Printer and printing method

Abstract

To discharge a fluid in a more stable state.SOLUTION: A printer comprises a reservoir for storing a fluid to be discharged onto an object, a nozzle for discharging the fluid supplied through a flow path connected to the reservoir, a detection unit for detecting the fluid stored in the reservoir, and a control unit. The control unit causes the nozzle to discharge the fluid, when a liquid level of the fluid detected by the detection unit is within a reference range including an upper limit and a lower limit set at predetermined positions. On the other hand, when the liquid level detected by the detection unit is outside the reference range, if the liquid level of the fluid is within both a detection range of the detection unit and a predetermined allowable liquid level range, the control unit sets the reference range to a modified position and then causes the nozzle to discharge the fluid.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] A conventional printing device has been proposed that includes a head having nozzles that eject droplets, a tank that is positioned a predetermined height higher than the bottom end of the head and that contains liquid to be supplied to the droplet ejection section, a vacuum generator that applies negative pressure to the tank, a liquid level sensor that detects the liquid level in the liquid storage section, and a control section that controls the vacuum generator based on the difference in height between the liquid level in the tank and the bottom end of the head to adjust the pressure in the tank to a predetermined value (see, for example, Patent Document 1). This device is said to be capable of maintaining a slight negative pressure in the nozzle section, preventing the intrusion of air bubbles and dust, and enabling stable ink ejection. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-16662 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, while the printing device of Patent Document 1 is capable of stably ejecting ink by adjusting the pressure inside the tank, the condition inside the tank changes due to ink consumption and replenishment, so pressure adjustment alone is insufficient to stably eject fluid, and further improvements were required.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of such problems, and has as its main object to provide a printing device and a printing method that are capable of ejecting fluid in a more stable state. [Means for solving the problem]

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

[0007] That is, the printing device of the present disclosure is a container that contains a fluid to be discharged onto the target; a nozzle that discharges the fluid supplied through a flow path connected to the container; a detection unit that detects the fluid contained in the container; a control unit that discharges the fluid from the nozzle when the liquid level of the fluid detected by the detection unit is within a reference range including an upper limit and a lower limit set at a predetermined position, and that sets the reference range to a changed position and discharges the fluid from the nozzle when the liquid level of the fluid detected by the detection unit is not within the reference range and is within the detection range of the detection unit and a predetermined liquid level tolerance range; It is equipped with the following.

[0008] This printing device uses the reference range to eject fluid in a more stable state according to the fluid level in the container. Furthermore, even if the fluid level falls outside the reference range, this printing device can use the liquid level detection range and the liquid level tolerance range to change the position of the reference range and eject fluid. Therefore, this printing device can eject fluid in a more stable state. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic explanatory diagram showing an example of a three-dimensional 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 fluid supply unit 40. [Figure 5] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a shaped object production processing routine. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an outline of a forming process. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a fluid management processing routine. [Figure 8] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the relationship between the reference range Hs and the liquid level of the conductive fluid 48. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of changing the reference range Hs downward. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of changing the reference range Hs upward. 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 three-dimensional modeling 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 each discharge unit and a moving unit 25. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the outline of a fluid supply unit 40 used in a second discharge unit 35. In this embodiment, the left-right direction (X-axis), front-rear direction (Y-axis), and up-down direction (Z-axis) are as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3.

[0011] The 3D printing system 10 includes a printing device 11, a mounting device 12, and an information processing device (not shown). The 3D printing system 10 is configured as a production line in which the printing device 11 forms a model as a first process, forms predetermined components on the model as a second process, and then the mounting device 12 mounts components P. The printing device 11 may form a circuit pattern as a conductor as the second process, and the mounting device 12 may mount components P at predetermined positions on the conductor. The 3D printing system 10 may also include, in addition to the mounting device 12, one or more mounting-related devices, such as a printing device that prints solder as a viscous fluid on the model, a printing inspection device that inspects the printing results, a mounting inspection device that inspects the mounting results, and a transport device that transports the model. While the 3D printing system 10 shown in FIG. 1 includes one mounting device 12, multiple mounting devices 12 may also be included. The information processing device is a management server that manages the printing device 11 and the mounting device 12.

[0012] The printing device 11 is a three-dimensional modeling device that ejects a fluid onto a target object to model and manufacture a shaped object having a substrate, conductive material, etc. The shaped object includes, for example, a substrate, a conductive material formed on and / or within the substrate, and components disposed on and / or within the substrate. The target object is the pallet 14 at the initial stage of modeling, and refers to the formed object if a substrate, circuit, conductive material, etc. are formed on the pallet 14. The material to be modeled is not particularly limited, and examples include resin and ceramics. 1 to 4 , 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 fluid supply unit 40, a coating unit 60, a pressing unit 63, an inspection unit 66, an operation panel 68, and a communication unit 69. The printing apparatus 11 also includes, as structural components, a first gantry 16, a second gantry 17, a third gantry 18, and a housing 19. Here, the printing apparatus 11 will be mainly described as a device that performs a process of forming an insulator, such as a base material of a shaped object, using the first discharging unit 30, and then forming a conductive material, such as a circuit pattern, on the formed insulator using the second discharging unit 35. The first discharge unit 30 and the second discharge unit 35 are collectively referred to simply as "discharge units", the first discharge head 32 and the second discharge head 37 are collectively referred to simply as "discharge heads", the first maintenance unit 33 and the second maintenance unit 38 are collectively referred to simply as "maintenance units", and the first curing unit 34 and the second curing unit 39 are collectively referred to simply as "curing units".

[0013] 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 apparatus 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 information used in the modeling process, such as modeling job information 23, a reference range Hs, a detection range Dr, and a liquid level tolerance range Tr. The modeling job information 23 includes, for example, information on the shape and size of the object to be manufactured and circuit material information such as the circuit pattern to be formed on the substrate. The reference range Hs is the range within which the fluid level should be when the fluid is ejected, and is determined empirically. The detection range Dr is the range within which the detection unit 53 can detect the interior of the container 43. The liquid level tolerance range Tr is the range within which the fluid can be contained within the container 43. The printing apparatus 11 executes the modeling process based on the information stored in the memory unit 22.

[0014] The moving unit 25 is a stage that moves the pallet 14, which is an object onto which the fluid is discharged. The moving unit 25 includes a support part 26 and a support moving part 27. The support part 26 supports and fixes the pallet 14, which places the object in the printing region 15. The support moving part 27 is a drive part that moves the support part 26 in a printing path that runs along the front-to-rear direction in the center of the housing 19, and raises and lowers the support part 26 to relatively change the distance between the discharge head and the object. The support moving part 27 may have a linear drive part, which is configured by a linear motor, a ball screw mechanism, or the like.

[0015] The pallet 14 is a mounting member having an area where a model is formed, and is removably attached to the support part 26. The pallet 14 has a modeling area 15, a receiving area, etc. A removable film is attached to the top surface of the pallet 14, and the next model can be produced by replacing this film. The modeling area 15 is a printing area where a model is formed by the first discharging unit 30, a predetermined pattern is formed on the model by the second discharging unit 35, and a liquid material is applied to the target object by the application unit 60. The receiving area is an area that receives unwanted fluid or liquid material discharged from the first discharging head 32, the second discharging head 37, etc.

[0016] The first discharging unit 30 is a unit that discharges a structured fluid, which serves as a base material for forming a model, onto the printing region 15 of the pallet 14. The first discharging unit 30 is movably disposed to the left of the first gantry 16, which is fixed to the front region in the Y-axis direction of the housing 19 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 14. The first discharging head 32 is a structured fluid discharging head that discharges the structured fluid that forms the model onto a target object, such as the pallet 14, to form the model. The first discharge head 32 has a nozzle and a discharge drive unit. The nozzle is formed in a nozzle plate. This nozzle is an opening hole that discharges the fluid supplied from the first fluid processing unit onto the pallet 14. The discharge drive unit, for example, discharges the fluid toward the pallet 14, and may be, for example, a piezoelectric element. The structured 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 structured fluid and includes a fluid supply unit having a first supply tank that stores the structured fluid, and a fluid recovery unit having a first recovery tank that stores the recovered fluid.

[0017] 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.

[0018] 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 14 or onto a model that has been cured on the pallet 14, thereby curing the fluid. The first curing unit 34 may be a unit that irradiates the fluid discharged onto the modeling region 15 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 15 by the first discharging head 32, the pallet 14 is moved below the first curing unit 34 to cure the fluid.

[0019] The second dispensing unit 35 is a unit that dispenses a conductive fluid onto the pallet 14 or onto the shaped object, which serves as a conductive material for circuits or the like 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 16, which is fixed to the front region of the housing 19 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 accordance with 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 14. The second dispensing head 37 is a conductive fluid dispensing head that dispenses the conductive fluid onto an object such as the pallet 14 to form a conductive material. The second ejection head 37, like the first ejection head 32, has a nozzle 50, an ejection drive unit, and a second fluid processing unit. The second ejection head 37 has the same structure and function as the first ejection head 32, and detailed description thereof will be omitted. Examples of fluids ejected by the nozzle 50 include liquids such as a mixture of a solid material and a solvent, or a solution of a resin dissolved in a solvent. Examples of conductive fluids include a conductive paste in which conductive particles of a metal such as silver or a carbon material are dispersed in a resin that hardens when heated, and a conductive ink in which conductive particles are dispersed in a solvent. For example, in a conductive paste, when the resin hardens and shrinks, the dispersed conductive particles come into contact with each other. This allows the conductive paste to exhibit conductivity. The resin of the conductive paste may be, for example, an organic adhesive, which exerts adhesive strength upon hardening. The second fluid processing unit is a unit that delivers the conductive fluid and includes a fluid supply unit 40 having a storage unit 43 that stores the conductive fluid and a fluid recovery unit having a second recovery tank that stores the recovered fluid.

[0020] 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.

[0021] 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 15 of the pallet 14 or onto a modeled object that has been cured on the pallet 14, thereby curing the fluid. The second curing unit 39 may be a unit that irradiates the fluid discharged onto the modeling region 15 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 14 by the second discharging head 37, the pallet 14 is moved underneath the second curing unit 39, and the second curing unit 39 cures the fluid.

[0022] The fluid supply unit 40 supplies a conductive fluid to the nozzles 50 of the second ejection head 37. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4 , the fluid supply unit 40 is composed of a container 43, a flow path 51, an electromagnetic valve 52, a detection unit 53, a pressure supply unit 55, and a cleaning liquid supply unit 56. As shown in FIG. 4 , the container 43 is a container tank capable of containing a conductive fluid 48 containing conductive particles, and includes, for example, a first container 41 and a second container 42 connected by a flow path 51. The container 43 is provided with a lens 44, a pressure supply port 45, a cleaning liquid supply port 46, a refill port 47, and the like. The lens 44 is provided above the first container 41 and is a member that transmits a detection wave irradiated from the detection unit 53 and reflected by the fluid surface of the conductive fluid 48. The pressure supply port 45 is an opening to which the pressure supply unit 55 is connected and is provided on the upper side of the internal space. Negative pressure, normal pressure, and positive pressure are supplied to the interior of the container 43 via the pressure supply port 45. The cleaning liquid supply port 46 is an opening to which the cleaning liquid supply unit 56 is connected, and is disposed in the middle of the internal space. The container 43 is supplied with cleaning liquid for cleaning its interior via the cleaning liquid supply port 46. The refill port 47 is an opening used when refilling the interior of the container 43 with conductive fluid 48, and is disposed in the upper part of the first container 41.

[0023] The flow path 51 is a pipe through which the conductive fluid 48 flows. The flow path 51 is disposed between the first storage section 41 and the second storage section 42, with the nozzle 50 formed therebetween. A discharge drive unit such as a piezoelectric element is disposed near the nozzle 50. The solenoid valves 52 are disposed on the first storage section 41 side and the second storage section 42 side of the flow path 51, respectively, and the flow of the conductive fluid is controlled by the solenoid valves 52. The opening and closing of the solenoid valves 52 is controlled by the print control section 21. The fluid supply unit 40 may have one storage section, or may have three or more storage sections. Although the storage section 43 in FIG. 4 is formed by the first storage section 41 and the second storage section 42 being integrally formed, these may be separate bodies.

[0024] The detection unit 53 is a sensor that detects the liquid level of the conductive fluid 48 contained in the container 43. The detection unit 53 may be, for example, a non-contact sensor. A non-contact sensor may include, for example, an irradiation unit that irradiates infrared light or laser light and a light receiving unit that detects the reflected light after the irradiation. Alternatively, the detection unit 53 may be a contact sensor. The pressure supply unit 55 is a device that supplies negative pressure from a pressure reducer, positive pressure from a pressurizer, and normal pressure by opening to the atmosphere. The pressure supply unit 55 is disposed in the housing 19 and also supplies pressure to other units. The cleaning liquid supply unit 56 supplies cleaning liquid for cleaning the container 43 via the cleaning liquid supply port 46. The cleaning liquid supply unit 56 includes a cleaning liquid tank and a supply pump (not shown).

[0025] The flattening unit 29 flattens the surface of the fluid dispensed onto the pallet 14 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.

[0026] The application unit 60 applies a liquid material to the object on the pallet 14. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , the application unit 60 is movably mounted on a second gantry 17 fixed to a central region in the Y-axis direction of the housing 19 of the printing device 11. The application unit 60 is disposed on a transport path through which the pallet 14 is transported to and from the mounting device 12, and performs a coating process in which a dispenser 61 applies the liquid material to the object 13. The dispenser 61 has a discharge port for discharging the liquid material and is equipped with a syringe for containing the liquid material. 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 below by pressure applied from above. Examples of the liquid material include resins with dispersed conductive materials and insulating resins, and multiple types of resins with different viscosities and conductivities. The dispenser 61 applies a conductive paste or a resin filler (underfill) to the object 13. The coating unit 60 also includes a working section 62 that can perform processes such as coating amount detection, pallet 14 loading and unloading, image capture, and height measurement.

[0027] The pressing unit 63 is a pressing section that heats and presses the object 13 on the pallet 14, or a liquid material applied to the pallet 14 or the object 13. The pressing unit 63 may, for example, heat and press the substrate S on which the liquid material is applied and on which the component P is disposed, thereby hardening the liquid material. The pressing unit 63 is disposed on a side of the moving unit 25 that is away from the printing path, and the pallet 14 is moved below the pressing unit 63 by a pressing and conveying section 65. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , the pressing unit 63 includes a pressing member 64. The pressing member 64 may be made of, for example, an elastic material such as rubber or resin. The pressing unit 63 may move the pallet 14 relative to the fixed pressing member 64 to apply pressure, or may move the pressing member 64 relative to the fixed pallet 14 to apply pressure.

[0028] The inspection unit 66 is a unit that inspects the discharge state of the first discharge unit 30 and / or the second discharge unit 35. The inspection unit 66 is composed of a mark substrate as an inspection area 67 and an imaging unit of the working section 62. The inspection unit 66 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.

[0029] The operation panel 68 is a unit that receives input from the worker and presents information to the worker. The operation panel 68 includes a display unit and an operation unit that has a touch panel and buttons. A barcode reader or the like may be connected to the operation panel 68 as another input device. The communication unit 69 is an interface that exchanges information with external devices such as the mounting device 12 and an information processing device.

[0030] Next, the 3D modeling process of the printing apparatus 11 configured as described above will be described. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of a modeled object production process routine executed by the print control unit 21 of the control device 20. This routine is stored in the storage unit 22 and is executed by the control device 20 after the operator inputs a command to execute the production process. When this routine starts, 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 23 from an information processing device. Next, the print control unit 21 determines whether it is time to inspect and maintain the first discharging unit 30, the second discharging unit 35, etc. (S110). This timing may be, for example, when a new production is started, when a predetermined number of models, such as five or ten, have been produced, or after a predetermined time, such as 30 minutes or one hour, has elapsed. When the current timing is for inspection and maintenance, the print control unit 21 executes an inspection and maintenance process for the first ejection head 32 and / or the second ejection head 37 (S120). In this process, the print control unit 21 executes the inspection process using the inspection unit 66, or executes the maintenance process using the first maintenance unit 33 or the second maintenance unit 38. Specifically, in the inspection process, the print control unit 21 moves a mark substrate having an inspection area 67 below the first ejection head 32 or the second ejection head 37, ejects fluid onto the inspection area 67, and then captures an image of the inspection area 67 with the imaging unit to determine the ejection state of the fluid. In addition, in the maintenance process, the print control unit 21 executes a maintenance process for the first ejection unit 30 or the second ejection unit 35 using the first maintenance unit 33 or the second maintenance unit 38. Examples of maintenance processes include flushing the ejection heads and cleaning the nozzle plate with a cleaning member. After S120, or if it is not the timing for inspection and maintenance in S110, the print control unit 21 checks the modeling process to be executed based on the modeling job information 23 (S130).

[0031] Here, the modeling process will be described. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an overview of the modeling process, in which FIG. 6A is a diagram illustrating the printing process of the substrate S, FIG. 6B is a diagram illustrating the printing process of the circuit E, FIG. 6C is a diagram illustrating the printing process of the cavity C, FIG. 6D is a diagram illustrating the application process of the conductive material B and the underfill U, FIG. 6E is a diagram illustrating the mounting process and the heat pressing process of the component P, and FIG. 6F is a diagram illustrating the application process and the heat pressing process of the filler F. The printing device 11 is also capable of producing a multi-layered modeled object, but for ease of explanation, the following description will focus on a single-layered modeled object. In the modeling process, the print control unit 21 prints and hardens the substrate S (FIG. 6A), prints and hardens the circuit E on the substrate S (FIG. 6B), and prints and hardens the cavity C on top of that (FIG. 6C). The print control unit 21 also applies conductive material B and underfill U to the object 13 (FIG. 6D), mounts the component P (FIG. 6E), and hardens the liquid material by heating and pressing using the pressing unit 63. Next, the print control unit 21 fills in filler F (FIG. 6F), and fixes the component P by pressing and heating using the pressing unit 63. In this modeling process, two or more layers of substrate S and circuit E may be printed and hardened as needed, and the component P may be mounted.

[0032] When the process executed in S130 is a process for discharging a structural material, the print control unit 21 executes a first printing process using the first discharging head 32 (S140). At this time, the print control unit 21 executes a process for printing the substrate S based on the print image, executes a flattening process using the flattening unit 29, and hardens the fluid using the first curing unit 34. When the process executed in S130 is a process for discharging a conductive material, the print control unit 21 executes a second printing process using the second discharging head 37 (S150). In the second printing process, the print control unit 21 also executes a process for printing a circuit E based on the print image, and executes a flattening process and a hardening process. When the process executed in S130 is a coating process, the print control unit 21 executes a coating process using the coating unit 60 (S160). In the coating process, the print control unit 21 executes the coating of underfill U, the coating of conductive material B, the coating of filler material F, and the like using the dispenser 61. Furthermore, the print control unit 21 controls the pressing unit 63 to perform a hardening process of the liquid material. Furthermore, when the process performed in S130 is the mounting process of the components P, the print control unit 21 controls the mounting and transport unit to carry out and carry-in processes of the pallet 14 to the mounting device 12 (S170). After carrying in the pallet 14, the mounting device 12 performs a placement process of the components P based on the modeling job information. Here, the mounting device 12 places the components P, which are set in order of the number of mounting attempts in the component information, on the substrate S based on the modeling job information. After the mounting process is completed and the target object 13 on which the components P are placed is carried into the printing device 11, the print control unit 21 controls the dispenser 61 to apply the filler F as needed, and controls the pressing unit 63 to perform a pressing process. After S140 to S170, the print control unit 21 determines whether all production processes have been completed (S180). If all production processes have not been completed, the print control unit 21 performs the processes from S110 onwards. On the other hand, when the production process is completed in S180, this routine ends. In this manner, the print control unit 21 executes the formation job information 23 to form a model.

[0033] Next, a process for managing the conductive fluid 48 when it is used in the second discharge head 37 of the printing device 11 will be described. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of a fluid management process routine executed by the print control unit 21 of the control device 20. This routine is stored in the memory unit 22 and executed by the control device 20 in parallel with the modeling process. Note that although the first discharge unit 30 also has a fluid supply unit, here, a process for managing the fluid supply unit 40 of the second discharge unit 35 will be described. When this routine starts, the print control unit 21 of the control device 20 first causes the detection unit 53 to detect the fluid level (S200), and determines whether the fluid level is within a predetermined reference range (S210). FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the relationship between the reference range Hs and the liquid level of the conductive fluid 48. FIG. 8A shows the liquid level within the reference range Hs at the initial position. FIG. 8B shows the lower limit height Hl, the upper limit height Hu, and the detection position of the detection unit 53. FIG. 8C shows the liquid level below the reference range Hs. FIG. 8D shows the liquid level above the reference range Hs. The reference range Hs is defined as the range of liquid level within which stable fluid ejection from the nozzles 50 can be achieved when the internal pressure of the container 43 is set to a predetermined negative pressure. Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, the print control unit 21 can achieve stable fluid ejection as long as the liquid level is within the reference range Hs when the container 43 is set to a predetermined negative pressure. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 8C, the liquid level of the fluid contained in the container 43 may fall below the lower limit height Hl. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 8D, if an operator overfills the fluid, the liquid level may exceed the upper limit height Hu. In these cases, it is preferable that the print control unit 21 not eject the fluid but adjust the liquid level so that it falls within the reference range Hs.

[0034] If the liquid level is within the reference range Hs in S210, the print control unit 21 determines that ejection of the fluid is executable and proceeds to determine whether the modeling process is complete (S330). If the modeling process is not complete, the print control unit 21 executes the processes from S200 onward. On the other hand, if the liquid level is not within the reference range Hs in S210, the print control unit 21 determines whether the liquid level is within the allowable liquid level range Tr (S220). The allowable liquid level range Tr is defined as the range between the allowable upper and lower limits of the liquid level of the fluid contained in the container 43. Here, the allowable upper limit is defined at the position of the pressure supply port 45 from the perspective of preventing the fluid from leaking to the pressure supply unit 55. Furthermore, the allowable lower limit is defined at the bottom surface of the container 43 from the perspective of the presence of the fluid. If the liquid level is within the allowable liquid level range Tr, the print control unit 21 determines whether the liquid level is within the detection range Dr of the detection unit 53 (S230). The detection range Dr is defined as the detectable range of the detection unit 53. When the liquid level is within the detection range Dr, that is, when the liquid level is not within the reference range Hs but is within the allowable liquid level range Tr and the detection range Dr, the print control unit 21 determines whether the liquid level is below or above the reference range Hs (S240). When the liquid level is below the reference range Hs, the print control unit 21 changes the position of the reference range Hs downward (S250). On the other hand, when the liquid level exceeds the reference range Hs, the print control unit 21 changes the position of the reference range Hs upward (S260).

[0035] FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of changing the reference range Hs downward. FIG. 9A shows the liquid level below the reference range Hs, and FIG. 9B shows the reference range Hs moved downward. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of changing the reference range Hs upward. FIG. 10A shows the liquid level above the reference range Hs, and FIG. 10B shows the reference range Hs moved upward. As shown in FIG. 9, when the liquid level is below the reference range Hs but within the allowable liquid level range Tr and the detection range Dr, the print control unit 21 changes the reference range Hs downward from its initial position. At this time, the print control unit 21 sets the position of the reference range Hs so that the lower limit height Hl of the reference range Hs does not fall below the lower limits of the detection range Dr and the allowable liquid level range Tr. While enforcing the restriction based on the reference range Hs, when there is a remaining amount of ink in the storage unit 43 that can be ejected, the print control unit 21 changes the reference range Hs downward, thereby allowing the ejection process to continue for a longer period. 10, when the liquid level exceeds the reference range Hs but is within the allowable liquid level range Tr and the detection range Dr, the print control unit 21 changes the reference range Hs upward from its initial position. At this time, the position of the reference range Hs is set so that the upper limit height Hu of the reference range Hs does not exceed the upper limits of the detection range Dr and the allowable liquid level range Tr. While enforcing the restriction imposed by the reference range Hs, if ejection is possible even if there is an excess amount of liquid in the storage unit 43, the print control unit 21 can continue the ejection process for a longer period by changing the reference range Hs upward.

[0036] After S250 or S260, the print control unit 21 sets the internal pressure of the storage unit 43 based on the changed position of the reference range Hs (S270) and controls the pressure supply unit 55 so that the internal pressure of the storage unit 43 becomes the set value (S280). When the reference range Hs is changed from its initial position, the head pressure at which fluid can be stably ejected from the nozzles 50 changes. Therefore, the print control unit 21 also changes the internal pressure of the storage unit 43 to an appropriate value. For example, the print control unit 21 may set the internal pressure of the storage unit 43 so that the pressure tends to decrease as the reference range Hs position becomes higher. Note that the term "tends to" refers to the presence of a certain range or a range that violates the specified value. It specifies a relationship where, overall, the pressure decreases as the liquid level rises. After S280, the print control unit 21 executes the processes from S200 onward.

[0037] On the other hand, if the liquid level is not within the allowable liquid level range Tr in S220, or if the liquid level is not within the detection range Dr in S230, the print control unit 21 determines that the position of the reference range Hs cannot be changed and outputs a warning to the operator regarding the amount of fluid contained in the container 43 (S290). The print control unit 21 may also display a message to that effect on the operation panel 68 and turn on a warning light on the tower lamp. Upon confirming this, the operator refills the next amount of conductive fluid 48 through the refill port 47 of the container 43 and inputs to the operation panel 68 that the conductive fluid 48 has been refilled. Next, the print control unit 21 determines whether the warning has been canceled based on the operator's input to the operation panel 68 (S300). If the warning has not been canceled, the print control unit 21 outputs a warning in S290 and waits. On the other hand, when the warning is cleared in S300, the print control unit 21 resets the position of the reference range Hs to the initial position (S310), and also resets the set value of the internal pressure of the storage unit 43 to the initial value (S320), and executes the processes from S200 onwards. The print control unit 21 acquires the liquid level height in S200, and if the liquid level height is within the reference range Hs in S210, executes fluid ejection from the nozzle 50. On the other hand, when the 3D modeling process is completed in S330, this routine ends.

[0038] Here, the correspondence between the components of this embodiment and the components of the present disclosure will be clarified. The printing device 11 of this embodiment corresponds to an example of the printing device of the present disclosure, the print control unit 21 corresponds to an example of the control unit, the detection unit 53 corresponds to an example of the detection unit, the reference range Hs corresponds to an example of the reference range, the allowable liquid level range Tr corresponds to an example of the allowable liquid level range, and the detection range Dr corresponds to an example of the detection range. Note that in this embodiment, by explaining the operation of the printing device 11 and the 3D printing system 10, examples of the printing method, the method for manufacturing a 3D object, and the method for controlling the printing device of the present disclosure will also be clarified.

[0039] The printing device 11 of the present embodiment described above includes a storage unit 43 that stores a fluid to be ejected onto a target object 13, a nozzle 50 that ejects the fluid supplied via a flow path 51 connected to the storage unit 43, a detection unit 53 that detects the fluid stored in the storage unit 43, and a print control unit 21 that ejects the fluid from the nozzle 50 when the fluid level detected by the detection unit 53 is within a reference range Hs that includes an upper height limit Hu and a lower height limit Hl set at predetermined positions, and that sets the reference range Hs to a different position and ejects the fluid from the nozzle 50 when the fluid level detected by the detection unit 53 is not within the reference range Hs and the fluid level is within the detection range Dr of the detection unit 53 and a predetermined allowable liquid level range Tr. The printing device 11 uses the reference range Hs to more stably eject the fluid according to the fluid level in the storage unit 43. Furthermore, even if the liquid level falls outside the reference range Hs, the printer 11 can use the liquid level detection range Dr and the liquid level tolerance range Tr to change the position of the reference range Hs and eject the fluid. Therefore, the printer 11 can eject the fluid in a more stable state.

[0040] Furthermore, when the reference range Hs is set to a position other than the predetermined position, the print control unit 21 changes the pressure inside the storage unit 43 to a value corresponding to the range of the liquid level. In this printing device 11, the pressure inside the storage unit 43 is changed according to the liquid level of the fluid inside the storage unit, so that the ejection of the fluid can be performed more stably. Furthermore, when changing the pressure inside the storage unit 43, the print control unit 21 sets the pressure inside the storage unit 43 so that the pressure inside the storage unit 43 tends to be reduced more when the liquid level of the fluid is higher. In this printing device 11, a more appropriate internal pressure can be set according to the liquid level of the fluid inside the storage unit 43, so that the ejection of the fluid can be performed more stably. Furthermore, when changing the position of the reference range Hs in accordance with the position of the fluid level, the print control unit 21 changes the position of the reference range Hs upward if the upper limit height Hu of the reference range Hs is equal to or less than the upper limit of the allowable liquid level range Tr within the detection range Dr of the detection unit 53. When changing the position of the reference range Hs in accordance with the position of the fluid level, the print control unit 21 changes the position of the reference range Hs downward if the lower limit height Hl of the reference range Hs is equal to or greater than the lower limit of the allowable liquid level range Tr within the detection range Dr of the detection unit 53. This printing device 11 can set the reference range Hs to a more appropriate position in accordance with the upper and lower limits of the allowable liquid level range Tr and the upper and lower limits of the reference range Hs. Furthermore, when changing the position of the reference range Hs in accordance with the position of the fluid level, the print control unit 21 outputs a warning if the upper limit height Hu of the reference range Hs is above the upper limit of the allowable liquid level range Tr and the lower limit height Hl of the reference range Hs is below the lower limit of the allowable liquid level range Tr. In this printing device 11, it is possible to notify the operator of the possibility that stable ejection may not be possible, depending on the upper and lower limits of the acceptable liquid level range Tr and the upper and lower limits of the reference range Hs.

[0041] Furthermore, when changing the position of the reference range Hs according to the fluid level, the print control unit 21 returns the position of the reference range Hs to its initial, predetermined position if the upper limit height Hu of the reference range Hs is above the upper limit of the allowable liquid level range Tr and the lower limit height Hl of the reference range Hs is below the lower limit of the allowable liquid level range Tr. In this printing device 11, by resetting the position of the reference range Hs according to the upper and lower limits of the allowable liquid level range Tr and the upper and lower limits of the reference range Hs, the amount of fluid in the container 43 can be guided to a more appropriate range. Furthermore, in the printing device 11, the container 43 contains a conductive fluid 48 that contains conductive particles and becomes a conductor after ejection, and the print control unit 21 changes the position of the reference range Hs of the container 43 that contains the conductive fluid 48. In this printing device 11, more stable ejection can be achieved for the conductive fluid 48, whose fluidity may change. The print control unit 21 may also execute a process to change the position of the reference range Hs in a fluid supply unit that contains a structured fluid. Furthermore, the printing device 11 may include a first discharging unit 30 having a first discharging head 32 that discharges a structured fluid that serves as a base material for forming a model onto the target object 13, and a second discharging unit 35 having a second discharging head 37 equipped with nozzles 50 that discharge a conductive fluid onto the target object 13, and the print control unit 21 may perform a three-dimensional modeling process that discharges the structured fluid and the conductive fluid to form a model. With this printing device 11, the fluid can be discharged in a more stable state when performing the three-dimensional modeling process.

[0042] It goes without saying that the printing apparatus 11 and the three-dimensional modeling system 10 of the present disclosure are not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be embodied in various forms as long as they fall within the technical scope of the present disclosure.

[0043] For example, in the above-described embodiment, when the reference range Hs is set to a position other than the predetermined initial position, the pressure inside the storage portion 43 is changed to a value corresponding to the range of the liquid level, but this is not particularly limited, and this process may be omitted. Note that, from the viewpoint of continuing stable ejection from the nozzle 50, it is desirable to change the pressure inside the storage portion 43 in accordance with the height of the liquid level.

[0044] In the above-described embodiment, the detection range Dr and the liquid level tolerance range Tr are different ranges, but this is not particularly limited to this, and in cases where the detection range Dr and the liquid level tolerance range Tr are the same range, one may be adopted and the other may be omitted.

[0045] In the above-described embodiment, the position of the reference range Hs cannot be changed and a warning is output when the liquid level is not within the reference range Hs, but this is not particularly limited, and a warning may not be output. In this case, for example, the fluid supply unit 40 may have a configuration that allows automatic refilling of the fluid, and the print control unit 21 may execute the automatic refilling of the fluid.

[0046] In the above-described embodiment, when the position of the reference range Hs cannot be changed and the liquid level is not within the reference range Hs, the reference range Hs is reset to its initial position, but this is not particularly limited, and resetting the reference range Hs to its initial position may be omitted. Furthermore, resetting the reference range Hs to its initial position may be performed under conditions other than the condition "when the position of the reference range Hs cannot be changed and the liquid level is not within the reference range Hs."

[0047] In the above-described embodiment, the printing apparatus 11 that performs the 3D modeling process is equipped with the fluid supply unit 40, but this is not particularly limited, and the fluid supply unit 40 may be used in a mounting system that does not perform the 3D modeling process and includes the mounting apparatus 12. In the above-described embodiment, the fluid supply unit 40 is described as supplying a conductive fluid to the second discharging unit 35, but this is not particularly limited, and the fluid supply unit may be a fluid supply unit that supplies a conductive fluid to the application unit 60, or a fluid supply unit that supplies a structural fluid to the first discharging unit 30. Because the application unit 60 handles a liquid material that includes conductive particles, the present disclosure can be used as a unit that replenishes the liquid material.

[0048] In the above-described embodiment, the present disclosure has been described as a 3D printing system 10, but is not particularly limited to this, and may be a printing device 11 only, or may be a control device 20. Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the 3D printing system 10 and the printing device 11 are described, but the present disclosure may also be a method for manufacturing a model, a control method for the printing device 11, or a program therefor.

[0049] The present disclosure may be configured as follows: For example, the printing method of the present disclosure is a printing method used in a printing device including a storage unit that stores a fluid to be ejected onto an object, and a nozzle that ejects the fluid supplied through a flow path connected to the storage unit, and is executed by a computer, the printing method comprising: (a) detecting the fluid contained in the container; (b) discharging the fluid from the nozzle when the liquid level of the fluid contained in the container detected in step (a) is within a reference range including upper and lower limits set at predetermined positions; (c) when the fluid level detected in step (a) is not within the reference range, and when the fluid level is within the detection range of the detection unit and within a predetermined liquid level tolerance range, setting the reference range to a changed position and discharging the fluid from the nozzle; It includes:

[0050] In this printing method, similar to the printing device described above, it is possible to continue ejecting fluid in a more stable state. Note that this printing method may employ various aspects of the printing device described above, or may include additional steps that realize the functions of the printing device described above.

[0051] This specification also discloses the technical idea of ​​changing "the printing device according to claim 4" in claim 6 as originally filed to "the printing device according to claim 4 or 5," the technical idea of ​​changing "the printing device according to claim 1 or 2" in claim 7 as originally filed to "the printing device according to any one of claims 1 to 6," and the technical idea of ​​changing "the printing device according to claim 1 or 2" in claim 8 as originally filed to "the printing device according to any one of claims 1 to 7." [Industrial Applicability]

[0052] The present disclosure is applicable to the technical field of devices that eject fluids and manufacture shaped objects. [Explanation of symbols]

[0053] 10 Printing system, 11 Printing device, 12 Mounting device, 13 Object, 14 Pallet, 15 Printing area, 16 First gantry, 17 Second gantry, 18 Third gantry, 19 Housing, 20 Control device, 21 Print control unit, 22 Memory unit, 23 Printing job 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 Fluid supply unit, 41 First storage unit, 42 Second storage unit, 43 Storage unit, 44 Lens, 45 Pressure supply port, 46 Cleaning liquid supply port, 47 Refill port, 48 Conductive fluid, 50 nozzle, 51 flow path, 52 solenoid valve, 53 detection unit, 55 pressure supply unit, 56 cleaning liquid supply unit, 57 storage information, 58 replenishment information, 59 factor information, 60 application unit, 61 dispenser, 62 working unit, 63 pressing unit, 64 pressing member, 65 pressing and transport unit, 66 inspection unit, 67 inspection area, 68 operation panel, 69 communication unit, B conductive material, C cavity, Dr detection range, E circuit, F filling material, Hl lower limit height, Hu upper limit height, Hs reference range, O object to be molded, P part, S substrate, Tr liquid level tolerance range, U underfill.

Claims

1. a container that contains a fluid to be discharged onto the target; a nozzle that discharges the fluid supplied through a flow path connected to the container; a detection unit that detects the fluid contained in the container; a control unit that discharges the fluid from the nozzle when the liquid level of the fluid detected by the detection unit is within a reference range including an upper limit and a lower limit set at a predetermined position, and that sets the reference range to a changed position and discharges the fluid from the nozzle when the liquid level of the fluid detected by the detection unit is not within the reference range and is within the detection range of the detection unit and a predetermined liquid level tolerance range; A printing device comprising:

2. The printing device according to claim 1 , wherein when the reference range is set to a position other than the predetermined position, the control unit changes the pressure in the container to a value corresponding to the range of the liquid level.

3. The printing device according to claim 2 , wherein the control unit, when changing the pressure in the container, sets the pressure in the container so as to decrease the pressure more when the liquid level of the fluid is higher.

4. A printing device described in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the control unit, when changing the position of the reference range in accordance with the position of the fluid level, changes the position of the reference range upward if the upper limit of the reference range is below the upper limit of the allowable liquid level within the detection range of the detection unit, and / or when changing the position of the reference range in accordance with the position of the fluid level, changes the position of the reference range downward if the lower limit of the reference range is above the lower limit of the allowable liquid level within the detection range of the detection unit.

5. 5. The printing device according to claim 4, wherein the control unit outputs a warning when, when changing the position of the reference range according to the position of the fluid level, the upper limit of the reference range is above the upper limit of the allowable liquid level and / or the lower limit of the reference range is below the lower limit of the allowable liquid level.

6. 5. The printing device according to claim 4, wherein when the control unit changes the position of the reference range in accordance with the position of the fluid level, the control unit returns the position of the reference range to the predetermined position when the upper limit of the reference range is above the upper limit of the allowable liquid level and / or the lower limit of the reference range is below the lower limit of the allowable liquid level.

7. the container contains a conductive fluid that contains conductive particles and becomes a conductor after being discharged; The printing device according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit changes a position of the reference range of a container that contains the conductive fluid.

8. 3. The printing device according to claim 1, a first discharge unit having a first discharge head that discharges a structural fluid that serves as a base material for forming a model onto a target object; a second discharge unit having a second discharge head including the nozzle that discharges a conductive fluid that contains conductive particles and becomes a conductor after being discharged onto the target; The control unit executes a three-dimensional modeling process to form a model by discharging the structured fluid and the conductive fluid.

9. 1. A printing method executed by a computer and used in a printing device including a storage unit that stores a fluid to be ejected onto an object, and a nozzle that ejects the fluid supplied through a flow path connected to the storage unit, comprising: (a) detecting the fluid contained in the container; (b) ejecting the fluid from the nozzle when the liquid level of the fluid contained in the container detected in step (a) is within a reference range including upper and lower limits set at predetermined positions; (c) when the fluid level detected in step (a) is not within the reference range, and when the fluid level is within the detection range of the detection unit and within a predetermined liquid level tolerance range, setting the reference range to a changed position and discharging the fluid from the nozzle; A printing method including:

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