CN108160408B - Control device for coating head unit - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a control device for a coating head unit. The present invention provides a control device for a coating head unit that controls the coating head unit including an inkjet type discharge unit that discharges liquid supplied from a liquid supply bottle in an inkjet manner, the control device including: a liquid supply bottle pressure control unit that controls a pressure to be supplied into the liquid supply bottle; and a liquid storage unit pressure control unit that controls a pressure in the liquid storage unit to be supplied to the ink jet type discharge unit.

Description

Control device for coating head unit

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a control device for a coating head unit. More particularly, the present invention relates to a control device for a coating head unit that effectively controls a coating head unit that discharges liquid in an inkjet manner.

Background

Apparatuses that discharge or apply liquid that performs a specific function on a substrate are used to manufacture electronic devices. For example, in order to manufacture a Flat Panel Display (FPD) such as a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) or an OLED display, various coating apparatuses are used to form a configuration for performing a predetermined function on a substrate.

As one example, a liquid crystal display is manufactured by bonding a color substrate provided with a color filter layer and a Thin Film Transistor (TFT) substrate on which driving elements are arranged. Liquid crystal is applied between the color substrate and the TFT substrate, and an adhesive paste or sealant is applied to bond the color substrate and the TFT substrate together.

In order to manufacture a liquid crystal display, an OLED element, or an OLED display, various coating apparatuses are used for forming a liquid crystal layer, a sealant pattern, an alignment layer, a spacer, a conductive pattern, a color filter, a light emitting layer, a black matrix, or a fluorescent layer.

As an example of the coating apparatus, korean patent application laid-open No. 10-2011-.

Recently, the use of coating apparatuses that discharge liquid in an inkjet manner to supply a precise amount of liquid to a substrate has increased.

However, in the case of the ink jet type coating apparatus, it is necessary to control the liquid to be discharged so that the liquid is efficiently supplied into the ink jet type discharge unit, and it is necessary to prevent leakage of the liquid or discharge defects in the ink jet type nozzle by accurately controlling the pressure in the liquid storage unit (reservoir) storing the liquid to be discharged. In addition, it is necessary to safely and efficiently control the installation and management of the devices.

With respect to the existing ink jet type coating apparatus, there is no solution with respect to precise control of ink jet type discharge, prevention of leakage when supplying liquid, prevention of malfunction, apparatus integrity, and the like, and as a result, a structure of a coating head unit for the ink jet type coating apparatus and a control apparatus for the coating head unit are required.

Disclosure of Invention

The present invention has been made in an effort to provide an improved coating head unit provided in a coating device that discharges liquid in an inkjet manner and a control device for the coating head unit, which can accurately control the coating head unit and can prevent the occurrence of problems caused by erroneous operation and can be provided integrally with the coating head unit.

An exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides a control device for a coating head unit that controls the coating head unit including an inkjet type discharge unit that discharges liquid supplied from a liquid supply bottle in an inkjet manner, the control device including: a liquid supply bottle pressure control unit that controls a pressure to be supplied into the liquid supply bottle; and a liquid storage unit pressure control unit that controls a pressure in the liquid storage unit to be supplied to the ink jet type discharge unit.

The control means may include a first valve controlled by the liquid supply bottle pressure control unit, connected to a liquid supply bottle pressure supply pipe that transmits pressure to the liquid supply bottle, and allowing or blocking pressure supplied from a pneumatic pressure supply unit that supplies pneumatic pressure.

The control means may include a second valve that allows or blocks the pressure supplied from the pneumatic pressure supply unit supplying the pneumatic pressure; and a third valve that allows or blocks a negative pressure supplied from a negative pressure supply unit that supplies a negative pressure, wherein outlets of the second and third valves are connected to the liquid storage unit, and the second and third valves are controlled by the liquid storage unit pressure control unit.

The outlet of the second valve and the outlet of the third valve may be connected to and may be incorporated into a liquid storage unit pressure supply pipe connected to a pressure regulating hole of the liquid storage unit.

A supply separation unit that separates the liquid storage unit pressure supply pipes may be provided in the liquid storage unit pressure supply pipes. The supply separation unit may be a double shut-off valve.

The negative pressure supply unit may be connected to the third valve via a pressure-regulating servo valve that regulates the negative pressure by using a pressure sensor embedded therein.

The coating head unit may include a pinch valve that closes a first liquid supply pipe that supplies the liquid in the liquid supply bottle by pushing the first liquid supply pipe, and the control means for the coating head unit may include an operation control unit that controls an operation of the pinch valve.

The coating head unit may include: a clamping unit provided on a closure of the liquid supply bottle and opening and closing the first liquid supply tube by an operation of the operation lever; and an interlock sensor that senses an interlock sensor operation protrusion, a position of which is moved according to an operation of the operation lever, and the operation control unit may release the pinch valve when it is determined that the pinch unit closes the first liquid supply pipe based on a sensing result of the interlock sensor.

The coating head unit may include a base module and a head module mounted on the base module, the locking member operating unit may be operated to prevent the fixing pin provided on the head module from being withdrawn when the mounting check sensor senses the mounting of the head module, and the control device for the coating head unit may include an operation control unit that cuts off the supply of the liquid from the liquid supply bottle and releases the locking member operating unit in a state where the negative pressure is applied to the ink jet discharge unit when the locking member operating unit needs to be released.

The control means for the coating head unit may comprise a control means housing, wherein the control means housing is fixed to a support panel to which the coating head unit is connected.

The control device for the coating head unit may further include: a temperature control unit that controls a temperature of a heating element provided in a heating unit that heats liquid stored in the inkjet discharge unit; and an ink jet type control unit that controls an ink jet type discharge operation of the ink jet type discharge unit.

The present invention provides a control device for a coating head unit, which is provided integrally with the coating head unit mounted on a support (stage) of a coating device.

The control means effectively controls the pressure to be supplied into a liquid supply bottle provided on the coating head unit and the pressure to be supplied into a liquid storage unit that is supplied with the liquid from the liquid supply bottle and stores the liquid.

The control device for a coating head unit according to the present invention can effectively perform the operation of controlling the driving unit and the operation of controlling the liquid supply from the liquid supply bottle in accordance with the attachment or detachment of the coating head unit having the base module and the head module connected to each other.

The control device can control the coating head unit in a uniform manner, such as an operation of controlling supply and discharge of liquid to be discharged in an ink-jet manner, an operation of controlling pressures in the liquid supply bottle and the liquid storage unit, and an operation of controlling a temperature of the liquid storage unit.

The above summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing a state in which a control device for a coating head unit and the coating head unit are connected to each other according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a coating head unit according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 3 is a side view of a coating head unit according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a base member of a coating head unit according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a head part of a coating head unit according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 6 is a view showing a state in which a head module is connected to a matrix module in a coating head unit according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 7 is a perspective view of a head module mounting unit provided on a base module of a coating head unit according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 8 is a view illustrating a state in which fixing pins and fixing plates of a head module are connected to a head module mounting unit in a coating head unit according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 9 is a sectional view taken along line a-a' of fig. 8.

Fig. 10 is a view showing a liquid supply path of a coating head unit according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 11 is a view showing a relationship between a clamping unit and an interlock sensor (clamping unit closed state) in the coating head unit according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 12 is a view showing a closed state (fig. 12A) and an open state (fig. 12B) of a clamping unit in a coating head unit according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 13 is a view showing the configuration and operation of a pinch valve provided in the coating head unit according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 14 is a perspective view of a heating unit provided in a coating head unit according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 15 is a perspective view of an inkjet discharge unit provided in a coating head unit according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 16 is an exploded perspective view of an inkjet discharge unit provided in a coating head unit according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 17 is a sectional view (taken along line B-B' in fig. 15) of an inkjet discharge unit provided in a coating head unit according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 18 is a view showing the configuration of a control device for a coating head unit according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

It is to be understood that the drawings are not necessarily to scale, presenting a somewhat simplified representation of various features illustrative of the basic principles of the invention. The specific design features of the invention as disclosed herein, including, for example, specific dimensions, orientations, locations, and shapes, will be determined in part by the particular intended application and use environment.

In the drawings, like reference characters designate identical or equivalent parts of the invention throughout the several views.

Detailed Description

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. First, in reference numerals indicating constituent elements of the respective drawings, it should be noted that, although they are shown in different drawings, the same constituent elements will be indicated by the same reference numerals if possible. In addition, in the following description of the present invention, a detailed description of known configurations or functions incorporated herein will be omitted when it is determined that the detailed description may make the subject matter of the present invention unclear. In addition, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described below, but the technical spirit of the present invention is not limited thereto, but may be modified and variously implemented by those skilled in the art.

Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing a state in which a control device for a coating head unit and the coating head unit are connected to each other according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to fig. 1, the coating head unit 9 is mounted on the coating apparatus by means of a head unit fixing unit 30. The head unit fixing unit 30 is fixed to a support panel 40 disposed in a vertical direction, and the support panel 40 is connected to a stage (not shown) disposed across an upper side of a coating device (not shown). The stage may be disposed in the X-axis direction of the coordinate system shown in fig. 1. In a state where the support panel 40 is attached to the stage, the support panel 40 can be moved in the X-axis direction.

The head unit fixing unit 30 supports the coating head unit 1, and a driving device such as a linear motor is provided in the head unit fixing unit 30, and can move the coating head unit 9 in the Y-axis or Z-axis direction. The support panel 40 is moved in the X-axis direction along the stage, and the application head unit 9 is moved in the Y-axis direction and/or the Z-axis direction by the head unit fixing unit 30, and as a result, the application head unit 9 can be moved to a point where the liquid is to be discharged, and the position of the application head unit 9 can be adjusted. Meanwhile, the stage may be moved in the Y-axis direction in the coating apparatus.

Meanwhile, a control device 50 for the coating head unit is provided at the upper side of the support panel 40. When the support panel 40 moves along the stage, the coating head unit 1 connected to the support panel 40 moves together with the control device 50 for the coating head unit.

In one exemplary embodiment, the coating head unit 9 includes a substrate module 10 and a head module 20, and the head module 20 is mounted on the substrate module 10.

The control device 50 for the coating head unit controls the operation of the coating head unit 9. The control device 50 for the coating head unit may include a control device housing 52, constituent elements for controlling the coating head unit may be included in the control device housing 52, and an interface for controlling the coating head unit may be exposed to a surface of the control device housing 52.

Before describing a specific configuration of the control device 50 for the coating head unit, the configuration of the coating head unit 9 controlled by the control device 50 for the coating head unit will be described first.

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a coating head unit according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, and fig. 3 is a side view of the coating head unit according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a head part of a coating head unit according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, and fig. 5 is a perspective view of a base part of the coating head unit according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

The coating head unit 9 is characterized by including a base module 10 fixed to a head unit fixing unit 30, and a head module 20 detachably attached to the base module 10. The coating head unit 9 is also characterized by having an ink jet type discharge unit 220 that discharges liquid to be discharged in an ink jet manner. The liquid to be discharged through the coating head unit 9 may be a liquid having a predetermined viscosity, and may be a liquid for forming at least one of a liquid crystal layer, a sealant pattern, an alignment layer, a spacer, a conductive pattern, a color filter, a light emitting layer, a black matrix, or a fluorescent layer on a substrate.

Referring to fig. 4, the base module 10 includes: a base panel 100 disposed in a vertical direction; a head module mounting unit 110 which is fixed at a central portion of the base panel 100 in a horizontal direction and to which the head module 20 is connected and aligned; and a head unit 120 fixed at a lower end portion of the base panel 100 in a horizontal direction. A connection plate 102 for connecting the base module 10 to the head unit fixing unit 30 may be provided at one side of the base panel 100. When the connection plate 102 is fixed to the head unit fixing unit 30, the base module 10 may be connected to the head unit fixing unit 30.

The base panel 100 may be configured in a plate-like shape and function as a structure for connecting other constituent elements. The base panel 100 may be configured as a single plate, but in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the base panel 100 may be formed by connecting a plurality of plates.

The head module mounting unit 110 serves to detachably fix the head module 20 and to align with the head module 20. The head module mounting unit 110 includes a fixing pin insertion hole 112, and the fixing pin insertion hole 112 is formed into the head module mounting unit 110 from an upper surface of the head module mounting unit 110 in a vertical direction. A plurality of fixing pin insertion holes 112 may be provided, and the plurality of fixing pin insertion holes may include a first fixing pin insertion hole 112a and a second fixing pin insertion hole 112 b.

The head module mounting unit 110 may further include a mounting inspection sensor 114. The mounting check sensor 114 may sense whether the head module 20 is connected to the base module 10. When the fixing pins 212 provided to protrude downward from the bottom surface of the fixing plate 210 of the head module 20 are inserted into the fixing pin insertion holes 112, and the fixing plate 210 is in contact with the upper surface of the head module mounting unit 110, the mounting inspection sensor 114 senses such a state. The mounting inspection sensor 114 may be configured in the form of a switch configured to be pushed by the fixing plate 210. The fixing pin withdrawal prevention mechanism provided on the head module mounting unit 110 operates according to the sensing result of the mounting inspection sensor 114, thereby preventing withdrawal of the fixing pin 212.

The liquid supply bottle level sensor 130 is disposed at an upper side of the head module mounting unit 110. The liquid supply bottle level sensor 130 may include a light emitting part 130a and a light receiving part 130 b. When the level of the liquid contained in the liquid supply bottle 230 is lower than the position of the liquid supply bottle level sensor 130, the light generated by the light emitting part 130a propagates to the light receiving part 130 b. When the level of the liquid in the liquid supply bottle 230 is higher than the position of the liquid supply bottle level sensor 130, the light generated by the light emitting part 130a does not propagate to the light receiving part 130b, or the intensity of the light received by the light receiving part 130b is low due to light scattering. When the level of the liquid in the liquid supply bottle 230 is lowered, the intensity of the light generated by the light emitting part 130a and propagated to the light receiving part 130b is increased, and as a result, the liquid supply bottle level sensor 130 can sense the level of the liquid. The light emitting part 130a is disposed on the first liquid supply bottle level sensor fixing plate 132a, and the light receiving part 130b is disposed on the second liquid supply bottle level sensor fixing plate 132 b. The first and second liquid supply bottle level sensor fixing plates 132a and 132b may be fixed to an upper portion of the head module mounting unit 110 or to the base panel 100.

When the sensing signal is generated from the liquid supply bottle level sensor 130, the level of liquid in the liquid supply bottle 230 is considered to be below the reference level, and an alarm signal may be generated for the purpose of replacing the liquid supply bottle 230 or filling the liquid supply bottle 230 with liquid.

One side of the heating unit 120 is fixed to the base panel 100, and the heating unit 120 may be installed in a horizontal direction. The heating unit 120 may be provided in the form of a plate. The heating element 122 may be inserted into the heating unit 120. The heating element 122 is heated by electrical power supplied via heating element power supply line 124. The heating element 122 may be configured by installing a resistive material in the heating element 122, or may be configured as a ceramic heater or the like. The heat generated by the heating element 122 is transferred to the upper portion of the heating unit 120, thereby increasing the temperature of the upper surface of the heating unit 120.

The bottom surface of the liquid storage unit provided in the inkjet discharge unit 220 is in contact with the upper surface of the heating unit 120, and the liquid stored in the liquid storage unit is heated to a predetermined temperature by the heating unit 120. A temperature sensor measuring temperature may be provided in the heating unit 120.

The liquid storage unit level sensors 140, 142, and 144 are disposed at an upper side of the heating unit 120. The liquid storage unit level sensors 140, 142, and 144 sense the level of the liquid stored in the liquid storage unit 400 included in the inkjet discharge unit 220 provided in the heating module 20. Specific configurations of the inkjet discharge unit 220 and the liquid storage unit 400 will be described below.

The liquid storage unit level sensors 140, 142, and 144 may include a plurality of optical sensor modules 140a, 140b, 142a, 142b, 144a, and 144 b. The optical sensor modules 140a and 140b may include a light emitting part 140a and a light receiving part 140b, and may sense the level of the liquid when the light generated by the light emitting part 140a is received by the light receiving part 140 b. The sensing signals from the liquid storage unit level sensors 140, 142, and 144 may vary based on the level of liquid in the liquid storage unit 400.

As an example, assume that the level of liquid stored in the liquid storage unit 400 is lower than the position of the liquid storage unit level sensor 140 and higher than the position of the liquid storage unit level sensor 142. The optical sensor modules 140a and 140b disposed at positions higher than the level of the liquid stored in the liquid storage unit 400 receive the optical signals, but the optical sensor modules 142a, 142b, 144a, and 144b disposed at positions lower than the level of the liquid stored in the liquid storage unit 400 do not receive the optical signals. The level of liquid in the liquid storage unit 400 may be measured based on whether an optical signal is received. The liquid storage unit level sensors 140, 142, and 144 may be fixed on the upper surface of the heating unit 120 or at one side of the base panel 100 by means of liquid storage unit level sensor fixing plates 146a and 146 b.

The interlock sensor 150, pinch valve 160 and guide pin 170 may be disposed at the front upper side of the base panel 100. The interlock sensor 150 is a sensor that operates in conjunction with a clamp mechanism provided in the closure member 250 connected to the upper portion of the liquid supply bottle 230, and a specific configuration thereof will be described below. The pinch valve 160 controls the supply of liquid by pushing or releasing a liquid supply tube through which the liquid in the liquid supply bottle 230 is supplied. The guide pins 170 may be configured in the form of a cylinder, a quadrangular cylinder, etc. protruding from the base panel 100. When the head module 20 is attached to the base module 10, the head module 20 moves downward with the guide pins 170 inserted into the guide grooves 256, and the guide grooves 256 are formed in the closure member 250 toward the base panel 100.

Referring to fig. 5, the head module 20 includes a main panel 200 disposed in a vertical direction, a fixing plate 210 connected to the main panel 200 in a horizontal direction, and an inkjet discharge unit 220 connected to a lower portion of the main panel 200. The liquid supply bottle 230 may be provided on an upper portion of the fixing plate 210. The head module 20 can be provided with at least one handle 202 connected to the main panel 200, and an operator can hold the handle 202 and support or move the head module 20. The head module 20 may include a filter unit 240 that removes foreign substances or bubbles in the liquid supplied from the liquid supply bottle 230 and transfers the liquid to the inkjet discharge unit 220.

The fixing pin 212 is provided on a lower portion of the fixing plate 210. The number of the fixing pins 212 may be more than one. The fixing pin 212 is inserted into the above-described fixing pin insertion hole 112 provided in the head module mounting unit 110.

The inkjet discharge unit 220 is connected at a lower end of the main panel 200. The inkjet discharge unit 220 includes a liquid supply hole 222 to which liquid is supplied via the filter unit 240 and a pressure adjustment hole 224 to which pressure is supplied to adjust pressure in the liquid storage unit of the inkjet discharge unit 220.

The filter unit 240 includes a filter inlet 242 and a filter outlet 244, and may be fixed to the main panel 200 by means of a filter support member 246.

In an exemplary embodiment, the liquid supply bottle 230 is disposed on an upper portion of the fixing plate 210. The liquid supply bottle 230 may be transparent or translucent.

The upper surface of the fixing plate 210 may function as a liquid supply bottle storage part, and the liquid supply bottle supporting units 232 and 234 supporting the liquid supply bottle 230 may be additionally provided to prevent the liquid supply bottle 230 from being withdrawn and fix the liquid supply bottle 230.

The closure 250 is connected to the upper portion of the liquid supply bottle 230. The closing member 250 may function as a medium for closing the inlet of the liquid supply bottle 230, supplying pressure into the liquid supply bottle 230, and supplying the liquid stored in the liquid supply bottle 230 to the outside. A liquid supply bottle pressure supply hole 252 is formed at one side of the closure member 250, and a pipe (not shown) supplying pressure into the liquid supply bottle 230 may be connected to the liquid supply bottle pressure supply hole 252. A liquid supply tube insertion hole 254 into which a liquid supply tube to be described below is inserted is formed in the closure member 250. The liquid supply tube inserted through the liquid supply tube insertion hole 254 is inserted into the liquid supply bottle 230. The guide groove 256 may be formed in a vertical direction in one surface of the closure member 250 oriented toward the base panel 100.

A process and a configuration for connecting the head module 20 to the matrix module 10 will be described.

Fig. 6 is a view showing a state in which a head module is connected to a matrix module in a coating head unit according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 6A shows a state in which the head module 20 is positioned above the base module 10, and fig. 6B shows a state in which the head module 20 is connected to the base module 10.

Referring to fig. 6A, the head module 20 is positioned above the base module 10. One end of the shutter 250 is positioned above the guide pin 170, and the fixing pin 212 provided at the lower side of the fixing plate 210 is positioned above the head module mounting unit 110 (in more detail, above the fixing pin insertion hole 112). In this case, the inkjet discharge unit 220 is positioned above the head unit 120.

When the head module 20 is moved downward in the state shown in fig. 6A, as shown in fig. 6B, the head module 20 is connected to the base module 10. The guide pin 170 is inserted into a guide groove 256 formed in one surface of the closure member 250 and guides the downward movement of the head module 20. The fixing pins 212 are inserted into the fixing pin insertion holes 112, and the bottom surface of the fixing plate 210 is in contact with the upper surface of the head module mounting unit 110. A bottom surface of the inkjet discharge unit 220 (in more detail, a bottom surface of the liquid storage unit 400 provided in the inkjet discharge unit 220) contacts an upper surface of the heating unit 120.

As described above, according to the present invention, the head module 20 and the base module 10 can be completely connected to each other only by moving the head module 20 downward from the upper side of the base module 10, and as a result, the head module 9 can be very conveniently assembled, separated, maintained, and repaired.

The configuration in which the head module mounting unit 110 and the fixing pin 212 provided in the base module 10 are connected to each other will be additionally described below.

Fig. 7 is a perspective view of a head module mounting unit provided on a base module of a coating head unit according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, and fig. 8 is a view showing a state in which fixing pins and fixing plates of a head module are connected to the head module mounting unit in the coating head unit according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 9 is a sectional view taken along line a-a' of fig. 8.

The head module mounting unit 110 may be configured in the form of a plate, and the fixing pin insertion hole 112 is formed in the head module mounting unit 110. The fixing pin insertion holes 112 may include a first fixing pin insertion hole 112a and a second fixing pin insertion hole 112 b. The mounting inspection sensor 114 is provided on the head module mounting unit 110. A part of the mounting inspection sensor 114 is configured to protrude more than the upper flat surface of the head module mounting unit 110.

Referring to fig. 8A, the fixing pins 212 provided on the fixing plate 210 of the head module 20 are moved downward in a state of being inserted into the fixing pin insertion holes 112. In an exemplary embodiment, the fixation pins 212 include a first fixation pin 212a and a second fixation pin 212 b. A recess portion 214 is formed in a lower portion of the fixing pin 212. The concave portion 214 is a portion having a diameter smaller than the diameter at the upper and lower sides of the concave portion 214.

The head module mounting unit 110 is provided with fixing pin withdrawal prevention mechanisms 116, 118a, and 118 b. The fixing pin withdrawal prevention mechanism may include locking members 118a and 118b and a locking member operating unit 116 that moves the locking members 118a and 118b forward and backward. The locking members 118a and 118b may be formed in the form of bars, wedges, or the like. The locking member operating unit 116 may be configured as various types of components such as a solenoid, a motor, and a gear set.

In the state where the installation check sensor 114 is closed as shown in fig. 8A, the locking members 118A and 118b are in the retracted state (i.e., positioned more inward than the fixing pin insertion hole 112).

When the fixing plate 210 is completely moved down to the upper portion of the head module mounting unit 110 as shown in fig. 8B, the bottom surface of the fixing plate 210 pushes the mounting inspection sensor 114. The installation check sensor 114 is opened, and thus the locking member operating unit 116 operates to move the locking members 118a and 118b forward (i.e., in a direction toward the fixing pin insertion hole 112).

The locking members 118a and 118b are respectively captured by recessed portions 214 formed in the lower portion of the fixing pin 212. Thus, the fixing pin 212 is locked by the locking members 118a and 118b, thus preventing withdrawal.

According to the present invention, the fixing pin 212 can be automatically fixed by the operation of connecting the head module 20 to the base module 10, thereby preventing accidents caused by carelessness of an operator. Thereafter, the locking member operating unit 116 needs to be operated by separate control to unlock the locking members 118a and 118 b.

Fig. 10 is a view showing a liquid supply path of a coating head unit according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

One side of the first liquid supply tube 300 is inserted into the liquid supply bottle 230 via the liquid supply tube insertion hole 254 in the closure member 250, and the other side of the first liquid supply tube 300 is connected to the filtering inlet 242 of the filter unit 240.

One side of the second liquid supply pipe 310 is connected to the filtering outlet 244 of the filter unit 240, and the other side of the second liquid supply pipe 310 is connected to the liquid supply hole 222 of the inkjet discharge unit 220.

The liquid stored in the liquid supply bottle 230 is transferred to the filter unit 240 through the first liquid supply tube 300, and the liquid from which foreign substances or bubbles are removed by the filter unit 240 is transferred to the inkjet discharge unit 220 through the second liquid supply tube 310.

The closure 250 is connected to the liquid supply bottle 230 while sealing the inlet of the liquid supply bottle 230 in an airtight manner, and when positive pressure is supplied through the liquid supply bottle pressure supply hole 252 of the closure 250, the liquid stored in the liquid supply bottle 230 is discharged to the first liquid supply tube 300.

When the head module 20, the first liquid supply tube 300, the closure member 250, or the liquid supply bottle 230 is separated, in order to prevent the liquid in the first liquid supply tube 300 from leaking, the clamping unit 260 is provided at one side of the closure member 250. The first liquid supply tube 300 is fitted in the pinch valve 160 provided on the front surface of the base panel 100 of the base module 10.

The first liquid supply tube 300 may be configured as a hose so that a flow path in the first liquid supply tube 300 may be closed when the first liquid supply tube 300 is pushed from the outside.

Fig. 11 is a view showing a relationship between a clamping unit and an interlock sensor (clamping unit closed state) in the coating head unit according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 12 is a view showing a closed state (fig. 12A) and an open state (fig. 12B) of a clamping unit in a coating head unit according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Here, fig. 12A shows the same state as fig. 11.

The clamping unit 260 cuts off the supply of the liquid by mechanically pushing the first liquid supply tube 300, or allows the supply of the liquid by releasing the first liquid supply tube 300. The interlock sensor operating protrusion 274 is connected to the clamping unit 260, and as a result, the interlock sensor operating protrusion 274 may operate the interlock sensor 150 provided on the base panel 100 according to the operation of the clamping unit 260.

The interlock sensor 150 may include an interlock sensing component 152 and an alarm component 154. The interlock sensing part 152 may include a light emitting part 152a and a light receiving part 152 b. In the case where the light emitting part 152a and the light receiving part 152b are provided, when the interlock sensor operating protrusion 274 is positioned between the light emitting part 152a and the light receiving part 152b, the light generated by the light emitting part 152a is not transmitted to the light receiving part 152b, and as a result, whether the interlock sensor operating protrusion 274 is positioned in the interlock sensing part 152 can be sensed. As another exemplary embodiment, the interlock sensing part 152 may be configured in the form of a mechanical switch configured to be operated by the interlock sensor operating protrusion 274. That is, based on the position of the interlock sensor operation protrusion 274, the interlock sensor 150 may or may not recognize the interlock sensor operation protrusion 274.

The interlock sensor operating protrusion 274 is provided to be connected to the clamping unit 260.

The clamping unit 260 includes: a fixing base 262 fixed to one surface of the closing member 250; an operating lever 264; and a liquid supply tube opening and closing portion 266 that moves between a closed position and a release position in accordance with the operation of the operation lever 264. The operation rod 264 and the liquid supply tube opening and closing portion 266 are connected to the fixed base 262 via a link structure.

The fixed base 262 is provided with a first base rotation pin 262a and a second base rotation pin 262b in the vertical direction. The first and second lever rotation pins 264a and 264b are provided at the lower end portion of the operating lever 264. The second base rotation pin 262b and the second lever rotation pin 264b are connected by the connection lever 33. The first base rotation pin 262a and the second lever rotation pin 264a are connected to the liquid supply tube opening and closing portion 266. The clamp head 268 is provided on the liquid supply tube opening and closing portion 266, the clamp lever 270 is provided at one side of the clamp head 268, and the operation protrusion fixing portion 272 is provided at the other side of the clamp head 268. The clamping lever 270 is disposed in a direction toward the closure member 250, and the operating protrusion fixing portion 272 is positioned in a direction opposite to the direction of the clamping lever 270. The interlock sensor operation protrusion 274 is provided on the operation protrusion fixing portion 272.

The first liquid supply tube 300 is inserted into a space defined by a portion of the fixing base 262, a portion of the liquid supply tube opening-closing portion 266, a portion of the clamping lever 270, and a portion of the closing member 250.

Referring to fig. 11 and 12A, in a state where the operating lever 264 is closed, the first liquid supply tube 300 is pushed in a space defined by a portion of the fixing base 262, a portion of the liquid supply tube opening-closing portion 266, a portion of the clamping lever 270, and a portion of the closing member 250. The interlock sensor operating protrusion 274 is positioned in the interlock sensing member 152.

Referring to fig. 12B, in a state where the operating lever 264 is opened, the first liquid supply tube 300 is not pushed by the clamp unit 260, and the interlock sensor operating protrusion 274 is spaced apart from the interlock sensing part 152.

The process of controlling the coating head unit according to the operation of the clamping unit 260 and the interlock sensor 150 will be described below. The description will be made based on the following assumptions: a state in which the first liquid supply tube 300 is pushed by operating the operating lever 264 of the clamping unit 260 is referred to as a "closed state of the clamping unit 260", and a state in which the first liquid supply tube 300 is released by operating the operating lever 264 of the clamping unit 260 is referred to as a "released state of the clamping unit". The closed state of the clamping unit and the released state of the clamping unit are performed by manually operating the operating lever 264 by the operator, but the control unit of the coating head unit 9 or the coating apparatus 1 may determine the closed state of the clamping unit and the released state of the clamping unit through the sensing operation of the interlock sensor 150 according to the position of the interlock sensor operating protrusion 274.

In the description with reference to fig. 11 and 12, the interlock sensor operating protrusion 274 is illustrated as being positioned in the interlock sensing part 152 in the closed state of the clamping unit, and the interlock sensor operating protrusion 274 is illustrated as being positioned spaced apart from the interlock sensing part 152 in the released state of the clamping unit. However, in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, by changing the installation position of the interlock sensor 150, the interlock sensor operation protrusion 274 may be positioned to be spaced apart from the interlock sensing part 152 in the closed state of the clamping unit, and the interlock sensor operation protrusion 274 may be positioned in the interlock sensing part 152 in the released state of the clamping unit.

In the closed state of the clamping unit, the flow of liquid into the first liquid supply tube 300 is cut off. In order to separate the head module 20 from the matrix module 10, the pushed state of the pinch valve 160 may be released only when the closed state of the pinch unit is recognized. The reason is that: if the head module 20 is separated from the base module 10 in the released state of the clamping unit, the liquid in the liquid supply bottle 230 may leak via the first liquid supply tube 300. In addition, when the closed state of the clamping unit is recognized, the locking member operating unit 116 may unlock the fixing pin 212 so that the head module 20 may be separated from the base module 10.

Meanwhile, the inkjet discharge unit 220 may be controlled to discharge the liquid only when the released state of the clamping unit is recognized. The reason is that: in the closed state of the clamping unit, even if the inkjet discharge unit 220 operates, the liquid may not be discharged.

Fig. 13 is a view showing the configuration and operation of a pinch valve provided in the coating head unit according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

As described above, the pinch valve 160 is provided on the front surface of the base panel 110 of the base module 10. The first liquid supply tube 300, one side of which is inserted into the liquid supply tube insertion hole 254 of the closure member 250, is inserted into the pinch valve 160 via the clamping unit 260.

Pinch valve 160 includes a first member 162 having a female portion 164 and a second member 166 having a male portion 168. The concave portion 164 and the convex portion 168 are disposed to face each other, and at least one of the first member 162 and the second member 166 is operated to move forward or backward toward the other of the first member 162 and the second member 166. The pinch valve 160 includes a pinch valve driving unit (not shown) that moves the first member 162 or the second member 166 forward or backward. In one exemplary embodiment, the pinch valve driving unit may be configured as a solenoid or a linear motor, and may be disposed on the rear surface of the base panel 100.

Referring to fig. 13A and 13B, a first liquid supply tube 300 is disposed between the first member 162 and the second member 166.

Fig. 13A shows a state in which the first member 162 and the second member 166 are spaced apart from each other and thus do not push the first liquid supply tube 300. Referring to fig. 13B, the first member 162 and the second member 166 are moved to approach each other, and the first liquid supply tube 300 is pushed between the concave portion 164 and the convex portion 168 so as to cut off the supply of the liquid through the first liquid supply tube 300.

In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the supply of the liquid may be cut off or allowed by operating the pinch valve 160 according to whether the liquid is discharged through the inkjet discharge unit 220.

Fig. 14 is a perspective view of a heating unit provided in a coating head unit according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

The heating unit 120 is provided to be mounted on the base panel 100 of the base module 10, and the heating element 122 is inserted into the heating unit 120, thereby adjusting the temperature.

Referring to fig. 14, the heating unit 120 may have a groove formed at one end thereof in general

The form of the plate is configured. A heating element insertion hole 126 is formed in the heating unit 120, and a screw hole 121 may be formed in a portion of the heating unit 120 that is in contact with the base panel 100. In a state where the heating unit 120 is in contact with the base panel 100, the heating unit 120 may be fixed to the base panel 100 by fastening screws into the screw holes 121 at the rear surface of the base panel 100.

The heating element 122 is inserted into the heating element insertion hole 126, and the temperature of the heating unit 120 is adjusted by heat generated by the heating element 122. Meanwhile, a temperature sensor 128 measuring the temperature of the heating unit 120 may be provided in the heating unit 120 or on the surface of the heating unit 120.

Next, the inkjet type discharge unit 220 provided in the coating head unit 9 according to the present invention will be described. The inkjet discharge unit 220 may be fixed at the lower end of the main panel 200 of the head module 20.

Fig. 15 is a perspective view of an inkjet discharge unit provided in a coating head unit according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, and fig. 16 is an exploded perspective view of an inkjet discharge unit provided in a coating head unit according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 17 is a sectional view (taken along line B-B' in fig. 15) of an inkjet discharge unit provided in a coating head unit according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

The inkjet discharge unit 220 discharges the supplied liquid in an inkjet manner. The inkjet discharge unit 220 includes: a liquid storage unit 400 that is supplied with liquid to be discharged and stores the liquid; and an inkjet nozzle unit 450 that is supplied with liquid from the liquid storage unit 400 and discharges the liquid in an inkjet manner.

In a state where the head module 20 is connected to the base module 10, the bottom surface of the liquid storage unit 400 is in contact with the upper surface of the heating unit 120 provided on the base module 10. Accordingly, the temperature of the liquid stored in the liquid storage unit 400 can be constantly maintained. In particular, in the case where the viscosity of the liquid varies depending on the temperature, the liquid temperature control is an important factor for precise discharge control. According to the present invention, the bottom surface of the liquid storage unit 400 is in direct contact with the heating unit 120 of the base module, and the liquid can be heated by thermal conduction, and as a result, the temperature of the liquid can be effectively controlled.

In one exemplary embodiment, the liquid storage unit 400 includes a liquid storage unit cover 420. The liquid storage unit 400 has an opened portion at an upper side thereof, and the opened portion is covered by the liquid storage unit cover 420 so that the upper side of the liquid storage unit 400 can be closed.

The liquid storage unit cover 420 is provided with a liquid supply hole 222 to which liquid is supplied and a pressure adjusting hole 224 to which pressure from the outside is supplied to adjust pressure in the liquid storage unit 400. In an exemplary embodiment, the liquid supply hole 222 is connected to the filtering outlet 244 of the filtering unit 240 via a second liquid supply pipe 310, and is supplied with liquid passing through the filtering unit 240. The pressure adjusting hole 224 is supplied with pressure via a pipe, not shown, to adjust the internal pressure of the liquid storage unit 400. The pressure-adjusting hole 224 is supplied with a positive pressure or, if necessary, a negative pressure. The inkjet nozzle unit 450 may be controlled such that the inkjet nozzle unit 450 may discharge liquid when positive pressure is supplied through the pressure adjustment hole 224, and the inkjet nozzle unit 450 may not discharge liquid when negative pressure is supplied through the pressure adjustment hole 224.

The inner space of the liquid storage unit 400 defines a liquid storage space 401.

In one exemplary embodiment, the liquid storage unit 400 has an inkjet nozzle unit receiving space 402 formed at one side of the liquid storage unit 400 and receiving the inkjet nozzle unit 450, and the liquid storage unit 400 includes protrusion space portions 406a and 406b, the protrusion space portions 406a and 406b protruding at both sides of the inkjet nozzle unit receiving space 402. Meanwhile, the central protruding space portion 408 may be formed at the opposite side to the inkjet nozzle unit receiving space 402. The viewing window 410 may be formed in both side wall surfaces defining the central protruding space portion 408. The viewing window 410 may be made of a transparent material. The liquid storage unit level sensors 140, 142, and 144 disposed on the base module 10 may transmit and receive optical signals through the window 410.

At least one level adjustment member 412 is formed on an inner wall of the liquid storage unit 400. The level adjustment member 412 may be provided to protrude from an inner wall surface of the liquid storage unit 400. In one exemplary embodiment, the horizontal adjustment member 412 may have a semicircular, elliptical, or arc-shaped cross section, and may be provided to protrude in a vertical direction from an inner wall of the liquid storage unit 400. The horizontal adjustment members 412 may be disposed on surfaces facing each other in a zigzag manner.

When the coating head unit 9 attached to the head support 7 moves, the liquid stored in the liquid storage unit 400 may be splashed out. When the coating head unit 9 is stopped and stabilized, the level of the liquid stored in the liquid storage unit 400 may be constant. However, when the speed of the coating head unit 9 is changed as the coating head unit 9 moves, the liquid stored in the liquid storage unit 400 is inclined toward one side. This causes sensing errors of the liquid storage unit level sensors 140, 142, and 144, and as a result, accurate level sensing may not be performed.

The supply of liquid from the liquid supply bottle 230 to the liquid storage unit 400 may be controlled based on the level of liquid in the liquid storage unit 400. However, when an error occurs in sensing the level of liquid in the liquid storage unit 400, a problem of supplying an excessive amount of liquid into the liquid storage unit 400 may occur.

However, in the case where the level regulating member 412 protruding from the inner wall surface of the liquid storage unit 400 is provided, the level regulating member 412 suppresses splashing of the liquid in the liquid storage unit 400 to some extent, thereby preventing a rapid change in the liquid level. Accordingly, sensing errors of the liquid storage unit level sensors 140, 142, and 144 may be reduced.

A partition 414 protruding from the bottom surface 415 to a predetermined height is formed in the liquid storage unit 400. The height of the partition 414 is less than the total depth of the liquid storage unit 400. The partition 414 divides the liquid storage space 401 in the liquid storage unit 400. The partition 414 divides the liquid storage space 401 into a portion where the liquid is supplied through the liquid supply hole 222 and a remaining portion. When the liquid is supplied via the liquid supply hole 222 in a state where the liquid storage unit 400 is empty, the space provided below the liquid supply hole 222 and defined by the partition 414 is first filled with the liquid, and when the level of the liquid becomes higher than the height of the partition 414, the liquid is transferred to the remaining space. In one exemplary embodiment, the partition 414 may be formed to be biased toward the first protruding space portion 406 a. Hereinafter, description will be made based on the following assumptions: the space defined by the partition 414 and formed below the liquid supply hole 222 is referred to as a "liquid inflow space", the liquid supply hole 222 is formed in the liquid storage unit cover 420, and the function and effect of the partition 414 will be described below.

The inkjet nozzle unit lower cover 430 is disposed on the bottom surface of the liquid storage unit 400. The inkjet nozzle unit lower cover 430 fixes the lower portion of the inkjet nozzle unit 450, and both sides of the inkjet nozzle unit lower cover 430 are connected to the lower end portions of the protruding space portions 406a and 406b of the liquid storage unit 400.

The inkjet nozzle unit lower cover 430 has a nozzle insertion space 432 formed at a central portion thereof in a horizontal direction and fixing holes 434 formed at both sides of the inkjet nozzle unit lower cover 430. The central portion of the nozzle insertion space 432 is penetrated in the vertical direction. A fixing screw (not shown) is inserted and fixed from the bottom surface of the inkjet nozzle unit lower cover 430 to the bottom surface of the liquid storage unit 400 via the fixing hole 434, and as a result, the inkjet nozzle unit lower cover 430 may be connected to the liquid storage unit 400.

The inkjet nozzle unit lower cover 430 has receiving grooves 436 disposed at both sides of the inkjet nozzle unit lower cover 430 and receiving the lower end portions of the inkjet nozzle unit protective covers 440, and at least one first protective cover fixing hole 438 is formed in the receiving grooves 436.

The inkjet nozzle unit 450 is protected by the inkjet nozzle unit protection cover 440, and the lower end portion 451 of the inkjet nozzle unit 450 is exposed to the lower side of the inkjet nozzle unit protection cover 440. The inkjet nozzle unit protective cover 440 may include a protective cover body 442 having a hollow quadrangular cylindrical shape. The second protective cover fixing hole 444 may be formed at a lower end portion of the protective cover body 442.

The first liquid communication hole 456 and the second liquid communication hole 458 are formed in protruding portions at both sides of the lower end portion 451 of the inkjet nozzle unit 450. The inkjet nozzle unit fixing holes 453 may be formed at the outsides of the first and second liquid communication holes 456 and 458, respectively. A wiring pin 452 for receiving a control signal from the inkjet nozzle unit 450 from the outside may be provided at an upper end portion of the inkjet nozzle unit 450.

A configuration in which the connection bodies of the inkjet nozzle unit 450 and the inkjet nozzle unit protective cover 440 are connected to the inkjet nozzle unit lower cover 430 will be described. The lower end portion of the ink jet nozzle unit 450 and portions in which the first liquid communication hole 456, the second liquid communication hole 458, and the ink jet nozzle unit fixing hole 453 are formed are inserted into the nozzle insertion space 432. In this case, a portion of the inkjet nozzle unit 450 formed with nozzles is positioned at a portion of the vertically penetrating nozzle insertion space 432. The lower end portion of the inkjet nozzle unit protective cover 440 is positioned in the receiving groove 436 of the inkjet nozzle unit lower cover 430, and the inkjet nozzle unit protective cover 440 and the inkjet nozzle unit 450 may be fixed to the inkjet nozzle unit lower cover 430 by connecting fixing screws to the first protective cover fixing holes 438 via the second protective cover fixing holes 444.

Thereafter, when the inkjet nozzle unit lower cover 430 is connected to the liquid storage unit 400, the inkjet discharge unit 220 is completely assembled.

Fig. 18 is a view showing the configuration of a control device for a coating head unit according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

The control device 50 for the coating head unit controls the operation of the coating head unit 9. The control device 50 for the coating head unit may include a configuration in which the liquid supply bottle 230 and the liquid storage unit 400 supply pressure to the inkjet discharge unit 220. The control device 50 for the coating head unit may be provided in a control device housing 52.

In one exemplary embodiment, the control device 50 for the coating head unit includes: an operation control unit 510 that controls the operation of the coating head unit 9; a temperature control unit 520 that controls the temperature of the heating element 122 that causes the heating unit 120 to heat; an inkjet control unit 530 that controls a discharge operation of the inkjet nozzle unit 450; a liquid supply bottle pressure control unit 540 that controls the pressure to be supplied into the liquid supply bottle 230; a liquid storage unit pressure control unit 550 that controls the pressure in the liquid storage unit 400 to be supplied to the inkjet discharge unit 220; and a main control unit 500 that adjusts control operations of the respective control units.

The control device 50 for the coating head unit can receive sensing signals from various types of sensors provided in the coating head unit 9, such as the interlock sensor 150, the mounting inspection sensor 114, the temperature sensor 128 provided in the heating unit 120, the liquid supply bottle level sensor 130, and the liquid storage unit level sensors 140, 142, and 144.

The operation control unit 510 controls the operation of the pinch valve 160. The operation control unit 510 controls the pinch valve 160 to allow the pinch valve 160 to push or release the first liquid supply tube 300, thereby cutting off or allowing the flow of liquid through the first liquid supply tube 300.

Meanwhile, in order to separate the head module 20 from the base module 10, the operation control unit 510 may control the pinch valve 160 to release the pushed state of the first liquid supply tube 300 only when it is confirmed based on the sensing result of the interlock sensor 150 that the clamping unit 260 is in the "closed state of the clamping unit" in which the clamping unit 260 cuts off the flow of the liquid through the first liquid supply tube 300.

The operation control unit 510 may control the operation of the locking member operating unit 116. In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, when the mounting inspection sensor 114 senses that the fixing plate 210 is mounted on the head module mounting unit 110, the locking member operating unit 116 may be immediately operated. However, the operation control unit 510 may control the operation of the locking member operating unit 116 to effectively control the operation of connecting and disconnecting the head module 20 and the base module 10.

When the mounting inspection sensor 114 senses that the fixing plate 210 is mounted on the head module mounting unit 110, the operation control unit 510 operates the locking member operating unit 116 to cause the locking members 118a and 118b to fix the fixing pins 212.

Meanwhile, the locking members 118a and 118b need to release the fixing pins 212 to separate the head module 20 from the base module 10. In order to separate the head module 20 from the base module 10, it is necessary to cut off the supply of the liquid from the liquid supply bottle 230 and prevent the liquid from leaking from the ink jet nozzle unit 450 of the ink jet type discharge unit 220. Therefore, even if the operation of the locking member operating unit 116 is required to separate the head modules 20, the operation control unit 510 can operate the locking member operating unit 116 after determining that the head modules 20 can be separated. The operation control unit 510 may control the operation of the locking member operating unit 116 based on whether the closed state of the pinch unit is confirmed, whether the pushed state of the pinch valve 160 is released, and whether the liquid discharge of the inkjet nozzle unit 450 is prevented by the negative pressure applied to the liquid storage unit 240 according to the sensing result of the interlock sensor 150.

The temperature control unit 520 controls the temperature of the heating element 122. The temperature control unit 520 may control the temperature of the heating element 122 by controlling the electrical power to be supplied to the heating element 122. The temperature control unit 520 controls the temperature of the heating element 122 by controlling electric power to be supplied to the heating element 122 according to the temperature value of the heating unit 120 transmitted from the temperature sensor 128 provided in the heating unit 120.

The inkjet control unit 530 controls the operation of the inkjet nozzle unit 450 provided on the inkjet discharge unit 220. The output of the inkjet control unit 530 is transmitted to the connection pins 452 provided in the inkjet nozzle unit 450. The inkjet nozzle unit is provided with a plurality of nozzles, and may be provided with a piezoelectric element for discharging liquid via each nozzle. The discharge of liquid from the nozzles of the inkjet nozzle unit 450 is controlled by controlling the inkjet control unit 530. The inkjet control unit 530 may control the discharge operation of the inkjet nozzle unit 450 by controlling the waveform of a signal transmitted to the inkjet nozzle unit 450.

The liquid supply bottle pressure control unit 540 controls the pressure to be supplied into the liquid supply bottle pressure supply hole 252 provided in the closure member 250, and the liquid storage unit pressure control unit 550 controls the pressure to be supplied into the pressure adjusting hole 224 of the liquid storage unit 400 of the inkjet discharge unit 220.

In one exemplary embodiment, the control device 50 for the coating head unit may include a pneumatic pressure supply unit 560, a negative pressure supply unit 580, a pressure-adjusting servo valve 570, and first to third valves 542, 552, and 554 that control the supply of pressure. The first to third valves 542, 552 and 554 may be implemented as solenoid valves whose opening and closing operations are electrically controlled.

The pneumatic pressure supply unit 560 supplies pneumatic pressure. In one exemplary embodiment, a pneumatic pressure supply unit 560 may be provided in the control device 50 for the coating head unit to be supplied with Compressed Dry Air (CDA) from the outside.

The compressed air supplied from the pneumatic pressure supply unit 560 is transferred to the first valve 542 via the first pneumatic pressure supply pipe 562 a. The outlet of the first valve 542 is connected to the liquid supply bottle pressure supply port 252 of the closure member 250 via a liquid supply bottle pressure supply conduit 544. The first valve 542 may be disposed in the control device case 52, and an outlet of the first valve 542 may be exposed to the outside of the control device case 52. The liquid supply bottle pressure control unit 540 may control the pressure to be supplied into the liquid supply bottle 230 by adjusting the open and closed states or the degree of opening of the first valve 542.

The compressed air supplied from the pneumatic pressure supply unit 560 is transferred to the second valve 552 via the second pneumatic pressure supply pipe 562 b. An outlet of the second valve 552 is connected to the first connection pipe 556.

The negative pressure supply unit 580 supplies negative pressure. The negative pressure supply unit 580 may be configured to be connected with an external device such as a vacuum pump to be supplied with a negative pressure, or may be configured as a vacuum pump provided in the control device housing 52. The negative pressure supplied from the negative pressure supply unit 580 is transmitted to the third valve 554 via the pressure-regulating servo valve 570 and the negative pressure supply pipe 572. The pressure regulating servo valve 570 may be configured to have a pressure sensor embedded therein. The pressure regulating servo valve 570 may regulate the pressure to a predetermined pressure based on a sensing value of the pressure sensor and transmit the pressure to the third valve 554. The outlet of third valve 554 is connected to second connection pipe 574.

In an exemplary embodiment, the pressure supplied from the second and third valves 552 and 554 is transmitted to the pressure adjusting hole 224 of the inkjet discharge unit 220 via the liquid storage unit pressure supply pipe 590. The first and second connection pipes 556 and 574 may be incorporated into the liquid storage unit pressure supply pipe 590. In the control device housing 52, the first connection pipe 556 and the second connection pipe 574 may be merged together, and then one port may be exposed.

The liquid storage unit pressure supply tube 590 may be divided into a first liquid storage unit pressure supply tube 590a and a second liquid storage unit pressure supply tube 590b by a supply dividing unit 592. The supply separation unit 592 is configured as a double shut-off valve and may be divided into a first supply separation unit 592a and a second supply separation unit 592 b. In this case, the valve may be opened by connecting the first and second supply separating units 592a and 592b, and the first and second supply separating units 592a and 592b may be closed by separating the first and second supply separating units 592a and 592 b.

A negative pressure or a positive pressure needs to be supplied to the liquid storage unit 400 of the inkjet discharge unit 220 as necessary. A proper meniscus pressure needs to be maintained to prevent liquid leakage in the inkjet nozzle unit 450. Meanwhile, positive pressure needs to be supplied to purge the inkjet nozzle unit 450.

The liquid storage unit pressure control unit 550 controls the pressure in the liquid storage unit 400 by adjusting the open and closed states or the opening degree of the second valve 552 and the third valve 554. In the present invention, in the case of controlling only whether or not to supply negative pressure into the liquid storage unit 400, it is difficult to immediately change the pressure in the liquid storage unit 400 as necessary. However, the supply of the positive pressure is controlled by opening and closing the second valve 552, the supply of the negative pressure is controlled by opening and closing the third valve 554, and the positive pressure and the negative pressure may be simultaneously supplied as necessary, and as a result, the pressure in the liquid storage unit 400 may be effectively controlled.

In an exemplary embodiment, when it is determined that the level of the liquid is low based on the sensing results of the liquid storage unit level sensors 140, 142, and 144, the liquid supply bottle pressure control unit 540 may control the first valve 542 to supply pressure into the liquid supply bottle 230 so that the liquid in the liquid supply bottle 230 is transferred to the liquid storage unit 400. When it is determined that the level of the liquid is equal to or higher than the appropriate level based on the sensing results of the liquid storage unit level sensors 140, 142, and 144, the liquid supply bottle pressure control unit 540 may close the first valve 542, or the operation control unit 510 may operate the pinch valve 160 such that the pinch valve 160 pushes the first supply tube 300 to cut off the supply of the liquid.

As described above, the exemplary embodiments have been described and illustrated in the drawings and the specification. The exemplary embodiments were chosen and described in order to explain certain principles of the invention and their practical applications, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to make and utilize various exemplary embodiments of the invention and various alternatives and modifications thereof. It will be apparent from the foregoing that aspects of the present invention are not limited by the specific details of the examples illustrated herein and, thus, it is contemplated that other modifications and applications, or equivalents thereof, will occur to those skilled in the art. Many changes, modifications, variations and other uses and applications of the subject invention will, however, become apparent to those skilled in the art after considering the specification and the accompanying drawings. All such changes, modifications, variations and other uses and applications which do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention are deemed to be covered by the invention which is limited only by the claims which follow.

Claims (9)

1. A control device for a coating head unit that controls a coating head unit including an inkjet discharge unit that discharges liquid supplied from a liquid supply bottle in an inkjet manner, the control device comprising:

a liquid supply bottle pressure control unit that controls a pressure to be supplied into the liquid supply bottle; and

a liquid storage unit pressure control unit that controls a pressure in the liquid storage unit to be supplied to the ink jet type discharge unit,

the control device further includes:

a first valve, controlled by the liquid supply bottle pressure control unit, connected to a liquid supply bottle pressure supply pipe that transmits pressure to the liquid supply bottle, and allowing or blocking pressure supplied from a pneumatic pressure supply unit that supplies pneumatic pressure;

a second valve that allows or blocks pressure supplied from a pneumatic pressure supply unit that supplies pneumatic pressure; and

a third valve that allows or blocks the negative pressure supplied from the negative pressure supply unit that supplies the negative pressure,

wherein the outlets of the second and third valves are connected to the liquid storage unit, and the second and third valves are controlled by the liquid storage unit pressure control unit,

an outlet of the second valve and an outlet of the third valve are connected to and merge into a liquid storage unit pressure supply line connected to a pressure regulating orifice of a liquid storage unit.

2. The control device according to claim 1, wherein a supply separation unit that separates the liquid storage unit pressure supply pipes is provided in the liquid storage unit pressure supply pipes.

3. The control device according to claim 2, wherein the supply separation unit is a double shut-off valve.

4. The control device according to claim 1, wherein the negative pressure supply unit is connected to the third valve via a pressure-regulating servo valve that regulates the negative pressure by using a pressure sensor embedded therein.

5. A control device according to claim 1, wherein the coating head unit includes a pinch valve that closes a first liquid supply pipe that supplies the liquid in the liquid supply bottle by pushing the first liquid supply pipe, and the control device for the coating head unit includes an operation control unit that controls an operation of the pinch valve.

6. The control device according to claim 5, wherein the coating head unit includes: a clamp unit provided on a closure of the liquid supply bottle and opening and closing the first liquid supply tube by an operation of the operation lever; and an interlock sensor that senses an interlock sensor operation protrusion, a position of which is moved according to an operation of the operation lever, and when it is determined that the pinching unit closes the first liquid supply pipe based on a sensing result of the interlock sensor, the operation control unit releases the pinch valve.

7. A control device according to claim 1, wherein the coating head unit includes a base module and a head module mounted on the base module, the locking member operating unit is operated to prevent the fixing pin provided on the head module from coming out when the mounting check sensor senses the mounting of the head module, and the control device for the coating head unit includes an operation control unit that cuts off the supply of the liquid from the liquid supply bottle and releases the locking member operating unit in a state where the negative pressure is applied to the ink jet type discharge unit when the locking member operating unit needs to be released.

8. The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, comprising:

a control device housing, wherein the control device housing is fixed to a support panel to which the coating head unit is connected.

9. The control device of claim 8, further comprising:

a temperature control unit that controls a temperature of a heating element provided in a heating unit that heats liquid stored in the inkjet discharge unit; and an ink jet type control unit that controls an ink jet type discharge operation of the ink jet type discharge unit.

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