Printing apparatus and printing method using the same

Abstract

The invention provides a printing apparatus and a printing method using the same. The printing device includes a table including a plane extending in a first direction and a second direction crossing the first direction, a first head including a first nozzle arranged toward the table along the first direction, and a second head including a second nozzle arranged toward the table along the second direction. And a second head spaced apart from the first head and including a second nozzle arranged toward the stage along the first direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a printing apparatus and a printing method using the same. More specifically, the present invention relates to a printing apparatus for manufacturing a display device and a printing method using the same. Background Art

[0002] A display device is a device that displays an image for providing visual information to a user. Among display devices, recently, an organic light emitting diode display device has attracted attention.

[0003] To manufacture a display device, a printing apparatus including an inkjet head can be used. The printing apparatus can print an optical bonding material onto a display panel in an inkjet manner. Summary of the Invention

[0004] An object of the present invention is to provide a printing apparatus with improved quality.

[0005] Another object of the present invention is to provide a printing method using the printing apparatus.

[0006] However, the object of the present invention is not limited to the above object, but can be variously extended within the scope without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0007] To achieve the foregoing object of the present invention, a printing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a stage including a plane extending in a first direction and a second direction intersecting the first direction, a first head including a first nozzle arranged along the first direction to face the stage, and a second head spaced apart from the first head and including a second nozzle arranged along the first direction to face the stage.

[0008] In one embodiment, the first nozzle may include a 1-1 nozzle overlapping the second nozzle in the second direction and a 1-2 nozzle adjacent to the 1-1 nozzle.

[0009] In one embodiment, the second nozzle may include a 2-1 nozzle overlapping the first nozzle in the second direction and a 2-2 nozzle adjacent to the 2-1 nozzle.

[0010] In one embodiment, the ink ejection amount of the 1-1 nozzle may gradually decrease as it approaches the 2-2 nozzle.

[0011] In one embodiment, the ink ejection amount of the 2-1 nozzle may gradually decrease as it approaches the 1-2 nozzle.

[0012] In one embodiment, the ink ejection amount of the 1-1 nozzle may be more than that of the 2-1 nozzle.

[0013] In one embodiment, the first nozzle may start ejecting ink before the second nozzle.

[0014] In one embodiment, the temperature of the first head may be higher than that of the second head.

[0015] In one embodiment, the ink ejection amount of the 1-1 nozzle may linearly decrease as it approaches the 2-2 nozzle.

[0016] In one embodiment, the ink ejection amount of the 2-1 nozzle may linearly decrease as it approaches the 1-2 nozzle.

[0017] In one embodiment, the ink ejection amount of the 1-2 nozzle may be the same as that of the 2-2 nozzle.

[0018] In one embodiment, the ink ejection amount of the nozzle in the 1-1 nozzle that is closest to the 1-2 nozzle may be more than about 80% and less than about 100% of the ink ejection amount of the 1-2 nozzle.

[0019] In one embodiment, the ink ejection amount of the nozzle in the 1-1 nozzle that is closest to the 2-2 nozzle may be more than about 60% and less than about 80% of the ink ejection amount of the 1-2 nozzle.

[0020] In one embodiment, the ink ejection amount of the nozzle in the 2-1 nozzle that is closest to the 2-2 nozzle may be more than about 20% and less than about 40% of the ink ejection amount of the 2-2 nozzle.

[0021] In one embodiment, the ink ejection amount of the nozzle in the 2-1 nozzle that is closest to the 1-2 nozzle may be more than about 0% and less than about 20% of the ink ejection amount of the 2-2 nozzle.

[0022] In one embodiment, the ink ejected from the first nozzle may include substances of types different from those included in the ink ejected from the second nozzle.

[0023] To achieve another object of the present invention described above, a printing method according to an embodiment of the present invention may include: a step of ejecting ink onto a printing object disposed on a stage using a first nozzle, wherein the first nozzle is included in a first head and is arranged along a first direction to face the stage; and a step of ejecting ink onto the printing object using a second nozzle, wherein the second nozzle is included in a second head spaced apart from the first head and is arranged along the first direction to face the stage.

[0024] In one embodiment, the first nozzle may include a 1-1 nozzle that overlaps with the second nozzle in a second direction intersecting the first direction, and a 1-2 nozzle adjacent to the 1-1 nozzle.

[0025] In one embodiment, the second nozzle may include a 2-1 nozzle that overlaps with the first nozzle in the second direction, and a 2-2 nozzle adjacent to the 2-1 nozzle.

[0026] In one embodiment, the ink ejection amount of the 1-1 nozzle may gradually decrease as it approaches the 2-2 nozzle.

[0027] In one embodiment, the ink ejection amount of the 2-1 nozzle may gradually decrease as it approaches the 1-2 nozzle.

[0028] In one embodiment, the ink ejection amount of the 1-1 nozzle may be more than the ink ejection amount of the 2-1 nozzle.

[0029] In one embodiment, the step of ejecting ink using the first nozzle may start prior to the step of ejecting ink using the second nozzle.

[0030] In one embodiment, the temperature of the first head may be higher than the temperature of the second head.

[0031] In one embodiment, the ink ejection amounts of the 1-2 nozzle and the 2-2 nozzle may be the same as each other.

[0032] In one embodiment, the ink ejection amount of the nozzle in the 1-1 nozzle that is closest to the 1-2 nozzle may be more than about 80% and less than about 100% of the ink ejection amount of the 1-2 nozzle.

[0033] In one embodiment, the ink ejection amount of the nozzle in the 1-1 nozzle that is closest to the 2-2 nozzle may be more than about 60% and less than about 80% of the ink ejection amount of the 1-2 nozzle.

[0034] In one embodiment, the ink ejection amount of the nozzle in the 2-1 nozzle that is closest to the 2-2 nozzle may be more than about 20% and less than about 40% of the ink ejection amount of the 2-2 nozzle.

[0035] In one embodiment, the ink ejection amount of the nozzle in the 2-1 nozzle that is closest to the 1-2 nozzle may be more than about 0% and less than about 20% of the ink ejection amount of the 2-2 nozzle.

[0036] A printing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a stage having a plane extending in a first direction and a second direction intersecting the first direction, a first head including a first nozzle arranged along the first direction to face the stage, and a second head spaced apart from the first head and including a second nozzle arranged along the first direction to face the stage. And, the first nozzle may include a 1-1 nozzle overlapping the second nozzle in the second direction, and a 1-2 nozzle adjacent to the 1-1 nozzle, and the second nozzle may include a 2-1 nozzle overlapping the first nozzle in the second direction, and a 2-2 nozzle adjacent to the 2-1 nozzle. And, the ink ejection amount of the 1-1 nozzle may gradually decrease as it approaches the 2-2 nozzle, and the ink ejection amount of the 2-1 nozzle may gradually decrease as it approaches the 1-2 nozzle.

[0037] Accordingly, in a portion where the first head and the second head overlap in the printing object, the ink may not be observed as a stain.

[0038] However, the effects of the present invention are not limited to the foregoing effects, but may be variously extended without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0039] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a printing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Figure 2 and Figure 3 is a side view showing an operation method of the printing apparatus Figure 1 in chronological order.

[0041] Figure 4 is a top view showing a first head and a second head included in the Figure 1 printing apparatus.

[0042] Figure 5 is a graph showing an example of the ink ejection amount of each of the first nozzle and the second nozzle.

[0043] Figure 6 is a graph showing another example of the ink ejection amount of each of the first nozzle and the second nozzle.

[0044] Figure 7 is a perspective view showing a printing apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] Figure 8 is a top view showing a first head, a second head, and a third head included in the Figure 7 printing apparatus.

[0046] Figure 9 It is a graph showing the ink ejection amounts of each of the first nozzle, the second nozzle, and the third nozzle.

[0047] Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0048] 1000: Printing apparatus; 100: First head;

[0049] 200: Second head; 300: Third head;

[0050] 400: Stage; 10: First nozzle;

[0051] 20: Second nozzle; 30: Third nozzle;

[0052] 10A: Nozzle 1-1; 10B: Nozzle 1-2;

[0053] 20A: Nozzle 2-1; 20B: Nozzle 2-2;

[0054] 20C: Nozzle 2-3; 30A: Nozzle 3-1;

[0055] 30B: Nozzle 3-2; P: Object to be printed;

[0056] IK1: First ink; IK2: Second ink Detailed Description of the Invention

[0057] 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 components in the drawings, and redundant descriptions of the same components are omitted.

[0058] Figure 1 It is a perspective view showing a printing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0059] Refer to Figure 1 , a printing apparatus 1000 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a first head 100, a second head 200, and a stage 400.

[0060] The printing apparatus 1000 can eject ink (e.g., Figure 3 the first ink IK1 or the second ink IK2) onto an object to be printed P to print a specific pattern. For example, the printing apparatus 1000 can print an optical bonding material onto the object to be printed P. The optical bonding material may be an optically clear adhesive (OCA) or an optically clear resin (OCR). For example, the object to be printed P may be a display panel.

[0061] The stage 400 may include a plane extending in a first direction DR1 and a second direction DR2 intersecting the first direction DR1. A printing object P may be disposed on the stage 400. The stage 400 may move the printing object P in the second direction DR2. As the printing object P moves in the second direction DR2, a specific pattern may be printed on the printing object P even if the first head 100 and the second head 200 do not move. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and a specific pattern may be printed on the printing object P as the first head 100 and the second head 200 move in a direction opposite to the second direction DR2.

[0062] The printing object P may include a first printing object P1 and a second printing object P2. Each of the first printing object P1 and the second printing object P2 may move in the second direction DR2. After printing a specific pattern on the first printing object P1, the first head 100 and the second head 200 may print a specific pattern on the second printing object P2.

[0063] The first head 100 may be disposed on the stage 400 and the printing object P. That is, the first head 100 may be spaced apart from the stage 400 and the printing object P in a third direction DR3.

[0064] The first head 100 may include a first nozzle 10. For example, the first nozzle 10 may be included on the lower surface of the first head 100. The first nozzle 10 may be arranged along the first direction DR1. The first nozzle 10 may be oriented toward the stage 400. That is, the first nozzle 10 may be oriented in a direction opposite to the third direction DR3. Thereby, the first nozzle 10 may eject a first ink (e.g., Figure 2 the first ink IK1) onto the moving printing object P.

[0065] The second head 200 may be disposed on the stage 400 and the printing object P. That is, the second head 200 may be spaced apart from the stage 400 and the printing object P in a third direction DR3. The second head 200 may be spaced apart from the first head 100. For example, the coordinates of the first head 100 and the second head 200 in the first direction DR1 may be different from each other, the coordinates in the second direction DR2 may be different from each other, and the coordinates in the third direction DR3 may be the same as each other. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the coordinates of the first head 100 and the second head 200 in the third direction DR3 may be different from each other.

[0066] In one embodiment, the first head 100 and the second head 200 may partially overlap in the second direction DR2. That is, the first head 100 may include a portion having the same coordinates as the second head 200 in the first direction DR1, and the second head 200 may include a portion having the same coordinates as the first head 100 in the first direction DR1.

[0067] The second head 200 may include a second nozzle 20. For example, the second nozzle 20 may be included on the lower surface of the second head 200. The second nozzle 20 may be arranged along the first direction DR1. The second nozzle 20 may be arranged facing the stage 400. That is, the second nozzle 20 may be arranged facing the direction opposite to the third direction DR3. Accordingly, the second nozzle 20 may project the second ink (e.g., Figure 3 the second ink IK2) toward the moving printing object P.

[0068] Figure 2 and Figure 3 are side views showing the operation method of the printing apparatus shown in chronological order. Figure 1 of the printing apparatus.

[0069] Referring to Figure 2 , the first nozzle 10 may eject the first ink IK1 onto the first printing object P1. While the first nozzle 10 ejects the first ink IK1 at a fixed position, each of the first printing object P1 and the second printing object P2 may move in the second direction DR2.

[0070] Further referring to Figure 3 , the second nozzle 20 may eject the second ink IK2 onto the first printing object P1. In one embodiment, the first nozzle 10 may start ejecting ink prior to the second nozzle 20. That is, the step of ejecting the first ink IK1 using the first nozzle 10 may start prior to the step of ejecting the second ink IK2 using the second nozzle 20.

[0071] However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and in another embodiment, the step of ejecting the first ink IK1 using the first nozzle 10 may start substantially simultaneously with the step of ejecting the second ink IK2 using the second nozzle 20.

[0072] In still another embodiment, the step of ejecting the second ink IK2 using the second nozzle 20 may start prior to the step of ejecting the first ink IK1 using the first nozzle 10.

[0073] The first nozzle 10 and the second nozzle 20 may print a specific pattern on the second printing object P2 after printing the specific pattern on the first printing object P1.

[0074] Figure 4 is a top view showing the first head and the second head included in the Figure 1 printing apparatus. Specifically, Figure 4 is a top view showing the first head and the second head arranged on the first printing object.

[0075] Referring to Figure 4, the first nozzle 10 may include a 1-1 nozzle 10A and a 1-2 nozzle 10B. The 1-1 nozzle 10A may overlap with the second nozzle 20 in the second direction DR2. The 1-2 nozzle 10B may not overlap with the second nozzle 20 in the second direction DR2. The 1-2 nozzle 10B may be adjacent to the 1-1 nozzle 10A. For example, the 1-2 nozzle 10B may be adjacent to the 1-1 nozzle 10A in a direction opposite to the first direction DR1.

[0076] The second nozzle 20 may include a 2-1 nozzle 20A and a 2-2 nozzle 20B. The 2-1 nozzle 20A may overlap with the first nozzle 10 in the second direction DR2. The 2-2 nozzle 20B may not overlap with the first nozzle 10 in the second direction DR2. The 2-2 nozzle 20B may be adjacent to the 2-1 nozzle 20A. For example, the 2-2 nozzle 20B may be adjacent to the 2-1 nozzle 20A in the first direction DR1.

[0077] For example, the 1-1 nozzle 10A may include a first nozzle N1, a second nozzle N2, and a third nozzle N3. The first nozzle N1 may be adjacent to the 1-2 nozzle 10B in the first direction DR1. The second nozzle N2 may be arranged in the first direction DR1 of the first nozzle N1. A plurality of nozzles may be arranged between the first nozzle N1 and the second nozzle N2. And, the third nozzle N3 may be arranged in the first direction DR1 of the second nozzle N2. A plurality of nozzles may be arranged between the second nozzle N2 and the third nozzle N3.

[0078] For example, the 2-1 nozzle 20A may include a fourth nozzle N4, a fifth nozzle N5, and a sixth nozzle N6. The fifth nozzle N5 may be arranged in the first direction DR1 of the fourth nozzle N4. A plurality of nozzles may be arranged between the fourth nozzle N4 and the fifth nozzle N5. And, the sixth nozzle N6 may be arranged in the first direction DR1 of the fifth nozzle N5. A plurality of nozzles may be arranged between the fifth nozzle N5 and the sixth nozzle N6. The sixth nozzle N6 may be adjacent to the 2-2 nozzle 20B in a direction opposite to the first direction DR1.

[0079] For example, the fourth nozzle N4 may overlap with the first nozzle N1 in the second direction DR2. That is, the coordinates of the fourth nozzle N4 and the first nozzle N1 in the first direction DR1 may be the same as each other. And, the fifth nozzle N5 may overlap with the second nozzle N2 in the second direction DR2. That is, the coordinates of the fifth nozzle N5 and the second nozzle N2 in the first direction DR1 may be the same as each other. And, the sixth nozzle N6 may overlap with the third nozzle N3 in the second direction DR2. That is, the coordinates of the sixth nozzle N6 and the third nozzle N3 in the first direction DR1 may be the same as each other.

[0080] The first nozzle 10A of the first group can eject a first ink (e.g., the first ink IK1 of Figure 3 ) onto a first position on the surface of the first printing object P1. Subsequently, the first nozzle 20A of the second group can eject a second ink (e.g., the second ink IK2 of Figure 3 ) onto the first position on the surface of the first printing object P1. Figure 3 Thereby, the first ink and the second ink can come into contact with each other at the first position. If the temperature of the first ink and the temperature of the second ink are different, each of the first ink and the second ink may be observed as a stain at the first position. This is because if the temperature of the first ink and the temperature of the second ink are different, the surface tension of the first ink and the surface tension of the second ink are different. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the reason why each of the first ink and the second ink is observed as a stain can be various. Figure 3 In one embodiment, the temperature of the first head 100 may be higher than the temperature of the second head 200. For example, the temperature of the first nozzle 10 may be higher than the temperature of the second nozzle 20. For example, the temperature of the first nozzle 10A of the first group may be higher than the temperature of the first nozzle 20A of the second group. Therefore, the temperature of the first ink when ejected from the first nozzle 10A of the first group may be higher than the temperature of the second ink when ejected from the first nozzle 20A of the second group.

[0081] As described above, the first ink may reach the first position on the surface of the first printing object P1 before the second ink. The temperature of the first ink may gradually decrease at the first position on the surface of the first printing object P1. That is, the first ink may have a first temperature when reaching the first position on the surface of the first printing object P1, and the second ink may have a second temperature lower than the first temperature when reaching the first position (or a position adjacent to the first position) on the surface of the first printing object P1. The second ink may have a third temperature when reaching the first position on the surface of the first printing object P1. By setting the temperature of the first ink when ejected from the first nozzle 10A of the first group to be higher than the temperature of the second ink when ejected from the first nozzle 20A of the second group, the second temperature and the third temperature can be adjusted to be substantially the same. Thereby, each of the first ink and the second ink may not be observed as a stain at the first position.

[0082] It is a graph showing an example of the ink ejection amount of each of the first nozzle and the second nozzle.

[0083] It is a graph showing another example of the ink ejection amount of each of the first nozzle and the second nozzle.

[0084] Figure 5 It is a graph showing an example of the ink ejection amount of each of the first nozzle and the second nozzle. Figure 6 It is a graph showing another example of the ink ejection amount of each of the first nozzle and the second nozzle.

[0085] Referring to Figure 5 , Figure 5 the curve graph of can distinguish the ink ejection amount Y according to the first region X1, the second region X2H, and the third region X3 and show it. For example, the first region X1 can be the region corresponding to the 1-2 nozzle 10B. The third region X3 can be the region corresponding to the 2-2 nozzle 20B. The second region X2 can be the region corresponding to the 1-1 nozzle 10A and the 2-1 nozzle 20A. That is, the second region X2 can be the region where the first nozzle 10 and the second nozzle 20 overlap in the second direction (e.g., Figure 4 the second direction DR2) of.

[0086] For example, the first ejection amount Y1 can represent the ink ejection amount of the first nozzle 10, and the second ejection amount Y2 represents the ink ejection amount of the second nozzle 20. For example, the 1-1 ejection amount Y1-1 can represent the ink ejection amount of the 1-1 nozzle 10A, and the 1-2 ejection amount Y1-2 represents the ink ejection amount of the 1-2 nozzle 10B. For example, the 2-1 ejection amount Y2-1 can represent the ink ejection amount of the 2-1 nozzle 20A, and the 2-2 ejection amount Y2-2 represents the ink ejection amount of the 2-2 nozzle 20B.

[0087] In one embodiment, the 1-2 ejection amount Y1-2 can be substantially the same as the 2-2 ejection amount Y2-2. In the following description, each of the 1-2 ejection amount Y1-2 and the 2-2 ejection amount Y2-2 is assumed to be about 100%.

[0088] In one embodiment, the ink ejection amount of the 1-1 nozzle 10A can gradually decrease as it approaches the 2-2 nozzle 20B. That is, the 1-1 ejection amount Y1-1 can gradually decrease as it approaches the third region X3. For example, the ink ejection amount of the second nozzle N2 can be less than the ink ejection amount of the first nozzle N1, and the ink ejection amount of the third nozzle N3 can be less than the ink ejection amount of the second nozzle N2.

[0089] In one embodiment, the 1-1 ejection amount Y1-1 can linearly decrease as it approaches the third region X3. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and in another embodiment, the 1-1 ejection amount Y1-1 can decrease in an arc shape as it approaches the third region X3.

[0090] In one embodiment, the ink ejection amount of the first nozzle N1, which is the closest to the 1-2 nozzle 10B in the 1-1 nozzle 10A, can be more than about 80% and less than about 100% of the 1-2 ejection amount Y1-2. For example, as Figure 5 shown, the ink ejection amount of the first nozzle N1 can be about 100% of the 1-2 ejection amount Y1-2.

[0091] In one embodiment, the ink ejection amount of the third nozzle N3 in the 1-1 nozzle 10A that is closest to the 2-2 nozzle 20B may be more than about 60% and less than about 80% of the 1-2 ejection amount Y1-2. For example, as Figure 5 shown, the ink ejection amount of the third nozzle N3 may be about 70% of the 1-2 ejection amount Y1-2.

[0092] That is, as Figure 5 shown, the 1-1 ejection amount Y1-1 may decrease from about 100% to about 70% as it approaches the third region X3.

[0093] In one embodiment, the ink ejection amount of the 2-1 nozzle 20A may gradually decrease as it approaches the 1-2 nozzle 10B. That is, the 2-1 ejection amount Y2-1 may gradually decrease as it approaches the first region X1. For example, the ink ejection amount of the fifth nozzle N5 may be less than the ink ejection amount of the sixth nozzle N6, and the ink ejection amount of the fourth nozzle N4 may be less than the ink ejection amount of the fifth nozzle N5.

[0094] In one embodiment, the 2-1 ejection amount Y2-1 may linearly decrease as it approaches the first region X1. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and in another embodiment, the 2-1 ejection amount Y2-1 may decrease in an arc shape as it approaches the first region X1.

[0095] In one embodiment, the ink ejection amount of the sixth nozzle N6 in the 2-1 nozzle 20A that is closest to the 2-2 nozzle 20B may be more than about 20% and less than about 40% of the 2-2 ejection amount Y2-2. For example, as Figure 5 shown, the ink ejection amount of the sixth nozzle N6 may be about 30% of the 2-2 ejection amount Y2-2.

[0096] In one embodiment, the ink ejection amount of the fourth nozzle N4 in the 2-1 nozzle 20A that is closest to the 1-2 nozzle 10B may be more than about 0% and less than about 20% of the 2-2 ejection amount Y2-2. For example, as Figure 5 shown, the ink ejection amount of the fourth nozzle N4 may be about 0% of the 2-2 ejection amount Y2-2.

[0097] That is, as Figure 5 shown, the 2-1 ejection amount Y2-1 may decrease from about 30% to about 0% as it approaches the first region X1.

[0098] The sum of the first to second ejection amounts Y1-2 in the first region X1, the first to first ejection amount Y1-1 and the second to first ejection amount Y2-1 in the second region X2, and the second to second ejection amount Y2-2 in the third region X3 can be substantially the same. Thus, the ink ejection amount can be constant throughout the first region X1, the second region X2, and the third region X3 of the printing object P. That is, in the entire region in the first direction (e.g., Figure 4 the first direction DR1) of the printing object P, the ink can be ejected uniformly.

[0099] For example, the sum of the ink ejection amounts of the first nozzle N1 and the fourth nozzle N4 can be substantially the same as the ink ejection amount of each of the first to second nozzles 10B and the ink ejection amount of each of the second to second nozzles 20B. Also, the sum of the ink ejection amounts of the second nozzle N2 and the fifth nozzle N5 can be substantially the same as the ink ejection amount of each of the first to second nozzles 10B and the ink ejection amount of each of the second to second nozzles 20B. Also, the sum of the ink ejection amounts of the third nozzle N3 and the sixth nozzle N6 can be substantially the same as the ink ejection amount of each of the first to second nozzles 10B and the ink ejection amount of each of the second to second nozzles 20B. That is, the sum of the ink ejection amounts of the first nozzle N1 and the fourth nozzle N4, the sum of the ink ejection amounts of the second nozzle N2 and the fifth nozzle N5, and the sum of the ink ejection amounts of the third nozzle N3 and the sixth nozzle N6 can be substantially the same.

[0100] Referring to Figure 6 , for example, the ink ejection amount of the first nozzle N1 can be about 80% of the first to second ejection amount Y1-2. Also, the ink ejection amount of the third nozzle N3 can be about 70% of the first to second ejection amount Y1-2. That is, the first to first ejection amount Y1-1 can decrease from about 80% to about 70% as it approaches the third region X3.

[0101] For example, the ink ejection amount of the sixth nozzle N6 can be about 30% of the second to second ejection amount Y2-2. Also, the ink ejection amount of the fourth nozzle N4 can be about 20% of the second to second ejection amount Y2-2. That is, the second to first ejection amount Y2-1 can decrease from about 30% to about 20% as it approaches the first region X1.

[0102] Referring again to Figure 4 and Figure 5 , as described above, the first nozzle 10 can start ejecting ink before the second nozzle 20. Also, the ink ejection amount of the first to first nozzle 10A can gradually decrease as it approaches the second to second nozzle 20B, and the ink ejection amount of the second to first nozzle 20A can gradually decrease as it approaches the first to second nozzle 10B.

[0103] Thus, in the printing object (e.g., Figure 3In a portion where the first head 100 and the second head 200 overlap in the second direction DR2 in the printing object P), the ink (e.g., Figure 3 The first ink IK1 and the second ink IK2) may not be observed as stains. For example, in the second region X2 of the printing object, the ink may not be observed as a stain. For example, near the boundary between the first region X1 and the second region X2 of the printing object, the ink may not be observed as a stain. For example, near the boundary between the second region X2H and the third region X3 of the printing object, the ink may not be observed as a stain.

[0104] Figure 7 is a perspective view showing a printing apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 8 is shown including Figure 7 A top view of the first head, the second head, and the third head in the printing apparatus.

[0105] Referring to Figures 7 to 9 The printing apparatus 1000' described and the printing apparatus 1000 described with reference to Figures 1 to 6 may differ only in the presence or absence of the third head 300. Therefore, repeated descriptions may be briefly described or omitted.

[0106] Referring to Figure 7 and Figure 8 , a printing apparatus 1000' according to another embodiment of the present invention may include a first head 100, a second head 200, a third head 300, and a stage 400.

[0107] The third head 300 may be disposed on the stage 400 and the printing object P. That is, the third head 300 may be spaced apart from the stage 400 and the printing object P in the third direction DR3. The third head 300 may be spaced apart from each of the first head 100 and the second head 200.

[0108] For example, the third head 300 may be spaced apart from the first head 100 in the first direction DR1. That is, the coordinates of the third head 300 and the first head 100 in the first direction DR1 may be different from each other, and the coordinates in the second direction DR2 and the third direction DR3 may be the same as each other. Also, the coordinates of the third head 300 and the second head 200 in the first direction DR1 may be different from each other, the coordinates in the second direction DR2 may be different from each other, and the coordinates in the third direction DR3 may be the same as each other.

[0109] In one embodiment, the second head 200 and the third head 300 may partially overlap in the second direction DR2. That is, the second head 200 may include a portion having the same coordinates as the third head 300 in the first direction DR1, and the third head 300 may include a portion having the same coordinates as the second head 200 in the first direction DR1.

[0110] The third head 300 may include a third nozzle 30. For example, the third nozzle 30 may be disposed on the lower surface of the third head 300. The third nozzle 30 may be arranged along the first direction DR1. The third nozzle 30 may be arranged facing the stage 400. That is, the third nozzle 30 may be arranged in a direction opposite to the third direction DR3. Thus, the third nozzle 30 can eject the third ink onto the moving printing object P.

[0111] In one embodiment, the third nozzle 30 may start ejecting ink substantially simultaneously with the first nozzle 10. In one embodiment, the first nozzle 10 and the third nozzle 30 may start ejecting ink prior to the second nozzle 20. That is, the step of ejecting the first ink using the first nozzle 10 and the step of ejecting the third ink using the third nozzle 30 may start prior to the step of ejecting the second ink using the second nozzle 20.

[0112] However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and in another embodiment, the step of ejecting the first ink using the first nozzle 10, the step of ejecting the second ink using the second nozzle 20, and the step of ejecting the third ink using the third nozzle 30 may start substantially simultaneously.

[0113] In yet another embodiment, the step of ejecting the second ink using the second nozzle 20 may start prior to the step of ejecting the first ink using the first nozzle 10 and the step of ejecting the third ink using the third nozzle 30.

[0114] In yet another embodiment, the step of ejecting the first ink using the first nozzle 10 may start prior to the step of ejecting the third ink using the third nozzle 30, and the step of ejecting the third ink using the third nozzle 30 may start prior to the step of ejecting the second ink using the second nozzle 20.

[0115] The second nozzle 20 may include a 2-1 nozzle 20A, a 2-2 nozzle 20B, and a 2-3 nozzle 20C. The 2-1 nozzle 20A may overlap with the first nozzle 10 in the second direction DR2. The 2-3 nozzle 20C may overlap with the third nozzle 30 in the second direction DR2. The 2-2 nozzle 20B may be adjacent to the 2-1 nozzle 20A and the 2-3 nozzle 20C. For example, the 2-2 nozzle 20B may be arranged between the 2-1 nozzle 20A and the 2-3 nozzle 20C.

[0116] The third nozzle 30 may include a 3-1 nozzle 30A and a 3-2 nozzle 30B. The 3-1 nozzle 30A may overlap with the second nozzle 20 in the second direction DR2. The 3-2 nozzle 30B may not overlap with the second nozzle 20 in the second direction DR2. The 3-2 nozzle 30B may be adjacent to the 3-1 nozzle 30A. For example, the 3-2 nozzle 30B may be adjacent to the 3-1 nozzle 30A in the first direction DR1.

[0117] For example, the 2-1 nozzle 20A may include a fourth nozzle N4, a fifth nozzle N5, and a sixth nozzle N6. The fifth nozzle N5 may be arranged in the first direction DR1 of the fourth nozzle N4. A plurality of nozzles may be arranged between the fourth nozzle N4 and the fifth nozzle N5. The sixth nozzle N6 may be arranged in the first direction DR1 of the fifth nozzle N5. A plurality of nozzles may be arranged between the fifth nozzle N5 and the sixth nozzle N6. The sixth nozzle N6 may be adjacent to the 2-2 nozzle 20B in the direction opposite to the first direction DR1.

[0118] For example, the 2-3 nozzle 20C may include a seventh nozzle N7, an eighth nozzle N8, and a ninth nozzle N9. The eighth nozzle N8 may be arranged in the first direction DR1 of the seventh nozzle N7. A plurality of nozzles may be arranged between the seventh nozzle N7 and the eighth nozzle N8. The seventh nozzle N7 may be adjacent to the 2-2 nozzle 20B in the first direction DR1. The ninth nozzle N9 may be arranged in the first direction DR1 of the eighth nozzle N8. A plurality of nozzles may be arranged between the eighth nozzle N8 and the ninth nozzle N9.

[0119] For example, the 3-1 nozzle 30A may include a tenth nozzle N10, an eleventh nozzle N11, and a twelfth nozzle N12. The eleventh nozzle N11 may be arranged in the first direction DR1 of the tenth nozzle N10. A plurality of nozzles may be arranged between the tenth nozzle N10 and the eleventh nozzle N11. The twelfth nozzle N12 may be arranged in the first direction DR1 of the eleventh nozzle N11. A plurality of nozzles may be arranged between the eleventh nozzle N11 and the twelfth nozzle N12. The twelfth nozzle N12 may be adjacent to the 3-2 nozzle 30B in the direction opposite to the first direction DR1.

[0120] For example, the fourth nozzle N4 may overlap with the first nozzle N1 in the second direction DR2. That is, the coordinates of the fourth nozzle N4 and the first nozzle N1 in the first direction DR1 may be the same as each other. Also, the fifth nozzle N5 may overlap with the second nozzle N2 in the second direction DR2. That is, the coordinates of the fifth nozzle N5 and the second nozzle N2 in the first direction DR1 may be the same as each other. Also, the sixth nozzle N6 may overlap with the third nozzle N3 in the second direction DR2. That is, the coordinates of the sixth nozzle N6 and the third nozzle N3 in the first direction DR1 may be the same as each other.

[0121] For example, the seventh nozzle N7 may overlap with the tenth nozzle N10 in the second direction DR2. That is, the coordinates of the seventh nozzle N7 and the tenth nozzle N10 in the first direction DR1 may be the same as each other. Also, the eighth nozzle N8 may overlap with the eleventh nozzle N11 in the second direction DR2. That is, the coordinates of the eighth nozzle N8 and the eleventh nozzle N11 in the first direction DR1 may be the same as each other. Also, the ninth nozzle N9 may overlap with the twelfth nozzle N12 in the second direction DR2. That is, the coordinates of the ninth nozzle N9 and the twelfth nozzle N12 in the first direction DR1 may be the same as each other.

[0122] Although Figure 7 and Figure 8 show an example in which the printing apparatus 1000' includes three heads, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the printing apparatus 1000' may include four or more heads.

[0123] In one embodiment, the temperature of the third head 300 may be higher than the temperature of the second head 200. For example, the temperature of the third nozzle 30 may be higher than the temperature of the second nozzle 20. For example, the temperature of the 3-1 nozzle 30A may be higher than the temperature of the 2-3 nozzle 20C. Accordingly, the temperature of the third ink when ejected from the 3-1 nozzle 30A may be higher than the temperature of the second ink when ejected from the 2-3 nozzle 20C.

[0124] In one embodiment, when the coordinates of the first head 100 in the second direction DR2 and the coordinates of the third head 300 in the second direction DR2 are the same as each other, the temperature of the third head 300 may be the same as the temperature of the first head 100. For example, the temperature of the third nozzle 30 may be the same as the temperature of the first nozzle 10.

[0125] Figure 9 is a graph showing the ink ejection amounts of each of the first nozzle, the second nozzle, and the third nozzle.

[0126] Referring to Figure 9 , Figure 9The curve graph can distinguish and show the ink ejection amount Y according to the first region X1, the second region X2, the third region X3, the fourth region X4, and the fifth region X5. For example, the first region X1 can be the region corresponding to the 1-2 nozzle 10B. The third region X3 can be the region corresponding to the 2-2 nozzle 20B. The fifth region X5 can be the region corresponding to the 3-2 nozzle 30B.

[0127] The second region X2 can be the region corresponding to the 1-1 nozzle 10A and the 2-1 nozzle 20A. That is, the second region X2 can be the region where the first nozzle 10 and the second nozzle 20 overlap in the second direction (e.g., Figure 4 the second direction DR2).

[0128] The fourth region X4 can be the region corresponding to the 3-1 nozzle 30A and the 2-3 nozzle 20C. That is, the fourth region X4 can be the region where the second nozzle 20 and the third nozzle 30 overlap in the second direction.

[0129] For example, the first ejection amount Y1 can represent the ink ejection amount of the first nozzle 10, the second ejection amount Y2 represents the ink ejection amount of the second nozzle 20, and the third ejection amount Y3 represents the ink ejection amount of the third nozzle 30.

[0130] For example, the 1-1 ejection amount Y1-1 can represent the ink ejection amount of the 1-1 nozzle 10A, and the 1-2 ejection amount Y1-2 represents the ink ejection amount of the 1-2 nozzle 10B.

[0131] For example, the 2-1 ejection amount Y2-1 can represent the ink ejection amount of the 2-1 nozzle 20A, the 2-2 ejection amount Y2-2 represents the ink ejection amount of the 2-2 nozzle 20B, and the 2-3 ejection amount Y2-3 represents the ink ejection amount of the 2-3 nozzle 20C.

[0132] For example, the 3-1 ejection amount Y3-1 can represent the ink ejection amount of the 3-1 nozzle 30A, and the 3-2 ejection amount Y3-2 represents the ink ejection amount of the 3-2 nozzle 30B.

[0133] In one embodiment, the 1-2 ejection amount Y1-2, the 2-2 ejection amount Y2-2, and the 3-2 ejection amount Y3- can be substantially the same. In the following description, each of the 1-2 ejection amount Y1-2, the 2-2 ejection amount Y2-2, and the 3-2 ejection amount Y3-2 is assumed to be about 100%.

[0134] In one embodiment, the 1-1 ejection amount Y1-1 can gradually decrease as it approaches the third region X3. For example, the ink ejection amount of the second nozzle N2 can be less than the ink ejection amount of the first nozzle N1, and the ink ejection amount of the third nozzle N3 can be less than the ink ejection amount of the second nozzle N2.

[0135] In one embodiment, the first ejection amount Y1-1 may linearly decrease as it approaches the third region X3. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and in another embodiment, the first ejection amount Y1-1 may decrease in an arc shape as it approaches the third region X3.

[0136] In one embodiment, the ink ejection amount of the first nozzle N1 in the 1-1 nozzle 10A that is closest to the 1-2 nozzle 10B may be 80% or more and 100% or less of the 1-2 ejection amount Y1-2. For example, as Figure 9 shown, the ink ejection amount of the first nozzle N1 may be 100% of the 1-2 ejection amount Y1-2.

[0137] In one embodiment, the ink ejection amount of the third nozzle N3 in the 1-1 nozzle 10A that is closest to the 2-2 nozzle 20B may be 60% or more and 80% or less of the 1-2 ejection amount Y1-2. For example, as Figure 9 shown, the ink ejection amount of the third nozzle N3 may be 70% of the 1-2 ejection amount Y1-2.

[0138] That is, as Figure 9 shown, the first ejection amount Y1-1 may decrease from approximately 100% to approximately 70% as it approaches the third region X3.

[0139] In one embodiment, the second ejection amount Y2-1 may gradually decrease as it approaches the first region X1. For example, the ink ejection amount of the fifth nozzle N5 may be less than the ink ejection amount of the sixth nozzle N6, and the ink ejection amount of the fourth nozzle N4 may be less than the ink ejection amount of the fifth nozzle N5.

[0140] In one embodiment, the second ejection amount Y2-1 may linearly decrease as it approaches the first region X1. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and in another embodiment, the second ejection amount Y2-1 may decrease in an arc shape as it approaches the first region X1.

[0141] In one embodiment, the ink ejection amount of the sixth nozzle N6 in the 2-1 nozzle 20A that is closest to the 2-2 nozzle 20B may be 20% or more and 40% or less of the 2-2 ejection amount Y2-2. For example, as Figure 9 shown, the ink ejection amount of the sixth nozzle N6 may be 30% of the 2-2 ejection amount Y2-2.

[0142] In one embodiment, the ink ejection amount of the fourth nozzle N4 in the 2-1 nozzle 20A that is closest to the 1-2 nozzle 10B may be 0% or more and 20% or less of the 2-2 ejection amount Y2-2. For example, as Figure 9As shown, the ink ejection amount of the fourth nozzle N4 may be approximately 0% of the second-second ejection amount Y2-2.

[0143] That is, as Figure 9 shown, the second-first ejection amount Y2-1 may decrease from approximately 30% to approximately 0% as it approaches the first region X1.

[0144] In one embodiment, the second-third ejection amount Y2-3 may gradually decrease as it approaches the fifth region X5. For example, the ink ejection amount of the eighth nozzle N8 may be less than the ink ejection amount of the seventh nozzle N7, and the ink ejection amount of the ninth nozzle N9 may be less than the ink ejection amount of the eighth nozzle N8.

[0145] In one embodiment, the second-third ejection amount Y2-3 may linearly decrease as it approaches the fifth region X5. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and in another embodiment, the second-third ejection amount Y2-3 may decrease in an arc shape as it approaches the fifth region X5.

[0146] In one embodiment, the ink ejection amount of the seventh nozzle N7, which is the closest to the second-second nozzle 20B among the second-third nozzles 20C, may be more than approximately 20% and less than approximately 40% of the second-second ejection amount Y2-2. For example, as Figure 9 shown, the ink ejection amount of the seventh nozzle N7 may be approximately 30% of the second-second ejection amount Y2-2.

[0147] In one embodiment, the ink ejection amount of the ninth nozzle N9, which is the closest to the third-second nozzle 30B among the second-third nozzles 20C, may be more than approximately 0% and less than approximately 20% of the second-second ejection amount Y2-2. For example, as Figure 9 shown, the ink ejection amount of the ninth nozzle N9 may be approximately 0% of the second-second ejection amount Y2-2.

[0148] That is, as Figure 9 shown, the second-third ejection amount Y2-3 may decrease from approximately 30% to approximately 0% as it approaches the fifth region X5.

[0149] In one embodiment, the third-first ejection amount Y3-1 may gradually decrease as it approaches the third region X3. For example, the ink ejection amount of the eleventh nozzle N11 may be less than the ink ejection amount of the twelfth nozzle N12, and the ink ejection amount of the tenth nozzle N10 may be less than the ink ejection amount of the eleventh nozzle N11.

[0150] In one embodiment, the third-first ejection amount Y3-1 may linearly decrease as it approaches the third region X3. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and in another embodiment, the third-first ejection amount Y3-1 may decrease in an arc shape as it approaches the third region X3.

[0151] In one embodiment, the ink ejection amount of the twelfth nozzle N12 in the 3-1 nozzle 30A that is closest to the 3-2 nozzle 30B may be more than about 80% and less than about 100% of the 3-2 ejection amount Y3-2. For example, as Figure 9 shown, the ink ejection amount of the twelfth nozzle N12 may be about 100% of the 3-2 ejection amount Y3-2.

[0152] In one embodiment, the ink ejection amount of the tenth nozzle N10 in the 3-1 nozzle 30A that is closest to the 2-2 nozzle 20B may be more than about 60% and less than about 80% of the 3-2 ejection amount Y3-2. For example, as Figure 9 shown, the ink ejection amount of the tenth nozzle N10 may be about 70% of the 3-2 ejection amount Y3-2.

[0153] That is, as Figure 9 shown, the 3-1 ejection amount Y3-1 may decrease from about 100% to about 70% as it approaches the third region X3.

[0154] The 1-2 ejection amount Y1-2 in the first region X1, the sum of the 1-1 ejection amount Y1-1 and the 2-1 ejection amount Y2-1 in the second region X2, the 2-2 ejection amount Y2-2 in the third region X3, the sum of the 2-3 ejection amount Y2-3 and the 3-1 ejection amount Y3-1 in the fourth region X4, and the 3-2 ejection amount Y3-2 in the fifth region X5 may be substantially the same. Thus, in the entirety of the first region X1, the second region X2, the third region X3, the fourth region X4, and the fifth region X5 of the printing object (e.g., Figure 7 printing object P), the ink ejection amount may be constant. That is, in the entire region in the first direction (e.g., Figure 8 first direction DR1) of the printing object, the ink may be ejected uniformly.

[0155] Further referring to Figure 8 , as described above, the third nozzle 30 may start ejecting ink prior to the second nozzle 20. And the ink ejection amount of the 3-1 nozzle 30A may gradually decrease as it approaches the 2-2 nozzle 20B, and the ink ejection amount of the 2-3 nozzle 20C may gradually decrease as it approaches the 3-2 nozzle 30B.

[0156] Accordingly, in the overlapping portion of the second head 200 and the third head 300 in the second direction DR2 in the printing object, the second ink and the third ink may not be observed as stains. For example, in the fourth region X4 of the printing object, the second ink and the third ink may not be observed as stains. For example, near the boundary between the third region X3 and the fourth region X4 of the printing object, the second ink and the third ink may not be observed as stains. For example, near the boundary between the fourth region X4 and the fifth region X5 of the printing object, the second ink and the third ink may not be observed as stains.

[0157] Although the above has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, those of ordinary skill in the relevant art should understand that the present invention can be variously modified and changed without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention described in the appended claims.

[0158] Industrial Applicability

[0159] The present invention can be applied to a printing apparatus for manufacturing a display device. For example, the present invention can be applied to a printing apparatus for manufacturing a high-resolution smartphone, mobile phone, smart tablet, smartwatch, tablet PC, vehicle navigation system, television, computer monitor, notebook, etc.

Claims

1. A printing device, wherein: include: a stage including a plane extending in a first direction and a second direction intersecting the first direction; a first head including a first nozzle arranged along the first direction toward the stage; as well as a second head spaced apart from the first head and comprising a second nozzle arranged along the first direction toward the stage, The first nozzle includes a 1-1 nozzle overlapping the second nozzle in the second direction and a 1-2 nozzle adjacent to the 1-1 nozzle. The second nozzle includes a 2-1 nozzle overlapping the first nozzle in the second direction and a 2-2 nozzle adjacent to the 2-1 nozzle, and The ink ejection amount of the 1-1 nozzle gradually decreases as it approaches the 2-2 nozzle, and the ink ejection amount of the 2-1 nozzle gradually decreases as it approaches the 1-2 nozzle.

2. The printing device according to claim 1, wherein: The ink ejection amount of the 1-1 nozzle is greater than the ink ejection amount of the 2-1 nozzle.

3. The printing device according to claim 2, wherein: The first nozzle starts to eject ink before the second nozzle.

4. The printing device according to claim 3, wherein: The temperature of the first head is higher than the temperature of the second head.

5. The printing device according to claim 2, wherein: The ink ejection amount of the 1-1 nozzle decreases linearly as it approaches the 2-2 nozzle.

6. The printing device according to claim 5, wherein: The ink ejection amount of the 2-1 nozzle decreases linearly as it approaches the 1-2 nozzle.

7. The printing device according to claim 1, wherein: The ink ejection amount of the 1-2 nozzle and the ink ejection amount of the 2-2 nozzle are the same.

8. A printing method, wherein: include: a step of spitting ink toward a printing object arranged on a stage using a first nozzle, wherein the first nozzle is included in a first head and arranged along a first direction toward the stage; as well as a step of ejecting ink toward the printing object using a second nozzle, wherein the second nozzle is included in a second head spaced apart from the first head and arranged along the first direction toward the stage, The first nozzle includes a 1-1 nozzle overlapping the second nozzle in a second direction intersecting the first direction and a 1-2 nozzle adjacent to the 1-1 nozzle. The second nozzle includes a 2-1 nozzle overlapping the first nozzle in the second direction and a 2-2 nozzle adjacent to the 2-1 nozzle. The ink ejection amount of the 1-1 nozzle gradually decreases as it approaches the 2-2 nozzle, and the ink ejection amount of the 2-1 nozzle gradually decreases as it approaches the 1-2 nozzle.

9. The printing method according to claim 8, wherein: The ink ejection amount of the 1-1 nozzle is greater than the ink ejection amount of the 2-1 nozzle.

10. The printing method according to claim 9, wherein: The step of ejecting ink using the first nozzle is started before the step of ejecting ink using the second nozzle.

Images