Capping device and discharging device

Abstract

This cap device is used in a discharge device provided with a discharge head for discharging a liquid material from a nozzle, wherein the cap device comprises: a wet cap body that includes a fixing section which abuts the nozzle in a wet state, and that caps the nozzle; and a cap supporting part that positions the wet cap body and that removably supports the wet cap body.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] Disclosed herein are capping devices and dispensing devices. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, for example, a three-dimensional printer that ejects and solidifies a liquid has been proposed, which is an ejection device equipped with an ejection head that ejects a liquid containing a solvent from a nozzle surface, and which includes a capping member that caps the nozzle surface of the ejection head and a wiping member that wipes the nozzle surface of the ejection head, the capping member being capable of retaining the solvent inside and / or on its surface and capping the nozzle surface while retaining the solvent, and the wiping member being capable of retaining the solvent inside and / or on its surface and wiping the nozzle surface while retaining the solvent (see, for example, Patent Document 1). This device is said to provide good ejection performance without purging, and to be able to maintain a good nozzle surface and ejection state for a long period of time even when the ejected liquid contains high-hardness fine particles. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-18408 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, while the above-mentioned Patent Document 1 takes into consideration the use of a capping member to maintain the state of the nozzles, it does not take into consideration the ease of maintenance of the capping member, and there is a need to further improve the ease of maintenance. Furthermore, there is a problem with capping devices in that if maintenance is not performed sufficiently, it may not be possible to maintain the nozzles in an appropriate state.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of such problems, and has as its main object to provide a capping device and a discharging device that can further improve maintainability. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The capping device and the discharging device disclosed in this specification employ the following means to achieve the above-mentioned main object.

[0007] The capping device of the present disclosure comprises: A capping device used in a discharge device having a discharge head that discharges a liquid material from a nozzle, a wet cap body having a fixing portion that contacts the nozzle in a wet state and caps the nozzle; a cap support portion that positions the wet cap body and detachably supports the wet cap body; It is equipped with the following.

[0008] In this capping device, the wet cap body can be removed from the cap support, and maintenance work on the wet cap body can be performed in the removed state. Therefore, this capping device can be more easily maintained. Furthermore, by improving the ease of maintenance, this capping device can be used to manage the nozzle in a more appropriate state. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic explanatory diagram showing an example of a production system 10 and a three-dimensional printer 11. FIG. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic explanatory diagram of the capping device 50 during dry capping. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a schematic explanatory diagram of the capping device 50 during wet capping. [Figure 4] FIG. 3 is a schematic explanatory diagram of a wet cap portion 60. [Figure 5] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of the assembled state of the wet cap portion 60. [Figure 6]5A to 5C are explanatory diagrams showing an example of the operation of the capping device 50. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a capping process routine. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a wet cap maintenance processing routine. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] This embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a production system 10 including a three-dimensional printer 11 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a capping device 50 during dry capping. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating the capping device 50 during wet capping. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a wet cap unit 60, with FIG. 4A showing an assembled state and FIG. 4B showing an exploded perspective view. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an assembled state of the wet cap unit 60, with FIG. 5A being an exploded view, FIG. 5B being a normal assembled view, FIG. 5C being a view illustrating an insufficient assembly of the wet cap main body 65, and FIG. 5D being a view illustrating an insufficient assembly of the fixing portion 61. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation of the capping device 50, with FIG. 6A being a view illustrating an operation during dry capping, FIG. 6B being a view illustrating an operation during wet capping, and FIG. 6C being a view illustrating an intermediate position. In this embodiment, the left-right direction (X-axis), the front-rear direction (Y-axis), and the up-down direction (Z-axis) are as shown in FIGS. 1 to 6.

[0011] The production system 10 is configured as a production line in which a 3D printer 11 forms a three-dimensional object as a first process, forms predetermined components on the three-dimensional object as a second process, and then a mounting device 15 mounts components. The 3D printer 11 may form a circuit pattern as a second process, and the mounting device 15 may mount components at predetermined positions on the circuit pattern. The production system 10 may be configured only with the 3D printer 11 without the mounting device 15, or may include one or more mounting-related devices in addition to the mounting device 15, such as a printing device that prints solder as a viscous fluid, a printing inspection device that inspects the printing results, a mounting inspection device that inspects the mounting results, a transport device that transports the formed three-dimensional object, and a reflow device that performs a reflow process. The mounting device 15 is a device that mounts components on the three-dimensional object formed by the 3D printer 11.

[0012] The three-dimensional printer 11 is a device for forming a three-dimensional object. The material to be formed is not particularly limited, and examples include resin and ceramics. The three-dimensional printer 11 includes a control unit 20, a memory unit 23, a transport processing unit 26, an operation panel 27, a communication unit 28, a first processing unit 30, and a second processing unit 40. Here, the three-dimensional printer 11 will be mainly described as a device that forms a three-dimensional object using the first processing unit 30 and then executes a process of forming a circuit pattern on the formed three-dimensional object using the second processing unit 40.

[0013] The control unit 20 is configured as a microprocessor centered on a CPU 21, and controls the entire 3D printer 11. The control unit 20 exchanges information with the memory unit 23, transport processing unit 26, operation panel 27, communication unit 28, first processing unit 30, and second processing unit 40. The memory unit 23 is a large-capacity storage medium, and is configured, for example, by an HDD or flash memory. The memory unit 23 stores modeling information 24 and circuit information 25. The modeling information 24 includes information such as the shape and size of the three-dimensional object to be manufactured. The circuit information 25 includes information such as the circuit pattern to be formed on the three-dimensional object. The 3D printer 11 performs operations based on the information stored in the memory unit 23.

[0014] The transport processing unit 26 performs processing to move and fix the pallet 12 on which the product is placed. As shown in Fig. 1, the transport processing unit 26 grips the pallet 12 and moves it in the X-axis direction, and also moves it in the Y-axis direction along a guide. The transport processing unit 26 also scans the pallet 12 in the Y-axis direction when parts are formed in the first processing unit 30 and the second processing unit 40.

[0015] The operation panel 27 is a unit that accepts input from the worker W and presents information to the worker W. The operation panel 27 is disposed on the front of the printing device 11 and includes a display unit and an operation unit with a touch panel and buttons. The communication unit 28 is an interface used when communicating with external devices such as the mounting device 15 and a management device (not shown). Each device in the production system 10 exchanges information via the communication unit 28.

[0016] The first processing unit 30 is a modeling unit that ejects a liquid material to be solidified and then solidifies it to form a three-dimensional object. The first processing unit 30 includes a first head moving unit 31, a first head 32, a first head maintenance unit 34, a solidification processing unit 35, a flattening unit 36, and a cap unit 37. The first head moving unit 31 includes a slider that moves along the X-axis direction while guided by a guide rail, and a motor that drives the slider. The slider is equipped with a first head 32, which moves along the X-axis direction in conjunction with the movement of the slider. The first head 32 is a modeling head that ejects the liquid material and forms a three-dimensional object. A first nozzle 33 that ejects the liquid material is formed on the underside of the first head 32. The liquid material ejected by the first nozzle 33 can be, for example, a liquid resin that solidifies when exposed to ultraviolet light, or a slurry in which a solvent is mixed with a solid material such as an inorganic substance.

[0017] The first head maintenance unit 34 is a unit that cleans the first head 32. The first head maintenance unit 34 may be equipped with, for example, a cleaning member such as wipe paper, and may wipe and clean the vicinity of the first nozzle 33. The first head maintenance unit 34 performs a cleaning process periodically or as appropriate depending on the degree of dirt on the first head 32. The solidification processing unit 35 is a unit that performs a predetermined process on the liquid material dispensed onto the pallet 12 to solidify it. When the first head 32 dispenses a liquid resin that is solidified by ultraviolet light, the solidification processing unit 35 is a unit that irradiates ultraviolet light. When the first head 32 dispenses a liquid resin that is solidified by ultraviolet light, the solidification processing unit 35 is a unit that irradiates ultraviolet light. When the first head 32 dispenses a liquid material that is solidified by drying and baking, the solidification processing unit 35 may be a unit that performs drying and baking. The solidification unit 35 moves and receives the pallet 12 each time a layer of a three-dimensional object is formed on the pallet 12 by the first head 32, and solidifies the layer. The flattening unit 36 ​​is a unit that flattens the liquid material dispensed onto the pallet 12. This flattening unit 36 ​​may, for example, flatten the contour of the dispensed material by scanning a flattening blade in the Y-axis direction. The capping unit 37 is a unit that seals the first nozzle 33 when the device is not used for a long period of time or when there is a predetermined gap during modeling. This capping unit 37 is a dry cap mechanism that keeps the sealing space, described below, dry. For example, when the first head 32 dispenses a resin that is hardened by ultraviolet light, this resin does not solidify in air and remains liquid, so a dry cap is sufficient to seal the first nozzle 33. On the other hand, if the liquid material is a slurry in which a solid material is mixed with a solvent, the first nozzle 33 may become stuck due to drying, so it is preferable that the cap portion 37 be configured in the same manner as the cap device 50 described below, which is equipped with a wet cap.

[0018] The second processing unit 40 is a dispensing unit that dispenses a liquid material to be solidified by the first processing unit 30, solidifies the liquid material, and forms a predetermined material on the surface of a three-dimensional object. The second processing unit 40 includes a second head moving unit 41, a second head 42, a second head maintenance unit 44, a heating unit 45, and a capping device 50. The first head moving unit 31 includes a slider that moves along the X-axis direction while guided by a guide rail, and a motor that drives the slider. The second head 42 is attached to the slider, and the second head 42 moves along the X-axis direction as the slider moves. The second head 42 is a dispensing head that dispenses the liquid material to form a circuit pattern, etc. A second nozzle 43 that dispenses the liquid material is formed on the underside of the second head 42. The liquid material dispensed by the second nozzle 43 can be, for example, a mixed liquid obtained by mixing a solid material with a solvent, or a solution obtained by dissolving a resin in a solvent. The liquid material for forming the circuit pattern may be, for example, a mixed liquid in which metal powder as a conductive material is dispersed in an organic solvent.

[0019] The second head maintenance unit 44 has the same mechanism as the first head maintenance unit 34, and therefore its description will be omitted. The heat treatment unit 45 is a unit that performs a process of drying the solvent contained in the liquid material formed on the surface of the three-dimensional object. The heat treatment unit 45 may store and dry the pallet 12 after all circuit patterns have been formed by the second head 42, or may store and dry the pallet 12 each time a portion of a circuit pattern is formed by the second head 42.

[0020] The capping device 50 is used in a discharge device equipped with a discharge head that discharges a liquid material from a nozzle, such as the first head 32 or the second head 42. The capping device 50 is a unit that seals the second nozzle 43 when the device is not in use for an extended period of time or when there is a predetermined gap during circuit pattern formation. The capping device 50 includes a dry cap unit 51 that performs short-term sealing and a wet cap unit 60 that prevents the second nozzle 43 from drying out by contacting a wetted fixing unit 61 with the second nozzle 43, allowing for selective capping depending on the situation. The capping device 50 seals the second nozzle 43 of the second head 42 and includes the dry cap unit 51, the wet cap unit 60, an elevation movement unit 81, and an engagement unit 83, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 .

[0021] The dry cap unit 51 is a unit that seals the second nozzle 43 to prevent it from drying out for a short period of time. The dry cap unit 51 is disposed between the second nozzle 43 and the wet cap body 65 along the capping direction C, which caps the second nozzle 43. The capping direction C is defined as the Z-axis direction. Since the second head 42 does not have a movement mechanism in the Y-axis or Z-axis directions, the capping device 50 uses the lifting / lowering unit 81 to move the dry cap unit 51 and the wet cap unit 60 up and down to contact and seal the second head 42. The dry cap unit 51 includes a dry cap body 51a, a sealing unit 52, a lid member 54, a retraction unit 55, and a stopper 59. The dry cap unit 51 does not include the fixing unit 61 that maintains the wet state of the wet cap unit 60.

[0022] The dry cap main body 51a is a plate-shaped member and is disposed at the top of the device. A sealing portion 52 is formed on the upper surface of the dry cap main body 51a. The sealing portion 52 is a portion that abuts against the vicinity of the second nozzle 43 to seal it. A groove-shaped space is formed along the X-axis direction on the lower surface of the second nozzle 43, and when the sealing portion 52 abuts against the lower surface of the second head 42, the second nozzle 43 is sealed. A sealing member 53 serving as a packing made of an elastic material such as resin or rubber is disposed on the edge of the sealing portion 52. The sealing portion 52 is disposed on the upper surface of the dry cap main body 51a so as to be parallel to the abutting surface, which is the lower surface of the second head 42.

[0023] The lid member 54 is a flat plate-shaped member disposed on the back side of the dry cap body 51a, i.e., on the underside of the sealing portion 52. The lid member 54 abuts against the wet cap body 65 to close it when the wet cap unit 60 is not in use. The lid member 54 moves together with the dry cap body 51a as the dry cap body 51a moves by the retracting portion 55.

[0024] The retracting unit 55 retracts the dry cap unit 51 in a direction different from the capping direction C, for example, a direction intersecting the capping direction C. The retracting unit 55 moves the dry cap unit 51 in the Y-axis direction, which is perpendicular to the Z-axis direction, which is the capping direction C. When the retracting unit 55 retracts the dry cap unit 51 to the retracted position (see FIG. 3), the second nozzle 43 can be sealed by the wet cap unit 60. The retracting unit 55 includes a support unit 56, a slide unit 57, and a drive unit 58. The support unit 56 is a rectangular parallelepiped member disposed on the left and right sides of the device, and a stay is disposed on the upper surface. The dry cap main body 51a is fixed by spanning the left and right stays. The support unit 56 is slidably connected to the slide unit 57 fixed to the intermediate support unit 82, and slides in the Y-axis direction together with the dry cap main body 51a. The drive unit 58 moves the support unit 56 along the Y-axis direction between the closed position (FIG. 2) and the retracted position (FIG. 3) of the wet cap unit 60. The drive unit 58 is an air cylinder that receives pressure from a pressure supply unit (not shown) to move the dry cap unit 51. A stopper 59 is also provided on the support unit 56. The stopper 59 is a C-shaped member fixed to the underside of the support unit 56, and when the support unit 56 is in the closed position, the plate-shaped body of the intermediate support unit 82 is inserted into the C-shaped space. The stopper 59 allows the dry cap unit 51 and the wet cap unit 60 to move up and down together.

[0025] The wet cap unit 60 is a unit that seals the second nozzle 43 to prevent it from drying out over a relatively long period of time. The wet cap unit 60 seals the second nozzle 43 with the fixing unit 61 in a wet state in contact with the second nozzle 43, thereby preventing the second nozzle 43 from drying out and resulting nozzle clogging. The wet cap unit 60 is disposed directly below the dry cap unit 51. The wet cap unit 60 includes the fixing unit 61, a sealing unit 62, a wet cap main body 65, a cap support unit 70, and a detection unit 72.

[0026] The fixing portion 61 is a thin, vertically extending plate-like member that abuts against the second nozzle 43 while the second nozzle 43 is sealed to prevent the second nozzle 43 from drying out (see FIG. 4). A fabric member for holding a liquid is fixed to the upper side of the fixing portion 61. The fixing portion 61 is detached from the wet cap body 65 by an operator in response to deterioration of the fabric member or the like, and is subjected to maintenance work such as replacing the fabric member. The fixing portion 61 is detachably attached to the wet cap body 65 and includes positioning portions 64 that are positioned relative to the wet cap body 65. The positioning portions 64 are, for example, multiple rod-shaped members formed of metal and are disposed below the fixing portion 61. The positioning portions 64 are inserted through passage openings 66 (see FIG. 5) in the wet cap body 65 up to the cap support portion 70. By inserting the positioning portions 64 into the passage openings 66, the fixing portion 61 is positioned so as to abut against the second nozzle 43. 3, the sealing portion 62 is disposed on the upper surface of the wet cap body 65, and a sealing member 63 similar to the sealing member 53 is disposed on the edge of the sealing portion 62. Note that the sealing portion 62 has the same configuration as the sealing portion 52, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0027] The wet cap body 65 has a fixing portion 61 that contacts the second nozzle 43 in a wet state and caps the second head 42. As shown in FIGS. 2 to 6, the wet cap body 65 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape with legs formed on the left and right sides. The wet cap body 65 is formed with a passage opening 66, a positioning hole 67, a groove 68, and an insertion opening 69. The passage opening 66 is a through-hole through which the positioning portion 64 is inserted and passes, and is used for positioning the fixing portion 61. As shown in FIG. 5, a sealing member 73 into which the positioning portion 64 is inserted is disposed in the passage opening 66 to prevent liquid from leaking from the wet cap body 65. The sealing member 73 may be an O-ring made of resin, rubber, or the like. The positioning hole 67 is a bottomed hole disposed on the underside of the leg of the wet cap body 65, and a positioning pin 71 disposed on the upper surface of the cap support portion 70 is inserted into the positioning hole 66. The wet cap body 65 is positioned at an accurate sealing position by a positioning hole 67 and a positioning pin 71. The grooves 68 are formed on the front and rear sides of the foot, and the bent portions of the fixing holder 74, which is a leaf spring, are fitted into the grooves 68. The grooves 68 are used to fix the wet cap body 65 to the cap support part 70. The insertion opening 69 is a groove formed along the X-axis direction, and is a space into which the fixing part 61 is inserted. A passage opening 66 is formed on the underside of the insertion opening 69.

[0028] The cap support portion 70 is a member that positions the wet cap body 65 and detachably supports the wet cap body 65. As shown in FIG. 4, the cap support portion 70 is a rectangular parallelepiped member with a recess formed in the center, and is supported by an intermediate support portion 82 in a state that allows it to move up and down. Two intermediate shafts 87 are fixed to the underside of the cap support portion 70. These intermediate shafts 87 extend through the intermediate support portion 82 and past engaging portions 83 disposed below. Restricting members 85 that engage with the engaging portions 83 are fixed to the tips of the intermediate shafts 87 (see FIG. 6). Positioning pins 71 that position the wet cap body 65 are provided upright on the upper surface of the cap support portion 70. Furthermore, leaf spring-shaped fixing holders 74 that fix the wet cap body 65 are disposed at the four corners of the cap support portion 70. In this wet cap part 60, the wet cap main body 65 can be removed with the fixing part 61 attached, and the fixing part 61 can be removed from the removed wet cap main body 65, making it easy for workers to perform maintenance work.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 5, a detection unit 72 that detects the attachment state of the fixing portion 61 and the wet cap body 65 is disposed inside the upper surface side of the cap support portion 70. This detection unit 72 detects the attachment state of the fixing portion 61 and the wet cap body 65 by detecting the tip of the positioning portion 64 disposed on the fixing portion 61. The detection unit 72 may be a non-contact sensor or a contact sensor. This detection unit 72 may be a metal detection sensor that detects metal without contact. As shown in FIG. 5, an operator removes the wet cap body 65 from the cap support portion 70 and then removes the fixing portion 61 to perform maintenance on the fixing portion 61 (FIG. 5A). After completing the maintenance work, the operator attaches the fixing portion 61 to the wet cap body 65 and then attaches the wet cap body 65 to the cap support portion 70. As shown in FIG. 5B, when the fixing portion 61 and the wet cap body 65 are properly attached, the tip of the positioning portion 64 is located near the detection portion 72, and the detection portion 72 can output a signal indicating that the attachment state is normal. On the other hand, when the fixing portion 61 is not properly attached (FIG. 5C) or when the wet cap body 65 is not properly attached (FIG. 5D), the detection portion 72 cannot detect the tip of the positioning portion 64 and cannot output a signal. In this way, the wet cap unit 60 employs a structure in which the positioning portion 64 disposed on the fixing portion 61 passes through the wet cap body 65 and reaches the cap support portion 70, and therefore the attachment state of the fixing portion 61 and the wet cap body 65 can be detected by the limited detection portion 72 without providing individual sensors for the fixing portion 61 and the wet cap body 65.

[0030] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the fixed base 80 is a member that mounts and supports each component of the capping device 50. A standing member 86 that supports each component is erected on the fixed base 80. An intermediate support member 82 is fixed to the standing member 86. The lifting / moving unit 81 is configured as a moving unit that moves the dry cap unit 51, the wet cap main body 65, and the second nozzle 43 toward and away from each other along the capping direction C. The lifting / moving unit 81 includes a first lifting / moving unit 81a and a second lifting / moving unit 81b. The first lifting / moving unit 81a is disposed below the standing member 86 and moves the moving shaft 81c up and down via cylinders disposed on the left and right sides of the intermediate support member 82. When the support member 56 is in the closed position (FIG. 2), the moving shaft 81c pushes up the stopper 59 from below, thereby pushing up the dry cap unit 51 and the wet cap unit 60 in the capping direction C. The second lifting / lowering unit 81b is disposed on the center side of the standing member 86, below the intermediate support unit 82. When the support unit 56 is in the retracted position (FIG. 3), the second lifting / lowering unit 81b pushes up the plate member 82a above the intermediate support unit 82, thereby pushing up only the wet cap unit 60 in the capping direction C. The capping device 50 is provided with a spring 75 that adjusts the pressing force of the dry cap body 51a and the wet cap body 65. The lifting / lowering unit 81 is not particularly limited as long as it is driven in one axial direction, but may be formed of, for example, an air cylinder, a linear motor, or a ball screw mechanism. The intermediate support unit 82 is a support plate consisting of two plate-shaped members arranged one above the other. The plate member 82a arranged above the intermediate support unit 82 is supported by the second lifting / lowering unit 81b so that it can be raised and lowered.

[0031] The engaging portion 83 moves between a predetermined engaging position and a predetermined passing position. At the engaging position, the engaging portion 83 engages with a restricting member 85, which is a portion of an intermediate shaft 87 disposed on the wet cap main body 65, to fix the wet cap main body 65 at an intermediate position (see FIG. 6C ) close to the second nozzle 43 without abutting the second nozzle 43. In the capping device 50, when the wet cap unit 60 is in the intermediate position, a liquid is ejected from the second nozzle 43 to wet the fixing portion 61. Note that the engaging portion 83 is not limited to the restricting member 85, as long as it fixes the wet cap main body 65 at the intermediate position. It may also engage with at least one of the lift-and-lower portion 81, the wet cap main body 65, or a member disposed on either of them at the engaging position. The engaging portion 83 is a U-shaped member with through grooves formed on both ends. As shown in FIG. 6 , the intermediate shaft 87 is inserted into the through grooves. The engagement drive unit 84 is fixed to the standing member 86, and moves the engagement unit 83 between an engagement position and a passing position. The engagement drive unit 84 moves the engagement unit 83 along the Y-axis direction. This engagement drive unit 84 is not particularly limited as long as it drives in one axial direction, but may be configured, for example, by an air cylinder, a linear motor, or a ball screw mechanism.

[0032] The operation of the capping device 50 will now be described with reference to FIG. 6. As shown in FIG. 6A, when the second nozzle 43 is sealed by the dry cap unit 51, the engagement portion 83 is in the passing position. As shown in FIG. 6B, when the second nozzle 43 is sealed by the wet cap unit 60, the dry cap unit 51 is in the retracted position and the engagement portion 83 is in the passing position, allowing the regulating member 85 to pass and bring the wet cap body 65 into contact with the second head 42. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 6C, when the wet cap body 65 is in the intermediate position, the engagement portion 83 moves to the locking position, and the regulating member 85 engages with the engagement portion 83, thereby fixing the wet cap unit 60 in the intermediate position.

[0033] First, we will explain the production process, including the modeling process and the circuit pattern formation method of the 3D printer 11 configured as described above. The production process routine for this process is stored in the memory unit 23 and is executed after the control unit 20 receives a command to execute the production process from the operator. When the production process routine starts, the CPU 21 of the control unit 20 first performs a process of transporting the pallet 12 to the first processing unit 30 using the transport processing unit 26 and fixing it there. Next, the CPU 21 controls the first head 32 and the transport processing unit 26 to dispense resin as a liquid material onto the pallet 12 so as to form a predetermined shape included in the modeling information 24. Next, the CPU 21 moves the pallet 12 to the solidification processing unit 35 and solidifies the resin. This dispensing process and solidification process are repeated to form a three-dimensional object. Next, the pallet 12 placed on the modeled three-dimensional object is transported to the second processing unit 40. The CPU 21 controls the second head 42 and the transport processing unit 26 to dispense the liquid material onto the modeled three-dimensional object based on the circuit pattern of the circuit information 25. Next, the CPU 21 moves the pallet 12 to the heating unit 45, where the liquid material is solidified. When a three-dimensional object on which a circuit pattern is formed is obtained in this manner, the CPU 21 ejects the pallet 12 from the apparatus.

[0034] Next, the operation of the capping device 50 will be described. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of a capping process routine executed by the CPU 21 of the control unit 20. This routine is stored in the memory unit 23 and executed after the capping device 50 is started. When this routine is executed, the CPU 21 determines whether it is time to dry cap the second nozzle 43 (S100). The CPU 21 determines this when the second head 42 has not been operated for a relatively short period of time, such as five minutes. If it is time to dry cap, the CPU 21 moves the dry cap unit 51 and the wet cap unit 60 in the capping direction C and biases the dry cap main body 51a against the second head 42, sealing the second nozzle 43 (S100, FIG. 6A). At this time, the wet cap main body 65 is sealed by the lid member 54. Next, the CPU 21 determines whether it is time to end dry capping based on the driving status of the second head 42 (S120). If it is not time to end the dry cap, the CPU 21 waits as it is, and when it is time to end the dry cap, the CPU 21 lowers the dry cap unit 51 and the wet cap unit 60 and moves them to the standby position (S130).

[0035] After S130, or if it is not the dry cap timing in S100, the CPU 21 determines whether it is the wetting timing to wet the fixing portion 61 (S140). The wetting timing can be defined, for example, by the elapsed time since the previous wetting process. If it is the wetting timing, the CPU 21 moves the wet cap main body 65 to the intermediate position and fixes it (S150). At this time, the CPU 21 retracts the dry cap portion 51 to the retracted position using the retraction portion 55 and moves the engagement portion 83 to the engagement position using the engagement drive portion 84. Then, when the wet cap main body 65 is raised, the CPU 21 engages the regulating member 85 with the engagement portion 83 to fix the wet cap main body 65 at the intermediate position (FIG. 6C). Next, the CPU 21 executes the wetting process (S160). During the wetting process, the CPU 21 discharges a liquid material from the second nozzle 43. In the wetting process, since the capping device 50 cannot eject liquid material from the second nozzle 43 to the fixed part 61 in the wet cap state, the wet cap body 65 is fixed at an intermediate position and the liquid material is supplied to the fixed part 61. After S160, the CPU 21 releases the retraction of the dry cap part 51, moves the engagement part 83 to the passing position, and moves the dry cap part 51 and the wet cap part 60 to the standby position (S170).

[0036] After S160, or if S140 does not indicate the timing for wetting, the CPU 21 determines whether it is time for wet capping (S180). The CPU 21 determines that it is time for wet capping when the second head 42 has not been operated for a relatively long period of time, such as 30 minutes or more. If it is time for wet capping, the CPU 21 retracts the dry cap unit 51 to the retracted position, moves the wet cap unit 60 in the capping direction C, and biases the wet cap body 65 to press against the second head 42, thereby sealing the second nozzle 43 (S190, FIG. 6B). Next, the CPU 21 determines whether it is time to end wet capping based on the driving status of the second head 42 (S200). When it is not time to end the wet cap, the CPU 21 waits as it is, and when it is time to end the wet cap, it releases the dry cap part 51 from the retracted position, lowers it together with the wet cap part 60, and moves them to the standby position (S210).

[0037] After S210, or when it is not the wet cap timing in S180, the CPU 21 determines whether the production process is complete (S220), and if the production process is not complete, the CPU 21 repeats the processes from S100 onwards. On the other hand, when the production process is complete in S220, the CPU 21 ends this routine.

[0038] Next, a process for performing maintenance on the wet cap unit 60 of the capping device 50 while the production process of the 3D printer 11 is continuing will be described. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of a wet cap maintenance process routine executed by the CPU 21 of the control unit 20. This routine is stored in the memory unit 23 and executed after the capping device 50 is started. When this routine is executed, the CPU 21 determines whether it is time to perform maintenance on the wet cap unit 60 (S300). The CPU 21 determines that it is time for maintenance when, for example, a predetermined period has passed since the previous maintenance. If it is time for maintenance, the CPU 21 retracts the dry cap unit 51 to the retracted position using the retraction unit 55 (S310) and displays and outputs a maintenance procedure on the operation panel 27 (S320). The CPU 21 displays and outputs the procedure, for example, to remove the wet cap main body 65 from the cap support unit 70, remove the fixing unit 61 from the wet cap main body 65, and replace the fixing unit 61. Furthermore, the CPU 21 displays and outputs the work procedure, which involves attaching the fixing part 61 to the wet cap body 65 and attaching the wet cap body 65 to the cap support part 70. After confirming this, the worker performs the maintenance work in accordance with the work procedure. For example, the worker attaches a new fixing part 61 to the wet cap body 65 and attaches the wet cap body 65 to the cap support part 70. After replacing the fixing part 61, the worker inputs to the operation panel 27 that the work is complete.

[0039] Next, the CPU 21 determines whether an input indicating completion of attachment has been received from the operation panel 27 (S330). If no input indicating completion of attachment has been received, the CPU 21 continues the display output in S320. On the other hand, if an input indicating completion of attachment has been received from the operation panel 27, the CPU 21 determines whether a detection signal has been received from the detection unit 72 (S340). As shown in FIG. 5, the detection unit 72 outputs a detection signal when the fixing unit 61 and the wet cap main body 65 are properly attached (FIG. 5B), and does not output a detection signal when either of them is not properly attached (FIGS. 5C and 5D). In the capping device 50, the wet cap main body 65 and the fixing unit 61 are removable, so this confirmation of the attachment status is performed. When a detection signal has been received from the detection unit 72, the CPU 21 releases the dry cap unit 51 from the retracted position (S350) and returns to normal production processing. On the other hand, if the CPU 21 cannot acquire a detection signal from the detector 72, the CPU 21 displays an error screen on the operation panel 27 indicating that the attachment state is not normal (S360), and executes the processes from S320 onward. That is, the CPU 21 displays and outputs the maintenance work procedure. After checking the error screen, the worker attaches the fixing part 61 and the wet cap main body 65 correctly.

[0040] After S350, or if it is not maintenance time in S300, the CPU 21 determines whether all production processes of the 3D printer 11 have been completed (S370), and if not, the CPU 21 repeats the processes from S300 onwards. On the other hand, if all production processes have been completed in S370, the CPU 21 ends this routine.

[0041] Here, the correspondence between the components of this embodiment and the components of the present disclosure will be clarified. In this embodiment, the second head 42 corresponds to the discharge head, the second nozzle 43 corresponds to the nozzle, the wet cap body 65 corresponds to the wet cap body, the cap support unit 70 corresponds to the cap support unit, the fixing unit 61 corresponds to the fixing unit, the positioning unit 64 corresponds to the positioning unit, the detection unit 72 corresponds to the detection unit, and the control unit 20 corresponds to the control unit. Also, the passage opening 66 corresponds to the passage opening, the sealing member 73 corresponds to the sealing member, the dry cap unit 51 corresponds to the dry cap unit, the lifting and moving unit 81 corresponds to the moving unit, the retracting unit 55 corresponds to the retracting unit, the lid member 54 corresponds to the lid member, the engagement unit 83 corresponds to the engagement unit, the engagement drive unit 84 corresponds to the engagement drive unit, the 3D printer 11 corresponds to the discharge device, and the capping device 50 corresponds to the capping device.

[0042] The capping device 50 of the present embodiment described above is used in a three-dimensional printer 11 as a discharging device equipped with a second head 42 that serves as a discharging head for discharging a liquid material from a second nozzle 43. The capping device 50 includes a wet cap body 65 having a fixing portion 61 that abuts against the second nozzle 43 in a wet state and caps the second nozzle 43, and a cap support portion 70 that positions the wet cap body 65 and detachably supports the wet cap body 65. In this capping device 50, the wet cap body 65 can be removed from the cap support portion 70, and maintenance work on the wet cap body 65 can be performed in the removed state. Therefore, the capping device 50 can be made easier to maintain. Furthermore, by improving the ease of maintenance, the capping device 50 can maintain the second nozzle 43 in a more appropriate state.

[0043] Furthermore, the fixing part 61 is detachably attached to the wet cap body 65 and includes a positioning part 64 that is positioned relative to the wet cap body 65. In this capping device 50, the fixing part 61 can be removed from the wet cap body 65, and maintenance work can be performed on the fixing part 61 and the wet cap body 65 in the removed state. Therefore, in this capping device 50, maintainability can be further improved.

[0044] The capping device 50 further includes a detection unit 72 that detects the attachment state of the wet cap 60. This capping device 50 can more accurately detect improper attachment and other issues that may occur when attaching or detaching the wet cap body 65. By detecting improper attachment, the capping device 50 can maintain the second nozzle 43 in a more appropriate state. The fixing portion 61 is detachably attached to the wet cap body 65 and includes a positioning portion 64 that is positioned relative to the wet cap body 65. The positioning portion 64 is inserted into the cap support portion 70 via the wet cap body 65. The detection unit 72 is disposed on the cap support portion 70 and detects the attachment state of the fixing portion 61 and the wet cap body 65 by detecting the end of the positioning portion 64. This capping device 50 uses a member that positions the fixing portion 61, and the detection unit 72 can simultaneously detect improper attachment of the fixing portion 61 and the wet cap body 65. Therefore, the capping device 50 can more appropriately detect improper installation and the like that may occur when attaching or detaching the wet cap body 65, while further reducing the complexity of the configuration. Furthermore, by detecting improper installation, the capping device 50 can manage the second nozzle 43 in a more appropriate state.

[0045] Furthermore, when the attachment state obtained from the detection unit 72 is not good, the control unit 20 displays and outputs information to that effect. In this capping device 50, the output information can more reliably notify of improper attachment, etc. Furthermore, the fixing unit 61 is detachably attached to the wet cap main body 65 and includes a positioning unit 64 that is positioned on this wet cap main body 65. The wet cap main body 65 is formed with a passage opening 66 through which the positioning unit 64 passes, and the passage opening 66 is insertable into the positioning unit 64, and a sealing member 73 that prevents leakage of the liquid material is disposed in the passage opening 66. In this capping device 50, the fixing unit 61 can be positioned and the sealing member 73 can prevent leakage of the liquid material.

[0046] The capping device 50 may also include a dry cap unit that is disposed between the nozzle and the wet cap body along a capping direction to cap the nozzle, a moving unit that moves the dry cap unit, the wet cap body, and the nozzle toward or away from each other along the capping direction, and a retracting unit that retracts the dry cap unit in a direction different from the capping direction. Because this capping device includes a dry cap unit and a wet cap body, it is possible to more appropriately manage the state of the nozzle, for example, by using the dry cap unit during shorter periods of inactivity and retracting the dry cap unit and using the wet cap body during longer periods of inactivity. Furthermore, because this capping device has the dry cap unit and the wet cap body overlapping along the capping direction, it is possible to more effectively utilize limited space. Here, the "dry cap unit" may not have the fixing unit that abuts against the nozzle. Furthermore, the dry cap unit and the wet cap body may have their abutting surfaces against the ejection head arranged parallel to the nozzle face. The capping direction may also be vertical. The retracting section may retract the dry cap section in a direction intersecting the capping direction.

[0047] The capping device 50 also includes a wet cap body 65 having a fixing portion 61 that abuts against the second nozzle 43 in a wet state and that caps the second nozzle 43, a dry cap portion 51 that is disposed so as to overlap between the second nozzle 43 and the wet cap body 65 along the capping direction C that caps the second nozzle 43, an elevation movement portion 81 that moves the dry cap portion 51, the wet cap body 65, and the second nozzle 43 along the capping direction C so as to move closer to or farther away from each other, and a retraction portion 55 that retracts the dry cap portion 51 in a direction different from the capping direction C. Because the capping device 50 includes the dry cap portion 51 and the wet cap body 65, the state of the second nozzle 43 can be more appropriately managed, for example, by using the dry cap portion 51 during shorter periods of inactivity and retracting the dry cap portion 51 and using the wet cap body 65 during longer periods of inactivity. Furthermore, in this capping device 50, the dry cap portion 51 and the wet cap main body 65 are arranged to overlap each other along the capping direction C, so that the limited space can be used more effectively.

[0048] The capping device 50 also includes a lid member 54 formed on the back side of the dry cap portion 51 to close the wet cap body 65. In this capping device 50, the lid member 54 closes the wet cap body 65, maintaining the wet state of the fixing portion 61. Furthermore, because the lid member 54 retracts together with the dry cap portion 51 when the wet cap body 65 is in use, the configuration is simplified compared to retracting each component separately. Furthermore, the capping device 50 includes an engagement portion 83 that moves between a predetermined engagement position and a predetermined passing position and engages with a regulating member 85 disposed on the wet cap body 65 at the engagement position to fix the wet cap body 65 at an intermediate position close to the second nozzle 43 without abutting the second nozzle 43, and an engagement drive portion 84 that moves the engagement portion 83 between the engagement position and the passing position. In this capping device 50, the engagement portion 83 and the engagement drive portion 84 enable the wet cap body 65 to be fixed at the intermediate position with a relatively simple configuration and process. Furthermore, the cap device 50 moves the engaging portion 83 to the engaging position by the engaging drive portion 84 to fix the wet cap body 65 at the intermediate position, and supplies liquid to the fixing portion 61. This cap device 50 uses a relatively simple configuration and can make the fixing portion 61 wet at the intermediate position.

[0049] Furthermore, the three-dimensional printer 11 as a discharge device includes a capping device 50 and a second nozzle 43 as a discharge head that discharges a liquid material from the nozzle. The provision of the capping device 50 in the three-dimensional printer 11 allows for improved maintainability. Furthermore, the three-dimensional printer 11, which forms a three-dimensional object, allows for improved maintainability, and ultimately allows for the second nozzle 43 to be maintained in a more appropriate state.

[0050] It goes without saying that the capping device and the ejection device of the present disclosure are not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be implemented in various forms as long as they fall within the technical scope of the present disclosure.

[0051] For example, in the above-described embodiment, the capping device 50 is described as including the detection unit 72 that detects the tip of the positioning portion 64. However, the detection unit 72 is not limited to this, as long as it detects the attachment state of the fixing portion 61 and / or the wet cap main body 65. For example, the detection unit 72 may detect a portion other than the positioning portion 64, such as the main body of the fixing portion 61 or the wet cap main body 65. In this case, the positioning portion 64 may not penetrate the wet cap main body 65, the passage opening 66 may be a bottomed hole, and the sealing member 73 may be omitted. This wet cap main body 65 requires multiple sensors, but it is easy to prevent leakage of liquid. Alternatively, although the detection unit 72 is included in the above-described embodiment, it may be omitted. Furthermore, although the control unit 20 outputs information about improper attachment of the fixing portion 61 or the wet cap main body 65, this may be omitted. In this capping device 50, the fixing portion 61 and the wet cap main body 65 are removable, further improving maintainability.

[0052] In the above-described embodiment, the capping device 50 has been described as including the dry cap unit 51, but this is not particularly limited, and the dry cap unit 51 may be omitted. Even in this capping device 50, the fixing unit 61 and the wet cap main body 65 are removable, which further improves maintainability. Note that, for maintenance of the wet cap unit 60, such as reducing the frequency with which the wet cap unit 60 is opened, it is more preferable to include the dry cap unit 51.

[0053] In the above-described embodiment, the dry cap portion 51 and the wet cap portion 60 are arranged to overlap along the capping direction C, but this is not particularly limited, and the dry cap portion 51 and the wet cap portion 60 may be arranged in separate locations. In this capping device 50, the fixing portion 61 and the wet cap main body 65 are removable, which further improves maintainability.

[0054] Alternatively, in the above-described embodiment, the fixing portion 61 and the wet cap main body 65 are removable. However, the dry cap portion 51 and the wet cap portion 60 may be arranged to overlap along the capping direction C, and the dry cap portion 51 may be retracted using the retraction portion 55, so that the fixing portion 61 and the wet cap main body 65 may not be removable. Because this capping device 50 includes the dry cap portion 51 and the wet cap main body 65, the state of the nozzle can be more appropriately managed, for example, by using the dry cap portion 51 during shorter periods of inactivity and retracting the dry cap portion 51 and using the wet cap main body 65 during longer periods of inactivity. Furthermore, in this capping device 50, the dry cap portion 51 and the wet cap main body 65 are arranged to overlap along the capping direction C, so limited space can be utilized more effectively.

[0055] In the above-described embodiment, the cap device 50 is provided with the engaging portion 83 and the engaging drive portion 84 that engage with the restricting member 85. However, this is not particularly limited, and other mechanisms, such as a lifting mechanism that raises and lowers in two stages, may be employed as long as the wet cap body 65 is fixed at an intermediate position. Alternatively, the cap device 50 may omit the engaging portion 83, the engaging drive portion 84, and the like, and may omit fixing at an intermediate position. In this case, the cap device 50 may be provided with another mechanism that wets the fixing portion 61.

[0056] In the above-described embodiment, the control unit 20 fixes the wet cap body 65 at the intermediate position and performs the wetting process by discharging a liquid material from the second nozzle 43 to wet the fixing portion 61. However, this is not particularly limited, and a different wetting process may be performed. Alternatively, the control unit 20 may omit this wetting process.

[0057] In the above-described embodiment, the second processing unit 40 that forms the circuit pattern is described as including the capping device 50 that includes the dry cap unit 51 and the wet cap unit 60. However, this is not particularly limited, and the first processing unit 30 that performs the modeling process may be provided with the capping device 50 that includes the dry cap unit 51 and the wet cap unit 60. In this capping device 50, the fixing unit 61 and the wet cap main body 65 can be removed in the first processing unit 30, thereby further improving maintainability.

[0058] In the above-described embodiment, the three-dimensional printer 11 is described as being equipped with the capping device 50, but this is not particularly limited, and the printer may be distributed with only the capping device 50. Furthermore, in the above-described three-dimensional printer 11, the control unit 20 executes the modeling process, the circuit pattern forming process, and the capping process, but this is not particularly limited, and the capping device 50 may be equipped with a dedicated control unit that executes the capping process.

[0059] The discharging device of the present disclosure may be configured as follows. For example, the capping device of the present disclosure may be configured as follows: A capping device used in a discharge device having a discharge head that discharges a liquid material from a nozzle, a wet cap body having a fixing portion that contacts the nozzle in a wet state and caps the nozzle; a dry cap portion that is disposed between the nozzle and the wet cap body along a capping direction of the nozzle so as to overlap the nozzle; and a moving unit that moves the dry cap unit and the wet cap body and the nozzle toward and away from each other along the capping direction; a retracting section that retracts the dry cap section in a direction different from the cap direction; It may also be provided with:

[0060] This capping device includes a dry cap unit and a wet cap main body, allowing for more appropriate management of the nozzle condition, for example, by using the dry cap unit during shorter downtime periods and retracting the dry cap unit and using the wet cap main body during longer downtime periods. Furthermore, in this capping device, the dry cap unit and the wet cap main body are arranged overlapping along the capping direction, allowing for more effective use of limited space. Here, the "dry cap unit" may not have the fixing portion that abuts against the nozzle. Furthermore, the dry cap unit and the wet cap main body may be arranged so that their contact surfaces with the ejection head are parallel to the nozzle surface. The capping direction may also be vertical. Furthermore, the retraction portion may retract the dry cap unit in a direction intersecting the capping direction. [Industrial Applicability]

[0061] The present disclosure is applicable to the technical field of devices for discharging liquid materials and manufacturing products. [Explanation of symbols]

[0062] 10 Production system, 11 3D printer, 12 Pallet, 15 Mounting device, 20 Control unit, 21 CPU, 23 Memory unit, 24 Modeling information, 25 Circuit information, 26 Transport processing unit, 27 Operation panel, 28 Communication unit, 30 First processing unit, 31 First head moving unit, 32 First head, 33 First nozzle, 34 First head maintenance unit, 35 Solidification processing unit, 36 Flattening unit, 37 Capping unit, 40 Second processing unit, 41 Second head moving unit, 42 Second head, 43 Second nozzle, 44 Second head maintenance unit, 45 Heating processing unit, 50 Capping device, 51 Dry cap unit, 51a Dry cap main body, 52 Sealing unit, 53 Sealing member, 54 Lid member, 55 Retraction unit, 56 Support unit, 57 Slide unit, 58 Drive unit, 59 Stopper, 60 Wet cap unit, 61 Fixed portion, 62 sealing portion, 63 sealing member, 64 positioning portion, 65 wet cap body, 66 passage port, 67 positioning hole, 68 groove portion, 69 insertion port, 70 cap support portion, 71 positioning pin, 72 detection portion, 73 sealing member, 74 fixed holder, 75 spring, 80 fixed base, 81 lifting and moving portion (moving portion), 81a first lifting and moving portion, 81b second lifting and moving portion, 81c moving axis, 82 intermediate support portion, 82a plate member, 83 engagement portion, 84 engagement drive portion, 85 regulating member, 86 standing member, 87 intermediate axis, C cap direction.

Claims

1. A capping device used in a discharge device having a discharge head that discharges a liquid material from a nozzle, a wet cap body having a fixing portion that contacts the nozzle in a wet state and caps the nozzle; a cap support portion that positions the wet cap body and detachably supports the wet cap body; a detection unit that detects the attachment state of the wet cap body, The fixing portion includes a positioning portion that is detachably attached to the wet cap body and positioned on the wet cap body, the positioning portion is inserted into the cap support portion through the wet cap body, the detection unit is disposed on the cap support unit side and detects the positioning unit to detect the attachment state of the fixing unit and the wet cap body. Capping device.

2. 2. The capping device according to claim 1, A cap device comprising a control unit that outputs information indicating that the attachment state obtained from the detection unit is not good.

3. The fixing portion includes a positioning portion that is detachably attached to the wet cap body and positioned on the wet cap body, The cap device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the wet cap body has a passage through which the positioning portion passes, and a sealing member is disposed in the passage through which the positioning portion can be inserted and which prevents leakage of liquid.

4. A capping device used in a discharge device having a discharge head that discharges a liquid material from a nozzle, a wet cap body having a fixing portion that contacts the nozzle in a wet state and caps the nozzle; a cap support portion that positions the wet cap body and detachably supports the wet cap body, The fixing portion includes a positioning portion that is detachably attached to the wet cap body and positioned on the wet cap body, The wet cap body has a passage opening through which the positioning portion passes, and a sealing member is disposed in the passage opening, into which the positioning portion can be inserted and which prevents leakage of the liquid.

5. 5. The cap device according to claim 1, wherein the fixing portion includes a positioning portion that is detachably attached to the wet cap body and positioned relative to the wet cap body.

6. The capping device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, a dry cap portion that is disposed between the nozzle and the wet cap body along a capping direction of the nozzle so as to overlap the nozzle; and a moving unit that moves the dry cap unit and the wet cap body and the nozzle along the capping direction so that they approach and move away from each other; a retracting section that retracts the dry cap section in a direction different from the cap direction; A capping device comprising:

7. A capping device used in a discharge device having a discharge head that discharges a liquid material from a nozzle, a wet cap body having a fixing portion that contacts the nozzle in a wet state and caps the nozzle; a cap support portion that positions the wet cap body and detachably supports the wet cap body; a dry cap portion that is disposed between the nozzle and the wet cap body along a capping direction of the nozzle so as to overlap the nozzle; and a moving unit that moves the dry cap unit and the wet cap body and the nozzle along the capping direction so that they approach and move away from each other; a retracting section that retracts the dry cap section in a direction different from the cap direction; A capping device comprising:

8. A capping device used in a discharge device having a discharge head that discharges a liquid material from a nozzle, a wet cap body having a fixing portion that contacts the nozzle in a wet state and caps the nozzle; a dry cap portion that is disposed between the nozzle and the wet cap body along a capping direction of the nozzle so as to overlap the nozzle; and a moving unit that moves the dry cap unit and the wet cap body and the nozzle toward and away from each other along the capping direction; a retracting section that retracts the dry cap section in a direction different from the cap direction; A capping device comprising:

9. The capping device according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein a lid member for closing the wet cap body is formed on the rear side of the dry cap portion.

10. The capping device according to any one of claims 6 to 9, an engaging portion that moves between a predetermined engaging position and a predetermined passing position and engages with at least one portion of the moving portion and the wet cap body at the engaging position, thereby fixing the wet cap body at an intermediate position close to the nozzle without abutting the wet cap body against the nozzle; an engagement drive unit that moves the engagement unit between the engagement position and the passing position; A capping device comprising:

11. 11. The capping device of claim 10, A capping device comprising: a control unit that moves the engaging portion to the engaging position using the engaging drive unit to fix the wet cap body at the intermediate position and supplies liquid to the fixing portion.

12. A capping device according to any one of claims 1 to 11; a discharge head that discharges a liquid material from a nozzle; A discharge device comprising:

13. The discharge device according to claim 12, which is a three-dimensional printer for forming a three-dimensional object.

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