Complex wavelength UV LED conveyor system

Abstract

The present invention provides an ink curing conveyor comprising a detachable structure for LED modules using UV-LEDs (ultra-violet light emitting diodes) that generate ultraviolet rays of different wavelengths, a lifting structure for a lifting body of said LED modules, a conveyor equipped with said lifting body, and a controller installed to be dockable to said conveyor. The wavelengths of the ultraviolet rays irradiated by said LED modules are different from each other. The detachable structure of said LED modules includes a banana plug and a banana socket.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an ink curing conveyor comprising a detachable structure for LED modules using UV-LEDs (ultra-violet light emitting diodes) that generate ultraviolet rays of different wavelengths, a lifting structure for a lifting body of said LED modules, a conveyor having said lifting body, and a controller installed to be dockable to said conveyor. Background Technology

[0002] Conventional ink curing testers were limited to equipping the UV curing unit, installed on the conveyor, with only a single-wavelength UV LED. Consequently, using a curing unit of a different wavelength required the inconvenience of replacing the unit itself.

[0003] Furthermore, since conventional curing devices were structured to be equipped only with single-wavelength UV LEDs, they could not irradiate ultraviolet rays of different wavelengths simultaneously. Consequently, it was impossible to test the simultaneous use of various wavelengths of ultraviolet rays that could be combined to shorten process time.

[0004] In addition, special care was required when handling related parts when replacing damaged LED modules, and training for such maintenance work was required.

[0005] Meanwhile, conventional ink curing testers had the inconvenience of requiring bolts to be loosened and tightened every time to adjust the distance of the LED module to the subject. Additionally, since this method of adjusting the height of the LED module occupied space inside the conveyor, the controller for managing the LED module had to be placed in a separate space. The problem to be solved

[0006] The present invention was devised to solve the aforementioned problems and aims to provide an ink curing conveyor capable of simultaneously using ultraviolet rays of various wavelengths, thereby enabling testing of the optimal ultraviolet wavelength combination for shortening process time.

[0007] In addition, the present invention aims to provide an ink curing conveyor that allows for easy attachment and detachment of LED modules without the need for special care or particular difficulty, even for untrained users.

[0008] In addition, the present invention aims to provide an ink curing conveyor that can easily adjust the distance of an LED module to a subject.

[0009] In addition, the present invention aims to provide an ink curing conveyor in which a controller can be docked and embedded within the internal space of the conveyor by placing a height adjustment structure of an LED module on the upper part of the conveyor.

[0010] The technical problems of the present invention are not limited to the matters explicitly described above, but include all inherent technical problems that can be inferred from the means for solving these problems and presumed from the effects obtainable by solving the problems. means of solving the problem

[0011] To solve the above-mentioned problem, the ink curing conveyor of the present invention includes a conveyor capable of movably mounting a subject.

[0012] A curing device that irradiates ultraviolet rays toward the subject is installed on the upper part of the above conveyor.

[0013] At the bottom of the above-mentioned curing device, a plurality of ultraviolet modules are detachably installed so as to be aligned in a first direction intersecting the direction of irradiation of the ultraviolet rays.

[0014] Each of the above-mentioned ultraviolet modules has an LED module built in.

[0015] The above-mentioned UV module and curing device are each provided with an interconnected power connection structure.

[0016] The above-mentioned UV module and curing device are each provided with a fastening structure for connecting them to each other.

[0017] The above fastening structure is provided independently of the above power connection structure.

[0018] The above curing device is connected to a controller that controls the operation of the above LED module.

[0019] A lifting device for adjusting the height of the curing device relative to the conveyor is disposed on the upper part of the above conveyor.

[0020] The lifting device comprises a fixed part fixed to the frame of the conveyor, a lifting part installed to be vertically movable on the fixed part, and a control part for adjusting the height of the lifting part.

[0021] The above adjustment part is installed in the above fixed part.

[0022] The above adjustment unit comprises a ball screw extended in the vertical direction, a handle installed on the upper end of the ball screw to rotate the ball screw, and a rocker installed on the upper end of the ball screw to prevent rotation of the ball screw.

[0023] In the lifting section above, a block is provided that engages with the ball screw to move up and down in conjunction with the rotation of the ball screw.

[0024] A case housing the curing device is fixed to the above conveyor to limit the irradiation space of the ultraviolet rays irradiated from the curing device.

[0025] The handle and rocker of the above adjustment part are exposed at the top of the case.

[0026] The above conveyor has a receiving portion in which the controller is dockable.

[0027] The first wavelength of ultraviolet light irradiated from an LED module embedded in at least one of the plurality of ultraviolet modules is different from the second wavelength of ultraviolet light irradiated from an LED module embedded in another ultraviolet module.

[0028] The first and second wavelengths of the above ultraviolet light may be different wavelengths selected from 255 nm, 275 nm, 340 nm, 365 nm, 375 nm, 385 nm, and 395 nm.

[0029] The power connection structure comprises a pair of banana plugs extending downward from the bottom of the curing device and a pair of banana sockets provided in the ultraviolet module for inserting each of the banana plugs.

[0030] A removal groove is provided at the upper end of the second direction end of the ultraviolet module, which intersects both the first direction and the irradiation direction.

[0031] An alignment projection is provided on one side of the first direction of each of the above-mentioned ultraviolet modules.

[0032] On the other side of the ultraviolet module in the first direction opposite to the alignment protrusion, an alignment groove having a shape complementary to the alignment protrusion is provided.

[0033] The above fastening structure includes a first fastening hole provided in the alignment projection at one end of the first direction of the ultraviolet module, and a second fastening hole provided at a position away from the alignment groove at the other end of the first direction.

[0034] Accordingly, the fastening structure includes a third fastening hole and a fourth fastening hole, respectively provided at the bottom of the curing device to correspond to the positions of the first fastening hole and the second fastening hole. Effects of the invention

[0035] According to the present invention, by providing compatibility that allows for the installation of LED modules emitting ultraviolet rays of different wavelengths, various wavelengths of ultraviolet rays can be used simultaneously to find the optimal combination of ultraviolet wavelengths for reducing process time. Furthermore, there is no inconvenience of having to replace the LED module every time an irradiation test of different wavelengths of ultraviolet rays is performed.

[0036] According to the present invention, even an untrained, unskilled user can attach and detach the LED module without any particular difficulty, and when attaching or detaching, the power connection and disconnection of the LED module are reliably performed.

[0037] According to the present invention, the distance of the LED module to the subject can be easily adjusted and finely adjusted without any particular difficulty.

[0038] According to the present invention, by placing the height adjustment structure of the LED module on the upper part of an easily accessible conveyor, the height adjustment of the LED module is convenient, and a controller can be docked and embedded in the internal space of the conveyor secured by this.

[0039] In addition to the effects described above, the specific effects of the present invention are described together with the specific details for implementing the invention below. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0040] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the ink curing conveyor of the embodiment. Figure 2 is a perspective view of the controller removed from the receiving portion of the conveyor of Figure 1. Figure 3 is a perspective view of the curing machine case with the door open. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of FIG. 3 with the controller and case omitted. FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the lifting device and lifting section of the curing machine of FIG. 4. FIGS. 6 and FIGS. 7 are side views showing the lifting section being lifted by the lifting device of FIG. 5. Figures 8 and 9 are upper and lower perspective views of the lifting section of the curing machine, respectively. Figure 10 shows the state in which one LED module has been removed from the elevator body of Figure 9. Fig. 11 is an exploded view of the LED module of Fig. 10. FIG. 12 is a side cross-sectional view showing the banana socket portion of the LED module of FIG. 10. FIG. 13 is a side cross-sectional view showing the combined state of the banana socket portion of the LED module of FIG. 10 and the banana plug of the lifting body. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0041] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0042] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, but can be modified and implemented in various different forms. The embodiments provided are merely intended to ensure that the disclosure of the present invention is complete and to fully inform those skilled in the art of the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the present invention should be understood not to be limited to the embodiments disclosed below, but to include all modifications, equivalents, and substitutions that fall within the technical spirit and scope of the present invention, as well as substituting or adding the configuration of one embodiment with the configuration of another embodiment.

[0043] The attached drawings are intended only to facilitate understanding of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, and the technical concept disclosed in this specification is not limited by the attached drawings; rather, it should be understood that they include all modifications, equivalents, and substitutions that fall within the spirit and technical scope of the invention. In the drawings, components may be depicted as being exaggeratedly large or small in size or thickness for the sake of convenience of understanding, but the scope of protection of the invention should not be interpreted restrictively as a result thereof.

[0044] The terms used in this specification are used merely to describe specific embodiments or examples and are not intended to limit the invention. Furthermore, singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Terms such as "includes" or "consists of" in this specification are intended to indicate the existence of the features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in this specification. That is, terms such as "includes" or "consists of" in this specification should be understood as not precluding the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0045] Terms including ordinal numbers, such as first, second, etc., may be used to describe various components, but said components are not limited by said terms. These terms are used solely for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another.

[0046] When it is stated that one component is "connected" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that while it may be directly connected or connected to that other component, there may also be other components in between. On the other hand, when it is stated that one component is "directly connected" or "directly connected" to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components in between.

[0047] When it is stated that one component is "above" or "below" another component, it should be understood that it is not only placed directly above the other component, but that another component may also exist in between.

[0048] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as generally understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains. Terms such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant technology, and should not be interpreted in an ideal or overly formal sense unless explicitly defined in this application.

[0049] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4, the ink curing conveyor of the embodiment includes a conveyor (10) capable of mounting a subject to be irradiated so as to be movable in a first direction (D1). A curing device (30) that irradiates ultraviolet rays toward the subject to be irradiated is installed on the upper part of the conveyor (10). The direction of the irradiation of the ultraviolet rays is downward. That is, the curing device (30) irradiates ultraviolet rays downward.

[0050] A case (40) housing the curing device (30) is fixed to the conveyor (10) to limit the irradiation space of the ultraviolet rays irradiated from the curing device (30). A door (41) is installed at the front of the case (40) so that a user can access the curing device (30) from the front of the conveyor (10).

[0051] The above curing device (30) is connected to a controller (20) that controls the operation of the LED module (74). The conveyor (10) is provided with a receiving portion (12) in which the controller (20) can be docked. Accordingly, the controller (20) can be installed without the hassle of providing a separate space for placing the controller (20).

[0052] A lifting device (50) for adjusting the height of the curing device (30) relative to the conveyor (10) is disposed on the upper part of the conveyor (10).

[0053] Referring to FIGS. 5 to 7, the lifting device (50) comprises a fixed part (51) fixed to the frame of the conveyor (10), a lifting part (60) installed to be movable on the fixed part (51), and a control part (52, 53, 54) for adjusting the height of the lifting part (60).

[0054] The above adjustment parts (52, 53, 54) are installed on the above fixing part (51).

[0055] The above adjustment unit (52, 53, 54) comprises a ball screw (54) extended in the vertical direction, a handle (53) installed on the upper end of the ball screw to rotate the ball screw, and a rocker (52) installed on the upper end of the ball screw to prevent rotation of the ball screw.

[0056] The lifting unit (60) is provided with a block (65) that engages with the ball screw to move up and down in conjunction with the rotation of the ball screw.

[0057] The above curing device (30) is equipped with a lifting body (61) connected to the lifting unit (60). The above ultraviolet module (70) is installed at the bottom of the lifting body (61).

[0058] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3, the handle (53) and the locker (52) of the control unit (52, 53, 54) are exposed at the top of the case (40). Since the curing device (30) irradiates ultraviolet rays downward, there is no risk of ultraviolet rays leaking through the case (40) even if a part of the top is open and the handle (53) and the locker (52) are exposed through it.

[0059] When the user unlocks the locker (52) and turns the handle (53) to one side, the curing device (30) rises, and when the user turns the handle (53) to the other side, the curing device (30) lowers. When the user locks the locker (52), the handle (53) cannot rotate, and accordingly, the height of the curing device (30) is fixed.

[0060] According to an embodiment, by placing the lifting device (50) on the upper part of the conveyor (10), a space can be provided on the conveyor (10) where the controller (20) can be docked.

[0061] Referring to FIGS. 8 to 11, a plurality of ultraviolet modules (70) are aligned side by side in a first direction (D1) and are detachably installed at the bottom of the curing device (30). Each of the plurality of ultraviolet modules (70) has a module body (71) in which an LED module (74) is built.

[0062] An alignment projection (72) is provided on one side of the first direction of the module body (71) of each of the above-mentioned ultraviolet modules (70). On the other side of the first direction of the module body (71) facing the alignment projection (72), an alignment groove (73) having a shape complementary to the alignment projection (72) is provided. Accordingly, the ultraviolet modules (70) can be easily aligned in the first direction, and errors such as connecting the polarity in reverse during the power connection process of the LED module (74) to which DC power is supplied can be prevented. The embodiment exemplifies that the shape of the alignment projection (72) and the alignment groove (73) is an isosceles trapezoid.

[0063] The first wavelength of ultraviolet light irradiated from the LED module (74) embedded in at least one of the plurality of ultraviolet modules (70) is different from the second wavelength of ultraviolet light irradiated from the LED module (74) embedded in another ultraviolet module (70).

[0064] The first and second wavelengths of the above ultraviolet light may be different wavelengths selected from 255 nm, 275 nm, 340 nm, 365 nm, 375 nm, 385 nm, and 395 nm.

[0065] A window (77) is installed on the bottom surface of the above ultraviolet module (70) through which ultraviolet rays emitted from the LED module (74) can pass. The material of the window (77) may be, for example, quartz or monomer PMMA. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the user from accidentally touching the elements or lenses of the LED module (74).

[0066] According to the embodiment, the external dimensions of the ultraviolet module (70) are the same, but the wavelength of the ultraviolet light irradiated from the LED module (74) inside is different. Therefore, ultraviolet modules (70) that generate ultraviolet light of different wavelengths can be installed at any location on the bottom of the curing device (30).

[0067] Referring to FIGS. 10 to 13, the ultraviolet module (70) and the curing device (30) are each provided with a power connection structure that is interconnected.

[0068] The above power connection structure includes a pair of banana plugs (62) extending downward from the bottom of the curing device (30), and a pair of banana sockets (75) provided in the ultraviolet module (70) to insert each of the banana plugs (62).

[0069] The banana plug (62) and banana socket (75) provide a fixed fastening force that restricts relative movement in the longitudinal direction when inserted into each other in the longitudinal direction. Accordingly, it may be easier for the user to fasten the ultraviolet module (70) to the bottom of the curing device (30).

[0070] A space for accommodating the LED module (74) is provided in the lower part of the module body (71) of the above ultraviolet module (70). The banana socket (75) extends downward from the upper part of the module body (71) through the module body (71) and the LED module (74), and is fastened with a nut (76) at the lower part of the LED module (74). Accordingly, the LED module (74) is fixed in close contact with the module body (71), and the opening direction of the fastening hole of the banana socket (75) is aligned so that it faces upward. The module body (71) may be made of a material with high thermal conductivity so as to quickly dissipate heat generated from the LED module (74).

[0071] A removal groove (78) is provided at the upper end of the second direction end of the ultraviolet module (70) that intersects both the first direction and the irradiation direction. The removal groove (78) allows the user to easily remove the ultraviolet module (70) from the lifting body (61) of the curing device (30) despite the temporary fastening force.

[0072] Referring to FIG. 10, the ultraviolet module (70) and the curing device (30) are each provided with a fastening structure for connecting them to each other.

[0073] The above fastening structure is provided independently of the above power connection structure.

[0074] The above fastening structure includes a first fastening hole (721) provided in the alignment projection (72) at one end of the first direction of the module body (71), and a second fastening hole (731) provided at a position away from the alignment groove (73) at the other end of the first direction.

[0075] Accordingly, the fastening structure includes a third fastening hole (63) and a fourth fastening hole (64), respectively provided at the bottom of the curing device (30) to correspond to the positions of the first fastening hole (721) and the second fastening hole (731). In the second direction, the positions of the first fastening hole (721) and the third fastening hole (63) are arranged offset from the positions of the second fastening hole (731) and the fourth fastening hole (64). Therefore, there is no risk that the fastening direction of the ultraviolet module (70) will be aligned in the opposite direction.

[0076] Given the purpose of the embodiments described above, it is obvious that various modifications to these are possible, and it is obvious that a person skilled in the art who understands the above embodiments can easily make such modifications.

[0077] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to the illustrated drawings, the present invention is not limited by the embodiments and drawings disclosed in this specification, and it is obvious that various modifications can be made by a person skilled in the art within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention. Furthermore, even if the effects of the configuration according to the present invention were not explicitly described while describing the embodiments of the present invention above, it is natural to acknowledge that the effects predictable by said configuration should also be recognized. Explanation of the symbols

[0078] 10: Conveyor 12: Reception Department 20: Controller 30: Curing machine 40: Case 41: Door 50: Elevator 51: Fixed part 52: Rocker (adjustment part) 53: Handle (adjustment part) 54: Ball screw (adjustment part) 60: Elevator 61: Lifting body 62: Banana plug 63: Third connecting hole 64: 4th fastening hole 65: Block 70: UV module 71: Module body 72: Alignment protrusion 721: First fastening hole 73: Alignment Home 731: Second fastening hole 74: LED module 75: Banana socket 76: Nut 77: Genesis 78: Removal groove

Claims

Claim 1 A conveyor (10) capable of movably mounting a subject to be irradiated; a curing device (30) installed on the upper part of the conveyor to irradiate ultraviolet rays toward the subject to be irradiated; a plurality of ultraviolet modules (70) aligned in parallel in a first direction intersecting the direction of irradiation of the ultraviolet rays and detachably installed at the bottom of the curing device (30); an LED module (74) embedded in each of the ultraviolet modules (70); and a power connection structure provided in each of the ultraviolet modules (70) and the curing device (30); wherein the power connection structure includes: a pair of banana plugs (62) extending downward from the bottom of the curing device (30); and a pair of banana sockets (75) provided in the ultraviolet modules (70) so that each of the banana plugs (62) is inserted downward, and each of the ultraviolet modules (70) includes: an alignment projection (72) provided on one side of the first direction; An ink curing conveyor having an alignment groove (73) provided on the other side of the first direction to face the alignment projection (72) and having a shape complementary to the alignment projection (72), so as to mount one ultraviolet module (70) on the bottom of the curing device (30), wherein the alignment projection (72) or alignment groove (73) of the one ultraviolet module (70) corresponds to the alignment groove (73) or alignment projection (72) of another ultraviolet module (70) that is already mounted on the curing device (30) and is adjacent to the one ultraviolet module (70) in the first direction, and as the one ultraviolet module (70) is fastened from the bottom of the bottom of the curing device (30) upward, a pair of banana plugs (62) of the curing device (30) are each inserted into a pair of banana sockets (75) of the one ultraviolet module (70) and fastened. Claim 2 An ink curing conveyor according to claim 1, further comprising a lifting device (50) disposed on the upper part of the conveyor (10) and adjusting the height of the curing device (30) relative to the conveyor (10). Claim 3 An ink curing conveyor according to claim 2, wherein the lifting device (50) comprises: a fixed part (51) fixed to the frame of the conveyor (10); a lifting part (60) installed to be vertically movable on the fixed part (51); and a adjusting part (52, 53, 54) installed on the fixed part (51) and adjusting the height of the lifting part (60). Claim 4 An ink curing conveyor according to claim 3, wherein the control unit (52, 53, 54) comprises: a ball screw (54) extended in the vertical direction; a handle (53) installed at the upper end of the ball screw to rotate the ball screw; a rocker (52) installed at the upper end of the ball screw to prevent rotation of the ball screw; and a block (65) provided in the lifting unit (60) and engaged with the ball screw to move up and down in conjunction with the rotation of the ball screw. Claim 5 An ink curing conveyor according to claim 3, further comprising: a case (40) fixed to the conveyor (10) and accommodating the curing device (30) to limit the irradiation space of ultraviolet rays irradiated from the curing device (30); wherein at least a portion of the control unit (52, 53, 54) is exposed to the upper part of the case (40). Claim 6 An ink curing conveyor according to claim 1, comprising a controller (20) connected to the curing device (30) and controlling the operation of the LED module (74). Claim 7 In claim 6, the ink curing conveyor, wherein the conveyor (10) has a receiving portion (12) in which the controller (20) is dockably accommodated. Claim 8 In claim 1, the first wavelength of ultraviolet light irradiated from an LED module (74) embedded in at least one of the plurality of ultraviolet modules (70) is different from the second wavelength of ultraviolet light irradiated from an LED module (74) embedded in another ultraviolet module (70). Claim 9 An ink curing conveyor according to claim 8, wherein the first and second wavelengths of the ultraviolet light are different wavelengths selected from 255 nm, 275 nm, 340 nm, 365 nm, 375 nm, 385 nm, and 395 nm. Claim 10 In claim 1, the ultraviolet module (70) is an ink curing conveyor having a removal groove (78) provided at the upper end of a second direction end that intersects both the first direction and the irradiation direction. Claim 11 An ink curing conveyor according to claim 1, further comprising a fastening structure provided in each of the ultraviolet module (70) and the curing device (30) independently of the power connection structure. Claim 12 An ink curing conveyor according to claim 11, wherein the fastening structure comprises: a first fastening hole (721) provided in the alignment projection (72) at one end of the first direction of the ultraviolet module (70); a second fastening hole (731) provided at a position away from the alignment groove (73) at the other end of the first direction of the ultraviolet module (70); and a third fastening hole (63) and a fourth fastening hole (64) respectively provided at a position corresponding to the first fastening hole (721) and the second fastening hole (731) at the bottom of the curing device (30).

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