Head life evaluation apparatus and method

A head life evaluation method comprising:

• (a) preparing a head block comprising first to n-th nozzles;
• (b) coupling the head block to a chamber block such that the first to n-th nozzles respectively correspond to first to n-th chambers;
• (c) creating different first to n-th environments in the first to n-th chambers;
• and
• (d) supplying a treatment liquid simultaneously to the first to n-th nozzles in different environments for a certain period of time,
• wherein, in step (c), the first to n-th chambers are differently controlled by selecting at least one of a humidity, a temperature an oxygen level a pressure and combinations thereof.

A head life evaluation apparatus comprising:

• a head block comprising first to n-th nozzles (where n is a natural number greater than 1) for ejecting a treatment liquid in an inkjet manner;
• and
• a chamber block detachably coupled to the head block and comprising first to n-th chambers respectively corresponding to the first to n-th nozzles to evaluate lifespans of the first to n-th nozzles in first to n-th environments,
• wherein the first or n-th chamber comprises:
• a chamber body providing an inner space having an open top;
• a treatment liquid discharge line mounted under the inner space;
• a humidity control line for supplying humidified or dehumidified air or moisture to the inner space to maintain the inner space at a first humidity or at an n-th humidity different from the first humidity;
• a temperature control device mounted on the humidity control line or the chamber body to maintain the inner space at a first temperature or at an n-th temperature different from the first temperature;
• an oxygen supply device mounted on the chamber body to maintain the inner space at a first oxygen level or at an n-th oxygen level different from the first oxygen level;
• a sensor comprising at least one of a humidity sensor, a temperature sensor, an oxygen sensor, a pressure sensor, and combinations thereof;
• and
• a controller for receiving a measurement signal from the sensor and applying at least one of a humidity control signal for maintaining the inner space at a certain humidity, a temperature control signal for maintaining the inner space at a certain temperature, an oxygen control signal for maintaining the inner space at a certain oxygen level, a pressure control signal for maintaining the inner space at a certain pressure, and combinations thereof selectively to at least one of the humidity control line, the temperature control device, the oxygen supply device, a pressure control line, and combinations thereof.

A head life evaluation apparatus comprising:

• a head block comprising at least one first nozzle for ejecting a treatment liquid in an inkjet manner;
• and
• a chamber block detachably coupled to the head block and comprising at least one first chamber corresponding to the first nozzle to evaluate a lifespan of the first nozzle in a first environment,
• wherein first to n-th nozzles (where n is a natural number greater than 1) are disposed in one or more rows on a surface of the head block facing the chamber block, and
• wherein first to n-th chambers provided in a concave shape to respectively correspond to the first to n-th nozzles are disposed in one or more rows on a surface of the chamber block facing the head block,
• wherein the first or n-th chamber comprises:
• a chamber body providing an inner space having an open top;
• a treatment liquid discharge line mounted under the inner space;
• and
• a humidity control line for supplying humidified or dehumidified air or moisture to the inner space to maintain the inner space at a first humidity or at an n-th humidity different from the first humidity.

A head life evaluation apparatus comprising:

• a head block comprising at least one first nozzle for ejecting a treatment liquid in an inkjet manner;
• and
• a chamber block detachably coupled to the head block and comprising at least one first chamber corresponding to the first nozzle to evaluate a lifespan of the first nozzle in a first environment,
• further comprising a guide mounted between the head block and the chamber block to seal the at least one first chamber of the chamber block when the head block is coupled to the chamber block.

A head life evaluation method comprising:

• (a) preparing a head block comprising first to n-th nozzles;
• (b) coupling the head block to a chamber block such that the first to n-th nozzles respectively correspond to first to n-th chambers;
• (c) creating different first to n-th environments in the first to n-th chambers;
• and
• (d) supplying a treatment liquid simultaneously to the first to n-th nozzles in different environments for a certain period of time,
• wherein, in step (d), the treatment liquid supplied to the first to n-th chambers is collected through a treatment liquid discharge line.