Control device, printing device, and control method

Abstract

To more reliably perform cleaning of a housing part containing a conductive fluid.SOLUTION: A control device used in a printing device includes a control part that, when causing a supply part to supply cleaning fluid to a housing part and perform a cleaning process for the housing part, executes a detection supply process that causes the supply part to supply the cleaning fluid based on a detection value of a detection part, and executes a time supply process that causes the supply part to supply cleaning fluid until a predetermined supply time when the detection part is unable to perform detection and / or when a predetermined time has elapsed without the detection part being able to detect the cleaning fluid.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Conventionally, a printing device has been proposed that performs an ink discharge sequence to clean the ink supply path, discharging ink stored in the ink supply path and subtank toward the ink cartridge or waste cartridge attached to the cartridge holder, in which a cleaning fluid cartridge containing cleaning fluid is attached to the cartridge holder, and the cleaning fluid is introduced into the ink supply path from the cartridge holder side to the recording head, and the cleaning fluid is repeatedly discharged toward the capping side by negative pressure (see, for example, Patent Document 1). This device is said to be able to shorten the time required for the cleaning operation and to perform the cleaning operation efficiently using less cleaning fluid. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-192751 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, while the printing device in Patent Document 1 claims to be able to reduce the time and increase the efficiency of cleaning the ink supply passage, it does not take into consideration the cleaning of the ink tank. For example, in a device that contains a conductive fluid containing conductive particles in an ink tank and ejects this conductive fluid, the concentration of the conductive fluid can change significantly depending on the supply of cleaning fluid, making it detectable or undetectable by a sensor, resulting in an excessive or insufficient supply of cleaning fluid. Thus, there is a need for a more reliable cleaning process for the container in printing devices that use conductive fluid.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of such problems, and its main purpose is to provide a control device, a printing device, and a control method that can more reliably perform cleaning processes on a storage section that contains a conductive fluid. [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 control device of the present disclosure: A control device used in a printing device, the control device including: a container that contains conductive particles and that becomes a conductor after being ejected; a nozzle that ejects the conductive fluid supplied through a flow path connected to the container onto an object; a detection unit that detects the conductive fluid contained in the container; and a supply unit that supplies a cleaning liquid to clean the container, a control unit that, when causing the supply unit to supply the cleaning liquid to the storage unit to perform a cleaning process for the storage unit, causes the supply unit to perform a detection and supply process to supply the cleaning liquid based on a detection value from the detection unit, and causes the supply unit to supply the cleaning liquid until a predetermined supply time when the detection unit is unable to perform detection and / or when a predetermined time has elapsed without the detection unit being able to detect the cleaning liquid; It is equipped with the following.

[0008] This control device supplies cleaning liquid based on the detection value of the detection unit. For example, in a container that contains a conductive fluid containing conductive particles, the concentration of the conductive fluid changes significantly depending on the supply of cleaning liquid, which can make it difficult for the detection unit to detect the conductive fluid. This control device supplies cleaning liquid for a predetermined supply time when the detection unit is unable to detect anything or when a predetermined time has passed, thereby more reliably supplying cleaning liquid to the container and preventing oversupply of cleaning liquid. Therefore, this control device can more reliably perform the cleaning process of the container containing the conductive fluid. [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 cleaning processing routine. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of cleaning the storage section 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 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 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 P. The printing device 11 may form a wiring (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 shaped object, 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 shaped object. 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 when the substrate, wiring, 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 wiring 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 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 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 conductive materials such as wiring patterns to be formed on the substrate. The printing device 11 executes modeling processing 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 the shaped object, which serves as a conductive material, such as wiring, 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 illustrates the printing process of the substrate S, FIG. 6B illustrates the printing process of the wiring (circuit) E, FIG. 6C illustrates the printing process of the cavity C, FIG. 6D illustrates the application process of the conductive material B (conductive paste) and the underfill U, FIG. 6E illustrates the mounting process and the heat pressing process of the component P, and FIG. 6F illustrates 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, a single-layered modeled object will be described here. In the modeling process, the print control unit 21 prints and cures the substrate S (FIG. 6A), prints and cures the wiring E on the substrate S (FIG. 6B), and then prints and cures the cavity C thereon (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 thereon (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 material F (FIG. 6F), and fixes the component P by pressing and heating using the pressing unit 63. In addition, in this modeling process, two or more layers of substrate S and wiring E may be printed and hardened, and the component P may be mounted, as necessary. The substrate S and cavity C may be made of the same material or different materials. The wiring E and conductive material B may be made of the same material or different materials. The underfill U and filler material F may be made of the same material or different materials.

[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 wiring E based on the print image and executes 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 cleaning the internal space of the container 43 in the second ejection head 37 of the printing device 11, such as when replacing the conductive fluid 48, will be described. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of a cleaning 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 when cleaning the container 43. While the first ejection unit 30 also has a fluid supply unit, the following describes a cleaning process for the fluid supply unit 40 of the second ejection unit 35. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a cleaning process for the container 43, with FIG. 8A illustrating a purge process, FIG. 8B illustrating a supply process of cleaning liquid 49, FIG. 8C illustrating a movement process of cleaning liquid 49, and FIG. 8D illustrating a process of supplying cleaning liquid 49 again.

[0034] When this routine starts, the print control unit 21 of the control device 20 executes a purge process to discharge the conductive fluid 48 contained inside the container 43 (S200). As shown in FIG. 8A, in the purge process, the second ejection head 37 is moved to the second maintenance unit 38, and positive pressure is applied from the pressure supply port 45 to eject the conductive fluid 48 to the outside from the nozzles 50. Next, the print control unit 21 controls the cleaning liquid supply unit 56 to supply cleaning liquid 49 to the container 43 (S210). At this time, as shown in FIG. 8B, the print control unit 21 supplies the cleaning liquid 49 from the cleaning liquid supply port 46 to the first container 41, while causing the pressure supply unit 56 to supply negative pressure from the pressure supply port 45 to the first container 41 so that the cleaning liquid 49 is not ejected from the nozzles 50.

[0035] Next, the print control unit 21 uses the detection value from the detection unit 53 to determine whether the liquid level of the cleaning liquid 49 can be detected normally by the detection unit 53 (S220). The conductive fluid 48 contains conductive particles such as silver particles and is colored, but the cleaning liquid 49 is transparent, and as the cleanliness level increases, it may become difficult for the detection unit 53 to detect the liquid level. If the liquid level of the cleaning liquid 49 can be detected normally by the detection unit 53, the print control unit 21 executes a detection and supply process to cause the cleaning liquid supply unit 56 to supply the cleaning liquid 49 based on the detection value from the detection unit 53 (S230-S240). In the detection and supply process, the print control unit 21 executes a liquid level detection process by the detection unit 53 while supplying the cleaning liquid 49 to the container 43 (S230). Next, the print control unit 21 determines whether the detected liquid level has reached a predetermined upper limit height HU (S240). This upper limit height HU may be set to a height that can be accommodated in the container 43 and that can sufficiently clean the inside of the container 43. This upper limit height HU may be set, for example, to a height that prevents the liquid level from reaching the pressure supply port 45. When the detected liquid level has not reached the predetermined upper limit height HU, the print control unit 21 continues to supply the cleaning liquid 49 while executing the liquid level detection process in S230.

[0036] On the other hand, when the liquid level detected in S240 reaches a predetermined upper limit height HU, the print control unit 21 stops the supply of the cleaning liquid 49 and executes a transfer process to transfer the cleaning liquid 49 to another container 43 (S250). In the transfer process, as shown in FIG. 8C , the print control unit 21 opens the pressure supply port 45 of the first container 41 to which the cleaning liquid 49 has been supplied to atmospheric pressure and supplies negative pressure from the pressure supply port 45 of the second container 42 that does not contain the cleaning liquid 49, thereby transferring the cleaning liquid 49 to the adjacent second container 42 via the flow path 51. This transfer process continues until the liquid level at the destination reaches the lower limit height HL. The print control unit 21 also transfers the cleaning liquid 49 stored in the second container 42 to the first container 41 via the flow path 51 in a similar manner. The print control unit 21 may transfer the cleaning liquid 49 multiple times, for example, two to four times. After S250, the print control unit 21 executes the processes from S200 onwards. That is, if the transparency of the cleaning liquid 49 is low enough that the detection unit 53 can detect the liquid level in S220, the print control unit 21 executes the purge process again in S200, supplies cleaning liquid in S210, and executes the cleaning process. As this cleaning process is repeated multiple times, the transparency of the cleaning liquid 49 in the container 43 improves, and it becomes difficult for the print control unit 21 to properly detect the liquid level with the detection unit 53 in S220.

[0037] On the other hand, if the detection unit 53 cannot normally detect the level of the cleaning liquid 49 in S220, the print control unit 21 determines that the transparency of the cleaning liquid 49 has improved and the container 43 has been cleaned, and executes a timed supply process in which the cleaning liquid supply unit 56 supplies the cleaning liquid 49 for a predetermined supply time (S260-S290). In the timed supply process, the print control unit 21 executes a time measurement process while supplying the cleaning liquid 49 to the container 43 (S260). Next, the print control unit 21 determines whether the measured time has reached the predetermined supply time (S270). This supply time may be set to a time that is sufficient to sufficiently clean the interior of the container 43 and does not exceed the amount that can be contained in the container 43. If the measured time has not reached the predetermined supply time, the print control unit 21 executes the time measurement process in S270 while supplying the cleaning liquid 49 to the container 43. On the other hand, if the measured time reaches the predetermined supply time in S270, the print control unit 21 stops the supply of cleaning liquid 49, executes a process to move cleaning liquid 49 (S280), and determines whether the cleaning process has been performed a predetermined number of times (S290). If the cleaning process has not been performed a predetermined number of times, the print control unit 21 executes the processes from S200 onward. That is, the print control unit 21 executes a purge process in S200, and then supplies cleaning liquid and performs the cleaning process in S210. This predetermined number of times may be empirically determined to be a number of times that can sufficiently clean the container 43, such as three, five, or ten times. On the other hand, if the cleaning process has been performed a predetermined number of times in S290, the print control unit 21 ends this routine.

[0038] In S220, if a predetermined time has elapsed without the detection unit 53 detecting the cleaning liquid 49, the print control unit 21 may execute the timed supply process in the same manner as described above. This predetermined time may be set to a time that does not exceed the amount of liquid that can be contained in the container 43. This predetermined time may be the same as the supply time, or may be shorter than the supply time. In this way, when the detection unit 53 cannot detect the fluid contained in the container 43, the fluid supply unit 40 supplies the cleaning liquid 49 to the container 43 in an amount sufficient for cleaning while preventing excessive supply of the cleaning liquid 49 to the container 43 by supplying the cleaning liquid 49 by time control.

[0039] Here, the correspondence between the components of this embodiment and the components of the present disclosure will be clarified. The control device 20 of this embodiment corresponds to an example of a control device of the present disclosure, the printing device 11 corresponds to an example of a printing device, the print control unit 21 corresponds to an example of a control unit, the detection unit 53 corresponds to an example of a detection unit, the cleaning liquid supply unit 56 corresponds to an example of a supply unit, the storage unit 43, the first storage unit 41, and the second storage unit 42 correspond to examples of storage units, and the nozzle 50 corresponds to an example of a nozzle. Furthermore, the target object 13 corresponds to an example of an target object, the first discharge head 32 corresponds to an example of a first discharge head, the first discharge unit 30 corresponds to an example of a first discharge unit, the conductive fluid 48 corresponds to an example of a conductive fluid, the second discharge head 37 corresponds to an example of a second discharge head, and the second discharge unit 35 corresponds to an example of a second discharge unit. In this embodiment, by explaining the operation of the control device 20, the printing device 11, and the 3D printing system 10, an example of the printing method, the method for manufacturing a 3D object, and the method for controlling the printing device of the present disclosure is also clarified.

[0040] The control device 20 of the present embodiment described above is used in a printing device 11 including a storage unit 43 that stores a conductive fluid 48 that contains conductive particles and becomes a conductor after being discharged, a nozzle 50 that discharges the conductive fluid 48, supplied via a flow path 51 connected to the storage unit 43, onto an object 13, a detection unit 53 that detects the conductive fluid 48 stored in the storage unit 43, and a cleaning liquid supply unit 56 that supplies cleaning liquid 49 to clean the storage unit 43. The control device 20 includes a print control unit 21 that, when causing the cleaning liquid supply unit 56 to supply cleaning liquid 49 to the storage unit 43 to perform a cleaning process of the storage unit 43, executes a detection and supply process in which the cleaning liquid supply unit 56 supplies cleaning liquid 49 based on a detection value detected by the detection unit 53, and, when the detection unit 53 is unable to detect cleaning liquid 49 and / or a predetermined time has elapsed without the detection unit 53 being able to detect cleaning liquid 49, executes a time supply process in which the cleaning liquid supply unit 56 supplies cleaning liquid 49 until a predetermined supply time has elapsed. The control device 20 supplies the cleaning liquid 49 based on the detection value of the detection unit 53. For example, in a case where the container 43 contains a conductive fluid 48 containing conductive particles, the concentration of the conductive fluid 48 changes significantly depending on the supply of the cleaning liquid 49, which can make it difficult for the detection unit 53 to detect the conductive fluid 48. The control device 20 supplies the cleaning liquid 49 for a predetermined supply time when the detection unit 53 is unable to perform detection or when a predetermined time has elapsed. This makes it possible to more reliably supply the cleaning liquid 49 to the container 43 and also to prevent excessive supply of the cleaning liquid 49. Therefore, the control device 20 can more reliably perform the cleaning process on the container 43 containing the conductive fluid 48.

[0041] Furthermore, when executing the cleaning process, if the detection unit 53 is unable to detect the cleaning liquid 49 and / or if the detection unit 53 is unable to detect the cleaning liquid 49 for a predetermined time, the print control unit 21 executes a time supply process to supply the cleaning liquid 49 to the storage unit 43, and then executes a cleaning process multiple times to discharge the cleaning liquid 49 out of the flow path 51. In this control device 20, by executing cleaning using the time supply process multiple times, the cleaning process of the storage unit 43 can be executed more reliably. Furthermore, the storage unit 43 has a first storage unit 41 and a second storage unit 42 connected to the first storage unit 41 via the flow path 51, and the print control unit 21 executes a cleaning process to move the cleaning liquid 49 between the first storage unit 41 and the second storage unit 42 via the flow path 51. In this control device 20, by moving the cleaning liquid 49 via the flow path 51, the cleaning process of the storage unit 43 can be executed more reliably.

[0042] The printing apparatus 11 also includes a storage unit 43 that stores a conductive fluid 48 that contains conductive particles and becomes a conductor after being discharged, a nozzle 50 that discharges the conductive fluid 48, which is supplied via a flow path 51 connected to the storage unit 43, onto the target object 13, a detection unit 53 that detects the conductive fluid 48 stored in the storage unit 43, a cleaning liquid supply unit 56 that supplies a cleaning liquid 49 that cleans the storage unit 43, and the above-mentioned control device 20. Because the printing apparatus 11 includes the above-mentioned control device 20, it can more reliably perform the cleaning process of the storage unit 43. The printing apparatus 11 also includes 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 with a nozzle 50 that discharges the conductive fluid 48 onto the target object 13, and the print control unit 21 executes a three-dimensional modeling process in which the structured fluid and the conductive fluid 48 are discharged to form a model. In this printing device 11, when a three-dimensional modeling process is performed, the cleaning process of the container 43 containing the conductive fluid 48 can be performed more reliably.

[0043] 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.

[0044] For example, in the above-described embodiment, a time supply process is executed to supply cleaning liquid 49 to the storage section 43, and then a cleaning process is executed multiple times to discharge cleaning liquid 49 from the nozzle 50 out of the flow path 51, but this is not particularly limited, and it does not have to be executed multiple times.

[0045] In the above-described embodiment, the storage section 43 is divided into the first storage section 41 and the second storage section 42, but this is not limited to this and it may be a single storage section or may have three or more storage sections.

[0046] In the above-described embodiment, the printing device 11 that performs the 3D modeling process is equipped with the fluid supply unit 40, but this is not particularly limited, and the printing device may not perform the 3D modeling process. Furthermore, the printing device 11 may be used in a mounting system that includes a mounting device 12 that does not perform the 3D modeling process. 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 printing device 11 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 containing conductive particles, the present disclosure can be used as a unit that replenishes the liquid material.

[0047] 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.

[0048] The present disclosure may be configured as follows. For example, the control method of the present disclosure includes: A control method executed by a computer and used in a printing device including: a container that contains conductive particles and that becomes a conductor after being discharged; a nozzle that discharges the conductive fluid supplied through a flow path connected to the container onto an object; a detection unit that detects the conductive fluid contained in the container; and a supply unit that supplies a cleaning liquid to clean the container, a step of causing the supply unit to supply the cleaning liquid to the storage unit and perform a cleaning process for the storage unit, causing the supply unit to perform a detection and supply process to supply the cleaning liquid based on a detection value from the detection unit, and causing the supply unit to supply the cleaning liquid until a predetermined supply time when the detection unit is unable to perform detection and / or when a predetermined time has elapsed without the detection unit being able to detect the cleaning liquid; It includes:

[0049] In this control method, similar to the control device described above, cleaning liquid is supplied for a predetermined supply time when the detection unit is unable to detect a conductive fluid or when a predetermined time has elapsed, thereby more reliably supplying cleaning liquid to the container and preventing oversupply of cleaning liquid. Therefore, this control method more reliably executes the cleaning process for the container containing the conductive fluid. Note that this control method may employ various aspects of the control device and printing device described above, or may include additional steps that implement the respective functions of the control device and printing device described above.

[0050] This specification also discloses the technical idea of ​​changing "the control device according to claim 1 or 2" in claim 4 as originally filed to "the control device according to any one of claims 1 to 3." [Industrial Applicability]

[0051] The present disclosure is applicable to the technical field of devices that eject fluids and produce printed materials. [Explanation of symbols]

[0052] 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, 49 cleaning liquid, 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, E wiring, F filling material, HL lower limit height, HU upper limit height, O molded object, P component, S substrate, U underfill.

Claims

1. A control device used in a printing device, the control device including: a container that contains conductive particles and that becomes a conductor after being ejected; a nozzle that ejects the conductive fluid supplied through a flow path connected to the container onto an object; a detection unit that detects the conductive fluid contained in the container; and a supply unit that supplies a cleaning liquid to clean the container, a control unit that, when causing the supply unit to supply the cleaning liquid to the storage unit to perform a cleaning process for the storage unit, causes the supply unit to perform a detection and supply process to supply the cleaning liquid based on a detection value from the detection unit, and causes the supply unit to supply the cleaning liquid until a predetermined supply time when the detection unit is unable to perform detection and / or when a predetermined time has elapsed without the detection unit being able to detect the cleaning liquid; A control device comprising:

2. 2. The control device according to claim 1, wherein when the control unit executes the cleaning process, if the detection unit is unable to detect the cleaning liquid and / or if a predetermined time has elapsed without the detection unit being able to detect the cleaning liquid, the control unit executes the time supply process to supply the cleaning liquid to the storage unit and then discharges the cleaning liquid out of the flow path, and repeats the cleaning process multiple times.

3. the storage section includes a first storage section and a second storage section connected to the first storage section via the flow path, The control device according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit executes the cleaning process by moving the cleaning liquid between the first container and the second container via the flow path.

4. a container for containing a conductive fluid that contains conductive particles and becomes a conductor after being discharged; a nozzle that ejects the conductive fluid supplied through a flow path connected to the container onto an object; a detection unit that detects the conductive fluid contained in the container; a supply unit that supplies a cleaning liquid for cleaning the storage unit; The control device according to claim 1 or 2; A printing device comprising:

5. 5. The printing device according to claim 4, 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 for discharging the conductive fluid onto the object; The control unit executes a three-dimensional modeling process to form a model by discharging the structured fluid and the conductive fluid.

6. A control method executed by a computer and used in a printing device including: a container that contains conductive particles and that becomes a conductor after being discharged; a nozzle that discharges the conductive fluid supplied through a flow path connected to the container onto an object; a detection unit that detects the conductive fluid contained in the container; and a supply unit that supplies a cleaning liquid to clean the container, a step of causing the supply unit to supply the cleaning liquid to the storage unit to perform a cleaning process for the storage unit, causing the supply unit to perform a detection and supply process to supply the cleaning liquid based on a detection value from the detection unit, and causing the supply unit to supply the cleaning liquid until a predetermined supply time when the detection unit is unable to perform detection and / or when a predetermined time has elapsed without the detection unit being able to detect the cleaning liquid; A control method comprising:

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