Manufacturing method and manufacturing device for printing film

Abstract

Provided is a method for producing a printed film with which it is possible to satisfactorily adhere ink to the surface of a modified film by means of an inkjet method. In a method for manufacturing a printed film by inkjet printing an ultraviolet curable ink on a surface-modified film (1), a device (A) having a table unit (2), a modification unit (3) capable of moving in the lateral direction, an inkjet head (4) capable of moving in the lateral direction, and an ultraviolet irradiation unit (5) is used, the method comprising: a step for fixing the film (1) on the table unit (2); a modification step in which the modification treatment unit (3) is moved in the lateral direction of the film (1) and a band-shaped region in the lateral direction of the surface of the film (1) is subjected to surface modification treatment; a printing step in which the inkjet head (4) is moved in the lateral direction of the film (1) and a plurality of marks (C) are printed in the lateral direction on the modified band-shaped region (B-1); and a curing step in which the band-shaped region (B-1) is irradiated with ultraviolet light from the ultraviolet light irradiation unit (5).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for manufacturing a printed film by inkjet-printing a desired mark on a film. Background Art

[0002] Methods for printing a desired mark on a film can be roughly classified into plate printing methods such as intaglio printing and plate-less printing methods such as inkjet printing. Since plate-less printing methods do not use printing plates, they are excellent in that they can produce on-demand printed films. Among plate-less printing methods, the inkjet method is not only relatively inexpensive in terms of equipment, but also can quickly print beautiful marks.

[0003] However, depending on the material of the film, the wettability of the ink with respect to the film surface is poor, and thus a surface modification treatment is performed on the film.

[0004] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses the following depicting apparatus in

[0051] : moving a head carriage 6 having ultraviolet irradiation devices 16, 16 provided before and after a head 10 having a print head 10a, irradiating a medium before printing with ultraviolet rays by the front ultraviolet irradiation device 16, discharging ink from the print head 10a to the medium for printing immediately after the ultraviolet irradiation, and then irradiating the ink with ultraviolet rays by the rear ultraviolet irradiation device 16 to fix the ink.

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-110844

[0006] The above-described depicting apparatus moves the print head and the ultraviolet irradiation device simultaneously to continuously perform surface modification, printing, and ink curing of the medium.

[0007] However, since the print head and the ultraviolet irradiation device are integrally provided on the head carriage in the above-described depicting apparatus, there is a concern that the ultraviolet irradiation time becomes insufficient, good modification treatment cannot be performed, and there is a case where the ultraviolet irradiation time for the ink is short and the ink is not well cured. Summary of the Invention

[0008] Technical Problem to be Solved by the Invention

[0009] An object of the present invention is to provide a method for manufacturing a printed film that modifies the surface of a film and enables ink to be well attached to the surface of the modified film and well cured by an inkjet method, and a manufacturing apparatus therefor.

[0010] Technical Solution for Solving the Technical Problem

[0011] The manufacturing method of the printed film of the first method is a method of manufacturing a printed film by inkjet printing ultraviolet curable ink on a film that has undergone surface modification treatment. The manufacturing method of the printed film uses a device having a workbench section, a modification treatment section capable of moving laterally, an inkjet head capable of moving laterally, and an ultraviolet irradiation section, and includes: a step of fixing the film on the workbench section; a modification step of moving the modification treatment section laterally along the film to perform surface modification treatment on a strip-shaped area along the lateral direction of the film; a printing step of moving the inkjet head laterally along the film to print a plurality of marks laterally on the modified strip-shaped area; and a curing step of irradiating ultraviolet rays from the ultraviolet irradiation section to the strip-shaped area.

[0012] The manufacturing method of the printed film of the second method is that, in the manufacturing method of the first method above, the modification step includes: a step of moving the modification treatment section laterally along the film to perform surface modification treatment on a strip-shaped area along the lateral direction; a step of sequentially repeating the step of moving the modification treatment section laterally along the film at a position longitudinally offset from the modified strip-shaped area as a reference to perform surface modification treatment on a strip-shaped area along the lateral direction. After forming a plurality of modified strip-shaped areas on the film, the printing step is performed.

[0013] The manufacturing method of the printed film of the third method is that, in the manufacturing method of any one of the first or second methods above, the modification step includes: after moving the modification treatment section from the first lateral end of the film to the second end, moving it from the second lateral end of the film to the first lateral end, and when moving the modification treatment section to the second lateral end of the film, temporarily stopping the surface modification treatment performed by the modification treatment section.

[0014] The manufacturing method of the printed film of the fourth method is that, in the manufacturing method of any one of the first to third methods above, the printing step includes: a step of moving the inkjet head laterally along the film to print a plurality of marks on one modified strip-shaped area; a step of sequentially repeating the step of moving the inkjet head laterally along the film at a position longitudinally offset from the strip-shaped area on which the marks have been printed as a reference to print a plurality of marks on the next modified strip-shaped area.

[0015] The manufacturing method of the printing film of the fifth mode is that in the manufacturing method of any one of the above first to fourth modes, the curing process is carried out after printing marks on all the modified strip-shaped areas through the printing process. The curing process has: a process of irradiating ultraviolet rays to the whole of one printed strip-shaped area in the printed strip-shaped area; a process of sequentially repeating irradiating ultraviolet rays to the whole of one printed strip-shaped area at a position longitudinally offset from the strip-shaped area irradiated with ultraviolet rays as a reference.

[0016] The manufacturing method of the printing film of the sixth mode is that in the manufacturing method of any one of the above first to fifth modes, the surface modification treatment includes corona discharge treatment.

[0017] On the other hand, a manufacturing apparatus for a printing film is provided.

[0018] The manufacturing apparatus for a printing film is a manufacturing apparatus that performs surface modification treatment on a film and prints ultraviolet curable ink on the film by an inkjet method. The manufacturing apparatus for a printing film has: a plurality of workbench parts for fixing the film, arranged side by side in the lateral direction; a modification treatment part capable of moving in the lateral direction; an inkjet head capable of moving in the lateral direction; and an ultraviolet irradiation part. The plurality of workbench parts are configured to be able to move independently in the longitudinal direction, and the modification treatment part and the inkjet head are configured to be able to move in the lateral direction so as to straddle the plurality of workbench parts.

[0019] Advantageous Effects of the Invention

[0020] According to the manufacturing method and manufacturing apparatus of the present invention, after performing surface modification treatment on a strip-shaped area in the surface of the film, ultraviolet curable ink is attached to the modified strip-shaped area by an inkjet method to print marks. In this way, the modified strip-shaped area is formed on the film, making the modified strip-shaped area stable, enabling the ink to adhere well and cure well, and enabling beautiful marks to be printed on the film. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] Figure 1 It is a plan view of a film to be printed.

[0022] Figure 2 It is a reference side view showing an example of a layer structure of a film to be printed.

[0023] Figure 3 It is a reference side view showing another example of a layer structure of the film.

[0024] Figure 4 It is a reference side view showing another example of a layer structure of the film.

[0025] Figure 5 It is a plan view of a manufacturing apparatus for a printing film.

[0026] Figure 6 is the front view of the manufacturing apparatus as viewed in the direction of arrow VI from Figure 5 . Figure 5

[0027] Figure 7 is the side view of the manufacturing apparatus as viewed in the direction of arrow VII from Figure 5 . Figure 5

[0028] Figure 8 is a sectional view taken along line VIII-VIII of Figure 6 . Figure 6

[0029] Figure 9 is the top view showing the state in which the film is placed on the table portion of the manufacturing apparatus and fixed.

[0030] Figure 10 is the front view showing the process of laterally moving the modification treatment unit and performing surface modification treatment on the strip-shaped region of the film during the modification process.

[0031] Figure 11 is the top view showing the state in which the modification treatment unit reaches the second lateral end of the film.

[0032] Figure 12 is the top view showing the state in which the table portion is longitudinally moved and the film is longitudinally offset during the modification process.

[0033] Figure 13 is the top view showing the state in which the modification treatment unit reaches the first lateral end of the film.

[0034] Figure 14 (a) is the top view showing the modified completed strip-shaped region formed on the surface of the film during the surface modification treatment, and (b) is the top view showing the modified completed strip-shaped region formed on the surface of the film after the surface modification treatment is completed.

[0035] Figure 15 is the top view showing the state in which the modified completed strip-shaped region of the film is printed using an inkjet head during the printing process.

[0036] Figure 16 (a) is the top view showing the state in which a plurality of marks are printed in one modified completed strip-shaped region during the printing process, (b) is the top view showing the state in which a plurality of marks are printed in two modified completed strip-shaped regions, and (c) is the top view showing the state in which a plurality of marks are printed in all modified completed strip-shaped regions.

[0037] Figure 17 is the top view showing the state in which the table portion is longitudinally moved during the curing process.​​​

[0038] Figure 18 It is a top view showing a state in which a film fixed to a first workbench part is placed and fixed on a second workbench part during printing of the film.

[0039] Figure 19 It is a top view showing a state in which a cutting line is formed in a printed film to obtain a plurality of products.

[0040] Figure 20 It is a reference front view of a manufacturing apparatus of a modified example. Detailed implementation mode

[0041] [Film]

[0042] From the viewpoint of shape, the film 1 to be printed is, for example, Figure 1 a large sheet-like shape as shown. The top view shape of the sheet-like film 1 is, for example, a rectangular shape or a square shape. The size of the sheet-like film 1 is not particularly limited, but for example, it is longitudinal × transverse = 10 cm or more and 100 cm or less × 10 cm or more and 100 cm or less. However, the shape of the film 1 is not limited to this. In addition, the top view shape means the shape of observing the surface of the film in the vertical direction.

[0043] From the viewpoint of layer constitution, the layer constitution of the film 1 can be a single layer or a multi-layer.

[0044] When the film 1 is a multi-layer film, the number of its layers is 2 or more, and its upper limit is not particularly limited, but is generally 10 or less.

[0045] From the viewpoint of function, the film 1 may include a film having an optical function (hereinafter referred to as "optical functional film"), or may be a film not having an optical function (hereinafter referred to as "film other than optical functional film").

[0046] The thickness of the film 1 is not particularly limited, for example, it is 10 μm or more and 2 mm or less.

[0047] Figures 2 to 4 The layer constitution of the film 1 is illustrated.

[0048] Figure 2 The film 1 shown, for example, is a three-layer multi-layer film. The multi-layer film successively has a first constituent layer 11, a second constituent layer 12, and a third constituent layer 13 from the upper side of the paper surface.

[0049] Figure 3 The film 1 shown is a five-layer multi-layer film. The multi-layer film successively has a fourth constituent layer 14, a fifth constituent layer 15, a sixth constituent layer 16, a seventh constituent layer 17, and an eighth constituent layer 18 from the upper side of the paper surface.

[0050] Figure 4The shown film 1 is a single-layer film. The single-layer film has a ninth constituent layer 19.

[0051] The layers constituting the single-layer film and the multilayer film respectively are not particularly limited, and examples thereof include optical functional films; surface protective films; release liners; films other than optical functional films; adhesive layers; overcoats and other arbitrarily appropriate layers.

[0052] If several examples are cited, for example, the film 1 in one example is Figure 2 The shown first constituent layer 11 is a surface protective film, the second constituent layer 12 is an adhesive layer, and the third constituent layer 13 is an optical functional film. The film 1 in other examples is Figure 2 The shown first constituent layer 11 is a surface protective film, the second constituent layer 12 is an optical functional film, and the third constituent layer 13 is a film other than an optical functional film. The film 1 in other examples is Figure 2 The shown first constituent layer 11 is a film other than an optical functional film, the second constituent layer 12 is an adhesive layer, and the third constituent layer 13 is a release liner.

[0053] In addition, the film 1 in other examples is Figure 3 The shown fourth constituent layer 14 is a surface protective film, the fifth constituent layer 15 is an adhesive layer, the sixth constituent layer 16 is an optical functional film, the seventh constituent layer 17 is an adhesive layer, and the eighth constituent layer 18 is a release liner. The film 1 in other examples is Figure 3 The shown fourth constituent layer 14 is a surface protective film, the fifth constituent layer 15 is an adhesive layer, the sixth constituent layer 16 is an optical functional film, the seventh constituent layer 17 is an adhesive layer, and the eighth constituent layer 18 is a surface protective film.

[0054] In addition, the film 1 in other examples is Figure 4 The shown ninth constituent layer 19 is an optical functional film.

[0055] The optical functional film includes, for example, a polarizing film, a retardation film, an antireflection film, a light diffusion film, a brightness enhancement film, a light reflection film, etc. The polarizing film is a film having the property of transmitting light vibrating in a specific one direction (polarized light) and blocking light vibrating in other directions. The retardation film is a film showing optical anisotropy, and typically, stretched films such as acrylic resins, cycloolefin resins, and cellulose resins can be cited. The optical functional film may be composed of only one kind of film selected from the polarizing film, the retardation film, etc., or may be two or more kinds of films selected from the polarizing film, the retardation film, etc. laminated and adhered via a colorless and transparent adhesive or adhesive layer.

[0056] As the surface protective film, for example, a substantially isotropic colorless and transparent film or the like can be cited. As the substantially isotropic colorless and transparent film, for example, a resin film mainly composed of polyester resins such as polyethylene terephthalate and polyethylene naphthalate; cellulose resins such as triacetyl cellulose; polycarbonate resins; acrylic resins such as polymethyl methacrylate; styrene resins such as polystyrene; olefin resins such as polyethylene and polyolefins having a cyclic or norbornene structure; vinyl chloride resins; amide resins such as nylon 6; imide resins; sulfone resins; vinyl alcohol resins; vinylidene chloride resins; vinyl butyral resins; aryl ester resins; polyoxymethylene resins, etc. can be used.

[0057] The release liner is a film for shielding the adhesiveness of the adhesive layer. The release liner has peelability with respect to the adhesive layer and is usually peeled off during use. The release liner is not particularly limited, but usually a film other than an optical functional film is used.

[0058] The adhesive layer has adhesiveness at room temperature, and its adhesiveness lasts for a long time. The adhesive layer is composed of a known adhesive. The adhesive is colorless and transparent, and for example, acrylic adhesives, rubber adhesives, silicone adhesives, polyurethane adhesives, vinyl alkyl ether adhesives, polyvinylpyrrolidone adhesives, polyacrylamide adhesives, cellulose adhesives, etc. can be cited.

[0059] [Manufacturing apparatus for printing film]

[0060] Figure 5 is a top view of an exemplary manufacturing apparatus A, Figure 6 is a front view of the manufacturing apparatus A, Figure 7 is a left side view of the manufacturing apparatus A. Figure 8 is taken along Figure 6 section VIII-VIII, and is a view of the arm portion 61 of the manufacturing apparatus A observed from below upward. In Figure 6 a part of the workbench portion is shown in section. In addition, in Figure 8 the internal structure of the support portion 62 is not shown.

[0061] Refer to Figures 5 to 8, the manufacturing apparatus A for a printed film performs a surface modification treatment on the film, and attaches a UV-curable ink thereto by an inkjet method to print a desired mark. The manufacturing apparatus A includes: a base table 63; a work table portion 2 provided on the base table 63 and for fixing the film to be printed; a modification treatment portion 3 capable of moving in the lateral direction; an inkjet head 4 capable of moving in the lateral direction; and a UV irradiation portion 5 for irradiating UV rays to cure the UV-curable ink. Here, the longitudinal direction and the lateral direction refer to directions orthogonal to each other within a plane parallel to the surface of the film. The base table 63 is a basic portion of the apparatus for setting various components (such as the work table portion 2) constituting the manufacturing apparatus A.

[0062] <Work table portion>

[0063] The work table portion 2 temporarily fixes the film so that the film to be printed does not move inadvertently. The work table portion 2 may be provided only one, but from the viewpoint of shortening the operation time, it is preferable to provide a plurality of them. When a plurality of work table portions 2 are provided, these work table portions 2 are arranged in the lateral direction on the base table 63. In one embodiment, two work table portions 2 are provided side by side in the lateral direction. However, the work table portion 2 is not limited to two. Hereinafter, when explaining while distinguishing between the two work table portions 2, one of them is referred to as "the first work table portion 2-1", and the other is referred to as "the second work table portion 2-2".

[0064] The first work table portion 2-1 is provided on the base table 63. The first work table portion 2-1 includes: a pedestal portion 23 for placing the film; a positioning portion 24 for positioning the film at a specified position on the pedestal portion 23; a holding unit 25 for temporarily holding the film placed at the specified position on the pedestal portion 23; and a work table moving unit 26 for moving the pedestal portion 23 in the longitudinal direction. The surface of the pedestal portion 23 of the first work table portion 2-1 is flat and sufficiently larger than the top view shape of the film. The positioning portion 24 of the first work table portion 2-1 is provided at two places, for example, in directions orthogonal to each other in the top view corresponding to two sides of the film. The positioning portion 24 is formed of a thin plate body having substantially the same thickness as the film or slightly thicker than the thickness of the film, and is mounted on the surface of the pedestal portion 23. By bringing two sides forming one corner of the film into contact with the positioning portion 24, the film can be positioned. That is, by bringing the film into contact with the positioning portion 24, the film can be placed at a specified position on the pedestal portion 23. Hereinafter, the area on the surface of the pedestal portion 23 where the film is placed at a specified position is referred to as the "placement area".

[0065] The holding unit 25 of the first workbench part 2-1 is fixed to the pedestal part 23 in order to prevent the film placed on the placement area from accidentally moving. In addition, the holding unit 25 releases the fixation after the printing operation is completed so that the printed film can be removed from the pedestal part 23. The holding unit 25 is not particularly limited, but for example, a mechanism that adsorbs the film by air can be used. The holding unit 25 that adsorbs the film has, for example, a vent hole 251 formed in the pedestal part 23, a plugging cavity part 252 provided on the back side of the pedestal part 23, and a suction machine (not shown) that sucks the air in the plugging cavity part 252. The vent hole 251 penetrates between the plugging cavity part 252 and the surface of the pedestal part 23. The air in the plugging cavity part 252 is sucked by a suction machine such as a vacuum pump, so that the inside of the plugging cavity part 252 becomes negative pressure, and the film is pulled toward the surface of the pedestal part 23 through the vent hole 251 and fixed. On the other hand, if the suction of the suction machine is stopped, the inside of the plugging cavity part 252 returns to normal pressure, the adsorption of the film is released, and the film can be easily removed from the pedestal part 23.

[0066] The workbench moving unit 26 moves the pedestal part 23 parallel in the longitudinal direction. The workbench moving unit 26 has, for example, a guide rail 261 formed on the base table 63, a wheel 262 provided on the pedestal part 23 and rolling along the guide rail 261, and an actuator such as a motor (not shown) for moving the pedestal part 23 in the longitudinal direction. However, the workbench moving unit 26 is not limited to the guide rail 261 and the wheel 262, and can also be composed of, for example, gears and belts. The first workbench part 2-1 in the original position can move from the first longitudinal side to the second longitudinal side in a sliding manner on the base table 63 and can move to the second longitudinal side and also to the first longitudinal side due to the workbench moving unit 26 being operated by a control part (such as a computer) not shown. In addition, the first longitudinal side refers to one side in the longitudinal direction, and the second longitudinal side refers to the side opposite to the first side in the longitudinal direction.

[0067] The second workbench part 2-2 is arranged adjacent to the first workbench part 2-1 in the lateral direction. The second workbench part 2-2 has a pedestal part 23, a positioning part 24, a holding unit 25, and a workbench moving unit 26. The configuration of the second workbench part 2-2 is the same as that of the first workbench part 2-1, so the description thereof is omitted and the reference numerals are used as they are.

[0068] The second workbench section 2-2 is also the same as the first workbench section 2-1, capable of moving from the longitudinal first side to the second side starting from the original position, and also capable of moving from the longitudinal second side to the first side. The operations of the first workbench section 2-1 and the second workbench section 2-2 can be carried out independently of each other. That is, the control for operating the first workbench section 2-1 and the control for operating the second workbench section 2-2 are independent of each other. For example, only the holding unit 25 of the first workbench section 2-1 or the holding unit 25 of the second workbench section 2-2 can be operated to fix and release the fixing of the film. Or, the holding unit 25 of the first workbench section 2-1 and the holding unit 25 of the second workbench section 2-2 can be made to work with a time difference or simultaneously to fix and release the fixing of the film on each pedestal section 23. In addition, only the first workbench section 2-1 or the second workbench section 2-2 can be moved longitudinally, or the first workbench section 2-1 and the second workbench section 2-2 can be moved longitudinally simultaneously or with a time difference.

[0069] <Modification Processing Section>

[0070] The modification processing section 3 performs surface modification processing on the film. The surface modification processing is not particularly limited as long as it can improve the wettability of the surface of the film. As the surface modification processing, for example, corona discharge treatment, plasma treatment, ultraviolet irradiation treatment, infrared irradiation treatment, etc. can be cited. Due to excellent cost performance and difficulty in causing deformation of the film due to heat generation, etc., corona discharge treatment is preferably used.

[0071] The modification processing section 3 that performs corona discharge treatment has a discharge electrode section 31 and a grounded counter electrode section. The modification processing section 3 generates a high potential difference between the discharge electrode section 31 and the counter electrode section, and can perform corona discharge treatment on the surface of the film existing therebetween. In the illustrated example, the pedestal section 23 of the workbench section 2 (the first and second workbench sections 2-2) of the modification processing section 3 is grounded, and the pedestal section 23 also serves as the counter electrode section.

[0072] The discharge amount of the corona discharge treatment can be set appropriately. For example, the discharge amount is 3000 W·min / cm in terms of the cumulative irradiation power 2 to 6000 W·min / cm 2 or less, preferably 4600 W·min / cm 2 to 5600 W·min / cm 2 or less.

[0073] The modification processing section 3 can move laterally, and moreover, as needed, it is set to be able to move in the vertical direction as well. The vertical direction is the direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction and the lateral direction respectively.

[0074] Specifically, a support column portion 62 is erected on the base table 63, and an arm portion 61 extending horizontally is mounted on the support column portion 62. The arm portion 61 may also be fixedly mounted on the support column portion 62. In order to enable the modification processing unit 3 etc. to move up and down, the arm portion 61 is mounted on the support column portion 62 so as to be movable in the vertical direction. For example, a lifting device (not shown) is provided on the support column portion 62, and one end of the arm portion 61 is mounted on the support column portion 62 via this lifting device. The lifting device moves up and down, causing the arm portion 61 to move up and down therewith. The end of the arm portion 61 on the opposite side is a free end. Additionally, a similar support column portion (not shown) may also be provided at the end of the arm portion 61 on the opposite side.

[0075] The arm portion 61 is a linear member extending horizontally and has a length sufficient to span all the worktable portions 2 (in the illustrated example, the first worktable portion 2-1 and the second worktable portion 2-2). Specifically, the horizontal length from the first end to the second end of the plurality of worktable portions 2 arranged horizontally is referred to as the "total worktable length". As Figure 5 shown, in the case of being composed of two worktable portions 2, the total worktable length corresponds to the length from the first horizontal end of the second worktable portion 2-2 to the second horizontal end of the first worktable portion 2-1. The arm portion 61 is sufficiently longer than the total worktable length, and thus, the arm portion 61 crosses all the worktable portions 2.

[0076] The modification processing unit 3 is provided with a modification unit moving unit 33. The modification unit moving unit 33 moves the modification processing unit 3 horizontally. The modification unit moving unit 33, for example, has a guiding rail 331 formed on the second side portion of the arm portion 61, a wheel 332 rolling along the guiding rail 331, and an actuator such as a motor (not shown) that moves the modification processing unit 3 horizontally. However, the modification unit moving unit 33 is not limited to the guiding rail 331 and the wheel 332, and may be composed of, for example, a gear and a belt, or may be composed of a rack and a pinion. The modification processing unit 3 at the original position can move up and down by the lifting device of the support column portion 62 being operated by a control unit (such as a computer) not shown, causing the arm portion 61 to move up and down. Moreover, the modification processing unit 3 can move along the arm portion 61 from the first horizontal side to the second horizontal side due to the control unit operating the modification unit moving unit 33. In Figure 5 the figure, the modification processing unit 3 located on the first horizontal side is represented by a solid line, and the modification processing unit 3 after moving to the second horizontal side is represented by a double-dashed line. The modification processing unit 3 can also move to the first horizontal side after moving to the second side. Additionally, the first horizontal side refers to one side in the horizontal direction, and the second horizontal side refers to the side opposite to the first side in the horizontal direction.

[0077] As described above, the arm 61 is sufficiently longer than the full length of the workbench. Therefore, if the modification processing unit 3 (the modification processing unit 3 in the original position) located at the end on the first lateral side of the arm 61 is moved to the end on the second lateral side of the arm 61, the modification processing unit 3 straddles all the workbench parts 2 (in the illustrated example, the first and second workbench parts 2-2).

[0078] <Inkjet head>

[0079] The inkjet head 4 prints a desired mark on the film after surface modification. The inkjet head 4 can use a conventionally known inkjet printing device. The inkjet head 4 can be of any type such as a piezoelectric type, a thermal type, etc., either a drop-on-demand type or a continuous type. Since it can be miniaturized and the ink discharge amount can be easily controlled with high precision, it is preferable to use a drop-on-demand type inkjet head. Moreover, since no heat is required, a piezoelectric inkjet head is more preferable. The printing performed by the inkjet head 4 can be monochromatic or color. For example, the inkjet head 4 is a serial type head for full-color printing that ejects four-color ink and has a plurality of print head nozzles 41 corresponding to each color.

[0080] As the ink, an ultraviolet curable ink is used because it cures in a very short time and has excellent abrasion resistance. The ultraviolet curable ink can also be appropriately used as a conventionally known ink.

[0081] The inkjet head 4 can move laterally, and, if necessary, can also move in the vertical direction.

[0082] Specifically, the inkjet head 4 includes an inkjet head moving unit 42. The inkjet head moving unit 42 moves the inkjet head 4 laterally. The inkjet head moving unit 42 has, for example, a guiding rail 421 formed on the first side portion of the arm 61, a wheel 422 that rolls along the guiding rail 421, and an actuator such as a motor (not shown) that moves the inkjet head 4 laterally. However, the inkjet head moving unit 42 is not limited to the guiding rail 421 and the wheel 422, and can be constituted by, for example, gears and a belt, or a rack and a pinion. In addition, the inkjet head 4 is provided on the side of the arm 61 opposite to the side (the first side portion of the arm 61) where the modification processing unit 3 is provided. When the inkjet head 4 in the original position moves up and down with the lifting device of the support portion 62 in the arm 61, it can move up and down together with it. Moreover, the inkjet head 4 can move from the first lateral side to the second lateral side along the arm 61 because a control unit (such as a computer) (not shown) operates the inkjet head moving unit 42. In Figure 5 , the inkjet head 4 located on the first lateral side is shown by a solid line, and the inkjet head 4 after moving to the second lateral side is shown by a double-dot dash line. After the inkjet head 4 moves to the second side, it can also move to the first lateral side.

[0083] As described above, the arm portion 61 is sufficiently longer than the full length of the worktable. Therefore, if the inkjet head 4 located at the end on the first lateral side of the arm portion 61 (the inkjet head 4 in the original position) is moved to the end on the second lateral side of the arm portion 61, the inkjet head 4 straddles all the worktable portions 2 (the first and second worktable portions 2-2 in the illustrated example).

[0084] <Ultraviolet irradiation unit>

[0085] The ultraviolet irradiation unit 5 irradiates ultraviolet rays to cure the ultraviolet-curable ink printed on the film.

[0086] The ultraviolet irradiation unit 5 includes a housing 51, a light source 52 housed in the housing 51, and a control unit (not shown) that controls the lighting and extinguishing of the light source 52. The light source 52 is not particularly limited, and a mercury lamp, a metal halide lamp, an LED (Light Emitting Diode), an LD (Laser Diode), etc. can be used. Since it can be miniaturized and is less likely to generate heat compared to lamps such as mercury lamps, it is preferable to use an LED or an LD, and in particular, it is more preferable to use an LED. In the illustrated example, an LED is provided as the light source 52 inside the housing 51 that is open at the bottom.

[0087] The ultraviolet irradiation unit 5 is provided at the lower part of the arm portion 61. Since the ultraviolet irradiation unit 5 is provided on the arm portion 61, it can move up and down together with the arm portion 61. The ultraviolet irradiation unit 5 may be configured to be movable in the lateral direction, but in the illustrated example, the ultraviolet irradiation unit 5 extends in the lateral direction and is longer than the full length of the worktable, and is fixedly installed on the arm portion 61. Thus, the ultraviolet irradiation unit 5 crosses all the worktable portions 2. Therefore, if the light source 52 of the ultraviolet irradiation unit 5 is lit, ultraviolet rays can be irradiated over the entire lateral direction of the film.

[0088] In addition, when viewed from above, the arrangement of the modification treatment unit 3, the inkjet head 4, and the ultraviolet irradiation unit 5 is the modification treatment unit 3 / the ultraviolet irradiation unit 5 / the inkjet head 4 in order from the first longitudinal side to the second longitudinal side.

[0089] [Manufacturing method of printed film and operation of manufacturing apparatus]

[0090] The printed film is obtained by printing ultraviolet-curable ink on the surface-modified film by an inkjet method and curing the ink. The manufacturing method of the printed film is implemented, for example, using the above-described manufacturing apparatus A having the worktable portion 2, the modification treatment unit 3, the inkjet head 4, and the ultraviolet irradiation unit 5.

[0091] The manufacturing method of a printed film includes: a fixing process of fixing a film on a workbench part; a modification process of moving a modification treatment part along the transverse direction of the film to perform surface modification treatment on a strip-shaped area along the transverse direction of the surface of the film; a printing process of moving an inkjet head along the transverse direction of the film and printing a plurality of marks along the transverse direction on the completed modified strip-shaped area; a curing process of irradiating ultraviolet rays from an ultraviolet irradiation part 5 to the strip-shaped area.

[0092] <Fixing process>

[0093] As Figure 9 shown, place the film 1 to be printed on the placement area of the pedestal part 23 of a workbench part 2 (for example, the first workbench part 2-1), and make two sides of the film 1 abut against the positioning part 24 of the pedestal part 23 for positioning. The operation of placing the film 1 on the pedestal part 23 and positioning it can be carried out manually, or can also be carried out by mechanical actions such as using a film supply device. Next, operate the holding unit 25 to adsorb the film 1 and fix it on the surface of the pedestal part 23.

[0094] Use the workbench moving unit 26 to move the first workbench part 2-1 with the film 1 fixed from the first longitudinal side to the second side. At this time, move the film 1 toward the second longitudinal side so that the vicinity of the second longitudinal end of the film 1 in the plane of the film 1 is located horizontally below the modification treatment part 3. In Figure 9 it, the film 1 and the first workbench part 2-1 after moving along the longitudinal direction are indicated by a double-dot dash line.

[0095] <Modification process>

[0096] As Figure 10 shown, lower the arm part 61 to adjust the gap between the film 1 and the discharge electrode part 31 of the modification treatment part 3. In the case of corona discharge treatment, generally, the gap between the discharge electrode part 31 and the film 1 is set to about a few millimeters. Lower the arm part 61 downward to form the said gap. Next, while operating the surface modification treatment (discharge) of the modification treatment part 3, move the modification treatment part 3 horizontally by using the modification part moving unit 33. Initially, the modification treatment part 3 at the original position performs surface modification treatment (such as corona discharge treatment) on the surface of the first transverse end 1a of the film 1. Along with the horizontal movement of the modification treatment part 3, the modification treatment is continuously carried out along the transverse direction of the film 1. Once the modification treatment part 3 passes the second transverse end 1b of the film 1, immediately stop the modification treatment part 3. In Figure 10 it, the modification treatment part 3 at the original position is indicated by a solid line, the modification treatment part 3 in the middle of the horizontal movement is indicated by a double-dot dash line, and the modification treatment part 3 stopped near the second transverse end 1b of the film 1 is indicated by a single-dot dash line.

[0097] When the modification treatment unit 3 reaches the second lateral end portion 1b of the film 1 and stops moving, the surface modification treatment (discharge) also temporarily stops. In the case of corona discharge treatment, if it stops near the second lateral end portion 1b of the film 1, the application to the discharge electrode portion 31 stops.

[0098] By moving the modification treatment unit 3 from the first lateral side to the second lateral side, a modification treatment is performed on a strip-shaped region along the lateral direction in the surface of the film 1. The strip-shaped region where the modification treatment has been performed corresponds to the movement locus of the discharge electrode portion 31 of the modification treatment unit 3.

[0099] Figure 11 It is a plan view showing the state where the modification treatment unit 3 stops here after moving to the second lateral end portion 1b of the film 1. As Figure 11 shown, first, near the second longitudinal end portion in the surface of the film 1, a strip-shaped region extending in the lateral direction is modified. The width W of the modified strip-shaped region B-1 is substantially equal to the width W31 of the B discharge electrode portion 31 (reference numeral WB is shown in Figure 11 and reference numeral W31 is shown in Figure 8 ).

[0100] In Figure 11 , the modified strip-shaped region B-1 is indicated by small dashed lines (the same applies to the modified strip-shaped regions shown in other figures). Hereinafter, the modified strip-shaped region in the surface of the film 1 will be referred to as the "modified completed strip-shaped region", "first" is added to the beginning of the strip-shaped region where the modification treatment was first performed, "second", "third",... are sequentially added to the beginning of the strip-shaped regions where the modification treatments are performed in chronological order, and "nth" is added to the beginning of the strip-shaped region where the modification treatment was performed last.

[0101] After the modification treatment unit 3 stops at the second lateral end portion 1b of the film 1, as Figure 12 shown, the first workbench portion 2-1 is moved a predetermined amount in the second longitudinal side. That is, the first workbench portion 2-1 is moved longitudinally so that, based on the first modified completed strip-shaped region B-1 (the strip-shaped region in the surface of the film 1 that was first modified), the film 1 is shifted a predetermined amount to the second longitudinal side relative to it.

[0102] The modification unit moving unit 33 is used to move the modification processing unit 3 that has stopped near the second lateral end 1b of the film 1 to the first lateral side, and resume discharging to perform the modification process. Along with the lateral movement of the modification processing unit 3, the modification process is continuously performed along the lateral direction of the film 1. When the modification processing unit 3 passes the first lateral end 1a of the film 1, the modification processing unit 3 is stopped. When the modification processing unit 3 that has reached the first lateral end 1a of the film 1 stops moving, the modification process (discharging) also temporarily stops. In this way, the film 1 is longitudinally offset, and the modification processing unit 3 is moved from the second lateral side to the first side. As a result, as Figure 13 shown, a second modified completed strip region B-2 extending in the lateral direction is formed.

[0103] After that, the modification process is performed in the same manner. That is, after the second modified completed strip region B-2 is formed, the table unit 2 is moved a predetermined amount to the second longitudinal side, so that the film 1 is offset to the second longitudinal side with respect to the second modified completed strip region B-2 as a reference. The modification processing unit 3 that has stopped near the first lateral end 1a is moved laterally to perform the modification process, and the movement and discharging of the modification processing unit 3 are stopped near the second lateral end 1b of the film 1. As a result, as Figure 14 shown in (a), the first modified completed strip region B-1, the second modified completed strip region B-2, and the third modified completed strip region B-3 are sequentially formed at intervals on the surface of the film 1 from the second longitudinal side to the first side. In this way, the offset of the film 1, the lateral movement of the modification processing unit 3, and the stop of the modification processing unit 3 reaching the end are regarded as one cycle, and this cycle is repeated. If the modification process is completed, as Figure 14 shown in (b), a film 1 with a surface having a plurality of modified completed strip regions B-1 to B-n arranged in multiple rows at intervals along the longitudinal direction can be obtained. In Figure 14 shown in (b), a film 1 in which the first modified completed strip region B-1 / the second modified completed strip region B-2 / the third modified completed strip region B-3 / the fourth modified completed strip region B-4 / the fifth modified completed strip region B-5 / the sixth modified completed strip region B-6 / the nth modified completed strip region B-n are sequentially formed at equal intervals from the second longitudinal side to the first side is shown. However, the number of modified strip regions is not limited to the illustrated example.

[0104] <Printing Process>

[0105] After the modification process is completed, the arm 61 is moved upward or downward to adjust the gap between the film 1 and the inkjet head 4. The gap between the film 1 and the inkjet head 4 refers to a gap suitable for attaching ink to the film 1 by an inkjet method. In addition, when the gap between the film 1 and the inkjet head 4 is substantially the same as the gap between the film 1 and the discharge electrode unit 31, the up and down movement of the arm 61 is omitted.

[0106] As Figure 15 shown, the first table unit 2-1 is longitudinally moved by the table moving unit 26 so that the first modified strip region B-1 of the film 1 is located horizontally below the inkjet head 4. Next, the inkjet head 4 is horizontally moved by the inkjet head moving unit 42, and ultraviolet curable ink is discharged from the print head nozzles of the inkjet head 4 to print desired marks on the first modified strip region B-1. Initially, the inkjet head 4 located at the original position prints a plurality of marks horizontally from the first end 1a side in the horizontal direction of the film 1 (first modified strip region B-1) toward the second end 1b side. When the inkjet head 4 passes the second end 1b in the horizontal direction of the film 1 (first modified strip region B-1), the inkjet head 4 is stopped. In Figure 15 it, the inkjet head 4 located at the original position is represented by a solid line, and the inkjet head 4 that reaches the second end in the horizontal direction and stops is represented by a one-dot chain line. Thus, as Figure 16 (a) of FIG. shows, a film 1 on which a plurality of marks C are printed on the first modified strip region B-1 can be obtained.

[0107] The plurality of marks C can be printed at equal intervals in the horizontal direction as shown in the figure, or, although not particularly shown, can be printed at random intervals in the horizontal direction. As will be described later, when a plurality of products are blanked out from the printed film 1, the plurality of marks C are printed at equal intervals in the horizontal direction. The content of the mark C is not particularly limited, and examples include any characters, symbols, graphics, patterns, and combinations thereof. In addition, in Figure 16 it, a star mark is illustrated as an example of the mark C.

[0108] During the process of moving the inkjet head 4 horizontally, the inkjet head 4 prints the mark C. As such an inkjet head 4, for example, commercially available products such as the product name "MK-G series" manufactured by Keyence Corporation can be used.

[0109] After printing the mark C on the first modified strip region B-1, the first table unit 2-1 is moved a predetermined amount toward the second side in the longitudinal direction by the table moving unit 26 so that the second modified strip region B-2 of the film 1 is located horizontally below the inkjet head 4. That is, the first table unit 2-1 is moved longitudinally to shift the film 1 by a predetermined amount toward the second side in the longitudinal direction with respect to the first modified strip region B-1 as a reference.

[0110] The inkjet head 4 that has stopped at the second end 1b in the horizontal direction of the film 1 is moved toward the first side in the horizontal direction by the inkjet head moving unit 42, and at the same time, ultraviolet curable ink is discharged to print the desired mark C on the second modified strip region B-2. When the inkjet head 4 passes the first end 1a in the horizontal direction of the film 1 (second modified strip region B-2), the inkjet head 4 is stopped. Thus, as Figure 16As shown in (b) thereof, a film 1 on which a plurality of marks C are printed on the second modified strip region B-2 can be obtained.

[0111] After that, printing is performed in the same manner. That is, after printing the mark C on the second modified strip region B-2, the table portion 2 is moved a predetermined amount in the second longitudinal direction, so that the third modified strip region B-3 is located horizontally below the inkjet head 4. The inkjet head 4 near the first lateral end 1a is moved horizontally to print a plurality of marks C, and the inkjet head 4 that reaches the second lateral end 1b of the film 1 is stopped. Thus, the longitudinal offset of the film 1, the horizontal movement of the inkjet head 4, and the stop of the inkjet head 4 that reaches the end are taken as one cycle, and this is repeated. When the printing process is completed, as Figure 16 shown in (c) thereof, a film 1 on which a plurality of marks C are printed on all the modified strip regions can be obtained.

[0112] <Solidification process>

[0113] After the printing process is completed, the arm portion 61 is moved upward or downward to adjust the gap between the film 1 and the ultraviolet irradiation unit 5. The gap between the film 1 and the ultraviolet irradiation unit 5 refers to the gap suitable for irradiating ultraviolet rays when the ultraviolet curable ink is cured by ultraviolet rays. In addition, whether the gap is the same as or larger than the gap between the film 1 and the inkjet head 4, the ink will be cured by ultraviolet irradiation, so it is not necessary to move the arm portion 61 up and down after the printing process.

[0114] As Figure 17 shown, the first table portion 2-1 is moved longitudinally by the table moving unit 26 so that the first modified strip region B-1 of the film 1 is located below the ultraviolet irradiation unit 5. In addition, it should be noted that the ultraviolet irradiation unit 5 provided below the arm portion 61 is not clearly shown in a top view as Figure 17 shown.

[0115] Next, the light source 52 of the ultraviolet irradiation unit 5 is turned on. The ultraviolet irradiation unit 5 extends longer than the full length of the table in the horizontal direction. Therefore, when the ultraviolet irradiation unit 5 is turned on, the entire printed first modified strip region B-1 is irradiated with ultraviolet rays. Therefore, it is not necessary to move the ultraviolet irradiation unit 5 horizontally. By the irradiation of ultraviolet rays, all the marks C (ultraviolet curable ink) printed on the first modified strip region B-1 are cured.

[0116] After irradiating the first modified strip region B-1 with ultraviolet rays to cure the ultraviolet curable ink, the first table unit 2-1 is moved a predetermined amount toward the second longitudinal side by the table moving unit 26 so that the second modified strip region B-2 of the film 1 is positioned below the ultraviolet irradiation unit 5. That is, the first table unit 2-1 is moved longitudinally to shift the film 1 by a predetermined amount so that the second modified strip region B-2 is positioned below the ultraviolet irradiation unit 5. That is, the first table unit 2-1 is moved longitudinally to shift the film 1 by a predetermined amount toward the second longitudinal side with respect to the first modified strip region B-1 as a reference. The entire second modified strip region B-2 is irradiated with ultraviolet rays by the ultraviolet irradiation unit 5 so that the mark C (ultraviolet curable ink) printed on the second modified strip region B-2 is cured.

[0117] Thereafter, ultraviolet irradiation is similarly performed. That is, after irradiating the second modified strip region B-2 with ultraviolet rays, the table unit 2 is moved a predetermined amount toward the second longitudinal side so that the third modified strip region B-3 is positioned below the ultraviolet irradiation unit 5. The entire third modified strip region B-3 is irradiated with ultraviolet rays by the ultraviolet irradiation unit 5 so that the mark C (ultraviolet curable ink) printed on the third modified strip region B-3 is cured. In this way, the longitudinal shift of the film 1 and the irradiation of ultraviolet rays by the ultraviolet irradiation unit 5 are taken as one cycle and repeated.

[0118] In addition, the ultraviolet curable ink is cured when irradiated with ultraviolet rays for a predetermined time. The irradiation time of ultraviolet rays on the modified strip region is, for example, 0.1 second to 2 seconds, preferably 0.2 second to 1 second. Therefore, in the above curing process, while irradiating ultraviolet rays from the first modified strip region B-1 to the nth modified strip region B-n, the light source 52 of the ultraviolet irradiation unit 5 is kept emitting light, and the first table unit 2-1 (film 1) is continuously moved longitudinally at a constant speed.

[0119] In this way, by curing the marks C printed on all the modified strip regions, the printed film 100 (referred to as the "printed film 100" in this specification) is obtained. The holding unit 25 of the first table unit 2-1 is released, and the printed film 100 is removed from the first table unit 2-1.

[0120] <Manufacture of Printed Film Using Other Table Units>

[0121] The above describes the case where the film 1 is fixed on one table unit 2 and printed, but since the manufacturing apparatus A has a plurality of table units 2, the film 1 can also be fixed on other table units 2 and printed.

[0122] For example, in the case where the manufacturing apparatus A has two worktable parts 2 (the first worktable part 2-1 and the second worktable part 2-2) as described above, similar to the first worktable part 2-1, the film 1 can be fixed to the second worktable part 2-2 for printing. Regarding the description of the printing of the film 1 using the second worktable part 2-2, in the above <fixing process>, <modifying process>, <printing process> and <curing process>, the "first worktable part 2-1" is renamed as the "second worktable part 2-2", and its specific description is omitted.

[0123] By using the manufacturing apparatus A provided with a plurality of worktable parts 2, printing of a plurality of films 1 can be completed in a short time. Specifically, the operation of positioning and fixing the film 1 on the worktable part 2 requires a relatively long time. In order to print the mark C at an accurate position, the film 1 needs to be fixed at a specified position on the pedestal part 23 of the worktable part 2 with high precision, but this accurate positioning operation takes a relatively long time. Since there are a plurality of worktable parts 2, for example, as Figure 18 shown, during the printing with the film 1 fixed to the first worktable part 2-1, the film 1 can be placed on the pedestal part 23 of the second worktable part 2-2 for positioning operation. Moreover, after the printing of the film 1 using the first worktable part 2-1 is completed, the printing of the film 1 fixed to the second worktable part 2-2 is performed. During this printing, the printed film 100 on the first worktable part 2-1 is removed and the next film 1 is positioned and fixed to the first worktable part 2-1, and this is repeated. In this way, shortening of the operation time can be achieved.

[0124] [Use of the printed film]

[0125] The printed film 100 is used for any appropriate use. For example, when the film 1 has an optical function, the printed film 100 can be used for optical uses. As optical uses, image display devices such as liquid crystal displays, optical films such as antireflection films, sunglasses, electromagnetic wave shielding members, window glasses, etc. can be cited, and the printed film 100 is assembled and used in them.

[0126] The printed film 100 is cut into a shape suitable for the use as needed. For example, as Figure 19 shown, the printed film 100 is blanked or cut off, etc., and a cutting line 7 corresponding to the product outer shape is formed in the printed film 100, whereby a plurality of products 110 can be obtained from the printed film 100.

[0127] [Advantages]

[0128] According to the above manufacturing method, a strip-shaped area (the area of the printed mark C) along the lateral direction in the surface of the film 1 is modified, and a plurality of modified strip-shaped areas are formed at intervals at positions offset in the longitudinal direction. Therefore, compared with the case where the entire surface of the film 1 is modified with substantially no gap, the modification time can be shortened.

[0129] Moreover, after the strip-shaped area is modified, that is, after the modified strip-shaped area is formed, the ink for printing the mark C is discharged. Therefore, the modified strip-shaped area is stable, and compared with the case where the ink adheres immediately after the modification treatment as in the past, the ink can adhere well to the modified strip-shaped area. Therefore, a beautiful mark C can be printed on the film 1. Moreover, since the printing process is performed after all the modified strip-shaped areas are formed on the film 1, a relatively long time interval from the modification treatment to the printing can be ensured, and a more beautiful mark C can be printed on the film 1. In particular, after the first modified strip-shaped area B-1 to the nth modified strip-shaped area B-n are formed (after all the modified strip-shaped areas are formed), printing is performed in the order of the first modified strip-shaped area B-1 to the nth modified strip-shaped area B-n. Therefore, in each strip-shaped area, the time interval from the modification treatment to the printing is substantially constant.

[0130] In addition, in the modification process, when the modification treatment unit 3 is moved to the second lateral end 1b or the first lateral end 1a of the film 1, the surface modification treatment is temporarily stopped. Therefore, damage to the end of the film 1, components of the device, etc. due to discharge can be prevented, and it is also excellent in safety.

[0131] Moreover, since ultraviolet rays are irradiated to the entire printed strip-shaped area (one modified strip-shaped area to which ink has adhered) in the curing process, a relatively long ultraviolet irradiation time for the ink can be ensured, and the ink can be cured well. Specifically, in order to cure the ultraviolet curable ink well, it is desirable to irradiate ultraviolet rays for about 1 second as described above. However, for a plurality of marks (ink adhesion parts), when ultraviolet rays are irradiated for the above time for each of the individual marks, the overall processing time (the time from the modification process through the curing process to obtaining the printed film 100) becomes long. In this regard, as described above, by irradiating ultraviolet rays to the entire printed strip-shaped area, ultraviolet rays can be simultaneously irradiated to a plurality of marks in the strip-shaped area. Therefore, compared with the case where ultraviolet rays are irradiated for each of the individual marks, the time for curing the ink well is shortened, and the increase in the overall processing time can be prevented. As a result, the printed film 100 with a plurality of well-printed marks can be manufactured relatively quickly.

[0132] [Modification Example]

[0133] In the above, the modification processing unit 3, the inkjet head 4, and the ultraviolet irradiation unit 5 are provided on one arm 61, so there is an advantage of being able to miniaturize the manufacturing apparatus A. However, the modification processing unit 3, the inkjet head 4, and the ultraviolet irradiation unit 5 may also be provided on different arms (not shown).

[0134] In addition, in the above, the workbench unit 2 moves longitudinally, and the modification processing unit 3, the inkjet head 4, and the ultraviolet irradiation unit 5 do not move longitudinally, so the control of each unit can be simplified. However, for example, at least one of the modification processing unit 3, the inkjet head 4, and the ultraviolet irradiation unit 5 may be configured to be able to move longitudinally (not shown).

[0135] Moreover, a supply device for supplying the film 1 to the workbench unit 2 may be attached to the manufacturing apparatus A.

[0136] Figure 20 The manufacturing apparatus A having the supply device 8 is shown.

[0137] The supply device 8 has a plurality of suction portions 81 that adsorb to the surface of the film 1. The supply device 8 performs the operations of sucking one film 1 from the first cassette 88 that houses a plurality of films 1 to be printed, transporting it to the pedestal portion 23 of the workbench unit 2, and releasing the suction to place the film 1 on the pedestal portion 23. In addition, the supply device 8 performs the operations of sucking the printed film 100, transporting it to the second cassette 89, and releasing the suction to house the printed film 100 in the second cassette 89.

[0138] The manufacturing apparatus A has the same configuration as the above [manufacturing apparatus for printed film], but preferably, an orientation adjustment unit 9 for adjusting the orientation of the film 1 is further provided on the workbench unit 2.

[0139] When the supply device 8 is used, it is sometimes impossible to accurately place the film 1 at a specified position on the pedestal portion 23 in the placement area of the pedestal portion 23. Therefore, it is preferable to provide the orientation adjustment unit 9 on the workbench unit 2. The orientation adjustment unit 9 has at least one camera 91 disposed above the workbench unit 2, a fine adjustment device (not shown) for rotating and moving the workbench unit 2 in the vertical and horizontal directions, and a control unit (not shown) that processes the image from the camera 91 and causes the fine adjustment device to operate.

[0140] After the film 1 is placed on the pedestal portion 23 of the workbench portion 2 using the supply device 8, the film 1 is fixed to the pedestal portion 23 using the holding unit 25. Next, the film 1 is photographed by the camera 91 (for example, the corners, edges, etc. of the film 1 are photographed), and it is confirmed by the control unit whether the film 1 is correctly fixed to the specified position on the pedestal portion 23. When the control unit determines that there is a position deviation, the fine adjustment device is operated to slightly rotate and / or slightly move horizontally and vertically the workbench portion 2 located at the original position to adjust the orientation of the film 1. In this way, the film 1 can be positioned at an accurate position, and then, as described above, the printing operation of the film 1 is performed.

[0141] Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0142] 1 Film

[0143] 100 Printed Film

[0144] 2, 2-1, 2-2 Workbench Portion

[0145] 3 Modification Processing Portion

[0146] 4 Inkjet Head

[0147] 5 Ultraviolet Irradiation Portion

[0148] A Manufacturing Device

[0149] B-1, B-2, B-3, B-4, B-5, B-6, B-n Modified Banded Region

[0150] C Mark

Claims

1. A method for producing a printed film, comprising printing an ultraviolet curable ink on a film subjected to a surface modification treatment by inkjet printing, characterized in that: The method for producing a printed film uses a device having a workbench, a modification treatment unit that can move in a lateral direction, an inkjet head that can move in a lateral direction, and an ultraviolet irradiation unit, and comprises: The step of fixing the film on the workbench; A modification step, wherein the modification treatment unit is moved in a lateral direction of the film to perform surface modification treatment on a strip-shaped region along the lateral direction of the surface of the film; A printing step, wherein the inkjet head is moved in a lateral direction of the film to print a plurality of marks in a lateral direction on the modified band-shaped area; In the curing step, ultraviolet rays are irradiated from the ultraviolet irradiation section toward the band-shaped area.

2. The method for producing a printed film according to claim 1, characterized in that: The modification process comprises: The step of moving the modification treatment section in the transverse direction of the film to perform surface modification treatment on a strip-shaped region along the transverse direction; The step of moving the modification treatment section in the transverse direction of the film at a position offset from the longitudinal direction based on the modified strip-shaped region to perform surface modification treatment on the strip-shaped region in the transverse direction is repeated successively. After a plurality of the modified band-shaped regions are formed on the film, the printing step is performed.

3. The method for producing a printed film according to claim 1, characterized in that: The modification process comprises: After the modification unit is moved from the first transverse end portion to the second transverse end portion of the film, the modification unit is moved from the second transverse end portion to the first transverse end portion of the film, When the modifying section is moved to the second end portion in the transverse direction of the film, the surface modifying treatment performed by the modifying section is temporarily stopped.

4. The method for producing a printed film according to claim 2, characterized in that: The printing process comprises: The step of moving the inkjet head in the lateral direction of the film to print a plurality of marks on a strip-shaped area after modification; The step of printing a plurality of marks on the next modified band-shaped area by moving the inkjet head in the transverse direction of the film at a position shifted in the longitudinal direction relative to the band-shaped area printed with the mark as a reference is repeated sequentially.

5. The method for producing a printed film according to claim 4, characterized in that: The curing step is performed after the marks are printed on all the modified band-shaped areas in the printing step. The curing process comprises: A step of irradiating the entire printed strip-shaped area of ​​the printed strip-shaped area with ultraviolet rays; The step of irradiating the entire printed band-shaped area with ultraviolet rays at a position shifted in the longitudinal direction with respect to the band-shaped area irradiated with ultraviolet rays is sequentially repeated.

6. The method for producing a printed film according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The surface modification treatment includes corona discharge treatment.

7. A printing film manufacturing device, which is a manufacturing device for performing surface modification treatment on a film and printing ultraviolet curing ink on the film by inkjet method, characterized in that: The printing film manufacturing device comprises: A plurality of worktables, which are used to fix the film and are arranged in a lateral direction; A modification treatment section capable of moving in a lateral direction; An inkjet head capable of moving in a transverse direction; and Ultraviolet irradiation part, The plurality of worktables are configured to be able to move independently in the longitudinal direction. The reforming section and the inkjet head are configured to be movable in a lateral direction so as to straddle the plurality of stages.

Images