as no inconsistencies arise. Furthermore, these positions, like those of the roller, may extend, for example, across the entire width of the media 101 and / or the entire width of the transfer film 103.

[0201] Furthermore, the temperature of the media 101 and / or transfer film 103 (or pattern 105) achieved by cooling is also arbitrary. From another perspective, for example, the temperature of the cooling roller 61, etc. (e.g., surface temperature) is also arbitrary. For example, the temperature of the media 101 and / or transfer film 103 (or the temperature of the cooling roller 61, etc.) may be less than 150°C or less than 100°C, and may be lower or higher than 20°C (room temperature).

[0202] The cooling roller 61 (and sliding cooler) may contribute to defining the transport path of the media 101 and / or the transfer film 103. The cooling roller 61 may or may not be rotationally driven by an electric motor.

[0203] As is clear from the dashed line (two-dot dashed line) indicating the cooling roller 61B in Figure 9, the preheating heating mechanism and the cooling mechanism may or may not be combined. The combination is not limited to the example in Figure 9.

[0204] It has been stated that the heat from the transfer unit 7A (the heat from the heat-generating section 11 and / or the heat from the preheating mechanism) may be used to preheat the downstream transfer unit 7B. The cooling mechanism may completely eliminate its preheating effect, or it may eliminate only a part of it.

[0205] (6.7. Temperature characteristics, etc.) Although not specifically illustrated, the following are examples of other methods for making the temperature control characteristics different for each transfer unit 7. - Differentiate the structure of the head body 17 (especially the heating element 11 and its surrounding area). - For example, differentiate the structure (e.g., thickness) of the glaze 51. This results in different heat storage characteristics, for example. - For example, in any of the transfer units 7, the glaze 51 is made of SiO ２ Cover with and / or glaze 51 with SiO ２Adding [something] improves insulation, for example, and increases the power that can be applied to the conductor layer 55 and the heat-generating part 11. ...For example, in any of the transfer units 7, the glaze 51 (all or the base 51a) is made solid. This makes it easier for heat to be dissipated from the transfer film 103 and media 101 after heating. ...For example, the thickness of the protective layer 57 is made different from each other. By making the protective layer 57 thinner, the heat from the heat-generating part 11 is more easily transferred to the transfer film 103. ...For example, the material of the substrate 25 is made different from each other. This makes the heat dissipation properties different from each other. ...For example, the dimensions of the heat-generating part 11 other than the length in the D1 direction are made different from each other. ...For example, the position of the heat-generating part 11 when viewed in the D2 direction is made different from each other. This makes the relationship between the heat transfer timing and the pattern 105 peeling timing different from each other. ...For example, the structure of the electrodes is made different from each other. This allows for, for example, different contact between the heating element 11 (more precisely, the protective layer 57) and the transfer film 103, thereby different heating characteristics. ...For example, in any of the transfer units 7, the portions of the first electrode 55a and the second electrode 55b excluding their tips (at least on the glaze 51) are made thinner. ...For example, the thickness of the conductive layer 55 is made different (at least on the glaze 51). In any of the transfer units 7, a sliding portion 19b (Figure 11, described later) is provided on the heat sink 19 for contact with the transfer film 103. The effects of the sliding portion 19b will be described later. Unlike the illustrated example, one transfer unit 7 may have two or more heads 9 for one transfer film 103. The two or more heads 9 may be arranged at different positions in the transport path of the media 101 and the transfer film 103, or they may face each other with the media 101 and the transfer film 103 in between. For example, the number of heads 9 may be different between the transfer units 7. A mechanism may be provided to raise and / or lower the overall internal temperature of the housing 7a. The structure and / or control of such mechanism may be made different from each other.

[0206] The temperatures of various objects and / or locations may be detected by sensors and used for feedback control. For example, the temperatures of the media 101, transfer film 103, head 9, heating mechanism and / or cooling mechanism may be detected and used to control various mechanisms (heating mechanism and / or cooling mechanism, etc.). The sensors may be appropriate, such as thermistors. Of course, the control of the various mechanisms may be open-loop control without feedback.

[0207] (7. Peeling Methods) (7.1. General Peeling Methods) Differences in the peeling methods of the pattern 105 from the carrier film 103a include, for example, differences in the peeling angle, peeling speed, and / or temperature at the time of peeling. By having different peeling methods, for example, the accuracy of the shape of the pattern 105 in each transfer unit 7 can be made reasonable.

[0208] There are countless ways to make the peeling process differ between the transfer units 7. Examples are shown below.

[0209] (7.2. Distance from heating element to peeling position) Transfer units 7A and 7B may have different distances from the heating element 11 to the position where the pattern 105 is peeled from the carrier film 103a.

[0210] For example, in the examples shown in Figures 5, 6, and 10, in the transfer unit 7A, the pattern 105 is not peeled off immediately downstream of the heating element 11, but rather peeled off at a position further downstream from the heating element 11. This ensures, for example, time between heating and peeling. This time allows for cooling of the pattern 105 (a broad concept including heat dissipation), which contributes to improving the adhesion of the pattern 105 to the media 101. This improves, for example, the accuracy of the shape of the pattern 105 after peeling.

[0211] On the other hand, in the above example, in the transfer unit 7B, peeling is performed immediately downstream of the heat-generating section 11. As a result, the manner of peeling differs between the transfer units 7A and 7B. However, unlike the illustrated example, peeling may also be performed in the transfer unit 7B at a position further downstream from the heat-generating section 11. Furthermore, the distance from the heat-generating section 11 to the peeling point may differ between the transfer units 7. For example, the distance for transfer unit 7A may be longer than the distance for transfer unit 7B.

[0212] When peeling does not occur immediately downstream of the heating element 11, the distance from the heating element 11 (for example, the downstream end if precision is required) to the peeling position (for example, the position where peeling begins to occur even slightly if precision is required) is arbitrary. For example, when the glaze 51 is partial (not solid), the above distance may be 1 or more, 2 or more, 5 or more, 10 or more, or 20 or more times the length of the glaze 51 in the D1 direction (the transport direction of the media 101). Alternatively, for example, the above distance may be 5 or more, 10 or more, 20 or more, 50 or more, or 100 or more times the length of the heating element 11 in the D1 direction. The ratio or difference between the transfer units 7 is also arbitrary; for example, the ratio obtained by dividing the longer distance by the shorter distance may be 1.1 or more, 1.2 or more, or 1.5 or more.

[0213] The orientation of the transport path for the media 101 and transfer film 103 from the heating element 11 to the peeling point is arbitrary. For example, the previous explanation of the transport path for the media 101 may be used to describe this transport path. Also, the transport path from the heating element 11 to the peeling point may be straight (as shown in the example) or it may be curved along the way.

[0214] The media 101 and the transfer film 103 are guided together by a roller, for example, downstream of the heating element 11. This causes the peeling position to be located downstream of the heating element 11. However, a sliding member may be used instead of, or in addition to, the roller. The sliding member may be a part of the head body 17 (for example, the end of the substrate 25), a part of the head 9 (for example, the sliding part 19b of the heat sink 19 as described later (Figure 11)), or a member separate from the head 9. Its shape and dimensions are also arbitrary.

[0215] The component that defines the peeling position (e.g., a roller) may also serve other functions. For example, as previously described, in Figure 5, the intermediate rollers 39B and 45A contribute to pressing the media 101 and the transfer film 103 against the heating section 11 by the tension of the media 101. In Figure 6, the intermediate rollers 39B and 39D contribute to sandwiching and tightly adhering the media 101 and the transfer film 103. In the example of Figure 10, the cooling roller 61A contributes to cooling the media 101. Regarding the structure and position of the rollers that define the peeling position, the various roller descriptions described above may be used as long as they do not cause inconsistencies.

[0216] (7.3. Cooling mechanism for peeling) As described in the explanation of the differences in the manner of controlling the temperature, a cooling mechanism (for example, the cooling roller 61A in Figure 10) may be provided downstream of the heat-generating section 11. When this cooling mechanism is provided upstream of the peeling position, the adhesion of the pattern 105 to the media 101 is improved before peeling. As a result, the probability that a part of the pattern 105 will remain on the carrier film 103a during peeling is reduced, and the accuracy of the pattern 105 is improved. In other words, the accuracy of peeling is improved.

[0217] The previously described cooling mechanism can be applied to the cooling mechanism described here in principle. For the sake of clarity, briefly, the cooling mechanism may be, for example, a cooling roller 61, a sliding cooler, and / or a cold air mechanism. The location of the cooling mechanism (the location of the part of the cooling mechanism that produces the cooling action and / or the location where the media 101 is cooled) is downstream of the heat-generating part 11, and may be just before the media 101 and the transfer film 103 separate from each other, or upstream of that point. However, the location of the cooling mechanism (at least a part thereof) related to the difference in the peeling method is, for example, upstream of the peeling position. The temperature of the media 101 etc. achieved by cooling is as previously described.

[0218] (7.4. Sliding part of the heat sink) Figure 11 is a diagram showing a head 9H as an example of the head 9, and is a diagram showing the head 9 and its surroundings in an enlarged view of Figure 1. The head 9H has a heat sink 19H which has a different shape from the heat sink 19 illustrated in Figure 2.

[0219] Specifically, the heat sink 19H has a sliding portion 19b that slides against the media 101 and transfer film 103 (strictly speaking, the latter) after heating and before separation. The sliding portion 19b is, for example, a convex portion that protrudes from a plate-like portion 19a overlapping the lower surface of the substrate 25 toward the side facing the upper surface of the substrate 25. The sliding portion 19b (for example, the top of the convex portion) is in contact with the transfer film 103 before peeling. From another perspective, the transport device 13 and the film transport device 33 (a transport device that transports the media 101 of the transfer unit 7 as needed) define the transport path of the media 101 and the transport path of the transfer film 103 such that the media 101 and transfer film 103 slide against the heat sink 19H (for example, the sliding portion 19b) after heating and before separation.

[0220] As a result, the heat from the transfer film 103 is dissipated by the heat sink 19H, and the layer to be transferred 103b (pattern 105) is cooled. In other words, the sliding part 19b (or heat sink 19H) is an example of a sliding cooler for peeling. In the illustrated example, as already mentioned, the sliding part 19b is also an example of a member that defines the transport path of the media 101 and the transfer film 103 in order to ensure the distance from the heat generating part 11 to the peeling position. The sliding part 19b may perform only one of these functions.

[0221] The head 9H in Figure 11 is a corner type. Even when the head 9H is a flat type or an edge type, for example, the sliding portion 19b may be composed of a protrusion that extends from the plate-shaped portion 19a toward the upper surface side of the substrate 25, similar to the example in Figure 11. When the head 9H is an edge type, for example, the plate-shaped portion 19a may be extended along the lower surface of the substrate 25 toward the heating portion 11 (edge) to form the sliding portion 19b.

[0222] Regardless of the type, the shape and dimensions of the sliding portion 19b are arbitrary. For example, the sliding surface of the sliding portion 19b that slides against the transfer film 103 may be flat or curved. The length of the sliding surface in the transport direction may be shorter than, equal to, or longer than the thickness of the plate-like portion 19a. This length may be, for example, longer than the length of the heating portion 11 in the transport direction. It may also be shorter than, equal to, or longer than the length of the partial glaze 51 in the transport direction.

[0223] The position of the sliding portion 19b (sliding surface) is also arbitrary. For example, in the example in Figure 11, the +D1 side end face of the substrate 25 and the sliding portion 19b are separated from each other, and consequently, there is a certain distance between the glaze 51 (and the various films covering the glaze 51) and the sliding portion 19b. From another perspective, there is a space between them where no material exists. However, such a distance (space) does not have to exist. Conversely, the shape of the sliding portion 19b may be made special so that the above distance is increased. The specific length of the above distance is also arbitrary.

[0224] In the example shown in Figure 11, the position of the sliding surface of the sliding part 19b in the D3 direction (and the configuration of the transport device 13, etc.) is set so that the transport path of the media 101 is a straight path before and after the heating section 11. Unlike the illustrated example, the position of the sliding surface, etc., may be set so that the transport path of the media 101 is V-shaped, with a concave or convex shape on the side of the heating section 11.

[0225] In the example shown in Figure 11, the position of the sliding surface of the sliding part 19b in the D3 direction (and the configuration of the film transport device 33, etc.) is set so that the transport path of the transfer film 103 is concave (V-shaped) towards the heating part 11 before and after the heating part 11. Unlike the illustrated example, the position of the sliding surface, etc., may be set so that the transport path of the transfer film 103 is a straight path, or so that it is convex (V-shaped) towards the heating part 11.

[0226] In the example shown in Figure 11, the media 101 and the transfer film 103 are separated at the position of the sliding portion 19b (more precisely, just downstream therefrom). However, the separation point may be located further downstream from the sliding portion 19b. For example, the sliding portion 19b may be applied to the examples in Figures 5, 6, or 10, and the sliding portion 19b may be located between the heating portion 11 and the separation point.

[0227] When the transfer units 7A and 7B have different characteristics regarding temperature and / or peeling, for example, the sliding part 19b may be provided only in the former of the transfer units 7A and 7B. Alternatively, the sliding part 19b may be provided in both the transfer units 7A and 7B, and the structure of the heat sink 19H may be different from each other, and / or the position of the sliding part 19b relative to the head body 17 may be different from each other. The difference in the structure of the heat sink 19H may be a difference in the structure of the sliding part 19b itself (material, shape and / or dimensions), or a difference in the structure of parts other than the sliding part 19b (for example, parts that affect the heat dissipation of the sliding part 19b).

[0228] (7.5. Regarding the manner of peeling, etc.) Although not specifically illustrated, the following are examples of other methods for differentiating the manner in which the pattern 105 is peeled from the carrier film 103a among the transfer units 7. - Cool the media 101 in any of the transfer units 7 before it joins the transfer film 103. Or, make the degree of cooling different. By cooling the media 101, for example, it becomes easier to lower the temperature of the pattern 105 that is heated in close contact with the media 101. - Make the relative orientation of the media 101 and the transfer film 103 different when separating them. - Make the transport speeds of the media 101 and the transfer film 103 different when separating them. In this case, for example, the media 101 is a single-fed film or a card, and each transfer unit 7 has a mechanism for transporting the media 101 independently of each other.

[0229] (8. Differences in Other Embodiments) Although not specifically illustrated, the following are examples of ways to differentiate the transfer units 7 in ways other than those relating to adhesion, temperature, and peeling. However, these may also be related to the three embodiments described above. - Differentiating the configurations that affect the friction between the protective layer 57 and the transfer film 103. - For example, differentiating the material and / or shape of the protective layer 57. - For example, differentiating the force with which the platen 31 presses the media 101 and the transfer film 103 against the head 9.

[0230] (9. Fixing Unit) Figure 12 is a diagram showing a printer 1I according to another example, and corresponds to Figure 1. The unit set 8 of printer 1 had only a transfer unit 7. In contrast, the unit set 8I (mechanism 3I) of printer 1I has units other than the transfer unit 7. For example, the unit set 8I has fixing units 63 (63A to 63C) that adjust the fixability of the pattern 105 on the media 101 in at least one transfer unit 7.

[0231] The fuser unit 63 does not perform thermal transfer of the pattern 105 by the head 9 (however, there are exceptions). Except for this point, the description of the transfer unit 7 may be applied to the fuser unit 63, as long as no contradictions arise. For example, the independence of the fuser unit 63 is optional. The fuser unit 63 may be interchangeable with the fuser unit 63 and / or the transfer unit 7 on a unit basis. Printers 1 and 1I may be the same type of printer that have been customized differently by the manufacturer and / or user.

[0232] There are countless ways to adjust the fixation of the pattern 105 in any of the transfer units 7. In the example in Figure 12, the fixing units 63A to 63C perform heating, cooling, or adhesion layer formation. Note that only one or two of these may be used, or other fixing units 63 may be used. Specifically, the fixing units 63A to 63C are as follows, for example.

[0233] (9.1. Fixing Unit for Heating) The fixing unit 63A has a heater roller 59B as an example of a heating mechanism for heating the media 101. This preheats, for example, the transfer unit 7 (e.g. 7A) or other units downstream (not necessarily immediately downstream).

[0234] The explanation regarding preheating in the transfer unit 7 may be applied to the fixing unit 63A, provided that no inconsistencies arise. For example, the heating mechanism is not limited to the heater roller 59, but may be a sliding heater, a light irradiation mechanism, or a hot air mechanism. The position of the heating mechanism is also arbitrary. The temperature of the media 101 achieved by preheating is also arbitrary.

[0235] However, since the fuser unit 63A does not have a head 9, the position of the heating mechanism is not limited by the position of the head 9. Also, the entire fuser unit 63A may be used as a heating mechanism, for example, by controlling the atmosphere inside the housing 7a.

[0236] The fixing unit 63 may be a transfer unit 7 in which the transfer film 103 is not set in the film transport device 33. In other words, a head 9 that can be used for transferring the pattern 105 may be used as the fixing unit 63A. The fixing unit 63 may also be configured by removing the film transport device 33 from the transfer unit 7.

[0237] (9.2. Fixing Unit for Cooling) The fixing unit 63B has a cooling roller 61B as an example of a cooling mechanism for cooling the media 101. This improves the fixation of patterns by the transfer unit 7 (e.g., 7A) or other units upstream (not necessarily immediately upstream) and / or achieves a temperature corresponding to the transfer unit 7 (e.g., 7B) or other units downstream (not necessarily immediately downstream).

[0238] The explanation regarding cooling in the transfer unit 7 may be applied to the fixing unit 63B, provided that no inconsistencies arise. For example, the cooling mechanism is not limited to the cooling roller 61, but may also be a sliding cooler or a cold air mechanism. The position of the cooling mechanism is also arbitrary. The temperature of the media 101 achieved by cooling is also arbitrary.

[0239] However, since the fuser unit 63B does not have a head 9, the position of the cooling mechanism is not limited by the position of the head 9. Furthermore, the entire fuser unit 63B may be used as a cooling mechanism, for example, by controlling the atmosphere inside the housing 7a.

[0240] (9.3. Fixing Unit for Forming the Adhesion Layer) The fixing unit 63C forms an adhesion layer on the media 101. Figure 3 shows the transfer process by the head 9, and pattern 105C can be considered as an example of an adhesion layer. The adhesion layer (105C) contributes to improving the adhesion between, for example, a pattern 105 located below the adhesion layer (on the media 101 side) and a pattern 105 located above the adhesion layer.

[0241] Specifically, the adhesion layer is, for example, a solid pattern. The adhesion layer includes, for example, at least one (e.g., all) of one or more patterns 105 below the adhesion layer in a planar perspective (including cases where their outer edges coincide; the same applies hereinafter). The adhesion layer also includes, for example, at least one (e.g., all) of one or more patterns above the adhesion layer in a planar view. The adhesion layer may extend over the entire media 101 (except for the edge regions where printing is mechanically impossible by the transfer unit 7 and / or the positions of divisions at regular intervals in the D1 direction).

[0242] Furthermore, the adhesion layer may include at least one of the following two properties: a. A shape that mitigates the irregularities on the lower surface of the adhesion layer caused by the presence or absence of the pattern 105 below the adhesion layer appears on the upper surface of the adhesion layer. For example, the upper surface of the adhesion layer may be planar. b. The adhesion between each of the two patterns 105 and the adhesion layer is higher than the adhesion between the two patterns 105 that are facing each other with the adhesion layer in between (two patterns 105 that would be in close contact with each other if the adhesion layer were not present). By having at least one of the above two properties, the adhesion layer may contribute to improving the adhesion (e.g., adhesive force) between the patterns 105 that are facing each other with the adhesion layer in between.

[0243] Regarding (a) above, for example, if the height of the step on the upper surface of the adhesion layer (for example, the step with the greatest height) is smaller than the thickness of the lower pattern 105 (the thickness of any one of the one or more patterns 105 that can cause unevenness on the lower surface of the adhesion layer, or the total thickness of all of them), then it may be determined that the unevenness has been mitigated. Furthermore, for example, the former may be 0.8 times or less, 0.5 times or less, 0.2 times or less, or 0.1 times or less than the latter.

[0244] Regarding (b) above, this may be determined by testing using a sample. For example, a first sample is prepared in which three solid layers of the same material as the three layers of patterns 105, which are opposite each other with the adhesion layer in between, are laminated. A second sample is then prepared by removing the adhesion layer from the first sample. The formation process (method and conditions) for each layer is the same as that used in printer 1I. The adhesion between the two patterns in the first sample is then compared with the adhesion between the two patterns in the second sample. The method for evaluating adhesion will be described later.

[0245] The method for forming the adhesion layer is arbitrary. For example, the adhesion layer may be formed by transferring it from the transfer film 103 in the same way as the pattern 105, or it may be formed by another printing method. The other printing method may be analog printing or digital printing. Analog printing may be, for example, offset printing, screen printing, or gravure printing. Digital printing may be, for example, inkjet printing. Methods other than printing (e.g., wet coating or photolithography) may also be used.

[0246] When forming an adhesion layer by transfer from the transfer film 103, the mechanism for heating the transfer film 103 is arbitrary. For example, the mechanism may be a head 9, or a transfer heater 65 that uniformly heats the transfer film 103 in the width direction of the transfer film 103. In the former case, the fixing unit 63C may be a transfer unit 7. The transfer heater 65 may be, for example, a heater roller or a sliding heater. For heater rollers and sliding heaters, the explanation for heater rollers 59 and sliding heaters for preheating may be applied, as long as no inconsistencies arise. However, the temperature is the temperature required for transfer.

[0247] If the adhesion layer has the properties of (a) described above, these properties may be realized by the process of forming the adhesion layer on the media 101 itself, or by performing a predetermined surface treatment on the adhesion layer formed on the media 101. The former case, where thermal transfer is performed, has already been described. The same is basically true for other printing methods. The latter surface treatment may be, for example, chemical mechanical polishing, etching, or machining (e.g., high-precision cutting or mechanical polishing). Unlike the description herein, the fixing unit 63 that forms the adhesion layer and the fixing unit 63 that performs the surface treatment may be provided separately.

[0248] (10. Method for Evaluating Adhesion) The method for evaluating adhesion (e.g., adhesive strength; the same applies hereinafter) will be explained. The evaluation of adhesion may be used for the following purposes, for example.

[0249] For example, the adhesion of pattern 105 to media 101 may be evaluated. This allows for evaluation of whether the transfer characteristics of each transfer unit 7 have improved by, for example, making the transfer characteristics of each transfer unit 7 different from each other.

[0250] Furthermore, for example, the adhesion of the transfer layer 103b to the carrier film 103a may be evaluated. This evaluation result may be used as an indicator of the ease of peeling the pattern 105 from the carrier film 103a. Then, assuming peeling under the same conditions, the peeling manner may differ among the transfer units 7 in order to improve the peeling state of the transfer film 103 which has relatively low peeling ease.

[0251] Furthermore, as previously described, adhesion may be evaluated in determining whether or not the adhesion layer (105C) has property b.

[0252] The method for evaluating adhesion may be, for example, carried out according to the Japanese Industrial Standard "JIS K5600-5-6:1999 General Test Methods for Paints - Part 5: Mechanical Properties of Paint Films - Section 6: Adhesion (Cross-Cut Method)". For example, a grid pattern of cuts is made in the upper layer relative to the lower layer (for example, pattern 105; however, the planar shape does not necessarily have to be the same as pattern 105), tape is attached to the upper layer, and the tape is peeled off from the upper layer. Then, the upper layer is observed.

[0253] (11. Summary of Embodiments) In the following, references may be made to only one of printers 1 and 1I. However, unless there is a contradiction, the following description also applies to the other. Similarly, with respect to the components of printer 1, references may be made to only specific examples, but unless there is a contradiction, the following description also applies to other examples. In the following, examples of effects achieved by configurations extracted from printer 1 are given. However, the extracted configurations do not necessarily have to achieve the illustrated effects.

[0254] The printer 1 (an example of a recording device) according to this embodiment includes a transfer unit 7A (an example of a first unit) and a transfer unit 7B (an example of a second unit). The transfer unit 7A transfers a pattern 105A (an example of a first pattern) from a transfer film 103A (an example of a first film) to a medium 101 (an example of a recording medium) using a head 9A (an example of a first thermal head). The transfer unit 7B transfers a pattern 105B (an example of a second pattern) from a transfer film 103B (an example of a second film) to the medium 101 using a head 9B (an example of a second thermal head).

[0255] From the first perspective, the transfer characteristics of transfer unit 7A and the transfer characteristics of transfer unit 7B are different from each other. From the second perspective, the structure of transfer unit 7A and the structure of transfer unit 7B are different from each other.

[0256] Therefore, as described in the overview of the embodiment, for example, patterns 105 with different required transfer characteristics can be laminated on the same media 101. This makes it possible to reduce costs and shorten cycle times, for example. Also, it is possible to adjust the transfer characteristics according to the differences in the positions of the transfer units 7 in the transport path of the media 101, and to reduce the thermal mutual influence between the transfer units 7.

[0257] The manner in which the media 101 and the transfer film 103A are brought into close contact from the position of the heating element 11 of the head 9A up to the point before the media 101 and the transfer film 103A are separated (including the position of the heating element 11) and the manner in which the media 101 and the transfer film 103B are brought into close contact from the position of the heating element 11 of the head 9B up to the point before the media 101 and the transfer film 103B are separated may be different from each other (for example, Figures 4 to 8).

[0258] In this case, for example, it becomes easier to achieve an adhesion state suitable for the respective materials of the transfer films 103A and 103B. Furthermore, for example, by improving the adhesion state of patterns 105 that are less likely to adhere to the media 101, the adhesion of multiple types of patterns 105 can be rationally improved (at a lower cost than uniformly improving the adhesion state).

[0259] When the heat transfer ratio in the transfer film 103A is lower than the heat transfer ratio in the transfer film 103B, the pressure used to bring the media 101 and the transfer film 103A into close contact at the position of the heating element 11 of the head 9A may be greater than the pressure used to bring the media 101 and the transfer film 103B into close contact at the position of the heating element 11 of the head 9B (for example, Figures 4 to 7).

[0260] In this case, for example, from another perspective, the pressure at which the head 9A is pressed against the transfer film 103A becomes relatively larger. Consequently, heat is more easily transferred from the head 9A to the transfer film 103A. Furthermore, it is expected that the adhesion of the pattern 105A to the media 101 will improve due to the increased adhesion pressure. As a result, for example, the adhesion of multiple types of patterns 105 can be improved rationally (at a lower cost than uniformly improving the adhesion).

[0261] The transfer unit 7A may have a platen 31 (an example of a first platen) that presses against the head 9 with the media 101 and transfer film 103A in between. The transfer unit 7B may have a platen 31 (an example of a second platen) that presses against the head 9 with the media 101 and transfer film 103B in between. The force with which the head 9A and the platen 31 press against each other may be greater than the force with which the head 9B and the platen 31 press against each other (for example, Figure 4).

[0262] In this case, for example, the difference in the contact pressure between transfer units 7A and 7B can be easily realized. Furthermore, it is easy to adjust the ratio or difference between the two.

[0263] The manner in which the temperature in transfer unit 7A is controlled and the manner in which the temperature in transfer unit 7B is controlled may be different from each other (for example, Figures 8 to 11).

[0264] In this case, for example, it becomes easier to achieve temperatures suitable for the materials of the transfer films 103A and 103B. Also, for example, the transfer characteristics can be adjusted according to the differences in the positions of the transfer units 7A and 7B in the transport path of the media 101, and the mutual thermal influence between the transfer units 7 can be reduced.

[0265] When the heat transfer ratio in the transfer film 103A is lower than the heat transfer ratio in the transfer film 103B, the time it takes for the heat to pass through the heat-generating section in the transfer unit 7A (an example of the time taken for the heat to pass through the heat-generating section in the transfer unit 7B) may be longer than the time it takes for the heat to pass through the heat-generating section in the transfer unit 7B (for example, Figure 8).

[0266] In this case, for example, heat can be more easily transferred from the head 9A to the transfer film 103A. This is expected to improve the adhesion of the pattern 105A to the media 101. As a result, for example, the adhesion of multiple types of patterns 105 can be improved rationally (at a lower cost than uniformly increasing the time passing through the heat-generating section).

[0267] The length L1 of the heating element 11 of head 9A along the transport path of media 101 may be longer than the length L2 of the heating element 11 of head 9B along the transport path of media 101 (for example, Figure 8).

[0268] In this case, for example, even if a roll film is used as the media 101 and the transport speed of the media 101 is the same for all the transfer units 7, the time it takes for the media to pass through the heat-generating section can be made different for each of the transfer units 7.

[0269] The pixel energy supplied to the heat-generating section 11 of head 9A (energy supplied during the transfer of one pixel; an example of the first energy) may be different from the pixel energy supplied to the heat-generating section 11 of head 9B (an example of the second energy) (see, for example, Figure 8).

[0270] In this case, for example, it becomes easier to set the temperatures of the transfer films 103A and 103B to temperatures suitable for each material. Also, for example, the adhesion of multiple types of patterns 105 can be improved in a rational manner (more inexpensively than uniformly increasing the energy).

[0271] When the heat transfer ratio in transfer film 103A is lower than the heat transfer ratio in transfer film 103B, the first energy may be greater than the second energy (for example, Figure 8).

[0272] In this case, for example, the property of the transfer film 103A, which is a relatively low heat transfer ratio, is compensated for. As a result, the adhesion of multiple types of patterns 105 can be improved rationally (at a lower cost than uniformly increasing the energy).

[0273] When the transfer unit 7A is located upstream of the media 101 transport path from the transfer unit 7B, the first energy may be greater than the second energy (for example, Figure 8).

[0274] As the media 101 passes through the multiple transfer units 7, its temperature tends to rise more easily due to the heat from the transfer units 7 as it moves downstream. Therefore, for example, by making the energy greater towards the upstream side as described above, the transfer film 103 and the media 101 can be heated with a reasonable amount of heat in each of the transfer units 7A and 7B.

[0275] The first energy and the second energy may be different from each other by controlling the magnitude of the voltage applied to the heating element 11 in at least one of the heads 9A and 9B, and the duration for which the voltage is applied to the heating element 11 (for example, Figure 8).

[0276] In this case, for example, the structure for applying voltage to the heat-generating section 11 can be common to both heads 9A and 9B. Therefore, the productivity of head 9 is improved. Adjusting the ratio or difference between the first energy and the second energy is also easy. It can also be made adjustable by the user rather than the manufacturer of the printer 1.

[0277] The transfer films 103A and 103B may each have a carrier film 103a and a transfer layer 103b. The transfer layer 103b overlaps the carrier film 103a and is transferred to the medium 101 and peeled off from the carrier film 103a. The manner in which the transfer layer 103b is peeled off from the carrier film 103a in the transfer unit 7A may differ from the manner in which the transfer layer 103b is peeled off from the carrier film 103a in the transfer unit 7B (for example, Figures 5, 6, 10, and 11).

[0278] In this case, for example, it becomes easier to achieve peeling suitable for each material of the transfer films 103A and 103B. Furthermore, for example, by improving the peeling state of patterns 105 made of materials with relatively low adhesion to the media 101, the accuracy of multiple types of patterns 105 can be improved rationally (at a lower cost than uniformly improving accuracy).

[0279] The path from the position of the heating element 11 of head 9A to the position where the transfer film 103A and the media 101 separate may be longer than the path from the position of the heating element 11 of head 9B to the position where the transfer film 103B and the media 101 separate (for example, Figures 5, 6, 10, and 11).

[0280] In this case, for example, the time from when pattern 105A is heated until it is peeled off can be made relatively longer. As a result, time can be secured for pattern 105A to cool, improving the adhesion of pattern 105A to the media 101 immediately before peeling off. Ultimately, the precision of pattern 105 is improved.

[0281] The transfer unit 7A may have a first heating mechanism (e.g., a heater roller 59) that heats at least one of the media 101 and the transfer film 103A, located upstream of the heating element 11 of the head 9A. The transfer unit 7B does not have to have a second heating mechanism (e.g., a heater roller 59) that heats at least one of the media 101 and the transfer film 103A, located upstream of the heating element 11 of the head 9A. Alternatively, the transfer unit 7B may have a second heating mechanism that heats less than the heating amount of the first heating mechanism (e.g., Figure 9).

[0282] In this case, for example, it becomes easier to achieve temperatures suitable for the respective materials of the transfer films 103A and 103B. Also, for example, the transfer characteristics can be adjusted according to the difference in the positions of the transfer units 7A and 7B in the transport path of the media 101.

[0283] The transfer unit 7A may have a first cooling mechanism (for example, a cooling roller 61 or a sliding part 19b of a heat sink 19H) that cools the portion of the media 101 located downstream of the heat-generating part 11 of the head 9A. The transfer unit 7B does not have to have a second cooling mechanism that cools the portion of the media 101 located downstream of the heat-generating part 11 of the head 9B. Alternatively, the transfer unit 7B may have a second cooling mechanism that provides a smaller cooling amount than the first cooling mechanism (for example, Figures 10 and 11).

[0284] In this case, for example, it becomes easier to set the temperature of the media 101 and pattern 105 to a temperature suitable for each transfer unit 7 during peeling. Also, for example, the influence of the heat of transfer unit 7A on the transfer of transfer unit 7B can be reduced.

[0285] The printer 1I may further include a fixing unit 63 that adjusts the fixation of at least one of the patterns 105A and 105B to the media 101 (for example, Figure 12).

[0286] In this case, for example, a mechanism that cannot be placed together with the head 9 in the transfer unit 7 can be used, either from the standpoint of size or from the standpoint of the impact on the transfer by the head 9. Also, depending on the mechanism of the fixing unit 63, adding or removing the fixing unit 63 may be easier in terms of work and / or cost than replacing the transfer unit 7.

[0287] The fixing unit 63A may be located upstream of the transfer unit 7A in the transport path of the media 101. The fixing unit 63A may include a heating mechanism (e.g., heater roller 59B) that does not transfer the pattern 105 from the transfer film 103 (an example of a film) to the media 101.

[0288] In this case, for example, a preheating effect can be obtained for the transfer unit 7A. Also, compared to the case where a heating mechanism is provided within the transfer unit 7A, there is a greater degree of freedom in designing the heating mechanism.

[0289] The fixing unit 63C may be located between the transfer unit 7A and the transfer unit 7B in the transport path of the media 101. The fixing unit 63C may include a mechanism (for example, a transfer heater 65) that forms a solid adhesion layer (105C) in the region of the media 101 that encompasses the region where patterns 105A and 105B are arranged.

[0290] In this case, for example, it becomes easier to improve the adhesion of patterns 105A and 105B. Also, the fixing unit 63C may have a different configuration from the transfer unit 7, which offers various advantages. For example, a transfer heater 65, which is less expensive than the head 9, can be used. Furthermore, it becomes easier to make the adhesion layer thicker than when the adhesion layer is formed by the head 9.

[0291] The fixing unit 63B may be located downstream of the transfer unit 7A in the transport path of the media 101. The fixing unit 63B may include a cooling mechanism.

[0292] In this case, the same effect as cooling after heating by the head 9A can be obtained. Furthermore, there is greater design flexibility for the cooling mechanism compared to the case where a cooling mechanism is provided within the transfer unit 7A.

[0293] In the above embodiments, printers 1 and 1I are examples of recording devices. Transfer unit 7A is an example of a first unit. Transfer unit 7B is an example of a second unit. Head 9A is an example of a first thermal head. Head 9B is an example of a second thermal head. Transfer film 103A is an example of a first film. Transfer film 103B is an example of a second film. Platen 31 of transfer unit 7A is an example of a first platen. Platen 31 of transfer unit 7B is an example of a second platen. Heater roller 59 is an example of a first heating mechanism (and heating mechanism). When heater roller 59 is provided on transfer unit 7B (not shown), heater roller 59 is an example of a second heating mechanism. Cooling roller 61 is an example of a first cooling mechanism (and cooling mechanism). When cooling roller 61 is provided on transfer unit 7B (not shown), cooling roller 61 is an example of a second cooling mechanism. The sliding portion 19b of the heat sink 19H is also an example of a first cooling mechanism (and a second cooling mechanism). The transfer heater 65 is an example of a mechanism for forming an adhesion layer.

[0294] The technology relating to this disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above and may be implemented in various ways. For example, the recording device may be a plotter. The thermal head may be driven to move in an appropriate direction.

[0295] Technical ideas different from those described in the embodiments may be extracted from this disclosure. For example, the following technical ideas may be extracted.

[0296] (Concept A) A recording device having a transfer unit that transfers a pattern from a film to a recording medium using a thermal head, and a fixing unit that adjusts the fixability of the pattern to the recording medium. The recording device of Concept A does not have to have two or more transfer units, and the two or more transfer units may have the same transfer characteristics, structure and / or control.

[0297] (Concept B) A recording device comprising: a first unit that transfers a first pattern from a first film to a recording medium using a first thermal head; a second unit that transfers a second pattern from a second film to the recording medium using a second thermal head; a transfer unit that transfers a pattern from a film to a recording medium using a thermal head; and a fixing unit that adjusts the fixability of at least one of the first pattern and the second pattern to the recording medium. In the recording device of Concept B, two or more transfer units may have the same transfer characteristics, structure and / or control.

[0298] (Concept C) A recording device comprising: a first unit having a first thermal head that generates heat for recording on a recording medium; and a second unit having a second thermal head that generates heat for recording on the recording medium, wherein the first unit and the second unit differ from each other in at least one of their structure and control. In the recording device of Concept C, the thermal head may perform recording without using a transfer film. For example, the first unit may form an image on thermal paper, and the second unit may transfer a pattern from the transfer film to the thermal paper. In other words, the number of transfer units that perform thermal transfer may be less than two.

[0299] From this disclosure, the following technical ideas for the category of methods may be extracted: (Concept D) A recording method comprising: transferring a first pattern from a first film to a recording medium by a first thermal head; and transferring a second pattern from a second film to the recording medium by a second thermal head, wherein the modes of the transfer of the first pattern and the transfer of the second pattern are different from each other.

[0300] 1...Printer (recording device), 7A...Transfer unit (first unit), 7B...Transfer unit (second unit), 9A...Head (first thermal head), 9B...Head (second thermal head), 101...Media, 103A...Transfer film (first film), 103B...Transfer film (second film), 105A...Pattern (first pattern), 105B...Pattern (second pattern).

Claims

1. A recording device comprising: a first unit that transfers a first pattern from a first film to a recording medium using a first thermal head; and a second unit that transfers a second pattern from a second film to the recording medium using a second thermal head, wherein the transfer characteristics of the first unit and the transfer characteristics of the second unit are different from each other.

2. A recording device comprising: a first unit that transfers a first pattern from a first film to a recording medium using a first thermal head; and a second unit that transfers a second pattern from a second film to the recording medium using a second thermal head, wherein the structure of the first unit and the structure of the second unit are different from each other.

3. The recording apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the manner in which the recording medium and the first film are in close contact from the position of the heating element of the first thermal head up to the position in which the recording medium and the first film are separated is different from the manner in which the recording medium and the second film are in close contact from the position of the heating element of the second thermal head up to the position in which the recording medium and the second film are peeled off.

4. When the temperature of one film is raised to 20°C, and then a 200°C object is brought into contact with only one of the two surfaces of a square region with sides of 0.085 mm on that film for 0.85 milliseconds, thereby raising the temperature of the other surface of the region, and the value obtained by dividing the temperature of the other surface by 200°C is called the heat transfer ratio, the heat transfer ratio in the first film is lower than the heat transfer ratio in the second film, and the pressure that brings the recording medium and the first film into close contact at the position of the heating element of the first thermal head is greater than the pressure that brings the recording medium and the second film into close contact at the position of the heating element of the second thermal head, as described in claim 3.

5. A recording apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first unit has a first platen that presses against the first thermal head with the recording medium and the first film in between, and the second unit has a second platen that presses against the second thermal head with the recording medium and the second film in between, and the force with which the first thermal head and the first platen press against each other is greater than the force with which the second thermal head and the second platen press against each other.

6. The recording device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the manner in which the temperature in the first unit is controlled and the manner in which the temperature in the second unit is controlled are different from each other.

7. The recording apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the time required for the same position on the recording medium to pass through the heating element of the thermal head is defined as the passage time, and after the temperature of one film is set to 20°C, the temperature of the other surface of a square region with sides of 0.085 mm on that film is raised by bringing a 200°C object into contact with only one of the two surfaces of the region for 0.85 milliseconds, and the value obtained by dividing the temperature of the other surface by 200°C is referred to as the heat transfer ratio, wherein the heat transfer ratio in the first film is lower than the heat transfer ratio in the second film, and the passage time in the first unit is longer than the passage time in the second unit.

8. The recording apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the length of the heating element of the first thermal head along the transport path of the recording medium is longer than the length of the heating element of the second thermal head along the transport path of the recording medium.

9. A recording device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the energy supplied to the heating element of the first thermal head during the transfer of one pixel is referred to as the first energy, and the energy supplied to the heating element of the second thermal head during the transfer of one pixel is referred to as the second energy, and the first energy and the second energy are different.

10. The recording device according to claim 9, wherein, after the temperature of one film is set to 20°C, the temperature of the other surface of a square region with sides of 0.085 mm on that film is increased by bringing a 200°C object into contact with only one of the two surfaces of the said region for 0.85 milliseconds, and the value obtained by dividing the temperature of the other surface by 200°C is called the heat transfer ratio, the heat transfer ratio in the first film is lower than the heat transfer ratio in the second film, and the first energy is greater than the second energy.

11. The recording apparatus according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the second unit is located downstream of the transport path of the recording medium than the first unit, and the first energy is greater than the second energy.

12. The recording device according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the first energy and the second energy are different from each other by controlling the magnitude of the voltage applied to the heating element in at least one of the first thermal head and the second thermal head, and the time for which the voltage is applied to the heating element.

13. The recording apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the first film and the second film each have a carrier film and a transferable layer that overlaps the carrier film and is transferred to the recording medium and peeled off from the carrier film, and the manner in which the transferable layer is peeled off from the carrier film in the first unit is different from the manner in which the transferable layer is peeled off from the carrier film in the second unit.

14. The recording apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the path from the position of the heating element of the first thermal head to the position where the first film and the recording medium separate is longer than the path from the position of the heating element of the second thermal head to the position where the second film and the recording medium separate.

15. The recording apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the first unit has a first heating mechanism for heating a portion of at least one of the recording medium and the first film located upstream of the heating element of the first thermal head, and the second unit does not have a second heating mechanism for heating a portion of at least one of the recording medium and the second film located upstream of the heating element of the second thermal head, or has a second heating mechanism with a heating amount smaller than that of the first heating mechanism.

16. The recording apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the first unit has a first cooling mechanism for cooling the portion of the recording medium located downstream of the heat-generating portion of the first thermal head, and the second unit does not have a second cooling mechanism for cooling the portion of the recording medium located downstream of the heat-generating portion of the second thermal head, or has a second cooling mechanism with a cooling capacity smaller than that of the first cooling mechanism.

17. The recording apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 16, further comprising a fixing unit for adjusting the fixability of at least one of the first pattern and the second pattern to the recording medium.

18. The recording apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the fixing unit is located upstream of the transport path of the recording medium from the first unit, and the fixing unit includes a heating mechanism that does not transfer a pattern from the film to the recording medium.

19. The recording apparatus according to claim 17 or 18, wherein the fixing unit is located between the first unit and the second unit in the transport path of the recording medium, and the fixing unit includes a mechanism for forming a planar adhesion layer in a region of the recording medium that includes the region in which the first pattern and the second pattern are arranged.

20. The recording apparatus according to any one of claims 17 to 19, wherein the fixing unit is located downstream of the transport path of the recording medium from the first unit, and the fixing unit includes a cooling mechanism.

Images