Liquid dispensing device

Abstract

To provide a liquid discharge device capable of detecting vibration generated by degradation of a guide part.SOLUTION: A liquid discharge device includes a head 14 for discharging a liquid, a holding part 21 for holding the head, a substrate part 22 for holding the holding part, a guide part 16 for movably holding the substrate part and guiding the substrate part, and a detection part 17 which is mounted on the substrate and detects vibration of the substrate part, wherein the substrate part has a first surface mounted with the guide part and a second surface opposite to the first surface, and the detection part is mounted on at least one of the first surface and the second surface.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a liquid ejection device. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a liquid ejection device that includes a head that ejects liquid, a holding section that holds the head, a guide section that movably holds the holding section and guides the holding section, and a detection section that is attached to the holding section and detects vibration of the holding section. When the holding section is guided by the guide section, it vibrates around the part where the guide section is attached as a fulcrum. The detection section is attached to the holding section at a position away from the part where the guide section is attached. The detection section detects vibration of the holding section at a position where vibration of the holding section is likely to be large. In this liquid ejection device, the detection section detects the vibration of the holding section, and thereby corrects the landing position of liquid ejected from the head. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2017-154452 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In such a liquid ejection device, when the guide deteriorates, the operating load when the holder moves increases. This generates vibrations in the holder. Since the vibrations caused by the deterioration of the guide are weak, if the detection unit is attached to a position away from the part of the holder where the guide is attached, as in the liquid ejection device described in Patent Document 1, the detection unit may not be able to detect the vibrations. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A liquid ejection device that solves the above problem comprises a head that ejects liquid, a holding portion that holds the head, a base portion that holds the holding portion, a guide portion that movably holds the base portion and guides the base portion, and a detection portion attached to the base portion and detects vibrations of the base portion, wherein the base portion has a first surface to which the guide portion is attached and a second surface opposite the first surface, and the detection portion is attached to at least one of the first surface and the second surface.

[0006] A liquid ejection device that solves the above problem comprises a head that ejects liquid, a holding part that holds the head, a guide part that movably holds the holding part and guides the holding part, and a detection part provided on the holding part that detects vibration of the holding part, wherein the holding part has a first surface to which the guide part is attached and a second surface opposite the first surface, and the detection part is attached to at least one of the first surface and the second surface. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a front view showing a first embodiment of a liquid ejection device. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a side view of the liquid ejection device shown in FIG. [Diagram 3] 4 is a flowchart showing a process executed by a control unit. [Figure 4] FIG. 11 is a side view showing a second embodiment of a liquid ejection device. [Diagram 5] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a printing system including a liquid ejection device. [Figure 6] FIG. 11 is a side view showing a modified example of the liquid ejection device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] An embodiment of a liquid ejection device will be described below with reference to the drawings. The liquid ejection device is, for example, an inkjet printer that prints images such as characters and photographs by ejecting ink, which is an example of a liquid, onto a medium such as paper or fabric.

[0009] First Embodiment As shown in FIG. 1, the liquid ejection device 11 includes a housing 12, a support unit 13, a head 14, a carriage 15, a guide unit 16, a detection unit 17, and a control unit 18.

[0010] The housing 12 accommodates various components of the liquid ejection device 11. The support unit 13 is configured to support the medium 99. The support unit 13 supports, for example, the medium 99 being transported.

[0011] The head 14 is configured to eject liquid. The head 14 has one or more nozzles 19 that eject the liquid. The head 14 prints an image on the medium 99 by ejecting the liquid from the nozzles 19 onto the medium 99 supported by the support portion 13.

[0012] The carriage 15 carries the head 14. The carriage 15 is movably attached to a guide section 16. The carriage 15 scans a medium 99 supported by a support section 13. In this manner, the liquid ejection device 11 is a so-called serial type.

[0013] 2, the carriage 15 includes a holder 21 that holds the head 14, and a base portion 22 that holds the holder 21. The holder 21 and the base portion 22 are connected by, for example, one or more springs 23. In this way, the holder 21 is held by the base portion 22.

[0014] The holding portion 21 is configured to be able to mount, for example, a liquid container 24 that contains liquid. For example, the inside of the holding portion 21 is made hollow so that the liquid container 24 can be mounted. The liquid contained in the liquid container 24 is supplied to the head 14 by being mounted on the holding portion 21.

[0015] The holding portion 21 has an upstream holding surface 25 and a downstream holding surface 26. The upstream holding surface 25 is a surface that faces upstream in the transport direction, which is the direction in which the media 99 is transported. The upstream holding surface 25 is a surface that faces opposite the base portion 22. The upstream holding surface 25 is the outer surface of the holding portion 21. The upstream holding surface 25 is a surface to which the spring 23 is attached. The downstream holding surface 26 is a surface that faces downstream in the transport direction. The downstream holding surface 26 is a surface that faces opposite the upstream holding surface 25. The downstream holding surface 26 is an inner surface of the holding portion 21.

[0016] The retaining portion 21 has a protrusion 27 extending toward the base portion 22. The protrusion 27 extends, for example, from the retaining upstream surface 25. The tip of the protrusion 27 contacts the base portion 22. The base portion 22 is located, for example, upstream of the head 14 in the conveying direction. The base portion 22 has a base upstream surface 31 and a base downstream surface 32. The base upstream surface 31 is a surface facing upstream in the conveying direction. The base upstream surface 31 is an outer surface of the base portion 22. The base upstream surface 31 is a surface to which the guide portion 16 is attached. The base downstream surface 32 is a surface facing downstream in the conveying direction. The base downstream surface 32 is a surface facing the opposite side to the base upstream surface 31. The base downstream surface 32 is a surface facing the retaining portion 21, more specifically, a surface facing the retaining upstream surface 25. The base downstream surface 32 is an outer surface of the base portion 22. The base downstream surface 32 is a surface to which the spring 23 is attached.

[0017] The base portion 22 has a pin 33 extending toward the retaining portion 21. The pin 33 extends from the base downstream surface 32. The tip of the pin 33 contacts the retaining upstream surface 25. The pin 33 contacts below the position where the protrusion 27 extends. The retaining portion 21, which is connected to the base portion 22 by the spring 23, is supported by the pin 33.

[0018] The base part 22 has a displacement mechanism 34 that displaces the holding part 21 relative to the base part 22. The displacement mechanism 34 has, for example, a rotating rotor 35. The rotor 35 has a contact part 36 that comes into contact with the tip of the protrusion 27. When the rotor 35 rotates with the protrusion 27 and the contact part 36 in contact with each other, the holding part 21 is displaced relative to the base part 22 with the tip of the pin 33 as a fulcrum.

[0019] The distance between the head 14 and the support unit 13 changes as a result of the holder 21 being displaced relative to the base unit 22. That is, the distance between the head 14 and the media 99 supported by the support unit 13 changes. In this manner, the distance between the head 14 and the media 99 is adjusted to an appropriate distance by the displacement mechanism 34, for example, depending on the thickness of the media 99.

[0020] The carriage 15 has a first surface and a second surface. The first surface is a surface to which the guide portion 16 is attached. The second surface is a surface opposite to the first surface. The second surface is a surface facing away from the first surface. In the first embodiment, the holding portion 21 has a first surface and a second surface. The first surface of the holding portion 21 is the holding upstream surface 25, and the second surface of the holding portion 21 is the holding downstream surface 26. In the first embodiment, the base portion 22 has a first surface and a second surface. The first surface of the base portion 22 is the base upstream surface 31, and the second surface of the base portion 22 is the base downstream surface 32. The holding upstream surface 25 is a surface to which the spring 23 is attached, and is a surface with which the pin 33 comes into contact, and is therefore a surface to which the guide portion 16 is indirectly attached via the base portion 22. The base upstream surface 31 is a surface to which the guide portion 16 is directly attached.

[0021] The guide portion 16 is located, for example, upstream of the head 14 in the transport direction. The guide portion 16 movably holds the carriage 15. The guide portion 16 is configured to guide the carriage 15. In the first embodiment, the guide portion 16 movably holds the base portion 22. The guide portion 16 is configured to guide the base portion 22. In the first embodiment, the guide portion 16 movably holds the holding portion 21 via the base portion 22. The guide portion 16 is configured to guide the holding portion 21 via the base portion 22.

[0022] The guide unit 16 includes, for example, a rail 37 and a block 38. The rail 37 is a long member extending across the width of the housing 12. The rail 37 is fixed to, for example, the housing 12. The block 38 is attached to the rail 37 in a state in which the block 38 is movable along the rail 37. The block 38 is attached to the carriage 15. In the first embodiment, the block 38 is attached to the base upstream surface 31. The block 38 is fixed to the base upstream surface 31 by, for example, a screw. When the block 38 moves along the rail 37, the carriage 15 moves along the rail 37. In this manner, the guide unit 16 guides the carriage 15 while holding the carriage 15.

[0023] Block 38 incorporates, for example, a plurality of rolling elements 39. When block 38 moves relative to rail 37, rolling elements 39 roll within block 38. This allows block 38 to move smoothly relative to rail 37. Block 38 is filled with a lubricant to facilitate rolling of rolling elements 39.

[0024] The guide unit 16 is, for example, an LM Guide (registered trademark). The guide unit 16 may be a ball screw. The guide unit 16 may have a configuration that holds the carriage 15 and guides the carriage 15. When the guide unit 16 is a ball screw, it has a screw that corresponds to the rail 37 and a nut that corresponds to the block 38. In this case, for example, a rolling element 39 is disposed between the screw and the nut.

[0025] The detection unit 17 is attached to the carriage 15. The detection unit 17 is attached to at least one of the first surface and the second surface. That is, the detection unit 17 is attached to at least one of the holding upstream surface 25, the holding downstream surface 26, the base upstream surface 31, and the base downstream surface 32. In the first embodiment, the detection unit 17 is attached to the base upstream surface 31, which is the first surface of the base portion 22.

[0026] The detection unit 17 detects the vibration of the carriage 15. The detection unit 17 detects, for example, the vibration of the carriage 15 that moves during printing. When the detection unit 17 is attached to the base unit 22, the detection unit 17 detects the vibration of the base unit 22. When the detection unit 17 is attached to the holding unit 21, the detection unit 17 detects the vibration of the holding unit 21. The detection unit 17 is composed of, for example, an actuator. The detection unit 17 outputs a signal in response to the detected vibration. The signal is a vibration waveform that indicates the detected vibration, and is the detection result of the detection unit 17. The detection unit 17 outputs the signal to, for example, the control unit 18.

[0027] When the guide portion 16 deteriorates, the operating load, which is the load when the carriage 15 moves, increases. The deterioration of the guide portion 16 is caused, for example, by a decrease in lubricant, the entrapment of foreign matter, or the adhesion of foreign matter. For example, when the amount of lubricant filled in the guide portion 16 decreases, the guide portion 16 deteriorates. For example, when a foreign matter gets between the rail 37 and the block 38 or when a foreign matter gets mixed in the block 38, the guide portion 16 entraps a foreign matter, causing the guide portion 16 to deteriorate. For example, when a foreign matter adheres to the rail 37, the guide portion 16 deteriorates.

[0028] When the operating load of the carriage 15 becomes large, vibrations occur in the carriage 15 when the carriage 15 moves. The detection unit 17 detects this vibration that occurs when the carriage 15 moves. When the operating load becomes large, the carriage 15 eventually becomes unable to move.

[0029] In the first embodiment, since the base part 22 is directly attached to the guide part 16, vibrations are generated in the base part 22 when the carriage 15 moves. Therefore, the detection part 17 detects the vibrations of the base part 22 as the vibrations of the carriage 15.

[0030] The detection unit 17 is attached to at least one of the first surface and the second surface. In this case, the detection unit 17 is attached at a position relatively closer to the guide unit 16 than, for example, when the detection unit 17 is attached to the outer surface of the holding unit 21 facing downstream in the conveying direction. This makes it easier for the detection unit 17 to detect vibrations of the carriage 15.

[0031] When the lubricant in the guide portion 16 is reduced, periodic vibration based on the arrangement pitch of the rolling elements 39 occurs as the block 38 moves. In this case, high-frequency vibration appears as vibration of the carriage 15. In the first embodiment, for example, a first-frequency vibration occurs due to a reduction in the lubricant.

[0032] When foreign matter such as dust in the air or powder generated from the media 99 is caught in the guide portion 16, periodic vibration occurs as the block 38 moves. In this case, a vibration having a frequency lower than the first frequency appears as vibration of the carriage 15. In the first embodiment, for example, a vibration of the second frequency occurs due to the catchment of the foreign matter.

[0033] If a foreign object is attached to the guide portion 16, for example, if a foreign object is attached to a specific location of the rail 37, a single vibration occurs when the block 38 passes that location. Therefore, in this case, a vibration having a frequency lower than the second frequency appears as the vibration of the carriage 15. In the first embodiment, for example, a vibration of the third frequency occurs due to the attachment of a foreign object.

[0034] As described above, there is a relationship between the vibration of the specific frequency generated in the carriage 15 and the deterioration factor of the guide portion 16. The specific frequency is, for example, the first frequency, the second frequency, and the third frequency.

[0035] Even when the guide unit 16 is a ball screw, as with the LM guide, vibrations of specific frequencies occurring in the carriage 15 are related to deterioration factors of the guide unit 16. For example, in the case of a ball screw, a reduction in the amount of lubricant between the screw and the nut, foreign matter being caught between the screw and the nut, or foreign matter adhering to the screw can cause a number of vibrations with different frequencies to occur in the carriage 15.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 1, the control unit 18 is fixed to the housing 12, for example. The control unit 18 is configured to, for example, comprehensively control the liquid ejection device 11. The control unit 18 may be configured as a circuit including: α: one or more processors that execute various processes according to a computer program; β: one or more dedicated hardware circuits, such as application specific integrated circuits, that execute at least a part of the various processes; or γ: a combination thereof. The processor includes a CPU and memory, such as a RAM and a ROM, and the memory stores program code or instructions configured to cause the CPU to execute processes. The memory, i.e., computer-readable medium, includes any readable medium that can be accessed by a general-purpose or dedicated computer.

[0037] The control unit 18, for example, analyzes the vibration detected by the detection unit 17. The control unit 18 executes a program stored in itself to function as an analysis unit 41 that analyzes the vibration detected by the detection unit 17. In this respect, the control unit 18 has the analysis unit 41. In other words, the liquid ejection device 11 is equipped with the analysis unit 41.

[0038] The analysis unit 41 may be a circuit separate from the control unit 18. In this case, the control unit 18 transmits the signal received from the detection unit 17 to the analysis unit 41. The analysis unit 41 transmits the analysis result to the control unit 18.

[0039] The analysis unit 41 analyzes the signal, for example, by Fourier transform. The analysis unit 41 may analyze the signal by passing the signal through a filter such as a low-pass filter, a high-pass filter, or a band-pass filter. The analysis unit 41 analyzes the signal to extract vibrations of a specific frequency from the signal. The vibrations of the specific frequency are the analysis results of the analysis unit 41.

[0040] The liquid discharge device 11 may include an applicator 42. The applicator 42 is configured to apply a lubricant to the guide 16. The applicator 42 applies the lubricant, for example, between the rail 37 and the block 38. When the guide 16 is an LM guide, the block 38 is usually formed with a hole for injecting the lubricant. The applicator 42 applies the lubricant to the guide 16 by injecting the lubricant into this hole.

[0041] The liquid ejection device 11 may include a wiping unit 43. The wiping unit 43 is configured to wipe the guide unit 16. The wiping unit 43 wipes the rail 37, for example. The wiping unit 43 is, for example, a cloth wiper. The wiping unit 43 wipes the guide unit 16 to remove foreign matter adhering to the guide unit 16.

[0042] The liquid ejection device 11 may include a display unit 44. The display unit 44 is, for example, a liquid crystal monitor. The display unit 44 is, for example, fixed to the housing 12. The display unit 44 displays information related to the operating status of the liquid ejection device 11. The operating status is, for example, the operating time, the remaining amount of liquid, the state of the guide unit 16, and the like. The display unit 44 may display, for example, a message indicating the degree of deterioration of the guide unit 16.

[0043] Next, the operation of the control unit 18 will be described. For example, when printing is started, the control unit 18 starts the process shown in Fig. 3. Therefore, the process shown in Fig. 3 is executed in parallel with printing. The process shown in Fig. 3 is a process for determining deterioration of the guide unit 16. The process shown in Fig. 3 is also a process for determining the cause of deterioration of the guide unit 16. By determining deterioration of the guide unit 16, maintenance can be performed before the carriage 15 becomes unable to move. In other words, a sign that the carriage 15 will become unable to move can be obtained.

[0044] 3, in step S11, the control unit 18 acquires the vibration detected by the detection unit 17. That is, the control unit 18 measures the vibration of the base unit 22. At this time, the control unit 18 may acquire the vibration in the section where the carriage 15 moves from the home position to the opposite anti-home position. The control unit 18 may acquire the vibration in the section where the carriage 15 moves from home position to home position, that is, the vibration in the section where the carriage 15 moves back and forth.

[0045] In step S12, the control unit 18 causes the analysis unit 41 to analyze the acquired vibrations. As a result, the control unit 18 obtains the signal analysis results. In step S13, the control unit 18 determines whether the guide unit 16 has deteriorated based on the analysis result. That is, the control unit 18 determines whether the guide unit 16 has deteriorated based on the detection result of the detection unit 17. If the control unit 18 determines that the guide unit 16 has deteriorated, the control unit 18 shifts the process to step S14. If the control unit 18 determines that the guide unit 16 has not deteriorated, the control unit 18 ends the process shown in FIG. 3. In this case, the control unit 18 continues printing.

[0046] In step S13, the control unit 18, for example, compares the analysis result with a threshold value to determine the deterioration of the guidance unit 16. The threshold value is stored in the control unit 18, for example.

[0047] In step S13, the control unit 18 compares, for example, the vibration intensity of a specific frequency, which is the analysis result, with a threshold value. For example, the control unit 18 compares the vibration intensity of a first frequency with a first threshold value. For example, the control unit 18 compares the vibration intensity of a second frequency with a second threshold value. For example, the control unit 18 compares the vibration intensity of a third frequency with a third threshold value. The first threshold value, the second threshold value, and the third threshold value are, for example, different values.

[0048] In step S13, if the vibration intensity of the specific frequency exceeds the corresponding threshold, the control unit 18 determines that the guidance unit 16 has deteriorated. In step S13, if the vibration intensity of the specific frequency does not exceed the corresponding threshold, the control unit 18 determines that the guidance unit 16 has not deteriorated. That is, in step S13, the control unit 18 determines whether the guidance unit 16 has deteriorated based on the vibration of the specific frequency that is the analysis result, and determines the cause of the deterioration.

[0049] If the vibration intensity of the first frequency exceeds the first threshold, the control unit 18 determines in step S13 that the guide unit 16 has deteriorated, and determines that the deterioration cause of the guide unit 16 is a decrease in lubricant. If the vibration intensity of the second frequency exceeds the second threshold, the control unit 18 determines that the guide unit 16 has deteriorated, and determines that the deterioration cause of the guide unit 16 is the entrapment of a foreign object. If the vibration intensity of the third frequency exceeds the third threshold, the control unit 18 determines that the guide unit 16 has deteriorated, and determines that the deterioration cause of the guide unit 16 is the attachment of a foreign object.

[0050] In step S14, the control unit 18 causes the display unit 44 to display a message indicating the state of the guidance unit 16. This message indicates that the guidance unit 16 is degraded. This message indicates the cause of the degradation of the guidance unit 16. That is, the control unit 18 causes the display unit 44 to display that the guidance unit 16 is degraded based on the detection result of the detection unit 17. The control unit 18 causes the display unit 44 to display the cause of the degradation of the guidance unit 16 based on the detection result of the detection unit 17. The control unit 18 stores, for example, a data table as shown in Table 1. The control unit 18 selects a message to be displayed on the display unit 44 by, for example, referring to this data table.

[0051] [Table 1] As shown in Table 1, the data table stores flags and messages in an associated state. For example, a first flag is associated with a first message. A second flag is associated with a second message. A third flag is associated with a third message. The first flag is established when the vibration intensity of the first frequency exceeds a first threshold. The second flag is established when the vibration intensity of the second frequency exceeds a second threshold. The third flag is established when the vibration intensity of the third frequency exceeds a third threshold. The first message is a message indicating a decrease in lubricant. The second message is a message indicating the presence of a foreign object. The third message is a message indicating the presence of a foreign object.

[0052] When the vibration intensity of the first frequency exceeds the first threshold, that is, when the first flag is established, the control unit 18 causes the display unit 44 to display a first message in step S14. When the vibration intensity of the second frequency exceeds the second threshold, that is, when the second flag is established, the control unit 18 causes the display unit 44 to display a second message. When the vibration intensity of the third frequency exceeds the third threshold, that is, when the third flag is established, the control unit 18 causes the display unit 44 to display a third message. This allows the user to understand the deterioration of the guidance unit 16 and the cause of the deterioration of the guidance unit 16. In this way, the message displayed in step S14 differs for each cause of deterioration of the guidance unit 16. The display unit 44 may display multiple messages.

[0053] The message displayed on the display unit 44 may include a message indicating a method of dealing with the deterioration factor. In this case, the control unit 18 causes the display unit 44 to display a message indicating the deterioration factor of the guide unit 16 and a method of dealing with the deterioration factor. The message indicating the method of dealing with the deterioration factor is, for example, a message encouraging maintenance or a message encouraging contact with a support center. For example, the first message may include, as a method of dealing with the deterioration, a message encouraging application of lubricant. The second message may include, as a method of dealing with the deterioration, a message encouraging removal of a foreign object caught in the guide unit 16. The third message may include, as a method of dealing with the deterioration, a message encouraging removal of a foreign object attached to the guide unit 16.

[0054] As shown in FIG. 3, in step S15, the control unit 18 determines whether or not the deterioration cause of the guiding unit 16 is self-repairable. Self-repair is maintenance that the control unit 18 itself performs on the guiding unit 16. That is, the control unit 18 determines whether or not the deterioration cause of the guiding unit 16 is a deterioration cause that can be repaired by, for example, the application unit 42 or the wiping unit 43. If the control unit 18 determines that self-repair is possible, it proceeds to step S16. If the control unit 18 determines that self-repair is not possible, it ends the process. In this case, printing continues with a message displayed on the display unit 44.

[0055] In the first embodiment, if the deterioration cause is a decrease in lubricant or adhesion of foreign matter, the control unit 18 determines that self-repair is possible. If the deterioration cause is pinched foreign matter, the control unit 18 determines that self-repair is not possible. In this case, the display unit 44 displays a message such as a maintenance procedure or contact information for a support center.

[0056] The control unit 18 executes self-repair in step S16. For example, when the deterioration cause of the guide unit 16 is a decrease in the lubricant, the control unit 18 controls the application unit 42. That is, when the control unit 18 determines that the deterioration cause is a decrease in the lubricant of the guide unit 16, the control unit 18 controls the application unit 42 to apply lubricant. For example, when the deterioration cause of the guide unit 16 is adhesion of foreign matter, the control unit 18 controls the wiping unit 43. That is, when the control unit 18 determines that the deterioration cause is adhesion of foreign matter, the control unit 18 controls the wiping unit 43 to wipe the rail 37.

[0057] In step S16, the control unit 18 may temporarily suspend printing and then perform self-repair, or may perform self-repair after printing is completed. The control unit 18 may request permission from the user before performing self-repair. If permission from the user is obtained, the control unit 18 performs self-repair. If permission from the user is not obtained, the control unit 18 ends the process shown in FIG. 3. After self-repair is completed, the control unit 18 ends the process shown in FIG. 3.

[0058] Next, the operation and effects of the first embodiment will be described. (1) The detection unit 17 is attached to at least one of the first surface of the base unit 22 and the second surface of the base unit 22.

[0059] When the guide portion 16 deteriorates, vibrations occur in the base portion 22 when the base portion 22 moves. Since these vibrations are weak, if the detection portion 17 is attached to a position away from the portion of the base portion 22 where the guide portion 16 is attached, the vibration waves may attenuate and the vibrations may not be detected. In this regard, according to the above configuration, the detection portion 17 is attached to a position relatively close to the portion of the base portion 22 where the guide portion 16 is attached. Therefore, the detection portion 17 can detect the vibrations that occur due to the deterioration of the guide portion 16.

[0060] (2) The detection unit 17 is attached to at least one of the first surface of the holding unit 21 and the second surface of the holding unit 21. When guide portion 16 deteriorates, vibrations occur in holding portion 21 when holding portion 21 moves. Because this vibration is weak, if detection portion 17 is attached to holding portion 21 at a position away from the portion where guide portion 16 is attached, there is a risk that the vibrations cannot be detected. In this regard, according to the above configuration, detection portion 17 is attached to base portion 22 at a position relatively close to the portion where guide portion 16 is attached. Therefore, detection portion 17 can detect vibrations caused by deterioration of guide portion 16.

[0061] (3) When the control unit 18 determines that the guidance unit 16 has deteriorated based on the detection result by the detection unit 17, the control unit 18 causes the display unit 44 to display that the guidance unit 16 has deteriorated. According to the above configuration, the user can know that the guide portion 16 has deteriorated.

[0062] (4) The control unit 18 determines the cause of deterioration of the guidance unit 16 based on the vibration of the specific frequency extracted by analyzing the detection result of the detection unit 17, and causes the display unit 44 to display the cause of deterioration.

[0063] The deterioration factor of the guidance unit 16 is related to the frequency of the vibration detected by the detection unit 17. Therefore, the control unit 18 can determine the deterioration factor of the guidance unit 16 based on the vibration of a specific frequency extracted from the detection result of the detection unit 17. According to the above configuration, the user can grasp the deterioration factor of the guidance unit 16.

[0064] (5) When the control unit 18 determines that the deterioration cause is a decrease in the amount of lubricant in the guide unit 16, the control unit 18 controls the application unit 42 to apply lubricant. According to the above configuration, when the guide portion 16 is deteriorated due to a decrease in the lubricant of the guide portion 16, the lubricant is automatically applied between the rail 37 and the block 38 by the application portion 42. Therefore, the guide portion 16 can be appropriately maintained.

[0065] (6) Control unit 18 causes display unit 44 to display a message indicating the cause of deterioration and a method of dealing with the cause of deterioration. According to the above configuration, the user can know how to deal with the cause of deterioration of the guide portion 16.

[0066] <Second embodiment> Next, a second embodiment of the liquid ejection device 11 will be described. The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the configuration of the carriage 15. The second embodiment will be described mainly with respect to the differences from the first embodiment.

[0067] 4, in the second embodiment, the carriage 15 does not have a base portion 22, but has a holding portion 21. Therefore, in the second embodiment, the holding portion 21 is held directly by the guide portion 16.

[0068] In the second embodiment, the detection unit 17 is attached to the holding unit 21. The detection unit 17 is attached to at least one of the first surface and the second surface of the holding unit 21. That is, the detection unit 17 is attached to at least one of the holding upstream surface 25 and the holding downstream surface 26. In the second embodiment, the detection unit 17 is attached to the holding upstream surface 25. Therefore, the detection unit 17 detects vibration of the holding unit 21 as vibration of the carriage 15.

[0069] The detection unit 17 is attached to at least one of the first surface and the second surface of the holding unit 21. In this case, the detection unit 17 is attached at a position relatively closer to the guide unit 16 than when the detection unit 17 is attached to, for example, the outer surface of the holding unit 21 that faces downstream in the conveying direction. This makes it easier for the detection unit 17 to detect vibrations of the carriage 15.

[0070] According to the above-described second embodiment, other effects besides the above effect (1) can be obtained. The above first and second embodiments can be modified as follows: The above first and second embodiments and the following modifications can be combined with each other to the extent that there is no technical contradiction.

[0071] 5, the liquid ejection device 11 may be connected to a server 50 including an analysis unit 41 to configure a printing system 51. In this case, the liquid ejection device 11 transmits the detection result of the detection unit 17 to the server 50. The server 50 causes the analysis unit 41 to analyze the detection result of the detection unit 17. The server 50 transmits the analysis result of the analysis unit 41 to the liquid ejection device 11. The control unit 18 determines the deterioration of the guidance unit 16 and the cause of the deterioration of the guidance unit 16 based on the received analysis result.

[0072] 6, the guide unit 16 may be a guide shaft 55 that supports the carriage 15 and guides the carriage 15. In this modification, the carriage 15 has an attachment portion 56 that is attached to the guide shaft 55. The attachment portion 56 is provided on the base unit 22 and protrudes from the base upstream surface 31 toward the upstream side in the conveying direction. Therefore, the base upstream surface 31 from which the attachment portion 56 protrudes is the surface to which the guide unit 16 is attached, i.e., the first surface of the base unit 22.

[0073] The guide shaft 55, for example, penetrates the mounting portion 56. In the case of the guide shaft 55, the amount of lubricant applied to the guide shaft 55 may decrease, foreign matter may be caught between the carriage 15 and the guide shaft 55, or foreign matter may adhere to a specific location of the guide shaft 55. Even in this case, the vibration frequency corresponds to the deterioration factor, as in the case of the LM guide.

[0074] In the second embodiment, the holding portion 21 may have an attachment portion 56. In this case, the attachment portion 56 protrudes from the holding upstream surface 25, for example. The threshold value corresponding to the vibration intensity of a certain frequency does not have to be only one. For example, the control unit 18 may store a first threshold value including multiple threshold values, a second threshold value including multiple threshold values, and a third threshold value including multiple threshold values. In this case, the control unit 18 can determine the degree of deterioration of the guidance unit 16 in detail based on the multiple threshold values. The greater the vibration intensity of the certain frequency, the more the deterioration of the guidance unit 16 progresses. The control unit 18 can estimate the lifespan of the guidance unit 16 by determining the degree of deterioration in detail.

[0075] 1, the control unit 18 may determine whether there is a malfunction in a connector 58 connected to the carriage 15 based on the detection result of the detection unit 17. The connector 58 is, for example, a cable through which power is supplied, a signal line through which a signal is sent, a tube through which liquid is supplied, etc. The tube is connected to the liquid container 24 through the carriage 15.

[0076] If the connector 58 comes off the carriage 15 or breaks off, the carriage 15 vibrates. The controller 18 determines that a malfunction has occurred in the connector 58 when the detector 17 detects this vibration. In particular, in the second embodiment, the carriage 15 is composed only of the holder 21, and therefore the connector 58 is connected to the holder 21. When a malfunction occurs in the connector 58, the holder 21 vibrates. In the second embodiment, the detector 17 is attached to the holder 21 to which the guide 16 is directly attached, and therefore it is easy to determine both the degree of deterioration of the guide 16 and the malfunction of the connector 58.

[0077] The control unit 18 may determine whether the head 14 or the carriage 15 has come into contact with the media 99 based on the detection result of the detection unit 17. For example, when the media 99 supported by the support unit 13 floats up from the support unit 13, it may come into contact with the head 14 or the carriage 15. When the head 14 or the carriage 15 comes into contact with the media 99, vibrations occur in the carriage 15. The control unit 18 determines that the head 14 or the carriage 15 has come into contact with the media 99 by the detection unit 17 detecting the vibrations. In this case, the control unit 18 temporarily suspends printing and transports the media 99 to discharge it. In the first embodiment, after the media 99 is discharged, the position of the head 14 may be adjusted by the displacement mechanism 34. In the second embodiment, the detection unit 17 is attached to the holding unit 21 to which the guide unit 16 is directly attached, so that it is easy to determine both the degree of deterioration of the guide unit 16 and contact with the media 99.

[0078] When it is determined that a foreign object is attached to the guide unit 16, the control unit 18 may identify the location of the foreign object based on the analysis result. The control unit 18 may display the location of the foreign object on the display unit 44. In this case, the ease of maintenance is improved.

[0079] The control unit 18 may determine whether or not the guidance unit 16 has deteriorated based on the detection result of the detection unit 17 without analyzing the detection result by the analysis unit 41. For example, the control unit 18 may determine whether the guidance unit 16 has deteriorated by comparing the vibration when the guidance unit 16 is not deteriorated with the vibration when the guidance unit 16 is deteriorated.

[0080] The liquid ejected by the head 14 is not limited to ink, and may be, for example, a liquid in which particles of a functional material are dispersed or mixed in the liquid. For example, the head 14 may eject a liquid containing, in a dispersed or dissolved form, a material such as an electrode material or a pixel material used in the manufacture of liquid crystal displays, electroluminescence displays, and surface-emitting displays.

[0081] The technical ideas and effects obtained from the above-described embodiment and modified examples will be described below. (A) A liquid ejection device includes a head for ejecting liquid, a holding portion for holding the head, a base portion for holding the holding portion, a guide portion for movably holding the base portion and guiding the base portion, and a detection portion attached to the base portion for detecting vibrations of the base portion, the base portion having a first surface to which the guide portion is attached and a second surface opposite the first surface, and the detection portion is attached to at least one of the first surface and the second surface.

[0082] When the guide section deteriorates, vibrations occur in the base section when the base section moves. Since these vibrations are weak, if the detection section is attached to a position away from the portion of the base section where the guide section is attached, the vibration waves may attenuate and the vibrations may not be detected. In this regard, according to the above configuration, the detection section is attached to a position relatively close to the portion of the base section where the guide section is attached. Therefore, the detection section can detect vibrations caused by deterioration of the guide section.

[0083] (B) A liquid ejection device includes a head that ejects liquid, a holding part that holds the head, a guide part that movably holds the holding part and guides the holding part, and a detection part provided on the holding part that detects vibration of the holding part, the holding part having a first surface to which the guide part is attached and a second surface opposite the first surface, and the detection part is attached to at least one of the first surface and the second surface.

[0084] When the guide portion deteriorates, vibrations occur in the holding portion when the holding portion moves. Because this vibration is weak, if the detection portion is attached to a position away from the portion of the holding portion where the guide portion is attached, the vibrations may not be detected. In this regard, according to the above configuration, the detection portion is attached to a position relatively close to the portion of the holding portion where the guide portion is attached. Therefore, the detection portion can detect vibrations caused by deterioration of the guide portion.

[0085] (C) The liquid ejection device may include a display unit and a control unit, and when the control unit determines that the guide unit is deteriorated based on a detection result by the detection unit, the control unit may cause the display unit to display that the guide unit is deteriorated.

[0086] According to the above configuration, the user can know that the guide portion is deteriorated. (D) In ​​the above liquid ejection device, the control unit may determine a cause of deterioration of the guide unit based on vibrations of a specific frequency extracted by analyzing the detection results of the detection unit, and may display the cause of deterioration on the display unit.

[0087] The deterioration factor of the guidance unit is related to the frequency of the vibration detected by the detection unit. Therefore, the control unit can determine the deterioration factor of the guidance unit based on the vibration of a specific frequency extracted from the detection result of the detection unit. With the above configuration, the user can understand the deterioration factor of the guidance unit.

[0088] (E) In the above liquid ejection device, the guide section includes a rail and a block attached to the first surface and moving along the rail, and the liquid ejection device is provided with an application section that applies a lubricant between the rail and the block, and when the control section determines that the deterioration cause is a decrease in the lubricant in the guide section, the control section may apply the lubricant by controlling the application section.

[0089] According to the above-described configuration, when the guide portion is deteriorated due to a decrease in the amount of lubricant in the guide portion, the lubricant application unit automatically applies lubricant between the rail and the block, thereby enabling appropriate maintenance of the guide portion.

[0090] (F) In the liquid ejection device, the control unit may cause the display unit to display a message indicating the cause of deterioration and a method of dealing with the cause of deterioration. According to the above configuration, the user can understand how to deal with the cause of deterioration of the guide portion. [Explanation of symbols]

[0091] 11...liquid ejection device, 12...housing, 13...support portion, 14...head, 15...carriage, 16...guide portion, 17...detection portion, 18...control portion, 19...nozzle, 21...holding portion, 22...base portion, 23...spring, 24...liquid container, 25...upstream holding surface, 26...downstream holding surface, 27...protrusion, 31...upstream base surface, 32...downstream base surface, 33...pin, 34...displacement mechanism, 35...rotating body, 36...contact portion, 37...rail, 38...block, 39...rolling body, 41...analysis portion, 42...application portion, 43...wiping portion, 44...display portion, 50...server, 51...printing system, 55...guide shaft, 56...mounting portion, 58...connection body, 99...media.

Claims

1. A head that ejects liquid; A holder for holding the head; A base portion that holds the holding portion; a guide portion that movably holds the base portion and guides the base portion; a detection unit attached to the base unit and configured to detect vibration of the base unit; A display unit; A control unit; Equipped with The base portion has a first surface to which the guide portion is attached and a second surface opposite to the first surface, The detection unit is attached to at least one of the first surface and the second surface, The control unit is when it is determined that the guidance unit is deteriorated based on a detection result by the detection unit, causing the display unit to display that the guidance unit is deteriorated; A liquid ejection device characterized in that a cause of deterioration of the guide portion is determined based on vibrations of a specific frequency extracted by analyzing the detection results of the detection portion, and the cause of deterioration is displayed on the display portion.

2. A head that ejects liquid; A holder for holding the head; A guide portion that movably holds the holding portion and guides the holding portion; a detection unit provided on the holding portion and detecting vibration of the holding portion; A display unit; A control unit; Equipped with The holding portion has a first surface to which the guide portion is attached and a second surface opposite to the first surface, The detection unit is attached to at least one of the first surface and the second surface, The control unit is when it is determined that the guidance unit is deteriorated based on a detection result by the detection unit, causing the display unit to display that the guidance unit is deteriorated; A liquid ejection device characterized in that a cause of deterioration of the guide portion is determined based on vibrations of a specific frequency extracted by analyzing the detection results of the detection portion, and the cause of deterioration is displayed on the display portion.

3. the guide portion includes a rail and a block attached to the first surface and moving along the rail; the liquid discharge device includes an application unit that applies a lubricant between the rail and the block, The control unit is 3. The liquid ejection device according to claim 1, wherein when it is determined that the deterioration factor is a decrease in the amount of lubricant in the guide portion, the lubricant is applied by controlling the application portion.

4. The liquid ejection device according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit causes the display unit to display a message indicating the cause of deterioration and a method of dealing with the cause of deterioration.

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