Printed matter and method for producing printed matter

Abstract

This printed matter comprises: a base material on a surface of which a three-dimensional pattern of recesses and projections is formed; and an ink part which is a portion formed of ink printed on the base material and printed on the pattern of recesses and projections. The pattern of recesses and projections on the base material is constituted of at least one of: a reference surface part, which is a portion constituting a reference surface, with a plurality of projecting parts formed in a shape that protrudes with respect to the reference surface part; and the reference surface part with a plurality of recessed parts formed in a shape that is recessed with respect to the reference surface part. When the ink part placed on an upper end part of at least some of the plurality of projecting parts is defined as a projecting part ink part and the ink part disposed on a bottom part of at least some of the plurality of recessed parts is defined as a recessed part ink part, the ink part is composed of the projecting part ink part and / or the recessed part ink part.

Description

Printed matter and method for manufacturing the same

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a printed matter and a method for manufacturing the same.

[0002] In recent years, the mold-making technology for resin molded products and the like has improved, and a method for providing a three-dimensional concavo-convex pattern on a substrate such as resin for decoration has been disclosed (see, for example, Patent Document 1), and articles that impart a high-class feeling even with only the substrate by the concavo-convex pattern are provided.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-68972

[0004] In some cases, it may be desirable to provide an article in which a decoration that further creates a high-class feeling or the like is imparted to the concavo-convex pattern of the substrate in the resin molded product or the like of Patent Document 1. Also, in such a case, it is desirable that the decoration be applied at as low a cost as possible.

[0005] The present disclosure solves the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a printed matter and a method for manufacturing the same that constitute an article in which further decoration is imparted to the three-dimensional concavo-convex pattern of a substrate at as low a cost as possible.

[0006] The printed matter according to the present disclosure includes a substrate having a three-dimensional concavo-convex pattern formed on its surface, and a portion formed by ink printed on the substrate, the portion including an ink portion printed on the concavo-convex pattern. The concavo-convex pattern of the substrate is formed by at least one of a reference surface portion that constitutes a reference surface, a plurality of convex portions formed in a shape protruding from the reference surface portion, and a plurality of concave portions formed in a shape recessed from the reference surface portion and the reference surface portion. When an ink portion placed on the upper end portion of at least some of the plurality of convex portions is defined as a convex portion ink portion, and an ink portion disposed at the bottom of at least some of the plurality of concave portions is defined as a concave portion ink portion, the ink portion is constituted by at least one of the convex portion ink portion and the concave portion ink portion.

[0007] [[ID=二十一]] The method for manufacturing a printed matter according to the present disclosure is a manufacturing method having the above-described configuration, and includes a molding step of a substrate having a concavo-convex pattern, and a printing step in which ink is placed by printing on the upper end portion of at least some of the plurality of convex portions to form an ink portion.

[0008] The method for manufacturing printed materials according to this disclosure is a method for manufacturing the above-described configuration, comprising: a molding step of a substrate having an uneven pattern; and a printing step of placing ink on the bottom of at least some of the recesses by printing to form an ink portion.

[0009] The method for manufacturing printed materials according to this disclosure is a method for manufacturing the above-described configuration, comprising: a molding step of a substrate having an uneven pattern; and a printing step in which ink is placed by printing on the upper ends of at least some of the protrusions and on the bottoms of at least some of the recesses to form an inked portion.

[0010] According to this disclosure, a printed material comprises a substrate having a three-dimensional embossed pattern formed on its surface, and a portion composed of ink printed on the substrate, the ink portion being printed on the embossed pattern. The embossed pattern of the substrate is formed by at least one of a reference surface portion that constitutes a reference surface, a plurality of protrusions formed in a shape that protrudes from the reference surface portion, and a plurality of recesses formed in a shape that is recessed from the reference surface portion. When the ink portion placed on the upper end of at least some of the protrusions is called the protrusion ink portion, and the ink portion placed at the bottom of at least some of the recesses is called the recess ink portion, the ink portion is composed of at least one of the protrusion ink portion and the recess ink portion. By having an ink portion printed on the embossed pattern, the printed material can be further decorated on the three-dimensional embossed pattern of the substrate at the lowest possible cost.

[0011] This is a schematic enlarged perspective view showing an example of a printed material according to Embodiment 1. This is a schematic enlarged plan view showing an example of a printed material according to Embodiment 1. This is a schematic enlarged cross-sectional view showing an example of a printed material according to Embodiment 1. This is a schematic enlarged perspective view showing an example of a printed material according to Embodiment 2. This is a schematic enlarged plan view showing an example of a printed material according to Embodiment 2. This is a schematic enlarged cross-sectional view showing an example of a printed material according to Embodiment 2. This is a schematic enlarged perspective view showing an example of a printed material according to Embodiment 3. This is a schematic enlarged plan view showing an example of a printed material according to Embodiment 3. This is a schematic enlarged cross-sectional view showing an example of a printed material according to Embodiment 3. This is a schematic enlarged perspective view showing an example of a printed material according to Embodiment 4. This is a schematic enlarged plan view showing an example of a printed material according to Embodiment 4. This is a schematic enlarged cross-sectional view showing an example of a printed material according to Embodiment 4. This is a schematic enlarged perspective view showing an example of a printed material according to Embodiment 5. This is a schematic enlarged plan view showing an example of a printed material according to Embodiment 5. This is a schematic enlarged cross-sectional view showing an example of a printed material according to Embodiment 5. This is a schematic enlarged perspective view showing an example of a printed material according to Embodiment 6. This is a schematic enlarged plan view showing an example of a printed material according to Embodiment 6. This is a schematic enlarged cross-sectional view showing an example of a printed material according to Embodiment 6. This is a side view showing an example of a printing apparatus according to Embodiment 7. This is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a printing pad provided in the printing apparatus according to Embodiment 7. This is a schematic diagram showing an example of a method for manufacturing a printed material using the printing apparatus according to Embodiment 7. This is a schematic diagram showing another example of a method for manufacturing a printed material using the printing apparatus according to Embodiment 7. This is a schematic diagram showing another example of a method for manufacturing a printed material using the printing apparatus according to Embodiment 7.

[0012] The printed material and the method for manufacturing the printed material according to the embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that in the following drawings, including Figure 1, the relative dimensions and shapes of each component may differ from those of the actual components. Also, in the following drawings, components with the same reference numerals are the same or equivalent, and this is consistent throughout the entire specification. In addition, terms indicating direction (e.g., top, bottom, left, right, front, back, front and back) will be used as appropriate to facilitate understanding, but these notations are for the convenience of explanation and do not limit the arrangement, direction, and orientation of the devices, instruments, or parts.

[0013] Embodiment 1. [Printed Material 100] Figure 1 is a schematic enlarged perspective view showing an example of printed material 100 according to Embodiment 1. Figure 2 is a schematic enlarged plan view showing an example of printed material 100 according to Embodiment 1. Figure 3 is a schematic enlarged cross-sectional view showing an example of printed material 100 according to Embodiment 1. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the printed material 100 shown in Figure 2 at the position A-A, viewed in the direction of the arrow. As shown in Figures 1 to 3, printed material 100 is an article on which printing is applied to the surface of a base material 10.

[0014] Printed material 100 is, for example, an article decorated with a three-dimensional, embossed pattern such as a so-called textured surface. When forming this three-dimensional textured pattern, for example, texture processing is used. When molding or pressing plastic or metal that makes up an article, the process of creating a fine pattern (embossing) on ​​the surface of the mold (casting mold or press mold) and transferring that pattern to the molded product is called "textured surface processing," and that pattern is called "texture." In other words, texture processing is a surface treatment that physically creates a wrinkled pattern (texture).

[0015] Patterns include, for example, leather (scales), pearlescent, wood grain, rock grain, sand grain, fabric grain and silk grain (fabric patterns), and geometric patterns. Furthermore, by applying embossed patterns to an item, value such as aesthetic appeal or functionality can be added to the exterior of the item. For example, by applying embossed patterns to an item, its appearance can be changed to give it a luxurious feel, its texture can be altered to improve its tactile feel, it can prevent slipping, and it can make dirt (fingerprints) and scratches less noticeable.

[0016] The printed material 100 comprises a substrate 10 having a three-dimensional embossed pattern 121 formed on its surface, and an ink portion 20 formed by ink printed on the substrate 10, with the ink portion 20 printed on the embossed pattern 121. The printed material 100 forms a decorative layer to which various designs such as characters, figures, patterns, images, and color coding are applied by the decoration of the embossed pattern 121 and the decoration of the ink portion 20. The substrate 10 is printed directly or indirectly by the ink portion 20.

[0017] (Base material 10) The base material 10 is mainly a product of synthetic resin such as plastic, but is not limited to resin products, and may be a product of other materials such as metal products. The base material 10 may be a block-shaped member, a plate-shaped member, or a thin film-like member. Furthermore, the base material 10 may be not only a flat member but also a three-dimensional curved member.

[0018] The base material 10 has a three-dimensional embossed pattern 121 formed on its surface. The embossed pattern 121 constitutes a three-dimensional embossed pattern decoration such as the grain described above. For example, the embossed pattern 121 constitutes the leather (scales), pear skin, wood grain, rock grain, sand grain, cloth grain, and silk grain (cloth pattern) described above. By applying the embossed pattern 121 to the base material 10, as described above, the appearance of the item can be changed to give it a luxurious feel, the texture can be changed to improve the feel, it can prevent slipping, and it can make dirt (fingerprints) and scratches less noticeable.

[0019] The uneven pattern 121 of the base material 10 is formed by at least one of a reference surface portion 11 which constitutes a reference surface, a plurality of protrusions 12 formed in a shape that protrudes from the reference surface portion 11, and a plurality of recesses 13 (see Figure 7) formed in a shape that is recessed from the reference surface portion 11. The reference surface portion 11 is formed in a planar or curved shape. In addition, the reference surface portion 11 may have three-dimensional uneven portions other than the protrusions 12 and recesses 13. In the printed material 100 according to Embodiment 1, as shown in Figures 1 to 3, the uneven pattern 121 of the base material 10 is formed by the reference surface portion 11 of the base material 10 and the plurality of protrusions 12 of the base material 10.

[0020] In Figure 2, the protrusion 12 is formed in a rectangular shape in plan view, but the shape of the protrusion 12 is not limited to this shape. The protrusion 12 can be formed three-dimensionally, and for example, when viewed perpendicular to the base material 10, it may be formed in a square, circular, or polygonal shape, or it may be formed in a shape other than a rectangle, such as a specific pattern or letters. Also, when viewed perpendicular to the base material 10, the protrusion 12 may be formed in a straight line or a curved shape. Furthermore, the upper end portion 12a of the protrusion 12 may be formed in a flat shape or a curved shape. In addition, the upper end portion 12a of the protrusion 12 may have a three-dimensional uneven surface.

[0021] (Ink portion 20) The ink portion 20 is the part of the printed material 100 where ink is placed. The ink portion 20 is the part made up of ink printed on the substrate 10. The ink portion 20 is the part formed by the printed ink being placed on the substrate 10. The ink portion 20 is the part that forms an ink film on the substrate 10. The ink portion 20 is printed on the uneven pattern 121 of the substrate 10.

[0022] The ink unit 20 is formed by printing. The ink unit 20 may be formed by granular printing, such as so-called dots, or by so-called solid printing. Solid printing is a type of printing that completely fills a predetermined printing area on the surface to be printed with ink without any gaps.

[0023] The ink portion 20 is printed only on the embossed pattern 121. The ink portion 20 is printed only on the convex portion 12 that constitute the embossed pattern 121 (see Figure 1). Alternatively, the ink portion 20 is printed only on the concave portion 13 that constitute the embossed pattern 121 (see Figure 7). Alternatively, the ink portion 20 is printed only on the convex portion 12 and concave portion 13 that constitute the embossed pattern 121 (see Figure 13). The ink portion 20 is not printed on the reference surface portion 11.

[0024] The ink portion 20 is printed on at least a portion of the multiple protrusions 12 (see Figure 4). That is, the ink portion 20 is printed on some or all of the multiple protrusions 12. Alternatively, the ink portion 20 is printed on at least a portion of the multiple recesses 13 (see Figure 10). That is, the ink portion 20 is printed on some or all of the multiple recesses 13. Alternatively, the ink portion 20 is printed on at least a portion of the multiple protrusions 12 and at least a portion of the multiple recesses 13 (see Figure 16).

[0025] The ink unit 20 constitutes decorations such as patterns in the printed material 100. The ink unit 20 constitutes decorations printed on the raised and recessed pattern 121 of the substrate 10. The ink unit 20 adds further decorations such as patterns to the raised and recessed pattern 121 of the substrate 10 that constitutes the decoration. The decorations by the ink unit 20 constitute various designs such as letters, figures, colors, and patterns. The decorations by the ink unit 20 add further decorations to the decorations by the raised and recessed pattern 121. For example, the patterns etc. composed by the ink unit 20 constitute different patterns etc. from the patterns etc. composed by the raised and recessed pattern 121.

[0026] Of the multiple protrusions 12, the ink portion 20 placed on the upper end portion 12a of at least some of the protrusions 12 is defined as the protrusion ink portion 20a. In the printed material 100 according to Embodiment 1, the protrusion ink portion 20a is placed on the upper end portion 12a of all of the multiple protrusions 12. In the printed material 100 according to Embodiment 1, the ink portion 20 is composed of the protrusion ink portion 20a.

[0027] Furthermore, the ink portion 20 in the printed material 100 is composed of at least one of a raised ink portion 20a (see Figure 1) and a recessed ink portion 20b (see Figure 7).

[0028] [Effects of the printed material 100] The printed material 100 comprises a base material 10 having a three-dimensional embossed pattern 121 formed on its surface, and an ink portion 20 formed by ink printed on the base material 10, which is printed on the embossed pattern 121. The embossed pattern 121 of the base material 10 is formed by at least one of a reference surface portion 11 which constitutes a reference surface, a plurality of protrusions 12 formed in a shape that protrudes from the reference surface portion 11, and a plurality of recesses 13 formed in a shape that is recessed from the reference surface portion 11. Of the plurality of protrusions 12, the ink portion 20 placed on the upper end portion 12a of at least some of the protrusions 12 is called the protrusion ink portion 20a, and of the plurality of recesses 13, the ink portion 20 placed on the bottom portion 13a of at least some of the recesses 13 is called the recess ink portion 20b. The ink portion 20 is composed of at least one of the protrusion ink portion 20a and the recess ink portion 20b.

[0029] The printed material 100, with the above configuration, has an ink portion 20 printed on the embossed pattern 121, thereby adding further decoration to the three-dimensional embossed pattern 121 of the base material 10 at the lowest possible cost. For example, the embossed pattern 121 of the base material 10 can give the printed material 100 a sense of luxury even when the base material 10 is used alone. The printed material 100 can be given an even greater sense of luxury than the embossed pattern 121 alone can be given by the decoration of the embossed pattern 121 with the ink portion 20 through printing. The printed material 100 can exhibit a synergistic effect in terms of decoration such as a sense of luxury, between the decoration by the embossed pattern 121 and the decoration by the printed ink portion 20. Furthermore, since decoration by printing can be done at a relatively low cost, the printed material 100, with the above configuration, can add further decoration to the three-dimensional embossed pattern 121 of the base material 10 at the lowest possible cost.

[0030] Furthermore, the ink portion 20 constitutes a decoration printed on the embossed pattern 121 of the substrate 10. The printed material 100 can achieve a synergistic effect between the decoration by the embossed pattern 121 and the decoration by the printed ink portion 20, in terms of decoration such as a sense of luxury.

[0031] Furthermore, the uneven pattern 121 of the base material 10 is formed by a reference surface portion 11 and a plurality of protrusions 12. The ink portion 20 is composed of protrusion ink portions 20a. With the above configuration, the printed material 100 has protrusion ink portions 20a printed on the uneven pattern 121, thereby adding further decoration to the three-dimensional uneven pattern 121 of the base material 10 at the lowest possible cost. Regarding decoration such as a sense of luxury, the printed material 100 can achieve a synergistic effect between the decoration by the uneven pattern 121 and the decoration by the printed protrusion ink portions 20a.

[0032] Furthermore, the raised ink portion 20a is placed on the upper end portion 12a of all of the multiple raised portions 12. With the above configuration, the printed material 100 has raised ink portions 20a printed on the raised pattern 121, which allows for further decoration of the three-dimensional raised pattern 121 of the base material 10 at the lowest possible cost. Regarding decoration such as a sense of luxury, the printed material 100 can achieve a synergistic effect between the decoration by the raised pattern 121 and the decoration by the printed raised ink portion 20a.

[0033] Furthermore, the base material 10 is, for example, a synthetic resin. In recent years, mold manufacturing technology has improved, and when the base material 10 is a synthetic resin, it is possible to form a complex pattern of raised and recessed areas 121 on the base material 10 by, for example, injection molding.

[0034] Embodiment 2. Figure 4 is a schematic enlarged perspective view showing an example of the printed material 100 according to Embodiment 2. Figure 5 is a schematic enlarged plan view showing an example of the printed material 100 according to Embodiment 2. Figure 6 is a schematic enlarged cross-sectional view showing an example of the printed material 100 according to Embodiment 2. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the printed material 100 shown in Figure 5 at the position of line B-B, viewed in the direction of the arrow. As shown in Figures 4 to 6, the printed material 100 is an article on which printing is applied to the surface of a base material 10.

[0035] Components having the same function and operation as the printed material 100 according to Embodiment 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted. Hereinafter, the configuration of Embodiment 2 will be described using Figures 4 to 6, etc., focusing on the differences from Embodiment 1. Components not described in Embodiment 2 are the same as those in Embodiment 1. The arrangement of the ink section 20 in the printed material 100 according to Embodiment 2 differs from that of the printed material 100 in Embodiment 1.

[0036] As shown in Figures 4 to 6, in the printed material 100 according to Embodiment 2, the raised ink portion 20a is placed on the upper end portion 12a of some of the multiple raised portions 12. As described above, in the printed material 100 according to Embodiment 1, the raised ink portion 20a is placed on the upper end portion 12a of all of the multiple raised portions 12. In contrast, the printed material 100 according to Embodiment 2 has raised portions 12 on which the raised ink portion 20a is placed, and raised portions 12 on which the raised ink portion 20a is not placed.

[0037] [Effects of the printed material 100] In the printed material 100 according to Embodiment 2, the raised ink portion 20a is placed on the upper end portion 12a of some of the multiple raised portions 12. With the above configuration, the printed material 100 has raised ink portions 20a printed on the raised pattern 121, which allows for further decoration of the three-dimensional raised pattern 121 of the base material 10 at the lowest possible cost. With regard to decoration such as a sense of luxury, the printed material 100 can exhibit a synergistic effect between the decoration by the raised pattern 121 and the decoration by the printed raised ink portion 20a.

[0038] The printed material 100, having both raised portions 12 on which the raised ink portion 20a is placed and raised portions 12 on which the raised ink portion 20a is not placed, can express more complex patterns and the like compared to the case where the raised ink portion 20a is placed on all of the raised portions 12. Furthermore, since the printed material 100 according to Embodiment 2 includes the configuration of the printed material 100 of Embodiment 1, it can achieve the same effects as the printed material 100 of Embodiment 1.

[0039] Embodiment 3. Figure 7 is a schematic enlarged perspective view showing an example of the printed material 100 according to Embodiment 3. Figure 8 is a schematic enlarged plan view showing an example of the printed material 100 according to Embodiment 3. Figure 9 is a schematic enlarged cross-sectional view showing an example of the printed material 100 according to Embodiment 3. Note that Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of the printed material 100 shown in Figure 8 at the position of line C-C, viewed in the direction of the arrow. As shown in Figures 7 to 9, the printed material 100 is an article on which printing is applied to the surface of a base material 10.

[0040] Components having the same function and operation as those in the printed material 100 according to Embodiment 1 or Embodiment 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted. Hereinafter, the configuration of Embodiment 3 will be described using Figures 7 to 9, focusing on the differences from Embodiments 1 and 2. Components not described in Embodiment 3 are the same as those in Embodiments 1 or 2. The configuration of the embossed pattern 121 in the printed material 100 according to Embodiment 3 differs from that of the printed material 100 in Embodiments 1 and 2.

[0041] The substrate 10 has a three-dimensional uneven pattern 121 formed on its surface. The uneven pattern 121 of the substrate 10 is formed by at least one of a reference surface portion 11 and a plurality of protrusions 12 (see Figure 1) formed in a shape that protrudes from the reference surface portion 11, and a plurality of recesses 13 formed in a shape that is recessed from the reference surface portion 11. In the printed material 100 according to Embodiment 3, the uneven pattern 121 of the substrate 10 is formed by the reference surface portion 11 of the substrate 10 and the plurality of recesses 13 of the substrate 10.

[0042] In FIG. 8, the concave portion 13 is formed in a rectangular shape in a plan view, but the shape of the concave portion 13 is not limited to this shape. The concave portion 13 only needs to be formed three-dimensionally. For example, when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the base material 10, it may be formed in a square shape, a circular shape, or a polygonal shape, or may be formed in other shapes other than a rectangle, such as a specific pattern or character. Also, the concave portion 13 may be formed in a linear shape or a curved shape when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the base material 10. Further, the bottom portion 13a of the concave portion 13 may be formed in a flat shape or a curved surface shape. Also, the bottom portion 13a of the concave portion 13 may have three-dimensional concavo-convex portions.

[0043] The ink portion 20 is a portion formed by the ink printed on the base material 10. The ink portion 20 is printed on the concavo-convex pattern 121 of the base material 10. Among the plurality of concave portions 13, the ink portion 20 disposed on the bottom portion 13a of at least a part of the concave portions 13 is defined as the concave ink portion 20b.

[0044] In the printed matter 100 according to Embodiment 3, the concave ink portion 20b is disposed on the bottom portion 13a of all of the plurality of concave portions 13. In the printed matter 100 according to Embodiment 3, the ink portion 20 is constituted by the concave ink portion 20b. Note that the ink portion 20 in the printed matter 100 is constituted by at least one of the convex ink portion 20a (see FIG. 1) and the concave ink portion 20b (see FIG. 7) as described above.

[0045] [Function and Effect of the Printed Matter 100] In the printed matter 100 according to Embodiment 3, the concavo-convex pattern 121 of the base material 10 is formed by the reference surface portion 11 and the plurality of concave portions 13. The ink portion 20 is constituted by the concave ink portion 20b. With the above configuration, the printed matter 100 can impart further decoration to the three-dimensional concavo-convex pattern 121 of the base material 10 at a relatively low cost by having the concave ink portion 20b printed on the concavo-convex pattern 121. The printed matter 100 can exhibit a synergistic effect between the decoration by the concavo-convex pattern 121 and the decoration by the printed concave ink portion 20b with respect to decorations such as a high-class feeling.

[0046] Further, the recess ink portions 20b are arranged at the bottoms 13a of all the recesses 13 of the plurality of recesses 13. With the above configuration, the printed matter 100 has the recess ink portions 20b printed on the concavo-convex pattern 121, so that further decoration can be imparted to the three-dimensional concavo-convex pattern 121 of the base material 10 at a relatively low cost. Regarding decoration such as a sense of luxury, the printed matter 100 can exhibit a synergistic effect between the decoration by the concavo-convex pattern 121 and the decoration by the printed recess ink portions 20b. Since the printed matter 100 according to Embodiment 3 includes the configuration of the printed matter 100 according to Embodiment 1, it can exhibit the same effects as the printed matter 100 according to Embodiment 1.

[0047] Embodiment 4. FIGS. 10 to 12 are enlarged perspective views, enlarged plan views, and enlarged cross-sectional views schematically showing an example of the printed matter 100 according to Embodiment 4, respectively. Note that FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken in the arrow direction of the cross-section at the position of line D-D of the printed matter 100 shown in FIG. 11. As shown in FIGS. 10 to 12, the printed matter 100 is an article obtained by printing on the surface of the base material 10.

[0048] Components having the same functions and operations as those of the printed matter 100 according to Embodiments 1 to 3 are denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted. Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 10 to 12 and the like, the configuration of Embodiment 4 will be described focusing on the differences from Embodiments 1 to 3. The configuration not described in Embodiment 4 is the same as that in Embodiments 1 to 3. The printed matter 100 according to Embodiment 4 is different from the printed matter 100 according to Embodiment 3 in the arrangement of the ink portions 20.

[0049] As shown in Figures 10 to 12, in the printed material 100 according to Embodiment 4, the recessed ink portion 20b is located at the bottom 13a of some of the recesses 13 among the plurality of recesses 13. As described above, in the printed material 100 according to Embodiment 3, the recessed ink portion 20b is located at the bottom 13a of all of the plurality of recesses 13. In contrast, the printed material 100 according to Embodiment 4 has recesses 13 in which the recessed ink portion 20b is located, and recesses 13 in which the recessed ink portion 20b is not located.

[0050] [Effects of the printed material 100] In the printed material 100 according to Embodiment 4, the recessed ink portion 20b is arranged at the bottom 13a of some of the recesses 13 among the plurality of recesses 13. With the above configuration, the printed material 100 has recessed ink portions 20b printed on the embossed pattern 121, which allows for further decoration of the three-dimensional embossed pattern 121 of the substrate 10 at the lowest possible cost. Regarding decoration such as a sense of luxury, the printed material 100 can exhibit a synergistic effect between the decoration by the embossed pattern 121 and the decoration by the printed recessed ink portion 20b.

[0051] The printed material 100, having recesses 13 on which the recessed ink portion 20b is placed and recesses 13 on which the recessed ink portion 20b is not placed, can express more complex patterns and the like compared to the case where the recessed ink portion 20b is placed in all recesses 13. Furthermore, since the printed material 100 according to Embodiment 4 includes the configuration of the printed material 100 of Embodiment 1, it can achieve the same effects as the printed material 100 of Embodiment 1.

[0052] Embodiment 5. Figure 13 is a schematic enlarged perspective view showing an example of a printed material 100 according to Embodiment 5. Figure 14 is a schematic enlarged plan view showing an example of a printed material 100 according to Embodiment 5. Figure 15 is a schematic enlarged cross-sectional view showing an example of a printed material 100 according to Embodiment 5. Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view of the cross section of the printed material 100 shown in Figure 14 at the E-E line position, viewed in the direction of the arrow. As shown in Figures 13 to 15, the printed material 100 is an article on which printing is applied to the surface of a base material 10.

[0053] Components having the same function and operation as those in the printed material 100 according to Embodiments 1 to 4 are denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted. Hereinafter, the configuration of Embodiment 5 will be described using Figures 13 to 15, etc., focusing on the differences from Embodiments 1 to 4. Components not described in Embodiment 5 are the same as those in Embodiments 1 to 4. The configuration of the embossed pattern 121 in the printed material 100 according to Embodiment 5 differs from that of the printed material 100 in Embodiments 1 to 4.

[0054] The base material 10 has a three-dimensional uneven pattern 121 formed on its surface. The uneven pattern 121 of the base material 10 is formed by both a reference surface portion 11 which constitutes a reference surface and a plurality of protrusions 12 (see Figure 1) which are formed to protrude from the reference surface portion 11, and a plurality of recesses 13 which are formed to be recessed from the reference surface portion 11. In the printed material 100 according to Embodiment 5, the uneven pattern 121 of the base material 10 is formed by the reference surface portion 11 of the base material 10 and a plurality of protrusions 12 of the base material 10, and the reference surface portion 11 of the base material 10 and a plurality of recesses 13 of the base material 10.

[0055] The ink portion 20 is a part made up of ink printed on the substrate 10. The ink portion 20 is printed on the raised and recessed pattern 121 of the substrate 10. The ink portion 20 is composed of a raised ink portion 20a and a recessed ink portion 20b.

[0056] In the printed material 100 according to Embodiment 5, the raised ink portion 20a is placed on the upper end portion 12a of all of the multiple raised portions 12. Also, in the printed material 100 according to Embodiment 5, the recessed ink portion 20b is placed on the bottom portion 13a of all of the multiple recessed portions 13.

[0057] [Effects of the printed material 100] In the printed material 100 according to Embodiment 5, the uneven pattern 121 of the base material 10 is formed by a reference surface portion 11 and a plurality of protrusions 12, and a reference surface portion 11 and a plurality of recesses 13. The ink portion 20 is composed of a protrusion ink portion 20a and a recess ink portion 20b. With the above configuration, the printed material 100 has a protrusion ink portion 20a and a recess ink portion 20b printed on the uneven pattern 121, thereby providing further decoration to the three-dimensional uneven pattern 121 of the base material 10 at the lowest possible cost. With regard to decoration such as a sense of luxury, the printed material 100 can exhibit a synergistic effect between the decoration by the uneven pattern 121 and the decoration by the printed protrusion ink portion 20a and recess ink portion 20b.

[0058] Furthermore, with the above configuration, the printed material 100 has raised ink portions 20a and recessed ink portions 20b printed on the raised pattern 121, thereby allowing for further decoration of the three-dimensional raised pattern 121 of the base material 10 at the lowest possible cost. Regarding decoration such as a sense of luxury, the printed material 100 can achieve a synergistic effect between the decoration by the raised pattern 121 and the decoration by the printed raised ink portions 20a and recessed ink portions 20b.

[0059] Furthermore, the printed material 100, with the above configuration, can express more complex patterns and the like compared to the case where the ink portion 20 is placed on either the convex portion 12 or the concave portion 13. Note that the printed material 100 according to Embodiment 5 includes the configuration of the printed material 100 of Embodiment 1, and therefore can achieve the same effects as the printed material 100 of Embodiment 1.

[0060] Embodiment 6. Figure 16 is a schematic enlarged perspective view showing an example of a printed material 100 according to Embodiment 6. Figure 17 is a schematic enlarged plan view showing an example of a printed material 100 according to Embodiment 6. Figure 18 is a schematic enlarged cross-sectional view showing an example of a printed material 100 according to Embodiment 6. Note that Figure 18 is a cross-sectional view of the printed material 100 shown in Figure 17 at the position of line F-F, viewed in the direction of the arrow. As shown in Figures 16 to 18, the printed material 100 is an article on which printing is applied to the surface of a base material 10.

[0061] Components having the same function and operation as those in the printed material 100 according to Embodiments 1 to 5 are denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted. Hereinafter, the configuration of Embodiment 6 will be described using Figures 16 to 18, etc., focusing on the differences from Embodiments 1 to 5. Components not described in Embodiment 6 are the same as those in Embodiments 1 to 5. The printed material 100 according to Embodiment 6 differs from the printed material 100 of Embodiment 5 in the arrangement of the ink section 20.

[0062] As shown in Figures 16 to 18, in the printed material 100 according to Embodiment 6, the raised ink portion 20a is placed on the upper end portion 12a of some of the multiple raised portions 12. As described above, in the printed material 100 according to Embodiment 5, the raised ink portion 20a is placed on the upper end portion 12a of all of the multiple raised portions 12. In contrast, the printed material 100 according to Embodiment 6 has raised portions 12 on which the raised ink portion 20a is placed, and raised portions 12 on which the raised ink portion 20a is not placed.

[0063] As shown in Figures 16 to 18, in the printed material 100 according to Embodiment 6, the recessed ink portion 20b is located at the bottom 13a of some of the recesses 13 among the plurality of recesses 13. As described above, in the printed material 100 according to Embodiment 5, the recessed ink portion 20b is located at the bottom 13a of all of the plurality of recesses 13. In contrast, the printed material 100 according to Embodiment 6 has recesses 13 in which the recessed ink portion 20b is located, and recesses 13 in which the recessed ink portion 20b is not located.

[0064] In the printed material 100 of Embodiment 6, the raised ink portion 20a may be placed on the upper end portion 12a of at least some of the multiple raised portions 12. Also, in the printed material 100 of Embodiment 6, the recessed ink portion 20b may be placed on the bottom portion 13a of at least some of the multiple recessed portions 13. In other words, as shown in Embodiment 5, the raised ink portion 20a may be placed on the upper end portion 12a of all of the multiple raised portions 12, and the recessed ink portion 20b may be placed on the bottom portion 13a of all of the multiple recessed portions 13.

[0065] [Effects of the printed material 100] In the printed material 100 according to Embodiment 6, the raised ink portion 20a is placed on the upper end portion 12a of at least some of the raised portions 12 of the plurality of raised portions 12, and the recessed ink portion 20b is placed on the bottom portion 13a of at least some of the recessed portions 13 of the plurality of recessed portions 13. With the above configuration, the printed material 100 can express more complex patterns and the like compared to the case where the ink portion 20 is placed on all of the raised portions 12 or all of the recessed portions 13. Furthermore, since the printed material 100 according to Embodiment 6 includes the configuration of the printed material 100 of Embodiment 1, it can exhibit the same effects as the printed material 100 of Embodiment 1.

[0066] Embodiment 7. Figure 19 is a side view showing an example of a printing apparatus 200 according to Embodiment 7. Figure 20 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a printing pad 30 provided in the printing apparatus 200 according to Embodiment 7. Figure 20 shows a cross-section passing through the top 36 of the printing pad 30 and perpendicular to the plane 33 of the support member 37 to which the base body 35 is fixed. An example of a printing apparatus 200 that prints on a substrate 10 and a method for manufacturing a printed product 100 will be described using Figures 19 and 20. Components that have the same function and operation as the printed product 100 according to Embodiments 1 to 6 are denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted. Components not described in Embodiment 7 are the same as those in Embodiments 1 to 6.

[0067] [Printing device 200] The printing device 200 is a device that first transfers ink 25 from a printing plate 50 to a printing pad 30 made of an elastic silicone pad or the like, and then performs a second transfer to the material to be printed. Note that the configuration of the printing device 200 described using Figures 19 and 20 is an example and is not limited to the illustrated configuration.

[0068] [Printing Pad 30] The printing apparatus 200 includes a printing pad 30. The printing pad 30 is used to transfer ink 25 (see Figure 20) on the printing plate 50 to the printing surface of the substrate 10. The printing pad 30 shown in Figure 20 is formed in a substantially hemispherical shape, for example. The shape of the printing pad 30 is not limited to this, and its shape can be changed as appropriate according to the specifications of the substrate 10 (see Figure 1) having a printing surface. The shape of the printing pad 30 can be, for example, a bullet shape, a shape having a curved surface formed by rotating a parabola around its axis of symmetry, a shape such as a part cut from an ellipsoid, or a shape obtained by continuously extending a bullet shape or semicircular cross section in a straight line.

[0069] The printing pad 30 is provided with a top portion 36 that first contacts the substrate 10 or printing plate 50, and the top portion 36 is composed of a dot or a line. This prevents air from being trapped between the printing surface 34 and the substrate 10 or printing plate 50 when the printing pad 30 is pressed against the substrate 10 or printing plate 50. With this configuration, the printing pad 30 can prevent gaps from occurring in the printed image applied to the substrate 10. For example, a predetermined area of ​​the surface of the printing pad 30, centered on the top portion 36, becomes the printing surface 34 that transfers ink 25 from the printing plate 50 and transfers it to the substrate 10.

[0070] The printing pad 30 comprises a base body 35 and a support member 37. The base body 35 is constructed, for example, by molding silicone rubber. The base body 35 is elastic (flexible) and contains silicone oil to facilitate deformation. In Figure 20, the base body 35 is formed in a substantially hemispherical shape, but its shape can be appropriately changed depending on the specifications of the base material 10, etc.

[0071] The base body 35 deforms when the printing pad 30 is pressed against the printing plate 50, transferring the ink 25 placed on the mounting surface 51 of the printing plate 50 to the printing surface 34. The ink 25 placed on the mounting surface 51 of the printing plate 50 is arranged to correspond to the pattern to be printed on the substrate 10, forming a printed pattern corresponding to the pattern. The material of the base body 35 is not limited as long as it can transfer the ink 25 to the printing surface when the printing pad 30 is pressed against the printing surface.

[0072] The base body 35 may be formed from two materials with different hardnesses. For example, as shown in Figure 20, the base body 35 of the printing pad 30 may comprise an inner layer 31 and an outer layer 32 covering the surface of the inner layer 31. In this case, for example, the material of the outer layer 32 that constitutes the portion close to the printing surface 34 is set to an Asker C hardness of 5 to 20 points. The material constituting the inner layer 31, which is inside the outer layer 32, is set to an Asker C hardness of 20 to 40 points. The inner layer 31 is located on the side of the outer layer 32 that is subjected to the force that presses the printing surface 34 against the surface to be printed during printing, and as a whole, it is located closer to the support member 37 than the outer layer 32.

[0073] The support member 37 is connected to the vertical movement device 41 and is the part that transmits the force from the vertical movement device 41 to the printing pad 30. In Figure 20, the upper part of the base body 35 is set to an Asker C hardness of 20 to 40 points, and the lower part of the base body 35 (the side where the top 36 is located) is set to an Asker C hardness in the range of 5 to 20 points.

[0074] In order for the printing pad 30 to deform and conform to the printing surface, it is desirable that the hardness of the printing pad 30 be set low. Therefore, the hardness of the part of the printing pad 30 that is pressed against the substrate 10 on the printing surface 34 side is set lower than the hardness of the upper part. With this configuration, the overall shape of the printing pad 30 is more easily maintained. At the same time, the outer layer 32 that is pressed directly against the printing surface has the advantage of being easily deformed to conform to the three-dimensional shape of the printing surface. However, the hardness of each part of the base body 35 is not limited to the hardness described above.

[0075] [Vertical Movement Device 41] The printing device 200 is equipped with a vertical movement device 41. The vertical movement device 41 moves the printing pad 30 vertically and linearly.

[0076] The printing pad 30 moves up and down by the vertical movement device 41 of the printing device 200, and the printing surface 34 is pressed against the printing plate 50 on which the ink 25 is placed. The ink 25 on the printing plate 50 adheres to the pressed printing surface 34. Subsequently, the printing pad 30 moves horizontally by the horizontal movement device 42 and up and down by the vertical movement device 41 of the printing device 200, and the printing surface 34 is pressed against the uneven pattern 121 (see Figure 1) of the substrate 10, which will be the surface to be printed. The ink 25 that adhered to the printing surface 34 adheres to the uneven pattern 121 of the substrate 10. In the printed material 100, the pattern on the printing plate 50 is transferred by the ink 25 onto the uneven pattern 121 of the substrate 10, and the ink portion 20 is formed on the uneven pattern 121 of the substrate 10.

[0077] [Horizontal Movement Device 42] The printing apparatus 200 is equipped with a horizontal movement device 42. The horizontal movement device 42 moves the printing pad 30 and the vertical movement device 41 in the horizontal direction. The printing pad 30 is moved by the horizontal movement device 42 to be above the substrate 10, as well as the cleaning device 60, the activation device 61, the air blow device 62, and the printing plate 50. The printing pad 30 moves up and down by the vertical movement device 41, and the printing surface 34 is pressed against the substrate 10, the cleaning device 60, the activation device 61, or the printing plate 50, respectively.

[0078] The printing apparatus 200 shown in Figure 19 has, from left to right, a printing stage 87 on which the substrate 10 is placed, a surface treatment stage 86 equipped with a cleaning device 60, and a printing plate stage 85 on which the printing plate 50 is placed. The printing stage 87 has the substrate 10 placed on it and a blower 66 installed thereon. The surface treatment stage 86 is equipped with a cleaning device 60, an activation device 61, an air blow device 62, etc. The printing plate stage 85 is equipped with the printing plate 50 and an ink placement device 63, etc.

[0079] In the printing apparatus 200, the printing stage 87, surface treatment stage 86, and printing plate stage 85, etc., can be freely arranged and their arrangement can be changed as appropriate to suit the needs of the operator or the location where the printing apparatus 200 is installed. In addition, the cleaning device 60, activation device 61, air blow device 62, blower 66, and blower 66A of the printing apparatus 200 may not be installed in the printing apparatus 200.

[0080] For example, the printing pad 30 moves between the stages such as the printing stage 87, the surface treatment stage 86, and the printing plate stage 85 by the horizontal moving device 42 described above. The printing method described above by the printing device 200 is just one example, and printing may be performed by other methods. For example, the printing device 200 may have the printing pad 30 fixed, and printing may be performed by moving the stages and devices such as the printing stage 87, the surface treatment stage 86, and the printing plate stage 85 up and down. In other words, the arrangement and movement method of the devices constituting the printing device 200 described above is just one example, and is not limited to the above arrangement and method.

[0081] [Blower 66] A blower 66 is installed on the printing stage 87. The printing apparatus 200 is equipped with a blower 66 that supplies air to the printing surface 34 of the printing pad 30 when the ink 25 has been transferred to the printing surface 34. The blower 66 blows air toward the printing surface 34 of the printing pad 30. In the printing apparatus 200 shown in Figure 19, the blower 66 is positioned around the printing stage 87 where the substrate 10 is placed.

[0082] The blower 66 blows air onto the printing surface 34, which has ink 25 attached to it, before it is pressed against the substrate 10 to be printed. By blowing air toward the printing surface 34, the blower 66 also evaporates the liquid attached to the printing surface 34 by the activation device 61 and any other liquids such as solvents that have soaked into the ink 25. With this configuration, the affinity between the ink 25 and the printing surface 34 of the printing pad 30 decreases. Also, with this configuration, the viscosity of the ink 25 on the printing pad 30 increases. In other words, the ink 25 hardens on the printing pad 30 due to the air blown by the blower 66.

[0083] The blower 66 is positioned with its air outlet (not shown) facing the printing surface 34 of the printing pad 30 before it comes into contact with the substrate 10. It is preferable to install multiple blowers 66 so that air blows onto the printing surface 34. The blower 66 may also be equipped with a heater (not shown) inside to adjust the temperature of the air supplied to the printing surface 34.

[0084] The temperature of the air supplied to the printing surface 34 may be adjusted by detecting the temperature of the air supplied to the printing surface 34 using a temperature sensor 68 and adjusting the output of a heater (not shown). Alternatively, the temperature sensor 68 may detect the room temperature of the environment in which the printing device 200 is located and adjust the output of the heater according to the room temperature.

[0085] The blower 66 shown in Figure 19 may be provided on the printing stage 87 or elsewhere. The blower 66 may be provided on the surface treatment stage 86, for example, as shown in blower 66A in Figure 19. The printing pad 30 to which the ink 25 has been transferred is moved so that the printing surface 34 is in front of the air outlet of the blower 66 before it is pressed onto the substrate 10, and the air from the blower 66 is controlled to hit the printing surface 34. The printing apparatus 200 may be equipped with either the blower 66 or the air blow device 62 described later, and the blower 66 may function as the air blow device 62, or the air blow device 62 may function as the blower 66.

[0086] [Cleaning device 60] As shown in Figure 19, a surface treatment stage 86 is located next to the printing stage 87 of the printing device 200. A cleaning device 60 is installed on the surface treatment stage 86. The cleaning device 60 is equipped with, for example, paper or adhesive tape. The printing surface 34 of the printing pad 30 is pressed against the surface of the paper or adhesive tape to remove any ink 25, dirt, or debris remaining after printing.

[0087] [Activation device 61] The activation device 61 includes a storage tank for storing liquid and an absorption unit for absorbing and holding liquid. The printing surface 34 of the printing pad 30 is pressed against the surface of the absorption unit, causing the liquid held by the absorption unit to adhere to it. The printing pad 30 makes it easier to transfer the ink 25 placed on the printing plate 50 to the printing surface 34 by allowing a liquid such as water or solvent to adhere to or permeate the base body 35.

[0088] The liquid is appropriately selected according to its properties in relation to the components contained in the ink 25, and has the property of softening hard ink 25. The ink 25 is a mixture of synthetic resins such as acrylic resin or urethane resin and water, thinner, xylene, or toluene, and it is preferable to select one that has high affinity with the solvent contained in the ink 25. However, the liquid used in the activation device 61 is not limited to the above.

[0089] The absorption unit of the activation device 61 is constructed by laminating, for example, thin sheet-like absorbent material. The absorbent material is made of paper, for example, but is not limited to paper; it may be made of other materials such as cloth or resin, as long as it can absorb liquid. For example, the absorption unit may be made by laminating paper on top of a sponge-like resin.

[0090] The surface of the absorption unit against which the printing surface 34 of the printing pad 30 is pressed may become contaminated with ink 25 or other residue remaining on the printing surface 34 of the printing pad 30, or the surface of the absorption unit may be scraped, causing the paper constituting the absorption unit to tear. Therefore, the paper located in the uppermost layer of the absorption unit is designed to be removed by peeling it off from the uppermost layer and removing each layer individually, or by mechanically replacing the upper layer. However, the method of replacing the paper located in the uppermost layer is not limited to this method.

[0091] The absorption unit of the activation device 61 is configured to allow removal or replacement of the paper or other material that constitutes the top layer, and its surface is always kept clean and permeated with liquid, so that when the printing surface 34 of the printing pad 30 is pressed against it, the printing surface 34 can be activated.

[0092] [Air blow device 62] The air blow device 62 adjusts the amount of liquid such as water or solvent adhering to the printing surface 34 of the printing pad 30 to an appropriate level using the activation device 61. The air blow device 62 blows air toward the printing surface 34 to remove excess liquid such as water or solvent from the printing surface 34. The type, number, and direction of air blowing of the air blow device 62 are not limited.

[0093] [Ink Placement Device 63] The printing plate stage 85 has a printing plate 50 placed on its upper surface and includes an ink placement device 63 for placing ink 25 on the printing plate 50. The ink placement device 63 includes, for example, a roller 64 for holding the ink 25, and the roller 64 rolls on the printing plate 50 to place the ink 25 on the printing plate 50. The roller 64 is configured to rotate around a rotation axis 65.

[0094] The ink placement device 63 may be an inkjet type head that is installed to be movable in the horizontal direction. In this case, the head places ink 25 on the surface of the printing plate 50 using an inkjet method and is configured to move along a moving rail. Alternatively, the ink placement device 63 may place ink 25 on the surface of the printing plate 50 using a screen (not shown). Note that the ink placement device 63 is not limited to the above and can take other forms.

[0095] [Control device 90] As shown in Figure 19, the printing apparatus 200 includes a control device 90. The control device 90 is composed of, for example, a microcomputer and includes an arithmetic unit 90a and a storage device 90b. The functions of the control device 90 are realized using the arithmetic unit 90a and the storage device 90b.

[0096] The storage device 90b may be a ROM that pre-stores programs and data, or a RAM for temporarily storing data when a program is executed. Alternatively, non-volatile or volatile semiconductor memories such as flash memory, EPROM (Erasable and Programmable ROM), and EEPROM (Electrically Erasable and Programmable ROM) may be used as the storage device 90b.

[0097] Furthermore, as the storage device 90b, removable recording media such as magnetic disks, flexible disks, optical disks, CDs (Compact Discs), MDs (Mini Discs), and DVDs (Digital Versatile Discs) may be used. The storage device 90b can store information obtained from the temperature sensor 68 and other sources, as well as information processed by the arithmetic unit 90a.

[0098] The arithmetic unit 90a performs various processes to execute the functions of the control device 90. The arithmetic unit 90a compares room temperature information, such as from a temperature sensor, with a temperature threshold previously stored in the storage device 90b, and determines whether the room temperature is higher than the threshold. If the room temperature is higher than the threshold, the control device 90 controls the output of the heater of the blower 66 to a predetermined value. The control device 90 may also control the operation time of the blower 66 to be shortened if the room temperature is higher than the threshold. Alternatively, the control device 90 may control the time that the printing pad 30 is stopped in front of the blower 66 and exposed to air.

[0099] [Method for manufacturing printed material 100 using the printing device 200] Figure 21 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a method for manufacturing printed material 100 using the printing device 200 according to Embodiment 7. The method for manufacturing printed material 100 using the printing device 200 will be described below with reference to Figure 21.

[0100] The method for manufacturing the printed material 100 includes a molding step (step S1) of a substrate 10 having an uneven pattern 121, and a printing step (step S2) in which ink 25 is placed on the upper end portion 12a of at least some of the multiple protrusions 12 by printing to form an ink portion 20.

[0101] In the molding process (S1), the base material 10 having an uneven pattern 121 is molded. In the molding process, a material such as plastic or metal is deformed using a mold 70 or the like. For example, injection molding is performed in the molding process (S1). Injection molding is one of the molding methods that uses a mold, in which a material such as synthetic resin (plastic) is heated and melted, fed into the mold, and then cooled to achieve the desired shape. Note that the molding process (S1) is not limited to injection molding and may be performed by other well-known technologies such as molding using a so-called 3D printer.

[0102] In the printing process (step S2), the printing device 200 places ink 25 on the upper ends 12a of at least some of the multiple protrusions 12, thereby forming an ink portion 20. The printing pad 30 of the printing device 200 moves up and down by a vertical movement device 41 provided in the printing device 200, and the printing surface 34 is pressed against the uneven pattern 121 (see Figure 1) on the substrate 10 that will be printed on.

[0103] When the printing surface 34 of the printing pad 30 is pressed against the uneven pattern 121 of the substrate 10, the ink 25 adhering to the printing surface 34 of the printing pad 30 adheres to the raised parts 12 of the uneven pattern 121 on the substrate 10. In the printed material 100, the pattern on the printing plate 50 is transferred onto the uneven pattern 121 of the substrate 10 by the ink 25, and an ink portion 20 is formed on the uneven pattern 121 of the substrate 10.

[0104] Figure 22 is a schematic diagram showing another example of a method for manufacturing a printed material 100 using the printing apparatus 200 according to Embodiment 7. The method for manufacturing a printed material 100 using the printing apparatus 200 will be described below with reference to Figure 22. Regarding the method for manufacturing a printed material 100 shown in Figure 22, the same parts as the method for manufacturing a printed material 100 shown in Figure 21 will be omitted from the explanation.

[0105] The method for manufacturing the printed material 100 includes a molding step (step S1) of a substrate 10 having an uneven pattern 121, and a printing step (step S2) in which ink 25 is placed on the bottom 13a of at least some of the recesses 13 by printing to form an ink portion 20.

[0106] In the printing process (step S2), the printing device 200 places ink 25 on the bottom 13a of at least some of the recesses 13, thereby forming an ink portion 20. The printing pad 30 of the printing device 200 moves up and down by a vertical movement device 41 provided in the printing device 200, and the printing surface 34 is pressed against the uneven pattern 121 (see Figure 1) on the substrate 10, which is the surface to be printed.

[0107] When the printing surface 34 of the printing pad 30 is pressed against the uneven pattern 121 of the substrate 10, the ink 25 adhering to the printing surface 34 of the printing pad 30 adheres to the recesses 13 of the uneven pattern 121 on the substrate 10. The printed material 100 is formed when the pattern on the printing plate 50 is transferred onto the uneven pattern 121 of the substrate 10 using the ink 25, and an ink portion 20 is formed on the uneven pattern 121 of the substrate 10.

[0108] Figure 23 is a schematic diagram showing another example of a method for manufacturing a printed material 100 using the printing apparatus 200 according to Embodiment 7. The method for manufacturing a printed material 100 using the printing apparatus 200 will be described below with reference to Figure 23. Regarding the method for manufacturing a printed material 100 shown in Figure 23, the same parts as the method for manufacturing a printed material 100 shown in Figures 21 and 22 will not be explained.

[0109] The method for manufacturing the printed material 100 includes a molding step (step S1) of a substrate 10 having an uneven pattern 121. The method for manufacturing the printed material 100 also includes the following step: The method for manufacturing the printed material 100 includes a printing step (step S2) in which ink 25 is placed by printing on the upper ends 12a of at least some of the protrusions 12 and on the bottoms 13a of at least some of the recesses 13 to form an ink portion 20.

[0110] In the printing process (step S2), ink 25 is placed on the upper ends 12a of at least some of the multiple protrusions 12 by printing using the printing device 200, thereby forming an ink portion 20. Also in the printing process (step S2), ink 25 is placed on the bottom 13a of at least some of the multiple recesses 13 by printing using the printing device 200, thereby forming an ink portion 20.

[0111] The printing pad 30 of the printing device 200 moves up and down by a vertical movement device 41 provided in the printing device 200, and the printing surface 34 is pressed against the uneven pattern 121 (see Figure 1) on the substrate 10, which is the surface to be printed. As the printing surface 34 of the printing pad 30 is pressed against the uneven pattern 121 on the substrate 10, the ink 25 attached to the printing surface 34 of the printing pad 30 adheres to the raised parts 12 and recessed parts 13 of the uneven pattern 121 on the substrate 10. In the printed material 100, the pattern on the printing plate 50 is transferred by the ink 25 onto the uneven pattern 121 on the substrate 10, and an ink portion 20 is formed on the uneven pattern 121 on the substrate 10.

[0112] [Effects of the method for manufacturing the printed material 100] The method for manufacturing the printed material 100 includes a molding step (step S1) of a substrate 10 having an uneven pattern 121, and a printing step (step S2) in which ink 25 is placed on the upper end portion 12a of at least some of the multiple protrusions 12 by printing to form an ink portion 20.

[0113] The printed material 100 manufactured by the above manufacturing method has ink portions 20 printed on the raised portions 12 of the raised pattern 121, thereby adding further decoration to the three-dimensional raised pattern 121 of the base material 10 at the lowest possible cost. The printed material 100 can achieve a synergistic effect with the decoration by the raised pattern 121 and the decoration by the printed ink portions 20 in terms of decoration such as a sense of luxury. Furthermore, since decoration by printing can be done at a relatively low cost, the printed material 100, with the above configuration, can add further decoration to the three-dimensional raised pattern 121 of the base material 10 at the lowest possible cost.

[0114] The method for manufacturing the printed material 100 includes a molding step (step S1) of a substrate 10 having an uneven pattern 121, and a printing step (step S2) in which ink 25 is placed on the bottom 13a of at least some of the recesses 13 by printing to form an ink portion 20.

[0115] The printed material 100 manufactured by the above manufacturing method has ink portions 20 printed in the recesses 13 of the embossed pattern 121, thereby adding further decoration to the three-dimensional embossed pattern 121 of the base material 10 at the lowest possible cost. The printed material 100 can achieve a synergistic effect between the decoration by the embossed pattern 121 and the decoration by the printed ink portions 20 in terms of decoration such as a sense of luxury. Furthermore, since decoration by printing can be done at a relatively low cost, the printed material 100, with the above configuration, can add further decoration to the three-dimensional embossed pattern 121 of the base material 10 at the lowest possible cost.

[0116] The method for manufacturing the printed material 100 includes a molding step (step S1) of a substrate 10 having an uneven pattern 121. The method for manufacturing the printed material 100 also includes the following step: The method for manufacturing the printed material 100 includes a printing step (step S2) in which ink 25 is placed by printing on the upper ends 12a of at least some of the protrusions 12 and on the bottoms 13a of at least some of the recesses 13 to form an ink portion 20.

[0117] The printed material 100 manufactured by the above manufacturing method has ink portions 20 printed on the raised portions 12 and recessed portions 13 of the embossed pattern 121, thereby adding further decoration to the three-dimensional embossed pattern 121 of the base material 10 at the lowest possible cost. The printed material 100 can achieve a synergistic effect between the decoration by the embossed pattern 121 and the decoration by the printed ink portions 20 in terms of decoration such as a sense of luxury. Furthermore, since decoration by printing can be done at a relatively low cost, the printed material 100, with the above configuration, can add further decoration to the three-dimensional embossed pattern 121 of the base material 10 at the lowest possible cost.

[0118] Furthermore, the printed material 100 manufactured by the above manufacturing method can express more complex patterns and the like compared to the case where the ink portion 20 is placed on all the protrusions 12 or all the recesses 13. Note that the manufacturing method for the printed material 100 according to Embodiment 7 includes the configuration of the printed material 100 of Embodiment 1, and therefore can achieve the same effects as the printed material 100 of Embodiment 1.

[0119] Although the present disclosure has been described above based on embodiments, the present disclosure is not limited to the configurations relating to the embodiments described above. In particular, the combination of components is not limited to the combinations in the embodiments and can be changed as appropriate. Furthermore, each of the above embodiments 1 to 7 can be implemented in combination with one another. It should also be noted that the scope of various modifications, applications, and uses that a person skilled in the art may make as needed is also included in the gist (technical scope) of the present disclosure.

[0120] 10 Substrate, 11 Reference surface, 12 Convex portion, 12a Upper end, 13 Recess, 13a Bottom, 20 Ink portion, 20a Convex ink portion, 20b Recess ink portion, 25 Ink, 30 Printing pad, 31 Inner layer, 32 Outer layer, 33 Flat surface, 34 Printing surface, 35 Base body, 36 Top, 37 Support member, 41 Vertical movement device, 42 Horizontal movement device, 50 Printing plate, 51 Mounting surface, 60 Cleaning device, 61 Activation device, 62 Air blow device, 63 Ink mounting device, 64 Roller, 65 Rotating shaft, 66 Blower, 66A Blower, 68 Temperature sensor, 70 Mold, 85 Printing plate stage, 86 Surface treatment stage, 87 Printing stage, 90 Control device, 90a Calculation device, 90b Memory device, 100 printed material, 121 embossed pattern, 200 printing device.

Claims

1. A printed material comprising: a substrate having a three-dimensional embossed pattern formed on its surface; and a portion composed of ink printed on the substrate, wherein the embossed pattern of the substrate is formed by at least one of a reference surface portion which constitutes a reference surface and a plurality of protrusions formed in a shape that protrudes from the reference surface portion, and a plurality of recesses formed in a shape that is recessed from the reference surface portion and the reference surface portion; wherein the ink portion placed on the upper end of at least some of the protrusions is called the protrusion ink portion, and the ink portion placed at the bottom of at least some of the recesses is called the recess ink portion, the ink portion is composed of at least one of the protrusion ink portion and the recess ink portion.

2. The printed material according to claim 1, wherein the ink portion constitutes a decoration printed on the uneven pattern of the substrate.

3. The printed material according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the uneven pattern of the substrate is formed by the reference surface portion and the plurality of protrusions, and the ink portion is composed of the protrusion ink portion.

4. The printed material according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the raised ink portion is placed on the upper end of all of the multiple raised portions.

5. The printed material according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the raised ink portion is placed on the upper end of some of the raised portions among the plurality of raised portions.

6. The printed material according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the uneven pattern of the substrate is formed by the reference surface portion and the plurality of recesses, and the ink portion is composed of the recessed ink portion.

7. The printed material according to claim 6, wherein the recessed ink portion is arranged at the bottom of all of the recesses of the plurality of recesses.

8. The printed material according to claim 6, wherein the recessed ink portion is located at the bottom of some of the recesses among the plurality of recesses.

9. The printed material according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the uneven pattern of the substrate is formed by the reference surface portion and the plurality of protrusions and the reference surface portion and the plurality of recesses, and the ink portion is composed of the protrusion ink portion and the recess ink portion.

10. The printed material according to claim 9, wherein the raised ink portion is placed on the upper end of at least some of the raised portions of the plurality of raised portions, and the recessed ink portion is placed on the bottom of at least some of the recesses of the plurality of recesses.

11. The printed material according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the substrate is a synthetic resin.

12. A method for manufacturing a printed article according to claim 3, comprising: a molding step of the substrate having the uneven pattern; and a printing step of placing ink on the upper ends of at least some of the multiple protrusions by printing to form the ink portion.

13. A method for manufacturing a printed article according to claim 6, comprising: a molding step of the substrate having the uneven pattern; and a printing step of placing ink on the bottom of at least some of the plurality of recesses by printing to form the ink portion.

14. A method for manufacturing a printed article according to claim 9, comprising: a molding step of the substrate having the uneven pattern; and a printing step of placing ink on the upper ends of at least some of the convex portions and on the bottoms of at least some of the concave portions by printing to form the ink portion.

Images