Dye-based matrix manufacturing device and dyeing system

Abstract

Provided are a dye-coated substrate manufacturing device and a dyeing system capable of improving the efficiency and quality of dyeing a resin body. The dye-coated substrate manufacturing device manufactures a dye-coated substrate. The dye-coated substrate is used in a dyeing process for dyeing a resin body. Dye transferred to the resin body is attached to the dye-coated substrate. The dye-coated substrate manufacturing device includes a printing device, a conveying device, and a substrate moving device (300). The printing device prints the dye for dyeing the resin body onto the substrate. The conveying device conveys a dyeing tray carrying the resin body. The substrate moving device (300) moves the substrate on which the dye has been printed by the printing device from a printing position of the printing device to the conveying device side.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a dye-attached matrix manufacturing device for manufacturing a dye-attached matrix used in a dyeing process and a dyeing system equipped with the dye-attached matrix manufacturing device. Background Art

[0002] Various technologies have been proposed for dyeing resin materials, such as plastic lenses. For example, in a dyeing method known as dip dyeing, the resin material is dyed by immersing it in a dyeing solution. However, the dip dyeing method is difficult to maintain a good working environment and is also difficult to dye some resin materials (such as high-refractive-index lenses).

[0003] Therefore, a technique has been proposed for dyeing a resin body by transferring a dye onto its surface and then heating the resin body with the dye attached. For example, in the dyeing method described in Patent Document 1, ink containing a sublimable dye is applied (printed) to a substrate by a printing device (inkjet printer). Then, in a vacuum state where the resin body and the substrate are arranged non-contactingly, the sublimable dye applied to the substrate sublimates, thereby transferring the dye to the resin body. Next, a laser is scanned across the resin body, heating the resin body and fixing the dye.

[0004] Prior art literature

[0005] Patent Literature

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-127722

[0007] In the conventional dyeing methods described above, when dyeing a resin body, many steps are performed manually by the operator. The operator manually aligns the dye-bearing substrate relative to the resin body and then performs the transfer process. For example, in the dyeing method described in Patent Document 1, the operator needs to manually transport the substrate, on which the dye has been printed by a printing device, to a transfer machine. In this case, if the operator does not properly position the substrate, on which the dye has been printed, relative to the resin body, the dyeing quality will deteriorate. Therefore, a technology that can reduce the work required of the operator and more efficiently and appropriately dye the resin body is desired.

[0008] Furthermore, inks containing dyes used to dye resins have properties that differ from those of inks used in conventional printing. For example, the concentration of dye in dye-containing inks becomes non-uniform over time, which can lead to a decrease in dyeing quality or malfunctions in the printing device. Therefore, there is a need for technologies that can efficiently and appropriately dye resins based on the properties of dye-containing inks. Summary of the Invention

[0009] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a dye-coated substrate manufacturing apparatus and a dyeing system capable of improving the efficiency and quality when dyeing a resin body.

[0010] Means for solving problems

[0011] One embodiment of the present invention relates to a device for manufacturing a dye-attached substrate, which manufactures a substrate attached with a dye transferred to a resin body for use in a dyeing process for dyeing the resin body, namely, a dye-attached substrate, wherein the device comprises: a printing device for printing the dye on the substrate; a conveying device for conveying a tray for dyeing carrying the resin body; and a substrate moving device for moving the substrate on which the dye is printed by the printing device from a printing position of the printing device to the side of the conveying device.

[0012] In the above-mentioned embodiment, there may also be a substrate loading device, which loads the substrate to a specified position in the dyeing tray provided in the conveying device, and the substrate moving device transfers the substrate on which the dye is printed by the printing device from the printing position of the printing device to the substrate loading device.

[0013] In one embodiment, the printing device may also include a slide that moves the head that ejects the dye relative to the substrate in a main scanning direction, and the substrate moving device also serves as a sub-scanning device that moves the substrate in a sub-scanning direction that intersects the main scanning direction during the printing process of the dye by the printing device.

[0014] In the above aspect, the printing device may include an operation unit facing the front side of the device and operable by an operator to input an operation instruction, and the transport device may be provided on a side of the printing device opposite to the front side.

[0015] In the above-mentioned embodiment, the substrate moving device may also include: a substrate supporting portion having a supporting surface for placing the substrate; and a suction hole formed on the supporting surface of the substrate supporting portion, wherein the substrate is adsorbed on the supporting surface of the substrate supporting portion by sucking gas from the suction hole.

[0016] In such an aspect, a plurality of the suction holes may be provided at least along an outer peripheral portion of the support surface of the base support portion.

[0017] In such a solution, the base body may also include a metal layer.

[0018] In the above aspect, a substrate placing device may be provided for placing the substrate on a predetermined position of the resin body in the dyeing tray in a state where the dye printed by the printing device faces the resin body placed on the dyeing tray.

[0019] In the above-mentioned embodiment, the printing device may print the ink containing the dye onto a substrate and may include: an ink cartridge assembly portion for assembling an ink cartridge containing the ink supplied to the printing device; and an ink stirring portion for stirring the ink in the ink cartridge when the ink cartridge is assembled in the ink cartridge assembly portion.

[0020] The second embodiment of the present invention relates to a dyeing system comprising: a dye-substrate manufacturing device as described in any one of the above-mentioned items; a transfer device for transferring the dye of the dye-substrate manufactured by the dye-substrate manufacturing device to a resin body; and a dye fixing device for fixing the dye attached to the surface of the resin body to the resin body by heating the resin body to which the dye has been transferred by the transfer device.

[0021] According to the dye-coated substrate manufacturing apparatus and dyeing system disclosed herein, the efficiency and quality of dyeing a resin body can be appropriately improved. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] Figure 1 2 is a block diagram showing the system configuration of the dyeing system 1 .

[0023] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the dyeing tray 80 in a state where two lenses L are set and no base S is set, as seen from the upper right obliquely.

[0024] Figure 3 It will Figure 2 A perspective view of the dyeing tray 80 showing an exploded view of the mounting frame 89, the lens L, and the spacer 87 assembled to one of the two assembly parts 82.

[0025] Figure 4 It is a perspective view of the dye-coated substrate manufacturing apparatus 30 as viewed from the left rear obliquely.

[0026] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of the ink cartridge mounting portion 140 and the ink stirring portion 150 in a used state, viewed from the front left obliquely.

[0027] Figure 6 This is a left side view of the ink cartridge mounting portion 140 and the ink stirring portion 150 in the use state.

[0028] Figure 7 This is a left side view of the ink cartridge mounting portion 140 and the ink stirring portion 150 in a tilted state.

[0029] Figure 8 This is a perspective view of the substrate delivering device 200 as seen from the left rear obliquely.

[0030] Figure 9 This is a perspective view of the printing device 100 and the substrate moving device 300 as seen from the left rear obliquely.

[0031] Figure 10 This is a perspective view of the base moving device 300 as seen from the left rear obliquely.

[0032] Figure 11 The substrate holding portion 410 is not turned upside down when the substrate placement device 400 is positioned from the right front ( Figure 4 Stereoscopic image when observed in the direction of arrow F).

[0033] Figure 12 The substrate holding portion 410 is turned upside down and the substrate placing device 400 is turned upside down and the ... Figure 4 Stereoscopic image when observed in the direction of arrow F).

[0034] Label Description

[0035] 1Dyeing system

[0036] 10 transport device

[0037] 30Dye matrix manufacturing device

[0038] 71 controller

[0039] 80 dyeing tray

[0040] 84 protrusion

[0041] 85 base mounting portion

[0042] 100 printing device

[0043] 110 inkjet head

[0044] 120 slide

[0045] 130 Operation Department

[0046] 140 Cartridge Assembly Department

[0047] 141 ink cartridges

[0048] 147 weight sensor

[0049] 150 ink mixing unit

[0050] 153 Rotation axis

[0051] 200 substrate transfer device

[0052] 210 substrate storage unit

[0053] 300 base moving device

[0054] 330 base support part

[0055] 331 bearing surface

[0056] 332 suction hole

[0057] 400 substrate loading device

[0058] 410 base holding portion

[0059] 411 Ventilation Department

[0060] 413 loading and positioning unit

[0061] 430 up and down flip part

[0062] 431 Rotating Axis DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0063] <Summary>

[0064] (First option)

[0065] The dye-attached substrate manufacturing device exemplified in the present disclosure manufactures a dye-attached substrate. The dye-attached substrate is used in a dyeing process for dyeing a resin body. A dye transferred to the resin body is attached to the dye-attached substrate. The dye-attached substrate manufacturing device includes a printing device and a substrate loading device. The printing device prints a dye (e.g., ink containing a dye) onto the substrate. The substrate loading device loads the substrate (dye-attached substrate) at a predetermined position on the resin body in the dyeing tray so that the dye printed by the printing device faces the resin body loaded on the dyeing tray.

[0066] According to the dye-coated substrate manufacturing apparatus illustrated in this disclosure, a dye-coated substrate is manufactured by printing dye onto a substrate using a printing device. The manufactured dye-coated substrate is automatically placed onto a predetermined position on a dyeing tray by a substrate placement device. This means that even if an operator does not manually place the dye-coated substrate onto the dyeing tray, the dye-coated substrate is automatically placed onto the appropriate position on the dyeing tray. This significantly improves the efficiency and quality of resin dyeing.

[0067] It should be noted that the substrate loading device can also be incorporated into the dyeing system independently of the printing device. In this case, the substrate loading device can also be described as follows: The substrate loading device loads the substrate at a predetermined position on the resin body in the dyeing tray so that the dye printed on the substrate by the printing device faces the resin body.

[0068] The substrate mounting device may include a substrate holding portion that holds the substrate in contact with the back side of the printing surface of the printed dye, one of the pair of surfaces of the substrate. In this case, the substrate is properly held while suppressing deflection, bending, and damage to the substrate, as compared to a case where only one end of the substrate is held.

[0069] The substrate loading device may include a vent. The vent is formed in a position in the substrate holding portion that contacts the back surface of the substrate. The vent allows gas to pass through. The control unit of the substrate loading device can absorb gas from the vent by utilizing an airflow control device such as a pump or a fan, thereby causing the substrate to be adsorbed and held on the substrate holding portion. Alternatively, the control unit can place the substrate held on the substrate holding portion at a predetermined position on the dyeing tray by releasing the airflow control device from the vent. In this case, the substrate loading device can retain the substrate on the substrate holding portion with a stronger holding force by utilizing the airflow control device to attract gas.

[0070] It should be noted that the substrate can be a flexible member comprising a metal layer (e.g., aluminum foil). In this case, the thickness of the substrate can be 1 μm to 1000 μm. A substrate comprising a metal layer is more susceptible to warping than substrates such as paper. However, by retaining the substrate with the substrate retaining portion, even a substrate susceptible to warping can be properly retained.

[0071] The control unit of the substrate loading device can use the airflow control device to discharge air from the ventilation unit to load the substrate held in the substrate holding unit into a predetermined position on the dyeing tray. In this case, even if the substrate is difficult to remove from the substrate holding unit due to static electricity generated between the substrate holding unit and the substrate, the air discharged from the ventilation unit can properly remove the substrate from the substrate holding unit. As a result, the substrate can be more properly loaded on the dyeing tray.

[0072] It should be noted that the substrate loading device may include a sensor for detecting whether the substrate has detached from the substrate holding portion. When loading the substrate onto the dyeing tray, if the sensor detects that the substrate has not detached from the substrate holding portion, the control unit may discharge the substrate from the vent and load the substrate onto the dyeing tray. In this case, the substrate is appropriately loaded onto the dyeing tray based on the substrate's condition.

[0073] However, in the case where the substrate easily leaves the surface of the substrate holding portion, the substrate placing device may not exhaust gas from the vent portion, but may place the substrate on the dyeing tray by only removing the suction of gas from the vent portion. In this case, the airflow control device may not have the function of exhausting gas.

[0074] Furthermore, the substrate may be held and released by a method other than the method utilizing gas suction. For example, the substrate holding device may hold the substrate by sandwiching a portion of the sheet-like substrate in the thickness direction.

[0075] The surface of the substrate holding portion that contacts the back surface of the substrate can be a flat surface. In this case, the substrate is held in contact with the flat surface of the substrate holding portion, further reducing the likelihood of the substrate bending or warping. This reduces the likelihood of dyeing quality degradation and dyeing process failures.

[0076] The vent portion may include a groove formed on the contact surface in the substrate holding portion. The shape of the groove may be formed into a shape corresponding to the print shape of the dye printed by the printing device on the print surface of the substrate (preferably a shape in which the peripheral area is roughly consistent with the peripheral area of ​​the print shape of the dye). In this case, the groove is located on the back side of the print area of ​​the dye in the substrate, and the print area of ​​the dye is more firmly held on the substrate holding portion. Thus, the generation of deflection and bending in the print area of ​​the dye can be suppressed, so that the dyeing quality is further difficult to decline.

[0077] The dyed resin body can be a roughly disc-shaped eyeglass lens. The printing device can print a dye (e.g., ink containing a dye) in a circular shape on the printing surface of the substrate. The vent portion can include an annular groove formed on the contact surface in the substrate retaining portion. In this case, the annular groove is located on the back side of the dye printed in a circular shape on the substrate, and the circular portion printed with the dye is more firmly held on the substrate retaining portion. As a result, the substrate is more appropriately held on the substrate retaining portion while suppressing deflection and bending of the portion printed with the dye.

[0078] It should be noted that the annular groove is preferably formed at a position in the contact surface of the substrate holding portion that contacts the back side of the circular dye printed on the substrate. In addition, a plurality of annular grooves may be formed concentrically. In this case, the back side of the portion of the substrate on which the dye is printed is more securely held by the substrate holding portion.

[0079] The substrate holding portion may further include a placement positioning portion that engages with a tray engagement portion formed at a predetermined position on the dyeing tray. The substrate loading device may place the substrate at a predetermined position on the dyeing tray with the placement positioning portion engaged with the tray engagement portion of the dyeing tray. In this case, the placement positioning portion engages with the tray engagement portion, thereby fixing the relative position of the substrate holding portion to the dyeing tray at a constant position. Therefore, the substrate loading device can more accurately place the substrate at the predetermined position on the dyeing tray.

[0080] The substrate loading device may further include an upside-down turning portion for turning the substrate holding portion upside down by rotating the substrate holding portion. The control portion of the substrate loading device can hold the substrate at the upper portion of the substrate holding portion, and then use the upside-down turning portion to turn the substrate holding portion upside down, thereby loading the substrate onto a predetermined position on the dyeing tray. Generally speaking, a printing device prints dye onto the upper surface of the substrate. In contrast, when loading a dye-bearing substrate onto the dyeing tray, it is necessary to position the dye of the dye-bearing substrate below the substrate so that the dye of the dye-bearing substrate faces the resin body loaded onto the dyeing tray. By using the upside-down turning portion to turn the substrate holding portion upside down, the substrate loading device can easily make the dye printed on the upper surface of the substrate face the resin body. Thus, the dye-bearing substrate is properly loaded onto the dyeing tray.

[0081] It should be noted that the structure of the upside-down flipping portion can be appropriately selected. For example, the upside-down flipping portion can flip the base holding portion upside down by rotating the base holding portion about a horizontally disposed rotation axis. In this case, the upside-down flipping portion has both the function of flipping the base holding portion upside down and the function of moving the base holding portion toward the side opposite the rotation axis. This facilitates simplification of the process.

[0082] The substrate loading device may further include a heating unit that heats the substrate holding portion to dry the dye (in this disclosure, ink containing the dye) printed on the substrate held therein. In this case, the substrate loading device not only loads the dye-bearing substrate onto the dyeing tray but also dries the dye printed on the substrate. This allows the dyeing process to be performed more efficiently and appropriately.

[0083] It should be noted that when the substrate holder is heated to dry the dye on the substrate, the vent can include the aforementioned annular groove. In this case, the annular groove is located on the back side of the dye printed circularly on the substrate, allowing the circular portion of the dye printed to more firmly contact the substrate holder. As a result, heat is easily transferred from the substrate holder to the dye, allowing the dye to be dried more effectively.

[0084] The dyeing system disclosed herein can also be described as follows: A dyeing system comprising: a dye-attached substrate manufacturing device for manufacturing a substrate (i.e., a dye-attached substrate) to which a dye transferred to a resin body is attached, used in a dyeing step for dyeing a resin body; a transfer device for transferring the dye of the dye-attached substrate manufactured by the dye-attached substrate manufacturing device to a resin body; and a dye fixing device for fixing the dye attached to the surface of the resin body to the resin body by heating the resin body to which the dye has been transferred by the transfer device, wherein the dye-attached substrate manufacturing device comprises: a printing device for printing a dye on a substrate; and a substrate placing device for placing the substrate at a predetermined position on the resin body on a dyeing tray so that the dye printed by the printing device faces the resin body.

[0085] It should be noted that in this disclosure, as an example of a transfer method for transferring a dye to a resin body by a transfer device, a vapor phase transfer method is described, in which the dye is transferred to the resin body by sublimating a sublimable dye printed on the substrate while the resin body and the dye-bearing substrate are facing each other in a non-contact manner in a vacuum. However, the transfer method can also be changed. For example, the dye can be transferred to the resin body while the dye-bearing substrate is in contact with the resin body. This also applies to the second and third embodiments described below.

[0086] (Second Option)

[0087] The dye-coated substrate manufacturing apparatus exemplified in the present disclosure manufactures a dye-coated substrate. The dye-coated substrate is used in a dyeing process for dyeing a resin body. Dye transferred to the resin body adheres to the dye-coated substrate. The dye-coated substrate manufacturing apparatus exemplified in the present disclosure includes a printing device, an ink cartridge assembly unit, and an ink stirring unit. The printing device prints ink containing a dye onto a substrate. The ink cartridge assembly unit assembles an ink cartridge containing ink to be supplied to the printing device. The ink stirring unit stirs the ink in the ink cartridge when the ink cartridge is assembled in the ink cartridge assembly unit.

[0088] According to the dye-coated substrate manufacturing device illustrated in this disclosure, even if the operator does not manually stir the ink, the ink in the ink cartridge is automatically stirred by the ink stirring unit and supplied to the printing device. Therefore, regardless of the property that the dye concentration in the ink tends to become uneven, the resin body is dyed efficiently and appropriately.

[0089] It should be noted that the specific solution of the ink cartridge can be appropriately selected. For example, the ink cartridge can be equipped with a bag-shaped component (aluminum bag, etc.) filled with ink. In this case, the ink is difficult to dry in the ink cartridge. Alternatively, the ink can be directly filled into the interior of the flexible ink cartridge.

[0090] The ink stirring unit (control unit of the dye-based substrate manufacturing device) can stir the ink in the ink cartridge when a predetermined time has passed since the last time the ink was stirred. In this case, the ink in the ink cartridge is regularly stirred, so that the resin body is dyed efficiently and appropriately. For example, the ink stirring unit can regularly stir the ink whenever a predetermined time has passed since the last time the ink was stirred. Alternatively, the ink stirring unit can stir the ink when a predetermined time has passed since the last time the ink was stirred and a print start instruction has been input to the printing device.

[0091] The ink stirring unit (control unit of the dye-based matrix manufacturing device) can stir the ink in the ink cartridge even when the printing device is not printing. In this way, the stirred ink is supplied to the inkjet head during printing, thereby improving the dyeing quality. In addition, problems such as ink clogging are less likely to occur.

[0092] The ink stirring unit (control unit) can stir the ink in the ink cartridge after the printer is powered on and before the printer begins printing. In other words, the ink stirring unit can stir the ink upon powering on the printer. In this case, any ink that has settled while the printer is powered off is automatically stirred by the ink stirring unit before the printer begins printing. This allows the resin to be dyed efficiently and appropriately.

[0093] It should be noted that the timing at which the ink stirring unit stirs the ink in the ink cartridge can also be changed. For example, the ink stirring unit can stir the ink every time the printing device prints the ink a predetermined number of times.

[0094] The ink stirring portion can stir the ink in the ink cartridge by tilting the ink cartridge mounted on the ink cartridge mounting portion from a state of use when printing and returning it to a state of use. In this case, the ink in the ink cartridge can be properly stirred even without inserting any component into the interior of the ink cartridge.

[0095] However, the method by which the ink stirring portion stirs the ink in the ink cartridge can be changed. For example, the ink stirring portion may stir the ink in the ink cartridge by inserting a screw or the like for stirring the ink into the ink cartridge and driving the screw.

[0096] The ink cartridge mounting portion may be capable of mounting a plurality of ink cartridges. The ink stirring portion may simultaneously stir the ink in the plurality of ink cartridges mounted in the ink cartridge mounting portion. In this case, the ink is stirred more efficiently than when the ink in each of the plurality of ink cartridges is stirred separately.

[0097] It should be noted that the method for simultaneously stirring the ink in multiple ink cartridges can be appropriately selected. For example, the ink stirring unit can simultaneously stir the ink in multiple ink cartridges by tilting the entire ink cartridge assembly containing the multiple ink cartridges. Alternatively, the ink stirring unit can simultaneously stir the ink in multiple ink cartridges by collectively driving multiple screws inserted into the multiple ink cartridges using a single actuator (e.g., an electric motor).

[0098] The dye-coated substrate manufacturing apparatus may further include a weight sensor for detecting the weight of the ink cartridge mounted in the ink cartridge mounting portion. The control unit of the dye-coated substrate manufacturing apparatus may generate ink remaining amount information related to the remaining amount of ink in the ink cartridge based on the weight of the ink cartridge detected by the weight sensor.

[0099] As a common method for estimating the remaining amount of ink in an ink cartridge, there is a known method for estimating the remaining amount of ink based on the number of times the ink is ejected from the inkjet head. However, the error between the estimated remaining amount of ink based on the number of times the ink is ejected and the actual remaining amount of ink tends to become larger. Therefore, when estimating the remaining amount of ink based on the number of times the ink is ejected, in order to prevent problems with the inkjet head caused by printing when the ink is completely exhausted, it is necessary to recommend the replacement of the ink cartridge to the operator when there is a margin in the estimated remaining amount of ink. In this case, the amount of ink that is discarded while remaining in the ink cartridge will increase. In particular, ink containing dyes for dyeing resin bodies is expensive, so reducing the amount of discarded ink is very important.

[0100] In contrast, when the remaining ink level information is generated based on the actual detected weight of the ink cartridge, the information is generated with higher accuracy than when the remaining level is estimated using the number of ink ejections, thereby appropriately reducing the amount of discarded ink.

[0101] It should be noted that the specific method for utilizing the remaining ink level information generated based on the weight of the ink cartridge can be appropriately selected. For example, the control unit may output the generated remaining ink level information by displaying it on the display unit or outputting it as a voice. The control unit may also notify the operator of the remaining ink level information estimated based on the weight of the ink cartridge by displaying it on the display unit or by other methods. In addition, the control unit may also perform at least one of the following actions: recommending to the operator to replace the ink cartridge or stopping printing by the printing device until the ink cartridge is replaced, based on the information about the remaining ink level estimated based on the weight of the ink cartridge.

[0102] The weight sensor may detect only the weight of the ink cartridge. Alternatively, the weight sensor may detect the combined weight of the ink cartridge and a member secured to the ink cartridge (e.g., an insert into which the ink cartridge is inserted). Even in this case, if the weight of the member secured to the ink cartridge is known, the remaining ink level information can be appropriately generated based on the weight detected by the weight sensor.

[0103] The control unit can control the ink stirring unit's stirring of the ink within the ink cartridge based on the weight of the ink cartridge detected by the weight sensor. The weight of the ink cartridge detected by the weight sensor varies depending on the weight of the ink remaining in the cartridge. Therefore, by controlling the ink stirring unit's stirring of the ink based on the detection result of the weight sensor, an appropriate stirring action corresponding to the weight of the ink remaining in the ink cartridge is performed.

[0104] It should be noted that the specific method for controlling the operation of the ink stirring unit based on the weight of the ink cartridge detected by the weight sensor can be appropriately selected. For example, the control unit may change the interval at which the ink stirring unit stirs the ink based on the weight of the ink cartridge detected by the weight sensor. Alternatively, the control unit may change the number of times the ink stirring unit stirs the ink based on the weight of the ink cartridge detected by the weight sensor.

[0105] The control unit can perform zero-point adjustment of the weight sensor (that is, a process of adjusting the detection result when the weight applied to the weight sensor is zero to zero (origin)) when the ink cartridge is tilted more than 90 degrees from the state of use by the ink stirring unit. If the ink cartridge is tilted more than 90 degrees from the state of use by the ink stirring unit, the weight applied from the ink cartridge to the weight sensor becomes zero. By performing zero-point adjustment of the weight sensor in this state, the weight sensor's detection accuracy of the ink cartridge's weight is appropriately improved. In other words, by also utilizing the structure that tilts the ink cartridge for stirring the ink for the zero-point adjustment of the weight sensor, the detection accuracy of the ink cartridge's weight can be effectively improved.

[0106] It should be noted that, when performing zero-point adjustment of the weight sensor, the angle at which the ink stirring portion tilts the ink cartridge from the state of use can be greater than 90 degrees. In this case, when performing zero-point adjustment of the weight sensor, the possibility of applying the weight of the ink cartridge to the weight sensor more appropriately decreases.

[0107] The ink cartridge assembly may include a linear guide that restricts the ink cartridge's movement to a vertical direction when in use. The weight sensor can detect the weight of the ink cartridge when its movement is restricted by the linear guide. In this case, the weight sensor's accuracy in detecting the ink cartridge's weight is improved. Consequently, the accuracy of the remaining ink level information generated based on the weight sensor's detection results is further improved.

[0108] Furthermore, the method for performing zero-point adjustment of the weight sensor can be modified. For example, the dye-coated substrate manufacturing apparatus can include a biasing unit (e.g., a spring) capable of biasing the ink cartridge mounted in the ink cartridge mounting portion upward. The control unit can also perform zero-point adjustment of the weight sensor while the biasing unit is biasing the ink cartridge upward.

[0109] The dyeing system disclosed herein can also be described as follows: A dyeing system comprising: a dye-attached substrate manufacturing device for manufacturing a substrate, i.e., a dye-attached substrate, used in a dyeing process for dyeing a resin body, to which a dye is attached and transferred; a transfer device for transferring the dye from the dye-attached substrate manufactured by the dye-attached substrate manufacturing device to the resin body; and a dye fixing device for fixing the dye attached to the surface of the resin body to the resin body by heating the resin body to which the dye has been transferred by the transfer device. The dye-attached substrate manufacturing device comprises: a printing device for printing ink containing a dye onto a substrate; an ink cartridge mounting unit for mounting an ink cartridge containing the ink supplied to the printing device; and an ink stirring unit for stirring the ink in the ink cartridge while the ink cartridge is mounted in the ink cartridge mounting unit.

[0110] (Third Option)

[0111] The device for manufacturing a dye-attached substrate illustrated in the present disclosure manufactures a dye-attached substrate. The dye-attached substrate is used in a dyeing process for dyeing a resin body. A dye transferred to the resin body is attached to the dye-attached substrate. The device for manufacturing a dye-attached substrate illustrated in the present disclosure includes a printing device, a conveying device, and a substrate moving device. The printing device prints a dye for dyeing the resin body (for example, ink containing the dye, etc.) onto the substrate. The conveying device conveys a tray for dyeing on which the resin body is placed. The substrate moving device moves the substrate on which the dye has been printed by the printing device from the printing position of the printing device to the side of the conveying device.

[0112] In the dye-coated substrate manufacturing apparatus illustrated in this disclosure, a substrate printed with dye by a printing device is automatically moved from a printing position to a conveying device by a substrate moving device. This eliminates the need for an operator to manually move the substrate from the printing position. This allows the resin body to be dyed more efficiently and appropriately.

[0113] The dye-coated substrate manufacturing apparatus may further include a substrate loading device for loading the substrate at a predetermined position on a dyeing tray provided on the conveying device. The substrate moving device can transfer the substrate, having been printed with dye by the printing device, from the printing position of the printing device to the substrate loading device. In this case, the dye-coated substrate, having been printed with dye by the printing device, is automatically transported sequentially by the substrate moving device, the substrate loading device, and the conveying device. This further reduces the workload on the operator.

[0114] It should be noted that the substrate loading device and the substrate moving device may also be an integrated device. In other words, one device may have both the function of moving the substrate from the printing position to the conveying device side and the function of placing the moved substrate on the dyeing tray in the conveying device.

[0115] The printing device may include a carriage that moves a head that ejects dye relative to a substrate in a main scanning direction. The substrate moving device may also serve as a sub-scanning device that moves the substrate in a sub-scanning direction that intersects the main scanning direction while the printing device is printing dye. In this case, while minimizing the complexity of the device structure, the sub-scanning process during printing and the movement of the substrate from the printing position toward the transport device are appropriately performed simultaneously. Furthermore, compared to providing the sub-scanning device independently of the substrate moving device, the space required for the device installation is more easily reduced.

[0116] The printing device may include an operating unit facing the front side of the device, which receives operational instructions through operator operation. The operating unit may be arranged so that the operator can operate it from the front side of the printing device. Operational instructions for performing maintenance on the printing device can be input into the operating unit facing the front side. The operating unit facing the front side may be an operation panel (e.g., an operation panel with multiple buttons or a touch panel) capable of inputting multiple types of operational instructions. The transport device may be located on the side of the printing device opposite the front side (i.e., the back side). In this case, the substrate moving device moves the substrate printed with dye toward the back side of the printing device. The operator needs to perform maintenance on the printing device from the front side, where the operating unit faces. Therefore, by arranging the transport device on the back side of the printing device, the operator can easily perform maintenance on the printing device from the front side. In other words, the transport device and other devices will not hinder the operator during maintenance. Furthermore, since there is no need to create a space near the transport device for the operator to perform maintenance, the space required for the device can be reduced. Since there is no need to make a detour in the transport path of the transport device to ensure space for maintenance, the length of the transport path can be reduced.

[0117] It should be noted that the aforementioned operating unit only needs to be oriented toward the front side so that it can be operated by the operator from the front side. Therefore, the operating unit can be located on the front side of the printer housing, or it can be located on a surface different from the front side (e.g., the upper surface of the housing) facing the front side.

[0118] The substrate moving device may include a substrate support portion and a suction hole. The substrate support portion has a support surface for placing the substrate. The suction hole is formed in the support surface of the substrate support portion. The substrate can be adsorbed on the support surface of the substrate support portion by suctioning gas through the suction hole. In this case, the substrate moving device can prevent damage and deformation of the substrate by utilizing the suction of the gas, thereby properly supporting the substrate on the substrate support portion.

[0119] It should be noted that the substrate moving device may further include a movement drive unit (e.g., a slider) that moves the substrate support portion in at least one dimension. In this case, the substrate moving device can appropriately move the substrate by utilizing the movement drive unit to move the substrate support portion supporting the substrate. In other words, unlike when the substrate is moved using a pinch roller or the like, the substrate can be appropriately moved while suppressing any deflection or bending of the substrate.

[0120] However, the structure of the substrate moving device can also be changed. For example, the substrate moving device can also use at least one of a pinch roller and a robot arm to move the substrate from the printing position to the conveying device side.

[0121] A plurality of suction holes may be provided at least along the outer periphery of the support surface of the substrate support portion. In this case, the substrate is easily adsorbed onto the entire support surface of the substrate support portion, thereby further reducing the possibility of damage or deformation of the substrate.

[0122] The substrate may include a metal layer (for example, aluminum foil, etc.). The substrate may be flexible. The thickness of the substrate may be 1 μm to 1000 μm. When the substrate including the metal layer is moved by a pinching roller, the substrate may bend due to the stress of the force applied from the pinching roller to the substrate. In contrast, by moving the substrate support portion while the substrate is adsorbed on the support surface of the substrate support portion, the deflection of the substrate can be properly suppressed. It should be noted that the substrate can also be formed by stacking a dye retention layer (for example, a layer of a hydrophilic polymer film, etc.) on the metal layer to improve the retention of the printed dye. In this case, the dye printed on the substrate is easily and properly retained.

[0123] The dyeing system disclosed herein can also be described as follows: A dyeing system comprising: a dye-attached substrate manufacturing device for manufacturing a substrate, i.e., a dye-attached substrate, used in a dyeing process for dyeing a resin body, to which a dye transferred to the resin body is attached; a transfer device for transferring the dye of the dye-attached substrate manufactured by the dye-attached substrate manufacturing device to the resin body; and a dye fixing device for fixing the dye attached to the surface of the resin body to the resin body by heating the resin body to which the dye has been transferred by the transfer device, wherein the dye-attached substrate manufacturing device comprises: a printing device for printing the dye on the substrate; a transport device for transporting a dyeing tray carrying the resin body; and a substrate moving device for moving the substrate, on which the dye has been printed by the printing device, from a printing position of the printing device to a side of the transport device.

[0124] <Implementation Method>

[0125] Hereinafter, one of the typical embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The dyeing system 1 automatically and continuously dyes a resin body. In this embodiment, the resin body to be dyed is a plastic lens L used in glasses (see FIG. Figure 2 etc.). However, at least a part of the technology exemplified in the present disclosure can also be applied to the case of dyeing resin bodies other than the lens L. For example, at least a part of the technology exemplified in the present disclosure can also be applied to the case of dyeing various resin bodies such as goggles, mobile phone covers, lamp covers, decorations, toys, films (for example, with a thickness of 400 μm or less), and plates (for example, with a thickness of 400 μm or more). The resin bodies to be dyed also include resin bodies attached to components different from the resin bodies (for example, wood or glass, etc.). In addition, the dyeing system 1 of the present embodiment dyes a plurality of resin bodies while continuously conveying them. However, at least a part of the technology exemplified in the present disclosure can also be applied to a dyeing system that conveys and dyes resin bodies in groups.

[0126] (System Structure)

[0127] Reference Figure 1 The system structure of the dyeing system 1 of this embodiment is briefly described. The dyeing system 1 of this embodiment includes a conveying device 10, a preparatory unit 20, a dye-coated substrate manufacturing device 30, a transfer device 40, a dye fixing device 50, a coating device 60, and a control device 70.

[0128] The conveying device 10 carries a dyeing tray 80 (see Figure 2 、 3) to each device in the dyeing system 1. Specifically, the transport device 10 of this embodiment continuously transports a plurality of dyeing trays 80 in the dyeing system 1. The transport device 10 of this embodiment sequentially transports the dyeing trays 80 to the preparation unit 20, the dye-bearing matrix manufacturing device 30, the transfer device 40, the dye fixing device 50, and the coating device 60 (that is, from Figure 1 transported from left to right).

[0129] The preparatory unit 20 performs preparations before actually transferring and fixing the dye to the lens L. Specifically, the preparatory unit 20 of the present embodiment includes an optical property measuring device 21 and a rotating device 22 .

[0130] The optical property measurement device 21 includes a measurement optical system for measuring the optical properties of the lens L. The optical property measurement device 21 projects a measurement beam onto the lens L and receives the measurement beam after it has passed through the lens L to read the optical properties of the lens L (e.g., spherical power, astigmatism power, astigmatism axis angle, prismatic power, etc.). By measuring the astigmatism axis angle of the lens L, the rotational angle of the lens L is determined. The optical property measurement device 21 can employ a known structure, and therefore a detailed description thereof is omitted. (The structure of the optical property measurement device 21 is described, for example, in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-107910.)

[0131] The rotating device 22 includes a support portion that supports the lens L and an actuator (e.g., a motor) that rotates the lens L supported by the support portion. The rotating device 22 determines the rotational direction of the lens L by rotating the lens L. The rotating device 22 of this embodiment determines the rotational direction of the lens L to a target direction by rotating the lens L based on the rotational angle of the lens L measured by the optical property measurement device 21. The tinting system 1 of this embodiment, when performing gradient tinting and the lens L is not symmetrical about its geometric center axis, aligns the angle of the lens L with the angle of the ink (dye) printed on the substrate S by rotating the lens L.

[0132] The dye-coated substrate manufacturing apparatus 30 manufactures a dye-coated substrate used in a dyeing step of dyeing a resin body (lens L). The dye-coated substrate comprises a sheet-like substrate S (see Figure 4) and a dye attached to one surface of the substrate S. In the present embodiment, the substrate S has a metal layer (a layer of aluminum foil in the present embodiment) and is flexible. In detail, the substrate S is formed by laminating a dye retaining layer (a layer of a hydrophilic polymer film in the present embodiment) on the metal layer for retaining the printed dye. Therefore, the dye printed on the substrate S is easily and properly retained. It should be noted that the thickness of the substrate S in the present embodiment is 1 μm to 1000 μm. However, other materials such as paper, glass plates, heat-resistant resins, and ceramics can also be used as the material of the substrate S.

[0133] The dye-coated substrate manufacturing apparatus 30 of this embodiment includes a printing apparatus 100 (see Figure 4 The printing device 100 prints ink containing a dye onto a substrate S to produce a dye-coated substrate. It should be noted that in the dyeing system 1 of this embodiment, in order to prevent dye aggregation and properly transfer the dye to the lens L, the substrate S and lens L are separated and facing each other in a vacuum environment (including a substantially vacuum environment), and the dye on the substrate S is heated, thereby transferring (evaporating) the dye to the surface of the lens L (the dyeing method in this embodiment is referred to as a vapor transfer dyeing method). Therefore, an inkjet printer that prints ink containing a sublimable dye onto the substrate S is used for the printing device 100. Alternatively, the printing device 100 can also print conventional ink that does not contain a sublimable dye onto the substrate S. The printing device 100 performs printing based on print data generated by a control device 70, which is an information processing device (a personal computer (hereinafter referred to as "PC") in this embodiment). As a result, the appropriate amount of ink (dye) is attached to the appropriate position on the substrate S. The production of a dye-coated substrate S for performing gradient dyeing is also easy.

[0134] It should be noted that the structure of the printing device 100 can also be modified. For example, the printing device can also be a laser printer. In this case, the toner can also contain a sublimable dye. Alternatively, instead of the printing device 100, a liquid dispenser (liquid quantitative coating device), a roller, etc. can be used to attach the dye to the substrate S. Details of the dye-coated substrate manufacturing device 30 will be described later.

[0135] The transfer device 40 transfers the dye from the substrate S to the lens L while the dye attached to the substrate S is facing the lens L. As described above, in this embodiment, the dye is transferred from the substrate S to the lens L by vapor phase transfer. However, the method of transferring the dye to the lens L can be modified. For example, the dye may be transferred from the substrate S to the lens L while the dye on the substrate S and the lens L are in contact with each other.

[0136] The dye fixing device 50 fixes the dye attached to the surface of the lens L to the resin body by heating the lens L to which the dye has been transferred by the transfer device 40. The dye fixing device 50 of this embodiment heats the lens L by irradiating the lens L with laser light, which is an electromagnetic wave. However, a device (e.g., an oven, etc.) that irradiates the lens L with electromagnetic waves other than laser light may also be used as the dye fixing device.

[0137] The coating device 60 coats the surface of the lens L to which the dye has been fixed by the dye fixing device 50. The specific method used by the coating device 60 to coat the lens L can be appropriately selected. For example, at least one of a spray coating method, an inkjet coating method, a spin coating method, and a dip coating method can be employed as the coating method. The type of coating can also be appropriately selected from a variety of methods (e.g., hard coating, anti-reflective coating, water-repellent coating, primer coating, etc.).

[0138] The control device 70 oversees various controls within the dyeing system 1. Various information processing devices (e.g., at least one of a PC, server, and portable terminal) can be used for the control device 70. The control device 70 includes a controller (e.g., a CPU, etc.) 71 that oversees control and a database 72 that stores various data. It should be noted that the structure of the control device 70 can be modified. First, multiple devices can work together to function as the control device 70. For example, the control device overseeing various controls within the dyeing system 1 and the control device containing the database 72 can be independent devices. Alternatively, the controllers of multiple devices can work together to execute various controls within the dyeing system 1. For example, it is common for at least one of the conveying device 10, the optical property measuring device 21, the rotating device 22, the dye-coated matrix manufacturing device 30, the transfer device 40, the dye fixing device 50, and the coating device 60 to include a controller. In this case, the controller of the control device 70 can work together with the controllers of the other devices to oversee the control of the dyeing system 1.

[0139] (Dyeing tray)

[0140] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 Next, the dyeing tray 80 used in the dyeing system 1 of the present embodiment will be described. Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the dyeing tray 80 in a state where two lenses L are set (mounted) and the base S is not set. Figure 3 This is a perspective view of the dyeing tray 80 , showing the placement frame 89 , the lens L, and the spacer 87 assembled to one of the two assembly portions 82 in an exploded manner.

[0141] like Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, the dyeing tray 80 of this embodiment includes a tray body 81, a loading frame 89 and a spacer 87. The tray body 81, the loading frame 89 and the spacer 87 are all made of a material that can withstand high temperature and low pressure (roughly vacuum). A resin body (in this embodiment, a lens L) to be dyed is placed on the loading frame 89. The loading frame 89 of this embodiment is formed into a ring with an outer diameter slightly larger than the lens L. The spacer 87 extends upward in a tubular (cylindrical) manner from the outer periphery of the portion of the loading frame 89 where the lens L is placed. An assembly portion 82 is formed on the tray body 81. The loading frame 89 and the spacer 87 are assembled in a detachable manner on the assembly portion 82. In this embodiment, two assembly portions 82 are formed on one tray body 81. Therefore, a pair of (left and right) lenses L used in one pair of glasses are dyed in a state of being placed on one dyeing tray 80.

[0142] A sheet-like substrate S (see FIG. 1 ) on which the sublimation dye is to be attached is formed on the outer side of the tray body 81 above the mounting portion 82. Figure 4 ) of the substrate placement portion 85. By placing the substrate S on the substrate placement portion 85, the sublimation dye attached to the substrate S faces the lens L placed on the placement frame 89.

[0143] The cylindrical spacer 87 forms a space between the substrate S placed on the substrate placement portion 85 and the lens L placed on the placement frame 89. Therefore, the sublimation dye is appropriately transferred from the substrate S to the lens L through the space formed by the spacer 87. When the placement frame 89 and the spacer 87 are assembled into the assembly portion 82, the upper end of the spacer 87 protrudes upward from the placement surface of the substrate placement portion 85. Therefore, the substrate S placed on the substrate placement portion 85 and the upper end of the spacer 87 are easily in close contact with each other, making it difficult for the sublimated dye to leak to the outside.

[0144] A protrusion 84 that protrudes upward from the placement surface of the substrate placement portion 85 on which the substrate S is placed is provided on the tray body 81 at a position outside the mounting portion 82 (specifically, outside the substrate placement portion 85 ).

[0145] The shape of the base S of this embodiment is a rectangular sheet that covers two assembly parts 82 together. In this embodiment, a plurality of (8) protrusions 84 are formed along the periphery of the base S in a state where the base S is placed in an appropriate position on the dyeing tray 80 (that is, in a state where the base S is placed appropriately on the base placement part 85). Therefore, by placing the base S in an area (base placement part 85) surrounded by the plurality of protrusions 84, the base S is appropriately positioned relative to the lens L. In addition, the possibility of the position of the placed base S being offset relative to the lens L is also reduced. That is, at least a portion of the plurality of protrusions 84 in this embodiment (all of the protrusions 84 in this embodiment) functions as a positioning part that positions the base S relative to the lens L.

[0146] In addition, at least a portion (in this embodiment, all of the protrusions 84) of the plurality of protrusions 84 in the dyeing tray 80 are aligned with the placement positioning portion 413 (see FIG. 1 ) formed on the substrate holding portion 410 of the substrate placement device 400 described later. Figure 11 ) engages. As a result, the relative position of the base holding portion 410 with respect to the dyeing tray 80 is fixed at a predetermined position. In other words, the protrusion 84 in this embodiment functions as a tray engaging portion that engages with the placement and positioning portion 413 of the base holding portion 410. Details will be described later.

[0147] It should be noted that when multiple protrusions 84 are provided on the tray body 81, the number of protrusions 84 is not limited to 8. Furthermore, the shape of the protrusions 84 can be modified. For example, the protrusions may be rib-shaped members extending upward from a position along the outer periphery of the base S.

[0148] (with dye matrix manufacturing device)

[0149] Reference Figures 4 to 12 , the dye-containing matrix manufacturing device 30 of this embodiment will be described. Figure 4 The upper right side of the paper is set as the front side of the dye-based substrate manufacturing device 30, and the lower left side of the paper is set as the back side of the dye-based substrate manufacturing device 30. Figure 4 The lower right side of the paper is set as the left side of the dye-based substrate manufacturing device 30, and the upper left side of the paper is set as the right side of the dye-based substrate manufacturing device 30. It should be noted that, Figure 4 、 Figure 8 、 Figure 9 、 Figure 10 This is a perspective view of each device viewed from the left rear. Figure 5 This is a perspective view of the device viewed from the left front. Figure 11 and Figure 12 Is to move the device from the right front ( Figure 4A stereoscopic image when observed in the direction of arrow F).

[0150] like Figure 4 As shown, the dye-coated substrate manufacturing device 30 of this embodiment includes a printing device 100, a substrate delivery device 200, and a substrate moving device 300 (see Figure 9 and Figure 10 ) and substrate loading device 400. The substrate moving device 300 is Figure 4 In the state of moving to the interior of the printing device 100, Figure 4 The substrate moving device 300 is located closer to the printing device 100 than the substrate delivery device 200. The printing device 100, substrate delivery device 200, substrate moving device 300, and substrate placement device 400 are each assembled into a housing 31. The transport device 10 is also assembled into the housing 31.

[0151] The printing device 100 prints ink containing dye onto a sheet-like substrate S. The substrate delivery device 200 transfers the substrate S from the substrate storage unit 210 storing the substrate S not printed with ink to the substrate moving device 300 (see Figure 9 and Figure 10 ) to deliver the substrate S. The substrate moving device 300 moves the substrate S (dye-bearing substrate) printed with ink by the printing device 100 from the printing position of the printing device 100 to the conveying device 10 side. In addition, the substrate delivery device 200 delivers the substrate S printed with ink from the substrate moving device 300 to the substrate loading device 400. The substrate loading device 400 allows the printed dye (ink) to be placed on the lens L (refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 ) facing each other, the substrate S is placed on a predetermined position (substrate placement portion 85) of the lens L in the dyeing tray 80. The details of each part will be described below.

[0152] (Conveying device)

[0153] Reference Figure 4 Next, the conveying device 10 will be described. The conveying device 10 includes a pair of rails 11 extending in the conveying direction. A rotating belt 12 is provided near the rails 11 and arranged along the rails 11. The rotating belt 12 is connected to a conveying motor (e.g., a stepping motor) 13. The rotating belt 12 rotates when driven by the conveying motor 13. The rotation of the rotating belt 12 moves the dyeing tray 80 along the rails 11 in the conveying direction.

[0154] The conveying device 10 has a plurality of pallet positioning parts 14. The pallet positioning part 14 is provided at a predetermined position on the conveying path between a pair of rails 11. If the pallet positioning part 14 is moved upward by moving the actuator (not shown) up and down, the pallet positioning part 14 contacts the dyeing pallet 80 conveyed in the conveying path, and the conveying of the dyeing pallet 80 is stopped at a predetermined position. Therefore, the conveying device 10 of this embodiment can accurately stop the dyeing pallet at a predetermined position on the conveying path. Moreover, sensors (not shown) for detecting the presence or absence of the dyeing pallet 80 are provided at a plurality of positions on the rails 11. The control device 70 can detect the position of the dyeing pallet 80 conveyed by the conveying device 10 based on the detection results of each of the plurality of sensors.

[0155] The conveying device 10 of this embodiment is Figure 4 The dyeing tray 80 is transported from the upper left side to the lower right side. Figure 4 The transport path shown is on the downstream side ( Figure 4 The transfer device 40 and the dye fixing device 50 are arranged at the lower right side of the image (see Figure 1 The dye-coated substrate manufacturing device 30 places the substrate (dye-coated substrate) S, which has been printed with ink by the printing device 100, on the dyeing tray 80 using the substrate loading device 400. The dyeing tray 80 is then transported to the transfer device 40 by the transport device 10. The positional relationship between the printing device 100 and the transport device 10 will be described later.

[0156] (Printing device)

[0157] Reference Figures 4 to 7 , the printing device 100 will be described. The printing device 100 of this embodiment is an inkjet printer capable of printing ink containing a dye (specifically, a sublimation dye) onto a substrate S. Figure 4 As shown, the printing device 100 includes an inkjet head 110, a carriage 120, an operation unit 130, and an ink cartridge installation unit 140. Figures 5 to 7 As shown, the printing apparatus 100 includes an ink stirring unit 150 .

[0158] like Figure 4 As shown, the inkjet head 110 is provided inside the printing device 100. The inkjet head 110 ejects ink. Specifically, the inkjet head 110 is provided with a plurality of (in this embodiment, eight) ink ejection units. Each ink ejection unit ejects ink from a plurality of (in this embodiment, eight) ink cartridges 141 (see FIG. 1 ) mounted on the ink cartridge mounting unit 140. Figures 5 to 7 ) are respectively supplied and ejected downward toward the substrate S.

[0159] The carriage 120 moves the inkjet head 110 in the main scanning direction MD relative to the substrate S. The control unit (controller 71 in this embodiment) of the dye-coated substrate manufacturing apparatus 30 controls the drive of a main scanning motor (not shown) included in the carriage 120 to move the inkjet head 110 in the main scanning direction MD. It should be noted that the controller 71 controls the ejection of ink from the inkjet head 110 while controlling the relative main scanning and sub-scanning of the substrate S and the inkjet head 110, thereby printing ink onto a two-dimensional area of ​​the substrate S. The sub-scanning method in this embodiment will be described later.

[0160] The operation unit 130 faces the front side of the printing device ( Figure 4 In other words, the operation unit 130 is configured so that the operator can operate it from the front side of the printing device 100. The operation unit 130 is operated by the operator when performing maintenance on the printing device 100. That is, operation instructions for performing maintenance are input to the operation unit 130 facing the front side. The operation unit 130 of this embodiment is an operation panel capable of inputting multiple types of operation instructions, for example, having at least one of a plurality of buttons and a touch panel. Various operation instructions are input to the printing device 100 through the operation of the operation unit 130 by the operator. Therefore, the operator operates the operation unit 130 from the front side of the printing device 100 when performing maintenance on the printing device 100. It should be noted that the operation unit 130 of this embodiment is provided on the front side of the housing of the printing device 100. However, the operation unit may also be provided on a surface of the housing different from the front (for example, the upper surface) so as to face the front.

[0161] Here, the transport device 10 for transporting the dyeing tray 80 is located on the side of the printing device 100 opposite to the front side (that is, the back side of the printing device 100). Therefore, unlike the case where the transport device 10 is located on the front side of the printing device 100 (that is, the side facing the operating unit 130), the transport device 10 is less likely to become an obstacle when the operator operates the operating unit 130. As a result, the operator can easily perform maintenance on the printing device 100 from the front side. In addition, since there is no need to form a space near the transport device 10 for the operator to perform maintenance, the space required for the device can be easily reduced. Since there is no need to detour the transport path of the transport device 10 to ensure space for maintenance, the length of the transport path can be suppressed.

[0162] Reference Figures 5 to 7The ink cartridge assembly unit 140 of this embodiment will be described in detail. The ink cartridge assembly unit 140 is equipped with an ink cartridge 141 having ink supplied to the inkjet head 110. The ink cartridge 141 of this embodiment is constructed by arranging a bag (aluminum bag) filled with ink inside a shell having moderate rigidity. Figure 5 As shown, the ink cartridge mounting portion 140 includes multiple (eight in this embodiment) insertion portions 143 and linear guides 145. An ink cartridge 141 is inserted into each insertion portion 143. In other words, the ink cartridge mounting portion 140 of this embodiment can accommodate multiple ink cartridges 141. In this embodiment, the ink cartridge 141 is assembled into the ink cartridge mounting portion 140 by inserting the ink cartridge 141 into the cylindrical insertion portion 143. Furthermore, a guide piece 144 having a guide hole formed therein for inserting the linear guide 145 is fixed to the insertion portion 143.

[0163] The linear guide 145 restricts (guides) the movable direction of the insertion portion 143 into which the ink cartridge 141 is inserted to a one-dimensional direction. Figure 6 In the state shown in FIG. 1 , the movable direction of the insertion portion 143 is restricted to the vertical direction (up and down direction). In this embodiment, the movable direction of the insertion portion 143 (ink cartridge 141) is restricted to the vertical direction by inserting a linear guide 145 extending in the vertical direction during use through a guide hole of a guide piece 144 fixed to the insertion portion 143.

[0164] like Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the ink cartridge installation unit 140 includes a plurality of (eight in this embodiment) weight sensors 147. Each weight sensor 147 detects the weight of each of the plurality of ink cartridges 141 installed in the ink cartridge installation unit 140 during use. Figure 6 As shown, each of the plurality of weight sensors 147 in this embodiment is provided at a position that contacts the bottom of the insertion portion 143 when in use. Therefore, when in use, the weight sensor 147 detects the total weight of the insertion portion 143 and the weight of the ink cartridge 141 mounted therein.

[0165] In this embodiment, the weight obtained by subtracting the weight of the insertion portion 143 and the weight of the ink cartridge 141 housing from the weight detected by the weight sensor 147 approximates the weight of the ink remaining inside the ink cartridge 141 housing. Therefore, the controller 71 can generate ink remaining amount information related to the remaining amount of ink in the ink cartridge 141 based on the weight detected by the weight sensor 147 while in use. For example, the dye-tipped substrate manufacturing apparatus 30 can store the weight detected by the weight sensor 147 when the ink cartridge 141 is completely depleted and attached to the insertion portion 143 as an offset value in the database 72. The controller 71 can generate ink remaining amount information based on the weight detected by the weight sensor 147 and the offset value.

[0166] As described above, the movable direction of the insertion portion 143 in use is restricted to the vertical direction by the linear guide 145. As a result, the weight sensor 147 improves the detection accuracy of the weight of the ink cartridge 141 (more specifically, the total weight of the ink cartridge 141 and the insertion portion 143).

[0167] In this embodiment, each insertion portion 143 is equipped with a needle, a tube, and a solenoid valve. When the ink cartridge 141 is installed in the insertion portion 143, the needle penetrates the aluminum-clad rubber plug inside the ink cartridge 141. As a result, the ink inside the ink cartridge 141 is supplied to the inkjet head 110 via the needle and tube. Furthermore, the solenoid valve controls the flow of ink within the tube by switching between compression and release of the tube. For example, when replacing the ink cartridge 141, the controller 71 can reduce the possibility of air entering the tube by stopping the flow of ink within the tube using the solenoid valve.

[0168] Reference Figures 5 to 7 Next, the ink stirring unit 150 of this embodiment will be described. The ink stirring unit 150 stirs the ink within the ink cartridge 141 while the ink cartridge 141 is mounted in the ink cartridge mounting unit 140. Therefore, even if the operator does not manually stir the ink, the ink within the ink cartridge 141 is automatically stirred by the ink stirring unit 150 and supplied to the inkjet head 110. Consequently, regardless of the tendency of ink containing dye to have differences in concentration, the ink is properly printed on the substrate S.

[0169] The ink stirring unit 150 of this embodiment changes the ink cartridge 141 mounted on the ink cartridge mounting unit 140 from the use state (in the case of printing (that is, when supplying ink to the inkjet head 110)) to the state in which the ink cartridge 141 is used. Figure 6 shown) to the tilted state ( Figure 7 After that, the ink stirring portion 150 restores the ink cartridge 141 from the tilted state to the usable state. As a result, even if no component is inserted into the interior of the ink cartridge 141, the ink in the ink cartridge 141 is properly stirred.

[0170] Specifically, the ink stirring unit 150 includes an actuator (a solenoid in this embodiment) 151 and a rotation support unit 152. The rotation support unit 152 supports the ink cartridge mounting unit 140 having a plurality of insertion portions 143 so that it can rotate around a rotation axis 153. The operating portion of the actuator 151 (the operating shaft of the solenoid in this embodiment) is connected to a position of the rotation support unit 152 that is offset from the rotation axis 153 (in this embodiment, the position of the rotation support unit 152 is slightly larger than the position of the rotation axis 153). Figure 6 Therefore, by the operation of the actuator 151, the ink cartridge 141 mounted on the ink cartridge mounting portion 140 is positioned with the rotation axis 153 as the center in the use position during printing (refer to Figure 6 ) and the tilt position when stirring the ink (refer to Figure 7 ) rotates between. In detail, the actuator 151 pushes out the working shaft and the ink cartridge 141 becomes the use state (refer to Figure 6 ), the operating shaft is pulled in by the actuator 151, and the ink cartridge 141 becomes tilted (refer to Figure 7 ). Therefore, the ink in the ink cartridge 141 is properly stirred.

[0171] As previously mentioned, the ink cartridge mounting portion 140 can accommodate multiple ink cartridges 141. The ink stirring portion 150 simultaneously stirs the ink in the multiple ink cartridges 141 by operating a single actuator 151 to tilt the entire ink cartridge mounting portion 140, which houses the multiple ink cartridges 141. This allows the ink in the multiple ink cartridges 141 to be stirred more efficiently.

[0172] After the printer 100 is powered on and before the printer 100 begins printing, the controller 71 (the control unit of the dye-based substrate manufacturing device 30 in this embodiment) stirs the ink in the ink cartridge 141 using the ink stirring unit 150. In other words, the controller 71 in this embodiment stirs the ink upon powering on the printer 100. Therefore, the ink in the ink cartridge 141, which had become uneven in dye concentration when the printer 100 was powered off, is automatically stirred by the ink stirring unit 150 before the printer 100 begins printing.

[0173] Furthermore, the controller 71 stirs the ink in the ink cartridge 141 using the ink stirring unit 150 when a predetermined time has elapsed since the last ink stirring. Thus, the ink in the ink cartridge 141 is regularly stirred, allowing the lens L to be properly tinted. It should be noted that the controller 71 regularly stirs the ink each time a predetermined time has elapsed since the last ink stirring. However, the controller 71 may also stir the ink when a predetermined time has elapsed since the last ink stirring and a printing start instruction has been input to the printing device 100.

[0174] Furthermore, the controller 71 stirs the ink in the ink cartridge 141 during periods when the printing device 100 is not printing. Therefore, during printing, the stirred ink is supplied to the inkjet head 110, improving the dyeing quality. Furthermore, problems such as ink clogging are less likely to occur.

[0175] The controller 71 controls the ink stirring unit 150's stirring of the ink within the ink cartridge 141 based on the weight of the ink cartridge 141 detected by the weight sensor 147. Thus, the controller 71 performs a stirring operation appropriate for the weight of the ink remaining within the ink cartridge 141. For example, the controller 71 can change the interval at which the ink stirring unit 150 stirs the ink based on the weight detected by the weight sensor 147. Furthermore, the controller 71 can also change the number of times the ink stirring unit 150 stirs the ink based on the weight detected by the weight sensor 147.

[0176] As previously described, the controller 71 generates ink remaining amount information related to the remaining amount of ink in the ink cartridge 141 based on the weight detected by the weight sensor 147. Therefore, information related to the remaining amount of ink is generated with higher accuracy than when estimating the remaining amount based on the number of ink ejections. Specifically, in this embodiment, the controller 71 notifies the operator of the remaining amount of ink estimated based on the weight detected by the weight sensor 147 through a display on a display unit (not shown) or voice notification. Furthermore, when the remaining amount of ink estimated based on the weight detected by the weight sensor 147 falls below a first threshold, the controller 71 performs a replacement recommendation action to recommend that the operator replace the ink cartridge 141. Furthermore, when the estimated remaining amount of ink falls below a second threshold that is smaller than the first threshold, the controller 71 performs a print stop action to stop printing until the ink cartridge 141 is replaced. It should be noted that the method for outputting the remaining ink amount information described in this embodiment is merely illustrative. In other words, the method for outputting the remaining ink amount information can, of course, be modified.

[0177] like Figure 7 As shown, in the ink stirring section 150 of the present embodiment, the rotation angle θ of the ink cartridge 141 in the tilted state relative to the ink cartridge 141 in the use state is set to be greater than 90 degrees. Specifically, in the present embodiment, the rotation angle θ is set to an angle greater than 90 degrees (for example, 93 degrees to 95 degrees). Therefore, while the ink cartridge 141 is set to the tilted state, the weight applied from the ink cartridge 141 to the weight sensor 147 becomes zero. While the ink cartridge 141 is set to the tilted state (that is, while the ink cartridge 141 is tilted by more than 90 degrees from the use state using the ink stirring section 150), the controller 71 performs zero point adjustment of the weight sensor 147. Therefore, the weight detection accuracy of the weight sensor 147 is appropriately improved.

[0178] (Substrate transfer device)

[0179] Reference Figure 8 , the substrate delivery device 200 will be described. As mentioned above, the substrate delivery device 200 is moved from the substrate storage unit 210 to the substrate moving device 300 (refer to Figure 9 and Figure 10 ) delivers the substrate S that has not been printed with ink. In addition, the substrate delivery device 200 delivers the substrate S that has been printed with ink from the substrate moving device 300 to the substrate loading device 400 (refer to Figure 11 and Figure 12 )handover.

[0180] The substrate storage unit 210 stores substrates S that have not been printed with ink in a stacked manner. In this embodiment, an operator assembles a cassette 211 including a plurality of stacked substrates S into the substrate storage unit 210 , and the substrates S are stored in the substrate storage unit 210 .

[0181] A distance measuring sensor 213 is provided above the substrate storage section 210. The distance measuring sensor 213 detects the position (height) of the uppermost substrate S among the substrates S stored in the substrate storage section 210. Furthermore, the dye-attached substrate manufacturing apparatus 30 includes a lifting device 214. The lifting device 214 lifts (moves up and down) the substrate storage section 210. In this embodiment, the controller 71 controls the driving of the lifting device 214 so that the position (height) of the uppermost substrate S detected by the distance measuring sensor 213 becomes a predetermined position. Therefore, the substrate delivery device 200 can stably receive the uppermost substrate S in the substrate storage section 210.

[0182] The substrate delivery device 200 includes a suction holding portion 220, a first slider 230, a second slider 240, and a lifting device 250. The suction holding portion 220 uses gas suction to hold the substrate S. In this embodiment, the main body of the suction holding portion 220 is a plate-shaped component formed with a plurality of circular holes. The suction holding portion 220 includes a plurality of suction ports 221. The plurality of suction ports 221 extend downward from the main body of the suction holding portion 220 and are connected to an ejector (not shown) for sucking gas. The ejector uses the Venturi effect to generate negative pressure. It should be noted that a pump or the like can also be used instead of the ejector. The first slider 230 moves the suction holding portion 220 in a first direction (in this embodiment, the left-right direction in the dye-containing substrate manufacturing device 30). The second slider 240 moves the suction holding portion 220 in a direction horizontally intersecting the first direction (in this embodiment, the front-back direction in the dye-containing substrate manufacturing device 30). In addition, the lifting device 250 lifts and lowers (moves up and down) the suction holding portion 220.

[0183] The controller 71 controls the driving of the first slider 230 and the second slider 240, and lowers the suction holding portion 220 by a predetermined distance using the lifting device 250 while the suction holding portion 220 is positioned above the substrate storage portion 210. As a result, the plurality of suction ports 221 in the suction holding portion 220 come into contact with the substrate S at the uppermost portion of the substrate storage portion 210. Next, the controller 71 causes the suction holding portion 220 to hold the substrate S by sucking gas from the suction ports 221 using an ejector (not shown). Next, the controller 71 controls the driving of the first slider 230, the second slider 240, and the lifting device 250 to move the substrate S toward the substrate moving device 300 (see FIG. 3 ). Figure 9 and Figure 10 ) to a predetermined position. Specifically, the suction and holding portion 220 is positioned higher than the substrate support portion 330 of the substrate moving device 300. The controller 71 moves the suction and holding portion 220, holding the substrate S, upward (vertically upward) from the substrate support portion 330 of the substrate moving device 300. The controller 71 then releases the suction of the gas from the suction port 221, thereby transferring the substrate S to the substrate support portion 330 of the substrate moving device 300.

[0184] In addition, the controller 71 controls the driving of the first slider 230 and the second slider 240 so that the suction holding portion 220 is positioned on the base support portion 330 (see FIG. Figure 9 and Figure 10 ), the suction and holding portion 220 is lowered a predetermined distance by the lifting device 250. As a result, the plurality of suction ports 221 in the suction and holding portion 220 come into contact with the substrate S on the substrate support portion 330. Next, the controller 71 causes the suction and holding portion 220 to hold the substrate S by sucking gas from the suction ports 221 using an ejector (not shown). Next, the controller 71 controls the driving of the first slider 230, the second slider 240, and the lifting device 250 to move the suction and holding portion 220 holding the substrate S above the substrate holding portion 410 of the substrate loading device 400. Thereafter, the controller 71 transfers the substrate S to the substrate loading device 400 by releasing the suction of the gas from the suction ports 221.

[0185] (Substrate moving device)

[0186] Reference Figure 9 and Figure 10 , the substrate moving device 300 is described. Figure 9 As shown, the substrate moving device 300 can move the substrate S from the inside of the printing device 100 to the inkjet head 110 (see Figure 4 ) is moved from the printing position (printing position) to the transport device 10 (refer to Figure 4As mentioned above, the transport device 10 of this embodiment is arranged on the back side ( Figure 9 Therefore, the substrate moving device 300 moves the substrate S from the printing position inside the printing apparatus 100 to the back side of the printing apparatus 100.

[0187] like Figure 10 As shown in FIG. 1 , the base moving device 300 of this embodiment includes a base 310, a vibration absorber 320, a base support 330, and a slider 340. The base 310 is a plate-shaped member that serves as a foundation for supporting the entire base moving device 300 including the base support 330. The base 310 is fixed to the printing device 100 (see FIG. 1 ) via a vibration absorber (e.g., seismic isolation rubber, etc.) 320. Figure 4 The vibration absorbers 320 absorb vibrations. In this embodiment, the vibration absorbers 320 are provided at multiple locations so that the center of gravity of the multiple vibration absorbers 320 coincides with the center of gravity of the printing apparatus 100 in a plan view.

[0188] The substrate support unit 330 supports the substrate S from below. In the substrate moving device 300 of this embodiment, two substrate support units 330 are arranged side by side in the left-right direction (along the main scanning direction MD of the printing apparatus 100). However, the substrate moving device 300 may include one substrate support unit 330 or three or more substrate support units.

[0189] The base support portion 330 of the present embodiment includes a support surface 331, a suction hole 332, and a pump connection portion 333. The base S is placed on the support surface 331. The support surface 331 of the present embodiment is a flat surface arranged horizontally. In addition, the support surface 331 of the present embodiment is formed into a shape slightly larger than the rectangular shape of the base S. Therefore, it is difficult for the sheet-like base S to detach from the support surface 331. The suction hole 332 is formed on the support surface 331 of the base support portion 330. The suction hole 332 is connected to a pump (not shown) for sucking gas via the pump connection portion 333. The controller 71 controls the drive of the pump to suck gas from the suction hole 332, thereby enabling the base S to be adsorbed on the support surface 331 of the base support portion 330. Therefore, the base S is properly supported on the support surface 331 while the occurrence of damage and deformation of the base S is suppressed.

[0190] Specifically, in this embodiment, a plurality of suction holes 332 (eight in this embodiment) are provided along at least the outer periphery of the support surface 331 of the substrate support portion 330. As a result, the sheet-like substrate S is sucked by the suction holes 332 at multiple locations along the outer periphery. This allows the substrate S to be more appropriately supported by the substrate support portion 330.

[0191] As previously mentioned, the substrate S of this embodiment includes a metal layer and is flexible. When the flexible metal layer substrate S is moved using pinch rollers, the stress exerted by the pinch rollers on the substrate S can cause the substrate S to deflect. In contrast, the substrate moving device 300 of this embodiment moves the substrate support portion 330 while the substrate is adsorbed on the support surface 331 of the substrate support portion 330, thereby appropriately suppressing deflection of the substrate S during movement.

[0192] The slider 340 moves the substrate support unit 330 in a one-dimensional direction. Specifically, the slider 340 of this embodiment moves the substrate support unit 330 in the front-rear direction in the dye-coated substrate manufacturing apparatus 30, thereby moving the substrate S supported by the substrate support unit 330 from the printing position toward the conveying device 10.

[0193] In addition, in this embodiment, the front-back direction in the dye-coated substrate manufacturing device 30 is consistent with the sub-scanning direction SD of the printing device 100. The substrate moving device 300 of this embodiment is in contact with the carriage 120 (see Figure 4 The substrate S is moved in a sub-scanning direction SD that intersects (orthogonally in this embodiment) the main scanning direction MD. Specifically, the substrate moving device 300 of this embodiment also serves as a sub-scanning device that moves the substrate S in the sub-scanning direction SD during printing by the printing apparatus 100. Therefore, while suppressing the complexity of the apparatus structure, the substrate moving device 300 appropriately performs both sub-scanning during printing and movement of the substrate S from the printing position.

[0194] When the substrate moving device 300 moves the substrate S supported by the substrate supporting portion 330 to the side closest to the conveying device 10, the substrate S and the substrate placing device 400 (see FIG. Figure 11 and Figure 12 ) adjacent to the substrate. The substrate moving device 300 transfers the substrate S, which has been printed with ink, from the printing position toward the conveying device 10, thereby transferring the substrate S to the substrate placement device 400. Thus, the substrate S, which has been printed with ink by the printing device 100, is automatically and sequentially transported by the substrate moving device 300, the substrate placement device 400, and the conveying device 10. This further reduces the burden on the operator.

[0195] (Substrate mounting device)

[0196] Reference Figure 11 and Figure 12 , the substrate loading device 400 will be described. As described above, the substrate loading device 400 allows the dye (ink) printed on the substrate S to be aligned with the lens L (see FIG. 1 ) loaded on the dyeing tray 80. Figure 2 and Figure 3) is placed on a predetermined position of the lens L in the dyeing tray 80 (in this embodiment, the substrate placement portion 85 above the lens L). Therefore, even if the operator does not place the substrate S on the dyeing tray 80 manually, the substrate S will be automatically and appropriately placed at an appropriate position on the dyeing tray 80. As described above, Figure 11 and Figure 12 From the right front of the device ( Figure 4 The substrate mounting device 400 of this embodiment includes a substrate holding portion 410 , a vertical turning portion 430 , and a heating portion 450 .

[0197] The substrate holding portion 410 holds the sheet-like substrate S in contact with the backside of the printing surface of the dye (ink) to be printed on one of the two surfaces of the sheet-like substrate S. Therefore, compared to a case where the substrate S is held at one end, the substrate S is less likely to bend, flex, or break. In the substrate mounting device 400 of this embodiment, two substrate holding portions 410 are arranged side by side in the left-right direction (along the main scanning direction MD of the printing device 100). However, the substrate mounting device 400 may include only one substrate holding portion 410, or may include three or more substrate holding portions 410.

[0198] In detail, Figure 11 As shown, a vent 411 is formed in the substrate holder 410 at a position in contact with the backside of the printing surface of the substrate S. The vent 411 allows air to pass between the vent 411 and an airflow control device (e.g., a pump, etc., not shown) that switches between suction and exhaust of the air. In this embodiment, the vent 411 formed on the surface of the substrate holder 410 (the surface in contact with the substrate S) is connected to the airflow control device via a flow path within the substrate holder 410.

[0199] The contact surface of the substrate holding portion 410 that contacts the back surface of the substrate S is a flat surface. Therefore, the sheet-shaped substrate S is held in contact with the flat contact surface of the substrate holding portion 410. As a result, the possibility of the substrate S being warped or bent is further reduced.

[0200] In this embodiment, the vent 411 comprises a groove formed on the surface of the substrate holding portion 410 that contacts the substrate S. The shape of the groove (annular) corresponds to the shape (circular in this embodiment) of the dye printed by the printing device 100 onto the printing surface of the substrate S. Therefore, the groove positions the back of the printed area of ​​the dye on the substrate S, allowing the printed area to be more securely held on the substrate holding portion 410.

[0201] In other words, in this embodiment, the vent 411 includes an annular groove formed on the contact surface of the substrate holding portion 410 that contacts the substrate S. Furthermore, as previously described, the resin body dyed by the dyeing system 1 of this embodiment is a roughly disc-shaped lens (spectacle lens) L. Ink containing the dye is printed in a circular pattern on the printing surface of the substrate S. The vent 411, including the annular groove, is located on the back side of the dye printed in a circular pattern on the substrate S. As a result, the circular portion printed with the dye is more securely held on the substrate holding portion 410. This makes it possible to more appropriately suppress the occurrence of bends, etc., in the portion printed with the dye.

[0202] Note that the ventilation portion 411 includes a plurality of circular grooves formed concentrically, so that the base S is more firmly held by the base holding portion 410 than when there is only one circular groove.

[0203] The vertical reversing unit 430 reverses the substrate holding unit 410 that holds the substrate S. Specifically, the vertical reversing unit 430 of this embodiment includes a rotation shaft 431 and actuators (pneumatic cylinders in this embodiment) 432 and 433. The rotation shaft 431 is arranged horizontally and fixed to the substrate holding unit 410. The operating portions of the actuators 432 and 433 (pneumatic cylinder operating shafts in this embodiment) are connected to a portion of the substrate holding unit 410.

[0204] like Figure 11 and Figure 12 As shown in FIG. 4 , when the actuators 432 and 433 are operated, the base holding portion 410 fixed to the rotation shaft 431 rotates 180 degrees around the rotation shaft 431. As a result, the base holding portion 410 is turned upside down. Figure 11 The state shown is rotated to Figure 12 In the state shown, the substrate holding portion 410 moves above the dyeing tray 80 on the conveying device 10. In other words, the up-down turning portion 430 has both the function of turning the substrate S held by the substrate holding portion 410 upside down and the function of moving the substrate S held by the substrate holding portion 410 above the dyeing tray 80.

[0205] like Figure 11As shown, a loading and positioning portion 413 is provided at a predetermined position of the substrate holding portion 410. The loading and positioning portion 413 of this embodiment is a plurality of recesses. If the substrate holding portion 410 is turned upside down by the up-down turning portion 430, the plurality of loading and positioning portions 413 provided on the substrate holding portion 410 are engaged with the plurality of protrusions (tray interlocking portions) 84 in the dyeing tray 80. As a result, the relative position of the substrate holding portion 410 relative to the dyeing tray 80 is fixed to a predetermined position. Thus, the substrate loading device 400 can more accurately load the substrate S onto the substrate loading portion 85 of the dyeing tray 80.

[0206] The heating section 450 dries the ink printed on the substrate S held by the substrate holding section 410 by heating the substrate holding section 410. Therefore, in addition to the function of placing the substrate S on the dyeing tray 80, the substrate loading device 400 also has the function of drying the ink printed on the substrate S. In detail, the heating section 450 is formed of a material with high thermal conductivity and is arranged at a position adjacent to the substrate holding section 410 (in this embodiment, at a position adjacent to the bottom of the substrate holding section 410). A heater mounting section 451 for mounting a heater (not shown) is provided in the heating section 450. The heater mounted on the heater mounting section 451 is driven, and the heating section 450 is heated. As a result, the substrate holding section 410 adjacent to the heating section 450 is heated.

[0207] As described above, the vent 411, which includes an annular groove, is located on the back side of the dye (ink) printed in a circular pattern on the substrate S. Therefore, the circular portion of the substrate S where the ink is printed is in more secure contact with the substrate holder 410. This facilitates heat transfer from the substrate holder 410 to the ink, allowing the ink to dry more effectively.

[0208] Radiant heat reflecting plates 453 are installed on the side and bottom surfaces of the heating unit 450. A gap is provided between the radiant heat reflecting plates 453 and the heating unit 450. Furthermore, the surface of the radiant heat reflecting plates 453 facing the heating unit 450 is mirror-finished to easily reflect radiant heat from the heating unit 450. Therefore, the radiant heat reflecting plates 453 effectively prevent radiant heat from the heating unit 450 from being transferred to the sides and downward of the heating unit 450.

[0209] The controller 71 holds the substrate S on the substrate holding portion 410 by using the airflow control device to draw air from the ventilation portion 411. Furthermore, the controller 71 releases the airflow control device from drawing air from the ventilation portion 411 while the substrate holding portion 410 is inverted by the vertical reversing portion, thereby placing the substrate S held on the substrate holding portion 410 on a predetermined position on the dyeing tray 80. Thus, the substrate placing device 400 can appropriately hold and place the substrate S while suppressing damage to the substrate S by utilizing air suction.

[0210] Furthermore, the controller 71 uses the air flow control device to discharge gas from the vent 411 while the substrate holding portion 410 is in the state of being inverted by the upside-down turning portion, thereby placing the substrate S held by the substrate holding portion 410 at a predetermined position on the dyeing tray 80. Therefore, even if the substrate S is difficult to remove from the substrate holding portion 410 due to the influence of static electricity generated between the substrate holding portion 410 and the substrate, the gas discharged from the vent 411 can easily and appropriately remove the substrate S from the substrate holding portion 410.

[0211] The technology disclosed in the above embodiment is merely an example. Therefore, the technology exemplified in the above embodiment can be modified. For example, only a portion of the multiple technologies exemplified in the above embodiment may be adopted.

[0212] (A1) The first embodiment of the present disclosure is a device for producing a dye-attached substrate, which is a substrate to which a dye transferred to a resin body is attached and used in a dyeing step of dyeing the resin body, and comprises:

[0213] a printing device for printing dye onto a substrate; and

[0214] The substrate placing device places the substrate at a predetermined position of the resin body in the dyeing tray in a state where the dye printed by the printing device faces the resin body placed on the dyeing tray.

[0215] (A2) In the first embodiment of the dye-attached substrate manufacturing apparatus, according to the dye-attached substrate manufacturing apparatus of (A1),

[0216] The substrate placement device includes a substrate holding portion that holds the substrate in contact with a back surface of a printing surface on which the dye is printed, of a pair of surfaces of the substrate.

[0217] (A3) In the dye-attached matrix manufacturing apparatus of the first embodiment, according to the dye-attached matrix manufacturing apparatus of (A2) above,

[0218] The substrate mounting device further includes a vent portion formed at a position in the substrate holding portion that contacts the back surface of the substrate and allows gas to pass therethrough.

[0219] The substrate is held on the substrate holding portion by sucking gas from the vent portion, and

[0220] By releasing the suction of the gas from the ventilation portion, the substrate held by the substrate holding portion is placed at the predetermined position on the dyeing tray.

[0221] (A4) In the first embodiment of the dye-attached substrate manufacturing apparatus, according to the dye-attached substrate manufacturing apparatus of (A3) above,

[0222] The substrate placement device places the substrate held by the substrate holding portion on the predetermined position of the dyeing tray by exhausting gas from the ventilation portion.

[0223] (A5) In the dye-attached substrate manufacturing apparatus of the first embodiment, the dye-attached substrate manufacturing apparatus according to any one of the above (A2) to (A4),

[0224] A contact surface of the substrate holding portion that contacts the rear surface of the substrate is a flat surface.

[0225] (A6) In the dye-attached matrix manufacturing apparatus of the first embodiment, according to the dye-attached matrix manufacturing apparatus of (A5) above,

[0226] The vent portion includes a groove portion formed on the contact surface of the base holding portion,

[0227] The shape of the groove portion corresponds to a printed shape of the dye printed on the printing surface of the substrate by the printing device.

[0228] (A7) In the first embodiment of the dye-attached matrix manufacturing apparatus, according to the dye-attached matrix manufacturing apparatus of (A5),

[0229] The resin body to be dyed is a spectacle lens,

[0230] The dye is printed in a circular shape on the printing surface of the substrate,

[0231] The vent portion includes an annular groove portion formed on the contact surface of the base holding portion.

[0232] (A8) In the dye-attached substrate manufacturing apparatus of the first embodiment, the dye-attached substrate manufacturing apparatus according to any one of the above (A1) to (A7),

[0233] The base holding portion further includes a placement positioning portion that is engaged with a tray engaging portion formed at a predetermined position on the dyeing tray.

[0234] The substrate placing device places the substrate at the predetermined position on the dyeing tray in a state in which the placing and positioning portion is engaged with the tray engaging portion of the dyeing tray.

[0235] (A9) In the dye-attached substrate manufacturing apparatus of the first embodiment, the dye-attached substrate manufacturing apparatus according to any one of the above (A1) to (A8),

[0236] The substrate mounting device further includes a vertical reversing portion for reversing the substrate holding portion.

[0237] After the base body is held on the upper portion of the base body holding portion, the base body holding portion is turned upside down by the vertical turning portion, and the base body is placed at the predetermined position on the dyeing tray.

[0238] (A10) The dyeing system according to the first aspect of the present disclosure includes:

[0239] Any one of the dye-bearing substrate manufacturing devices (A1) to (A9) above;

[0240] a transfer device for transferring the dye of the dye-bearing matrix manufactured by the dye-bearing matrix manufacturing device to a resin body; and

[0241] The dye fixing device fixes the dye attached to the surface of the resin body to the resin body by heating the resin body to which the dye has been transferred by the transfer device.

[0242] (B1) The second embodiment of the present disclosure is a device for producing a dye-attached substrate, which is a substrate to which a dye transferred to a resin body is attached and used in a dyeing step of dyeing the resin body, and comprises:

[0243] a printing device for printing ink containing dye onto a substrate;

[0244] an ink cartridge installation unit for installing an ink cartridge containing the ink supplied to the printing device; and

[0245] The ink stirring portion stirs the ink in the ink cartridge when the ink cartridge is mounted in the ink cartridge mounting portion.

[0246] (B2) In the second embodiment of the dye-attached substrate manufacturing apparatus, according to the dye-attached substrate manufacturing apparatus of (B1),

[0247] The ink stirring portion stirs the ink in the ink cartridge when a predetermined time period has elapsed since the last stirring of the ink.

[0248] (B3) In the second embodiment of the dye-attached substrate manufacturing apparatus, the dye-attached substrate manufacturing apparatus according to the above (B1) or (B2) is configured as follows:

[0249] The ink stirring portion stirs the ink in the ink cartridge while the printing device is not performing printing.

[0250] (B4) In the second embodiment of the dye-attached substrate manufacturing apparatus, according to any one of the dye-attached substrate manufacturing apparatuses (B1) to (B3),

[0251] The ink stirring portion stirs the ink in the ink cartridge after the printing device is powered on and before the printing device performs printing.

[0252] (B5) In the dye-attached substrate manufacturing apparatus of the second embodiment, the dye-attached substrate manufacturing apparatus according to any one of the above (B1) to (B4),

[0253] The ink stirring portion stirs the ink in the ink cartridge by tilting the ink cartridge mounted on the ink cartridge mounting portion from a use state during printing and then returning the ink cartridge to the use state.

[0254] (B6) In the dye-attached substrate manufacturing apparatus of the second embodiment, the dye-attached substrate manufacturing apparatus according to any one of the above (B1) to (B5),

[0255] The ink cartridge assembly portion is capable of assembling a plurality of ink cartridges.

[0256] The ink stirring portion simultaneously stirs ink in the plurality of ink cartridges mounted in the ink cartridge mounting portion.

[0257] (B7) In the second embodiment of the dye-attached substrate manufacturing apparatus, according to any one of the dye-attached substrate manufacturing apparatuses (B1) to (B6),

[0258] further comprising a weight sensor for detecting the weight of the ink cartridge mounted in the ink cartridge mounting portion,

[0259] The control unit of the dye-coated substrate manufacturing apparatus generates ink remaining amount information related to the remaining amount of the ink in the ink cartridge based on the weight of the ink cartridge detected by the weight sensor.

[0260] (B8) In the second embodiment of the dye-attached substrate manufacturing apparatus, according to the dye-attached substrate manufacturing apparatus of (B7),

[0261] The control unit controls an operation of the ink stirring unit to stir the ink in the ink cartridge based on the weight of the ink cartridge detected by the weight sensor.

[0262] (B9) In the second embodiment of the dye-bearing substrate manufacturing apparatus, according to the dye-bearing substrate manufacturing apparatus of (B5) above,

[0263] further comprising a weight sensor for detecting the weight of the ink cartridge in the used state when mounted in the ink cartridge mounting portion,

[0264] The control unit of the dye-coated substrate manufacturing apparatus performs zero-point adjustment of the weight sensor in a state where the ink cartridge is tilted by 90 degrees or more from the use state by the ink stirring unit.

[0265] (B10) The dyeing system according to the second aspect of the present disclosure includes:

[0266] Any one of the dye-bearing substrate manufacturing devices (B1) to (B9) above;

[0267] a transfer device for transferring the dye of the dye-bearing matrix manufactured by the dye-bearing matrix manufacturing device to a resin body; and

[0268] The dye fixing device fixes the dye attached to the surface of the resin body to the resin body by heating the resin body to which the dye has been transferred by the transfer device.

[0269] (C1) The third aspect of the present disclosure is a device for producing a dye-attached substrate, which is a substrate to which a dye transferred to a resin body is attached and used in a dyeing step of dyeing the resin body, and comprises:

[0270] a printing device for printing dye onto a substrate;

[0271] a transport device for transporting a dyeing tray carrying the resin body; and

[0272] The substrate moving device moves the substrate on which the dye is printed by the printing device from a printing position of the printing device to the transport device side.

[0273] (C2) In the dye-attached substrate manufacturing apparatus of the third embodiment, according to the dye-attached substrate manufacturing apparatus of (C1) above,

[0274] The device further comprises a substrate placing device for placing the substrate at a predetermined position on the dyeing tray provided on the conveying device.

[0275] The substrate moving device transfers the substrate on which the dye is printed by the printing device from a printing position of the printing device to the substrate placing device.

[0276] (C3) In the dye-attached substrate manufacturing apparatus of the third embodiment, the dye-attached substrate manufacturing apparatus according to the above (C1) or (C2),

[0277] The printing device includes a carriage that moves a head that ejects the dye relative to the substrate in a main scanning direction.

[0278] The substrate moving device also serves as a sub-scanning device that moves the substrate in a sub-scanning direction intersecting the main scanning direction during printing of the dye by the printing device.

[0279] (C4) In the dye-attached substrate manufacturing apparatus of the third embodiment, the dye-attached substrate manufacturing apparatus according to any one of the above (C1) to (C3),

[0280] The printing device includes an operation unit that is operated by an operator to input an operation instruction and is oriented toward the front side of the device.

[0281] The transport device is provided on a side of the printing device opposite to the front side.

[0282] (C5) In the dye-attached matrix manufacturing apparatus of the third embodiment, the dye-attached matrix manufacturing apparatus according to any one of the above (C1) to (C4),

[0283] The substrate moving device comprises:

[0284] a base support portion having a support surface on which the base is placed; and

[0285] A suction hole is formed on the support surface of the base support portion,

[0286] The base body is adsorbed onto the support surface of the base body support portion by sucking gas from the suction holes.

[0287] (C6) In the dye-attached matrix manufacturing apparatus of the third embodiment, according to the dye-attached matrix manufacturing apparatus of the above (C5),

[0288] A plurality of the suction holes are provided at least along the outer periphery of the support surface of the base support portion.

[0289] (C7) In the dye-attached substrate manufacturing apparatus of the third embodiment, the dye-attached substrate manufacturing apparatus according to the above-mentioned (C5) or (C6),

[0290] The base body comprises a metallic layer.

[0291] (C8) The dyeing system according to the third aspect of the present disclosure comprises:

[0292] Any one of the dye-bearing substrate manufacturing devices (C1) to (C7) above;

[0293] a transfer device for transferring the dye of the dye-bearing matrix manufactured by the dye-bearing matrix manufacturing device to a resin body; and

[0294] The dye fixing device fixes the dye attached to the surface of the resin body to the resin body by heating the resin body to which the dye has been transferred by the transfer device.

Claims

1. A dye-attached substrate manufacturing apparatus for manufacturing a dye-attached substrate used in a dyeing step of dyeing a resin body, wherein: have: a printing device for printing dye onto a printing surface of a sheet-like substrate; a transport device for transporting a dyeing tray carrying the resin body; a substrate placing device for placing the dye-coated substrate on which the dye is printed by the printing device, at a predetermined position on the dyeing tray provided on the conveying device; and The substrate moving device transfers the dye-bearing substrate from the printing position of the printing device to the substrate loading device, thereby moving the dye-bearing substrate from the printing position to the conveying device side. The substrate placing device includes a substrate holding portion that holds the substrate in a state of contact with the back side of the printing surface. A surface of the base holding portion that contacts the rear surface of the base is a flat surface.

2. The dye-coated substrate manufacturing device according to claim 1, The printing device includes a carriage that moves a head for ejecting the dye in a main scanning direction relative to the substrate. The substrate moving device also serves as a sub-scanning device that moves the substrate in a sub-scanning direction intersecting the main scanning direction during the printing process of the dye by the printing device.

3. The dye-coated substrate manufacturing device according to claim 1, The printing device includes an operation unit that faces the front side of the device and is operated by an operator to input an operation instruction. The transport device is provided on a side of the printing device opposite to the front side.

4. The dye-coated substrate manufacturing device according to claim 1, The substrate moving device comprises: a base support portion having a support surface on which the base is placed; and A suction hole is formed on the support surface of the base support portion, The substrate is adsorbed onto the support surface of the substrate support portion by suctioning the gas from the suction holes.

5. The device for producing a dye-coated substrate according to claim 4, A plurality of the suction holes are provided at least along the outer periphery of the support surface of the base support portion.

6. The device for producing a dye-coated substrate according to claim 4, The base body comprises a metallic layer.

7. The apparatus for producing a dye-coated substrate according to claim 1, The substrate placement device places the substrate on a predetermined position of the resin body in the dyeing tray in a state where the dye printed by the printing device faces the resin body placed on the dyeing tray.

8. The apparatus for producing a dye-coated substrate according to claim 1, The printing device prints the ink containing the dye onto a substrate, and comprises: an ink cartridge installation unit for installing an ink cartridge containing the ink supplied to the printing device; and The ink stirring portion stirs the ink in the ink cartridge when the ink cartridge is mounted in the ink cartridge mounting portion.

9. A dyeing system comprising: The device for producing a dye-containing substrate according to any one of claims 1 to 8; a transfer device for transferring the dye of the dye-bearing matrix manufactured by the dye-bearing matrix manufacturing device to a resin body; and The dye fixing device fixes the dye attached to the surface of the resin body to the resin body by heating the resin body to which the dye has been transferred by the transfer device.

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