Printing device and ink filling method thereof

By using a cavitation extractor and a bottom-up ink filling unit in the printing apparatus, the ink filling process is optimized, material waste and system stability issues are resolved, and rapid filling and cost savings are achieved.

CN115674900BActive Publication Date: 2025-12-05SYSTEM ENGINEERING MEGA SOLUTION CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202210727625.2
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Patents(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2021-07-28
Filing Date
2022-06-22
Publication Date
2025-12-05
Estimated Expiration
2042-06-22

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing technologies using quantum dot-based inks result in material waste and increased costs during the ink filling process, and impeller pumps are susceptible to cavitation or air bubbles, leading to abnormal operation of the ink circulation system.

Method used

It employs an impeller pump equipped with a cavitation extractor, combined with a bottom-up ink filling unit, including an ink supply container, an ink supply unit, and a filter. The ink filling process is optimized through negative pressure control and a circulation module, reducing voids and air bubbles, and achieving rapid filling and effective supply.

Benefits of technology

It shortens the initial ink filling time, improves the operating rate, reduces material consumption and costs, and ensures the stable operation of the ink circulation system.

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Abstract

A printing apparatus and an ink filling method thereof are provided. The printing apparatus can include a printing unit to perform printing, and an ink filling unit to fill ink to the printing unit in a bottom-up manner, wherein the printing unit can include a printing ink containing member to contain ink, a jet head to jet the ink, and a pressure control portion to perform pressure control of fluid to apply the ink, and the ink filling unit can include a supply ink containing member to fill the ink supplied to the printing unit inside the supply ink containing member, and an ink supply member installed at the jet head and to supply the ink supplied from the supply ink containing member to the jet head.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a printing apparatus and a method for filling the ink with the same. Background Technology

[0002] Ink printing technology in the display industry is one of the emerging key technologies, especially in the high-value-added display sector, where production at room temperature / atmosphere has moved beyond vacuum deposition. However, in solution-based ink printers, ink must be completely filled into the pipes, circulation pump, and printhead. This is achieved by using high pressure to push ink from the reservoir to the printhead, filling the pipes and circulation pump. This method leads to ink waste, especially when using quantum dot-based inks with high-value-added technologies, inevitably increasing the process cost and manufacturing cost due to material waste. Furthermore, the pumps used are impeller pumps, whose drive (e.g., circulation) depends on the presence of fluid. Therefore, if cavitation or air bubbles are present inside the pump, the pump drive will malfunction, ultimately contributing to abnormal operation of the ink circulation system.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent document: Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2006-0093077 Summary of the Invention

[0005] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a printing apparatus based on an impeller pump equipped with a cavitation extractor to shorten the initial ink filling time, thereby enabling rapid process execution and improving the throughput.

[0006] In particular, a printing device is provided that can minimize the voids in the ink-filling space.

[0007] In addition, a printing device is provided that can improve the operating rate and shorten the setup time during the initial mass production equipment setup by quickly filling the initial ink in the pump.

[0008] In addition, a printing apparatus is provided that can supply ink more efficiently when ink needs to be refilled due to head and related component replacement.

[0009] In addition, printing equipment is provided that can save on material usage and reduce costs by minimizing the consumption of expensive inks costing tens of millions of Korean won per liter.

[0010] Furthermore, the technical problems of the present invention are not limited to those described above, and those skilled in the art can clearly understand other technical problems not mentioned in the following description.

[0011] According to one aspect of the present invention, a printing apparatus for solving the above-mentioned technical problems includes: a printing unit for performing printing; and an ink filling unit for filling the printing unit with ink in a bottom-up manner, wherein the printing unit includes: an ink receiving member for receiving ink; a jet head for jetting the ink; and a pressure control unit for performing pressure control of a fluid to apply the ink, and the ink filling unit includes: an ink supply receiving member for filling the interior of the ink supplied to the printing unit; and an ink supply member mounted at the jet head and for supplying the jet head with ink supplied from the ink supply receiving member.

[0012] Furthermore, the ink supply unit can be installed on the ink ejection direction side of the ejector head and supply the ink.

[0013] Furthermore, a filter section may be provided inside the ink supply unit so that the filled ink is filtered by the filter section and supplied to the nozzle.

[0014] Furthermore, the filter section can slide upward and downward inside the ink supply unit, and can operate inside the ink supply unit corresponding to the ink level.

[0015] Furthermore, in the ink supply unit, when the first condition is formed, the filter section can move to a third height in the ink supply unit that is lower than the second height, wherein, in the first condition, the position of the filter section is at the first height and the water level of the ink inside the ink supply unit is at a second height that is lower than the first height.

[0016] Furthermore, the filter unit can operate in a first filtering mode and a second filtering mode, wherein the first filtering mode is a mode in which the filter moves back and forth between the first height and the third height, and the second filtering mode is a mode in which the filter moves back and forth between the second height and the third height.

[0017] Furthermore, the filter unit can operate in a third filter mode that combines a first filter mode and a second filter mode, wherein the first filter mode is a mode in which the filter moves back and forth between a first height and a third height, and the second filter mode is a mode in which the filter moves back and forth between a second height and a third height.

[0018] Furthermore, the ink supply component can be a barrel-shaped body and can be installed in an internal or external manner corresponding to the inkjet head.

[0019] Furthermore, the ink filling unit can perform initial ink filling when performing initial mass production equipment setup of the printing unit and replacing at least the components of the printing unit including the jet head.

[0020] In addition, the ink may include quantum dot-based inks that are used in the atmosphere at room temperature.

[0021] In addition, the ink filling unit may further include: a detection sensor for detecting the ink filling level inside the ink supply unit and generating a detection signal, and adjusting the ink filling level based on the detection signal generated by the detection sensor.

[0022] In addition, the ink filling unit may further include: an ink discharge section for supplying ink supplied from the ink supply container to the ink supply unit through a first flow path; and an ink recovery section for discharging ink filled in the ink supply unit to the ink supply container through a second flow path, wherein the ink discharge section and the ink recovery section can perform adjustment of the filling level of the ink based on the detection signal.

[0023] Furthermore, the pressure control unit can be connected to the printing ink container via a third flow path, and the printing unit may also include a negative pressure supply unit for providing negative pressure via the third flow path to perform the pressure control by the pressure control unit.

[0024] Furthermore, the printing ink container can be connected to the jet head via a fourth flow path, and the jet head can supply ink supplied by the ink supply component to the printing ink container.

[0025] Furthermore, the printing ink container can be connected to the ejector head via a fifth flow path. The fifth flow path can be provided with a circulation module that pumps and supplies ink from the ejector head to the printing ink container. The fifth flow path can include a 5-1 flow path connected to the ejector head from one side surface of the circulation module and a 5-2 flow path connected to the printing ink container from the other side surface of the circulation module. The printing ink container can supply the ink inside the ejector head to the printing unit without the printing unit and the ink filling unit installed, and the circulation module can supply the ink inside the ejector head to the printing ink container to circulate the ink in the printing unit, thereby preventing the sedimentation of precipitates remaining inside the ink.

[0026] Furthermore, the ink supplied through the 5-1 flow path can be contained in the internal space of the circulation module, and the ink in the internal space of the circulation module can be discharged to the printing ink container through the 5-2 flow path. The internal space may include: a first region for loading and containing ink; and a second region, which is the upper region of the first region, and the ink does not reach the second region, and air remains in the second region. The printing unit may also include: a suction module for suctioning air from the second region when the circulation module performs a pumping operation from the 5-1 flow path to the 5-2 flow path, to prevent air in the second region from hindering the pumping from the 5-1 flow path to the 5-2 flow path.

[0027] Furthermore, the suction module may include: an ink collection unit, which is connected to the second region of the circulation module via a sixth flow path; and a suction force providing unit, which provides suction force to the second region of the circulation module through the ink collection unit to draw air from the second region, wherein when ink from the first region is drawn based on the suction force of the suction force providing unit, the ink collection unit can contain the drawn ink inside the ink collection unit.

[0028] In addition, the suction module may also include: a suction ink discharge section disposed in the ink collection section and used to discharge ink remaining inside the ink collection section; and a nitrogen purging section used to perform nitrogen purging on the ink collection section so that the ink is discharged through the suction ink discharge section.

[0029] According to another aspect of the present invention, a printing apparatus for solving the above-mentioned technical problems includes: a printing unit for performing printing; and an ink filling unit for filling the printing unit with ink in a bottom-up manner, wherein the printing unit includes: an ink container for containing ink; a jet head for jetting the ink; and a pressure control unit for performing pressure control of a fluid to apply the ink, the ink filling unit including: an ink supply container for filling the interior of the ink supplied to the printing unit; an ink supply unit mounted at the jet head and for supplying the jet head with ink supplied from the ink supply container; a detection sensor for detecting the ink filling level inside the ink supply unit and generating a detection signal; an ink discharge unit for supplying the ink supplied from the ink supply container to the ink supply unit through a first flow path; and an ink recovery unit for discharging the ink filled in the ink supply unit to the ink supply container through a second flow path, wherein the ink filling unit adjusts the ink filling level based on the detection signal generated by the detection sensor, and the ink discharge unit and the ink recovery unit adjust the ink filling level based on the detection signal. The pressure control unit is connected to the printing ink container via a third flow path. The printing unit further includes a negative pressure supply unit for providing negative pressure through the third flow path to perform the pressure control by the pressure control unit. The printing ink container is connected to the ejector head via a fourth flow path, and the ejector head supplies ink supplied by the ink supply unit to the printing ink container. The printing ink container is connected to the ejector head via a fifth flow path, and the fifth flow path is provided with a pump for pumping ink from the ejector head to the printing ink container. The fifth flow path includes a circulation module for supplying ink, comprising a 5-1 flow path connected from one side surface of the circulation module to the ejector head and a 5-2 flow path connected from the other side surface of the circulation module to the printing ink container. The printing ink container supplies ink from its interior to the ejector head when the printing unit and the ink filling unit are not installed, and the circulation module supplies ink from the interior of the ejector head to the printing ink container to circulate the ink in the printing unit, thereby preventing sedimentation of deposits remaining inside the ink.

[0030] According to another aspect of the present invention, an ink filling method for a printing apparatus for solving the above-mentioned technical problems includes: a step of preparing a printing unit; a step of installing an ink filling unit on the printing unit; and a step of filling the printing unit with ink from bottom to top, wherein the printing unit includes: a printing ink container for containing ink; a jet head for jetting the ink; and a pressure control unit for performing pressure control on a fluid to apply the ink, and the ink filling unit includes: a supply ink container for filling the interior of the supply ink container with ink supplied to the printing unit; and an ink supply unit installed at the jet head and for supplying the jet head with ink supplied from the supply ink container.

[0031] The printing apparatus and ink filling method of the present invention, as described above, have one or more of the following effects.

[0032] This invention provides a printing apparatus based on an impeller pump equipped with a cavitation extractor to shorten the initial ink filling time, thereby enabling rapid process execution and improving throughput.

[0033] In addition, printing devices that can minimize the voids in the ink-filling space can be provided.

[0034] In addition, printing devices can be provided that can improve throughput and shorten setup time during initial mass production equipment setup by rapidly filling the initial ink into the pump.

[0035] In addition, printing devices can be provided that can supply ink more efficiently when ink needs to be refilled due to head and related component replacement.

[0036] In addition, printing equipment can be provided that can save on material usage and reduce costs by minimizing the consumption of expensive inks costing tens of millions of Korean won per liter. Attached Figure Description

[0037] Figure 1 This is a configuration diagram showing the structure of a printing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] Figure 2 It shows the basis Figure 1 A diagram that is part of the composition of [the text].

[0039] Figures 3 to 5 It shows the basis Figure 1 A diagram showing the operational states of the components.

[0040] Figure 6 and Figure 7 It shows the basis Figure 1 A diagram illustrating the process of combining elements.

[0041] Figure 8 It is shown that it is used according to Figure 6 The diagram showing the combination process of the components and the combination tools.

[0042] Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating an ink filling method of a printing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0044] 100: Printing apparatus

[0045] 110: Printing Unit

[0046] 111: Printing ink container

[0047] 112: Spray head

[0048] 113: Pressure Control Department

[0049] 120: Ink filling unit

[0050] 121: Supply of ink container components

[0051] 122: Ink discharge section

[0052] 123: Ink Recycling Department

[0053] 124: Ink Supply Parts

[0054] F0: Overall ink supply direction

[0055] P11: Supply Flow

[0056] P12: Recycling Flow Path

[0057] P1 to P7: First flow path to seventh flow path

[0058] F1 to F7: Ink flow direction on the first to seventh flow paths Detailed Implementation

[0059] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The advantages and features of the present invention, as well as methods for achieving these advantages and features, will be explained below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figure 1 The invention becomes clear from the detailed description of the embodiments. However, the invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, but can be implemented in many different forms. These embodiments are provided only to make the disclosure of the invention complete and to fully inform those skilled in the art of the scope of the invention, which is defined only by the scope of the claims. Throughout the specification, the same reference numerals refer to the same constituent elements.

[0060] To readily describe the relationship between one element or component and another, as shown in the figure, spatial relative terms such as "below," "below," "lower," "above," and "upper" can be used. It should be understood that, in addition to the orientation shown in the figure, spatial relative terms also include terms indicating the different orientations of the elements during use or operation. For example, when the element shown in the figure is flipped, an element described as "below" or "below" of another element may be located "above" of that element. Therefore, the exemplary term "below" can include both "below" and "above" orientations. An element may also be oriented in another direction, thus allowing the spatial relative terms to be interpreted according to orientation.

[0061] Although the terms "first," "second," etc., are used to describe various elements, constituent elements, and / or parts, these elements, constituent elements, and / or parts are obviously not limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element, constituent element, and / or part from another element, constituent element, and / or part. Therefore, the first element, first constituent element, or first part mentioned below can obviously also be a second element, second constituent element, or second part within the technical concept of the present invention.

[0062] The terminology used in this specification is for illustrative purposes and is not intended to limit the invention. In this specification, the singular form includes the plural form unless specifically stated otherwise. The terms "comprises" and / or "comprising" as used in this specification do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other constituent elements, steps, operations, and / or components in addition to those mentioned.

[0063] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used in this specification (including technical and scientific terms) may be used in the sense that can be commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. Furthermore, terms defined in commonly used dictionaries are not to be ideally or excessively interpreted unless explicitly defined otherwise.

[0064] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. When describing the invention with reference to the drawings, identical or corresponding constituent elements are given the same reference numerals, regardless of the reference numerals, and repeated descriptions thereof are omitted.

[0065] Reference Figure 1According to an embodiment of the present invention, a printing apparatus 100 includes a printing unit 110 and an ink filling unit 120. Here, the printing unit 110 includes a printing ink container 111, a jetting head 112, a pressure control unit 113, a suction module 115, and a negative pressure supply unit 116.

[0066] The suction module 115 includes an ink collection unit 1151, a suction force supply unit 1152, a nitrogen removal unit 1153, and a suction ink discharge unit 1154. The ink filling unit 120 includes an ink supply container 121, an ink discharge unit 122, an ink recovery unit 123, an ink supply unit 124, and a first detection sensor unit S1.

[0067] The printing unit 110 performs printing. Specifically, the ink container 111 of the printing unit 110 contains ink for printing. The ejection head 112 of the printing unit 110 includes an ink ejection head 1121.

[0068] Furthermore, the pressure control unit 113 of the printing unit 110 performs fluid pressure control to apply the ink. The ink filling unit 120 fills the printing unit 110 with ink from top to bottom.

[0069] Specifically, the ink supplied to the printing unit 110 is filled into the interior of the ink supply container 121 of the ink filling unit 120. The ink supply member 124 of the ink filling unit 120 is mounted on the jet head 112.

[0070] The ink supply unit 124 described above supplies ink supplied from the ink supply container 121 to the ejector head 1121. The ink supply unit 124 is installed on the ink ejection direction side of the ejector head 1121 and supplies the ink.

[0071] On the other hand, based on the negative pressure generated by the negative pressure supply unit 116, ink can slowly fill from the jet head 112 toward the printing ink container 111 without creating empty spaces or cavitation.

[0072] Reference Figures 2 to 5 A filter section 1241 is provided inside the ink supply unit 124. The ink supply unit 124 filters the filled ink I through the filter section 1241 and supplies it to the nozzle 1121.

[0073] Furthermore, the filter section 1241 moves upward and downward within the ink supply unit 124 in a sliding manner. This filter section 1241 can operate in accordance with the ink level of the ink I inside the ink supply unit 124.

[0074] The filter section 1241 of the ink supply unit 124 can be located at a first height L1. At this time, inside the ink supply unit 124, the ink level of the ink I can be located at a second height L2, which is lower than the first height L1. This is assumed to be the first condition.

[0075] Under the aforementioned first condition, the filter section 1241 can move within the ink supply unit 124 to a third height L3 below the second height L2.

[0076] The filter unit 1241 operates in a first filtration mode and a second filtration mode. In the first filtration mode, the filter unit 1241 reciprocates between the first height L1 and the third height L3.

[0077] Furthermore, in the second filtration mode described above, the filter unit 1241 reciprocates between the second height L2 and the third height L3.

[0078] The filter unit 1241 described above can operate in the first and second filtration modes. Furthermore, the filter unit 1241 can operate in a third filtration mode that combines the first and second filtration modes. On the other hand, this filter unit 1241 can move according to the ink level in the ink supply unit 124.

[0079] Reference Figure 1 When performing the initial mass production equipment setup of the printing unit 110 and replacing at least the components of the printing unit 110 including the jet head 1121, the ink filling unit 120 can perform initial ink filling.

[0080] The aforementioned ink includes quantum dot-based inks used in ambient air at room temperature. The first detection sensor S1 of the ink filling unit 120 detects the ink level inside the ink supply unit 124 and generates a detection signal.

[0081] The ink filling unit 120 adjusts the ink filling level based on the first detection sensor S1. The ink discharge section 122 of the ink filling unit 120 supplies ink supplied from the ink supply container 121 to the ink supply member 124 through the supply flow path P11.

[0082] Here, the ink recovery section 123 of the ink filling unit 120 discharges the ink filled in the ink supply unit 124 to the ink supply container 121 through the recovery flow path P12.

[0083] The ink discharge section 122 and the ink recovery section 123 of the ink filling unit 120 perform the ink filling level adjustment based on the detection signal.

[0084] On the other hand, the pressure control unit 113 is connected to the printing ink container 111 via the first flow path P1. Furthermore, the negative pressure supply unit 116 of the printing unit 110 provides negative pressure via the second flow path P2, which is connected to the first flow path P1, to perform the pressure control of the pressure control unit 113.

[0085] The ink container 111 is connected to the ejector head 1121 via the third flow path P3. The ejector head 1121 supplies ink supplied by the ink supply unit 124 to the ink container 111.

[0086] Furthermore, the ink container 111 is connected to the ejector head 1121 via fourth flow paths P41 and P42. The fourth flow paths P41 and P42 are equipped with circulation modules 114 that pump and supply ink from the ejector head 112 to the ink container 111.

[0087] At this time, the aforementioned fourth flow paths P41 and P42 include the fourth-1 flow path P41, which is connected from one side surface of the circulation module 114 to the ejector head 1121 based on the circulation module 114, and the fourth-2 flow path P42, which is connected from the other side surface of the circulation module 114 to the printing ink container 111.

[0088] The ink container 111 supplies ink from its interior to the jet head 1121 when the printing unit 110 and the ink filling unit 120 are not installed.

[0089] The circulation module 114 can circulate the ink in the printing unit 110 by supplying the ink inside the ejector head 1121 to the printing ink container 111, thereby preventing the sediment inside the ink from settling. Here, the operation of the circulation module 114 is performed at least at any one time point before, during, and after the operation of the printing unit 110.

[0090] The ink supplied through the 4-1 flow path P41 is contained within the internal space of the circulation module 114. The ink is discharged from the internal space of the circulation module 114 to the printing ink container 111 through the 4-2 flow path P42.

[0091] Reference Figure 2 The internal space of the circulation module 114 includes a first region SP1 and a second region SP2. The first region SP1 loads and contains ink I, and the second region SP2 is the upper region of the first region SP1. The ink I does not travel from the first region SP1 to the second region SP2, but rather air remains in the second region SP2.

[0092] Here, when the circulation module 114 performs the pumping operation from the 4-1 flow path P41 to the 4-2 flow path P42, the suction module 115 of the printing unit 110 prevents the pumping from the 4-1 flow path P41 to the 4-2 flow path P42 from being hindered by air in the second region SP2.

[0093] Specifically, the suction module 115 of the printing unit 110 performs suction of air in the second region SP2.

[0094] Reference Figure 1 The ink collection section 1151 of the suction module 115 is connected to the second region SP2 of the circulation module 114 via the fifth flow path P5. The suction force providing section 1152 of the suction module 115 provides suction force to the second region SP2 of the circulation module 114 through the ink collection section 1151 to draw air from the second region SP2.

[0095] When ink I in the first region SP1 is drawn in based on the suction force of the suction force providing unit 1152, the ink collecting unit 1151 contains the ink I inside to prevent the drawn ink I from flowing into the suction force providing unit 1152.

[0096] Furthermore, the suction module 115's suction ink discharge section 1154 is disposed within the ink collection section 1151 to discharge ink I remaining inside the ink collection section 1151. The suction module 115's nitrogen purging section 1153 performs nitrogen-based purging of the ink collection section 1151 via the sixth flow path P6, so that ink I is discharged through the suction ink discharge section 1154.

[0097] Reference Figures 6 to 8 The ink supply component 124 is cylindrical and is installed in an internal or external manner corresponding to the spray head 1121. Furthermore, the spray head 112 and the ink supply component 124 need to be installed in appropriate positions. For example, when the spray head 112 enters and is installed in the ink supply component 124, the ink level inside the ink supply component 124 needs to be considered for proper insertion.

[0098] Therefore, when the above-mentioned spray head 112 is installed on the above-mentioned ink supply unit 124, the installation is performed based on the detection signal of the above-mentioned first detection sensor unit S1 and taking into account the ink level I inside the above-mentioned ink supply unit 124.

[0099] When installing the spray head 112 onto the ink supply unit 124, it is necessary to correct their vertical and horizontal positions during installation. For this purpose, a second detection sensor S2 is provided around the ink supply unit 124.

[0100] The second detection sensor S2 detects the positions of the jet head 112 and the ink supply unit 124 and generates a second detection signal. Based on the second detection signal, position correction is performed to install the jet head 112 and the ink supply unit 124.

[0101] Therefore, the aforementioned spray head 112 can not only move up, down, left, and right, but also has a position correction tool 125 to perform position correction of the aforementioned ink supply unit 124.

[0102] The aforementioned position correction tool 125 includes a drive base 1251, a drive main body 1252, a vertical moving member 1253, a one-side fixing member 1254, and a other-side fixing member 1255. The drive base 1251 provides a driving force for the drive main body 1252.

[0103] The aforementioned drive body 1252 can move the ink supply unit 124 located at the top by moving left, right, forward, and backward. The aforementioned up-and-down moving member 1253 is provided on the aforementioned drive body 1252, and moves the ink supply unit 124 up and down by moving up and down.

[0104] The aforementioned one-sided fixing member 1254 and the aforementioned other-sided fixing member 1255 can contact at least a portion of the peripheral portion of the ink supply member 124 on the drive body 1252 to fix the ink supply member 124. When the drive body 1252 moves on the drive base 1251, the aforementioned one-sided fixing member 1254 and the other-sided fixing member 1255 inhibit the movement of the ink supply member 124.

[0105] Reference Figure 9 According to an embodiment of the present invention, the ink filling method (S100) of the printing apparatus includes: a step of preparing the printing unit 110 (S11), a step of installing the ink filling unit 120 on the printing unit 110 (S120), and a step of filling the printing unit 110 with ink from top to bottom by the ink filling unit 120 (S130).

[0106] Here, the ink container 111 of the printing unit 110 contains ink, and the ejector head 112 of the printing unit 110 ejects ink. The pressure control unit 113 of the printing unit 110 performs pressure control of the fluid to apply the ink.

[0107] The ink supplied to the printing unit 110 is filled into the ink supply container 121 of the ink filling unit 120. The ink supply member 124 of the ink filling unit 120 is mounted on the nozzle 1121 and supplies ink supplied from the ink supply container 121 to the nozzle 1121.

[0108] The embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, those skilled in the art should understand that the present invention can be implemented in other specific forms without changing its technical concept or essential features. Therefore, it should be understood that the embodiments described above are exemplary in all respects and not restrictive.

Claims

1. A printing apparatus comprising: a printing unit for performing printing; and an ink filling unit for filling ink to the printing unit in a bottom-up manner, wherein the printing unit includes: a printing ink containing member for containing ink; an ejection head provided with an ejection head for ejecting the ink, the ejection head being communicated with the printing ink containing member through a fifth flow path; and a pressure control section for performing pressure control of fluid to apply the ink, and the ink filling unit includes: a supply ink containing member for filling ink supplied to the printing unit inside the supply ink containing member; and an ink supply member installed at the ejection head and for supplying the ink supplied from the supply ink containing member to the ejection head; the printing apparatus further includes a circulation module provided in the fifth flow path, the circulation module for pumping and supplying ink from the ejection head to the printing ink containing member through the fifth flow path in a bottom-up manner to circulate ink in the printing unit; the printing ink containing member supplies the ink of the inside of the printing ink containing member to the ejection head in a state where the printing unit and the ink filling unit are not installed, and the circulation module supplies the ink of the inside of the ejection head to the printing ink containing member in a bottom-up manner.

2. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the ink supply member is installed on a side of the ejection head in an ink ejection direction and supplies the ink, and a filter section is provided inside the ink supply member to filter the filled ink by the filter section and supply to the ejection head.

3. The printing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the filter section moves up and down in a sliding manner inside the ink supply member and is operable inside the ink supply member corresponding to a water level of the ink.

4. The printing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein in the ink supply member, when a first condition is formed, the filter section moves in the ink supply member to a third height lower than a second height, wherein in the first condition, a position of the filter section is at a first height and a water level of the ink inside the ink supply member is at the second height lower than the first height. the filter section is operable in a first filter mode and a second filter mode, 5. The printing apparatus of claim 4, wherein, wherein the first filter mode is a mode of reciprocating between the first height and the third height, and the second filter mode is a mode of reciprocating between the second height and the third height. the filter section is operable in a third filter mode of complexly performing the first filter mode and the second filter mode, 6. The printing apparatus of claim 4, wherein, wherein the first filter mode is a mode of reciprocating between the first height and the third height, and the second filter mode is a mode of reciprocating between the second height and the third height.

7. The printing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the ink supply member is a barrel-shaped body and is installed in an interposition or an external position corresponding to the ejection head.

8. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein ​ In a case where initial production equipment setting of the printing unit and replacement of components of the printing unit including at least the jet head are performed, the ink filling unit performs initial ink filling.

9. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein The ink includes a quantum dot-based ink applied in an atmosphere at normal temperature.

10. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein The ink filling unit further includes a detection sensor portion for detecting a filling level of the ink inside the ink supply and generating a detection signal, and The filling level of the ink is adjusted based on the detection signal generated by the detection sensor portion.

11. The printing device of claim 10, wherein, The ink filling unit further includes: an ink discharge portion for supplying the ink supplied from the supply ink container to the ink supply through a first flow path; and an ink recovery portion for discharging the ink filled in the ink supply to the supply ink container through a second flow path, wherein the ink discharge portion and the ink recovery portion perform adjustment of the filling level of the ink based on the detection signal.

12. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein The pressure control portion communicates with the printing ink container through a third flow path, and The printing unit further includes a negative pressure providing portion for providing a negative pressure through the third flow path to perform the pressure control of the pressure control portion.

13. The printing apparatus according to claim 12, wherein The printing ink container communicates with the jet head through a fourth flow path, and The jet head supplies the ink supplied through the ink supply to the printing ink container.

14. The printing apparatus according to claim 12, wherein The fifth flow path includes a 5-1 flow path connected from one side surface of the circulation module to the jet head and a 5-2 flow path connected from the other side surface of the circulation module to the printing ink container with the circulation module as a reference.

15. The printing apparatus according to claim 14, wherein The ink supplied through the 5-1 flow path is contained in an internal space of the circulation module, and the ink of the internal space of the circulation module is discharged to the printing ink container through the 5-2 flow path, The internal space includes a first region for loading and containing the ink, and a second region which is an upper region of the first region, and to which the ink does not reach, and in which air remains, and The printing unit further includes a suction module for performing suction of the air in the second region to prevent the air in the second region from hindering pumping from the 5-1 flow path to the 5-2 flow path when the circulation module performs the pumping operation from the 5-1 flow path to the 5-2 flow path.

16. The printing device of claim 15, wherein, The suction module includes: an ink trapping portion communicating with the second region of the circulation module through a sixth flow path; and a suction force providing portion for providing a suction force to the second region of the circulation module through the ink trapping portion to suction the air in the second region, When ink is sucked into the first region based on the suction force of the suction force providing portion, the ink capturing portion contains the sucked ink inside the ink capturing portion.

17. The printing device of claim 16, wherein, The suction module further includes: a suction ink discharging portion provided in the ink capturing portion and configured to discharge ink remaining inside the ink capturing portion; and a nitrogen purge portion configured to perform nitrogen purge on the ink capturing portion to cause ink to be discharged through the suction ink discharging portion.

18. A printing apparatus comprising: a printing unit configured to perform printing; and an ink filling unit configured to fill ink to the printing unit in a bottom-up manner, wherein the printing unit includes: a printing ink containing member configured to contain ink; an ejection head configured to eject the ink; and a pressure control portion configured to perform pressure control on a fluid to apply the ink, the ink filling unit includes: a supply ink containing member configured to contain ink supplied from the supply ink containing member inside the supply ink containing member; an ink supply member installed at the ejection head and configured to supply the ink supplied from the supply ink containing member to the ejection head; a detection sensor portion configured to detect a filling level of the ink inside the ink supply member and generate a detection signal; an ink discharging portion configured to discharge the ink supplied from the supply ink containing member to the ink supply member through a first flow path; and an ink recovery portion configured to discharge the ink filled in the ink supply member to the supply ink containing member through a second flow path, wherein the ink filling unit adjusts the filling level of the ink based on the detection signal generated by the detection sensor portion, and the ink discharging portion and the ink recovery portion perform adjustment of the filling level of the ink based on the detection signal, the pressure control portion communicates with the printing ink containing member through a third flow path, the printing unit further includes a negative pressure providing portion configured to provide negative pressure through the third flow path to perform the pressure control of the pressure control portion, the printing ink containing member communicates with the ejection head through a fourth flow path, the ejection head supplies the ink supplied through the ink supply member to the printing ink containing member, the printing ink containing member communicates with the ejection head through a fifth flow path, the fifth flow path is provided with a circulation module configured to pump and supply the ink from the ejection head to the printing ink containing member, the fifth flow path includes a 5-1 flow path connected from one side surface of the circulation module to the ejection head and a 5-2 flow path connected from the other side surface of the circulation module to the printing ink containing member with the circulation module as a reference, the printing ink containing member supplies the ink inside the printing ink containing member to the ejection head in a state where the printing unit and the ink filling unit are not installed, and the circulation module supplies the ink inside the ejection head to the printing ink containing member to circulate the ink in the printing unit, thereby preventing sedimentation of a precipitate remaining inside the ink.

19. An ink filling method of a printing apparatus, comprising: a step of preparing a printing unit; a step of installing an ink filling unit to the printing unit; and a step of filling ink to the printing unit in a bottom-up manner by the ink filling unit, ​ The printing unit includes: a printing ink containing member for containing ink; an ejection head for ejecting the ink and communicating with the printing ink containing member through a fifth flow path; and a pressure control section for performing pressure control of a fluid to apply the ink, and the ink filling unit includes: a supply ink containing member for filling ink supplied to the printing unit inside the supply ink containing member; and an ink supply member installed at the ejection head and for supplying the ejection head with ink supplied from the supply ink containing member; The ink filling method further includes: a step of pumping and supplying ink from the ejection head to the printing ink containing member through the fifth flow path in a bottom-up manner to circulate ink in the printing unit; a step of supplying the ejection head with ink inside the printing ink containing member from the printing ink containing member in a state where the printing unit and the ink filling unit are not installed, and a step of supplying the printing ink containing member with ink inside the ejection head in a bottom-up manner.

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