JP2013071040A - Liquid imparting apparatus and inkjet recording apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a liquid applicator which promotes the precipitation of a foreign substance in a liquid and controls the clogging of a filter without enlarging the size of the apparatus.SOLUTION: The treatment liquid sent from a liquid imparting part is supplied to a first precipitation tank 20 from a first channel 30. The first precipitation tank 20 stores the treatment liquid supplied from the first channel 30. When the height of the liquid surface of the treatment liquid stored in the first precipitation tank 20 exceeds the height h, the treatment liquid from an overflow channel 20a overflows to flow into a second precipitation tank 22. The second precipitation tank 22 stores the treatment liquid which flows in from the first precipitation tank 20. When the height of the liquid surface of the treatment liquid stored in the second precipitation tank 22 exceeds the height h, the treatment liquid flows into a filter channel 32. The filter channel 32 is connected with a filter 40, the treatment liquid which flows into the filter channel 32 passes the filter 40.

Description

  The present invention relates to a liquid applying apparatus and an ink jet recording apparatus for applying a liquid to an object, and more particularly to a technique for preventing clogging of a filter for removing foreign matters mixed in the liquid.

  In an ink jet recording apparatus, a treatment liquid having a function of aggregating a color material in ink is applied to a recording surface of a sheet. For example, the application roller to which the application liquid is applied from the application tray is pressed and brought into contact with the surface of the paper to apply the processing liquid to the recording surface of the paper. By applying such treatment liquid in advance and ejecting ink, high-quality recording can be performed even when a general-purpose recording medium is used.

  Further, when sheets are stacked on the paper discharge unit (stacker unit) of the ink jet recording apparatus, ink show-through (stacker blocking) may occur between the sheets due to poor drying. As a countermeasure against this stacker blocking, powder is uniformly sprayed between sheets to prevent the inks from sticking to each other.

  Foreign matter such as dust on the paper, paper dust, and coating layer components and the above powder are mixed into the coating liquid in the coating tray through the coating roller when the back side is passed. The coating liquid has a structure that circulates in order to make the liquid concentration and liquid temperature uniform. The circulation channel is provided with a filter for removing foreign substances and powders to prevent coating failure due to foreign substances.

  In order to prevent a coating failure, it is necessary to remove foreign matters having a diameter of 20 to 30 μm or more from the circulation channel. Therefore, although a filter having an opening diameter of 20 μm or more is used, there arises a problem that this filter is clogged immediately.

  For such a problem, it is conceivable to provide a sedimentation tank on the upstream side of the filter and to remove the foreign material by precipitating the foreign material in the sedimentation tank. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a technique in which a capture space is formed so as to cover the entire bottom surface of a storage tank provided in a circulation supply mechanism, and the shape of the opening is a shape that easily captures foreign matter. . According to this technique, foreign matter can be guided to the capture space, and foreign matter in the liquid can be removed.

  Patent Document 2 describes a technique for forming a plurality of capture spaces defined by ribs at the bottom of a storage section provided in a circulation channel. According to this technique, foreign matters mixed in the coating liquid are accumulated in the capturing space, and foreign matters can be removed from the coating liquid.

JP 2007-44649 A JP 2010-274255 A

  However, the techniques of Patent Documents 1 and 2 have a problem in that when a large amount of foreign matter is mixed into the circulation flow path, the foreign matter does not settle and returns to the flow path, causing image defects and filter clogging. It was.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and a liquid applying apparatus and an ink jet recording apparatus that can promote precipitation of foreign matters in the liquid and suppress clogging of the filter without increasing the apparatus size. The purpose is to provide.

  In order to achieve the above object, one aspect of the liquid application device includes an application unit that applies a liquid to a predetermined object, a storage unit that stores the liquid applied by the application unit, and a storage unit that stores the liquid. A multi-stage tank having a plurality of settling tanks in which the liquid is stored and the liquid overflows when the liquid level reaches a predetermined height. And a multi-stage tank connected to the plurality of settling tanks so that the overflowed liquid sequentially flows into the next-stage settling tank, a filter for filtering the liquid that has passed through the multi-stage tank, and the storage section. A first channel for supplying the liquid to the multi-stage tank, and a second channel for returning the filtered liquid to the container.

  According to this aspect, the foreign substance mixed in the liquid can be removed by the multistage tank in which the plurality of precipitation tanks are connected so that the overflowed liquid sequentially flows into the next-stage precipitation tank. Without accelerating the precipitation of foreign matter in the liquid and suppressing the clogging of the filter, the filter life can be extended.

  The first flow path preferably supplies liquid from the horizontal direction to the first stage sedimentation tank of the multistage tank. Furthermore, it is preferable that the first flow path supplies liquid from the predetermined height of the first stage sedimentation tank of the multistage tank. Thereby, a liquid can be supplied to a multistage tank, without winding up the foreign material deposited on the bottom of the precipitation tank of the first stage of a multistage tank.

  Moreover, it is preferable that the said 1st flow path supplies a liquid from several places to the said multistage tank. Thereby, a liquid can be supplied to a multistage tank, without winding up the foreign material deposited on the bottom of the precipitation tank of the first stage of a multistage tank.

  Furthermore, you may provide the shielding means which interrupts | blocks the flow of a liquid in the position facing the terminal end of the said 1st flow path. Thereby, a liquid can be supplied to a multistage tank, without winding up the foreign material deposited on the bottom of the precipitation tank of the first stage of a multistage tank.

  The plurality of precipitation tanks preferably have a larger volume as the subsequent precipitation tank. Thereby, the foreign material which could not be removed in the preceding precipitation tank can be removed in the subsequent precipitation tank. In addition, by removing large foreign substances in advance in the preceding sedimentation tank, it is possible to prevent the foreign substances accumulated in the subsequent precipitation tank from being wound up by the movement of the large foreign substances.

  A foreign matter sensor for determining the state of foreign matter contained in the liquid that has passed through the multistage tank, a third flow path for returning the liquid that has passed through the multistage tank to the first stage sedimentation tank of the multistage tank, and the multistage tank When the foreign matter sensor detects that the amount of the foreign matter is less than a predetermined amount, the multi-stage tank is opened. Control means for supplying the liquid that has passed through the filter and supplying the liquid that has passed through the multistage tank to the third flow path when the foreign matter sensor detects that the amount of foreign matter is greater than or equal to a predetermined amount; It is preferable to provide.

  Thereby, since it is made to supply to a filter only when there are few foreign materials contained in a liquid, clogging of a filter can be controlled. Moreover, when there are many foreign substances, a foreign substance can be removed again by returning to a multistage tank.

  The foreign matter sensor has a light projecting unit that projects light, and a light receiving unit that receives the light projected by the light projecting unit through the liquid that has passed through the multistage tank. It is preferable to detect the foreign matter based on the amount of light. Thereby, the amount of foreign matter in the liquid can be detected appropriately.

  Based on the detection result of the foreign matter sensor, an integration unit that calculates an integrated amount of the foreign matter captured by the filter, and a first warning unit that warns that the calculated integrated amount exceeds a predetermined amount. May be. Thus, by notifying the user of the possibility of filter clogging, it is possible to prompt the user to replace or clean the filter before the filter is clogged.

  The third flow path includes a storage tank for storing the liquid, and the control means is configured such that the flow rate from the storage tank to the multistage tank is smaller than the flow rate from the multistage tank to the storage tank. It is preferable to control the flow rate of the third flow path. Thereby, since the time for a liquid to stay in a storage tank can be lengthened, precipitation of the foreign material in a storage tank can be accelerated | stimulated.

  You may provide the liquid quantity sensor which detects the quantity of the liquid stored in the said storage tank, and the 2nd warning means to alert | report that the quantity of the liquid stored in the said storage tank exceeded predetermined amount. Thereby, it can be notified to the user that the storage tank is full.

  In order to achieve the above object, one aspect of an ink jet recording apparatus includes a processing liquid applying unit that applies a processing liquid to a recording surface of a recording medium by the liquid applying apparatus of the above aspect, and a recording medium to which the processing liquid is applied. And a recording head for discharging ink on the recording surface.

  According to this aspect, it is possible to apply the processing liquid in which no foreign matter is mixed into the recording surface of the recording medium, and therefore it is possible to perform high-quality recording with the recording head.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to promote precipitation of foreign matters in the liquid and suppress clogging of the filter without increasing the apparatus size.

The perspective view which shows the foreign material removal apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment. The perspective view which shows the structure of the tank which comprises a foreign material removal apparatus The perspective view which shows the foreign material removal apparatus of the other aspect which concerns on 1st Embodiment. The perspective view which shows the foreign material removal apparatus which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. The perspective view which shows the foreign material removal apparatus of the other aspect which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. The perspective view which shows the foreign material removal apparatus of the other aspect which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. The perspective view which shows the foreign material removal apparatus which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. Whole block diagram which shows the foreign material removal apparatus which concerns on 4th Embodiment Diagram showing the configuration of the foreign matter sensor The flowchart which shows operation | movement of the foreign material removal apparatus which concerns on 4th Embodiment. The figure which shows the detection result of the foreign substance sensor and control of the flow path switching valve The figure which shows an example of the change of the integrated value in progress of time Overall configuration diagram showing a schematic configuration of a coating apparatus to which a foreign matter removing apparatus is applied Block diagram showing the schematic configuration of the control system of the coating apparatus

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[First Embodiment]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a foreign matter removing apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment. The foreign matter removing device 10 is a device for removing foreign matter in a processing liquid, which is provided in a circulation channel of the processing liquid in a liquid application device that applies a processing liquid (liquid) to an object.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the foreign matter removing apparatus 10 includes a first settling tank 20, a second settling tank 22, a first flow path 30, a filter flow path 32, a second flow path 34, and a filter 40. Configured.

As shown in FIG. 2A, the first sedimentation tank 20 and the second sedimentation tank 22 are constituted by a rectangular parallelepiped tank 50 having a length d, a width w, and a height h, and a partition plate 52. . The partition plate 52 is arranged in a vertical direction at a predetermined position inside the tank 50, and divides the tank 50 into two at _a height ha.

In addition, you may use the partition plate 56 shown in FIG.2 (b) as a partition plate. The partition plate 56 is arranged in a vertical direction at a predetermined position inside the tank 50 and partitions the tank 50 into two. The partition plate 56 has a slit 56a, the slit 56a, the height of the lowest position are provided so that the height h _a.

A through hole 54 is provided on one side surface of the tank 50. Through hole 54, the height of the lowest position are provided so that the height h _b. Here, the height h _a and the height h _b satisfy the relationship of h _a > h _b . The shape of the through hole 54 is not limited to a circle, and can be determined as appropriate, such as an ellipse, a rectangle, and a slit shape.

Returning to FIG. 1, the processing liquid sent from the liquid application unit (not shown) flows through the first flow path 30 and is supplied from the liquid supply port 30 a of the first flow path 30 to the first sedimentation tank 20. Is done. The first sedimentation tank 20 stores the processing liquid supplied from the first flow path 30. When the liquid level of the process liquid stored in the first settling tank 20 exceeds the height h _a, from the overflow channel 20a corresponding to the upper portion of the partition plate 52 processing liquid overflowing (overflow), this The overflowed processing liquid flows into the second sedimentation tank 22. In addition, when the partition plate 56 shown in FIG. 2B is used, the slit 56a becomes the overflow path 20a.

The second settling tank 22 stores the processing liquid that has flowed from the first settling tank 20. A through hole 54 is provided on the side surface of the second sedimentation tank 22. Therefore, if the height of the liquid surface of the process liquid stored in the second settling tank 22 exceeds the height h _b, the processing solution overflows from the through hole 54.

  The inflow port 32 a of the filter channel 32 is connected to the through hole 54, and the overflowed processing liquid flows into the filter channel 32.

  A filter 40 is connected to the filter flow path 32, and the processing liquid flowing into the filter flow path 32 passes through the filter 40. A second flow path 34 is connected to the filter 40, and the processing liquid that has passed through the filter 40 is sent to a liquid application unit (not shown).

  In this way, the first settling tank 20 and the second settling tank 22 are connected in a cascade manner so that the liquid overflowed from the upstream settling tank flows into the settling tank on the downstream side in sequence. It has become.

  When the processing liquid is supplied from the first flow path 30 to the first sedimentation tank 20, the foreign matters mixed in the processing liquid are removed by being deposited (deposited) on the bottom of the first sedimentation tank 20. The The processing liquid from which the foreign matter has been removed overflows from the overflow path 20 a and flows into the second sedimentation tank 22.

  Of the processing liquid that has flowed into the second sedimentation tank 22, foreign substances that could not be removed by the first sedimentation tank 20 are removed by sedimentation at the bottom of the second sedimentation tank 22. The processing liquid from which the foreign matter has been removed overflows from the through hole 54 and flows into the filter channel 32.

  The processing liquid that has flowed into the filter flow path 32 passes through the filter 40. At this time, foreign matters that could not be removed by the first sedimentation tank 20 and the second sedimentation tank 22 are captured (removed) by the filter 40.

  Thus, according to the foreign material removal apparatus 10, the foreign material mixed in the processing liquid is removed by precipitation, so that the clogging of the filter 40 can be suppressed and the filter life can be extended.

  In the present embodiment, two sedimentation tanks are configured by partitioning one tank with a partition plate. However, the form in which a plurality of sedimentation tanks are connected in cascade is not limited to this example.

  For example, as shown to Fig.3 (a), the 1st sedimentation tank 20 and the 2nd sedimentation tank 22 are comprised by connecting the two tanks 60 and 62 so that a liquid level height may differ. Also good. Here, the upper part of the joint surface with the tank 62 among the side surfaces of the tank 60 is defined as an overflow path 20a. The processing liquid overflowed from the overflow path 20 a of the tank 60 flows into the tank 62.

  Moreover, as shown in FIG.3 (b), the 1st sedimentation tank 20 and the 2nd sedimentation tank 22 are joined by joining each side surface of the two tanks 64 and 66, and inclining the whole by a predetermined angle. It may be configured. Here, the upper part of the joint surface with the tank 66 among the side surfaces of the tank 64 is defined as an overflow path 20a. The processing liquid overflowed from the overflow path 20 a of the tank 64 flows into the tank 66.

  In the present embodiment, as an example of a multistage tank connected in cascade, an example including two precipitation tanks, the first precipitation tank 20 and the second precipitation tank 22, has been described, but there are three multistage tanks. Needless to say, the above-described precipitation tank may be used. By increasing the number of sedimentation tanks, it is possible to further promote the removal of foreign matters.

[Second Embodiment]
FIG. 4A is a perspective view showing the foreign matter removing apparatus 12 according to the present embodiment. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the part which is common in the foreign material removal apparatus 10 shown in FIG. 1, and the detailed description is abbreviate | omitted.

In the foreign matter removing device 12, the processing liquid is supplied from the liquid supply port 36 a of the first flow path 36 to the first sedimentation tank 20. The first flow path 36 is provided horizontally at least in the vicinity of the liquid supply port 36 a, and the liquid supply port 36 a is provided on the side surface of the first sedimentation tank 20. Ekikyo port 36a, the height of the lowest position, and has a height h _a.

  That is, the processing liquid flows out in the horizontal direction from the liquid supply port 36 a provided at the liquid level of the first sedimentation tank 20. Therefore, the processing liquid is supplied from the horizontal direction with respect to the liquid level of the first sedimentation tank 20.

  In this way, the processing liquid is supplied horizontally to the first precipitation tank 20 which is the uppermost (first stage) precipitation tank of a multistage tank in which a plurality of precipitation tanks are connected in cascade. Thereby, the processing liquid can be supplied to the first sedimentation tank 20 without winding up the foreign matter accumulated on the bottom of the first sedimentation tank 20.

  4B, the first flow path 36 is provided horizontally at least in the vicinity of the liquid supply port 36a, and the liquid supply port 36a is positioned higher than the liquid level of the first sedimentation tank 20. The treatment liquid may be supplied from the horizontal direction to the first sedimentation tank 20. Even in this case, the treatment liquid is supplied horizontally to the first sedimentation tank 20, so that the foreign matter accumulated on the bottom of the first sedimentation tank 20 is not rolled up in the first sedimentation tank 20. Treatment liquid can be supplied.

A plurality of first flow paths 36 may be provided. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the processing liquid is supplied to the first sedimentation tank 20 from the five liquid supply ports 36-1 a to 36-5 a of the five first flow paths 36-1 to 36-5. Each liquid supply port 36-1a~36-5a, as the height of the lowest position respectively is _{h a,} is provided on the side of the first settling tank 20. Accordingly, the processing liquid can be supplied horizontally to the first sedimentation tank 20 from the five liquid supply ports 36-1a to 36-5a of the five first flow paths 36-1 to 36-5.

  In this way, the flow rate of the processing liquid can be reduced by supplying the processing liquid from the plurality of flow paths. Thereby, the processing liquid can be supplied to the first sedimentation tank 20 without winding up the foreign matter accumulated on the bottom of the first sedimentation tank 20.

  Furthermore, a shielding plate that reduces the flow rate of the processing liquid by blocking the flow of the processing liquid supplied from the first flow path 36 may be provided. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, a shielding plate 38 can be provided at a position facing the liquid supply port 36.

  The processing liquid flowing out from the liquid supply port 36 at a predetermined flow rate is blocked by the shielding plate 38, and the flow rate is reduced. Thereby, the processing liquid can be supplied to the first sedimentation tank 20 without winding up the foreign matter accumulated on the bottom of the first sedimentation tank 20.

[Third Embodiment]
FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the foreign matter removing apparatus 14 according to the present embodiment. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the part which is common in the foreign material removal apparatus 12 shown in FIG. 4, and the detailed description is abbreviate | omitted. The foreign matter removing device 14 includes a first settling tank 20, a second settling tank 22, and a third settling tank 24. The three settling tanks are connected in cascade so that the liquid overflowed from the upstream settling tank flows into the settling tank on the downstream side sequentially.

As shown in FIG. 7, the first sedimentation tank 20 is configured with _a width w, a length d _a , and a height ha, and stores a treatment liquid having _a volume Vol ₁ = w × d _a × ha. be able to.

In the foreign matter removing device 14, the processing liquid is supplied from the liquid supply port 36 a of the first flow path 36 to the first sedimentation tank 20. The first sedimentation tank 20 stores the processing liquid supplied from the first flow path 36. Foreign matter mixed in the processing liquid is deposited on the bottom of the first sedimentation tank 20. A portion of the processing liquid supplied to the first settling tank 20 that exceeds the volume Vol ₁ overflows from the overflow path 20 a, and the overflowed processing liquid flows into the second settling tank 22.

The second sedimentation tank 22, as shown in FIG. 7, a width w, a length _{d b,} is configured by a height _{h b,} storing the processing solution volume _{Vol 2 = w × d b ×} h b be able to.

The second settling tank 22 stores the processing liquid that has flowed from the first settling tank 20. Foreign matter that could not be removed by the first settling tank 20 is deposited on the bottom of the second settling tank 22. A portion of the processing liquid that has flowed into the second sedimentation tank 22 that exceeds the volume Vol ₂ overflows from the overflow path 22 a, and this overflowed processing liquid flows into the third sedimentation tank 24.

As shown in FIG. 7, the third sedimentation tank 24 has a width w, a length d _c , and a height h _c , and stores a treatment liquid having a volume Vol ₃ = w × db _c × h _c. be able to.

The third settling tank 24 stores the processing liquid that has flowed in from the second settling tank 22. Foreign matter that cannot be removed by the first sedimentation tank 20 and the second sedimentation tank 22 is deposited on the bottom of the third sedimentation tank 24. A portion of the processing liquid that has flowed into the third settling tank 24 that exceeds the volume Vol ₃ overflows from the inlet 32 a of the filter flow path 32, and the overflowed processing liquid flows into the filter flow path 32.

Here, the first precipitation tank 20, a second settling tank 22, and a third sedimentation tank 24 is configured so that the volume becomes _{Vol 1 <Vol 2 <Vol 3} . Therefore, the residence time of the treatment liquid in the second precipitation tank 22 is longer than the residence time of the treatment liquid in the first precipitation tank 20. Thereby, the foreign matter that could not be removed in the first sedimentation tank 20 can be precipitated in the second sedimentation tank 22. Moreover, it is possible to prevent the foreign matter accumulated in the second sedimentation tank 22 from being rolled up by the movement of the large foreign matter by removing the large foreign matter in advance in the first sedimentation tank 20.

  Furthermore, the retention time of the treatment liquid in the third precipitation tank 24 is longer than the retention time of the treatment liquid in the second precipitation tank 22. As a result, foreign matters that could not be removed in the second sedimentation tank 22 can be precipitated in the third sedimentation tank 24. Further, by removing the large foreign matter in advance in the second sedimentation tank 22, it is possible to prevent the foreign matter accumulated in the third sedimentation tank 24 from being rolled up by the movement of the large foreign matter.

  In this way, in a multi-stage tank in which a plurality of settling tanks are connected in cascade so that the liquid overflowing from the upstream settling tank sequentially flows into the downstream settling tank, the settling tank on the downstream side (rear stage side) By increasing the volume as much as possible, the residence time of the treatment liquid is increased in the downstream sedimentation tank. As a result, a smaller foreign substance can be precipitated in the downstream sedimentation tank, and a large foreign object moves in the downstream sedimentation tank by precipitating a large foreign substance in the upstream sedimentation tank. Can be prevented from being wound up.

[Fourth Embodiment]
FIG. 8 is an overall configuration diagram illustrating the foreign matter removing apparatus 16 according to the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, the foreign substance removing device 16 includes a multistage tank 70, a foreign substance sensor S1, a flow path switching valve V, a storage tank 76, a liquid level detection sensor S2, each pump P1, P2, and P3. The

  In the multistage tank 70, a plurality of settling tanks are connected in cascade so that the liquid overflowing from the upstream settling tank sequentially flows into the downstream settling tank. For example, the first settling tank shown in FIG. The same configuration as the tank 20 and the second sedimentation tank 22 can be used.

  The foreign matter sensor S <b> 1 is a sensor for detecting foreign matter contained in the processing liquid that has overflowed from the most downstream (last stage) sedimentation tank of the multistage tank 70. The configuration of the foreign matter sensor S1 is shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the foreign matter sensor S1 is an optical sensor including a pair of light projecting units 73a and light receiving units 73b. The processing liquid detection flow path 72 from the multistage tank 70 to the flow path switching valve V is formed of a material that transmits light at least at a position where the foreign matter sensor S1 is disposed.

  As the light emitting element of the light projecting unit 73a, for example, an LED can be used. For example, a photodiode can be used as the light receiving element of the light receiving unit 73b. The light emitted from the light emitting element of the light projecting unit 73a passes through the detection flow path 72 and the processing liquid flowing through the detection flow path 72, and is received by the light receiving element of the light receiving unit 73b.

  The amount of light transmitted through the processing liquid varies depending on the foreign matter mixed in the processing liquid. Accordingly, the amount of light received by the light receiving unit 73b varies depending on foreign matter (indicated by reference symbol G in FIG. 9) mixed in the processing liquid flowing inside the detection flow path 72. For example, when a large amount of foreign matter is mixed in the processing liquid or when many foreign matters are mixed, the amount of light received by the light receiving unit 73b is reduced by these foreign matters. Thus, the foreign matter sensor S1 can determine the state of the foreign matter in the processing liquid.

  The flow path switching valve V controls the electromagnetic valve V1 for controlling whether or not the processing liquid flowing from the detection flow path 72 is flown to the filter flow path 32, and the processing liquid flowing from the detection flow path 72 is third. The valve means includes an electromagnetic valve V <b> 2 that controls whether or not to flow to the flow path 74. The electromagnetic valves V1 and V2 open and close according to electric power applied from a control unit (not shown).

  When the electromagnetic valve V1 is opened and the electromagnetic valve V2 is closed, the processing liquid is sent to the filter 40 via the filter flow path 32 by the pump P1.

  When the electromagnetic valve V 1 is closed and the electromagnetic valve V 2 is opened, the processing liquid is sent to the storage tank 76 via the third flow path 74 by the pump P 2, and is supplied to the storage tank 76. Stored.

  The liquid level detection sensor S <b> 2 is a sensor for detecting the liquid level of the processing liquid stored in the storage tank 76. The liquid level detection sensor S <b> 2 can detect whether or not the position of the liquid level of the processing liquid stored in the storage tank 76 has reached the upper limit that can be stored in the storage tank 76. At or near the opening. As the liquid level detection sensor S2, a capacitance sensor or an optical sensor can be used, but is not particularly limited.

  The processing liquid stored in the storage tank 76 is sent to the first stage sedimentation tank of the multistage tank 70 by the pump P3. Instead of sending to the first stage sedimentation tank, the solution may be sent so as to join the first flow path 30.

  Next, the operation of the foreign matter removing apparatus 16 configured as described above will be described. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of the foreign matter removing apparatus 16.

  The processing liquid sent from the liquid application unit (not shown) flows through the first flow path 30 and is supplied to the multistage tank 70. The processing liquid from which the foreign matter has been removed in each settling tank of the multistage tank 70 overflows from the final settling tank of the multistage tank 70 and flows into the detection flow path 72.

  The foreign matter sensor S <b> 1 is a sensor for detecting foreign matter in the processing liquid flowing through the detection flow path 72. The control unit (not shown) determines the presence or absence of foreign matter in the processing liquid from the detection result of the foreign matter sensor S1.

Here, in a state where foreign matter in the processing solution is not at all mixed, the light projected from the light projecting unit 73a receiving unit 73b is a reference received light amount y ₀ the amount of light received when the received light. Control unit calculates the difference y (decrease amount) between the received light amount and the reference received light amount y ₀ of the light receiving portion 73b, when reduced quantity y is greater than or alpha, as a foreign object in the processing liquid are mixed to decide.

  The control unit determines whether or not the reduced light amount y of the light receiving unit 73b is larger than α (step St1). If the amount of decrease y is smaller, it is determined that there is no or little foreign matter in the processing liquid, and the electromagnetic valve V1 of the flow path switching valve V is opened and the electromagnetic valve V2 is closed (step) St2).

  Further, the pump P1 is driven and the filter 40 is set to a negative pressure (step St3). As a result, the processing liquid is sent to the filter 40 via the filter channel 32. At this time, the pumps P2 and P3 are stopped.

Further, the control unit calculates an integrated value Σy of the reduced light amount y in order to integrate the amount of foreign matter captured by the filter 40 (step St4). Then, it is determined whether or not the integrated value Σy has exceeded the threshold value y _max (step St5). The threshold value y _max is set to the integrated value Σy of the reduced light amount calculated from the integrated amount of foreign matter that causes clogging of the filter 40.

Integrated value Σy is the case of less than the threshold value _{y max,} the process ends. Further, when the integrated value Σy is larger than the threshold value _{y max} is a warning of filter clogging (Step St6). The warning may be displayed on a display unit (not shown) or may be notified by a warning sound.

  Thus, by notifying the user of the possibility of filter clogging, it is possible to prompt the user to replace or clean the filter before the filter is clogged. When the user replaces the filter 40 or cleans the filter 40, the integrated value Σy is reset.

  The integrated value Σy may be reset automatically by detecting that the filter 40 has been removed, or by the user through an input unit (not shown).

  Returning to the flowchart of FIG. 10, in step St1, when the light amount y of the light receiving unit 73b is larger than α, the control unit determines that there is a large amount of foreign matter in the processing liquid, and the electromagnetic valve V1 of the flow path switching valve V is turned The valve is closed and the electromagnetic valve V2 is opened (step St7).

  Further, the pump P2 is set in a driving state, and the pump P1 is set in a stopped state (step St8). As a result, the processing liquid is sent to the storage tank 76 via the third flow path 74. At the same time, the pump P 3 is also driven, and the processing liquid stored in the storage tank 76 is sent to the first stage sedimentation tank of the multistage tank 70.

  Here, the amount of liquid supplied by the pump P2 and the amount of liquid supplied by the pump P3 satisfy the relationship of (the amount of liquid supplied by the pump P2)> (the amount of liquid supplied by the pump P3). That is, the flow rate from the storage tank 76 to the multistage tank 70 is controlled to be smaller than the flow rate from the multistage tank 70 to the storage tank 76.

  Further, the amount of liquid delivered by the pump P1 and the amount of liquid delivered by the pump P2 satisfy the relationship of (amount of liquid delivered by the pump P1)> (amount of liquid delivered by the pump P2). That is, the flow rate from the multistage tank 70 to the storage tank 76 is controlled to be smaller than the flow rate from the multistage tank 70 to the filter 40.

  Thus, when it is determined that there are many foreign substances in the processing liquid, the processing liquid is returned to the multistage tank 70 via the storage tank 76. At this time, the flow rate of the pump P3 is made smaller than that of the pump P2, the flow rate is lowered, and the residence time in the storage tank 76 is extended, thereby promoting foreign matter precipitation in the storage tank 76. Can do. Thus, the storage tank 76 functions as a storage tank for lowering the return flow rate to the multistage tank 70 and also functions as a sedimentation tank that precipitates foreign substances in the processing liquid.

  In the storage tank 76, the liquid level detection sensor S2 detects the water level of the processing liquid. The control unit determines whether or not the liquid level detection sensor S2 has detected that the position of the liquid level of the processing liquid stored in the storage tank 76 has reached the upper limit that can be stored in the storage tank 76 (step St9). ).

  If the storable upper limit has not been reached, the process is terminated. When the upper limit is reached, the pumps P2 and P3 are stopped and a warning is generated (step St10). The warning may be displayed on a display unit (not shown) or may be notified by a warning sound.

  Thus, when there are many foreign substances in a process liquid and it cannot process with the foreign material removal capability in the multistage tank 70, the upper limit which can store the process liquid stored in the storage tank 76 will be reached. In this case, the user is notified that there are many foreign substances in the processing liquid and the storage tank 76 is full.

  The above processing is performed every predetermined time.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating the detection result of the foreign matter sensor S1 and the control of the flow path switching valve V over time.

At time t _0, the accumulated value Σy reduction amount is assumed to be reset.

At time t ₁ , the reduced light amount y of the light receiving unit 73 b is y ₁ . Here, since y ₁ <α, the electromagnetic valve V1 of the flow path switching valve V is opened, and the electromagnetic valve V2 is closed. At the same time, the pump P <b> 1 is driven and the processing liquid is sent to the filter 40. In addition, y ₁ is added to Σy.

Similarly, at times t ₂ , t _3, and t ₄ , the reduced light amount y of the light receiving unit 73 b is smaller than α. Therefore, the electromagnetic valve V1 of the flow path switching valve V is continuously opened, the electromagnetic valve V2 is closed, and the pump P1 is driven. Thereby, the processing liquid is sent to the filter 40. In addition, y ₂ , y ₃ , and y ₄ are added to Σy.

Next, at time t ₅ , the amount of reduced light y of the light receiving unit 73 b is y ₅ . Here, since y ₅ > α, the electromagnetic valve V1 of the flow path switching valve V is closed, and the electromagnetic valve V2 is opened. Further, the pump P1 is stopped and the pumps P2 and P3 are driven. Thereby, the processing liquid is sent to the storage tank 76. Incidentally, since the processing liquid in the filter 40 is fed at _{t 5} from the time _{t 4,} it adds _{y 5} to .sigma.y.

Similarly, at times t ₆ and t ₇ , the amount of reduced light y of the light receiving unit 73 b is greater than α. Therefore, the electromagnetic valve V1 of the flow path switching valve V is continuously closed, the electromagnetic valve V2 is opened, and the pumps P2 and P3 are driven. Thereby, the processing liquid is sent to the storage tank 76. During this period, since the processing liquid in the filter 40 is not fed, y _06, y ₇ is not integrated in the .sigma.y.

Subsequently, at time t ₈ , the amount of reduced light y of the light receiving unit 73 b is y ₈ . Here, since y ₈ <α, the electromagnetic valve V1 of the flow path switching valve V is opened, and the electromagnetic valve V2 is closed. Further, the pumps P2 and P3 are stopped and the pump P1 is driven. Thereby, the processing liquid is sent to the filter 40. Further, _{y 8} is added to .sigma.y.

  Thus, the flow path switching valve V and the pumps P1, P2, and P3 are controlled. In addition, while the processing liquid is being sent to the filter 40, the amount of foreign matter captured by the filter 40 can be calculated by integrating the amount of light reduced by the light receiving unit 73b.

FIG. 12 shows an example of a change in the integrated value Σy over time. As shown in the figure, the integrated value Σy increases with time. When the integration value Σy reaches the threshold _{y max} at time _{t 10,} a warning is generated. Thereafter, the filter replacement or filter cleaning takes place at time t _11, the integrated value Σy is reset, starts integration from 0 again.

[Overall configuration of liquid applicator]
FIG. 13 is an overall configuration diagram showing a schematic configuration of a coating apparatus 100 to which the above foreign matter removing apparatus is applied. The coating apparatus 100 shown in the figure includes a coating unit 112 (corresponding to an applying unit) that applies a coating liquid (processing liquid) to a medium to be coated (not shown), and a coating dish that stores the coating liquid that the coating unit 112 applies. 124 (corresponding to the container), a circulation channel 164 for feeding the coating liquid in the coating tray 124 to the sub tank 132, and a liquid supply path 136 (circulation channel) for feeding the coating liquid in the sub tank 132 to the coating tray 124. And a filter device 166 that removes foreign matters in the circulating coating liquid.

(Description of application part)
The application unit 112 measures the application liquid stored in the application tray 124, the impression cylinder 120 that holds and applies the application medium, the application roller 122 that applies the application liquid in contact with the application medium, and the application liquid. An anilox roller (measuring roller) 126 that transfers (supplies) to the application roller 122.

  The impression cylinder 120 is connected to a drive mechanism (not shown), and rotates in a predetermined direction (counterclockwise direction indicated by a symbol C in the drawing) according to the operation of the drive mechanism. The medium to be fixedly held on the outer circumferential surface of the impression cylinder 120 is conveyed along the outer circumferential surface of the impression cylinder 120 in accordance with the rotation operation of the impression cylinder 120.

  The application roller 122 is connected to a drive mechanism (not shown), and rotates in a predetermined direction (clockwise direction indicated by a symbol D in the drawing) according to the operation of the drive mechanism. The rotation speed of the application roller 122 is determined so that the linear velocity at the contact position of the impression cylinder 120 matches that of the impression cylinder 120.

  The application roller 122 presses the application medium (the impression cylinder 120) with a predetermined pressure at the time of application for applying the application liquid to the application medium, and the pressure at the time of non-application when the application liquid is not applied. The relative position with respect to the impression cylinder 120 is controlled so as to be separated from the cylinder 120. White arrow lines with a symbol E represent the pressing direction and the separating direction of the impression cylinder 120.

  The application tray 124 divides a storage part 124A in which the application liquid supplied from the liquid supply part 114 is stored, a storage part 124B in which the coating liquid overflowing from the storage part 124A is stored, and a storage part 124A and a storage part 124B. A partition wall 124C to be opened, and an opening 124D provided in the partition wall 124C.

  When the water level of the coating liquid supplied from the liquid supply unit 114 reaches the opening 124D of the partition wall 124C, the coating liquid overflows from the storage unit 124A to the storage unit 124B, so the water level of the coating liquid stored in the storage unit 124A Is kept constant. By keeping the water level of the coating liquid in the reservoir 124A constant, variations in the coating liquid metering by the anilox roller 126 are prevented.

  The coating liquid overflowing into the storage unit 124B is returned to the liquid supply unit 114 (sub tank 132) via a circulation channel 164 communicating with a discharge port (not shown).

  The bottom surface 124E of the storage unit 124A is provided with a discharge port (not shown), and the coating liquid stored in the storage unit 124A can be discharged to the outside through the discharge port.

  The anilox roller 126 has a structure in which a large number of cells (not shown) having a predetermined volume are formed on the surface, and the coating liquid held in the cells is supplied to the coating roller 122. By rotating the anilox roller 126 at a constant speed (the direction of rotation is indicated by an arrow line with a symbol F), the application liquid in the application tray 124 can be pumped while measuring a predetermined amount.

(Description of liquid supply unit)
Next, the liquid supply unit 114 will be described in detail. As shown in FIG. 13, the liquid supply unit 114 includes a main tank 130, a sub tank 132, a liquid supply path 136, a circulation flow path 164, a waste liquid tank 172, and a discharge flow path 174.

  The main tank 130 stores a coating liquid and has a built-in filter 130A. The main tank 130 communicates with the sub tank 132 via a replenishment flow path 133 and a replenishment pump 134 provided in the replenishment flow path 133.

  When the amount of the coating liquid in the sub tank 132 becomes less than a predetermined amount, the replenishing pump 134 is operated to replenish the coating liquid from the main tank 130 to the sub tank 132.

  The sub tank 132 communicates with the application unit 112 (application tray 124) via the liquid supply path 136. The sub tank 132 includes a filter 132A, and is provided with a liquid amount sensor (not shown) for detecting the amount of the applied coating liquid.

  The liquid supply path 136 is provided with a supply valve 138 and a supply pump 140. When the supply pump 140 is operated while the supply valve 138 is opened, the coating liquid is supplied from the sub tank 132 to the coating unit 112.

  The liquid supply path 136 is connected between the supply valve 138 and the supply pump 140 with a diluent flow path 144 communicating with the diluent tank 142 in which the filter 142A is built. The diluent channel 144 is provided in the diluent channel 144. When the supply valve 138 is closed and the diluent channel valve 146 is opened, the diluent is supplied to the coating unit 112 instead of the coating solution. The

  The liquid supply path 136 includes a concentration meter 148 for detecting the concentration of the coating liquid in the liquid supply path 136, a temperature sensor 152 for detecting the temperature of the coating liquid in the liquid supply path 136, and a liquid supply path 136. A heater 156 for adjusting the temperature is provided.

  The concentration of the coating liquid in the liquid supply path 136 is monitored by a densitometer 148 and managed so as to maintain a predetermined concentration range. Further, the temperature is monitored by the temperature sensor 152, and the temperature is managed so that a predetermined temperature range is maintained.

  The circulation channel 164 is a channel for circulating the coating liquid from the liquid supply unit 114 to the sub tank 132 and is branched from the circulation channel 164 communicating with the liquid supply unit 114 (application tray 124).

  The circulation channel 164 that communicates with the application tray 124 is provided with a first circulation valve 160 that is provided in a channel that communicates with the discharge port of the storage portion 124A and a second circulation valve 162 that is provided on the bottom surface of the storage portion 124B. A filter device 166 and a circulation pump 168 are provided.

  When the circulation pump 168 is operated with the second circulation valve 162 opened, the coating liquid is returned to the sub tank 132 via the filter device 166 and the circulation pump 168.

  The liquid feed amount of the supply pump 140 and the liquid feed amount of the circulation pump 168 satisfy the relationship of (liquid feed amount of the supply pump)> (liquid feed amount of the circulation pump). That is, the storage portion 124A in which the anilox roller 126 is immersed is used in a state where the coating liquid overflows. The coating liquid overflowed from the storage unit 124A is collected by the circulation pump 168 via the storage unit 124B, returned to the sub tank 132, and reused.

  The coating liquid overflowed from the coating tray 124 is mixed with powder for suppressing the occurrence of blocking when stacking the medium to be coated in the general dirt or the subsequent processing step of the coating apparatus 100.

  Therefore, the coating liquid collected from the coating unit 112 is sent to the sub tank 132 after the contaminated dirt or powder is removed by the filter device 166.

  As the filter device 166 shown in FIG. 13, the foreign matter removing device 10, 12, 14, or 16 described above is applied. Here, the first flow path 30 of the foreign matter removal apparatuses 10 and 16 and the first flow path 36 of the foreign matter removal apparatuses 12 and 14 correspond to the circulation flow path 164. Further, the treatment liquid of the foreign matter removing apparatus 10, 12, 14, or 16 corresponds to the coating liquid of the coating apparatus 100.

  In addition, when the foreign material removal apparatus 16 is applied, the circulation pump 168 can be omitted.

  In addition, the storage portion 124 </ b> A and the storage portion 124 </ b> B of the application tray 124 are communicated with the waste liquid tank 172 via the discharge channel 174. The drain passage 174 is provided with a drain valve 170 and a drain pump 176. When the drain pump 176 is operated with the drain valve 170 opened, the coating liquid in the storage portion 124A and the storage portion 124B is discharged from the waste liquid tank. 172.

  Note that a configuration other than the configuration illustrated in FIG. 13 may be added as appropriate, and the configuration illustrated in FIG. 13 may be deleted as appropriate.

  FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a control system of the coating apparatus 100 shown in FIG.

  The system control unit 200 is a unit that comprehensively controls the coating apparatus 100 and sends control command signals to the coating control unit 220, the valve control unit 230, the pump control unit 240, and the heater control unit 260.

  The warning unit 210 issues a warning about clogging of the filter 40 and a warning when the liquid level of the processing liquid in the storage tank 76 reaches an upper limit that can be stored. The warning unit 210 may be a display unit such as a monitor, or may be a warning sound generation unit.

  The application control unit 220 controls the operation of the application unit 112 (application roller 122). That is, the application control unit 220 performs rotation control, pressure control, anilox roller 126 rotation control, and impression cylinder 120 rotation control of the application roller 122.

  The valve control unit 230 opens and closes valves such as the supply valve 138, the diluent flow path valve 146, the first circulation valve 160, the second circulation valve 162, and the drain valve 170 based on the control command signal of the system control unit 200. To control.

  The valve controller 230 controls the opening and closing of the electromagnetic valves V1 and V2 of the flow path switching valve V based on the detection result of the foreign matter sensor S1.

  The pump control unit 240 controls operations (ON / OFF, rotation speed, rotation direction, etc.) of pumps such as the replenishment pump 134, the supply pump 140, and the circulation pump 168 based on the control command signal of the system control unit 200.

  The pump control unit 240 controls the operations of the pumps P1, P2, and P3 based on the detection result of the liquid level detection sensor S2.

  The concentration information of the coating liquid acquired by the densitometer 148 is sent to the system control unit 200. The system control unit 200 controls the supply of the dilution liquid based on the concentration information of the coating liquid.

  The temperature information of the coating liquid acquired by the temperature sensor 152 is sent to the system control unit 200. The system control unit 200 sends a control command signal for the heater 156 to the heater control unit 250 based on the temperature information of the coating liquid. The heater control unit 250 controls the operation of the heater 156 based on the control command signal.

  It is also possible to add a configuration other than the configuration shown in FIG. For example, an operation unit (keyboard, mouse, touch panel, etc.) that functions as a user interface and a monitor device that displays various types of information can be provided.

  Moreover, the form which isolate | separates the structure of the liquid supply part 114 from the coating device 100 illustrated in FIG. 13 and comprises as a liquid supply apparatus is also possible.

  The coating apparatus 100 described above can be applied to a two-component ink jet recording apparatus that causes a treatment liquid and ink to react on a recording medium to aggregate or insolubilize a color material contained in the ink.

  That is, in the two-component ink jet recording apparatus, as a pre-process for ejecting the color ink, it is possible to configure as a processing application section that uniformly applies the processing liquid (acidic liquid) to the entire surface of the recording medium.

  According to this, it is possible to apply the treatment liquid in which no foreign matter is mixed into the recording surface of the recording medium, and therefore it is possible to perform high-quality recording with the recording head.

  The technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the scope described in the above embodiment. The configurations and the like in the respective embodiments can be appropriately combined among the respective embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10, 12, 14, 16 ... Foreign material removal apparatus, 20 ... 1st sedimentation tank, 20a ... Overflow path, 22 ... 2nd sedimentation tank, 24 ... 3rd sedimentation tank, 30, 36 ... 1st flow path 34 ... second flow path, 38 ... shielding plate, 40 ... filter, 70 ... multistage tank, 73a ... light projecting part, 73b ... light receiving part, 74 ... third flow path, 76 ... storage tank, 100 ... coating Device, 112 ... coating unit, 124 ... coating plate, 132 ... sub tank, 166 ... filter device, P1, P2, P3 ... pump, S1 ... foreign matter sensor, S2 ... liquid level detection sensor

Claims (12)

Applying means for applying a liquid to a predetermined object;
A storage section for storing the liquid applied by the applying means;
A circulation channel for circulating the liquid stored in the storage unit;
With
The circulation channel is
A multi-stage tank that has a plurality of settling tanks in which the liquid is stored and the liquid overflows when the liquid level reaches a predetermined height, so that the overflowed liquid sequentially flows into the next settling tank. A multi-stage tank connected to the plurality of settling tanks;
A filter for filtering the liquid that has passed through the multistage tank;
A first flow path for supplying the liquid stored in the storage portion to the multistage tank;
A second flow path for returning the filtered liquid to the container;
A liquid applicator characterized by comprising:   The liquid applicator according to claim 1, wherein the first flow path supplies liquid from a horizontal direction to a first-stage sedimentation tank of the multistage tank.   The liquid application apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the first flow path supplies a liquid from the predetermined height of the first stage sedimentation tank of the multistage tank.   The liquid application apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first flow path supplies liquid from a plurality of locations to the multistage tank.   5. The liquid applying apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a shielding unit that blocks a liquid flow at a position facing the end of the first flow path.   The liquid applicator according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the plurality of settling tanks have a larger volume as a subsequent settling tank. A foreign matter sensor for determining the state of foreign matter contained in the liquid that has passed through the multistage tank;
A third flow path for returning the liquid that has passed through the multistage tank to the first stage sedimentation tank of the multistage tank;
A flow path switching means for switching to which of the filter and the third flow path the liquid that has passed through the multistage tank is supplied;
When the foreign matter sensor detects that the amount of foreign matter is less than a predetermined amount, the liquid that has passed through the multistage tank is supplied to the filter, and the foreign matter sensor detects that the amount of foreign matter is greater than or equal to a predetermined amount. Then, the control means for supplying the liquid that has passed through the multistage tank to the third flow path,
The liquid applicator according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising:   The foreign matter sensor has a light projecting unit that projects light, and a light receiving unit that receives the light projected by the light projecting unit through the liquid that has passed through the multistage tank. The liquid application apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the foreign matter is detected based on a light amount. Based on the detection result of the foreign matter sensor, integrating means for calculating the cumulative amount of foreign matter captured by the filter;
First warning means for warning that the calculated integrated amount exceeds a predetermined amount;
The liquid applicator according to claim 7 or 8, further comprising: The third flow path includes a storage tank for storing the liquid,
The said control means controls the flow volume of a 3rd flow path so that the flow volume from the said storage tank to the said multistage tank may become smaller than the flow volume from the said multistage tank to the said storage tank. Item 10. The liquid applicator according to any one of Items 7 to 9. A liquid amount sensor for detecting the amount of liquid stored in the storage tank;
A second warning means for warning that the amount of liquid stored in the storage tank exceeds a predetermined amount;
The liquid applicator according to claim 10, further comprising: A treatment liquid application means for applying a treatment liquid to the recording surface of the recording medium by the liquid application apparatus according to claim 1;
A recording head that ejects ink onto a recording surface of a recording medium to which the treatment liquid is applied;
An ink jet recording apparatus comprising:

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