Inkjet device and inkjet device alignment method

Abstract

An inkjet device and an inkjet device alignment method are provided. The inkjet device includes a head unit including a plurality of sub head units, at least one inkjet head combined with each of the sub head units, a head unit alignment portion combined with each of the sub head units, including a first motor that moves each of the sub head units in a first rotation direction, a second motor disposed on the first motor and moving each of the sub head units in a first direction that is a length direction of each of the sub head units in a plane, and a control portion that controls a moving position of each of the sub head units, and an inkjet head alignment portion combined with the inkjet head, including a first adjustment member that moves the inkjet head in a second rotation direction, and a second adjustment member that moves the inkjet head in a second direction that is a length direction of the inkjet head in a plane.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to inkjet apparatuses. More specifically, it relates to inkjet apparatuses and inkjet apparatus alignment methods for aligning inkjet apparatuses. Background Technology

[0002] Display devices are devices that display images to provide visual information to users. In recent years, organic light-emitting diode (OLED) displays have attracted much attention.

[0003] In manufacturing display devices, inkjet equipment can be used. An inkjet equipment may include a head unit and an inkjet head coupled to the head unit. The inkjet equipment can align the head unit and the inkjet head to improve the print quality of the display device. Summary of the Invention

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

[0005] Another object of the present invention is to provide an inkjet device alignment method for aligning the inkjet device.

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

[0007] To achieve an objective of the present invention, the inkjet apparatus according to the embodiments may include: a head unit including a plurality of sub-head units; at least one inkjet head coupled to each of the sub-head units; a head unit alignment portion coupled to each of the sub-head units, including a first motor for moving each of the sub-head units in a first rotational direction, a second motor disposed on the first motor and for moving each of the sub-head units in a first direction which is the length direction of each of the sub-head units on a plane, and a control portion for controlling the moving position of each of the sub-head units; and an inkjet head alignment portion coupled to the inkjet head, including a first adjustment member for moving the inkjet head in a second rotational direction and a second adjustment member for moving the inkjet head in a second direction which is the length direction of the inkjet head on a plane.

[0008] In one embodiment, the head unit alignment portion may include: a first bearing, which serves as a shaft in the first rotation direction; a connecting member disposed between the first bearing and the first motor and coupled to each of the sub-head units; and a second bearing, which is coupled to the connecting member and the first motor and the second motor.

[0009] In one embodiment, the first bearing may be coupled to one end of the connecting member, the first motor may be coupled to the other end of the connecting member in a direction orthogonal to the first direction and the direction of rotation axis parallel to the first direction of rotation, and the second motor may be coupled to the other end of the connecting member in the first direction.

[0010] In one embodiment, the head unit alignment section may utilize the first bearing and the first motor to move each of the sub-head units in the first rotational direction.

[0011] In one embodiment, the head unit alignment portion may further include a guide component located below the first bearing.

[0012] In one embodiment, the head unit alignment section may utilize the second motor and the guide member to move each of the sub-head units in the first direction.

[0013] In one embodiment, the inkjet device may further include a detector located at the lower part of the head unit.

[0014] In one embodiment, the control unit may receive image information from the detector to control the movement position of each of the sub-head units.

[0015] In one embodiment, the inkjet head alignment portion may further include a head plate disposed on each of the sub-head units, the inkjet head being rotatably coupled to the head plate.

[0016] In one embodiment, the first adjusting component may include: an adjusting bolt that contacts a first surface of the inkjet head; and a leaf spring that contacts a second surface of the inkjet head, the second surface being opposite to the first surface.

[0017] In one embodiment, the second adjustment component may be coupled to one end of the head plate in the second direction and fixed to each of the sub-head units.

[0018] In one embodiment, the inkjet head alignment portion may further include: a first fastening bolt for fixing the inkjet head; and a second fastening bolt for fixing the head plate.

[0019] To achieve other objectives of the present invention, the inkjet device alignment method according to the embodiments may include: a step of detecting the position of the sub-head unit by means of a detector located at the lower part of the sub-head unit included in the head unit; a step of receiving image information from the detector, using a first motor to control the movement position of the sub-head unit in a first rotational direction, and using a second motor to control the movement position of the sub-head unit in a first direction which is the length direction of the sub-head unit in a plane; a step of using a first adjustment member to move the inkjet head in a second rotational direction; and a step of using a second adjustment member to move the inkjet head in a second direction which is the length direction of the inkjet head in a plane.

[0020] In one embodiment, the first motor may move in a direction orthogonal to both the rotation axis parallel to the first rotation direction and the first direction. The sub-head unit coupled to the connecting member moves in the first rotation direction via the first motor coupled to one end of the connecting member, with the first bearing coupled to the other end of the connecting member as the axis.

[0021] In one embodiment, the second motor may move in the first direction, and the sub-head unit coupled to the connecting member may move in the first direction along a guide member coupled to the other end of the connecting member via the second motor coupled to one end of the connecting member.

[0022] In one embodiment, the detector may capture an alignment mark disposed on the bottom surface of the sub-head unit to generate the image information. A control unit connected to the detector receives the generated image information to calculate the movement position of the sub-head unit in the first rotation direction and the movement position in the first direction, respectively. The control unit uses the calculated movement position in the first rotation direction and the movement position in the first direction to drive the first motor and the second motor, respectively.

[0023] In one embodiment, the second rotation direction may include a second-first rotation direction and a second-second rotation direction opposite to the second-first rotation direction, and the first adjustment component includes an adjustment bolt for moving the inkjet head in the second-first rotation direction and a leaf spring for moving the inkjet head in the second-second rotation direction.

[0024] In one embodiment, the second adjustment component may be coupled to a head plate with the inkjet head and fixed to the sub-head unit.

[0025] In one embodiment, the second adjusting component may include a first thread, and the head plate may include a second thread.

[0026] In one embodiment, the head plate may move in the second direction when the first thread rotates into the second thread.

[0027] (Invention Effects)

[0028] In the inkjet apparatus according to embodiments of the present invention, the head unit includes multiple sub-head units, so that when replacing the inkjet head, only a portion of the multiple sub-head units can be replaced. Therefore, the process time and cost of the inkjet printing process can be reduced.

[0029] By individually aligning the head unit in the first rotation direction and the first direction using a head unit alignment section (e.g., a first motor and a second motor), and individually aligning the inkjet head in the second rotation direction and the second direction using an inkjet head alignment section, the alignment degree between the head unit and the inkjet head can be improved. Therefore, when performing the inkjet printing process using the inkjet device, print quality can be improved, and production output can be increased.

[0030] However, the effects of the present invention are not limited to those described above, and various extensions can be made without departing from the scope and ideas of the present invention. Attached Figure Description

[0031] Figure 1 This is a perspective view illustrating an inkjet apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 2 It is shown Figure 1 A perspective view of the head module included in the inkjet unit.

[0033] Figure 3 It is shown Figure 2 A plan view of the alignment portion of the head unit included in the head module.

[0034] Figure 4 It is shown Figure 3 A top view of the head unit alignment section.

[0035] Figure 5 It is shown Figure 3 A front view of the head unit alignment section.

[0036] Figure 6 It is shown Figure 2 A three-dimensional view of the head module including the sub-head unit, inkjet head, and inkjet head alignment portion.

[0037] Figure 7 It is shown Figure 3 A plan view of the sub-head unit, inkjet head, and inkjet head alignment section.

[0038] Figure 8 It is shown Figure 7 The inkjet head alignment section and the plan view of the inkjet head.

[0039] Figure 9 It is magnification Figure 8 Plan view of area A.

[0040] Figures 10 to 21 This is a diagram illustrating an inkjet device alignment method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] Symbol explanation:

[0042] 10: Inkjet unit; 100: Head module; 200: Coating stage; 300: Alignment stage; HP: Head unit; HPA: Head unit alignment section; IH: Inkjet head; IHA: Inkjet head alignment section; SHP: Sub-head unit; SHPA: Sub-head unit alignment section; SIHA: Sub-inkjet head alignment section; HPM1: First motor; HPM2: Second motor; AM1: First adjustment component; AM2: Second adjustment component; ABT: Adjustment bolt; PS: Leaf spring; CTR: Control unit; CA: Detector. Detailed Implementation

[0043] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numerals are used for the same constituent elements in the drawings, and repeated descriptions of the same constituent elements are omitted.

[0044] Figure 1 This is a perspective view illustrating an inkjet apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 It is shown Figure 1 A perspective view of the head module included in the inkjet unit.

[0045] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 The inkjet device 10 may include a head module 100, a coating stage 200, and an alignment stage 300.

[0046] The head module 100 may include a head component 110, a head pack HP, a head pack alignment portion HPA, and an inkjet head (e.g., Figure 6 The inkjet head (IH) and the inkjet head alignment portion (e.g., Figure 6 The inkjet head alignment section (IHA). The head module 100 may be the part that ejects ink.

[0047] The coating worktable 200 can be disposed below the head module 100. The coating worktable 200 can be the part that performs the inkjet printing process. The workpiece 210 for printing the ink can be disposed on the coating worktable 200.

[0048] The alignment stage 300 may be spaced apart from the coating stage 200 and disposed below the head module 100. The alignment stage 300 may be a portion for aligning the head unit HP included in the head module 100. The alignment stage 300 may include a detector CA for capturing images of the head unit HP. The detector CA may be located below the head unit HP. The detector CA may be a camera. The detector CA can capture images of the head unit HP to generate image information.

[0049] The head component 110 may be any remaining component in the head module 100 other than the head unit HP, the head unit alignment portion HPA, the inkjet head IH, and the inkjet head alignment portion IHA. The head unit HP and the head unit alignment portion HPA may be integrated into the head component 110.

[0050] The head unit HP may include multiple sub-head units SHP. Each of the multiple sub-head units SHP may be coupled to at least one of the inkjet heads IH. For example, the head unit HP may include three sub-head units SHP, and one sub-head unit SHP may be coupled to four inkjet heads IH.

[0051] The header unit alignment portion HPA can be combined with each of the sub-header units SHP. The header unit alignment portion HPA can align each of the sub-header units SHP. The header unit alignment portion HPA can include multiple sub-header unit alignment portions SHPA. Each sub-header unit alignment portion SHPA can be combined with each of the sub-header units SHP. That is, each sub-header unit SHP can be combined with one sub-header unit alignment portion SHPA. Each sub-header unit SHP can be individually aligned through each sub-header unit alignment portion SHPA.

[0052] The head unit alignment section (HPA) may include a control section (CTR). The control section (CTR) may be connected to each of the sub-head unit alignment sections (SHPA). The control section (CTR) may be connected to the detector (CA). The control section (CTR) may receive the image information generated by the detector (CA). The control section (CTR) may receive the image information to control the movement position of each of the sub-head units (SHP).

[0053] Figure 3 It is shown Figure 2 A plan view of the alignment portion of the head unit included in the head module. Figure 4 It is shown Figure 3 A top view of the head unit alignment section. Figure 5 It is shown Figure 3 A front view of the head unit alignment section.

[0054] Reference Figures 1 to 5 The header unit alignment section HPA may include the sub-header unit alignment section SHPA and the control section CTR. The sub-header unit alignment section SHPA may be combined with the sub-header unit SHP.

[0055] The sub-head unit alignment section SHPA may include a first motor HPM1, a second motor HPM2, a first bearing HPB1, a second bearing HPB2, a connecting component CM, a spacer SPC, and a guiding component GM.

[0056] The connecting component CM can be coupled to the sub-head unit SHP. One end CMma of the connecting component CM can be coupled to the first bearing HPB1. The same end CMma of the connecting component CM can be coupled to the guide component GM. The guide component GM can be located below the first bearing HPB1. The spacer SPC can be configured between the guide component GM and the first bearing HPB1. The spacer SPC allows the height of the first bearing HPB1 to be adapted to the connecting component CM and the second bearing HPB2.

[0057] The other end CMb of the connecting component CM, opposite to one end CMMa, can be coupled to the second bearing HPB2. The other end CMb of the connecting component CM can be coupled to the first motor HPM1. The other end CMb of the connecting component CM can be coupled to the second motor HPM2. That is, in a plane, the connecting component CM can be disposed between the first bearing HPB1 and the first motor HPM1. The second motor HPM2 can be disposed on the first motor HPM1. The second bearing HPB2 can connect the connecting component CM to both the first motor HPM1 and the second motor HPM2.

[0058] The first motor HPM1 can move the sub-head unit SHP in a first rotation direction RDR1. The second motor HPM2 can move the sub-head unit SHP in a first direction DR1. The first direction DR1 can be the length direction of the sub-head unit SHP in a plane. The rotation axis of the first rotation direction RDR1 can be parallel to the height direction of the sub-head unit SHP. The first rotation direction RDR1 can be a rotation direction with the first bearing HPB1 as the axis. The first rotation direction RDR1 can include both clockwise and counterclockwise directions with the first bearing HPB1 as the axis.

[0059] The first motor HPM1 can be coupled to the connecting component CM in an orthogonal direction ODR, which is orthogonal to both the first direction DR1 and the rotation axis parallel to the first rotation direction RDR1. The second motor HPM2 can be coupled to the connecting component CM in the first direction DR1.

[0060] Alignment marks AM can be configured on the bottom surface of the sub-head unit SHP. The detector CA can identify and capture images of the alignment marks AM. The control unit CTR can use the alignment marks AM captured by the detector CA to control the movement position of the sub-head unit SHP. The control unit CTR can control the movement position of the sub-head unit SHP in the first rotation direction RDR1 and the movement position of the sub-head unit SHP in the first direction DR1, respectively. Based on the movement positions, the control unit CTR can drive the first motor HPM1 and the second motor HPM2, respectively.

[0061] In one embodiment, the sub-head unit alignment section SHPA can move the sub-head unit SHP in the first rotational direction RDR1 using the first bearing HPB1 and the first motor HPM1. The first motor HPM1 can be automatically driven according to the movement position in the first rotational direction RDR1. When the first motor HPM1 is driven, the first motor HPM1 can move in the orthogonal direction ODR. However, since the first bearing HPB1 is fixed, the sub-head unit alignment section SHPA can move in the first rotational direction RDR1 about the first bearing HPB1 as an axis.

[0062] The head unit alignment section HPA can move the sub-head unit SHP along the first direction DR1 using the second motor HPM2 and the guide member GM. The second motor HPM2 can be automatically driven according to the movement position along the first direction DR1. When the second motor HPM2 is driven, it can move in a straight line along the first direction DR1. While the second motor HPM2 is moving, the sub-head unit alignment section SHPA can move along the guide member GM along the first direction DR1.

[0063] Figure 6 It is shown Figure 2 A three-dimensional view of the head module including the sub-head unit, inkjet head, and inkjet head alignment portion. Figure 7 It is shown Figure 3 A plan view of the sub-head unit, inkjet head, and inkjet head alignment section. Figure 8 It is shown Figure 7The inkjet head alignment section and the plan view of the inkjet head. Figure 9 It is magnification Figure 8 Plan view of area A.

[0064] Reference Figures 6 to 9 The sub-head unit SHP may include a pack plate PPL. The inkjet head alignment portion IHA and the inkjet head IH may be configured on the pack plate PPL.

[0065] The inkjet head alignment portion IHA can be combined with each of the inkjet heads IH. The inkjet head alignment portion IHA can align each of the inkjet heads IH. The inkjet head alignment portion IHA can include multiple sub-inkjet head alignment portions SIHA. Each sub-inkjet head alignment portion SIHA can be combined with each of the inkjet heads IH. That is, each inkjet head IH can be combined with one sub-inkjet head alignment portion SIHA. Each inkjet head IH can be individually aligned through each sub-inkjet head alignment portion SIHA.

[0066] The sub-inkjet head alignment part SIHA may include a first adjustment component AM1, a second adjustment component AM2, a head plate HPL, a first fastening bolt FBT1, a second fastening bolt FBT2, and a fixing pin FP.

[0067] The head plate HPL can be configured on the unit plate PPL included in the sub-head unit SHP. The head plate HPL can be coupled to the inkjet head IH. The inkjet head IH can be rotatably coupled to the head plate HPL.

[0068] The fixing pin FP and the first adjustment component AM1 can be configured on the head plate HPL. One end of the head plate HPL can be coupled to the second adjustment component AM2.

[0069] The first adjustment component AM1 can move the inkjet head IH in the second rotation direction RDR2. The second adjustment component AM2 can move the inkjet head IH in the second direction DR2. The second direction DR2 can be the length direction of the inkjet head IH in a plane. The rotation axis of the second rotation direction RDR2 can be parallel to the height direction of the inkjet head IH. The second rotation direction RDR2 can be a rotation direction about the fixing pin FP. The second rotation direction RDR2 can include both clockwise and counterclockwise directions about the fixing pin FP. For example, the counterclockwise direction in the second rotation direction RDR2 can be the second-1 rotation direction RDR2-1, and the clockwise direction in the second rotation direction RDR2 can be the second-2 rotation direction RDR2-2.

[0070] The first adjustment component AM1 may include an adjustment bolt ABT and a leaf spring PS. The adjustment bolt ABT may contact a first surface IHa of the inkjet head IH. The leaf spring PS may contact a second surface IHb of the inkjet head IH. The second surface IHb may be opposite to the first surface IHa. The first surface IHa and the second surface IHb may have a larger area than the other surfaces of the inkjet head IH, excluding the first surface IHa and the second surface IHb.

[0071] The adjusting bolt ABT can be an eccentric shaft adjusting bolt. The adjusting bolt ABT can push the inkjet head IH in the second-first rotation direction RDR2-1 according to the degree of eccentricity. Furthermore, the leaf spring PS can have a restoring force. Therefore, when the external force applied to the inkjet head IH disappears, the leaf spring PS can return the inkjet head IH to its original position.

[0072] The second adjustment component AM2 can be attached to one end of the head plate HPL in the second direction DR2. The second adjustment component AM2 can move the inkjet head IH in the second direction DR2 via the head plate HPL.

[0073] The second adjustment component AM2 may include a first thread TH1. The head plate HPL may include a second thread TH2. The first thread TH1 and the second thread TH2 are rotatably engaged.

[0074] The second adjustment component AM2 can be fixed to the unit board PPL. Therefore, when the first thread TH1 and the second thread TH2 are rotatably engaged, the position of the second adjustment component AM2 does not change. Since the position of the second adjustment component AM2 does not change, the unit board PPL, which is rotatably engaged with the second adjustment component AM2, can move. Therefore, the second adjustment component AM2 can move the inkjet head IH, which is engaged with the unit board PPL, in the second direction DR2.

[0075] After the first adjusting component AM1 aligns the inkjet head IH along the second rotation direction RDR2, the first fastening bolt FBT1 can fix the inkjet head IH to the head plate HPL.

[0076] The second fastening bolt FBT2 can secure the head plate HPL to the unit plate PPL relative to the second direction DR2. After the second adjusting component AM2 aligns the head plate HPL along the second direction DR2, the second fastening bolt FBT2 can secure the inkjet head IH to the unit plate PPL.

[0077] In one embodiment, the head unit HP includes the plurality of sub-head units SHP, so that when replacing the inkjet head IH, only a portion of the sub-head units SHP can be replaced. Therefore, the process time and cost of the inkjet printing process can be reduced.

[0078] In one embodiment, the first motor HPM1 included in the head unit alignment section HPA moves the head unit HP in the first rotation direction RDR1, and the second motor HPM2 moves the head unit HP in the first direction DR1, thereby improving the alignment degree of the head unit HP. Furthermore, the first adjustment member AM1 included in the inkjet head alignment section IHA moves the inkjet head IH in the second rotation direction RDR2, and the second adjustment member AM2 moves the inkjet head IH in the second direction DR2, thereby improving the alignment degree of the inkjet head IH. Therefore, when performing the inkjet printing process using the inkjet device 10, print quality can be improved, and production output can be increased.

[0079] Figures 10 to 21 This is a diagram illustrating an inkjet device alignment method according to an embodiment of the present invention. (Refer to...) Figures 10 to 21 The inkjet device alignment method described can be an alignment reference. Figures 1 to 9 The method of the inkjet device 10 described herein. Therefore, references can be omitted. Figures 10 to 21 The inkjet device alignment method described in the instructions is consistent with the reference. Figures 1 to 9 The description of the inkjet device 10 is repeated.

[0080] Reference Figure 10 The inkjet unit 10 may include a head module 100, a coating stage 200, and an alignment stage 300. The head module 100 may include a head unit HP, a head unit alignment section HPA, an inkjet head IH, and an inkjet head alignment section IHA. The head unit alignment section HPA may include multiple sub-head unit alignment sections SHPA and a control section CTR. A workpiece 210 may be mounted on the coating stage 200, and the alignment stage 300 may include a detector CA.

[0081] The head module 100 can print ink onto the workpiece 210 on the coating table 200. The head module 100 can be aligned on the alignment table 300. Specifically, the head unit HP can be aligned on the alignment table 300. The head module 100 can be located on the coating table 200 during the inkjet printing process, and can be located on the alignment table 300 when aligning the head unit HP and the inkjet head IH included in the head module 100. The head module 100 can move from the coating table 200 toward the alignment table 300, and can also move from the alignment table 300 toward the coating table 200.

[0082] Hereinafter, the sub-head unit SHP will be described with respect to the head unit HP, the sub-head unit alignment part SHPA will be described with respect to the head unit alignment part HPA, and the sub-inkjet head alignment part SIHA will be described with respect to the inkjet head alignment part IHA.

[0083] Reference Figure 10 and Figure 11 When the head module 100 is located on the alignment stage 300, the detector CA can be configured below the sub-head unit SHP. The detector CA can detect the position of the sub-head unit SHP. The detector CA can identify alignment marks (e.g., ...) configured on the bottom surface of the sub-head unit SHP. Figure 4 The detector CA can capture the alignment mark (AM) and photograph the alignment mark. The detector CA can also photograph the sub-head unit SHP to generate image information. The control unit CTR can be connected to the detector CA.

[0084] Figure 12 and Figure 13 This is a plan view showing the alignment portion SHPA of the sub-head unit moving in the first rotational direction RDR1. For example, Figure 12 This is a plan view showing the operation of the sub-head unit alignment portion SHPA moving clockwise in the first rotation direction RDR1. Figure 13 This is a plan view showing the operation of the sub-head unit alignment portion SHPA moving counterclockwise in the first rotation direction RDR1.

[0085] Reference Figures 10 to 13 The sub-head unit alignment section SHPA may include a first motor HPM1, a second motor HPM2, a first bearing HPB1, a second bearing HPB2, a connecting component CM, a spacer SPC, and a guiding component GM. The sub-head unit alignment section SHPA may be connected to the control unit CTR.

[0086] The control unit CTR can receive the image information from the detector CA. The control unit CTR can use the first motor HPM1 to control the movement position of the sub-head unit SHP in the first rotation direction RDR1. The control unit CTR can use the second motor HPM2 to control the movement position of the sub-head unit SHP in the first direction DR1.

[0087] Specifically, the control unit CTR can calculate the movement position of the sub-head unit SHP in the first rotation direction RDR1 and the movement position of the sub-head unit SHP in the first direction DR1 based on the image information. The control unit CTR can use the calculated movement positions of the sub-head unit SHP in the first rotation direction RDR1 and the first direction DR1 to drive the first motor HPM1 and the second motor HPM2. Therefore, the alignment of the sub-head unit SHP can be automatically performed by the control unit CTR.

[0088] Figure 14 This is a plan view illustrating the operation of moving the sub-head unit alignment portion SHPA in the first direction DR1. Figure 15 This is a front view showing the operation of moving the sub-head unit alignment portion SHPA in the first direction DR1.

[0089] Further reference Figure 10 , Figure 11 , Figure 14 and Figure 15 The first motor HPM1 can move in the orthogonal direction ODR via the control unit CTR. The sub-head unit alignment part SHPA, including the connecting member CM, and the sub-head unit SHP, coupled to the connecting member CM, can move in the first rotational direction RDR1 via the first motor HPM1 coupled to one end CMMa of the connecting member CM. The connecting member CM and the sub-head unit SHP can move in the first rotational direction RDR1 about the first bearing HPB1 coupled to one end CMMa of the connecting member CM as an axis.

[0090] The second motor HPM2 can move in the first direction DR1 via the control unit CTR. The sub-head unit alignment part SHPA and the sub-head unit SHP can move in the first direction DR1 via the second motor HPM2, which is attached to one end CMa of the connecting member CM. At this time, the sub-head unit alignment part SHPA and the sub-head unit SHP can move in the first direction DR1 along the guide member GM, which is attached to the other end CMb of the connecting member CM.

[0091] The control unit CTR can use the first motor HPM1 to align the sub-head unit SHP in the first rotation direction RDR1, and the second motor HPM2 to align the sub-head unit SHP in the first direction DR1, thereby enabling the sub-head unit SHP to be automatically aligned by the sub-head unit alignment unit SHPA. Furthermore, the sub-head unit SHP can be individually aligned in both the first rotation direction RDR1 and the first direction DR1 using the first motor HPM1 and the second motor HPM2.

[0092] Figures 16 to 21 This is a plan view illustrating the method by which the sub-inkjet head alignment portion SIHA aligns with the inkjet head IH. For example, Figure 17 and Figure 18 This is a plan view showing the operation of the sub-ink head alignment part SIHA aligning the ink head IH in the second rotation direction RDR2.

[0093] Reference Figures 16 to 18 The sub-header unit (e.g., Figure 11 The sub-head unit (SHP) may include a unit board PPL, and the sub-inkjet head alignment part SIHA may be configured on the unit board PPL.

[0094] The sub-inkjet head alignment part SIHA may include a first adjustment component AM1, a second adjustment component AM2, a head plate HPL, a first fastening bolt FBT1, a second fastening bolt FBT2, and a fixing pin FP.

[0095] The sub-printer alignment section SIHA can be moved in the second rotation direction RDR2 using the first adjustment member AM1. The second rotation direction RDR2 can include a second-first rotation direction (e.g., counterclockwise) RDR2-1 and a second-second rotation direction (e.g., clockwise) RDR2-2. The second-second rotation direction RDR2-2 can be opposite to the second-first rotation direction RDR2-1.

[0096] The first adjustment component AM1 may include an adjustment bolt ABT and a leaf spring PS. The adjustment bolt ABT allows the inkjet head IH to move in the second-first rotation direction RDR2-1. The first adjustment component AM1 can adjust the moving distance of the inkjet head IH according to the degree of eccentricity of the adjustment bolt ABT.

[0097] The leaf spring PS can move the inkjet head IH in the second-second rotational direction RDR2-2. The leaf spring PS can also reset the position of the inkjet head IH, which has been moved in the second-first rotational direction RDR2-1 by the adjusting bolt ABT, in the second-second rotational direction RDR2-2.

[0098] Specifically, when the eccentricity of the adjusting bolt ABT is large, the adjusting bolt ABT can push the inkjet head IH. Therefore, the inkjet head IH can move in the second-first rotational direction RDR2-1. Then, when the eccentricity of the adjusting bolt ABT decreases, it moves towards the first surface IHa of the inkjet head IH (refer to...). Figure 8 The external force applied by the adjusting bolt ABT can disappear. Therefore, the leaf spring PS can push the inkjet head IH. Therefore, the inkjet head IH can move again in the second-second rotational direction RDR2-2. That is, the inkjet head IH, which has moved in the second-first rotational direction RDR2-1, can be reset to its original position by the leaf spring PS.

[0099] Further reference Figure 19 After aligning the inkjet head IH in the second rotation direction RDR2, the inkjet head IH can be fixed to the head plate HPL. The first fastening bolt FBT1 can engage with the hole included in the inkjet head IH. Therefore, the inkjet head IH can be fixed to the head plate HPL with respect to the second rotation direction RDR2 by means of the first fastening bolt FBT1.

[0100] Figure 20 and Figure 21 This is a plan view showing the operation of the sub-ink head alignment portion SIHA aligning the ink head IH in the second direction DR2.

[0101] Further reference Figure 20 and Figure 21 The inkjet head IH can be moved in the second direction DR2 using the second adjustment component AM2. The second adjustment component AM2 can be coupled to the head plate HPL. The second adjustment component AM2 can be fixed to the unit plate PPL.

[0102] The second adjusting component AM2 may include a first thread (e.g., Figure 9 The head plate HPL may include a second thread (e.g., the first thread TH1), and the first thread TH1). Figure 9 The second thread (TH2). The first thread can be rotatably engaged with the second thread.

[0103] When the first thread rotates into the second thread, the head plate HPL can move in the second direction DR2. Since the second adjustment component AM2 is fixed to the unit plate PPL and its position cannot change, the head plate HPL can move in the second direction DR2 by rotating into the first thread and the second thread.

[0104] The head plate HPL may include multiple holes HL. Each of the second fastening bolts FBT2 can be engaged with each of the holes HL. The second fastening bolts FBT2 can be fixed to the unit plate PPL.

[0105] The hole HL can be an ellipse elongated in the second direction DR2. Therefore, because the hole HL has an elliptical shape, the position of the second fastening bolt FBT2 can vary within the hole HL along the second direction DR2. That is, when the head plate HPL moves toward the side of the second direction DR2 closer to the second adjusting member AM2, the second fastening bolt FBT2 can be located within the hole HL on a side relatively far from the second adjusting member AM2. Conversely, when the head plate HPL moves toward the side of the second direction DR2 away from the second adjusting member AM2, the second fastening bolt FBT2 can be located within the hole HL on a side relatively close to the second adjusting member AM2. Therefore, even when the second fastening bolt FBT2 is engaged with the unit plate PPL, the head plate HPL can still move.

[0106] After aligning the inkjet head IH in the second direction DR2, the head plate HPL can be fixed to the unit plate PPL. After aligning the inkjet head IH in the second direction DR2, the second fastening bolt FBT2 can fix the head plate HPL.

[0107] The inkjet head IH can be individually aligned in the second rotation direction RDR2 and the second direction DR2 via the sub-inkjet head alignment part SIHA.

[0108] In one embodiment, the head unit HP is individually aligned in the first rotation direction RDR1 and the first direction DR1 by the head unit alignment part HPA, and the inkjet head IH is individually aligned in the second rotation direction RDR2 and the second direction DR2 by the inkjet head alignment part IHA, thereby improving the alignment degree of the head unit HP and the inkjet head IH. Therefore, when performing the inkjet printing process using the inkjet device 10, the printing quality can be improved and the production yield can be increased.

[0109] The inkjet apparatus described in the exemplary embodiments of the present invention can be applied to display devices including computers, laptops, mobile phones, smartphones, smart tablets, PMPs, PDAs, MP3 players, etc.

[0110] The above description refers to embodiments of the present invention. However, those skilled in the art should understand that various modifications and alterations can be made to the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the claims.

Claims

1. An inkjet device, comprising: The header unit includes multiple sub-header units; At least one inkjet head is combined with each of the said sub-head units; The head unit alignment section, which is combined with each of the sub-head units, includes a first motor that moves each of the sub-head units in a first rotational direction about a first axis, a second motor disposed on the first motor that moves each of the sub-head units in the first direction, and a control section that controls the movement position of each of the sub-head units, wherein the first direction is the length direction of each of the sub-head units in a plane. as well as An inkjet head alignment portion, which is combined with the inkjet head such that the inkjet head is positioned between the sub-head unit and the inkjet head alignment portion, the inkjet head alignment portion including a first adjustment member for moving the inkjet head in a second rotational direction about a second axis different from the first axis and a second adjustment member for moving the inkjet head in the second direction, the second direction being the length direction of the inkjet head in a plane.

2. The inkjet device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The head unit alignment portion includes: a first bearing, which forms the shaft in the first rotation direction; a connecting member, which is disposed between the first bearing and the first motor and is coupled to each of the sub-head units; and a second bearing, which is coupled to the connecting member and the first motor and the second motor.

3. The inkjet device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first bearing is attached to one end of the connecting component. The first motor is connected to the other end of the connecting component in a direction orthogonal to the first direction and the direction of rotation axis parallel to the first direction of rotation. The second motor is coupled to the other end of the connecting member in the first direction.

4. The inkjet device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The head unit alignment section uses the first bearing and the first motor to move each of the sub-head units in the first rotational direction.

5. The inkjet device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The head unit alignment section further includes a guide component located below the first bearing.

6. The inkjet device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The head unit alignment section uses the second motor and the guide component to move each of the sub-head units in the first direction.

7. The inkjet device according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: The detector is located at the lower part of the head unit.

8. The inkjet device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The control unit receives image information from the detector to control the movement position of each of the sub-head units.

9. The inkjet device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inkjet head alignment section also includes head plates disposed on each of the sub-head units. The inkjet head is rotatably attached to the head plate.

10. The inkjet device according to claim 9, characterized in that, The first adjusting component includes: an adjusting bolt that contacts a first surface of the inkjet head; and a leaf spring that contacts a second surface of the inkjet head, the second surface being opposite to the first surface. Wherein, the first surface and the second surface are two side surfaces of the inkjet head along the length direction of the inkjet head.

11. The inkjet device according to claim 9, characterized in that, The second adjustment component is coupled to one end of the head plate in the second direction and is fixed to each of the sub-head units.

12. The inkjet device according to claim 9, characterized in that, The inkjet head alignment part further includes: a first fastening bolt for fixing the inkjet head; and a second fastening bolt for fixing the head plate.

13. A method for aligning an inkjet device, comprising: The step of detecting the position of the sub-head unit by means of a detector located at the lower part of the sub-head unit included in the head unit; The steps of receiving image information from the detector, using a first motor to control the movement of the sub-head unit in a first rotational direction about a first axis, and using a second motor to control the movement of the sub-head unit in a first direction, wherein the first direction is the length direction of the sub-head unit in a plane; The step of using a first adjustment component to move the inkjet head disposed below the sub-head unit in a second rotational direction about a second axis different from the first axis; as well as The step of using a second adjustment component to move the inkjet head in a second direction, which is the length direction of the inkjet head in a plane.

14. The inkjet device alignment method according to claim 13, characterized in that, The first motor moves in a direction perpendicular to both the rotation axis parallel to the first rotation direction and the first direction. The sub-head unit, which is attached to the connecting component, moves in the first rotational direction via the first motor attached to one end of the connecting component and the first bearing attached to the other end of the connecting component as an axis.

15. The inkjet device alignment method according to claim 13, characterized in that, The second motor moves in the first direction. The sub-head unit, which is attached to the connecting member, moves in the first direction via a second motor attached to one end of the connecting member and a guide member attached to the other end of the connecting member.

16. The inkjet device alignment method according to claim 13, characterized in that, The detector captures the alignment marks disposed on the bottom surface of the sub-head unit to generate the image information. The control unit connected to the detector receives the generated image information to calculate the movement position of the sub-head unit in the first rotation direction and the movement position in the first direction, respectively. The control unit uses the calculated movement position in the first rotation direction and the movement position in the first direction to drive the first motor and the second motor, respectively.

17. The inkjet device alignment method according to claim 13, characterized in that, The second rotation direction includes a second-first rotation direction and a second-second rotation direction opposite to the second-first rotation direction. The first adjustment component includes an adjustment bolt for moving the inkjet head in the second-first rotational direction and a leaf spring for moving the inkjet head in the second-second rotational direction.

18. The inkjet device alignment method according to claim 13, characterized in that, The second adjustment component is coupled to the head plate to which the inkjet head is attached and is fixed to the sub-head unit.

19. The inkjet device alignment method according to claim 18, characterized in that, The second adjusting component includes a first thread, and the head plate includes a second thread.

20. The inkjet device alignment method according to claim 19, characterized in that, When the first thread rotates into the second thread, the head plate moves in the second direction.

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