Agitation device and agitation method

Abstract

To make a cartridge take an attitude suitable for holding, when agitation operation is finished.SOLUTION: An agitation device 1 includes: a rotation holding part 12 which is rotated in a state of holding a cartridge 2 for storing ink that is a liquid solvent where a solute L2 is settled in a solvent L1 by being left; a rotation mechanism 10 for rotating the rotation holding part 12; and a tensile coil spring 133 which acts as a spring member of an attitude control part (second attitude control part) for correcting the stop position of the rotation holding part 12 so that the cartridge 2 is taken as "first attitude" as "normal stop attitude", when the operation of the rotation mechanism 10 is stopped in a state of "second attitude" different from "first attitude".SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a stirring device and a stirring method. [Background technology]

[0002] In printing devices (nail printers) used for nail printing, a base ink such as white is applied as a base before the design is printed. This base ink contains titanium oxide as a white component, which is a solute with a high specific gravity. When a liquid (ink) containing such a solute with a high specific gravity is left standing, the solute is likely to settle. When printing is performed using ink in which solute sedimentation has occurred, this can lead to a decrease in print quality.

[0003] In this regard, for example, Patent Document 1 describes a configuration in which stirring is performed by rotating a cartridge holder that houses a cartridge (print head). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2017 / 217000 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Generally, cartridges are provided with a vent that opens on a different side from the ejection surface (head surface) that ejects ink. For this reason, if the cartridge is left or stored with the vent side facing downwards, there is a risk of ink leaking from the vent when external pressure is applied, which is undesirable. Furthermore, if the surface with the vents faces downward, solutes such as titanium oxide may clog the vents, which will prevent ink from being ejected properly. However, Patent Document 1 does not mention any configuration that takes into consideration such vent holes, and there is a risk that the cartridge may be held in an unsuitable position after the stirring operation is completed.

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and aims to provide an agitation device and an agitation method that can place the cartridge in a position suitable for holding when the agitation operation is completed. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above problem, one aspect of the stirring device of the present invention is to a rotary holder that rotates while holding a cartridge containing a liquid agent in which a solute precipitates in a solvent when the cartridge is left stationary; a rotation mechanism that rotates the rotation holding unit; an attitude control unit that corrects a stop position of the rotation holding unit so that the cartridge is in the first attitude when the operation of the rotation mechanism stops with the cartridge in a second attitude that is different from a first attitude that is a normal stop attitude; It is characterized by having: [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to obtain an effect that the cartridge can be placed in a position suitable for holding when the stirring operation is completed. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of a main part showing the external configuration of a stirring device according to the present embodiment and a cartridge stirred by the stirring device. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a main part showing the external configuration of the stirring device with the cartridge mounted thereon. [Figure 3] 1 is a perspective view showing the main configuration of a rotation holding unit and a rotation mechanism when viewed obliquely from the front of the device. FIG. [Figure 4]10 is a perspective view showing the main configuration of the rotation holding unit and the rotation mechanism when viewed obliquely from the rear of the device. FIG. [Figure 5] 1A and 1B are perspective views of a cartridge set in a stirring device in this embodiment, where FIG. 1A is a view of the cartridge seen from the ejection surface (head surface) side, and FIG. 1B is a view of the cartridge seen from the top surface side. [Figure 6] 1A and 1B are cross-sectional side views of the main parts of a cartridge according to this embodiment, in which (a) is a schematic diagram showing the state before agitation in which the ink has been separated, and (b) is a schematic diagram showing the state after agitation in which the ink has been sufficiently agitated and re-dispersed. [Figure 7] 10 is a perspective view of the rotation mechanism of the present embodiment, seen from the front of the device, showing how a return wheel constituting an attitude control unit is attached. FIG. [Figure 8] 10 is a perspective view of the rotation mechanism of the present embodiment, seen from the rear of the device, showing how a return wheel constituting an attitude control unit is attached. FIG. [Figure 9] 10 is a perspective view of the device from the rear, showing a state in which a tension coil spring is attached to a return wheel and a locking protrusion. FIG. [Figure 10] (a) is a schematic plan view from the front side of the device showing the state in which the rotation holding unit is stopped when the cartridge is in the second position, (b) is a schematic plan view of the rotation holding unit and rotation mechanism in the state shown in (a) as seen from the back side of the device, and (c) is a schematic oblique view of the rotation holding unit and rotation mechanism in the state shown in (a) as seen from the rear of the device. [Figure 11] (a) is a schematic plan view of the rotating holding unit and the rotation mechanism when the rotating holding unit is stopped when the cartridge is in the first position, as viewed from the rear side of the device; (b) is a schematic oblique view of the rotating holding unit and the rotation mechanism in the state shown in (a), as viewed from the rear of the device; and (c) is a schematic plan view of the rotating holding unit and the rotation mechanism in the state shown in (a), as viewed from the front side of the device. [Figure 12](a) is a schematic plan view of the rotating holding unit and the rotation mechanism in a stirring device according to a modified example of this embodiment, viewed from the rear side of the device, when the rotating holding unit is stopped when the cartridge is in the second position, and (b) is a schematic oblique view of the rotating holding unit and the rotation mechanism in the state shown in (a), viewed from the rear of the device. [Figure 13] (a) is a schematic plan view of the rotating holding unit and the rotation mechanism in a stirring device according to a modified example of this embodiment, viewed from the rear side of the device, when the rotating holding unit is stopped when the cartridge is in a first position, and (b) is a schematic oblique view of the rotating holding unit and the rotation mechanism in the state shown in (a), viewed from the rear of the device. [Figure 14] (a) is a schematic plan view of the rotating holding unit and the rotation mechanism in a stirring device according to a modified example of this embodiment, viewed from the rear side of the device, when the rotating holding unit is stopped when the cartridge is in the second position, and (b) is a schematic oblique view of the rotating holding unit and the rotation mechanism in the state shown in (a), viewed from the rear of the device. [Figure 15] (a) is a schematic plan view of the rotating holding unit and the rotation mechanism in a stirring device according to a modified example of this embodiment, viewed from the rear side of the device, when the rotating holding unit is stopped when the cartridge is in a first position, and (b) is a schematic oblique view of the rotating holding unit and the rotation mechanism in the state shown in (a), viewed from the rear of the device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] An embodiment of a stirring device and a stirring method according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. It should be noted that the embodiments described below are subject to various limitations that are technically preferable for carrying out the present invention, but the scope of the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments and illustrated examples.

[0011] [Configuration of the mixing device] The stirring device 1 of this embodiment has a rotation holding part 12 that rotates while holding the cartridge 2, and a rotation mechanism that rotates the rotation holding part 12. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the stirring device and a cartridge set therein, and FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the state in which the cartridge is pushed in the direction of the thick arrow shown in FIG. 1 and set in a rotation holder. 1 and 2, the rotation holder 12 is installed on and supported by the main body 11. It is preferable that the main body 11 has a certain amount of weight so that it can stably support the rotation holder 12 even when the rotation holder 12 rotates.

[0012] In this embodiment, the main body 11 has a housing 110 as a main body cover that houses the rotation mechanism 10, etc. In addition, in order to show the internal configuration of the housing 110, the housing 110 is shown removed in all figures except for Figures 1 and 2. The shape of the housing 110 is not particularly limited, but for example, a receiving portion 11a that receives the rotation holder 12 is formed on the front side of the device, and the rotation holder 12 is held on the receiving portion 11a. The receiving portion 11a is formed in a shape that follows the outer shape of the rotation holder 12 so as not to hinder the rotational movement of the rotation holder 12.

[0013] 1 and 2, in this embodiment, the rotational holder 12 is a cylindrical member that is approximately circular when viewed from the front from the side having the storage recess 121 in which the cartridge 2 is set. The receiving portion 11a receives the outer surface of the cylindrical rotational holder 12. Therefore, the receiving portion 11a is a recess formed in an approximately arc shape so as to follow the outer periphery of the side surface of the rotational holder 12. When set in the receiving portion 11a of the main body 11, the rotation holder 12 is rotatable in a rotation direction R indicated by an arrow in Fig. 2. In this embodiment, the rotation holder 12 is rotatable both clockwise and counterclockwise. In Fig. 10(a) and other figures, the clockwise direction (positive direction) when the agitator 1 is viewed from the front is taken as the default rotation direction R (shown as rotation direction R1 in Fig. 10(a)).

[0014] Furthermore, a photointerrupter (hereinafter referred to as PI) 132 is provided as a position detection unit in the housing 110 at the deepest part of the arc of the receiving section 11a (approximately the center in the device width direction in this embodiment, as shown in Figures 1 and 2). The PI 132 has a light-emitting section and a light-receiving section (not shown) positioned opposite each other, and receives light from the light-emitting section at the light-receiving section. When the light from the light-emitting section is interrupted, a detection signal is generated. The detection signal generated by the PI 132 is output to the motor control section 50, which will be described later.

[0015] An operation unit (not shown) is provided on the outer surface (for example, the top surface of the main body 11) of the main body 11. The configuration of the operation unit is not particularly limited, and may include operation buttons or the like, or may be a touch-operable operation panel or the like. In this embodiment, the user can switch the operation state of the stirring device 1 between ON and OFF and perform various settings by operating the operation unit.

[0016] In this embodiment, the operation unit may be capable of setting the rotation speed, mixing time, rotation direction, etc. of the rotation holding unit 12 by the rotation mechanism 10 described later. Here, the rotation speed is the rotation speed of the drive motor 112 described later that rotates the rotation holding unit 12, and is a value that can be expressed as the number of rotations per minute (rpm), for example. In this embodiment, the mixing time is the time during which the rotation holder 12 rotates (i.e., the rotation operation time of the drive motor 112). As described above, the default rotation direction R1 is clockwise (forward), but it may be reversed depending on the settings, or may be set to be reversed appropriately at predetermined time intervals.

[0017] Various settings and operations of the agitator 1 may be performed by receiving communications from various terminal devices such as smartphones or other external devices (not shown). In this case, a communication unit capable of transmitting and receiving signals to and from external devices is provided, for example, in the main body 11. Additionally, the top or side of the main body 11 may be provided with a display unit, indicators, etc. that can monitor the operating status, etc.

[0018] The housing 110 of the main body 11 houses the rotation mechanism 10 assembled to a chassis 111 . Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the main configuration of the rotation holding unit and the rotation mechanism when viewed diagonally from the front of the device, and Figure 4 is a perspective view showing the main configuration of the rotation holding unit and the rotation mechanism when viewed diagonally from the rear of the device.

[0019] The rotation mechanism 10 rotates the rotation holding unit 12. As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the rotation mechanism 10 includes a drive motor 112, a gear mechanism that transmits the rotation of the drive motor 112 to the rotation holding unit 12 and rotates the rotation holding unit 12, and the like. Furthermore, the rotation mechanism 10 includes a motor control unit 50 (such as a drive control circuit, see FIGS. 1 and 2) that controls the operation of the drive motor 112, a power supply unit 51 (see FIGS. 1 and 2) that supplies power to the drive motor 112, etc. The power supply unit 51 is, for example, a power supply circuit. The power supply unit 51 may be supplied with power from a battery or the like housed inside the main body 11, or may be supplied with power from an external source via various I / Fs. The drive motor 112 receives power supply from a power supply unit 51, and its operation is controlled by a motor control unit 50 (drive control circuit, etc.).

[0020] The drive motor 112 of this embodiment may be adjustable in output, etc., and in this case, it operates according to the settings received, for example, through the operation unit. That is, in this case, the drive motor 112 is controlled by the motor control unit 50 so as to rotate at any preset rotation speed, for any preset time, and in any preset rotation direction. As mentioned above, the rotation direction may be either clockwise or counterclockwise, and may be switched between clockwise and counterclockwise rotations at random, for example.

[0021] The gear mechanism of the rotation mechanism 10 is composed of a plurality of gears and the like interposed between the drive motor 112 and the rotation holder 12 . That is, a pinion gear 114 that meshes with a reduction gear 115 is attached to a motor shaft 113 of the drive motor 112. A pinion gear 116 that meshes with a rotation drive gear 117 that rotates the rotation holder 12 is provided coaxially with the reduction gear 115. As a result, the rotation of the drive motor 112 is transmitted to the rotating body drive gear 117 via the reduction gear 115, and the rotating body drive gear 117 is connected to the rotation holder 12, causing the rotation holder 12 to rotate due to the drive motor 112.

[0022] The output rotation speed of the drive motor 112 is appropriately reduced through a gear mechanism. It is preferable that the rotation speed be set to approximately 10 rpm when transmitted to the rotary drive gear 117. For example, if the rotation speed of the drive motor 112 is 200 rpm, the rotation speed can be set to 10 rpm by outputting the rotation speed through a gear mechanism (gear train) with a reduction ratio of 20. Note that if a low-speed motor that outputs approximately 10 rpm is used as the drive motor 112, there is no need to reduce the rotation speed through a gear mechanism, and the rotation holder 12 may be directly connected to the motor shaft 113 of the drive motor 112 without providing the reduction gear 115 and the rotary drive gear 117. If gear mechanisms such as the reduction gear 115 and the rotary drive gear 117 are not required, the number of parts can be reduced and the device configuration can be simplified.

[0023] 3, the shaft (rotation shaft) provided at the rotation center of the rotation drive gear 117 has a cross-shaped protrusion 119 at the end connected to the rotation holder 12. On the other hand, the rotation holder 12 rotates around a shaft 122 provided at the rotation center (shown by a dashed line in FIG. 4) that passes through the center of the cylinder, and a cross-shaped storage recess 123 that fits with the cross-shaped protrusion 119 of the rotation drive gear 117 is formed on the end of the shaft 122 connected to the rotation drive gear 117. The rotation holding unit 12 is connected to the rotation drive gear 117 by fitting the cross convex portion 119 of the rotation drive gear 117 into the cross housing recess 123 of the shaft 122, and rotates in conjunction with the rotation drive gear 117. In other words, when the drive motor 112 rotates and the rotation drive gear 117 rotates, the rotation holding unit 12 rotates around the shaft 122 in accordance with the rotation of the rotation drive gear 117.

[0024] The rotating holder 12 rotates while holding a cartridge 2 that contains a liquid agent (ink L) whose solute precipitates in a solvent when left stationary. A storage recess 121 for storing the cartridge 2 is formed on the surface of the rotating holder 12 that is located on the front side of the device. 1 and 2, the storage recess 121 is formed in a shape that matches the outer shape of the cartridge 2 that is the object of stirring by the stirring device 1, so that the cartridge 2 can be fitted in. The storage recess 121 may be any shape that matches the shape of the cartridge 2, and if the cartridge is rectangular, the recess should be rectangular, and if the cartridge is cylindrical, the recess should be cylindrical.

[0025] Additionally, locking hooks 125 are provided around the periphery of the storage recess 121 as locking portions to prevent the cartridge 2 from falling off. In this embodiment, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, a pair of locking hooks 125 are provided on both sides of the storage recess 121 corresponding to the longitudinal direction of the cartridge 2. The locking hooks 125 lock the cartridge 2 to the rotation holder 12 from the lateral direction (left and right direction). The locking hook 125 is, for example, a hook-shaped member having locking claws 125b at the tip of flexible (springy) arms 125a, and can be bent by pushing it apart with the hand, allowing for attachment and detachment of the cartridge 2. When the hands pushing it apart are released, the locking hook 125 holds the cartridge 2 from both sides, and locks it so that the cartridge 2 does not fall out of the storage recess 121 when the rotation holder 12 rotates.

[0026] The locking portion may be any portion capable of preventing the cartridge 2 from falling off, and is not limited to the illustrated example. For example, the locking portion may lock the cartridge 2 from above and below. Alternatively, locking portions may be provided on the top, bottom, left, and right to lock the cartridge 2 from four directions. Furthermore, the locking portion may be fixed to the rotation holding portion 12, or may be a band or tape that is attached after the cartridge 2 is fitted into the storage recess 121 and presses the cartridge 2 from the outside. By providing the locking portion, the cartridge 2 does not rattle within the storage recess 121 or fall out of the storage recess 121 even when the rotation holding portion 12 rotates.

[0027] Furthermore, a protrusion 131 that serves as an origin index is provided on the outer circumferential surface of the rotation holder 12, etc. The convex portion 131 is positioned at a position where it is located below the rotating holding portion 12 when the cartridge 2 is set in the storage recess 121 so that the lower surface of the cartridge 2 (the lower surface in Figures 1 and 2, the ejection surface 23 in Figure 5(a), etc.) faces downward (as will be described later, the state in which the cartridge 2 is in the "first position", which is the "normal stopping position"). When the convex portion 131 is positioned at the position of the PI 132 provided inside the housing 110, the light from the light receiving portion is blocked, and the PI 132 outputs a detection signal to the motor control unit 50. In this embodiment, when the PI 132 detects the convex portion 131, it is determined that the rotation holding unit 12 is holding the cartridge 2 in the "first position" which is the "normal stop position", and is in a "returned to origin" state.

[0028] Here, the cartridge 2 that is set in the stirring device 1 of this embodiment and undergoes stirring processing will be described. As shown in FIGS. 5(a) and 5(b), the cartridge 2 includes a housing 21 formed in a box-like shape with an outer shape that is substantially L-shaped. Ink L (see FIGS. 6(a) and 6(b)) as a liquid agent is stored inside the housing 21. The cartridge 2 of this embodiment is assumed to be a cartridge-integrated print head that includes a storage section (not shown) that stores the ink L, and an ink ejection section (including ejection ports 22, etc.) (not shown) that ejects the ink L stored in the storage section during printing. The cartridge 2 is not limited to a configuration in which the storage section and the ink ejection section are integrated. For example, the cartridge may be configured separately from the head section that ejects the ink, and during printing, the cartridge having the storage section may be connected to the head section via a supply pipe or the like. In this case, only the part of the cartridge that stores the ink is set in the mixing device 1 and mixed.

[0029] 5(a) and 5(b), the lower surface of the housing 21 of the cartridge 2 serves as an ejection surface 23 (head surface) for ejecting ink, and ejection ports 22 that constitute an ink ejection section are formed on this ejection surface 23. The ink ejection section is capable of ejecting ink L as fine droplets using, for example, a piezoelectric element, and the ejection ports 22 have a row of nozzles (nozzle array) (not shown) that eject droplets of ink L. The position of the cartridge 2 in which the surface on which the ejection port 22 is provided (i.e., the ejection surface 23) is facing downward (see, for example, Figures 1, 2, 6(a) and 6(b)), is referred to as the "first position", which is the "normal stopping position", and the position of the cartridge 2 in which any other surface is facing downward (see, for example, Figure 10(a)), is referred to as the "second position".

[0030] The cartridge 2 also has an air vent 25 on a surface different from the surface (ejection surface 23) on which the ejection ports 22 are provided. In this embodiment, the air vent 25 is formed on the surface (top surface 24) opposite the surface (ejection surface 23) on which the ejection ports 22 are provided. The cartridge 2 takes in air through the air vent 25 and circulates it inside, allowing the ink L to be ejected smoothly from the ejection ports 22 during printing.

[0031] In this regard, the ink L, which is the liquid stored in the cartridge 2 in this embodiment, is a base ink that is white or a color close to white (for example, pink or blue close to white) and contains, for example, water as the solvent L1 and titanium oxide as the solute L2 (both see Figure 6(a)). For example, when printing on fingernails, a base ink is applied to the nail before printing the design (nail design) using color ink, etc. This improves the color development of the color ink, resulting in a beautifully finished print (nail print).

[0032] However, in an undercoat ink or the like that contains titanium oxide or the like as the solute L2, the specific gravity of the solute L2 is large, and when left standing, it is likely to separate from the solvent L1 and settle. Figure 6(a) is a cross-sectional view of a cartridge that schematically shows the state in which the solute has settled and the solvent and solute have been separated, and Figure 6(b) is a cross-sectional view of a cartridge that schematically shows the state in which the solvent and solute have been re-dispersed by stirring using a stirring device.

[0033] When printing is performed with ink L in the state shown in FIG. 6(a), uneven density and color are likely to occur, making it impossible to perform high-quality printing with appropriate density. In contrast, the ink L after redispersion as shown in Figure 6(b) is homogenized overall, and using such ink L makes it possible to print with a clean finish without uneven density, etc. The cartridge 2 is not limited to one that contains ink L such as base ink as a liquid agent, but rather includes a wide range of cartridges 2 that contain a liquid agent that contains a solute L2 having a larger specific gravity than the solvent L1 and that causes the solute L2 to settle when left standing.

[0034] In this way, in the case of a cartridge 2 containing a liquid agent that contains a solute L2 having a higher specific gravity than the solvent L1 and in which the solute L2 settles when left standing, if the surface on which the vent hole 25 is formed (in this embodiment, the top surface 24, see Figures 6(a) and 6(b), etc.) is left facing downwards, the solute L2 having a higher specific gravity may sink to the bottom and clog or block the vent hole 25. If the vent 25 is blocked, it will be impossible to properly eject the ink L. Also, a sponge (not shown) is arranged inside the cartridge 2 to adjust the amount of ink L ejected, etc. For this reason, even if the vent 25 is facing downwards, it is unlikely that ink will immediately come out of the vent 25, but there is a risk that the ink L may leak out of the vent 25 when external pressure is applied, for example.

[0035] The position of the vent 25 may differ depending on the type of cartridge 2, but the vent 25 is provided at least on a surface different from the surface (discharge surface 23) on which the discharge port 22 is provided. Therefore, when the cartridge 2 is in a position in which the surface (discharge surface 23) on which the discharge port 22 is provided faces downward (i.e., the "first position"), the vent 25 does not face downward, and the cartridge 2 is not adversely affected by the settling of the solute L2. For this reason, when stirring is performed with the stirring device 1, the "first position" in which the cartridge 2 is in a state where the surface on which the discharge port 22 is provided (discharge surface 23) is facing downward is set as the "normal stopping position," and if the cartridge 2 is stopped in any other position (i.e., the "second position"), the stopping position of the rotation holding part 12 is corrected so that the cartridge 2 is in the "first position." Note that correcting the stopping position of the rotation holding part 12 so that the cartridge 2 is in the "first position" is referred to in this embodiment as "returning" the rotation holding part 12 to the origin.

[0036] In the agitator 1, when the device stops normally (for example, when the user gives an input instruction to end the agitation operation, or when the device stops automatically after a set agitation time (rotation time) has elapsed), even if the operation of the drive motor 112 is temporarily interrupted, control by the motor control unit 50 remains possible. For this reason, the motor control unit 50 operates the drive motor 112 until the PI 132 provided in the housing 110 outputs a detection signal indicating that it has detected the convex portion 131 serving as the origin index, and the motor control unit 50 stops the drive motor 112 at the timing when the detection signal is output from the PI 132.

[0037] This allows the rotation holding unit 12 to be stopped with the position where the protrusion 131 is provided facing downward. As described above, the protrusion 131 is provided at a position that becomes the lower side when the rotation holding unit 12 is arranged so that the surface where the ejection port 22 is provided (ejection surface 23) faces downward when the cartridge 2 is set in the storage recess 121 of the rotation holding unit 12 (see FIGS. 1 and 2, etc.). Therefore, if the drive motor 112 is stopped when the PI 132 detects the convex portion 131, the cartridge 2 will stop when it reaches the "first position", which is the "normal stopping position" with the surface on which the ejection port 22 is provided (ejection surface 23) facing downward, that is, when the rotation holding portion 12 reaches the position where it has "returned to the origin".

[0038] The stirring device 1 of this embodiment has a posture control unit that corrects the stopping position of the rotation holding unit 12 so that the cartridge 2 is in the "first posture" when the operation of the rotation mechanism 10 stops while the cartridge 2 is in a "second posture" that is different from the "first posture" which is the "normal stopping posture." That is, when the device has stopped normally, the PI 132 that detects the convex portion 131 as described above functions as a detection means that detects the stop position of the rotation holder 12, and the motor control unit 50 functions as an operation control unit that controls the operation of the rotation mechanism 10 including the drive motor 112 based on the detection result by the PI 132 that is the detection means so that the rotation holder 12 stops at a position where the cartridge 2 is in the "first attitude." The attitude control unit is configured to include the PI 132 that serves as the detection means and the motor control unit 50 that functions as the action control unit.

[0039] Furthermore, the stirring device 1 of this embodiment has an attitude control unit (hereinafter referred to as a second attitude control unit) that corrects the stopping position of the rotating holding unit 12 so that the cartridge 2 is in the "first attitude" even if the device does not stop normally (for example, if the power to the stirring device 1 is turned off due to an accident such as a power outage during stirring operation, causing the device to stop, or if the user forcibly turns off the power using the OFF switch to end the stirring operation).

[0040] The second attitude control unit is a unit that uses a mechanical configuration to "return to origin" the rotating holding unit 12 (the cartridge 2 held by the rotating holding unit 12) when the power supply is cut off and "return to origin" cannot be performed using electrical components such as the PI 132, the motor control unit 50, and the drive motor 112. In this embodiment, the posture control unit (second posture control unit) has a configuration including a tension coil spring 137 (spring member) that rotates the rotation holder 12 (see FIG. 9). A specific configuration using the tension coil spring 137 (spring member) will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0041] As shown in Figures 4 and 8, for example, a cross-shaped recess 118a recessed in a cross shape is formed on the rear side of the device of a rotation shaft 118 of a rotation drive gear 117 assembled to a chassis 111 constituting the rotation mechanism 10. In this embodiment, a return wheel 134 is attached to the rear side of the chassis 111, and a cross-shaped protrusion 135 protruding in a cross shape is formed at the center of the surface on the attachment side of the return wheel 134. The cross-shaped protrusion 135 is adapted to fit into the cross-shaped recess 118a, and by fitting the cross-shaped protrusion 135 into the cross-shaped recess 118a, the rotation of the return wheel 134 can be rotated in conjunction with the rotation drive gear 117. The return wheel 134 has an eccentric protrusion 136 on the opposite side of the surface on which the cross-shaped protrusion 135 is formed, at a position offset from the center of the surface. Furthermore, a locking protrusion 133 is provided at a lower position on the rear side of the chassis 111 (that is, the side on which the return wheel 134 is attached).

[0042] As shown in FIG. 9, one end of a tension coil spring 137 serving as a spring member is locked to the locking projection 133, and the other end is locked to the eccentric projection 136. As a result, the cartridge 2 is configured to include a spring member (tension coil spring 137) that applies a load so that the rotation holder 12 stops at a position where the cartridge 2 is in the "first posture." When the operation of the rotation mechanism 10 stops with the cartridge 2 in a "second position" that is different from the "first position" that is the "normal stop position," the tension coil spring 137 rotates the return wheel 134 so that the cartridge 2 assumes the "first position." This causes the rotation drive gear 117 to rotate in conjunction with the return wheel 134, causing the rotation holder 12 connected to the rotation drive gear 117 to rotate.

[0043] By adjusting the positions of the locking protrusion 133 and the eccentric protrusion 136 with which the tension coil spring 137 is locked so that the cartridge 2 is in the "first position" when the tension coil spring 137 is compressed to its shortest, the stopping position of the rotation holding part 12 can be corrected to the appropriate position ("returned to the origin") so that the cartridge 2 is in the "first position", which is the "normal stopping position", even when the rotation holding part 12 cannot be rotated electrically by the drive motor 112. Note that a spring with a weak tension force is used as the tension coil spring 137 so that rotation is not hindered when the rotation holder 12 is rotated by the drive motor 112. The spring member is not limited to a tension coil spring as long as it has spring properties and can pull the eccentric convex portion 136 toward the locking convex portion 133. For example, the spring member may be an elastic body such as rubber.

[0044] [Agitation device function and agitation method] The stirring method of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 10(a) to 10(c) and 11(a) to 11(c), etc. In this embodiment, when the cartridge 2 contains ink L whose solutes are prone to separation and sedimentation, such as undercoat ink, it is set in the storage recess 121 of the rotation holder 12 of the stirring device 1 when not in use for printing, and the drive motor 112 is operated to rotate the cartridge 2 together with the rotation holder 12. By stirring the ink L in the cartridge 2 in this manner, the ink L is homogenized, preventing separation of the ink L into the solvent L1 and the solute L2 and the solute L2 from settling, and enabling printing to be performed in a state suitable for use.

[0045] Then, when the agitator 1 has stopped normally, if the PI 132 detects the convex portion 131, a detection signal to that effect is output to the motor control unit 50. Upon receiving the detection signal from the PI 132, the motor control unit 50 stops the drive motor 112 and stops the rotation of the rotation holding unit 12 at the position where the PI 132 detected the convex portion 131 (or a position nearby). As a result, the cartridge 2 held by the rotation holding part 12 stops in a state where the ejection surface 23 where the ejection ports 22 are formed faces downward (the state shown in FIG. 2, etc., "first position").

[0046] On the other hand, if the agitator 1 stops abnormally due to a power outage or the like, the power supply will be cut off, and therefore detection by the PI 132 and operation control of the drive motor 112 by the motor control unit 50 cannot be performed. Even in such a case, the rotation holding portion 12 (the cartridge 2 held by the rotation holding portion 12) can be "returned to the origin" by the mechanical configuration of the posture control portion (second posture control portion) having the tension coil spring 137 (spring member) in this embodiment.

[0047] For example, as shown in FIG. 10( a), if the cartridge 2 held by the rotating holder 12 is powered off due to a power outage or other reason while the ejection surface 23, on which the ejection ports 22 are formed, is facing diagonally upward (the “second position”), and the cartridge is left in this state, when the ink L separates into the solvent L1 and the solute L2, the solute L2, which has a high specific gravity, such as titanium oxide, will settle on the top surface 24 of the cartridge 2. In this embodiment, the cartridge 2 has an air vent 25 on the top surface 24. If the solute L2 settles, it may block the air vent 25, making it difficult to eject the ink L. Furthermore, when external pressure is applied, the ink L may leak from the air vent 25, contaminating the surrounding area. Furthermore, once the solute L2 has settled, it takes time to redisperse and remove it from the air vent 25, making it difficult to immediately resume printing. Therefore, if the cartridge 2 is in the "second position" after the stirring process is completed, it is desirable to resolve this state as soon as possible and return it to the "first position," which is the "normal stop position."

[0048] FIG. 10(b) shows the state shown in FIG. 10(a) as seen from the rear side of the device, and FIG. 10(c) is a perspective view of the device as seen from diagonally behind. In the state shown in FIG. 10(a), as shown in FIG. 10(b) and FIG. 10(c), the tension coil spring 137 engaged with the locking protrusion 133 and the eccentric protrusion 136 is pulled obliquely and is in an extended state. When the power is off, no rotational force is applied by the drive motor 112, but the tension coil spring 137 exerts a spring force that causes it to contract to its original state, and the eccentric protrusion 136 of the return wheel 134 is pulled downward by the tension coil spring 137, causing the return wheel 134 to rotate in the rotation direction R1. Accordingly, the rotation drive gear 117, which is linked to the return wheel 134, also rotates, causing the rotation holder 12 to rotate.

[0049] The direction in which the return wheel 134 is rotated by the tension coil spring 137 varies depending on the position at which the rotation by the drive motor 112 is stopped. When the ejection surface 23 is stopped in a state where it has rotated slightly clockwise from the position where it faces directly upward (as shown in FIG. 10(a)), the return wheel 134 rotates in a rotation direction R1 (clockwise) as shown in FIG. 10(a). On the other hand, when the ejection surface 23 is stopped in a state where it has rotated slightly counterclockwise from the position where it faces directly upward, the return wheel 134 rotates counterclockwise in a rotation direction R, which is the opposite of that shown in FIG. 10(a).

[0050] 11(a) and 11(b), the tension coil spring 137 pulls the eccentric convex portion 136 toward the locking convex portion 133 until it is fully compressed. When the tension coil spring 137 is viewed from the front side of the device in a state where it is fully compressed, the cartridge 2 held by the rotation holding portion 12 is in a state where the ejection surface 23 where the ejection port 22 is formed faces downward (the "first position"), as shown in FIG. 11(c), and the rotation holding portion 12 stops in a state where it has "returned to the origin." In this way, even when the power is turned off, the rotation holding part 12 can be "returned to the origin" so that the cartridge 2 is in the "first position" in which the ejection surface 23 on which the ejection ports 22 are formed faces downward. Therefore, after the stirring operation is completed, the cartridge 2 is held in a state where it can be used for printing immediately, ejection defects are less likely to occur, and high-quality printing can be performed.

[0051] [effect] As described above, the stirring device 1 of this embodiment includes a rotary holding unit 12 that rotates while holding a cartridge 2 containing ink L (liquid) whose solute precipitates in a solvent when left stationary, a drive motor 112, a motor control unit 50, a gear mechanism, etc. as a rotation mechanism 10 that rotates the rotary holding unit 12, and a posture control unit that includes a PI 132, a motor control unit 50, and a tension coil spring 137, etc., that corrects the stopping position of the rotary holding unit 12 so that the cartridge 2 is in the "first posture" when the operation of the rotation mechanism 10 stops while the cartridge 2 is in the "second posture" that is different from the "first posture," which is the "normal stopping posture."

[0052] By automatically stirring the liquid (ink L) in the cartridge 2 instead of manually, there is no variation in the stirring operation, and the liquid (ink L), such as base ink, can be stably homogenized and re-dispersed. Furthermore, by performing the stirring process automatically, the user's time and effort can be reduced, and the liquid (ink L) can be re-dispersed without any burden. As a result, when the agitator 1 stops normally, the motor control unit 50 or the like can use electrical control to correct the orientation of the rotation holding unit 12 so that the cartridge 2 assumes the "first orientation," which is the "normal stopping orientation" with the discharge surface 23 facing downward. Also, even if the agitator 1 stops abnormally due to an accident, the mechanical configuration can correct the orientation of the rotation holding unit 12 so that the cartridge 2 assumes the "first orientation," which is the "normal stopping orientation." This prevents the cartridge 2 from being held in a stopped state with the vent 25, which is provided on a surface different from the ejection surface 23, facing downward after the stirring operation, and prevents the vent 25 from being blocked or clogged by the settled solute L2, making it impossible to eject ink from the ejection port 22.

[0053] In addition, in this embodiment, the posture control unit (second posture control unit) includes a tension coil spring 137, which is a spring member that applies a load so that the rotation holding unit 12 stops at a position where the cartridge 2 is in the "first posture." Therefore, the stopping position of the rotation holder 12 can be corrected with a simple configuration so that the cartridge 2 is in the "first position" which is the "normal stopping position" with the ejection surface 23 facing downward.

[0054] In addition, in this embodiment, the posture control unit includes PI132 as a detection means for detecting the stop position of the rotating holding unit 12, and a motor control unit 50 as an operation control unit that controls the operation of the rotation mechanism 10 so that the rotating holding unit 12 stops at a position where the cartridge 2 is in the "first posture" based on the detection result by this PI132. Therefore, when the stirring device 1 stops normally with the power on, the electrical control unit can easily and reliably correct the position of the rotation holding part 12 so that the cartridge 2 is in the "first position", which is the "normal stopping position" with the discharge surface 23 facing downward.

[0055] The cartridge 2 also has an ejection port 22 for ejecting ink L (liquid), and an air vent 25 on a surface (top surface 24 in this embodiment) different from the surface on which the ejection port 22 is provided (ejection surface 23), and the "first position" is a position in which the ejection surface 23 on which the ejection port 22 is provided is facing downward. Therefore, by correcting the stopping position of the rotation holding part 12 so that the cartridge 2 is in the "first position," which is the "normal stopping position" with the discharge surface 23 facing downward when the stirring device 1 is stopped, it is possible to prevent the surface with the vent hole 25 from being left facing downward. This prevents the vent hole 25 from being separated from the solvent L1 and being blocked or clogged by the settled solute L2, thereby maintaining a state suitable for printing.

[0056] [Variations] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to these embodiments and that various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0057] For example, in this embodiment, a spring member (tension coil spring 137) is provided as an attitude control unit (second attitude control unit) that mechanically returns the rotating holding unit 12 (the cartridge 2 held by the rotating holding unit 12) to its origin, but the configuration of the attitude control unit (second attitude control unit) is not limited to this.

[0058] For example, the attitude control section (second attitude control section) may include a weight that sets the center of gravity of the rotational holder 12 so that the rotational holder 12 stops at a position where the cartridge 2 is in the "first attitude". Specifically, as shown in Figures 12(a) and 12(b) and Figures 13(a) and 13(b), a weight 142 is mounted on one end of a return wheel 141. Note that the same members as those shown in the above-described embodiment are given the same reference numerals and their explanations will be omitted. Figures 12(a) and 12(b) show a state in which the protrusion 131, which serves as the origin indicator indicating the side to which the ejection surface 23 of the cartridge 2 faces, is located diagonally upward to the left, and the cartridge 2 is in a "second posture" which is different from the "first posture." In contrast, Figure 13(a) shows that the protrusion 131, which serves as the origin indicator indicating the side to which the ejection surface 23 of the cartridge 2 faces, is located at the lower end position of the rotation holding portion 12, and Figures 13(a) and 13(b) show the cartridge 2 in the "first position".

[0059] 13(a) and 13(b), the weight 142 is provided at one end of the return wheel 141, on the same side as the protrusion 131. By providing the weight 142 in such a position, when the rotation holder 12 stops with the cartridge 2 in a "second position" different from the "first position," the weight of the weight 142 causes the return wheel 141 to rotate in a direction such that the weight 142 faces downward, and in conjunction with this, the rotation holder 12 also "returns to the origin" to a stop position where the cartridge 2 is in the "first position."

[0060] With this configuration, even if the stirring device 1 stops abnormally due to an accident, the orientation of the rotation holding part 12 can be corrected with a simple configuration so that the cartridge 2 is in the "first orientation," which is the "normal stopped orientation." This prevents the cartridge 2 from being held in a stopped state with the vent 25, which is provided on a surface different from the ejection surface 23, facing downward, as in the configuration shown in the embodiment, and prevents the vent 25 from being blocked or clogged by the settled solute L2, preventing ink from being ejected from the ejection port 22. The weight of the weight 142 is not particularly limited, but is set to a weight that does not impede the rotational movement of the drive motor 112 .

[0061] Furthermore, for example, the attitude control section (second attitude control section) may include a magnet that stops the rotational holder 12 so that the rotational holder 12 stops at a position where the cartridge 2 is in the "first attitude". Specifically, as shown in Figures 14(a) and 14(b) and Figures 15(a) and 15(b), a magnetic body 152 is installed at one end of a return wheel 151. A magnet 153 is also installed below the return wheel 151 on the chassis 111. Note that the same members as those shown in the above-described embodiment are given the same reference numerals and their description will be omitted.

[0062] Figures 14(a) and 14(b) show that the protrusion 131, which serves as the origin indicator indicating the side to which the ejection surface 23 of the cartridge 2 faces, is located diagonally upward to the left, and the cartridge 2 is in a "second posture" different from the "first posture." In contrast, Figure 15(a) shows that the protrusion 131, which serves as the origin indicator indicating the side to which the ejection surface 23 of the cartridge 2 faces, is located at the lower end position of the rotation holding portion 12, and Figures 15(a) and 15(b) show the cartridge 2 in the "first position".

[0063] In this case, as shown in Figures 15(a) and 15(b), the magnetic body 152 is provided at one end of the return wheel 141, on the same side as the protrusion 131. By providing the magnetic body 152 in this position and installing a magnet 153 below the return wheel 151, when the rotation holder 12 stops with the cartridge 2 in a "second position" different from the "first position," the magnetic body 152 is attracted by the magnetic force (attraction force) of the magnet 153, causing the return wheel 141 to rotate in a direction such that the part where the magnetic body 152 is provided faces downward, and in conjunction with this, the rotation holder 12 also "returns to the origin" to a stop position where the cartridge 2 is in the "first position." Note that because the ink L does not contain a magnetic body, the magnetic force of the magnet 153 does not affect the behavior of the ink L.

[0064] With this configuration, even if the stirring device 1 stops abnormally due to an accident, the orientation of the rotation holding part 12 can be corrected with a simple configuration so that the cartridge 2 is in the "first orientation," which is the "normal stopped orientation." In this case, as with the configuration shown in the embodiment, it is possible to prevent the cartridge 2 from being held in a stopped state with the vent 25, which is provided on a surface different from the ejection surface 23, facing downward, and to prevent the vent 25 from being blocked or clogged by the settled solute L2, preventing ink from being ejected from the ejection port 22. The magnetic body 152 may be a magnet that attracts the magnet 153, or may be a metal member or the like that is attracted to the magnet. Any magnet other than an electromagnet can be used as the magnet 153. The strength of the magnetic force of the magnet 153 is not particularly limited, but a strength that does not impede the rotational operation of the drive motor 112 is used.

[0065] Furthermore, by positioning the rotation shaft 118 of the rotation drive gear 117 itself at an eccentric position, the rotation holding part 12 can rotate naturally without providing a spring member such as the tension coil spring 137, and the posture of the rotation holding part 12 can be corrected so that the cartridge 2 "returns to the origin" to the "first posture", which is the "normal stopping posture". With this configuration, even if the stirring device 1 stops abnormally due to an accident, the simple configuration can prevent the cartridge 2 from being held in a stopped state with the vent 25, which is provided on a surface other than the ejection surface 23, facing downward, as in the configuration shown in the embodiment, and can prevent the vent 25 from being blocked or clogged by settled solute L2, making it impossible to eject ink from the ejection port 22.

[0066] Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, but includes the scope of the invention described in the claims and its equivalents. [Explanation of symbols]

[0067] 1. Stirring device 10 Rotation mechanism 11 Main body 12 Rotation holding part 2 cartridges 22 Outlet 23 Discharge surface 25 Ventilation 50 Motor control unit 110 Case 111 chassis 112 drive motor 137 Tension coil spring (spring component) L Ink L1 solvent L2 solute

Claims

1. a rotary holder that rotates while holding a cartridge having a plurality of surfaces; a rotation mechanism that rotates the rotation holding unit; an attitude control unit that corrects a stop position of the rotation holding unit so that the cartridge is in the first attitude when the operation of the rotation mechanism stops in a state where the cartridge is in a second attitude that is different from a first attitude that is a normal stop attitude; Equipped with The stirring device according to claim 1, wherein the attitude control unit includes a spring member that applies a load so that the rotation holding unit stops at a position where the cartridge is in the first attitude.

2. A chassis to which the rotation mechanism is assembled; a return wheel attached to a surface of the chassis different from a surface on which the rotation holding portion is provided; Equipped with The return wheel is provided with an eccentric convex portion at a position offset from the center position in the surface direction, One end of the spring member is engaged with the engaging protrusion, and the other end is engaged with the eccentric protrusion, The spring member is a coil spring. The stirring device according to claim 1 .

3. a rotary holder that rotates while holding a cartridge having a plurality of surfaces; a rotation mechanism that rotates the rotation holding unit; an attitude control unit that corrects a stop position of the rotation holding unit so that the cartridge is in the first attitude when the operation of the rotation mechanism stops in a state where the cartridge is in a second attitude that is different from a first attitude that is a normal stop attitude; Equipped with The stirring device according to claim 1, wherein the attitude control unit includes a weight that sets the center of gravity of the rotation holding unit so that the rotation holding unit stops at a position where the cartridge is in the first attitude.

4. A chassis to which the rotation mechanism is assembled; a return wheel attached to a surface of the chassis different from a surface on which the rotation holding portion is provided; Equipped with The weight is mounted on one end side of the return wheel. The stirring device according to claim 3 .

5. A rotary holder that rotates while holding a cartridge having multiple surfaces; a rotation mechanism that rotates the rotation holding unit; an attitude control unit that corrects a stop position of the rotation holding unit so that the cartridge is in the first attitude when the operation of the rotation mechanism stops in a state where the cartridge is in a second attitude that is different from a first attitude that is a normal stop attitude; Equipped with The stirring device according to claim 1, wherein the attitude control unit includes a magnet that stops the rotation holding unit at a position where the cartridge is in the first attitude.

6. A chassis to which the rotation mechanism is assembled; a return wheel attached to a surface of the chassis different from a surface on which the rotation holding portion is provided; Equipped with A magnetic body is provided at one end of the return wheel, a first magnet is provided on the same surface of the chassis as the return wheel; The stirring device according to claim 5 .

7. The magnetic body is a second magnet that is attracted to the first magnet, or a metal member that is attracted to the first magnet.

7. The stirring device according to claim 6.

8. the attitude control unit includes a detection unit that detects a stop position of the rotation holding unit, and an operation control unit that controls the operation of the rotation mechanism so that the rotation holding unit stops at a position where the cartridge is in the first attitude, based on a detection result by the detection unit. The stirring device according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. the cartridge has a discharge port for discharging the liquid agent and a vent hole on a surface different from a surface on which the discharge port is provided, and the first attitude is an attitude in which the surface on which the discharge port is provided is facing downward; The stirring device according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

10. A rotating step of rotating a rotary holder while holding a cartridge having a plurality of surfaces; and an attitude control step of correcting a stop position of the rotation holder so that the cartridge is in the first attitude, which is a normal stop attitude, when the rotation operation in the rotation step is stopped in a state where the cartridge is in a second attitude different from the first attitude, the attitude control step includes a spring member that applies a load so that the rotation holding portion stops at a position where the cartridge is in the first attitude. A stirring method characterized by:

11. A rotating step of rotating a rotary holder while holding a cartridge having a plurality of surfaces; and an attitude control step of correcting a stop position of the rotation holder so that the cartridge is in the first attitude, which is a normal stop attitude, when the rotation operation in the rotation step is stopped in a state where the cartridge is in a second attitude different from the first attitude, the attitude control step includes setting a center of gravity of the rotational holding portion so that the rotational holding portion stops at a position where the cartridge is in the first attitude. A stirring method characterized by:

12. A rotating step of rotating a rotary holder while holding a cartridge having a plurality of surfaces; and an attitude control step of correcting a stop position of the rotation holder so that the cartridge is in the first attitude, which is a normal stop attitude, when the rotation operation in the rotation step is stopped in a state where the cartridge is in a second attitude different from the first attitude, The stirring method, wherein the attitude control step includes a magnet that stops the rotation holder at a position where the cartridge is in the first attitude.

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