Slit die head and coating device comprising same

Abstract

The invention provides a slit die head and a coating device capable of reducing thickness unevenness in a crossing coating part extending in a crossing direction crossing with a coating direction. A slit die (20) for coating intersecting coating sections (71, 74) extending in an intersecting direction (B) intersecting with a coating direction (A) with a coating liquid (P) discharged from a slit-shaped discharge port (24) is provided with: a storage section (22) that is formed inside the slit die (20) and stores the coating liquid (P); and a roller (30) extending in the intersecting direction (B), the roller (30) comprising: a main body part (31) rotatably disposed in the storage part (22); a cross groove (36) which is formed in the main body surface (33) of the main body section (31), extends in the cross direction (B), and has a shape corresponding to the cross coating sections (71, 74); an introduction port (34) which is formed in the main body surface (33) and into which the coating liquid (P) stored in the storage unit (22) is introduced; and a communication section (35) that connects the intersecting groove (36) and the introduction port (34).

Description

Slit die and coating apparatus including the slit die Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a slit die head and a coating apparatus including the slit die head, and more particularly to a coating apparatus for coating a so-called "frame-like" coating pattern surrounded by a rectangular perimeter. Background Technology

[0002] The frame-shaped coating pattern includes: a parallel coating portion extending parallel to the coating direction; a cross-coating portion extending along a cross direction intersecting the coating direction; and a non-coating portion surrounded by the parallel and cross-coating portions. As a prior art for coating frame-shaped patterns, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for one-stroke coating using a dispensing machine. Coating using a dispensing machine has the problem of uneven film thickness at the seam where the start and end points of the stroke overlap.

[0003] Patent Document 2 discloses a coating nozzle in which a coating liquid receiving recess of a predetermined shape is provided on the outer peripheral surface of a coating liquid supply body. Patent Document 3 discloses a coating apparatus in which a coating liquid receiving portion including a groove and a non-groove portion is provided on the outer peripheral surface of a roller. That is, Patent Documents 2 and 3 disclose a slit die head having a roller inside, the roller being engraved with a groove of a predetermined shape for temporarily storing coating liquid.

[0004] Existing technical documents

[0005] Patent documents

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2021-49500

[0007] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2021-98154

[0008] Patent Document 3: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-109151 Summary of the Invention

[0009] The technical problem that the invention aims to solve

[0010] When a slit die with grooves on the outer periphery of a roller is used to coat a frame-shaped coating pattern 70 onto a substrate, for example, as shown in the GG cross-section of FIG18, thickness unevenness occurs in the cross-coating portions 71 and 74, such as the film thickness in the central part being thinner than the film thickness at the ends. This thickness unevenness is more pronounced when the width of the cross-coating portions 71 and 74 is narrow, when coating is performed at high speed, or when the viscosity of the coating liquid is high.

[0011] After conducting in-depth research on the above phenomenon, the inventors have identified the following situation: Because the coating liquid is indirectly supplied to the cross grooves corresponding to the cross coating sections 71 and 74 via the parallel grooves corresponding to the parallel coating sections, the supply of coating liquid at the central part of the cross coating sections 71 and 74 cannot keep up in time, resulting in uneven thickness in the cross direction.

[0012] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a slit die and a coating apparatus to reduce thickness unevenness in the cross directions of the cross coating section.

[0013] Technical solutions adopted to solve technical problems

[0014] To address the aforementioned technical problems, the present invention provides a slit die head that coats a cross-coating portion extending in a cross-direction intersecting with a coating direction using coating liquid ejected from a slit-shaped outlet. The slit die head includes: a storage section formed inside the slit die head and storing the coating liquid; and a roller extending in the cross-direction, the roller including: a main body rotatably disposed in the storage section; a cross groove formed on the main surface of the main body, extending in the cross-direction and having a shape corresponding to the cross-coating portion; an inlet formed on the main surface and introducing the coating liquid stored in the storage section; and a connecting section connecting the cross groove and the inlet.

[0015] Invention Effects

[0016] According to the present invention, the coating liquid stored in the storage section is directly and smoothly supplied to the cross groove formed on the main body surface of the roller through the connecting section, thereby reducing the thickness unevenness in the cross direction in the cross coating section. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a coating apparatus including the slit die head of Embodiment 1.

[0018] Figure 2 illustrates the rollers in the slit die head shown in Figure 1.

[0019] Figure 3 is a diagram showing the unfolded surface of the main body of the roller shown in Figure 2.

[0020] Figure 4 is a schematic side cross-section of the central portion of the roller shown in Figure 2.

[0021] Figure 5 illustrates the gasket plate in the slit mold head shown in Figure 1.

[0022] Figure 6 is an enlarged view of the main part of the gasket plate shown in Figure 5.

[0023] Figure 7 is a view along line VII-VII of the gasket plate shown in Figure 6.

[0024] Figure 8 illustrates the coating process performed on the cross-coating section of the slit die shown in Figure 1.

[0025] Figure 9 illustrates the coating process performed on the parallel coating section of the slit die shown in Figure 1.

[0026] Figure 10 illustrates the square-shaped coating pattern.

[0027] Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the slit mold head of Embodiment 2.

[0028] Figure 12 is a diagram showing the unfolded surface of the main body of the roller in the slit die head of Embodiment 3.

[0029] Figure 13 is a schematic diagram showing a side cross-section of the central portion of the roller corresponding to Figure 12.

[0030] Figure 14 is a diagram showing the unfolded surface of the main body of the roller in the slit die of Embodiment 4.

[0031] Figure 15 is a schematic diagram showing a side cross-section of the central portion of the roller corresponding to Figure 14.

[0032] Figure 16 is a diagram showing the unfolded main surface of the roller in the slit die of Embodiment 5.

[0033] Figure 17 is a schematic diagram showing a side cross-section of the central portion of the roller corresponding to Figure 16.

[0034] Figure 18 illustrates the sun-shaped coating pattern of Modified Example 1.

[0035] Figure 19 illustrates the grid-shaped coating pattern of Modified Example 2.

[0036] Figure 20 is a diagram showing the unfolded surface of the roller in the slit die head corresponding to the grid-shaped coating pattern shown in Figure 19.

[0037] Figure 21 is a schematic diagram illustrating the slit mold head of modified example 3.

[0038] Figure 22 is a bottom view of the slit mold head shown in Figure 21.

[0039] Figure 23 is a schematic diagram illustrating the coating apparatus of Modified Example 4. Detailed Implementation

[0040] Hereinafter, embodiments of the slit die head 20 and coating apparatus 1 of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, in the following description, terms indicating specific directions or positions (e.g., terms including "up," "down," "right," "left," "front," and "rear") are used as needed; however, the use of these terms is for ease of understanding of this disclosure with reference to the accompanying drawings and is not intended to limit the technical scope of this disclosure by the meaning of these terms. Moreover, unless otherwise specifically stated, the dimensions, materials, shapes, and relative arrangements of the constituent components described in the following embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention to the above-described content.

[0041] [Overall structure of the coating device]

[0042] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the coating apparatus 1 including the slit die 20 of Embodiment 1. Referring to Figure 1, the overall structure of the coating apparatus 1 will be described. In Figure 1, blank spaces indicate the state when the valve is open, and black areas indicate the state when the valve is closed.

[0043] As shown in Figure 1, the coating apparatus 1 includes a coating liquid supply device 3 and a slit die 20. The coating liquid supply device 3 is connected to the slit die 20 via a coating liquid pipe 4. When the coating liquid stored in the storage section 22 decreases, the coating liquid P stored in the coating liquid supply device 3 is supplied to the slit die 20 by opening the coating liquid supply valve 5. At this time, the air in the storage section 22 is discharged by closing the gas supply regulating valve 14 and opening the gas discharge valve 15. The coating liquid P is a general term for fluid liquids such as aqueous liquids, paste-like high-viscosity liquids, and high-concentration slurries.

[0044] The slit die head 20 includes a die 21, a roller 30, and a spacer plate 40. The die 21 has a first die 21a and a second die 21b that can be divided into two along an intersecting direction B that intersects the coating direction A. The spacer plate 40 is configured to be held by the first die 21a and the second die 21b. The die 21 has a storage section 22 in its internal space, in which the coating liquid P supplied from the coating liquid supply device 3 is stored. The roller 30 is disposed in the storage section 22 such that it is immersed in the coating liquid P stored in the storage section 22.

[0045] Gas piping 12 is connected to the upper part of mold 21, and gas supply regulating valve 14 and gas discharge valve 15 are provided on gas piping 12. If gas supply regulating valve 14 is opened and coating liquid supply valve 5 and gas discharge valve 15 are closed, pressurized air is supplied through gas supply device 10. The pressurized air pressurizes the coating liquid P stored in storage section 22. The coating liquid P filling the coating tank is discharged from slit-shaped outlet 24 through gasket plate 40. At this time, by closing gas supply regulating valve 14 and opening gas discharge valve 15, the air in storage section 22 is discharged.

[0046] [Implementation Method 1]

[0047] Next, the slit die head 20 of Embodiment 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 4. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the roller 30 in the slit die head 20 shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the unfolded main body surface 33 of the roller 30 shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is a schematic side cross-section of the central portion of the roller 30 shown in FIG. 2.

[0048] As shown in Figure 2, the roller 30 has, for example, a cylindrical body portion 31 and a shaft portion 32. The body portion 31 and the shaft portion 32 are cylindrical or cylindrical and extend along a cross direction B that intersects the coating direction A. The cross direction B intersects, for example, perpendicularly to the coating direction A. The body portion 31 is in sliding contact with the bottom of the storage portion 22. The shaft portions 32 extend from the left and right ends of the body portion 31, respectively. Each shaft portion 32 is supported by the left and right sides of the mold 21, allowing it to rotate freely.

[0049] As shown in Figures 2 to 4, a cross groove 36 and a pair of parallel grooves 37, 37 are engraved to a predetermined depth on the main surface 33 of the main body 31. The cross groove 36 is approximately rectangular, extending in the cross direction B with a first cross length b1. For example, a protruding groove 39 is formed at the end of the cross groove 36. The protruding groove 39 has a curved surface formed on its inner circumference, as shown in the coating pattern 70 of Figure 10, for example, having a shape that protrudes in an arc shape from the center to the end. The parallel grooves 37 are rectangular, extending in the cross direction B with a first parallel length b2 and extending in the coating direction A. The side edges of the cross groove 36 are separated from the side edges of the pair of parallel grooves 37, 37 by a predetermined distance. This prevents excessive coating in the non-coating portion 75 of the coating pattern 70 shown in Figure 10.

[0050] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, an inlet 34 is formed on the opposite side of the cross groove 36 at a position symmetrical to the cross groove 36 at 180 degrees. The inlet 34 has a rectangle corresponding to the cross groove 36. The main body 31 has a connecting portion 35 extending linearly in its radial direction and penetrating through the main body 31. This reduces pressure loss in the cross groove 36. The connecting portion 35 has a rectangle corresponding to the inlet 34 and the cross groove 36. Therefore, the inlet 34 and the cross groove 36 are connected through the connecting portion 35 formed inside the main body 31.

[0051] Figure 5 illustrates the gasket plate 40 in the slit die head 20 shown in Figure 1. Figure 6 is an enlarged view of the main part of the gasket plate 40 shown in Figure 5. Figure 7 is a view of the gasket plate 40 shown in Figure 6 along line VII-VII.

[0052] As shown in Figure 5, the gasket plate 40 is a flow straightener having a plate-shaped body 41, a cross-groove flow path 42, and a parallel groove flow path 44, and controlling the flow of the coating liquid P in the cross direction B. The plate-shaped body 41 has a generally rectangular shape extending along the cross direction B. The gasket plate 40 is disposed at the discharge port 24 formed on the downstream side of the mold 21, and is held by the first mold 21a and the second mold 21b of the mold 21.

[0053] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, a cross-groove flow path 42 and left and right parallel groove flow paths 44 are recessed on one side of the plate-shaped body 41. A first cross-groove opening 61 with a first cross length b1 is formed on the upstream side of the cross-groove flow path 42 corresponding to the cross-groove 36. A second cross-groove opening 63 with a second cross length B1 is formed on the downstream side of the cross-groove flow path 42 corresponding to the cross-coating portions 71 and 74 (illustrated in Figure 10). A first parallel groove opening 62 with a first parallel length b2 is formed on the upstream side of the parallel groove flow path 44 corresponding to the parallel groove 37. A second parallel groove opening 64 with a second parallel length B2 is formed on the downstream side of the parallel groove flow path 44 corresponding to the parallel coating portions 72 and 73 (illustrated in Figure 10).

[0054] The cross-channel flow path 42 and the parallel channel flow path 44 are separated by a partition wall 43. The partition wall 43 has a confluence limiting section 48 on its downstream side. A confluence section 45 is formed between the downstream end of the plate-shaped body 41 and the front end of the confluence limiting section 48. At the confluence section 45, the cross-channel flow path 42 and the parallel channel flow path 44 are connected, allowing the coating liquid P from the cross-channel flow path 42 to merge with the coating liquid P from the parallel channel flow path 44. This allows the ends of the cross-coating sections 71 and 74 to connect with the ends of the parallel coating sections 72 and 73. The height of the confluence section 45 is within 30% of the height of the gasket plate 40. This ensures reliable confluence of the coating liquid P achieved by the confluence section 45 and prevents interference between the coating liquid P from the cross-channel flow path 42 and the coating liquid P from the parallel channel flow path 44 before reaching the confluence section 45.

[0055] Multiple gap-holding portions 47 are dispersedly formed in the cross-groove flow path 42, protruding from one side of the plate-shaped body 41 in the thickness direction. As a result, when the gasket plate 40 is held by the first mold 21a and the second mold 21b of the mold 21, deformation in the cross-groove flow path 42 of the gasket plate 40 is suppressed, and the coating width in the coating direction A of the cross-coating portions 71 and 74 becomes appropriate. For example, the partition wall portion 43 and the gap-holding portions 47 are configured to be coplanar on one side of the plate-shaped body 41.

[0056] Figure 8 illustrates the coating of the cross-coating portions 71 and 74 applied to the slit die 20 shown in Figure 1. Figure 9 illustrates the coating of the parallel coating portions 72 and 73 applied to the slit die 20 shown in Figure 1. Figure 10 illustrates the frame-shaped coating pattern 70.

[0057] As shown in Figure 10, the coating pattern 70 applied to the surface of the object to be coated (not shown) has a frame shape, defined by a front cross-coating portion 71 and a rear cross-coating portion 74 extending along the cross direction B, and a left parallel coating portion 72 and a right parallel coating portion 73 extending along the coating direction A. The front cross-coating portion 71 and the rear cross-coating portion 74 extend in the cross direction B with a second cross length B1. The left parallel coating portion 72 and the right parallel coating portion 73 extend in the cross direction B with a second parallel length B2. The coating pattern 70 has an uncoated portion 75 on its inner side. The uncoated portion 75 is the portion where the coating liquid P is not applied. Furthermore, the corners of the inner peripheral portion of the coating pattern 70 shown in Figure 10 have a rounded shape corresponding to the rounded corner surface corresponding to the protruding groove 39 of the cross groove 36. In addition, when the cross groove 36 is a simple rectangle, the corners of the inner periphery of the coating pattern 70 have a sharp corner (unbeveled corner).

[0058] As shown in Figure 8, the main body 31 of the roller 30 is positioned to be fully immersed in the coating liquid P stored in the storage section 22. When pressurized air is supplied, the coating liquid P stored in the storage section 22 is pressurized. The pressurized coating liquid P is directly and smoothly supplied to the cross groove 36 through the inlet 34 and the connecting section 35, filling the cross groove 36. The coating liquid P filled in the cross groove 36 is discharged from the slit-shaped outlet 24 through the gasket plate 40. Thus, the front cross coating section 71 (cross coating section) shown in Figure 10 coats the surface of the object to be coated (not shown). The coating liquid P is replenished in the cross groove 36 through the inlet 34 and the connecting section 35. At this time, the amount of coating liquid P stored in the storage section 22 is controlled so that the liquid level of the coating liquid P in the storage section 22 is above the height of the roller 30.

[0059] As shown in Figure 8, with the main body 31 immersed in the coating liquid P, the coating liquid P surrounding the pair of parallel grooves 37, 37 faces the pair of parallel grooves 37, 37. Therefore, the coating liquid P can be easily and smoothly supplied to the pair of parallel grooves 37, 37. Moreover, as shown in Figure 9, by rotating the roller 30 and transporting the object to be coated (not shown) along the coating direction A, approximately half of the left parallel coating portion 72 and the right parallel coating portion 73 (parallel coating portion) shown in Figure 10 are coated on the surface of the object to be coated (not shown).

[0060] If the object to be coated (not shown) reaches halfway through the length of the left parallel coating section 72 and the right parallel coating section 73 (parallel coating section), the roller 30 is rotated in the reverse direction and the object to be coated (not shown) is transported along the coating direction A to coat the left parallel coating section 72 and the right parallel coating section 73 (parallel coating section) shown in FIG. 10 onto the surface of the object to be coated (not shown). The rotation continues in the reverse direction, and the rotation of the roller 30 is controlled to return to the state shown in FIG. 8. Thus, the rear cross-coating section 74 (cross-coating section) of the coating pattern 70 shown in FIG. 10 is coated onto the object to be coated (not shown). Through this series of actions, the frame-shaped coating pattern 70 shown in FIG. 10 is formed.

[0061] Therefore, the coating liquid P stored in the storage section 22 is directly and smoothly supplied to the cross groove 36 formed on the main body surface 33 of the roller 30 through the connecting section 35, thereby reducing the thickness unevenness in the cross coating sections 71 and 74.

[0062] [Implementation Method 2]

[0063] The slit die head 20 of Embodiment 2 will be described with reference to FIG11. FIG11 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating the slit die head 20 of Embodiment 2.

[0064] As shown in Figure 11, the feature is that a sealing gasket 50 is provided at the bottom of the storage section 22 of the slit die head 20. The description will focus on the differences from the slit die head 20 of Embodiment 1 described above.

[0065] The sealing gasket 50 is elastic, for example, made of rubber or an elastomer. The sealing gasket 50 has a sealing portion 51 on its upstream side. The upper surface of the sealing portion 51 has a curved sliding contact surface 52. The radius of curvature of the sliding contact surface 52 is the same as or larger than the radius of curvature of the main body portion 31 of the roller 30. The main body surface 33 of the main body portion 31 is configured to slide in contact with the sliding contact surface 52. The curved sliding contact surface 52 improves the tightness and sealing relative to the main body surface 33 of the main body portion 31. Therefore, the sealing gasket 50 has both gasket and sealing functions, thus reliably preventing the coating liquid P from flowing out of portions other than the cross grooves 36 and parallel grooves 37, suppressing deformation of the coating pattern 70, and preventing the coating liquid P from adhering to the non-coated portion 75.

[0066] [Implementation Method 3]

[0067] The slit die head 20 of Embodiment 3 will be described with reference to FIGS. 12 and 13. FIG. 12 is a view showing the unfolded main body surface 33 of the roller 30 in the slit die head 20 of Embodiment 3. FIG. 13 is a schematic view showing a side cross-section of the central portion of the roller 30 corresponding to FIG. 12.

[0068] As shown in Figures 12 and 13, the feature is that the connecting portion 35, which connects the inlet 34 and the cross groove 36, has a wide connecting portion 35g and a narrow connecting portion 35h. The description will focus on the differences from the slit mold head 20 of Embodiment 1 described above.

[0069] The inlet 34 is configured such that the circumferential width of the main body 31 is larger than the width of the cross groove 36. The large-width connecting portion 35g is a rectangular through hole with a width and length corresponding to the circumferential width and axial length of the inlet 34. The small-width connecting portion 35h is a rectangular through hole with a width and length corresponding to the circumferential width and axial length of the cross groove 36. The boundary between the large-width connecting portion 35g and the small-width connecting portion 35h is located closer to the small-width connecting portion 35h. The boundary has a stepped shape where the width changes abruptly in the coating direction A, but it can also be a shape where the width changes gently in the coating direction A.

[0070] When coating the narrow-width cross-coating portions 71 and 74, the cross groove 36 is configured to be narrow-width. However, if the inlet 34 is also narrow-width, it is difficult to introduce the coating liquid P. Therefore, if the inlet 34 is configured to be wide, the pressure loss of the connecting portion 35 is reduced, and thus, the supply of the coating liquid P becomes easy and smooth. Therefore, the width of the inlet 34 is larger than the width of the cross groove 36, and the width of the wide connecting portion 35g is configured to be larger than the width of the narrow-width connecting portion 35h. Thus, even when coating the narrow-width cross-coating portions 71 and 74, the coating liquid P can be supplied to the connecting portion 35 easily and smoothly. Furthermore, the length of the connecting portion 35 in the longitudinal direction (cross direction B) can also be configured to be longer than the length of the cross groove 36 in the longitudinal direction (cross direction B). Thus, the pressure loss of the connecting portion 35 is reduced, making the supply of the coating liquid P easy and smooth.

[0071] [Implementation Method 4]

[0072] The slit die head 20 of Embodiment 4 will be described with reference to FIGS. 14 and 15. FIG. 14 is a view showing the unfolded main body surface 33 of the roller 30 in the slit die head 20 of Embodiment 4. FIG. 15 is a schematic view showing a side cross-section of the central portion of the roller 30 corresponding to FIG. 14.

[0073] As shown in Figures 14 and 15, the first connecting portion 35a and the second connecting portion 35b are characterized in that they intersect radially inside the main body portion 31. The description will focus on the differences from the slit die head 20 of Embodiment 1 described above.

[0074] The main body surface 33 of the main body 31 is engraved with a first cross groove 36a and a pair of first parallel grooves 37a, 37a on the left and right, and a second cross groove 36b and a pair of second parallel grooves 37b, 37b on the left and right at a specified depth.

[0075] On the opposite side of the first carving group and at a 180-degree symmetrical position, a first inlet 34a and a pair of second parallel grooves 37b, 37b on the left and right sides and a second cross groove 36b on the left and right sides and a pair of second parallel grooves 37b, 37b on the left and right sides are carved to a specified depth to form a second carving group.

[0076] A first inlet 34a is provided on the opposite side of the first cross groove 36a at a position symmetrical to it at 180 degrees. The first inlet 34a and the first cross groove 36a are rectangular with the same dimensions and are connected by a first connecting portion 35a. Therefore, the first connecting portion 35a is a through hole extending radially in a straight line through the main body 31. A second inlet 34b is provided on the opposite side of the second cross groove 36b at a position symmetrical to it at 180 degrees. The second inlet 34b and the second cross groove 36b are rectangular with the same dimensions and are connected by a second connecting portion 35b. Therefore, the second connecting portion 35b is a through hole extending radially in a straight line through the main body 31. Moreover, the first connecting portion 35a and the second connecting portion 35b intersect vertically in the radial direction inside the main body 31. In addition, the first cross groove 36a and the first inlet 34a have a complementary function, and the second cross groove 36b and the second inlet 34b have a complementary function.

[0077] By rotating the roller 30 once, two coating patterns 70 are formed on the surface of the coated object: a first coating pattern and a second coating pattern. The first coating pattern is formed by a first cross groove 36a, a pair of first parallel grooves 37a, 37a on the left and right, and a second inlet 34b. The second coating pattern is formed by a first inlet 34a, a pair of second parallel grooves 37b, 37b on the left and right, and a second cross groove 36b. Therefore, the coating process is simplified by eliminating the need to reverse the roller 30, and the same coating pattern 70 can be continuously and repeatedly applied while transporting the long strip film that is the coated object.

[0078] [Implementation Method 5]

[0079] The slit die head 20 of Embodiment 5 will be described with reference to FIGS. 16 and 17. FIG. 16 is a view showing the unfolded main body surface 33 of the roller 30 in the slit die head 20 of Embodiment 5. FIG. 17 is a schematic view showing a side cross-section of the central portion of the roller 30 corresponding to FIG. 16.

[0080] As shown in Figures 16 and 17, the feature is that, in the first connecting portion 35a and the second connecting portion 35b that intersect radially inside the main body portion 31, the width on the side of the inlet 34 is larger than the width on the side of the intersecting coating portion 36b. Embodiment 5 can be said to be equivalent to a combination of Embodiments 3 and 4 described above.

[0081] The main body surface 33 of the main body 31 is engraved with a first cross groove 36a and a pair of first parallel grooves 37a, 37a on the left and right, and a second cross groove 36b and a pair of second parallel grooves 37b, 37b on the left and right at a specified depth.

[0082] On the opposite side of the first cross groove 36a and at a position symmetric about the 180-degree point, a first inlet 34a is provided. The first inlet 34a and the first cross groove 36a are rectangular and are connected through a first connecting portion 35a. The first connecting portion 35a is a through hole that has a large-width connecting portion 35g and a small-width connecting portion 35h and extends linearly in the radial direction through the main body portion 31. The large-width connecting portion 35g of the first connecting portion 35a is a rectangular through hole having a width and length corresponding to the circumferential width and axial length of the first inlet 34a. The small-width connecting portion 35h of the first connecting portion 35a is a rectangular through hole having a width and length corresponding to the circumferential width and axial length of the first cross groove 36a.

[0083] On the opposite side of the second cross groove 36b and at a position symmetric about the 180-degree point, a second inlet 34b is provided. The second inlet 34b and the second cross groove 36b are rectangular and are connected through a second connecting portion 35b. The second connecting portion 35b is a through hole that has a large-width connecting portion 35g and a small-width connecting portion 35h and extends linearly in the radial direction through the main body portion 31. The large-width connecting portion 35g of the second connecting portion 35b is a rectangular through hole having a width and length corresponding to the circumferential width and axial length of the second inlet 34b. The small-width connecting portion 35h of the second connecting portion 35b is a rectangular through hole having a width and length corresponding to the circumferential width and axial length of the second cross groove 36b.

[0084] [Modified Example 1]

[0085] The rectangular coating pattern 70 of Modified Example 1 will be described with reference to FIG. 18.

[0086] As shown in FIG. 18, the coating pattern 70 has a rectangular shape defined by a front cross coating portion 71, an intermediate cross coating portion 76, and a rear cross coating portion 74 that extend in the cross direction B, and a left parallel coating portion 72 and a right parallel coating portion 73 that extend in the coating direction A. The coating pattern 70 has two non-coating portions 75 in its inner part.

[0087] The coating pattern 70 shown in FIG. 18 is formed by the following process: coating the front cross coating portion 71, coating approximately half of the left parallel coating portion 72 and the right parallel coating portion 73, coating the intermediate cross coating portion 76, coating the remaining half of the left parallel coating portion 72 and the right parallel coating portion 73, and coating the rear cross coating portion 74.

[0088] [Modified Example 2]

[0089] The square coating pattern 70 of Modified Example 2 will be described with reference to FIGS. 19 and 20.

[0090] As shown in Figure 19, the coating pattern 70 has a grid pattern defined by a front cross-coating portion 71, a middle cross-coating portion 76, and a rear cross-coating portion 74 extending in the cross direction B, and a left parallel coating portion 72, a middle parallel coating portion 77, and a right parallel coating portion 73 extending in the coating direction A. The coating pattern 70 has four uncoated portions 75 on its inner side.

[0091] The coating pattern 70 shown in Figure 19 is formed, for example, using the roller 30 in the slit die 20 shown in Figure 20. A cross groove 36, a pair of parallel grooves 37 on the left and right, and a central parallel groove 38 are engraved to a predetermined depth on the main surface 33 of the roller 30. An inlet 34 is provided on the opposite side of the cross groove 36 at a 180-degree symmetrical position. The inlet 34 and the cross groove 36 are rectangular of the same size and are connected by a connecting portion 35. Therefore, the connecting portion 35 is a through-hole extending radially in a straight line through the main body 31.

[0092] By rotating roller 30 approximately half a turn, half of the coating is applied through the cross groove 36, the pair of parallel grooves 37, 37 on the left and right, the middle parallel groove 38, and the inlet 34. By rotating roller 30 in the opposite direction, the remaining coating is applied through the pair of parallel grooves 37, 37 on the left and right, and the cross groove 36. This forms the crisscross coating pattern 70 shown in Figure 19.

[0093] [Variation Example 3]

[0094] The slit die head 20 of modified example 3 will be described with reference to Figures 21 and 22.

[0095] As shown in Figures 21 and 22, the spacer plate 40 of the slit die 20 has a partition 46. The partition 46 has various shapes, such as a comb shape, a sawtooth shape, or a wave shape, and extends along the intersecting direction B. The partition 46 has the function of separating the discharge port 24 into multiple discharge flow paths 49 in the intersecting direction B, and preventing interference between adjacent discharge flow paths 49.

[0096] [Variation Example 4]

[0097] Referring to FIG23, the coating apparatus 1 of Modified Example 4 will be described.

[0098] As shown in Figure 23, the coating apparatus 1 can also be used in a roller-to-roll apparatus that performs continuous coating by winding a roller-shaped coating material (not shown) such as paper, film, or foil onto a back roller 7 and extruding the coating liquid P from the outlet 24 of the slit die 20.

[0099] Specific embodiments of the present invention have been described, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various changes can be made within the scope of the present invention.

[0100] While not limiting the present invention, it exhibits significant effects, for example, in high-speed coating at a coating speed of 5 m / min or more, in high-viscosity coating where the coating liquid P has a viscosity of 1000 cps or more, or in narrow-width coating where the width of the cross-coating portions 71 and 74 is 10 mm or less. Furthermore, it exhibits even more significant effects when the width of the cross-coating portions 71 and 74 is 3 mm to 5 mm.

[0101] In the above embodiment, the method of coating a square-shaped coating pattern 70 having two intersecting coating portions 71, 74 and two parallel coating portions 72, 73 has been described, but it can also be applied to coating a striped coating pattern 70 formed by multiple intersecting coating portions 71, 74 arranged separately in parallel in the coating direction A.

[0102] In the above embodiment, the example is shown where the connecting portion 35 extends in a straight line in the radial direction inside the main body portion 31 of the roller 30. However, the connecting portion 35 may also be bent in a U-shape (e.g., obtuse angle) in the radial direction inside the main body portion 31 of the roller 30 (e.g., at the axis of the roller 30).

[0103] In the above embodiment, the roller 30 is illustrated by having two connecting portions 35a and 35b, which are orthogonal at the axis of the roller 30. However, the two connecting portions 35a and 35b may intersect at an acute angle at the axis of the roller 30, or three or more connecting portions 35 may intersect at an acute angle at the axis of the roller 30.

[0104] The present invention and its embodiments are summarized below.

[0105] A slit die head 20 of the first aspect of the present invention coats cross-coating portions 71 and 74 extending in a cross-direction B that intersects the coating direction A with coating liquid P discharged from a slit-shaped outlet 24. The slit die head 20 is characterized by comprising: a storage portion 22 formed inside the slit die head 20 and storing the coating liquid P; and a roller 30 extending in the cross-direction B, the roller 30 comprising: a main body portion 31 rotatably disposed in the storage portion 22; a cross groove 36 formed on the main surface 33 of the main body portion 31, extending in the cross-direction B and having a shape corresponding to the cross-coating portions 71 and 74; an inlet 34 formed on the main surface 33 and introducing the coating liquid P stored in the storage portion 22; and a connecting portion 35 connecting the cross groove 36 and the inlet 34.

[0106] According to the above aspects, the coating liquid P stored in the storage section 22 is directly and smoothly supplied to the cross groove 36 formed on the main body surface 33 of the roller 30 through the connecting section 35, thereby reducing the thickness unevenness in the cross coating sections 71 and 74.

[0107] Furthermore, in the second aspect, the slit die head 20, based on the first aspect described above, has a connecting portion 35 that is a through hole extending radially in a straight line in the main body portion 31.

[0108] Based on the above aspects, the pressure loss in the cross groove 36 can be reduced.

[0109] Furthermore, in addition to the first aspect described above, the slit die head 20 of the third aspect further includes a parallel groove 37 extending parallel to the coating direction A.

[0110] Based on the above aspects, a frame-shaped coating pattern 70 having two intersecting coating portions 71, 74 and two parallel coating portions 72, 73 can be coated.

[0111] Furthermore, based on the third aspect described above, the fourth aspect of the slit die head 20 is provided with a gasket plate 40 at the discharge port 24, the gasket plate 40 having a confluence portion 45 that connects the separate cross grooves 36 and parallel grooves 37.

[0112] Based on the above aspects, the coating liquid P from the cross-channel flow path 42 and the coating liquid P from the parallel channel flow path 44 can be merged, and the ends of the cross-coating portions 71 and 74 can be connected to the ends of the parallel coating portions 72 and 73.

[0113] Furthermore, in the fifth aspect, based on the fourth aspect described above, the height of the manifold 45 of the slit head 20 is within 30% of the height of the gasket plate 40.

[0114] Based on the above aspects, the flow of coating liquid P realized by the manifold 45 can be made reliable, and interference between coating liquid P from the cross-channel flow path 42 and coating liquid P from the parallel channel flow path 44 can be prevented.

[0115] On the other hand, the coating apparatus 1 is characterized by having a slit die 20 comprising any one of the first to fifth aspects described above.

[0116] According to the coating apparatus 1 described above, the coating liquid P stored in the storage section 22 is directly and smoothly supplied to the cross groove 36 formed on the main body surface 33 of the roller 30 through the connecting section 35, thereby reducing the thickness unevenness in the cross coating sections 71 and 74.

[0117] Symbol Explanation

[0118] 1 Coating apparatus; 3 Coating liquid supply device; 4 Coating liquid piping; 5 Coating liquid supply valve; 7 Back roller; 10 Gas supply device; 12 Gas piping; 14 Gas supply regulating valve; 15 Gas discharge valve; 20 Slit die; 21 Die; 21a First die; 21b Second die; 22 Storage section; 24 Discharge port; 30 Roller; 31 Main body; 32 Shaft section; 33 Main body surface; 34 Inlet; 34a First inlet; 34b Second inlet; 35 Connecting section; 35a First connecting section; 35b Second connecting section; 35g Wide connecting section; 35h Narrow connecting section; 36 Cross groove; 36a First cross groove; 36b Second cross groove; 37 Parallel groove; 37a First parallel groove; 37b Second parallel groove; 38 Intermediate parallel groove; 39 Protruding groove; 40 Gasket plate; 41 Plate-shaped body; 42 Cross-groove flow path; 43 Partition wall; 44 Parallel groove flow path; 45 Confluence section; 46 Separator section; 47 Gap holding section; 48 Confluence restriction section; 49 Discharge flow path; 50 Sealing gasket; 51 Sealing section; 52 Sliding contact surface; 61 First cross-groove opening; 62 First parallel groove opening; 63 Second cross-groove opening; 64 Second parallel groove opening; 70 Coating pattern; 71 Front cross-coating section (cross-coating section); 72 Left parallel coating section (parallel coating section); 73 Right parallel coating section (parallel coating section); 74 Rear cross-coating section (cross-coating section); 75 Non-coating section; 76 Middle cross-coating section (cross-coating section); 77 Middle parallel coating section (parallel coating section); A Coating direction; B Cross direction; b1 First cross length; B1 Second cross length; b2 First parallel length; B2 Second parallel length; P coating liquid.

Claims

1. A slit die head, wherein a coating liquid ejected from a slit-shaped outlet coats a cross-coating portion extending in a cross-direction intersecting with the coating direction, characterized in that, include: A storage section is formed inside the slit die head and stores the coating liquid; And a roller extending in the intersecting direction, the roller comprising: a main body rotatably disposed in the storage section; A cross groove, formed on the main surface of the main body portion, extending in the cross direction and having a shape corresponding to the cross coating portion; an inlet, formed on the main surface, into which the coating liquid stored in the storage portion is introduced; and a connecting portion, which connects the cross groove and the inlet.

2. The slit die head as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The connecting portion is a through hole that extends radially in a straight line within the main body portion.

3. The slit die head as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The roller also includes parallel grooves extending parallel to the coating direction.

4. The slit die head as described in claim 3, characterized in that, A gasket plate is provided at the discharge port, the gasket plate having a confluence portion that allows the separate cross grooves and parallel grooves to converge.

5. The slit die head as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The height of the manifold is within 30% of the height of the gasket plate.

6. A coating apparatus, characterized in that, Includes the slit die head according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

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