Liquid discharge device

Abstract

To provide a liquid discharge device which facilitates installing a transfer substrate in a support member when using the transfer substrate for performing image formation of a DTF system in the liquid discharge device corresponding to a DTG system, and having a holding member such as a platen, and can excellently dry the transfer substrate and suppress generation of an abnormal image.SOLUTION: A liquid discharge device which includes a liquid discharge part for discharging liquid to a transfer substrate, and a holding member 40 for installing the transfer substrate is such that: heating means 91 is disposed on the holding member; and a slip resistance member 93 is disposed on the heating means.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a liquid ejection device. [Background technology]

[0002] Known liquid ejection devices include inkjet recording devices that use inkjet technology, and also include DTG (Direct To Garment) printers and DTF (Direct To Film) printers.

[0003] DTG (Direct To Garment) printers print directly onto a recording medium such as clothing. In DTG printers, the recording medium is set on a platen (holding member) before printing. On the other hand, DTF printers apply ink to a transfer substrate such as film and then heat it to form an image for transfer. For example, a heat-soluble adhesive powder is applied to the image for transfer, and the ink on the film is transferred to the receiving object such as clothing.

[0004] A liquid ejection device is required to properly dry the liquid (for example, ink) ejected onto a recording medium. By properly drying the liquid, the quality of the image can be improved.

[0005] Patent document 1 discloses a liquid ejection device that includes a table that supports a recording medium onto which liquid is ejected, a table temperature control mechanism that has a heating device and a cooling device connected to the table and adjusts the temperature of the table, and a control device that controls the table temperature control mechanism. Patent document 1 discloses that the table temperature is adjusted to the set temperature by driving a cooling device when the table temperature is relatively high compared to the set temperature, and by driving a heating device when the table temperature is relatively low compared to the set temperature. According to the liquid ejection device of Patent Document 1, by providing inexpensive devices as a heating mechanism and a cooling mechanism for adjusting the temperature of the table, it is possible to shorten the time it takes for the temperature of the table to converge to a target temperature. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] There is a demand for DTG printers with holding members such as platens to be used with DTF printers. However, the platens of conventional DTG printers have the problem of making it difficult to set transfer substrates such as film. For example, with conventional platens, it is necessary to secure the transfer substrate with tape or the like every time it is set, which is extremely time-consuming.

[0007] Furthermore, when film or other materials are used as the transfer substrate, the liquid may not penetrate the substrate well, which can result in excessive liquid on the film and insufficient drying in conventional DTG printers. Insufficient drying can result in image quality defects such as liquid bleeding and reduced color development.

[0008] Therefore, the present invention aims to provide a liquid ejection device that is compatible with the DTG method and has a holding member such as a platen, and that, when using a transfer substrate for DTF method image formation, makes it easy to place the transfer substrate on a support member, can dry the transfer substrate well, and can suppress the occurrence of abnormal images. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] In order to solve the above problem, the liquid ejection device of the present invention has a liquid ejection section that ejects liquid onto a transfer substrate, and a holding member on which the transfer substrate is placed, and is characterized in that a heating means is provided on the holding member, and an anti-slip member is provided on the heating means. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, when a transfer substrate for DTF image formation is used in a liquid ejection device that is compatible with the DTG method and has a holding member such as a platen, the transfer substrate can be easily placed on the support member, and the transfer substrate can be dried well, thereby suppressing the occurrence of abnormal images. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view illustrating an example of a liquid ejection device. [Figure 2] FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. [Figure 4] 1A and 1B are schematic cross-sectional views and schematic side views for explaining Example 1. FIG. [Figure 5] 10A and 10B are schematic cross-sectional views and schematic side views for explaining Example 2. FIG. [Figure 6] 10A and 10B are schematic cross-sectional views and schematic side views for explaining Example 3. FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a schematic plan view of the main part when FIG. 6 is viewed from above. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a schematic plan view illustrating the placement of a transfer substrate in a conventional example. [Figure 9] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of an electrode manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] The liquid ejection device according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments, and other modifications, additions, corrections, deletions, and other changes can be made within the scope of what a person skilled in the art can conceive. Any aspect that achieves the functions and effects of the present invention is included in the scope of the present invention.

[0013] The liquid ejection device of the present invention has a liquid ejection section that ejects liquid onto a transfer substrate, and a holding member on which the transfer substrate is placed, and is characterized in that a heating means is provided on the holding member, and an anti-slip member is provided on the heating means.

[0014] According to the present invention, when a transfer substrate for DTF image formation is used in a liquid ejection device that is compatible with the DTG method and has a holding member such as a platen, the transfer substrate can be easily placed on the support member, and the transfer substrate can be dried well, thereby suppressing the occurrence of abnormal images.

[0015] A liquid ejection device according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 3. Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of the liquid ejection device, Figure 2 is a schematic plan view of the same, and Figure 3 is a schematic front view of the same.

[0016] The liquid ejection device 1 of this embodiment is a liquid ejection device that is compatible with the DTG method and has a support member such as a platen. As the liquid ejection device 1 of this embodiment, for example, a DTG printer such as a serial inkjet garment printer, or a so-called T-shirt printer, can be used. First, an example of printing using the DTG method will be described. Here, an example of printing on fabric will be described. It should be noted that image formation, recording, printing, copying, printing, modeling, etc. are all synonymous terms.

[0017] The liquid ejection device 1 includes a carriage 11 mounted with a head 10, which is a liquid ejection unit that ejects liquid. Guide members 12 and 13 hold the carriage 11 so that it can move back and forth in a main scanning direction X. The carriage 11 is connected to a timing belt 17 that is wound around a drive pulley 15 and a driven pulley 16 that are rotated by a main scanning motor 14, and the carriage 11 moves back and forth in the main scanning direction X by driving the main scanning motor 14.

[0018] The encoder sheet 18 is arranged along the main scanning direction X. Periodic slits are provided in the encoder sheet 18. The carriage 11 has a reading sensor that reads the slits in the encoder sheet 18, and the position of the carriage 11 in the main scanning direction X can be detected from the reading result of the reading sensor.

[0019] The controller board 50 controls the ejection of ink, which is liquid, from the head 10 by adjusting the timing from the carriage position obtained from the reading result of the reading sensor of the carriage 11 to the ejection position.

[0020] Four heads 10 are mounted on a carriage 11. Each head 10 has, for example, two rows of nozzles in which nozzles that eject liquid are arranged. The carriage 11 also has a sub-tank that temporarily stores the liquid to be supplied to the heads 10. Liquid of the required color is sent from a main tank 21 to the sub-tank by a liquid supply pump via a supply tube.

[0021] The liquid discharge device 1 is equipped with a platen member 40, which is a holding member that holds the fabric. The platen member 40 is mounted on an elevating mechanism 41 so that its height in the vertical direction Z can be adjusted. The elevating mechanism 41 for the platen member 40 is mounted on a slider 42. The slider 42 is movably mounted on a slide rail 43 that extends in a sub-scanning direction Y that is perpendicular to the main scanning direction X.

[0022] The slider 42 is reciprocated in the sub-scanning direction Y by a sub-scanning drive mechanism via a timing belt 45. When the slider 42 is reciprocated in the sub-scanning direction Y, the platen member 40 is also reciprocated in the sub-scanning direction Y.

[0023] At one end in the main scanning direction, a maintenance unit 60 is arranged to maintain and recover the head 10. The maintenance unit 60 is equipped with a suction cap 61 that caps the nozzle surface of the head 10, a moisture retention cap 62 that caps the nozzle surface of the head 10 to retain moisture, and a wiping member 63 that wipes the nozzle surface of the head 10. A suction pump is connected to the suction cap 61.

[0024] At the other end in the main scanning direction, a discharge receiver 66 is disposed. The controller board 50 performs maintenance and recovery of the head 10 by causing the head 10 to discharge liquid into the discharge receiver 66 during printing.

[0025] Furthermore, a light emitting section 80A and a light receiving section 80B of height detecting means 80 that detects the fabric on the platen member 40 are disposed on one end side and the other end side in the main scanning direction. The height detecting means 80 is attached to the frame 2.

[0026] The liquid ejection device 1 also includes a power button 70, an operation unit 71, a power supply unit 72, and the like.

[0027] When printing is performed in the liquid ejection device 1, a fabric is placed on the platen member 40. After that, by operating the operation unit 71, the platen member 40 is completely retracted to the rear of the device via the slider 42.

[0028] When the platen member 40 is retracted, the height detection means 80 detects whether or not the fabric on the platen member 40 interferes with the head 10. If the head 10 collides with the fabric at this time, the retraction of the platen member 40 is stopped, or the platen member 40 is returned to the position where the fabric is set.

[0029] When the retraction of the platen member 40 is completed, the liquid ejection device 1 enters a print data standby state. At this point, the printing operation is initiated when the liquid ejection device 1 receives print data from an external information processing device. Alternatively, if print data has been stored in the controller board 50 in advance, the printing operation is initiated by selecting the print data on the operation unit 71.

[0030] When the printing operation starts, the platen member 40 is moved to the print start position via the slider 42. Then, the carriage 11 is moved and liquid is ejected from the head 10 to print one line. After one line has been printed, the platen member 40 is moved one line via the slider 42. By repeating one scan of the carriage 11 and intermittent movement of the slider 42, printing is performed on the desired area of the fabric. After printing is complete, the platen member 40 is returned to the front of the device, and printing is completed.

[0031] Next, a supplementary explanation will be given of the operation of the liquid ejection device 1 of this embodiment. Some of the content will overlap with the above. The liquid ejection device 1 is equipped with a controller board 50 for processing and controlling the operation (output) of motors, solenoids, etc. and input signals from sensors, etc. The controller board 50 performs control based on the software installed on it. For example, the controller board 50 controls printing based on print data sent from a PC, as well as reading and printing print data recorded on a USB memory or the like.

[0032] The carriage 11 moves in the main scanning direction X and the sub-scanning direction Y along guide members 12 and 13 as a main scanning motor 14 drives a timing belt 17. Slits are formed or printed periodically on an encoder sheet 18, and the position of the carriage 11 is detected by reading the encoder sheet 18 with a sensor on the carriage 11. Then, the head 10 mounted on the carriage 11 ejects liquid at the appropriate timing at the ejection position under the control of a controller board 50.

[0033] When printing is performed using the DTG (Direct To Garment) method, printing is performed on a piece of fabric such as a T-shirt. The piece of fabric such as a T-shirt is set on a platen member 40.

[0034] By operating the operation unit 71, the platen member 40 is completely retracted to the rear of the device via the slider 42. A height detection means 80 detects whether the fabric on the platen member 40 interferes with the head 10, and when the retraction of the platen member 40 is completed without any problems, the device enters a print data standby state.

[0035] When the printing operation starts, the platen member 40 is moved to the print start position via the slider 42. Then, the carriage 11 is moved and liquid is ejected from the head 10 to print one line. After one line has been printed, the platen member 40 is moved one line via the slider 42. By repeating one scan of the carriage 11 and intermittent movement of the slider 42, printing is performed in the desired area of the film 400. After printing is complete, the platen member 40 is returned to the front of the device, and printing is completed.

[0036] There has long been a demand for DTG printers with holding members such as platens to be used with DTF printers. However, the platens of conventional DTG printers have the problem of making it difficult to set transfer substrates such as film. For example, with conventional platens, it is necessary to secure the transfer substrate with tape or the like every time it is set, which is extremely time-consuming.

[0037] FIG. 8 is a schematic plan view illustrating an example of how to set a film when using a conventional DTG printer. When a T-shirt or the like is set on a platen member 40 in a DTG printer, it is held in place by, for example, a frame, and therefore is not compatible with setting a transfer substrate such as a film. Therefore, even if a transfer substrate is placed on the platen member 40, the transfer substrate will move as the platen member 40 moves. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 8, for example, a step is required to fix the four corners of a film 400 serving as a transfer substrate with tape 90 or the like, which reduces productivity.

[0038] Furthermore, when using a film or other material as the transfer substrate, the liquid may not penetrate the substrate well, which can lead to excessive liquid on the film and insufficient drying in conventional DTG printers. Insufficient drying can result in abnormal images due to the liquid running or reduced color development. If the adhesive powder is applied before the liquid has dried, the liquid layer and powder may mix, resulting in abnormal images with uneven or insufficient color development. While waiting time after printing on the transfer substrate before applying the adhesive powder can prevent the liquid layer and powder from mixing, this significantly reduces productivity.

[0039] Therefore, in this embodiment, a heating means is provided on the platen member 40, which is a holding member, and an anti-slip member is provided on the heating means. By providing the anti-slip member, a transfer substrate such as a film can be easily set on the platen member 40. Therefore, when using a transfer substrate for DTF image formation in a liquid ejection device that is compatible with the DTG method and has a holding member such as a platen, the transfer substrate can be easily placed on the support member. Furthermore, by providing the anti-slip member on the heating means provided on the platen member 40, the structure of the device is stabilized and good images can be obtained.

[0040] Furthermore, by providing a heating means on the platen member, the drying of the ejected liquid can be accelerated, and the liquid can be dried well on the transfer substrate. This makes it possible to prevent abnormal images due to ink flow, reduced color development, etc. Furthermore, by providing a heating means, it is possible to prevent a decrease in productivity.

[0041] Example 1 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view and a schematic side view of the platen member 40 for explaining an example of this embodiment. A film 400 will be used as an example of the transfer substrate. A heater sheet 91 is provided on the platen member 40, and a vinyl sheet 93 is provided on the heater sheet 91. In this example, the sheet 93 is fixed to the heater sheet 91 by an adhesive sheet 92.

[0042] The heater sheet 91 is an example of a heating means. The heater sheet 91 may be fixed to the platen member 40 using, for example, an adhesive sheet, or the heater sheet 91 itself may have adhesive power to adhere to the platen member 40.

[0043] By providing a heating means on the platen member 40, it is possible to perform an operation to dry the liquid during printing. By performing an operation to dry the liquid during printing, it is possible to prevent the liquid from flowing and resulting in a defective image due to the film 400 moving or tilting immediately after printing. Furthermore, in the DTF method, for example, there is a process in which an adhesive powder is applied to an image to be transferred formed on the film 400, and then the image is dried at 140°C to 170°C. In this case, moisture may evaporate rapidly, causing cracks in the image. In contrast, in this embodiment, by using the heating means of the platen member 40 to perform heating during printing, it is possible to prevent moisture from evaporating rapidly due to heating after the powder application, and suppress cracks in the image.

[0044] Furthermore, when a heating means is provided on the platen member 40, as in this embodiment, there is an advantage that the flow of liquid on the film 400 can be more easily suppressed than with an air-blowing drying mechanism such as a hair dryer. If an air-blowing drying mechanism such as a hair dryer is used immediately after liquid is ejected onto the film 400, depending on the drying conditions such as the air volume, undried liquid may flow on the film 400, resulting in an abnormal image such as image unevenness. This embodiment can prevent such problems.

[0045] Furthermore, when a heating means is provided on the platen member 40 as in this embodiment, the flow of liquid on the film 400 can be suppressed, which is expected to have the advantage of increasing the amount of liquid that can be printed on the film 400. This is expected to improve the color development of the formed image.

[0046] The heating means is preferably a sheet-shaped heating element, such as heater sheet 91 in this example. When the heating means is a sheet-shaped heating element, heat is efficiently transferred to sheet 93 by thermal conduction, allowing the liquid to be dried efficiently. Furthermore, because this is a conduction-type heating method, the flow of liquid on film 400 can be further reduced compared to air-blowing drying methods such as a hair dryer.

[0047] The heating temperature of the heater sheet 91 is not particularly limited and can be selected as appropriate. The heating temperature is preferably 20°C or higher and 60°C or lower, and more preferably 40°C or higher and 60°C or lower. In this case, heating by the heating means on the platen member 40 during printing can be performed at a low temperature, which can further prevent the image from cracking due to rapid evaporation of moisture during printing. Furthermore, when the temperature is within this range, adhesive powder can be applied immediately after printing is completed.

[0048] The heating means can be selected appropriately, and for example, a commercially available product may be used. A film heater having a heater heat source may be used. The heater sheet 91 in the figure shows the heater heat source. There are no particular restrictions on the connection between the heater sheet 91 and the power source, and it is sufficient that the connection is such that the platen member 40 can be moved.

[0049] The vinyl sheet 93 is an example of an anti-slip member. When the film 400 comes into contact with the sheet 93, it becomes difficult for the film 400 to move in the direction of the surface of the sheet 93. This allows the sheet 93 to function as an anti-slip member. In this embodiment, when setting the film 400 on the platen member 40, it is only necessary to place the film 400 on the anti-slip member, and therefore the film 400 can be easily set on the platen member 40.

[0050] When the non-slip member is the vinyl sheet 93 of this example, it is preferable because it makes it easier for the film 400 to adhere to or be adsorbed onto the sheet 93. In particular, when the film 400 is a film serving as a transfer substrate, it makes it even easier for it to adhere to or be adsorbed onto the sheet 93. As the non-slip member, a suitable material other than the vinyl sheet 93 can be selected and used, for example, an adhesive sheet, which will be described later, can be used.

[0051] In this example, the sheet 93 is preferably a smooth vinyl sheet. A smooth surface means that there are no irregularities, and a highly smooth sheet is preferred. For smoothness, JIS P 8119 can be referenced. In this way, the smooth surface of the anti-slip member ensures the stability of the device structure and produces good images.

[0052] Adhesive sheet 92 is an example of an adhesive body. As in this example, an anti-slip member (e.g., sheet 93) is attached to a heating means (e.g., heater sheet 91) via an adhesive body, and it is preferable that the anti-slip member be replaceable. If the anti-slip member is replaceable, it can be replaced if it becomes contaminated by the ejected liquid, preventing contamination of the anti-slip member from affecting film 400. Furthermore, if the anti-slip member becomes contaminated, its anti-slip function may be reduced, and replacing the anti-slip member can eliminate such a reduction in function. Furthermore, the use of an adhesive body allows the anti-slip member to be easily replaced.

[0053] The adhesive body may have any shape as long as it has adhesiveness. It may be a detachable adhesive body. To make it a detachable adhesive body, an adhesive with weak adhesive strength may be used.

[0054] For example, an adhesive tape can be used as the adhesive sheet 92. The adhesive sheet 92 does not need to be provided on the entire surface of the sheet 93, but it is sufficient that it is provided on at least a part of the sheet 93 as long as the sheet 93 is attached to the heater sheet 91.

[0055] The platen member 40 may also be referred to as a print medium holding section or the like. The platen member 40, heater sheet 91, adhesive sheet 92, and sheet 93 may also be referred to as a platen unit or the like. The heater sheet 91, adhesive sheet 92, and sheet 93 may also be referred to as a non-slip heating mechanism or the like. Such a non-slip heating mechanism has a heating function and a non-slip function, providing two functions in one mechanism.

[0056] The anti-slip function of the anti-slip member in this embodiment can be considered, for example, as follows: The friction between the anti-slip member (e.g., sheet 93) and the film 400 in the surface direction is greater than the friction between the platen member 40 and the film 400, and the friction between the heating means on the platen member 40 and the film 400.

[0057] The thickness of the anti-slip member is not particularly limited, but is preferably, for example, 1 μm to 200 μm, which allows for good heat conduction by the heating means, efficient heating, and ensures good handleability and durability of the anti-slip member.

[0058] The liquid ejection device of this embodiment can satisfactorily form a transfer image on a transfer substrate used in the DTF method. The transfer image is formed on the transfer substrate, and the formed transfer image is transferred to a transfer target. The transfer substrate can be appropriately selected, and for example, a film can be used.

[0059] In the DTF method, for example, adhesive powder is applied to an image to be transferred formed on a transfer substrate. The surface on which the image to be transferred is brought into contact with an object to be transferred and heat and pressure are applied, thereby transferring the image to the object to be transferred. The object to be transferred can be selected as appropriate, and examples include fabrics such as T-shirts.

[0060] Example 2 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view and a schematic side view of the platen member 40 for explaining another example of this embodiment. Note that a description of matters similar to those in the above example will be omitted.

[0061] The anti-slip member in Example 2 is an adhesive sheet 94. When the anti-slip member is an adhesive sheet 94 as in this example, the number of components can be reduced compared to Example 1 above, and the anti-slip member can be easily installed. The adhesive sheet 94 in this example is also replaceable, which has the advantage of preventing contamination caused by the anti-slip member from affecting the film 400, similar to Example 1 above. The adhesive sheet is limited to an adhesive body in that it is in a sheet-like shape.

[0062] Example 3 Fig. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view or a schematic side view for explaining another example of this embodiment. Fig. 7 is a schematic plan view of the main part when Fig. 6 is viewed from above. Note that explanations of matters similar to those in the above example will be omitted.

[0063] As shown in Figure 6, a film 400 is stored in a roll form in a roll film case 98. The roll film case 98 is provided below the platen member 40. The film 400 is pulled out of the roll film case 98, passes through an intermediate roller 96, and is set on the platen member 40. A pressing member 97 presses the film 400 against the intermediate roller 96. A cutting member 95 is also provided at the end of the platen member 40.

[0064] The heater sheet 91, adhesive sheet 92, and sheet 93 are collectively denoted by the reference numerals 91, 92, and 93. For these, for example, the above-mentioned Examples 1 and 2 can be used.

[0065] As shown in FIG. 7, for example, after the film 400 is placed on the platen member 400, the film 400 can be easily cut by moving the cutting member 95 in the direction of the dashed arrow.

[0066] In this Example 3, a substrate (film 400) is provided in a roll form below the platen member 40, and a cutting means (cutting member 95) for cutting the substrate is provided at an end of the platen member 40. Also, in this Example 3, after the substrate is pulled out from below the platen member 40 and set on the platen member 40, the substrate is cut by the cutting means to make it possible to eject liquid onto the substrate.

[0067] According to the third embodiment, the substrate (film 400) can be pulled by an amount corresponding to the size of the image to be printed and attached to the anti-slip member. After the film 400 is set on the anti-slip member, the film 400 is cut by the cutting member 95. This makes it easier to set the film 400 on the platen member 40, and prevents the film 400 from shifting position when setting the film 400 on the platen member 40. Furthermore, because the configuration uses a roll-shaped film 400, the film 400 can be easily replenished or replaced. This embodiment improves the ease of setting the film 400 and the ease of attaching and detaching it to and from the platen member 40.

[0068] <Electrode manufacturing equipment> The "liquid ejection device" according to the present invention also includes a manufacturing device for electrodes and electrochemical elements. An electrode manufacturing device will be described below.

[0069] 9 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an electrode manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, which is an apparatus for manufacturing an electrode including a layer having an electrode material by ejecting a liquid composition using a head module including a liquid ejection head.

[0070] <Means for forming a layer containing an electrode material, and a process for forming a layer containing an electrode material> The discharge means provided in the electrode manufacturing apparatus shown in FIG. 9 is a head module according to the embodiment of the present invention. A liquid composition is applied to a target object by being discharged from a discharge head included in the head module, thereby forming a liquid composition layer. The target object (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as a "discharge target") is not particularly limited as long as it is an object on which a layer containing an electrode material is to be formed, and can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose. For example, the target object may be an electrode substrate (current collector), an active material layer, a layer containing a solid electrode material, or the like. The target object may also be an electrode mixture layer containing an active material on an electrode substrate (current collector). The discharge means and discharge step may also be a means and step for directly discharging a liquid composition to form a layer containing an electrode material, as long as it is possible to form a layer containing an electrode material on the discharge target object. The discharge means and discharge step may also be a means and step for indirectly discharging a liquid composition to form a layer containing an electrode material.

[0071] <Other components and processes> Other components included in the manufacturing apparatus for an electrode mixture layer are not particularly limited as long as they do not impair the effects of the present invention, and can be selected appropriately depending on the purpose. Furthermore, other steps included in the manufacturing method for an electrode mixture layer are also not particularly limited as long as they do not impair the effects of the present invention, and can be selected appropriately depending on the purpose. For example, components and steps included in the manufacturing apparatus and manufacturing method for an electrode mixture layer include a heating means and a heating step.

[0072] <Heating means, heating process> The heating means included in the manufacturing device for the electrode mixture layer is a means for heating the liquid composition ejected by the ejection means. Also, the heating step included in the manufacturing method for the electrode mixture layer is a step of heating the liquid composition ejected in the ejection step. By heating the liquid composition, the liquid composition layer can be dried.

[0073] <Configuration for forming a layer containing an electrode material by directly ejecting a liquid composition> Here, as an example of an electrode manufacturing apparatus, an electrode manufacturing apparatus that forms an electrode mixture layer containing an active material on an electrode substrate (current collector) will be described. As shown in Fig. 9, the electrode manufacturing apparatus includes a discharge process unit 110 that includes a process of applying a liquid composition to a printing substrate 704 having an object to be discharged to form a liquid composition layer, and a heating process unit 130 that includes a heating process of heating the liquid composition layer to obtain an electrode mixture layer.

[0074] The electrode manufacturing apparatus includes a conveying unit 705 that conveys the printing substrate 704. The conveying unit 705 conveys the printing substrate 704 at a preset speed through the discharging process unit 110 and the heating process unit 130 in that order. There are no particular limitations on the method for manufacturing the printing substrate 704 having a discharge target such as an active material layer, and any known method can be selected as appropriate. The discharging process unit 110 includes a liquid discharge head 281a that performs the application step of applying a liquid composition onto the printing substrate 704, a storage container 281b that stores the liquid composition 707, and a supply tube 281c that supplies the liquid composition 707 stored in the storage container 281b to the liquid discharge head 281a.

[0075] In the discharge process unit 110, the liquid composition 707 is discharged from the liquid discharge head 281a and applied to the printing substrate 704, thereby forming a thin film of the liquid composition layer. The storage container 281b may be configured as an integral part of the manufacturing apparatus for the electrode mixture layer, or may be configured as a removable part from the manufacturing apparatus for the electrode mixture layer. The storage container 281b may be a container used for adding the liquid to a storage container that is integrated with the manufacturing apparatus for the electrode mixture layer, or a storage container that is removable from the manufacturing apparatus for the electrode mixture layer.

[0076] The storage container 281b and the supply tube 281c can be arbitrarily selected as long as they can stably store and supply the liquid composition 707.

[0077] In the heating process section 130, a solvent removal step is carried out in which the solvent remaining in the liquid composition layer is heated and removed. Specifically, the solvent remaining in the liquid composition layer is heated and dried by the heating device 703 in the heating process section 130, thereby removing the solvent from the liquid composition layer. This results in the formation of an electrode mixture layer. The solvent removal step in the heating process section 130 may also be carried out under reduced pressure.

[0078] The heating device 703 is not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose. For example, the heating device 703 can be a substrate heater, an IR heater, a hot air heater, or the like. The heating device 703 may also be a combination of at least two of the substrate heater, the IR heater, and the hot air heater. The heating temperature and heating time can be appropriately selected depending on the boiling point of the solvent contained in the liquid composition 707 or the thickness of the formed film.

[0079] By using the electrode manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, a liquid composition can be ejected onto a target object. The electrode mixture layer can be suitably used, for example, as part of the configuration of an electrochemical element. The components other than the electrode mixture layer in the electrochemical element are not particularly limited, and known components can be appropriately selected. For example, components other than the electrode mixture layer include a positive electrode, a negative electrode, a separator, and the like.

[0080] In the electrode manufacturing apparatus of this embodiment, the liquid composition is discharged onto a transfer substrate. In this embodiment, the target (object to be discharged) is the transfer substrate. Furthermore, heating after discharging the liquid composition can be performed by a heating means (e.g., a heater sheet 91) provided on a holding member.

[0081] For example, aspects of the present invention are as follows. <1> a liquid ejection unit that ejects a liquid onto the transfer substrate; a holding member on which the transfer substrate is placed, A heating means is provided on the holding member, and an anti-slip member is provided on the heating means. A liquid ejection device characterized by: <2> The anti-slip member is a vinyl sheet. Characterized by <1> The liquid ejection device according to claim 1. <3> The heating means is a sheet-shaped heating element. Characterized by <1> or <2> The liquid ejection device according to claim 1. <4> The heating temperature of the heating means is 20°C or higher and 60°C or lower. Characterized by <1> from <3> 10. The liquid ejection device according to claim 9, wherein <5> The anti-slip member is attached to the heating means via an adhesive body, and the anti-slip member is replaceable. Characterized by <1> from <4> 10. The liquid ejection device according to claim 9, wherein <6> The anti-slip member is an adhesive sheet. Characterized by <1> from <4> 10. The liquid ejection device according to claim 9, wherein <7> An image to be transferred is formed on the transfer substrate, and the formed image to be transferred is transferred to a transfer target. Characterized by <1> from <6> 10. The liquid ejection device according to claim 9, wherein <8> The transfer substrate is provided in a roll shape below the holding member, a cutting means for cutting the transfer substrate is provided at an end of the holding member; The transfer substrate can be pulled out from below the holding member and placed on the holding member, and then the transfer substrate can be cut by the cutting means. Characterized by <1> from <7> 10. The liquid ejection device according to claim 9, wherein [Explanation of symbols]

[0082] 40 Platen member 91 Heated seats 92 adhesive sheet 93 seats 94 adhesive sheet 95 Cutting material 96 Intermediate roller 97 Retaining member 98 Roll Film Case 400 Film (transfer substrate) [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0083] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-206475

Claims

1. a liquid ejection unit that ejects a liquid onto the transfer substrate; a holding member on which the transfer substrate is placed, A heating means is provided on the holding member, and an anti-slip member is provided on the heating means. A liquid ejection device characterized by:

2. The anti-slip member is a vinyl sheet. The liquid ejection device according to claim 1 .

3. The heating means is a sheet-shaped heating element. The liquid ejection device according to claim 1 .

4. The heating temperature of the heating means is 20°C or higher and 60°C or lower. The liquid ejection device according to claim 1 .

5. The anti-slip member is attached to the heating means via an adhesive body, and the anti-slip member is replaceable. The liquid ejection device according to claim 1 .

6. The anti-slip member is an adhesive sheet. The liquid ejection device according to claim 1 .

7. An image to be transferred is formed on the transfer substrate, and the formed image to be transferred is transferred to a transfer target. The liquid ejection device according to claim 1 .

8. The transfer substrate is provided in a roll shape below the holding member, a cutting means for cutting the transfer substrate is provided at an end of the holding member; The transfer substrate can be pulled out from below the holding member and placed on the holding member, and then the transfer substrate can be cut by the cutting means. The liquid ejection device according to claim 1 .

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