Printing device, and method of controlling printing device

Abstract

To more appropriately apply liquid materials in a plurality of dispensers for applying a plurality of types of liquid materials.SOLUTION: A printing device comprises: a plurality of dispensers including at least a first dispenser for applying a first liquid material to a target material and a second dispenser for applying a second liquid material to a target material; an application head capable of moving between a retracted position and an application position; and a control unit for executing a cleaning process to the first dispenser on the basis of an elapse of a first time in accordance with the first liquid material, executing the cleaning process to the second dispenser on the basis of an elapse of a second time in accordance with the second liquid material, not executing the cleaning process when the application head is in the retracted position, and executing the cleaning process for a dispenser for which the specified time has elapsed when the application head moves from the retracted position.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This specification discloses a printing device and a method for controlling a printing device. [Background technology]

[0002] A conventional printing device has been proposed that performs test application to adjust the amount of paste to be applied to the underside of an electronic component and correct the application position by using a measuring element as a dummy workpiece taken out from a measuring element feeder attached to a common feeder base of a component supply unit, recognizing the measuring element after the test application with a recognition unit, and adjusting the amount of paste to be applied and correcting the application position based on the recognition results (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Compared to conventional technology that uses actual electronic components for test application, this device is said to eliminate the waste of electronic components that are discarded after use and enable fine adjustment of the amount of paste to be applied and the application position. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-82084 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the printing device described in Patent Document 1, the nozzles that apply the paste are cleaned, but the application of multiple types of paste is not taken into consideration. As such, there is a need for a printing device that can appropriately apply multiple types of liquid materials.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of such problems, and its main purpose is to provide a printing device and a control method for a printing device that can more appropriately apply liquid materials using multiple dispensers that apply multiple types of liquid materials. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present disclosure has adopted the following means to achieve the above-mentioned main object.

[0007] The printing device of the present disclosure includes: an application head having a plurality of dispensers including at least a first dispenser that applies a first liquid material to an object and a second dispenser that applies a second liquid material to an object, and being movable between a retracted position and an application position; a control unit that executes a cleaning process on the first dispenser based on the passage of a first time period corresponding to the first liquid material, executes a cleaning process on the second dispenser based on the passage of a second time period corresponding to the second liquid material, does not execute the cleaning process when the application head is at the retracted position, and executes the cleaning process on the dispenser for which time has elapsed when the application head has moved from the retracted position; It is equipped with the following.

[0008] In this printing device, in the dispensers that apply the first and second liquid materials, unnecessary movement and cleaning processes are further suppressed when the application head is in the retracted position, and cleaning processes are performed as needed when the application head moves from the retracted position. As a result, this printing device can perform more appropriate cleaning processes, and in multiple dispensers that apply multiple types of liquid materials, the liquid materials can be applied more appropriately. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic explanatory diagram showing an example of a printing system 10. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic explanatory diagram showing an example of the structure of the printing device 11 as seen from the front. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the outline of each discharge unit and a moving unit 25. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of a support portion 26 and a pallet 60. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of a dispenser unit 40. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the configuration of an application drive unit 70. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a shaped object production processing routine. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an outline of a forming process. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a coating head processing routine. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of an example of timing for cleaning the dispenser 43. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] This embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic explanatory diagram showing an example of a printing system 10 according to the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a schematic explanatory diagram showing an example of the structure of a printing device 11 as viewed from the front. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the outline of a first discharging unit 30, a second discharging unit 35, and a moving unit 25. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the outline of a support section 26 and a pallet 60. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the outline of a dispenser unit 40. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the configuration of an application drive unit 70. In this embodiment, the left-right direction (X-axis), the front-rear direction (Y-axis), and the up-down direction (Z-axis) are as shown in FIGS. 1 to 5.

[0011] The printing system 10 includes a printing device 11, a mounting device 12, and an information processing device 80. The printing system 10 is configured as a production line in which the printing device 11 forms a shaped object as a first process, forms predetermined components on the shaped object as a second process, and then the mounting device 12 mounts components. The printing device 11 may form a circuit pattern as a circuit material as the second process, and the mounting device 12 may mount components P at predetermined positions on the circuit material. In addition to the mounting device 12, the printing system 10 may also include one or more mounting-related devices such as a printing device that prints solder as a viscous fluid on the shaped object, a print inspection device that inspects the printing results, a mounting inspection device that inspects the mounting results, and a transport device that transports the shaped object. Although the printing system 10 shown in FIG. 1 includes one mounting device 12, multiple mounting devices 12 may also be included.

[0012] The mounting device 12 is a device that mounts components P on a modeled object formed by the printing device 11. The mounting device 12 includes a control device, a transport processing unit 13, a component supply unit 14, an imaging unit 16, a mounting unit 17, an operation panel, and a communication unit. The control device is configured as a microprocessor centered around a mounting control unit such as a CPU, and controls the entire device. This control device outputs control signals to the transport processing unit 13, the component supply unit 14, the imaging unit 16, the mounting unit 17, and the operation panel, and inputs signals from the transport processing unit 13, the component supply unit 14, the imaging unit 16, the mounting unit 17, and the operation panel. The control device includes a storage unit, which is a large-capacity storage medium such as a flash memory. The storage unit stores mounting information including information on the components P to be mounted, the arrangement order and positions of the components to be mounted on the modeled object, and the installation position of a feeder 15 that picks up the components. The transport processing unit 13 is a unit that carries in, transports, fixes at the mounting position, and carries out the pallet 60 on which the shaped object is placed. The component supply unit 14 is a unit that supplies components P to the mounting unit 17. The component supply unit 14 mounts feeders 15 having reels holding components in one or more mounting units. The imaging unit 16 is a camera that captures images of the upward direction and captures images of the components P held by the mounting head 19 of the mounting unit 17. The operation panel is a unit that receives input from the worker and presents information to the worker. This operation panel includes a display unit and an operation unit with a touch panel and buttons. The mounting unit 17 is a unit that collects components P from the component supply unit 14 and places them on the shaped object fixed to the transport processing unit 13. The mounting unit 17 includes a head moving unit 18, a mounting head 19, and a collection member. The head moving unit 18 includes a slider that moves in the X and Y directions along a guide rail, and a motor that drives the slider. The mounting head 19 is removably attached to the slider, picks up one or more components, and is moved in the X and Y directions by the head moving unit 18. One or more picking members are removably attached to the underside of the mounting head 19. The picking members may be suction nozzles that use negative pressure to pick up components, or may be mechanical chucks that mechanically hold components. The communication unit is an interface that exchanges information with external devices such as the printing device 11 and information processing device 80.

[0013] The printing apparatus 11 is a 3D printing apparatus that ejects a fluid onto a target object to form and manufacture a shaped object having a substrate, circuit material, or the like. The shaped object may include, for example, a substrate, a circuit material formed on and / or within the substrate, and components disposed on and / or within the substrate. The target object is a pallet 60 at the initial stage of printing. The pallet 60 refers to the object formed on the pallet 60, including the substrate, circuit, conductive material, and the like. The material to be printed is not particularly limited, and examples include resin and ceramics. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , the printing apparatus 11 includes a control device 20, a memory unit 22, a moving unit 25, a flattening unit 29, a first discharging unit 30, a first maintenance unit 33, a first curing unit 34, a second discharging unit 35, a second maintenance unit 38, a second curing unit 39, a dispenser unit 40, a pressing unit 47, an inspection unit 55, an operation panel 58, and a communication unit 59. The printing apparatus 11 also includes, as structural components, a first gantry 51, a second gantry 52, a third gantry 53, and a housing 54. Here, the printing apparatus 11 will be described as a device that primarily performs a process of forming an insulator, such as a base material for a molded object, using a first discharging unit 30, and then forming a circuit material, such as a circuit pattern, on the molded insulator using a second discharging unit 35. The first discharging unit 30 and the second discharging unit 35 will be collectively referred to as "discharging units," the first discharging head 32 and the second discharging head 37 will be collectively referred to as "discharging heads," the first maintenance unit 33 and the second maintenance unit 38 will be collectively referred to as "maintenance units," and the first curing unit 34 and the second curing unit 39 will be collectively referred to as "curing units." The dispensers 43A to 43C will be collectively referred to as dispensers 43, and the valves 73A to 73C will be collectively referred to as valves 73.

[0014] The control device 20 is configured as a microprocessor centered on a print control unit 21 such as a CPU, and controls the entire printing device 11. The control device 20 exchanges information with a memory unit 22 and each unit. The memory unit 22 is, for example, a large-capacity storage medium such as a flash memory. The memory unit 22 stores modeling job information 23, timing information 24, and the like. The modeling job information 23 is information including, for example, the shape and size of the object to be manufactured and information on circuit materials such as the circuit pattern to be formed on the substrate. The timing information 24 is information regarding the time measured since a cleaning process was performed on the dispenser 43 of the application head 42. The printing device 11 performs the modeling process based on the information stored in the memory unit 22.

[0015] The moving unit 25 is a stage that moves a pallet 60, which is an object onto which the fluid is to be ejected. The moving unit 25 includes a support section 26 and a support moving section 27. The support section 26 supports and fixes the pallet 60, on which the object is placed in the printing region 61. The support moving section 27 is a drive section that moves the support section 26 along a printing path that runs along the front-to-back direction in the center of the housing 54 and raises and lowers the support section 26 to move the ejection head and the object relative to each other. The support moving section 27 may include a linear drive section, such as a linear motor or a ball screw mechanism. As shown in FIG. 4, a cleaning section 28 that cleans the dispenser 43 of the application head 42 is disposed near the support section 26. The cleaning section 28 includes, for example, a cleaning member that comes into contact with the tip of the dispenser 43 to remove any liquid or other matter present at the tip. Examples of the cleaning member include a sponge.

[0016] The pallet 60 is a plate-like member having an area where a modeled object is formed, and is removably attached to the support part 26. The pallet 60 has a modeling area 61, a receiving area 63, and the like. A removable film is attached to the top surface of the pallet 60, and the next modeled object can be produced by replacing this film. The modeling area 61 is a printing area where a modeled object is formed by the first discharging unit 30, a predetermined pattern is formed on the modeled object by the second discharging unit 35, and a liquid material is applied to a target object by the dispenser unit 40. The receiving area 63 is an area that receives unnecessary fluid or liquid material discharged from the first discharging head 32, the second discharging head 37, and the application head 42.

[0017] The first discharging unit 30 is a unit that discharges a fluid serving as a base material for forming a model onto a modeling region 61 of a pallet 60. The first discharging unit 30 is movably disposed to the left of a first gantry 51, which is fixed to a front region in the Y-axis direction of a housing 54 of the printing device 11. The first discharging unit 30 includes a first moving unit 31, a first discharging head 32, and a first fluid processing unit. The first moving unit 31 includes a slider that moves along the X-axis direction while being guided by a guide rail, and a motor that drives the slider. The first discharging head 32 is attached to the slider, and the first discharging head 32 moves along the X-axis direction in accordance with the movement of the slider. The first moving unit 31 moves the first discharging head 32 between a standby position and a discharging position on the pallet 60. The first discharging head 32 is a structural fluid discharging head that discharges a fluid that forms a model onto a target object, such as the pallet 60, to form the model. The first discharge head 32 has a first nozzle and a discharge drive unit. The first nozzle is formed in a nozzle plate. This first nozzle is an opening hole that discharges the fluid supplied from the first fluid processing unit onto the pallet 60. The discharge drive unit, for example, discharges the fluid toward the pallet 60, and may be, for example, a piezoelectric element. The fluid discharged by the first discharge head 32 may be, for example, a liquid curable resin (e.g., ultraviolet curable resin, thermosetting resin, two-part mixed curable resin, etc.), a thermoplastic resin, or a liquid material such as a slurry in which a solid material such as an inorganic substance is mixed with a solvent. The first fluid processing unit is a unit that delivers the fluid and includes a first supply tank that stores the fluid and a first recovery tank that stores the recovered fluid.

[0018] The first maintenance unit 33 is a unit that seals and protects the first ejection head 32, and also performs ejection maintenance based on the ejection state of the first ejection head 32. The first maintenance unit 33 has, for example, a first cap that seals the first ejection head 32, a first ejection receiving portion that receives fluid ejected from the first ejection head 32, and a first cleaning portion that cleans the first ejection head 32. The ejection maintenance includes, for example, performing a flushing process and performing a process of wiping and cleaning the nozzle plate of the first ejection head 32.

[0019] The first curing unit 34 is a unit that performs a predetermined process on the fluid discharged from the first discharging head 32 onto the pallet 60 or onto a model that has been cured on the pallet 60, thereby curing the fluid. The first curing unit 34 may be a unit that irradiates the fluid discharged onto the modeling region 61 with light of a predetermined wavelength, such as ultraviolet light, to cure the fluid. The first curing unit 34 may also be a unit that dries or bakes the fluid depending on its material. For example, every time a layer of fluid is formed on the modeling region 61 by the first discharging head 32, the pallet 60 is moved below the first curing unit 34 to cure the fluid.

[0020] The second dispensing unit 35 is a unit that dispenses a fluid onto the pallet 60 or onto the shaped object, the fluid serving as a circuit material, such as a circuit formed inside or on the surface of the shaped object. The second dispensing unit 35 is movably disposed to the right of the first gantry 51, which is fixed to the front region of the housing 54 in the Y-axis direction. The second dispensing unit 35 includes a second moving unit 36, a second dispensing head 37, and a second fluid processing unit. The second moving unit 36 ​​includes a slider that moves along the X-axis direction while guided by a guide rail, and a motor that drives the slider. The second dispensing head 37 is attached to the slider, and the second dispensing head 37 moves along the X-axis direction in response to the movement of the slider. The second moving unit 36 ​​moves the second dispensing head 37 between a standby position and a dispensing position on the pallet 60. The second dispensing head 37 is a circuit fluid dispensing head that dispenses a fluid onto an object, such as the pallet 60, to form a circuit material. The second ejection head 37, like the first ejection head 32, has a second nozzle and an ejection drive unit. Since the second ejection head 37 has the same structure and function as the first ejection head 32, detailed description thereof will be omitted. Examples of the fluid ejected by the second nozzle include a liquid mixture in which a solid is mixed with a solvent, and a liquid solution in which a resin is dissolved in a solvent. Examples of this fluid include a conductive paste in which metal particles are dispersed in a resin that hardens when heated, and a metal ink conductive fluid in which metal microparticles are dispersed in a solvent. For example, in a conductive paste, when the resin hardens and shrinks, the metal particles dispersed in the resin come into contact with each other. This allows the conductive paste to exhibit conductivity. The resin in the conductive paste is, for example, an organic adhesive, and exhibits adhesive strength when hardened.

[0021] The second maintenance unit 38 is a unit that seals and protects the second discharge head 37, and also performs discharge maintenance based on the discharge state of the second discharge head 37. The second maintenance unit 38 has, for example, a second cap that seals the second discharge head 37, a second discharge receiving portion that receives fluid discharged from the second discharge head 37, and a second cleaning portion that cleans the second discharge head 37. The discharge maintenance includes the flushing process and cleaning process described above.

[0022] The second curing unit 39 is a unit that performs a predetermined process on the fluid discharged from the second discharging head 37 onto the modeling region 61 of the pallet 60 or onto a modeled object that has been cured on the pallet 60, thereby curing the fluid. The second curing unit 39 may be a unit that irradiates the fluid discharged onto the modeling region 61 with light of a predetermined wavelength, such as infrared light, to cure the fluid. The second curing unit 39 may also be a unit that dries or bakes the fluid depending on its material. For example, every time a layer of fluid is formed on the pallet 60 by the second discharging head 37, the pallet 60 is moved underneath the second curing unit 39, and the second curing unit 39 cures the fluid.

[0023] The flattening unit 29 flattens the surface of the fluid dispensed onto the pallet 60 and / or the model using a flattening member. The flattening member may be, for example, a flattening roller that rotates relative to the model, or a flat flattening blade.

[0024] The dispenser unit 40 is a unit that applies a liquid material to a model on a pallet 60. As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 5, the dispenser unit 40 is movably disposed on a second gantry 52 fixed to a central region in the Y-axis direction of a housing 54 of the printing apparatus 11. The dispenser unit 40 is disposed on a transport path through which the pallet 60 is carried in and out of the mounting apparatus 12, and is configured to perform not only the application process by the dispenser but also the application amount detection process, the pallet 60 carrying in and out process, the image capture process, the height measurement process, and the like. The dispenser unit 40 is composed of an application movement unit 41, an application head 42, and a discharge amount detection unit 57. The dispenser unit 40 also includes a working unit 50 that includes an image capture unit 44, a height detection unit 45, and a mounting transport unit 46 in the application head 42.

[0025] The moving applicator unit 41 includes a slider that moves along the X-axis direction while being guided by a guide rail disposed on the second gantry 52, and a motor that drives the slider. A dispensing head 42 is attached to the slider, and the dispensing head 42 moves along the X-axis direction as the slider moves. As shown in FIG. 1 , the moving applicator unit 41 moves the applicator head 42 between a dispensing position above a pallet 60 in the central region along the X-axis of the housing 54, a carry-in / out position on the mounting device 12 side, and a retracted position on the opposite side from the mounting device 12. The applicator head 42 includes multiple dispensers 43, including a first dispenser that applies a first liquid material to an object and a second dispenser that applies a second liquid material having a different viscosity from the first liquid material to an object. Dispensers 43A to 43C, such as those that apply conductive paste and those that apply filler, are disposed on the applicator head 42.

[0026] Dispenser 43 has a discharge port for dispensing a liquid material and is equipped with a syringe that contains the liquid material. As shown in FIG. 5, the syringe is a columnar member that contains the liquid material and discharges the liquid material from a discharge port provided at the tip of the syringe downward when pressure is applied from above. Examples of liquid materials include resins with dispersed conductive materials and insulating resins, as well as multiple types of resins with different viscosities and conductivities. For example, dispenser 43A has a small discharge port size, contains a conductive paste with medium viscosity, and has a long cleaning cycle. Dispenser 43B has a large discharge port size, contains a conductive paste with medium viscosity, and has a medium cleaning cycle. Dispenser 43C has a large discharge port size, contains a filler (underfill) that is a resin with low viscosity, and has a short cleaning cycle. Note that the discharge port size and viscosity are relative values ​​for each member.

[0027] The imaging unit 44 is a camera that captures images of the downward direction, i.e., the pallet 60 side. The imaging unit 44 captures, for example, images of the object in the building region 61 and the inspection region 56 of the inspection unit 55. The height detection unit 45 is configured as a sensor that moves a contact terminal at its tip downward and determines the height of the object it contacts based on the position of contact with the object. The height detection unit 45 is used to measure the height of the pallet 60 and the object on the pallet 60. The mounting transport unit 46 is used to transport the pallet 60 to the mounting device 12 side, which is an area outside the printing path, and to transport the pallet 60 from the mounting device 12. The mounting transport unit 46 has a rod structure that can extend downward. Its tip contacts the edge of the pallet 60 and pushes it out, or hooks and retracts it to move the pallet 60. The discharge amount detection unit 57 detects the weight of the liquid material dispensed from the dispenser 43. The discharge amount detection unit 57 applies an arbitrary pressure to the dispenser 43 and measures the amount of liquid material discharged from the syringe per unit time. Using this measurement value, the control device 20 controls the discharge amount of the liquid material to an appropriate value.

[0028] The dispenser unit 40 is also provided with an application drive unit 70. As shown in FIG. 6, the application drive unit 70 includes a pressure adjustment unit 71, piping 72, and a valve 73. The pressure adjustment unit 71 is connected to a plurality of dispensers 43 and supplies pressure to the plurality of dispensers 43. The pressure adjustment unit 71 includes a pressurizer, a decompressor, an adjustment valve, and the like, and applies positive pressure from the pressurizer to the syringe to discharge the liquid material. The piping 72 connects the pressure adjustment unit 71 to the dispensers 43A to 43C. The valve 73 is an electromagnetic valve that opens and closes the flow of fluid in the piping 72. The valve 73 includes valves 73A to 73C that are disposed in the piping 72 of the dispensers 43A to 43C, respectively. The control device 20 uses the pressure adjustment unit 71 to bring the piping 72 to atmospheric pressure and then closes the valve 73, thereby preventing leakage of the liquid material from the dispenser 43 and putting the dispenser 43 into standby mode. In the application head 42, the syringe is lowered to a discharge position by an elevator (not shown), and after the liquid material is discharged, the syringe is raised to a standby position by the elevator.

[0029] The pressing unit 47 is a unit that presses the object on the pallet 60, or a liquid material applied to the pallet 60 or the object. The pressing unit 47 is disposed on a third gantry 53 that is fixed to a rear region in the Y-axis direction of a housing 54 of the printing apparatus 11. The pressing unit 47 may heat and press the object. The pressing unit 47 is composed of a pressing section that presses the object using a pressing member 48, a heating section that heats the pressing section, and a pressing and transporting section 49 that transports the pallet 60 in and out. The pressing member 48 is a member that comes into contact with and presses the object. When the pressing unit 47 is equipped with a heating section, the pressing member 48 is a member that comes into contact with the object and presses and heats it. The pressing and transporting section 49 transports the pallet 60 in and out of the pressing unit 47, which is disposed in a position outside the movement lane of the moving unit 25. The pressing and conveying section 49 may be mechanically similar to the mounting and conveying section 46 .

[0030] The inspection unit 55 is a unit that inspects the discharge state of the first discharge unit 30 and / or the second discharge unit 35. The inspection unit 55 is composed of a mark substrate as an inspection area 56 and an imaging unit 44. The inspection unit 55 inspects the discharge position of the discharge unit by causing fluid discharged from the first discharge unit 30 or the second discharge unit 35 to land on the surface of a film fixed on the mark substrate and capturing an image of this with the imaging unit 44.

[0031] The operation panel 58 is a unit that receives input from the worker and presents information to the worker. The operation panel 58 includes a display unit and an operation unit with a touch panel and buttons. The communication unit 59 is an interface that exchanges information with external devices such as the mounting device 12 and the information processing device 80.

[0032] The information processing device 80 is configured as a management server that manages the printing system 10. The information processing device 80 includes an information control unit 81, a storage unit 82, a communication unit 89, a display unit, and an input device. The information control unit 81 has a CPU and controls the entire device. The storage unit 82 is a large-capacity storage device such as a flash memory. The storage unit 82 stores modeling job information 83, which includes information similar to the modeling job information 23. The communication unit 89 exchanges information with external devices, such as the printing device 11 and the mounting device 12, via a network such as a LAN. The information control unit 81 sets the modeling job information 83 based on a request from the printing device 11 or the mounting device 12 and transmits it via the communication unit 89. The display unit is a display that displays images. The input device includes a keyboard, a mouse, and the like that accept input from a user.

[0033] Next, a process for executing a 3D modeling process by the printing device 11 configured as described above will be described. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of a modeling object production process routine executed by the print control unit 21 of the control device 20. This modeling object production process routine is stored in the memory unit 22 and is executed by the print control unit 21 after an operator inputs an execution command for modeling job information 23. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an outline of the modeling process, in which FIG. 8A is a printing process for a substrate S, FIG. 8B is a printing process for a circuit E, FIG. 8C is a printing process for a cavity C, FIG. 8D is a coating process for a conductive material B and an underfill U, FIG. 8E is a mounting process for a component P, FIG. 8F is a coating process for a filler F, and FIG. 8G is a printing process for adding a substrate S. Here, a modeling process in which the print control unit 21 mainly executes each process shown in FIG. 8 will be described. In the modeling process, a substrate S is printed and cured (FIG. 8A), a circuit E is printed and cured on the substrate S (FIG. 8B), a cavity C is printed and cured on top of that (FIG. 8C), a conductive material B and an underfill U are applied (FIG. 8D), a component P is mounted (FIG. 8E), a filler F is filled (FIG. 8F), and the component P is fixed by pressing and heating using a pressing unit 47 as appropriate. In this modeling process, an additional substrate S is printed and cured as needed (FIG. 8G). By this modeling process, a modeled object O is produced.

[0034] When the object production processing routine is started, the print control unit 21 of the control device 20 first reads and acquires the modeling job information 23 from the storage unit 22 (S100). Note that the print control unit 21 may also acquire the modeling job information 83 from the information processing device 80 as the modeling job information 23. Next, the print control unit 21 performs a cleaning process for the dispenser 43, performs a standby process for the dispenser 43, and starts timing the cleaning cycle for the dispenser 43 (S110). The print control unit 21 executes the cleaning process in which the dispensers 43A to 43C are brought into contact with the cleaning unit 28 at different contact positions. The print control unit 21 also executes a standby process in which the pressure adjustment unit 71 releases the pipe 72 to atmospheric pressure and then closes the valves 73A to 73C. The print control unit 21 also executes timing for the cleaning cycle using the timing function of the control device 20 and stores the timed value in the timing information 24. At this time, the print control unit 21 also performs maintenance processes such as cleaning and calibration processes on the other units.

[0035] Next, the print control unit 21 checks the modeling process to be executed based on the modeling job information 23 (S120). When the process to be executed is a structural material discharging process, the print control unit 21 executes a first printing process using the first discharging head 32 (S130). At this time, the print control unit 21 causes the first discharging head 32 to discharge the structural material fluid onto an object such as a pallet 60, executes a flattening process using the flattening unit 29, and hardens the fluid using the first curing unit 34 (FIGS. 8A, 8C, and 8G). On the other hand, when the process to be executed in S120 is a circuit material discharging process, the print control unit 21 executes a second printing process using the second discharging head 37 (S140). In the second printing process, the print control unit 21 also causes the second discharging head 37 to discharge the circuit material fluid onto an object such as a substrate S, and hardens the fluid using the second curing unit 39 (FIG. 8B). On the other hand, when the process executed in S120 is a process of the coating head 42, the print control unit 21 executes the process by the coating head 42 (S150). The process of the coating head 42 includes a coating process by the dispenser 43 as well as work processes by the working unit 50. The work processes by the working unit 50 include an imaging process by the imaging unit 44, a detection process by the height detection unit 45, and a process of carrying in and out the pallet 60 by the mounting transport unit 46.

[0036] 9 is a flowchart showing an example of a coating head processing routine executed by the print control unit 21 of the control device 20. This coating head processing routine is stored in the storage unit 22 and executed by the print control unit 21 in S150 of the object production processing routine. When this routine starts, the print control unit 21 of the control device 20 first determines whether any dispenser 43 has reached its cleaning timing (S200). The print control unit 21 makes this determination based on the timing information 24, which includes the measured time. If any dispenser 43 has reached its cleaning timing, the print control unit 21 executes a cleaning process for the corresponding dispenser 43 (S210), resets the timing for the corresponding dispenser 43, and restarts the timing (S220). The print control unit 21 executes a cleaning process by moving the cleaning unit 28 onto the transport path in the central region of the housing 54 in the Y-axis direction, moving the coating head 42 onto the print path in the central region of the housing 54 in the X-axis direction, and bringing the dispenser 43 into contact with the cleaning unit 28. During execution of this coating head processing routine, the coating head 42 moves from the retracted position to the coating position or the like, and the support portion 26 moves to the coating position or the like, so the required time can be shortened.

[0037] After S220, or if there is no dispenser 43 that has reached the cleaning timing in S200, the print control unit 21 determines whether the application head process is a dispenser process (S230). If the application head process is a dispenser process, the print control unit 21 executes the dispenser process, which causes the dispenser 43 containing the liquid material to be applied to dispense the liquid material to the application position (S240). The print control unit 21 opens only the valve 73 of the corresponding dispenser 43 and applies positive pressure from the pressure adjustment unit 71 to cause the dispenser 43 to dispense the liquid material. The print control unit 21, for example, dispenses conductive paste from dispenser 43A or dispenser 43B to apply conductive material B to the target object, and / or dispenses underfill paste from dispenser 43C to apply underfill U to the target object (FIG. 8D).

[0038] On the other hand, when the application head process is not a dispenser process in S230, i.e., when the application head process is a work process performed by the working unit 50, the print control unit 21 determines whether any dispensers 43 will reach their cleaning timing while the working unit 50 is working (S250). The print control unit 21 calculates the work time for the work process to be performed and makes this determination based on whether the cleaning cycle will be reached by adding that work time to the current clock value. When any dispenser 43 will reach its cleaning timing while the working unit 50 is working, the print control unit 21 executes cleaning processing for the corresponding dispenser (S260), as in S210 and S220, and resets and restarts the clock for the corresponding dispenser 43 (S270). By executing cleaning in advance, the print control unit 21 prevents leakage of liquid material during work, etc.

[0039] After S270, or if there is no dispenser 43 that reaches the cleaning timing while the working unit 50 is working in S250, the print control unit 21 executes work processing for the working unit 50 (S280). As work processing, the print control unit 21 executes one of an imaging process by the imaging unit 44, a detection process by the height detection unit 45, and a transport process of the pallet 60 by the mounting transport unit 46. In the imaging process, the imaging unit 44 performs an image capture of the pallet 60 arranged at the application position and the inspection area 56. In the detection process, the height detection unit 45 performs a process of detecting the height of the pallet 60 arranged at the application position and the model on the pallet 60. In the transport process, the mounting transport unit 46 performs a process of unloading the pallet 60 arranged at the load / unload position, or a process of loading the pallet 60 from the load / unload position into the mounting device 12.

[0040] After S280 or S240, the print control unit 21 determines whether there is a next application head process (S290). For example, as shown in FIG. 8D, the print control unit 21 may perform application processes on multiple locations in one application head process. Furthermore, in the process of the working unit 50, images of multiple locations may be captured or detection processes may be performed on multiple locations. Each of these processes may be considered as a block process, and the application head process may include one or more block processes. If there is a next application head process, the print control unit 21 executes the processes from S200 onward. That is, each time one block process is completed, the print control unit 21 determines the timing of cleaning, executes cleaning processing for the dispenser 43 as needed, and executes dispenser processing and work processing for the working unit 50.

[0041] On the other hand, if there is no next application head process in S290, the print control unit 21 executes a standby process in which the pressure adjustment unit 71 opens the pipe 72 to atmospheric pressure and then closes the valves 73A to 73C (S300), and ends this routine. In this way, the print control unit 21 executes a cleaning process for the dispenser 43 based on the elapsed time depending on the liquid. Furthermore, when the application head 42 is in the retracted position and no application head process is being executed, the print control unit 21 does not execute a cleaning process regardless of the elapsed time, but executes a cleaning process for the dispenser 43 for which the elapsed time has elapsed when the application head 42 moves from the retracted position. Furthermore, even when no application is executed for the dispenser 43, the print control unit 21 executes a cleaning process for the dispenser 43 for which the elapsed time has elapsed while the working unit 50 is working. Furthermore, when there is a dispenser 43 for which the elapsed time has elapsed while the working unit 50 is working, the print control unit 21 executes a cleaning process for the dispenser 43 for which the elapsed time has elapsed.

[0042] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of an example of the timing of the cleaning process of dispenser 43. FIG. 10A illustrates the cleaning process during the application operation of dispenser A. FIG. 10B illustrates the cleaning process during the detection process and the image capture process. FIG. 10C illustrates the process when the application head 42 is in the retracted position. FIG. 10D illustrates the cleaning process during movement between the retracted position and the application position. FIG. 10E illustrates the cleaning process during movement between the retracted position and the application position after the cleaning cycle has elapsed. Here, as an example, a specific example will be described in which the cleaning cycles are 30 minutes for dispenser A, 20 minutes for dispenser B, and 15 minutes for dispenser C. The order of the lengths of the cleaning cycles of dispensers A to C may be determined, for example, so that the lower the viscosity of the liquid material, the shorter the cleaning cycles tend to be and the larger the size of the dispenser outlet. Here, the "tendency" may be defined as the shorter the cleaning cycles are as a whole, the lower the viscosity of the liquid material and / or the larger the size of the outlet, and may include, for example, a certain range of values ​​or a range contrary thereto. In addition, in FIG. 10, the right direction represents the passage of time (minutes), and dotted arrows indicate dispensers that do not require cleaning even when the set time has elapsed, solid arrows indicate dispensers that have not yet undergone cleaning, and shaded blocks indicate dispensers that have undergone cleaning. As shown in FIG. 10A, while the print control unit 21 is performing the application process for dispenser A, the print control unit 21 sequentially performs cleaning on dispensers that have reached their cleaning cycle in order to prevent unintended liquid material from dripping from other dispensers. Also, as shown in FIG. 10B, when the work unit 50 is performing the work process without performing the application process, the print control unit 21 sequentially performs cleaning on dispensers that have reached their cleaning cycle in order to prevent unintended liquid material from dripping due to the movement of the application head 42, as in FIG. 10A. Also, as shown in FIG. 10C, when the dispensers are retracted to the retracted position, the impact of unintended liquid material dripping is small, so the print control unit 21 does not perform cleaning on the dispensers even when the cleaning cycle has arrived. 10B and 10C are combined in the case of Fig. 10D, the print control unit 21 does not execute the cleaning process at the retracted position, but executes the cleaning process sequentially on the dispensers that have reached their cleaning cycle at positions other than the retracted position. Note that, as shown in Fig. 10E, when the print control unit 21 executes the cleaning process on the dispensers that have reached their cleaning cycle, the print control unit 21 resets the clock and restarts the clock from the time of this cleaning process.

[0043] Returning to the description of the object production processing routine, after executing the application head processing in S150, the print control unit 21 determines whether the production processing is completed based on the processing status of the object-forming job information 23 (S160). If the production processing is not completed, the print control unit 21 repeatedly executes the processing from S120 onward, and if the production processing is completed, the print control unit 21 ends the routine.

[0044] Here, the correspondence between the components of this embodiment and the components of the present disclosure will be clarified. The printing apparatus 11 of this embodiment corresponds to an example of the printing apparatus of the present disclosure, the dispenser 43 corresponds to an example of a dispenser, the coating head 42 corresponds to an example of a coating head, the print control unit 21 corresponds to an example of a control unit, and the working unit 50 corresponds to an example of a working unit. Furthermore, the pressure adjusting unit 71 corresponds to an example of a pressure adjusting unit, the pallet 60 corresponds to an example of a pallet, the printing region 61 corresponds to an example of a printing region, the support unit 26 corresponds to an example of a support unit, the first discharging unit 30 corresponds to an example of a first discharging unit, the first discharging head 32 corresponds to an example of a first discharging head, the second discharging unit 35 corresponds to an example of a second discharging unit, the second discharging head 37 corresponds to an example of a second discharging head, the coating movement unit 41 corresponds to an example of a coating movement unit, the imaging unit 44 corresponds to an example of an imaging unit, the height detection unit 45 corresponds to an example of a detection unit, and the mounting and transport unit 46 corresponds to an example of a transport unit. In this embodiment, by explaining the operation of the printing device 11 and the printing system 10, examples of a control method for a printing device, a manufacturing method for a shaped object, a printing system, and a program for a control method for a printing device of the present disclosure are also clarified.

[0045] The printing device 11 of the present embodiment described above includes a plurality of dispensers 43 including at least a first dispenser that applies a first liquid material to an object and a second dispenser that applies a second liquid material to an object, the dispenser 42 being movable between a retracted position and an application position, and a print control unit 21 that performs a cleaning process on the first dispenser based on a cleaning cycle representing the passage of a first time period corresponding to the first liquid material, performs a cleaning process on the second dispenser based on a cleaning cycle representing the passage of a second time period corresponding to the second liquid material, does not perform a cleaning process when the dispenser 42 is in the retracted position, and performs a cleaning process on the dispenser for which time has elapsed when the dispenser 42 moves from the retracted position. In this printing device 11, in the dispensers 43 that apply the first and second liquid materials, unnecessary movement and cleaning processes are further suppressed when the dispenser 42 is in the retracted position, and performs a cleaning process as necessary when the dispenser 42 moves from the retracted position. Therefore, in this printing device 11, it is possible to execute a more appropriate cleaning process, and the plurality of dispensers 43 that apply a plurality of types of liquid material can apply the liquid material more appropriately.

[0046] The application head 42 may further include a working unit 50 that performs tasks other than applying a liquid material and is movable between a retracted position and an application position. The print control unit 21 may perform a cleaning process on a dispenser 43 whose cleaning cycle has elapsed while the working unit 50 is working, even if the dispenser 43 is not applying liquid. In this printing device, if the application head 42 moves, the cleaning process is performed as needed, thereby enabling more efficient cleaning. Furthermore, if there is a dispenser 43 whose cleaning cycle has elapsed while the working unit 50 is working, the print control unit 21 performs the cleaning process on that dispenser 43 before the work. In this printing device 11, performing the cleaning process first allows for more appropriate cleaning compared to performing cleaning after the cleaning cycle has elapsed. Furthermore, in the printing device 11, the first liquid material and the second liquid material have different viscosities, and the print control unit 21 executes a cleaning process for the first dispenser 43 based on the passage of the first time, and executes a cleaning process for the second dispenser 43 based on the passage of the second time, with the first time and the second time tending to be shorter as the viscosity of the liquid material decreases and the size of the dispenser outlet increases. In this printing device 11, an appropriate cleaning process can be executed depending on the viscosity of the liquid material and the size of the outlet.

[0047] The printing device 11 is also equipped with a pressure adjustment unit 71 that is connected to a plurality of dispensers 43 including the first and second dispensers 43 and that supplies pressure to the plurality of dispensers 43, and the print control unit 21 controls the pressure adjustment unit 71 so that the pressure inside the dispenser 43 is atmospheric pressure while the dispenser 43 is on standby. In this printing device 11, the configuration can be simplified by sharing the pressure adjustment unit 71 among the plurality of dispensers 43. On the other hand, when the configuration is simplified, when a specific dispenser 43 is performing application, it is not possible to apply negative pressure to other dispensers 43 that are not applying application, which may result in leakage of the liquid material, but leakage from these other dispensers 43 can be addressed by performing a more appropriate cleaning process. Furthermore, the printing device 11 is a three-dimensional modeling device that ejects a fluid to form a model, and includes a support section 26 that supports a pallet 60 on which the model is placed in the modeling area 61, a first ejection unit 30 having a first ejection head 32 that ejects the fluid that forms the model onto the modeling area 61, and a second ejection unit 35 having a second ejection head 37 that ejects the fluid that forms a circuit on the model, and the application head 42 applies the liquid material to the model. In this printing device 11, in a three-dimensional modeling device that forms a model, the liquid material can be applied to the model more appropriately using multiple dispensers 43 that apply multiple types of liquid material.

[0048] The printing device 11 also includes a cleaning unit 28 disposed near the support unit 26 and cleaning the dispenser 43, and a coating movement unit 41 that moves the coating head 42 between a retracted position and a coating position where the pallet 60 supported by the support unit is located, and the print control unit 21 executes a cleaning process with the cleaning unit 28 when the coating head 42 is near the coating position. In this printing device 11, unnecessary movement and cleaning processes are further suppressed when the coating head 42 is in the retracted position, and the cleaning process is executed when the coating head 42 is near the cleaning unit 28, thereby enabling more efficient cleaning processes to be executed. Furthermore, the dispensing head 42 further includes a working unit 50 that performs tasks other than applying the liquid material. The working unit 50 includes an imaging unit 44 that captures images of the pallet 60, a height detection unit 45 that detects the height of the object, and a mounting and transport unit 46 that moves the pallet 60 to an area outside the printing path. Even when the dispenser 43 is not performing application, the print control unit 21 performs a cleaning process on the dispenser 43 whose cleaning cycle has elapsed while the working unit 50 is operating. In this printing device 11, if movement occurs due to the work of other components of the dispensing head 42, the cleaning process can be performed more efficiently by performing the cleaning process as needed. Furthermore, in this printing device 11, tasks such as imaging, height detection, and transport can be performed by the dispensing head 42.

[0049] It goes without saying that the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments and can be implemented in various forms as long as they fall within the technical scope of the present disclosure.

[0050] For example, in the above-described embodiment, the application head 42 is provided with the working unit 50 in addition to the dispenser 43, but this is not particularly limited, and the working unit 50 may be omitted. In this printing device 11 as well, the cleaning process of the dispenser 43 is performed after the application head 42 moves from the retracted position, so that the liquid material can be applied more appropriately in the multiple dispensers 43 that apply multiple types of liquid material.

[0051] In the above-described embodiment, when there is a dispenser 43 whose cleaning cycle time has elapsed while the working unit 50 is working, the cleaning process of the corresponding dispenser 43 is executed before the working unit 50 starts working, but this is not particularly limited to this, and this process may be omitted. In this printing device 11 as well, the cleaning process of the dispenser 43 is executed after the cleaning cycle time has elapsed, so that the liquid material can be applied more appropriately in the multiple dispensers 43 that apply multiple types of liquid material.

[0052] In the above-described embodiment, the cleaning cycle time is determined according to a tendency depending on the viscosity of the liquid material and the size of the outlet of the dispenser 43. However, this is not particularly limited, and one or both may be omitted. In this case, the cleaning cycle time may be empirically determined for each dispenser 43 regardless of the tendency.

[0053] In the above-described embodiment, it has been described that one pressure adjusting unit 71 is connected to a plurality of dispensers 43, but this is not particularly limited, and a plurality of pressure adjusting units 71 may be provided, or a pressure adjusting unit 71 may be provided for each dispenser 43. Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the pressure adjusting unit 71 maintains the pipe 72 at atmospheric pressure when the dispenser 43 is on standby, but this is not particularly limited, and the pipe 72 may be maintained at negative pressure.

[0054] In the above-described embodiment, the printing device 11 is a three-dimensional modeling device, but is not limited to this and may be a printing device 11 including a dispenser unit 40 having an application head 42. In this case, the printing device 11 may omit units related to the first dispensing unit 30, the second dispensing unit 35, etc. as appropriate. In this printing device 11 as well, a cleaning process for the dispenser 43 is performed after the cleaning cycle has elapsed, so that the liquid material can be more appropriately applied in the multiple dispensers 43 that apply multiple types of liquid material.

[0055] In the above-described embodiment, the working unit 50 includes the imaging unit 44, the height detection unit 45, and the mounting and conveying unit 46, but is not limited to this and any one or more of these may be omitted, or a working unit that performs other processes may be included in addition to or instead of these. The working content of the working unit 50 is not particularly limited.

[0056] In the above-described embodiment, when executing the modeling job information 23, the printing device 11 executes the cleaning process of the dispenser 43 in accordance with the elapsed time of the cleaning cycle. However, this is not particularly limited. For example, the information processing device 80 may execute the application head process shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 as is, i.e., the printing device 11 may create modeling job information 23 in which the timing of executing the cleaning process in accordance with the elapsed time is already set. In this case, the timing information 24 stored in the memory unit 22 may be omitted. In this printing device 11, in addition to the application process of the dispenser 43, the cleaning process of the dispenser 43 is executed as appropriate when the working unit 50 is operating. This allows the multiple dispensers 43 that apply multiple types of liquid material to apply the liquid material more appropriately.

[0057] In the above-described embodiment, the present disclosure has been described as the printing system 10, but is not particularly limited to this, and either the mounting device 12 or the information processing device 80 may be omitted. Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the printing system 10 and the printing device 11 are described, but the present disclosure may also be described as a control method for the printing device 11, a manufacturing method of a shaped object, or a program therefor.

[0058] The present disclosure may be configured as follows. For example, the control method of the printing device of the present disclosure includes: A control method for a printing device executed by a computer, the printing device having a plurality of dispensers including at least a first dispenser that applies a first liquid material to an object and a second dispenser that applies a second liquid material to an object, and having an application head that is movable between a retracted position and an application position, The cleaning method includes the steps of: performing a cleaning process on the first dispenser based on the passage of a first time period corresponding to the first liquid material; performing a cleaning process on the second dispenser based on the passage of a second time period corresponding to the second liquid material; not performing the cleaning process when the application head is in the retracted position; and performing the cleaning process on the dispenser for which time has elapsed when the application head has moved from the retracted position.

[0059] This control method for a printing device, like the above-described printing device, can more appropriately apply liquid materials using multiple dispensers that apply multiple types of liquid materials. Note that this control method for a printing device may employ various aspects of the above-described printing device, or may include additional steps that realize each function of the above-described printing device.

[0060] This specification also discloses the technical idea of ​​changing "the printing device according to claim 1 or 2" in claim 4 as originally filed to "the printing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3," the technical idea of ​​changing "the printing device according to claim 1 or 2" in claim 5 as originally filed to "the printing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4," and the technical idea of ​​changing "the printing device according to claim 1" in claim 6 as originally filed to "the printing device according to any one of claims 1 to 5." [Industrial Applicability]

[0061] The present disclosure is applicable to the technical field of devices that eject fluids and manufacture shaped objects. [Explanation of symbols]

[0062] 10 Printing system, 11 Printing device, 12 Mounting device, 13 Conveyance processing unit, 14 Component supply unit, 15 Feeder, 16 Imaging unit, 17 Mounting unit, 18 Head moving unit, 19 Mounting head, 20 Control device, 21 Print control unit, 22 Memory unit, 23 Modeling job information, 24 Timing information, 25 Moving unit, 26 Support unit, 27 Support moving unit, 28 Cleaning unit, 29 Flattening unit, 30 First discharge unit, 31 First moving unit, 32 First discharge head, 33 First maintenance unit, 34 First curing unit, 35 Second discharge unit, 36 Second moving unit, 37 Second discharge head, 38 Second maintenance unit, 39 Second curing unit, 40 Dispenser unit, 41 Application moving unit, 42 Application head, 43, 43A to 43C Dispenser, 44 Imaging unit, 45 Height detection unit, 46 mounting transport unit, 47 pressing unit, 48 pressing member, 49 pressing transport unit, 50 working unit, 51 first gantry, 52 second gantry, 53 third gantry, 54 housing, 55 inspection unit, 56 inspection area, 57 discharge amount detection unit, 58 operation panel, 59 communication unit, 60 pallet, 61 printing area, 63 receiving area, 70 dispensing drive unit, 71 pressure adjustment unit, 72 piping, 73, 73A to 73C valves, 80 information processing device, 81 information control unit, 82 memory unit, 83 printing job information, 89 communication unit, B conductive material, C cavity, E circuit, F filling material, O printed object, P component, S substrate, U underfill.

Claims

1. an application head having a plurality of dispensers including at least a first dispenser that applies a first liquid material to an object and a second dispenser that applies a second liquid material to an object, the application head being movable between a retracted position and an application position; a control unit that executes a cleaning process on the first dispenser based on the passage of a first time period corresponding to the first liquid material, executes a cleaning process on the second dispenser based on the passage of a second time period corresponding to the second liquid material, does not execute the cleaning process when the application head is at the retracted position, and executes the cleaning process on a dispenser for which time has elapsed when the application head has moved from the retracted position; A printing device comprising:

2. the application head further includes a working unit that performs a task other than applying a liquid material, and is movable between the retracted position and the application position; The printing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit performs the cleaning process on the dispenser after a certain period of time has elapsed while the working unit is working, even if the dispenser does not perform application.

3. The printing device according to claim 2 , wherein when there is a dispenser for which time has elapsed during the operation of the working unit, the control unit executes the cleaning process on the dispenser before the operation.

4. the first liquid material and the second liquid material have different viscosities, 3. The printing device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit executes the cleaning process for the first dispenser based on the passage of the first time, and the cleaning process for the second dispenser based on the passage of the second time, with the first time and the second time tending to be shorter as the viscosity of the liquid material decreases and the size of the outlet of the dispenser increases.

5. 3. The printing device according to claim 1, a pressure adjusting unit connected to a plurality of dispensers including the first and second dispensers and supplying pressure to the plurality of dispensers; The control unit controls the pressure adjustment unit so that the pressure inside the dispenser is atmospheric pressure while the dispenser is on standby.

6. 2. The printing device according to claim 1, the printing device is a three-dimensional modeling device that ejects a fluid to form a modeled object, a support unit that supports a pallet on which the object is placed in the modeling area; a first discharge unit having a first discharge head that discharges a fluid that forms the model onto the modeling region; a second discharge unit having a second discharge head that discharges a fluid that forms a circuit on the shaped object, The application head applies the liquid material to the shaped object.

7. 7. The printing device according to claim 6, a cleaning unit disposed near the support unit and configured to clean the dispenser; a coating movement unit that moves the coating head between a retracted position and a coating position where the pallet supported by the support unit is located, The control unit executes the cleaning process with the cleaning unit when the application head is located near the application position.

8. The application head further includes a working unit that performs a task other than applying a liquid material, the working unit includes one or more of an imaging unit that images the pallet side, a detection unit that detects the height of the model, and a transport unit that moves the pallet to a region outside the printing path, The printing apparatus according to claim 6 , wherein the control unit performs the cleaning process on the dispenser after a certain time has elapsed while the working unit is working, even when the dispenser does not perform application.

9. A control method for a printing device, executed by a computer, having a plurality of dispensers including at least a first dispenser that applies a first liquid material to an object and a second dispenser that applies a second liquid material to an object, and having an application head that is movable between a retracted position and an application position, a step of executing a cleaning process for the first dispenser based on the passage of a first time period corresponding to the first liquid material, executing a cleaning process for the second dispenser based on the passage of a second time period corresponding to the second liquid material, not executing the cleaning process when the application head is at the retracted position, and executing the cleaning process for the dispenser for which time has elapsed when the application head has moved from the retracted position; A method for controlling a printing device, comprising:

Images