Screen printing frame

Abstract

To prevent a second frame body connected to a first frame body from deforming due to tensile force of a screen for printing.SOLUTION: An outer frame and an inner frame 12 are removably connected with a printing screen sandwiched therebetween, and the outer frame has a first plane part, a first inner wall part, and a first outer wall part, and a housing space that is surrounded by the first plane part, the first inner wall part, and the first outer wall part and accommodates the inner frame 12 is formed, and the inner frame 12 has: a second plane part formed into a rectangular shape in plan view and is arranged on the second plane; a second inner wall part 12c connected to an inner periphery side end part of the second plane part and is arranged along a periphery direction CD; the second outer wall part 12d connected to the outer periphery side end part of the second plane and is arranged along a peripheral direction CD; and a plurality of first connection wall part 12e that connects the second inner wall part 12c and the second outer wall part 12d and is arranged with a space along a peripheral direction CD.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 13

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a screen printing plate. In the frame Regarding. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there has been known a screen printing frame in which an inner frame and an outer frame are fitted together with a screen sandwiched between them, and the outer frame and inner frame are fixed together with screws (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The screen printing frame disclosed in Patent Document 1 is arranged by overlapping an outer frame and an inner frame, each of which has a U-shaped cross section. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Publication number 6-16749 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the screen printing frame disclosed in Patent Document 1 has an inner frame housed in an outer frame that is U-shaped, so when the outer and inner frames are fastened together with screws, the tension of the screen acts on the inner frame, causing the inner and outer frames to easily deform. If the inner and outer frames deform, the tension of the screen will decrease, which could result in a deterioration in image quality when printing using the screen.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above, and provides a screen printing plate that is capable of printing with good image quality by preventing a second frame that is housed in a first frame and connected to the first frame with a printing screen sandwiched therebetween from being deformed by the tension of the printing screen. Frame The purpose is to provide. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A screen printing frame according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a first frame body formed in a quadrangular shape in a plan view, a second frame body formed in a quadrangular shape in a plan view and housed in the first frame body, and a connecting portion that detachably connects the first frame body and the second frame body with a printing screen sandwiched therebetween to form a printing area of ​​the printing screen, the first frame body comprising a first flat portion formed in a quadrangular shape in a plan view and disposed on a first plane, a first inner wall portion connected to an inner peripheral end of the first flat portion and disposed along a circumferential direction surrounding the printing area, and a second inner wall portion connected to an outer peripheral end of the first flat portion and disposed along the circumferential direction and a first outer wall portion arranged along the circumferential direction, and an accommodation space is formed that is surrounded by the first flat surface portion, the first inner wall portion, and the first outer wall portion and accommodates the second frame body, and the second frame body has a second flat surface portion that is formed in a quadrangular shape in a plan view and arranged on a second plane, a second inner wall portion that is connected to an inner peripheral end portion of the second flat surface portion and arranged along the circumferential direction, a second outer wall portion that is connected to an outer peripheral end portion of the second flat surface portion and arranged along the circumferential direction, and a plurality of first connecting wall portions that connect the second inner wall portion and the second outer wall portion and are arranged at intervals along the circumferential direction.

[0007] According to one aspect of the screen printing frame of the present invention, a first frame and a second frame are connected by a connecting portion with a printing screen sandwiched therebetween, so that the printing screen is held between the first and second frames in a state in which tension is generated. The first frame defines a storage space surrounded by a first flat portion, a first inner wall portion, and a first outer wall portion, and stores a second frame in the storage space. The second frame has a second flat portion, a second inner wall portion connected to an inner peripheral edge of the second flat portion, a second outer wall portion connected to an outer peripheral edge of the second flat portion, and a first connecting wall portion.

[0008] In a screen printing frame according to one aspect of the present invention, the second inner wall portion and the second outer wall portion of the second frame are connected by first connecting walls at multiple positions in the circumferential direction. Therefore, the second frame has sufficient strength to suppress deformation due to tension generated by the printing screen. By ensuring sufficient strength of the second frame, the screen printing frame can be prevented from being deformed by the tension of the printing screen, enabling printing with good image quality.

[0009] In a screen printing frame according to one embodiment of the present invention, the second frame body may be configured to have a second connecting wall portion that is arranged between the second inner wall portion and the second outer wall portion and is arranged along the circumferential direction, and that connects a plurality of the first connecting wall portions. According to the screen printing frame of this configuration, multiple first connecting wall portions are connected by second connecting wall portions arranged along the circumferential direction, which further increases the strength of the second frame body and reliably prevents the screen printing frame from being deformed by the tension of the printing screen.

[0010] In the screen printing frame having the above configuration, the first planar portion may be formed with a plurality of protrusions that are spaced apart along the circumferential direction and protrude toward the storage space, and when the first frame body and the second frame body are connected by the connecting portion and the second frame body is stored in the storage space, each of the plurality of protrusions may be inserted into the space sandwiched between the second inner wall portion and the second connecting wall portion.

[0011] According to the screen printing frame of this aspect, the multiple protrusions protruding from the first flat surface of the first frame toward the accommodation space are inserted into the space between the second inner wall and the second connecting wall when the second frame is accommodated in the accommodation space. Because the protrusions are inserted into the space more inward than the second connecting wall, the printing screen can be sandwiched and held between the first and second frames at a position closer to the printing area than when the protrusions are inserted into the space more outward than the second connecting wall. This ensures sufficient tension in the printing screen, preventing slack in the printing screen in the printing area.

[0012] In one aspect of the screen printing frame of the present invention, in the first frame body having the first flat surface portion arranged upward, a notch is formed in a first lower end portion in the height direction of the first outer wall portion at a first predetermined position in the circumferential direction, the notch being cut out from the first lower end portion upward, and in the second frame body having the second flat surface portion arranged downward, a protrusion is formed in a second lower end portion in the height direction of the second outer wall portion at a second predetermined position in the circumferential direction, the protrusion protruding from the second lower end portion toward the outer periphery, and when the second frame body having the second flat surface portion arranged downward is accommodated in the accommodation space of the first frame body having the first flat surface portion arranged upward, the circumferential positions of the notch and the protrusion may coincide.

[0013] According to the screen printing frame of this configuration, when the second frame body, with the second flat portion disposed below, is accommodated in the accommodation space of the first frame body, with the first flat portion disposed above, the circumferential positions of the notch and the protrusion coincide, so that the first frame body and the second frame body can be connected with the protrusion accommodated in the notch.

[0014] On the other hand, with the screen printing frame of this configuration, when an attempt is made to accommodate a second frame body with the second flat portion positioned above in the accommodation space of a first frame body with the first flat portion positioned above, the circumferential positions of the cutout and the protrusion do not match. As a result, the second frame body cannot be accommodated in the accommodation space of the first frame body. This prevents the second frame body with the second flat portion positioned above from being mistakenly connected to the first frame body with the first flat portion positioned above.

[0015] In the screen printing frame having the above configuration, when the first frame body and the second frame body are connected by the connecting portion and the second frame body is accommodated in the accommodation space, the first inner wall portion and the first outer wall portion may be arranged to protrude from the second planar portion.

[0016] When a printing screen housed in a screen plate making device is exposed by an exposure unit, the printing plate placed between the exposure unit and the printing screen creates areas where the exposure is blocked and areas where the exposure is allowed. By developing the areas where the exposure is blocked by washing them away with water or the like, the mesh is exposed, creating areas where the ink can be extruded. When developing the printing screen, both sides of the printing screen are washed away with water, so when the first flat portion of the first frame is positioned downward and the second flat portion of the second frame is positioned upward, water may splash onto the second flat portion of the second frame.

[0017] According to the screen printing frame of this embodiment, the first inner wall portion and the first outer wall portion are arranged to protrude from the second flat portion, so that the second frame body can be reliably accommodated in the accommodation space of the first frame body. However, because the first inner wall portion and the first outer wall portion are arranged to protrude from the second flat portion, water may accumulate in the groove-shaped portion formed by the first inner wall portion, the first outer wall portion, and the second flat portion. If water remains accumulated in the groove-shaped portion, it may stain the printing target, such as clothing.

[0018] According to the screen printing frame of this aspect, the first outer wall portion has a notch formed therein, so even if water accumulates in the groove-shaped portion formed by the first inner wall portion, the first outer wall portion, and the second flat portion, the water can be drained through the notch. Therefore, even if water splashes into the groove-shaped portion when developing the printing screen, the water can be drained from the groove-shaped portion, preventing the printing object, such as clothing, from being soiled.

[0019] A screen plate making device according to one embodiment of the present invention is a screen plate making device that exposes a printing screen to make the printing screen, and includes a screen printing frame that holds the printing screen and is rectangular in plan view, a housing that houses the screen printing frame inside, and an exposure unit that exposes a printing area of ​​the printing screen housed in the housing that is surrounded by the screen printing frame, wherein the exposure unit has a plurality of light-emitting elements that are spaced apart in an arrangement area that corresponds to the printing area, and a second arrangement spacing of the light-emitting elements in an outer area outside the central area of ​​the arrangement area is narrower than a first arrangement spacing of the light-emitting elements in a central area of ​​the arrangement area.

[0020] According to a screen plate making device according to one aspect of the present invention, a printing area surrounded by a screen printing frame of a printing screen housed in a housing is exposed by an exposure unit. When multiple light-emitting elements are arranged at equal intervals at each position in an arrangement area corresponding to the printing area, the amount of light in the outer areas is reduced compared to the central area. This is because no light-emitting elements are arranged further outside the outer areas, resulting in a reduced amount of light in the outer areas compared to the central area. When the amount of light in the outer areas is reduced compared to the central area, it is not possible to expose each position in the printing area with a uniform amount of light.

[0021] According to a screen plate making device of one aspect of the present invention, the second arrangement interval of the light-emitting elements in the outer region outside the central region of the arrangement region is narrower than the first arrangement interval of the light-emitting elements in the central region of the arrangement region. Therefore, compared to when a plurality of light-emitting elements are arranged at equal intervals at each position in the arrangement region corresponding to the printing region, the amount of light in the outer region can be increased, and each position in the printing region can be exposed to a uniform amount of light. [Effects of the Invention]

[0022] According to the present invention, a screen printing plate is provided which is capable of printing with good image quality by preventing a second frame, which is housed in a first frame and connected to the first frame with a printing screen sandwiched therebetween, from being deformed by the tension of the printing screen. Framecan be provided. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0023] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing a screen plate making apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a state in which a screen printing frame is housed inside a housing. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a screen printing frame before holding a printing screen. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a screen printing frame holding a printing screen. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a plan view of a lamp box of the screen plate making device as viewed from above. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the operation of developing the printing area of ​​the printing screen. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the operation of printing on clothing. [Figure 8] FIG. 4 is a plan view of the outer frame shown in FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the outer frame shown in FIG. 3. [Figure 10] FIG. 9 is a right side view of the outer frame shown in FIG. 8. [Figure 11] 10 is a cross-sectional view of the outer frame shown in FIG. 9 taken along the line AA. [Figure 12] FIG. 4 is a plan view of the inner frame shown in FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the inner frame shown in FIG. 3. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a right side view of the inner frame shown in FIG. [Figure 15] FIG. 2 is a right side view of the screen printing frame with the outer frame and inner frame connected together. [Figure 16] 14 is a cross-sectional view of the inner frame shown in FIG. 13 taken along the arrow BB. [Figure 17] FIG. 14 is a partial enlarged view of part C in FIG. [Figure 18] 16 is a cross-sectional view of the screen printing frame 10 shown in FIG. 15 taken along the arrow DD. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0024] A screen plate making apparatus 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing the screen plate making apparatus 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] The screen plate making apparatus 100 of this embodiment is an apparatus that exposes a printing screen 200 to light to make the printing screen 200. The screen plate making apparatus 100 includes a screen printing frame 10, a housing 20, a lamp box (exposure unit) 30, and a mat (buffer material) 40.

[0026] The housing 20 houses the screen printing frame 10 inside, and has a main body 21 and a lid 22. A lamp box 30 is housed at the bottom of the main body 20. The main body 21 houses the screen printing frame 10 above the lamp box 30. When the lid 22 is closed with a cushioning mat 40 placed above the screen printing frame 10, the lid 22 engages with the main body 21, resulting in the state shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the screen printing frame 10 housed inside the housing 20.

[0027] Fig. 3 is a perspective view showing the screen printing frame 10 before it holds the printing screen 200. Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing the screen printing frame 10 holding the printing screen 200.

[0028] The screen printing frame 10 is a structure that holds the printing screen 200 and is rectangular in plan view. As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the screen printing frame 10 includes an outer frame (first frame body) 11, an inner frame (second frame body) 12, and thumb screws (connecting portions) 13. The outer frame 11 and the inner frame 12 are frame bodies that are rectangular in plan view. The outer frame 11 can accommodate the inner frame 12 therein with the printing screen 200 sandwiched therebetween.

[0029] The thumb screw 13 is a member for detachably connecting the outer frame 11 and the inner frame 12 with the printing screen 200 sandwiched between them. As shown in Figure 3, the thumb screw 13 has a threaded portion 13a with a male thread formed on the outer peripheral surface, and a knob portion 13b for rotating the threaded portion 13a. The male thread formed on the threaded portion 13a is preferably, for example, a double-start thread with two helical wires.

[0030] 3, the worker places the printing screen 200 between the outer frame 11 and the inner frame 12 while the outer frame 11 and the inner frame 12 are separated and not connected to each other. After that, the worker presses the outer frame 11 against the inner frame 12 so that the inner frame 12 is housed inside the outer frame 11.

[0031] The worker also inserts four thumb screws 13 into the through holes 11a formed in the center of each of the four sides of the outer frame 11, and fastens them to the fastening holes 12a formed in the center of each of the four sides of the inner frame 12. Fastening the four thumb screws 13 into the fastening holes 12a of the inner frame 12 results in the state shown in FIG. 4, in which the printing screen 200 is held between the outer frame 11 and the inner frame 12 in a tensioned state.

[0032] 4, the four thumb screws 13 connect the outer frame 11 and the inner frame 12 to form a planar printing area PA to which tension is applied in a partial area of ​​the printing screen 200. The printing area PA is a rectangular area surrounded by the screen printing frame 10.

[0033] To prepare the printing screen 200, an operator attaches an original such as paper to the back side of the printing screen 200 (the lower side in Figures 3 and 4). The "ABC" pattern shown in Figure 1 is printed on an original such as paper attached to the back side of the printing screen 200. The area where the pattern is printed blocks the light (ultraviolet rays) emitted from the lamp box 30. The area where the pattern is not printed transmits the light emitted from the lamp box 30. The printing screen 200 is a sheet-like member in which a photosensitive emulsion is applied to a stretched mesh.

[0034] The lamp box 30 is a device that exposes the printing area PA of the printing screen 200, which is surrounded by the screen printing frame 10, housed in the housing 20. The lamp box 30 irradiates the printing screen 200 with light, thereby hardening the photosensitive emulsion applied to the mesh of the printing screen 200 in the area irradiated with light. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the photosensitive emulsion applied to the rest of the printing area PA, excluding the area corresponding to the "ABC" pattern, is hardened.

[0035] Fig. 5 is a plan view of the lamp box 30 of the screen plate making apparatus 100, seen from above. As shown in Fig. 5, the lamp box 30 has a plurality of light-emitting elements 31 arranged at intervals in an arrangement area DA corresponding to the printing area PA. The arrangement area DA is divided into a central area CA and an outer area OA located outside the central area CA. The outer area OA is the area of ​​the arrangement area DA excluding the central area CA.

[0036] 5, the plurality of light-emitting elements 31 are arranged in a central area CA at a first arrangement interval L1 in the width direction WD and the depth direction DD. The plurality of light-emitting elements 31 are arranged in a square at the intersection positions of a lattice at the first arrangement interval L1 in the central area CA.

[0037] Meanwhile, the light-emitting elements 31 are arranged in the outer area OA at a second spacing L2, which is narrower than the first spacing L1, along the width direction WD and the depth direction DD. When the light-emitting elements 31 arranged in the central area CA and the light-emitting elements 31 arranged in the outer area OA have the same light intensity, the first spacing L1 and the second spacing L2 are set to satisfy, for example, 0.75≦L2 / L1≦0.95. It is more preferable that the first spacing L1 and the second spacing L2 are set to satisfy 0.8≦L2 / L1≦0.84.

[0038] In both the width direction WD and the depth direction DD, the positions of the light-emitting elements 31 arranged in the outer areas OA are different from the positions of the light-emitting elements 31 arranged in the central area CA. By doing so, the amount of light irradiated to each position in the printing area PA can be made more uniform than when the positions of the light-emitting elements 31 arranged in the outer areas OA and the central area CA are the same in both the width direction WD and the depth direction DD.

[0039] The light intensity of the light-emitting elements 31 arranged in the central area CA and the light-emitting elements 31 arranged in the outer areas OA is assumed to be the same, but other configurations are possible. For example, the light intensity of the light-emitting elements 31 arranged in the outer areas OA may be greater than the light intensity of the light-emitting elements 31 arranged in the central area CA so that the amount of light irradiated at each position in the print area PA is uniform.

[0040] The lamp box 30 is switched between an ON state in which the light-emitting element 31 can emit light and an OFF state in which the light-emitting element 31 cannot emit light by an operator pressing a power button 32 arranged on the main body 21. The amount of light emitted by the light-emitting element 31 is decreased by the operator pressing a minus button 33, and increased by the operator pressing a plus button 34.

[0041] The operator causes the light-emitting element 31 to emit light by pressing the start / stop button 35 while the screen printing frame 10, which holds the printing screen 200, is housed in the housing 20. The operator causes the light-emitting element 31 to stop emitting light by pressing the start / stop button 35 while the light-emitting element 31 is emitting light.

[0042] When the lamp box 30 completes the exposure operation of the printing screen 200 by emitting light from the light emitting elements 31, the worker removes the screen printing frame 10 housed inside the housing 20. The worker peels off the original, such as paper, attached to the back surface of the printing screen 200 and performs a developing operation to develop the printing area PA.

[0043] As a developing operation, the worker brushes the surface 200a of the printing screen 200 with a water-soaked brush 210. FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the operation of developing the printing area PA of the printing screen 200. The portion of the "ABC" design shown in FIG. 6 is an area where the light irradiated from the lamp box 30 is blocked, and the photosensitive emulsion in this area is not hardened. Therefore, when the "ABC" design area is brushed with the brush 210, the unhardened photosensitive emulsion is washed away, exposing the mesh.

[0044] 6, the other parts of the printing area PA, excluding the "ABC" pattern, are irradiated with light from the lamp box 30, and the photosensitive emulsion in these parts is hardened. Therefore, even if other parts are brushed with the brush 210, the hardened photosensitive emulsion is not washed away, and the mesh is not exposed.

[0045] 6 shows the operation of developing the printing area PA on the front surface 200a of the printing screen 200, but the operator also brushes the printing screen 200 with a water-soaked brush 210 in the printing area PA on the back surface of the printing screen 200. Through this developing operation, the mesh of the "ABC" pattern is exposed.

[0046] After the development operation of the printing screen 200 is completed, the worker places the back surface of the printing screen 200 held by the screen printing frame 10 on the clothing W, which is the printing object, and fixes the position, and then performs the printing operation to print on the clothing W. FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the operation of printing on the clothing W. The worker places ink (not shown) on the front surface 200a of the printing screen 200, and moves the squeegee 220 in the direction shown by the arrow in FIG. 7, thereby transferring the ink to the portion of the "ABC" pattern in the printing area PA.

[0047] The ink that reaches the "ABC" pattern portion passes through the mesh and is absorbed by the clothing W. The worker repeatedly moves the ink to the "ABC" pattern portion with the squeegee 220, thereby transferring the "ABC" pattern to the area of ​​the clothing W that corresponds to the "ABC" pattern. The worker removes the screen printing frame 10 from the clothing W and dries the clothing W, completing the clothing W with the transferred pattern. After the printing operation is completed, the worker washes the ink off the printing screen 200, making the printing screen 200 reusable.

[0048] Next, the detailed structure of the screen printing frame 10 will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 8 is a plan view of the outer frame 11 shown in Fig. 3. Fig. 9 is a bottom view of the outer frame 11 shown in Fig. 3. Fig. 10 is a right side view of the outer frame 11 shown in Fig. 8. Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the outer frame 11 shown in Fig. 9 taken along the line AA.

[0049] 8 to 11, the outer frame 11 has a first flat surface portion 11b, a first inner wall portion 11c, and a first outer wall portion 11d. The first flat surface portion 11b, the first inner wall portion 11c, and the first outer wall portion 11d are integrally molded from a resin material. The outer frame 11 may also be integrally molded from a resin material containing a reinforcing fiber base material such as glass fiber.

[0050] The first flat surface portion 11b is a portion that is formed in a quadrangular shape in a plan view and is disposed on a first plane PL1 (see FIG. 10). The first inner wall portion 11c is a portion that is disposed at the inner peripheral end of the first flat surface portion 11b and that is disposed along the circumferential direction CD surrounding the inner area IA. The first inner wall portion 11c is a wall that is disposed approximately perpendicular to the first plane PL1 on which the first flat surface portion 11b is disposed. The inner area IA is an area in which the printing area PA is formed when the printing screen 200 is disposed on the screen printing frame 10.

[0051] The first outer wall portion 11d is a portion that is disposed at the outer peripheral end of the first flat surface portion 11b and that is disposed along the circumferential direction CD. The first outer wall portion 11d is a wall that is disposed approximately perpendicular to the first plane PL1 on which the first flat surface portion 11b is disposed. The first outer wall portion 11d is disposed at each position in the circumferential direction CD with a distance L3 between it and the first inner wall portion 11c. The outer frame 11 is surrounded by the first flat surface portion 11b, the first inner wall portion 11c, and the first outer wall portion 11d, and forms an annular accommodation space AS that accommodates the inner frame 12.

[0052] As shown in Figures 9 to 11, the inner surface 11b1 of the first flat portion 11b facing the storage space AS has a plurality of protrusions 11b2 arranged at intervals along the circumferential direction CD and protruding along the height direction HD toward the storage space AS.

[0053] 10, in the outer frame 11 with the first flat surface portion 11b disposed at the top, a notch 11d1 is formed at the lower end of the first outer wall portion 11d in the height direction HD at a predetermined position (first predetermined position) in the circumferential direction CD, where the notch 11d1 is cut out from the lower end upward from the lower end. The predetermined positions in the circumferential direction CD are positions on each of the four sides of the outer frame 11, and are positions near the right end when the outer frame 11 is viewed from the side.

[0054] 10, the cutout 11d1 is located near the right end when the outer frame 11 is viewed from the side, but it may also be located near the left end when the outer frame 11 is viewed from the side. The position where the cutout 11d1 is located can be any position as long as it is a position where a protrusion 12d1 of the inner frame 12, which will be described later, can be accommodated when the inner frame 12 is attached to the outer frame 11 in the correct orientation.

[0055] As shown in FIG. 11, the first inner wall portion 11c is disposed so as to be approximately perpendicular to a first plane PL1 on which the first flat portion 11b is disposed. The first inner wall portion 11c is disposed so as to be inclined at an angle θ1 with respect to a plane PL11 that is perpendicular to the first plane PL1. As shown in FIG. 11, the first outer wall portion 11d is disposed so as to be approximately perpendicular to the first plane PL1 on which the first flat portion 11b is disposed. The first outer wall portion 11d is disposed so as to be inclined at an angle θ1 with respect to a plane PL12 that is perpendicular to the first plane PL1. The angle θ1 is a draft angle for removing the outer frame 11 from a mold (not shown) when the outer frame 11 is integrally molded from a resin material, and is set, for example, at least 1 degree and not more than 1.5 degrees.

[0056] Fig. 12 is a plan view of the inner frame 12 shown in Fig. 3. Fig. 13 is a bottom view of the inner frame 12 shown in Fig. 3. Fig. 14 is a right side view of the inner frame 12 shown in Fig. 13. Fig. 15 is a right side view of the screen printing frame 10 in which the outer frame 11 and the inner frame 12 are connected. Fig. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the inner frame 12 shown in Fig. 13 taken along the line BB.

[0057] 12 to 16, the inner frame 12 has a second flat surface portion 12b, a second inner wall portion 12c, a second outer wall portion 12d, a first connecting wall portion 12e, and a second connecting wall portion 12f. The second flat surface portion 12b, the second inner wall portion 12c, the second outer wall portion 12d, the first connecting wall portion 12e, and the second connecting wall portion 12f are integrally molded from a resin material. The inner frame 12 may also be integrally molded from a resin material containing a reinforcing fiber base material such as glass fiber.

[0058] The inner frame 12 is provided with fastening holes 12a, each having an internal thread formed on its inner circumferential surface, into which the external thread of the thumbscrew 13 is fastened. As shown in Figures 12 and 13, the fastening holes 12a are located in the center of each of the four sides of the inner frame 12.

[0059] The second flat surface portion 12b is a portion that is formed in a quadrangular shape in a plan view and is disposed on a second plane PL2 (see FIG. 14). The second inner wall portion 12c is a portion that is disposed on the inner peripheral end of the second flat surface portion 12b and is disposed along the circumferential direction CD surrounding the inner area IA. The second inner wall portion 12c is a wall that is disposed perpendicular to the second plane PL2 on which the second flat surface portion 12b is disposed.

[0060] The second outer wall portion 12d is a portion that is disposed at the outer peripheral end of the second flat surface portion 12b and that is disposed along the circumferential direction CD. The second outer wall portion 12d is a wall that is disposed approximately perpendicular to the second plane PL2 on which the second flat surface portion 12b is disposed. The second outer wall portion 12d is disposed at each position in the circumferential direction CD with a distance L4 between it and the second inner wall portion 12c.

[0061] The first connecting wall portions 12e connect the second inner wall portion 12c and the second outer wall portion 12d and are arranged at multiple locations at intervals along the circumferential direction CD. The first connecting wall portions 12e are walls arranged substantially perpendicular to the second plane PL2 on which the second flat portion 12b is arranged. By connecting the second inner wall portion 12c and the second outer wall portion 12d, the first connecting wall portions 12e prevent the distance between the second inner wall portion 12c and the second outer wall portion 12d from changing from the distance L4.

[0062] The second connecting wall portion 12f is disposed between the second inner wall portion 12c and the second outer wall portion 12d and along the circumferential direction CD so as to connect the plurality of first connecting wall portions 12e. The second connecting wall portion 12f is a wall body disposed so as to be perpendicular to the second plane PL2 on which the second flat portion 12b is disposed. The second connecting wall portion 12f connects the plurality of first connecting wall portions 12e, thereby preventing deformation of the screen printing frame 10.

[0063] 14, in the inner frame 12 in which the second flat surface portion 12b is disposed downward, a protrusion 12d1 is formed at the lower end of the second outer wall portion 12d in the height direction HD at a predetermined position (second predetermined position) in the circumferential direction CD, protruding from the lower end toward the outer periphery from the lower end. The predetermined positions in the circumferential direction CD are positions on each of the four sides of the inner frame 12, and are positions near the right end when the inner frame 12 is viewed from the side.

[0064] 14, protrusion 12d1 is arranged near the right end when inner frame 12 is viewed from the side, but it may also be arranged near the left end when inner frame 12 is viewed from the side. Protrusion 12d1 may be arranged at any position as long as it is accommodated in notch 11d1 of outer frame 11 when inner frame 12 is attached to outer frame 11 in the correct orientation.

[0065] As shown in Figure 15, when the inner frame 12, with the second flat portion 12b disposed downward, is accommodated in the accommodation space AS of the outer frame 11, with the first flat portion 11b disposed upward, the positions of the notch 11d1 and the protrusion 12d1 in the circumferential direction CD are aligned. The protrusion 12d1 is accommodated in the notch 11d1. Because the inner frame 12 is accommodated in the outer frame 11 with the protrusion 12d1 accommodated in the notch 11d1, improper connection of the inner frame 12 to the outer frame 11 when upside down is prevented.

[0066] As shown in Figure 15, when the outer frame 11 and the inner frame 12 are connected by the thumbscrew 13 and the inner frame 12 is accommodated in the accommodation space AS, the first inner wall portion 11c and the first outer wall portion 11d of the outer frame 11 are positioned so as to protrude downward in the height direction HD by a distance L5 from the second flat portion 12b of the inner frame 12.

[0067] As shown in Fig. 16, the second inner wall portion 12c is disposed so as to be approximately perpendicular to the second plane PL2 on which the second flat portion 12b is disposed. The second inner wall portion 12c is disposed so as to be inclined at an angle θ2 with respect to a plane PL21 that is perpendicular to the second plane PL2. As shown in Fig. 16, the second outer wall portion 12d is disposed so as to be approximately perpendicular to the second plane PL2 on which the second flat portion 12b is disposed. The second outer wall portion 12d is disposed so as to be inclined at an angle θ2 with respect to a plane PL22 that is perpendicular to the second plane PL2. The angle θ2 is a draft angle for removing the inner frame 12 from a mold (not shown) when the inner frame 12 is integrally molded from a resin material, and is set, for example, to be greater than or equal to 1 degree and less than or equal to 1.5 degrees.

[0068] Next, we will explain the structure in which the printing screen 200 is held by the protrusions 11b2 formed on the first flat portion 11b of the outer frame 11. Figure 17 is a partial enlarged view of part C in Figure 13. Figure 17 is a partial enlarged view of the outer frame 11, and the position of the protrusions 11b2 of the outer frame 11 when the inner frame 12 is housed in the housing space AS is shown by dotted lines.

[0069] As shown in Figure 17, when the outer frame 11 and the inner frame 12 are connected by the thumbscrew 13 and the inner frame 12 is accommodated in the accommodation space AS, each of the multiple protrusions 11b2 of the outer frame 11 is inserted into the space S1 sandwiched between the second inner wall portion 12c of the inner frame 12 and the second connecting wall portion 12f.

[0070] The first connecting wall 12e has a first portion 12e1 connected to the second inner wall 12c, a second portion 12e2 connected to the second outer wall 12d, and a third portion 12e3 connecting the first portion 12e1 and the second portion 12e2. The space S1 into which the protrusion 11b2 is inserted is a space sandwiched between a pair of first portions 12e1 arranged adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction CD.

[0071] The second connecting wall portion 12f is configured by a plurality of connecting portions 12f1 that connect a pair of adjacent third portions 12e3 along the circumferential direction CD. The first connecting wall portion 12e and the second connecting wall portion 12f are integrally molded from a resin material together with the second flat portion 12b, the second inner wall portion 12c, and the second outer wall portion 12d.

[0072] Distance L6 from second inner wall 12c to second connecting wall 12f is longer than distance L7 from second outer wall 12d to second connecting wall 12f. This ensures that the length of space S1, into which protrusion 11b2 is inserted, is sufficient within the length from second inner wall 12c to second outer wall 12d.

[0073] Figure 18 is a cross-sectional view taken along the arrow DD of the screen printing frame 10 shown in Figure 15. As shown in Figure 18, when the outer frame 11 and the inner frame 12 are connected by the thumbscrews 13 and the inner frame 12 is housed in the housing space AS, the printing screen 200 is held between the outer frame 11 and the inner frame 12. The protrusions 11b2 of the outer frame 11 press the printing screen 200 toward the space S1 between the second inner wall portion 12c and the second connecting wall portion 12f, thereby applying tension to the printing screen 200.

[0074] The functions and effects of the screen printing frame 10 and the screen plate making apparatus 100 of the present embodiment described above will be described. According to the screen printing frame 10 of this embodiment, the outer frame 11 and the inner frame 12 are connected with the thumbscrews 13 while sandwiching the printing screen 200, so that the printing screen 200 is held between the outer frame 11 and the inner frame 12 in a state in which tension is generated. The outer frame 11 forms an accommodation space AS surrounded by a first flat surface portion 11b, a first inner wall portion 11c, and a first outer wall portion 11d, and accommodates the inner frame 12 in the accommodation space AS. The inner frame 12 has a second flat surface portion 12b, a second inner wall portion 12c connected to the inner peripheral end of the second flat surface portion 12b, a second outer wall portion 12d connected to the outer peripheral end of the second flat surface portion 12b, and a first connecting wall portion 12e.

[0075] According to the screen printing frame 10 of this embodiment, the second inner wall portion 12c and the second outer wall portion 12d of the inner frame 12 are connected by the first connecting walls 12e at multiple positions in the circumferential direction CD. Therefore, the inner frame 12 has sufficient strength to suppress deformation due to tension generated by the printing screen 200. By ensuring sufficient strength of the inner frame 12, the screen printing frame 10 is prevented from being deformed by the tension of the printing screen 200, allowing printing to be performed with good image quality.

[0076] Furthermore, according to the screen printing frame 10 of this embodiment, the multiple first connecting wall portions 12e are connected by the second connecting wall portions 12f arranged along the circumferential direction CD, which further increases the strength of the inner frame 12 and reliably prevents the screen printing frame 10 from being deformed by the tension of the printing screen 200.

[0077] Furthermore, with the screen printing frame 10 of this embodiment, the multiple protrusions 11b2 protruding from the first flat surface 11b of the outer frame 11 toward the storage space AS are inserted into the space S1 sandwiched between the second inner wall 12c and the second connecting wall 12f when the inner frame 12 is housed in the storage space AS. Because the protrusions 11b2 are inserted into the space S1 more inward than the second connecting wall 12f, the printing screen 200 can be sandwiched and held between the outer frame 11 and the inner frame 12 at a position closer to the printing area PA than when the protrusions 11b2 are inserted into the space more outward than the second connecting wall 12f. This ensures sufficient tension on the printing screen 200, preventing slack in the printing area PA.

[0078] Furthermore, according to the screen printing frame 10 of this embodiment, when the inner frame 12, having the second flat portion 12b disposed downward, is accommodated in the accommodation space AS of the outer frame 11, having the first flat portion 11b disposed upward, the positions of the cutouts 11d1 and the protrusions 12d1 in the circumferential direction CD are aligned. Therefore, the outer frame 11 and the inner frame 12 can be connected with the protrusions 12d1 accommodated in the cutouts 11d1.

[0079] On the other hand, with the screen printing frame 10 of this embodiment, when an inner frame 12 having the second flat portion 12b positioned on top is accommodated in the accommodation space AS of the outer frame 11 having the first flat portion 11b positioned on top, the positions of the cutout portion 11d1 and the protrusion 12d1 in the circumferential direction CD do not match. As a result, the second frame body cannot be accommodated in the accommodation space of the first frame body. This prevents the inner frame 12 having the second flat portion 12b positioned on top from being erroneously coupled to the outer frame 11 having the first flat portion 11b positioned on top.

[0080] When the printing screen 200 housed in the screen plate making apparatus 100 is exposed by the lamp box 30, some areas are blocked from exposure and some are exposed due to the printing plate placed between the lamp box 30 and the printing screen 200. By developing the areas blocked from exposure by washing them away with water or the like, the mesh is exposed, making it possible to create areas through which ink can be extruded. When developing the printing screen 200, both sides of the printing screen 200 are washed away with water, so when the first flat portion 11b of the outer frame 11 is positioned downward and the second flat portion 12b of the inner frame 12 is positioned upward, water may splash onto the second flat portion 12b of the inner frame 12.

[0081] According to the screen printing frame 10 of this embodiment, the first inner wall portion 11c and the first outer wall portion 11d are arranged to protrude from the second flat surface portion 12b, so that the inner frame 12 can be reliably accommodated in the accommodation space AS of the outer frame 11. However, because the first inner wall portion 11c and the first outer wall portion 11d are arranged to protrude from the second flat surface portion 12b, water may accumulate in the groove-shaped portion formed by the first inner wall portion 11c, the first outer wall portion 11d, and the second flat surface portion 12b. If water remains accumulated in the groove-shaped portion, it may stain the printing target, such as clothing.

[0082] According to the screen printing frame 10 of this embodiment, the first outer wall portion 11d has the cutout portion 11d1 formed therein, so even if water accumulates in the groove-shaped portion formed by the first inner wall portion 11c, the first outer wall portion 11d, and the second flat portion 12b, the water can be discharged through the cutout portion 11d1. Therefore, even if water splashes into the groove-shaped portion when developing the printing screen 200, the water can be discharged from the groove-shaped portion, preventing the printing target, such as clothing, from being soiled.

[0083] According to the screen plate making apparatus 100 of this embodiment, the printing area PA of the printing screen 200, which is surrounded by the screen printing frame 10, is exposed by the lamp box 30. When multiple light-emitting elements 31 are arranged at equal intervals at each position in the arrangement area DA corresponding to the printing area PA, the amount of light in the outer areas OA is reduced compared to the central area CA. This is because no light-emitting elements 31 are arranged further outside the outer areas OA, resulting in a reduced amount of light in the outer areas OA compared to the central area CA. If the amount of light in the outer areas OA is reduced compared to the central area CA, it is not possible to expose each position in the printing area PA with a uniform amount of light.

[0084] According to the screen plate making apparatus 100 of this embodiment, the second arrangement interval L2 of the light-emitting elements 31 in the outer area OA outside the central area CA of the arrangement area DA is narrower than the first arrangement interval L1 of the light-emitting elements 31 in the central area CA of the arrangement area DA. Therefore, compared to when a plurality of light-emitting elements 31 are arranged at equal intervals at each position in the arrangement area DA corresponding to the printing area PA, the amount of light in the outer area OA can be increased, and each position in the printing area PA can be exposed to a uniform amount of light. [Explanation of symbols]

[0085] 10 Screen printing frame 11 Outer frame (first frame) 11a Through hole 11b 1st plane part 11b1 Inner surface 11b2 Protrusion 11c 1st inner wall part 11d 1st outer wall section 11d1 Notch 12 Inner frame (second frame) 12a Fastening hole 12b 2nd plane part 12c 2nd inner wall part 12d 2nd outer wall section 12d1 Projection 12e First connecting wall 12f Second connecting wall 13 Thumb screw (connection part) 20 Case 21 Main body 22 Lid 30 Lamp box (exposure part) 31 Light-emitting element 40 Matt 100 Screen plate making device 200 printing screens 200a surface AS accommodation space CA central area CD circumferential direction DA placement area IA inner area L1 1st placement interval L2 2nd placement interval OA outer area PA printing area PL1 1st plane PL2 2nd plane S1 space

Claims

1. a first frame body formed in a quadrangular shape in a plan view; a second frame body that is formed in a quadrangular shape in a plan view and is accommodated in the first frame body; a connecting portion that detachably connects the first frame body and the second frame body with the printing screen sandwiched therebetween to form a printing area of ​​the printing screen, The first frame body is a first planar portion formed in a quadrangular shape in a plan view and disposed on a first plane; a first inner wall portion connected to an inner peripheral end of the first flat portion and disposed along a circumferential direction surrounding the printing area; a first outer wall portion connected to an outer peripheral end of the first flat portion and disposed along the circumferential direction, a housing space is formed that is surrounded by the first flat surface portion, the first inner wall portion, and the first outer wall portion and that houses the second frame body; The second frame body is a second planar portion formed in a quadrangular shape in a plan view and disposed on a second plane; a second inner wall portion connected to an inner peripheral end portion of the second flat portion and disposed along the circumferential direction; a second outer wall portion connected to an outer peripheral end of the second flat portion and disposed along the circumferential direction; a plurality of first connecting wall portions that connect the second inner wall portion and the second outer wall portion and are arranged at intervals along the circumferential direction; a second connecting wall portion that is disposed between the second inner wall portion and the second outer wall portion and that is disposed along the circumferential direction and that connects the plurality of first connecting wall portions, The first flat surface portion is formed with a plurality of protrusions that are spaced apart along the circumferential direction and that protrude toward the accommodation space, A screen printing frame in which the second frame body, with the second planar portion positioned downward, is accommodated in the accommodation space of the first frame body, with the first planar portion positioned upward, and when the first frame body and the second frame body are connected by the connecting portion, each of the multiple protrusions is inserted into the space sandwiched between the second inner wall portion and the second connecting wall portion.

2. A first frame body formed in a rectangular shape in plan view; a second frame body that is formed in a quadrangular shape in a plan view and is accommodated in the first frame body; a connecting portion that detachably connects the first frame body and the second frame body with the printing screen sandwiched therebetween to form a printing area of ​​the printing screen, The first frame body is a first planar portion formed in a quadrangular shape in a plan view and disposed on a first plane; a first inner wall portion connected to an inner peripheral end of the first flat portion and disposed along a circumferential direction surrounding the printing area; a first outer wall portion connected to an outer peripheral end of the first flat portion and disposed along the circumferential direction, a housing space is formed that is surrounded by the first flat surface portion, the first inner wall portion, and the first outer wall portion and that houses the second frame body; The second frame body is a second planar portion formed in a quadrangular shape in a plan view and disposed on a second plane; a second inner wall portion connected to an inner peripheral end portion of the second flat portion and disposed along the circumferential direction; a second outer wall portion connected to an outer peripheral end of the second flat portion and disposed along the circumferential direction; a plurality of first connecting wall portions that connect the second inner wall portion and the second outer wall portion and are arranged at intervals along the circumferential direction, In the first frame body having the first flat surface portion disposed above, a first lower end portion in a height direction of the first outer wall portion is formed with a notch portion cut out upward from the first lower end portion at a first predetermined position in the circumferential direction, In the second frame body in which the second flat surface portion is disposed downward, a protrusion is formed at a second lower end portion in the height direction of the second outer wall portion at a second predetermined position in the circumferential direction, the protrusion protruding from the second lower end portion toward an outer circumferential side, A screen printing frame in which the circumferential positions of the cutout portion and the protrusion portion coincide when the second frame body, having the second planar portion arranged downward, is accommodated in the accommodation space of the first frame body, having the first planar portion arranged upward.

3. 3. A screen printing frame according to claim 2, wherein when the first frame body and the second frame body are connected by the connecting portion and the second frame body is accommodated in the accommodation space, the first inner wall portion and the first outer wall portion are arranged so as to protrude from the second planar portion.

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