JP6103709B2 - Coating apparatus, image forming apparatus, and coating liquid concentration adjusting method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a coating apparatus, an image forming apparatus, and a coating liquid maintenance method, and more particularly to a coating liquid maintenance technique that suppresses concentration of the coating liquid.

  2. Description of the Related Art A printing system that performs printing by an inkjet method after coating a printing paper with a treatment liquid that causes an agglomeration reaction of ink is known. As means for coating the treatment liquid, for example, an application dish in which the treatment liquid (coating liquid) is stored, a measuring roller that is rotatably supported by immersing a part in the application dish, and an excessive processing liquid that adheres to the measuring roller 2. Description of the Related Art An applicator is known that includes a measuring blade that scrapes off and a coating roller, and that coats (applies) a measured amount of processing liquid onto a printing paper via the coating roller.

  In the case of a coating apparatus using a coating roller, the solvent component of the coating solution gradually evaporates from the coating solution stored on the coating plate or the coating solution adhering to the coating roller, and the coating solution is concentrated. When a coating device using a coating roller is applied to aggregating treatment liquid for aggregating ink in an inkjet image forming apparatus (inkjet recording apparatus), the agglomeration reaction with ink is stronger due to the difference in concentration (concentration) of the coating liquid. This causes a problem that the image printed on the printing paper becomes uneven.

  In the coating apparatus described in Patent Document 1, as a means for suppressing the concentration of the coating liquid and stably supplying the coating liquid to the coating pan, the tank is temporarily separated from a tank (processing liquid tank) in which the processing liquid is stored. A buffer tank for storing the processing liquid is provided.

  The application liquid is supplied from the processing liquid tank to the application dish via the buffer tank, and the liquid is circulated between the application dish and the buffer tank. When the coating liquid in the buffer tank is concentrated, a diluent for diluting the coating liquid is supplied to the buffer tank, and the diluted coating liquid is returned to the coating dish. In this way, concentration of the coating liquid in the coating dish is suppressed.

  In addition, since the buffer tank is provided, the coating liquid to be circulated by the capacity of the buffer tank is increased compared with the case where the coating liquid is circulated only by the application dish without the buffer tank, so the concentration change with respect to the evaporation amount of the solvent. Can be made relatively small, and the concentration of the coating solution can be delayed.

JP 2011-50823 A

  However, the coating apparatus described in Patent Document 1 includes a flow path for replenishing the coating liquid from the processing liquid tank to the buffer tank, a liquid feed pump provided in the flow path, a valve for switching the flow path, and a buffer tank. A liquid level sensor for measuring the liquid level is required separately. Therefore, the number of parts constituting the apparatus increases, leading to an increase in apparatus cost and an increase in apparatus scale.

  Further, there is a demerit that the liquid feeding pump and the valve must be appropriately controlled based on the information obtained from the liquid level sensor of the buffer tank, and the control becomes complicated. Furthermore, it is necessary to control the application liquid in the application dish to be an appropriate amount in order to perform stable application.

  To control the amount of application liquid in the application tray, the discharge amount of the supply liquid pump and the recovery liquid pump is managed, and both are appropriately controlled to supply the application liquid to the application tray and apply from the application tray. Control that balances with the recovery of the liquid, or “the recovery amount of the application liquid from the application tray <the supply amount of the application liquid to the application tray” is a control that recovers only the liquid that has overflowed from the application tray.

  In either case, it is necessary to always drive the supply liquid pump and the recovery liquid pump. Since periodic replacement of the liquid feed pump is performed as appropriate, there is a problem that costs are incurred in management of the periodic replacement timing of the liquid feed pump and periodic replacement of the liquid feed pump. In the former case, complicated control of the liquid feeding pump is required, and in the latter case, there is a concern that the coating liquid overflows when the balance of supply amount is lost due to deterioration of the liquid feeding pump or the like.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and a coating apparatus and an image forming apparatus in which the concentration of the coating liquid is reduced by the circulation process of the coating liquid while adopting a simpler apparatus configuration with a smaller number of parts. It is another object of the present invention to provide a coating liquid maintenance method.

  In order to achieve the above object, a coating apparatus according to the present invention includes a coating member that applies a coating liquid to a medium to be coated, a coating liquid reservoir that stores a coating liquid supplied to the coating member, and a coating liquid reservoir. A first circulation channel that is connected to the unit and circulates the coating liquid in the coating liquid storage unit, and a circulation liquid feeding means that is provided in the first circulation channel and that feeds the coating liquid in the first circulation channel; Circulating liquid feeding control means for controlling the operation of the circulating liquid feeding means, a second circulation flow path branched from the first circulation flow path, and a branch position between the first circulation flow path and the second circulation flow path. A switching means, a switching control means for controlling the operation of the switching means, a coating liquid tank connected to the second circulation channel and storing the coating liquid supplied to the coating liquid storage section, a coating liquid tank and a coating liquid A supply channel connected to the reservoir and a supply channel provided in the supply channel for feeding the coating liquid in the supply channel A supply liquid supply means and a supply liquid supply control means for controlling the operation of the supply liquid supply means. The switching control means switches the switching means during the operation of the circulation liquid supply means to switch the first circulation flow path and the first circulation flow path. The two circulation channels are connected to each other, and a part of the coating solution flowing through the first circulation channel is collected in the coating solution tank.

  According to the present invention, by providing the switching means at the branch position between the first circulation flow path and the second circulation flow path, the second circulation flow path is not provided with the liquid feeding means, and the first circulation flow path is It is possible to send the coating liquid to the coating liquid tank through the two circulation channels.

  Therefore, the coating liquid tank can be used for circulation, and the total circulation amount can be increased as compared with the case where a small-capacity tank such as a buffer tank is used.

  In addition, since a part of the coating liquid to be circulated through the first circulation flow path is recovered to the coating liquid tank as much as the supply of the coating liquid to the coating unit is not cut off, a part of the coating liquid whose concentration has progressed The coating solution in the coating solution tank that has not been concentrated is mixed with the coating solution in the coating solution tank, and the progression of concentration of the coating solution is suppressed.

1 is an overall configuration diagram of a coating apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The block diagram which shows an example of the application part illustrated in FIG. The block diagram which shows schematic structure of the control system of the coating device shown in FIG. The flowchart which shows the flow of control of the circulation process in the coating device shown in FIG. Explanatory diagram of coating solution replenishment processing and dilution processing Overall configuration diagram of a coating apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention The block diagram which shows the structure of the control system of the coating device which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. The flowchart which shows the flow of control of the circulation operation | movement in the coating device which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. The flowchart which shows the detail of the dilution process of FIG. Overall configuration diagram of inkjet recording apparatus

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[Overall Configuration of Coating Apparatus: First Embodiment]
FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of a coating apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The coating apparatus 100 shown in the figure includes a coating unit 110 that coats a coating medium (not shown) such as printing paper, a coating liquid supply unit 120 that feeds the coating liquid to the coating unit 110, and a coating unit 110. A cleaning liquid supply unit 130 that supplies a cleaning liquid used for cleaning to the coating unit 110, a coating liquid circulation unit 140 that circulates the coating liquid of the coating unit 110, and a coating liquid discharge unit 160 that discharges the coating liquid from the coating unit 110. It is equipped with.

  The application unit 110 supplies the measured application liquid to the outer peripheral surface of the application roller 112 (application member), and rotates the application roller 112 supplied with the application liquid to bring the outer peripheral surface into contact with the application medium. A roller coating method that applies a coating solution to a medium is applied.

  The application unit 110 includes an application tray 114 (application liquid storage unit) in which the application liquid is primarily stored. A certain amount of the coating liquid stored in the coating tray 114 is weighed and supplied to the coating roller 112. Details of a configuration example of the application unit 110 will be described later (see FIG. 2). In addition, illustration of a one part structure is abbreviate | omitted for the application part 110 of FIG.

  The coating liquid supply unit 120 is connected to the coating liquid tank 122 in which the coating liquid is stored, the coating liquid supply port 114A of the coating dish 114, and the coating liquid outlet 122A of the coating liquid tank 122, and the coating dish 114 and the coating liquid tank. The coating liquid supply flow path 124 (supply flow path) for communicating with 122 and the coating liquid supply pump 126 (supply liquid feeding means) provided in the coating liquid supply flow path 124 are provided.

  The coating liquid tank 122 has a large capacity of about 10 to 20 times that of the coating dish 114, has a hermetically sealed structure, and the coating liquid stored inside is blocked from the outside air. Therefore, the coating liquid stored in the coating liquid tank 122 is less likely to concentrate due to evaporation of the solvent component.

  The coating liquid supply pump 126 is a tube pump. When the coating liquid supply pump 126 is rotated in a certain direction, the coating liquid is supplied from the coating liquid tank 122 to the coating plate 114 via the coating liquid supply flow path 124.

  When the application liquid supply pump 126 is stopped, the supply of the application liquid from the application liquid tank 122 to the application tray 114 is stopped. In a state where the coating liquid supply pump 126 is stopped, the coating liquid remains in the coating liquid supply pump 126 and does not move.

  The state where the coating liquid supply pump 126 is stopped is equivalent to the state where the valve attached to the coating liquid supply flow path 124 is closed, and the flow of the coating liquid from the coating plate 114 to the coating liquid tank 122 does not occur. .

  The cleaning liquid supply unit 130 is branched from the cleaning liquid tank 132 in which the cleaning liquid is stored, the outlet 132A of the cleaning liquid tank 132, and the coating liquid supply flow path 124, and the cleaning liquid supply flow that causes the cleaning liquid tank 132 and the coating liquid supply flow path 124 to communicate with each other. A passage 134 and a cleaning liquid supply pump 136 provided in the cleaning liquid supply flow path 134 are provided.

  A tube pump is applied to the cleaning liquid supply pump 136. When the cleaning liquid supply pump 136 is rotated in a certain direction, the cleaning liquid is supplied from the cleaning liquid tank 132 to the coating plate 114 via the cleaning liquid supply channel 134 and the coating liquid supply channel 124.

  When the application liquid on the application tray 114 is discharged and the cleaning liquid supply pump 136 is continuously operated, the cleaning liquid is continuously supplied to the application dish 114. When the application unit 110 is operated in this state, the application unit 110 is cleaned.

  When the cleaning process for the coating unit 110 is completed, the cleaning liquid for the coating dish 114 is discharged from the discharge port 114D to the coating liquid discharge part 160, and a new coating liquid is supplied to the coating dish 114.

  The coating liquid circulation unit 140 is provided in the first circulation channel 142 (142A, 142B) and the first circulation channel 142 (142A) connected to the circulation outlet 114B of the application tray 114 and the circulation inlet 114C of the application tray 114. A circulation pump 144 (circulation liquid feeding means), a control valve 146 (switching means) provided in the first circulation flow path 142, a branch from the first circulation flow path 142 via the control valve 146, and a circulation inlet of the coating liquid tank 122 122B, the second circulation channel 148 communicating the first circulation channel 142 and the coating liquid tank 122, and the upstream side of the circulation pump 144 in the first circulation channel 142 (with the circulation outlet 114B of the application tray 114) And a filter 150 disposed between the circulation pump 144 and the circulation pump 144.

  The first circulation channel 142 includes an upstream side 142A of the control valve 146 and a downstream side 142B of the control valve 146. In the present specification, when it is not necessary to distinguish the upstream side 142A and the downstream side 142B of the control valve 146 for the first circulation channel 142, “first circulation channel 142” is displayed.

  The circulation pump 144 is a tube pump. The coating liquid that has flowed out from the circulation outlet 114 </ b> B of the coating tray 114 to the first circulation channel 142 is sent to the control valve 146 via the circulation pump 144.

  The control valve 146 is disposed on the downstream side in the flow direction of the coating liquid in the first circulation channel 142 of the circulation pump 144 (between the circulation pump 144 and the circulation inlet 114 </ b> C of the application tray 114).

  The control valve 146 has a three-way valve structure, and circulates the coating liquid from the first circulation channel upstream side 142A to the circulation inlet 114C of the coating plate 114 via the first circulation channel downstream side 142B based on the control signal. (The flow of the coating liquid is shown by the solid arrow line), or the coating liquid is circulated from the first circulation flow path upstream side 142A to the coating liquid tank 122 via the second circulation flow path 148 (by the broken arrow line) It functions as a means for switching the flow of the coating liquid.

  The filter 150 is disposed on the upstream side in the flow direction of the coating liquid in the first circulation flow path 142 of the circulation pump 144 (between the circulation outlet 114B of the application tray 114 and the circulation pump 144), and flows through the first circulation flow path 142. It is a means for capturing foreign matter and the like contained in the coating liquid. The coating liquid sent from the coating tray 114 to the first circulation channel 142 passes through the filter 150 to remove foreign matters and the like.

  The coating liquid discharger 160 is connected to the waste liquid tank 162, the discharge port 114 </ b> D of the coating dish 114, and the inlet 162 </ b> A of the waste liquid tank 162, and a waste liquid channel 164 that connects the coating dish 114 and the waste liquid tank 162. Is provided with a waste liquid pump 166 (waste liquid feeding means).

  FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram illustrating a configuration example of the application unit 110 illustrated in FIG. 1. An application unit 110 shown in the figure is partially immersed in an application roller 112 and an application tray 114, is supported rotatably around a rotation axis, and an anilox roller 116 that pumps up a predetermined amount of the application liquid 115 in the application tray 114. And a blade 118 for scraping off excess coating liquid adhering to the outer peripheral surface of the anilox roller 116.

  A member denoted by reference numeral 42 in FIG. 2 holds an application medium (not shown) on the outer peripheral surface, and serves as an application medium conveying unit that rotates and conveys the application medium along the outer peripheral surface (FIG. 2). 10 treatment liquid application drums 42). A circular arrow line shown in the impression cylinder 42 indicates the rotation direction of the impression cylinder 42.

  The anilox roller 116 has a rotation shaft (not shown) along the direction passing through the paper surface in FIG. 2, and is supported so as to be rotatable about the rotation shaft. A circular arrow line shown on the anilox roller 116 indicates the rotation direction of the anilox roller 116.

  The anilox roller 116 has a plurality of recesses (not shown) called cells on the outer peripheral surface. When the anilox roller 116 is rotated, the coating liquid 115 enters the part of the cell immersed in the coating dish 114, and the coating liquid 115 in the coating dish 114 is pumped up. When the cell filled with the coating liquid passes directly under the blade 118, the excess coating liquid is scraped off by the blade 118, and the coating liquid having the same volume as the cell is measured.

  The application liquid measured by the anilox roller 116 is transferred from the anilox roller 116 to the application roller 112 and applied from the application roller 112 to the application medium. A circular arrow line shown in the application roller 112 indicates the rotation direction of the application roller 112.

  The application roller 112 is configured to be able to switch contact and separation with the impression cylinder 42 (medium to be applied held by the impression cylinder 42) by an application roller moving mechanism (not shown). The anilox roller 116 is configured to be able to switch contact and separation with the application roller 112 by an unillustrated anilox roller moving mechanism.

  For example, when the application liquid is not applied to the application medium, the anilox roller 116 is separated from the application roller 112 so that the application liquid is not supplied from the anilox roller 116 to the application roller 112. The anilox roller 116 continues to rotate while being separated from the application roller 112, and stirs the application liquid in the application dish 114 to suppress an increase in viscosity and concentration of the application liquid in the application dish 114. .

  In this example, the system using the application roller 112 is illustrated as an example of the configuration of the application unit 110, but other systems such as a system using a blade can be applied.

[Explanation of control system]
FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a control system of the coating apparatus 100.

The coating apparatus 100 includes a system control unit 180, an input interface (input I / F) 182, a display unit 184 (notification unit), a roller drive unit 186, a pump control unit 188 (circulation liquid feeding control unit, supply liquid feeding control unit, A dilution liquid feeding control means, a waste liquid feeding control means), and a valve control unit 190 (switching control means) are provided, and each part of the apparatus is comprehensively controlled based on a command signal sent from the system control part 180.

  The input interface 182 includes an input operation unit (user interface) such as a keyboard, a mouse, and a joystick, and an input / output port used for data input / output with the outside of the apparatus.

  A display device such as a liquid crystal display is applied to the display unit 184, and the operation state of the device, various alarms, and the like are displayed. A mode in which the input interface 182 and the display unit 184 are used together by using a touch panel type monitor device is also possible.

  The roller driving unit 186 includes a driving circuit for a motor 187 that constitutes a roller driving unit (not shown) that drives the application roller 112 and the anilox roller 116. The roller driving unit 186 controls roller operations of the application roller 112, the anilox roller 116, and the like based on a command signal sent from the system control unit 180.

  The pump control unit 188 controls on / off of the pump 189 and the rotation speed. Based on the command signal sent from the system control unit 180, the pump control unit 188 controls the operation of the pump 189.

  3 includes the coating liquid supply pump 126, the cleaning liquid supply pump 136, the circulation pump 144, and the waste liquid pump 166 of FIG.

  The valve control unit 190 illustrated in FIG. 3 controls the opening and closing of the valve 191 based on a command signal sent from the system control unit 180. The valve 191 in FIG. 3 includes the control valve 146 in FIG. 1, and the control valve 146 in FIG. 1 controls the first circulation flow path upstream side 142 </ b> A based on a command signal sent from the system control unit 180. Whether to communicate with the first circulation channel downstream side 142B or to communicate with the second circulation channel 148 is periodically switched.

  The coating apparatus 100 includes a parameter storage unit 192 that stores system parameters used to control each part of the apparatus, and a program storage unit 194 that stores various programs used to control each part of the apparatus.

  Each part of the apparatus reads and uses system parameters and various programs via the system control unit 180.

  The sensor 196 includes various sensors arranged in each part of the apparatus. The detection signal acquired from the sensor 196 is stored in a predetermined storage unit (memory) via the system control unit 180, and is appropriately read and used when controlling each unit of the apparatus. As an example of the sensor 196 shown in FIG. 3, a concentration sensor that detects the concentration of the coating liquid, a water level sensor that detects the water level of the coating liquid in the coating liquid tank 122, and whether or not a medium to be coated (paper) is supplied. Examples include a paper sensor.

  The counter 198 is stored in a predetermined storage unit (memory) including a counter (measurement unit) that counts the number of processed media to be coated and a counter (operation time measurement unit, measurement unit) that counts the operation time of the apparatus. The information on the number of processed sheets and the information on the operation time of the apparatus that are stored and acquired from the counter are used for controlling each part of the apparatus via the system control unit 180.

  The notification timing switching unit 199 (notification timing switching means) is a timing for performing notification for permitting replenishment of the coating solution, notification for permitting dilution of the coating solution, according to the water level of the coating solution tank 122 and the count value of the counter, and At least one of the timings for giving notification for prompting the disposal of the coating liquid is switched.

[Detailed description of coating liquid circulation treatment]
Next, the coating liquid circulation process of the coating apparatus 100 will be described in detail.

  The coating apparatus 100 circulates the coating liquid stored in the coating dish 114 for the purpose of suppressing concentration (concentration increase, viscosity increase) of the coating liquid. When the concentration of the coating liquid is varied and the concentration varies, the characteristics of the coating liquid applied to the medium to be coated are varied.

  As described in the background art, when the coating liquid is applied to an aggregating treatment liquid (liquid having a function of aggregating ink) in an ink jet recording apparatus, the aggregation of the ink proceeds as the concentration of the aggregating treatment liquid proceeds and the concentration increases. The intensity of the reaction changes, and density unevenness occurs in the image.

  Therefore, in order to record a high-quality image, it is necessary to keep the state (concentration, viscosity, etc.) of the aggregation treatment liquid constant.

  In the coating apparatus 100 shown in this example, a circulation process is performed on the coating liquid in the coating dish 114, and a part of the coating liquid concentrated in the coating dish 114 is concentrated outside the coating dish 114. The progress of concentration of the coating liquid in the coating tray 114 is suppressed by replacing the coating liquid that has not been performed.

  When the circulation pump 144 of FIG. 1 is operated, the coating liquid is sent from the circulation outlet 114 </ b> B of the coating plate 114 to the first circulation channel 142. The coating liquid sent to the first circulation channel 142 is returned into the coating plate 114 from the circulation inlet 114C of the coating plate 114 via the filter 150, the circulation pump 144, the control valve 146, and the first circulation channel downstream side 142B. (Circulation process).

  During the operation of the circulation pump 144, the control valve 146 is periodically switched (for example, every 10 minutes), and a part of the coating liquid (concentrated coating liquid) flowing through the first circulation channel 142 is applied to the coating liquid. It is recovered in the tank 122 (recovery process). When the coating liquid supply pump 126 is operated, the coating liquid in the coating liquid tank 122 (coating liquid that has not been concentrated) is applied to the coating tray 114 via the coating liquid supply channel 124 and the coating liquid supply pump 126. It is sent from the liquid supply port 114A to the application tray 114 (liquid feeding step).

  A small amount of the coating liquid that has been concentrated and sent to the coating liquid tank 122 is diluted by being mixed with a large amount of the coating liquid that has not been concentrated in the coating liquid tank 122.

  The coating liquid circulation process is performed both during the coating process in the coating unit 110 and when the coating is stopped, and the coating liquid having stable physical properties is primarily stored in the coating dish 114.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a flow of control of the coating liquid circulation process. When the circulation process is started (step S10), the circulation pump 144 is operated (step S12), the measurement of the operation time of the circulation pump 144 is started (step S14), and a preset time has elapsed from the start of the operation. Is determined (step S16).

  If it is determined in step S16 that the preset time (set time) has not elapsed (No determination), the measurement of the elapsed time from the start of the operation is continued (step S16). On the other hand, when it is determined that a preset time has elapsed from the start of the operation (Yes determination), the process proceeds to step S18.

  In step S18, the count value of elapsed time is reset, and the communication destination of the first circulation flow path upstream side 142A is changed from the first circulation flow path downstream side 142B to the second circulation flow by switching the control valve 146 (see FIG. 1). Switching to the path 148 is made (step S20 in FIG. 4).

  The counter 198 in FIG. 3 is applied to the measurement of the elapsed time in step S16. The set time is stored in the parameter storage unit 192 in the figure, and when the count value of the counter 198 exceeds the set time, the valve control unit 190 controls the valve 191 (in FIG. 1) based on the command signal sent from the system control unit 180. The control valve 146) is operated.

  When the control valve 146 is switched in step S20, measurement of the elapsed time from the switching of the control valve 146 is started (step S22), and the process proceeds to step S24. The counter 198 of FIG. 3 is also applied to the measurement of the elapsed time in step S22.

  In step S24, it is determined whether or not a predetermined set time has elapsed since the communication destination on the first circulation flow path upstream side 142A was switched to the second circulation flow path 148. When it is determined that the set time has not elapsed since the communication destination on the first circulation flow path upstream side 142A was switched to the second circulation flow path 148 (No determination), the control valve 146 Measurement of the elapsed time since switching is continued.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in step S24 that the set time has elapsed since the communication destination on the first circulation flow path upstream side 142A is switched to the second circulation flow path 148 (Yes determination), The count value of the elapsed time is reset (step S26), and the communication destination of the first circulation flow path upstream side 142A is switched to the first circulation flow path downstream side 142B by switching the control valve 146 (step S28). The operation of the supply pump 126 (see FIG. 1) is started (step S30 in FIG. 4).

  The operation of the coating liquid supply pump 126 is continued until the amount of liquid fed from the coating liquid tank 122 to the coating tray 114 reaches the specified supply amount (No determination in step S32). (Yes determination of S32), the operation of the coating liquid supply pump 126 is stopped (step S34).

  The processes from step S14 to step S34 are continued until an instruction to stop the circulation process of the coating liquid is issued (No determination in step S36). When a stop command for the coating liquid circulation process is issued (Yes in step S36), a predetermined termination process is executed, and the coating liquid circulation process is terminated (step S38).

  Note that when an application liquid circulation process end command is used as an interrupt process, and an application liquid circulation process end instruction is generated in the middle of each process, the process being processed is terminated appropriately and the end process is executed. A configuration that is terminated is also possible.

  Since the coating liquid circulation process is also performed during the coating process in the coating unit 110 (see FIG. 1), the coating liquid from the coating liquid tank 122 can be reused so that the circulation process does not cause a shortage of the coating liquid. The circulation amount of the coating liquid is controlled so that the supply of the coating liquid does not become excessive.

  For example, the circulation amount of the coating liquid necessary for the coating process is determined by the rotation speed of the circulation pump 144, the switching time interval of the control valve 146, and the rotation speed of the coating liquid supply pump 126. That is, parameters for the circulation process such as the rotation speed of the circulation pump 144, the switching time interval of the control valve 146, and the rotation speed of the coating liquid supply pump 126 are determined so as not to cause excess or deficiency of the coating liquid during the coating process. ing.

  The progress of the concentration of the coating liquid varies depending on the type (physical properties) of the coating liquid and the environmental conditions (temperature, humidity, etc.). Therefore, the circulation processing parameters are obtained and stored for each type of coating liquid and each environmental condition. When the information type of the coating liquid and the environmental condition information are obtained by an information acquisition unit (not shown), it is preferable that the parameters of the circulation process are changed based on the acquired information.

  It is also possible to adjust the circulation amount of the coating liquid at the switching time interval of the control valve 146 with the rotation speeds of the circulation pump 144 and the coating liquid supply pump 126 as fixed values.

  Here, it is desirable that the volume of the coating liquid tank 122 (see FIG. 1) is sufficiently larger than the volume of the coating dish 114, and (volume of the coating dish) / (volume of the coating liquid tank) ≦ 1/10. Is desirable.

  It is desirable that the amount of the coating liquid collected in the coating liquid tank 122 is controlled to such an extent that the supply of the coating liquid to the coating unit 110 (coating roller 112) is not constantly performed or the coating liquid is not short. The recovery amount of the coating liquid in the recovery operation is desirably 20% or less of the total circulating liquid amount in which the volume of the application tray 114 and the volume of the first circulation channel 142 are combined.

  That is, the application liquid circulated from the application dish 114 via the first circulation flow path 142 is collected little by little to the application liquid tank 122, and together with the application liquid newly supplied from the application liquid tank 122 to the application dish 114, It is desirable to repeat the collection and supply so that the collected coating liquid is returned to the coating tray 114. Thereby, the effects described in the following (1) to (3) can be expected.

  (1) Since the supply operation of the application liquid to the application unit 110 (application roller 112) is made constant, the collection operation can be executed even during application. The progress of concentration of the coating solution can be suppressed. Of course, the collecting operation may be executed during non-application.

  (2) The rapid change in temperature and concentration of the application liquid in the application tray 114 can be suppressed, and the application quality can be stabilized. In general, the coating solution concentration in the coating solution tank 122 is lower than the coating solution concentration in the coating plate 114, and the coating solution temperature in the coating solution tank 122 is also lower than the coating solution temperature in the coating plate 114. If a large amount of coating liquid is collected and supplied at a time, the concentration and temperature of the coating liquid in the coating dish 114 may change abruptly, which may cause a difference in coating quality before and after the collection operation.

  (3) Since the concentrated coating liquid is collected little by little in the coating liquid tank 122, the coating liquid concentrated in the coating liquid tank 122 and the coating liquid not concentrated are easily mixed. Concentration locality (occurrence of local concentration distribution) can be prevented. If a large amount of coating liquid is collected at a time, locality may be generated in the coating liquid tank 122, and the coating liquid that is not sufficiently diluted may be supplied again.

  Control of the collection amount of the concentrated coating liquid may be performed by managing the flow path switching time (cycle) by the control valve 146, or means for detecting the liquid level in the coating dish 114 (water level sensor). Etc.) and the control valve 146 may be controlled based on the detection result of the detection means.

[Description of coating solution replenishment and dilution]
FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of a coating liquid replenishment process and a dilution process. The relationship between the number of coatings and the coating liquid supplementing process and the relationship between the number of coatings and the coating liquid dilution process are schematically illustrated in a graph format. .

  With the progress of the coating process in the coating unit 110 (see FIG. 1), the coating liquid in the coating tray 114 is consumed, so that the coating liquid needs to be replenished. If the coating liquid is consumed until the coating liquid tank 122 (see FIG. 1) approaches an empty state, the circulating liquid amount of the coating liquid is reduced and the concentration is promoted, so the number of coatings is less than A (first set value). In this case, when the water level of the coating liquid in the coating liquid tank 122 is equal to or lower than the intermediate water level, a notice for permitting replenishment of the coating liquid (replenishment permission notice) is given.

  When the replenishment permission notification is issued, the replenishment of the coating liquid is executed manually or automatically. The water level of the coating liquid in the coating liquid tank 122 can be determined from the detection result of the water level sensor provided with a water level sensor (water level detecting means, for example, the sensor 196 in FIG. 3).

  Note that instead of or in combination with the replenishment permission notice, a notice (replenishment prompt notice) for prompting the replenishment of the coating solution may be given. The same applies to the following description.

  However, since the concentration of the coating solution in the coating solution tank 122 cannot be completely prevented by replenishing the coating solution alone, the number of coatings is counted, and the coating solution is counted when the number of coatings is A (first set value) or more. The coating liquid is consumed until the tank 122 is nearly empty, and replenishment of the coating liquid is permitted when the coating liquid tank 122 is empty (when the level of the coating liquid in the coating liquid tank 122 is lower than the minimum water level). You will be notified.

  When the number of coatings is A or more, the elapsed time from the state in which the water level of the coating liquid in the coating liquid tank 122 becomes the intermediate water level (the duration of the state below the intermediate water level) is measured, and the measured value is stored in advance. When the set value is equal to or greater than the set value C (third set value), and the water level of the coating liquid in the coating liquid tank 122 is equal to or higher than the lowest water level (for example, the empty water level), the coating liquid in the coating liquid tank 122 is used. Is determined to have exceeded the usable range, and a notification (disposal permission notification) that prompts the disposal of the coating solution in the coating solution tank 122 is issued.

  The “intermediate water level” here can be obtained by dividing a value obtained by subtracting the minimum water level from the maximum water level of the coating liquid tank 122 (substantial capacity of the coating liquid tank 122) by two. The intermediate water level can be adjusted as appropriate.

  Note that the apparatus may be configured to automatically discard the coating liquid in the coating liquid tank 122 instead of the notification that prompts the disposal of the coating liquid in the coating liquid tank 122. When the disposal permission notification is given, the coating solution is discarded manually or automatically.

  The number of coatings is counted by the counter 198 based on the detection signal of the sensor 196 (paper sensor provided in the transport path of the medium to be coated) in FIG. Note that the operation time of the application unit 110 may be measured instead of counting the number of applications. The count value of the counter 198 is reset when it reaches the set value.

  A notice for permitting replenishment of the coating liquid and a notice for prompting the disposal of the coating liquid can be performed by character information, schematic display, or the like using the display unit 184 of FIG. The switching of the notification timing is controlled by the notification timing switching unit 199 in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 5, when the number of coatings exceeds B (second set value, B <A), a notification is given to inject the dilution liquid into the coating liquid tank 122. Since the concentration of the coating liquid progresses as it is consumed, by diluting the coating liquid before replenishing the coating liquid, the replenishment interval of the coating liquid can be made longer and the number of times of replenishment of the coating liquid can be reduced.

  The number of coatings A and B that serve as a reference for dilution of the coating liquid and the time C that serves as a reference for disposal can be obtained experimentally or by simulation. The number of coatings A and B and the time C may be changed according to the type of coating liquid and environmental conditions.

[Effects of First Embodiment]
According to the coating apparatus 100 configured as described above, the buffer tank (provided between the coating liquid tank and the coating unit during the supply and circulation of the coating liquid) provided in the coating apparatus described in Patent Document 1. By providing the coating liquid substantially directly between the coating plate 114 and the coating liquid tank 122 without providing a small-capacity tank of about 1/10 to 1/20 of the coating liquid tank), the buffer Compared with the case where the coating liquid is circulated through the tank, the total circulation amount of the coating liquid increases, and the progress of concentration of the coating liquid is significantly slowed down.

  Therefore, the concentration of the coating liquid is less than the allowable value until the coating liquid is consumed by the coating process and the fresh coating liquid (the coating liquid in the initial state in which the concentration and viscosity are adjusted) is replenished to the coating liquid tank 122. Can be suppressed.

  That is, when the coating liquid is circulated, a small amount (less than 1/5) of the total amount of the coating liquid is frequently used (corresponding to a coating time of about ten to several tens of sheets). At a time interval, the coating liquid is sent to the coating liquid tank 122, and an amount of the coating liquid sent to the coating liquid tank 122 and the amount of the coating liquid consumed by the coating process are supplied from the coating liquid tank 122 to the coating plate 114. Therefore, the application liquid in the application dish 114 that has been concentrated has not been applied to the application liquid in the application dish 114 even during the application process, and the application liquid in the application liquid tank 122 in which the concentration has not progressed is applied. Replaced with liquid.

  The coating liquid sent to the coating liquid tank 122 from the coating tray 114 that has been concentrated is diluted by being mixed with the coating liquid in the coating liquid tank 122 that has not been concentrated.

  By connecting the second circulation flow path 148 to the first circulation flow path 142 (downstream in the flow direction of the coating liquid of the circulation pump 144) without being directly connected to the application tray 114, the second circulation flow path 148 is branched from the first circulation flow path 142. The application liquid can be supplied to the second circulation flow path 148 and the application liquid tank 122 by using only the circulation pump 144 (using one liquid supply pump for two flow paths). There is no need to provide a liquid feed pump in the circulation channel 148.

  As a result, the circulation pump 144 that is always operated during the circulation process is only the circulation pump 144, and the number of liquid feed pumps that are regular replacement parts is reduced, which contributes to the reduction of the cost of periodic replacement related to the replacement of the liquid feed pump.

  The coating solution can be replenished based on the number of coatings or the operation time, and the detection of the amount of coating solution in the coating solution tank 122 becomes unnecessary.

  When the number of coatings or operating time at which the coating liquid tank 122 becomes empty is known, the number of coatings or operating time is determined in advance as a reference value, and when the number of coatings or operating time is equal to or greater than the reference value By permitting (prompting) the replacement of the coating liquid, fresh coating liquid (coating liquid whose concentration is adjusted) is replenished while the coating liquid tank 122 is empty, and the liquid in the coating liquid tank 122 ( The coating solution that has been concentrated to some extent can be discarded, and the concentration of the coating solution in the coating solution tank 122 can be returned to the initial concentration (concentration before concentration), so that no wasteful coating solution is generated.

  By providing the filter 150 in the first circulation channel 142 (immediately near the circulation outlet 114B of the application tray 114), the application liquid from which foreign matter has been removed by the filter 150 is sent to the application liquid tank 122. Accumulation of foreign matter in 122 is prevented.

[Overall configuration of coating apparatus: second embodiment]
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  FIG. 6 is an overall configuration diagram of a coating apparatus 200 according to the second embodiment. In the second embodiment described below, the same or similar parts as those in the first embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted.

  The coating apparatus 200 shown in FIG. 6 has a diluent supply unit 210 and a concentration meter (not shown in FIG. 6, shown with reference numeral 220 in FIG. 7, shown in FIG. 7, concentration measuring means) with respect to the coating apparatus 100 shown in FIG. Has been added. In FIG. 6, the cleaning liquid supply unit 130 illustrated in FIG. 1 is omitted, and the dilution liquid supply unit 210 also serves as the cleaning liquid supply unit 130.

  The diluent supply unit 210 illustrated in FIG. 6 includes a diluent tank 212 in which a diluent is stored, a diluent outlet 212A of the diluent tank 212, and a first circulation channel 142 (first circulation channel upstream 142A). And a dilution liquid pump 216 (dilution liquid feeding means) provided in the dilution liquid flow path 214.

  The dilution liquid can be applied with a solvent component of the coating liquid, a coating liquid having a lower concentration than the coating liquid used for coating, pure water, etc. The concentration of the solution is reduced to a concentration close to the concentration of the coating solution before concentration.

  The dilution liquid channel 214 is connected between the circulation pump 144 and the control valve 146 of the first circulation channel 142.

  The diluent pump 216 is a tube pump. The diluent in the diluent tank 212 is sent to the first circulation channel 142 via the diluent channel 214 and the diluent pump 216 (the direction in which the diluent is fed is indicated by an upward dotted arrow line).

  When the control valve 146 communicates the first circulation flow path upstream side 142 </ b> A and the second circulation flow path 148, the diluted solution sent to the first circulation flow channel 142 is sent to the coating solution tank 122. (The direction in which the diluent is fed is indicated by a dotted arrow line pointing downward).

  On the other hand, when the control valve 146 communicates the first circulation flow path upstream side 142A and the first circulation flow path downstream side 142B, the diluted liquid sent to the first circulation flow path 142 is the first It is sent from the circulation inlet 114C of the application tray 114 to the application tray 114 via the circulation flow path downstream side 142B.

  The concentration meter 220 measures the concentration of the coating liquid passing through the first circulation channel 142. Based on the concentration information obtained from the densitometer 220, when the concentration value exceeds a preset value, the diluent pump 216 is operated to supply the diluent to the coating solution tank 122.

  Instead of supplying the diluent based on the concentration information, or in combination with this, it is also possible to supply the diluent at regular intervals. When supplying the diluent at regular intervals, the count value of the counter 198 is periodically acquired, and when the count value of the counter 198 reaches a preset value, the above-described diluent supply is executed.

[Explanation of control unit]
FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a control system of the coating apparatus 200. In the control system of the coating apparatus 200 shown in the figure, a dilution control unit 230 is added to the control system of the coating apparatus 100 shown in FIG.

  The dilution controller 230 controls the supply of the diluent by the diluent supply unit 210 based on the command signal from the system controller 180. Specifically, when the concentration information of the coating liquid is acquired from the concentration meter 220, the system control unit 180 sends a command signal to the dilution control unit 230.

  Based on the command signal sent from the system control unit 180, the dilution control unit 230 controls the on / off of the diluent pump 216 and the number of rotations. The diluent pump 216 operates in conjunction with the circulation pump 144 (see FIG. 1) and the control valve 146.

  When the diluent is sent from the diluent tank 212 to the coating solution tank 122, the circulation pump 144 is stopped, the upstream side 142A of the first circulation channel and the second circulation channel 148 are communicated, and the diluent pump 216 is connected. (Pump 189 in FIG. 7) is operated.

  In addition, when the diluent is supplied to the application tray 114 via the first circulation flow path downstream side 142B and the application tray 114 and the application roller 112 are cleaned, the circulation pump 144 is stopped and the first circulation flow is stopped. The upstream side 142A of the passage and the downstream side 142B of the first circulation channel are connected to operate the diluent pump 216.

[Explanation of control flow]
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the flow of overall control of the coating liquid circulation process. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a control flow of the dilution process of FIG. 8 and 9, the same or similar parts as those in FIG. 4 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted.

  When the circulation process is started (step S100), a circulation process is executed (step S102). The processing shown in the flowchart in FIG. 4 is applied to the circulation process.

  Whether or not the coating solution needs to be diluted is determined during the circulation process (step S104). The necessity of dilution of the coating solution is determined when the concentration of the coating solution exceeds a predetermined concentration threshold based on the concentration information of the coating solution acquired from the densitometer 220 (see FIG. 6). It is determined that dilution of the liquid is necessary.

  If it is determined in step S104 that the dilution of the coating liquid is unnecessary (No determination), the determination of whether or not the dilution of the coating liquid is necessary is continued. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S104 that the coating solution needs to be diluted (Yes determination), a dilution process is executed (step S106).

  When the dilution process in step S106 is completed, the process returns to the circulation process (step S102), and the circulation process and the dilution process are repeatedly executed until a circulation process end command is issued.

  When the dilution process shown in step S106 in FIG. 8 is started (step S200 in FIG. 9), the circulation pump 144 (see FIG. 6) is stopped (step S202 in FIG. 9), and the control valve 146 (see FIG. 6) is turned on. The first circulation flow path upstream side 142A and the second circulation flow path 148 are communicated with each other (step S204 in FIG. 9).

  Next, the operation of the diluent pump 216 is started (step S206), the operation time of the diluent pump 216 is measured (step S208), and the operation time of the diluent pump 216 has passed a preset time. Is determined (step S210).

  In step S210, when the operation time of the diluent pump 216 has not passed the preset set time (No determination), it is determined whether or not the operation time of the diluent pump 216 has passed the set time. Will continue.

  On the other hand, in step S210, when the preset operation time of the diluent pump 216 has elapsed (Yes determination), the diluent pump 216 is stopped (step S212), and the control valve 146 is switched. The first circulation channel upstream side 142A and the first circulation channel downstream side 142B communicate with each other (step S214).

  When the dilution process is completed (step S216), the process returns to the circulation process (step S102) in FIG.

  The operation time of the diluent pump 216 is obtained in advance for each parameter such as the type of coating solution, the type of diluent, and environmental conditions (temperature, humidity), and is stored in, for example, the parameter storage unit 192 in FIG.

  When each parameter is acquired by the means for acquiring each parameter, the operation time corresponding to the acquired parameter is read and set.

[Modification of Second Embodiment]
In the coating apparatus 200 illustrated in FIG. 6, the diluent flow path 214 is connected between the circulation pump 144 and the control valve 146 of the first circulation path 142 (downstream of the circulation pump 144 in the flow direction of the coating liquid). However, the dilution liquid channel 214 may be connected between the circulation outlet 114B of the application tray 114 of the first circulation channel 142 and the circulation pump 144 (upstream in the flow direction of the application liquid of the circulation pump 144).

  In this configuration, a control valve is provided instead of the diluent pump 216, and the control valve is opened when the dilution process (see FIG. 9) is performed, and the control valve is closed when the circulation process is performed.

  It is also possible to supply the dilution liquid from the circulation inlet 114C to the application tray 114 via the first circulation flow path upstream side 142A and the first circulation flow path downstream side 142B, and wash the application unit 110 using the dilution liquid. is there.

[Effects of Second Embodiment]
According to the coating apparatus 200 configured as described above, the diluent tank 212 and the diluent pump 216 are not directly connected to the coating liquid tank 122 but are connected (joined) to the first circulation channel 142. By simple control of switching the control valve 146 and turning on / off the dilution liquid pump 216, the application liquid can be diluted and the application section 110 (application roller 112, application tray 114) can be cleaned.

  The progress of the concentration of the coating liquid can be further delayed by feeding the dilution liquid to the coating liquid tank 122 little by little at regular intervals. Then, it is not necessary to control the concentration of the coating solution in real time, and simple dilution control can be applied such that a very small amount of diluent is added so as not to dilute excessively at regular intervals.

  Furthermore, by providing the densitometer, it is possible to more precisely control the concentration of the coating liquid, such as adding an appropriate amount of diluent to the coating liquid tank 122 based on the density information obtained from the densitometer.

[Description of application example to inkjet recording apparatus]
FIG. 10 is an overall configuration diagram of an inkjet recording apparatus to which the coating apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention or the coating apparatus 200 according to the second embodiment is applied. The coating apparatus 100 (200) described above is applied to the treatment liquid application unit 44 of the treatment liquid application unit 14.

  An inkjet recording apparatus 10 shown in FIG. 1 is an inkjet recording apparatus that records an image by an inkjet method using a water-based UV ink (UV (ultraviolet) curable ink using an aqueous medium) on a sheet of paper P.

  The ink jet recording apparatus 10 mainly includes a paper feeding unit 12 that feeds the paper P, a processing liquid application unit 14 that applies a processing liquid to the surface of the paper P fed from the paper feeding unit 12, and a processing liquid application unit. 14, a processing liquid drying processing unit 16 that performs drying processing of the paper P to which the processing liquid has been applied, and an aqueous UV ink on the surface of the paper P that has been subjected to the drying processing by the processing liquid drying processing unit 16 in an inkjet method An image forming unit 18 (image forming unit) that records an image, an ink drying processing unit 20 that performs drying processing of the paper P on which an image is recorded by the image forming unit 18, and a paper that is dried by the ink drying processing unit 20 A UV irradiation processing unit 22 that fixes the image by irradiating P with UV light (actinic light); and a paper discharge unit 24 that discharges the paper P that has been subjected to the UV irradiation processing by the UV irradiation processing unit 22. Composed.

<Paper Feeder>
The paper feed unit 12 mainly includes a paper feed base 30, a soccer device 32, a paper feed roller pair 34, a feeder board 36, a front pad 38, and a paper feed drum 40. Are fed one by one to the processing liquid application unit 14.

  The sheets P stacked on the sheet feed table 30 are pulled up one by one in order from the top by the soccer device 32 (suction fit 32A), and are fed to the sheet feed roller pair 34 (between the pair of upper and lower rollers 34A and 34B). Paper is fed.

  The paper P fed to the paper feed roller pair 34 is fed forward by a pair of upper and lower rollers 34 </ b> A and 34 </ b> B and placed on the feeder board 36. The paper P placed on the feeder board 36 is transported by a tape feeder 36 </ b> A provided on the transport surface of the feeder board 36.

  Then, in the conveyance process, the retainer 36B and the guide roller 36C are pressed against the conveyance surface of the feeder board 36 to correct the unevenness. The sheet P conveyed by the feeder board 36 has its leading end brought into contact with the front pad 38 to correct the inclination, and is then transferred to the sheet feeding drum 40. Then, the front end is gripped by the gripper 40 </ b> A of the paper supply drum 40 and conveyed to the processing liquid application unit 14.

<Processing liquid application part>
The treatment liquid application unit 14 mainly includes a treatment liquid application drum 42 that conveys the paper P, and a treatment liquid application unit 44 that applies a predetermined treatment liquid to the surface of the paper P conveyed by the treatment liquid application drum 42. A treatment liquid is applied (applied) to the surface of the paper P.

  The processing liquid applied to the surface of the paper P is applied with a processing liquid having a function of aggregating the color material in the aqueous UV ink ejected onto the paper P by the image forming unit 18 in the subsequent stage. By applying the treatment liquid onto the surface of the paper P and ejecting water-based UV ink, high-quality printing can be performed without causing landing interference or the like even when using general-purpose printing paper.

  The paper P delivered from the paper supply drum 40 of the paper supply unit 12 is delivered to the processing liquid application drum 42. The treatment liquid application drum 42 conveys the paper P wrapped around the circumferential surface by rotating the gripper 42 </ b> A by gripping the tip end of the paper P with the gripper 42 </ b> A.

  In this conveyance process, the processing liquid is applied to the surface of the paper P by bringing the application roller 44A applied with the processing liquid measured by the anilox roller 44C from the processing liquid tray 44B into pressure contact with the surface of the paper P. Applied. In addition, the form which apply | coats a process liquid is not limited to roller application | coating, Other forms, such as an inkjet system and application | coating by a blade, are also applicable.

<Processing liquid drying processing section>
The processing liquid drying processing unit 16 mainly includes a processing liquid drying processing drum 46 that transports the paper P, a paper transport guide 48 that supports (guides) the back surface of the paper P, and a paper transported by the processing liquid drying processing drum 46. And a processing liquid drying processing unit 50 that blows hot air on the surface of P to dry, and performs a drying process on the paper P with the processing liquid applied to the surface.

  The paper P transferred from the treatment liquid application drum 42 of the treatment liquid application unit 14 to the treatment liquid drying treatment drum 46 is gripped by the gripper 46 </ b> A provided in the treatment liquid drying treatment drum 46.

  Further, the back side of the paper P is supported by the paper transport guide 48 with the front surface (the surface coated with the treatment liquid) facing inward. In this state, the paper P is conveyed by rotating the processing liquid drying processing drum 46.

  In the process of being conveyed by the processing liquid drying processing drum 46, hot air is blown from the processing liquid drying processing unit 50 installed inside the processing liquid drying processing drum 46 to the surface of the paper P, so that the paper P is dried. As a result, the solvent component in the treatment liquid is removed, and an ink aggregation layer is formed on the surface of the paper P.

<Image forming part>
The image forming unit 18 mainly presses the image forming drum 52 that transports the paper P and the paper P that is transported by the image forming drum 52, and causes the paper P to adhere to the peripheral surface of the image forming drum 52. 54, inkjet heads 56C, 56M, 56Y, and 56K that discharge ink droplets of C, M, Y, and K colors on the paper P, an inline sensor 58 that reads an image recorded on the paper P, and ink mist. A droplet of ink (water-based UV ink) of each color of C, M, Y, and K is formed on the surface of the paper P that includes the mist filter 60 to be captured and the drum cooling unit 62 and on which the treatment liquid layer is formed. To draw a color image on the surface of the paper P.

  The ink jet head applied to this example includes a piezoelectric method in which ink is ejected by utilizing the flexural deformation of a piezoelectric element, a thermal method in which ink is ejected by causing film boiling by heating the ink, and charged ink. Various discharge methods such as an electrostatic method in which the ink is landed on the recording medium by electrostatic force can be applied.

  In addition, a line-type head in which nozzles are formed over a length corresponding to the entire width of the sheet P (the total length in the main scanning direction orthogonal to the relative movement direction of the sheet P) is applied to the inkjet head applied to this example. .

  The leading edge of the paper P delivered from the processing liquid drying processing drum 46 of the processing liquid drying processing unit 16 to the image forming drum 52 is gripped by a gripper 52 </ b> A provided in the image forming drum 52. Further, the sheet P is brought into close contact with the peripheral surface of the image forming drum 52 by passing the sheet P under the sheet pressing roller 54.

  The paper P brought into close contact with the peripheral surface of the image forming drum 52 is adsorbed by the negative pressure generated in the suction holes formed on the peripheral surface of the image forming drum 52 and is adsorbed and held on the peripheral surface of the image forming drum 52. The

  When the sheet P attracted and held on the peripheral surface of the image forming drum 52 passes through the ink droplet ejection area immediately below each of the inkjet heads 56C, 56M, 56Y, 56K, the inkjet heads 56C, 56M, 56Y, From 56K, ink droplets of C, M, Y, and K colors are ejected onto the surface, and a color image is drawn on the surface.

  The ink deposited on the surface of the paper P reacts with the ink agglomerated layer formed on the surface of the paper P and is fixed on the surface of the paper P without causing feathering or bleeding. A high quality image is formed.

  When the paper P on which the image is formed by the inkjet heads 56C, 56M, 56Y, and 56K passes through the reading area of the inline sensor 58, the image formed on the surface is read.

  Image reading by the in-line sensor 58 is performed as necessary, and image defects (image abnormality) such as ejection failure and density unevenness are inspected from the image reading data. The sheet P that has passed through the reading area of the in-line sensor 58 is released from the suction, passes under the guide 59, and is delivered to the ink drying processing unit 20.

<Ink drying processing section>
The ink drying processing unit 20 includes an ink drying processing unit 68 that performs a drying process on the paper P conveyed by the chain gripper 64, and performs a drying process on the paper P after image formation. The liquid component remaining on the surface is removed.

A configuration example of the ink drying processing unit 68 includes a heat source such as a halogen heater or an infrared (IR) heater, and a fan that blows air (gas, fluid) heated by the heat source onto the paper P.

  The sheet P transferred from the image forming drum 52 of the image forming unit 18 to the chain gripper 64 is gripped by the gripper 64 </ b> D provided in the chain gripper 64.

  The chain gripper 64 has a structure in which a pair of endless chains 64C are wound around the first sprocket 64A and the second sprocket 64B.

  Further, the rear surface of the rear end of the paper P is sucked and held on the paper holding surface of the guide plate 72 arranged at a certain distance from the chain gripper 64.

<UV irradiation processing part>
The UV irradiation processing unit 22 (actinic ray irradiation means) includes a UV irradiation unit 74 and irradiates an image recorded using aqueous UV ink with ultraviolet rays to fix the image on the surface of the paper P.

  A configuration example of the UV irradiation unit includes an aspect including an ultraviolet light source that generates UV light, an optical system that functions as a means for condensing the UV light, a means for deflecting the UV light, and the like.

  When the paper P conveyed by the chain gripper 64 reaches the UV light irradiation area of the UV irradiation unit 74, the UV irradiation processing is performed by the UV irradiation unit 74 installed inside the chain gripper 64.

  That is, the paper P, which is gripped by the gripper and transported by the chain gripper 64 with the rear surface of the rear end being sucked and held by the paper holding surface, is disposed at a position corresponding to the front surface of the paper P in the transport path of the paper P. UV light is emitted from the UV irradiation unit 74. The image (ink) irradiated with UV light develops a curing reaction and is fixed on the surface of the paper P.

  The paper P that has been subjected to the UV irradiation process is sent to the paper discharge unit 24 via the inclined conveyance path 70B. You may provide the cooling process part which performs the cooling process with respect to the paper P which passes the inclination conveyance path | route 70B.

<Paper output section>
The paper discharge unit 24 that collects the paper P on which a series of image forming processes has been performed includes a paper discharge tray 76 that stacks and collects the paper P.

  The chain gripper 64 (gripper 64D) releases the paper P on the paper discharge tray 76 and stacks the paper P on the paper discharge tray 76. The paper discharge tray 76 stacks and collects the paper P released from the chain gripper 64. The paper discharge tray 76 is provided with a sheet pad (not shown) (front sheet pad, rear sheet pad, horizontal sheet pad, etc.) so that the sheets P are stacked in an orderly manner.

  Further, the paper discharge tray 76 is provided so as to be lifted and lowered by a paper discharge tray lifting / lowering device (not shown). The discharge platform lifting device is controlled in conjunction with the increase / decrease of the paper P stacked on the paper discharge tray 76 so that the uppermost paper P is always positioned at a certain height. The paper table 76 is moved up and down.

  As a configuration example of the control system of the inkjet recording apparatus 10 illustrated in FIG. 10, a system control unit that comprehensively controls each unit of the apparatus, and a control unit that individually controls each unit based on a command signal transmitted from the system control unit An image processing unit that generates dot data by performing image processing such as color conversion, density correction, and halftone on input image data, a driving voltage generation unit that generates a driving voltage for an inkjet head based on the dot data, and an inkjet A configuration including a head driving unit that operates the inkjet head by supplying a driving voltage to the head can be used.

Further, the configuration of FIG. 3 or FIG. 7 can be applied as the control system of the treatment liquid application unit 44 of FIG. 10. In this specification, an ink jet recording apparatus is exemplified as an example of the image forming apparatus. The present invention is not limited to an inkjet recording apparatus for graphic use, and can be widely applied to an inkjet pattern forming apparatus for industrial use (electric wiring formation, mask pattern formation).

  The coating apparatus, the image forming apparatus, and the coating liquid maintenance method described above can be appropriately changed, added, or deleted without departing from the spirit of the present invention. In addition, the above-described configuration examples can be appropriately combined.

[Invention disclosed in this specification]
As will be understood from the description of the embodiments of the invention described in detail above, the present specification includes disclosure of various technical ideas including at least the invention described below.

  (First aspect): An application member that applies the application liquid to the application medium, an application liquid storage part that stores the application liquid supplied to the application member, and an application liquid storage part. A first circulation flow path for circulating the coating liquid, a circulation liquid feeding means for feeding the coating liquid in the first circulation flow path, and circulation for controlling the operation of the circulation liquid feeding means. Control of the operation of the liquid feeding control means, the second circulation flow path branched from the first circulation flow path, the switching means provided at the branch position of the first circulation flow path and the second circulation flow path, and the switching means A switching control means for connecting, a coating liquid tank connected to the second circulation flow path for storing the coating liquid supplied to the coating liquid storage section, and a supply flow path connected to the coating liquid tank and the coating liquid storage section A supply liquid supply means provided in the supply flow path for supplying the coating liquid in the supply flow path, and the operation of the supply liquid supply means. Supply switching control means for controlling, and the switching control means switches the switching means during the operation of the circulating liquid feeding means so that the first circulation flow path and the second circulation flow path are communicated with each other. A coating apparatus that recovers a part of the coating liquid flowing through the flow path to the coating liquid tank.

  According to the first aspect, by providing the switching means at the branch position between the first circulation flow path and the second circulation flow path, the second circulation flow path can be provided from the first circulation flow path without the liquid supply means. It is possible to send the coating liquid to the coating liquid tank via the second circulation channel.

  Therefore, the coating liquid tank can be used for circulation, and the total circulation amount can be increased as compared with the case where a small-capacity tank such as a buffer tank is used.

  In addition, since a part of the coating liquid to be circulated through the first circulation flow path is recovered to the coating liquid tank as much as the supply of the coating liquid to the coating unit is not cut off, a part of the coating liquid whose concentration has progressed The coating solution in the coating solution tank that has not been concentrated is mixed with the coating solution in the coating solution tank, and the progression of concentration of the coating solution is suppressed.

(Second Aspect): In the coating apparatus according to the first aspect, the switching control means switches the switching means at regular time intervals, the communication state between the first circulation flow path and the second circulation flow path, and the first The non-communication state of the circulation channel and the second circulation channel is switched.

  According to the second aspect, it is possible to suppress the progress of concentration of the coating liquid without adopting complicated control that is executed by acquiring information on the coating liquid.

  In the second aspect, an aspect including a setting unit that sets a switching time interval of the switching unit for each type of coating liquid is preferable.

  (Third aspect): In the coating apparatus according to the first aspect, the application apparatus includes an operation time measuring means for measuring the operation time of the circulating liquid feeding means, and the switching control means has a predetermined set time for the measured operation time. Is reached, the switching means is switched to connect the first circulation flow path and the second circulation flow path, and a part of the coating liquid circulating through the first circulation flow path is collected in the coating liquid tank.

  According to the third aspect, since a part of the coating liquid circulated based on the operating time of the circulating liquid feeding means is recovered to the coating liquid tank, a complicated control based on the information on the coating liquid is adopted. And the progress of concentration of the coating solution can be suppressed.

  (Fourth aspect): In the coating apparatus according to any one of the first to third aspects, the coating liquid recovery amount to the coating liquid tank is supplied from the coating liquid tank and the circulation channel to the coating liquid reservoir. The amount of coating solution is less.

  According to the fourth aspect, a part of the coating liquid is recovered to the coating liquid tank without causing a shortage of the coating liquid in the coating section, and the coating liquid whose concentration state is relaxed is resupplied to the coating section. Is possible.

(Fifth aspect): In the coating apparatus according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the number of the medium to be coated on which the coating liquid is applied, or a measuring unit that measures the operating time of the coating member is measured. number of the coating medium, or the operating time of the applying member reaches a first set value predetermined, a notification unit that notifies the permission of replenishment of the coating liquid into the coating solution tank, the notification means notifies the timing Notification timing switching means for switching between.

  According to the fifth aspect, the coating liquid can be replenished based on the number of coatings or the coating processing time, and it is not necessary to detect the amount of the coating liquid in the coating liquid tank.

  In the fifth aspect, by associating the number of coatings or the operation time of the coating member with the amount of coating liquid stored in the coating liquid tank, the coating liquid is replenished while the coating liquid tank is nearly empty, and coating is performed. No waste liquid is generated during replenishment.

  (Sixth aspect): In the coating apparatus according to the fifth aspect, the coating apparatus includes a water level detecting means for detecting the water level of the coating liquid in the coating liquid tank, and the notification timing switching means is the measured number of coated media or coating When the water level of the coating liquid detected by the water level detection means when the operation time of the member is less than the first set value is less than or equal to the intermediate water level indicating the middle of the maximum water level and the minimum water level in the coating liquid tank The permission of replenishment of the coating liquid to the coating liquid tank is notified.

  According to the sixth aspect, since the coating liquid is replenished in a state where the water level of the coating liquid in the coating liquid tank reaches the intermediate water level, the lack of the coating liquid does not occur.

  (Seventh aspect): In the coating apparatus according to the sixth aspect, the notification timing switching means is configured to cause the water level detection means when the measured number of coated media or the operating time of the coating member is equal to or greater than the first set value. When the detected water level of the coating liquid is equal to or lower than the minimum water level, notification of permission to replenish the coating liquid to the coating liquid tank is given.

  According to the seventh aspect, when the first set value is reached, the coating liquid in the coating liquid tank that has been concentrated to some extent is used up, and a new coating liquid is replenished. The applied coating solution is prevented from being supplied to the coating unit.

(Eighth aspect): In the coating apparatus according to the sixth aspect or the seventh aspect, the elapsed time from the timing when the measured number of coated media or the operating time of the coating member reaches the first set value is measured. The notification timing switching means is configured to determine whether the water level of the coating liquid tank detected by the water level detection means when the elapsed time measured by the elapsed time measurement means is greater than or equal to a predetermined third set value. If the water level is above the minimum level, a notification is made to prompt the disposal of the coating solution in the coating solution tank.

  According to the eighth aspect, when the coating solution tank is used up until it becomes empty (lowest water level), there is a concern that the concentration of the coating solution may be accelerated. Therefore, the third set value is provided as a time limit until the coating solution is used up. The problem of acceleration of concentration of the coating solution can be avoided.

  (Ninth Aspect): In the coating apparatus according to the fifth aspect to the eighth aspect, the notification timing switching means is the number of the measured number of coated media or the operating time of the coating member less than the first set value. 2. When reaching the set value, the application liquid tank is notified of permission to supply the diluent.

  According to the ninth aspect, the concentration of the coating liquid can be delayed by diluting the coating liquid, and the replenishment timing of the coating liquid can be delayed by supplying the dilution liquid before replenishing the coating liquid.

  (Tenth aspect): In the coating apparatus according to any one of the first to ninth aspects, a dilution liquid tank for storing a dilution liquid for diluting the coating liquid, a dilution liquid tank, and a first circulation channel are connected. Dilution liquid flow path, a dilution liquid feed means provided in the dilution liquid flow path for feeding the dilution liquid in the dilution liquid flow path, and a dilution liquid feed control for controlling the operation of the dilution liquid feed means And when the coating liquid stored in the coating liquid storage section is circulated through the first circulation channel, the dilution liquid feeding control means operates the dilution liquid feeding means to perform the first circulation. The diluent is sent from the diluent tank to the coating solution tank through the flow path.

  According to the tenth aspect, when a part of the coating liquid circulating through the first circulation channel is circulated, the dilution liquid can be sent to the coating liquid tank, and the concentration of the coating liquid can be further delayed. It becomes. By adopting such a configuration, the concentration of the coating liquid can be greatly delayed, and simple dilution control can be realized without controlling the concentration of the coating liquid in real time.

  In the tenth aspect, the connection position of the dilution liquid flow path and the first circulation flow path is on the downstream side in the flow direction of the coating liquid of the circulation liquid feeding means in the first circulation flow path, and the switching means in the first circulation flow path. The aspect which makes it the upstream of the flow direction of the coating liquid of this is preferable.

  (Eleventh aspect): In the coating apparatus according to the tenth aspect, the coating apparatus includes a concentration measuring means for measuring the concentration of the coating liquid in the first circulation flow path, and the dilute solution feeding control means When the concentration exceeds a predetermined concentration value, the diluent feeding means is operated.

  According to the eleventh aspect, it is possible to more precisely control the dilution of the coating liquid based on the concentration information of the circulating coating liquid.

  (Twelfth aspect): The coating apparatus according to the tenth aspect includes an operation time measuring means for measuring the operation time of the circulating liquid supply means, and the diluted liquid supply control means is preset with the measured operation time. When the set time is exceeded, the dilute solution feeding means is operated.

  According to the twelfth aspect, simple dilution control based on the operating time of the circulating liquid feeding means is possible.

  (Thirteenth aspect): In the coating apparatus according to any one of the first to twelfth aspects, a waste liquid tank that stores the coating liquid discharged from the coating liquid reservoir, and a connection with the coating liquid reservoir and the waste liquid tank A waste liquid flow path, a waste liquid liquid feed means provided in the waste liquid flow path for feeding the coating liquid in the waste liquid flow path, and a waste liquid liquid feed control means for controlling the operation of the waste liquid liquid feed means. Yes.

  According to the thirteenth aspect, the coating liquid in the coating liquid storage member can be discharged by a system different from the circulation of the coating liquid.

  In the thirteenth aspect, the diluting liquid is fed to the coating liquid storage section via the first circulation channel, and the coating liquid is discharged to the waste liquid tank after operating the coating member, so that the coating member and the coating liquid storage section are discharged. Is washed.

  (14th aspect): In the coating apparatus according to any one of the first aspect to the 13th aspect, a filter that is provided in the first circulation flow path and removes foreign matters of the coating liquid that is circulated through the first circulation flow path. It has.

  According to the fourteenth aspect, foreign matters mixed in the coating liquid circulating in the first circulation channel are removed, and foreign matters are prevented from entering the coating liquid tank when the coating liquid is collected into the coating liquid tank. The

  (Fifteenth aspect): In the coating apparatus according to any one of the first to fourteenth aspects, the supply liquid supply control means operates the supply liquid supply means and collects the application liquid recovered from at least the first circulation channel. An amount of the coating liquid corresponding to the amount is fed from the coating liquid tank to the coating liquid reservoir.

  According to the fifteenth aspect, excess or deficiency does not occur in the coating liquid in the coating liquid reservoir, and the circulation of the coating liquid does not affect the coating.

  (Sixteenth aspect): In the coating apparatus according to any one of the first aspect to the fifteenth aspect, the circulating liquid supply control means operates the circulating liquid supply means via the first circulation flow path to apply the coating liquid reservoir. Circulate a part of the coating solution.

  According to the sixteenth aspect, the application liquid is circulated through a part of the application liquid reservoir, whereby the application liquid can be circulated both during the application operation and during the application stop, thereby suppressing the concentration of the application liquid.

  (17th aspect): A coating apparatus for applying a coating liquid to a recording medium, and an image forming means for forming an image on the recording medium. The coating apparatus according to any one of the first to 16th aspects. An image forming apparatus which is a coating apparatus.

  In the image forming apparatus according to the seventeenth aspect, a processing liquid for fixing the image forming body to the recording medium can be applied as the coating liquid. As an example of the treatment liquid, an aggregation treatment liquid for aggregating ink can be given.

  An example of the image forming apparatus according to the seventeenth aspect is an ink jet recording apparatus provided with an ink jet head.

  (18th aspect): The coating member which apply | coats a coating liquid to a to-be-coated medium, the coating liquid storage part in which the coating liquid supplied to a coating member is stored, and the coating liquid supplied to a coating liquid storage part are stored. In a coating liquid maintenance method for a coating apparatus provided with a coating liquid tank, a circulating liquid feeding means is provided in a first circulation channel connected to the coating liquid reservoir and feeds the coating liquid in the first circulation channel. A circulation step of operating and circulating the coating liquid in the coating liquid reservoir through the first circulation path, and circulating the first circulation path and the coating liquid tank during the operation of the circulating liquid feeding means And a recovery step of collecting a part of the coating liquid to be collected in the coating liquid tank.

  In such an aspect, it is preferable to switch the communication state between the first circulation flow path and the second circulation flow path and the non-communication state between the first circulation flow path and the second circulation flow path at regular time intervals. Moreover, the aspect containing the setting process which sets a switching time interval for every kind of coating liquid is preferable.

  In this aspect, the method includes an operation time measuring step of measuring the operation time of the circulating liquid feeding means provided in the first circulation flow path, and temporarily reaches the first when the measured operation time reaches a predetermined set time. A mode in which the circulation channel and the second circulation channel are connected to each other and the coating liquid circulating through the first circulation channel is recovered to the coating liquid tank is preferable.

  In such an aspect, it is preferable that the amount of the application liquid recovered in the application liquid tank is less than the amount of the application liquid supplied from the application liquid tank and the circulation channel to the application liquid storage unit.

  In such an aspect, a measuring step of measuring the number of coated media coated with the coating liquid or the operating time of the coating member, and the measured number of coated media or the operating time of the coating member are determined in advance. A mode including a replenishing notification step for notifying the coating liquid tank of permitting replenishment of the coating liquid when reaching one set value and a notification timing switching step for switching the notification timing is preferable.

  In this aspect, the method includes a water level detection step of detecting the water level of the coating solution in the coating solution tank, and the notification timing switching step is performed when the measured number of coated media or the operating time of the coating member is less than the first set value. If the water level of the coating liquid detected by the water level detection process is less than or equal to the intermediate water level indicating the middle between the maximum water level and the minimum water level, the replenishment of the coating liquid to the coating liquid tank is permitted. A mode of notifying is preferable.

  In such an aspect, the notification timing switching step includes the measured number of media to be coated or the level of the coating liquid detected by the water level detection step when the operation time of the coating member is equal to or greater than the first set value. In such a case, it is preferable to notify permission of replenishment of the coating liquid to the coating liquid tank.

  In such an aspect, the method includes an elapsed time measuring step of measuring an elapsed time from the timing at which the measured number of coated media or the operating time of the coating member reaches the first set value, and the notification timing switching step includes the elapsed time When the elapsed time measured by the measurement process is greater than or equal to a predetermined third set value and the water level in the application tank detected by the water level detection means is greater than or equal to the minimum water level, the application liquid in the application liquid tank is discarded. A mode in which a prompt notification is given is preferable.

  In this aspect, when the measured number of coated media or the operation time of the coating member reaches a second set value that is less than the first set value, a dilution notification for notifying the supply of the diluent to the coating solution tank An embodiment including a step is preferable.

  In such an aspect, an aspect including a dilution liquid supplying step of supplying the dilution liquid to the application liquid tank when circulating the application liquid stored in the application liquid storage section via the first circulation channel is preferable.

  In such an aspect, the dilution liquid supply step includes a concentration measurement step for measuring the concentration of the coating liquid in the first circulation channel, and the dilution is performed when the measured concentration of the coating liquid exceeds a predetermined concentration. A mode in which the liquid feeding means is operated is preferable.

  In such an aspect, the diluent supply process includes an operation time measurement step of measuring the operation time of the circulating liquid supply means, and when the measured operation time exceeds a preset set time, the diluent supply means A mode in which is operated is preferable.

  In such an aspect, an aspect including a waste liquid step of discharging the coating liquid in the coating liquid storage member in a separate system from the circulation of the coating liquid is preferable. In such an aspect, an aspect including a cleaning step in which the diluent is sent to the coating liquid reservoir via the first circulation channel, and the diluent is discharged to the waste liquid tank after operating the coating member is preferable.

  In such an aspect, an aspect including a step of removing the foreign matter of the coating liquid that is provided in the first circulation flow path and circulated through the first circulation flow path is preferable.

  In such an aspect, the method includes a liquid feeding step of operating the supply liquid feeding means to feed at least an amount of the coating liquid corresponding to the amount of the coating liquid recovered from the first circulation flow path from the coating liquid tank to the coating liquid reservoir. Embodiments are preferred.

  In this aspect, the circulation step is preferably an aspect in which the circulating liquid feeding means is operated via the first circulation flow path to circulate a part of the coating liquid in the coating liquid reservoir.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Inkjet recording device, 44 ... Processing liquid application unit, 44A, 112 ... Coating roller, 44B, 114 ... Processing liquid tray, 44C, 116 ... Anilox roller, 122 ... Coating liquid tank, 140 ... Coating liquid circulation part, 142, 142A, 142B ... 1st circulation flow path, 144 ... Circulation pump, 146 ... Control valve, 148 ... 2nd circulation flow path, 150 ... Filter, 184 ... Display part, 188 ... Pump control part, 190 ... Valve control part, 196 ... sensor, 198 ... counter, 199 ... notification timing switching part, 210 ... diluent supply part, 212 ... diluent tank, 214 ... diluent flow path, 216 ... diluent pump, 220 ... concentration meter, 230 ... dilution control part

Claims (27)

An application member for applying the application liquid to the application medium;
A coating liquid storage section in which a coating liquid supplied to the coating member is stored;
A first circulation channel connected to the coating liquid reservoir and circulating the coating liquid in the coating liquid reservoir;
A circulation liquid feeding means provided in the first circulation flow path for feeding the coating liquid in the first circulation flow path;
Circulating liquid feeding control means for controlling the operation of the circulating liquid feeding means;
A second circulation channel branched from the first circulation channel;
Switching means provided at a branch position between the first circulation channel and the second circulation channel;
Switching control means for controlling the operation of the switching means;
A coating liquid tank connected to the second circulation channel and storing a coating liquid supplied to the coating liquid storage unit;
A supply flow path connected to the coating liquid tank and the coating liquid reservoir;
A supply liquid feeding means provided in the supply flow path for feeding the coating liquid in the supply flow path;
Supply liquid control means for controlling the operation of the supply liquid supply means;
Operating time measuring means for measuring the operating time of the circulating liquid feeding means;
With
The switching control means switches the switching means to switch the first circulation flow path and the second circulation flow when the measured operating time reaches a predetermined set time during the operation of the circulation liquid feeding means. a road is communicated, the first circulation flow path and the second circulation passage and duration are communicated to a coating apparatus for recovering all of the coating liquid flowing through the first circulation passage to the coating liquid tank .   The switching control unit switches the switching unit at regular time intervals to establish a communication state between the first circulation channel and the second circulation channel, and the first circulation channel and the second circulation channel. The coating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the non-communication state is switched. 3. The coating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the amount of the coating liquid collected in the coating liquid tank is less than the amount of the coating liquid supplied from the coating liquid tank and the circulation channel to the coating liquid storage unit. Measuring means for measuring the number of coated media coated with the coating liquid, or the operating time of the coating member;
A notification means for notifying the coating liquid tank of permission of replenishment of coating liquid when the measured number of coated media or the operating time of the coating member reaches a predetermined first set value;
Notification timing switching means for switching the notification timing of the notification means;
The coating apparatus of any one of Claim 1 to 3 provided with these. An application member for applying the application liquid to the application medium;
A coating liquid storage section in which a coating liquid supplied to the coating member is stored;
A first circulation channel connected to the coating liquid reservoir and circulating the coating liquid in the coating liquid reservoir;
A circulation liquid feeding means provided in the first circulation flow path for feeding the coating liquid in the first circulation flow path;
Circulating liquid feeding control means for controlling the operation of the circulating liquid feeding means;
A second circulation channel branched from the first circulation channel;
Switching means provided at a branch position between the first circulation channel and the second circulation channel;
Switching control means for controlling the operation of the switching means;
A coating liquid tank connected to the second circulation channel and storing a coating liquid supplied to the coating liquid storage unit;
A supply flow path connected to the coating liquid tank and the coating liquid reservoir;
A supply liquid feeding means provided in the supply flow path for feeding the coating liquid in the supply flow path;
Supply liquid control means for controlling the operation of the supply liquid supply means;
Measuring means for measuring the number of coated media coated with the coating liquid, or the operating time of the coating member;
A notification means for notifying the coating liquid tank of permission of replenishment of coating liquid when the measured number of coated media or the operating time of the coating member reaches a predetermined first set value;
Notification timing switching means for switching the notification timing of the notification means;
With
The switching control means switches the first circulating flow path during a period in which the switching means is switched during communication of the first circulating flow path and the second circulating flow path. A coating apparatus that collects all of the flowing coating liquid into the coating liquid tank. A water level detecting means for detecting the water level of the coating liquid in the coating liquid tank;
The notification timing switching means is configured such that the measured number of coating media or the water level of the coating liquid detected by the water level detection means when the operation time of the coating member is less than the first set value is the coating liquid. The coating apparatus according to claim 4 or 5, wherein when the amount of the coating liquid in the tank is equal to or lower than an intermediate water level indicating an intermediate between the maximum water level and the minimum water level, permission of replenishment of the coating liquid to the coating liquid tank is notified.   In the notification timing switching means, the water level of the coating liquid detected by the water level detection means when the measured number of coated media or the operation time of the coating member is equal to or greater than the first set value is below the minimum water level. In this case, the coating apparatus according to claim 6, which notifies permission of replenishment of the coating liquid to the coating liquid tank. An elapsed time measuring means for measuring an elapsed time from the timing when the measured number of coated media or the operation time of the coating member reaches the first set value;
The notification timing switching unit is configured such that the water level of the coating liquid tank detected by the water level detection unit is equal to or higher than a minimum water level when the elapsed time measured by the elapsed time measurement unit is a predetermined third set value or more. In this case, the coating apparatus according to claim 6 or 7, wherein a notification that prompts the disposal of the coating liquid in the coating liquid tank is given. The notification timing switching means supplies the dilution liquid to the coating liquid tank when the measured number of coated media or the operating time of the coating member reaches a second set value that is less than the first set value. The applicator according to any one of claims 4 to 8, which notifies the permission. A diluent tank in which a diluent for diluting the coating solution is stored;
A diluent channel connected to the diluent tank and the first circulation channel;
A diluent feeding means provided in the diluent flow path for feeding the diluent in the diluent flow path;
Diluent liquid feeding control means for controlling the operation of the diluent feeding means;
With
When diluting the coating liquid sent to the first circulation flow path , the dilution liquid feed control means operates the dilution liquid feed means to send the dilution liquid to the first circulation flow path. The coating apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the coating apparatus is used. An application member for applying the application liquid to the application medium;
A coating liquid storage section in which a coating liquid supplied to the coating member is stored;
A first circulation channel connected to the coating liquid reservoir and circulating the coating liquid in the coating liquid reservoir;
A circulation liquid feeding means provided in the first circulation flow path for feeding the coating liquid in the first circulation flow path;
Circulating liquid feeding control means for controlling the operation of the circulating liquid feeding means;
A second circulation channel branched from the first circulation channel;
Switching means provided at a branch position between the first circulation channel and the second circulation channel;
Switching control means for controlling the operation of the switching means;
A coating liquid tank connected to the second circulation channel and storing a coating liquid supplied to the coating liquid storage unit;
A supply flow path connected to the coating liquid tank and the coating liquid reservoir;
A supply liquid feeding means provided in the supply flow path for feeding the coating liquid in the supply flow path;
Supply liquid control means for controlling the operation of the supply liquid supply means;
A diluent tank in which a diluent for diluting the coating solution is stored;
A diluent channel connected to the diluent tank and the first circulation channel;
A diluent feeding means provided in the diluent flow path for feeding the diluent in the diluent flow path;
Diluent liquid feeding control means for controlling the operation of the diluent feeding means;
With
The switching control means switches the first circulating flow path during a period in which the switching means is switched during communication of the first circulating flow path and the second circulating flow path. Collect all of the flowing coating solution into the coating solution tank,
When diluting the coating liquid sent to the first circulation flow path, the dilution liquid feed control means operates the dilution liquid feed means to send the dilution liquid to the first circulation flow path. Application device to make. A concentration measuring means for measuring the concentration of the coating liquid in the first circulation channel;
The coating apparatus according to claim 10 or 11 , wherein the dilution liquid feeding control means operates the dilution liquid feeding means when the measured concentration of the coating liquid exceeds a predetermined concentration value. An operating time measuring means for measuring the operating time of the circulating liquid feeding means;
The coating apparatus according to claim 10 or 11 , wherein the dilution liquid feeding control means operates the dilution liquid feeding means when the measured operation time exceeds a preset set time. A waste liquid tank in which the coating liquid discharged from the coating liquid storage unit is stored;
A waste liquid flow path connected to the coating liquid reservoir and the waste liquid tank;
A waste liquid feeding means provided in the waste liquid flow path for feeding the coating liquid in the waste liquid flow path;
Waste liquid feeding control means for controlling the operation of the waste liquid feeding means;
The coating device according to any one of claims 1 to 13 , further comprising: The first is provided in the circulation flow path, the coating apparatus according to any one of the first circulation passage from claim 1, further comprising a filter for removing foreign matters of the coating solution is circulated through a 14. The supply liquid control means operates the supply liquid supply means to at least supply an amount of the coating liquid corresponding to the amount of the coating liquid recovered from the first circulation channel from the coating liquid tank to the coating liquid reservoir. The coating apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 15 , wherein the liquid is fed. The circulating liquid feed control means operates the pre Symbol circulating liquid sending means any of claims 1 to 16 for circulating a portion of the coating liquid of the coating liquid reservoir portion through the first circulation passage 2. The coating apparatus according to item 1. A coating apparatus for coating a recording medium with a coating liquid;
Image forming means for forming an image on a recording medium;
With
The coating apparatus, the image forming apparatus is a coating apparatus according to any one of claims 1 17. An application member for applying the application liquid to the application medium, an application liquid storage part for storing the application liquid supplied to the application member, and an application liquid tank for storing the application liquid supplied to the application liquid storage part In the coating liquid concentration adjustment method of the coating apparatus provided,
Provided in a first circulation flow path connected to the coating liquid reservoir, and operating a circulation liquid feeding means for feeding the coating liquid in the first circulation flow path, via the first circulation flow path A circulation step of circulating the coating liquid in the coating liquid reservoir;
An operation time measuring step of measuring the operation time of the circulating liquid feeding means;
When the measured operating time reaches a predetermined set time during the operation of the circulating liquid feeding means , the first circulation channel and the second circulation channel branched from the first circulation channel are provided. communicates the first circulation path and the coating liquid reservoir and duration are communicated with each includes a recovery step of recovering all of the coating liquid for the circulation to the coating liquid tank,
The coating liquid density | concentration adjustment method containing this. An application member for applying the application liquid to the application medium, an application liquid storage part for storing the application liquid supplied to the application member, and an application liquid tank for storing the application liquid supplied to the application liquid storage part In the coating liquid concentration adjustment method of the coating apparatus provided,
Provided in a first circulation flow path connected to the coating liquid reservoir, and operating a circulation liquid feeding means for feeding the coating liquid in the first circulation flow path, via the first circulation flow path A circulation step of circulating the coating liquid in the coating liquid reservoir;
During the operation of the circulating liquid feeding means, during the period in which the first circulation channel and the coating liquid tank are in communication, a recovery step of collecting all of the circulating coating liquid into the coating liquid tank;
A measuring step of measuring the number of media to be coated on which the coating liquid has been applied, or the operating time of the coating member;
A notification step of notifying the coating liquid tank of permission to replenish coating liquid when the measured number of coated media or the operating time of the coating member reaches a predetermined first set value;
A notification timing switching step of switching the notification timing of the notification step;
The coating liquid density | concentration adjustment method containing this. Including a water level detection step of detecting the water level of the coating liquid in the coating liquid tank,
In the notification timing switching step, the measured number of coated media or the water level of the coating solution detected in the water level detection step when the operation time of the coating member is less than the first set value 21. The coating liquid concentration adjusting method according to claim 20, wherein when the amount of the coating liquid in the tank is equal to or lower than an intermediate water level indicating an intermediate value between the maximum water level and the minimum water level, permission to supplement the coating liquid to the coating liquid tank is notified. In the notification timing switching step, the water level of the coating liquid detected in the water level detection step when the measured number of media to be coated or the operation time of the coating member is equal to or greater than the first set value is below the minimum water level. 22. In the case of the above, the coating liquid concentration adjusting method according to claim 21, wherein permission of replenishment of the coating liquid to the coating liquid tank is notified. An elapsed time measuring step of measuring an elapsed time from a timing at which the measured number of coated media or an operation time of the application member reaches the first set value,
In the notification timing switching step, the water level of the coating liquid tank detected in the water level detection step when the elapsed time measured in the elapsed time measurement step is equal to or greater than a predetermined third set value is equal to or higher than the minimum water level. 23. The coating liquid concentration adjusting method according to claim 21 or 22, wherein in such a case, a notification is made to prompt disposal of the coating liquid in the coating liquid tank . In the notification timing switching step, when the measured number of coated media or the operation time of the coating member reaches a second set value that is less than the first set value, the dilution liquid is supplied to the coating liquid tank. The method for adjusting the concentration of a coating solution according to any one of claims 20 to 23, wherein the permission of the application is notified. An application member for applying the application liquid to the application medium; an application liquid storage part for storing the application liquid supplied to the application member; an application liquid tank for storing the application liquid supplied to the application liquid storage part; In a diluent tank storing a diluent for diluting the coating liquid, a diluent channel connected to the diluent tank and a first circulation channel connected to the coating liquid storage unit, and the diluent channel In the coating liquid concentration adjusting method of the coating apparatus provided with a diluent feeding means for feeding the diluent in the diluent flow path,
A coating liquid in the coating liquid storage section is provided via the first circulation channel by operating a circulation liquid feeding means provided in the first circulation channel and for feeding the coating liquid in the first circulation channel. Circulating process to circulate
During the operation of the circulating liquid feeding means, during the period in which the first circulation channel and the coating liquid tank are in communication, a recovery step of collecting all of the circulating coating liquid into the coating liquid tank;
When diluting the coating liquid sent to the first circulation flow path, operating the dilution liquid feeding means to feed the dilution liquid to the first circulation flow path;
The coating liquid density | concentration adjustment method containing this. A concentration measuring step of measuring the concentration of the coating liquid in the first circulation channel;
26. The coating liquid concentration adjustment according to claim 25, wherein the step of feeding the dilution liquid comprises operating the dilution liquid feeding means when the measured concentration of the coating liquid exceeds a predetermined concentration value. Method. An operation time measuring step of measuring the operation time of the circulating liquid feeding means,
26. The coating liquid concentration adjusting method according to claim 25, wherein in the step of feeding the dilution liquid, the dilution liquid feeding means is operated when the measured operation time exceeds a preset set time.

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