Liquid ejection device

Abstract

The present invention provides a liquid ejection device capable of detecting vibrations caused by deterioration of a guide portion. The liquid ejection device comprises: a head (14) for ejecting liquid; a holding portion (21) for holding the head; a base portion (22) for holding the holding portion; a guide portion (16) for movably holding and guiding the base portion; and a detection portion (17) mounted on the base portion for detecting vibrations of the base portion. The base portion has a first surface on which the guide portion is mounted and a second surface opposite to the first surface, and the detection portion is mounted on at least one of the first surface and the second surface.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a liquid ejection device. Background Technology

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a liquid ejection device comprising a head for ejecting liquid, a holding portion for holding the head, a guide portion for movably holding and guiding the holding portion, and a detection portion mounted on the holding portion for detecting vibrations of the holding portion. When guided by the guide portion, the holding portion vibrates with the portion where the guide portion is mounted as a fulcrum. The detection portion is mounted in the holding portion at a position away from the portion where the guide portion is mounted. The detection portion detects vibrations of the holding portion at locations where vibrations are prone to increase. This liquid ejection device corrects the spray position of the liquid ejected from the head by detecting the vibrations of the holding portion through the detection portion.

[0003] In such a liquid ejection device, if the guide portion deteriorates, the operating load during the movement of the retaining portion will increase. As a result, the retaining portion will vibrate. Since the vibration caused by the deterioration of the guide portion is weak, if the detection unit is installed in the retaining portion at a position far from where the guide portion is installed, as in the liquid ejection device described in Patent Document 1, the detection unit may be unable to detect the vibration.

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-154452 Summary of the Invention

[0005] A liquid ejection device for solving the above-mentioned problems includes: a head that ejects liquid; a holding part that holds the head; a base part that holds the holding part; a guide part that holds the base part in a movable manner and guides the base part; and a detection part that is mounted on the base part and detects vibration of the base part. The base part has a first surface on which the guide part is mounted and a second surface opposite to the first surface, and the detection part is mounted on at least one of the first surface and the second surface.

[0006] A liquid ejection device for solving the above-mentioned problems includes: a head that ejects liquid; a holding part that holds the head; a guide part that holds the holding part in a movable manner and guides the holding part; and a detection part disposed on the holding part and detecting vibration of the holding part, the holding part having a first surface on which the guide part is mounted and a second surface opposite to the first surface, the detection part being mounted on at least one of the first surface and the second surface. Attached Figure Description

[0007] Figure 1This is a front view showing a first embodiment of the liquid ejection device.

[0008] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Side view of the liquid ejection device shown.

[0009] Figure 3 A flowchart illustrating the processes performed by the control unit.

[0010] Figure 4 This is a side view showing a second embodiment of the liquid ejection device.

[0011] Figure 5 A slider diagram illustrating a printing system that includes a liquid ejection device.

[0012] Figure 6 A side view showing a modified example of the liquid ejection device. Detailed Implementation

[0013] Hereinafter, one embodiment of the liquid ejection device will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The liquid ejection device is, for example, an inkjet printer that prints images such as text and photographs by ejecting ink, which is an example of a liquid, onto a medium such as paper or cloth.

[0014] First Implementation Method

[0015] like Figure 1 As shown, the liquid ejection device 11 includes a housing 12, a support 13, a head 14, a slide 15, a guide 16, a detection unit 17, and a control unit 18.

[0016] The housing 12 houses the various structures of the liquid ejection device 11.

[0017] The support portion 13 is configured to support the medium 99. For example, the support portion 13 supports the medium 99 being transported.

[0018] The head 14 is configured to eject liquid. The head 14 has one or more nozzles 19 for ejecting liquid. The head 14 ejects liquid from the nozzles 19 onto the medium 99 supported by the support portion 13, thereby printing an image on the medium 99.

[0019] The carriage 15 carries the head 14. The carriage 15 is movably mounted on the guide 16. The carriage 15 scans the medium 99 supported by the support 13. Thus, the liquid ejection device 11 is a so-called serial type.

[0020] like Figure 2As shown, the carriage 15 includes a holding portion 21 that holds the head 14, and a base portion 22 that holds the holding portion 21. The holding portion 21 and the base portion 22 are connected, for example, by one or more springs 23. Thus, the holding portion 21 is held by the base portion 22.

[0021] The holding part 21 is configured, for example, to accommodate a liquid reservoir 24. For example, the holding part 21 is provided as a cavity so that the liquid reservoir 24 can be installed. The liquid reservoir 24 is installed on the holding part 21 so that the liquid it contains is supplied to the head 14.

[0022] The retaining part 21 has a retaining upstream surface 25 and a retaining downstream surface 26. The retaining upstream surface 25 is the surface facing upstream in the direction in which the medium 99 is conveyed, i.e., the conveying direction. The retaining upstream surface 25 is the surface opposite to the base part 22. The retaining upstream surface 25 is the outer surface of the retaining part 21. The retaining upstream surface 25 is the surface on which the spring 23 is mounted. The retaining downstream surface 26 is the surface facing downstream in the conveying direction. The retaining downstream surface 26 is the surface facing the opposite side to the retaining upstream surface 25. The retaining downstream surface 26 is the inner surface of the retaining part 21.

[0023] The retaining portion 21 has a protrusion 27 extending toward the base portion 22. The protrusion 27 extends, for example, from the retaining upstream surface 25. The tip of the protrusion 27 contacts the base portion 22.

[0024] The base portion 22 is located, for example, upstream of the head 14 in the conveying direction. The base portion 22 has an upstream base surface 31 and a downstream base surface 32. The upstream base surface 31 faces upstream in the conveying direction. The upstream base surface 31 is the outer surface of the base portion 22. The upstream base surface 31 is the surface on which the guide portion 16 is mounted. The downstream base surface 32 faces downstream in the conveying direction. The downstream base surface 32 faces the side opposite to the upstream base surface 31. The downstream base surface 32 is the surface opposite to the holding portion 21, and more specifically, the surface opposite to the holding upstream surface 25. The downstream base surface 32 is the outer surface of the base portion 22. The downstream base surface 32 is the surface on which the spring 23 is mounted.

[0025] The base portion 22 has a pin 33 extending toward the retaining portion 21. The pin 33 extends from the downstream surface 32 of the base. The tip of the pin 33 contacts the upstream surface 25 of the retaining portion. The pin 33 contacts the upstream surface 25 of the retaining portion at a position lower than the extension position of the protrusion 27. The retaining portion 21, which is connected to the base portion 22 by the spring 23, is supported by the pin 33.

[0026] The base portion 22 has a displacement mechanism 34 that displaces the holding portion 21 relative to the base portion 22. The displacement mechanism 34 has, for example, a rotating body 35. The rotating body 35 has a contact portion 36 that contacts the tip of the protrusion 27. When the rotating body 35 rotates while the protrusion 27 is in contact with the contact portion 36, the holding portion 21 is displaced relative to the base portion 22 with the tip of the pin 33 as a fulcrum.

[0027] The holding part 21 is displaced relative to the base part 22, thereby changing the distance between the head 14 and the support part 13. That is, the distance between the medium 99 supported by the support part 13 and the head 14 is changed. In this way, the displacement mechanism 34 can, for example, adjust the distance between the head 14 and the medium 99 to an appropriate distance according to the thickness of the medium 99.

[0028] The carriage 15 has a first surface and a second surface. The first surface is the surface on which the guide 16 is mounted. The second surface is the surface opposite to the first surface. The second surface faces the side opposite to the first surface. In the first embodiment, the retaining part 21 has a first surface and a second surface. The first surface of the retaining part 21 is the upstream retaining surface 25, and the second surface of the retaining part 21 is the downstream retaining surface 26. Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the base part 22 has a first surface and a second surface. The first surface of the base part 22 is the upstream base surface 31, and the second surface of the base part 22 is the downstream base surface 32. The upstream retaining surface 25 is the surface on which the spring 23 is mounted, and it is the surface in contact with the pin 33, therefore it is the surface on which the guide 16 is indirectly mounted via the base part 22. The upstream base surface 31 is the surface on which the guide 16 is directly mounted.

[0029] The guide portion 16 is located, for example, upstream of the head 14 in the conveying direction. The guide portion 16 holds the carriage 15 in a manner that allows the carriage 15 to move. The guide portion 16 is configured to guide the carriage 15. In the first embodiment, the guide portion 16 holds the base portion 22 in a manner that allows the base portion 22 to move. The guide portion 16 is configured to guide the base portion 22. In the first embodiment, the guide portion 16 holds the holding portion 21 via the base portion 22 in a manner that allows the holding portion 21 to move. The guide portion 16 is configured to guide the holding portion 21 via the base portion 22.

[0030] The guide portion 16 includes, for example, a track 37 and a slider 38. The track 37 is a long strip extending across the width of the housing 12. The track 37 is, for example, fixed to the housing 12. The slider 38 is mounted on the track 37 in a movable state. The slider 38 is mounted on the carriage 15. In the first embodiment, the slider 38 is mounted on the upstream surface 31 of the base. The slider 38 is, for example, fixed to the upstream surface 31 of the base by screws. As the slider 38 moves along the track 37, the carriage 15 moves along the track 37. In this way, the guide portion 16 guides the carriage 15 while holding it in place.

[0031] Slider 38 may have a plurality of built-in rolling elements 39. As slider 38 moves relative to track 37, the rolling elements 39 roll within slider 38. Thus, slider 38 can move smoothly relative to track 37. Lubricant is filled within slider 38 to facilitate the rolling of the rolling elements 39.

[0032] The guide 16 can be, for example, an LM rolling guide (LM guide, registered trademark). The guide 16 can also be a ball screw. The guide 16 can be any structure that holds and guides the carriage 15. In the case of a ball screw, the guide 16 has a screw equivalent to the track 37 and a nut equivalent to the slider 38. In this case, for example, a rolling element 39 is arranged between the screw and the nut.

[0033] The detection unit 17 is mounted on the carriage 15. The detection unit 17 is mounted on at least one of the first surface and the second surface. That is, the detection unit 17 is mounted on at least one of the upstream holding surface 25, the downstream holding surface 26, the upstream surface of the substrate 31, and the downstream surface of the substrate 32. In the first embodiment, the detection unit 17 is mounted on the first surface of the substrate portion 22, namely the upstream surface of the substrate 31.

[0034] The detection unit 17 detects the vibration of the carriage 15. For example, the detection unit 17 detects the vibration of the carriage 15 moving during printing. When the detection unit 17 is mounted on the base 22, it detects the vibration of the base 22. When the detection unit 17 is mounted on the holding part 21, it detects the vibration of the holding part 21. The detection unit 17 is, for example, configured as an actuator. The detection unit 17 outputs a signal based on the detected vibration. The signal is a vibration waveform representing the detected vibration and is the detection result of the detection unit 17. For example, the detection unit 17 outputs a signal to the control unit 18.

[0035] When the guide section 16 deteriorates, the load on the carriage 15 during movement, i.e., the operating load, increases. Deterioration of the guide section 16 can be caused by factors such as reduced lubricant, foreign matter contamination, or foreign matter adhesion. For example, deterioration occurs when the lubricant filling the guide section 16 decreases. Deterioration also occurs when foreign matter becomes trapped in the guide section 16 due to foreign matter entering between the track 37 and the slider 38, or when foreign matter mixes into the slider 38. Furthermore, deterioration occurs when foreign matter adheres to the track 37.

[0036] When the operating load on the carriage 15 increases, vibration occurs on the carriage 15 during movement. The detection unit 17 detects this vibration that occurs when the carriage 15 moves. When the operating load increases, the carriage 15 will eventually become unable to move.

[0037] In the first embodiment, since the base portion 22 is directly mounted on the guide portion 16, the base portion 22 vibrates when the carriage 15 moves. Therefore, the detection portion 17 detects the vibration of the base portion 22 as vibration of the carriage 15.

[0038] The detection unit 17 is installed on at least one of the first and second surfaces. In this case, for example, the detection unit 17 is installed closer to the guide 16 than on the outer surface of the holding part 21 facing downstream in the conveying direction. As a result, the detection unit 17 can easily detect the vibration of the carriage 15.

[0039] When the lubricant in the guide section 16 decreases, periodic vibrations based on the spacing of the rolling elements 39 occur as the slider 38 moves. In this case, the higher frequency vibration manifests as vibration of the carriage 15. In the first embodiment, for example, vibration of a first frequency occurs due to the decrease in lubricant.

[0040] If foreign matter such as dust from the air or powder generated by the medium 99 is trapped in the guide section 16, periodic vibration will occur as the slider 38 moves. In this case, the vibration with a lower frequency than the first frequency manifests as the vibration of the carriage 15. In the first embodiment, for example, vibration at a second frequency occurs due to the trapping of foreign matter.

[0041] When a foreign object adheres to the guide portion 16, for example, when the foreign object adheres to a specific part of the track 37, the slider 38 will vibrate once as it passes through that part. Therefore, in this case, the vibration with a lower frequency than the second frequency manifests as the vibration of the carriage 15. In the first embodiment, for example, a third frequency vibration occurs due to the adhesion of a foreign object.

[0042] As mentioned above, vibrations at specific frequencies occurring in the carriage 15 are associated with factors contributing to the deterioration of the guide 16. These specific frequencies include, for example, a first frequency, a second frequency, and a third frequency.

[0043] Similar to LM rolling guides, even when the guide 16 is a ball screw, the vibrations of a specific frequency occurring in the carriage 15 are related to the deterioration factors of the guide 16. For example, in the case of a ball screw, multiple vibrations with different frequencies occur on the carriage 15 due to a reduction in lubricant between the screw and nut, the introduction of foreign matter between the screw and nut, or the attachment of foreign matter to the screw.

[0044] like Figure 1 As shown, the control unit 18 is, for example, fixed to the housing 12. The control unit 18 is configured, for example, to comprehensively control the liquid dispensing device 11. The control unit 18 can be configured as a circuit including α: one or more processors that execute various processes according to a computer program, β: one or more application-specific hardware circuits such as an integrated circuit that executes at least a portion of the various processes, or γ: a combination of these. The processor includes a CPU and memories such as RAM and ROM, which store program code or instructions configured to cause the CPU to execute processes. Memory, i.e., computer-readable media, includes a wide variety of readable media accessible by general-purpose or special-purpose computers.

[0045] The control unit 18, for example, analyzes the vibrations detected by the detection unit 17. The control unit 18 functions as an analysis unit 41 that analyzes the vibrations detected by the detection unit 17 by executing its own stored program. Therefore, the control unit 18 has an analysis unit 41. In other words, the liquid ejection device 11 includes an analysis unit 41.

[0046] The analysis unit 41 can also be a circuit other than the control unit 18. In this case, the control unit 18 sends the signal received from the detection unit 17 to the analysis unit 41. The analysis unit 41 then sends the analyzed result back to the control unit 18.

[0047] The analysis unit 41 analyzes the signal, for example, through Fourier transform. Alternatively, the analysis unit 41 may analyze the signal by passing it through filters such as low-pass filters, high-pass filters, and band-pass filters. By analyzing the signal, the analysis unit 41 extracts vibrations of a specific frequency from the signal. These vibrations of the specific frequency are the analysis result of the analysis unit 41.

[0048] The liquid dispensing device 11 may also include a supply unit 42. The supply unit 42 is configured to provide lubricant to the guide unit 16. For example, the supply unit 42 provides lubricant between the track 37 and the slider 38. In the case where the guide unit 16 is an LM rolling guide, a hole for injecting lubricant is usually formed in the slider 38. The supply unit 42 provides lubricant to the guide unit 16 by injecting lubricant into this hole.

[0049] The liquid dispensing device 11 may also include a wiping section 43. The wiping section 43 is configured to wipe the guide section 16. For example, the wiping section 43 wipes the track 37. The wiping section 43 is, for example, a cloth wiper. By wiping the guide section 16, the wiping section 43 removes foreign matter adhering to the guide section 16.

[0050] The liquid dispensing device 11 may also include a display unit 44. The display unit 44 may be, for example, an LCD monitor. The display unit 44 may be fixed to the housing 12. The display unit 44 displays information related to the operating status of the liquid dispensing device 11. The operating status may include, for example, operating time, remaining liquid level, and the status of the guide section 16. The display unit 44 may also display messages indicating the deterioration status of the guide section 16.

[0051] Next, the operation of the control unit 18 will be explained.

[0052] Control unit 18, for example, starts when printing begins. Figure 3 The process is shown. Therefore, Figure 3 The processing shown is performed in parallel with printing. Figure 3 The process shown is a process for judging the deterioration of the guide section 16. Figure 3 The process shown is also a process for judging the causes of deterioration of the guide section 16. By judging the deterioration of the guide section 16, maintenance can be performed before the carriage 15 becomes immobile. That is, it is possible to obtain signs that the carriage 15 will become immobile.

[0053] like Figure 3 As shown, in step S11, the control unit 18 acquires the vibration detected by the detection unit 17. That is, the control unit 18 measures the vibration of the base portion 22. At this time, the control unit 18 can also acquire the vibration of the section in which the carriage 15 moves from the initial position to the opposite anti-initial position. The control unit 18 can also acquire the vibration of the section in which the carriage 15 moves from the initial position back to the initial position, that is, the vibration of the section in which the carriage 15 moves back and forth.

[0054] In step S12, the control unit 18 instructs the analysis unit 41 to analyze the acquired vibration. As a result, the control unit 18 obtains the analysis result of the signal.

[0055] In step S13, the control unit 18 determines whether the guide unit 16 has deteriorated based on the analysis results. That is, the control unit 18 determines whether the guide unit 16 has deteriorated based on the detection results of the detection unit 17. If the control unit 18 determines that the guide unit 16 has deteriorated, the process is transferred to step S14. If the control unit 18 determines that the guide unit 16 has not deteriorated, the process ends. Figure 3 The process is as shown. In this case, the control unit 18 continues printing.

[0056] In step S13, the control unit 18 determines the degradation of the guidance unit 16 by comparing the analysis result with a threshold, for example. The threshold is stored in the control unit 18.

[0057] In step S13, the control unit 18 compares, for example, the vibration intensity of a specific frequency, which is the result of the analysis, with a threshold. The control unit 18 compares, for example, the vibration intensity of a first frequency with a first threshold. The control unit 18 compares, for example, the vibration intensity of a second frequency with a second threshold. The control unit 18 compares, for example, the vibration intensity of a third frequency with a third threshold. The first threshold, the second threshold, and the third threshold are, for example, different values ​​from each other.

[0058] In step S13, if the vibration intensity at a specific frequency exceeds a corresponding threshold, the control unit 18 determines that the guide unit 16 has deteriorated. If the vibration intensity at a specific frequency does not exceed the corresponding threshold, the control unit 18 determines that the guide unit 16 has not deteriorated. That is, in step S13, the control unit 18 determines the deterioration of the guide unit 16 based on the vibration at a specific frequency as an analysis result, and determines the cause of its deterioration.

[0059] In step S13, if the vibration intensity at the first frequency exceeds a first threshold, the control unit 18 determines that the guide portion 16 has deteriorated, and determines that the cause of the deterioration of the guide portion 16 is a reduction in lubricant. If the vibration intensity at the second frequency exceeds a second threshold, the control unit 18 determines that the guide portion 16 has deteriorated, and determines that the cause of the deterioration of the guide portion 16 is the inclusion of foreign matter. If the vibration intensity at the third frequency exceeds a third threshold, the control unit 18 determines that the guide portion 16 has deteriorated, and determines that the cause of the deterioration of the guide portion 16 is the adhesion of foreign matter.

[0060] In step S14, the control unit 18 causes the display unit 44 to display a message indicating the state of the guide unit 16. This message indicates that the guide unit 16 has deteriorated. The message also indicates the cause of the deterioration of the guide unit 16. That is, the control unit 18 causes the display unit 44 to display the deterioration of the guide unit 16 based on the detection result of the detection unit 17. The control unit 18 stores, for example, the data table shown in Table 1. The control unit 18 selects the message to be displayed on the display unit 44 by referring to this data table.

[0061] Table 1

[0062] logo information First Identification First News Second Identifier Second message Third sign Third News

[0063] As shown in Table 1, the data table stores identifiers and messages in a state where an association has been established. For example, a first identifier is associated with a first message. A second identifier is associated with a second message. A third identifier is associated with a third message. The first identifier is established when the vibration intensity at a first frequency exceeds a first threshold. The second identifier is established when the vibration intensity at a second frequency exceeds a second threshold. The third identifier is established when the vibration intensity at a third frequency exceeds a third threshold. The first message indicates a reduction in lubricant. The second message indicates the presence of foreign matter. The third message indicates the attachment of foreign matter.

[0064] When the vibration intensity at the first frequency exceeds a first threshold, i.e., when the first flag is activated, in step S14, the control unit 18 causes the display unit 44 to display a first message. When the vibration intensity at the second frequency exceeds a second threshold, i.e., when the second flag is activated, the control unit 18 causes the display unit 44 to display a second message. When the vibration intensity at the third frequency exceeds a third threshold, i.e., when the third flag is activated, the control unit 18 causes the display unit 44 to display a third message. Thus, the user can understand the degradation of the guide unit 16 and the causes of its degradation. In this way, the message displayed in step S14 varies depending on the degradation cause of the guide unit 16. The display unit 44 may sometimes display multiple messages.

[0065] The messages displayed on the display unit 44 may also include messages indicating countermeasures for the causes of degradation. In this case, the control unit 18 causes the display unit 44 to display messages indicating the causes of degradation of the guide unit 16 and countermeasures for the causes of degradation. Messages indicating countermeasures may include, for example, messages urging maintenance or messages urging contact with a support center. For example, as a countermeasure, the first message may also include a message urging the provision of lubricant. As a countermeasure, the second message may also include a message urging the removal of foreign matter mixed into the guide unit 16. As a countermeasure, the third message may also include a message urging the removal of foreign matter attached to the guide unit 16.

[0066] like Figure 3 As shown, in step S15, the control unit 18 determines whether the degradation of the guide section 16 can be repaired autonomously. Autonomous repair refers to maintenance performed by the control unit 18 itself on the guide section 16. That is, the control unit 18 determines, for example, whether the degradation of the guide section 16 is one that can be repaired by the providing unit 42 or the wiping unit 43. If the control unit 18 determines that autonomous repair is possible, it proceeds to step S16. If the control unit 18 determines that autonomous repair is not possible, the process ends. In this case, printing continues with a message displayed on the display unit 44.

[0067] In the first embodiment, if the deterioration is caused by a decrease in lubricant or the adhesion of foreign matter, the control unit 18 determines that it can be repaired autonomously. If the deterioration is caused by the inclusion of foreign matter, the control unit 18 determines that it cannot be repaired autonomously. In this case, the display unit 44 displays, for example, the maintenance sequence and contact information for the support center as a message.

[0068] In step S16, the control unit 18 performs autonomous repair. For example, if the cause of deterioration of the guide unit 16 is a reduction in lubricant, the control unit 18 controls the supply unit 42. That is, if the control unit 18 determines that the cause of deterioration is a reduction in lubricant in the guide unit 16, it supplies lubricant by controlling the supply unit 42. For example, if the cause of deterioration of the guide unit 16 is the adhesion of foreign matter, the control unit 18 controls the wiping unit 43. That is, if the control unit 18 determines that the cause of deterioration is the adhesion of foreign matter, it wipes the track 37 by controlling the wiping unit 43.

[0069] In step S16, the control unit 18 can perform autonomous repair either by temporarily stopping printing or after printing has finished. The control unit 18 may also request the user's permission before performing autonomous repair. The control unit 18 performs autonomous repair with the user's permission. The control unit 18 terminates the process without the user's permission. Figure 3The process is shown. After completing autonomous repair, the control unit 18 terminates the process. Figure 3 The processing shown.

[0070] Next, the function and effects of the first embodiment will be explained.

[0071] (1) The detection unit 17 is installed on at least one of the first surface and the second surface of the base 22.

[0072] When the guide portion 16 deteriorates, the base portion 22 vibrates when it moves. Since this vibration is weak, if the detection unit 17 is installed on the base portion 22 at a location far from where the guide portion 16 is installed, the vibration wave will attenuate and may therefore be undetectable. To address this, according to the above structure, the detection unit 17 is installed on the base portion 22 closer to where the guide portion 16 is installed. Therefore, the detection unit 17 can detect the vibration caused by the deterioration of the guide portion 16.

[0073] (2) The detection unit 17 is installed on at least one of the first surface and the second surface of the holding unit 21.

[0074] When the guide portion 16 deteriorates, the retaining portion 21 vibrates when it moves. Since this vibration is weak, it may be undetectable if the detection unit 17 is installed on the retaining portion 21 at a position far from where the guide portion 16 is mounted. Therefore, according to the above structure, the detection unit 17 is installed on the retaining portion 21 at a position relatively close to where the guide portion 16 is mounted. Thus, the detection unit 17 can detect the vibration caused by the deterioration of the guide portion 16.

[0075] (3) If the control unit 18 determines that the guide unit 16 has deteriorated based on the detection result detected by the detection unit 17, the display unit 44 displays the situation that the guide unit 16 has deteriorated.

[0076] Based on the above structure, the user can be aware that the guide section 16 has deteriorated.

[0077] (4) The control unit 18 determines the cause of the deterioration of the guide unit 16 based on the vibration of a specific frequency extracted by analyzing the detection results of the detection unit 17, and displays the cause of the deterioration on the display unit 44.

[0078] The causes of deterioration of the guide section 16 are related to the frequency of vibration detected by the detection section 17. Therefore, the control section 18 can identify the causes of deterioration of the guide section 16 based on vibrations of a specific frequency extracted from the detection results of the detection section 17. According to the above structure, the user can understand the causes of deterioration of the guide section 16.

[0079] (5) When the control unit 18 determines that the cause of the deterioration is the reduction of lubricant in the guide unit 16, it provides lubricant by controlling the supply unit 42.

[0080] According to the above structure, in the event that the guide section 16 deteriorates due to a decrease in lubricant, lubricant is automatically supplied between the track 37 and the slider 38 via the supply section 42. Therefore, the guide section 16 can be properly maintained.

[0081] (6) The control unit 18 displays a message indicating the cause of degradation and the countermeasures for the cause of degradation on the display unit 44.

[0082] Based on the above structure, users can understand how to deal with the causes of degradation of the guide section 16.

[0083] Second Implementation Method

[0084] Next, a second embodiment of the liquid ejection device 11 will be described. The structure of the carriage 15 differs from that of the first embodiment. In the second embodiment, the differences from the first embodiment will be primarily explained.

[0085] like Figure 4 As shown, in the second embodiment, the carriage 15 does not have a base portion 22, but has a holding portion 21. Therefore, in the second embodiment, the holding portion 21 is directly held by the guide portion 16.

[0086] In the second embodiment, the detection unit 17 is mounted on the holding part 21. The detection unit 17 is mounted on at least one of the first surface and the second surface of the holding part 21. That is, the detection unit 17 is mounted on at least one of the upstream holding surface 25 and the downstream holding surface 26. In the second embodiment, the detection unit 17 is mounted on the upstream holding surface 25. Therefore, as a vibration of the carriage 15, the detection unit 17 detects the vibration of the holding part 21.

[0087] The detection unit 17 is mounted on at least one of the first and second surfaces of the holding portion 21. In this case, for example, the detection unit 17 is mounted closer to the guide portion 16 than on the outer surface of the holding portion 21 facing downstream in the conveying direction. As a result, the detection unit 17 can easily detect the vibration of the carriage 15.

[0088] According to the second embodiment described above, other effects besides those described in (1) can be obtained.

[0089] The first and second embodiments described above can be modified and implemented as follows. The first and second embodiments described above, as well as the following modifications, can be combined and implemented with each other without causing technical inconsistencies.

[0090] ·like Figure 5 As shown, the liquid ejection device 11 can also be connected to a server 50 equipped with a resolution unit 41 to form a printing system 51. In this case, the liquid ejection device 11 sends the detection result of the detection unit 17 to the server 50. The server 50 causes the resolution unit 41 to resolve the detection result of the detection unit 17. The server 50 sends the resolution result of the resolution unit 41 to the liquid ejection device 11. Based on the received resolution result, the control unit 18 determines the deterioration of the guide unit 16 and the causes of the deterioration of the guide unit 16.

[0091] ·like Figure 6 As shown, the guide portion 16 can also be a guide shaft 55 that supports and guides the carriage 15. In this modified example, the carriage 15 has a mounting portion 56 mounted on the guide shaft 55. The mounting portion 56 is provided on the base portion 22 and protrudes upstream of the base surface 31 in the conveying direction. Therefore, the upstream surface 31 of the base from which the mounting portion 56 protrudes becomes the surface on which the guide portion 16 is mounted, i.e., the first surface of the base portion 22.

[0092] The guide shaft 55, for example, passes through the mounting portion 56. In the case of the guide shaft 55, it is possible that the lubricant applied to the guide shaft 55 may decrease, foreign matter may become trapped between the carriage 15 and the guide shaft 55, or foreign matter may adhere to specific parts of the guide shaft 55. In this case, similar to the case of the LM rolling guide, the frequency of vibration corresponds to the factors of deterioration.

[0093] In the second embodiment, the retaining part 21 may also have a mounting part 56. In this case, the mounting part 56 protrudes from the upstream surface 25 of the retaining part, for example.

[0094] The threshold corresponding to the vibration intensity at a specific frequency may not be a single value. For example, the control unit 18 may store a first threshold including multiple thresholds, a second threshold including multiple thresholds, and a third threshold including multiple thresholds. In this case, the control unit 18 can finely judge the deterioration condition of the guide unit 16 based on multiple thresholds. The greater the vibration intensity at a specific frequency, the more it indicates that deterioration of the guide unit 16 is occurring. By finely judging the deterioration condition, the control unit 18 can estimate the lifespan of the guide unit 16.

[0095] ·like Figure 1As shown, the control unit 18 can also determine the condition of the connector 58 connected to the carriage 15 based on the detection results of the detection unit 17. The connector 58 is, for example, a power supply cable, a signal line for transmitting signals, or a liquid supply pipe. The pipe passes through the carriage 15 and connects to the liquid container 24.

[0096] When the connector 58 is detached or pulled off the carriage 15, the carriage 15 vibrates. The control unit 18 detects this vibration through the detection unit 17, thereby determining that the connector 58 is in a malfunction. In particular, since the carriage 15 in the second embodiment consists only of the retaining part 21, the connector 58 is connected to the retaining part 21. In the event of a malfunction in the connector 58, the retaining part 21 will vibrate. Since the detection unit 17 is installed on the retaining part 21 where the guide part 16 is directly mounted in the second embodiment, it is easy to determine both the deterioration of the guide part 16 and the malfunction of the connector 58.

[0097] The control unit 18 can also determine the contact between the head 14 or the carriage 15 and the medium 99 based on the detection results of the detection unit 17. For example, when the medium 99 supported by the support 13 tilts off the support 13, it may come into contact with the head 14 or the carriage 15. When the head 14 or the carriage 15 comes into contact with the medium 99, the carriage 15 will vibrate. The control unit 18 detects this vibration through the detection unit 17, thereby determining that the head 14 or the carriage 15 has come into contact with the medium 99. In this case, the control unit 18 temporarily interrupts printing and conveys the medium 99 to discharge it. In the first embodiment, the position of the head 14 can also be adjusted by the displacement mechanism 34 after the medium 99 is discharged. In the second embodiment, since the detection unit 17 is installed on the holding part 21 of the direct mounting guide 16, it is easy to determine both the deterioration condition of the guide 16 and its contact with the medium 99.

[0098] If it is determined that a foreign object is attached to the guide section 16, the control section 18 can also determine the attachment site of the foreign object based on the analysis results. The control section 18 can also display the attachment site of the foreign object on the display section 44. In this case, maintainability is improved.

[0099] Alternatively, the analysis unit 41 may not analyze the detection results of the detection unit 17, but the control unit 18 may determine whether the guide unit 16 has deteriorated based on the detection results. For example, the control unit 18 may determine the deterioration of the guide unit 16 by comparing the vibration of the guide unit 16 when it has not deteriorated with the vibration of the guide unit 16 when it has deteriorated.

[0100] The liquid ejected by the head 14 is not limited to ink; for example, it can be a liquid formed by dispersing or mixing functional material particles in a liquid. For example, the head 14 can also eject a liquid containing, in a dispersed or dissolved form, materials such as electrode materials or pixel materials that will be used in the manufacture of liquid crystal displays, electroluminescent displays, and surface-emitting displays.

[0101] The following describes the technical concepts and effects learned from the above-described implementation methods and modifications.

[0102] (A) A liquid ejection device includes: a head that ejects liquid; a holding portion that holds the head; a base portion that holds the holding portion; a guide portion that holds the base portion in a movable manner and guides the base portion; and a detection portion that is mounted on the base portion and detects vibration of the base portion, the base portion having a first surface on which the guide portion is mounted and a second surface opposite to the first surface, the detection portion being mounted on at least one of the first surface and the second surface.

[0103] When the guide portion deteriorates, the base portion vibrates as it moves. Since this vibration is weak, it may be undetectable if the detection unit is mounted on the base portion away from where the guide portion is mounted, due to wave attenuation. To address this, the detection unit is mounted on the base portion closer to where the guide portion is mounted. Therefore, the detection unit can detect the vibration caused by the deterioration of the guide portion.

[0104] (B) A liquid ejection device comprises: a head that ejects liquid; a holding portion that holds the head; a guide portion that holds the holding portion in a movable manner and guides the holding portion; and a detection portion disposed on the holding portion and detecting vibration of the holding portion, the holding portion having a first surface on which the guide portion is mounted and a second surface opposite to the first surface, the detection portion being mounted on at least one of the first surface and the second surface.

[0105] When the guide portion deteriorates, the retaining portion vibrates when it moves. Since this vibration is weak, it may be undetectable if the detection unit is mounted on the retaining portion far from where the guide portion is mounted. In this case, according to the above structure, the detection unit is mounted on the retaining portion closer to where the guide portion is mounted. Therefore, the detection unit can detect the vibration caused by the deterioration of the guide portion.

[0106] (C) The above-described liquid ejection device may also include: a display unit; and a control unit, wherein if the control unit determines that the guide section has deteriorated based on the detection result detected by the detection unit, the display unit causes the display unit to display the condition that the guide section has deteriorated.

[0107] Based on the above structure, users can understand that the bootloader has deteriorated.

[0108] (D) In ​​the above-described liquid ejection device, the control unit may also determine the cause of deterioration of the guide unit based on vibrations of a specific frequency extracted by analyzing the detection results of the detection unit, and cause the display unit to display the cause of deterioration.

[0109] The causes of guide unit degradation are related to the frequency of vibration detected by the detection unit. Therefore, the control unit can identify the causes of guide unit degradation based on vibrations of a specific frequency extracted from the detection results of the detection unit. Based on this structure, the user can understand the causes of guide unit degradation.

[0110] (E) In the above-described liquid ejection device, the guide portion may include a track and a slider mounted on the first surface and moving along the track. The liquid ejection device includes a supply portion that supplies lubricant between the track and the slider. When the control portion determines that the deterioration is caused by a reduction in the lubricant in the guide portion, it controls the supply portion to supply the lubricant.

[0111] According to the above structure, in the event of deterioration of the guide section due to reduced lubricant, lubricant is automatically supplied between the track and the slider via the supply section. Therefore, the guide section can be properly maintained.

[0112] (F) In the above-described liquid ejection device, the control unit may also cause the display unit to display messages indicating the causes of degradation and methods for addressing the causes of degradation.

[0113] Based on the above structure, users can understand how to deal with the causes of degradation in the bootloader.

[0114] Symbol Explanation

[0115] 11…Liquid ejection device; 12…Housing; 13…Support; 14…Head; 15…Slide; 16…Guide; 17…Detection; 18…Control; 19…Nozzle; 21…Holding; 22…Base; 23…Spring; 24…Liquid reservoir; 25…Upstream holding surface; 26…Downstream holding surface; 27…Protrusion; 31…Upstream surface of base; 32…Downstream surface of base; 33…Pin; 34…Displacement mechanism; 35…Rotating body; 36…Contact part; 37…Railway; 38…Slider; 39…Rolling body; 41…Analyzing part; 42…Providing part; 43…Wiping part; 44…Display part; 50…Server; 51…Printing system; 55…Guide shaft; 56…Mounting part; 58…Connector; 99…Media.

Claims

1. A liquid ejection device, characterized in that, have: The head, which sprays out liquid; A retaining part that holds the head; The base portion holds the retaining portion; A displacement mechanism connects the holding part and the base part, and a gap is separated between the holding part and the base part, and displaces the holding part relative to the base part; A guide portion that movably holds and guides the base portion; A detection unit is mounted on the base portion and detects the vibration of the base portion. The base portion has a first surface on which the guide portion is mounted and a second surface opposite to the first surface. The detection unit is mounted on at least one of the first surface and the second surface.

2. A liquid ejection device, characterized in that, have: The head, which sprays out liquid; A retaining part that holds the head; A displacement mechanism connects the holding part and the base part, and a gap is separated between the holding part and the base part, and displaces the holding part relative to the base part; A guide portion that movably holds and guides the holding portion; A detection unit is provided on the holding part, and it detects the vibration of the holding part. The retaining part has a first surface on which the guide part is mounted and a second surface opposite to the first surface. The detection unit is mounted on at least one of the first surface and the second surface.

3. The liquid ejection device as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, have: Display section; Control Department If the control unit determines that the guide unit has deteriorated based on the detection result detected by the detection unit, the display unit will display the condition that the guide unit has deteriorated.

4. The liquid ejection device as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The control unit determines the causes of degradation of the guide unit based on vibrations of a specific frequency extracted by analyzing the detection results of the detection unit, and The display unit displays the causes of the degradation. The specific frequency is the frequency of vibration caused by the reduction of lubricant, the inclusion of foreign matter, or the adhesion of foreign matter.

5. The liquid ejection device as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The guide includes a track and a slider mounted on the first surface and moving along the track. The liquid ejection device includes a supply unit that supplies lubricant between the track and the slider. When the control unit determines that the cause of the deterioration is a reduction in the lubricant in the guide section, it controls the supply unit to supply the lubricant.

6. The liquid ejection device as described in claim 4 or 5, characterized in that, The control unit causes the display unit to display a message indicating the cause of degradation and the corresponding countermeasures.

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