Coating nozzle and coating device

Abstract

To make difficult entry of paint into a recess which stores a chalk bar.SOLUTION: This coating device comprises: a die that is provided with a pair of block bodies opposing each other with a gap therebetween, the opening of the gap directed in a prescribed direction being set as an outlet, and that discharges paint flowing into the gap to a base material traveling in a direction orthogonal to the width direction of the outlet; and a flow rate control mechanism for controlling the flow rate of the paint flowing through the gap toward the outlet. The flow rate control mechanism is provided with a recess formed on the opposite surface of one block body, and a plurality of chalk bars arrayed in the width direction of the outlet and stored in the recess and capable of moving into / out of the recess, and moves each chalk bar to adjust the gap between each chalk bar and the other block body, thereby controlling the flow rate. In the chalk bars, annular seal members are each provided over the full side peripheral surface of the chalk bars.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a coating nozzle and a coating apparatus.

Background Art

[0002] For example, a film used in an electronic device such as a display is manufactured by coating a functional paint on a base material and then cutting it. For this coating, a coating apparatus having a die with a structure in which a pair of block bodies are opposed to each other with a gap therebetween is used. Specifically, the die has an opening facing a predetermined direction of the gap between the pair of block bodies as a discharge port, and discharges the paint flowing into the gap onto a base material traveling in a direction orthogonal to the width direction of the discharge port.

[0003] In recent years, in order to manufacture a large amount of films in one coating operation, a wide base material has been used. Specifically, conventionally, the width of the base material was about 1 m, but now a material with a width of about 3 m may be used. However, when the die is widened accordingly, for example, a difference is likely to occur in the amount of paint discharged at the central portion and both end portions of the discharge port.

[0004] As a conventional coating apparatus that improves this point, a plurality of choke bars are arranged and housed in recesses formed on the opposing surfaces of a pair of block bodies, and these choke bars are inserted and removed from the recesses to adjust the distance from the other block body, thereby controlling the flow rate of the paint flowing into the discharge port and making the thickness of the paint applied to the base material uniform in the width direction. (For example, Patent Document 1)

[0005] However, the applicant noticed the following problems when applying various paints to the substrate using the conventional coating device. Specifically, some paints contain powders. When applying this type of paint with the conventional coating device, when the paint enters the recess from the gap between the chalk bar and the recess or the gap between the chalk bars, the powder remains inside. As a result, the chalk bar malfunctions. The thickness of the paint applied to the substrate needs to be adjusted in micrometers, and even a slight malfunction has a significant impact on the product, which causes a decrease in yield.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0006]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0007] Therefore, the main problem is to make it difficult for the paint to enter the recess in which the chalk bar is accommodated.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0008] The coating nozzle according to the present invention includes a pair of block bodies facing each other with a gap therebetween, an opening facing a predetermined direction of the gap is used as a discharge port, a die for discharging the paint flowing into the gap onto a substrate traveling in a direction orthogonal to the width direction of the discharge port, and a flow rate control mechanism for controlling the flow rate of the paint flowing toward the discharge port in the gap. The flow rate control mechanism includes a recess formed on the opposing surface of one of the block bodies, and a plurality of chalk bars arranged side by side in the width direction of the discharge port and accommodated in the recess and capable of entering and exiting the recess. By moving each chalk bar into and out of the recess, the distance between each chalk bar and the other block body is adjusted to control the flow rate. The plurality of chalk bars are each provided with an annular seal member extending over the entire circumference of the side peripheral surface.

[0009] According to the present invention, since each of the plurality of choke bars is provided with an annular seal member extending over the entire circumference of the side peripheral surface, the gaps between the choke bar and the recess and between the choke bars are sealed. As a result, the entry of the paint into the recess from these gaps is suppressed, and the occurrence of malfunction of the choke bar can be prevented. In addition, although this type of coating device requires regular cleaning, the frequency of this regular cleaning can be reduced.

[0010] As a specific embodiment of the choke bar, there is one in which adjacent choke bars are in contact with each other's seal members.

[0011] This type of coating nozzle is designed such that the film thickness of the paint applied to the substrate becomes the target film thickness in a state where each choke bar is moved to a predetermined initial position.

[0012] Therefore, the seal members of the plurality of choke bars may be provided so as to be at the same height position from the opposing surface of the other block body in a state where each of the plurality of choke bars is moved to the initial position.

[0013] According to such a configuration, at the initial position, the overlap between the seal members of adjacent choke bars becomes large, so that it is easy to keep the seal members in contact with each other even after each choke bar is moved.

[0014] The film thickness of the paint applied to the substrate varies only by a few percent of the target film thickness as long as there are no defects in the coating device.

[0015] Therefore, if the thickness of the seal member in the moving direction of the choke bar is equal to or greater than the target film thickness of the paint applied to the substrate, the seal members are kept in contact with each other even when each choke bar is moved.

[0016] Further, the flow control mechanism may further include an actuator for inserting and removing the choke bar, and a control unit for controlling the actuator to move the choke bar, and the control unit may move the adjacent choke bars while keeping the seal members in contact with each other.

[0017] Even with such a configuration, even if each choke bar is moved, the seal members remain in contact with each other.

[0018] As another specific embodiment of the plurality of choke bars, there may be mentioned those in which adjacent choke bars bring the seal member into contact with the side peripheral surface of the other choke bar.

[0019] In this case, if the seal members of the adjacent choke bars are provided at different height positions from the opposing surface of the other block body in a state where each of the adjacent choke bars is moved to the initial position, each choke bar can be moved from the initial position.

[0020] Further, the coating device according to the present invention has any one of the coating nozzles described above.

Advantages of the Invention

[0021] With the coating nozzle according to the present invention as described above, it becomes difficult for the paint to enter the recess in which the choke bar is accommodated.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0022]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0023] A coating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 8.

[0024] The coating apparatus according to the present invention is for manufacturing a film used in an electronic device such as a display. Note that the film is not limited to those for electronic devices.

[0025] <First Embodiment> As shown in FIG. 1, the coating apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment includes a traveling mechanism M and a coating nozzle N.

[0026] The traveling mechanism M is for traveling the base material X. The traveling mechanism M according to the present embodiment includes a holding portion M1 that holds a roll around which the base material X is wound, a drum M2 that U-turns the base material X drawn from the holding portion M1, and a winding device M3 that winds up the base material X U-turned by the drum M2.

[0027] The coating nozzle N is installed with the discharge port D facing the drum M2, and discharges paint onto the base material X traveling along the drum M2. As shown in FIG. 2, it includes a die 10 and a flow rate control mechanism 20.

[0028] The die 10 applies paint to the base material X and includes a pair of block bodies 11 and 12 and a shim 13. The pair of block bodies 11 and 12 are substantially rectangular parallelepiped-shaped and are installed so as to face each other with a gap therebetween. The shim 13 is interposed between the pair of block bodies 11 and 12 and is formed with a certain thickness. This shim 13 has a substantially concave shape along three sides of the opposing surfaces 11s and 12s of the block bodies 11 and 12. Therefore, a gap G surrounded by their opposing surfaces 11s and 12s and the shim 13 is formed between the pair of block bodies 11 and 12. This gap G opens toward one side where the shim 13 is not interposed, and this opening forms the discharge port D. Note that the pair of block bodies 11 and 12 are installed so that the width direction of the base material X in which the width direction of the discharge port D runs coincides with each other.

[0029] In the present embodiment, among the pair of block bodies 11 and 12, a member constituting the flow rate control mechanism 20 is provided on one block body 11, and a supply path 12L for supplying paint to the gap G is formed in the other block body 12. As shown in FIG. 3, this supply path 12L is formed in the center when viewed from the opening direction side of the discharge port D, opens to the opposing surface 12s of the other block body 12, and is connected to the gap G. That is, the supply path 12L is formed in the center of the width direction of the other block body 12. Note that this supply path 12L may be formed, for example, in the one block body 11 provided with the member constituting the flow rate control mechanism 20. Further, the supply path 12L of the present embodiment extends linearly from the opposing surface 12s toward the opposite surface, but may be, for example, bent and extended from the opposing surface 12s toward the surface facing the direction opposite to the opening direction of the discharge port D.

[0030] The flow rate control mechanism 20 controls the flow rate of the paint flowing from the supply path 12L into the gap G and toward the discharge port D so that the film thickness of the paint applied to the base material X becomes the target film thickness at any position in the width direction of the base material X.

[0031] The flow control mechanism 20 of this embodiment includes a film thickness measuring device 21 that measures the film thickness of the paint applied to the base material X, a recess 22 formed on the opposing surface 11s of one block body 11, a plurality of choke bars 23 movably accommodated in the recess 22, an actuator 24 connected to the choke bar 23, and a control unit C that controls the actuator 24.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 1, the film thickness measuring device 21 is installed on the downstream side of the discharge port D with respect to the traveling direction of the base material X, and measures the thickness of the paint applied to the base material X at a plurality of locations in the width direction thereof.

[0033] The recess 22 opens to the opposing surface 11s of one block body 11. In this embodiment, it is a rectangular long hole extending along the width direction of the discharge port D. The length of the recess 22 in the longitudinal direction is the same as the length of the discharge port D in the width direction. That is, it extends over the entire width of the gap G. Further, on the bottom surface 22s of the recess 22, through holes 22h penetrating to the outside of one block body 11 are formed in the same number as the choke bars 23. The recess 22 is provided between the discharge port D and the supply path 12L in a side view.

[0034] The plurality of choke bars 23 are substantially rectangular parallelepiped-shaped and are arranged in a row in the longitudinal direction of the recess 22. The choke bar 23 is movable in the axial direction. That is, it is movable in the direction approaching and moving away from the other block body 12. Note that the length of the choke bar 23 in its moving direction (axial direction) is shorter than the depth of the recess 22, and the whole can be accommodated in the recess 22.

[0035] The actuator 24 includes a drive source 24a and a transmission mechanism 24b that transmits the operation of the drive source 24a to the choke bar 23. In the present embodiment, the drive source 24a is a motor and is fixed to one of the block bodies 11. The transmission mechanism 24b is a conversion mechanism that converts the rotational motion of the drive source 24a into a linear motion and transmits it to the choke bar 23. Examples of such a transmission mechanism 24b include a mechanism that utilizes the engagement of a male screw and a female screw, a rack and pinion mechanism, and a slider crank mechanism. In the present embodiment, the rotational motion of the motor is converted into a linear motion via the transmission mechanism 24b, and this linear motion is transmitted to the choke bar 23 via a shaft that passes through the through hole 22h.

[0036] The control unit C is constituted by a dedicated or general-purpose computer having a CPU, a memory, an input / output interface, a display, input means such as a keyboard, etc. Specifically, the control unit C functions as an initial alignment unit C1, a target value storage unit C2, an interval control unit C3, etc., as shown in FIG. 6, by the CPU and peripheral devices cooperating according to a control program stored in the memory.

[0037] Hereinafter, the operation of the control unit C will be described together with its operation. The initial alignment unit C1 moves all the choke bars 23 to the initial position, for example, after assembling the die 10 by means of regular cleaning or the like. Here, the initial position is a position predetermined at the time of designing the coating nozzle N. In the present embodiment, it is a position where the front end surface 23a of the choke bar 23 facing the other block body 12 is flush with the opposing surface 11s of the one block body 11. Therefore, when all the choke bars 23 are moved to the initial position, the opposing surface 11s of the one block body 11 becomes a flat surface including the front end surfaces 23a of these choke bars 23.

[0038] When the initial alignment unit C1 of this embodiment receives an instruction for initial setting from the input / output interface, first, all the choke bars 23 are moved in a direction approaching the other block body 12. Next, the measured torque is acquired from a torque measuring device (not shown) provided in the drive source 24a, and when this measured torque reaches a preset set torque, it is determined that the choke bar 23 has come into contact with the other block body 12, and the choke bar 23 is stopped (see FIG. 4). Subsequently, all the choke bars 23 are moved in a direction away from the other block body 12 by the interval between the pair of block bodies 11, that is, by the thickness of the shim 13. Thereby, each choke bar 23 moves to the initial position, and its front end surface 23a becomes flush with the opposing surface 11s of one block body 11 (see FIG. 3).

[0039] The target film thickness storage unit C2 stores the target value of the film thickness of the paint to be applied to the base material X.

[0040] Based on the deviation between the measured value measured by the film thickness measuring device 21 and the target value, the interval control unit C3 adjusts the interval between the front end surface 23a of the choke bar 23 and the opposing surface 12s of the other block body 12, and controls the flow rate of the paint flowing toward the discharge port D within the gap G, thereby performing feedback control so that the measured value approaches the target value. Specifically, the measured value acquired from the film thickness measuring device 21 is compared with the target value stored in the target film thickness storage unit C2. When the measured value is larger, the choke bar 23 corresponding to the location where the measured value in the width direction of the base material X was measured is moved in a direction approaching the other block body 12, thereby narrowing the interval between the front end surface 23a of the choke bar 23 and the other block body 12 and reducing the flow rate of the paint flowing between them. On the other hand, when the measured value is smaller, the choke bar 23 corresponding to the location where the measured value in the width direction of the base material X was measured is moved in a direction away from the other block body 12, thereby widening the interval between the front end surface 23a of the choke bar 23 and the other block body 12 and increasing the flow rate of the paint flowing between them.

[0041] Thus, as shown in FIG. 7, the plurality of choke bars 23 according to the present embodiment each have an annular seal member 30 extending over the entire outer peripheral surface 23b, and the adjacent choke bars 23 are in contact with each other at the seal members 30.

[0042] The seal member 30 has a rectangular annular shape. This seal member 30 is fitted and fixed in a groove 23c formed over the entire outer peripheral surface 23b of the choke bar 23, and protrudes slightly outward from the outer peripheral surface 23b. Note that the method of fixing the seal member 30 to the choke bar 23 is not limited to this, and for example, the seal member 30 may be attached and fixed to the outer peripheral surface 23b of the choke bar 23. The material of this seal member 30 may be, for example, insoluble in paint, and examples include rubber and plastic resin. Specific examples of the plastic resin include Teflon resin and fluororesin.

[0043] The outer peripheral surfaces of the seal members 30 are all flat. Therefore, the seal members 30 of the adjacent choke bars 23 are in surface contact with each other. Also, the seal member 30 of each choke bar 23 is in surface contact with the inner peripheral surface of the recess 22.

[0044] The thickness of the seal member 30 in the moving direction (axial direction) of the choke bar 23 is set to be equal to or greater than the target film thickness of the coating film applied to the base material X, and more preferably, it is set to be equal to or greater than the thickness of the shim 13. In the present embodiment, the thicknesses of all the seal members 30 are the same.

[0045] Also, as shown in FIG. 4, each seal member 30 is provided so as to be at the same height position from the other block body 12 in a state where all the choke bars 23 are moved to the initial position. In this state, each seal member 30 is provided such that its upper end or lower end is at the same height position.

[0046] Then, the opening degree control unit C3 moves each choke bar 23 while bringing the respective seal members 30 into contact with each other.

[0047] According to the coating apparatus 100 according to this embodiment, since the plurality of choke bars 23 each include an annular seal member 30 extending over the entire circumference of the side peripheral surface 23b, the gaps between the choke bar 23 and the recess 22 and between the choke bars 23 are sealed. As a result, the entry of the paint into the recess 22 from these gaps is suppressed, and the occurrence of malfunction of the choke bar 23 can be prevented. In addition, although this type of coating nozzle N requires regular cleaning, the frequency of this regular cleaning can be reduced.

[0048] Further, since the thickness of the seal member 23 is made thicker than the target film thickness of the coating film applied to the base material X, when each choke bar 23 is moved by the interval control unit C1, the seal members 30 are kept in contact with each other. That is, the film thickness of the coating film applied to the base material X does not vary above the target film thickness unless there is a defect in the coating apparatus. Therefore, by setting the thickness of the seal member 30 to be equal to or greater than the target film thickness, the seal members 30 are always kept in contact with each other even when the choke bar 23 is moved. Therefore, it is not necessary to monitor the position of the seal member 30, and the manufacturing cost can be suppressed.

[0049] <Second Embodiment> This embodiment is a modification of the choke bar 23 according to the first embodiment. In FIG. 8, the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment indicate the same locations. Note that FIG. 8 shows a state in which each choke bar 23 according to this embodiment is moved to the initial position.

[0050] This embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the seal members 30 of the choke bars 23 adjacent to each other are in contact with the side peripheral surface 23b of the other choke bar 23.

[0051] And the seal members 30 of the choke bars 23 adjacent to each other are provided at different height positions from the other block body 12 in a state where each choke bar 23 is moved to the initial position. More specifically, in this state, the seal members 30 of the choke bars 23 adjacent to each other are provided at different height positions so as to have an interval equal to or greater than the target film thickness.

[0052] Also in this embodiment, since the gaps between the choke bars 23 and the recess 22 and the gaps between the choke bars 23 are sealed, the entry of the paint into the recess 22 from these gaps is suppressed, and the occurrence of malfunction of the choke bars 23 can be prevented. Further, although this type of coating nozzle N requires regular cleaning, the frequency of this regular cleaning can be reduced.

[0053] Further, in a state where each choke bar 23 is moved to the initial position, the seal members 30 of the choke bars 23 adjacent to each other are provided at different height positions so as to have a gap of at least the target film thickness. Therefore, unless there is a problem with the apparatus, the seal members 30 do not interfere with each other. Therefore, it is not necessary to monitor the positions of the seal members 30, and the manufacturing cost can be suppressed.

[0054] <Other Embodiments> Note that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. In the first embodiment, the seal member is provided at the same height position from the other block body in a state where the choke bar is moved to the initial position. However, as long as the seal members do not come into contact with each other, they may be provided at different height positions.

[0055] In addition, as long as it does not contradict the gist of the present invention, combinations of parts of various embodiments, modifications, etc. may be made.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0056] 100: Coating apparatus M: Travel mechanism N: Coating nozzle 10: Die 11: One block body 12: The other block body 20: Flow rate control mechanism 22: Recess 23: Choke bar C: Control unit 30: Seal member

Claims

1. A die comprising a pair of block bodies facing each other with a gap therebetween, having an opening facing a predetermined direction in the gap as a discharge port, and discharging the paint flowing into the gap onto a substrate traveling in a direction orthogonal to the width direction of the discharge port; A flow rate control mechanism for controlling the flow rate of the paint flowing toward the discharge port through the gap; The flow rate control mechanism includes a recess formed on the opposing surface of one of the block bodies, and a plurality of choke bars accommodated side by side in the width direction of the discharge port in the recess and movable to enter and exit the recess, and the flow rate is controlled by adjusting the distance between each choke bar and the other block body by moving each choke bar; The coating nozzle is characterized in that each of the plurality of choke bars is provided with an annular seal member extending over the entire circumference of the side peripheral surface.

2. The coating nozzle according to claim 1, wherein adjacent choke bars are in contact with each other through the seal members.

3. The coating nozzle according to claim 1, wherein the seal members of the plurality of choke bars are provided so as to be at the same height position from the opposing surface of the other block body in a state where each of the plurality of choke bars is moved to its initial position.

4. The coating nozzle according to claim 1, wherein the thickness of the seal member in the moving direction of the choke bar is equal to or greater than the target film thickness of the paint to be applied to the substrate.

5. The flow rate control mechanism further includes An actuator for moving the choke bar in and out, A control unit for controlling the actuator to move the choke bar, The coating nozzle according to claim 2, wherein the control unit moves the adjacent choke bars while bringing the seal members into contact with each other.

6. The coating nozzle according to claim 1, wherein adjacent choke bars are in contact with the seal member on the side peripheral surface of the other choke bar.

7. The coating nozzle according to claim 5, wherein the seal members of the adjacent choke bars are provided so as to be at different height positions from the opposing surface of the other block body in a state where each of the adjacent choke bars is moved to its initial position.

8. A coating apparatus having the coating nozzle according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

Images