Three-dimensional object printing device and three-dimensional object printing method

Abstract

To improve print image quality.SOLUTION: A three-dimensional object printing device has a liquid discharge head for discharging a liquid to a three-dimensional work-piece, and a movement mechanism which changes a position of the liquid discharge head relative to the work-piece. The movement mechanism has N joints (herein, N is a natural number of 2 or more) which are rotatable around rotation axes different from one another. When executing a printing operation such that the liquid discharge head discharges the liquid while the movement mechanism changes the position of the liquid discharge head relative to the work-piece, the number of joints of N joints, that rotate during execution of the printing operation, is M (herein, M is a natural number smaller than N).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a three-dimensional object printing device and a three-dimensional object printing method. [Background technology]

[0002] There is known a three-dimensional printing device that uses an inkjet printing method to print on the surface of a three-dimensional workpiece. For example, the system described in Patent Document 1 has a multi-axis robot made up of multiple movable joint members and a print head attached to the robot, and ejects ink droplets from the print head onto the curved surface of a vehicle. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Special Publication No. 2015-520011 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The device described in Patent Document 1 operates all of the multiple movable joint members of the robot during printing. For this reason, the device described in Patent Document 1 has a problem in that the operation errors of the respective movable joint members are superimposed, which causes a large deviation of the actual movement path of the print head from the ideal movement path, resulting in a deterioration of print image quality. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In order to solve the above problems, one embodiment of a three-dimensional object printing device according to the present invention has a liquid ejection head that ejects liquid onto a three-dimensional workpiece, and a moving mechanism that changes the relative position of the liquid ejection head with respect to the workpiece, wherein the moving mechanism has N joints (where N is a natural number greater than or equal to 2) that can rotate around different rotation axes, and when the moving mechanism performs a printing operation in which the liquid ejection head ejects liquid while changing the relative position of the liquid ejection head with respect to the workpiece, the number of joints among the N joints that rotate during the execution of the printing operation is M (where M is a natural number less than N).

[0006] Another aspect of the three-dimensional object printing device of the present invention is a three-dimensional object printing device having a liquid ejection head that ejects liquid onto a three-dimensional workpiece and a moving mechanism that changes the relative position of the liquid ejection head with respect to the workpiece, and performs a printing operation in which the liquid ejection head ejects liquid while the moving mechanism changes the relative position of the liquid ejection head with respect to the workpiece, and a non-printing operation in which the liquid ejection head does not eject liquid while the moving mechanism changes the relative position of the liquid ejection head with respect to the workpiece, wherein the moving mechanism has a plurality of joints that can rotate around different rotation axes, and the plurality of joints include a first joint that rotates during each of the printing operation and the non-printing operation, and a second joint that does not rotate during the printing operation and rotates during the non-printing operation.

[0007] One aspect of the three-dimensional object printing method of the present invention is a three-dimensional object printing method that prints on a three-dimensional workpiece using a liquid ejection head that ejects liquid onto the workpiece, and a movement mechanism that changes the relative position of the liquid ejection head with respect to the workpiece, wherein the movement mechanism has N joints (where N is a natural number greater than or equal to 2) that can rotate around different rotation axes, and when the movement mechanism performs a printing operation in which the liquid ejection head ejects liquid while changing the relative position of the liquid ejection head with respect to the workpiece, the number of joints among the N joints that rotate during the execution of the printing operation is M (where M is a natural number less than N).

[0008] Another aspect of the three-dimensional object printing method of the present invention is a three-dimensional object printing method that prints on a three-dimensional workpiece using a liquid ejection head that ejects liquid onto the workpiece and a moving mechanism that changes the relative position of the liquid ejection head with respect to the workpiece, wherein the moving mechanism performs a printing operation in which the liquid ejection head ejects liquid while changing the relative position of the liquid ejection head with respect to the workpiece, and a non-printing operation in which the liquid ejection head does not eject liquid while changing the relative position of the liquid ejection head with respect to the workpiece, the moving mechanism having a plurality of joints that can rotate around different rotation axes, and the plurality of joints include a first joint that rotates during each of the printing operation and the non-printing operation, and a second joint that does not rotate during the printing operation and rotates during the non-printing operation. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing an outline of a three-dimensional object printing device according to a first embodiment. FIG. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the three-dimensional object printing device according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a liquid ejection unit in a first embodiment. [Figure 4]4 is a flowchart showing the flow of a three-dimensional object printing method according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 5] 5A and 5B are diagrams for explaining a movement path of a liquid ejection head relative to a workpiece in the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram for explaining a printing operation. [Figure 7] 13 is a diagram showing changes over time in the amount of movement of each joint when the number of joints driven during execution of a printing operation is six. FIG. [Figure 8] 13 is a diagram showing changes over time in the amount of movement of each joint when the number of joints driven during execution of a printing operation is three. FIG. [Figure 9] 11 is a graph showing the relationship between the position of the liquid ejection head in the scanning direction and the amount of deviation from an ideal path. [Figure 10] FIG. 11 is a top view showing an outline of a three-dimensional object printing device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of a three-dimensional object printing device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 12] 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of a three-dimensional object printing method according to a second embodiment. [Figure 13] 5A to 5C are schematic diagrams for explaining a first printing operation and a second printing operation. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the dimensions or scale of each part in the drawings may differ from the actual dimensions, and some parts are shown diagrammatically to facilitate understanding. Furthermore, the scope of the present invention is not limited to these embodiments unless otherwise specified in the following description to the effect that the present invention is limited thereto.

[0011] In the following description, the mutually intersecting X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis are used as appropriate. Furthermore, one direction along the X-axis is referred to as the X1 direction, and the direction opposite to the X1 direction is referred to as the X2 direction. Similarly, the opposite directions along the Y-axis are referred to as the Y1 direction and the Y2 direction. Furthermore, the opposite directions along the Z-axis are referred to as the Z1 direction and the Z2 direction.

[0012] Here, the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis are coordinate axes of a base coordinate system set in a space in which the workpiece W and base 210 described later are installed. Typically, the Z-axis is a vertical axis, and the Z2 direction corresponds to the downward direction in the vertical direction. Note that the Z-axis does not have to be a vertical axis. Also, the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis are typically mutually orthogonal, but are not limited to this, and may not be orthogonal. For example, the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis may intersect each other at an angle within a range of 80° to 100°.

[0013] 1. First embodiment 1-1. Overview of the three-dimensional printing device 1 is a perspective view showing an outline of a three-dimensional object printing apparatus 100 according to a first embodiment. The three-dimensional object printing apparatus 100 is an apparatus that performs printing on the surface of a three-dimensional workpiece W by an inkjet method.

[0014] The workpiece W has a surface WF to be printed. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the workpiece W is a rugby ball having an elongated spheroid shape around the long axis AX, and the surface WF is a curved surface with an inconstant curvature. In this embodiment, the workpiece W is arranged so that the long axis AX is parallel to the X-axis. Note that the workpiece W is not limited to a rugby ball. Here, the shape, size, etc. of the workpiece W are not limited to the example shown in FIG. 1 and are arbitrary. For example, the surface of the workpiece W may have a flat surface, a stepped surface, an uneven surface, or the like. In addition, the installation posture of the workpiece W is not limited to the example shown in FIG. 1 and is arbitrary.

[0015] In the example shown in Fig. 1, the three-dimensional object printing apparatus 100 is an inkjet printer that uses a vertical articulated robot. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 1, the three-dimensional object printing apparatus 100 has a robot 200, a liquid ejection unit 300, a liquid supply unit 400, and a controller 600. Below, first, each part of the three-dimensional object printing apparatus 100 shown in Fig. 1 will be briefly described in order.

[0016] The robot 200 is a moving mechanism that changes the position and posture of the liquid discharge unit 300 with respect to the workpiece W. In the example shown in Fig. 1, the robot 200 is a so-called six-axis vertical articulated robot. Specifically, the robot 200 has a base 210 and an arm 220.

[0017] The base 210 is a platform that supports the arm 220. In the example shown in Fig. 1, the base 210 is fixed to an installation surface such as a floor surface facing the Z1 direction by means of screws or the like. The installation surface to which the base 210 is fixed may be a surface facing any direction and is not limited to the example shown in Fig. 1, and may be, for example, a wall, a ceiling, a surface of a movable dolly, or the like.

[0018] Arm 220 is a six-axis robot arm having a base end attached to base 210 and a tip end that changes its position and posture three-dimensionally relative to the base end. Specifically, arm 220 has arms 221, 222, 223, 224, 225, and 226, which are connected in this order.

[0019] The arm 221 is connected to the base 210 via a joint 230_1 so as to be rotatable around a rotation axis O1. The arm 222 is connected to the arm 221 via a joint 230_2 so as to be rotatable around a rotation axis O2. The arm 223 is connected to the arm 222 via a joint 230_3 so as to be rotatable around a rotation axis O3. The arm 224 is connected to the arm 223 via a joint 230_4 so as to be rotatable around a rotation axis O4. The arm 225 is connected to the arm 224 via a joint 230_5 so as to be rotatable around a rotation axis O5. The arm 226 is connected to the arm 225 via a joint 230_6 so as to be rotatable around a rotation axis O6. In the following, each of the joints 230_1 to 230_6 may be referred to as a joint 230.

[0020] Here, each of the joints 230_1 to 230_6 is an example of a "joint." In the example shown in FIG. 1, the number N of the joints 230 is six. The joint 230_1 is an example of a "second joint," and the rotation axis O1 is an example of a "second rotation axis." The joint 230_2 is an example of a "first joint," and the rotation axis O2 is an example of a "first rotation axis." The joint 230_3 is an example of a "fourth joint," and the rotation axis O3 is an example of a "fourth rotation axis." The joint 230_5 is an example of a "third joint," and the rotation axis O5 is an example of a "third rotation axis."

[0021] Each of the joints 230_1 to 230_6 is a mechanism that connects one of two adjacent arms to the other so that the arm can rotate. Although not shown in FIG. 1, each of the joints 230_1 to 230_6 is provided with a drive mechanism that rotates one of the two adjacent arms to the other. The drive mechanism includes, for example, a motor that generates a drive force for the rotation, a reducer that reduces the drive force and outputs it, and an encoder such as a rotary encoder that detects an amount of movement such as an angle of the rotation. The assembly of the drive mechanisms corresponds to an arm drive mechanism 240 shown in FIG. 2 described later. The encoder corresponds to an encoder 241 shown in FIG. 2 described later.

[0022] The rotation axis O1 is an axis perpendicular to a mounting surface (not shown) to which the base 210 is fixed. The rotation axis O2 is an axis perpendicular to the rotation axis O1. The rotation axis O3 is an axis parallel to the rotation axis O2. The rotation axis O4 is an axis perpendicular to the rotation axis O3. The rotation axis O5 is an axis perpendicular to the rotation axis O4. The rotation axis O6 is an axis perpendicular to the rotation axis O5.

[0023] With regard to these rotation axes, "perpendicular" refers not only to the case where the angle between the two rotation axes is exactly 90°, but also to the case where the angle between the two rotation axes is offset within a range of about ±5° from 90°. Similarly, "parallel" refers not only to the case where the two rotation axes are exactly parallel, but also to the case where one of the two rotation axes is inclined relative to the other axis within a range of about ±5°.

[0024] A liquid discharge unit 300 is attached as an end effector to the tip of the arm 220, that is, to the arm 226.

[0025] The liquid ejection unit 300 is a device having a liquid ejection head 310 that ejects ink, which is an example of a liquid, toward the workpiece W. In this embodiment, in addition to the liquid ejection head 310, the liquid ejection unit 300 has a pressure adjustment valve 320 that adjusts the pressure of the ink supplied to the liquid ejection head 310, and a sensor 330 that measures the distance to the workpiece W. These are all fixed to the arm 226, so that the relative positions and orientations of these are fixed.

[0026] The ink is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include water-based inks in which a coloring material such as a dye or pigment is dissolved in a water-based solvent, curable inks using a curable resin such as an ultraviolet-curable resin, and solvent-based inks in which a coloring material such as a dye or pigment is dissolved in an organic solvent. The ink is not limited to a solution, and may be an ink in which a coloring material or the like is dispersed as a dispersoid in a dispersion medium. The ink is not limited to an ink containing a coloring material, and may be an ink containing conductive particles such as metal particles for forming wiring or the like as a dispersoid.

[0027] Although not shown in FIG. 1, the liquid ejection head 310 has a piezoelectric element, a cavity that contains ink, and a nozzle that communicates with the cavity. Here, the piezoelectric element is provided for each cavity, and ink is ejected from the nozzle corresponding to the cavity by changing the pressure of the cavity. Such a liquid ejection head 310 is obtained, for example, by bonding a plurality of substrates, such as silicon substrates, that have been appropriately processed by etching or the like, with an adhesive or the like. The piezoelectric element corresponds to a piezoelectric element 311 shown in FIG. 2 described later. Also, instead of the piezoelectric element, a heater that heats the ink in the cavity may be used as a driving element for ejecting ink from the nozzle.

[0028] The pressure regulating valve 320 is a valve mechanism that opens and closes in response to the pressure of the ink inside the liquid ejection head 310. This opening and closing maintains the pressure of the ink inside the liquid ejection head 310 at a negative pressure within a predetermined range. This stabilizes the meniscus of the ink formed in the nozzle N of the liquid ejection head 310. As a result, it is possible to prevent air bubbles from entering the nozzle N and ink from overflowing from the nozzle N.

[0029] The sensor 330 is an optical displacement sensor that measures the distance between the liquid ejection head 310 and the workpiece W. The sensor 330 may be provided as necessary, and may be omitted. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the liquid ejection unit 300 has one liquid ejection head 310 and one pressure adjustment valve 320, but the numbers are not limited to the example shown in FIG. 1 and may be two or more. The installation position of the pressure adjustment valve 320 is not limited to the arm 226 and may be, for example, another arm or the like, or may be a fixed position relative to the base 210.

[0030] The liquid supply unit 400 is a mechanism for supplying ink to the liquid ejection head 310. The liquid supply unit 400 has a liquid storage section 410 and a supply flow path 420.

[0031] The liquid storage unit 410 is a container that stores ink. The liquid storage unit 410 is, for example, a bag-shaped ink pack made of a flexible film.

[0032] 1, the liquid storage unit 410 is fixed to a wall, ceiling, pillar, or the like so that it is always located further in the Z1 direction than the liquid ejection head 310. In other words, the liquid storage unit 410 is located vertically above the movement area of ​​the liquid ejection head 310. For this reason, ink can be supplied from the liquid storage unit 410 to the liquid ejection head 310 with a predetermined pressure without using a mechanism such as a pump.

[0033] The liquid storage unit 410 may be located vertically below the liquid ejection head 310 as long as the liquid storage unit 410 can supply ink at a predetermined pressure to the liquid ejection head 310. In this case, for example, a pump may be used to supply ink at a predetermined pressure from the liquid storage unit 410 to the liquid ejection head 310.

[0034] The supply flow path 420 is a flow path that supplies ink from the liquid storage section 410 to the liquid ejection head 310. A pressure adjustment valve 320 is provided in the middle of the supply flow path 420. Therefore, even if the positional relationship between the liquid ejection head 310 and the liquid storage section 410 changes, it is possible to reduce fluctuations in the ink pressure inside the liquid ejection head 310.

[0035] The supply flow path 420 is formed, for example, in the internal space of a tube. Here, the tube used for the supply flow path 420 is formed, for example, of an elastic material such as a rubber material or an elastomer material, and has flexibility. In this way, by forming the supply flow path 420 using a flexible tube, a change in the relative positional relationship between the liquid storage section 410 and the pressure adjustment valve 320 is permitted. Therefore, even if the position or attitude of the liquid ejection head 310 changes while the position and attitude of the liquid storage section 410 are fixed, ink can be supplied from the liquid storage section 410 to the pressure adjustment valve 320.

[0036] A part of the supply flow path 420 may be made of a non-flexible material. A part of the supply flow path 420 may have a distribution flow path that distributes ink to multiple locations, or may be integral with the liquid ejection head 310 or the pressure adjustment valve 320.

[0037] The controller 600 is a robot controller that controls the driving of the robot 200. Although not shown in FIG. 1, a control module that controls the discharge operation in the liquid discharge unit 300 is electrically connected to the controller 600. A computer is communicatively connected to the controller 600 and the control module. The control module corresponds to the control module 500 shown in FIG. 2 described later. The computer corresponds to the computer 700 shown in FIG. 2 described later.

[0038] 1-2. Electrical configuration of the 3D printing device FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the three-dimensional object printing apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 shows electrical components among the components of the three-dimensional object printing apparatus 100. FIG. 2 also shows an arm driving mechanism 240 including encoders 241_1 to 241_6. The arm driving mechanism 240 is an assembly of the above-mentioned driving mechanisms that operate the joints 230_1 to 230_6. The encoders 241_1 to 241_6 are provided corresponding to the joints 230_1 to 230_6, and measure the amounts of operation such as the rotation angles of the encoders 241_1 to 241_6. Note that, hereinafter, each of the encoders 241_1 to 241_6 may be referred to as the encoder 241.

[0039] 2, the three-dimensional object printing apparatus 100 includes the robot 200, the liquid ejection unit 300, and the controller 600 described above, as well as a control module 500 and a computer 700. Note that each of the electrical components described below may be appropriately divided, a part of which may be included in other components, or may be configured integrally with other components. For example, some or all of the functions of the control module 500 or the controller 600 may be realized by a computer 700 connected to the controller 600, or may be realized by another external device such as a PC (personal computer) connected to the controller 600 via a network such as a LAN (Local Area Network) or the Internet.

[0040] The controller 600 has a function of controlling the driving of the robot 200, and a function of generating a signal D3 for synchronizing the ejection operation of the liquid ejection head 310 with the operation of the robot 200. The controller 600 has a memory circuit 610 and a processing circuit 620.

[0041] The storage circuit 610 stores various programs executed by the processing circuit 620 and various data processed by the processing circuit 620. The storage circuit 610 includes one or both of semiconductor memories, for example, a volatile memory such as a random access memory (RAM) and a non-volatile memory such as a read only memory (ROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM) or a programmable ROM (PROM). Note that a part or the whole of the storage circuit 610 may be included in the processing circuit 620.

[0042] The memory circuit 610 stores path information Da. The path information Da is information indicating a path along which the liquid ejection head 310 should move. Specifically, the path information Da includes information indicating a path along which a tool center point indicating the origin of the above-mentioned tool coordinate system should move. The path information Da is expressed, for example, using coordinate values ​​of a base coordinate system. The path information Da is determined based on work information indicating the position and shape of the work W. The work information is obtained by associating information such as CAD (computer-aided design) data indicating the three-dimensional shape of the work W with the above-mentioned base coordinate system. The above-mentioned path information Da is input from the computer 700 to the memory circuit 610.

[0043] The processing circuit 620 controls the operation of the joints 230_1 to 230_6 based on the path information Da, and generates a signal D3. Specifically, the processing circuit 620 performs an inverse kinematic calculation, which is a calculation for converting the path information Da into the movement amount such as the rotation angle and the rotation speed of each of the joints 230_1 to 230_6. Then, the processing circuit 620 outputs the control signals Sk_1 to Sk_6 based on the outputs D1_1 to D1_6 from the encoders 241_1 to 241_6 included in the arm driving mechanism 240 of the robot 200 so that the movement amount such as the actual rotation angle and the rotation speed of each of the joints 230_1 to 230_6 becomes the above-mentioned calculation result. The control signals Sk_1 to Sk_6 correspond to the joints 230_1 to 230_6, and control the driving of the motors provided in the corresponding joints 230. The outputs D1_1 to D1_6 correspond to the encoders 241_1 to 241_6. Hereinafter, each of the outputs D1_1 to D1_6 may be referred to as output D1.

[0044] Furthermore, the processing circuit 620 generates a signal D3 based on the output D1 from at least one of the encoders 241_1 to 241_6. For example, the processing circuit 620 generates, as the signal D3, a trigger signal including a pulse at a timing when the output D1 from one of the encoders 241_1 to 241_6 becomes a predetermined value.

[0045] The above processing circuit 620 includes, for example, one or more processors such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). Note that the processing circuit 620 may include a programmable logic device such as an FPGA (field-programmable gate array) instead of or in addition to a CPU.

[0046] The control module 500 is a circuit that controls the ejection operation of the liquid ejection head 310 based on a signal D3 output from the controller 600 and print data from the computer 700. The control module 500 has a timing signal generation circuit 510, a power supply circuit 520, a control circuit 530, and a drive signal generation circuit 540.

[0047] The timing signal generating circuit 510 generates a timing signal PTS based on the signal D3. The timing signal generating circuit 510 is formed of, for example, a timer that starts generating the timing signal PTS in response to detection of the signal D3.

[0048] The power supply circuit 520 receives power from a commercial power supply (not shown) and generates various predetermined potentials. The generated various potentials are appropriately supplied to each section of the three-dimensional object printing device 100. For example, the power supply circuit 520 generates a power supply potential VHV and an offset potential VBS. The offset potential VBS is supplied to the liquid ejection unit 300. In addition, the power supply potential VHV is supplied to the drive signal generation circuit 540.

[0049] The control circuit 530 generates a control signal SI, a waveform designation signal dCom, a latch signal LAT, a clock signal CLK, and a change signal CNG based on the timing signal PTS. These signals are synchronized with the timing signal PTS. Of these signals, the waveform designation signal dCom is input to a drive signal generation circuit 540, and the other signals are input to a switch circuit 340 of the liquid ejection unit 300.

[0050] The control signal SI is a digital signal for specifying the operating state of the piezoelectric element 311 of the liquid ejection head 310. Specifically, the control signal SI specifies whether or not to supply the drive signal Com described below to the piezoelectric element 311. This specification, for example, specifies whether or not to eject ink from the nozzle corresponding to the piezoelectric element 311, and specifies the amount of ink ejected from the nozzle. The waveform specification signal dCom is a digital signal for defining the waveform of the drive signal Com. The latch signal LAT and the change signal CNG are used in combination with the control signal SI to specify the drive timing of the piezoelectric element 311, thereby specifying the ejection timing of ink from the nozzle. The clock signal CLK is a reference clock signal synchronized with the timing signal PTS. Of the above signals, the signals input to the switch circuit 340 of the liquid ejection unit 300 will be described in detail later.

[0051] The control circuit 530 includes, for example, one or more processors such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). Note that the control circuit 530 may include a programmable logic device such as an FPGA (field-programmable gate array) instead of or in addition to a CPU.

[0052] The drive signal generating circuit 540 is a circuit that generates a drive signal Com for driving each piezoelectric element 311 of the liquid ejection head 310. Specifically, the drive signal generating circuit 540 has, for example, a DA conversion circuit and an amplifier circuit. In the drive signal generating circuit 540, the DA conversion circuit converts the waveform designation signal dCom from the control circuit 530 from a digital signal to an analog signal, and the amplifier circuit amplifies the analog signal using the power supply potential VHV from the power supply circuit 520 to generate the drive signal Com. Here, among the waveforms included in the drive signal Com, a signal of a waveform that is actually supplied to the piezoelectric element 311 is a drive pulse PD. The drive pulse PD is supplied from the drive signal generating circuit 540 to the piezoelectric element 311 via a switch circuit 340. The switch circuit 340 switches whether or not to supply at least a part of the waveform included in the drive signal Com as the drive pulse PD based on a control signal SI.

[0053] The computer 700 has a function of supplying information such as path information Da to the controller 600, and a function of supplying information such as print data to the control module 500. The computer 700 of this embodiment is also electrically connected to the above-mentioned sensor 330, and supplies information for correcting the path information Da to the controller 600 based on a signal D2 from the sensor 330.

[0054] 1-3.Liquid discharge unit FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a liquid ejection unit 300 in the first embodiment.

[0055] In the following explanation, the mutually intersecting a-axis, b-axis, and c-axis are used as appropriate. Furthermore, one direction along the a-axis is called the a1 direction, and the direction opposite to the a1 direction is called the a2 direction. Similarly, the opposite directions along the b-axis are called the b1 direction and the b2 direction. Furthermore, the opposite directions along the c-axis are called the c1 direction and the c2 direction.

[0056] Here, the a-axis, b-axis, and c-axis are coordinate axes of a tool coordinate system set in the liquid discharge unit 300, and the relative position and posture relationships with the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis change due to the operation of the robot 200. In the example shown in Fig. 3, the c-axis is an axis parallel to the rotation axis O6. The a-axis, b-axis, and c-axis are typically perpendicular to each other, but are not limited to this, and may intersect at an angle within a range of 80° to 100°, for example.

[0057] As described above, the liquid ejection unit 300 has the liquid ejection head 310, the pressure adjustment valve 320, and the sensor 330. These are supported by a support 350 indicated by a two-dot chain line in FIG.

[0058] The support 350 is made of, for example, a metal material, and is a substantially rigid body. Although the support 350 has a flat box shape in Fig. 3, the shape of the support 350 is not particularly limited and may be any shape.

[0059] The support 350 is attached to the tip of the arm 220, that is, to the arm 226. Therefore, the liquid ejection head 310, the pressure adjustment valve 320, and the sensor 330 are each fixed to the arm 226.

[0060] 3, the pressure adjustment valve 320 is positioned in the c1 direction relative to the liquid ejection head 310. The sensor 330 is positioned in the a2 direction relative to the liquid ejection head 310.

[0061] The supply flow path 420 is divided into an upstream flow path 421 and a downstream flow path 422 by the pressure regulating valve 320. That is, the supply flow path 420 has an upstream flow path 421 that connects the liquid storage section 410 and the pressure regulating valve 320, and a downstream flow path 422 that connects the pressure regulating valve 320 and the liquid ejection head 310. In the example shown in FIG. 3, a part of the downstream flow path 422 of the supply flow path 420 is composed of a flow path member 422a. The flow path member 422a has a flow path that distributes ink from the pressure regulating valve 320 to multiple locations in the liquid ejection head 310. The flow path member 422a is, for example, a laminate of multiple substrates made of a resin material, and each substrate is appropriately provided with a groove or hole for an ink flow path.

[0062] The liquid ejection head 310 has a nozzle surface F and a plurality of nozzles N opening on the nozzle surface F. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the normal direction of the nozzle surface F is the c2 direction, and the plurality of nozzles N are divided into a first nozzle row La and a second nozzle row Lb arranged at intervals in the direction along the a-axis. Each of the first nozzle row La and the second nozzle row Lb is a collection of a plurality of nozzles N linearly arranged in the direction along the b-axis. Here, elements related to each nozzle N of the first nozzle row La in the liquid ejection head 310 and elements related to each nozzle N of the second nozzle row Lb are configured to be approximately symmetrical to each other in the direction along the a-axis.

[0063] However, the positions of the multiple nozzles N in the first nozzle row La and the multiple nozzles N in the second nozzle row Lb in the direction along the b-axis may be the same or different. Also, elements related to each nozzle N of one of the first nozzle row La and the second nozzle row Lb may be omitted. In the following, a configuration in which the positions of the multiple nozzles N in the first nozzle row La and the multiple nozzles N in the second nozzle row Lb in the direction along the b-axis are the same will be exemplified.

[0064] 1-4. Operation of the three-dimensional object printing device and three-dimensional object printing method Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing the flow of the three-dimensional object printing method according to the first embodiment. The three-dimensional object printing method is performed using the above-mentioned three-dimensional object printing apparatus 100. As shown in Fig. 4, the three-dimensional object printing apparatus 100 executes step S110 for performing a non-printing operation, step S120 for performing a printing operation, and step S130 for performing a non-printing operation, in this order.

[0065] The non-printing operation in step S110 is an operation in which the robot 200 changes the relative position of the liquid ejection head 310 with respect to the workpiece W before the printing operation. In the non-printing operation, the liquid ejection head 310 does not eject ink. The non-printing operation includes, for example, a preparatory operation in which the robot 200 moves the liquid ejection head 310 to a print start position and sets the rotation axis O2, the rotation axis O3, and the rotation axis O5 in a parallel state with each other. In the non-printing operation, all six joints 230 of the robot 200 can be operated, and the liquid ejection head 310 is moved by the operation of a greater number of joints 230 than in the printing operation.

[0066] The printing operation in step S120 is an operation in which the liquid ejection head 310 ejects ink while the robot 200 changes the relative position of the liquid ejection head 310 with respect to the workpiece W. In the printing operation, the liquid ejection head 310 is moved by the operation of a smaller number of joints 230 than in the non-printing operation. Therefore, the deviation of the actual movement path of the liquid ejection head 310 from the ideal path is reduced compared to the non-printing operation. In the printing operation of this embodiment, the liquid ejection head 310 is moved by the operation of three joints 230 out of the six joints 230 of the robot 200. The printing operation will be described in detail later.

[0067] The non-printing operation in step S130 is an operation in which the robot 200 changes the relative position of the liquid ejection head 310 with respect to the workpiece W after the printing operation. In this non-printing operation, the liquid ejection head 310 does not eject ink. This non-printing operation includes, for example, an operation in which the robot 200 moves the liquid ejection head 310 from the printing end position to another position. In this non-printing operation, it is possible to operate all six joints 230 of the robot 200, and the liquid ejection head 310 is moved by the operation of a greater number of joints 230 than in the printing operation.

[0068] Fig. 5 is a diagram for explaining a movement path RU of the liquid ejection head 310 relative to the workpiece W in the first embodiment. Fig. 5 illustrates a case where printing is performed on a surface WF of the workpiece W that is disposed so that the major axis AX is parallel to the X axis. Here, the workpiece W is placed at a position further in the X2 direction than the robot 200.

[0069] 5, in the printing operation, the robot 200 moves the liquid ejection head 310 along a movement path RU. The movement path RU is a path along the surface WF from position PS to position PE. The movement path RU is a straight line extending along the X-axis when viewed in the Z2 direction.

[0070] In the printing operation, the robot 200 operates three of the six joints 230. In the example shown in Fig. 5, during the printing operation, the robot 200 operates the joints 230_2, 230_3, and 230_5 while the rotation axes of these joints are parallel to the Y axis. In this manner, the liquid ejection head 310 can be moved along the movement path RU by the operation of the three joints 230.

[0071] During the printing operation, the robot 200 operates three of the six joints 230 so that the b-axis of the tool coordinate system set in the liquid ejection unit 300 and the Y-axis of the base coordinate system are kept parallel to each other. In other words, during the printing operation, the robot 200 keeps the first nozzle row La and the second nozzle row Lb parallel to the three joints 230 to be operated. In other words, during the printing operation, the robot 200 does not operate the joints 230_1, 230_4, and 230_6, which are joints 230 whose rotation axes are not parallel to the Y-axis.

[0072] In the printing operation of the present embodiment, the rotation axis O2, the rotation axis O3, and the rotation axis O5 are parallel to each other, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the rotation axis O2, the rotation axis O3, and the rotation axis O6 may be parallel to each other. In this case, the liquid ejection head 310 is moved along the movement path RU by the operation of the joints 230_2, the joints 230_3, and the joints 230_6. In this case, the fixing direction of the head unit 300 to the arm 226 needs to be different from that of the example of FIG. 5. For example, the head unit 300 is fixed to the arm 226 so that the b-axis along which the nozzle row runs and the rotation axis O6 are parallel to each other, thereby enabling the printing operation on the workpiece W on the movement path RU.

[0073] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram for explaining a printing operation. In FIG. 6, the state of the liquid ejection head 310 in a part of the movement path RU is shown typically. In FIG. 6, the liquid ejection head 310 at a predetermined timing before the timing shown by the solid line is shown by a two-dot chain line. As shown in FIG. 6, in the printing operation, the distance L1 between the liquid ejection head 310 and the surface WF is maintained within a predetermined range. In addition, in the printing operation, the liquid ejection head 310 faces the surface WF in a constant attitude. In the example shown in FIG. 6, the nozzle surface F faces the surface WF so as to be parallel to the surface WF. Note that, during the printing operation, the nozzle surface F may be inclined around the Y axis with respect to the surface WF, and the inclination angle may be changed.

[0074] Fig. 7 is a diagram showing a change over time in the amount of movement of each joint 230 when the number of joints 230 driven during execution of a printing operation is six. Fig. 8 is a diagram showing a change over time in the amount of movement of each joint 230 when the number of joints 230 driven during execution of a printing operation is three. Here, in Figs. 7 and 8, "J1 movement amount" indicates the amount of rotation of the joint 230_1. Similarly, in Figs. 7 and 8, "J2 to J6 movement amounts" indicate the amounts of rotation of the joints 230_2 to 230_6.

[0075] In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 8, the robot 200 operates three joints 230, namely, a joint 230_2, a joint 230_3, and a joint 230_5, during the execution of a printing operation. On the other hand, the other three joints 230, namely, a joint 230_1, a joint 230_4, and a joint 230_5, are not operated. Note that the amounts of operation shown in Figs. 7 and 8 are merely examples and are not limited thereto.

[0076] Fig. 8 shows the amount of rotation of the joint 230 when the workpiece W is arranged in the same manner as in Fig. 5. Meanwhile, Fig. 7 shows the amount of rotation of the joint 230 when the workpiece W is arranged differently from that in Fig. 5. For example, when the workpiece W is arranged so that the major axis AX is parallel to the Y axis, and the movement path RU is set so that the movement path RU forms a straight line extending along the Y axis when viewed in the Z2 direction, the joint 230 rotates by the amount shown in Fig. 7.

[0077] Fig. 9 is a graph showing the relationship between the position of liquid ejection head 310 in the scanning direction and the amount of deviation from the ideal path. The horizontal axis "position in the scanning direction" in Fig. 9 is the position of liquid ejection head 310 in the direction along the X-axis. The vertical axis "deviation from the ideal path" in Fig. 9 is the position of liquid ejection head 310 in the direction along the Y-axis. In other words, the "deviation from the ideal path" is the unintended meandering of liquid ejection head 310 when liquid ejection head 310 moves along movement path RU. Here, a value of zero on the vertical axis in Fig. 9 indicates that liquid ejection head 310 is located on the ideal path.

[0078] When three joints 230 are operated as shown by solid lines in FIG. 9, the deviation of the actual movement path of the liquid ejection head 310 from the ideal path is reduced compared to when six joints 230 are operated as shown by dashed lines in FIG. 9.

[0079] As described above, the three-dimensional object printing apparatus 100 has the liquid ejection head 310 and the robot 200, which is an example of a "moving mechanism." The liquid ejection head 310 ejects ink, which is an example of a "liquid," onto a three-dimensional workpiece W. The robot 200 changes the position of the liquid ejection head 310 relative to the workpiece W. The robot 200 has N joint units 230, which are an example of "joints," that can rotate around different rotation axes (where N is a natural number equal to or greater than 2). In this embodiment, N is 6. In this manner, the robot 200 has a plurality of joint units 230.

[0080] In the three-dimensional object printing apparatus 100, when the robot 200 changes the position of the liquid ejection head 310 relative to the workpiece W while executing a printing operation in which the liquid ejection head 310 ejects ink, the number of the N joints 230 that rotate during the execution of the printing operation is M (where M is a natural number smaller than N). In this way, by setting the number of joints 230 that rotate during the execution of the printing operation to M, which is smaller than N, the influence of the operation error of the joints 230 is smaller than in a configuration in which the number of joints 230 that rotate during the execution of the printing operation is N, and therefore it is possible to reduce the deviation of the actual movement path of the liquid ejection head 310 from the ideal movement path. As a result, it is possible to improve the print image quality.

[0081] On the other hand, in the three-dimensional object printing apparatus 100, when the robot 200 executes a non-printing operation in which the liquid ejection head 310 does not eject ink while changing the relative position of the liquid ejection head 310 with respect to the workpiece W, the number of joints that rotate during the execution of the non-printing operation among the N joints is more than M and less than or equal to N. In this embodiment, the multiple joints 230 of the robot 200 include a joint 230_2 that is an example of a "first joint" that rotates during the execution of each of the printing operation and the non-printing operation, and a joint 230_1 that is an example of a "second joint" that does not rotate during the execution of the printing operation and rotates during the execution of the non-printing operation.

[0082] In this way, by making the number of joints 230 that rotate during non-printing operations greater than M, the degree of freedom of movement of the robot 200 during non-printing operations is increased compared to a configuration in which the number of joints 230 that rotate during non-printing operations is M. Therefore, convenience during non-printing operations can be improved compared to a configuration in which the number of joints 230 is M.

[0083] In this embodiment, as described above, the N joints 230 include the joint 230_2 which is an example of a "first joint", the joint 230_1 which is an example of a "second joint", and the joint 230_5 which is an example of a "third joint". The joint 230_2 rotates around a rotation axis O2 which is an example of a "first rotation axis". The joint 230_1 rotates around a rotation axis O1 which is an example of a "second rotation axis". The joint 230_5 rotates around a rotation axis O5 which is an example of a "third rotation axis".

[0084] In the three-dimensional object printing device 100, during the execution of the printing operation, the joint 230_2 and the joint 230_5 each rotate, and the joint 230_1 does not rotate, and at the start timing of the printing operation, the angle between the rotation axis O2 and the rotation axis O5 is smaller than the angle between the rotation axis O2 and the rotation axis O1. In this embodiment, the rotation axis O2 and the rotation axis O5 are parallel to each other, and the angle between these rotation axes is 0°. Also, in this embodiment, the rotation axis O2 and the rotation axis O1 are perpendicular to each other, and the angle between these rotation axes is 90°.

[0085] As described above, the rotation axis O1 is the rotation axis that forms the largest angle with the rotation axis O2 among the rotation axes of the N joints 230. Here, "the angle with the rotation axis O2 is the largest" means that the angle is closest to 90°.

[0086] As described above, the rotation axis O2 and the rotation axis O5 are parallel to each other. Therefore, by operating the joint 230_2 and the joint 230_5, the liquid ejection head 310 can be moved linearly in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis O2 or the rotation axis O5. In other words, the robot 200 can move the liquid ejection head 310 parallel to a virtual plane formed by the X-axis and the Z-axis.

[0087] As described above, the N joints 230 include the joint 230_3, which is an example of a "fourth joint". The joint 230_3 rotates around the rotation axis O3, which is an example of a "fourth rotation axis". In the three-dimensional object printing device 100, the rotation axis O2, the rotation axis O5, and the rotation axis O3 are parallel to each other at the start timing of the printing operation, and the joints 230_2, the joints 230_5, and the joints 230_3 rotate during the execution of the printing operation. Therefore, by operating the joints 230_2, the joints 230_5, and the joints 230_3, the liquid ejection head 310 can be moved linearly in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis O2 or the rotation axis O5 while maintaining the distance between the liquid ejection head 310 and the surface of the workpiece W within a desired range, regardless of the shape of the workpiece W.

[0088] As described above, the liquid ejection head 310 has a plurality of nozzles N aligned along the b-axis, which is an example of a "nozzle row axis." In the three-dimensional object printing device 100, the rotation axis O2 and the b-axis are parallel to each other during the printing operation. Therefore, by moving the joint 230_2 around the rotation axis O2 and scanning the liquid ejection head 310 in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis O2, printing can be performed over a range spanning the width of the plurality of nozzles N aligned along the b-axis.

[0089] 2. Second embodiment A second embodiment of the present invention will be described below. In the following example, for elements having the same actions and functions as those in the first embodiment, the reference numerals used in the description of the first embodiment will be used and detailed descriptions of each will be omitted as appropriate.

[0090] 10 is a top view showing an outline of a three-dimensional object printing apparatus 100A according to the second embodiment. The three-dimensional object printing apparatus 100A is similar to the three-dimensional object printing apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment, except for the addition of a movable part 800. The workpiece W in this embodiment is a rectangular parallelepiped, and has a surface WF whose normal line is in the Z1 direction.

[0091] The movable part 800 is a mechanism for moving the liquid ejection head 310 relative to the workpiece W by an operation separate from the operation of the robot 200. In the example shown in FIG. 10, the movable part 800 is a linear motion mechanism for moving the workpiece W in a direction along the X-axis. Specifically, the movable part 800 has a pair of rails 810, a table 820, and a driving mechanism 830. The pair of rails 810 are members arranged parallel to each other and extending in a direction along the X-axis. The table 820 is attached to the pair of rails 810 via a linear motion bearing or the like so as to be movable along the X-axis. The driving mechanism 830 is a mechanism such as a linear motion motor for moving the table 820 along the X-axis relative to the pair of rails 810. Although not shown, the driving mechanism 830 is provided with an encoder for detecting the position of the table 820 in the direction along the X-axis relative to the pair of rails 810.

[0092] The movable part 800 configured as described above moves the workpiece W from a first state in which the liquid ejection head 310 faces a first region RP1 of the surface WF of the workpiece W to a second state in which the liquid ejection head 310 faces a second region RP2 different from the first region RP1 of the surface WF of the workpiece W. In the first state, the robot 200 moves the liquid ejection head 310 along a first movement path RU_1, while a first printing operation is performed in which the liquid ejection head 310 ejects ink toward the first region RP1. In the second state, the robot 200 moves the liquid ejection head 310 along a second movement path RU_2, while a second printing operation is performed in which the liquid ejection head 310 ejects ink toward the second region RP2.

[0093] Fig. 11 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the three-dimensional object printing apparatus 100A according to the second embodiment. As shown in Fig. 11, the movable part 800 is electrically connected to the computer 700. The computer 700 moves the workpiece W during the period between the first printing operation and the second printing operation.

[0094] Fig. 12 is a flowchart showing the flow of a three-dimensional object printing method according to the second embodiment. The three-dimensional object printing method is performed using the above-mentioned three-dimensional object printing device 100A. As shown in Fig. 12, the three-dimensional object printing device 100A executes step S210 for performing a non-printing operation, step S220 for performing a printing operation, and step S230 for performing a non-printing operation, in this order.

[0095] The non-printing operation in step S210 is an operation in which the robot 200 changes the relative position of the liquid ejection head 310 with respect to the workpiece W before the printing operation. In the non-printing operation, the liquid ejection head 310 does not eject ink. The non-printing operation includes, for example, a preparatory operation in which the robot 200 moves the liquid ejection head 310 to a print start position for the first printing operation and sets the rotation axis O2, the rotation axis O3, and the rotation axis O5 in a parallel state. In the non-printing operation, all six joints 230 of the robot 200 can be operated, and the liquid ejection head 310 is moved by the operation of a greater number of joints 230 than in the printing operation.

[0096] The printing operation of step S220 is an operation in which the liquid ejection head 310 ejects ink while the robot 200 changes the relative position of the liquid ejection head 310 with respect to the workpiece W. The printing operation includes step S221 for performing a first printing operation, step S222 for driving the movable part 800, and step S223 for performing a second printing operation, in this order. In each of the first printing operation and the second printing operation, the liquid ejection head 310 is moved by the operation of three of the six joints 230 of the robot 200, as in the printing operation of the first embodiment described above. Therefore, the deviation of the actual movement path of the liquid ejection head 310 from the ideal path is reduced compared to the non-printing operation. Step S222 will be described later with reference to FIG. 13.

[0097] The non-printing operation in step S230 is an operation in which the robot 200 changes the relative position of the liquid ejection head 310 with respect to the workpiece W after the printing operation. In the non-printing operation, the liquid ejection head 310 does not eject ink. The non-printing operation includes, for example, an operation in which the robot 200 moves the liquid ejection head 310 from the printing end position of the second printing operation to another position. In the non-printing operation, all six joints 230 of the robot 200 can be operated, and the liquid ejection head 310 is moved by the operation of a greater number of joints 230 than in the printing operation. An example of another position is a position where a maintenance unit (not shown) that performs maintenance on the liquid ejection head 310 is provided.

[0098] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram for explaining the first printing operation and the second printing operation. In FIG. 13, the movable part 800 and the liquid ejection head 310 during the execution of the first printing operation are shown. The movable part 800 moves the workpiece W in a direction DT along the X-axis from a position shown by a solid line to a position shown by a two-dot chain line during the period between the first printing operation and the second printing operation. The distance L of this movement is determined according to the positional relationship between the first region RP1 and the second region RP2. In the example shown in FIG. 13, a part of the first region RP1 and the second region RP2 overlap each other. Therefore, the distance L is a length shorter than the width of the first region RP1 or the second region RP2 along the X-axis by the amount of this overlap. It is not necessary for the first region RP1 and the second region RP2 to overlap each other.

[0099] The second embodiment described above can improve the print quality, as in the first embodiment described above. In this embodiment, the print operation performed in step S220 includes a first print operation performed in step S221 and a second print operation performed in step S223, as described above. The first print operation prints on a first region RP1 of the workpiece W while rotating M joints 230. The second print operation prints on a second region RP2 different from the first region RP1 of the workpiece W while rotating M joints 230. The robot 200 has a movable part 800. During the period between the first print operation and the second print operation, the movable part 800 moves the relative position between the workpiece W and the liquid ejection head 310 in a direction different from that during the execution of the first print operation and the second print operation. In this embodiment, the direction is the X1 direction. In this way, the movable part 800 moves the liquid ejection head 310 relative to the workpiece W without using the multiple joint parts 230, so that printing can be performed on each of the first area RP1 and the second area RP2 without changing the operation of the multiple joint parts 230.

[0100] In this embodiment, a configuration in which the positional relationship between the movable part 800 and the base 210 of the robot 200 is fixed is exemplified, but is not limited to this configuration. For example, the same effect as in this embodiment can be obtained by providing a movable part constituted by a linear actuator between the liquid ejection head 310 and the tip of the arm 220 of the robot 200.

[0101] 3. Variations Each of the above-mentioned exemplary embodiments can be modified in various ways. Specific modified embodiments that can be applied to each of the above-mentioned embodiments are illustrated below. Note that two or more embodiments selected from the following exemplary embodiments can be appropriately combined as long as they are not contradictory to each other.

[0102] 3-1. Variation 1 In the above-described embodiment, a configuration in which three joints 230 are operated during a printing operation is exemplified, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and it is sufficient that the number of joints 230 operating during a printing operation is less than that during a non-printing operation. However, since the shape of the workpiece W is not limited, it is preferable to operate three joints 230 whose rotation axes are parallel to each other, as in the above-described embodiment. Note that the rotation axes of the three joints 230 are not limited to being perpendicular to the Z axis, and are arbitrary.

[0103] 3-2. Variation 2 In the above-mentioned embodiment, a configuration using a six-axis vertical multi-axis robot as the moving mechanism is exemplified, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. The moving mechanism may be any mechanism capable of three-dimensionally changing the position and posture of the liquid ejection head relative to the workpiece. Therefore, the moving mechanism may be, for example, a vertical multi-axis robot other than a six-axis robot, or a horizontal multi-axis robot. Furthermore, the robot arm may have an extension mechanism or the like in addition to a joint portion constituted by a rotation mechanism. However, from the viewpoint of the balance between the print quality in the printing operation and the degree of freedom of the movement of the moving mechanism in the non-printing operation, it is preferable that the moving mechanism is a multi-axis robot with six or more axes.

[0104] 3-3. Variation 3 In the above-mentioned embodiment, a configuration in which the liquid ejection head is fixed to the tip of the robot arm by using screws or the like is exemplified, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, the liquid ejection head may be fixed to the tip of the robot arm by gripping the liquid ejection head with a gripping mechanism such as a hand attached to the tip of the robot arm.

[0105] 3-4. Variation 4 In the above-mentioned embodiment, the moving mechanism is exemplified as a mechanism for moving the liquid ejection head, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration, and may be configured, for example, such that the position of the liquid ejection head is fixed, and the moving mechanism moves the workpiece, thereby changing the position and posture of the workpiece relative to the liquid ejection head in three dimensions. In this case, for example, the workpiece is held by a holding mechanism such as a hand attached to the tip of a robot arm.

[0106] 3-5. Variation 5 In the above-described embodiment, a configuration in which printing is performed using one type of ink is exemplified, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration and can also be applied to a configuration in which printing is performed using two or more types of ink.

[0107] 3-6. Variation 6 The use of the three-dimensional printing device of the present invention is not limited to printing. For example, a three-dimensional printing device that ejects a solution of a color material is used as a manufacturing device for forming a color filter of a liquid crystal display device. Also, a three-dimensional printing device that ejects a solution of a conductive material is used as a manufacturing device for forming wiring and electrodes of a wiring board. Also, a three-dimensional printing device can be used as a jet dispenser that applies a liquid such as an adhesive to a workpiece. [Explanation of symbols]

[0108] 100...three-dimensional object printing device, 100A...three-dimensional object printing device, 200...robot (movement mechanism), 230...joint portion (joint), 230_1...joint portion (second joint), 230_2...joint portion (first joint), 230_3...joint portion (fourth joint), 230_4...joint portion, 230_5...joint portion (third joint), 230_6...joint portion, 310...liquid ejection head, 800...movable part, N...nozzle, O1...rotation axis (second rotation axis), O2...rotation axis (first rotation axis), O3...rotation axis (fourth rotation axis), O4...rotation axis, O5...rotation axis (third rotation axis), O6...rotation axis, RP1...first region, RP2...second region, RU...movement path, RU_1...first movement path, RU_2...second movement path, W...work.

Claims

1. A liquid ejection head that ejects liquid onto a three-dimensional workpiece; A robot that moves the liquid ejection head and ejects the liquid onto the workpiece. The robot changes the relative position of the head, The robot may be a robot having N number of rotational axes that are mutually different (where N is 2 or more). (where 0 is a natural number) The robot changes the position of the liquid ejection head relative to the workpiece. When the liquid ejection head performs a printing operation in which the liquid is ejected, The robot moves the liquid ejection head along a movement path, Of the N joints, the number of joints that rotate during the execution of the printing operation is M (where M is a natural number less than N), The robot changes the position of the liquid ejection head relative to the workpiece. When the liquid ejection head performs a non-printing operation in which the liquid ejection head does not eject liquid, The number of joints that rotate during the execution of the non-printing operation among the N joints is greater than M. , and N or less. A three-dimensional object printing device.

2. A liquid ejection head that ejects liquid onto a three-dimensional workpiece; A moving mechanism for changing the relative position of the liquid ejection head with respect to the workpiece. death, The moving mechanism includes N (where N is 2 or more) movable members each rotatable around a different rotation axis. (where 0 is a natural number) The moving mechanism changes the position of the liquid ejection head relative to the workpiece. When the liquid ejection head performs a printing operation to eject liquid, The number of joints that rotate during the execution of the printing operation is M (where M is a natural number less than N). ) and The N joints are a first joint that rotates about a first rotation axis; a second joint that rotates about a second rotation axis; a third joint that rotates about a third rotation axis; During the execution of the printing operation, the first joint and the third joint each rotate. and the second joint does not rotate, At the start timing of the printing operation, the angle between the first rotation shaft and the third rotation shaft degrees is smaller than the angle between the first rotation axis and the second rotation axis, A three-dimensional object printing device.

3. The second rotation axis is the rotation axis of the N joints that forms the smallest angle with the first rotation axis. The largest axis of rotation is 3. The three-dimensional object printing device according to claim 2 .

4. The first rotation axis and the third rotation axis are parallel to each other.

4. The three-dimensional object printing device according to claim 2 or 3.

5. The N joints further include a fourth joint that rotates around a fourth rotation axis, At the start timing of the printing operation, the first rotation shaft, the third rotation shaft, and the fourth rotation shaft The rotation axes are parallel to each other, During the execution of the printing operation, the first joint, the third joint, and the fourth joint are Each rotates, The three-dimensional object printing device according to any one of claims 2 to 4.

6. The liquid ejection head has a plurality of nozzles aligned along a nozzle row axis, During the printing operation, the first rotation axis and the nozzle row axis are parallel to each other. be, The three-dimensional object printing device according to any one of claims 2 to 5.

7. The printing operation includes: A first printing operation in which printing is performed on a first area of ​​the workpiece while rotating the M joints. and, Printing is performed on a second area of ​​the workpiece, which is different from the first area, while rotating the M number of joints. and a second printing operation, The moving mechanism moves the workpiece during a period between the first printing operation and the second printing operation. and the liquid ejection head are adjusted relative to each other during the first printing operation and the second printing operation. A movable part that moves the line in a direction different from the line. The three-dimensional object printing device according to any one of claims 2 to 6.

8. A liquid ejection head that ejects liquid onto a three-dimensional workpiece; A robot that moves the liquid ejection head and ejects the liquid onto the workpiece. The robot changes the relative position of the head, The robot changes the position of the liquid ejection head relative to the workpiece. a printing operation in which the liquid ejection head ejects liquid; The robot changes the position of the liquid ejection head relative to the workpiece. and a non-printing operation in which the liquid ejection head does not eject liquid. So, The robot moves the liquid ejection head along a movement path during the printing operation. Let, the robot has a plurality of joints that are rotatable around different rotation axes; The plurality of joints include a first joint that rotates during execution of each of the printing operation and the non-printing operation; a second joint that does not rotate during the execution of the printing operation and that rotates during the execution of the non-printing operation; and A three-dimensional object printing device.

9. A liquid ejection head that ejects liquid onto a three-dimensional workpiece; A moving mechanism for changing the relative position of the liquid ejection head with respect to the workpiece. death, The moving mechanism changes the position of the liquid ejection head relative to the workpiece. a printing operation in which the liquid ejection head ejects liquid; The moving mechanism changes the position of the liquid ejection head relative to the workpiece. and a non-printing operation in which the liquid ejection head does not eject liquid. So, the moving mechanism has a plurality of joints that are rotatable around different rotation axes; The plurality of joints include a first joint that rotates during execution of each of the printing operation and the non-printing operation; a second joint that does not rotate during the execution of the printing operation and that rotates during the execution of the non-printing operation; and, and a third joint, The first joint rotates about a first rotation axis, The second joint rotates about a second rotation axis, the third joint rotates about a third rotation axis; During the execution of the printing operation, the first joint and the third joint each rotate. and the second joint does not rotate, At the start timing of the printing operation, the angle between the first rotation shaft and the third rotation shaft degrees is smaller than the angle between the first rotation axis and the second rotation axis, A three-dimensional object printing device.

10. The second rotation axis is a rotation axis of the plurality of joints, and the angle formed with the first rotation axis is the smallest. The largest axis of rotation is The three-dimensional object printing apparatus according to claim 9 .

11. The first rotation axis and the third rotation axis are parallel to each other.

11. The three-dimensional object printing device according to claim 9 or 10.

12. the plurality of joints further includes a fourth joint that rotates about a fourth rotation axis, At the start timing of the printing operation, the first rotation shaft, the third rotation shaft, and the fourth rotation shaft The rotation axes are parallel to each other, During the execution of the printing operation, the first joint, the third joint, and the fourth joint are Each rotates, The three-dimensional object printing device according to any one of claims 9 to 11.

13. The liquid ejection head has a plurality of nozzles aligned along a nozzle row axis, During the printing operation, the first rotation axis and the nozzle row axis are parallel to each other. be, The three-dimensional object printing device according to any one of claims 9 to 12.

14. The printing operation includes: a first printing operation for printing on a first area of ​​the work; A second printing operation for printing on a second area of ​​the workpiece that is different from the first area, The moving mechanism moves the workpiece during a period between the first printing operation and the second printing operation. and the liquid ejection head are adjusted relative to each other during the first printing operation and the second printing operation. A movable part that moves the line in a direction different from the line. The three-dimensional object printing device according to any one of claims 9 to 13.

15. A liquid ejection head that ejects liquid onto a three-dimensional workpiece; A robot that moves the liquid ejection head and ejects the liquid onto the workpiece. The robot changes the relative position of the head, and printing is performed on the workpiece using the robot. A three-dimensional object printing method comprising the steps of: The robot changes the position of the liquid ejection head relative to the workpiece. a printing operation in which the liquid ejection head ejects liquid; The robot changes the position of the liquid ejection head relative to the workpiece. a non-printing operation in which the liquid ejection head does not eject liquid; The robot may be a robot having N number of rotational axes that are mutually different (where N is 2 or more). (where 0 is a natural number) When the printing operation is executed, The robot moves the liquid ejection head along a movement path, Of the N joints, the number of joints that rotate during the execution of the printing operation is M (where, M is a natural number less than N, When the non-printing operation is performed, The number of joints that rotate during the execution of the non-printing operation among the N joints is greater than M. and N or less, A three-dimensional object printing method.

16. A liquid ejection head that ejects liquid onto a three-dimensional workpiece; A moving mechanism for changing the relative position of the liquid ejection head with respect to the workpiece. A three-dimensional object printing method for printing on the workpiece, comprising: The moving mechanism changes the position of the liquid ejection head relative to the workpiece. a printing operation in which the liquid ejection head ejects liquid; The moving mechanism changes the position of the liquid ejection head relative to the workpiece. a non-printing operation in which the liquid ejection head does not eject liquid; the moving mechanism has a plurality of joints that are rotatable around different rotation axes; The plurality of joints include a first joint that rotates during execution of each of the printing operation and the non-printing operation; a second joint that does not rotate during the execution of the printing operation and that rotates during the execution of the non-printing operation; and, and a third joint, The first joint rotates about a first rotation axis, The second joint rotates about a second rotation axis, the third joint rotates about a third rotation axis; During the execution of the printing operation, the first joint and the third joint each rotate. and the second joint does not rotate, At the start timing of the printing operation, the angle between the first rotation shaft and the third rotation shaft degrees is smaller than the angle between the first rotation axis and the second rotation axis, A three-dimensional object printing method.

Images