Ink storage device for inkjet printing device and inkjet printing device including same

Abstract

An ink storage device for an inkjet printing device according to one embodiment includes: a housing having an empty space inside; a guide structure configured to guide the flow of ink along one direction by being located in the center of the lower portion of the housing; an ink inlet formed on one side of the guide structure at the lower portion of the housing and an ink injection line connected to the ink inlet; and an ink outlet formed on the other side of the guide structure at the lower portion of the housing and an ink transfer line connected to the ink outlet.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] One embodiment relates to an ink storage device for an inkjet printing device and an inkjet printing device including the same. Background Technology

[0002] The importance of display devices is increasing along with the development of multimedia. In response to this, various types of display devices, such as Organic Light Emitting Displays (OLEDs) and Liquid Crystal Displays (LCDs), are being used.

[0003] A device for displaying images of a display device includes a display panel such as an organic light-emitting display panel or a liquid crystal display panel. Among these, as a light-emitting display panel, it may include a light-emitting element; for example, in the case of a light-emitting diode (LED), there are organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) that use organic materials as fluorescent materials and inorganic light-emitting diodes that use inorganic materials as fluorescent materials.

[0004] Inorganic light-emitting diodes (LEDs) utilizing inorganic semiconductors as fluorescent materials possess durability even in high-temperature environments and have the advantage of higher blue light efficiency compared to organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs). Furthermore, regarding the manufacturing process, which was previously identified as a limitation of conventional LED devices, a transfer method using dielectrophoresis (DEP) has been developed. Consequently, research on inorganic LEDs, which offer superior durability and efficiency compared to OLEDs, is continuing. The problem to be solved

[0005] The problem that one embodiment aims to solve is to provide an ink storage device for an inkjet printing device with enhanced ink stirring performance.

[0006] Another problem that one embodiment aims to solve is to provide an inkjet printing device including an ink storage device for an inkjet printing device with enhanced ink stirring performance.

[0007] The problems of one embodiment are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned technical problems will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below. means of solving the problem

[0008] An ink storage device for an inkjet printing device according to one embodiment for solving the above problem includes: a housing having an empty space inside; a guide structure located at the center of the lower part of the housing and configured to induce the flow of ink along one direction; an ink inlet formed at the lower part of the housing on one side of the guide structure and an ink injection line connected to the ink inlet; and an ink outlet formed at the lower part of the housing on the other side of the guide structure and an ink transfer line connected to the ink outlet.

[0009] An inkjet printing device according to one embodiment for solving the above problem comprises: a housing having an empty space inside; a guide structure configured to guide the flow of ink by being located at the center of the lower part of the housing; an ink inlet formed at the lower part of the housing+A1 on one side of the guide structure and an ink inlet line connected to the ink inlet; an ink outlet formed at the lower part of the housing on the other side of the guide structure and an ink transfer line connected to the ink outlet; an ink storage device for an inkjet printing device comprising: an ink transfer line connected to the ink transfer line of the ink storage device and spraying the ink through an ink nozzle.

[0010] Specific details of other embodiments are included in the detailed description and drawings. Effects of the invention

[0011] According to an ink storage device for an inkjet printing device and an inkjet printing device including the same according to one embodiment, ink stirring performance can be enhanced.

[0012] The effects according to the embodiments are not limited to those exemplified above, and a wider variety of effects are included in this specification. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0013] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an ink storage device for an inkjet printing device according to one embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an ink storage device for an inkjet printing device according to another embodiment. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an ink storage device for an inkjet printing device according to another embodiment. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an ink storage device for an inkjet printing device according to another embodiment. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an ink storage device for an inkjet printing device according to another embodiment. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an ink storage device for an inkjet printing device according to another embodiment. FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an ink storage device for an inkjet printing device according to another embodiment. FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an ink storage device for an inkjet printing device according to another embodiment. FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an inkjet printing device including an ink storage device for an inkjet printing device according to one embodiment. FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an inkjet printing device including an ink storage device for an inkjet printing device according to another embodiment. FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an inkjet printing device including an ink storage device for an inkjet printing device according to another embodiment. FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an inkjet printing device including an ink storage device for an inkjet printing device according to another embodiment. FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an inkjet printing device including an ink storage device for an inkjet printing device according to another embodiment. FIG. 14 is a perspective view of an inkjet printing device including an ink storage device for an inkjet printing device according to another embodiment. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0014] The advantages and features of an embodiment and the methods for achieving them will become clear by referring to the embodiments described below in detail together with the accompanying drawings. However, an embodiment is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below but may be implemented in various different forms; these embodiments are provided merely to ensure that the disclosure of an embodiment is complete and to fully inform those skilled in the art of the scope of the invention, and an embodiment is defined only by the scope of the claims.

[0015] Elements or layers referred to as "on" another element or layer include cases where another layer or element is interposed directly above or in the middle of another element. Likewise, "below," "left," and "right" refer to cases where they are interposed immediately adjacent to another element or where another layer or material is interposed in the middle. Throughout the specification, the same reference numerals refer to the same components.

[0016] Although terms such as "first," "second," etc., are used to describe various components, it goes without saying that these components are not limited by these terms. These terms are used merely to distinguish one component from another. Therefore, it goes without saying that the first component mentioned below may be the second component within the technical scope of one embodiment.

[0017] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the attached drawings.

[0018] In order to transfer an inorganic light-emitting diode element using dielectrophoresis or to form an organic layer included in a display device, an inkjet printing device may be used.

[0019] After printing any ink or solution using an inkjet, a post-processing step may be performed to transfer the inorganic light-emitting diode element or form an organic layer.

[0020] An inkjet printing device can supply a predetermined ink or solution to an inkjet head, and the inkjet head can perform a process of spraying the said ink or solution onto a predetermined substrate.

[0021] Below, the ink storage device (100) of the inkjet printing device will be described first.

[0022] The external shape of an ink storage device (100) according to one embodiment is defined by a housing (101). The housing (101) has a cavity formed inside and stores ink (300) in the cavity. The housing (100) may also be referred to as an ink storage container.

[0023] The housing (101) may be made of a transparent or translucent material so that the internal state can be observed. In this case, if necessary, a scale (not shown) may be provided so that the amount of ink can be specifically known.

[0024] A housing (101) according to one embodiment stores ink (300) to be transferred to an inkjet head (200). The housing (101) may be provided in a cylindrical shape. As shown in FIG. 1, the cylindrical shape may be an approximate cylinder shape. The approximate cylinder shape means that the upper and lower portions have a hemispherical shape in the perspective view, and the central portion has a cylindrical shape. In other words, it means that the upper and lower portions have a semicircular shape in cross-section, and the central portion has a rectangular or square shape.

[0025] The housing (101) according to the present embodiment has a hemispherical shape at the bottom end in the perspective view and a semicircular shape at the bottom end in the cross-sectional view, thereby minimizing the flow stagnation section of the ink (300). The ink (300) consists of solid particles dispersed in a solvent. After the ink (300) is ejected onto a target substrate through the nozzle (210) of the inkjet head (200), the solvent is vaporized through a heating device, and the solid particles can form the inorganic light-emitting diode device described above. If the flow stagnation section of the ink (300) described above exists, sedimentation of the solid particles within the ink (300) may occur in the flow stagnation section. The existing flow stagnation section may be, for example, an area far from the ink inlet (110) and the ink outlet (130a), or an edge area of ​​the housing (101). The deposition of the above solid particles can cause density non-uniformity of the ink (300), which may reduce the reliability of the inorganic light-emitting diode device.

[0026] However, the housing (101) according to the present embodiment has a lower portion having a hemispherical shape in the perspective view and a lower portion having a semicircular shape in the cross-sectional view, thereby having a structure that minimizes the flow stagnation section of the ink (300), and thus has the advantage of preventing the deterioration of the reliability of the inorganic light-emitting diode device due to density non-uniformity of the generated ink (300) in advance.

[0027] An ink storage device (100) of one embodiment is equipped with an ink injection line (111) and an ink injection port (110).

[0028] An ink injection line (111) and an ink injection port (110) that receive ink (300) from an ink source (not shown) are formed on the lower part of the housing (101). The ink injection line (111) and the ink injection port (110) may be located on one side of the guide structure (400) described later, even at the lower part of the housing (101). The said one side may refer to the left side of the first direction (DR1) in the drawing.

[0029] An ink storage device (100) of one embodiment is provided with an ink outlet (130a) and an ink transfer line (131) for transferring ink (300) to an inkjet head (200) to spray ink. The inkjet head (200) receives ink (300) from the ink storage device (100) through the ink transfer line (131) and sprays the ink (300) through the ink spray port (210). The inkjet head (200) can spray ink (300) after being moved to a required position via an inkjet head transfer means (not shown).

[0030] The ink outlet (130a) and the ink transfer line (131) are formed on the lower part of the housing (101). The ink outlet (130a) and the ink transfer line (131) may be located on the other side of the guide structure (400) described later, even at the lower part of the housing (101). The other side may refer to the right side of the first direction (DR1) in the drawing.

[0031] That is, the ink outlet (130a) and the ink transfer line (131) on the cross-section can be spaced apart from each other with the guide structure (400) in between.

[0032] Although not illustrated, the ink injection port (110) and the ink injection line (111) may be provided in multiple numbers, and the ink outlet port (130a) and the ink transfer line (131) may be provided in multiple numbers.

[0033] An ink storage device (100) according to one embodiment may further include a guide structure (400) configured to be located in the center of the lower part of the housing (101) and to guide the flow of ink (300) along one direction.

[0034] A guide structure (400) can be positioned between the ink outlet (130a) and the ink transfer line (131). By positioning the guide structure (400) between the ink outlet (130a) and the ink transfer line (131), the ink (300) injected from the ink injector (110) can be guided to have a constant flow.

[0035] For example, when the ink (300) is injected from the ink inlet (110), it may have a predetermined injection pressure. The injection pressure may be greater than a predetermined size so that the ink (300) can be easily injected from the ink inlet (110) into the housing (101). The ink (300) having an injection pressure greater than the predetermined size may have a flow momentum corresponding to the injection pressure greater than the predetermined size. The ink (300) having the flow momentum may flow to the ink outlet (130a) on the other side through the guide structure (400). A flow direction (the aforementioned one direction) of the ink (300) from the ink inlet (110) to the ink outlet (130a) may be formed through the guide structure (400).

[0036] According to one embodiment, the guide structure (400) may be disposed inside the housing (101). The guide structure (400) may be fixed in close contact with the lower end of the housing (101). In cross-section, the guide structure (400) extends in the vertical direction, and the upper end of the guide structure (400) may have a curved shape in cross-section.

[0037] According to the present embodiment, the guide structure (400) is extended in the vertical direction and has a curved shape in cross-section, so that the ink (300) can easily flow along the flow direction of the ink (300) (the above one direction) from the ink inlet (110) to the ink outlet (130a).

[0038] The ink injection line (111) in contact with the ink injection port (110) and the ink transfer line (131) in contact with the ink outlet (130a) can each be extended in the vertical direction.

[0039] Other embodiments are described below. In the following embodiments, components identical to those already described are referred to by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions are omitted or simplified.

[0040] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an ink storage device for an inkjet printing device according to another embodiment.

[0041] Referring to FIG. 2, the housing (101_1) of the ink storage device (100_1) according to the present embodiment may have a spherical shape in the perspective view and a circular shape in the cross-sectional view.

[0042] To explain more specifically, the housing (101_1) of the ink storage device (100_1) according to the present embodiment may have a spherical shape in the perspective view and a circular shape in the cross-sectional view.

[0043] The housing (101_1) according to the present embodiment has a spherical shape in the perspective view and a circular shape in the cross-sectional view, thereby minimizing the flow stagnation section of the ink (300). The ink (300) consists of solid particles dispersed in a solvent. After the ink (300) is ejected onto a target substrate through the nozzle (210) of the inkjet head (200), the solvent is vaporized through a heating device, and the solid particles can form the inorganic light-emitting diode device described above. If the flow stagnation section of the ink (300) described above exists, sedimentation of the solid particles within the ink (300) may occur in the flow stagnation section. The existing flow stagnation section may be, for example, an area far from the ink inlet (110) and the ink outlet (130a), or an edge area of ​​the housing. The deposition of the above solid particles can cause density non-uniformity of the ink (300), which may reduce the reliability of the inorganic light-emitting diode device.

[0044] However, the housing (101_1) according to the present embodiment has a spherical shape in the perspective view and a circular shape in the cross-sectional view, thereby having a structure that minimizes the flow stagnation section of the ink (300), and thus has the advantage of preventing the deterioration of the reliability of the inorganic light-emitting diode device due to density non-uniformity of the generated ink (300).

[0045] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an ink storage device for an inkjet printing device according to another embodiment.

[0046] Referring to FIG. 3, the cross-sectional shape of the housing (101_2) of the ink storage device (100_2) according to the present embodiment may have a rectangular shape, which is different from the ink storage device (100) according to FIG. 1.

[0047] The housing (101_2) according to the present embodiment has a rectangular shape in cross-sectional view, and as described above, a flow stagnation section may be formed in the edge area where the side end and the bottom end meet. However, when the ink is injected from the ink injection port (110), the injection pressure can be increased to a certain size or higher to prevent the formation of the flow stagnation section in the edge area.

[0048] In the case of this embodiment as well, the guide structure (400) is extended in the vertical direction and has a curved shape in cross-section, so that the ink (300) can easily flow along the flow direction of the ink (300) (the above one direction) from the ink inlet (110) to the ink outlet (130a).

[0049] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an ink storage device for an inkjet printing device according to another embodiment.

[0050] Referring to FIG. 4, in the ink storage device (100_3) according to the present embodiment, the ink injection line (111) in contact with the ink injection port (110) and the ink transfer line (131) in contact with the ink outlet (130a) may each be extended in a direction inclined with respect to the up and down direction. For example, the ink injection line (111) in contact with the ink injection port (110) may be extended in a direction between the right side of the first direction (DR1) and the upper side of the second direction (DR2), and the ink transfer line (131) in contact with the ink outlet (130a) may be extended in a direction between the left side of the first direction (DR1) and the upper side of the second direction (DR2). The angle (α) between the extension direction of the ink injection line (111) in contact with the ink injection port (110) and the extension direction of the first direction (DR1) may be the same as the angle (β) between the extension direction of the ink transfer line (131) in contact with the ink outlet (130a) and the extension direction of the first direction (DR1), but is not limited thereto.

[0051] The direction in which the ink injection line (111) in contact with the ink injection port (110) and the ink transfer line (131) in contact with the ink outlet (130a) are tilted relative to the up-and-down direction may be the same as the direction of flow of the ink (300).

[0052] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an ink storage device for an inkjet printing device according to another embodiment.

[0053] Referring to FIG. 5, the housing (101_3) may include a first housing part (101a) located on one side of the guide structure, a second housing part (101b) located on the other side of the guide structure, and a third housing part (101c) connecting the first housing part (101a) and the second housing part (101b). The guide structure may be located in the spaced-out space between the first housing part (101a) and the second housing part (101b). That is, the guide structure (SP) may be the spaced-out space between the first housing part (101a) and the second housing part (101b).

[0054] The ink injection port (110) and the ink injection line (111) may be provided in multiple numbers, and the ink outlet port (130a) and the ink transfer line (131) may be provided in multiple numbers.

[0055] In the case of this embodiment as well, the guide structure (SP) is extended in the vertical direction and the upper part has a curved shape in cross-section, so that the ink (300) can easily flow along the flow direction of the ink (300) (the above one direction) from the ink inlet (110) to the ink outlet (130a).

[0056] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an ink storage device for an inkjet printing device according to another embodiment.

[0057] Referring to FIG. 6, the ink storage device (100_5) according to the present embodiment is different from the ink storage device (100_5) according to FIG. 1 in that an ink filter device (112) is further formed in the ink injection line (111) of the ink storage device (100_5) to supply more purified ink (300) to the housing (101).

[0058] For the ink filtration device (112), a filter commonly used can be used without limitation.

[0059] Other details are described in detail in Fig. 1, so further redundant explanations will be omitted below.

[0060] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an ink storage device for an inkjet printing device according to another embodiment.

[0061] Referring to FIG. 7, the ink storage device (100_6) according to the present embodiment is different from the ink storage device (100) according to FIG. 1 in that it further includes a purge gas inlet (140) and a purge line (141) connected to the purge gas inlet (140) on the side of the housing (101).

[0062] The purge line (141) can open the ink nozzle (210) by introducing a purge gas into the housing (101) when the ink nozzle (210) in the inkjet head (200) is clogged, thereby increasing the pressure inside the housing (101). Air or an inert gas can be used as the purge gas without limitation.

[0063] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an ink storage device for an inkjet printing device according to another embodiment.

[0064] Referring to FIG. 8, the ink storage device (100_7) according to the present embodiment is different from the ink storage device (100) according to FIG. 1 in that it further includes an ink return line (132) for transferring excess ink (300) back into the housing (101) when an excess amount of ink (300) is transferred to the inkjet head (200).

[0065] The ink (300) being returned through the ink return line (132) can be returned to the housing (101) through the ink return port (130b) formed on the side of the housing (101).

[0066] Hereinafter, an inkjet printing device including an ink storage device is described.

[0067] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an inkjet printing device including an ink storage device for an inkjet printing device according to one embodiment.

[0068] Referring to FIG. 9, the inkjet printing device of the present invention comprises an ink source (500), an ink storage device (100), and an inkjet head (200).

[0069] The ink source (500) can be connected to the ink injection line (111) of the ink storage device (100) to supply ink (300) to the ink storage device (100). In this case, a pump (410) may be further provided in the ink injection line (111) to supply ink (300) to the ink storage device (100).

[0070] The inkjet head (200) can receive ink from the ink storage device (100) through the ink transfer line (131) and spray ink (300) through the ink nozzle (210). The inkjet head (200) can spray ink (300) after being moved to a required position via an inkjet head transfer means (not shown).

[0071] The description of the ink storage device (100) is as described in detail in FIG. 1, so a redundant description below will be omitted.

[0072] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an inkjet printing device including an ink storage device for an inkjet printing device according to another embodiment.

[0073] Referring to FIG. 10, the inkjet printing device according to the present embodiment differs from the inkjet printing device according to FIG. 9 in that it includes an ink storage device (100_3). The ink storage device (100_3) is described in detail in FIG. 4, so a redundant description thereof will be omitted below.

[0074] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an inkjet printing device including an ink storage device for an inkjet printing device according to another embodiment.

[0075] Referring to FIG. 11, the inkjet printing device according to the present embodiment differs from the inkjet printing device according to FIG. 9 in that it includes an ink storage device (100_4). The ink storage device (100_4) is described in detail in FIG. 5, so a redundant description thereof will be omitted below.

[0076] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an inkjet printing device including an ink storage device for an inkjet printing device according to another embodiment.

[0077] Referring to FIG. 12, the inkjet printing device according to the present embodiment differs from the inkjet printing device according to FIG. 9 in that it includes an ink storage device (100_5). The ink storage device (100_5) is described in detail in FIG. 6, so a redundant description thereof will be omitted below.

[0078] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an inkjet printing device including an ink storage device for an inkjet printing device according to another embodiment.

[0079] Referring to FIG. 13, the inkjet printing device according to the present embodiment differs from the inkjet printing device according to FIG. 9 in that it includes an ink storage device (100_6). The ink storage device (100_6) is described in detail in FIG. 7, so a redundant description thereof will be omitted below.

[0080] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of an inkjet printing device including an ink storage device for an inkjet printing device according to another embodiment.

[0081] Referring to FIG. 14, the inkjet printing device according to the present embodiment differs from the inkjet printing device according to FIG. 9 in that it includes an ink storage device (100_7). The ink storage device (100_7) is described in detail in FIG. 8, so a redundant description thereof will be omitted below.

[0082] Although embodiments of one embodiment have been described above with reference to the attached drawings, those skilled in the art will understand that the embodiment may be implemented in other specific forms without changing the technical concept or essential features thereof. Therefore, the embodiments described above should be understood as illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. Explanation of the symbols

[0083] 100: Ink storage device 101: Housing 110: Ink injection port 111: Ink injection line 130a: Ink outlet 131: Ink transfer line

Claims

Claim 1 An ink storage device for an inkjet printing device comprising: a housing having an internal empty space; a guide structure located at the center of the lower portion of the housing and configured to induce the flow of ink along one direction; an ink inlet formed at the lower portion of the housing on one side of the guide structure and an ink injection line connected to the ink inlet; and an ink outlet formed at the lower portion of the housing on the other side of the guide structure and an ink transfer line connected to the ink outlet, wherein the guide structure extends in an upward and downward direction and has an upper portion having a curved cross-sectional shape to facilitate the flow of ink from the ink inlet to the ink outlet. Claim 2 In claim 1, the housing is an ink storage device provided in a cylinder shape. Claim 3 In claim 2, the lower portion of the housing is an ink storage device having a curved shape. Claim 4 In claim 1, the guide structure is an ink storage device disposed inside the housing. Claim 5 In claim 4, the guide structure is an ink storage device that is tightly fixed to the lower part of the housing. Claim 6 delete Claim 7 delete Claim 8 In claim 1, the housing comprises a first housing portion located on one side of the guide structure, a second housing portion located on the other side of the guide structure, and a third housing portion connecting the first housing portion and the second housing portion, and the guide structure is an ink storage device located in a spaced-apart space between the first housing portion and the second housing portion. Claim 9 In claim 1, the ink injection line in contact with the ink injection port and the ink transfer line in contact with the ink outlet are each ink storage devices extended in the vertical direction. Claim 10 In claim 1, the ink injection line in contact with the ink injection port and the ink transfer line in contact with the ink outlet are each an ink storage device extended in a direction inclined with respect to the up-and-down direction. Claim 11 In claim 10, the ink injection line contacting the ink injection port and the ink transfer line contacting the ink outlet are inclined in the same direction as the one direction which is the direction of ink flow in the ink storage device. Claim 12 In claim 1, the ink storage device is provided with a plurality of ink injection ports and ink injection lines. Claim 13 In claim 1, the ink storage device is provided with a plurality of ink outlets and ink transfer lines. Claim 14 An ink storage device for an inkjet printing device comprising: a housing having an internal empty space; a guide structure located at the center of the lower portion of the housing and configured to induce the flow of ink; an ink inlet formed at the lower portion of the housing on one side of the guide structure and an ink inlet line connected to the ink inlet; and an ink outlet formed at the lower portion of the housing on the other side of the guide structure and an ink transfer line connected to the ink outlet; and an inkjet head connected to the ink transfer line of the ink storage device to spray the ink through an ink nozzle, wherein the guide structure extends in an upward and downward direction and has an upper portion having a curved cross-sectional shape to facilitate the flow of ink from the ink inlet to the ink outlet. Claim 15 In claim 14, the housing is an ink storage device provided in a cylinder shape. Claim 16 In claim 15, the lower portion of the housing is an ink storage device having a curved shape. Claim 17 In claim 14, the guide structure is an ink storage device disposed inside the housing. Claim 18 In claim 17, the guide structure is an ink storage device that is tightly fixed to the lower part of the housing. Claim 19 delete Claim 20 delete

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