Liquid stirring equipment, system and control method

Abstract

The invention relates to liquid stirring equipment, a liquid stirring system and a control method. The liquid stirring apparatus includes: a storage device for storing a liquid; and a driving means for performing a rotation operation for rotating the memory unit. The rotation operation includes a stop operation of stopping rotation of the memory device at a plurality of stop positions. The plurality of stop positions includes: a first stop position at which the stop time is a first time; and a second stop position at which the stop time is a second time different from the first time.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to liquid mixing equipment, systems, and control methods. Background Technology

[0002] In some cases, liquids containing sediment-forming substances require agitation during use to disperse the sediment. For example, in printing equipment that performs printing by discharging liquid ink onto printing media, agitation may be necessary when using inks such as pigment inks or metallic inks to disperse sediment. Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 5-338195 and Japanese Patent No. 6567186 both disclose a device for agitating ink by rotating an ink storage section.

[0003] However, simply rotating the liquid storage section is sometimes insufficient to effectively agitate the liquid. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This invention provides a technique for more effectively stirring liquids.

[0005] According to one aspect of the present invention, a liquid stirring apparatus is provided, the liquid stirring apparatus comprising: a storage device for storing liquid; and a driving device for performing a rotation operation to rotate the storage device, wherein the rotation operation includes a stopping operation to stop the rotation of the storage device at a plurality of stopping positions, and the plurality of stopping positions including: a first stopping position, at which the stopping time is a first time; and a second stopping position, at which the stopping time is a second time different from the first time.

[0006] According to another aspect of the present invention, a system is provided, the system comprising: a liquid discharging device that discharges liquid into a medium; and a liquid storage device that stores the liquid to be supplied to the liquid discharging device, wherein the liquid storage device includes the liquid stirring device.

[0007] According to another aspect of the present invention, a control method for a liquid stirring apparatus is provided, the liquid stirring apparatus comprising: a storage device for storing liquid; and a driving device for rotating the storage device, the method comprising a rotation step of rotating the storage device by means of the driving device, wherein the rotation step comprises a stopping step of stopping the rotation of the storage device at a plurality of stopping positions, and the plurality of stopping positions comprising: a first stopping position, wherein the stopping time is a first time; and a second stopping position, wherein the stopping time is a second time different from the first time.

[0008] Further features of the invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments (with reference to the accompanying drawings). Attached Figure Description

[0009] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0010] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The system shown is a front view.

[0011] Figure 3 This is an explanatory diagram of the internal structure of a liquid discharge device;

[0012] Figure 4 This is a front view of the storage section;

[0013] Figure 5 It is a perspective view of the liquid container and the container support unit;

[0014] Figure 6 This is an explanatory diagram showing the attachment method of the container support unit to the storage section;

[0015] Figure 7 This is a diagram illustrating the operation of the controller;

[0016] Figure 8 This is a perspective view of a liquid mixing device;

[0017] Figure 9 This is a perspective view of a liquid mixing device;

[0018] Figure 10 This is a front view of the storage space;

[0019] Figure 11 This is a view showing the storage configuration of the container support unit;

[0020] Figure 12 This is a front view of a liquid mixing device;

[0021] Figure 13 This is a perspective view of the rear part of the liquid mixing equipment;

[0022] Figure 14 This is a view illustrating an example of a stirring operation;

[0023] Figure 15 This is an explanatory diagram of the rotation control unit;

[0024] Figure 16 This is a view showing the form of rotation control;

[0025] Figure 17 This is a view showing the form of rotation control;

[0026] Figure 18 This is an explanatory diagram of the position detection operation;

[0027] Figure 19 This is an explanatory diagram of the channel forming components and valve unit;

[0028] Figure 20 This is a view showing an example of the posture change of the channel forming member during rotation;

[0029] Figure 21 This is an explanatory diagram showing the arrangement of the pipe fixing components on the movable and fixed sides;

[0030] Figure 22 This is an explanatory diagram of the retaining components;

[0031] Figure 23 This is a view of an example of how the form of a tube or similar object changes during rotation;

[0032] Figure 24 yes Figure 1 The block diagram of the control circuit of the system shown is shown.

[0033] Figure 25 This is an illustration of a control example;

[0034] Figure 26 This is an illustration of a control example;

[0035] Figure 27 This is an illustrative diagram of another example;

[0036] Figure 28 This is an illustrative diagram of another example;

[0037] Figure 29 This is an illustrative diagram of another example;

[0038] Figure 30 This is a view showing another example of a stirring operation;

[0039] Figure 31 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the control unit's processing;

[0040] Figure 32 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the control unit's processing;

[0041] Figure 33 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the control unit's processing;

[0042] Figure 34 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the control unit's processing;

[0043] Figure 35 This is a view showing another example of a stirring operation;

[0044] Figure 36This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the control unit's processing;

[0045] Figure 37 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the control unit's processing;

[0046] Figure 38 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the control unit's processing;

[0047] Figure 39 This is a view showing an example of a stop time settings table;

[0048] Figure 40 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the control unit's processing;

[0049] Figure 41 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the control unit's processing; and

[0050] Figure 42 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the control unit's processing; Detailed Implementation

[0051] The embodiments will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the following embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention. Several features are described in the embodiments, but the invention is not limited to requiring all of these features, and multiple features can be appropriately combined. Furthermore, in the drawings, the same or similar constructions are given the same reference numerals, and repeated descriptions thereof are omitted.

[0052] <First Embodiment>

[0053] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of system A according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 This is a front view of system A. In the accompanying drawing, arrows X, Y, and Z represent intersecting directions, and in this embodiment, the directions are orthogonal. When system A is mounted on a horizontal surface, the left-right direction is the X direction, the front-back direction is the Y direction, and the up-down direction is the Z direction. The X and Y directions can also be referred to as the lateral directions.

[0054] System A according to this embodiment is a printing system that includes a liquid dispensing device 1 and liquid storage devices 20A and 20B, and prints images by dispensing ink onto a printing medium such as paper. In this embodiment, two liquid storage devices 20A and 20B are provided. The liquid dispensing device 1 and the two liquid storage devices 20A and 20B are arranged side by side along the X direction. The liquid supplied to the liquid dispensing device 1 by the liquid storage devices 20A and 20B is mainly ink, and the liquid dispensing device 1 is a printing device that dispenses ink onto the printing medium. However, the present invention is not limited to printing systems and can also be applied to various liquid dispensing systems designed to dispense liquid onto a medium.

[0055] Note that "printing" is not limited to forming meaningful information such as characters or graphics, and broadly includes forming images, designs, patterns, etc. on a printing medium, or processing the medium, regardless of whether the information is meaningful or meaningless, or whether the information is visualized to a degree that allows for visual perception. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the "printing medium" is assumed to be a sheet of paper, but it could also be cloth, plastic film, etc.

[0056] Liquid Discharge Equipment

[0057] Apart from Figure 1 and Figure 2 In addition, it also refers to Figure 3 Describe liquid discharge equipment 1. Figure 3 This is an illustrative diagram of the internal structure of the liquid discharge device 1. The liquid discharge device 1 includes a pair of left and right supports 2 and a main body 3 supported on the pairs of supports 2. Each support 2 is equipped with casters 2a, and the liquid discharge device 1 can be moved relatively easily on the floor. A supply unit 4, a drying unit 14, and a winding unit 5 are arranged below the main body 3. In this embodiment, the printing medium M is a roll of paper, and the supply unit 4 includes a shaft wound with the printing medium M. The winding unit 5 includes a shaft for winding the printing medium M. In this embodiment, roll paper has been used as an example of the printing medium M, but it could also be a single sheet of paper.

[0058] The conveying unit 6 is disposed within the main body 3. The conveying unit 6 includes a drive roller and a driven roller, and the printing medium M supplied from the supply unit 4 is held in a clamping portion between the rollers. When the drive roller rotates, the printing medium M is conveyed onto the platen 7. The discharge head 8 is arranged facing the platen 7. The discharge head 8 is a printhead that discharges ink to form an image. The discharge head 8 discharges ink onto the printing medium M conveyed to the platen 7, thereby forming an image on the printing medium M.

[0059] The discharge head 8 includes, for example, an energy-generating element (e.g., an electrothermal transducer (heater) or a piezoelectric element) and discharges ink from an orifice. If an electrothermal transducer is used, the generated heat can be used to foam the ink, and the foaming energy can be used to discharge the ink from the orifice. The printing method of the discharge head 8 can be either serial scanning or line-by-line printing. In the case of serial scanning, the discharge head 8 is mounted on a carriage and reciprocates along the X direction. Discharging ink while the discharge head 8 moves along the X direction is called printing scan. The transport operation of the printing medium M and the printing scan of the discharge head 8 are alternately repeated, thereby printing an image on the printing medium M. In this embodiment, serial scanning is assumed to be used. In the case of line-by-line printing, a long discharge head 8 extending along the X direction is used, and an image is printed while the printing medium M is continuously transported.

[0060] The printing medium M, on which an image is printed, passes through the drying unit 14 and is then wound up by the winding unit 5. The drying unit 14 reduces the liquid component in the ink applied to the printing medium M by the discharge head 8, thereby improving the fixing performance between the printing medium M and the ink. The drying unit 14 includes a heat source (e.g., a heater) and a blower mechanism (e.g., a fan), and applies hot air at least from the ink application surface side to the printing medium M as it passes through, thereby drying the printing medium M. Note that the drying method can not only employ the method of applying hot air, but can also combine the methods of irradiating the surface of the printing medium M with electromagnetic waves (ultraviolet or infrared rays) or the method of heat conduction by contact with a heating element. Alternatively, the drying unit 14 can simply blow air without any heat source. The printing medium M, on which the image is printed, is cut by the user using scissors or automatically by a cutter (not shown).

[0061] The recovery unit 9 is arranged within the main body 3. The recovery unit 9 is located outside the printing area (outside the emission area) of the emission head 8 and performs processes related to restoring and maintaining the emission performance of the emission head 8. Examples of such processes include pre-emission of a predetermined amount of ink before and after printing operations, and extraction of remaining ink from the orifice of the emission head 8. If a recovery process is required, the emission head 8 is moved onto the recovery unit 9, as... Figure 2 As shown.

[0062] An operation panel 10 is provided on the front surface of the main body 3. Furthermore, the operation panel 10 is, for example, a touch panel, and can receive input of various printing-related settings and display the status of the print job. The liquid discharge device 1 is also provided with a waste liquid container 11. The waste liquid container 11 is located below the end portion of the main body 3 on the side opposite to the liquid storage devices 20A and 20B in the X direction.

[0063] Waste liquid (waste ink, etc.) drawn in by the recovery unit 9 flows into the waste liquid box 11 and is collected. The waste liquid box 11 can be arranged near the recovery unit 9. However, in this embodiment, the waste liquid box 11 is arranged in the free space below the end portion of the main body 3, thereby reducing the installation area of ​​the liquid discharge device 1.

[0064] <Liquid Storage Equipment>

[0065] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2Liquid storage devices 20A and 20B are devices for storing liquids (e.g., ink) to be discharged from discharge head 8 and for supplying liquids, such as ink, to liquid discharge device 1. Both liquid storage devices 20A and 20B include a box-shaped body 22, which forms a plurality of storage portions 23A and one storage portion 23B. Casters 22a are provided on the bottom surface of the body 22, and liquid storage devices 20A and 20B can be moved relatively easily on the floor.

[0066] Liquid storage devices 20A and 20B both include a plurality of storage sections 23A arranged along the Z direction. Each storage section 23A has the form of a slot that opens into the front wall portion 22b of the main body 22. In each storage section 23A, a container support unit 24 is detachably inserted along the Y direction. The container support unit 24 replaceably supports the liquid container 200 (also simply referred to as container 200) described below.

[0067] The liquid storage device 20A includes a storage section 23B. The storage section 23B has a space larger than that of the storage section 23A which opens into the front wall section 22b of the main body 22, and is opened / closed by an opening / closing member 25 provided on the front wall section 22b. Figure 4 This is a front view of the storage section 23B. State ST41 indicates that the opening / closing member 25 is closed, and state ST42 indicates that the opening / closing member 25 is open.

[0068] The opening / closing member 25 is a door, one end portion of which is supported by a front wall portion 22b via a plurality of hinges 25a in the X direction, and a handle 25b for the user to grip is located at the other end portion in the X direction. If the user pulls the handle 25b from state ST41 toward the proximal side, the opening / closing member 25 rotates about the hinges 25a, which serve as the center of rotation, and exposes the interior of the storage portion 23B, as shown in state ST42. Note that in this embodiment, the opening / closing member 25 is of the rotary type, but it could also be of the sliding type.

[0069] A sensor 26 for detecting the opening and closing state of the opening and closing member 25 is provided on the main body 22. The sensor 26 detects the detection element 27 provided on the opening and closing member 25. The sensor 26 is, for example, an optical sensor, and is arranged to detect the detection element 27 in the closed state of the opening and closing member 25, but not in the open state of the opening and closing member 25.

[0070] Storage section 23B incorporates a liquid stirring device 100. Multiple container support units 24 are detachably inserted into the liquid stirring device 100 along the Y direction. In this embodiment, two container support units 24 can be attached to the liquid stirring device 100. The liquid stirring device 100 has the function of stirring the liquid in the container 200 supported by each container support unit 24. Details of the liquid stirring device 100 will be described below. Note that in this embodiment, storage sections 23A and 23B use a common container support unit 24, but different container support units could also be used.

[0071] Each of the storage sections 23A and 23B is provided with a pipe connecting the container 200 and the liquid discharge device 1. Each pipe is connected to the liquid discharge device 1 via a single flexible hose 21 that houses all the pipes. Ink in the container 200 is supplied to the discharge head 8 via the pipe.

[0072] Because two liquid storage devices 20A and 20B are provided, system A according to this embodiment can use more ink. Providing multiple liquid storage devices 20A and 20B is advantageous when increasing the number of ink colors to print high-quality images, or when increasing the amount of ink of the same color to achieve high productivity.

[0073] <Liquid containers and container support units>

[0074] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of container 200 and container support unit 24. Container 200 includes a bag 202 made of a flexible material. Both side surfaces of bag 202 have inwardly folded liner portions 202a to increase liquid storage capacity. Bag 202 is formed into a bag shape by fusing sheets forming the upper and lower surfaces and sheets forming the liner portions 202a together, thus forming a flexible container for storing liquid. The shape of bag 202 varies depending on the amount of liquid stored, such that if a large amount of liquid remains inside, the liner portion 202a expands, and if a small amount of liquid remains inside, the liner portion 202a folds inward. The material of bag 202 is, for example, a material with a multilayer structure (such as PET). If the liquid inside has properties that react with air and are viscous, or if there is a concern about changes in concentration or remaining amount due to evaporation, a layered material including an aluminum layer is advantageous as the material of bag 202.

[0075] Container 200 has an end portion 200a and another end portion 200b in the longitudinal direction. In the attached state to liquid storage devices 20A and 20B, end portion 200a is located distal to liquid storage devices 20A and 20B, and end portion 200b is located proximal to them. An outlet member 201 is provided at end portion 200a. In outlet member 201, a supply port 201a is formed that communicates with an inlet port 203 inside bag 202. Liquid stored in bag 202 flows to the outside via inlet port 203 and supply port 201a. A spring-biased supply port control valve for opening / closing supply port 201a is provided in outlet member 201. Through the supply port control valve, supply port 201a is normally kept closed.

[0076] In container 200, the length of the side portion where the outlet member 201 is provided is, for example, approximately 180 mm, and the length of the side portion (side surface) orthogonal to this side portion is, for example, approximately 400 mm. Container 200 stores, for example, approximately 1.5 L of liquid. Note that the side portion having the outlet member 201 may be a long side rather than a short side. Furthermore, in the plan view, bag 202 may be square rather than rectangular.

[0077] The container support unit 24 includes a support portion 240 that supports the container 200, and is generally in the form of a tray on which the container 200 is placed in a flat position. The support portion 240 includes a placement surface 241 on which the container 200 rests, and the four sides of the placement surface 241 are defined by a left side plate and a right side plate 244, a front end portion 242, and a rear end portion 243. A cutout portion 244a is formed in each side plate 244. A recessed portion 243a is formed at the rear end portion 243, on which an outlet member 201 is disposed. Ribs 244b extending along the Y direction are provided on each side plate 244.

[0078] Reference Figure 6 . Figure 6 This is an explanatory diagram showing the attachment configuration of the container support unit 24 to the storage section 23A. Note that although the attachment configuration of the container support unit 24 to the storage section 23A will be described here, the attachment configuration of the container support unit 24 to the liquid stirring device 100 in the storage section 23B is basically the same.

[0079] The storage section 23A is provided with a housing 230 for receiving a container support unit 24. The container support unit 24 is movable along the Y direction between a storage position and a retrieval position, in which the container 200 is stored within the main body 22, and in the retrieval position, the container 200 is exposed to the outside of the main body 22. Figure 6In the storage position, the container support unit 24 is located in the removal position. In the removal position, the container 200 can be replaced. In the storage position, the container 200 is attached to the housing 230.

[0080] Note that in this embodiment, at the removal position, the container support unit 24 is separated from the storage portion 23A. However, the removal position can be a position in which the end portion of the container support unit 24 remains inside the storage portion 23A, and can be any position in which the container 200 can be replaced relative to the container support unit 24.

[0081] A needle member 231, to be inserted into the supply port 201a, is provided on the distal side of the housing 230 along the Y direction. A needle member 231 is provided for each storage section 23A. If the container support unit 24 is in the storage position, the needle member 231 is inserted into and connected to the supply port 201a. Thus, the supply port control valve within the outlet member 201 is opened by inserting the needle member 231. The needle member 231 is connected to the tube 233. The needle member 231 and the tube 233 form a channel that allows liquid stored in the bag 202 to flow to the liquid discharge device 1, which is the supply destination. An electrically driven channel valve 232 is provided on the middle portion of the tube 233. The tube 233 can be closed and opened by opening and closing the channel valve 232.

[0082] Reference Figure 7 Describes the mechanism for holding the container support unit 24 at the storage location. Figure 7 This is an instruction diagram showing the operation of the handle mounted on the container support unit 24. Figure 7 In the diagram, state ST71 represents the hold state, while state ST72 represents the hold-cancel state.

[0083] At the front end portion 242 of the container support unit 24, a handle 245 is provided that can rotate about an axis 245a extending in the X direction, and a user can operate the handle 245. The handle 245 also serves as an operating handle for the engagement portion 248. The handle 245 is provided with the engagement portion 248, and an engagement portion 234 that engages with the engagement portion 248 is formed on the bottom portion of the housing 230.

[0084] In this embodiment, the engaging portion 248 is a protruding portion, and the engaging portion 234 is a recessed portion or a hole into which the engaging portion 248 is inserted. When the engaging portion 248 and the engaging portion 234 are engaged with each other, even if vibrations are applied to the container support unit 24 due to, for example, movement of the liquid storage device 20A, the container support unit can be prevented from falling off the storage portion 23A.

[0085] The handle 245 is always biased toward the engagement position by the elastic member 246. Figure 7In the position shown in state ST71, the engaging portion 248 engages with the engaging portion 234 at the engaging position. The elastic member 246 is, for example, a coil spring. When the user grips the handle 245 and rotates the handle, the engaging portion 248 and the engaging portion 234 disengage, as shown in state ST72, and the container support unit 24 inserted into the storage portion 23A can be pulled out of the storage portion 23A.

[0086] <Liquid mixing equipment>

[0087] Various liquids can be stored in container 200 and used for image printing, maintenance of the discharge head 8, etc. Depending on the type of ink, the pigments (pigment components) in the ink may settle over time. For example, the pigment components in waterproof or lightfast pigment inks, or the titanium dioxide components used in white inks, are insoluble in water, and therefore, if left for a long time, they will settle, deposit, and solidify at the bottom of the container due to gravity. Therefore, to obtain the desired color development, the color-developing components must be uniformly dispersed in the liquid while maintaining a predetermined particle size. In this embodiment, a liquid stirring device 100 is provided to stir the liquid to disperse the particles and thus improve uniformity. In particular, when the stirring of the liquid is automated, the burden on the user can be reduced.

[0088] <Equipment Overview>

[0089] Figure 8 and Figure 9 This is a perspective view of the liquid mixing equipment 100. Figure 8 This is a perspective view of the liquid stirring device 100 as seen from the front. Figure 9 This is a perspective view of the liquid mixing device 100 as seen from the rear.

[0090] The liquid mixing device 100 includes: a storage unit 110 for storing liquid; a support unit 120 for rotatably supporting the storage unit 110; and a drive unit 130 for rotating the storage unit 110 supported by the support unit 120. These components are supported by the body 22 of the liquid storage device 20A via a frame including frames 101 to 103.

[0091] In this embodiment, the storage unit 110 rotates about the rotation center line CL, indicated by the dashed line, thereby agitating the liquid stored in the storage unit 110. As the storage unit 110 rotates, the liquid can be agitated more effectively. The rotation center line CL is a line passing through the storage unit 110, and its direction in this embodiment is the Y direction.

[0092] In this embodiment, two container support units 24 are formed, allowing the two container support units to be freely inserted into / removed from the front of the storage unit 110. Therefore, the liquids in both containers 200 can be stirred simultaneously. The two container support units 24 are attached to the storage unit 110 while overlapping in two layers. Note that the number of attachable container support units 24 can be three or more, or it can be just one.

[0093] The drive unit 130 is arranged on the rear side of the storage unit 110, and a relatively wide space is ensured on the front side of the storage unit 110. This improves the user's ability to insert / remove the container support unit 24 relative to the storage unit 110. Furthermore, since the liquid stirring device 100 has a structure that extends integrally along the Y direction, the liquid stirring device 100 can be made compact in the X direction.

[0094] <Storage Unit>

[0095] Reference Figure 8 and Figure 9 Storage unit 110 includes a storage member 111 and a shaft fixing member 118 connected along the rotation center line CL.

[0096] Storage member 111 is a hollow member of storage container 200. Storage member 111 includes a front end portion 111a as one end portion and a rear end portion 111b as the other end portion in the direction of the rotation center line CL (Y direction). Between the front end portion 111a and the rear end portion 111b, an outer wall portion 111c of storage member 111 is formed by a cylindrical tubular portion 112 and a polygonal tubular portion 113. The cylindrical tubular portion 112 is formed on the front end portion 111a side relative to the rear end portion 111b, and the polygonal tubular portion 113 is formed from the cylindrical tubular portion 112 on both the front end portion 111a side and the rear end portion 111b side. The cylindrical tubular portion 112 forms a cylindrical outer peripheral surface. The polygonal tubular portion 113 is substantially rectangular tubular. In a front view of liquid stirring device 100, a fan-shaped covering member 111d covering the rear side of the front end portion 111a is attached to the front end portion 111a.

[0097] Apart from Figure 8 and Figure 9 In addition, will refer to Figure 10 and Figure 11 . Figure 10 This is a front view of the upper storage space and lower storage space 114 formed by the storage component 111, and shows the state of the container support unit 24 being removed from the storage space 114. Figure 11This is a front view of the upper and lower storage spaces 114, and specifically shows the form (cross-sectional shape) in which the container support unit 24 is stored in the storage space 114. The storage space 114 is formed within the entire cylindrical tubular portion 112 and the polygonal tubular portion 113. Note that matters concerning orientation in the following description assume that the storage unit 110 is in its initial position, unless otherwise explicitly stated.

[0098] The internal space of the storage member 111 is divided into upper and lower levels by a partition wall 114b extending along the X and Y directions, and the storage space 114 along the rotation center line CL is formed on the upper and lower sides of the partition wall 114b. At the front end portion 111a of the storage member 111, the opening portion 114a, which serves as the outlet and inlet of the storage space 114, is open.

[0099] The container support unit 24 can be moved along the Y direction between a storage position and a retrieval position, where the container 200 is stored in the storage space 114, and where the container 200 is exposed to the outside of the storage unit 110 in the retrieval position. At the retrieval position, the container 200 can be replaced. Because the container 200 can be replaced, liquid replenishment can be performed quickly, and the container support unit 24 can be reused. Moreover, in this embodiment, since there are few structures near the opening 114a that would hinder the replacement process, the replacement of the container 200 is highly feasible.

[0100] Note that in this embodiment, at the removal position, the container support unit 24 is separated from the storage space 114. However, the removal position can be a position where the end portion of the container support unit 24 remains within the storage space 114, and can be any position where the container 200 can be replaced relative to the container support unit 24.

[0101] The distal side of the storage space 114 (the portion of the storage member 111 located on the end portion 111b side) is closed, and the needle member 110a extends from the wall portion along the Y direction. When the container support unit 24 is inserted into the storage space 114, the needle member 110a is inserted into the supply port 201a of the container support unit 24. When the needle member 110a is inserted into the supply port 201a, a channel is formed that allows liquid stored in the bag 202 supported by the container support unit 24 to flow to the liquid discharge device 1, which is the supply destination.

[0102] According to this embodiment, the storage space 114 is a flat space with a cuboid shape, which extends along the Y direction and has a height in the Z direction that is less than its width in the X direction. Note that the storage space 114 can be a flat space with a cuboid shape, which extends along the Y direction and has a height in the Z direction that is greater than its width in the X direction.

[0103] The upper storage space 114 is defined by a top wall 114c, left and right side walls 114d, and a partition wall 114b serving as a bottom wall, while the lower storage space 114 is defined by a bottom wall 114e, left and right side walls 114f, and a partition wall 114b serving as a top wall. The partition wall 114b serving as the bottom wall of the upper storage space 114 and the bottom wall 114e of the lower storage space 114 may be provided with [as shown in the reference]. Figure 7 The engagement portion corresponding to the engagement portion 234 that holds the container support unit 24 at the storage position.

[0104] A guide portion 114g is formed on each of the left and right sidewalls 114d of the upper storage space 114. The guide portion 114g has a stepped or inclined shoulder-shaped cross-section and extends along the Y direction. When the container support unit 24 is inserted into / removed from the storage space 114, the guide portion 114g acts as a track that slidably contacts the rib 244b of the container support unit 24 and guides the displacement of the container support unit 24 along the insertion / removal direction. In addition, the guide portion 114g abuts against the rib 244b in a direction intersecting the direction of the rotation center line CL (the Z direction at the initial position), thereby controlling the displacement of the container support unit 24 along the intersecting direction. This can prevent the container support unit 24 from loosening in the storage space 114 when the storage unit 110 rotates.

[0105] Similarly, guide portions 114h are formed on each of the left and right sidewalls 114f of the lower storage space 114. The guide portions 114h have a protrusion extending downwards from the partition wall 114b and extending along the Y direction. When the container support unit 24 is inserted into / removed from the storage space 114, the guide portions 114h act as a track, slidably contacting the ribs 244b of the container support unit 24, and guiding the displacement of the container support unit 24 along the insertion / removal direction. Additionally, the guide portions 114h abut against the ribs 244b in a direction intersecting the rotation center line CL (the Z direction at the initial position), thereby controlling the displacement of the container support unit 24 along the intersecting direction. This can suppress loosening of the container support unit 24 within the storage space 114 when the storage unit 110 rotates.

[0106] The rotation center PC of storage unit 110 is located on partition wall 114b. The rotation center PC is any point on the rotation center line CL. According to the configuration of this embodiment, since the rotation center line CL passes between the two storage spaces 114, the liquid in the two containers 200 can be stirred more evenly through storage unit 110.

[0107] <Rotating Support Structure>

[0108] Reference Figure 8 , 9 12 and 13 describe the structure that rotatably supports the storage cell 110. Figure 12 This is a front view of the liquid stirring device 100 and mainly shows the rotating support structure of the storage unit 110. Figure 13 This is a perspective view showing the rear portion of the storage unit 110 in the state of having the drive unit 130 disassembled.

[0109] The problems with the structure that rotatably supports the storage unit 110 will be described. If the storage unit 110 includes a shaft between its two end portions on the rotation center line CL, the presence of the shaft and bearings may reduce design freedom or user convenience. For example, in a structure where the container support unit 24 is inserted into / removed from the storage unit 110, as in this embodiment, the insertion / removal point or direction may be restricted. Furthermore, in structures that store and agitate large quantities of liquid, the stiffness of the shaft and bearings needs to be increased considering the weight of the liquid.

[0110] In this embodiment, the problem is solved by combining the support unit 120, which is a shaftless support structure, with a support structure having a shaft (shaft member 117 and bearing member 103a, described later).

[0111] The support unit 120 is a mechanism that rotatably supports the storage unit 110 by abutting against the outer wall portion 111c of the storage unit 110. In the support unit 120 according to this embodiment, a plurality of abutting portions 121 abut against the cylindrical tubular portion 112 of the storage member 111, thereby rotatably supporting the storage unit 110 about the rotation center line CL. In this embodiment, the support unit 120 includes two abutting portions 121, which abut against the cylindrical tubular portion 112 at abutting positions 112a that are separated in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical tubular portion 112.

[0112] Each abutment portion 121 according to this embodiment is a roller, which is supported by a bearing 122 about an axis parallel to the rotation center line CL (Y direction). The bearing 122 is supported by a frame 101. The outer peripheral surface of the abutment portion (roller) 121 abuts against the cylindrical tubular portion 112, and the storage unit 110 can be positioned between the two abutment portions (rollers) 121 along... Figure 12 The arrow DR in the diagram rolls in place. Because the storage unit 110 is supported from below by two abutment portions 121, structural stability can be achieved even if the storage unit 110 stores a large amount of liquid and the liquid is heavy, without significantly increasing stiffness.

[0113] A cylindrical tubular portion 112 is formed on the front portion 111a side relative to the rear end portion 111b of the storage member 111, and a support unit 120 rotatably supports the storage unit 110 on the front end portion 111a side relative to the rear end portion 111b. The storage unit 110 is supported by a shaftless support unit 120 near an opening 114a, which serves as both an inlet and outlet for inserting / removing the container support unit 24 into / from the storage space 114. Since there is no shaft or bearing in the front of the liquid mixing device 100, the ease of insertion / removal of the container support unit 24 by the user is improved. Furthermore, during the insertion / removal of the container support unit 24, in some cases, a load in the direction of gravity tends to act near the opening 114a. However, since the two abutment portions 121 support the storage unit 110 from below near the opening 114a, the load can be stably received.

[0114] Furthermore, since the storage member 111 has a structure including a cylindrical tubular portion 112 and a polygonal tubular portion 113, it can reduce weight and rotational inertia compared to a structure formed entirely of the cylindrical tubular portion 112. The polygonal tubular portion 113 includes a long side portion 113a and a short side portion 113b, which form a rectangular outline. In this embodiment, the width WL of the long side portion 113a, the width WS of the short side portion 113b, and the radius R of the cylindrical tubular portion 112 are maintained in a relationship given by WL > WS and WS < 2 × R. Since the width WS of the polygonal tubular portion 113 is smaller than the diameter (2 × R) of the cylindrical tubular portion 112, it is possible to reduce weight and decrease rotational inertia.

[0115] On the other hand, the relationship given by WL>2×R holds true, and the cylindrical tubular portion 112 and the abutment position 112a are located within a virtual circle VC passing through the outermost portion of the storage unit 110 and centered on the rotation center PC. Therefore, the liquid stirring device 100 can be compact. The sidewall 22c of the storage portion 23B can be closer to the storage unit 110, and the liquid stirring device 100 can be compact along the X direction.

[0116] A shaft member 117 is disposed in the rear portion (rear end portion 111b side) of the storage unit 110. The shaft member 117 is fixed to the end portion of the shaft fixing member 118 and extends along the rotation center line CL. The shaft fixing member 118 is a hollow body comprising: a flange portion 118a fixed to the rear end portion 111b of the storage unit 111; and a trunk portion 118b extending rearward from the flange portion 118a, to which the shaft member 117 is fixed. The frame 103 includes a plate-shaped bearing member 103a, into which the shaft member 117 is inserted and supported. Since not only the support unit 120 but also the shaft member 117 and the bearing member 103a rotatably support the storage unit 110, the rotation center PC of the storage unit 110 can be prevented from shifting, and more stable rotation can be achieved. Since the shaft member 117 and the bearing member 103a are located on opposite sides of the storage unit 110 relative to the opening portion 114a, the ease of insertion / removal of the container support unit 24 by the user is not reduced.

[0117] The liquid mixing apparatus 100 also includes a control unit 150 that controls the displacement of the storage member 111 along a direction intersecting the rotation center line CL. According to this embodiment, the control unit 150 controls the upward displacement of the storage member 111 along the Z direction. When the container support unit 24 is inserted or removed, if an upward force acts on the front side of the storage member 110 and the posture is tilted, a load along the bending direction acts on the shaft member 117. Providing the control unit 150 prevents this change in posture.

[0118] According to this embodiment, the control unit 150 includes a plurality of abutment portions 151, which face the cylindrical tubular portion 112 along the Z direction at positions above the rotation center line CL. If the storage member 111 needs to be moved upward, the plurality of abutment portions 151 abut against the cylindrical tubular portion 112 and physically prevent the movement. The plurality of abutment portions 151 may always abut against the cylindrical tubular portion 112, or may be located at slightly separated positions along the Z direction under normal conditions.

[0119] In this embodiment, the control unit 150 includes two abutment portions 151, which are arranged separately along the circumference of the cylindrical tubular portion 112. Each abutment portion 151 according to this embodiment is a roller, which is supported by a bearing 152 about an axis in a direction parallel to the rotation center line CL (Y direction). The bearing 152 is supported by a frame 102.

[0120] The X and Y positions of the two abutting portions 151 are the same as the X and Y positions of the two abutting portions 121 of the support unit 120. The two sets of abutting portions 151 and bearings 152, as well as the two abutting portions 121 and bearings 122 of the support unit 120, can use the same components. Sharing these components reduces the number of component types.

[0121] <Drive Unit>

[0122] Reference Figure 8 and Figure 9 The structure of the drive unit 130 is described. The drive unit 130 is arranged on the outer side (rear side) of the rear end portion 111b of the storage member 111 along the direction of the rotation center line CL. Since the drive unit 130 is arranged on the opposite side of the storage member 110 relative to the opening portion 114a, the mechanisms present around the opening portion 114a can be reduced, and the convenience of the user for inserting / removing the container support unit 24 can be improved.

[0123] The drive unit 130 includes a motor 131 as a drive source. The motor 131 is fixed to a frame (not shown). A gear 132 is attached to the output shaft of the motor 131. In this embodiment, the motor 131 is a stepper motor. The rotation of the storage unit 110 can be controlled by the rotation of the motor 131. The motor 131 may be a DC motor, and in this case, a rotation sensor such as a rotary encoder can be provided to control the rotation.

[0124] The drive unit 130 includes gears 133, 134, and 135. Gears 133 and 134 are rotatably supported by a frame (not shown). Each of gears 133 and 134 is a two-stage gear, with gear 132 meshing with the larger gear of gear 133, and the larger gear of gear 134 meshing with the smaller gear of gear 133. Additionally, gear 135 meshes with the smaller gear of gear 134. A torque limiter 133 is provided between the smaller and larger gears of gear 133 to block the drive transmission between them. The torque limiter 133a prevents overload from acting on the motor 131. Furthermore, if a user accidentally touches the storage unit 110 during rotation, the torque limiter 133a prevents the transmission of drive force, thus preventing high loads from being applied to the user's hands.

[0125] Gear 135 is fixed to shaft member 117. When motor 131 is driven, driving force is transmitted to shaft member 117, and storage unit 110 rotates. Bearing member 103a is located between gear 135 and shaft fixing member 118, positioning storage unit 110 in the direction of rotation center line CL. Note that in this embodiment, the gear mechanism is used as a mechanism for transmitting driving force from motor 131 to shaft member 117, but another type of transmission mechanism, such as a belt drive system, can be used.

[0126] <Example of stirring operation>

[0127] Figure 14 An example of a stirring operation (rotation operation of storage unit 110) performed by driving the drive unit 130 is shown. State ST141 indicates the state where storage unit 110 is in its initial position. In the initial position, storage member 111 is in a horizontal position, and long side portion 113a is horizontal. The support portion 240 of container support unit 24 and the container 200 in each storage space 114 are also in a horizontal position, and the liner portions 202a on both sides of container 200 are at the same height.

[0128] State ST142 represents the tilted state of storage cell 110, which has been rotated counterclockwise by an angle θ1 from its initial position. The position of storage cell 110 in this state is referred to as the left tilted position. Regarding the liner portions 202a on the two side surfaces of the container 200... Figure 14 The inner liner portion 202a on the right side is positioned higher than the inner liner portion 202a on the left side. The liquid inside the container 200 flows from the inner liner portion 202a on the right side to the inner liner portion 202a on the left side.

[0129] State ST143 represents the tilted state of storage cell 110, which has been rotated clockwise by an angle θ2 from its initial position. The position of storage cell 110 in this state is referred to as the right-tilted position. Regarding the liner portion 202a on both side surfaces of container 200... Figure 14 The left liner portion 202a is positioned higher than the right liner portion 202a. Liquid within the container 200 flows from the right liner portion 202a side to the left liner portion 202a side.

[0130] When the orientation of storage unit 110 changes repeatedly, for example from state ST141 → state ST142 → state ST141 → state ST143 → state ST141 → ..., the liquid in container 200 can be stirred.

[0131] When the orientation of storage cell 110 changes from state ST142 to state ST143, rotation can be temporarily stopped in state ST141. Conversely, the orientation of storage cell 110 can change continuously from state ST141 to state ST143 without stopping rotation in state ST141. This also applies to the case where the orientation of storage cell 110 changes from state ST143 to state ST142.

[0132] Alternatively, between states ST142 and ST143, the orientation of the storage cell 110 can be changed multiple times without stopping rotation in state ST141, and thereafter, rotation can be stopped for a predetermined time in state ST141. This operation can be repeated. While reducing the power consumption of the motor 131 by stopping rotation for a predetermined time in state ST141, rotation is resumed before particles in the liquid settle, thereby maintaining the uniformity of the liquid.

[0133] Angles θ1 and θ2 can be equal or different. If stirring is performed under certain conditions, angles θ1 and θ2 can be equal; if stirring is performed under other conditions, angles θ1 and θ2 can be different. If angles θ1 and θ2 are different, their relative magnitudes can optionally switch between θ1 > θ2 and θ1 < θ2.

[0134] If angles θ1 and θ2 are too small, the stirring effect will be reduced. If angles θ1 and θ2 are too large, the container 200 may be distorted. Therefore, angles θ1 and θ2 can be selected, for example, from a range of 20° to 90°, or from a range of 60° to 80°. As a specific angle, it can be, for example, 70°.

[0135] Depending on the conditions under which the mixing operation begins, angles θ1 and θ2 can be different. For example, a larger angle can be used when it is estimated that settling is in progress, while a smaller angle can be used when it is estimated that settling is not in progress.

[0136] In the rotation control of storage unit 110, storage unit 110 accelerates from a stationary state to rotate at a constant speed, then decelerates and stops. Regarding the constant rotation speed (rotational speed of motor 131), if the speed is too high, excessive load may be applied to container 200; if the speed is too low, stirring will be time-consuming. Therefore, the constant rotation speed can be selected from, for example, a range of 20 deg / sec or higher to 160 deg / sec, or a range of 30 deg / sec or higher to 140 deg / sec. The constant rotation speed can have a certain relationship with angles θ1 and θ2. For example, if angles θ1 and θ2 are θα, the rotation speed can be set to V1. If angles θ1 and θ2 are θβ, which is greater than θα, the rotation speed can be set to V2, which is less than V1. This allows for simultaneous unloading of container 200 and fluidity of the liquid.

[0137] <Rotation Range Control Structure>

[0138] If the storage unit 110 is rotated excessively, a malfunction may occur in the drive system, or the pipe used for discharging liquid may twist and obstruct the flow of liquid. As a cause of excessive rotation, for example, when a user inserts / removes the container support unit 24 into the storage unit 110, he / she may mistakenly rotate the storage unit 110 manually. The liquid stirring apparatus 100 according to this embodiment is provided with a structure that physically controls the rotation range of the storage unit 110.

[0139] Reference Figure 8 , 9 , 12 and 15 to 17. Figure 15 This is an explanatory diagram of the rotation control unit 140. Figure 16 and Figure 17 This is a view showing the rotation control form of the rotation control unit 140.

[0140] The liquid mixing apparatus 100 includes a rotation control unit 140 that controls the rotation range of a storage unit 110. The rotation control unit 140 includes stops 141 and 142 that abut against the storage unit 110, thereby physically controlling the rotation of the storage unit 110. They reliably prevent excessive rotation of the storage unit 110 by abutting against it and directly controlling its rotation.

[0141] Stops 141 and 142 are block-shaped members fixed to frame 101 and respectively include inclined abutment surfaces 141a and 142a. Stop 141 abuts against an abutment portion 115 formed on the outer wall portion 111c of storage cell 110, thereby defining storage cell 110 along one direction (from... Figure 14The upper limit of the rotation range of the storage unit 110 (from state ST141 to state ST142). The stop 142 abuts against the abutment portion 116 formed on the outer wall portion 111c of the storage unit 110, thereby limiting the rotation range of the storage unit 110 in the other direction (from...). Figure 14 The rotation range is from state ST141 to the upper limit of state ST143. In this embodiment, the upper limits of the rotation range defined by stops 141 and 142 are equal in angle.

[0142] The abutting portions 115 and 116 are formed on the polygonal tubular portion 113, specifically not on the short side portion 113b, but on the long side portion 113a. If the abutting portion extends from the short side portion 113b, then... Figure 12 The diameter of the virtual circle VC illustrated in the example tends to increase due to the presence of the abutment portion. This can make the liquid mixing device 100 bulky in the X and Y directions. The liquid mixing device 100 can be made compact when the abutment portions 115 and 116 are formed on a portion of the long side portion 113a.

[0143] The abutment surfaces 141a and 142a of the stops 141 and 142 are located inside the virtual circle VC, as shown below. Figure 12 As shown. That is, the contact positions between the stops 141 and 142 and the abutting portions 115 and 116 in the radial direction of rotation of the storage unit 110 (the radial direction of the virtual circle VC) are located inside the virtual circle VC. The positions of the stops 141 and 142 in the X and Z directions can be within a narrow range, and the liquid stirring device 100 can be compact in the X and Z directions.

[0144] like Figure 15 As shown, when viewed along the rotation center line CL, the abutting portions 115 and 116 are separated by a distance W1 in the X direction relative to the reference abutting position, and the stop members 141 and 142 are separated by a distance W2 in the X direction. The relationship is W1 > W2. Since the arrangement range of the stop members 141 and 142 in the X direction is within the width of the storage member 111, the liquid stirring device 100 can be compact in the X direction.

[0145] Furthermore, the abutment portions 115 and 116 are formed at the end portion of the long side portion 113a in the X direction (the boundary with the short side portion 113b). Since the abutment portions are located at a relatively far position from the rotation center PC, the rotation of the storage unit 110 can be controlled more reliably even if the stiffness of the stops 141 and 142 is relatively low.

[0146] Stoppers 141 and 142 are arranged separately in the direction of the rotation center line CL (Y direction). Corresponding to the arrangement of stops 141 and 142, abutment portions 115 and 116 are also arranged separately in the direction of the rotation center line CL (Y direction). When stops 141 and 142 are offset in the direction of the rotation center line CL, the distance between stops 141 and 142 in the X direction can be shortened even if the allowable rotation range of the storage unit 110 is large. This allows the liquid stirring device 100 to be compact in the X direction.

[0147] Figure 16 This is a perspective view showing the state where the stop 141 abuts against the abutment portion 115 and the rotation control of the storage unit 110 is in effect, from two directions. When the abutment portion 115 abuts against the abutment surface 141a of the stop 141, further rotation of the storage unit 110 is physically controlled. An interference avoidance portion 115' is formed adjacent to the abutment portion 115 on the storage member 111. In this embodiment, the interference avoidance portion 115' is a recessed portion that prevents interference between the abutment portion 116 and the storage member 111.

[0148] Figure 17 This is a perspective view showing the state in which the stop 142 abuts against the abutment portion 116 and the rotation control of the storage unit 110 is in effect, from two directions. When the abutment portion 116 abuts against the abutment surface 142a of the stop 142, further rotation of the storage unit 110 is physically controlled. An interference avoidance portion 116' is formed adjacent to the abutment portion 116 on the storage member 111. In this embodiment, the interference avoidance portion 116' is a recessed portion that prevents interference between the abutment portion 115 and the storage member 111.

[0149] Note that in this embodiment, the rotation range of the storage unit 110 is controlled by the contact between the stops 141 and 142 and the storage member 111. However, the rotation range can be controlled using another method. For example, the rotation range of the storage unit 110 can be controlled by having the stops abut against the gears 133, 134, or 135 of the drive unit 130 to control its rotation.

[0150] <Rotation Position Detection>

[0151] The user can access the storage unit 110, and the position of the storage unit 110 sometimes deviates when the liquid stirring device 100 is powered off. Furthermore, in this embodiment, since a torque limiter 133a is provided on the drive transmission path of the drive unit 130, an error may occur between the rotational amount of the motor 131 and the rotational position of the storage unit 110. If the error in the identified rotational position of the storage unit 110 is large, the rotational control of the storage unit 110 may not be correctly implemented during stirring operations. In this embodiment, a sensor for detecting the position of the storage unit 110 is provided, thereby improving the accuracy of identifying the rotational position of the storage unit 110.

[0152] Reference Figure 9 , 16 17 and 18. Figure 18 This is an explanatory diagram of the operation for detecting the position of storage unit 110.

[0153] Storage unit 110 is provided with a detection element 181, which rotates together with storage unit 110 about a rotation center line CL. In this embodiment, the detection element 181 is integrally formed on gear 135 and fixed to shaft member 117 by gear 135. Sensor 180 for detecting the detection element 181 is fixed to frame 103. Sensor 180 is, for example, an optical sensor, and detects the presence of detection element 181 at the detection position of sensor 180. If storage unit 110 is viewed from the rear, the detection position is located at 3 o'clock on a clock face (for example) centered on rotation center PC (see...). Figure 18 ).

[0154] The detection element 181 includes a portion extending around the rotation center line CL, and the sensor 180 detects the detection element 181 if the rotational position of the storage unit 110 is within a specific rotational range. In this embodiment, the detection element 181 has an arcuate shape (or a fan-shaped shape) centered on the rotation center line CL. In particular, in this embodiment, the detection element 181 has an arcuate shape corresponding to a semicircle.

[0155] In this embodiment, the position of the front portion of the edge-crossing sensor 180 of the detection element 181 (the position where the detection result changes from, for example, not detected to detected) is defined as a reference position. In this embodiment, the reference position corresponds to the initial position of the storage unit 110 ( Figure 14 (State ST141 in the middle). Figure 18 The state ST182 shown indicates the positional relationship between the detection element 181 and the sensor 180 when the storage unit 110 is in the initial position.

[0156] The detection element 181 is configured such that when the storage unit 110 moves from its initial position to... Figure 14During the left tilt position indicated by state ST142, sensor 180 detected the detection element 181. Figure 18 The state ST183 shown indicates that the storage cell 110 has rotated from its initial position to... Figure 14 The midpoint of the left-tilted position (state ST142) shown.

[0157] The detection element 181 is configured such that when the storage unit 110 moves from its initial position to... Figure 14 During the right tilt position indicated by state ST143, sensor 180 cannot detect sensor 181. Figure 18 The state ST181 shown indicates that the storage cell 110 has rotated from its initial position to... Figure 14 The middle position of the right tilt position (state ST143) shown.

[0158] An example of processing the detection results using sensor 180 will be described. This processing is performed by control unit 32, which will be described later. First, refer to... Figure 18 An example of an initialization process that causes the storage unit 110 to rotate to its initial position is described. For example, the initialization process can be performed when the liquid mixing device 100 is powered on. Alternatively, the initialization process can be performed periodically, for example, after the liquid mixing device 100 is powered on.

[0159] In the initialization process, the detection result of sensor 180 is first obtained, and it is determined whether detection element 181 is detected. If detection element 181 is not detected, such as Figure 18 State ST181 is exemplarily represented as indicating that the storage cell 110 is located at a position where it has rotated from its initial position to the right tilt position. Figure 14 (In state ST143 side). Therefore, the storage unit 110 is rotated by the drive unit 130 in the direction of arrow RL, and the storage unit 110 stops rotating when the detection result of the sensor 180 changes from never detecting to being detected. The storage unit 110 is thus located in the initial position.

[0160] If detector 181 is detected, such as Figure 18 As exemplarily shown in state ST183, it can be determined that the storage cell 110 has rotated from its initial position to the left tilt position side. Figure 14 (In state ST142 side). Therefore, the drive unit 130 causes the storage unit 110 to rotate in the direction of arrow RR. After passing the position where the detection result of the sensor 180 changes from detected to undetected, the rotation direction of the storage unit 110 is reversed, and the storage unit 110 stops at the position where the detection result of the sensor 180 has changed from undetected to detected. The storage unit 110 is thus located in the initial position.

[0161] As described above, in this embodiment, by shaping the detection element 181 to correspond to the rotational position of the storage unit 110, the rotational direction of the storage unit 110 relative to its initial position can be determined based on the detection result of the sensor 180. As a result, the initialization process can be completed quickly.

[0162] Next, an example of handling rotational errors in storage unit 110 during stirring operations will be described. Figure 14 During the stirring operation shown, each time the storage unit 110 passes the initial position (state ST141), the detection result of the sensor 180 will switch from never detected to detected or from detected to not detected. If the detection result of the sensor 180 does not switch even if the rotation amount of the motor 131 reaches a predetermined amount, it can be determined that the drive unit 130 or the storage unit 110 is interfered with by a foreign object and cannot rotate.

[0163] If rotation is not detected, as an error handling procedure, actions such as stopping the motor 131 drive or notifying the user can be implemented. For example, the user can be instructed to shut down the liquid discharge device 1 or the liquid agitator 100 for initialization by displaying a message via the operation panel 10 or the main unit 300, or by notifying the user via voice. Alternatively, the user can be guided to make a service call by displaying an error code via the operation panel 10 or the main unit 300, or by notifying the user via voice.

[0164] Note that in this embodiment, the detection element 181 is integrally formed on the gear 135, but the location of the detection element 181 is not limited to the gear 135. For example, the detection element 181 may be disposed on the storage member 111, for example, disposed on the cylindrical tubular portion 112.

[0165] <Liquid Discharge Structure>

[0166] The structure is described as being configured to discharge liquid from container 200 via needle member 110a. A channel forming member 119 is provided at the rear end portion 111b between the storage member 111 and the shaft fixing member 118. Figure 19 This is a view showing the channel forming member 119 and the valve unit 170 at the rear end portion 11b of the storage member 111, and showing the state of the shaft fixing member 118 being removed from the rear end portion 111b. Figure 20 An example is shown of the channel formed by the channel forming member 119 and the posture change of the channel forming member 119 in relation to the rotation of the storage unit 110.

[0167] First, refer to Figure 20A channel forming member 119 forms a liquid channel 119b, and two liquid channels 119a branch off from channel 119b. An outlet port 1903 is formed at the end portion of channel 119b. A connecting port 1901, communicating with the needle member 110a of the upper and lower storage spaces 114, is formed at the end portion of channel 119a. A check valve 1902 is formed in the middle portion of each channel 119a. Liquid in container 200 flows sequentially through needle member 110a → connecting port 1901 → channel 119a → channel 119b → outlet port 1903 and flows to the outside of storage unit 110.

[0168] State ST201 indicates the orientation of the channel forming member 119 when the storage cell 110 is in its initial position. State ST202 indicates the orientation of the storage cell 110 when it is in a left-tilted position. Figure 14 The orientation of the channel forming member 119 in state ST142. State ST203 indicates that the storage cell 110 is in a right-tilted position. Figure 14 The posture of the channel forming member 119 in the case of state ST143).

[0169] If the liquid stirring device 100 remains inactive for an extended period while the storage unit 110 is in its initial position, particles contained in the liquid may settle around the branch point between channel 119b and the two channels 119a. However, in this embodiment, when the storage unit 110 rotates during stirring, the channel forming member 119 also rotates, and its orientation changes. Because the inclination of channels 119a and 119b changes, particles settling around the branch point can easily flow with the liquid, preventing channels 119a and 119b from being blocked by particles.

[0170] Figure 19 The valve unit 170 shown is an electric valve that switches between closing and opening channel 119a at position 171' near the branch point between channel 119b and the two channels 119a. Valve unit 170 includes two valve elements 171 corresponding to the two positions 171', a motor 172 as a drive source, and a position sensor 173 that detects the positions of the two valve elements 171. The valve elements 171 are driven by a cam mechanism (not shown) built into valve unit 170 via motor 172 to switch between closing and opening channel 119a.

[0171] The valve unit 170 allows selection to close both channels 119a and open one of the two channels. For example, in the case where containers 200 storing the same liquid are stored in the two-stage storage space 114, liquid is supplied from one container 200 while the supply from the other container 200 is stopped. If no liquid remains in the first container 200, liquid is supplied from the other container 200, and the supply from the first container 200 is stopped. Thereafter, the first container 200, which no longer contains liquid, can be replaced with a new container 200.

[0172] <Pipe wiring structure>

[0173] A flexible pipe is connected to the outlet port 1903, and liquid is supplied to the liquid discharge device 1 via the pipe. For example... Figure 20 As shown, the channel forming member 190 rotates with the rotation of the storage cell 110, and the position of the outlet orifice 1903 changes. It is necessary to prevent the tube from twisting or engaging in unintended behavior associated with this positional change, thereby contacting and damaging surrounding structures. In this embodiment, a structure is employed to control the tube behavior associated with the rotation of the storage cell 110, thus solving this problem.

[0174] Reference Figure 9 , 13 , 16, 17 and 21 to 23. Figure 21 This is a rear view showing the rear portion of the storage unit 110, and shows the state of the drive unit 130 being disassembled except for the gear 135. Figure 22 This is an explanatory diagram of retaining component 165. Figure 23 This is a view showing an example of the shape change of the tube 160, etc., when the storage cell 110 is rotated.

[0175] The tube 160 has an end portion 160a connected to the outlet port 2903 and extends from the storage unit 110. The tube 160 forms a discharge channel for liquid discharged from the storage unit 110 (i.e., liquid within the container 200). A fixing member 161 is disposed around the main portion 118b of the shaft fixing member 118. The fixing member 161 is a clamping member that clamps the middle portion of the tube 160 and secures the middle portion of the tube 160 to the storage unit 110. The fixing member 161, together with the storage unit 110, rotates about the rotation center line CL.

[0176] A fixing member 162 is disposed on the frame 103. The fixing member 162 is a clamping member that secures the middle portion of the tube 160 to the downstream side relative to the fixing member 161 in the direction of liquid flow. The fixing member 162 is fixed to the frame 103 and is therefore a stationary member that will not rotate with the storage unit 110. Figure 9As shown, fixing members 161 and 162 are arranged on a virtual plane VF orthogonal to the rotation center line CL. In this embodiment, fixing members 161 and 162 are arranged on a common virtual plane. However, the virtual plane VF on which fixing member 161 is arranged and the virtual plane VF on which fixing member 162 is arranged can be offset in the direction of the rotation center line CL. In this case, tube 160 can be arranged in a spiral shape extending along the direction of the rotation center line CL.

[0177] If storage cell 110 is in its initial position, such as Figure 21 As shown, on a clock face centered on the rotation center PC (for example), fixing member 161 is located at the 2 o'clock position, and fixing member 162 is located at the 10 o'clock position. Tube 160 extends from end portion 160a clockwise through the upper side of main portion 118b and reaches fixing member 161, and further clockwise through the lower side of main portion 118b and reaches fixing member 162. Tube 160 then extends further from fixing member 162... Figure 13 ).At once Figure 21 and 22 Regarding the tube 160 shown, only the section from the end portion 160a to the fixing member 162 is shown. When viewed from the Y direction, the fixing members 161 and 162 are arranged at least on the inner side of the cylindrical tubular portion 112. Therefore, the X-direction movement area of ​​the tube 160, which rotates with the storage unit 110, can be relatively small.

[0178] Fixing member 161 fixes the middle portion of tube 160 in a tangential direction L1 rather than a radial direction L2 on the XZ plane centered on the rotation center PC. In this embodiment, the middle portion points to the tangential direction L1. Similarly, fixing member 162 fixes the middle portion of tube 160 in a tangential direction L3 rather than a radial direction L4 on the XZ plane centered on the rotation center PC. In this embodiment, the middle portion points to the tangential direction L13. For this purpose, in the tube section from the end portion 160a of tube 160 to fixing member 161 and in the tube section from fixing member 161 to fixing member 162, tube 160 travels in an arc or spiral shape around the rotation center line CL. Fixing members 161 and 162 are configured to fix tube 160 substantially parallel to the tangential directions L1 and L3, respectively. Since the expansion direction of the tube 160, which rotates with the memory cell 110, can be guided towards the direction of gravity, the load applied to the tube 160 is reduced, and breakage of the tube 160 can be suppressed. Since this also reduces the expansion of the tube 160 along the X direction, the space in which the tube 160 travels can be smaller in the X direction.

[0179] In this embodiment, in the pipe section from the fixing member 161 to the fixing member 162, the pipe 160 travels together with the cable (e.g., a flexible flat cable) 163 and the flexible strip member 164.

[0180] Cable 163 includes wires for electrical components disposed in storage unit 110, such as motor 172 and sensor 173. Similar to conduit 160, the middle portion of cable 163 is secured by fixing member 161, and the middle portion on the downstream side is secured by fixing member 162. In the cable section from fixing member 161 to fixing member 162, cable 163 travels in an arc or spiral around the rotation centerline CL. Conduit 160, cable 163, fixing members 161 and 162 are disposed on the rear end portion 111b side relative to the front end portion 111a of storage member 111, particularly on the rear side of the rear end portion 111b in this embodiment. These components do not obstruct the user from inserting / removing the container support unit 24 on the front end portion 111a side, thereby improving user convenience.

[0181] The tape member 164 may be, for example, a polyester film. The tape member 164 supports the tube 160 and the cable 163, and the tape member 164 extends from the fixing member 161 to the fixing member 162 to make the behavior of the tube 160 and the cable 163 more stable when the storage unit 110 rotates.

[0182] To enable the conduit 160 and cable 163 to travel together as a single unit with the strapping member 164, a plurality of retaining members 165 are used to hold them together. The plurality of retaining members 165 are binding members arranged in the section from the fixing member 161 to the fixing member 162 and bind the conduit 160, cable 163 and strapping member 164 together. Figure 23 This is an explanatory diagram showing the structure of the retaining member 165, which is configured to hold the intermediate portions of the tube 160, cable 163, and belt member 164 within a gap 165a. The retaining member 165 prevents the tube 160, cable 163, and belt member 164 from separating from each other.

[0183] Reference Figure 23 Describes the behavior of tube 160, cable 163, and ribbon member 164 (hereinafter referred to as tube 160, etc.) as the storage unit 110 rotates. State ST221 indicates the state in which the storage unit 110 is in its initial position. In the space from the fixing member 161 to the fixing member 162, tube 160, etc., has appropriate clearance or slack.

[0184] Status ST222 indicates that storage cell 110 is in a left-tilted position. Figure 14 In state ST142, the shape of tube 160, etc. In state ST222, along... Figure 23The length of the section between the clockwise fixing member 161 and the fixing member 162 is shorter, and the fixing members 161 and 162 are closer to each other compared to state ST221. In the section from the fixing member 161 to the fixing member 162, the clearance or slack of the pipe 160, etc., increases, and the radius of the arc drawn in the section becomes larger.

[0185] Status ST223 indicates that memory cell 110 is in a right-tilted position. Figure 14 In state ST143, the shape of tube 160, etc. In state ST223, along... Figure 23 The section between the clockwise fixing members 161 and 162 is longer, and compared to state ST221, fixing members 161 and 162 are separated from each other. In the section from fixing member 161 to fixing member 162, the clearance or slack of the pipe 160, etc., decreases, and the radius of the arc drawn by the section becomes smaller. The pipe 160, etc., is close to the outer peripheral surface of the main portion 118b, but does not contact it, and the pipe 160, etc., never contacts the valve unit 170.

[0186] As described above, in this embodiment, a wiring method is employed in which the radius of the arc drawn by the tube 160, etc., varies according to the rotation direction of the storage cell 110, thereby controlling the tube behavior related to the rotation of the storage cell 110. As a result, it is possible to prevent the tube 160, etc., from twisting or engaging in unexpected behavior.

[0187] <Control Circuit>

[0188] Reference Figure 24 Describe the construction of the control circuit of system A. Figure 24 This is a block diagram of the control circuit of system A. The main control unit 30 controls the entire system A according to instructions from the host 300 or the operation panel 10. Control unit 31 controls the liquid discharge device 1 based on instructions from the main control unit 30, and control unit 32 controls the liquid storage devices 20A and 20B based on instructions from the main control unit 30. The main control unit 30 and control units 31 and 32 each include, for example, at least one processor, at least one storage device, and at least one input / output interface. The storage device is, for example, a semiconductor memory such as RAM or ROM. The input / output interface implements signal input / output between the processor and external devices (sensors, motors, etc.).

[0189] The discharge control unit 35 implements control of the discharge head 8, specifically control of liquid discharge. The actuator assembly 34 includes a transfer motor as the drive source for the transfer unit 6, a carriage motor as the drive source for the carriage (not shown) movement mechanism, a winding motor as the drive source for the winding unit 5, and a recovery motor as the drive source for the recovery unit 9. The actuator assembly 34 also includes a cutter motor, which serves as the drive source for a cutter (not shown) configured to cut the printing medium M after image printing. The sensor assembly 33 includes various sensors disposed in the liquid discharge device 1.

[0190] The clock section 38 is a counter that outputs the count result of the elapsed time to the control unit 32. The count result of the clock section 38 can be used if the liquid stirring period is managed by time. Furthermore, the count result of the clock section 38 can be used to determine the stirring timing.

[0191] The actuator assembly 37 includes motors 131 and 172, a channel valve 232, etc., installed in the liquid stirring device 100. The sensor assembly 36 includes sensors 26 and 180, etc., installed in the liquid stirring device 100.

[0192] <Example of control circuit processing>

[0193] An example of the processing performed by the control unit 32 regarding the stirring operation will be described. The stirring operation using the rotation control unit 140 will be described here. The rotation control unit 140 is a structure that physically controls the rotation range of the storage unit 110, as described above. On the other hand, the liquid stirring effect can be improved by intentionally causing the abutting portions 115 and 116 to collide with the stops 141 and 142 to apply an impact to the storage unit 110. However, when the abutting portions 115 and 116 collide with the stops 141 and 142, an impact sound may be generated. Therefore, operating conditions are predetermined, and one of the following rotation operations is performed depending on whether the operating conditions are met, in which the rotation range of the storage unit 110 varies.

[0194] Figure 25 An example of the rotation operation of the storage unit 110 in a situation where normal stirring effect is produced is shown. State ST251 indicates that the storage unit 110 is in the initial position. State ST252 indicates that the storage unit 110 has rotated to the left tilt position. At this time, the rotation direction of the storage unit 110 is switched to the reverse direction before the abutment portion 115 abuts against the stop member 141. As an example, the rotation amount of the motor 131 is controlled such that the rotation of the storage unit 110 stops before the abutment portion 115 abuts against the stop member 141, and thereafter the motor 131 rotates in the reverse direction. Since the abutment portion 115 does not abut against the stop member 141, impact noise can be prevented.

[0195] State ST253 indicates that the storage unit 110 has rotated to a right-tilted position. Similarly, the rotation direction of the storage unit 110 is switched to the reverse direction before the abutment portion 116 abuts against the stop 142. As an example, the rotation amount of the motor 131 is controlled such that the storage unit 110 stops rotating before the abutment portion 116 abuts against the stop 142, and thereafter the motor 131 rotates in the reverse direction. Since the abutment portion 116 does not abut against the stop 142, impact noise can be prevented.

[0196] Figure 26 An example of the rotational operation of storage unit 110 in a situation that produces a high stirring effect is shown. This rotational operation is performed, for example, when system A is powered on, when liquid stirring device 100 is powered on, when container 200 is changed, or when container 200 has been stored statically for a long time.

[0197] State ST261 indicates that the storage unit 110 is in its initial position. State ST262 indicates that the storage unit 110 has rotated to a left-tilted position. At this time, the rotation direction of the storage unit 110 changes to the reverse direction after the abutment portion 115 abuts against the stop member 141. As an example, the rotation amount of the motor 131 is controlled such that the rotation of the storage unit 110 continues until the abutment portion 115 abuts against the stop member 141, and thereafter, the motor 131 stops and rotates in the reverse direction. Because the abutment portion 115 abuts against the stop member 141, the impact acts on the storage unit 110 and improves the stirring performance of the liquid in the container 200. Even though the impact acts on the storage unit 110, the torque limiter 133a prevents the impact from being transmitted to the motor 131 and thus suppresses the effect on the drive system.

[0198] State ST263 indicates that the storage unit 110 has rotated to a right-tilted position. Similarly, after the abutment portion 116 abuts against the stop 142, the rotation direction of the storage unit 110 switches to the reverse direction. As an example, the rotation amount of the motor 131 is controlled such that the rotation of the storage unit 110 continues until the abutment portion 116 abuts against the stop 142, and thereafter the motor 131 stops and rotates in the reverse direction. Because the abutment portion 116 abuts against the stop 142, an impact is applied to the storage unit 110, and the stirring performance of the liquid in the container 200 is improved.

[0199] Note that in Figure 26The rotation operation shown can be controlled so that the impact acts only on one side of the tilted position. More specifically, in the left tilted position, after the abutment portion 115 abuts against the stop 141, the rotation direction of the storage unit 110 switches to the opposite direction. However, in the right tilted position, before the abutment portion 116 abuts against the stop 142, the rotation direction of the storage unit 110 switches to the opposite direction to prevent the abutment portion 116 from abutting against the stop 142.

[0200] In the reverse mode, at the right tilt position, after the abutment portion 116 abuts against the stop member 142, the rotation direction of the storage unit 110 switches to the reverse direction. However, at the left tilt position, before the abutment portion 115 abuts against the stop member 141, the rotation direction of the storage unit 110 switches to the reverse direction to prevent the abutment portion 115 from abutting against the stop member 141.

[0201] When control is applied so that the impact acts only on one side of the tilted position, the combination of the contact portion and the stop that will cause the collision can be changed under predetermined conditions. For example, if a predetermined number of rotational operations are performed causing the contact portion 115 to abut against the stop 141, the combination of the contact portion and the stop that will cause the collision becomes the contact portion 116 and the stop 142. Furthermore, if a predetermined number of rotational operations are performed causing the contact portion 116 to abut against the stop 142, the combination of the contact portion and the stop that will cause the collision becomes the contact portion 115 and the stop 141 again. The condition for changing the combination may not be the count of rotational operations but rather the time or period of the rotational operations.

[0202] <Second Embodiment>

[0203] Reference Figures 27 to 29 Another example describing the construction of the liquid stirring device 100.

[0204] In the storage member 111 according to the first embodiment, the outer wall portion 111c includes a cylindrical tubular portion 112 and a polygonal tubular portion 113. However, compared with... Figure 27 Similar to the construction example EX1 shown, the entire outer wall portion of the storage member 111 can be cylindrical.

[0205] Next, in the first embodiment, an example has been given in which the support unit 120, which is a shaftless support structure, and a support structure with a shaft (shaft member 117 and bearing member 103a) are combined as the rotational support structure of the storage unit 110. However, the storage unit 110 may be rotatably supported by only the shaftless support structure. Figure 27Example EX2 illustrates an example where two sets of cylindrical tubular portions 112 and support units 120 are arranged separately along the rotation center line CL, thereby supporting the storage unit 110. This eliminates the need for shaft member 117 and bearing member 103a.

[0206] In a configuration where the storage cell 110 is rotatably supported solely by a shaftless support structure, as in this embodiment, with Figure 27 Similar to the construction example EX3 shown, the drive unit 130 can be configured to rotate the abutment portion 121 (roller) and thus rotate the storage unit 110. Alternatively, with Figure 27 Similar to the construction example EX4 shown, the drive unit 130 may include a gear 136 fixed to the outer periphery of the storage member 111, and the storage unit 110 may be rotated by transmitting a driving force to the gear 136.

[0207] Next, in the first embodiment, a cylindrical tubular portion 112 is provided along the entire outer periphery of the storage member 111 in the circumferential direction, and the cylindrical tubular portion 112 is supported by a support unit 120. The portion abutted by the support unit 120 only needs to be within the rotational range of the storage unit 110. For example, with Figure 27 Similar to the construction example EX5 shown, an arc-shaped portion 112' can be provided instead of the cylindrical portion 112, and the abutting portion 121 of the support unit 120 can abut against the outer peripheral surface of the arc-shaped portion 112'.

[0208] Next, in the first embodiment, the abutment portion 121 of the support unit 120 is formed as a roller. However, it may not be a rolling component like a roller, but rather a component that can slide into contact with the storage component 111. Figure 27 Example of construction in EX6 is shown. The abutment portion 121A of the alternative abutment portion 121 is a component with a curved surface and does not roll, and the cylindrical tubular portion 112 is in slidable contact with the curved surface.

[0209] Next, in the first embodiment, the opening portion 114a of the storage space 114 opens towards the front end portion 111a of the storage member 111 along the direction of the rotation center line CL. However, the opening portion may open along a direction intersecting the rotation center line CL. For example, in Figure 28 In the construction example EX7 shown, the storage space 114', which replaces the storage space 114, opens upwards. The container 200 (or the container 200 and the container support unit 24) is inserted / removed vertically relative to the storage space 114'.

[0210] Next, in the first embodiment, the container 200 can be replaced in the storage unit 110. However, the storage unit 110 can be a liquid tank equivalent to the container 200. Figure 28 Example construction EX8 illustrates an example, where storage unit 110A itself forms a liquid tank. In example construction EX8, only the shaftless support unit 120 is used as the support unit 120 to rotatably support storage unit 110A, which is consistent with... Figure 27 The construction example EX3 shown is similar. Therefore, if there is no remaining liquid, it is replaced in units of storage cell 110A.

[0211] Next, in the first embodiment, an example has been given in which the support unit 120, which is a shaftless support structure, and the support structure with a shaft (shaft member 117 and bearing member 103a) are combined as the rotational support structure of the storage unit 110. However, the storage unit 110 may be rotatably supported only by the support structure with a shaft. Figure 29 Example construction EX9 illustrates an example. Storage unit 110 includes a shaft 117 at both the rear and front ends, and these are axially supported by bearings 104. Bearings 104 support the components of shafts 117 or 117' via horizontally extending beam portions. When storage unit 110 is in its initial position, the beam portions and shafts 117' are positioned between two levels of storage space 114. They are configured not to significantly obstruct the insertion / removal of container support unit 24 into or from storage space 114.

[0212] <Third Embodiment>

[0213] If the container 200 is left to stand for an extended period, particles in the stored liquid may settle within a portion of the container 200. If these settled particles adhere to this portion of the container 200, it becomes difficult to achieve homogeneity of the liquid through agitation, or it may take a very long time to achieve homogeneity. However, the progression of particle settling can be suppressed by repeatedly changing the orientation of the container 200. Furthermore, the settling velocity of particles in the liquid varies based on particle size, and the local concentration of particles within the container 200 also varies based on the orientation of the container 200.

[0214] In this embodiment, during the rotation of container 200, the rotation of storage unit 110 is temporarily stopped at multiple stop positions to promote particle diffusion, and a stop time is set individually for each stop position to suppress the progress of sedimentation. This effectively agitates the liquid within container 200 and maintains uniformity.

[0215] Figure 30This is an operational description view illustrating an example of the stirring operation (rotation operation of storage unit 110) according to this embodiment. State ST301 indicates that storage unit 110 is in its initial position. The liquid depth in container 200 is LD0. Storage unit 110 rotates counterclockwise from state ST301 to a left-tilted position (state ST302). The left-tilted position is set as one of the stop positions, and storage unit 110 stops for a time T2, as shown in state ST303. The liquid depth in container 200 is LD1 (>LD0).

[0216] After time T2, the rotation of storage unit 110 resumes. Storage unit 110 rotates clockwise from state ST303 to a right-tilted position (state ST304). The right-tilted position is set as one of the stop positions, and storage unit 110 stops for time T3, as shown in state ST305. The liquid depth in container 200 is LD1 (>LD0).

[0217] After time T3, the rotation of storage cell 110 resumes. Storage cell 110 rotates counterclockwise from state ST305 to a left-tilted position. The state of storage cell 110 returns to state ST302. The operation from state ST302 to state ST305 is repeated a predetermined number of times.

[0218] After the operation from state ST302 to state ST305 is repeated a predetermined number of times, the storage unit 110 rotates counterclockwise from state ST305 back to the initial position. The initial position is set to one of the stop positions, and the storage unit 110 stops for a time T1, as shown in state ST307.

[0219] After the stop time T1, the above operations from state ST301 to state ST307 are repeated until the termination condition of the stirring operation is met. The termination condition is, for example, a user-instructed end, a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the stirring operation, or a predetermined end time has been reached. As long as the power supply to the liquid storage device 20A is ON, the operation can continue. Figure 30 The stirring operation shown maintains the homogeneity of the liquid within container 200, and can continue even when the liquid discharge device 1 is in a dormant state (printing operation stopped). Figure 30 The stirring operation is shown.

[0220] The relationship between the liquid depth in container 200 and the stopping times T1 to T3 will be described. The liquid depth in container 200 remains consistent with the relationship given by LD1 > LD0, although it is based on variations in the remaining amount. The liquid depth (LD1) in container 200 when it is in a left-tilted or right-tilted position is greater than the liquid depth (LD0) in container 200 when it is in its initial position. With a deeper liquid depth, gravity is more favorable for particle diffusion and sedimentation compared to a shallower depth. If container 200 is in its initial position, this is advantageous from the perspective of inhibiting sedimentation progression, although particle diffusion is poor. Conversely, if container 200 is in a left-tilted or right-tilted position, this is advantageous from the perspective of particle diffusion, but the inhibition of sedimentation progression is poor. Therefore, the stopping times T2 and T3 at the left-tilted and right-tilted positions are set to be shorter than the stopping time T1 at the initial position (T2 < T1, and T3 < T1). In addition, when the stop time T1 is set to a relatively long time, unnecessary rotation can be prevented and power consumption can be reduced.

[0221] Stop times T2 and T3 can be, for example, in the range of 30 seconds to 3 minutes, and more specifically, in the range of 1 minute to 2 minutes. Stop times T2 and T3 can be equal or different. Stop times T2 and T3 can be changed during a predetermined number of repetitions of the operation from state ST302 to state ST305. For example, T2 > T3 can be set in odd-numbered operations, and T3 > T2 can be set in even-numbered operations.

[0222] The stopping time T1 can be, for example, a time in the range of 5 to 40 minutes, and more specifically, a time in the range of 15 to 30 minutes, and further, a time in the range of 20 to 25 minutes. If the stopping time T1 is exemplified by its relationship with multiples of the stopping time T2 or T3, then 10·T2≤T1≤20·T2 and 10·T3≤T1≤20·T3 hold true.

[0223] For example, the number of times the operation from state ST302 to state ST305 is repeated can be, for example, in the range of 3 to 15 times, particularly in the range of 6 to 10 times. The rotational speed of the storage unit 110 can be selected from a range of 20 degrees / second or higher and 40 degrees / second or lower, particularly in the range of 25 degrees / second or higher and 35 degrees / second or lower. More specifically, the speed can be 30 degrees / second.

[0224] Figure 30The example illustrates a left-tilted position, a right-tilted position, and an initial position as the stopping position of storage cell 110. Since the initial position is a position between the left-tilted position and the right-tilted position along the rotation direction of storage cell 110, the orientation of storage cell 110 is an intermediate orientation. The above-mentioned effect can be easily obtained by making the stopping time at the initial position longer than the stopping time at the left-tilted position or the right-tilted position.

[0225] Notice, Figure 30 The examples exemplify left-tilt, right-tilt, and initial positions as stop positions for storage unit 110, but the stop position is not limited to these. Instead of the left-tilt position, a position slightly closer to the initial position (with a smaller tilt angle relative to the horizontal direction) can be set as the stop position. Similarly, instead of the right-tilt position, a position slightly closer to the initial position (with a smaller tilt angle relative to the horizontal direction) can be set as the stop position. Furthermore, instead of the initial position, a position slightly closer to the left-tilt position or slightly closer to the right-tilt position can be set as the stop position, or both of these positions can be alternatively selected as the stop position.

[0226] The control will be described next. Figure 30 An example of the operation of the control unit 32 shown in the figure. Figure 31 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the processing of the control unit 32.

[0227] In step S1, the detection result of sensor 26 is acquired, and it is determined whether the opening / closing member 25 has changed from the open state to the closed state. When it is determined that the opening / closing member 25 has changed from the open state to the closed state, it is considered that the container 200 has been replaced, and the process proceeds to step S2 to start the stirring operation. Note that the start condition for the stirring operation may be, for example, reaching a predetermined stirring start time, or the time elapsed since the previous stirring operation being a predetermined time.

[0228] In step S2, initialization processing is performed. Here, the execution has already referenced... Figure 18 The described process involves rotating the storage unit 110 to its initial position.

[0229] In step S3, the storage unit 110 is rotated to the left tilt position and then stopped. Figure 30 The left rotation process (in states ST302 and ST303) is described in detail later. In step S4, a right rotation process is performed where the storage unit 110 rotates to a right tilt position and stops. Figure 30 (Status ST304 and ST305 in the diagram). Details will be described later.

[0230] In step S5, the count value of the repetition of the left rotation and right rotation processes is incremented by one. In step S6, it is determined whether the count value has reached a predetermined count. If the count value has reached the predetermined count, the count value is reset, and the process proceeds to step S7. If the count value has not reached the predetermined count, the process returns to step S3.

[0231] In step S7, the initial position rotation process is performed, in which the storage unit 110 rotates to its initial position and then stops. Figure 30 (States ST306 and ST307 in the process). Details will be described later. In step S8, it is determined whether the termination condition for the stirring operation is met. If the termination condition is not met, the process returns to step S3. If the termination condition is met, the stirring operation ends.

[0232] Figure 32 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the left rotation process in step S3. In step S11, the drive motor 131 performs a process of rotating the storage unit 110 to a left tilt position and then stopping. Upon stopping, to prevent the storage unit 110 from rotating even when an external force is applied, a weak excitation voltage can be applied, causing the motor 131 to generate a holding torque. In step S12, the counting of the stop time begins. In step S13, it is determined whether the stop time started in step S12 is equal to or greater than T2; if the stop time is T2 or longer, the process ends.

[0233] Figure 33 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the right rotation process in step S4. In step S21, the drive motor 131 performs a process of rotating the storage unit 110 to a right tilt position and then stopping. Upon stopping, to prevent the storage unit 110 from rotating even when an external force is applied, a weak excitation voltage can be applied, causing the motor 131 to generate a holding torque. In step S22, the counting of the stop time begins. In step S23, it is determined whether the stop time started in step S22 is equal to or greater than T3, and if the stop time is T3 or longer, the process ends.

[0234] Figure 34 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the initial position rotation process in step S7. In step S31, the drive motor 131 performs a process of rotating the storage unit 110 to its initial position and then stopping. Upon stopping, to prevent the storage unit 110 from rotating even when an external force is applied, a weak excitation voltage can be applied, causing the motor 131 to generate a holding torque. In step S32, the counting of the stop time begins. In step S33, it is determined whether the stop time started in step S32 is equal to or greater than T1, and if the stop time is T1 or longer, the process ends.

[0235] <Fourth Embodiment>

[0236] In the third embodiment, an operation is illustrated in which, during the stirring operation, the container 200 is rotated multiple times between a left-tilted position and a right-tilted position, and then the container 200 is rotated back to the initial position. The stirring operation can be, for example, the operation of rotating the container 200 multiple times between a left-tilted position (or a right-tilted position) and the initial position, and then stopping the container 200 at the initial position.

[0237] Figure 35 An example of a stirring operation is shown in which the container 200 is rotated multiple times between a left-tilted position and an initial position, and then rotated back to the initial position. Differences from the third embodiment will be explained.

[0238] State ST311 indicates that storage unit 110 is in its initial position. The liquid depth in container 200 is LD0. Storage unit 110 rotates counterclockwise from state ST311 to a left-tilted position (state ST312). This position is set as one of the stop positions, and storage unit 110 stops for time T2, as shown in state ST313. The liquid depth in container 200 is LD1 (>LD0).

[0239] After time T2, storage cell 110 resumes rotation. Storage cell 110 rotates clockwise from state ST313 to the initial position (state ST314). This position is not set to one of the stop positions, and storage cell 110 immediately rotates counterclockwise to the left tilt position (state ST312). After the operation from state ST312 to state ST314 is repeated several times, the initial position is set to one of the stop positions, and storage cell 110 stops for time T1, as indicated by state ST315. The number of repetitions of the operation from state ST312 to state ST314 can be, for example, in the range of 6 to 30 times, and particularly in the range of 12 to 20 times.

[0240] After the stop time T1, repeat the above operation from state ST311 to state ST315 until the termination condition of the stirring operation is met.

[0241] Will describe control Figure 35 An example of the processing of the control unit 32 shown. Figure 36 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the processing of the control unit 32.

[0242] In step S41, the detection result of sensor 26 is obtained, and it is determined whether the opening / closing member 25 has changed from the open state to the closed state. When it is determined that the opening / closing member 25 has changed from the open state to the closed state, it is considered that the container 200 has been replaced, etc., and the process proceeds to step S42 to start the stirring operation. Note that the start condition for the stirring operation may be, for example, reaching a predetermined stirring start time, or the time elapsed since the previous stirring operation being a predetermined time.

[0243] In step S42, initialization processing is performed. Here, the execution has already referenced... Figure 18 The described process involves rotating the storage cell 110 to its initial position. In step S43, the storage cell 110 is rotated to a left tilt position and then stopped. Figure 35 The left rotation processing of states ST312 and ST313 in the data. This is related to... Figure 32 The process shown is the same.

[0244] In step S44, the storage unit 110 is rotated to its initial position. Figure 35 The rotation process in state ST314 is the process of driving motor 131 and causing storage cell 110 to rotate to its initial position.

[0245] In step S45, the count of the number of repetitions of the left rotation is incremented by one. In step S46, it is determined whether the count has reached a predetermined count. If the count has reached the predetermined count, the count is reset, and the process proceeds to step S47. If the count has not reached the predetermined count, the process returns to step S43.

[0246] In step S47, a rotation stop process is performed to stop the storage cell 110 at its initial position. Figure 35 (State ST315 in the process). In this process, the stop time is counted, and if the stop time is equal to or greater than T1, the process ends. During the stop, in order to prevent the storage cell 110 from rotating even if an external force is applied, a weak excitation voltage can be applied to cause the motor 131 to generate a holding torque.

[0247] In step S48, it is determined whether the termination condition for the stirring operation is met. If the termination condition is not met, the process returns to step S43. If the termination time is met, the stirring operation ends.

[0248] Note that in this embodiment, a stirring operation has been illustrated, namely, repeatedly rotating the container 200 between a left-tilted position and an initial position and then stopping the container 200 at the initial position. However, the stirring operation can also be an operation in which the container 200 is repeatedly rotated between a right-tilted position and an initial position and then stopped at the initial position. Alternatively, with Figure 35 The example shown is the same, and alternatively, a stirring operation that stops the storage unit 110 at the left tilt position and a stirring operation that stops the storage unit 110 at the right tilt position can be implemented.

[0249] In this embodiment, in state ST314, storage unit 110 does not temporarily stop at its initial position, but immediately rotates to a left-tilted position. However, storage unit 110 can stop for a predetermined time (T1A). The relationship between time T1A and time T1 can be time T1 > time T1A. Furthermore, the relationship between time T1A and time T2 can also be time T1A > time T2.

[0250] <Fifth embodiment>

[0251] In the third or fourth embodiment, the stop time T1 to T3 can be variably set according to the state of the device or the state of the container 200.

[0252] Figure 37 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process performed by the control unit 32. In this example of the process, if container 200 is replaced, an initial stirring operation of vigorously agitating the liquid is performed, followed by a normal stirring operation. In liquid stored in the new container 200, particle settling sometimes occurs due to the long storage time in container 200. Therefore, vigorously agitating the liquid when replacing container 200 helps to eliminate particle settling.

[0253] In step S51, the detection result of sensor 26 is obtained, and it is determined whether the opening / closing member 25 has changed from the open state to the closed state. When it is determined that the opening / closing member 25 has changed from the open state to the closed state, it is considered that the container 200 has been replaced, etc., and the process proceeds to step S52 to begin the stirring operation. In step S52, initialization processing is performed. Here, the execution has already referenced... Figure 18 The process described causes the storage cell 110 to rotate to its initial position.

[0254] In step S53, stop times T1 to T3 to be used in the initial stirring operation are set. The stop times T1, T2, and T3 set here are defined as T11, T21, and T31, respectively.

[0255] In step S54, an initial stirring operation is performed. The content of the initial stirring operation is similar to, for example, the third embodiment (…). Figure 31 Steps S3 to S8 in the fourth embodiment) or the fourth embodiment Figure 36 The stirring operation in steps S43 to S48 is the same. However, the stop times T1 to T3 are the stop times T11, T21, and T31 set in step S53. The end condition for the stirring operation (steps S8 and S48) can be, for example, the elapsed time. The predetermined time can be, for example, a time in the range of 5 minutes to 40 minutes, particularly a time in the range of 5 minutes to 20 minutes. The end condition for the stirring operation can also be that the count of the stirring operation reaches a predetermined count. The count of the stirring operation is... Figure 31 The example shows the repetition count of steps S2 to S7 and is Figure 36 The example shows the repetition count of steps S43 to S47. The predetermined time can be, for example, a count in the range of 10 minutes to 30 minutes.

[0256] When the initial stirring operation is completed, in step S55, stop times T1 to T3 to be used in the subsequent normal stirring operation are set. The stop times T1, T2, and T3 to be set here are limited to stop times T12, T22, and T32, respectively. In step S56, the normal stirring operation is performed. The content of the normal stirring operation is similar to, for example, the third embodiment (…). Figure 31 Steps S3 to S8 in the fourth embodiment) or the fourth embodiment Figure 36 The stirring operation in steps S43 to S48 is the same. However, the stop times T1 to T3 are T12, T22, and T32 set in step S55.

[0257] Here, when comparing the stopping times T1 to T3 in the initial stirring operation with the stopping times in the normal stirring operation, T11 < T12, T21 < T22, and T31 < T32 hold true. Since the stirring count per unit time increases during the initial stirring operation, the liquid in the container 200 can be stirred more vigorously. When the stopping times T1 to T3 are expressed as ranges, for example, 1 / 4·T12 ≤ T11 ≤ 3 / 4·T12, and particularly 1 / 3·T12 ≤ T11 ≤ 2 / 3·T12, holds true. Similarly, 1 / 4·T22 ≤ T21 ≤ 3 / 4·T22, and particularly 1 / 3·T22 ≤ T21 ≤ 2 / 3·T22, holds true. Similarly, 1 / 4·T32 ≤ T31 ≤ 3 / 4·T32, and particularly 1 / 3·T32 ≤ T31 ≤ 2 / 3·T32, holds true.

[0258] Furthermore, the rotational speed of the storage unit 110 can be changed between the initial stirring operation and the normal stirring operation. For example, let V1 be the rotational speed of the initial stirring operation and V2 be the rotational speed of the normal stirring operation, then V1 > V2 is possible. For example, V1 is 140 degrees / second and V2 is 30 degrees / second.

[0259] The following section will describe another example of setting the stop time. Figure 38 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process performed by the control unit 32, and in particular, a flowchart illustrating an example of a stop time update process. During the stirring operation according to the third or fourth embodiment, or... Figure 37 The treatment is repeated during the normal stirring operation process in step S56.

[0260] As the remaining amount of liquid in container 200 decreases, the fluidity decreases because the liquid flows while expanding container 200. That is, the movement speed of particles in the liquid decreases, and the diffusivity decreases. In this embodiment, the stopping times T1 to T3 are updated to longer periods as the remaining amount of liquid in container 200 decreases.

[0261] exist Figure 38 In step S61, information on the remaining amount of liquid in container 200 (remaining amount information) is obtained. In this embodiment, two containers 200 are stored in storage unit 110. Therefore, remaining amount information for each container 200 is obtained. For example, regarding the liquid stored in container 200, the remaining amount information may be the amount of liquid discharged from the discharge head 8 of liquid discharge device 1 (point count). In this case, the remaining amount information can be obtained from control unit 31 controlling liquid discharge device 1 via main control unit 30. Alternatively, a remaining amount sensor may be provided in container 200, and the detection value of the remaining amount sensor may be used as remaining amount information.

[0262] In step S62, stop times T1 to T3 are set based on the remaining quantity information obtained in step S61. In this embodiment, since the two containers 200 are stored in the storage unit 110, the stop times T1 to T3 are set based on the minimum remaining quantity among the remaining quantity information.

[0263] Figure 39 This is a view showing an example of a stop time settings table. Figure 39In the example shown, the stopping time is limited such that it gradually increases as the remaining amount decreases. Prepare and refer to such a table for each of the stopping times T1, T2, and T3. A common table can be prepared for stopping times T2 and T3. Note that stopping time T1 can be set constant and not updated based on the remaining amount of liquid, while stopping times T2 and T3, which are related to the tilt position of the desired particle diffusion, can be varied according to the remaining amount of liquid.

[0264] <Sixth embodiment>

[0265] exist Figure 31 In the processing example shown, if it is determined that the opening / closing member 25 has changed from the open state to the closed state, it is considered that the container 200 has been replaced. However, the stirring operation can be started by determining whether the container 200 has been replaced. Furthermore, Figure 31 The process described illustrates the control for initiating the stirring operation based on changes in the state of the opening / closing member 25. However, even if the state of the opening / closing member 25 does not change, the stirring operation can still be initiated if another initiation condition is met. Figure 40 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the processing according to this embodiment. The description will be... Figure 31 The examples shown illustrate different processing methods.

[0266] In replacement Figure 31 In step S1' of step S1, if it is determined that the opening / closing member 25 changes from the open state to the closed state, the process proceeds to step S2. If it is determined that the opening / closing member 25 does not change from the open state to the closed state, the process proceeds to step S72.

[0267] Following step S2, in step S71, it is determined whether container 200 has been replaced. For example, a sensor for detecting the presence of container 200 can be located in storage space 114, and the determination of whether container 200 has been replaced can be based on the sensor's detection result. More specifically, if the sensor's detection result changes from "no container 200" to "container 200" during the open state of the opening / closing member 25, it can be determined that container 200 has been replaced. The sensor can be an optical sensor.

[0268] If it is determined in step S2 that container 200 has been replaced, the process proceeds to step S3. If it is determined that container 200 has not been replaced, the process ends.

[0269] In step S72, it is determined whether another start condition for the stirring operation is met. This other start condition could be, for example, reaching a predetermined stirring start time, or the time elapsed since the previous stirring operation being a predetermined time. If the other start condition is met, the process proceeds to step S3. If the other start condition is not met, the process ends.

[0270] The processing example based on this embodiment can be applied to... Figure 36 Or the processing example shown in 37. Figure 41 This illustrates how to apply this embodiment to Figure 36 The example shown is an example of the processing obtained.

[0271] In replacement Figure 36 In step S41' of step S41, if it is determined that the opening / closing member 25 changes from the open state to the closed state, the process proceeds to step S42. If it is determined that the opening / closing member 25 has not changed from the open state to the closed state, the process proceeds to step S72. After step S42, in step S71, it is determined whether the container 200 has been replaced. If it is determined that the container 200 has been replaced, the process proceeds to step S43. If it is determined that the container 200 has not been replaced, the process ends. In step S72, it is determined whether another start condition for the stirring operation is met. If it is determined that the other start condition is met, the process proceeds to step S43. If it is determined that the other start condition is not met, the process ends.

[0272] Figure 42 This illustrates how to apply this embodiment to Figure 37 The example shown is an example of the processing obtained. In alternatives... Figure 37 In step S51' of step S51, if it is determined that the opening / closing member 25 changes from the open state to the closed state, the process proceeds to step S52. If it is determined that the opening / closing member 25 has not changed from the open state to the closed state, the process proceeds to step S72. After step S52, in step S71, it is determined whether the container 200 has been replaced. If it is determined that the container 200 has been replaced, the process proceeds to step S53. If it is determined that the container 200 has not been replaced, the process ends. In step S72, it is determined whether another start condition for the stirring operation is met. If it is determined that the other start condition is met, the process proceeds to step S55. If it is determined that the other start condition is not met, the process ends.

[0273] <Other processing>

[0274] One or more embodiments of the present invention can also be implemented by a computer of a system or device, and by a method implemented by the computer of the system or device, for example by reading and executing computer-executable instructions from a storage medium to implement the functions of one or more of the above embodiments and / or controlling one or more circuits to implement the functions of one or more of the above embodiments. The computer of the system or device reads and executes computer-executable instructions (e.g., one or more programs) recorded on a storage medium (which may also be more fully referred to as a "non-transitory computer-readable storage medium") to implement the functions of one or more of the above embodiments, and / or the computer of the system or device includes one or more circuits (e.g., application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs)) for implementing the functions of one or more of the above embodiments. The computer may include one or more processors (e.g., a central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessor unit (MPU)) and may include separate computers or networks of separate processors to read and execute computer-executable instructions. The computer-executable instructions may be provided to the computer, for example, from a network or a storage medium. The storage medium may include, for example, a hard disk, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), the memory of a distributed computing system, an optical disc (such as a compact disc (CD)), a digital versatile disc (DVD), or a Blu-ray disc (BD). TM One or more of the following: flash memory devices, memory cards, etc.

[0275] Other embodiments

[0276] Embodiments of the present invention can also be implemented by providing software (including computer program products of computer programs) that performs the functions of the above embodiments to a system or device via a network or various storage media, and the computer (central processing unit (CPU) or microprocessor unit (MPU) of the system or device) reads and executes the computer program.

[0277] While the invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments. The scope of the following claims should be given the broadest interpretation to cover all such modifications and equivalent structures and functions.

Claims

1. A liquid stirring device, the liquid stirring device comprising: Storage devices used for storing liquids; and A driver for performing a rotational operation that causes the storage device to rotate. The rotation operation includes a stop operation that stops the rotation of the storage device at multiple stop positions, and The plurality of stop positions include: The first stopping position, at which the stopping time is the first time; and The second stopping position, at which the stopping time is a second time different from the first time.

2. The liquid stirring device according to claim 1, wherein... The storage device is positioned at the second stop position such that the liquid depth stored in the storage device is greater than the liquid depth in the storage device at the first stop position. The second time is shorter than the first time.

3. The liquid stirring device according to claim 1, wherein... The plurality of stop positions include: The third stopping position, at which the stopping time is a third time different from the first time, and In the rotational direction of the storage device, the first stop position is a position located between the second stop position and the third stop position.

4. The liquid stirring device according to claim 3, wherein... The rotation operation is the following: repeatedly rotating the storage device between the second stop position and the third stop position multiple times and then stopping the storage device at the first stop position.

5. The liquid stirring device according to claim 1, wherein... The storage device stores a container in which the liquid is stored. The container is in a horizontal position at the first stop position, and The container is tilted at the second stop position.

6. The liquid stirring device according to claim 1, wherein the liquid stirring device further comprises a setting device for setting the stop time.

7. The liquid stirring device according to claim 6, further comprising: An acquisition device is used to acquire information about the remaining amount of liquid in the storage device, wherein the setting device sets the stop time based on the remaining amount information.

8. The liquid stirring device according to claim 7, wherein... In the case where the remaining amount is small, the setting device sets the second time to be longer than in the case where the remaining amount is large.

9. The liquid stirring device according to claim 7, wherein... The storage device stores multiple liquid containers, and The setting device sets the stop time based on the remaining amount of the liquid container with the least remaining amount among the plurality of liquid containers.

10. The liquid stirring device according to claim 6, wherein... The storage device can replace liquid containers. If the liquid container is replaced, a second rotation operation is performed after the first rotation operation is performed on the driving device, and... The first rotation operation is an operation in which at least one of the first time and the second time is set to be shorter than that in the second rotation operation by the setting device.

11. The liquid stirring device according to claim 1, wherein... The storage device includes a storage member configured to form a storage space for removably storing a liquid container, and the storage device includes one end portion and another end portion in the direction of the rotation center line of the storage device. The storage space opens toward the one end portion, and A channel forming member is disposed at the other end portion, the channel forming member being in communication with the liquid container and configured to form a channel for allowing the liquid to flow to the outside.

12. The liquid stirring apparatus according to claim 11, wherein... The channel forming member is provided with a valve unit, which is configured to open / close the channel.

13. A system comprising: A liquid discharge device that discharges liquid into a medium; and a liquid storage device, wherein the liquid storage device stores the liquid to be supplied to the liquid discharge device, wherein, The liquid storage device includes a liquid stirring device according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. A control method for a liquid stirring device, the liquid stirring device comprising: Storage devices used for storing liquids; The control method includes: a driving device for rotating the storage device; and a driving device for rotating the storage device. The rotation step that causes the storage device to rotate via the driving device. The rotation step includes a stopping step that stops the rotation of the storage device at multiple stopping positions, and The plurality of stop positions include: The first stopping position, at which the stopping time is the first time; and The second stopping position, at which the stopping time is a second time different from the first time.

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