Coating tool

Abstract

To provide a coating tool capable of simplifying a structure of a head member, and facilitating equalization of an amount of coating in the longitudinal direction and changing a balance.SOLUTION: A coating tool includes: a head member 10 extending in the longitudinal direction; a manifold 20 arranged inside the head member 10, extending in the longitudinal direction, and storing a coating liquid in the inside; a slit 25 arranged inside the head member 10, extending in the longitudinal direction, communicated to the manifold 20 and opening on a tip surface 13 of the head member 10 in the discharge direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction; and a distribution member 40 arranged inside the manifold 20 and extending in the longitudinal direction. The distribution member 40 has an outflow port 42 for draining the coating liquid to the inside of the manifold 20.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an application tool. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there has been known a coating tool that applies a coating liquid to a coating target such as a continuously conveyed long sheet or film. The coating tool includes a head member extending in the longitudinal direction (coating width direction), a manifold disposed inside the head member and extending in the longitudinal direction, in which the coating liquid is stored, and a slit disposed inside the head member and extending in the longitudinal direction, communicating with the manifold, and opening on the tip surface of the head member in the discharge direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

[0003] This type of coating tool may be required to apply the coating liquid evenly at each position in the longitudinal direction (coating width direction) of the object to be coated, or to change the balance of the coating amount at each position in the longitudinal direction, etc. Coating tools that meet such requirements are well known, for example, as disclosed in Patent Documents 1 to 5. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-205262 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 1-15172 [Patent Document 3] Patent Publication No. 2021-23837 [Patent Document 4] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-190456 [Patent Document 5] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-22440 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, in conventional coating tools, the head member has a plurality of flow channels arranged in the longitudinal direction to supply the coating liquid to the manifold, and the flow channels have complex shapes. This makes the head member structure complex. Furthermore, there is room for improvement in terms of making it easier to equalize the coating amount in the longitudinal direction and change the balance.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a coating tool that allows the head member to have a simple structure and that makes it easy to equalize the coating amount in the longitudinal direction and change the balance. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides the following means.

[0008] [Aspect 1 of the present invention] a manifold disposed inside the head member and extending in the longitudinal direction, the manifold storing a coating liquid therein; a slit disposed inside the head member and extending in the longitudinal direction, the slit communicating with the manifold and opening on a tip surface of the head member in a discharge direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction; and a distribution member disposed within the manifold and extending in the longitudinal direction, the distribution member having an outlet through which the coating liquid flows into the inside of the manifold.

[0009] In the coating tool of the present invention, a distributor member extending in the longitudinal direction is provided inside the manifold. The distributor member has an outlet through which the coating liquid flows into the manifold. Therefore, by appropriately setting the shape, size, number, arrangement, etc. of the outlets formed in the distributor member, it is possible to adjust the balance and amount of coating liquid supplied to each position in the longitudinal direction within the manifold. This makes it possible to equalize or change the balance of the amount of coating liquid applied to the workpiece through the slit from inside the manifold at each position in the longitudinal direction (coating width direction).

[0010] Furthermore, with this coating tool, there is no need to complicate the structure of the head member when equalizing the coating amount or changing the balance in the longitudinal direction. Specifically, for example, by preparing multiple types of distributor members with various outlets that differ in shape, size, number, and arrangement, and selecting a specific distributor member that is suitable for the coating conditions and installing it in the manifold, it is possible to easily equalize the coating amount or change the balance in the longitudinal direction. This allows the structure of the head member to be simplified. Furthermore, it is possible to use a common head member for coating under various coating conditions.

[0011] Therefore, according to the coating tool of the present invention, the head member can have a simple structure, and it is easy to make the coating amount uniform and change the balance in the longitudinal direction.

[0012] [Aspect 2 of the present invention] The application tool according to aspect 1, wherein the outlets are provided in plural and spaced apart from one another in the longitudinal direction, or extend in the longitudinal direction.

[0013] In this case, the balance and amount of the coating liquid flowing out from the distribution member to each position in the longitudinal direction within the manifold can be appropriately adjusted by the outlet having a simple configuration.

[0014] [Embodiment 3 of the present invention] 3. The application tool of claim 1 or 2, wherein the distribution member is removably mounted within the manifold.

[0015] In this case, the distribution member can be replaced as needed to suit various coating conditions, and a common coating tool (a single coating tool) can be used to coat objects under various coating conditions.

[0016] [Aspect 4 of the present invention] 4. The coating tool of any one of aspects 1 to 3, further comprising a coating liquid supply passage extending through the head member, the coating liquid supply passage having an opening that opens to an inner surface of the manifold, and the distribution member being connected to the opening.

[0017] In conventional general coating tools, a coating liquid supply passage extending inside a head member is often configured to open onto the inner surface of a manifold. Therefore, in the above-described configuration of the present invention, the distributor is connected to the opening of the coating liquid supply passage. This makes it possible to implement the present invention by attaching the distributor to an existing (conventional) coating tool. In other words, the present invention can be realized inexpensively while utilizing an existing coating tool.

[0018] [Embodiment 5 of the present invention] Aspect 5. The coating tool according to any one of aspects 1 to 4, wherein, in a cross-sectional view perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, the distribution member is disposed at a position offset from the center of the manifold.

[0019] For example, when particles contained in the coating liquid tend to settle or accumulate in the manifold, it is advisable to dispose the distributor at a position offset from the center of the manifold, as in the above-described configuration of the present invention. Specifically, the distributor is disposed near the lower end of the manifold in the vertical direction. This allows the distributor to occupy the area in the manifold where particles in the coating liquid tend to settle or accumulate, thereby suppressing particle settling or accumulation.

[0020] Alternatively, by changing the arrangement (layout) of the distributor within the manifold, it is possible to change the outflow direction of the coating liquid flowing out of the outlet to a desired direction or adjust the distance between the outlet and the slit, thereby adjusting the balance of the coating liquid discharged from the slit onto the object to be coated.

[0021] [Aspect 6 of the present invention] A coating tool described in any one of aspects 1 to 5, wherein the longitudinal end of the distribution member is located at the longitudinal end of the manifold, the outlet is provided in plurality in the distribution member, and at least one of the plurality of outlets opens to the longitudinal end of the distribution member.

[0022] Generally, particles and the like contained in the coating liquid tend to accumulate at the longitudinal ends of the manifold. Therefore, in the above-described configuration of the present invention, at least one of the multiple outlets is opened at the longitudinal end of the distributor, i.e., the portion located at the longitudinal end of the manifold. This allows a flow of the coating liquid to be created even at the longitudinal end of the manifold, thereby suppressing the accumulation of particles and the like contained in the coating liquid. [Effects of the Invention]

[0023] According to the coating tool of the above aspect of the present invention, the head member can have a simple structure, and it is easy to equalize the coating amount in the longitudinal direction and change the balance. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0024] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the coating tool of the present embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a part (main part) of the coating tool of FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a part (main part) of the coating tool shown in FIG. 2, taken at the center position in the longitudinal direction and perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a part (main part) of a coating tool according to a first modified example of the present embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a part (main part) of the coating tool shown in FIG. 4, taken at the center position in the longitudinal direction and perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a part (main part) of a coating tool according to a second modified example of the present embodiment. [Figure 7]FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a part (main part) of the coating tool shown in FIG. 6, taken at the center position in the longitudinal direction and perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a partial plan view of a part (main part) of the coating tool shown in FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a partial plan view showing a part (main part) of a coating tool according to a third modified example of the present embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a partial plan view showing a part (main part) of a coating tool according to a fourth modified example of the present embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a partial plan view showing a part (main part) of a coating tool according to a fifth modified example of the present embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0025] A coating tool 1A according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 3. The coating tool 1A of this embodiment applies a coating liquid (not shown) to a coating target (not shown), such as a continuously conveyed long sheet or film, in a predetermined coating width. In this embodiment, the coating tool 1A may also be simply referred to as a tool.

[0026] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the coating tool 1A includes a head member 10, a manifold 20, a coating liquid supply path 22, a shim member 30, a slit 25, and a distributor 40. The head member 10 also has a pair of head bodies 11 and 12. The pair of head bodies 11 and 12 includes one head body 11 and the other head body 12. In this embodiment, the one head body 11 may be referred to as a first head body 11, and the other head body 12 may be referred to as a second head body 12.

[0027] The head member 10 has a generally rectangular parallelepiped or rectangular plate shape and extends in a predetermined direction. The pair of head bodies 11, 12 included in the head member 10 also have a generally rectangular parallelepiped or rectangular plate shape and extend in a predetermined direction. The pair of head bodies 11, 12 are disposed adjacent to each other with their inner surfaces facing each other.

[0028] [Direction definition] In this embodiment, an XYZ orthogonal coordinate system (three-dimensional orthogonal coordinate system) is appropriately set in each drawing, and each configuration will be described. In each figure, the X-axis direction corresponds to the direction in which the head member 10 (each head body 11, 12) extends. In this embodiment, the X-axis direction is called the "longitudinal direction." In this embodiment, the longitudinal direction is the horizontal direction. The longitudinal direction can also be referred to as the left-right direction. In this case, one side of the longitudinal direction (-X side) corresponds to the left side, and the other side (+X side) corresponds to the right side.

[0029] In addition, in the longitudinal direction, the direction from both ends of the head member 10 (each head body 11, 12) toward the center is called the inner longitudinal side (center side), and the direction from the center of the head member 10 toward both ends is called the outer longitudinal side.

[0030] The Z-axis direction, which is perpendicular to the X-axis direction (longitudinal direction), is called the "ejection direction." In this embodiment, the ejection direction is the vertical direction. The ejection direction can also be referred to as the up-down direction. In this case, one side of the ejection direction (+Z side) corresponds to the upper side, and the other side (-Z side) corresponds to the lower side.

[0031] Furthermore, the Y-axis direction, which is perpendicular to the X-axis direction (longitudinal direction) and the Z-axis direction (discharge direction), is referred to as the "thickness direction." In this embodiment, the thickness direction is the horizontal direction. The thickness direction may also be referred to as the front-to-rear direction. In this case, one side (-Y side) of the thickness direction corresponds to the front side, and the other side (+Y side) corresponds to the rear side. Note that the thickness direction corresponds to the width direction of the slit 25, and therefore may also be referred to as the slit width direction. Furthermore, the thickness direction corresponds to the direction in which a long object to be coated is continuously transported, and therefore may also be referred to as the transport direction.

[0032] In this embodiment, the terms left side, right side, upper side, lower side, front side, and rear side are names for convenience to clearly explain the relative positional relationship of each component. Therefore, the actual positional relationship when the tool is in use, etc., is not limited by these names.

[0033] [Head member] The head member 10 is made of a metal such as stainless steel. The head member 10 extends in the longitudinal direction. The pair of head bodies 11, 12 of the head member 10 are arranged side by side in the thickness direction (front-rear direction) and are detachably fixed to each other with fastening members such as bolts. In this embodiment, of the pair of head bodies 11, 12, one head body 11 located on the rear side (+Y side) is referred to as the first head body 11, and the other head body 12 located on the front side (-Y side) is referred to as the second head body 12.

[0034] The first head body 11 has an inner surface facing the second head body 12, and in this embodiment, this inner surface is called a first inner surface 11a. The first inner surface 11a faces the front side (-Y side) and has a flat surface that extends in a direction perpendicular to the front-to-rear direction.

[0035] The second head body 12 has an inner surface facing the first head body 11, and in this embodiment, this inner surface is called the second inner surface. Although not specifically shown, the second inner surface faces the rear (+Y side) and has a flat surface that extends in a direction perpendicular to the front-to-rear direction.

[0036] [Manifold] 2 and 3, the manifold 20 is disposed inside the head member 10, extends in the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction), and stores the coating liquid inside. The manifold 20 is a chamber (space) provided between the inner surfaces (first inner surface 11a, second inner surface) of the pair of head bodies 11, 12.

[0037] In this embodiment, the manifold 20 is disposed inside the first head body 11 of the pair of head bodies 11, 12. The manifold 20 is recessed from the first inner surface 11a of the first head body 11 toward the rear side (+Y side) and has a groove shape extending in the longitudinal direction. In this embodiment, the shape of a cross section of the manifold 20 perpendicular to the longitudinal direction is a substantially semicircular shape that is convex toward the rear side (+Y side).

[0038] In this embodiment, the manifold 20 is formed in an intermediate portion located between both longitudinal end portions of the first head body 11. In other words, the longitudinal dimension of the manifold 20 is shorter than the longitudinal dimension of the first head body 11.

[0039] [Coating liquid supply path] 3, the coating liquid supply path 22 extends inside the head member 10. The coating liquid supply path 22 is a flow path for the coating liquid formed inside the head member 10, and opens to the outer surface of the head member 10 and the inner surface of the manifold 20. In this embodiment, one coating liquid supply path 22 is formed inside the first head body 11. The coating liquid supply path 22 extends inside the first head body 11 in an L-shape.

[0040] The coating liquid supply path 22 has an external connection port 23 that opens to the outer surface of the head member 10 and an opening 24 that opens to the inner surface of the manifold 20 . In this embodiment, the external connection port 23 is open to the lower surface 11b facing the lower side (-Z side) of the first head body 11. A piping member (not shown) or the like is connected to the external connection port 23 for supplying the coating liquid to the coating tool 1A.

[0041] In this embodiment, the opening 24 opens in the longitudinal center of the inner surface of the manifold 20. The opening 24 also has a mounting recess 24a recessed from the inner surface of the manifold 20. In this embodiment, the mounting recess 24a has a rectangular hole shape recessed from the inner surface of the manifold 20 toward the rear side (+Y side).

[0042] [Shim member] The shim member 30 is made of, for example, resin or metal. As shown in Fig. 2, the shim member 30 has a plate shape that extends in a direction perpendicular to the front-rear direction (Y-axis direction). Specifically, the shim member 30 has an overall shape that is generally U-shaped or U-shaped, opening upward (toward the +Z side).

[0043] The shim member 30 is sandwiched between the first inner surface 11a of the first head body 11 and the second inner surface of the second head body 12. The thickness of the shim member 30 is set appropriately according to the width (dimension in the front-to-rear direction) of the slit 25. By replacing the shim member 30 with one of a different thickness, the width of the slit 25 can be adjusted appropriately.

[0044] The shim member 30 has a first shim portion 31 arranged on the lower side (-Z side) of the manifold 20 and extending in the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction), and a pair of second shim portions 32 arranged on both outer sides of the manifold 20 in the longitudinal direction and extending in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction).

[0045] 〔slit〕 The slit 25 is disposed inside the head member 10, extends in the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction), and communicates with the manifold 20. The slit 25 also opens to the tip surface 13 facing upward (+Z side) of the head member 10. That is, the slit 25 opens to the tip surface 13 of the head member 10 in the ejection direction (Z-axis direction).

[0046] Specifically, the slit 25 is located between the inner surfaces (first inner surface 11a and second inner surface) of the pair of head bodies 11, 12. The slit 25 is also disposed between the pair of second shim portions 32 in the longitudinal direction, and is located on the upper side (+Z side) of the manifold 20.

[0047] 1, the slit 25 opens upward to the outside of the tool from between a first tip 11c located at the upper end of the first head body 11 and protruding upward, and a second tip 12c located at the upper end of the second head body 12 and protruding upward. That is, the slit 25 opens between the upper ends (first tip 11c, second tip 12c) of the pair of head bodies 11, 12 in the discharge direction (Z-axis direction). Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 2, the lower end (-Z side) of the slit 25 is connected to the manifold 20.

[0048] In this embodiment, the longitudinal dimension (X-axis direction) of the slit 25 is set to be approximately equal to the longitudinal dimension of the manifold 20. However, this is not limiting, and the longitudinal dimension of the slit 25 may be smaller than the longitudinal dimension of the manifold 20.

[0049] The coating liquid flows into the slit 25 from the manifold 20, flows inside the slit 25, and is discharged from the upper opening of the slit 25 toward the object to be coated. The dimension of the slit 25 in the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction) corresponds to the coating width dimension of the coating liquid to be coated on the object to be coated.

[0050] [Distribution member] The distribution member 40 is made of, for example, metal or resin. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the distribution member 40 is disposed inside the manifold 20 and extends in the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction). The distribution member 40 is detachably attached inside the manifold 20. Therefore, the distribution member 40 can be replaced by disassembling the pair of head bodies 11, 12.

[0051] The distributor 40 has a tubular body 41 extending in the longitudinal direction, an outlet 42 opening into the tubular body 41, and a joint 43 connecting the inside of the tubular body 41 with the coating liquid supply channel 22.

[0052] The tubular body 41 is, for example, a pipe or the like, and has a cylindrical shape. In this embodiment, the tubular body 41 has a cylindrical shape. Both longitudinal ends of the tubular body 41 are located at both longitudinal ends of the manifold 20. Specifically, in this embodiment, the longitudinal dimension (total length dimension) of the tubular body 41 is slightly smaller than the longitudinal dimension of the manifold 20. The end face of the tubular body 41 facing outward in the longitudinal direction faces the end face of the manifold 20 facing inward in the longitudinal direction, with a gap therebetween. In this way, the longitudinal ends of the distribution member 40 are located at the longitudinal ends of the manifold 20.

[0053] 3, in a cross-sectional view perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction), the central axis C of the tubular body 41 is located approximately at the center of the manifold 20 in the up-down direction (Z-axis direction). The central axis C of the tubular body 41 is also located approximately at the center of the manifold 20 in the front-rear direction (Y-axis direction). In other words, the distribution member 40 is disposed approximately at the center of the manifold 20.

[0054] 2, a plurality of outlets 42 are provided in the distributor 40. Specifically, a plurality of outlets 42 are provided in the tubular body 41 at intervals in the longitudinal direction. Each outlet 42 allows the coating liquid to flow into the manifold 20. In the present embodiment, each outlet 42 has a circular hole shape. However, the outlet 42 is not limited thereto, and may have a shape other than a circular hole, such as an elliptical hole shape, a polygonal hole shape, an elongated hole shape, or a slit hole shape.

[0055] The plurality of outlets 42 include a first outlet 42a that penetrates the peripheral wall of the tubular body 41 and a second outlet 42b that is disposed at an end of the tubular body 41 in the longitudinal direction. The first outlets 42a are provided in plurality at intervals in the longitudinal direction. In this embodiment, the first outlets 42a are arranged at equal intervals in the longitudinal direction. Each of the first outlets 42a opens toward the front (-Y side) of the second inner surface of the second head body 12.

[0056] A pair of second outlets 42b are provided at both longitudinal ends of the tubular body 41. Each second outlet 42b opens outward in the longitudinal direction toward an end face facing inward in the longitudinal direction of the manifold 20. In this manner, at least one of the plurality of outlets 42 (two second outlets 42b in this embodiment) opens at an end of the distribution member 40 in the longitudinal direction.

[0057] The joint part 43 supplies the coating liquid to the tubular body 41 through its internal flow path. The joint part 43 also fixes the tubular body 41 within the manifold 20. That is, the joint part 43 has the function of circulating the coating liquid from the coating liquid supply path 22 into the tubular body 41 and the function of supporting the tubular body 41 within the manifold 20.

[0058] The joint portion 43 has a flow portion 43a and a fixing portion 43b. The circulating portion 43a has a cylindrical shape extending in the front-rear direction (Y-axis direction). The joint portion 43 allows the coating liquid supplied from the coating liquid supply path 22 to circulate inside the tubular body 41 via the circulating portion 43a.

[0059] The fixing portion 43b has a plate shape that extends in a direction perpendicular to the front-rear direction, and in this embodiment, is a rectangular plate shape. The fixing portion 43b is attached to the attachment recess 24a of the opening 24 with a bolt or the like. In other words, the distribution member 40 is connected to the opening 24.

[0060] [Effects of this embodiment] In the coating tool 1A of the present embodiment described above, a distributor 40 extending in the longitudinal direction is provided inside the manifold 20. The distributor 40 has outlets 42 through which the coating liquid flows out into the manifold 20. Therefore, by appropriately setting the shape, size, number, arrangement, etc. of the outlets 42 formed in the distributor 40, it is possible to adjust the balance and amount of the coating liquid supplied to each position in the longitudinal direction inside the manifold 20. This makes it possible to equalize or change the balance of the amount of coating liquid applied to the object through the slits 25 from inside the manifold 20 at each position in the longitudinal direction (coating width direction).

[0061] Furthermore, with this coating tool 1A, there is no need to complicate the structure of the head member 10 when equalizing the coating amount or changing the balance in the longitudinal direction. Specifically, for example, by preparing multiple types of distributors 40 with various outlets 42 that differ from each other in shape, size, number, and arrangement, and selecting a specific distributor 40 that is suitable for the coating conditions and installing it in the manifold 20, it is possible to easily equalize the coating amount or change the balance in the longitudinal direction. This allows the structure of the head member 10 to be simplified. Furthermore, it is possible to use a common head member 10 for coating under various coating conditions.

[0062] Therefore, according to the coating tool 1A of this embodiment, the head member 10 can have a simple structure, and the coating amount can be easily made uniform and the balance can be easily changed in the longitudinal direction.

[0063] In this embodiment, a plurality of outlets 42 are provided at intervals in the longitudinal direction. In this case, the balance and amount of the coating liquid flowing out from the distribution member 40 to each position in the longitudinal direction of the manifold 20 can be appropriately adjusted by the outlet 42 having a simple configuration.

[0064] In this embodiment, the distribution member 40 is removably mounted within the manifold 20 . In this case, the distribution member 40 can be replaced as needed to suit various coating conditions. Using a common coating tool 1A (using one coating tool 1A), coating can be performed on objects to be coated under various coating conditions.

[0065] In this embodiment, the coating liquid supply path 22 extending inside the head member 10 has an opening 24 that opens to the inner surface of the manifold 20 , and the distribution member 40 is connected to the opening 24 .

[0066] In many conventional coating tools, the coating liquid supply passage extending inside the head member opens onto the inner surface of the manifold. Therefore, in the above-described configuration of the present embodiment, the distributor 40 is connected to the opening 24 of the coating liquid supply passage 22. This makes it possible to implement the present invention by attaching the distributor 40 to an existing (conventional) coating tool. In other words, the present invention can be realized inexpensively while utilizing an existing coating tool.

[0067] In addition, in this embodiment, the longitudinal end of the distribution member 40 is located at the longitudinal end of the manifold 20, and multiple outlets 42 are provided in the distribution member 40, with at least one of the multiple outlets 42 opening at the longitudinal end of the distribution member 40.

[0068] Generally, particles and the like contained in the coating liquid tend to accumulate at the longitudinal ends of the manifold. Therefore, in the configuration of this embodiment, at least one of the multiple outlets 42 (in this embodiment, the second outlet 42b) is opened at the longitudinal end of the distribution member 40, i.e., the portion located at the longitudinal end of the manifold 20. This makes it possible to create a flow of the coating liquid even at the longitudinal end of the manifold 20, thereby suppressing the accumulation of particles and the like contained in the coating liquid.

[0069] [Other configurations included in the present invention] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and the configuration may be modified within the scope of the present invention, as described below. In the illustrations of the modified examples, the same components as those in the above-described embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the following mainly describes the differences.

[0070] Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing a part (main part) of a coating tool 1B according to a first modified example of the embodiment, and Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the part (main part) of the coating tool 1B shown in Fig. 4, taken at the center in the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction) and perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

[0071] 4, in the application tool 1B of the first modified example, the outlet 42 of the distributor 40 extends in the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction). Specifically, the outlet 42 has a slit shape that penetrates the peripheral wall of the tubular body 41 and opens upward (toward the +Z side). The outlet 42 of the first modified example opens toward the upper end of the inner surface of the manifold 20 and the slit 25.

[0072] A pair of outlets 42 are provided in the tubular body 41. One of the pair of outlets 42 is disposed in a portion of the tubular body 41 located to the left (-X side) of the connection portion with the joint portion 43. The other of the pair of outlets 42 is disposed in a portion of the tubular body 41 located to the right (+X side) of the connection portion with the joint portion 43. The width dimension (slit width dimension) of each outlet 42 in the front-rear direction (Y-axis direction) is constant along the longitudinal direction.

[0073] 5, in a cross-sectional view perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction), the central axis C of the tubular body 41 is located below (on the -Z side) the center of the manifold 20 in the up-down direction (Z-axis direction). The central axis C of the tubular body 41 is located forward (on the -Y side) of the center of the manifold 20 in the front-rear direction (Y-axis direction). In other words, in this cross-sectional view, the distribution member 40 is disposed at a position offset from the center of the manifold 20.

[0074] In addition, in this first modified example, the flow-through portion 43a of the joint portion 43 extends downward (-Z side) from the connection portion with the fixed portion 43b toward the front side (-Y side).

[0075] The coating tool 1B of the first modified example described above also achieves the same excellent effects as those of the above-described embodiment.

[0076] In the first modified example, the outlet 42 is formed to extend in the longitudinal direction. In this case as well, the balance and amount of the coating liquid flowing out from the distribution member 40 to each position in the longitudinal direction within the manifold 20 can be appropriately adjusted by the outlet 42 having a simple configuration.

[0077] Furthermore, in the first modified example, the distributor 40 is disposed at a position shifted from the center of the manifold 20 in a cross-sectional view perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

[0078] For example, in cases where particles contained in the coating liquid tend to settle or remain within the manifold 20, it is advisable to position the distributor 40 at a position offset from the center of the manifold 20, as in the configuration of the first modified example. Specifically, the distributor 40 (the tubular body 41) is positioned near the lower end in the vertical direction within the manifold 20. This allows the distributor 40 to occupy the area within the manifold 20 where particles in the coating liquid tend to settle or remain, thereby suppressing settling or retention of particles.

[0079] Alternatively, by changing the arrangement (layout) of the distributor 40 in the manifold 20, it is possible to change the outflow direction of the coating liquid flowing out from the outlet 42 to a desired direction or adjust the distance between the outlet 42 and the slit 25. This makes it possible to adjust the balance of the coating liquid discharged from the slit 25 onto the object to be coated, etc.

[0080] Fig. 6 is a perspective view showing a portion (main part) of a coating tool 1C according to a second modified example of the embodiment. Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the portion (main part) of the coating tool 1C shown in Fig. 6, taken at the center in the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction) and perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. Fig. 8 is a plan view (front view) showing the left side of the coating tool 1C shown in Fig. 6.

[0081] 7, in the coating tool 1C of the second modified example, the coating liquid supply path 22 extends linearly inside the first head body 11. Specifically, the coating liquid supply path 22 extends in the front-rear direction (Y-axis direction). The external connection port 23 of the coating liquid supply path 22 opens to an outer surface 11d facing the rear side (+Y side) of the first head body 11. Furthermore, the opening 24 of the coating liquid supply path 22 has a female thread on its inner circumferential surface.

[0082] Furthermore, the joint portion 43 of the distributor 40 has a circulating portion 43a that extends in the front-rear direction (Y-axis direction). A male thread is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the rear portion of the circulating portion 43a. That is, the joint portion 43 has a male thread on its outer peripheral surface. The rear portion of the joint portion 43 (circulating portion 43a) is inserted into the opening 24, and specifically, the male thread of the joint portion 43 and the female thread of the opening 24 are threadedly engaged with each other.

[0083] 6 and 8, the plurality of outlets 42 provided in the distributor 40 are configured of a plurality of first outlets 42a. The plurality of first outlets 42a are spaced apart from one another in the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction) and are arranged at equal pitches.

[0084] The coating tool 1C of the second modified example described above also achieves the same excellent effects as those of the above-described embodiment.

[0085] Figure 9 is a partial plan view showing a part (main part) of a coating tool 1D of a third modified example of the above-mentioned embodiment, and more specifically, a plan view (front view) showing the left side part of the part (main part) of the coating tool 1D.

[0086] 9, in the application tool 1D of the third modified example, the outlet 42 of the distributor 40 extends in the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction). Specifically, the outlet 42 has a slit shape that penetrates the peripheral wall of the tubular body 41 and opens to the front side (-Y side).

[0087] A pair of outlets 42 are provided in the tubular body 41. One of the pair of outlets 42 is disposed in a portion of the tubular body 41 located to the left (-X side) of the connection portion with the joint portion 43. The other of the pair of outlets 42, although not particularly shown, is disposed in a portion of the tubular body 41 located to the right (+X side) of the connection portion with the joint portion 43. The width dimension (slit width dimension) of each outlet 42 in the up-down direction (Z-axis direction) is constant along the longitudinal direction.

[0088] The coating tool 1D of the third modified example described above also achieves the same excellent effects as those of the above-described embodiment and each modified example.

[0089] Figure 10 is a partial plan view showing a part (main part) of a coating tool 1E of a fourth modified example of the above-mentioned embodiment, and more specifically, a plan view (front view) showing the left side part of the part (main part) of the coating tool 1E.

[0090] 10, the coating tool 1E of the fourth modified example differs from the coating tool 1D of the third modified example described above in that the width dimensions (slit width dimensions) of a pair of outlets 42 provided in a distributor 40 increase outward in the longitudinal direction. That is, the opening width of each outlet 42 increases in the longitudinal direction away from the connection portion (joint portion 43) with the coating liquid supply path 22.

[0091] The coating tool 1E of the fourth modified example described above also achieves the same excellent effects as those of the above-described embodiment and each modified example. Furthermore, in the fourth modification, for example, when the viscosity of the coating liquid is high, it is easier to equalize the balance (amount) of the coating liquid flowing out from the outlet 42 into the manifold 20 at each position in the longitudinal direction.

[0092] Figure 11 is a partial plan view showing a part (main part) of a coating tool 1F of a fifth modified example of the above-mentioned embodiment, and more specifically, a plan view (front view) showing the left side part of a part (main part) of the coating tool 1F.

[0093] 11 , in the application tool 1F of the fifth modified example, a distributor 40 has a plurality of outlets 42 opening in the peripheral wall of a tubular body 41, and each outlet 42 has, for example, a circular hole shape. The number of outlets 42 increases with increasing distance in the longitudinal direction from the connection portion (joint portion 43) with the coating liquid supply channel 22. In other words, the opening area of ​​the outlets 42 increases with increasing distance in the longitudinal direction from the connection portion (joint portion 43) with the coating liquid supply channel 22.

[0094] Specifically, the distribution member 40 has a plurality of outlet groups 44 arranged at intervals from one another in the longitudinal direction (at equal intervals in the illustrated example). Each outlet group 44 has a plurality of outlets 42 or one outlet 42 arranged around the central axis C (not illustrated) of the tubular body 41. The number of outlets 42 included in each outlet group 44 increases stepwise or gradually with increasing distance from the connection portion (joint portion 43) with the coating liquid supply channel 22 in the longitudinal direction.

[0095] The coating tool 1F of the fifth modified example described above also achieves the same excellent effects as the above-described embodiment and each modified example.

[0096] In addition, in the above-described embodiment and each modified example, the longitudinal direction and thickness direction (front-rear direction) of the coating tools 1A to 1F are horizontal, and the discharge direction is vertical, but this is not limited thereto. For example, the discharge direction of the coating tools 1A to 1F may be horizontal, and the thickness direction may be vertical. In other words, the use posture of the tools can be changed as appropriate.

[0097] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment and each modified example, an example was given in which the longitudinal dimension of the manifold 20 was shorter than the longitudinal dimension of the first head body 11, but this is not limited to this. Although not particularly shown, a configuration in which a pair of side plates are provided at both longitudinal ends of the head member 10 may also be used, in which case the manifold 20 may be formed to penetrate the first head body 11 in the longitudinal direction. In other words, the longitudinal dimension of the manifold 20 may be the same as the longitudinal dimension of the first head body 11, and both longitudinal ends of the manifold 20 may be closed by a pair of side plates.

[0098] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment and each modified example, an example has been given in which the manifold 20 is disposed inside the first head body 11 of the pair of head bodies 11, 12, but this is not limiting. The manifold 20 may be disposed only inside the second head body 12, or may be disposed across both of the pair of head bodies 11, 12.

[0099] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment and each modified example, the opening 24 of the coating liquid supply path 22 is opened at the center in the longitudinal direction of the inner surface of the manifold 20, but this is not limited thereto. Although not particularly shown, the opening 24 of the coating liquid supply path 22 may be opened, for example, at an end in the longitudinal direction of the inner surface of the manifold 20. Even with such a configuration, by using the distribution member 40 in the present invention, it is possible to equalize or change the balance of the amount of coating liquid applied from inside the manifold 20 to the object to be coated through the slit 25 at each position in the longitudinal direction (coating width direction).

[0100] In addition, in the above-described embodiment and each modified example, an example in which a plurality of outlets 42 are provided in the distributor 40 has been given, but this is not limitative. For example, when the outlet 42 is in the form of a slit extending in the longitudinal direction, only one outlet 42 may be provided in the distributor 40.

[0101] In addition, in the above-described embodiment and each modified example, the tubular body 41 of the distributor 40 is a cylindrical pipe, but this is not limiting. The tubular body 41 may be, for example, a polygonal tube extending in the longitudinal direction.

[0102] Furthermore, the distribution member is not limited to a cylindrical shape as long as it has a structure having outlets that can distribute (disperse) the coating liquid at each position in the longitudinal direction within the manifold. Although not particularly shown, for example, the distribution member may have a columnar body extending in the longitudinal direction, a plurality of coating liquid flow paths formed inside the columnar body, and a plurality of outlets connected to each coating liquid flow path and through which the coating liquid flows into the inside of the manifold.

[0103] The present invention may be combined with the various configurations described in the above-described embodiments and modifications, and may also include additions, omissions, substitutions, and other modifications of the configurations, without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, but is limited only by the claims. [Industrial Applicability]

[0104] According to the coating tool of the present invention, the head member can have a simple structure, and the coating amount can be easily made uniform and the balance can be easily changed in the longitudinal direction, and therefore the coating tool has industrial applicability. [Explanation of symbols]

[0105] 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E, 1F... Application tools 10...Head member 13…Tip surface 20...Manifold 22... Coating liquid supply path 24...Opening 25...Slit 40...Distribution member 42... Outlet

Claims

1. a longitudinally extending head member; a manifold disposed inside the head member, extending in the longitudinal direction, and storing a coating liquid therein; a slit disposed inside the head member, extending in the longitudinal direction, communicating with the manifold, and opening in a tip end surface of the head member in a discharge direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction; a distribution member disposed within the manifold and extending in the longitudinal direction; the distribution member has an outlet through which the coating liquid flows into the manifold; Coating tools.

2. The outlets are provided in plurality at intervals in the longitudinal direction, or extend in the longitudinal direction. The application tool according to claim 1 .

3. The distribution member is removably mounted within the manifold. The coating tool according to claim 1 or 2.

4. a coating liquid supply path extending inside the head member; the coating liquid supply path has an opening that opens to an inner surface of the manifold, The distribution member is connected to the opening. The coating tool according to claim 1 or 2.

5. In a cross-sectional view perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, the distribution member is disposed at a position shifted from the center of the manifold. The coating tool according to claim 1 or 2.

6. the longitudinal ends of the distribution member are located at the longitudinal ends of the manifold; The outlet port is provided in plurality in the distributor, At least one of the plurality of outlets opens at an end of the distribution member in the longitudinal direction. The coating tool according to claim 1 or 2.

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