Liquid detection device

Abstract

This liquid detection device (160) is provided with detection units (161, 162, 163) which detect liquid discharged from a liquid discharge unit, and a data processing unit (1664), wherein the data processing unit determines whether or not a liquid has been discharged by using the difference between detection results of the detection unit in a state in which the liquid discharge unit does not discharge a liquid and detection results of the detection unit in a state in which the liquid discharge unit does discharge a liquid.

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Conventionally, there has been known a dispenser that automatically discharges and supplies cosmetics or the like stored in a storage tank (Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2016 / 029104 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the prior art, when a liquid material is discharged from a dispenser, it is not possible to detect whether the liquid material has actually been discharged from a storage tank in which the liquid material is stored, and it is therefore unclear.

[0005] An object of one embodiment of the present invention is to provide a liquid material discharge device that can stably detect that a liquid material has been discharged. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The disclosed liquid material detection device includes a detection unit that detects a liquid material discharged by a liquid material discharge unit, and a data processing unit, and the data processing unit uses a difference between a detection result detected by the detection unit when the liquid material discharge unit is not discharging a liquid material and a detection result detected by the detection unit when the liquid material discharge unit is discharging a liquid material. , from the liquid material discharge unit The liquid but Discharge Whether or not Determine the following. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] In the liquid material discharge device, it is possible to stably detect that the liquid material has been discharged. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating an overall configuration of an example of a liquid material discharge system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is an overall view of an example of a liquid material discharge device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an example of a container of the liquid material discharge device according to the present embodiment. [Figure 4] 1 is a perspective view showing an internal configuration of an example of a liquid material discharge device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] 1 is a perspective view showing an internal configuration of an example of a liquid material discharge device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a top view illustrating an example of the internal configuration of the liquid material discharge device according to the present embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing details of an example discharge mechanism of the liquid material discharge device according to the present embodiment. [Figure 8] 1 is a functional block diagram of an example of a liquid material discharge device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] 3 is an enlarged view of an example of a discharge detection device of the liquid material discharge device according to the present embodiment. FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of an example of a discharge detection device of the liquid material discharge device according to the present embodiment. [Figure 11] 10A to 10C are diagrams illustrating the operation of an example of a discharge detection device of the liquid material discharge device according to the present embodiment. [Figure 12] 10A to 10C are diagrams illustrating the operation of an example of a discharge detection device of the liquid material discharge device according to the present embodiment. [Figure 13] 10 is a flowchart of a first processing example of a discharge detection device that is an example of a liquid material discharge device according to the present embodiment. [Figure 14] 10 is a flowchart of a second processing example of the discharge detection device of the example of the liquid material discharge device according to the present embodiment. [Figure 15]10 is a flowchart of a third processing example of the ejection detection device of the example of the liquid material ejection device according to the present embodiment. [Figure 16] 10A to 10C are diagrams illustrating the operation of an example of a discharge detection device of the liquid material discharge device according to the present embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0010] <Liquid Discharge System 1> FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of an example of a liquid material discharge system 1 according to this embodiment.

[0011] The liquid material discharge system 1 according to this embodiment includes a liquid material discharge device 100, an information processing terminal 200, and a server device 300. The liquid material discharge device 100, the information processing terminal 200, and the server device 300 are connected via a network 400. The liquid material discharge device 100 will be described later. The information processing terminal 200 is, for example, a mobile terminal such as a smartphone or a tablet computer. The information processing terminal 200 transmits user information and the like to the server device 300. The server device 300 is an information processing device (computer) that performs processing as a server. The server device 300 manages the user of the liquid material discharge device 100 and the status of the liquid material discharge device 100. The server device 300 also determines how to operate the liquid material discharge device 100 based on the user information and the like transmitted by the information processing terminal 200 and publicly available weather information and the like.

[0012] In the liquid material discharge system 1 of this embodiment, the liquid material discharge device 100 receives information (operation information) about the operation of the liquid material discharge device 100 from the server device 300 via the network 400. The liquid material discharge device 100 then performs processing based on the received operation information. Furthermore, the liquid material discharge device 100 transmits the results of processing based on the received operation information to the server device 300. The server device 300 then updates information about the status of the liquid material discharge device 100, etc.

[0013] 1, one each of the liquid material discharge device 100, information processing terminal 200, and server device 300 is connected to the network 400, but the number of each is not limited to that shown in FIG. 1. For example, a plurality of liquid material discharge devices 100 and information processing terminals 200 may be connected to a single server device 300. Furthermore, the processing of the server device 300 may be distributed so that processing is performed by a plurality of server devices 300. Furthermore, the liquid material discharge device 100 may be operated independently without being connected to the network 400.

[0014] <Liquid material ejection device 100> Next, the liquid material discharge device 100 will be described.

[0015] Fig. 2 is an overall view of an example of a liquid material discharge device 100 according to this embodiment. Fig. 2(A) is a top view (plan view) of the liquid material discharge device 100, Fig. 2(B) is a front view of the liquid material discharge device 100, and Fig. 2(C) is a side view of the liquid material discharge device 100. Also, Fig. 2(D) is a perspective view of the liquid material discharge device 100.

[0016] The liquid material discharge device 100 comprises a top surface 101, an upper housing 102, a lower housing 103, and a bottom surface 104. The liquid material discharge device 100 has a substantially cylindrical shape. The lower housing 103 comprises a hand insertion section 105. The lower housing 103 also comprises an extraction port 106 and a human body detection sensor 107 above the hand insertion section 105. When a user inserts their hand into the hand insertion section 105, the human body detection sensor 107 detects the hand. When the human body detection sensor 107 detects the hand, the stored liquid (liquid material) stored inside a container 500 (described below) is discharged from the extraction port 106. The liquid material discharge device 100 comprises a container lid 108. The container lid 108 is provided across the top surface 101 and the upper housing 102. The user opens the container lid 108 and replaces the container 500, which will be described later and is exposed through the opened portion of the container lid 108. The liquid material discharge device 100 also has a button (switch) 109 on the top surface 101. When the user presses the button 109, the liquid material discharge device 100 starts operating.

[0017] <Container 500> Next, the container 500 will be described.

[0018] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a container 500 as an example of the liquid material discharge device 100 according to this embodiment.

[0019] The container 500 is a container for storing a liquid (storage liquid) such as cosmetics, for example, emulsion or serum. It is possible to use multiple types of emulsion for morning and night use, for example. It is also possible to use multiple types of serum, for example, for preventing oxidation, preventing dryness, reducing stress, etc.

[0020] The container 500 of this embodiment includes a main body 510 and a lid 520. The main body 510 stores a storage liquid (liquid material). The lid 520 is attached to the main body 510 by screwing or the like. The lid 520 includes a flange 521, a push button (pressing member) 522, and a pipe 524. The end of the pipe 524 opposite the push button 522 is provided with a discharge port 526 through which the storage liquid (liquid material) is discharged. When the push button 522 is pressed, the liquid material (storage liquid) in the container 500 is discharged.

[0021] The main body 510 of the container 500 is an example of a storage section. Furthermore, the push button 522 on the lid 520 allows the container 500 to function as a push pump.

[0022] The container 500 is provided with an RFID tag 550 on the bottom surface of the main body 510. The RFID tag 550 stores a unique identifier attached to each container 500, information on the product type of the liquid (storage liquid) stored in the container 500, the expiration date and remaining amount of the liquid, etc. By providing the container 500 with the RFID tag 550, it is possible to manage the expiration date and amount of the liquid (storage liquid) stored in the container 500, prevent incorrect insertion of the container 500, prevent the distribution of counterfeit products, ensure traceability of the container 500 and the liquid (storage liquid) stored in the container 500, etc.

[0023] Although the container 500 of this embodiment uses the RFID tag 550, the means for recording information about the container 500 is not limited to the RFID tag. For example, a barcode or the like may be used.

[0024] The container 500 of this embodiment is stored in a container storage section 120 of a turntable 110 of a liquid discharge device 100 (described later) with the push button 522 facing downward. Specifically, the container 500 is stored in the container storage section 120 by being inserted into the container storage section 120 in the direction of arrow I.

[0025] <Rotary Table 110> 4 and 5 are perspective views showing an example of the internal configuration of the liquid material discharge device 100 according to this embodiment. 4 and 5 are views in which the upper housing 102 and a part of the interior of the upper housing 102 have been removed to expose the turntable 110. Fig. 4 is a view in which the container 500 is not housed in the container storage unit 120. Fig. 5 is a view in which the container 500 is housed in the container storage unit 120.

[0026] The liquid material discharge device 100 of this embodiment is provided with a turntable 110 inside the upper housing 102 and above the lower housing 103. The turntable 110 rotates around a rotation axis 112 in the direction of arrow A or the direction opposite to arrow A relative to the upper housing 102 and the lower housing 103. Note that in the liquid material discharge device 100 of this embodiment, the container 500 is rotated using the turntable 110, but the movement method is not limited to rotation. For example, a moving table in which the container storage unit 120 moves horizontally in a straight line may be used. In this way, the turntable 110 is movable relative to the upper housing 102 and the lower housing 103. Note that the turntable 110 is an example of a moving table.

[0027] The turntable 110 is provided with container storage sections 120 that store containers 500. The container storage sections 120 are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of a circle centered on the rotation axis 112. The turntable 110 of this embodiment is provided with a total of five container storage sections 120. The container storage sections 120 are referred to as container storage sections 121, 122, 123, 124, and 125. The container storage section 121 stores a container 501. Similarly, the container storage sections 122, 123, 124, and 125 store containers 502, 503, 504, and 505, respectively. Note that in the above description, a specific container 500 is stored in each container storage section 120, but each container storage section 120 can store any container 500. Furthermore, the pipe 524 of the container 500 stored in the container storage section 120 is stored so as to be located outside the container storage section 120 with respect to the rotation axis 112 of the turntable 110 .

[0028] The container storage section 120 of the turntable 110 has a fixing structure (not shown) for fixing the container 500. The container 500 is fixed by the fixing structure so that it does not move vertically upward in FIG. 5 when stored in the container storage section 120.

[0029] Each container 500 rotates relative to the upper housing 102 and the lower housing 103 as the turntable 110 rotates.

[0030] FIG. 6 is a top view showing an example of the internal configuration of the liquid material discharge device 100 according to this embodiment. FIG. 6 is a view of the turntable 110 from above with the container 500 stored in the container storage unit 120. FIG. 6(A) shows a state in which the container 500 (container 501) is located above the extraction port 106. Note that FIG. 6(A) is a view of the liquid material discharge device 100 of FIG. 5 from above. The position of the container 501 above the extraction port 106 is referred to as discharge position PosA. In the liquid material discharge device 100 according to this embodiment, a total of five containers 500 can be stored in the container storage unit 120, and therefore, when the turntable 110 rotates 72° around the rotation axis 112, the containers 501, 502, 503, 504, and 505 sequentially come to the discharge position PosA.

[0031] FIG. 6(B) shows a state in which the turntable 110 has rotated 36 degrees in the direction of arrow A from the state shown in FIG. 6(A). FIG. 6(B) shows a state in which the intermediate portion between the container 501 and the container 502 is positioned above the extraction port 106. The position opposite the discharge position PosA with respect to the rotation axis 112 (the position of the container 504 in FIG. 6(B)) is referred to as the replacement position PosB. In FIG. 6(B), the turntable 110 shown in FIG. 6(A) rotates 36 degrees, and the container 504 (500) also rotates 36 degrees to the position PosB. Note that when the container lid 108 is opened, the container 500 at the replacement position PosB is exposed to the outside. A user can replace the container 500 at the replacement position PosB with another container 500.

[0032] In this way, in the liquid material discharge device 100 of this embodiment, the turntable 110 is configured to rotate around the rotation axis 112 in 36° increments, so that each of the containers 501 to 505 can be sequentially positioned at the discharge position PosA or the replacement position PosB.

[0033] In the droplet discharge device 100 of this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, the discharge position PosA and the exchange position PosB are at different positions in a plan view (top view).

[0034] <Discharge mechanism 130>

[0035] FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing details of an example of the discharge mechanism 130 of the droplet discharge device 100 according to this embodiment.

[0036] The liquid discharge device 100 includes a discharge mechanism 130 at a position corresponding to the discharge position PosA of the turntable 110. The discharge mechanism 130 according to this embodiment includes a discharge motor 131, a reducer 132, a cam 133, a sliding member 134, and a fixed member 135. The rotation shaft of the discharge motor 131 is connected to the reducer 132. The reducer 132 is connected to the cam 133. The reducer 132 reduces the rotation speed of the discharge motor 131 to rotate the cam 133. The cam 133 is an eccentric cam having a substantially fan shape. The cam 133 is inserted into a recess 1341 provided on the surface of the sliding member 134 facing the reducer 132. When the cam 133 rotates, the cam 133 comes into contact with the inner surface of the recess 1341, thereby sliding the sliding member 134 up and down. The fixing member 135 is a member that fixes the sliding member 134 while holding the sliding member 134 so that it can slide up and down.

[0037] The turntable 110 moves the container 500 to the dispensing position PosA. The position of the push button 522 of the container 500 at the dispensing position PosA and the position of the tip 136 of the sliding member 134 coincide with each other in a top view. When the sliding member 134 slides toward the container 500 (upward), the tip 136 of the sliding member 134 comes into contact with the push button 522 of the container 500 and presses the push button 522 of the container 500 toward the main body 510 of the container 500. The main body 510 and the lid 520 of the container 500 are fixed by a fixing structure (not shown) so as not to move. Therefore, when the push button 522 of the container 500 is pressed, the stored liquid (discharge liquid) stored in the container 500 is discharged. The liquid discharge device 100 controls the amount of stored liquid (discharge liquid) by the number of times the push button 522 is pressed.

[0038] The container 500 is an example of a liquid material discharge unit.

[0039] <Control device 140> FIG. 8 is a functional block diagram of an example of a liquid material discharge device 100 according to this embodiment.

[0040] The liquid material discharge device 100 includes a control device 140. The control device 140 controls the operation of the liquid material discharge device 100. The control device 140 includes a device control unit 141, a communication control unit 142, a rotation control unit 143, a discharge control unit 144, a position detection unit 145, a discharge detection unit 146, an input / output unit 147, and an RFID control unit 148.

[0041] The device control unit 141 controls the entire device.

[0042] The communication control unit 142 controls communication between the liquid material discharge device 100 and the information processing terminal 200 and the server device 300. The communication control unit 142 controls a communication unit 180 provided in the liquid material discharge device 100. The communication unit 180 communicates with the information processing terminal 200 and the server device 300 via a network 400 based on the control of the communication control unit 142. Note that communication by the communication unit 180 is performed, for example, by short-range communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark), communication by wireless LAN (Local Area Network), mobile communication such as LTE (Long Term Evolution), etc.

[0043] The rotation control unit 143 controls the rotation of the turntable 110. The turntable 110 is connected to a rotation motor 113. The rotation control unit 143 controls the rotation of the turntable 110 by controlling the rotation of the rotation motor 113.

[0044] The discharge control unit 144 controls the discharge of the liquid (stock liquid). The discharge control unit 144 controls the rotation of the discharge motor 131 of the discharge mechanism 130, thereby controlling the discharge of the liquid (stock liquid).

[0045] The position detection unit 145 detects whether a predetermined container 500 is in a predetermined position, for example, the discharge position PosA or the replacement position PosB. The position detection unit 145 detects the position of the predetermined container 500 based on the detection result of the position detection device 150 provided in the liquid material discharge device 100.

[0046] The discharge detection unit 146 detects whether or not the liquid material (storage liquid) has been discharged from the container 500 at the discharge position Pos A. The discharge detection unit 146 detects whether or not the liquid material (storage liquid) has been discharged based on the detection result of the discharge detection device 160 provided in the liquid material discharge device 100.

[0047] The input / output unit 147 receives input from the user and outputs information to the user. The input / output unit 147 detects pressing of the button 109 and receives input from the user. The input / output unit 147 also controls the LED drive unit 170 to control the light emission of the LEDs provided in the liquid material discharge device 100 and outputs information to the user.

[0048] The RFID control unit 148 controls the input and output of information recorded in the RFID tag 550 of the container 500. The RFID control unit 148 controls the RFID reader / writer 190 provided in the liquid material discharge device 100 to read information from the RFID tag 550 of the container 500 and write information to the RFID tag 550.

[0049] Each function of the control device 140 is realized by a CPU (Central Processing Unit) operating according to a program stored in a readable manner in a storage device (not shown). For example, each function is realized by cooperation between hardware and software in a microcomputer including the CPU. Furthermore, the control device 140 may be divided into multiple processing devices, or other functions may be incorporated into the control device 140.

[0050] <Operation of the liquid material ejection device 100> The server device 300 determines the type and amount of liquid material to be discharged from the liquid material discharge device 100 used by the user based on personal information such as the user's age, skin characteristics, and skin condition, environmental information such as the temperature, humidity, and weather on the day of use, and time information. When the user presses the button (switch) 109 on the liquid material discharge device 100, the liquid material discharge device 100 transmits information on the type and amount of liquid material to be discharged (discharge liquid information) to the liquid material discharge device 100. When the user inserts their hand into the hand insertion section 105, the liquid material discharge device 100 discharges one or more types of liquid material corresponding to the containers 500 stored in the liquid material discharge device 100. The liquid material discharge device 100 discharges each liquid material based on the amount of the discharge liquid information.

[0051] The device control unit 141 of the liquid material discharge device 100 identifies which of the containers 500 (501, 502, 503, 504, 505) stored in the liquid material discharge device 100 is to discharge the liquid material from, based on the discharge liquid material information received from the server device 300. Then, the device control unit 141 calculates how much liquid material is to be discharged from the identified container 500 from which the liquid material is to be discharged, i.e., how many times the push button 522 is to be pressed.

[0052] When the user inserts his / her hand into the hand insertion section 105, the device control section 141 controls the rotation control section 143 to rotate and move the container storage section 120 of the container 500 from which the liquid material is to be discharged to the discharge position PosA. Next, the device control section 141 controls the discharge control section 144 to press the push button 522 of the container 500 a calculated number of times to discharge the liquid material.

[0053] <Discharge detection device 160> Fig. 9 is an enlarged view of the discharge detection device 160 portion of the liquid material discharge device 100. Also, Fig. 10 is a functional block diagram of the discharge detection device of one example of the liquid material discharge device according to this embodiment.

[0054] The following describes the discharge detection device 160. The discharge detection device 160 includes three sets of sensors 161, 162, and 163, a plate 164 on which the sensors 161, 162, and 163 are placed, a cam plate 165 that moves the plate 164, and a discharge detection device control unit 166.

[0055] The sensors 161, 162, and 163 will now be described. The sensors 161, 162, and 163 of the discharge detection device 160 of this embodiment are arranged in a direction intersecting the direction in which the liquid is discharged from the discharge port 526 of the container 500 (discharge direction).

[0056] Here, sensor 161 will be described. Sensor 161 includes a light-emitting unit 1611 and a light-receiving unit 1612. Light-emitting unit 1611 includes a light-emitting element. The light-emitting element is, for example, a light-emitting diode. Light-emitting unit 1611 emits light emitted by the light-emitting element toward light-receiving unit 1612. Light-receiving unit 1612 includes a light-receiving element. The light-receiving element is, for example, a photodiode. Light-receiving unit 1612 receives the light emitted from light-emitting unit 1611 with the light-receiving element. Note that the area through which light propagates between light-emitting unit 1611 and light-receiving unit 1612 is the sensor detection range of sensor 161.

[0057] The light emitted by the light-emitting unit 1611 has a wavelength that is absorbed or reflected by the liquid. Therefore, if there is liquid in the sensor detection range between the light-emitting unit 1611 and the light-receiving unit 1612, the light emitted by the light-emitting unit 1611 is blocked by the liquid, and the amount of light received by the light-receiving unit 1612 decreases. In this way, it is possible to detect whether or not the liquid has been discharged into the sensor detection range based on whether or not there is a decrease in light.

[0058] The sensors 162 and 163 are the same as the sensor 161. That is, the sensors 162 and 163 include light-emitting units 1621 and 1631 and light-receiving units 1622 and 1632, respectively. The operations of the sensors 162 and 163 are the same as those of the sensor 161.

[0059] Next, the plate 164 on which the sensors 161, 162, and 163 are placed will be described. The plate 164 includes a light-emitting unit placement portion 1641, a light-receiving unit placement portion 1642, and an opening 1643. The light-emitting units 1611, 1621, and 1631 of the sensors 161, 162, and 163 are arranged on the light-emitting unit placement portion 1641. The light-receiving units 1612, 1622, and 1632 of the sensors 161, 162, and 163 are arranged on the light-receiving unit placement portion 1642. The light-emitting unit placement portion 1641 and the light-receiving unit placement portion 1642 are arranged with the opening 1643 sandwiched between them. In this way, the upper portions of the openings 1643 of the plate 164 become the sensor detection ranges of the sensors 161, 162, and 163, respectively. The liquid material discharged from the discharge port 526 of the container 500 passes through the opening 1643 and is discharged from the extraction port 106 .

[0060] In this embodiment, the light-emitting unit and light-receiving unit of the sensor are placed at different locations on plate 164, such as light-emitting unit placement portion 1641 and light-receiving unit placement portion 1642, but the placement of the light-receiving unit and light-emitting unit may be changed as long as the sensor is placed so that the sensor detection area of ​​the sensor is above opening 1643. For example, the light-emitting unit, light-receiving unit, and light-emitting unit of the sensor may be placed in this order on one side of opening 1643, and the corresponding light-receiving unit, light-emitting unit, and light-receiving unit of the sensor may be placed in this order on the other side.

[0061] Next, the cam plate 165 that moves the plate 164 will be described.

[0062] Cam plate 165 has inclined groove 1651 formed in an oblique direction and lateral groove 1652 formed in the horizontal direction. Protrusion 1342 protruding from sliding member 134 of discharge mechanism 130 is fitted into inclined groove 1651. Protrusion 1351 protruding from fixed member 135 of discharge mechanism 130 is fitted into lateral groove 1652. In addition, the upper part of cam plate 165 is held by retaining member 1352 protruding from fixed member 135 of discharge mechanism 130 to prevent it from moving upward.

[0063] When the liquid discharge device 100 discharges a liquid material, the sliding member 134 of the discharge mechanism 130 slides upward. As the sliding member 134 slides upward, the protrusion 1342 of the sliding member 134 moves upward. Because the protrusion 1342 is fitted into the inclined groove 1651 of the cam plate 165, when the protrusion 1342 moves upward, it moves along the inclined groove 1651 of the cam plate 165. The movement of the cam plate 165 in the up and down direction is limited by the protrusion 1351 of the fixing member 135 fitted into the horizontal groove 1652 and the retaining member 1352. Therefore, when the protrusion 1342 moves upward, it moves along the inclined groove 1651 of the cam plate 165, and the cam plate 165 moves laterally, i.e., in a direction intersecting with the discharge direction of the liquid material. The plate 164 then moves laterally, i.e., in a direction intersecting with the discharge direction of the liquid material. As a result, the sensors 161, 162, and 163 provided on the plate 164 move horizontally, that is, in a direction intersecting the direction in which the liquid is discharged from the discharge port 526 of the container 500 (discharge direction), and in the same direction as the direction in which the sensors 161, 162, and 163 are aligned.

[0064] The cam plate 165 and the discharge mechanism 130 are an example of a detector moving part. The discharge detection device 160 is an example of a liquid material detection device.

[0065] In this way, the discharge detection device 160 of this embodiment is linked to the discharge mechanism 130 that discharges the liquid material from the container 500, more specifically, the sliding member 134 that presses the push button 522 of the container 500 to discharge the liquid material, and the plate 164.

[0066] Next, we will explain the discharge detection device control unit 166. The discharge detection device control unit 166 controls the discharge detection device 160. The discharge detection device control unit 166 includes an overall control unit 1661, a light emission control unit 1662, a data acquisition unit 1663, a data processing unit 1664, and a storage unit 1665.

[0067] The overall control unit 1661 controls the entire discharge detection device control unit 166 .

[0068] The light emission control unit 1662 controls the light emission of the light emitting units 1611, 1621, and 1631 of the sensors 161, 162, and 163, respectively.

[0069] The data acquisition unit 1663 acquires data on the intensity of received light from the light receiving units 1612, 1622, and 1632 of the sensors 161, 162, and 163, respectively.

[0070] The data processing unit 1664 processes the intensity data of the light receiving units 1612 , 1622 , and 1632 acquired by the data acquisition unit 1663 , and determines whether or not the liquid material has been discharged from the discharge port 526 of the container 500 .

[0071] The storage unit 1665 stores data etc. For example, the storage unit 1665 stores the intensity data of the light receiving units 1612, 1622, and 1632 acquired by the data acquisition unit 1663.

[0072] <Discharge detection process of the liquid material discharge device 100> <Effects of liquid contamination> Here, we will explain the influence of the sensors 161, 162, and 163 when the liquid discharged from the discharge port 526 of the container 500 adheres to the light-emitting parts 1611, 1621, and 1631 and the light-receiving parts 1612, 1622, and 1632. Note that the light-emitting parts 1611, 1621, and 1631 and the light-receiving parts 1612, 1622, and 1632 may be soiled by other means than the liquid, such as soiling caused by dirt on the hands or dust in the air, but the following will focus on soiling caused by the liquid.

[0073] FIG. 11 shows detection signal data acquired by the data acquisition unit 1663 when no liquid material is attached to the light-emitting units 1611, 1621, 1631 or light-receiving units 1612, 1622, 1632 of the sensors 161, 162, 163, i.e., when there is no liquid material contamination.

[0074] When no liquid material is attached to the sensors 161, 162, 163, the data (baseline) acquired by the data acquisition unit 1663 when no liquid material is being discharged from the discharge port 526 of the container 500 is a value that is sufficiently small compared to the threshold value. Therefore, by performing threshold processing using this threshold value, it is possible to detect the presence or absence of liquid material being discharged from the discharge port 526 of the container 500.

[0075] FIG. 12 shows data acquired by the data acquisition unit 1663 when the light-emitting elements 1611, 1621, 1631 and the light-receiving elements 1612, 1622, 1632 of the sensors 161, 162, 163 have liquid attached thereto, that is, when they are soiled with liquid.

[0076] When the liquid material is attached to the sensors 161, 162, and 163, the data (baseline) acquired by the data acquisition unit 1663 when no liquid material is being discharged from the discharge port 526 of the container 500 is greater than the threshold value. Therefore, if threshold processing is performed using the threshold value when no liquid material is attached to the sensors 161, 162, and 163, it will be erroneously detected that the liquid material has been discharged from the discharge port 526 of the container 500, even when no liquid material is being discharged from the discharge port 526 of the container 500.

[0077] In the discharge detection device 160 of this embodiment, processing is performed so that normal detection can be performed even when a liquid material adheres to the sensors 161, 162, and 163. The processing of the discharge detection device 160 will be described.

[0078] <First processing example> A first processing example of the liquid material discharge device 100 of this embodiment will be described. Fig. 13 is a flowchart of the first processing example of the liquid material discharge device 100 of this embodiment. In the first processing example, the threshold value of the threshold processing is changed.

[0079] <Step S110> The liquid material discharge device 100 of this embodiment first performs a discharge detection process in a state where no liquid material is discharged from the discharge port 526 of the container 500 (blank discharge state).

[0080] The control device 140 of the liquid material discharge device 100 controls the discharge control unit 144 to stop the operation of the discharge mechanism 130.

[0081] The overall control unit 1661 instructs the light emission control unit 1662 to cause the light emitters 1611, 1621, and 1631 to emit light. The light emission control unit 1662 causes the light emitters 1611, 1621, and 1631 to emit light. The light emitters 1611, 1621, and 1631 emit light, and the light is directed toward the light receiving units 1612, 1622, and 1632. The light receiving units 1612, 1622, and 1632 receive the light emitted by the corresponding light emitters 1611, 1621, and 1631, and output the received light detection signals to the data acquisition unit 1663.

[0082] The data acquisition unit 1663 acquires the detection signals from the light receiving units 1612 , 1622 , and 1632 and outputs them to the data processing unit 1664 .

[0083] <Step S120> The liquid material discharge device 100 of this embodiment then calculates a threshold value for detecting discharge.

[0084] The data processing unit 1664 calculates a baseline, which is the intensity of the detection signal when no liquid is ejected, from the result detected in step S110. Since no liquid is ejected in step S110, the detection result in step S110 becomes the baseline.

[0085] Then, a threshold value is set so that the baseline detection signal can be subjected to threshold processing. For example, a value obtained by offsetting the baseline by a certain intensity is set as the threshold value.

[0086] <Step S130> Next, the liquid material discharge device 100 of this embodiment performs a discharge detection process while the liquid material is being discharged from the discharge port 526 of the container 500 .

[0087] The control device 140 of the liquid material discharge device 100 controls the discharge control section 144 to operate the discharge mechanism 130 and discharge the liquid material from the discharge port 526 of the container 500 .

[0088] The overall control unit 1661 instructs the light emission control unit 1662 to cause the light emitters 1611, 1621, and 1631 to emit light in synchronization with the discharge timing of the liquid material. The light emission control unit 1662 causes the light emitters 1611, 1621, and 1631 to emit light. The light emitters 1611, 1621, and 1631 emit light and radiate the light toward the light receiving units 1612, 1622, and 1632. The light receiving units 1612, 1622, and 1632 receive the light emitted by the corresponding light emitters 1611, 1621, and 1631 and output detection signals of the received light to the data acquisition unit 1663.

[0089] The data acquisition unit 1663 acquires the detection signals from the light receiving units 1612 , 1622 , and 1632 and outputs them to the data processing unit 1664 .

[0090] The data processing unit 1664 uses the threshold value calculated in step S120 to perform threshold processing on the detection signals from the light receiving units 1612, 1622, and 1632, and detects whether or not the liquid is being discharged.

[0091] By carrying out the above-described processing, even if the liquid adheres to the sensors 161, 162, and 163, it is possible to detect the discharge of the liquid.

[0092] <Second processing example> A second processing example of the liquid material discharge device 100 of this embodiment will be described. Fig. 14 is a flowchart of the second processing example of the liquid material discharge device 100 of this embodiment. In the second processing example, processing is performed using the difference between when liquid material is discharged and when it is not.

[0093] <Step S210> The liquid material discharge device 100 of this embodiment first performs a discharge detection process in a state where no liquid material is discharged from the discharge port 526 of the container 500 (blank discharge state).

[0094] The control device 140 of the liquid material discharge device 100 controls the discharge control unit 144 to stop the operation of the discharge mechanism 130.

[0095] The overall control unit 1661 instructs the light emission control unit 1662 to cause the light emitters 1611, 1621, and 1631 to emit light. The light emission control unit 1662 causes the light emitters 1611, 1621, and 1631 to emit light. The light emitters 1611, 1621, and 1631 emit light, and the light is directed toward the light receiving units 1612, 1622, and 1632. The light receiving units 1612, 1622, and 1632 receive the light emitted by the corresponding light emitters 1611, 1621, and 1631, and output the received light detection signals to the data acquisition unit 1663.

[0096] The data acquisition unit 1663 acquires the detection signals from the light receiving units 1612 , 1622 , and 1632 and outputs them to the data processing unit 1664 .

[0097] <Step S220> The liquid material discharge device 100 of this embodiment then stores the detection signals of the light receiving sections 1612, 1622, and 1632.

[0098] The data processing unit 1664 stores in the storage unit 1665 the detection signals of the light receiving units 1612, 1622, and 1632 detected in step S210.

[0099] <Step S230> Next, the liquid material discharge device 100 of this embodiment performs a discharge detection process while the liquid material is being discharged from the discharge port 526 of the container 500 .

[0100] The control device 140 of the liquid material discharge device 100 controls the discharge control section 144 to operate the discharge mechanism 130 and discharge the liquid material from the discharge port 526 of the container 500 .

[0101] The overall control unit 1661 instructs the light emission control unit 1662 to cause the light emitters 1611, 1621, and 1631 to emit light in synchronization with the discharge timing of the liquid material. The light emission control unit 1662 causes the light emitters 1611, 1621, and 1631 to emit light. The light emitters 1611, 1621, and 1631 emit light and radiate the light toward the light receiving units 1612, 1622, and 1632. The light receiving units 1612, 1622, and 1632 receive the light emitted by the corresponding light emitters 1611, 1621, and 1631 and output detection signals of the received light to the data acquisition unit 1663.

[0102] The data acquisition unit 1663 acquires the detection signals from the light receiving units 1612 , 1622 , and 1632 and outputs them to the data processing unit 1664 .

[0103] The data processing unit 1664 calculates the difference between the detection signals of the light receiving units 1612, 1622, 1632 and the detection signals of the light receiving units 1612, 1622, 1632 stored in the memory unit 1665 when no liquid is being ejected (blank ejection state).

[0104] If the calculated difference is greater than a predetermined threshold, the ejection of the liquid material is detected. Note that the detection may be performed by thresholding the maximum value of the difference.

[0105] By carrying out the above-described processing, even if the liquid adheres to the sensors 161, 162, and 163, it is possible to detect the discharge of the liquid.

[0106] <Third processing example> A third processing example of the liquid material discharge device 100 of this embodiment will be described. Fig. 15 is a flowchart of the third processing example of the liquid material discharge device 100 of this embodiment. In the third processing example, the difference between when the liquid material is discharged and when it is not discharged is further integrated and processed.

[0107] In the liquid material discharge device 100 of this embodiment, the sensors 161, 162, and 163 move (scan) in a direction intersecting the direction in which the liquid material is discharged (discharge direction). For example, if there is protective glass or the like, the baseline value may differ depending on the location to which the sensors move.

[0108] For example, Fig. 16 shows the detection results of one of the sensors 161, 162, and 163 (for example, sensor 161) of the liquid material discharge device 100 of this embodiment. Fig. 16(A) shows the detection results when no liquid material is discharged from the discharge port 526 of the container 500 (blank discharge state). From the results of Fig. 16(A), when a single scan is performed, the detection signal is large near the center, which suggests that there is contamination such as adhesion of liquid material near the center. An example of processing when the degree of contamination varies depending on the location will be described.

[0109] <Step S310> The liquid material discharge device 100 of this embodiment first performs a discharge detection process in a state where no liquid material is discharged from the discharge port 526 of the container 500 (blank discharge state).

[0110] The control device 140 of the liquid material discharge device 100 controls the rotation control unit 143 and the discharge control unit 144 to prevent the liquid material from being discharged from the discharge port 526 of the container 500 while scanning the sensors 161, 162, and 163. Specifically, the discharge control unit 144 is controlled to perform a discharge operation when the container 500 is at a position other than the discharge position PosA. In the liquid material discharge device 100 of this embodiment, the discharge of the liquid and the movement of the sensor are linked. Therefore, by performing a discharge operation when the container 500 is at a position other than the discharge position PosA, the sensor can be moved while preventing the liquid material from being discharged from the discharge port 526 of the container 500.

[0111] The overall control unit 1661 instructs the light emission control unit 1662 to cause the light emitters 1611, 1621, and 1631 to emit light. The light emission control unit 1662 causes the light emitters 1611, 1621, and 1631 to emit light. The light emitters 1611, 1621, and 1631 emit light, and the light is directed toward the light receiving units 1612, 1622, and 1632. The light receiving units 1612, 1622, and 1632 receive the light emitted by the corresponding light emitters 1611, 1621, and 1631, and output the received light detection signals to the data acquisition unit 1663.

[0112] The data acquisition unit 1663 acquires the detection signals from the light receiving units 1612 , 1622 , and 1632 and outputs them to the data processing unit 1664 .

[0113] <Step S320> The liquid material discharge device 100 of this embodiment then stores the detection signals of the light receiving sections 1612, 1622, and 1632.

[0114] The data processing unit 1664 stores in the storage unit 1665 the detection signals of the light receiving units 1612, 1622, and 1632 detected in step S310.

[0115] <Step S330> Next, the liquid material discharge device 100 of this embodiment performs a discharge detection process while the liquid material is being discharged from the discharge port 526 of the container 500 .

[0116] The control device 140 of the liquid material discharge device 100 controls the discharge control section 144 to operate the discharge mechanism 130 and discharge the liquid material from the discharge port 526 of the container 500 .

[0117] The overall control unit 1661 instructs the light emission control unit 1662 to cause the light emitters 1611, 1621, and 1631 to emit light in synchronization with the discharge timing of the liquid material. The light emission control unit 1662 causes the light emitters 1611, 1621, and 1631 to emit light. The light emitters 1611, 1621, and 1631 emit light and radiate the light toward the light receiving units 1612, 1622, and 1632. The light receiving units 1612, 1622, and 1632 receive the light emitted by the corresponding light emitters 1611, 1621, and 1631 and output detection signals of the received light to the data acquisition unit 1663.

[0118] The data acquisition unit 1663 acquires the detection signals from the light receiving units 1612 , 1622 , and 1632 and outputs them to the data processing unit 1664 .

[0119] The data processing unit 1664 calculates the difference between the detection signals of the light receiving units 1612, 1622, 1632 and the detection signals of the light receiving units 1612, 1622, 1632 stored in the memory unit 1665 when no liquid is being ejected (blank ejection state).

[0120] The calculated differences are then integrated, and if the integration result is greater than a predetermined threshold, the ejection of the liquid material is detected. Figure 16(B) shows the detection result when the liquid material is being ejected from the ejection port 526 of the container 500. The shaded area is the area where the detection signal has increased due to the liquid material. In the third processing example, the ejection is detected by integrating the shaded area.

[0121] The sensors 161, 162, and 163 are examples of a detection unit.

[0122] <Actions and Effects> By performing the processing as described above, even if liquid material is attached to sensors 161, 162, and 163, the ejection of liquid material can be detected more accurately by using the difference between the detection result when no liquid material is ejected and the detection result when the liquid material is ejected.

[0123] Furthermore, even if the state of adhesion of the liquid differs at the location scanned by the sensor, the discharge of the liquid can be detected by integrating the value obtained by calculating the difference.

[0124] In the liquid material discharge system 1 of this embodiment, the server device 300 manages the state of the liquid material discharge device 100. For example, it manages the remaining amount of liquid material stored in the container 500 of the liquid material discharge device 100. By using the discharge detection device 160 of this embodiment, it is possible to accurately manage the remaining amount by detecting that the liquid material has been discharged.

[0125] Although the present invention has been described above based on the embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims.

[0126] For example, the number of sensors in the discharge detection device 160 is not limited to three. The number of sensors in the discharge detection device 160 may be two, or may be four or more.

[0127] Furthermore, when the size of the baseline becomes large, an instruction may be given to clean the sensor part of the liquid material detection device 160 or to perform maintenance on the liquid material discharge device 100. Furthermore, in the third processing example, when there is almost no difference between the detection results in Figure 16(A) and Figure 16(B), an instruction may be given to clean the sensor part of the liquid material detection device 160 or to perform maintenance on the liquid material discharge device 100. [Explanation of symbols]

[0128] 100 Liquid material ejection device 130 Discharge mechanism 160 Discharge detection device 161 Sensors 162 Sensors 163 Sensors 164 plates 165 Cam plate 500 containers 1664 Data Processing Unit

Claims

1. a discharge mechanism that causes the liquid material to be discharged from the liquid material discharge unit by pressing a push button provided on the liquid material discharge unit; a detection unit that detects the liquid material discharged by the liquid material discharge unit; a detector moving unit that moves the detector in a direction intersecting the discharge direction of the liquid material; a data processing unit; a control device; Equipped with The control device operates the discharge mechanism, causing the liquid material discharge unit to discharge the liquid material, the detection unit moving unit includes a plate on which the detection unit is placed and a cam plate that moves the plate, the discharge mechanism includes a sliding member that presses the push button; the cam plate has a groove into which a protrusion provided on the sliding member is fitted, When the discharge mechanism moves the sliding member to discharge the liquid material from the liquid material discharge portion, the protrusion moves along the groove, thereby moving the cam plate in the intersecting direction, The data processing unit determines whether the liquid material is discharged from the liquid material discharge unit when the control device is operating the discharge mechanism, using a difference between a detection result detected by the detection unit when the control device is stopping the operation of the discharge mechanism and a detection result detected by the detection unit when the control device is operating the discharge mechanism. A liquid material detection device characterized by:

2. a rotary table that accommodates a liquid material discharge unit; a discharge mechanism that discharges the liquid material from the liquid material discharge unit when the liquid material discharge unit is in a discharge position; a detection unit that detects the liquid material discharged by the liquid material discharge unit; a detector moving unit that moves the detector in a direction intersecting the discharge direction of the liquid material; a data processing unit; a rotation control device for controlling the rotation of the rotary table; A discharge control device; Equipped with The discharge control device operates the discharge mechanism, causing the liquid material discharge section to discharge the liquid material, and when the liquid material discharge section is at a position other than the discharge position, the discharge control device operates the discharge mechanism to prevent the liquid material discharge section from discharging the liquid material, The data processing unit calculates a difference between a detection result detected by the detection unit in a state in which the discharge control device is operating the discharge mechanism when the rotation control device has placed the liquid material discharge unit at a position other than the discharge position, and a detection result detected by the detection unit in a state in which the discharge control device is operating the discharge mechanism when the rotation control device has placed the liquid material discharge unit at the discharge position, and uses a result of integrating the calculated difference to determine whether the liquid material was discharged from the liquid material discharge unit when the rotation control device has placed the liquid material discharge unit at the discharge position and the discharge control device is operating the discharge mechanism. A liquid material detection device characterized by:

3. A plurality of the detecting units are provided in the intersecting direction.

3. The liquid material detection device according to claim 1, wherein the liquid material is a liquid material.

4. A liquid detection device that includes a hand insertion section and detects a hand inserted into the hand insertion section to detect a liquid cosmetic material being dispensed, a discharge mechanism for discharging the liquid material from the liquid material discharge unit; a detection unit that detects the liquid material discharged by the liquid material discharge unit; a data processing unit; a control device; Equipped with The control device operates the discharge mechanism, causing the liquid material discharge unit to discharge the liquid material, The data processing unit determines whether the liquid material is discharged from the liquid material discharge unit when the control device is operating the discharge mechanism, using a difference between a detection result detected by the detection unit when the control device is stopping the operation of the discharge mechanism and a detection result detected by the detection unit when the control device is operating the discharge mechanism. A liquid material detection device characterized by:

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