Coating device

Abstract

Provided is a coating device capable of accurately applying a coating liquid even when a discharge port is deformed due to the pressure of the coating liquid during coating. Specifically, the coating device is provided with: a coating flow path 34 into which a coating liquid 1 flows and which is formed from a space surrounded by a first coating structure 31, a second coating structure 32, and a spacer 33 interposed between the first coating structure 31 and the second coating structure 32; and a discharge port 35 which is provided to one end of the coating flow path 34, and which discharges the coating liquid 1. The coating flow path 34 includes a manifold 37 and a slit 38. The first coating structure 31 and the second coating structure 32 are fixed to each other with the spacer 33 therebetween in an opposite direction (Z direction) by a first fastening member 36, from one end (Y1 side) to the other end (Y2 side) in the width direction, at a portion on a side (X2 side) opposite to a side (X1 side) where the discharge port 35 is formed and at a portion other than a portion corresponding to at least the slit 38.

Description

Coating apparatus

[0001] The present invention relates to a coating apparatus, and particularly to a coating apparatus provided with a coating portion.

[0002] Conventionally, there has been known a slit die (coating portion) that discharges coating liquid from a discharge port onto a base material (material to be coated) to apply the coating liquid to the base material (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] The above Patent Document 1 discloses a slit die including an upper block (second coating structure) and a lower block (first coating structure). In the above Patent Document 1, the upper block and the lower block are joined to each other via a spacer. Inside the slit die, a slit is formed in a gap surrounded by the upper block, the lower block and the spacer. The slit has a rectangular parallelepiped shape and extends from the inside of the slit die toward one surface of the slit die. On the one surface of the slit die, a surface of a front end portion of the slit constitutes an elongated rectangular discharge port extending in a longitudinal direction of the slit die. An opening width of the slit and the discharge port is the same as a thickness of the spacer. The slit die includes a main manifold formed of a recess formed on a surface of the lower block facing the upper block. The main manifold is connected to the slit inside the slit die. The coating liquid pressure-fed by a pump flows into the slit die from two supply ports provided on an opposite side to the discharge port of the lower block of the slit die, flows into the slit through the main manifold, is discharged from the discharge port constituted on the surface of the front end portion of the slit, and is applied onto the base material.

[0004] Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2021-186707

[0005] Although not explicitly stated in Patent Document 1, in conventional coating apparatuses like the one described in Patent Document 1, the pressure of the coating liquid supplied to the apparatus can cause the elongated rectangular discharge port to deform unevenly, resulting in the opening width of the discharge port becoming inconsistent along the longitudinal direction of the apparatus. In this case, the amount of coating liquid discharged from the discharge port to the material to be coated varies depending on the part of the discharge port along the longitudinal direction, resulting in an inconsistent thickness of the coating liquid applied to the material, and potentially degrading the accuracy of the coating liquid thickness applied to the material. For this reason, there is a need for a coating apparatus that can accurately apply the coating liquid even when the discharge port deforms due to the pressure of the coating liquid during application.

[0006] This invention was made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and one of its objectives is to provide a coating device that can accurately apply a coating liquid even when the discharge port deforms due to the pressure of the coating liquid during application.

[0007] To achieve the above objective, a coating apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a first coating structure, a second coating structure positioned opposite the first coating structure, a space enclosed by a spacer sandwiched between the first and second coating structures, forming a coating channel into which coating liquid flows, and a discharge port provided at one end of the coating channel for discharging coating liquid in the discharge direction, which is the direction in which the coating liquid is discharged onto the material to be coated. The coating channel includes a manifold for storing coating liquid and a slit connected to the manifold for supplying coating liquid to the discharge port. The first and second coating structures are fixed to each other in the opposing direction via a spacer by a first fastening member, in the opposite direction from the side where the discharge port is formed, and at least in the portion other than the portion corresponding to the slit, from one end to the other in the width direction, which is perpendicular to both the opposing direction (where the first and second coating structures face each other) and the discharge direction.

[0008] In a coating apparatus according to one aspect of this invention, the first coating structure and the second coating structure are fixed in the opposing direction by a first fastening member from one end to the other in the width direction, which is perpendicular to both the opposing direction (the direction in which the first and second coating structures face each other) and the discharge direction, on the side opposite to the side where the discharge port is formed, and at least in the part other than the part corresponding to the slit. As a result, the first and second coating structures deform in a direction that opens toward each other in the opposing direction, even at the outer parts of the slit in the width direction, similar to the central part of the slit in the width direction, due to the pressure of the coating liquid. In other words, the amount of relative deformation of the first coating structure with respect to the second coating structure in the opposing direction is constant regardless of its position in the width direction. As a result, the discharge port deforms uniformly in the opposing direction from one end to the other in the width direction. Therefore, the coating liquid is discharged from the discharge port in a uniform amount from one end to the other in the width direction and applied to the material to be coated with a uniform thickness. As a result, the coating liquid can be applied accurately even when the discharge port deforms due to the pressure of the coating liquid during application.

[0009] In the coating apparatus according to the first aspect described above, preferably, the first coating structure and the second coating structure are not fixed in the opposing direction at least in the portion corresponding to the slit from one end to the other in the width direction, but are fixed to each other in the opposing direction by a first fastening member via a spacer in the portion opposite to the side where the discharge port is formed, and in portions other than those corresponding to the coating flow paths of the first and second coating structures. With this configuration, the coating flow path deforms uniformly in the opposing direction from one end to the other in the width direction due to the pressure of the coating liquid. Even when the pressure of the coating liquid is high, the slit deforms to open uniformly in the opposing direction from one end to the other in the width direction, and the coating liquid can be supplied uniformly to the discharge port. As a result, the coating liquid can be applied to the material to be coated with greater precision from one end to the other in the width direction.

[0010] In the coating apparatus according to the first aspect described above, preferably, the apparatus further comprises a base and a support member provided between the base and the first coating structure to support the first coating structure, wherein the support member includes a contact avoidance portion that prevents the discharge port side portion of the first coating structure from coming into contact with the base via the support member. With this configuration, the contact avoidance portion of the support member prevents the first coating structure from receiving a reaction force from the base that acts to prevent deformation of the discharge port side portion of the first coating structure in the opposing direction via the support member. As a result, the first coating structure can be supported by the base via the support member without the support member hindering the deformation of the first coating structure in the opposing direction. Even with this, the discharge port can be deformed uniformly in the opposing direction from one end to the other in the width direction, so that the coating liquid can be applied accurately even when the discharge port deforms due to the pressure of the coating liquid during coating.

[0011] In this case, preferably, the first coating structure is fixed to the base in the direction of discharge, but not in the direction of the opposing direction, at the portion on the discharge port side in the discharge direction. With this configuration, the first coating structure and the base are fixed in the direction of discharge, while the first coating structure is prevented from receiving a reaction force from the base that would act to prevent deformation of the discharge port side portion of the first coating structure in the opposing direction. Furthermore, when the base supports the first coating structure, it may deform unevenly in the opposing direction due to the load of the first coating structure and the base itself. Therefore, the first coating structure is not fixed to the base in the direction of the opposing direction at the portion on the discharge port side in the discharge direction. This makes it possible to suppress uneven deformation of the first coating structure in the opposing direction together with the base due to uneven deformation of the base in the opposing direction.

[0012] In the coating apparatus according to the first aspect described above, preferably, a first fixing member fixed to a base and in contact with the front surface of a first coating structure provided with a discharge port, and a second fixing member fixed to the base and in contact with the back surface of the first coating structure opposite to the front surface, wherein the first coating structure is sandwiched between the first fixing member and the second fixing member and fixed in the discharge direction. With this configuration, the first coating structure can be fixed to the base in the discharge direction without receiving a reaction force from the base that restricts deformation in the opposing direction.

[0013] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a coating apparatus that can accurately apply a coating liquid even when the discharge port deforms due to the pressure of the coating liquid during application.

[0014] This figure shows a coating apparatus according to the first to sixth embodiments. This figure shows a coating liquid applied to a material to be coated according to the first to sixth embodiments. This is a plan view of the coating section according to the first embodiment. This is a front view of the coating section according to the first embodiment. This is a left side view of the coating section according to the first embodiment. This is an exploded perspective view of the coating section according to the first embodiment. This is a left side view of the coating section during operation of the coating apparatus in the first embodiment. This is a front view of the coating section during operation of the coating apparatus in the first embodiment. This is a plan view of the coating section according to Comparative Example 1. This is a front view of the coating section according to Comparative Example 1. This figure shows a coating liquid applied to a material to be coated according to Comparative Examples 1 and 2. This is a left side view of the coating section according to the second embodiment. This is a left side view of the coating section according to the second embodiment (modified version). This is a plan view of the coating section according to the second embodiment. This is a front view of the coating section according to the second embodiment. This is a left side view of the coating section during operation of the coating apparatus in the second embodiment. This is a front view of the coating section during operation of the coating apparatus in the second embodiment. This is a plan view of the coating section according to Comparative Example 2. This is a front view of the coating section according to Comparative Example 2. This is a left side view of the coating section according to the third embodiment. This is a plan view of the coating section according to the third embodiment. This is a left side view of the coating section according to the fourth embodiment. This is a left side view of the coating section according to the fifth embodiment. This is a left side view of the coating section according to the sixth embodiment.

[0015] The following describes embodiments of the present invention based on the drawings.

[0016] [First Embodiment] (Configuration of the coating apparatus) The configuration of the coating apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment will be described below.

[0017] As shown in Figure 1, the coating apparatus 100 in the first embodiment is configured to apply the coating liquid 1 to the material to be coated 90.

[0018] The coating apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment comprises a coating liquid tank 10, a supply pipe 20, a pump 21, a coating unit 30, and a discharge pipe 60. In the drawings, the short direction (one direction in the horizontal plane) of the coating unit 30 is defined as the X direction. The up-down direction (vertical direction) of the coating unit 30 is defined as the Z direction. The upward direction is defined as the Z1 direction, and the downward direction is defined as the Z2 direction. The longitudinal direction of the coating unit 30 is defined as the Y direction.

[0019] As shown in Figure 2, the coating liquid 1 is applied to the material to be coated 90 to a desired thickness. The coating liquid 1 is, for example, an insulating material. The material to be coated 90 is conveyed by the roller 91 in direction A (a direction perpendicular to direction B). Direction C is perpendicular to both directions A and B. As shown in Figure 1, the roller 91 rotates around an axis along the Y direction as its axis of rotation. The material to be coated 90 is attached to the roller 91 such that direction B, which is the width direction of the material to be coated 90, is aligned with the longitudinal direction (Y direction) of the coating section 30.

[0020] As shown in Figure 1, the coating liquid tank 10 is configured to store the coating liquid 1. The coating liquid 1 is sent from the coating liquid tank 10 to the pump 21 via the supply pipe 20.

[0021] Pump 21 is configured to supply the coating liquid 1. Pump 21 is operated at an output within a predetermined range. The coating liquid 1 flows into pump 21 from the coating liquid tank 10 via the supply pipe 20. Pump 21 supplies the coating liquid 1 to the coating section 30 via the supply pipe 20.

[0022] As shown in Figure 3, the coating channel 34 includes a manifold 37 for storing the coating liquid 1 and a slit 38 connected to the manifold 37 for supplying the coating liquid 1 to the discharge port 35. In the first embodiment, the first coating structure 31 and the second coating structure 32 are fixed to each other in the opposing direction (Z direction) via spacers 33 by first fastening members 36 in the portion opposite to the side (X2 side) where the discharge port 35 is formed (X1 side), and in portions other than those corresponding to the coating channel 34 of the first coating structure 31 and the second coating structure 32, from one end (Y1 side) to the other end (Y2 side) in the width direction (Y direction). Multiple first fastening members 36 are arranged in a line at equal intervals L from one end (Y1 side) to the other end (Y2 side) of the width direction (Y direction), in the portion opposite to the side (X2 side) where the discharge port 35 is formed (X1 side), in the portion of the first coating structure 31 and the second coating structure 32. The manifold 37 is located inside the first coating structure 31 and the second coating structure 32 and is connected to a liquid supply port (not shown) located on the surface of the coating section 30. The manifold 37 has, for example, a cylindrical shape. The manifold 37 is connected to a slit 38. The slit 38 is, for example, a rectangular parallelepiped space that is long in the width direction (Y direction). The discharge port 35 is located at one end (X1 side) of the coating flow path 34.

[0023] As shown in Figure 3, the portions of the first coating structure 31 and the second coating structure 32 corresponding to the slit 38 are the portions of the first coating structure 31 and the second coating structure 32 that are in the same range in the discharge direction (X direction) as the range of the slit 38 in the discharge direction (X direction). Specifically, the portions of the first coating structure 31 and the second coating structure 32 corresponding to the slit 38 are the portions of the first coating structure 31 and the second coating structure 32 that are in the range indicated by L1 in the discharge direction (X direction). Furthermore, the portions of the first coating structure 31 and the second coating structure 32 corresponding to the coating flow path 34 are the portions of the first coating structure 31 and the second coating structure 32 that are in the same range in the discharge direction (X direction) as the range of the slit 38 in the discharge direction (X direction). Specifically, the portions of the first coating structure 31 and the second coating structure 32 corresponding to the coating flow path 34 are the portions of the first coating structure 31 and the second coating structure 32 that are in the range indicated by L2 in the discharge direction (X direction).

[0024] As shown in Figure 4, the coating channel 34 is formed by a space enclosed by a first coating structure 31, a second coating structure 32 positioned opposite the first coating structure 31, and a spacer 33 sandwiched between the first coating structure 31 and the second coating structure 32. The discharge port 35 is provided at one end (X1 side) of the coating channel 34 and discharges the coating liquid 1 in the discharge direction (X1 direction), which is the direction in which the coating liquid 1 is discharged onto the material to be coated 90. The opening width W (size in the Z direction) of the discharge port 35 is constant in the width direction (Y direction) and is the same as the thickness T1 (size in the Z direction) of the spacer 33.

[0025] As shown in Figure 5, the coating section 30 includes a first coating structure 31, a second coating structure 32, and a spacer 33. The coating section 30 also includes a coating channel 34, a discharge port 35, a first fastening member 36, a manifold 37, and a slit 38. The first coating structure 31, the second coating structure 32, and the spacer 33 are made of, for example, stainless steel. The first fastening member 36 is made of, for example, a screw, a bolt and nut, a washer, and a spring washer, all of which are made of stainless steel.

[0026] As shown in Figure 6, the first coating structure 31 and the second coating structure 32 are fixed to each other in the opposing direction (Z direction) via a spacer 33 by the first fastening member 36 in the opposing direction (Z direction) and the width direction (Y direction), which is perpendicular to both the opposing direction (Z direction) and the discharge direction (X1 direction) of the first coating structure 31 and the second coating structure 32, from one end (Y1 side) to the other end (Y2 side) in the width direction, from the side (X2 side) opposite to the side where the discharge port 35 is formed (X1 side), and in the parts other than the parts corresponding to the slits 38 of the first coating structure 31 and the second coating structure 32. Specifically, the first coating structure 31 and the second coating structure 32 are not fixed in the opposite direction (Z direction) on the discharge port 35 side (X1 side) in the discharge direction (X direction), but are fixed in the opposite direction (Z direction) along the back surface (X2 side surface) of each of the first coating structure 31 and the second coating structure 32 on the opposite side (X2 side) of the discharge port 35 side (X1 side) in the discharge direction (X direction) by the first fastening member 36 via a spacer 33, so as to allow deformation in the opposite direction (Z direction) of the portion of the first coating structure 31 and the second coating structure 32 on the discharge port 35 side (X1 side) in the discharge direction (X direction) (X direction). More specifically, the first coating structure 31 and the second coating structure 32 are not fixed in the opposing direction (Z direction) at least in the portion corresponding to the slit 38, from one end (Y1 side) to the other end (Y2 side) in the width direction (Y direction), but are fixed in the opposing direction (Z direction) by the first fastening member 36 in the portion opposite to the side where the discharge port 35 is formed (X1 side) (X2 side), and in the portion other than the portion corresponding to the coating channel 34. The spacer 33 has a U-shape with a cutout in the portion where the coating channel 34 is formed.

[0027] The cross-sectional shapes of the first coating structure 31 and the second coating structure 32 are elongated rectangles in the width direction (Y direction) in the XY plane (see Figure 3), elongated rectangles in the width direction (Y direction) in the YZ plane (see Figure 4), and trapezoidal shapes that are convex towards the discharge port 35 side (X1 side) in the discharge direction (X direction) in the XZ plane (see Figure 5).

[0028] The coating liquid 1 is supplied from the coating liquid tank 10 to the coating section 30 via the supply pipe 20 by the pump 21, flows into the manifold 37 from a supply port (not shown) provided in the coating section 30, and is discharged from the discharge port 35 to the material to be coated 90 via a slit 38 connected to the manifold 37.

[0029] (Comparison between the First Embodiment and Comparative Example 1) Next, a comparison will be made between the coating apparatus 100 according to the First Embodiment (see Figures 2, 3, 7, and 8) and the coating apparatus according to Comparative Example 1 (see Figures 9 to 11).

[0030] In the first embodiment, as shown in Figure 3, the first coating structure 31 and the second coating structure 32 are fixed to each other in the opposing direction (Z direction) via a spacer 33 by a first fastening member 36 in the portion opposite to the side where the discharge port 35 is formed (X1 side) (X2 side) from one end (Y1 side) to the other end (Y2 side) in the width direction (Y direction), and in the portion other than the portion corresponding to the coating flow path 34. As shown in Figure 7, when the coating device 100 is in operation, the pressure of the coating liquid 1 causes the first coating structure 31 and the second coating structure 32 to deform in the opposing direction (Z direction) and open to each other on the discharge port 35 side (X1 side) where they are not fixed to each other. As shown in Figure 8, the opening width W of the discharge port 35 is W1 (size in the Z direction), which is a uniform size in the opposing direction (Z direction) from one end (Y1 side) to the other end (Y side) in the width direction (Y direction). The opening width W of the discharge port 35 changes from T1 (size in the Z direction) which is the same as the thickness of the spacer 33 when there is no pressure from the coating liquid 1, to W1 (W1 > T1). Since the opening width W of the discharge port 35 is approximately constant from one end (Y1 side) to the other end (Y2 side) in the width direction (Y direction), the coating liquid 1 is applied to the material to be coated 90 with approximately equal thickness from one end (Y1 side) to the other end (Y2 side) in the width direction (Y direction). As shown in Figure 2, the thickness of the coating liquid 1 applied to the material to be coated 90 in the C direction is approximately constant regardless of the width direction (B direction) of the material to be coated 90. The amount of deformation of the opening width W of the discharge port 35 in the opposing direction (Z direction) ΔW1 (amount of deformation of the discharge port 35) is obtained by ΔW1 = W1 - T1. The pressure of the coating liquid 1 is, for example, 50 kPa or more and 500 kPa or less, and the deformation amount ΔW1 of the discharge port 35 is, for example, 1 μm or more and 5 μm or less.

[0031] In contrast, in Comparative Example 1, as shown in Figure 9, the first coating structure 31 and the second coating structure 32 are fixed to each other in the opposing direction (Z direction) via a spacer 33 by the first fastening member 136, even in the portion corresponding to the coating channel 34. The first coating structure 31 and the second coating structure 32 are fixed to each other in the opposing direction (Z direction) via a spacer 33 by the first fastening member 36 and the first fastening member 136, in a U-shape that surrounds the coating channel 34 when viewed from the Z direction, from one end (Y1 side) to the other end (Y2 side) in the width direction (Y direction). In this case, as shown in Figure 10, the opening width W (size in the Z direction) of the discharge port 35 is W1a in the center of the discharge port 35 in the width direction (Y direction), and T1, which is the same as the thickness of the spacer 33, on both sides (Y1 and Y2 sides) in the width direction (Y direction). In other words, the opening width W (size in the Z direction) of the discharge port 35 differs depending on the position in the width direction (Y direction). Because the deformation of the first coating structure 31 and the second coating structure 32 in the opposing direction (Z direction) of the portion corresponding to the coating flow path 34 is restricted by the first fastening member 136, the opening width W (size in the Z direction) of the discharge port 35 is smaller than that of the central part of the discharge port 35 in the width direction (Y direction) (W1a > T1). As a result, different amounts of coating liquid 1 are discharged onto the material to be coated 90 from the central part and the side parts in the width direction (Y direction) of the discharge port 35.

[0032] As shown in Figure 11, in Comparative Example 1, the thickness of the coating liquid 1 applied to the material to be coated 90 in the C direction is thickest at the center of the material to be coated 90 in the width direction (B direction), and thins out towards the outside in the width direction (B direction). The material to be coated 90 is conveyed by the roller 91 in the A direction (direction perpendicular to the B direction) (see Figure 1). The C direction is perpendicular to both the A direction and the B direction. The amount of deformation of the opening width W of the discharge port 35 in the opposing direction (Z direction) at the center of the discharge port 35 in the width direction (Y direction) (amount of deformation at the center of the discharge port 35) ΔW1a is obtained by ΔW1a = W1a - T1 (see Figure 10). The first coating structure 31 and the second coating structure 32 are fixed to each other in the opposing direction (Z direction) via spacers 33 at both outer parts of the coating flow path 34 in the width direction (Y direction), so they do not deform in the direction of opening in the opposing direction (Z direction). Therefore, the amount of deformation of the opening width W of the discharge port 35 in the opposing direction (Z direction) on both sides of the discharge port 35 in the width direction (Y direction) (deformation amount on both sides of the discharge port 35) ΔW2 is approximately 0. At this time, the difference in the amount of deformation of the discharge port 35, ΔW12, which is the difference between the deformation amount ΔW1a in the center of the discharge port 35 and the deformation amounts ΔW2 on both sides of the discharge port 35, is obtained as ΔW12 = ΔW1a - ΔW2. The pressure of the coating liquid 1 is, for example, 50 kPa or more and 500 kPa or less. The deformation amount ΔW1a in the center of the discharge port 35 is, for example, 1 μm or more and 5 μm or less. The difference in the amount of deformation of the discharge port 35 ΔW12 is, for example, 4 μm. When the difference in the amount of deformation of the discharge port 35 ΔW12 is 4 μm, the accuracy of the thickness of the coating liquid 1 applied to the material to be coated 90 deteriorates by about 1.5%.

[0033] (Effects of the First Embodiment) Next, the effects of the first embodiment will be described.

[0034] In the first embodiment, the first coating structure 31 and the second coating structure 32 are fixed to each other in the opposing direction (Z direction) via a spacer 33 by a first fastening member 36, in the portion opposite to the side where the discharge port 35 is formed (X1 side) (X2 side) from one end (Y1 side) to the other end (Y2 side) in the width direction (Y direction), and in the portion other than the portion corresponding to the slit 38. As a result, the first coating structure 31 and the second coating structure 32 deform in the opposing direction (Z direction) and open to each other at both outer portions of the slit 38 in the width direction (Y direction), similar to the central portion of the slit 38 in the width direction (Y direction), due to the pressure of the coating liquid 1. In other words, the amount of relative deformation of the first coating structure 31 to the second coating structure 32 in the opposing direction (Z direction) is constant regardless of its position in the width direction (Y direction). As a result, the discharge port 35 deforms uniformly in the opposite direction (Z direction) from one end (Y1 side) to the other end (Y2 side) in the width direction (Y direction). Therefore, the coating liquid 1 is discharged from the discharge port 35 at a uniform discharge rate from one end (Y1 side) to the other end (Y2 side) in the width direction (Y direction) and applied to the material to be coated 90 with a uniform thickness. Consequently, even if the discharge port 35 deforms due to the pressure of the coating liquid 1 during application, the coating liquid 1 can be applied with high accuracy.

[0035] In the first embodiment, the first coating structure 31 and the second coating structure 32 are not fixed in the opposing direction (Z direction) at least in the portion corresponding to the slit 38, from one end (Y1 side) to the other end (Y2 side) in the width direction (Y direction). Instead, in the portion opposite to the side where the discharge port 35 is formed (X1 side) (X2 side), and in portions other than those corresponding to the coating flow path 34 of the first coating structure 31 and the second coating structure 32, they are fixed to each other in the opposing direction (Z direction) via spacers 33 by the first fastening member 36. As a result, the coating flow path 34 deforms uniformly in the opposing direction (Z direction) from one end (Y1 side) to the other end (Y2 side) in the width direction (Y direction) due to the pressure of the coating liquid 1. The slit 38 deforms uniformly in the opposing direction (Z direction) from one end (Y1 side) to the other end (Y2 side) in the width direction (Y direction), even when the pressure of the coating liquid 1 is high, and supplies the coating liquid 1 uniformly to the discharge port 35. As a result, the coating liquid 1 can be applied to the material to be coated 90 with greater precision, from one end (Y1 side) to the other end (Y2 side) in the width direction (Y direction).

[0036] [Second Embodiment] Next, the configuration of the coating section 30a according to the second embodiment will be described. Components identical to those in the first embodiment are shown in the figures with the same reference numerals, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0037] As shown in Figure 12, in the second embodiment, the coating section 30a further comprises a support member 42 provided between the base 41 and the first coating structure 31, and supporting the first coating structure 31. The support member 42 consists of a portion 42a on the discharge port 35 side (X1 side) and a portion 42b on the opposite side of the discharge port 35 (X2 side). On the Z1 side of the discharge port 35 side (X1 side) portion 42a of the support member 42, a contact avoidance portion 43 is provided to prevent the discharge port 35 side (X1 side) portion of the first coating structure 31 from coming into contact with the base 41 via the support member 42. Specifically, the contact avoidance portion 43 is provided on the surface of the support member 42 facing the first coating structure 31 (the Z1 side surface), which corresponds to the coating flow path 34 in the discharge direction (X direction). More specifically, the contact avoidance portion 43 is provided on the surface of the support member 42 facing the first coating structure 31 (the Z1 side surface), corresponding to the slit 38 in the discharge direction (X direction). The portion 42b of the support member 42 opposite to the discharge port 35 side (X2 side) is in contact with both the first coating structure 31 and the base 41 in the opposing direction (Z direction). The base 41 and the support member 42 are formed of, for example, stainless steel. The base 41 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape that is long in the width direction (Y direction). The portion 42a of the support member 42 on the discharge port 35 side (X1 side) and the portion 42b on the opposite side (X2 side) of the discharge port 35 side have, for example, a rectangular parallelepiped shape that is long in the discharge direction (X direction). The contact avoidance portion 43 is, for example, located at the end of the support member 42 on the discharge port 35 side (X1 side) and is a rectangular parallelepiped space. The thickness T2 (in the Z direction) of the portion 42a on the discharge port 35 side (X1 side) of the support member 42 is smaller than the thickness T3 (in the Z direction) of the portion 42b on the opposite side (X2 side) of the support member 42 (T2 < T3). When the coating device 100a is not operating, the separation distance D1 in the contact avoidance section 43 in the opposing direction (Z direction) between the support member 42 and the first coating structure 31 is the difference between the thickness T3 of the portion 42b on the opposite side (X2 side) of the support member 42 and the thickness T2 of the portion 42a on the discharge port 35 side (X1 side) (D1 = T3 - T2). The separation distance D1 in the contact avoidance section 43 in the opposing direction (Z direction) between the support member 42 and the first coating structure 31 is, for example, 0.1 mm or more and 1 mm or less.

[0038] As shown in Figure 13, the contact avoidance portion 143 of the support member 142, which prevents the portion of the first coating structure 31 on the discharge port 35 side (X1 side) and the base 41 from coming into contact via the support member 142, may be provided on the Z2 side of the portion 142a of the support member 142 on the discharge port 35 side (X1 side). Specifically, the contact avoidance portion 143 is provided on the surface of the support member 142 facing the base 41 (the Z2 side surface) which corresponds to the coating flow path 34 in the discharge direction (X direction). More specifically, the contact avoidance portion 143 is provided on the surface of the support member 142 facing the base 41 (the Z2 side surface) which corresponds to the slit 38 in the discharge direction (X direction). The support member 142 is composed of a portion 142a on the discharge port 35 side (X1 side) and a portion 142b on the opposite side of the discharge port 35 (X2 side). The portion 142b of the support member 142 opposite to the discharge port 35 side (X2 side) is in contact with both the first coating structure 31 and the base 41 in the opposing direction (Z direction). The thickness T4 (size in the Z direction) of the portion 142a of the support member 142 on the discharge port 35 side (X1 side) is smaller than the thickness T3 (size in the Z direction) of the portion 142b on the opposite side (X2 side) (T4 < T3). When the coating device 100a is not operating, the separation distance D2 in the opposing direction (Z direction) between the support member 142 and the first coating structure 31 in the contact avoidance portion 143 is the difference between the thickness T3 of the portion 142b of the support member 142 on the opposite side (X2 side) and the thickness T4 of the portion 142a on the discharge port 35 side (X1 side) (D2 = T3 - T4). In the contact avoidance section 143, the separation distance D2 between the support member 142 and the base 41 in the opposing direction (Z direction) is, for example, 0.1 mm or more and 1 mm or less.

[0039] As shown in Figure 14, in the second embodiment as in the first embodiment, the first coating structure 31 and the second coating structure 32 are fixed to each other in the opposing direction (Z direction) via a spacer 33 by the first fastening member 36 in the portion opposite to the side (X2 side) where the discharge port 35 is formed (X1 side), and in portions other than those corresponding to the coating flow path 34 of the first coating structure 31 and the second coating structure 32, from one end (Y1 side) to the other end (Y2 side) in the width direction (Y direction).

[0040] As shown in Figure 15, the base 41 is provided to support the coating portion 30a via support members 42. For example, there are two support members 42. The two support members 42 are spaced apart from each other.

[0041] (Comparison between the second embodiment and comparative example 2) Next, a comparison will be made between the coating apparatus 100a according to the second embodiment (see Figures 2, 14-16) and the coating apparatus according to comparative example 2 (see Figures 11, 18, and 19).

[0042] In the second embodiment, similar to the first embodiment, as shown in Figure 14, the first coating structure 31 and the second coating structure 32 are not fixed to each other in the portion corresponding to the coating channel 34. As shown in Figure 16, when the coating device 100a is in operation, the pressure of the coating liquid 1 causes the first coating structure 31 and the second coating structure 32 to deform in an opposing direction (Z direction) and open to each other on the discharge port 35 side (X1 side) where they are not fixed to each other. At this time, the contact avoidance portion 43 of the support member 42 prevents the first coating structure 31 from receiving a reaction force from the base 41 that acts to prevent deformation in the opposing direction (Z direction) to the discharge port 35 side (X1 side) portion of the first coating structure 31. Therefore, the discharge port 35 side (X1 side) of the first coating structure 31 deforms in the opposing direction (Z1 direction) from one end (Y1 side) to the other end (Y2 side) in the width direction (Y direction). At this time, the distance D1a between the Z2-side surface of the end of the first coating structure 31 on the discharge port 35 side (X1 side) and the Z1-side surface of the support member 42 in the opposing direction (Z direction) is smaller than the distance D1 between the Z2-side surface of the first coating structure 31 on the X2 side of the contact avoidance portion 43 and the Z1-side surface of the support member 42 in the opposing direction (Z direction) (D1a < D1).

[0043] As shown in FIG. 17, in the second embodiment, the opening width W (size in the Z direction) of the discharge port 35 changes from T1, which is equal to the thickness of the spacer 33 in a state where there is no pressure of the coating liquid 1, to W1 from one end (Y1 side) to the other end (Y2 side) in the width direction (Y direction) (W1>T1). The opening width W (size in the Z direction) of the discharge port 35 is substantially constant W1 from one end (Y1 side) to the other end (Y2 side) in the width direction (Y direction). Therefore, the coating liquid 1 is applied onto the material to be coated 90 with a substantially uniform thickness from one end (Y1 side) to the other end (Y2 side) in the width direction (Y direction). As shown in FIG. 2, the thickness in the C direction of the coating liquid 1 applied onto the material to be coated 90 is substantially constant regardless of the width direction (B direction) of the material to be coated 90.

[0044] In Comparative Example 2, as shown in FIG. 18, the first coating structure 31 and the second coating structure 32 are not fixed at the portion corresponding to the coating flow path 34. However, in Comparative Example 2, the support member 42c does not include the contact avoiding portion 43 in the second embodiment. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 19, the first coating structure 31 is in contact with the base 41 in the opposing direction (Z direction) via the support member 42 on the Z2-side surface of the portion corresponding to the coating flow path 34. In Comparative Example 2, during operation of the coating apparatus, the pressure of the coating liquid 1 deforms the first coating structure 31 and the second coating structure 32 in a direction in which they open away from each other in the opposing direction (Z direction). At this time, deformation of the portion corresponding to the coating flow path 34 of the first coating structure 31 in the opposing direction (Z2 direction) is restricted by the support member 42c. However, a portion not supported by the support member 42c does not receive the reaction force from the base 41 that acts to obstruct the restriction of deformation in the opposing direction (Z1 direction).

[0045] As shown in Figure 19, in Comparative Example 2, the opening width W of the discharge port 35 in the center of the width direction (Y direction) changes from T1 (size in the Z direction), which is the same as the thickness of the spacer 33 when there is no pressure from the coating liquid 1, to W1b (size in the Z direction) (W1b > T1). The opening width W of the discharge port 35 on both sides of the width direction (Y direction) changes from T1 (size in the Z direction), which is the same as the thickness of the spacer 33 when there is no pressure from the coating liquid 1, to W1c (size in the Z direction) (W1c > T1). Furthermore, the opening width W of the discharge port 35 differs depending on the position in the width direction (Y direction), such as W1b (size in the Z direction) in the center of the width direction (Y direction) and W1c on both sides (Y1 and Y2 sides). Furthermore, the deformation of the first coating structure 31 in the opposing direction (Z direction) is restricted on both sides of the discharge port 35 in the width direction (Y direction) by the support member 42c, so the amount of deformation is smaller on both sides than on the central part of the discharge port 35 in the width direction (W1c < W1b). As a result, different amounts of coating liquid 1 are discharged onto the material to be coated 90 from the central part and both sides of the discharge port 35 in the width direction (Y direction).

[0046] As shown in FIG. 11, in Comparative Example 2, the thickness of the coating liquid 1 applied to the material 90 to be coated in the C direction is the largest at the central portion in the width direction (B direction) of the material 90 to be coated, and becomes thinner toward the outside from the central portion. The deformation amount of the opening width W of the discharge port 35 in the opposing direction (Z direction) at the central portion in the width direction (Y direction) of the discharge port 35 (deformation amount at the central portion of the discharge port 35) ΔW1b is obtained by ΔW1b = W1b - T1 (see FIG. 19). The deformation amount of the opening width W of the discharge port 35 in the opposing direction (Z direction) at both side portions in the width direction (Y direction) of the discharge port 35 (deformation amount at both side portions of the discharge port 35) ΔW1c is obtained by ΔW1c = W1c - T1. In this case, the discharge port 35 deformation amount difference ΔW1bc, which is the difference between the discharge port 35 central portion deformation amount ΔW1b and the discharge port 35 both side portions deformation amount ΔW1c, is obtained by ΔW1bc = ΔW1b - ΔW1c. The pressure of the coating liquid 1 is, for example, 50 kPa or more and 500 kPa or less. The discharge port 35 central portion deformation amount ΔW1b is, for example, 1 μm or more and 5 μm or less, and the discharge port 35 both side portions deformation amount ΔW1c is, for example, 1 μm or more and 5 μm or less. The discharge port 35 deformation amount difference ΔW1bc is, for example, 2.2 μm. When the discharge port 35 deformation amount difference ΔW1bc is 2.2 μm, the thickness accuracy of the coating liquid 1 applied on the material 90 to be coated deteriorates by about 0.8%.

[0047] Other configurations of the second embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment described above.

[0048] (Effects of the Second Embodiment) Next, effects of the second embodiment will be described.

[0049] In the second embodiment, the system further comprises a base 41 and a support member 42 provided between the base 41 and the first coating structure 31 to support the first coating structure 31. The support member 42 includes a contact avoidance portion 43 that prevents the portion of the first coating structure 31 on the discharge port 35 side (X1 side) from contacting the base 41 via the support member 42. The contact avoidance portion 43 of the support member 42 prevents the first coating structure 31 from receiving a reaction force from the base 41 that acts to prevent deformation of the portion of the first coating structure 31 on the discharge port 35 side (X1 side) in the opposing direction (Z direction) via the support member 42. As a result, the first coating structure 31 can be supported by the base 41 via the support member 42 while the support member 42 does not hinder deformation of the first coating structure 31 in the opposing direction (Z direction). This also allows the discharge port 35 to be uniformly deformed in the opposite direction (Z direction) from one end (Y1 side) to the other end (Y2 side) in the width direction (Y direction). Therefore, even if the discharge port 35 deforms due to the pressure of the coating liquid 1 during application, the coating liquid 1 can be applied with high accuracy.

[0050] [Third Embodiment] Next, the configuration of the coating section 30b according to the third embodiment will be described. Components identical to those in the first and second embodiments are shown in the figures with the same reference numerals, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0051] As shown in Figure 20, in the third embodiment, the first coating structure 131 is not fixed to the base 41 in the direction along the opposing direction (Z direction) but is fixed to the base 41 in the direction along the discharge direction (X direction) at the portion on the discharge port 35 side (X1 side) in the discharge direction (X direction). Specifically, the coating section 30b further comprises a first fixing member 44a fixed to the base 41 and in contact with the front surface (X1 side surface) of the first coating structure 131 where the discharge port 35 is provided, and a second fixing member 44b fixed to the base 41 and in contact with the back surface (X2 side surface) of the first coating structure 131 opposite to the front surface (X1 side surface) of the first coating structure 131. The first coating structure 131 is sandwiched between the first fixing member 44a and the second fixing member 44b and fixed in the discharge direction (X direction). The first coating structure 131 is fixed to the support member 142 in the opposite direction (Z direction) by the second fastening member 45a and is supported on the base 41 via the support member 142. The first coating structure 131 has a notch 39 such that it does not come into contact with the first fixing member 44a in the opposite direction (Z direction). The distance D3 in the opposite direction (Z direction) between the Z2 side surface of the notch 39 of the first coating structure 131 and the Z1 side surface of the first fixing member 44a is, for example, 1 mm or more and 10 mm or less. The first fixing member 44a and the second fixing member 44b are made of, for example, stainless steel. The first fixing member 44a is provided on the X1 side surface of the first coating structure 131, comes into contact with the first coating structure 131 in the discharge direction (X direction), and does not come into contact with the first coating structure 131 in the opposite direction (Z direction). The second fixing member 44b is provided on the back surface (X2 side) of the first coating structure 131 and is in contact with the first coating structure 131 in the discharge direction (X direction). The second fixing member 44b is, for example, a clamp and has a fastening portion, and is configured so that the tightening force against the first coating structure 131 can be adjusted. The second fastening member 45a is, for example, made of stainless steel and consists of a screw, bolt and nut, washer, and spring washer.

[0052] As shown in Figure 21, in the third embodiment, as in the first and second embodiments, the first coating structure 31 and the second coating structure 32 are not fixed in the portion corresponding to the coating channel 34. Two first fixing members 44a are provided spaced apart from each other on the front surface (X1 side) of the first coating structure 131. Also, two second fixing members 44b are provided spaced apart from each other on the back surface (X2 side) of the first coating structure 131.

[0053] The other configurations of the third embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment described above.

[0054] (Effects of the third embodiment) Next, the effects of the third embodiment will be described.

[0055] In the third embodiment, as described above, the first coating structure 131 is fixed to the base 41 in the direction along the discharge direction (X direction) but not in the direction along the opposing direction (Z direction) at the portion on the discharge port 35 side (X1 side) in the discharge direction (X direction). This makes it possible to fix the first coating structure 131 and the base 41 in the direction along the discharge direction (X direction) while preventing the first coating structure 131 from receiving a reaction force from the base 41 that acts to prevent deformation in the opposing direction (Z direction) with respect to the portion of the first coating structure 131 on the discharge port 35 side (X1 side). Furthermore, when the base 41 supports the first coating structure 131, it may deform unevenly in the opposing direction (Z direction) due to the load of the first coating structure 131 and the base 41 itself. Therefore, the first coating structure 131 is not fixed to the base 41 in the direction along the opposing direction (Z direction) at the portion on the discharge port 35 side (X1 side) in the discharge direction (X direction). This makes it possible to suppress the non-uniform deformation of the first coating structure 131 together with the base 41 in the opposing direction (Z direction) due to the non-uniform deformation of the base 41 in the opposing direction (Z direction).

[0056] In the third embodiment, the coating section 30b further comprises a first fixing member 44a fixed to the base 41 and in contact with the front surface (X1 side surface) of the first coating structure 131, which is provided with a discharge port 35, and a second fixing member 44b fixed to the base 41 and in contact with the back surface (X2 side) of the first coating structure 131, which is opposite to the front surface (X1 side surface) of the first coating structure 131. The first coating structure 131 is sandwiched between the first fixing member 44a and the second fixing member 44b and fixed in the discharge direction (Z direction). As a result, the first coating structure 131 can be fixed to the base 41 in the discharge direction (X direction) without receiving a reaction force from the base 41 that would restrict deformation in the opposing direction (Z direction).

[0057] [Fourth Embodiment] Next, the configuration of the coating section 30c according to the fourth embodiment will be described. Components identical to those in the first to third embodiments are shown in the figures with the same reference numerals, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0058] As shown in Figure 22, in the fourth embodiment, the first coating structure 131 is directly supported on the base 141 without the support member 42. In the fourth embodiment, the first coating structure 131 is fixed to the base 141 in the direction along the discharge direction (X direction) but not in the direction along the opposing direction (Z direction) at the portion on the discharge port 35 side (X1 side) in the discharge direction (X direction). Specifically, the first coating structure 131 is fixed in the discharge direction (X direction) by being sandwiched between the first fixing member 144a and the second fixing member 44b. The first coating structure 131 has a notch 139 so as not to come into contact with the first fixing member 144a in the direction along the opposing direction (Z direction).

[0059] The base 141 consists of a portion 141a on the discharge port 35 side (X1 side) and a portion 141b on the opposite side of the discharge port 35 (X2 side). On the Z1 side of the discharge port 35 side (X1 side) portion 141a of the base 141, a base contact avoidance portion 243 is provided to prevent contact between the discharge port 35 side (X1 side) portion of the first coating structure 131 and the base 141. Specifically, the base contact avoidance portion 243 is provided on the surface of the base 141 facing the first coating structure 131 (the Z1 side surface) which corresponds to the coating flow path 34 in the discharge direction (X direction). More specifically, the base contact avoidance portion 243 is provided on the surface of the base 141 facing the first coating structure 131 (the Z1 side surface) which corresponds to the slit 38 in the discharge direction (X direction). The portion 141b of the base 141 opposite to the discharge port 35 side (X2 side) is in contact with both the first coating structure 131 and the base 141 in the opposing direction (Z direction). The base contact avoidance portion 243 is located, for example, at the end of the base 141 on the discharge port 35 side (X1 side) and is a rectangular parallelepiped-shaped space. The thickness T5 (size in the Z direction) of the portion 141a on the discharge port 35 side (X1 side) of the base 141 is smaller than the thickness T6 (size in the Z direction) of the portion 141b on the opposite side (X2 side) of the discharge port 35 side (T5 < T6). When the coating device 100c is not operating, the distance D4 between the base 141 and the first coating structure 131 in the base contact avoidance section 243 in the opposing direction (Z direction) is the difference between the thickness T6 of the portion 42b of the base 141 on the side opposite to the discharge port 35 (X2 side) and the thickness T5 of the portion 42a on the discharge port 35 side (X1 side) (D4 = T6 - T5). The base 141 is made of, for example, stainless steel. The base 141 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape that is long in the width direction (Y direction), except for the portion of the base contact avoidance section 243. The base contact avoidance section 243 is, for example, a rectangular parallelepiped space that is long in the base width direction (Y direction). The distance D4 between the base 141 and the first coating structure 131 in the base contact avoidance section 243 in the opposing direction (Z direction) is, for example, 0.1 mm or more and 1 mm or less.

[0060] The other configurations of the fourth embodiment are the same as those of the first to third embodiments described above.

[0061] (Effects of the fourth embodiment) Next, the effects of the fourth embodiment will be described.

[0062] In the fourth embodiment, the first coating structure 131 is fixed to the base 141 in the direction of discharge (X direction) without a support member 42, at the portion on the discharge port 35 side (X1 side) in the discharge direction (X direction), but not in the direction of the opposing direction (Z direction). Furthermore, the base 141 is provided with a base contact avoidance portion 243 at the portion on the discharge port 35 side (X1 side). This prevents the first coating structure 131 from receiving a reaction force from the base 141 that would act to prevent deformation of the discharge port 35 side (X1 side) portion of the first coating structure 131 in the opposing direction (Z direction). As a result, the first coating structure 131 can be supported by the base 141 without hindering deformation of the discharge port 35 side (X1 side) portion of the first coating structure 131 in the opposing direction (Z direction).

[0063] [Fifth Embodiment] Next, the configuration of the coating section 30d according to the fifth embodiment will be described. Components identical to those in the first to fourth embodiments are shown in the figures with the same reference numerals, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0064] As shown in Figure 23, in the fifth embodiment, the first coating structure 231 and the support member 242 are fixed in the opposing direction (Z direction) by a second fastening member 45a on the back side (X2 side) of the first coating structure 231 opposite to the discharge port 35 side, and the first coating structure 231 and the base 241 are fixed in the opposing direction (Z direction) by a third fastening member 45b in the portion other than the portion corresponding to the slit 38 in the discharge direction (X direction). The support member 242 is provided with a through hole 242c through which the third fastening member 45b passes. The second fastening member 45a and the third fastening member 45b are made of, for example, stainless steel and consist of screws, bolts and nuts, washers, and spring washers.

[0065] (Effects of the Fifth Embodiment) Next, the effects of the fifth embodiment will be described.

[0066] In the fifth embodiment, the first coating structure 231 and the support member 242 can be firmly fixed by the second fastening member 45a, and the first coating structure 231 and the base 241 can be firmly fixed by the third fastening member 45b. In this way, the contact avoidance portion 143 of the support member 242 prevents the first coating structure 231 from receiving a reaction force from the base 241 that acts to prevent deformation in the opposing direction (Z direction) relative to the discharge port 35 side (X1 side) portion of the first coating structure 231 via the support member 242. As a result, the first coating structure 231 can be firmly fixed by the base 241 via the support member 242 without hindering deformation in the opposing direction (Z direction) of the discharge port 35 side (X1 side) portion of the first coating structure 231.

[0067] [Sixth Embodiment] Next, the configuration of the coating section 30e according to the sixth embodiment will be described. Components identical to those in the first to fifth embodiments are shown in the figures with the same reference numerals, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0068] As shown in Figure 24, in the sixth embodiment, the first coating structure 331 and the base 341 are fixed together via a third fixing member 46. Specifically, the third fixing member 46 is provided in contact with the back side (X2 side) of the first coating structure 331 opposite to the discharge port 35 side. The first coating structure 331 and the third fixing member 46 are fixed together in the discharge direction (X direction) by a fourth fastening member 47a. The base 341 and the third fixing member 46 are fixed together in the discharge direction (X direction) by a fifth fastening member 47b. The third fixing member 46 is made of, for example, stainless steel. The fourth fastening member 47a and the fifth fastening member 47b are made of, for example, stainless steel and consist of screws, bolts and nuts, washers, and spring washers.

[0069] (Effects of the sixth embodiment) Next, the effects of the sixth embodiment will be described.

[0070] In the sixth embodiment, the first coating structure 331 and the third fixing member 46 are firmly fixed in the discharge direction (X direction) by the fourth fastening member 47a, and the base 341 and the third fixing member 46 are firmly fixed in the discharge direction (X direction) by the fifth fastening member 47b. In other words, in the sixth embodiment, the first coating structure 331 and the base 341 can be firmly fixed in the discharge direction (X direction) via the third fixing member 46. This also prevents the first coating structure 331 from receiving a reaction force from the base 341 that acts to prevent deformation in the opposite direction (Z direction) to the discharge port 35 side (X1 side) portion of the first coating structure 331 via the support member 142, due to the contact avoidance portion 143 of the support member 142. As a result, the first coating structure 331 can be firmly fixed by the base 341 via the support member 142 without hindering deformation of the portion of the first coating structure 331 on the discharge port 35 side (X1 side) in the opposing direction (Z direction). [Modifications] It should be noted that the embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative and not restrictive in all respects. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims rather than by the description of the embodiments above, and further includes all modifications (modifications) in the sense and scope equivalent to the claims.

[0071] For example, in the first to sixth embodiments described above, the first coating structure 31 and the second coating structure 32 are fixed together by a plurality of first fastening members 36 arranged in a straight line at equal intervals L from one end (Y1 side) to the other end (Y2 side) in the width direction (Y direction). However, the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the first fastening members 36 may be arranged in two or more rows. Furthermore, the spacing between the first fastening members 36 may be changed according to the magnitude of the force that causes the first coating structure 31 and the second coating structure 32 to open to each other in the opposing direction (Z direction) at their positions in the width direction (Y direction). Furthermore, the first fastening members 36 may be arranged in a zigzag pattern. In addition, the first coating structure 31 and the second coating structure 32 may be fixed together by adhesive, rather than by the first fastening members 36.

[0072] Furthermore, in the first to sixth embodiments described above, examples were shown in which the coating devices 100, 100a, 100b, 100c, 100d, and 100e are configured to apply the coating liquid 1 from the discharge port 35 to the material to be conveyed 90 in a substantially horizontal direction, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the coating devices 100, 100a, 100b, 100c, 100d, and 100e may be configured to apply the coating liquid 1 from the discharge port 35 to the material to be conveyed 90 in a substantially vertical direction.

[0073] Furthermore, in the first to sixth embodiments described above, the coating devices 100, 100a, 100b, 100c, 100d, and 100e were shown to transport the material to be coated 90 using a roll-to-roll method, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the coating devices 100, 100a, 100b, 100c, 100d, and 100e may transport the material using a single-wafer method.

[0074] Furthermore, in the first to sixth embodiments described above, an example was shown in which one discharge port 35 is provided in the coating sections 30, 30a, 30b, 30c, 30d, and 30e, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the discharge port 35 may be divided into multiple ports, or one discharge port 35 may be divided into multiple ports.

[0075] Furthermore, although the second to sixth embodiments described above show examples where the contact avoidance portion 43 and the contact avoidance portion 143 are rectangular parallelepiped-shaped spaces, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the contact avoidance portion 43 and the contact avoidance portion 143 may have a structure that is inclined so that the distance between them and the first coating structure 31 or base 41 in the opposing direction (Z direction) gradually increases from the opposite side of the discharge port 35 (X2 side) toward the discharge port 35 side (X1 side), in accordance with the deformation of the first coating structure 31 and the first coating structure 131 in the Z2 direction.

[0076] 1 Coating liquid 20 Supply piping 30, 30a, 30b, 30c, 30d, 30e Coating section 31, 131, 231, 331 First coating structure 32 Second coating structure 33 Spacer 34 Coating flow path 35 Discharge port 36 First fastening member 37 Manifold 38 Slit 41, 141, 241, 341 Base 42, 142, 242 Support member 43, 143 Contact avoidance section 44a First fixing member 44b Second fixing member 90 Material to be coated 100, 100a, 100b, 100c, 100d, 100e Coating device W Discharge port opening width T1 Spacer thickness T2, T4 Thickness of the part of the support member on the discharge port side T3 Thickness of the part of the support member opposite to the discharge port D1 D2 Distance between the first coated structure and the support member in the contact avoidance section Distance between the base and the support member in the contact avoidance section

Claims

1. A coating apparatus comprising: a first coating structure; a second coating structure disposed opposite to the first coating structure; a space enclosed by a spacer sandwiched between the first and second coating structures, forming a coating channel into which a coating liquid flows; and a discharge port provided at one end of the coating channel for discharging the coating liquid in a discharge direction which is the direction in which the coating liquid is discharged onto a material to be coated, wherein the coating channel includes a manifold for storing the coating liquid and a slit connected to the manifold for supplying the coating liquid to the discharge port, and the first and second coating structures are fixed to each other in the opposing direction via the spacer by a first fastening member from one end to the other in the width direction which is perpendicular to both the opposing direction which is the direction in which the first and second coating structures face each other and the discharge direction, in the portion opposite to the side in which the discharge port is formed, and in at least the portion other than the portion corresponding to the slit.

2. The coating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first coating structure and the second coating structure are not fixed in the opposing direction in at least the portion corresponding to the slit, from one end to the other in the width direction, and are fixed to each other in the opposing direction via the spacer by the first fastening member in the portion opposite to the side on which the discharge port is formed, and in portions other than those of the first coating structure and the second coating structure corresponding to the coating flow path.

3. The coating apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a base, and a support member provided between the base and the first coating structure for supporting the first coating structure, wherein the support member includes a contact avoidance portion to prevent the discharge port side portion of the first coating structure from coming into contact with the base via the support member.

4. The coating apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the first coating structure is fixed to the base in the direction of discharge, but not in the direction of the opposing direction, at the portion on the discharge port side in the discharge direction.

5. The coating apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising: a first fixing member fixed to the base and in contact with the front surface of the first coating structure provided with the discharge port; and a second fixing member fixed to the base and in contact with the back surface of the first coating structure opposite to the front surface of the first coating structure, wherein the first coating structure is sandwiched between the first fixing member and the second fixing member and fixed in the discharge direction.

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