Coating nozzle

Abstract

To reduce variations in the discharge quantity of liquid in the longitudinal direction of a coating nozzle.SOLUTION: A coating nozzle includes: a block-shaped nozzle body extending in a longitudinal direction; an introduction port arranged in the nozzle body; and a discharge part arranged in the nozzle body and having a plurality of discharge ports arranged in the longitudinal direction. The nozzle body includes: a plurality of inflow passages 25 being continuous from the introduction port and arranged in the longitudinal direction; a first diffusion part 26 provided with a plurality of inflow openings 261 which are respectively connected to the plurality of inflow passages 25 and arrayed in the longitudinal direction; a plurality of outflow passages 27 which are arrayed in the longitudinal direction and into which liquid in the first diffusion part 26 flows out; and a second diffusion part which is filled with the liquid flowing from the plurality of outflow passages 27 and is connected to the discharge part. With respect to the longitudinal direction, connection positions of the plurality of outflow passages 27 relative to the first diffusion part 26 are different from positions of the plurality of inflow openings 261. This can reduce variations in the discharge quantity of liquid in the longitudinal direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, coating nozzles have been used for coating various types of liquids. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a nozzle for a foaming melt. In this nozzle, a plurality of foaming melt passages, a horizontal distribution passage communicating with the plurality of foaming melt passages, a throttle member disposed in the horizontal distribution passage, a slot for discharging the foaming melt, and a converging portion that communicates the horizontal distribution passage and the slot and has a gradually decreasing cross-sectional area toward the slot are provided. The throttle member is a dispersion plate provided with a large number of fine through-holes, and the horizontal distribution passage is divided into a first horizontal distribution passage and a second horizontal distribution passage by the dispersion plate.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, in the nozzle structure of Patent Document 1, in the longitudinal direction of the horizontal distribution passage, since each foaming melt passage and a part of the through-holes of the dispersion plate are arranged at the same position, the liquid (melt) supplied from the foaming melt passage easily passes through the part of the through-holes without diffusing in the horizontal distribution passage. As a result, variations in the discharge amount of the liquid in the longitudinal direction are likely to occur.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to reduce variations in the discharge amount of liquid in the longitudinal direction of a coating nozzle.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The invention according to claim 1 is a coating nozzle, comprising a block-shaped nozzle body extending in the longitudinal direction, an inlet provided on the nozzle body for introducing a liquid supplied from the outside into the inside of the nozzle body, and a discharge portion provided on the nozzle body and having a plurality of discharge ports arranged in the longitudinal direction, wherein the nozzle body is continuous from the inlet and has a plurality of inflow channels arranged in the longitudinal direction and a space extending in the longitudinal direction, a plurality of inflow openings respectively connected to the plurality of inflow channels are arranged in the longitudinal direction, a first diffusion portion filled with the liquid, a plurality of outflow channels arranged in the longitudinal direction and connected to the first diffusion portion for discharging the liquid in the first diffusion portion, and a second diffusion portion which is a space extending in the longitudinal direction, to which the plurality of outflow channels are connected, filled with the liquid flowing in from the plurality of outflow channels and connected to the discharge portion, and in the longitudinal direction, the connection positions of the plurality of outflow channels with respect to the first diffusion portion are different from the positions of the plurality of inflow openings. Ru Tu And in the thickness direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, the first diffusion part and the second diffusion part are separated from each other. Each of the plurality of outflow channels extends in the thickness direction and includes an outflow channel body having one end connected to the second diffusion part, and a connecting hole part connecting the other end of the outflow channel body and the first diffusion part. The nozzle body includes a first nozzle block extending in the longitudinal direction and having grooves for forming the plurality of inflow channels and the first diffusion part provided on a side surface thereof, a second nozzle block extending in the longitudinal direction and having grooves for forming the outflow channel bodies of the plurality of outflow channels and the second diffusion part provided on a side surface thereof, and a shim plate disposed between the side surface of the first nozzle block and the side surface of the second nozzle block and provided with the connecting hole parts of the plurality of outflow channels. The discharge part has a plurality of discharge channels extending in the thickness direction from the plurality of discharge ports arranged in the longitudinal direction. The plurality of discharge channels are connected to the second diffusion part, and the sum of the areas of the regions where the plurality of discharge channels and the second diffusion part are connected is smaller than the sum of the flow passage areas of the connecting hole parts in the plurality of outflow channels

[0007] The invention according to claim 2 is the coating nozzle according to claim 1, wherein the distance in the longitudinal direction between the connection position of each outflow channel with respect to the first diffusion portion and the inflow opening closest to the connection position is greater than the width of the inflow opening in the longitudinal direction.

[0010] Claim 3 The invention according to [claim number] is the coating nozzle according to [claim number], wherein the area of the region where each discharge channel is connected to the second diffusion portion is smaller than the cross-sectional area of the second diffusion portion perpendicular to the longitudinal direction at the position where each discharge channel is connected to the second diffusion portion. 1 or 2

[0011] Claim 4 The invention according to [claim number] is the coating nozzle according to any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein the sum of the opening areas of the plurality of discharge ports described above is smaller than the opening area of the inlet. , before

[0012] Claim​5 The invention described in 4 is the coating nozzle described in any one of claims 1 to Record thickness In the forward direction, a discharge port of the discharge part is provided at the tip of the nozzle body, and the coating nozzle is arranged on both sides of the nozzle body in the width direction perpendicular to the thickness direction and the longitudinal direction, and further includes a pair of gas nozzles that eject a predetermined gas from the ejection ports, and the gas ejected from the pair of gas nozzles flows along the outer surface of the part forming the edge of the The plurality of discharge port and collides with the liquid discharged from the Plural discharge port. Plural

[0013] Claim 6 The invention described in 5 is the coating nozzle described in any one of claims 1 to

[0014] Claim 7 The invention described in 6 is the coating nozzle described in any one of claims 1 to Among the plurality of inflow openings, taking two adjacent inflow openings as an inflow opening pair, the number of outflow channels located between each inflow opening pair is constant.

Advantages of the Invention

[0015] According to the present invention, the variation in the discharge amount of the liquid in the longitudinal direction of the coating nozzle can be reduced.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0016]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0017] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a coating nozzle 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The coating nozzle 1 discharges a predetermined liquid supplied from the outside and applies it onto an object 9. The liquid is, for example, a chemical such as a deodorant or an adhesive. The object 9 is, for example, a sheet member such as a non-woven fabric or a plastic film. The coating nozzle 1 is an assembly of a plurality of members, and in FIG. 1, for ease of understanding, these members are drawn separately from each other. Also, in FIG. 1, the X direction, Y direction, and Z direction that are orthogonal to each other are indicated by arrows. In a typical usage example of the coating nozzle 1, the Z direction is the vertical direction, but of course, the Z direction is not limited to the vertical direction.

[0018] The coating nozzle 1 includes a nozzle body 2 and a pair of gas nozzles 3. The nozzle body 2 is a liquid nozzle that discharges liquid, and includes a first nozzle block 21, a second nozzle block 22, and a shim plate 23. The materials forming the first nozzle block 21, the second nozzle block 22, and the shim plate 23 are not particularly limited, but are, for example, metals. The first nozzle block 21 and the second nozzle block 22 are block-shaped members extending in the X direction in FIG. 1. In the following description, the X direction in FIG. 1 is also referred to as the "longitudinal direction". In the example of FIG. 1, the object 9 is a long member parallel to the XY plane and continuous in the Y direction, and the longitudinal direction is the direction corresponding to the width of the object 9.

[0019] The first nozzle block 21 and the second nozzle block 22 are arranged in the Y direction, and a shim plate 23 is disposed therebetween. Specifically, in the first nozzle block 21, a side surface 211 facing the shim plate 23 (the side surface facing the (-Y) direction in FIG. 1) is a substantially flat surface parallel to the ZX plane. In the second nozzle block 22, a side surface 221 facing the shim plate 23 (the side surface facing the (+Y) direction in FIG. 1) is a substantially flat surface parallel to the ZX plane. The shim plate 23 is a flat plate member parallel to the ZX plane. The sizes of the shim plate 23 in the X and Z directions are substantially the same as those of the side surface 211 of the first nozzle block 21 and the side surface 221 of the second nozzle block 22. Both main surfaces of the shim plate 23 are in contact with the side surface 211 of the first nozzle block 21 and the side surface 221 of the second nozzle block 22, respectively. The first nozzle block 21, the shim plate 23, and the second nozzle block 22 are fixed to each other by, for example, bolts and nuts. In the following description, the Y direction and the Z direction in FIG. 1 are also referred to as the "width direction" and the "thickness direction", respectively.

[0020] FIG. 2 is a view showing the side surface 211 of the first nozzle block 21. A groove having a predetermined shape is formed in the side surface 211 of the first nozzle block 21. As described above, the shim plate 23 is attached to the side surface 211, and the groove is covered by the shim plate 23. Therefore, in the nozzle body 2, a plurality of liquid flow paths are formed by the groove and the shim plate 23. In the following description, the portion of the groove in FIG. 2 that is part of each flow path is referred to by the same name as the flow path. The same applies to the portion of the groove formed in the side surface 221 of the second nozzle block 22, which will be described later.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 2, the first nozzle block 21 includes a first introduction channel 241, a second introduction channel 242, a plurality of inflow channels 25, and a first diffusion portion 26. The first introduction channel 241 extends in the Y direction at approximately the center of the first nozzle block 21 in the X direction, and has, for example, a constant cross-sectional area over its entire length. The first introduction channel 241 penetrates the first nozzle block 21 and opens at the surface 212 on the (+Y) side of the first nozzle block 21 (see FIG. 1) and the side surface 211 on the (-Y) side. The opening of the first introduction channel 241 at the surface 212 is the introduction port 24. The introduction port 24 introduces the liquid supplied from the outside into the inside of the nozzle body 2. In the present embodiment, a predetermined liquid is supplied from a gas-liquid supply unit 6 (see FIG. 7) described later to the introduction port 24. In the coating nozzle 1, typically only one introduction port 24 is provided, but depending on the design of the nozzle body 2, a plurality of introduction ports 24 may be provided.

[0022] The second introduction channel 242, the plurality of inflow channels 25, and the first diffusion portion 26 are formed by grooves and shim plates 23 provided on the side surface 211 of FIG. 2. In the second introduction channel 242, the plurality of inflow channels 25, and the first diffusion portion 26, the depth of the groove (depth in the Y direction) may be the same or different. The second introduction channel 242 includes a first portion 243 that extends from the opening of the first introduction channel 241 on the side surface 211 to both sides in the X direction, a second portion 244 that extends from each end of the first portion 243 in the (-Z) direction, and a third portion 245 that extends from the tip of the second portion 244 to both sides in the X direction.

[0023] The plurality of inflow channels 25 each extend in the Z direction and are arranged in the X direction. The plurality of inflow channels 25 are substantially parallel to each other and have substantially the same width in the X direction. The (+Z)-side end of each inflow channel 25 is connected to the end of the third part 245 of the second introduction channel 242. In the nozzle body 2, a so-called tournament-shaped channel is formed by the second introduction channel 242 and the plurality of inflow channels 25. In the example of FIG. 2, the second introduction channel 242 and the plurality of inflow channels 25 have a symmetrical shape with respect to the plane perpendicular to the X direction at the position of the first introduction channel 241 (the first diffusion part 26 is the same). The number of the inflow channels 25 is, for example, an even number of 2 or more, preferably 4 or more. The number of the inflow channels 25 may be an odd number. The number of the inflow channels 25 is, for example, 16 or less. The resistance of the plurality of channels from the opening of the first introduction channel 241 to the (-Z)-side end (inflow opening 261 described later) of the plurality of inflow channels 25 is substantially the same, and the flow rates of the liquid supplied to the inlet 24 in the plurality of inflow channels 25 are substantially the same.

[0024] The first diffusion part 26 is a space extending in the X direction. In the example of FIG. 2, the width of the first diffusion part 26 in the Z direction is larger than the width of each inflow channel 25 in the X direction. A plurality of inflow openings 261 are provided in the first diffusion part 26 arranged in the X direction. The plurality of inflow openings 261 are respectively connected to the plurality of inflow channels 25. In other words, the plurality of inflow openings 261 are the openings on the first diffusion part 26 side in the plurality of inflow channels 25. The liquid flowing through the plurality of inflow channels 25 flows into the first diffusion part 26 through the plurality of inflow openings 261. Thereby, the first diffusion part 26 is filled with the liquid.

[0025] FIG. 3 is a view showing the shim plate 23. The shim plate 23 includes a plurality of connection hole portions 271 and a discharge portion 29. The discharge portion 29 is provided at the end portion on the (-Z) side of the shim plate 23, and the plurality of connection hole portions 271 are provided away from the discharge portion 29 in the (+Z) direction. Details of the discharge portion 29 will be described later. Each of the plurality of connection hole portions 271 is a through hole and is arranged at a constant pitch in the X direction. The plurality of connection hole portions 271 have substantially the same diameter. The diameter of each connection hole portion 271 is smaller than, for example, the width of the inflow opening 261 (see FIG. 2) in the X direction. In FIGS. 2 and 3, the connection hole portions 271 are drawn larger than actual (the same applies to other figures).

[0026] As shown by the two-dot chain line in FIG. 2, when viewed along the Y direction, the plurality of connection hole portions 271 overlap the first diffusion portion 26. The liquid in the first diffusion portion 26 can flow out from the plurality of connection hole portions 271. Actually, since the flow path area of the connection hole portions 271 (that is, the cross-sectional area perpendicular to the direction in which the liquid flows, and here, the area of the connection hole portions 271 viewed along the Y direction) is small, the amount of liquid flowing out from the first diffusion portion 26 through the connection hole portions 271 is limited. The number of the connection hole portions 271 is, for example, more than the number of the inflow channels 25, and preferably, is twice or more the number of the inflow channels 25. The number of the connection hole portions 271 is, for example, four times or less the number of the inflow channels 25. Each connection hole portion 271 is one end of an outflow channel 27 described later.

[0027] Here, with reference to FIG. 2, the positional relationship between the inflow channel 25 and the connection hole portion 271 in the first diffusion portion 26 will be described. In the nozzle body 2, no connection hole portion 271 exists on the extension line of each inflow channel 25, and in the X direction, the range where each connection hole portion 271 exists does not overlap with the range where any of the inflow openings 261 exist. In this way, in the X direction, the positions of the plurality of connection hole portions 271 (that is, the connection positions of the outflow channels 27) are different from the positions of the plurality of inflow openings 261. For example, the distance (center-to-center distance) in the X direction between the position of each connection hole portion 271 and the position of the inflow opening 261 closest to that position is larger than the width of the inflow opening 261 in the X direction. The distance is preferably 1.2 mm or more, and more preferably 4.8 mm or more. Since the positions of the plurality of connection hole portions 271 in the X direction are different from (preferably, away from) the positions of the plurality of inflow openings 261, the liquid flowing into the first diffusion portion 26 from the plurality of inflow channels 25 does not immediately flow out from the connection hole portion 271, but collides with the inner surface of the first diffusion portion 26 and spreads in the X direction. As a result, before flowing out from the connection hole portion 271, it is possible to appropriately diffuse the liquid in the X direction within the first diffusion portion 26.

[0028] The inflow direction of the liquid from the inflow opening 261 into the first diffusion portion 26 is substantially in the (-Z) direction, and the outflow direction of the liquid from the first diffusion portion 26 to the connection hole portion 271 (see FIG. 1) is substantially in the (-Y) direction. In this way, since the inflow direction of the liquid into the first diffusion portion 26 and the outflow direction of the liquid from the first diffusion portion 26 are substantially orthogonal, it is possible to more reliably diffuse the liquid in the X direction within the first diffusion portion 26.

[0029] FIG. 4 is a view showing the side surface 221 of the second nozzle block 22. Grooves having a shape different from that of the side surface 211 of the first nozzle block 21 are formed in the side surface 221 of the second nozzle block 22. The second nozzle block 22 includes a plurality of outflow channel bodies 272 and a second diffusion part 28. The plurality of outflow channel bodies 272 and the second diffusion part 28 are formed by grooves provided in the side surface 221 and the shim plate 23. In the plurality of outflow channel bodies 272 and the second diffusion part 28, the depth of the grooves (depth in the Y direction) may be the same or different. The plurality of outflow channel bodies 272 each extend in the Z direction and are arranged in the X direction. The plurality of outflow channel bodies 272 are substantially parallel to each other and have substantially the same width in the X direction. When viewed along the Y direction, the (+Z)-side ends of the plurality of outflow channel bodies 272 overlap with the plurality of connection hole parts 271 (shown by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 4) respectively.

[0030] The second diffusion part 28 is a space extending in the X direction. The width of the second diffusion part 28 in the Z direction may be the same as or different from that of the first diffusion part 26. The (-Z)-side ends of the plurality of outflow channel bodies 272 are connected to the second diffusion part 28. The liquid flowing out from the first diffusion part 26 through the plurality of connection hole parts 271 passes through the plurality of outflow channel bodies 272 and flows into the second diffusion part 28. Thereby, the second diffusion part 28 is filled with liquid.

[0031] Here, if the combination of the connection hole part 271 and the outflow channel body 272 connected to each other is called an "outflow channel 27", in the nozzle body 2, a plurality of outflow channels 27 are arranged in the X direction. Further, both ends of the plurality of outflow channels 27 are connected to the first diffusion part 26 and the second diffusion part 28 separated in the Z direction. The plurality of outflow channels 27 cause the liquid in the first diffusion part 26 to flow out and flow into the second diffusion part 28. The flow path resistances in the plurality of outflow channels 27 are substantially the same, and the flow rates of the liquid in the plurality of outflow channels 27 are also substantially the same.

[0032] In the shim plate 23 of FIG. 3, a plurality of slit holes extending in the Z direction are formed at regular intervals in the X direction at the discharge portion 29 (the end portion on the (-Z) side). In other words, a comb-tooth-shaped portion is provided at the discharge portion 29. As described above, the first nozzle block 21 and the second nozzle block 22 are attached to both main surfaces of the shim plate 23, and both sides in the Y direction of the slit holes are covered by the side surface 211 of the first nozzle block 21 and the side surface 221 of the second nozzle block 22. Thereby, a plurality of discharge channels 291 each extending in the Z direction are formed. In the following description, the slit holes in FIG. 3 that are part of the discharge channels 291 are also referred to as the discharge channels 291. In FIG. 3, the width of the discharge channels 291 in the X direction is drawn larger than the actual width, and the number of the discharge channels 291 is drawn smaller than the actual number.

[0033] As shown by the dashed-dotted line in FIG. 3, when viewed along the Y direction, the second diffusion portion 28 overlaps with the (+Z) side ends of the plurality of discharge channels 291. That is, the plurality of discharge channels 291 are connected to the second diffusion portion 28. The other ends of the plurality of discharge channels 291 (the ends on the (-Z) side) are discharge ports 290 that open outward. At the (-Z) side end of the nozzle body 2, a plurality of discharge ports 290 are arranged at regular pitches in the X direction. The liquid filled in the second diffusion portion 28 is discharged in the (-Z) direction from the plurality of discharge ports 290 through the plurality of discharge channels 291. In the example of FIG. 1, the liquid is discharged onto the object 9 that moves continuously in the Y direction. In the nozzle body 2, it is also possible to consider that each discharge channel 291 extends in the Z direction from the discharge port 290. Typically, the number of the discharge ports 290 (discharge channels 291) is sufficiently larger than the number of the outflow channels 27.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 1, a pair of gas nozzles 3 are respectively arranged on both sides of the nozzle body 2 in the Y direction and eject a predetermined gas (for example, air). Each of the (+Y) side gas nozzle 3 and the (-Y) side gas nozzle 3 includes an auxiliary block 31 and an auxiliary shim plate 32. The materials forming the auxiliary block 31 and the auxiliary shim plate 32 are not particularly limited, but are, for example, metals. The auxiliary block 31 is a block-shaped member extending in the X direction in FIG. 1.

[0035] As described above, in each of the first nozzle block 21 and the second nozzle block 22, edges of a plurality of discharge ports 290 are formed at the (-Z)-side end portions 211a, 221a of the side surfaces 211, 221. These end portions 211a, 221a are the most (-Z)-side parts in the coating nozzle 1, that is, the lowermost parts in FIG. 1. In the first nozzle block 21, an inclined surface 213 that inclines toward the (+Z) side as it goes toward the (+Y) side from the end portion 211a is provided. In the (+Y)-side gas nozzle 3, the auxiliary block 31 has a facing surface 311 that is substantially parallel to the inclined surface 213. The auxiliary block 31 is attached to the first nozzle block 21 with bolts or the like with an auxiliary shim plate 32 sandwiched between the facing surface 311 and the inclined surface 213.

[0036] Similarly to the above, in the second nozzle block 22, an inclined surface 223 that inclines toward the (+Z) side as it goes toward the (-Y) side from the end portion 221a is provided. In the (-Y)-side gas nozzle 3, the auxiliary block 31 has a facing surface 311 that is substantially parallel to the inclined surface 223. The auxiliary block 31 is attached to the second nozzle block 22 with bolts or the like with an auxiliary shim plate 32 sandwiched between the facing surface 311 and the inclined surface 223.

[0037] FIG. 5 is a view showing the facing surface 311 of the auxiliary block 31 in the (+Y)-side gas nozzle 3, and shows a state seen from a direction perpendicular to the facing surface 311. FIG. 6 is a view showing the auxiliary shim plate 32 in the (+Y)-side gas nozzle 3, and shows a state seen from a direction perpendicular to the auxiliary shim plate 32. In a state of being attached to the nozzle body 2, the facing surface 311 of the auxiliary block 31 and the auxiliary shim plate 32 are inclined with respect to the ZX plane. The upper parts in FIGS. 5 and 6 are parts located on the (+Z) side in the coating nozzle 1 of FIG. 1. Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, the structure of the (+Y)-side gas nozzle 3 will be described, but the structure of the (-Y)-side gas nozzle 3 is the same.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 5, a gas supply groove 312 extending in the X direction is formed on the opposing surface 311 of the auxiliary block 31. As shown in FIG. 1, a gas introduction flow path 313 extending in the X direction is provided inside the auxiliary block 31, and the gas supply groove 312 is connected to the gas introduction flow path 313. In the lower part of the auxiliary shim plate 32 in FIG. 6, the part excluding both ends in the X direction is cut out. That is, a recess 321 that is recessed upward is formed in the lower part of the auxiliary shim plate 32.

[0039] As described above, the auxiliary shim plate 32 is sandwiched between the inclined surface 213 of the first nozzle block 21 and the opposing surface 311 of the auxiliary block 31, and both cover both sides of the recess 321 in the direction perpendicular to the auxiliary shim plate 32. Therefore, in the gas nozzle 3 of FIG. 1, the gas introduced from the gas-liquid supply unit 6 described later into the gas introduction flow path 313 is supplied into the recess 321 through the gas supply groove 312 and ejected from the ejection port 322 which is the opening on the (-Z) side of the recess 321. In the coating nozzle 1, the ejection port 322 extends in the X direction so as to include the range from the most (+X) side ejection port 290 to the most (-X) side ejection port 290. Since the thickness of the auxiliary shim plate 32 is larger than the thickness of the shim plate 23 of the nozzle body 2, the width of the ejection port 322 in the direction perpendicular to the X direction is larger than the width of the ejection port 290 in the Y direction.

[0040] In the example of FIG. 1, the ejection port 322 in the (+Y) side gas nozzle 3 is located on the (+Z) side of the (-Z) side end 211a of the side surface 211 of the first nozzle block 21. The gas ejected from the ejection port 322 flows along the inclined surface 213 toward the end 211a and collides with the liquid ejected from the plurality of ejection ports 290. The ejection port 322 in the (-Y) side gas nozzle 3 is located on the (+Z) side of the (-Z) side end 221a of the side surface 221 of the second nozzle block 22. The gas ejected from the ejection port 322 flows along the inclined surface 213 toward the end 221a and collides with the liquid ejected from the plurality of ejection ports 290. In this way, gas collides with the liquid ejected from the plurality of ejection ports 290 from both sides in the Y direction.

[0041] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the configuration of the gas-liquid supply unit 6. In the gas-liquid supply unit 6, compressed air is supplied from a compressed air supply source 61 into a liquid tank 63 via a pressure reducing valve 62. In the present embodiment, a low-viscosity liquid is stored in the liquid tank 63. The viscosity of the liquid is, for example, 1 to 200 mPa·s, preferably 1 to 50 mPa·s. One end of a liquid supply line 64 is connected to the liquid tank 63, and the liquid is pumped into the liquid supply line 64 by supplying compressed air into the liquid tank 63. An air-operated valve 641 that utilizes compressed air and a flow rate adjusting valve 642 are provided in the liquid supply line 64. The other end of the liquid supply line 64 is connected to an inlet 24 (see FIG. 1) of the coating nozzle 1.

[0042] When discharging the liquid from the coating nozzle 1, the air-operated valve 641 is opened, and the liquid pumped into the liquid supply line 64 is supplied to the inlet 24. At this time, the supply flow rate of the liquid to the coating nozzle 1 is adjusted by the flow rate adjusting valve 642. The liquid sequentially passes through the first introduction flow path 241, the second introduction flow path 242, the plurality of inflow flow paths 25, the first diffusion part 26, the plurality of outflow flow paths 27, and the second diffusion part 28 of the coating nozzle 1 shown in FIG. 1, and is discharged from the plurality of discharge ports 290 of the discharge part 29. When stopping the discharge of the liquid, the air-operated valve 641 is closed.

[0043] Further, in the gas-liquid supply unit 6 of FIG. 7, a gas supply line 67 having one end connected to a gas supply source 66 (which may be the compressed air supply source 61) is provided. The other end of the gas supply line 67 branches into a plurality of branch lines and is connected to the gas introduction flow path 313 of the pair of gas nozzles 3 shown in FIG. 1. The gas supplied from the gas supply source 66 to the gas supply line 67 is guided into the recess 321 via the gas introduction flow path 313 and the gas supply groove 312, and is ejected from the ejection port 322. The coating nozzle 1 and the gas-liquid supply unit 6 are used for applying a liquid to an object 9 as a coating device.

[0044] The thickness of the shim plate 23 in the coating nozzle 1 was set to 0.02 - 0.05 mm, and the thickness of the auxiliary shim plate 32 was set to 0.1 mm. A liquid discharge test was conducted at a discharge rate of 10 - 40 g / min. At this time, the viscosity of the liquid was set to 1 mPa·s, the introduction pressure of the liquid was set to 0.034 MPa, and the supply pressure of the gas was set to 0.1 MPa. In the discharge test, the adhesion state of the liquid to the object 9 was good, and the scattering to the surroundings was appropriately suppressed.

[0045] As described above, the coating nozzle 1 includes a block-shaped nozzle body 2 extending in the longitudinal direction (the X direction in the above description), an inlet 24 provided in the nozzle body 2, and a discharge portion 29 provided in the nozzle body 2 and having a plurality of discharge ports 290 arranged in the longitudinal direction. The nozzle body 2 includes a plurality of inflow channels 25 that are continuous from the inlet 24 and arranged in the longitudinal direction, a first diffusion portion 26 in which a plurality of inflow openings 261 respectively connected to the plurality of inflow channels 25 are arranged in the longitudinal direction, a plurality of outflow channels 27 arranged in the longitudinal direction and configured to discharge the liquid in the first diffusion portion 26, and a second diffusion portion 28 that is filled with the liquid flowing in from the plurality of outflow channels 27 and is connected to the discharge portion 29. In the longitudinal direction, the connection positions of the plurality of outflow channels 27 with respect to the first diffusion portion 26 are different from the positions of the plurality of inflow openings 261. Thereby, the liquid flowing in from the plurality of inflow openings 261 can be appropriately diffused in the first diffusion portion 26, and the variation in the liquid discharge amount in the longitudinal direction (in the above example, the variation in the liquid discharge amount from the plurality of discharge ports 290) can be reduced.

[0046] Preferably, the longitudinal distance between the connection position of each outflow channel 27 with respect to the first diffusion portion 26 and the inflow opening 261 closest to the connection position is larger than the width of the inflow opening 261 in the longitudinal direction. Thereby, the liquid flowing in from the plurality of inflow openings 261 can be more reliably diffused in the first diffusion portion 26.

[0047] Preferably, the first diffusion part 26 and the second diffusion part 28 are separated in the thickness direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. Further, each of the plurality of outflow channels 27 includes an outflow channel main body 272 that extends in the thickness direction and has one end connected to the second diffusion part 28, and a connection hole part 271 that connects the other end of the outflow channel main body 272 and the first diffusion part 26. Thereby, the flow rate of the liquid flowing through each outflow channel 27 can be appropriately restricted, and it is possible to more reliably suppress an increase in the flow rate of the liquid in some of the outflow channels 27. As a result, the variation in the discharge amount of the liquid in the longitudinal direction can be more reliably reduced.

[0048] Preferably, the nozzle body 2 includes a first nozzle block 21, a second nozzle block 22, and a shim plate 23. Grooves for forming a plurality of inflow channels 25 and the first diffusion part 26 are provided on a side surface 211 of the first nozzle block 21. Grooves for forming the outflow channel main bodies 272 of the plurality of outflow channels 27 and the second diffusion part 28 are provided on a side surface 221 of the second nozzle block 22. The shim plate 23 is disposed between the side surface 211 of the first nozzle block 21 and the side surface 221 of the second nozzle block 22, and connection hole parts 271 of the plurality of outflow channels 27 are provided. Thereby, the coating nozzle 1 can be easily manufactured.

[0049] Preferably, a discharge port 290 of the discharge part 29 is provided at the tip of the nozzle body 2 in the thickness direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. Further, the coating nozzle 1 is disposed on both sides of the nozzle body 2 in the width direction perpendicular to the thickness direction and the longitudinal direction, and further includes a pair of gas nozzles 3 that eject a predetermined gas from the ejection ports 322. The gas ejected from the pair of gas nozzles 3 flows along the outer surface of the part forming the edge of the discharge port 290 and collides with the liquid discharged from the discharge port 290. Thereby, the liquid adhering (staying) at the tip of the nozzle body 2 due to surface tension can be appropriately peeled off, and the spread of the liquid discharged from the discharge port 290 in the width direction can be suppressed. Note that depending on the design of the coating nozzle 1, the gas ejected from the pair of gas nozzles 3 may not collide with the liquid discharged from the discharge port 290.

[0050] Next, the preferable relationship of the area of the flow path at each position of the coating nozzle 1 will be described. First, the area of the liquid outlet in the coating nozzle 1 is preferably smaller than the area of the liquid inlet, that is, the sum of the opening areas of the plurality of discharge ports 290 is preferably smaller than the opening area of the inlet port 24. In the examples of FIGS. 1 and 3, the opening area of each discharge port 290 is a value obtained by multiplying the distance in the Y direction (i.e., the thickness of the shim plate 23) between the side surface 211 of the first nozzle block 21 and the side surface 221 of the second nozzle block 22 by the width in the X direction of the discharge flow path 291. Also, the opening area of the inlet port 24 is the cross-sectional area of the first introduction flow path 241 perpendicular to the Y direction.

[0051] In the coating nozzle 1, since the sum of the opening areas of the plurality of discharge ports 290 is smaller than the opening area of the inlet port 24, the liquid can be appropriately filled into the nozzle body 2 to stabilize the pressure of the liquid, and the variation in the discharge amount of the liquid discharged from the plurality of discharge ports 290 can be more reliably reduced. The ratio of the sum of the opening areas of the plurality of discharge ports 290 to the opening area of the inlet port 24 is, for example, 2 to 10%, preferably 5 to 7%. In the coating nozzle 1, by reducing the thickness of the shim plate 23, the opening area of the discharge port 290 can be easily reduced.

[0052] Also, the area of the region where each discharge flow path 291 is connected to the second diffusion portion 28 is preferably smaller than the cross-sectional area of the second diffusion portion 28 perpendicular to the longitudinal direction at the position where the discharge flow path 291 is connected to the second diffusion portion 28. Thereby, the liquid can be appropriately diffused in the longitudinal direction in the second diffusion portion 28 to stabilize the pressure of the liquid, and the variation in the discharge amount of the liquid discharged from the plurality of discharge ports 290 can be more reliably reduced. In the example of FIG. 3, the area of the region where each discharge flow path 291 is connected to the second diffusion portion 28 is the area of the region where the second diffusion portion 28 and the discharge flow path 291 overlap when viewed along the Y direction, and is a value obtained by multiplying the width in the Z direction of the second diffusion portion 28 by the width in the X direction of the discharge flow path 291.

[0053] Furthermore, it is preferable that the sum of the areas of the regions where the plurality of discharge channels 291 and the second diffusion portion 28 are connected is smaller than the sum of the flow path areas of the connection hole portions 271 in the plurality of outflow channels 27. Thereby, the liquid can be appropriately filled in the second diffusion portion 28, the pressure of the liquid can be stabilized, and the variation in the discharge amount of the liquid discharged from the plurality of discharge ports 290 can be more reliably reduced.

[0054] Note that the sum of the flow path areas of the connection hole portions 271 in the plurality of outflow channels 27 may be larger or smaller than the opening area of the inlet 24. However, in order to appropriately fill the liquid in the first diffusion portion 26 and stabilize the pressure of the liquid on the upstream side from the first diffusion portion 26, it is preferable that the sum of the flow path areas of the connection hole portions 271 is smaller than the opening area of the inlet 24. The above relationship regarding the area of the flow path is satisfied in a preferable form of the coating nozzle 1, and depending on the use of the coating nozzle 1 and the type of the liquid used, etc., the above relationship may not be satisfied.

[0055] FIG. 8 is a view showing a side surface 211 of the first nozzle block 21 in another example of the coating nozzle 1. In the first nozzle block 21 of FIG. 8, a plurality of inflow openings 261 (and a plurality of inflow channels 25) are arranged at regular intervals in the X direction. That is, taking two adjacent inflow openings 261 among the plurality of inflow openings 261 as an inflow opening pair, the distance between the two inflow openings 261 is equal among the plurality of inflow opening pairs. Also, in the X direction, the number of connection hole portions 271 located between the two inflow openings 261 is equal among the plurality of inflow opening pairs. Thus, in the coating nozzle 1 having the first nozzle block 21 of FIG. 8, the variation in the discharge amount of the liquid in the longitudinal direction (X direction) can be further reduced because the number of the outflow channels 27 located between each inflow opening pair is constant. In the example of FIG. 8, furthermore, the longitudinal distance between each connection hole portion 271 and the inflow opening 261 closest to the connection hole portion 271 is constant among the plurality of connection hole portions 271. Thereby, the variation in the discharge amount of the liquid in the longitudinal direction can be further reduced.

[0056] The above coating nozzle 1 can be variously deformed.

[0057] In the above embodiment, the first diffusion part 26 is provided in the first nozzle block 21 and the second diffusion part 28 is provided in the second nozzle block 22. However, for example, as shown in FIG. 9, the first diffusion part 26 and the second diffusion part 28 may be provided in the first nozzle block 21. In the example of FIG. 9, a plurality of outflow channels 27 each extending in the thickness direction (Z direction) are arranged in the longitudinal direction (X direction) between the first diffusion part 26 and the second diffusion part 28. In FIG. 9, a plurality of discharge channels 291 provided in the shim plate 23 are indicated by a two-dot chain line. Also in the coating nozzle 1 having the first nozzle block 21 in FIG. 9, with respect to the longitudinal direction, the connection positions of the plurality of outflow channels 27 with respect to the first diffusion part 26 are different from the positions of the plurality of inflow openings 261, so that it is possible to reduce the variation in the discharge amount of the liquid in the longitudinal direction.

[0058] The nozzle body 2 does not necessarily have to be constituted by the first nozzle block 21, the second nozzle block 22, and the shim plate 23. For example, in the coating nozzle 1 having the first nozzle block 21 in FIG. 9, a groove serving as the discharge channel 291 may be provided on the side surface 211 of the first nozzle block 21 or the side surface 221 of the second nozzle block 22, and the shim plate 23 may be omitted.

[0059] The discharge part 29 may have one discharge port extending in the longitudinal direction. Even in this case, in the coating nozzle 1 where the connection positions of the plurality of outflow channels 27 with respect to the first diffusion part 26 are different from the positions of the plurality of inflow openings 261 with respect to the longitudinal direction, it is possible to reduce the variation in the discharge amount of the liquid in the longitudinal direction.

[0060] The liquid discharged from the coating nozzle 1 is not limited to low-viscosity liquids, and relatively high-viscosity liquids may also be discharged. On the other hand, in the coating nozzle 1, if the connection position of the outflow channel to the first diffusion part with respect to the longitudinal direction is the same as the position of the inflow opening, a low-viscosity liquid with a viscosity of 1 to 200 mPa·s will easily flow out from the outflow channel immediately after flowing into the first diffusion part. That is, low-viscosity liquids are difficult to diffuse in the first diffusion part, and variations in the discharge amount of the liquid in the longitudinal direction are likely to occur significantly. Therefore, it can be said that the coating nozzle 1 is particularly suitable for discharging liquids with a viscosity of 1 to 200 mPa·s, such as liquids containing a large amount of water.

[0061] In the above coating nozzle 1, by providing a pair of gas nozzles 3, it is possible to discharge the liquid in a curtain spray method. However, depending on the design of the coating nozzle 1, only one gas nozzle 3 may be provided. Also, the gas nozzle 3 may be omitted, and the liquid may be discharged by a coater method.

[0062] Depending on the type of liquid to be discharged, a heater may be provided in the coating nozzle 1. Furthermore, a heater may be provided in the gas supply line 67. For example, in the first nozzle block 21 of FIG. 1, a hole extending in the longitudinal direction (X direction) is formed between the side surface 211 and the inclined surface 213, and a rod-shaped heater is provided in the hole. Of course, instead of the heater in the first nozzle block 21, or together with the heater in the first nozzle block 21, a heater may be provided in the second nozzle block 22.

[0063] The object 9 to which the liquid is applied by the coating nozzle 1 may be various members other than the sheet member.

[0064] The configurations in the above embodiments and each modification may be appropriately combined as long as they do not conflict with each other.

Explanation of Signs

[0065] 1 Coating nozzle 2 Nozzle body 3 Gas nozzle 21 First nozzle block 22 Second nozzle block 23 Shim plate 24 Inlet 25 Inflow channel 26 First diffuser 27 Outflow channel 28 Second diffuser 29 Discharge part 211, 221 Side surface (of nozzle block) 213, 223 Inclined surface (of nozzle block) 261 Inflow opening 271 Connecting hole part 272 Outflow channel body 290 Discharge port 291 Discharge channel 322 Jet outlet

Claims

1. A coating nozzle, comprising: a block-shaped nozzle body extending in the longitudinal direction; an inlet provided in the nozzle body for introducing a liquid supplied from the outside into the inside of the nozzle body; a discharge part provided in the nozzle body and having a plurality of discharge ports arranged in the longitudinal direction; wherein the nozzle body includes a plurality of inflow channels that are continuous from the inlet and arranged in the longitudinal direction; a first diffusion part which is a space extending in the longitudinal direction, and in which a plurality of inflow openings respectively connected to the plurality of inflow channels are arranged in the longitudinal direction, and which is filled with the liquid; a plurality of outflow channels that are arranged in the longitudinal direction, connected to the first diffusion part, and for discharging the liquid in the first diffusion part; a second diffusion part which is a space extending in the longitudinal direction, to which the plurality of outflow channels are connected, and which is filled with the liquid flowing in from the plurality of outflow channels and is connected to the discharge part; wherein in the longitudinal direction, the connection positions of the plurality of outflow channels with respect to the first diffusion part are different from the positions of the plurality of inflow openings; in the thickness direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, the first diffusion part and the second diffusion part are separated from each other; each of the plurality of outflow channels includes an outflow channel body extending in the thickness direction and having one end connected to the second diffusion part; a connecting hole part connecting the other end of the outflow channel body and the first diffusion part; wherein the nozzle body further includes a first nozzle block extending in the longitudinal direction and having grooves formed on the side surface for forming the plurality of inflow channels and the first diffusion part; a second nozzle block extending in the longitudinal direction and having grooves formed on the side surface for forming the outflow channel bodies of the plurality of outflow channels and the second diffusion part; a shim plate disposed between the side surface of the first nozzle block and the side surface of the second nozzle block and provided with the connecting hole parts of the plurality of outflow channels; wherein the discharge part has a plurality of discharge channels extending in the thickness direction from the plurality of discharge ports arranged in the longitudinal direction; the plurality of discharge channels are connected to the second diffusion part; and a coating nozzle, wherein the sum of the areas of the regions where the plurality of discharge channels are connected to the second diffusion part is smaller than the sum of the flow path areas of the connecting hole parts in the plurality of outflow channels.

2. The coating nozzle according to claim 1, wherein A coating nozzle, characterized in that a distance in the longitudinal direction between a connection position of each outflow channel to the first diffusion part and an inflow opening closest to the connection position is larger than a width of the inflow opening in the longitudinal direction.

3. The coating nozzle according to claim 1 or 2, wherein an area of a region where each discharge channel is connected to the second diffusion part is smaller than a cross-sectional area of the second diffusion part perpendicular to the longitudinal direction at a position where each discharge channel is connected to the second diffusion part.

4. The coating nozzle according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that a sum of opening areas of the plurality of discharge ports is smaller than an opening area of the inlet.

5. The coating nozzle according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the plurality of discharge ports of the discharge part are provided at a tip of the nozzle body in the thickness direction, and the coating nozzle further includes a pair of gas nozzles disposed on both sides of the nozzle body in the thickness direction and in a width direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, and configured to eject a predetermined gas from a gas ejection port, wherein the gas ejected from the pair of gas nozzles flows along an outer surface of a part forming an edge of the plurality of discharge ports and collides with the liquid discharged from the plurality of discharge ports.

6. The coating nozzle according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that a viscosity of the liquid is 1 to 200 mPa·s.

7. The coating nozzle according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, taking two adjacent inflow openings among the plurality of inflow openings as an inflow opening pair, a number of outflow channels located between each inflow opening pair is constant.

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