JP2012140263A - Decorative concrete block, and method for production of decorative concrete block - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a new decorative concrete block with excellent designability, in which an image with a quality suitable for the outer surface of a concrete-made block body is formed and the three-dimensional effect of its image is emphasized.SOLUTION: The droplet of an active energy ray-curable ink is landed on the outer surface 32S of the face shell 32 composing the concrete-made block body 3, the landed ink droplet is cured, and thus the image made by a plurality of thin lines by the cured ink droplet is formed on the decorative concrete block 1.

Description

  The present invention relates to a decorative concrete block in which an image is formed on the outer surface of a concrete block body, and particularly relates to a decorative concrete block excellent in design.

  Conventionally, a technique relating to a concrete block having an image formed on the outer surface has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2). Specifically, Patent Document 1 discloses a decorative concrete molded body comprising a base material made of concrete and a decorative layer of characters, symbols, designs, patterns and the like integrally formed on the surface of the base material by firing. ing. Patent Document 1 proposes the following manufacturing method. That is, placing a cement kneaded material in which cement, water, aggregate, admixture, etc. are mixed in a desired formwork, applying primary vibration and pressing force, and heating this primary molded material. A process of degassing the interior, a step of applying glaze to the surface of the molded product, and a slurry-like cosmetic material mainly composed of glaze, pigment and oil on the surface of the dried product, and printing with an inkjet printer And a method for producing a decorative concrete molded body that sequentially undergoes a step of firing and a step of firing the same. In Patent Document 1, an interlocking block is exemplified.

  Patent Document 2 discloses a method for producing a concrete block with a color pattern. For example, Patent Document 2 discloses that materials are loaded so as to be piled up continuously or intermittently when materials are loaded into an immediate demolding mold for forming a concrete block or a moving hopper that carries the material into the mold once. A colored concrete block that is dropped and sprayed or sprayed with an appropriate amount of pigment at an appropriate time to the patterning position of the material that is being piled up so that the colored product pattern appears on the surface of the finished product block. A manufacturing method is disclosed.

JP 2000-327455 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-19915

  Incidentally, inkjet recording is widely used as one method for forming a predetermined image. Inkjet recording has the advantage that a suitable image can be recorded at high speed. Here, the concrete block main body has liquid absorbency. Accordingly, when solvent-based or water-based ink is ejected from the ink jet recording apparatus and an image is formed on the outer surface of the block main body, the ink landed on the surface of the block main body is absorbed by the block main body. Therefore, it has been difficult to form a suitable image on the outer surface of the block body.

  The present invention provides a new decorative concrete block excellent in design, in which an image of suitable quality is formed on the outer surface of a concrete block body, and the three-dimensional effect of the image formed on the outer surface of the block is emphasized. The purpose is to do.

  One aspect of the present invention made in view of the above-described conventional problems is that an image is formed on at least one outer surface of a concrete block body by a plurality of fine lines in which ink droplets of active energy curable ink are cured. It is a decorative concrete block characterized by. According to this, the absorption of ink droplets into the concrete block body can be suppressed. That is, by using the active energy curable ink, the ink droplet of the active energy curable ink can be landed on at least one outer surface of the concrete block main body, and the ink droplet can be suitably attached to the outer surface. In addition, by forming an image composed of a plurality of fine lines on the outer surface of a concrete block where there are many concave holes, the three-dimensional effect of the formed image is emphasized, and it has an unprecedented design It will be excellent.

  Here, various concrete blocks used for construction are included in the block body constituting the decorative concrete block. For example, a building concrete block defined in JIS A 5406: 2005 is included. In addition, a flat concrete block, that is, a building concrete block defined in JIS A 5406: 2005, for example, does not have a web and includes a block constituted by a single face shell. It is.

  This decorative concrete block can also be configured as follows. That is, the plurality of fine lines forming the image may be configured by straight lines, curves, or a combination thereof, and the line width of the thin lines may be 0.1 to 20 mm. According to this, as the image becomes complicated, the unevenness of the outer surface of the block body stands out, and the stereoscopic effect of the image is further enhanced.

  Further, the lightness ratio L2 / L1 between the lightness L1 of the non-image forming area on the outer surface and the lightness L2 of the image forming area may be 0.3 to 0.9. According to this, the density is clearly expressed in the region where the image is formed and the region where the image is not formed, and the stereoscopic effect of the image is further enhanced.

  Further, the outer surface may be a concrete ground surface, and the image may be directly formed on the ground surface. According to this, the structure of a decorative concrete block can be simplified. That is, by using the active energy curable ink, absorption of ink droplets into the block main body is suppressed, so that a base layer for forming a suitable image can be omitted.

  Another aspect of the present invention is a method for manufacturing a decorative concrete block in which an image is formed on at least one outer surface of a concrete block main body, and the active energy curable ink is discharged onto the outer surface. An ink droplet formed by the active energy curable ink, and an image forming step of forming a plurality of fine lines by the ink dots landed by the ink droplet; after the image forming step, landed on the outer surface; An active energy ray irradiating step of irradiating and curing the ink droplets forming the ink dots with an active energy ray.

  According to this, the decorative concrete block which has the outstanding function mentioned above can be manufactured. By using the active energy curable ink, absorption of ink droplets into the block main body is suppressed, so that the amount of ink used for image formation can be reduced. In addition, this other side surface of this invention can also be specified as a manufacturing method of the above-mentioned decorative concrete block which added the structure to the decorative concrete block which concerns on 1 side of this invention.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the new decorative concrete block excellent in the design property in which the image of suitable quality was formed in the outer surface of the block main body made from concrete, and the three-dimensional effect of the image formed in the outer surface of a block was emphasized Can be obtained.

It is a figure which shows a decorative concrete block. It is a photograph of the face shell outer surface of the block body which constitutes a decorative concrete block. FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of a portion M shown in FIG. 1, illustrating the relationship between the diameter of the ink dots and the opening width of the opening portion of the hole formed in the outer surface of the face shell of the block body constituting the decorative concrete block. FIG. It is a figure explaining other embodiment of this invention. It is a figure explaining other embodiment of this invention. It is a figure explaining other embodiment of this invention. It is a figure explaining other embodiment of this invention. It is a figure explaining other embodiment of this invention. It is a figure explaining other embodiment of this invention. 2A and 2B are diagrams illustrating a line-type inkjet recording apparatus, where FIG. 1A is a plan view and FIG. 1B is a front view.

  Embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The present invention is not limited to the configurations described below, and various configurations can be employed in the same technical idea. For example, some of the configurations shown below may be omitted or replaced with other configurations. Moreover, you may make it include another structure.

(Decorative concrete block)
The decorative concrete block 1 of this embodiment is demonstrated with reference to FIGS. 1-3. As shown in FIG. 1, the decorative concrete block 1 has an image composed of a plurality of fine lines formed on the outer surface of a concrete block body 3. Specifically, the decorative concrete block 1 forms a side surface of the block body 3 and is formed from a plurality of fine lines on the outer surface of the face shell 32 (hereinafter, also referred to as “face shell outer surface 32S”) on which an image is formed. Based on the constructed image, FIG. 1, a striped pattern image composed of a plurality of vertical straight lines is formed. The block main body 3 shown in FIG. 1 is a concrete block for construction defined in JIS A 5406: 2005.

  In addition, the decorative concrete block 1 of this embodiment can be comprised using the various concrete blocks used for construction besides the block main body 3 of a shape as shown in FIG. For example, it is good also as a structure which does not have the web 34 but used the flat concrete block formed of the single face shell 32. FIG. Moreover, it is good also as a structure using the interlocking block like the patent document 1 mentioned above. In the present embodiment, a concrete block for building defined in JIS A 5406: 2005 as shown in FIG. 1 will be described as an example.

  The block body 3 is constituted by a set of face shells 32 and a plurality of webs 34 facing each other in parallel. The face shell 32 has an elongated shape in the longitudinal direction, that is, a rectangular shape in a side view (see arrow Y shown in FIG. 1). Each of the plurality of webs 34 is arranged in parallel with the longitudinal direction, and is integrally formed with a set of face shells 32.

  By the way, the block body 3 is formed into a shape as shown in FIG. 1 by mixing cement, aggregate, water, and an admixture. Therefore, a plurality of concave holes 36 are formed on the outer surface of the block body 3 including the outer surface 32S of the face shell on which an image is formed. That is, a plurality of concave holes 36 are formed and exist on the outer surface 32S of the face shell, which is a range where an image is formed. The air holes 36 have a predetermined width and a predetermined opening area. As shown in FIG. 2, the plurality of holes 36 have different shapes and sizes. In addition, the air hole 36 in this embodiment means the concave air hole formed on manufacture of the block main body 3 resulting from the shape of the said material which comprises the block main body 3, etc. In other words, the hole 36 in the present embodiment does not include a concave hole formed in the face shell outer surface 32S as a design element.

This time, using the three generally available block bodies 3 (including building concrete blocks having different shapes from the block body 3 shown in FIG. 1) as a sample, the holes 36 were observed and their shapes were determined. It was measured. As a result, 4 holes / cm ^{2 to} 60 holes / cm ² of holes 36 were formed on the outer surface 32S of the face shell. Further, regarding the shape of the hole 36, the opening width L1, L2 of the opening in the hole 36 (see FIG. 3, hereinafter, the larger of the opening widths L1, L2 is also referred to as “opening width L”). Was 0.25 mm to 2.0 mm. Similarly, the depth of the air holes 36 was 0.4 mm to 4.0 mm. As is clear from this, the block body 3 constituting the decorative concrete block 1 has holes 36 having an opening width L of 0.25 mm to 2.0 mm and a depth of 0.4 mm to 4.0 mm. It includes a face shell outer surface 32S formed at a frequency of 4 / cm ² or more. The opening width L1 of the opening in the hole 36 is the maximum width in the first direction, and the opening width L2 is the maximum width in the second direction orthogonal to the first direction. In the present embodiment, the first direction coincides with the longitudinal direction of the block body 3 (decorative concrete block 1).

  In the decorative concrete block 1, a plurality of ink dots 5 are recorded on the outer surface 32 </ b> S of the face shell constituting the block body 3, thereby forming (recording) an image. More specifically, a plurality of ink dots 5 are recorded directly on the concrete surface of the face shell 32, and an image is formed. A plurality of decorative concrete blocks 1 are stacked to constitute a wall such as a block wall of a predetermined size. At this time, the outer surface 32S of the face shell on which the ink dots 5 are recorded becomes the wall surface of the wall such as the block wall. That is, this wall surface is in a state of being patterned by the image formed on the outer surface 32S of the face shell.

(Image with multiple fine lines)
The reason why the stereoscopic effect is enhanced by forming an image composed of a plurality of thin lines on the outer surface of the concrete block can be inferred as follows. Since there are many concave holes in the concrete block, ink dots partially enter the holes depending on the position where the ink droplets land. Then, the ink dots spread in accordance with the shape of the holes, irradiated with active energy rays, the ink is cured, and a film is formed. And since the image formed is a thin line, the film exists continuously with a certain width. Considering this state in more detail, the image to be formed has a difference in height between concave holes instead of a flat surface. Also, from a microscopic viewpoint at the ink dot level, the concave cavities are complex shapes, each with multiple sizes and shapes on the outer surface of the concrete block, which refracts light in a complex manner. However, by forming an image composed of a plurality of fine lines, the image forming part is coated by curing of the ink dots, and the above-mentioned uneven feeling is emphasized. Lose. As a result, the image forming portion looks like a concave portion, and as a result, a design-like concave hole can be expressed in a pseudo manner. Furthermore, the active energy curable ink used for image formation is a resin that forms a film when cured, and generally such a resin is more glossy than the outer surface of the face shell. It seems to have contributed to emphasizing the three-dimensional effect.

  For an image with a plurality of fine lines formed on the face shell outer surface 32S, the fine lines may be straight lines or curved lines, or a combination thereof. Further, it is preferable that the line width is 0.1 to 20 mm because the stereoscopic effect of the image is emphasized.

The specific pattern of the image by a plurality of fine lines is not limited to that shown in FIG. 1, and can be exemplified by, for example, FIG. 4 to FIG. Of course, it is possible to apply other than these patterns. In the figure, the black portion is formed.
FIG. 4 shows an oval pattern designed with a line width of 1 to 15 mm on the entire face shell outer surface 32S.
FIG. 5 shows the design of a vertical and horizontal straight line pattern with a line width of 7 to 12 mm on the entire face shell outer surface 32S.
FIG. 6 shows the design of a curved line (circle) and vertical / horizontal straight lines with a line width of 2 to 3 mm on the entire face shell outer surface 32S.
FIG. 7 shows the design of a vertical, horizontal, and diagonal straight line pattern with a line width of 0.1 to 3 mm on the entire outer surface 32S of the face shell.
FIG. 8 shows a design of a horizontal curved line pattern having a line width of 1 to 12 mm and a varying line width on the entire face shell outer surface 32S.
FIG. 9 shows a design in which a longitudinal straight line pattern is partially designed on the face shell outer surface 32S with a line width of 20 mm and a length of 100 mm.

Further, when the brightness of the non-image forming region (portion where ink dots do not exist) on the outer surface 32S of the face shell is L1, and the brightness L2 of the image forming region (portion where ink dots exist) by thin lines, the brightness ratio L2 / L1 is preferably 0.3 to 0.9, and more preferably 0.5 to 0.8. When the lightness ratio is within this range, the stereoscopic effect can be more emphasized. Here, the lightness L is the lightness L value represented by the L * a * b * color system (JIS Z 8729). For the measurement, for example, manufactured by Konica Minolta Sensing Co., Ltd. It can be easily measured using a spectrocolorimeter MINOLTA CM 2600.

  For recording the ink dots 5, an ink jet recording method is employed, and for example, a line type ink jet recording apparatus 100 (see FIGS. 10A and 10B) is used. A serial type ink jet recording apparatus may be used. The method for manufacturing the decorative concrete block 1 using the line-type inkjet recording apparatus 100 will be described later. The ink dots 5 are ejected from the ink jet recording apparatus 100 in accordance with data indicating a predetermined image (pattern) input to the ink jet recording apparatus 100 from an external device connected to be communicable, and face shell outer surface 32S (face shell 32). The ink droplets that land on the concrete surface of the ink are hardened. For the image formation, an ultraviolet curable ink which is a kind of active energy curable ink is used. For example, when the color of the ultraviolet curable ink used for image formation is yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K), the image has yellow dots 5Y and magenta. The dots 5M, cyan dots 5C, and black dots 5K are formed. In the present embodiment, the ink dot 5 is a generic name for the yellow dot 5Y, the magenta dot 5M, the cyan dot 5C, and the black dot 5K.

  Here, the relationship between the diameter φ1 of the ink dot 5 and the opening width L of the opening in the hole 36 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 shows the ink dots 5 in an enlarged manner with respect to the holes 36 for convenience of explanation. Further, in FIG. 3, the ink dot 5 overlaps with the hole 36 so that the magnitude relationship between the ink dot 5 and the hole 36 having the openings with the opening widths L <b> 1 and L <b> 2 is clearly visible. The solid line indicating the outer edge of the opening of the hole 36 is shown on the ink dot 5.

  First, the diameter φ1 of the ink dot 5 (landing diameter of the landed ink droplet) will be described. In the present embodiment, the resolution of the image formed on the face shell outer surface 32S is set to 2500 dpi to 90 dpi. In this case, the diameter φ1 of the circular ink dot 5 is about 15 μm to 500 μm. More specifically, for example, when the resolution is set to 360 dpi, the diameter φ1 of the ink dot 5 is about 70 μm to 130 μm (actual measurement value). On the other hand, the opening width L of the opening in the hole 36 formed in the outer surface 32S of the face shell where the image is formed is 0.25 mm to 2.0 mm as described above. Therefore, in the decorative concrete block 1 of the present embodiment, the diameter φ1 of the ink dot 5 is set to be smaller than the opening width L of the opening portion in the hole 36 formed in the outer surface 32S of the face shell. Specifically, the diameter φ1 of the ink dot 5 is set smaller than the larger opening width L of the opening width L1 or the opening width L2 of the opening in the hole 36 formed in the outer surface 32S of the face shell. . In addition, the diameter φ1 of the ink dot 5 is as small as the opening width L with respect to the depth of the opening of the air hole 36 formed in the outer surface 32S of the face shell, which has a size in the above-described range. Is set. In the present embodiment, the diameter φ1 of the ink dot 5 (landing diameter of the landed ink droplet) is a diameter formed in a circular shape when one droplet landed. Further, the resolution of the image formed on the outer surface 32S of the face shell in the present embodiment refers to that derived when one droplet is used per pixel.

  In the decorative concrete block 1, a special coating layer other than the ink dots 5 may not be formed on the outer surface 32S of the face shell. For example, the formation of a base coat layer on which ink drops land and ink dots 5 are recorded may be omitted on the concrete surface. Further, the formation of a top coat for covering the ink dots 5 and / or a coating for imparting an antifouling function may be omitted. However, each of these layers may be formed.

(UV curable ink)
The ultraviolet curable ink of the present embodiment includes a pigment, a reactive monomer and / or a reactive oligomer, a photopolymerization initiator, and further includes an additive as necessary. As the ink color, the above-described yellow, magenta, cyan, and black are used. In addition, light yellow, light magenta, light cyan, white, gray, clear (transparent) color, or the like may be used as appropriate. Light yellow, light magenta, and light cyan ultraviolet curable inks are light colors with respect to yellow, magenta, and cyan ultraviolet curable inks. Specifically, the density ratio is, for example, 10 to 30%.

  Here, the pigment concentration is preferably 0.5 to 20 parts by weight in 100 parts by weight of the ultraviolet curable ink. If the pigment concentration of the ink is less than 0.5 parts by weight, coloring may be insufficient and image formation may be difficult. If the pigment concentration exceeds 20 parts by weight, the viscosity of the ink may be low. It becomes high and handling at the time of image formation becomes difficult.

  The pigment as the colorant can be either an inorganic pigment or an organic pigment. In addition, an inorganic pigment is used for black. Inorganic pigments include metal oxides, hydroxides, sulfides, ferrocyanides, chromates, carbonates, silicates, phosphates, carbons (carbon black), metal powders, etc. Is exemplified. Specifically, C.I. Pigment Yellow 42 and C.I. Pigment Yellow 184 can be used as the yellow inorganic pigment. C.I. Pigment Red 101 and C.I. Pigment Red 102 can be used as the magenta inorganic pigment. As the cyan inorganic pigment, C.I. Pigment Blue 28 and C.I. Pigment Blue 36 can be used. C.I. Pigment Black 7 can be used as the black inorganic pigment.

  Examples of organic pigments include nitroso, dyed lakes, azos, phthalocyanines, anthraquinones, perylenes, quinacridones, dioxazines, isoindolines, quinophthalones, azomethines, pyrrolopyrroles, and the like. Specifically, C.I. Pigment Yellow 120 and C.I. Pigment Yellow 150 can be used as the yellow organic pigment. Magenta organic pigments include C.I. Pigment Red 122, C.I. Pigment Red 178, C.I. Pigment Red 179, C.I. Pigment Red 202, C.I. Pigment Red 254, and C.I. -Pigment violet 19 can be used. Examples of cyan organic pigments include C-I Pigment Blue 15, C-I Pigment Blue 15: 1, C-I Pigment Blue 15: 2, C-I Pigment Blue 15: 3, and C-I Pigment. Blue 15: 4, C.I. Pigment Blue 15: 6, and C.I. Pigment Blue 16 can be used. Each inorganic pigment or each organic pigment can be used alone or in combination.

  The reactive oligomer and the reactive monomer are preferably aliphatic compounds from the viewpoint of weather resistance. Examples of reactive monomers include hexafunctional acrylates such as dipentaerythritol hexaacrylate and modified products thereof; pentafunctional acrylates such as dipentaerythritol hydroxypentaacrylate; tetrafunctionals such as pentaditrimethylolpropane tetraacrylate and pentaerythritol tetraacrylate. Acrylates; trifunctional acrylates such as trimethylolpropane triacrylate, pentaerythritol triacrylate, tris (2-hydroxyethyl) isocyanurate triacrylate, glyceryl triacrylate; hydroxypivalate neopentyl glycol diacrylate, polytetramethylene glycol diacrylate, Trimethylolpropane acrylic acid benzoate, diethylene glycol diac Rate, triethylene glycol diacrylate, tetraethylene glycol diacrylate, polyethylene glycol (200) diacrylate, polyethylene glycol (400) diacrylate, polyethylene glycol (600) diacrylate, neopentyl glycol diacrylate, 1,3-butanediol Bifunctional acrylates such as diacrylate, 1,4-butanediol diacrylate, 1,6-hexanediol diacrylate, 1,9-nonanediol diacrylate, dimethylol-tricyclodecane diacrylate, bisphenol A diacrylate; and Caprolactone acrylate, tridecyl acrylate, isodecyl acrylate, isooctyl acrylate, isomyristyl acrylate, isos Allyl acrylate, 2-ethylhexyl-diglycol acrylate, 2-hydroxybutyl acrylate, 2-acryloyloxyethyl hexahydrophthalic acid, neopentyl flycol acrylate benzoate, isoamyl acrylate, lauryl acrylate, stearyl acrylate, butoxyethyl acrylate , Ethoxy-diethylene glycol acrylate, methoxy-triethylene glycol acrylate, methoxy-polyethylene glycol acrylate, methoxydipropylene glycol acrylate, phenoxyethyl acrylate, phenoxy-polyethylene glycol acrylate, nonylphenol acrylate, tetrahydrofurfuryl acrylate, isobornyl acrylate, 2-hydroxy Ethyla Acrylate, 2-hydroxypropyl acrylate, 2-hydroxy-3-phenoxypropyl acrylate, 2-acryloyloxyethyl-succinic acid, 2-acryloyloxyethyl-phthalic acid, 2-acryloyloxyethyl-2-hydroxyethyl- And monofunctional acrylates such as phthalic acid. In particular, a bifunctional monomer is preferable in terms of excellent toughness and flexibility. Among the bifunctional monomers, aliphatic reactive monomers composed of hydrocarbons, specifically 1,6-hexanediol diacrylate, neopentylglycol diacrylate, 1,3-butanediol, are non-yellowing. Diacrylate, 1,4-butanediol diacrylate, 1,9-nonanediol diacrylate and the like are preferable.

  As the reactive monomer, a reactive monomer in which a functional group of phosphorus, fluorine, ethylene oxide, or propylene oxide is further added to the above reactive monomer is used. Moreover, these reactive monomers can be used individually or in combination of 2 or more types.

  The reactive monomer is preferably contained in 50 parts by weight to 85 parts by weight in 100 parts by weight of the ultraviolet curable ink. If the amount is less than 50 parts by weight, the viscosity of the ink becomes high, making it difficult to handle the image formation. If the amount exceeds 85 parts by weight, other components necessary for curing may be insufficient, resulting in poor curing.

  Examples of the reactive oligomer used in the ink include urethane acrylate, polyester acrylate, epoxy acrylate, silicon acrylate, and polybutadiene acrylate, and these can be used alone or in combination of two or more. In particular, urethane acrylate is preferable in terms of excellent toughness, flexibility, and adhesion. Among the urethane acrylates, aliphatic urethane acrylates composed of hydrocarbons are more preferable because they are hardly yellowing.

  The reactive oligomer is preferably contained in 1 part by weight to 40 parts by weight in 100 parts by weight of the ultraviolet curable ink, more preferably 5 parts by weight to 40 parts by weight, and further preferably 10 parts by weight to 30 parts by weight. When the reactive oligomer is in the range of 1 part by weight to 40 parts by weight, the cured film of the ink droplet is more excellent in terms of toughness, flexibility and adhesion.

  Examples of the photopolymerization initiator used in the ultraviolet curable ink include benzoins, benzyl ketals, aminoketones, titanocenes, bisimidazoles, hydroxyketones, and acylphosphine oxides. These may be used alone or in combination of two or more. Can be used in combination. In particular, hydroxyketones and acylphosphine oxides are preferable in that they are highly reactive and hardly yellowing.

  The addition amount of the photopolymerization initiator is preferably 1 to 15 parts by weight and more preferably 3 to 10 parts by weight in 100 parts by weight of the ultraviolet curable ink. If it is less than 1 part by weight, the polymerization may be incomplete and the film may be uncured. On the other hand, even if added in excess of 15 parts by weight, further improvement in the curing rate and curing rate cannot be expected, resulting in high cost. It becomes.

  If necessary, a dispersant may be added to the ultraviolet curable ink for the purpose of dispersing the pigment. Examples of the dispersant include anionic surfactants, cationic surfactants, nonionic surfactants, amphoteric surfactants and polymer dispersants, and these are used alone or in combination of two or more. can do.

  Further, if necessary, the ultraviolet curable ink includes a sensitizer, a thermal stabilizer, an antioxidant, an antiseptic, an antifoaming agent, a penetrating agent, a resin binder, and a photopolymerization initiator. Additives such as a resin emulsion, a reduction inhibitor, a leveling agent, a pH adjuster, a pigment derivative, and a polymerization inhibitor can also be added. Further, an ultraviolet absorber (hereinafter also referred to as “UVA”) and a light stabilizer (hereinafter also referred to as “HALS”) may be added to the ultraviolet curable ink as additives.

  Here, as typical UVA, there are benzophenone series, benzotriazole series, hydroxyphenyltriazine series, ogizanilide series and cyanoacrylate series, either alone or in a mixture of two or more types. Is also possible. Various types of HALS have been proposed, and any one of them can be used alone or in a mixed system. By the way, an appropriate addition amount is mentioned as an important point in addition of UVA and HALS. When the addition amount is small, sufficient weather resistance cannot be expected. On the other hand, when the addition amount is large, there is a concern about the problem of bleeding out in terms of physical properties, and it leads to high cost. The preferable addition amount to the ultraviolet curable ink of this embodiment is 0.3% to 5% for UVA and 0.3% to 5% for HALS as well.

(Manufacturing method of decorative concrete block)
The manufacturing method of the decorative concrete block 1 in the present embodiment includes an image forming process and an ultraviolet irradiation process as an active energy ray irradiation process. The method for manufacturing the decorative concrete block 1 is realized by, for example, a line-type inkjet recording apparatus 100 as shown in FIG. First, the ink jet recording apparatus 100 will be described with reference to FIG. The ink jet recording apparatus 100 includes a transport unit 110, recording heads 120K, 120C, 120M, and 120Y, and an ultraviolet irradiation unit 130. The transport unit 110 is configured by a conveyor or the like, and records the block main body 3 set on the installation surface 112 from one end side of the transport unit 110 (left end side when viewing FIGS. 10A and 10B from the front). The heads 120K, 120C, 120M, and 120Y and the ultraviolet irradiation unit 130 are passed through and conveyed to the other end side of the conveyance unit 110 (a two-dot chain block shown on the right side when FIG. 10A and FIG. 10B are viewed from the front. Main body 3 (decorative concrete block 1)).

  The recording heads 120 </ b> K, 120 </ b> C, 120 </ b> M, and 120 </ b> Y are arranged and installed adjacent to each other in the transport direction of the block body 3 by the transport unit 110. The recording head 120K is a recording head that discharges black ultraviolet curable ink (ultraviolet curable black ink). The recording head 120C is a recording head that discharges cyan ultraviolet curable ink (ultraviolet curable cyan ink). The recording head 120M is a recording head that discharges magenta ultraviolet curable ink (ultraviolet curable magenta ink). The recording head 120Y is a recording head that discharges yellow ultraviolet curable ink (ultraviolet curable yellow ink). Note that the arrangement of the recording heads 120K, 120C, 120M, and 120Y in the transport direction may be an arrangement order different from the arrangement shown in FIG. The arrangement order of each color is determined in consideration of various points.

  In each of the recording heads 120K, 120C, 120M, and 120Y, a nozzle is formed so as to face the installation surface 112 of the transport unit 110. A plurality of nozzles are arranged in a direction orthogonal to the transport direction to form a nozzle row. A plurality of nozzle rows are formed in each of the recording heads 120K, 120C, 120M, and 120Y. The ultraviolet curable inks of the colors corresponding to the recording heads 120K, 120C, 120M, and 120Y are ejected from the nozzles formed in the recording heads 120K, 120C, 120M, and 120Y, respectively.

  The ultraviolet irradiation unit 130 as the active energy ray irradiation unit is disposed at a predetermined position on the downstream side in the transport direction with respect to the recording heads 120K, 120C, 120M, and 120Y. The ultraviolet irradiation unit 130 includes an ultraviolet lamp installed toward the installation surface 112 of the transport unit 110, and irradiates ultraviolet rays as active energy rays in the direction of the installation surface 112. The ultraviolet irradiation unit 130 includes a shutter mechanism that can prevent the ultraviolet rays emitted from the ultraviolet lamp from being radiated to the outside. By opening and closing the shutter mechanism, the ultraviolet irradiation can be started and stopped. Note that the start and stop of ultraviolet irradiation may be realized by turning on and off an ultraviolet lamp included in the ultraviolet irradiation unit 130. In this case, the shutter mechanism can be omitted.

  For example, the start of the ultraviolet irradiation is detected by a detection sensor (see FIGS. 10A and 10B) installed at a predetermined position downstream of the recording head 120Y in the conveyance direction and upstream of the ultraviolet irradiation unit 130 in the conveyance direction. This is performed on the condition that the block main body 3 is detected. As a result, black dots 5K, cyan dots 5C, magenta dots 5M, and yellow dots 5Y (see FIG. 3) are recorded by the recording heads 120K, 120C, 120M, and 120Y. After that, the block main body 3 transported by the transport unit 110 is further irradiated with ultraviolet rays. In other words, ultraviolet rays are irradiated to ink droplets of ultraviolet curable ink of each color that land on the outer surface 32S of the face shell, which is the concrete surface, and form black dots 5K, cyan dots 5C, magenta dots 5M, and yellow dots 5Y. Is done. On the other hand, the stop of the irradiation of ultraviolet rays is caused by the block main body 3 passing through the ultraviolet irradiation unit 130 by a detection sensor (not shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B) installed at a predetermined position downstream in the transport direction. It is performed on the condition that it has been detected. It is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the irradiation of ultraviolet rays is stopped when a predetermined time has elapsed after the start of ultraviolet irradiation.

  In addition, the inkjet recording apparatus 100 includes a main tank that stores, for example, ultraviolet, curable inks of black, cyan, magenta, and yellow, for example. The ultraviolet curable black ink, the ultraviolet curable cyan ink, the ultraviolet curable magenta ink, and the ultraviolet curable yellow ink stored in the main tanks of the respective colors are supplied to the recording heads 120K, 120C, 120M, and the like through the ink supply lines for the respective colors. 120Y. In addition, the inkjet recording apparatus 100 includes a control unit that controls processing executed in the apparatus. The control unit constitutes various functional means. A control part controls each process of the manufacturing method of the decorative concrete block 1 shown next.

  In the ink jet recording apparatus 100, data indicating an image formed on the block body 3 is input from an external device such as a personal computer connected to the ink jet recording apparatus 100 so as to be communicable. Then, processing such as rasterization is performed on the input data, and predetermined data is generated. Further, the block body 3 set on the installation surface 112 on one end side of the transport unit 110 is transported in the transport direction by the transport unit 110. In FIG. 3, the block body 3 is set on the installation surface 112 so that the longitudinal direction of the block body 3 (see FIGS. 1 and 3) coincides with the transport direction, and the block body 3 is transported in this state. However, the setting direction of the block body 3 is appropriately set under various conditions. The block body 3 may be set on the installation surface 112 so that the longitudinal direction of the block body 3 intersects the conveying direction, for example, orthogonally.

  And the block main body 3 reaches | attains the position of the dashed-two dotted line (refer code | symbol 3) shown to a center part when FIG. 10 (a), (b) is seen in front. That is, the block main body 3 is transported to a position where the surface on which the nozzles of the recording heads 120K, 120C, 120M, and 120Y are formed and the face shell outer surface 32S face each other. At this time, in the inkjet recording apparatus 100, in accordance with predetermined data generated by rasterization, the ultraviolet curable black ink and the ultraviolet light are disposed in the order in which the recording heads 120K, 120C, 120M, and 120Y are arranged on the outer surface 32S of the face shell. A curable cyan ink, an ultraviolet curable magenta ink, and an ultraviolet curable yellow ink are ejected. The ejected ink droplets of the ultraviolet curable ink land and adhere directly to the outer surface 32S of the face shell, which is the concrete surface. As a result, black dots 5K, cyan dots 5C, magenta dots 5M, and yellow dots 5Y are recorded on the outer surface 32S of the face shell, and an image indicated by the input data is formed (image forming step). Here, the size of the ejected ink droplet is set such that the diameter φ1 of the ink dot 5 is smaller than the opening width L of the opening in the hole 36 formed in the face shell outer surface 32S.

  Further, in the ink jet recording apparatus 100, the block main body 3 on which an image is formed is transported to the ultraviolet irradiation unit 130 side by the transport unit 110. In addition, at the timing described above, irradiation of ultraviolet rays from the ultraviolet irradiation unit 130 toward the installation surface 112 side is started. Then, ultraviolet rays are irradiated to the ink droplets of the respective colors of ultraviolet curable ink that form the respective ink dots 5 and land on and adhere to the outer surface 32S of the face shell which is the concrete surface (ultraviolet irradiation step). As a result, the ink droplets are cured, and an image is formed by the plurality of cured ink dots 5.

  The position of the two-dot chain line (see reference numeral 3 (1)) shown on the right side when the block main body 3 that has passed through the ultraviolet irradiation unit 130 and becomes the decorative concrete block 1 is viewed from the front of FIGS. Is reached, the block body 3 is removed from the installation surface 112. Then, a new block body 3 is set, and each process described above is executed again. When an image is formed on the other face shell outer surface 32S or the like different from the face shell 32 on which the image is formed in the above, the other face shell outer surface 32S or the like is again attached to the recording head 120K, It is set on the installation surface 112 so as to face 120C, 120M, and 120Y, and the above-described steps are executed again.

  For example, when the decorative concrete block 1 constitutes a wall such as the above-described block wall, facing the outer surface of another adjacent decorative concrete block 1 in a state where a plurality of the decorative concrete blocks 1 are stacked, etc. All or part of the outer surface (including the outer surface 32S of the face shell) of the decorative concrete block 1 that is not to be set is set on the installation surface 112 so as to face the recording heads 120K, 120C, 120M, and 120Y sequentially. Each process performed is executed again. Accordingly, when a plurality of decorative concrete blocks 1 are stacked to form a wall such as a block wall of a predetermined size, all or a part of the wall surface of the block wall or the like is patterned with an image; can do.

(Advantageous effects of the configuration of the present embodiment)
In the decorative concrete block 1 of this embodiment, the ink dots 5 are formed by ejecting ultraviolet curable ink onto the outer surface 32S of the face shell using the ink jet recording apparatus 100, landing the ejected ink droplets, and curing the ejected ink droplets. A plurality of fine line images were formed. At this time, the ultraviolet curable ink is ejected so that the diameter φ1 of the ink dot 5 is smaller than the opening width L of the opening in the hole 36 formed on the outer surface 32S of the face shell. Therefore, ink droplets can be suitably landed on the outer surface 32S of the face shell, including the inner surface of the hole 36, and can be suitably adhered to the outer surface 32S of the face shell. Then, the ink droplets suitably attached to the outer surface 32S of the face shell are irradiated with ultraviolet rays, and a plurality of fine line images by the cured ink dots 5 can be recorded. That is, it is possible to form an image excellent in design property in which the three-dimensional effect of the image is emphasized on the face shell outer surface 32S of the concrete block main body 3.

(Modification)
The decorative concrete block 1 of this embodiment described above can also be configured as follows. That is, a plurality of fine line images are formed on the at least one outer surface of the concrete block main body by a plurality of ink dots in which ink droplets of the active energy curable ink are cured, and each of the ink dots forming the image The area may be smaller than the opening area of the opening in one hole formed in a range where the image is formed on the outer surface. Also by this, there exists an effect | action similar to the decorative concrete block 1 of this embodiment, and the same effect can be acquired.

  In the above description, an ultraviolet curable ink is described as an example of the active energy curable ink. In addition, an electron beam curable ink which is a kind of active energy curable ink may be used for image formation. Specifically, for example, electron beam curable black ink, electron beam curable cyan ink, electron beam curable magenta ink, and electron beam curable yellow ink may be used. In this case, the ink jet recording apparatus includes a main tank that stores black, cyan, magenta, and yellow electron beam curable inks.

  Further, the ink jet recording apparatus includes an electron beam irradiation unit as an active energy ray irradiation unit instead of the ultraviolet irradiation unit 130. An electron beam irradiation part is installed toward the installation surface of a conveyance part, and irradiates the electron beam as an active energy ray in the direction of an installation surface. That is, in the electron beam irradiation part, in the electron beam irradiation process as the active energy beam irradiation process, the block shell 3 is landed and adhered to the outer surface 32S of the face shell, specifically, the outer surface 32S of the concrete surface. Then, an electron beam is irradiated to the ink droplets of the respective electron beam curable inks that form the respective ink dots 5. As a result, the ink droplets are cured, and an image is formed by the plurality of cured ink dots 5.

  Other points are the same as in the case of the ultraviolet curable ink. Therefore, the other description regarding the case where electron beam curable ink is used as active energy curable ink is abbreviate | omitted.

1 decorative concrete block 3 block body 32 face shell 32S face shell outer surface 36 pore 5 ink dot

Claims (5)

  A decorative concrete block, wherein an image is formed on at least one outer surface of a concrete block main body by a plurality of fine lines in which ink droplets of active energy curable ink are cured.   2. The decorative concrete block according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of fine lines forming the image are configured by straight lines, curved lines, or a combination thereof, and a line width of the thin lines is 0.1 to 20 mm. .   The decorative concrete block according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a lightness ratio L2 / L1 between the lightness L1 of the non-image forming region and the lightness L2 of the image forming region on the outer surface is 0.3 to 0.9.   The decorative surface block according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the outer surface is a ground surface made of concrete, and the image is directly formed on the ground surface. A method for producing a decorative concrete block in which an image is formed on at least one outer surface of a concrete block body,
An image forming step of ejecting active energy curable ink on the outer surface, landing ink droplets by the active energy curable ink, and forming a plurality of fine lines by ink dots landed by the ink droplets;
An active energy ray irradiating step of irradiating and curing the ink droplets that are landed on the outer surface and form the ink dots after the image forming step.