Dyeing system

Abstract

To provide a dyeing system capable of appropriately dyeing a resin body while suppressing deformation of the resin body.SOLUTION: A dyeing system 1 comprises a conveying device 10, a dye fixing device 50 and a temperature drop speed reducing part. The conveying device 10 conveys a conveyance unit including a resin body. The dye fixing device 50, by heating the resin body to which dye is attached, which is included in the conveyance unit conveyed by the conveying device 10, fixes dye to the resin body. When a heating and fixing process by the dye fixing device 50 is ended, the temperature drop speed reducing part reduces a temperature drop speed of the resin body conveyed by the conveying device 10 from a heating and fixing position.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a dyeing system for dyeing a resin body. [Background technology]

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

[0003] Therefore, a technique has been proposed for dyeing a resin body by transferring a dye to the surface of the resin body and heating the resin body to which the dye has been attached. For example, in the dyeing method described in Patent Document 1, a sublimable dye is applied (printed) to a substrate by an inkjet printer. Next, with the resin body and the substrate placed in a vacuum without contacting each other, the sublimable dye applied to the substrate is sublimated, thereby transferring the dye to the resin body. Next, the resin body to which the dye has been transferred is heated, thereby fixing the dye to the resin body. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2018-127722 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In order to fix the dye to the resin body, it is necessary to heat the resin body to a very high temperature. In the conventional dyeing method, after the dye heat fixing process to the resin body is completed, the resin body heated to a high temperature is cooled, and the resin body may be deformed (e.g., warped or cracked) due to the temperature difference between each part of the resin body (e.g., the temperature difference between the surface and the inside, the temperature difference between the center and the periphery, or the temperature difference between the upper and lower parts). It is also possible to separately perform a process for suppressing the deformation of the resin body (e.g., an annealing process for suppressing the deformation by applying heat to the resin body to remove residual stress) on the dyed resin body. However, the efficiency is deteriorated when a separate process is performed. Therefore, a technology is desired that can appropriately dye the resin body while suppressing the deformation of the resin body during the dyeing process.

[0006] A typical object of the present disclosure is to provide a dyeing system capable of appropriately dyeing a resin body while suppressing deformation of the resin body. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A dyeing system provided by a typical embodiment of the present disclosure is a dyeing system for dyeing a resin body, and includes a conveying device that conveys a conveying unit including a resin body, a dye fixing device that heats the resin body having dye attached thereto and included in the conveying unit conveyed by the conveying device, thereby fixing the dye to the resin body, and a temperature drop rate reduction section that reduces a temperature drop rate of the resin body conveyed from a heating and fixing position by the conveying device after completion of the heating and fixing process by the dye fixing device.

[0008] The dyeing system according to the present disclosure can appropriately dye a resin body while suppressing deformation of the resin body. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a system configuration of a dyeing system 1. [Diagram 2]1 is a perspective view of a staining tray 80 with two lenses L placed thereon, as viewed from diagonally above right. [Diagram 3] 1 is a perspective view of the transfer device 40, the dye fixing device 50, and the first base attachment / detachment section 52, as viewed obliquely from above on the right. [Figure 4] 1 is a perspective view of the post-fixing transport path 11, the forced cooling section 55, the second substrate attaching / detaching section 57, and the color information measuring instrument, as viewed obliquely from above on the right. [Diagram 5] 5 is a perspective view of the configuration shown in FIG. 4 in which the cover member 13 of the post-fixing transport path 11, the forced cooling unit 55, and the color information measuring instrument 60 have been removed. [Figure 6] 4 is a flowchart of a dyeing process executed by the dyeing system 1 of the first embodiment. [Figure 7] 11 is a flowchart of a dyeing process executed by the dyeing system 1 of the second embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a system configuration of a staining system 101 according to a third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] <Summary> The dyeing system exemplified in the present disclosure includes a conveying device, a dye fixing device, and a temperature drop speed reduction unit. The conveying device conveys a conveying unit including a resin body. The dye fixing device heats the resin body to which the dye is attached, which is included in the conveying unit conveyed by the conveying device, thereby fixing the dye to the resin body. The temperature drop speed reduction unit reduces the temperature drop speed of the resin body conveyed from the heat fixing position by the conveying device after the heat fixing process by the dye fixing device is completed.

[0011] According to the dyeing system of the present disclosure, the temperature drop rate of the high-temperature resin body conveyed from the heat fixing position is reduced compared to when the resin body is directly exposed to the outside air. In other words, the temperature drop rate reducing section of the present disclosure reduces the temperature drop rate of the resin body compared to when the resin body is directly exposed to the outside air. As a result, when the temperature of the resin body drops, temperature differences between parts (for example, temperature difference between the surface and the inside, temperature difference between the center and the outer periphery, or temperature difference between the upper and lower parts, etc.) are less likely to occur, so that deformation of the resin body due to temperature differences is less likely to occur. Therefore, the dyeing system of the present disclosure is capable of appropriately dyeing the resin body while suppressing deformation of the resin body.

[0012] Various configurations can be adopted for the dye fixing device. For example, the dye fixing device may be a laser fixing device that fixes the dye attached to the resin body to the resin body by irradiating the surface of the resin body with laser light and heating it. The laser fixing device is easier to shorten the time required for the dye fixing process compared to the case of using an oven or the like. The dye fixing device may also be an oven fixing device that fixes the dye attached to the resin body to the resin body by heating the entire resin body. The oven fixing device is easy to appropriately fix the dye to the resin body regardless of, for example, the type of base material of the resin body and the color to be dyed. It is also possible to use multiple dye fixing devices in combination. For example, a laser fixing device and an oven fixing device may be used in combination.

[0013] The temperature drop rate reducing section may include a resin body shielding section that installs a shielding member in the transport unit to shield the periphery of the resin body transported from the heat fixing position by the transport device from the outside air. By installing the shielding member in the transport unit by the resin body shielding section, the temperature drop rate of the resin body is appropriately reduced with a simple configuration compared to the case where the resin body is directly exposed to the outside air.

[0014] The method of shielding the periphery of the resin body conveyed from the heat fixing position (i.e., the method of shielding the gas surrounding the resin body from the gas outside it) is not limited to the method of shielding the periphery of the resin body without any gaps (i.e., the method of sealing the resin body inside). Even if the resin body is not sealed without any gaps inside, if the temperature drop rate of the resin body is reduced by shielding the periphery of the resin body compared to when the periphery is not shielded, deformation of the resin body when the temperature drops is appropriately suppressed.

[0015] It is also possible to change the configuration of the temperature drop rate reduction unit. For example, the temperature drop rate reduction unit may include a heating unit that applies appropriate heat to the resin body transported from the heat fixing position by the transport device to reduce the temperature drop rate of the resin body. Even when the heating unit is used, the temperature drop rate of the resin body is appropriately reduced. For the heating unit, for example, at least one of a heater capable of heating the resin body or a hot air generating unit capable of blowing hot air on the resin body can be used.

[0016] The dyeing system may further include a printing device and a transfer device. The printing device prints a dye on a sheet-like substrate. The transfer device transfers the dye to the resin body in a state where the resin body of the transport unit transported by the transport device faces the substrate on which the dye is printed. The resin body shielding unit may include a substrate attaching / detaching unit that installs the substrate on the transport unit and removes the substrate from the transport unit. The substrate attaching / detaching unit may remove the substrate from the transport unit after the dye transfer process by the transfer device is completed and before the dye fixing process by the dye fixing device is started. The substrate attaching / detaching unit may shield the periphery of the resin body transported from the heat fixing position from the outside air by reinstalling the removed substrate as a shielding member on the transport unit after the dye fixing process by the dye fixing device is completed.

[0017] In this case, the dyeing system can shield the periphery of the resin body conveyed from the heat fixing position by using the substrate used in the transfer process by the transfer device, thereby reducing the temperature drop rate. In other words, the temperature drop rate of the resin body is appropriately reduced without using a shielding member for shielding the periphery of the resin body separately from the substrate. Therefore, deformation of the resin body when the temperature drops is efficiently suppressed.

[0018] The substrate attaching / detaching section may reinstall the substrate on the transport unit every time after the dye fixing device has completed the heat fixing process. As will be described later, the substrate attaching / detaching section may reinstall the substrate on some of the transport units after the dye fixing device has completed the heat fixing process.

[0019] The material of the base may be metal. In this case, the metal base makes it easier for the gas around the resin body to remain, and radiant heat generated by heating the base is transmitted to the resin body, making it easier to more appropriately reduce the rate at which the temperature of the resin body decreases.

[0020] The material of the base may be paper. In this case, the paper base makes it easier for the gas around the resin body to remain appropriately, and at least a part of the periphery of the resin body is shielded from the outside air by the highly insulating paper, so that the rate of temperature drop of the resin body is more appropriately reduced.

[0021] The conveying unit may include a dyeing tray on which the resin body is placed. The base attachment / detachment unit may place a base on the dyeing tray on which the resin body is placed, and shield the periphery of the resin body by the dyeing tray and the base. In this case, the dyeing tray and the base used in the dyeing process are used, so that the periphery of the resin body is efficiently shielded from the outside air. As described above, the shielding member installed in the conveying unit by the resin body shielding unit (e.g., base attachment / detachment unit) is not limited to a member that shields the periphery of the resin body alone. In other words, the resin body shielding unit (e.g., base attachment / detachment unit) may shield the periphery of the resin body from the outside air by installing at least a part of the shielding members (e.g., bases) of a plurality of shielding members (e.g., bases and dyeing trays) that shield the periphery of the resin body from the outside air in the conveying unit.

[0022] However, the resin body shielding part may be installed in a transport unit transported from the heat fixing position, with a member different from the base body used in the transfer process as a shielding member. Even in this case, the temperature drop rate of the resin body is appropriately reduced with a simple configuration compared to when the resin body is directly exposed to the outside air. Note that various members such as a plate-shaped member, a lid-shaped member, and a box-shaped member can be used as the shielding member.

[0023] In addition, in the present disclosure, as a transfer method for transferring a dye to a resin body, a vapor phase transfer method is exemplified in which a dye is transferred to a resin body by sublimating a sublimable dye printed on a substrate in a state where the resin body and the dye-applied substrate are opposed to each other in a non-contact manner in a vacuum. However, it is also possible to change the transfer method. For example, the dye may be transferred to the resin body in a state where the dye-applied substrate is in contact with the resin body.

[0024] The dyeing system may further include a resin body information acquisition unit that acquires information about the resin body included in the transport unit. The control unit of the dyeing system may switch whether or not to shield the periphery of the resin body transported from the heat fixing position from outside air by a shielding member according to the information about the resin body acquired by the resin body information acquisition unit.

[0025] The likelihood of deformation of the resin body when the temperature of the resin body is reduced may vary depending on the resin body to be dyed. Regardless of the rate at which the temperature of the resin body is reduced, if the resin body is unlikely to deform when the temperature is reduced, the time required for the dyeing process is likely to be shortened by reducing the temperature of the resin body in a short time. Also, as described above, if the resin body is likely to deform when the temperature is reduced, it is desirable to suppress the deformation of the resin body by reducing the rate at which the temperature of the resin body is reduced. Therefore, the dyeing system can perform the dyeing process more efficiently and appropriately by switching whether or not to shield the periphery of the resin body transported from the heat fixing position from the outside air with a shielding member according to information about the resin body.

[0026] The control unit may switch whether or not to shield the periphery of the resin body transported from the heating and fixing position from outside air with a shielding member, depending on at least one of the information on the material and shape of the resin body acquired by the resin body information acquisition unit.

[0027] The tendency of the resin body to deform when its temperature drops often varies depending on the material of the resin body. Also, when the shape of the resin body is different, the tendency of the resin body to deform when its temperature drops often varies. Therefore, by switching whether or not to shield the resin body from the outside air with a shielding member depending on at least one of information on the material and shape of the resin body, the dyeing process can be more efficiently and appropriately performed.

[0028] As an example, a case where the resin body to be dyed is a lens will be described. When the lens is a concave lens (minus lens), deformation is more likely to occur near the center of the lens, which is thinner, than when the lens is a convex lens (plus lens). Therefore, the control unit may acquire information indicating whether the lens is a concave lens or a convex lens (or information indicating whether the lens is a minus lens or a plus lens) as information on the shape of the lens. When the lens is a concave lens (minus lens), the control unit may reduce the temperature drop rate of the lens by installing a shielding member in the transport unit after the heat fixing process is completed. When the lens is a convex lens (plus lens), the control unit may suppress the decrease in the temperature drop rate of the lens without installing a shielding member in the transport unit after the heat fixing process is completed. In this case, the dyeing process is more efficiently and appropriately performed.

[0029] Furthermore, when the lens power differs, the lens shape changes. Therefore, the control unit may acquire information indicating the lens power as the information on the lens shape. The control unit may switch whether or not to install the shielding member in the transport unit according to the information on the lens power. In this case, an appropriate dyeing process according to the lens power is executed for each lens. For example, the control unit may install the shielding member in the transport unit after the heat fixing process is completed when the condition that the degree of the negative power of the lens is equal to or greater than a threshold value is satisfied.

[0030] The control unit may switch whether or not to shield the periphery of the resin body from outside air with a shielding member by referring to other information together with or instead of the information about the resin body. For example, the lower the air temperature at the installation location of the dyeing system, the more likely it is that the rate at which the temperature of the resin body decreases after the completion of the heat fixing process will increase. Therefore, the control unit may switch whether or not to shield the periphery of the resin body transported from the heat fixing position with a shielding member depending on the air temperature at the installation location of the dyeing system. The control unit may also switch whether or not to shield the periphery of the resin body with a shielding member depending on the air pressure at the installation location of the dyeing system.

[0031] The dyeing system may further include a color information measuring instrument that measures color information of the resin body to which the dye has been fixed after completion of the heat fixing process by the dye fixing device. The control unit may measure color information of the resin body by the color information measuring instrument in a state in which the shielding member is removed from the transport unit. After completion of measurement of the color information of the resin body by the color information measuring instrument, the control unit may shield the periphery of the resin body from outside air by reinstalling the removed shielding member on the transport unit by the resin body shielding unit.

[0032] In this case, when the color information of the resin body is measured, the shielding member is removed from the transport unit, so that the color information is measured with high accuracy by the color information measuring device. Furthermore, after the measurement of the color information is completed, the shielding member that was removed is reinstalled on the transport unit, so that the temperature drop rate of the resin body decreases again. Therefore, the dyeing system can appropriately measure the color information of the resin body and further reduce the occurrence of deformation of the resin body.

[0033] In addition, the control unit may reinstall the removed shielding member in the transport unit by the resin body shielding unit after the measurement of the color information of the resin body by the color information measuring instrument is completed based on the information on the resin body acquired by the resin body information acquiring unit. In other words, the control unit may switch whether or not to reinstall the shielding member in the transport unit by the resin body shielding unit according to the information on the resin body acquired by the resin body information acquiring unit after the measurement of the color information of the resin body by the color information measuring instrument is completed. As described above, the likelihood of deformation of the resin body when the temperature of the resin body decreases may differ depending on the resin body to be dyed. When the resin body is unlikely to deform when the temperature decreases, the process of reinstalling the shielding member in the transport unit is omitted, thereby simplifying the dyeing process. Therefore, the dyeing system can perform the dyeing process more efficiently and appropriately by switching whether or not to reinstall the shielding member in the transport unit according to the information on the resin body.

[0034] The control unit may also switch whether or not to reinstall the removed shielding member in the transport unit by the resin body shielding unit after the color information measurement of the resin body by the color information measuring device is completed, depending on at least one of the information on the material and shape of the resin body acquired by the resin body information acquisition unit. In this case, whether or not to reinstall the shielding member after the measurement of the color information is completed is switched based on at least one of the information on the material and shape of the resin body, which is likely to be related to the tendency of the resin body to deform. As a result, the dyeing process is more easily performed.

[0035] The above-mentioned base body can also be used as the shielding member that is reinstalled in the transport unit after the measurement of color information is completed. In other words, the base body attaching / detaching unit may reinstall the removed base body in the transport unit after the measurement of color information is completed. In this case, the temperature drop rate of the resin body is appropriately reduced even if a shielding member for shielding the periphery of the resin body from the outside air is not used separately from the base body.

[0036] The dyeing unit may include a plurality of substrate attaching / detaching units. For example, the dyeing unit may include a substrate attaching / detaching unit that attaches / detaches the substrate to / from the transport unit before / after the heat fixing step by the dye fixing device, and a substrate attaching / detaching unit that attaches / detaches the substrate to / from the transport unit before / after the measurement of color information by the color information measuring instrument.

[0037] The dyeing system may further include a temperature measuring unit that measures the temperature of the resin body on which the dye has been fixed by the dye fixing device. The control unit may measure color information of the resin body using a color information measuring device after the temperature of the resin body measured by the temperature measuring unit falls to a measurement reference temperature or lower.

[0038] Depending on the temperature of the resin body, discoloration (e.g., yellowing) may occur in the base material of the resin body. Also, depending on the temperature of the dyed resin body, discoloration may occur in the dye fixed to the resin body itself. In response to this, by measuring the color information of the resin body using a color information measuring device after the temperature of the resin body drops below the measurement reference temperature, the color information of the resin body is measured in a state where the influence of discoloration of the resin body and dye that may occur depending on temperature is suppressed. Therefore, it becomes easier to stably measure the color information of the dyed resin body.

[0039] Furthermore, the temperature at which deformation occurs when the temperature of the resin body decreases is often lower than the upper limit of the temperature at which the color information of the resin body can be stably measured (the measurement reference temperature described above). Therefore, by reinstalling the shielding member in the conveying unit after the temperature of the resin body falls below the measurement reference temperature and the color information of the resin body is measured, it becomes easier to appropriately measure the color information of the resin body and suppress deformation of the resin body at the same time.

[0040] The measurement reference temperature may be set appropriately depending on at least one of the type of base material of the resin body and the type of dye. As an example, by setting the measurement reference temperature to 80°C or less, the influence of discoloration of the resin body and dye on the measurement results of color information is likely to be suppressed. Furthermore, by setting the measurement reference temperature to 60°C or less, the influence of discoloration is further likely to be suppressed regardless of the type of base material of the resin body. Furthermore, by setting the measurement reference temperature to 50°C or less (e.g., 40°C), the influence of discoloration due to temperature is more appropriately suppressed.

[0041] The dyeing system may further include a forced cooling section and a resin body information acquisition section. The forced cooling section reduces the temperature of the resin body in the transport unit after the completion of the heat fixing process at a temperature reduction rate that is greater than the temperature reduction rate due to natural cooling. The resin body information acquisition section acquires information about the resin body included in the transport unit. The control section may switch whether or not to reduce the temperature of the resin body by the forced cooling section depending on the information about the resin body acquired by the resin body information acquisition section.

[0042] As described above, regardless of the temperature drop rate of the resin body, if the resin body is unlikely to deform when the temperature drops, the time required for the dyeing process is likely to be shortened by lowering the temperature of the resin body in a short time. Also, if the resin body is likely to deform when the temperature drops, it is desirable to suppress the deformation of the resin body by reducing the temperature drop rate of the resin body. Therefore, the dyeing system can perform the dyeing process more efficiently and appropriately by switching whether or not to perform cooling by the forced cooling unit depending on the information on the resin body.

[0043] The specific configuration of the forced cooling unit can be appropriately selected. For example, a cooling fan that blows gas (e.g., air) to the resin body may be used as the forced cooling unit. Also, at least one of a refrigerator and a Peltier element may be used as the forced cooling unit. Also, the dyeing system may not be provided with a forced cooling unit and may lower the temperature of the resin body by natural cooling only.

[0044] In addition, even if the resin body is not likely to deform, when forced cooling is performed on a resin body at a very high temperature, the temperature difference between each part of the resin body becomes large, and the resin body may be deformed. Therefore, the control unit may acquire the temperature of the resin body, and start forced cooling of the resin body by the forced cooling unit on the condition that the temperature of the resin body falls below the cooling start temperature at which the resin body is not likely to deform even when forced cooling is performed. In this case, the dyeing system can shorten the time required for the dyeing process while appropriately suppressing deformation of the resin body.

[0045] The control unit may switch whether or not to perform cooling of the resin body by the forced cooling unit (hereinafter referred to as "forced cooling") based on information about the resin body acquired by the resin body information acquisition unit. As described above, the likelihood of deformation of the resin body when the temperature of the resin body decreases may differ depending on the resin body to be dyed. Therefore, the dyeing system can perform the dyeing process more efficiently and appropriately by switching whether or not to perform forced cooling of the resin body depending on the information about the resin body.

[0046] The control unit may also switch whether or not to perform forced cooling depending on at least one of the information on the material and shape of the resin body acquired by the resin body information acquisition unit. In this case, whether or not to perform forced cooling is switched based on at least one of the information on the material and shape of the resin body, which is likely to be related to the tendency of the resin body to deform. As a result, the dyeing process can be more appropriately performed.

[0047] The temperature drop rate reducing section may include a cover member that covers the periphery of the transport path of the transport unit that is transported from the heat fixing position by the transport device after the heat fixing process is completed. In this case, the temperature drop rate of the resin body transported from the heat fixing position through the transport path is reduced compared to when the transport path is exposed to the outside. As a result, the temperature difference between the parts of the resin body when the temperature of the resin body drops is less likely to occur, and the resin body is less likely to deform due to the temperature difference.

[0048] The temperature drop rate reducing unit may further include a movable shutter that blocks at least a part of the transport path from the heat fixing position covered by the cover member. In this case, the transport path is blocked by the movable shutter, so that the flow of gas in the transport path is further suppressed. As a result, the temperature drop rate of the resin body in the transport path is further likely to decrease, making it even more difficult for deformation of the resin body to occur.

[0049] In addition, when a cooling fan is provided as the forced cooling unit, the movable shutter may be provided at a position that blocks the gap between the conveying path from the heat fixing position covered by the cover member and the cooling fan. In this case, the gas blown from the cooling fan to the resin body to be cooled is prevented from flowing into the resin body located in the conveying path. Therefore, the temperature drop rate of the resin body located in the conveying path is appropriately reduced.

[0050] The dyeing system may further include a resin body information acquisition unit, a temperature measurement unit, and a color information measurement instrument. The resin body information acquisition unit acquires information about the resin body included in the transport unit. The temperature measurement unit measures the temperature of the resin body to which the dye is fixed by the dye fixing device. The color information measurement instrument measures color information of the resin body to which the dye is fixed after the heat fixing process by the dye fixing device is completed. The control unit may be provided with a first transport path that is a transport path for the resin body that is less likely to deform and a second transport path that is a transport path for the resin body that is more likely to deform, as transport paths for the transport unit transported from the heat fixing position to the color information measurement instrument by the transport device. The control unit may allocate the transport path for transporting the transport unit for the resin body that has completed the heat fixing process among the first transport path and the second transport path according to the information about the resin body acquired by the resin body information acquisition unit. The control unit may measure, by the color information measurement instrument, color information of the resin body whose temperature measured by the temperature measurement unit has dropped to a measurement reference temperature or lower among one or more resin bodies that have been allocated to the first transport path or the second transport path and transported.

[0051] In this case, the transport path of the resin body from the heat fixing position to the color information measuring device is allocated to either the first transport path or the second transport path according to the information on the color of the resin body. The color information of the resin body whose temperature has dropped below the measurement reference temperature among the resin bodies allocated to the first transport path or the second transport path is measured. Therefore, the dyeing system can shorten the time required for the dyeing process by increasing the temperature drop rate of the resin body transported on the first transport path as much as possible. In addition, the dyeing system can suppress the deformation of the resin body when the temperature drops by reducing the temperature drop rate of the resin body transported on the second transport path as much as possible. Furthermore, in the case of using one transport path, the resin body whose temperature drop rate has been reduced may remain in the transport path, causing multiple resin bodies including the resin body whose temperature drop rate has been increased to remain in the transport path, which may reduce the efficiency of the dyeing process. In contrast, by providing the first transport path and the second transport path, the retention of multiple resin bodies in the transport path is appropriately suppressed.

[0052] At least one of the cover member and the movable shutter may be provided on the second transport path. In this case, the temperature drop rate of the resin body transported on the second transport path is appropriately reduced. Also, the cover member and the movable shutter may not be provided on the first transport path. In this case, the temperature drop rate of the resin body transported on the first transport path is likely to be high.

[0053] The specific configurations of the first transport path and the second transport path can also be appropriately selected. For example, the dyeing system may include a second transport path that detaches the transport unit from the first transport path and makes it stand by. In this case, the dyeing system can transport another transport unit to the first transport path while making the transport unit stand by on the second transport path and gradually lowering the temperature of the resin body in the second transport path. In detail, the dyeing system may include a second transport path that lifts the transport unit upward from the first transport path and makes it stand by. In this case, the other transport unit is appropriately transported on the first transport path below the lifted transport unit.

[0054] <Embodiment> A typical embodiment according to the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. The dyeing system 1 dyes a resin body automatically and continuously. In this embodiment, the resin body to be dyed is a plastic lens L (see FIG. 2, etc.) used for glasses. However, at least a part of the technology exemplified in this disclosure can also be applied to dyeing a resin body other than the lens L. For example, at least a part of the technology exemplified in this disclosure can be applied to dyeing various resin bodies such as goggles, mobile phone covers, light covers, accessories, toys, films (e.g., thickness 400 μm or less), and plate materials (e.g., thickness 400 μm or more). The resin body to be dyed also includes a resin body attached to a member different from the resin body (e.g., wood or glass, etc.). In addition, the dyeing system 1 of this embodiment dyes a plurality of resin bodies while continuously conveying them. However, at least a part of the technology exemplified in this disclosure can also be adopted in a dyeing system that conveys and dyes resin bodies one set at a time.

[0055] The system configuration of a dyeing system 1 of this embodiment will be described briefly with reference to Fig. 1. The dyeing system 1 of this embodiment includes a conveying device 10, a printing device 30, a transfer device 40, a dye fixing device 50, a forced cooling unit 55, a color information measuring instrument 60, and a control device 70.

[0056] The conveying device 10 conveys the conveying unit U (see FIG. 2, FIG. 3, FIG. 5) successively to each device in the dyeing system 1. The conveying unit U is a unit conveyed by the conveying device 10. The conveying unit U in this embodiment includes a dyeing tray 80 (see FIG. 2) and a lens L placed on the dyeing tray 80. Furthermore, the conveying unit U may also include a sheet-like substrate S on whose surface a dye is printed. Note that the conveying device 10 in this embodiment includes a belt conveyor that conveys the conveying unit U along the conveying path. However, it is also possible to change the configuration of the conveying device 10. For example, the conveying device 10 may include a robot arm that grips and conveys the conveying unit U.

[0057] The printing device 30 prints dye on a sheet-shaped substrate. In this embodiment, the substrate is made of paper or a metal (aluminum in this embodiment) film of appropriate hardness. However, other materials such as glass plate, heat-resistant resin, ceramic, etc. can also be used for the substrate. In the dyeing system 1 of this embodiment, in order to appropriately transfer the dye to the lens L while preventing the dye from coagulating, etc., the dye on the substrate is heated in a state in which the substrate and the lens L are spaced apart and opposed to each other in a vacuum (including a near-vacuum) environment, so that the dye is transferred (deposited) onto the surface of the lens L (the dyeing method in this embodiment is called a vapor-phase transfer dyeing method). Therefore, an inkjet printer that prints ink containing a sublimation dye onto the substrate is used for the printing device 30. The printing device 30 executes printing based on print data created by a control device 70, which is an information processing device (in this embodiment, a personal computer (hereinafter referred to as "PC")). As a result, an appropriate amount of ink (dye) is attached to an appropriate position on the substrate. It is also easy to create a dye-applied substrate for performing gradation dyeing.

[0058] The configuration of the printing device 30 can be changed. For example, the printing device may be a laser printer. In this case, the toner may contain a sublimable dye. Also, instead of the printing device 30, the dye may be applied to the substrate by a dispenser (a device for applying a fixed amount of liquid), a roller, or the like.

[0059] The transfer device 40 transfers the dye attached to the substrate to the lens L in a state where the substrate faces the lens L. As described above, in this embodiment, the dye is transferred from the substrate to the lens L by a vapor phase transfer method. However, it is also possible to change the method of transferring the dye to the lens L. For example, the dye may be transferred from the substrate to the lens L in a state where the dye on the substrate and the lens L are in contact with each other.

[0060] The dye fixing device 50 heats the lens L to which the dye has been transferred by the transfer device 40, thereby fixing the dye attached to the surface of the lens L to the resin body. In other words, the dye fixing device 50 executes a dye heating and fixing process for the lens L. 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, it is also possible to change the configuration of the dye fixing device 50. For example, a device (e.g., an oven) that irradiates the lens L with electromagnetic waves other than laser light may be used as the dye fixing device. The dye fixing device 50 is provided with a first substrate mounting / dismounting section 52 for removing the substrate S from the transport unit U and for mounting the substrate S onto the transport unit U.

[0061] The forced cooling unit 55 lowers the temperature of the lens L after the completion of the heat fixing process by the dye fixing device 50 at a temperature drop rate that is greater than the temperature drop rate of the lens L due to natural cooling. In other words, the forced cooling unit 55 forcibly cools the lens L (more rapidly than natural cooling). When the lens L is cooled by the forced cooling unit 55, the time required for the measurement result of the color information by the color information measuring instrument 60 to be acquired after the dye fixing process by the dye fixing device 50 is completed is shortened. In this embodiment, a cooling fan that blows gas (air) to the lens L is used as the forced cooling unit 55. The forced cooling unit 55 is provided with a second substrate attachment / detachment unit 57 that removes the substrate S from the transport unit U and installs the substrate S on the transport unit U. The forced cooling unit 55 is also provided with a temperature measurement unit 58 that measures the temperature of the lens L on which the dye is fixed by the dye fixing device 50.

[0062] The color information measuring instrument 60 is used to measure color information of the lens L to which the dye is fixed. The color information measuring instrument 60 of this embodiment is a spectrometer that measures the spectrum of the lens L (specifically, the transmission spectrum in this embodiment) as color information. Therefore, compared to the case of using an RGB camera or the like, color information is acquired in a state in which the influence of disturbance light such as a lighting environment is suppressed. Even if the lens L is dyed using a plurality of dyes, a spectrometer that is a distribution of intensity for each wavelength is acquired, so that color information of the dyed lens L is appropriately acquired. Using the acquired spectrometer data, values ​​of the CIEL*a*b* color system, XYZ color system, L*C*h* color system, Munsell color system, etc. may be used. However, a device other than a spectrometer (for example, an RGB camera, etc.) may be used as the color information measuring instrument.

[0063] The control device 70 controls various controls in the dyeing system 1. The control device 70 can be various information processing devices (for example, at least one of a PC, a server, and a mobile terminal). The control device 70 includes a controller (for example, a CPU, etc.) 71 that controls the controls, and a database 72 that stores various data. The configuration of the control device 70 can be changed. First, a plurality of devices may cooperate to function as the control device 70. For example, the control device that controls various controls in the dyeing system 1 and the control device that includes the database 72 may be different devices. In addition, the controllers of a plurality of devices may cooperate to execute various controls in the dyeing system 1. For example, at least one of the conveying device 10, the printing device 30, the transfer device 40, and the dye fixing device 50 often includes a controller. In this case, the controller of the control device 70 and the controller of the other device may cooperate to control the dyeing system 1.

[0064] The dyeing system 1 includes a reading unit 2 that reads information for each transport unit U (including the dyeing tray 80 and the lens L placed on the dyeing tray 80). As an example, the reading unit 2 in this embodiment is an identifier reading unit that reads an identifier provided for each transport unit U (e.g., each dyeing tray 80). The transport unit U is identified by the identifier read by the reading unit 2. By identifying the transport unit U, information about the lens L included in the transport unit U, etc. is acquired. In other words, the reading unit 2 in this embodiment functions as a lens information acquisition unit (resin body information acquisition unit) that acquires information about the lens L included in the transport unit U.

[0065] The reading unit 2 in this embodiment is an identifier reader (e.g., a QR code (registered trademark) reader, a barcode reader, an identification hole reader, etc.) that corresponds to the identifier being used. The reading unit 2 may also be a tag reading unit that reads information from a tag to which information can be written (e.g., an IC tag, etc.). In this embodiment, the printing device 30, the transfer device 40, the dye fixing device 50, the forced cooling unit 55, and the color information measuring instrument 60 each have a reading unit 2. However, it is also possible to change the number and locations of the reading units 2.

[0066] In the dyeing system 1 of the present embodiment, a post-fixing transport path 11, which is a transport path of the transport unit U transported by the transport device 10 from the heat fixing position in the dye fixing device 50, is provided with a cover member 13 that covers the periphery of the path. The dyeing system 1 also includes a movable shutter 14 that blocks the post-fixing transport path 11 covered by the cover member 13. The cover member 13 and the movable shutter 14 will be described in detail later.

[0067] (Transport unit U / dyeing tray) The conveying unit U and the staining tray 80 will be described with reference to FIG. 2. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the staining tray 80 (conveying unit U) in a state in which two lenses L are set (placed) and the base body S (see FIGS. 3 to 5) is not set. The staining tray 80 of this embodiment includes a tray body 81, a mounting frame 89, and a spacer 87. A resin body to be stained (lens L in this embodiment) is placed on the mounting frame 89. The mounting frame 89 of this embodiment is formed in a ring shape having an outer diameter slightly larger than that of the lens L. The spacer 87 extends upward in a tubular (cylindrical) shape from the outer periphery of the mounting frame 89 at a portion where the lens L is placed. The tray body 81 is formed with a mounting portion 82. The mounting frame 89 and the spacer 87 are detachably mounted on the mounting portion 82. In this embodiment, two mounting portions 82 are formed on one tray body 81. Therefore, a pair of lenses (left and right) L used for one pair of spectacles are dyed while being placed on one dyeing tray 80.

[0068] A substrate S (see Figs. 3 to 5) with dye attached thereto is removably placed on the upper surface of the tray body 81. With the substrate S placed on the upper surface of the tray 81, a transfer step is performed in which the dye attached to the substrate S is transferred to the lens L. In addition, by placing (placing) the substrate S on the upper surface of the tray 81, the periphery of the lens L placed on the staining tray 80 is shielded by the spacer 87 and the mounting frame 89 of the staining tray 80, and the substrate S. As a result, gas (air) around the lens L is more likely to remain, and the temperature drop rate of the lens L in a high temperature state is reduced compared to when the substrate S is not placed. That is, in this embodiment, the substrate S is used as a shielding member that shields the periphery of the lens L and reduces the temperature drop rate of the lens L.

[0069] As described above, in this embodiment, a film made of a metal (made of aluminum in this embodiment) having an appropriate hardness or paper is used as the base S. When a metal is used as the material of the base S, the gas around the lens L shielded by the base S tends to remain. Furthermore, the radiant heat generated by heating the base S with the heat of the high-temperature lens L is applied to the lens L, so that the temperature drop rate of the lens L tends to decrease more appropriately. Similarly, when paper is used as the material of the base S, the gas around the lens L shielded by the base S tends to remain. Furthermore, at least a part of the periphery of the lens L (above the lens L in this embodiment) is shielded by the paper with high thermal insulation properties, so that the temperature drop rate of the lens L tends to decrease more appropriately.

[0070] (Device configuration) A configuration of a part of the dyeing system 1 of this embodiment will be described in detail with reference to Figs. 3 to 5. First, the configurations of the transfer device 40, the dye fixing device 50, and the first base mounting / detaching section 52 will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a part of the conveying device 10, the transfer device 40, the dye fixing device 50, and the first base mounting / detaching section 52 assembled together. The conveying device 10 of this embodiment conveys a plurality of conveying units U successively from the upstream side (left side of the paper in Fig. 3) to the downstream side (right side of the paper in Fig. 3) in the conveying direction. The conveying device 10 conveys the conveying units U in the order of the transfer device 40, the first base mounting / detaching section 52, the dye fixing device 50, and the first base mounting / detaching section 52. The arrangement of the dye fixing device 50 and the first base mounting / detaching section 52 in the system may be reversed.

[0071] The transfer device 40 sets the substrate S in a closed chamber with the dye attached to the substrate S facing the lens L, and reduces the air pressure in the closed chamber to create a substantially vacuum state inside the closed chamber. Thereafter, the transfer device 40 irradiates the substrate S with electromagnetic waves in the closed chamber with the reduced air pressure to heat it, thereby transferring (depositing) the dye attached to the substrate S to the substrate S. Thereafter, the transport unit U on which the lens L and substrate S are placed passes through the dye fixing device 50 once, and is transported to the first substrate attaching / detaching section 52.

[0072] The first substrate mounting / detaching section 52 can hold the substrate S by sucking the substrate S from the suction port facing downward with a pump. The controller 71 of the dyeing system 1 drives the pump in a state where the suction port of the first substrate mounting / detaching section 52 is in contact with the substrate S of the transport unit U transported to the substrate mounting / detaching position in front of the first substrate mounting / detaching section 52. As a result, the substrate S is sucked and held by the suction port, and the substrate S is removed from the transport unit U. Thereafter, the transport unit U is transported to the dye fixing device 50 by the transport device 10. In addition, the first substrate mounting / detaching section 52 can also set the substrate S on the transport unit U again after the heat fixing process by the dye fixing device 50 is completed. In this case, the controller 71 stops driving the pump in a state where the transport unit U is transported to the substrate mounting / detaching position, thereby releasing the holding of the substrate S by the first substrate mounting / detaching section 52. As a result, the substrate S held by the first substrate attaching / detaching section 52 is placed (disposed) on the upper part of the transport unit U again.

[0073] The dye fixing device 50 heats the lens L included in the transport unit U to perform a heat fixing process in which the dye attached to the surface of the lens L is fixed to the lens L. As an example, the dye fixing device 50 of the present embodiment heats the lens L by irradiating the lens L with a laser beam, which is an electromagnetic wave, (more specifically, by scanning the lens L with the laser beam in a two-dimensional direction) with the transport unit U disposed at a heat fixing position directly below the device. However, an oven or the like may be used as the dye fixing device. When the heat fixing process is completed, the transport unit U is transported from the heat fixing position by the dye fixing device 50 to the post-fixing transport path 11 (see FIGS. 4 and 5) via the first base attachment / detachment section 52.

[0074] Next, the configurations of the post-fixing conveying path 11, the forced cooling section 55, the second substrate attaching / detaching section 57, and the color information measuring instrument 60 will be described with reference to Figs. 4 and 5. Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a state in which a part of the conveying device 10 (including the post-fixing conveying path 11), the forced cooling section 55, the second substrate attaching / detaching section 57, and the color information measuring instrument 60 are assembled. Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a state in which the cover member 13 of the post-fixing conveying path 11, the forced cooling section 55, and the color information measuring instrument 60 are removed from the configuration shown in Fig. 4. The conveying device 10 conveys the conveying unit U from the heat fixing position by the dye fixing device 50 (see Fig. 3) to the post-fixing conveying path 11, the forced cooling section 55 and the second substrate attaching / detaching section 57, and the color information measuring instrument 60 in this order.

[0075] As shown in FIG. 4, the forced cooling section 55 can cool the lens L of the transport unit U arranged at the forced cooling position directly below at a temperature drop rate higher than the temperature drop rate due to natural cooling. In this embodiment, a cooling fan that blows gas (air) onto the lens L is used as the forced cooling section 55. Although details will be described later, in this embodiment, the forced cooling of the lens L by the forced cooling section 55 is switched between cases where it is performed and cases where it is not performed depending on information about the lens L transported to the forced cooling position. In addition, the forced cooling section 55 is provided with a temperature measuring section 58 (see FIG. 1) that measures the temperature of the lens L (i.e., the lens L on which the dye is fixed by the dye fixing device 50) of the transport unit U arranged at the forced cooling position. Although details will be described later, the dyeing system 1 measures the color information of the lens L by the color information measuring instrument 60 after the temperature of the lens L measured by the temperature measuring section 58 has fallen to a measurement reference temperature or lower by the color information measuring instrument 60.

[0076] The second base attachment / detachment part 57 is provided at the same position (or a position close to) as the forced cooling position by the forced cooling part 55 in the transport path of the transport unit U by the transport device 10. The second base attachment / detachment part 57 can hold the base S by sucking the base S from a suction port facing downward with a pump. When removing the base S from the transport unit U, the controller 71 drives the pump in a state where the suction port of the second base attachment / detachment part 57 is in contact with the base S of the transport unit U transported to the forced cooling position. As a result, the base S is held by the second base attachment / detachment part 57. The controller 71 removes the base S from the transport unit U by removing the part of the second base attachment / detachment part 57 that holds the base S from the transport path with an actuator (motor, etc.). Note that the forced cooling of the lens L by the forced cooling part 55 is performed in a state where the base S is removed from the transport unit U by the second base attachment / detachment part 57. Furthermore, when the base body S is to be reinstalled in the transport unit U, the controller 71 returns the portion of the second base body attaching / detaching section 57 that holds the base body S to the forced cooling position on the transport path and stops driving the pump, thereby releasing the hold of the base body S by the second base body attaching / detaching section 57. As a result, the base body S held by the second base body attaching / detaching section 57 is reinstalled (placed) on the upper part of the transport unit U. Note that in this embodiment, when the forced cooling of the lens L is not performed by the forced cooling section 55, the base body S is not removed from the transport unit U, and the lens L is gradually cooled at the forced cooling position with the periphery of the lens L shielded by the base body S until the temperature of the lens L becomes equal to or lower than the measurement reference temperature.

[0077] When the temperature of the lens L measured by the temperature measuring unit 58 drops below the measurement reference temperature, the transport device 10 transports the transport unit U from the forced cooling position to a color information measurement position by the color information measuring instrument 60. The color information measuring instrument 60 measures the color information of the lens L of the transport unit U transported to the color information measurement position. In addition, near the installation position of the color information measuring instrument 60, an evacuation section 61 is provided for evacuating the lens L whose color information measurement result does not satisfy the standard. When the measurement result of the color information of the lens L does not satisfy the standard, the controller 71 causes the transport unit U to leave the transport path and move to the evacuation section 61. When the measurement result of the color information of the lens L satisfies the standard, the controller 71 transports the transport unit U downstream of the transport path.

[0078] As shown in Fig. 4, the post-fixing transport path 11 along which the transport unit U is transported from the heat fixing position is provided with a cover member 13 that covers the periphery of the path. When another transport unit U is present at the forced cooling position by the forced cooling section 55, the controller 71 causes the lens L to wait within the cover member 13 of the post-fixing transport path 11, thereby gradually cooling the lens L. Therefore, compared to when the post-fixing transport path 11 is exposed to the outside, gas around the lens L is more likely to remain, and the temperature drop rate of the lens L on the post-fixing transport path 11 is more likely to appropriately decrease. The cover member 13 is an example of a temperature drop rate reduction section that reduces the temperature drop rate of the lens L.

[0079] The post-fixing transport path 11 is provided with a movable shutter 14 that blocks at least a portion (in this embodiment, near the exit of the path) of the cylindrical path covered by the cover member 13. The actuator retracts the movable shutter 14 from the transport path, allowing the transport unit U to be transported downstream from the post-fixing transport path 11. The actuator also moves the movable shutter 14 to a position that blocks the post-fixing transport path 11, making it easier for the gas in the post-fixing transport path 11 covered by the cover member 13 to remain. As a result, the temperature drop rate of the lens L in the post-fixing transport path 11 is more likely to decrease appropriately.

[0080] 4 and 5, the movable shutter 14 is provided at a position that blocks communication between the post-fixing transport path 11 and the forced cooling unit 55. This prevents the gas blown from the forced cooling unit 55 to the lens L at the forced cooling position from flowing into the post-fixing transport path 11. This further reduces the rate at which the temperature of the lens L in the post-fixing transport path 11 drops.

[0081] As described above, the first base attachment / detachment unit 52 and the second base attachment / detachment unit 57 can reduce the temperature drop rate of the lens L of the transport unit U by installing the base S as a shielding member in the transport unit U. Therefore, the first base attachment / detachment unit 52 and the second base attachment / detachment unit 57 of the present embodiment are an example of a lens shielding unit (resin body shielding unit) that shields the periphery of the lens L, and a temperature drop rate reducing unit that reduces the temperature drop rate of the lens L.

[0082] (First embodiment) The dyeing process executed by the dyeing system 1 of the first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 6. The controller 71 of the dyeing system 1 executes the dyeing process exemplified in Fig. 6 in accordance with a dyeing control program stored in a database 72.

[0083] As shown in FIG. 6, in the dyeing process, a printing process (S1), a transfer process (S2, S3), a heat fixing process (S4 to S7), and a color information measurement process (S11 to S23) are repeatedly performed, so that a plurality of lenses L installed in each of a plurality of transport units U are dyed continuously. In this embodiment, the controller 71 can perform two or more of the printing process, the transfer process, the heat fixing process, and the color information measurement process in parallel on the lenses L of the plurality of transport units U. As a result, the time required for the dyeing process is shortened. However, in order to make it easier to understand the flow of the process, the flowcharts shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 show a case where the dyeing process is performed on the lenses L of one transport unit U.

[0084] In the printing step process (S1), when the transport unit U is transported to the printing device 30 by the transport device 10, the controller 71 acquires information read by the reading unit 2 about the transported transport unit U. The controller 71 controls the driving of the printing device 30 based on the information read by the reading unit 2, thereby printing dye for dyeing the lens L in a desired color on the substrate S. When printing is completed, the controller 71 places the substrate S on which the dye has been printed on the transport unit U, and transports the transport unit U on which the substrate S has been placed to the transfer device 40 by the transport device 10.

[0085] In the transfer step process (S2), when the transport unit U is transported to the transfer device 40 by the transport device 10, the controller 71 controls the driving of the transfer device 40 and heats the substrate S placed on the transport unit U, thereby transferring the dye attached to the substrate S to the lens L. When the transfer is completed, the controller 71 transports the transport unit U with the substrate S placed thereon to the dye fixing device 50 by the transport device 10 (S3).

[0086] In the heat fixing process (S4 to S7), when the transport unit U is transported to the dye fixing device 50 by the transport device 10, the controller 71 controls the driving of the first substrate attaching / detaching section 52 to remove the substrate S installed on the transport unit U from the transport unit U (S4). That is, the first substrate attaching / detaching section 52 removes the substrate S from the transport unit U after the dye transfer process by the transfer device 40 is completed and before the dye fixing process by the dye fixing device 50 starts. Next, the controller 71 controls the driving of the dye fixing device 50 to execute the heat fixing process for the lens L transported to the heat fixing position (S5). In the heat fixing process, the lens L with the dye transferred to its surface is heated, so that the dye attached to the surface is fixed to the lens L. The heat treatment of the lens L in the heat fixing process is changed according to the information read by the reading section 2 about the transport unit U. As a result, a heat fixing process suitable for the lens L and the dye is executed.

[0087] Next, the controller 71 controls the driving of the first base attachment / detachment part 52 to set the base S, which was once removed from the transport unit U in S4, back on the transport unit U as a shielding member (S6). As a result, the periphery of the lens L in the transport unit U is shielded by the base S and the staining tray 80. Therefore, the temperature drop rate of the lens L is reduced compared to when the base S is not set back on the transport unit U. Therefore, deformation of the lens L when the temperature of the lens L drops is efficiently suppressed. As described above, in this embodiment, the base S used in the transfer process is used as a shielding member that shields the periphery of the lens L. In other words, even if a shielding member for shielding the periphery of the lens L is not used separately from the base S, the temperature drop rate of the lens L is efficiently and appropriately reduced. Thereafter, the controller 71 controls the driving of the transport device 10 to transport the transport unit U from the heat fixing position to the post-fixing transport path 11 (see FIG. 1, FIG. 4, FIG. 5).

[0088] In the color information measurement process (S11 to S23), the controller 71 determines whether or not the transport unit U (which may be a transport unit U waiting on the post-fixing transport path 11) transported to the post-fixing transport path 11 can be transported to a forced cooling position by the forced cooling section 55 (S11). If another transport unit U is disposed at the forced cooling position and the transport unit U cannot be transported to the forced cooling position, or if there is no transport unit U on the post-fixing transport path 11 (S11: NO), the process of S11 is repeated.

[0089] As described above, the periphery of the post-fixing transport path 11 is covered with the cover member 13 (see FIGS. 1 and 4). Furthermore, the movable shutter 14 blocks the space between the post-fixing transport path 11 and the forced cooling unit 55. As a result, gas tends to stagnate around the lens L in the post-fixing transport path 11. Therefore, the rate at which the temperature of the lens L in the post-fixing transport path 11 drops is appropriately reduced compared to when the cover member 13 and the movable shutter 14 are not provided.

[0090] If another transport unit U is not disposed at the forced cooling position (S11: YES), the controller 71 temporarily opens the post-fixing transport path 11 blocked by the movable shutter 14, and then causes the transport device 10 to transport the transport unit U from the post-fixing transport path 11 to the forced cooling position by the forced cooling section 55 (S12). When the transport unit U is transported outside the post-fixing transport path 11, the controller 71 causes the movable shutter 14 to block the post-fixing transport path 11 again.

[0091] Next, the controller 71 acquires information about the lens L of the transport unit U transported to the forced cooling position (S13). As described above, the information about the lens L is read by the reading unit 2. In this embodiment, the information acquired in S13 includes information about the material and shape of the lens L of the transport unit U.

[0092] The controller 71 judges whether or not to perform forced cooling of the lens L by the forced cooling unit 55 based on the information on the lens L acquired in S13 (S15). The likelihood of deformation of the lens L when the temperature of the lens L drops may differ depending on the lens L. If the lens L is not likely to deform and it is judged that forced cooling is to be performed (S15: YES), the controller 71 causes the second base attachment / detachment unit 57 to remove the base body S from the transport unit U (S16), and performs forced cooling of the lens L by the forced cooling unit 55 (S17). As a result, the time required for the dyeing process is shortened. On the other hand, if the lens L is likely to deform and it is judged that forced cooling is not to be performed (S15: NO), the process proceeds directly to S19. As a result, the lens L is gradually cooled while covered by the base body S, so that deformation of the lens L is appropriately suppressed.

[0093] In addition, the tendency of the lens L to deform when the temperature of the lens L drops often varies depending on the material of the lens L. In addition, when the shape of the lens L differs, the tendency of the resin body to deform when the temperature of the lens L drops often varies. Therefore, in S13 of this embodiment, information on the material and shape of the lens L of the transport unit U is acquired. In S15, based on the information on the material and shape of the lens L, it is determined whether or not to perform forced cooling of the lens L (that is, whether the lens L is a lens that is difficult to deform or a lens that is easy to deform) is determined. In other words, in S15, whether or not to perform forced cooling of the lens L is switched depending on the information on the material and shape of the lens L. As a result, an appropriate process according to the lens L is performed.

[0094] In addition, when the lens L is a concave lens (minus lens), deformation is more likely to occur near the center of the lens L, which is thinner, than when the lens L is a convex lens (plus lens). Therefore, in S13, the controller 71 acquires information indicating whether the lens L is a concave lens or a convex lens (or information indicating whether the lens L is a minus lens or a plus lens) as information on the shape of the lens L. When the lens L is a concave lens (minus lens), the controller 71 causes the lens L to wait without performing forced cooling (S15: NO). When the lens L is a convex lens (plus lens), the controller 71 performs forced cooling of the lens L (S15: YES, S16, S17). As a result, the dyeing process is more easily performed efficiently and appropriately.

[0095] Furthermore, when the power of the lens L is different, the shape of the lens L changes. Therefore, in S13, the controller 71 acquires information indicating the power of the lens L as information on the shape of the lens L. In S15, the controller 71 judges whether or not to perform forced cooling of the lens L according to the power of the lens L. In this case, an appropriate dyeing process according to the power of the lens L is performed for each lens. In S15 of this embodiment, when the degree of the negative power of the lens L is equal to or greater than a threshold, the controller 71 causes the lens L to wait without performing forced cooling (S15: NO). It should be noted that whether or not to perform forced cooling may be judged according to both the material and power of the lens L. In this case, the power threshold for judging whether or not to perform forced cooling may be different according to the material of the lens L. When the degree of the negative power of the lens L is less than the threshold, the controller 71 performs forced cooling of the lens L (S15: YES, S16, S17).

[0096] In addition, even if the lens L is not easily deformed, when the forced cooling unit 55 performs forced cooling on the lens L at a very high temperature, the temperature difference between parts of the lens L becomes large, and the lens L may be deformed. Therefore, in this embodiment, the controller 71 acquires the temperature of the lens L measured by a temperature measuring unit (for example, the temperature measuring unit 58, etc.), and starts forced cooling of the lens L by the forced cooling unit 55 when both the condition that the temperature of the lens L falls below the cooling start temperature and the condition that the lens L is not easily deformed (S15: YES) are satisfied. Therefore, the dyeing system 1 of this embodiment can further appropriately suppress deformation of the lens L while shortening the time required for the dyeing process.

[0097] The timing for determining whether the temperature of the lens L has dropped below the cooling start temperature can be appropriately selected. For example, the controller 71 may determine whether the temperature of the lens L at the forced cooling portion measured by the temperature measurement unit 58 has dropped below the cooling start temperature after the transport unit U has been transported to the forced cooling position. In this case, the lens L is gradually cooled at the forced cooling position until the temperature drops below the cooling start temperature, regardless of whether forced cooling is performed.

[0098] The dyeing system 1 may also include a temperature measuring unit in the post-fixing transport path 11. The controller 71 may transport the transport unit U to the forced cooling position on the condition that the temperature of the lens L located on the post-fixing transport path 11 drops to a cooling start temperature or lower. In this case, the periphery of the lens L is covered by the cover member 13 and the movable shutter 14 until the temperature of the lens L drops to a cooling start temperature or lower. As a result, the temperature drop rate of the lens L is appropriately reduced, making it even more difficult for the lens L to deform.

[0099] Furthermore, the controller 71 may transport the transport unit U from the post-fixing transport path 11 on the condition that each transport unit U waits in the post-fixing transport path 11 for a predetermined time or more. In this case, the periphery of the lens L is covered by the cover member 13 and the movable shutter 14 until the temperature of the lens L drops to a certain degree. As a result, deformation of the lens L is further prevented from occurring. Note that the time for which each transport unit U waits in the post-fixing transport path 11 may be appropriately set to a time during which the temperature of the lens L is predicted to drop to a cooling start temperature or lower in the post-fixing transport path 11.

[0100] Next, the controller 71 judges whether the temperature of the lens L in the forced cooling section measured by the temperature measuring unit 58 has reached a measurement reference temperature or lower (S19). If the temperature of the lens L is high, discoloration (e.g., yellowing, etc.) may occur in the base material of the lens L. In addition, the dye fixed to the lens L may itself discolor depending on the temperature of the dyed lens L. In these cases, the accuracy of the measurement of color information by the color information measuring instrument 60 may decrease. Therefore, if the temperature of the lens L is higher than the measurement reference temperature (S19: NO), the system is in a standby state. If the temperature of the lens L falls to a measurement reference temperature or lower (S19: YES), the controller 71 transports the dyeing unit U to a measurement position by the color information measuring instrument 60 to measure the color information of the lens L (S20). In S20, if the substrate S is still installed in the transport unit U, the substrate S is removed from the transport unit U by the second substrate attaching / detaching unit 57 before the color information is measured.

[0101] The measurement reference temperature may be set appropriately depending on at least one of the type of material of the lens L and the type of dye. As an example, if the measurement reference temperature is set to 80° C. or less, the influence of discoloration of the lens L and the dye on the measurement results of the color information is likely to be suppressed. Furthermore, if the measurement reference temperature is set to 60° C. or less, the influence of discoloration is more likely to be suppressed regardless of the type of material of the lens L. Furthermore, if the measurement reference temperature is set to 50° C. or less (e.g., 40° C.), the influence of discoloration due to temperature is more appropriately suppressed.

[0102] Next, the controller 71 judges whether or not to reinstall the base body S on the transport unit U based on the information on the lens L acquired in S13 (S21). As described above, the likelihood of deformation of the lens L when the temperature of the lens L drops may differ depending on the lens L. If it is determined that the lens L is prone to deformation and that the base body S needs to be reinstalled (S21: YES), the controller 71 controls the drive of the second base attachment / detachment part 57 to reinstall the base body S that was once removed in S20 on the transport unit U (S22). As a result, the periphery of the lens L is shielded by the base body S, so that the temperature drop rate of the lens L is appropriately reduced. Note that the temperature at which deformation occurs when the temperature of the lens L drops is often lower than the upper limit of the temperature at which the color information of the lens L is easily measured stably (the measurement reference temperature described above). Therefore, after the temperature of the lens L falls below the measurement reference temperature and the color information of the lens L is measured, the base S (shielding member) is reinstalled in the transport unit U, which makes it easier to appropriately measure the color information of the lens L and suppress deformation of the lens L. Thereafter, the transport unit U is transported downstream of the path from the measurement position of the color information (S23).

[0103] On the other hand, if it is determined that the lens L is unlikely to deform and that there is no need to reinstall the base body S (S21: NO), the controller 71 discards the base body S without reinstalling it, and transports the transport unit U downstream of the path (S23). As a result, the step of S22 is omitted, and the dyeing step is simplified. Note that, if it is determined in S21 that the lens L is unlikely to deform, the transport unit U may be transported again to the forced cooling position, and forced cooling of the lens L may be performed by the forced cooling section 55. Thereafter, the transport unit U may be transported downstream of the path.

[0104] The judgment in S21 (i.e., judgment as to whether the lens L is a lens that is difficult to deform or a lens that is easy to deform) may use at least any one of information on the material and shape of the lens L, as in S15 described above. The judgment criteria in S21 may also be the same as those in S15 described above.

[0105] Furthermore, in S23, the controller 71 determines whether or not the color information of the lens L measured in S20 meets the quality standard. If the color information of the lens L meets the quality standard, the controller 71 transports the transport unit U to a normal transport path. On the other hand, if the color information of the lens L does not meet the quality standard, the controller 71 transports the transport unit U to the evacuation section 61 (see FIGS. 4 and 5) that evacuates lenses L whose measurement results do not meet the standard.

[0106] Second embodiment The dyeing process performed by the dyeing system 1 of the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 7. The dyeing process of the second embodiment differs from the dyeing process of the first embodiment in that the substrate S is selectively reinstalled in the transport unit U after the dye fixing device 50 performs the heating and fixing process (S31 to S33). In the dyeing process of the second embodiment, at least a part of the processes other than S31 to S33 can be similar to the dyeing process of the first embodiment described above. Therefore, among the multiple steps in the second embodiment, the steps in which the same processes as in the first embodiment can be adopted are given the same step numbers as in the dyeing process of the first embodiment (see FIG. 6), and their descriptions will be omitted or simplified.

[0107] As shown in FIG. 7, in the heat fixing process (S3 to S7) in the second embodiment, a process (S4) of removing the substrate S from the transport unit U and a heat fixing process (S5) for the lens L are performed in the same manner as in the first embodiment. When the heat fixing process (S5) is completed, the controller 71 acquires information about the lens L in the transport unit U (S31). As described above, the information about the lens L is read by the reading unit 2. The controller 71 determines whether or not to place the substrate S removed in S4 back on the transport unit U based on the information about the lens L acquired in S31 (S32). As described above, the likelihood of deformation of the lens L occurring when the temperature of the lens L drops may differ depending on the lens L. When it is determined that the lens L is not easily deformed and that it is not necessary to reinstall the base body S (S32: NO), the controller 71 discards the base body S held by the first base body attaching / detaching section, and transports the transport unit U from which the base body S has been removed to the post-fixing transport path 11 (S7). As a result, the temperature of the lens L, which is not easily deformed, is easily lowered, and the time required for the dyeing process is easily shortened. On the other hand, when the controller 71 determines that the lens L is easily deformed and that it is necessary to reinstall the base body S (S32: YES), the controller 71 reinstalls the base body S removed in S4 on the transport unit U by the first base body attaching / detaching section 52 (S33), and transports the transport unit U to the post-fixing transport path 11 (S8). As a result, the temperature drop rate of the lens L, which is not easily deformed, is appropriately reduced. In other words, the dyeing system 1 of the second embodiment can perform the dyeing process more efficiently and appropriately by switching whether or not to shield the periphery of the lens L transported from the heating and fixing position from the outside air by the base S (shielding member) depending on information about the lens L.

[0108] Note that, in the judgment in S32 (i.e., judgment as to whether the lens L is a lens that is difficult to deform or a lens that is easy to deform), at least any one of information on the material and shape of the lens L may be used, as in S15 and S21 in the first embodiment described above. The judgment criteria in S32 may be the same as those in S15 and S21 described above.

[0109] The color information measurement process (S11 to S23) in the second embodiment is almost the same as the color information measurement process (S11 to S23) in the first embodiment. However, in S15 in the second embodiment, if it is determined that forced cooling is to be performed (S15: YES), the base body S has already been removed from the transport unit U, and therefore the process of S16 (process of removing the base body S) performed in the first embodiment is omitted. In addition, in S21 in the second embodiment, it is also possible to change the method of determining whether or not to reinstall the base body S on the transport unit U. For example, in S21 in the second embodiment, if the base body S has been removed before measuring the color information in S20, it may be determined that the base body S is to be reinstalled.

[0110] Third embodiment A dyeing system 101 of the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 8. The dyeing system 101 of the third embodiment is different from the dyeing system 1 of the first and second embodiments in that a first transport path 11A and a second transport path 11B are provided as the post-fixing transport path 11, the post-fixing transport path for transporting the transport unit U is divided, and the installation positions of the cover member 13 and the movable shutter 14, etc. In the dyeing system 101 of the third embodiment, the same configuration as that of the dyeing system 1 of the first and second embodiments can be adopted for the configuration other than the above. Therefore, among the multiple configurations in the third embodiment, the same numbers as those of the dyeing system 1 of the first and second embodiments are assigned to the parts that can adopt the same configuration as that of the first and second embodiments, and the description thereof will be omitted or simplified.

[0111] As shown in Fig. 8, in the dyeing system 101 of the third embodiment, a first transport path 11A and a second transport path 11B are provided as a post-fixing transport path 11 for transporting a transport unit U from a heat fixing position in the dye fixing device 50 to a color information measuring instrument 60. The first transport path 11A is a transport path for a lens L that is less likely to deform. The second transport path 11B is a transport path for a lens L that is more likely to deform. In the third embodiment, a temperature measuring unit 59 for measuring the temperature of the lens L on which the dye has been fixed is also provided in the second transport path 11B.

[0112] The controller 71 assigns the conveying path for conveying the conveying unit U that has completed the heat fixing process to either the first conveying path 11A or the second conveying path 11B, according to the information on the lens L in the conveying unit U acquired by the reading unit 2. That is, when the controller 71 determines that the lens L is unlikely to deform based on the information on the lens L, it conveys the conveying unit U to the first conveying path 11A. On the other hand, when the controller 71 determines that the lens L is likely to deform based on the information on the lens L, it conveys the conveying unit U to the second conveying path 11B. In addition, the controller 71 measures color information by the color information measuring instrument 60 in order from the lens L whose temperature measured by the temperature measuring units 58, 59 has dropped below the measurement reference temperature, among one or more lenses L that have been assigned and conveyed to the first conveying path 11A or the second conveying path 11B.

[0113] According to the dyeing system 101 of the third embodiment, the transport unit U with the reduced temperature decrease speed remains on one transport path, which prevents a plurality of transport units U from being stuck on the transport path. Therefore, the dyeing process for a plurality of lenses L is performed more efficiently.

[0114] Moreover, the dyeing system 101 of the third embodiment can shorten the time required for the dyeing process by maximizing the temperature drop speed of the lens L transported on the first transport path 11A, and can suppress deformation of the lens L by maximizing the temperature drop speed of the lens L transported on the second transport path 11B. As a result, the dyeing process can be performed more efficiently and appropriately.

[0115] Specifically, in the third embodiment, a forced cooling unit 55 is provided on the first transport path 11A, so that the lens L transported along the first transport path 11A is forcedly cooled. Moreover, the cover member 13 and the movable shutter 14 for reducing the rate at which the temperature of the lens L drops are not provided on the first transport path 11A. As a result, the rate at which the temperature of the lens L, which is less likely to deform, drops is increased, and the time required for the dyeing process is shortened.

[0116] In the third embodiment, the forced cooling unit 55 is not provided on the second transport path 11B, but the cover member 13 and the movable shutter 14 are provided to reduce the temperature drop rate of the lens L. Therefore, the temperature drop rate of the lens L, which is prone to deformation, is appropriately reduced.

[0117] The specific configurations of the first transport path 11A and the second transport path 11B can be appropriately selected. For example, the dyeing system 101 may include a second transport path 11B that separates the transport unit U from the first transport path 11A and makes it stand by. In this case, the dyeing system 101 can transport another transport unit U to the first transport path 11A while making the transport unit U stand by on the second transport path 11B and gradually lowering the temperature of the lens L in the second transport path 11B. In detail, the dyeing system 101 may include a second transport path 11B that lifts the transport unit U upward from the first transport path 11A and makes it stand by. In this case, the other transport unit U is appropriately transported on the first transport path 11A below the transport unit U lifted onto the second transport path 11B.

[0118] The techniques disclosed in the above embodiment are merely examples. Therefore, it is possible to change the techniques exemplified in the above embodiment. For example, only a part of the techniques exemplified in the above embodiment may be adopted. For example, it is possible to adopt only a configuration in which a shielding member is installed in the transport unit U as the temperature drop speed reduction unit, without adopting at least one of the cover member 13 and the movable shutter 14. It is also possible to omit the configuration in which a shielding member is installed in the transport unit U after the dye fixing process is completed. In this case, since the process of reinstalling the shielding member in the transport unit U is omitted, the time required for the dyeing process is easily shortened. It is also possible to change the configuration of the temperature drop speed reduction unit. For example, the temperature drop speed reduction unit may be equipped with a heating unit that applies appropriate heat to the lens L transported from the heat fixing position by the transport device 10 to reduce the temperature drop speed of the lens L. For the heating unit, for example, at least one of a heater capable of heating the lens L or a hot air generating unit capable of blowing hot air on the lens L can be used. Furthermore, the dyeing system 1, 101 may be installed in the transport unit U transported from the heat fixing position, with a member different from the substrate S used in the transfer process as a shielding member. Even in this case, the gas around the lens L is more likely to remain than when the lens L is directly exposed to the outside air, so the temperature drop rate of the lens L is appropriately reduced. [Explanation of symbols]

[0119] 1. Dyeing system 2 Reading section 10. Conveyor 11 Post-fixing transport path 13 Cover member 14 Movable shutter 30 Printing device 40 Transcription device 50 Dye fixing device 52 First base attachment / detachment section 55 Forced cooling section 57 Second base attachment / detachment section 58,59 Temperature measurement section 60 Color Information Measuring Instrument 70 Control device 71 Controller 80 Dyeing Tray U Transport unit S base

Claims

1. A dyeing system for dyeing a resin body, comprising: a conveying device that conveys a conveying unit including a resin body; a dye fixing device that fixes the dye onto the resin body by heating the resin body to which the dye is attached, the dye fixing device being included in the transport unit transported by the transport device; a temperature decrease rate reducing unit that reduces a temperature decrease rate of the resin body that is transported from the heat fixing position by the transport device after the heat fixing process by the dye fixing device is completed; A dyeing system comprising:

2. 10. The dyeing system of claim 1, The dyeing system is characterized in that the temperature drop rate reduction unit includes a resin body shielding unit that installs a shielding member in the transport unit to shield the area around the resin body transported from the heating and fixing position by the transport device from outside air.

3. 3. The dyeing system according to claim 2, a printing device for printing dye onto a sheet-like substrate; a transfer device that transfers the dye to the resin body in a state where the resin body of the transport unit transported by the transport device faces the base body on which the dye is printed; Furthermore, the resin body shielding unit includes a base body attaching / detaching unit that attaches the base body to the transport unit and removes the base body from the transport unit, The base body attachment / detachment unit is removing the substrate from the transport unit after the dye transfer step by the transfer device is completed and before the dye fixing step by the dye fixing device is started; A dyeing system characterized in that after the heating and fixing process by the dye fixing device is completed, the removed base body is reinstalled in the transport unit as the shielding member, thereby shielding the area around the resin body transported from the heating and fixing position from outside air.

4. A dyeing system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, a forced cooling unit that reduces the temperature of the resin body in the transport unit after the completion of the heat fixing process at a temperature reduction rate that is greater than the temperature reduction rate due to natural cooling; a resin body information acquisition unit that acquires information about the resin body included in the transport unit; Furthermore, The control unit of the dyeing system A dyeing system characterized by switching whether or not to lower the temperature of the resin body using the forced cooling unit depending on information about the resin body acquired by the resin body information acquisition unit.

5. A dyeing system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, a resin body information acquisition unit that acquires information about the resin body included in the transport unit; a temperature measuring unit for measuring the temperature of the resin body on which the dye has been fixed by the dye fixing device; a color information measuring device that measures color information of the resin body to which the dye has been fixed after the heat fixing process by the dye fixing device is completed; Furthermore, a first conveying path for conveying a resin body that is less likely to deform and a second conveying path for conveying a resin body that is more likely to deform are provided as conveying paths of the conveying unit that conveys the resin body from the heat fixing position to the color information measuring instrument by the conveying device; The control unit of the dyeing system a conveying path for conveying the conveying unit of the resin body for which the heat fixing process has been completed is selected from the first conveying path and the second conveying path according to information about the resin body acquired by the resin body information acquiring unit; A dyeing system characterized in that the color information of one or more resin bodies that are distributed and transported to the first transport path or the second transport path and whose temperature measured by the temperature measuring unit has dropped below the measurement reference temperature is measured by the color information measuring device.

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