JP5083022B2 - Hydraulic transfer method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a hydraulic transfer method for transferring a desired printed pattern layer onto a transfer medium using hydraulic pressure.

As a method for decorating a transfer target having a three-dimensional surface such as irregularities by forming a pattern such as a wood grain pattern, a hydraulic transfer method as described in Patent Documents 1 to 3 is known. Yes. In this hydraulic transfer method, a pattern is printed on one surface of a water-soluble film made of polyvinyl alcohol or the like. The film on which this pattern is printed is floated on the water surface in the water tank with the printing surface facing up. The film dissolves in water over time, and the remaining oily printed pattern layer floats on the water surface. The transferred object is lowered from above the printed pattern layer and pushed into water, and the printed pattern layer is transferred to the transferred object by water pressure.
JP-A-6-171195 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 8-39772 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2004-358681

  In the hydraulic pressure transfer methods described in Patent Documents 1 to 3 described above, the film plays a role of holding the printed pattern layer during conveyance. However, when the film is floated on the liquid surface prior to the transfer of the printed pattern layer to the transfer target, the film is prevented from floating. Therefore, a film formed of a water-soluble material is used and is dissolved in water. As described above, since a film that is not directly involved in the transfer of the printed pattern layer to the transfer target is used, the cost required for carrying out the hydraulic transfer method is increased accordingly.

  In the conventional hydraulic transfer method described above, the film dissolves in water, so that the properties of water change such that the viscosity increases as the transfer is repeated. As the water viscosity increases, the water pressure acting on the printed pattern layer during transfer changes, and the transfer accuracy changes. Therefore, in order to maintain the property of water in the water tank within an allowable range, the frequency of water replacement must be increased, which also contributes to an increase in cost.

Note that the above-described problem can occur in the same manner even when a liquid other than water is used.
The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a hydraulic transfer method capable of reducing the cost as compared with a case where a printed pattern layer is transferred using a film. It is in.

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the invention according to claim 1 draws a printed pattern layer by spraying ink particles directly onto the liquid surface of the liquid stored in the transfer tank from above with an ink jet printer. Thereafter, the transferred body is lowered from above the printed pattern layer and pushed into the liquid, and the hydraulic pattern transfer method for transferring the printed pattern layer to the surface of the transferred body by the liquid pressure of the liquid, The gist is that water is used as the liquid, and hydrophilic ink particles covered with a hydrophobic protective film are directly sprayed onto the liquid surface by the ink jet printer to draw the printed pattern layer .

  In carrying out the above-described hydraulic pressure transfer method, first, ink particles are directly sprayed onto the liquid surface from above by an ink jet printer. By this spraying, a desired printed pattern layer composed of a large number of ink particles is drawn on the liquid surface. In this way, the formation and floating of the printed pattern layer are performed on a common target (liquid). Therefore, once the printed pattern layer is formed on the film and the film dissolves, the printed pattern layer floats on the liquid surface. That is, the formation and floating of the printed pattern layer are different from each other (both film and liquid). Unlike the conventional hydraulic transfer method performed on the film, no film is required. Along with this, the property change (such as increase in viscosity) of the liquid due to dissolution of the film decreases, and the frequency of liquid replacement decreases. As a result, the cost required for implementing the hydraulic transfer method is reduced.

Then, after the printing pattern layer is drawn, the transferred material is lowered from above and pushed into the liquid. Along with this insertion, the printed pattern layer receives the pressure of the liquid (hydraulic pressure) and is pressed against the surface of the transfer object to be adhered, that is, the printed pattern layer is transferred to the surface of the transfer object.
When water is used as the liquid, it is desirable to draw a printed pattern layer on the liquid surface by spraying ink particles, which are hydrophilic but coated with a hydrophobic protective film, directly onto the liquid by an ink jet printer. This is because the sprayed ink particles are not dissolved or hardly dissolved in water, and remain in a stable state on the water surface (difficult to move) without being diffused.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the printed pattern layer can be surrounded by at least the liquid surface of the liquid before the transferred object is pushed into the liquid at the latest. The gist is to arrange a frame of a size.

Here, “before the transferred material is pushed into the liquid at the latest” includes “before the printed pattern layer is drawn on the liquid surface” and “after the drawing”.
According to the above-described hydraulic pressure transfer method, the frame is disposed on at least the liquid surface of the liquid before the transfer target is pushed into the liquid at the latest. By this frame, the liquid surface is partitioned into a region (region inside the frame) surrounding the printed pattern layer and a region other than that (region outside the frame). Therefore, even if the liquid level moves in a region outside the frame due to wind, convection, vibration, or the like, the movement of the liquid level is difficult to be transmitted to the region inside the frame. As a result, it is possible to suppress the deformation of the printed pattern layer due to the fluctuation of the liquid level in the region outside the frame body after the drawing by the ink jet printer.

The gist of the invention described in claim 3 is that, in the invention described in claim 2 , a frame having a shape corresponding to the outer edge of the printed pattern layer is used.
Here, from the viewpoint of suppressing deformation of the printed pattern layer, it is desirable that the gap between the frame and the printed pattern layer is as narrow as possible. This is because the printed pattern layer is less susceptible to the movement of the liquid level in the inner region of the frame. In this regard, as in the fifth aspect of the invention, if a frame having a shape corresponding to the outer edge of the printed pattern layer is used, the gap between the frame and the outer edge of the printed pattern layer is narrowed. The printed pattern layer is less susceptible to the movement of the liquid level in the inner region of the frame.

The invention according to claim 4 is the invention according to claim 2 or 3 , wherein the frame body is after drawing the printed pattern layer and before the transferred body is pushed into the liquid. The gist is to move at least a part of the liquid crystal in a direction along the liquid surface.

  According to the above-described hydraulic transfer method, after the printed pattern layer is drawn and before the transfer target is pushed into the liquid, at least a part of the frame moves in a direction along the liquid surface. When this is done, at least a portion of the liquid in the frame near the liquid surface moves following the frame. That is, a flow toward the moving direction of the frame is generated in the portion of the liquid. The printed pattern layer on the liquid surface moves along this flow and deforms into a shape different from that before the movement of the frame. After that, when the transferred object is pushed into the liquid, the deformed printed pattern layer, that is, the printed pattern layer having a shape different from the printed pattern layer at the time of drawing is transferred to the transferred object.

The gist of the invention described in claim 5 is that, in the invention described in claim 4 , at least a part of the frame is moved to the side away from the outer edge of the printed pattern layer.
According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, when at least a part of the frame is moved to the side away from the outer edge of the printed pattern layer, the moving direction of the frame is at least near the liquid surface of the liquid in the frame. In this case, a flow is generated toward the side away from the outer edge of the printed pattern layer. The printed pattern layer on the liquid surface moves along with this flow, and deforms (enlarges) into a larger shape than before the movement of the frame. Thereafter, when the transferred object is pushed into the liquid, a printed pattern layer larger than the printed pattern layer at the time of drawing is transferred to the transferred object. Therefore, it is only necessary to draw a small printed pattern layer as compared with the case where the printed pattern layer does not deform after drawing. It is possible to reduce the size of a portion where ink particles are sprayed, such as an ink head in an ink jet printer. Further, since a small printed pattern layer is drawn, the drawing time can be shortened.

According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, the ink pattern is directly sprayed from above the liquid surface stored in the transfer tank by an ink jet printer to draw the printed pattern layer, and then from above the printed pattern layer. A liquid pressure transfer method of lowering a transferred object and pushing it into the liquid, and transferring the printed pattern layer to the surface of the transferred object with the liquid pressure of the liquid , wherein an ultraviolet transmissive liquid is used as the liquid In addition, UV curable ink particles are used as the ink particles, and the printed pattern layer transferred to the transferred body as the transferred body is pushed into the liquid is passed through the liquid from below. The gist is to cure the ink particles constituting the printed pattern layer by irradiating with ultraviolet rays.

In carrying out the above-described hydraulic pressure transfer method, first, ink particles are directly sprayed onto the liquid surface from above by an ink jet printer. By this spraying, a desired printed pattern layer composed of a large number of ink particles is drawn on the liquid surface. In this way, the formation and floating of the printed pattern layer are performed on a common target (liquid). Therefore, once the printed pattern layer is formed on the film and the film dissolves, the printed pattern layer floats on the liquid surface. That is, the formation and floating of the printed pattern layer are different from each other (both film and liquid). Unlike the conventional hydraulic transfer method performed on the film, no film is required. Along with this, the property change (such as increase in viscosity) of the liquid due to dissolution of the film decreases, and the frequency of liquid replacement decreases. As a result, the cost required for implementing the hydraulic transfer method is reduced.
Then, after the printing pattern layer is drawn, the transferred material is lowered from above and pushed into the liquid. Along with this insertion, the printed pattern layer receives the pressure of the liquid (hydraulic pressure) and is pressed against the surface of the transfer object to be adhered, that is, the printed pattern layer is transferred to the surface of the transfer object.
According to the above-described hydraulic pressure transfer method, ultraviolet rays are irradiated from below onto the printed pattern layer in which the transfer target is pushed into the liquid and transferred onto the surface. When the ultraviolet light passes through the ultraviolet light transmissive liquid and reaches the printed pattern layer, the ink particles constituting the printed pattern layer are sensitively cured and fixed on the transfer target. Therefore, it is possible to fix the printed pattern layer to the transferred body by irradiating ultraviolet rays from the time when the transferred body is in the liquid, and to irradiate the ultraviolet rays after taking out the transferred body having the printed pattern layer transferred from the liquid. This makes it possible to reduce the number of production steps and improve productivity.

  According to the present invention, prior to the transfer of the transfer object into the liquid, the ink pattern is directly sprayed from the upper side to the liquid surface by an ink jet printer so as to draw the printed pattern layer. It is possible to reduce the change in the properties of the liquid accompanying dissolution of the film and reduce the frequency of replacement of the liquid, thereby reducing the cost.

(First embodiment)
Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
First, the transfer target 11 to which the hydraulic transfer method is applied will be described with reference to FIG. This transferred object 11 occupies most of the final product and is in a state before the surface is decorated (printed here). The transfer object 11 is formed of a synthetic resin, metal, ceramics, or the like, and has a three-dimensional surface such as a curved surface, a bent surface, or an uneven surface. An example of the final product is a vehicle interior product such as a console lid (cover for armrest, accessory case, etc.), an armrest panel attached to a vehicle door, a center console panel, and the like. When these are used as final products, the transfer object 11 is often formed of a synthetic resin. Here, the description will proceed with the console lid base material as the transfer target 11. In this transferred object 11, the upper surface 11T and the side surface 11S become the transferred surface 12.

  A printed pattern layer 10 is formed on the transfer surface 12 of the transfer object 11 by the hydraulic transfer method of this embodiment. Examples of the printed pattern in the printed pattern layer 10 include, but are not limited to, a wood grain pattern, a famous stone (marble, etc.) pattern, and the like.

  Next, the hydraulic transfer device 14 used for carrying out the hydraulic transfer method will be described. As shown in at least one of FIGS. 2 and 6, the hydraulic transfer device 14 includes a transfer tank 15, an inkjet printer 16, an elevating device 17, and an ultraviolet irradiation device 18 (see FIG. 6). Next, each part which comprises the hydraulic transfer apparatus 14 is demonstrated easily.

<Transfer tank 15>
As shown in FIG. 2, the liquid 21 is stored in the transfer tank 15 whose upper surface is open. The transfer tank 15 is not provided with anything that causes the liquid 21 to flow. Examples of the liquid 21 include any of (i) water, (ii) water containing a thickener, (iii) a viscous liquid having a higher viscosity than water, and (iv) a high specific gravity liquid having a higher specific gravity than water. One can be used. In the first embodiment, (i) water is used as the liquid.

  Here, in the conventional hydraulic transfer method, since the water-soluble film needs to be dissolved, the type of the liquid 21 is restricted to one type of water. In this regard, in the first embodiment, since such a film is not used, the above-described restrictions are not applied, and the types of liquids that can be used are increased as described above.

<Inkjet printer 16>
As shown in FIG. 3, the ink jet printer 16 includes an ink head 25 that operates in response to a command signal from a control device (not shown). The ink head 25 sensitizes and cures ultraviolet rays UV, that is, so-called ultraviolet curable ink, is atomized into ink particles 24, which are ejected from nozzles (not shown) to the liquid surface 22 of the liquid 21. A printed pattern layer is drawn by spraying directly from above. The printed pattern layer on the liquid surface 22 is referred to as a “printed pattern layer 13” in order to distinguish it from the printed pattern layer 10 after transfer described above.

  As the ink particles 24, any one of (I) oil-based ink particles 24 and (II) hydrophilic ink particles 24 covered with a hydrophobic protective film can be used. The ink particles 24 are ejected by a thermal method in which bubbles are generated in the ink in the tube by heating and the ink is ejected. A piezo element (piezoelectric element) is attached to a fine tube having an ink chamber, and a voltage is applied to the piezo element. There is a piezo method that ejects ink in the ink chamber to the outside of the tube by applying and deforming. In the first embodiment, the ink head 25 having a width narrower than that of the transfer tank 15 is used.

  In the ink jet printer 16, the ink head 25 is reciprocated in the width direction of the transfer tank 15 (direction perpendicular to the paper surface of FIG. 3), and the ink head 25 is moved in the length direction of the transfer tank 15 (left and right in FIG. 3). A moving mechanism (not shown) is provided. By this moving mechanism, the position of the ink head 25 with respect to the width direction and the length direction of the transfer tank 15 can be changed, so that a desired printed pattern layer 13 can be drawn on the liquid surface 22 of the liquid 21. The printed pattern layer 13 has a shape in which the printed pattern layer 10 after being transferred to the surface of the transfer body 11 is developed in a planar shape, or a shape slightly larger than that and corresponding to the same shape.

  The ink jet printer 16 is moved to a substantially central portion of the transfer tank 15 when the printed pattern layer 13 is drawn, and is moved to a retracted position near the peripheral edge of the transfer tank 15 when not drawing (see FIG. 2). The movement of the inkjet printer 16 between the two positions can be performed by, for example, a traverser (transverse feed device), a robot, or the like. In the case of a traverser, the inkjet printer 16 is translated between the two positions.

  In addition, as the ink head 25, an ink head having the same width as the transfer tank 15 may be used. In the ink jet printer 16 in this case, the ink head 25 is moved only in the length direction of the transfer tank 15 by the moving mechanism.

<Elevating device 17>
As shown in FIG. 2, the elevating device 17 has a position above the liquid level 22 in the transfer tank 15 (hereinafter referred to as “rising position”) and a position below the liquid level 22 as shown in FIG. (Hereinafter referred to as “lowering position”). More precisely, the “rising position” is a position “becomes higher than the ink head 25 when the printed pattern layer 13 is drawn”. The “lowering position” is more precisely a position “at least the transfer surface 12 of the transfer body 11 is lower than the liquid surface 22”. Therefore, in FIG. 4 showing the “lowering position”, the entire transfer target 11 is immersed in the liquid 21, but the entire transfer target 11 may not necessarily be immersed in the liquid 21.

  Further, based on the relationship between the position of the transfer object 11 and the drawing by the ink jet printer 16, the lifting device 17 moves the transfer object 11 to a position satisfying at least the following conditions. The condition is at least the “upward position” during drawing and the movement to the “downward position” after drawing is completed.

<Ultraviolet irradiation device 18>
As shown in FIG. 6, the ultraviolet irradiation device 18 irradiates the printed pattern layer 10 with ultraviolet UV after the transferred material 11 to which the printed pattern layer 10 has been transferred is taken out of the liquid 21, and then prints the printed pattern layer. 10 is a device for curing the ink particles 24 constituting the toner 10 and fixing them to the transfer target 11. The irradiation of the ultraviolet rays UV may be performed while the transfer target 11 is being lifted, may be performed at the “rising position”, or may be different from the “rising position”, for example, the transfer tank 15. May be transferred to a different booth. In the first embodiment, the ultraviolet irradiation device 18 is disposed in a booth different from the transfer tank 15.

  As the ultraviolet irradiation device 18, a known ultraviolet curing device including a light source lamp 26 such as a high-pressure mercury lamp and a metal halide lamp and an irradiator (lamp house) can be used.

Next, the content of the hydraulic transfer method using the hydraulic transfer device 14 will be described in the order of steps. In addition, the following processes are divided for convenience in order to describe a series of flows.
<Preparation process>
In the preparation step, the ink head 25 of the ink jet printer 16 is moved to the drawing position near the upper portion of the liquid surface 22 as indicated by a two-dot chain line in FIG.

  Further, the lifting device 17 moves the transfer body 11 to a position where the movement of the ink head 25 is not hindered, for example, the above-described “raised position”. This rising position is above the planned drawing position of the liquid level 22. At this time, the transferred object 11 is held by the lifting device 17 so that the transferred surface 12 is on the lower side.

<Drawing process>
In the drawing process, as shown by a solid line in FIG. 3, the ink head 25 is moved in the width direction (direction perpendicular to the paper surface of FIG. 3) and the length direction (left-right direction in FIG. 3) of the transfer tank 15. In conjunction with this movement, ink particles 24 are sprayed directly from the nozzles of the ink head 25 onto the liquid surface 22, and a printed pattern layer 13 such as a wood grain pattern is drawn on the liquid surface 22.

At this time, from the viewpoint of keeping the ink particles 24 sprayed on the liquid surface 22 in a stable state on the liquid surface 22, it is desirable to satisfy the following conditions.
-Ink viscosity: 0.5-10000 mPs
・ Ink discharge amount: 10 to 300 pl / droplet ・ Nozzle diameter: 10 to 100 μm
In addition, when the piezo-type inkjet printer 16 that discharges ink by applying a voltage to a piezo element is used as an ink-discharge method, it is desirable to use an ink having a low electrical conductivity. This is because if ink having a high electrical conductivity is used, the deformation of the piezo element is adversely affected and the ink particles 24 may not be easily ejected.

In the drawing process, the transfer target 11 is held at the “upward position” and is kept waiting for the next transfer process.
As described above, the formation and floating of the printed pattern layer 13 are performed on the common target (liquid 21). Therefore, once the printed pattern layer is formed on the film, and the film dissolves, the printed pattern layer floats on the liquid surface. That is, the formation and floating of the printed pattern layer 13 are different (both film and liquid). Unlike the conventional hydraulic transfer method performed on the other hand, a film becomes unnecessary. Along with this, the property change of the liquid 21 due to the dissolution of the film, for example, an increase in viscosity is less likely to occur.

  Here, in the first embodiment, when water is used as the liquid 21, the oil-based ink particles 24, or the ink particles 24 that are covered with a hydrophobic protective film that is hydrophilic, are the nozzles of the ink head 25. Directly to the liquid 21 (water). The ink particles 24 thus sprayed float on the liquid surface 22 (water surface) and do not dissolve or hardly dissolve in the liquid 21 and remain in a stable state on the liquid surface 22 without moving (movement). Hateful). Therefore, the printed pattern layer 13 is not easily deformed even after a long time since the ink particles 24 are sprayed (the shape is not easily lost).

When the drawing is completed, the ink head 25 is moved to a retracted position near the peripheral edge of the transfer tank 15 (see FIG. 4).
<Transfer process>
In the transfer step, after the drawing in the drawing step, the transfer device 11 is lowered to the “down position” as shown in FIG. By this descending, the transfer target 11 is pushed into the liquid 21. With this insertion, the printed pattern layer 13 that remains in a stable state on the liquid surface 22 (water surface) as described above receives the pressure (hydraulic pressure) of the liquid 21, and is applied to the transfer surface 12 of the transfer body 11. It is pressed and adheres following the transfer surface 12. In this manner, the printed pattern layer 13 is transferred to the surface of the transfer target 11 (transfer target surface 12) by the liquid pressure of the liquid 21. As described above, the printed pattern layer after transfer is referred to as “printed pattern layer 13”.

<Removal process>
After the transfer step, the lifting / lowering device 17 raises the transfer body 11 after the printing pattern layer 10 is transferred to the “upward position” as shown in FIG. As a result of this rise, the transferred object 11 with the printed pattern layer 10 attached to the surface (the transferred surface 12) is pulled up (taken out) from the liquid 21.

<Fixing process>
As illustrated in FIG. 6, ultraviolet light UV is irradiated from the light source lamp 26 of the ultraviolet irradiation device 18 to the printed pattern layer 10 of the transfer target 11 taken out from the liquid 21. By this irradiated ultraviolet ray UV, the ink particles 24 constituting the printed pattern layer 10 are cured and fixed to the transfer target 11.

According to the first embodiment described in detail above, the following effects can be obtained.
(1) The ink pattern 24 is directly sprayed onto the liquid surface 22 of the liquid 21 by the ink jet printer 16 from above to draw the printed pattern layer 13, and then the transferred object 11 is lowered from above the printed pattern layer 13. The printed pattern layer 13 is transferred to the surface of the transfer target 11 (transfer target surface 12) by the liquid pressure of the liquid 21.

  Therefore, the film on which the printed pattern layer 13 is to be formed is not necessary, and the phenomenon that the properties of the liquid 21 such as viscosity change due to the dissolution of the film is less likely to occur, and the replacement frequency of the liquid 21 is reduced. can do. As a result, the cost required for carrying out the hydraulic transfer method can be reduced as compared with the case where the printed pattern layer is transferred to the transfer medium using a film.

  (2) Although related to the above (1), the conventional hydraulic transfer method requires the use of water as the liquid 21 because it is necessary to dissolve the water-soluble film, whereas the film is unnecessary. In 1st Embodiment, since it is not necessary to melt | dissolve a film, it becomes possible to use liquids 21 other than water, and the kind of liquid 21 which can be used increases.

  (3) While using water as the liquid 21, one of the oil-based ink particles 24 and the hydrophilic ink particles 24 covered with the hydrophobic protective film is directly sprayed on the liquid 21 and printed on the liquid surface 22. The pattern layer 13 is drawn. Therefore, it is possible to keep the sprayed ink particles 24 in a stable state on the liquid surface 22 and to prevent the printed pattern layer 13 from being deformed after the ink particles 24 are sprayed.

  (4) The liquid 21 is replaced with the above (i) water, (ii) water containing a thickener, (iii) a viscous liquid having a higher viscosity than water, and (iv) a higher specific gravity than water. When any one of the specific gravity liquids is used, the following merits are obtained. That is, the liquid pressure of the liquid 21 with respect to the transferred object 11 when the transferred object 11 is pushed into the liquid 21 is higher than when water is used as the liquid 21, and the printed pattern layer 13 is transferred to the transferred object 11. Can be reliably transferred and adhered.

  (5) When developing a printed pattern in the printed pattern layer 13, in the conventional method of printing the printed pattern layer on the film, the design of the printed pattern → decomposing the printed pattern into patterns for each color → transfer roll creation → test printing → This process (printing multiple colors on a film) → cutting the film into an appropriate length → packaging → conveying → implementing a hydraulic transfer method requires many steps. Along with this, it takes a lot of time to obtain a product to which a target printed pattern layer is transferred.

  In this regard, in the first embodiment in which the ink pattern 24 is directly sprayed onto the liquid 21 by the ink jet printer 16 and the printed pattern layer 13 is drawn, the design of the print pattern → transfer of the image data to the ink jet printer 16 → the hydraulic transfer method is performed. The printing pattern can be developed in a short time with only a small number of steps.

  (6) Although related to the above (5), when the target print pattern cannot be obtained on the transfer target 11 despite the above-described series of steps, the first method can be used. Even if it is the method of embodiment, a series of processes will be performed again from the beginning. Therefore, there is a difference between the time it takes to obtain the desired printed pattern with the conventional method with many man-hours and the time it takes to obtain the target printed pattern with the method of the first embodiment with less man-hours. Enlargement. The time shortening effect of (5) becomes more remarkable.

  (7) When an inkjet printer 16 having a so-called line-type ink head 25 having the same width as the transfer tank 15 is used, the width is narrower than the transfer tank 15 and the width of the transfer tank 15 Drawing can be performed at a higher speed than in the case of using a so-called serial type ink head 25 that reciprocates in the direction. The time required for drawing can be shortened and productivity can be improved.

  (8) Since the print pattern can be changed simply by transferring image data having a different design to the inkjet printer 16, it is possible to easily cope with a variety of print pattern changes. Moreover, the change can be made with the same equipment.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment that embodies the present invention will be described focusing on differences from the first embodiment.

  In the second embodiment, the configuration of the hydraulic transfer device 14 is different from that of the first embodiment. More specifically, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, a frame 31 having a size that can surround the printed pattern layer 13 is prepared for each type of printed pattern layer 13 (one in FIGS. 7 and 8). Only shown). Each frame 31 is formed of a thin plate material. The shape of each frame 31 may not correspond to the outer edge 13A of the printed pattern layer 13 as shown in FIG. 7, or corresponds to the outer edge 13A of the printed pattern layer 13 as shown in FIG. It may be a thing. A plurality of connecting members 32 extending outward of the frame body 31 are provided at a plurality of locations of each frame body 31. Prior to drawing the printed pattern layer 13, a frame 31 slightly larger than the printed pattern layer 13 is floated on the liquid surface 22 so as to surround the planned drawing position. Further, the extending end of each connecting member 32 is detachably attached to the wall surface 15 </ b> A facing the frame body 31 in the transfer tank 15.

  The frame body 31 needs to be mounted before the transferred body 11 is pushed into the liquid 21 at the latest. This is to prevent the printed pattern layer 13 from moving or deforming before the printed pattern layer 13 is transferred to the transfer target 11. Further, it is preferable that the frame body 31 is mounted before the printed pattern layer 13 is drawn by the ink jet printer 16. This is because if the attachment is performed after drawing, the liquid level 22 may be shaken during the attachment and the printed pattern layer 13 may be deformed.

  In the state where the frame body 31 is mounted as described above, the frame body 31 is floating on the liquid surface 22, and the liquid surface 22 is divided into a region Z1 surrounding the printed pattern layer 13 and a region Z2 other than that. It is done. Therefore, even if the liquid level 22 moves in the region Z2 outside the frame body 31 due to wind, convection, vibration, or the like, the movement of the liquid level 22 is not easily transmitted to the region Z1 inside the frame body 31.

  In particular, from the viewpoint of suppressing deformation of the printed pattern layer 13, it is desirable that the gap between the frame 31 and the printed pattern layer 13 is as narrow as possible. This is because the printed pattern layer 13 is less susceptible to the movement of the liquid level 22 in the region Z1. In this regard, in FIG. 8, since the frame 31 has a shape corresponding to the outer edge 13A of the printed pattern layer 13, the gap between the frame 31 and the outer edge 13A of the printed pattern layer 13 is narrow. The printed pattern layer 13 is not easily influenced by the movement of the liquid surface 22 in the region Z1 as well as the movement of the liquid surface 22 in the region Z1.

Therefore, according to the second embodiment, the following effects can be obtained in addition to the above (1) to (8).
(9) Before the transferred object 11 is pushed into the liquid 21 at the latest, a frame 31 having a size that can surround the printed pattern layer 13 is floated on the liquid surface 22 of the liquid 21 (FIGS. 7 and 7). 8). Therefore, deformation of the printed pattern layer 13 after drawing can be suppressed.

  (10) As the frame body 31, one having a shape corresponding to the outer edge 13A of the printed pattern layer 13 is used (see FIG. 8). Therefore, the gap between the frame 31 and the outer edge 13A of the printed pattern layer 13 is narrowed, the degree of influence of the printed pattern layer 13 on the movement of the liquid surface 22 in the region Z1 is reduced, and the effect of (9) is achieved. It can be made even more reliable.

(Third embodiment)
Next, a third embodiment that embodies the present invention will be described focusing on differences from the second embodiment.

In the third embodiment, both the hydraulic transfer device 14 and the hydraulic transfer method are different from those of the second embodiment.
<Differences in the hydraulic transfer device 14>
In the second embodiment described above, the frame body 31 is configured by a single member. However, in the third embodiment, the frame body 31 includes a plurality of movable members 35 as shown in FIGS. It is divided. Further, in the transfer tank 15, each movable member 35 is moved to a position approaching the outer edge 13 </ b> A of the printed pattern layer 13 (hereinafter referred to as “approach position”, see FIG. 9) and a position separated (hereinafter referred to as “separation position”). , Refer to FIG. 10), and a drive mechanism (not shown) is provided. In the “approach position” shown in FIG. 9, each movable member 35 comes into contact with the adjacent movable member 35 to form a square ring (endless shape) as a whole. That is, the frame 31 is configured by the plurality of movable members 35. On the other hand, in the “separation position” shown in FIG. 10, each movable member 35 is separated from the adjacent movable member 35.

  Each movable member 35 is located at the “approach position” when the transfer target 11 is pushed into the liquid 21 in the transfer process. For this purpose, each movable member 35 needs to be moved to the “approaching position” at the latest before the transfer target 11 is pushed into the liquid 21 in the transfer step. Each movable member 35 is preferably moved to the “approach position” before drawing by the inkjet printer 16 is performed. This is to prevent the liquid surface 22 from moving due to the movement to the approach position and causing the print pattern layer 13 on the liquid surface 22 to be unintentionally deformed.

  Each movable member 35 is moved to a separation position after drawing by the ink jet printer 16 and before the transfer target 11 is pushed into the liquid 21 in the transfer process.

<Differences in hydraulic transfer method>
In the third embodiment, <printing pattern deformation step> is performed after the drawing step and the transfer step.
Each movable member 35 of the frame 31 is moved to the approach position at the latest before the drawing process is started, for example, in a preparation process. By this movement, as shown in FIG. 9, the adjacent movable members 35 come into contact with each other to form a square annular frame 31 as a whole. By this frame 31, the liquid level 22 is partitioned into a region Z1 and a region Z2.

In the drawing process, ink particles 24 are sprayed from the ink head 25 of the ink jet printer 16 to the liquid 21 in the frame 31, and the printed pattern layer 13 is drawn on the liquid surface 22.
After the drawing process, a printing pattern deformation process is performed before the transfer target 11 is pushed into the liquid 21 in the transfer process. In this printing pattern deformation process, as indicated by arrows in FIG. 9, the movable members 35 of the frame 31 are moved all at once toward the separated position. Along with this, at least a portion near the liquid surface 22 of the liquid 21 in the frame body 31 moves following the movable member 35. That is, a flow in the moving direction of the movable member 35 occurs in the portion of the liquid 21. The printed pattern layer 13 on the liquid surface 22 moves along this flow, and deforms into a shape different from that before the movable member 35 moves.

  Thereafter, when the transferred object 11 is pushed into the liquid 21 in the transfer step, the deformed printed pattern layer 13, that is, the printed pattern layer 13 different from the printed pattern layer 13 at the time of drawing is applied to the transferred object 11. Transcribed.

  Here, the direction in which each movable member 35 is moved from the “approaching position” to the “separating position” is the same as the direction in which each movable member 35 is moved away from the outer edge 13 </ b> A of the printed pattern layer 13. Therefore, when each movable member 35 is moved from the “approaching position” to the “separating position” as described above, the moving direction of the movable member 35, that is, the portion near the liquid surface 22 of the liquid 21 in the frame 31, that is, A flow toward the side away from the outer edge 13A of the printed pattern layer 13 is generated. The printed pattern layer 13 on the liquid surface 22 moves along this flow and deforms (enlarges) into a larger shape than before the movable member 35 moves (see FIG. 9). Therefore, when the transferred object 11 is pushed into the liquid 21, a printed pattern layer 13 larger than the printed pattern layer 13 at the time of drawing is transferred to the transferred object 11.

According to the third embodiment, in addition to the above (1) to (10), the following effects can be obtained.
(11) After the printing pattern layer 13 is drawn and before the transfer target 11 is pushed into the liquid 21, each movable member 35 of the frame 31 is moved in the direction along the liquid surface 22. ing. By this movement, the printed pattern layer 13 drawn on the liquid surface 22 can be deformed, and the printed pattern layer 13 different from the printed pattern layer 13 at the time of drawing can be transferred to the transfer object 11.

  (12) Each movable member 35 is moved to the side away from the outer edge 13 </ b> A of the printed pattern layer 13. Therefore, it is only necessary to draw a small printed pattern layer 13 as compared with a case where the printed pattern layer 13 does not deform or hardly deforms after drawing (for example, the first and second embodiments described above correspond to this). In addition, it is possible to reduce the size of a portion where the ink particles 24 are sprayed, such as the ink head 25 in the inkjet printer 16. Moreover, since the small printed pattern layer 13 is drawn, the drawing time can also be shortened.

(Fourth embodiment)
Next, a fourth embodiment that embodies the present invention will be described focusing on differences from the first embodiment.

In the fourth embodiment, both the hydraulic pressure transfer device 14 and the hydraulic pressure transfer method are different from the first embodiment.
<Differences in the hydraulic transfer device 14>
The transfer tank 15 stores an ultraviolet transmissive liquid 21 such as water glass.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the light source lamp 26 in the ultraviolet irradiation device 18 is located in the liquid 21 of the transfer tank 15 and below the transfer position of the printed pattern layer 13 (the lowered position of the transfer target 11). Is arranged. The light source lamp 26 is arranged in a posture capable of irradiating ultraviolet rays UV toward the transfer target 11 pushed into the liquid 21.

<Differences in hydraulic transfer method>
In the fourth embodiment, unlike the first embodiment, the fixing step is performed after the transfer step and before the take-out step.

  In the fixing process, ultraviolet rays UV are emitted from the light source lamp 26 disposed below the printed pattern layer 10 transferred to the transferred object 11 as the transferred object 11 is pushed into the liquid 21 in the transferring process. Irradiated. The ultraviolet rays UV are transmitted through the ultraviolet transmissive liquid 21 and irradiated onto the printed pattern layer 10. By this irradiation, the ink particles 24 in the printed pattern layer 10 are cured. In this way, the printed pattern layer 10 is fixed inside the liquid 21.

Then, after the fixing step, a take-out step is performed, whereby the transferred material on which the printed pattern layer 10 is fixed is pulled up (taken out) from the liquid 21.
Therefore, according to the fourth embodiment, in addition to the above-described (1), (2), (5) to (12), the following effects can be obtained.

  (13) An ultraviolet transmissive liquid 21 is used as the liquid 21, and an ultraviolet curable ink is used as the ink. The printed pattern layer 10 transferred to the transferred body 11 as the transferred body 11 is pushed into the liquid 21 is irradiated with ultraviolet UV from the lower side through the liquid 21, so that the ink particles of the printed pattern layer 10 are printed. 24 is cured. Therefore, the printed pattern layer 10 can be fixed to the transferred body 11 by irradiating the ultraviolet ray UV when the transferred body 11 is in the liquid 21. The production man-hour can be reduced and the productivity can be improved as compared with the case of irradiating the ultraviolet ray UV after the transferred material 11 having the printed pattern layer 10 transferred thereon is taken out from the liquid 21.

  In the conventional hydraulic transfer method using a water-soluble film, when the same method as that in the fourth embodiment is adopted, the ultraviolet rays UV are printed until the film is completely dissolved in the liquid 21. Therefore, it is difficult to obtain the same effect as in the fourth embodiment.

Note that the present invention can be embodied in another embodiment described below.
<Matters common to each embodiment>
In the transfer process, it is desirable to push the transferred object 11 into the liquid 21 at a higher speed from the viewpoint of improving the adhesion of the printed pattern layer 13 to the transferred object 11.

  When (ii) water containing a thickener, or (iii) a viscous liquid having a higher viscosity than water is used as the liquid 21, the liquid 21 is uneven as the transfer target 11 is pushed in or pulled out. There is a concern that it takes time until the liquid level 22 becomes smooth. Therefore, in this case, the liquid surface 22 may be returned to a smooth surface by a squeegee or the like.

  In order to change the relative position between the transfer tank 15 and the ink jet printer 16 after the printing pattern layer 13 is drawn, the transfer tank 15 may be moved instead of moving the ink jet printer 16.

The lifting and lowering of the transfer target 11 may be performed manually instead of the lifting device 17.
-The present invention is particularly effective when decorating the surface of a transferred object having a three-dimensional surface, but is applied when decorating the surface of a transferred object whose transfer surface is flat. Also good.

  -A transparent surface protective layer (top coat) is further formed on the printed pattern layer 13 for the purpose of improving the abrasion resistance, weather resistance (including solvent resistance, chemical resistance, etc.) of the printed pattern layer 10. May be.

The transferred object 11 is not limited to a synthetic resin, and may be formed of other materials such as metal, ceramics, and the like.
-The hydraulic pressure transfer method of this invention may be applied to the decoration of the components used for vehicles other than vehicle interior goods, and the product used for uses other than a vehicle.

<Matters Specific to Second Embodiment>
-The frame 31 should just be arrange | positioned at least on the liquid level 22. FIG. Therefore, the frame 31 does not necessarily have to be configured to float on the liquid surface 22, and may have a cylindrical shape that is elongated in the vertical direction, for example. In this case, the frame body 31 may be fixed to the bottom wall of the transfer tank 15.

  The timing for mounting the frame 31 to the transfer tank 15 may be changed as appropriate on the condition that the transfer target 11 is at the latest before being pushed into the liquid 21. For example, if it is possible to mount the frame 31 without deforming the printed pattern layer 13, the frame 31 may be mounted in the transfer tank 15 after the printed pattern layer 13 is drawn by the inkjet printer 16.

  When the frame 31 does not move with respect to the transfer tank 15 (for example, the above-described one fixed to the bottom wall corresponds to this) or hardly moves, the frame 31 and the transfer tank 15 The connecting member 32 between them may be omitted.

In the second embodiment, the frame 31 has a uniform width at any location, but a frame having a different width depending on the location may be used.
<Matters Specific to Third Embodiment>
In the third embodiment, at least a part of the frame body 31 may be configured by the movable member 35. Therefore, only a part of the frame 31 may be a movable member, and this may be moved in the direction along the liquid surface 22. Even if it does in this way, the effect of changing the printed pattern layer 13 into the thing different from the thing at the time of drawing by the movement of the movable member 35 is acquired.

  In contrast to the third embodiment, the movable member 35 may be moved toward the printed pattern layer 13. Even in this case, the effect of deforming the printed pattern layer 13 into a shape different from that at the time of drawing can be obtained.

<Matters Specific to Fourth Embodiment>
The light source lamp 26 in the ultraviolet irradiation device 18 may be disposed outside (for example, below) the transfer tank 15. However, in this case, in the transfer tank 15, at least a portion between the light source lamp 26 and the transferred object 11 (printed pattern layer 10) pushed into the liquid 21 can transmit ultraviolet UV. It is necessary to.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS It is a figure which shows 1st Embodiment which actualized this invention, and is sectional drawing which shows the to-be-transferred body to which the printing pattern layer was transcribe | transferred. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of a hydraulic transfer device. FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a state in which a printed pattern layer is drawn on a liquid surface by an ink jet printer during a hydraulic transfer method. FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a state in which a printed pattern layer is transferred to a transfer target during a hydraulic transfer method. FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which a transfer target onto which a printed pattern layer has been transferred is drawn out from a liquid during a hydraulic transfer method. Sectional drawing which shows the state which irradiates a printed pattern layer with an ultraviolet-ray during a hydraulic-pressure transfer method. It is a figure which shows 2nd Embodiment which actualized this invention, and is a partial top view which shows the state which drawn the printing pattern layer on the liquid level in a frame. FIG. 8 is a partial plan view showing a state in which a frame body different from FIG. 7 is arranged on the liquid surface and a printed pattern layer is drawn on the liquid surface in the frame body in the second embodiment. It is a figure which shows 3rd Embodiment which actualized this invention, and is a partial top view which shows the state which moved each movable member to the approach position, made it frame shape, and drew the printing pattern layer in the liquid level in it. The partial top view which shows the state which moves each movable member to a separation position from the state of FIG. 9, and deform | transforms (enlarges) a printing pattern layer. It is a figure which shows 4th Embodiment which actualized this invention, and is sectional drawing which shows the state which irradiates an ultraviolet-ray to the printing pattern layer of the to-be-transferred body pressed into the liquid from the light source lamp arrange | positioned in the liquid.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 ... Transfer object 10, 13 ... Print pattern layer, 13A ... Outer edge, 15 ... Transfer tank, 16 ... Inkjet printer, 21 ... Liquid, 22 ... Liquid surface, 24 ... Ink particle, 31 ... Frame, UV ... Ultraviolet .

Claims (6)

After drawing a printed pattern layer on the liquid surface of the liquid stored in the transfer tank by directly spraying ink particles with an ink jet printer from above, the liquid to be transferred is lowered from above the printed pattern layer. It is a hydraulic pressure transfer method in which the printed pattern layer is transferred onto the surface of the transfer target body by being pushed into the liquid by the liquid pressure of the same liquid ,
A hydraulic transfer method characterized in that water is used as the liquid and hydrophilic ink particles coated with a hydrophobic protective film are directly sprayed onto the liquid surface by the ink jet printer to draw the printed pattern layer. . At the latest before the than the transfer member is pushed into said liquid, at least the liquid surface of the liquid, liquid pressure transfer method according to claim 1 to place the frame size obtaining surrounding the printed pattern layer . The hydraulic transfer method according to claim 2 , wherein the frame body has a shape corresponding to an outer edge of the printed pattern layer. 4. The apparatus according to claim 2 , wherein at least a part of the frame body is moved in a direction along the liquid surface after the printing pattern layer is drawn and before the transferred body is pushed into the liquid. The hydraulic transfer method described in 1. The hydraulic transfer method according to claim 4 , wherein at least a part of the frame is moved to a side away from an outer edge of the printed pattern layer. After drawing a printed pattern layer on the liquid surface of the liquid stored in the transfer tank by directly spraying ink particles with an ink jet printer from above, the liquid to be transferred is lowered from above the printed pattern layer. It is a hydraulic pressure transfer method in which the printed pattern layer is transferred onto the surface of the transfer target body by being pushed into the liquid by the liquid pressure of the same liquid,
The printed pattern layer is transferred to the transfer body when the transfer body is pushed into the liquid by using UV curable ink particles as the ink particles and using the UV curable ink particles as the ink particles. to, by ultraviolet irradiation through the liquid from below, liquid pressure transfer method Ru curing the ink particles constituting the printed pattern layer.

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