Inkjet printing apparatus

Abstract

An inkjet printing apparatus can include a main body storing ink, and an inkjet head connected with one side of the main body and ejecting the ink, the main body including an ink delivery tube storing the ink and delivering the ink to the inkjet head, a filter configured inside the ink delivery tube, and a first electrode and a second electrode configured to be opposed and having the filter disposed therebetween, a first voltage being applied to the first electrode, a second voltage lower than the first voltage being applied to the second electrode, and the first electrode and the second electrode forming an electric field based on a voltage difference between the first voltage and the second voltage.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an inkjet printing apparatus and an inkjet printing method using the inkjet printing apparatus. Background Technology

[0002] Inkjet printing is a technology that sprays ink onto predetermined areas divided by partitions to create individual images. In recent years, it has been widely used in the manufacturing processes of display devices such as Organic Light Emitting Displays (OLEDs) and Liquid Crystal Displays (LCDs). Compared to deposition processes, inkjet printing allows for the production of components with significantly less material, simplifying the manufacturing process and reducing costs.

[0003] However, when stains or partial blockages occur in the inkjet nozzles, the straight-line travel of the ink cannot be guaranteed, thus reducing the reproducibility of the ink drop position. In this case, it may be impossible to print patterns of accurate shapes, or defects may occur due to ink mixing. Furthermore, productivity may decrease due to maintenance work required to remove stains or blockages from the nozzles. Summary of the Invention

[0004] One object of the present invention is to provide an inkjet printing device.

[0005] Another object of the present invention is to provide an inkjet printing method using an inkjet printing device.

[0006] However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described objectives, and various extensions can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0007] To achieve the aforementioned objective of the present invention, exemplary embodiments of the inkjet printing apparatus may include: a body for storing ink; and an inkjet head connected to one side of the body and ejecting the ink. The body includes: an ink delivery tube for storing the ink and delivering the ink to the inkjet head; a filter disposed inside the ink delivery tube; and a first electrode and a second electrode configured opposite each other, with the filter disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode. A first voltage may be applied to the first electrode, and a second voltage lower than the first voltage may be applied to the second electrode, and the first electrode and the second electrode may form an electric field based on the voltage difference between the first voltage and the second voltage.

[0008] In one embodiment, the ink may comprise needle-shaped particles.

[0009] In one embodiment, the filter may include an opening extending through the filter, through which the needle-shaped particles can pass when the electric field is generated.

[0010] In one embodiment, the filter may have a mesh structure including a plurality of openings extending through the filter, through which the needle-shaped particles can pass when the electric field is generated.

[0011] In one embodiment, the first voltage and the second voltage may be DC voltage, AC voltage, or square wave voltage.

[0012] In one embodiment, the inkjet printing apparatus may further include: a voltage supply unit that applies the first voltage to the first electrode and applies the second voltage to the second electrode.

[0013] In one embodiment, the first electrode may be configured to be spaced apart from the filter in a direction opposite to the direction of ink movement, and the second electrode may be configured to be spaced apart from the filter in the direction of ink movement.

[0014] To achieve an object of the present invention, exemplary embodiments of the inkjet printing apparatus may include: a body for storing ink; and an inkjet head connected to one side of the body and ejecting the ink. The body includes: an ink delivery tube for storing the ink and delivering the ink to the inkjet head; a metal filter disposed inside the ink delivery tube; and an electrode opposite to the metal filter and configured to be spaced apart from the metal filter in a direction opposite to the direction of ink movement. A first voltage may be applied to the electrode, and a second voltage lower than the first voltage may be applied to the metal filter, and the electrode and the metal filter may form an electric field based on the voltage difference between the first voltage and the second voltage.

[0015] In one embodiment, the ink may comprise needle-shaped particles.

[0016] In one embodiment, the metal filter may include an opening extending through the metal filter, through which the needle-shaped particles can pass when the electric field is generated.

[0017] In one embodiment, the metal filter may have a mesh structure including a plurality of openings extending through the metal filter, and the needle-shaped particles may pass through the openings when the electric field is generated.

[0018] In one embodiment, the first voltage and the second voltage may be DC voltage, AC voltage, or square wave voltage.

[0019] In one embodiment, the inkjet printing apparatus may further include: a voltage supply unit that applies the first voltage to the electrode and applies the second voltage to the metal filter.

[0020] To achieve other objectives of the present invention, the inkjet printing method according to the exemplary embodiments of the present invention may include: the step of injecting ink into an ink delivery tube included in an inkjet printing apparatus; the step of applying a voltage to a first electrode and a second electrode, wherein a filter disposed in the ink delivery tube is provided between the first electrode and the second electrode; and the step of ejecting the ink that has passed through the filter through an inkjet head.

[0021] In one embodiment, the step of applying the voltage may include: applying a first voltage to the first electrode; and applying a second voltage lower than the first voltage to the second electrode, thereby forming an electric field between the first electrode and the second electrode based on the voltage difference between the first voltage and the second voltage.

[0022] In one embodiment, the voltage may be a DC voltage, an AC voltage, or a square wave voltage.

[0023] In one embodiment, the ink may comprise needle-shaped particles.

[0024] In one embodiment, the first electrode may be configured to be spaced apart from the filter in a direction opposite to the direction of ink movement, and the second electrode may be configured to be spaced apart from the filter in the direction of ink movement.

[0025] (Invention Effects)

[0026] The inkjet printing apparatus according to various embodiments of the present invention may include a body for storing ink and an inkjet head connected to one side of the body and ejecting the ink. The body may include an ink delivery tube for storing the ink and delivering it to the inkjet head, a filter disposed inside the ink delivery tube, and a first electrode and a second electrode disposed opposite to each other, wherein the filter is disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode. A first voltage may be applied to the first electrode, and a second voltage lower than the first voltage may be applied to the second electrode, and the first electrode and the second electrode may form an electric field based on the voltage difference between the first voltage and the second voltage.

[0027] Therefore, when the electric field is formed, the needle-shaped particles included in the ink can align in one direction and pass through the filter before being ejected through the inkjet head. Furthermore, the filter can filter out foreign matter included in the ink, preventing it from passing through.

[0028] However, the effects of the present invention are not limited to those described above, and various extensions can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Attached Figure Description

[0029] Figure 1 This is a block diagram illustrating a display device according to various embodiments of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 2 This is a block diagram illustrating an inkjet printing apparatus according to various embodiments of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 3 It is shown Figure 2 A figure of an embodiment of an inkjet printing apparatus.

[0032] Figure 4 and Figure 5 It is shown in Figure 2 A diagram showing the formation of an electric field in an inkjet printer.

[0033] Figure 6 It shows that it is applied to Figure 2 A diagram showing the types of voltages used in inkjet printers.

[0034] Figures 7 to 9 This shows the ink flowing through the components included in Figure 2 Figures showing various embodiments of the ink delivery tube in an inkjet printing apparatus.

[0035] Figure 10 and Figure 11 It is shown that includes Figure 2 Figures showing various embodiments of filters in an inkjet printing apparatus.

[0036] Figure 12 and Figure 13 This is a block diagram of an inkjet printing apparatus according to various embodiments of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 14 It is shown in Figure 12 A diagram showing the formation of an electric field in an inkjet printer.

[0038] Figure 15 and Figure 16 It is shown that includes Figure 12 Figures showing various embodiments of metal filters in inkjet printing devices.

[0039] Symbol explanation:

[0040] DDV: Data drive unit; GDV: Gate drive unit; DP: Display panel; ST: Stage; IPD: Inkjet printer; BP: Main body; INO: Inkjet head; INK: Ink; INI: Ink inlet; ED: Electrode; ED1: First electrode; ED2: Second electrode; FI1: Filter; FI2: Metal filter; OP: Opening; PS: Voltage supply unit; PT: Particle. Detailed Implementation

[0041] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same or similar reference numerals are used for the same constituent elements in the drawings.

[0042] Figure 1 This is a block diagram illustrating a display device according to various embodiments of the present invention.

[0043] Reference Figure 1 The display device may include a display panel DP, a data driving unit DDV, a gate driving unit GDV, and a timing control unit CON.

[0044] The display device can display images via the display panel DP. For this purpose, the display panel DP may include a plurality of pixels P and light-emitting elements connected to the pixels P. In various embodiments, the display panel DP may be composed of a single panel. Alternatively, in various embodiments, the display panel DP may be composed of multiple panels.

[0045] The timing control unit CON can generate a gate control signal GCTRL, a data control signal DCTRL, and an output image data ODAT based on an externally provided control signal CTRL and input image data IDAT. For example, the control signal CTRL may include a vertical synchronization signal, a horizontal synchronization signal, an input data strobe signal, a master clock signal, etc. For example, the input image data IDAT may be RGB image data including red, green, and blue image data. Alternatively, the input image data IDAT may also include magenta, cyan, and yellow image data.

[0046] The gate driving unit GDV can generate gate signals based on the gate control signal GCTRL provided from the timing control unit CON. For example, the gate control signal GCTRL may include a vertical start signal, a clock signal, etc. In various embodiments, the gate driving unit GDV can be manufactured from a separate panel and connected to the display panel DP. The gate driving unit GDV can be electrically connected to the display panel DP and sequentially output the gate signals. The plurality of pixels P can each receive data voltage according to the control of the respective gate signals.

[0047] The data driving unit DDV can generate the data voltage based on the data control signal DCTRL provided from the timing control unit CON and the output image data ODAT. For example, the data control signal DCTRL may include an output data strobe signal, a horizontal start signal, a load signal, etc. In various embodiments, the data driving unit DDV may be manufactured from a separate panel and electrically connected to the display panel DP. The data driving unit DDV may be electrically connected to the display panel DP and generate multiple data voltages. The multiple pixels P can respectively transmit a brightness signal corresponding to each of the data voltages to the light-emitting element.

[0048] An inkjet printing apparatus can be used in the manufacturing process of the display device. The inkjet printing apparatus can be used in the manufacture of various components included in the display panel (DP). For example, the inkjet printing apparatus can be used to form light-emitting layers, electrodes, etc.

[0049] Figure 2 This is a block diagram illustrating an inkjet printing apparatus according to various embodiments of the present invention.

[0050] Reference Figure 2 An inkjet printing device (IPD) may include a body (BP) and an inkjet head (INO). The body (BP) may store ink (INK). The ink (INK) can be ejected through the inkjet head (INO). In various embodiments, the inkjet head (INO) may be at least one. Although in Figure 2 The illustration shows a case where there are three inkjet heads (INO), but this is illustrative and not a limitation.

[0051] The inkjet head INO can eject the ink INK. The ink INK may include organic substances, metal particles, etc. The ink INK can be used to form both the light-emitting layer and the electrode layer.

[0052] To form the aforementioned layer, the display panel DP can be configured on a stage ST. In one embodiment, the display panel DP can be formed to an anode. In this case, the inkjet printing apparatus IPD can eject a light-emitting material for forming the light-emitting layer onto the display panel DP. Alternatively, in various embodiments, the inkjet printing apparatus IPD can eject a material for forming an electrode layer onto the display panel DP.

[0053] Figure 3 It is shown Figure 2 A figure of an embodiment of an inkjet printing apparatus.

[0054] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3The inkjet printing device IPD may further include an ink inlet INI. Ink INK can be introduced through the ink inlet INI. Then, the inkjet printing device IPD can eject the ink INK through the inkjet head INO.

[0055] The main body BP may include an ink delivery tube INS that stores the ink INK and delivers the ink INK to the inkjet head INO. A filter FI1 may be disposed inside the ink delivery tube INS. In various embodiments, the filter FI1 may include an opening OP passing through the filter FI1. The inkjet printing device IPD can allow only desired particles, substances, etc., to flow to the inkjet head INO through the opening OP.

[0056] The main body BP may include a first electrode ED1 and a second electrode ED2. The first electrode ED1 and the second electrode ED2 may be configured with the filter FI1 disposed therebetween. The first electrode ED1 may be configured to be spaced apart from the filter FI1 in a direction opposite to the direction in which the ink INK flows toward the filter FI1. The second electrode ED2 may be configured to be spaced apart from the filter FI1 in the direction in which the ink INK flows through the filter FI1. Different voltages may be applied to the first electrode ED1 and the second electrode ED2. An electric field may be formed between the first electrode ED1 and the second electrode ED2. This will be explained later. Figures 4 to 6 Let me explain.

[0057] exist Figure 3 The illustration shows the first electrode ED1 and the second electrode ED2 disposed outside the ink delivery tube INS, but this is illustrative and not a limitation. For example, the first electrode ED1 and the second electrode ED2 may also be disposed inside the ink delivery tube INS.

[0058] Figure 4 and Figure 5 It is shown in Figure 2 A diagram showing the electric field formed in an inkjet printer. Figure 6 It shows that it is applied to Figure 2 A diagram showing the types of voltages used in inkjet printers.

[0059] Reference Figures 4 to 6The inkjet printing apparatus IPD may further include a voltage supply unit PS. The first electrode ED1 and the second electrode ED2 may be connected to the voltage supply unit PS. The voltage supply unit PS may supply a first voltage to the first electrode ED1 and a second voltage to the second electrode ED2. The first voltage may be a voltage higher than the second voltage. Thus, an electric field based on the voltage difference between the first voltage and the second voltage can be formed. That is, an electric field can be formed in the direction from the first electrode ED1 toward the second electrode ED2.

[0060] For example, the first voltage can be a positive voltage, and the second voltage can be a negative voltage. Figure 5 The diagram illustrates a case where a positive voltage is applied to the first electrode ED1 and a negative voltage is applied to the second electrode ED2, but this is illustrative and not a limitation. Figure 5 This illustrates a case where the voltage applied to the first electrode ED1 is relatively larger than the voltage applied to the second electrode ED2. For example, the first voltage may be a positive voltage, and the second voltage may be a positive voltage that is relatively smaller than the first voltage.

[0061] In various embodiments, the types of voltages applied to the first electrode ED1 and the second electrode ED2 can be diverse. For example, such as Figure 6 The DC voltage shown in (A) can be applied to the first electrode ED1 and the second electrode ED2. Or, as Figure 6 The square wave voltage shown in (B) can be applied to the first electrode ED1 and the second electrode ED2. Or, as Figure 6 The AC voltage shown in (C) can be applied to the first electrode ED1 and the second electrode ED2.

[0062] Figures 7 to 9 This shows the ink flowing through the components included in Figure 2 Figures showing various embodiments of the ink delivery tube in an inkjet printing apparatus.

[0063] Reference Figures 7 to 9The ink may include multiple particle PTs. The particle PTs may include organic materials, metal particles, etc. For example, the organic materials may include red organic light-emitting materials, blue organic light-emitting materials, green organic light-emitting materials, etc. Furthermore, the particle PTs may include nanoscale LED materials. In this case, the nanoscale LED materials may include rods in a rod-like (e.g., needle-like) shape extending in one direction. For example, the rod may be a nanoscale rod including GaN. The organic light-emitting material can receive an applied voltage and emit inherent light (e.g., red, blue, green, etc.). For example, the particle PTs may include carbon nanotubes, microchips, etc.

[0064] The particle PT may have a length in the longitudinal direction and a width in the thickness direction. The length may be greater than the width. The particle PT may be polarized. Thus, when an electric field is formed through the first electrode ED1 and the second electrode ED2, the particle PT can be aligned along the second direction DR2 by the electric field. However, although the particle PT may not be polarized, in this case, the particle PT can also be aligned by the electric field when it is formed.

[0065] For example, the width of the opening OP penetrating the filter FI1 can be greater than the width of the particle PT. Furthermore, the width of the opening OP can be less than the length of the particle PT. Therefore, when an electric field is formed through the first electrode ED1 and the second electrode ED2, the particle PT can pass through the filter FI1. Figure 9 As shown, the inkjet printing device IPD can filter out foreign matter TP that does not have a needle-like shape.

[0066] Figure 10 and Figure 11 It is shown that includes Figure 2 Figures showing various embodiments of filters in an inkjet printing apparatus.

[0067] Reference Figure 10 The filter FI1 may be formed of a plastic material. For example, the filter FI1 may be formed of resin, polytetrafluoroethylene, etc. The filter FI1 may include the opening OP extending through the filter FI1. Figure 10 The example shown is a case where there is only one opening OP, but the number of opening OPs is not limited to this. For example, as Figure 11 As shown, the filter FI1 may include multiple openings OP. In this case, the filter FI1 may have a mesh-like shape. In this case, the particles PT can pass through the openings OP.

[0068] Figure 12 and Figure 13 This is a block diagram of an inkjet printing apparatus according to various embodiments of the present invention. Figure 14 It is shown in Figure 12 A diagram showing the formation of an electric field in an inkjet printer.

[0069] Reference Figure 12 and Figure 13 The inkjet printing device IPD may include an ink inlet INI, a main body BP, and an inkjet head INO. The main body BP may include an ink delivery tube INS, an electrode ED, and a metal filter FI2.

[0070] Ink can be introduced into the main body BP through the ink inlet INI. The ink can be stored in the ink delivery tube INS and flows to the inkjet head INO through the ink delivery tube INS.

[0071] The metal filter FI2 can be installed inside the ink delivery tube INS. The metal filter FI2 can prevent foreign substances such as TP contained in the ink from flowing to the inkjet head INO.

[0072] The electrode ED may be opposite the metal filter FI2. The electrode ED may be configured to be spaced apart from the metal filter FI2 in a direction opposite to the direction of ink flow.

[0073] like Figure 14 As shown, a first voltage can be applied to the electrode ED via the voltage supply unit PS, and a second voltage can be applied to the metal filter FI2. The first voltage can be a higher voltage than the second voltage. Figure 14 As shown, an electric field can be formed between the electrode ED and the metal filter FI2 based on the difference between the first voltage and the second voltage.

[0074] Figure 15 and Figure 16 It is shown that includes Figure 12 Figures showing various embodiments of metal filters in inkjet printing devices.

[0075] Reference Figure 15 The metal filter FI2 can be formed of a plastic material. For example, the metal filter FI2 can be formed of the same material as the aforementioned electrodes ED, ED1, and ED2. That is, the metal filter FI2 can be formed of a conductive material so that a voltage can be applied to it. The metal filter FI2 may include an opening OP passing through the metal filter FI2. Figure 15 The example shown is a case where there is only one opening OP, but the number of opening OPs is not limited to this. For example, as Figure 16As shown, the metal filter FI2 may include multiple openings OP. In this case, the metal filter FI2 may have a mesh-like shape. In this case, the particles PT can pass through the openings OP.

[0076] As described above, the invention has been illustrated with reference to exemplary embodiments. However, those skilled in the art should understand that various modifications and alterations can be made to the invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the claims.

[0077] (Industry availability)

[0078] This invention is applicable to inkjet printing apparatuses and inkjet printing methods utilizing said inkjet printing apparatuses. For example, this invention is applicable to the manufacture of display devices for vehicles, ships, and aircraft, portable communication devices, display devices for exhibition or information transmission, medical display devices, etc.

Claims

1. An inkjet printing device, characterized in that, include: Main body, storing ink; as well as The inkjet head is connected to one side of the main body and ejects the ink. The subject includes: An ink delivery tube stores the ink and delivers the ink to the inkjet head; A filter is disposed inside the ink delivery tube; and The first electrode and the second electrode are configured to face each other, and the filter is provided between the first electrode and the second electrode. A first voltage is applied to the first electrode, and a second voltage lower than the first voltage is applied to the second electrode, and the first electrode and the second electrode form an electric field based on the voltage difference between the first voltage and the second voltage. The ink comprises needle-shaped particles that have length in the longitudinal direction and width in the thickness direction. The needle-shaped particles are aligned in one direction by the electric field.

2. The inkjet printing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The filter includes an opening that extends through the filter. The needle-shaped particles can pass through the opening when the electric field is generated.

3. The inkjet printing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The filter has a mesh structure including multiple openings penetrating the filter. The needle-shaped particles can pass through the opening when the electric field is generated.

4. The inkjet printing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first voltage and the second voltage are DC voltage, AC voltage, or square wave voltage.

5. The inkjet printing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: The voltage supply unit applies the first voltage to the first electrode and the second voltage to the second electrode.

6. The inkjet printing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first electrode is configured to be spaced apart from the filter in a direction opposite to the direction of ink movement. The second electrode is configured to be spaced apart from the filter in the direction of ink movement.

7. An inkjet printing device, characterized in that, include: Main body, storing ink; as well as The inkjet head is connected to one side of the main body and ejects the ink. The subject includes: An ink delivery tube stores the ink and delivers the ink to the inkjet head; A metal filter is disposed inside the ink delivery tube; and An electrode, opposite the metal filter and configured to be spaced apart from the metal filter in a direction opposite to the direction of ink movement, A first voltage is applied to the electrode, and a second voltage lower than the first voltage is applied to the metal filter, and the electrode and the metal filter form an electric field based on the voltage difference between the first voltage and the second voltage. The ink comprises needle-shaped particles that have length in the longitudinal direction and width in the thickness direction. The needle-shaped particles are aligned in one direction by the electric field.

8. The inkjet printing apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that, The metal filter includes an opening that extends through the metal filter. The needle-shaped particles can pass through the opening when the electric field is generated.

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