Dispenser system

Abstract

To provide a dispenser system constituting an applying system that can shorten a time for adjusting an application quantity of fluent materials that are applied to a work-piece and a filling system that can shorten a time for adjusting a filling quantity of fluent materials that are filled into the work-piece.SOLUTION: An applying system 100 and a filling system comprise dispenser control devices 2 and display devices 51. The dispenser control device 2 has an input receiving part 21, an operation parameter setting part 23 and a display control part 28. The display control part 28 has an operation parameter display part 282. The display control part 28 makes the display device 51 display the operation parameter display part 282 that displays an operation parameter derived and set by the operation parameter setting part 23 under an application condition received by the input receiving part 21 or an operation parameter derived and set by the operation parameter setting part 23 under the filling condition received by the input receiving part 21.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a dispenser system for applying or filling a fluid such as a coating material or a filler.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a dispenser system used for applying or filling a fluid has been provided. For example, a coating system capable of performing a coating operation of applying a coating material to a coating object (work) and a filling system capable of performing a filling operation of filling a filler to a filling object (work) have been proposed as a dispenser system for applying or filling a fluid (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a pattern forming apparatus that discharges a paste-like pattern forming material (coating material) from a discharge port of a nozzle and forms a pattern on a substrate as a coating object. Patent Document 1 describes that it is possible to form a pattern having a predetermined pitch and cross-sectional shape (such as the height and width of the pattern) and to form a pattern with a changed predetermined pitch and cross-sectional area shape.

[0004] Further, Patent Document 1 describes that, regarding the pitch interval and cross-sectional shape of a desired pattern, for example, by inputting numerical values such as "pitch 300 μm, width 80 μm, height 150 μm", a plurality of parameters for automatically calculating outputs to a motor, a pump, a light source unit, etc. are calculated. Patent Document 1 also describes that the coating pattern is controlled mainly by adjusting the nozzle angle of the discharge port, the relative movement speed between the work and the nozzle, and the UV illuminance. On the other hand, Patent Document 1 does not describe in detail the control of the coating amount of the pattern forming material (coating material) discharged from the pump.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 4082499 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] Generally, as described in Patent Document 1 above, users manage the amount of coating material applied by coating dimensions (coating shape) such as coating diameter and height. On the other hand, the parameters set in the control device (controller) that controls the operation of the coating system are almost always the pump rotation speed, coating material flow rate, coating amount, and coating time. Detailed calculations and know-how are required to set and adjust the coating pattern to obtain the desired coating dimensions.

[0007] As an example of a pattern forming device, when a dispenser device is used in a coating system that can perform a discharge operation in which the coating material is discharged by operating the pump mechanism so that the coating material moves from the pump mechanism to the discharge port, and a suck-back operation (reverse suction) in which the coating material is sucked in by operating the pump mechanism so that the coating material moves from the discharge port to the pump mechanism, liquid dripping is prevented by eliminating residual pressure in the nozzle when the system is stopped. However, setting the reverse suction is not easy. Specifically, when adjusting the coating amount, if the rotation speed of the pump mechanism is changed, the flow rate of the coating material changes, which changes the discharge pressure and causes a problem in that the optimal reverse suction setting changes. Therefore, if the reverse suction setting is changed, then the amount of coating material applied changes, which is another problem. As a result, there is a problem in that adjustments must be made many times to obtain the desired amount of coating material applied to the object to be coated.

[0008] Furthermore, even when the dispenser device described above is used in the filling system, liquid dripping is prevented by eliminating residual pressure in the nozzle through reverse suction when the system is stopped. However, as with the case where the dispenser device is used in the coating system, setting the reverse suction is not easy. Specifically, when adjusting the filling amount, changing the rotation speed of the pump mechanism changes the flow rate of the filler, which changes the discharge pressure and thus the optimal reverse suction setting. Consequently, changing the reverse suction setting then changes the amount of filler being filled, which is another problem. Therefore, there is a problem in that adjustments must be made many times to obtain the desired amount of filler being filled into the workpiece.

[0009] The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and aims to provide a coating system that can shorten the time required to adjust the amount of fluid applied to an object to be coated, and a filling system that can shorten the time required to adjust the amount of fluid filled into an object to be filled. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] To achieve the above objective, the present invention is configured as follows.

[0011] (1) The dispenser system according to the present invention comprises a dispenser device having a discharge port for discharging a fluid and a pump mechanism for moving the fluid relative to the discharge port, and capable of performing a discharge operation in which the pump mechanism is operated so that the fluid moves from the pump mechanism toward the discharge port, and a suck-back operation in which the pump mechanism is operated so that the fluid moves from the discharge port toward the pump mechanism, a control device for controlling the operation of the dispenser device, and a display device, and capable of performing either or both of the following: an application operation in which the fluid is applied to a workpiece by performing the suck-back operation after discharging the fluid to the workpiece by discharging the fluid to the workpiece by discharging the fluid to the workpiece and then performing the suck-back operation, and the control device accepts input of application conditions for the fluid to the workpiece, or accepts input of filling conditions for the fluid to the workpiece. The device comprises: an input receiving unit; an operating parameter setting unit that derives and sets operating parameters having a correlation with the amount of fluid applied to the workpiece based on the fluid application conditions, or an operating parameter having a correlation with the amount of fluid filled to the workpiece based on the fluid filling conditions; a display control unit that controls the display of the display device; and an operation control unit that controls the operation of the dispenser device in accordance with the operating parameters set in the operating parameter setting unit, wherein the display control unit causes the display device to display: a condition display unit that displays the application conditions or filling conditions received by the input receiving unit; and an operating parameter display unit that displays the operating parameters derived and set by the operating parameter setting unit based on the application conditions received by the input receiving unit, or the operating parameters derived and set by the operating parameter setting unit based on the filling conditions received by the input receiving unit.

[0012] According to the dispenser system described above, the input receiving unit, which receives input on the application conditions for the fluid to be applied to the workpiece, receives the application conditions entered by the user, and the operation parameter setting unit automatically sets appropriate operation parameters, which can then be displayed on the operation parameter display unit. In other words, since the operation parameters are automatically set by the operation parameter setting unit based on the application conditions received by the input receiving unit, the user does not need to calculate or set operation parameters based on, for example, the dimensions of the application cross-section of the fluid applied to the workpiece, thus eliminating the need for difficult adjustment know-how. As a result, by automatically setting the motion parameters based on the fluid application conditions, the time required to adjust the amount of fluid applied can be shortened. Furthermore, since the operation parameters set by the operation parameter setting unit are displayed on the operation parameter display unit, the user can visually confirm the motion parameters on the display device.

[0013] Furthermore, according to the dispenser system described above, when the input receiving unit receives the filling conditions for the workpiece from the user, the operation parameter setting unit automatically sets appropriate operation parameters and displays these operation parameters on the operation parameter display unit. In other words, since the operation parameters are automatically set by the operation parameter setting unit based on the filling conditions received by the input receiving unit, the user does not need to calculate and set operation parameters based on, for example, the mass of the fluid to be filled into the workpiece, thus eliminating the need for difficult adjustment know-how. As a result, by automatically setting the motion parameters based on the fluid filling conditions, the adjustment time for the amount of fluid to be filled can be shortened. In addition, since the operation parameters set by the operation parameter setting unit are displayed on the operation parameter display unit, the user can visually confirm the motion parameters on the display device.

[0014] (2) In the dispenser system according to the present invention, preferably, the operating parameter setting unit derives and sets operating parameters including a discharge parameter having a correlation with the amount of fluid discharged by the pump mechanism and a suction parameter having a correlation with the amount of fluid sucked in by the pump mechanism, wherein the discharge parameter is derived and set based on the fluid discharge conditions, and the suction parameter is derived and set based on the fluid suction conditions, and the operating parameter setting unit sets at least one of the operating parameters, namely the discharge parameter and the suction parameter. With this configuration, the operating parameter setting unit automatically derives and sets the discharge parameter based on the fluid discharge conditions, or automatically derives and sets the suction parameter based on the fluid suction conditions, for example, eliminating the need for the user to calculate and set the discharge parameter and suction parameter based on the dimensions of the cross-section of the fluid applied to the workpiece. This eliminates the need for complicated work when setting the discharge parameter and suction parameter.

[0015] (3) In a configuration in which the suction parameter is set by the operation parameter setting unit described above, preferably the control device has an application condition setting unit that can set at least one of the dimensions of the application cross-section of the fluid applied to the workpiece and the application amount as application conditions, and the operation parameter setting unit sets the suction parameter based on the application conditions or discharge parameter set in the application condition setting unit. With this configuration, the suction parameter is automatically set by the operation parameter setting unit based on the application conditions or discharge parameter set in the application condition setting unit, so the user does not have to set the suction parameter by trial and error. This eliminates the complicated work of setting the suction parameter. Note that the dimensions of the application cross-section are a concept that includes both length and area, and the application amount is a concept that includes both mass and volume.

[0016] (4) In a configuration in which the discharge parameter and suction parameter are set by the operation parameter setting unit described above, it is preferable that the operation parameter setting unit initially sets the suction parameter to a predetermined value and initially sets the discharge parameter based on the initially set suction parameter, the dimensions of the coating cross-section of the fluid applied to the workpiece, and the amount applied. With this configuration, by taking the suction parameter into consideration, a more appropriate (closer to the correct) discharge parameter can be set. As a result, the time it takes for the user to set the discharge parameter is reduced and complicated work can be eliminated. Note that the dimensions of the coating cross-section are a concept that includes both length and area, and the amount applied is a concept that includes both mass and volume.

[0017] (5) In this case, preferably, a calibration operation can be performed to optimize the operating parameters according to the coating conditions, and the calibration operation is characterized in that the operation control unit performs a test coating in which the coating operation is experimentally executed in accordance with the discharge parameters. With this configuration, when performing the calibration operation, the user does not need to perform the task of initializing the discharge parameters related to the calibration operation. As a result, the complicated work in the calibration operation is eliminated, and test coating can be performed quickly.

[0018] (6) In the dispenser system according to the present invention, preferably the control device has a correction information receiving unit that receives correction information related to the correction of the operating parameters, and the operating parameter setting unit corrects the operating parameters based on the correction information received by the correction information receiving unit. With this configuration, the operating parameters are automatically corrected by the operating parameter setting unit, so that the user can obtain the desired amount of fluid to be dispensed without having to perform complicated calculations regarding the correction of the operating parameters.

[0019] (7) In this case, preferably, the display control unit causes the display device to display a correction information display unit (correction information display image) that displays the correction information received by the correction information receiving unit. With this configuration, the user can visually confirm the correction information on the correction information display unit.

[0020] (8) In a configuration having the correction information receiving unit described above, preferably the operation parameter setting unit derives and sets operation parameters including a discharge parameter having a correlation with the amount of fluid discharged by the pump mechanism and a suction parameter having a correlation with the amount of fluid suctioned by the pump mechanism, the discharge parameter being derived and set based on the fluid discharge conditions, the suction parameter being derived and set based on the fluid suction conditions, the operation parameter setting unit setting at least one of the operation parameters, the discharge parameter and the suction parameter, and the correction information receiving unit includes a discharge parameter correction information receiving unit that receives input of correction information relating to the correction of the discharge parameter and a suction parameter correction information receiving unit that receives input of correction information relating to the correction of the suction parameter. With this configuration, the discharge parameter is automatically corrected by the operation parameter setting unit based on the correction information received by the discharge parameter correction information receiving unit, and the suction parameter is automatically corrected by the operation parameter setting unit based on the correction information received by the suction parameter correction information receiving unit. Therefore, the user can obtain the desired amount of fluid to be applied without having to perform complicated calculations regarding the correction of discharge and suction parameters.

[0021] (9) In a configuration where the discharge parameters are corrected by the above driving parameter setting unit, preferably, the correction information receiving unit receives, as correction information, the measured application dimensions and the target application dimensions of the cross-section of the fluid applied to the workpiece, and the measured application amount and the target application amount of the fluid. The driving parameter setting unit corrects the discharge parameters by using at least one of the relationship between the measured application dimensions and the target application dimensions of the fluid received by the correction information receiving unit, and the relationship between the measured application amount and the target application amount of the fluid. This is preferably characterized. With this configuration, based on at least one of the relationship between the measured application dimensions and the target application dimensions of the cross-section of the fluid as correction information received by the correction information receiving unit, and the relationship between the measured application amount and the target application amount of the fluid, the discharge parameters are automatically corrected by the driving parameter setting unit. Therefore, the user can obtain the desired application amount of the fluid without performing complicated calculations or the like regarding the correction of the discharge parameters.

[0022] (10) In a configuration where the suction parameters are corrected by the above driving parameter setting unit, preferably, the driving parameter setting unit corrects the suction parameters by using the relationship between the discharge parameters and the suction parameters based on the actual values related to the combination of the discharge parameters and the suction parameters. This is preferably characterized. With this configuration, since an appropriate suction parameter corresponding to the discharge parameter is set to generate the relationship between the two, the user does not have to try and error to set an appropriate suction parameter corresponding to the discharge parameter in advance.

[0023] (11) In a configuration where the discharge parameters are corrected by the above driving parameter setting unit, preferably, when the discharge parameters are corrected, the driving parameter setting unit uses the correction result of the suction parameters separately performed to correct the suction parameters so as to correspond to the discharge parameters. This is a characteristic. With this configuration, for example, even if the user himself / herself recognizes that he / she is correcting the discharge parameters, the correction result related to the suction parameters separately performed can be used, so that the suction parameters are also automatically corrected, and thus the burden on the user regarding the correction of the suction parameters can be reduced.

[0024] (12) In a configuration where the suction parameters are set by the above driving parameter setting unit, preferably, the control device has a filling condition setting unit capable of setting the filling amount of the fluid filled in the work as a filling condition, and the driving parameter setting unit sets the suction parameters based on the filling condition set in the filling condition setting unit or the discharge parameters. This is a characteristic. With this configuration, since the suction parameters are automatically set by the driving parameter setting unit based on the filling condition set in the filling condition setting unit or the discharge parameters, the user does not need to set the suction parameters by trial and error. As a result, the complicated operation when setting the suction parameters becomes unnecessary. Note that the filling amount is a concept including both the mass and volume of the fluid filled in the work.

[0025] (13) In a configuration in which the discharge parameter and suction parameter are set by the operation parameter setting unit described above, it is preferable that the operation parameter setting unit initially sets the suction parameter to a predetermined value and initially sets the discharge parameter based on at least one of the initially set suction parameter and the amount of fluid to be filled into the workpiece. With this configuration, by taking the suction parameter into consideration, a more appropriate (closer to the correct) discharge parameter can be set. As a result, the time it takes for the user to set the discharge parameter is reduced and complicated work can be eliminated. Note that the amount of fluid to be filled is a concept that includes both the mass and volume of the fluid to be filled into the workpiece.

[0026] (14) In this case, preferably, a calibration operation can be performed to optimize the operating parameters according to the filling conditions, and the calibration operation is characterized in that the operation control unit performs a test filling, in which it experimentally executes the filling operation in accordance with the discharge parameters. With this configuration, when performing the calibration operation, the user does not need to perform the task of initializing the suction parameters and discharge parameters related to the calibration operation. As a result, the complicated work in the calibration operation is eliminated, and test filling can be performed quickly.

[0027] (15) In a configuration in which the discharge parameters are corrected by the operation parameter setting unit described above, preferably the correction information receiving unit is able to receive the measured amount of fluid filled into the workpiece and the target amount of fluid as correction information, and the operation parameter setting unit corrects the discharge parameters using the relationship between the measured amount of fluid and the target amount of fluid received by the correction information receiving unit. With this configuration, the discharge parameters are automatically corrected by the operation parameter setting unit based on the relationship between the measured amount of fluid and the target amount of fluid as correction information received by the correction information receiving unit, so that the user can obtain the desired amount of fluid without having to perform complicated calculations regarding the correction of the discharge parameters. [Effects of the Invention]

[0028] According to an aspect of the present invention, a dispenser system can be provided that comprises a coating system capable of shortening the time required to adjust the amount of fluid applied to a workpiece, and a filling system capable of shortening the time required to adjust the amount of fluid filled into a workpiece. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0029] [Figure 1] (a) is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of the coating system according to the present invention, and (b) is a schematic diagram showing another overall configuration of the coating system according to the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a cross-sectional view showing a dispenser device used in the coating system according to this embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a block diagram showing the coating system according to this embodiment. [Figure 4] This flowchart shows the procedure for adjusting the coating amount of the coating system according to this embodiment. [Figure 5] This flowchart shows the procedure for adjusting the coating amount of the coating system according to this embodiment. [Figure 6]This is an illustrative diagram illustrating the method for calculating the rotational speed of the dispenser device in the coating system according to this embodiment. [Figure 7] This graph shows the relationship between forward rotation speed and reverse rotation speed to explain the reverse suction setting of the coating system according to this embodiment. [Figure 8] This graph shows the relationship between the forward rotation speed and the target coating amount in the dispenser device of the coating system according to this embodiment. [Figure 9] This is an illustrative diagram illustrating the correction of the operating parameters of the coating system according to this embodiment. [Figure 10] This is a coating shape specification image diagram in the coating system according to this embodiment, where coating conditions and operating parameters are displayed. [Figure 11] This is a diagram showing the correction information display that is shown when correcting the operating parameters in the coating system according to this embodiment. [Figure 12] This is a diagram showing the correction information display that is shown when correcting the operating parameters in the coating system according to this embodiment. [Figure 13] This is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of a filling system according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0030] Hereinafter, a coating system, which is one embodiment of the dispenser system of the present invention, will be described with reference to the attached drawings. These drawings are schematic diagrams and do not necessarily represent the sizes in precise proportions. Also, in the drawings, similar components are indicated by the same reference numerals.

[0031] The coating system 100 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 12. As shown in Figure 1(a), the coating system 100 mainly comprises a dispenser device 1, a dispenser control device 2, a robot 3, a robot control device 4, and an input / output device 5 (see Figure 3). These devices are electrically connected by wired communication or wireless communication so that information can be communicated in one direction or in both directions. The dispenser control device 2 mainly controls the entire dispenser device 1. The robot control device 4 mainly controls the entire robot 3. The dispenser device 1 is attached to the robot 3.

[0032] The coating system 100 operates the dispenser device 1 according to operating parameters derived and set based on the coating conditions specified in the dispenser control device 2, and operates the robot 3 according to operating parameters derived and set based on the coating conditions specified in the robot control device 4. In this way, the coating system 100 performs a process of applying a fluid coating material to a workpiece (object to be coated) under predetermined coating conditions through a predetermined coating process.

[0033] As shown in Figure 1(b), it is also possible to control both the dispenser control device 1 and the robot 3 by integrating the control functions of both the dispenser control device 2 and the robot control device 4 into a single control device. On the other hand, it is also possible to divide the above control functions into three or more control devices.

[0034] The dispenser device 1 is used to dispense and apply a fluid (coating material) to a workpiece (object to be coated). The dispenser device 1 is used to pump the coating material and its main component is a single-screw eccentric pump 10. The dispenser device 1 operates according to the operation commands from the dispenser control device 2, driving the pump mechanism 11 and dispensing the coating material from the discharge port 12 provided at its tip, enabling spot coating, line coating, etc., onto the workpiece.

[0035] As shown in Figure 2, the single-screw eccentric pump 10 is a rotary positive displacement pump. The single-screw eccentric pump 10 has a male screw-type rotor 13 that rotates eccentrically when powered, a stator 14 whose inner circumferential surface 14a is formed in the shape of a female screw, and a motor 15.

[0036] The rotor 13 is a metal shaft with an n-thread (n=1 in this embodiment) male screw shape. The stator 14 is a substantially cylindrical member having a through hole 14b formed on its inner circumferential surface 14a with an n+1-thread (n=1 in this embodiment) female screw shape. The single-screw eccentric pump 10 has a pump mechanism 11, the main part of which is formed by inserting the rotor 13 through the through hole 14b of the stator 14, and this mechanism is housed in a pump casing 17. The pump mechanism 11 has the function of moving the coating material toward the discharge port 12.

[0037] The motor 15 is the driving source for the single-shaft eccentric screw pump 10. The motor 15 is connected to the base end of the rotor 13 via a power transmission unit and an eccentric rotation unit (not shown). Therefore, by operating the motor 15, the single-shaft eccentric screw pump 10 can freely eccentrically rotate the rotor 13 inside the through hole 14b.

[0038] The single-screw eccentric pump 10 can advance the fluid transport path 16 formed between the rotor 13 and the stator 14 in the longitudinal direction by rotating the rotor 13 in the forward direction within the through-hole 14b of the stator 14. Therefore, by rotating the rotor 13, it is possible to draw fluid into the fluid transport path 16 from one end of the stator 14, transport it toward the other end of the stator 14, and discharge it. Furthermore, the amount of fluid transported (discharged) can be controlled according to the amount of rotation of the rotor 13 (motor 15). In addition, by switching the rotation direction of the rotor 13 to the reverse direction, the direction of travel of the fluid in the fluid transport path 16 can be switched.

[0039] The dispenser device 1 can perform a discharge operation in which the pump mechanism 11 is operated (forward rotation) so that the coating material moves from the pump mechanism 11 towards the discharge port 12, and a suck-back operation in which the pump mechanism 11 is operated (reverse rotation) so that the coating material moves from the discharge port 12 towards the pump mechanism 11. In other words, the dispenser device 1 can perform a discharge operation in which the coating material is discharged from the discharge port 12 by operating the pump mechanism 11 in the forward direction (forward rotation). Furthermore, the dispenser device 1 can perform a suck-back operation in which the coating material is sucked in by operating the pump mechanism 11 in the reverse direction (reverse rotation). In addition, the dispenser device 1 can perform a coating operation in which the coating material is applied to the workpiece by performing a suck-back operation after discharging the coating material to the workpiece by the discharge operation.

[0040] Robot 3 is used to move the dispenser device 1 relative to the workpiece. An example of robot 3 is an industrial robot. Robot 3 can operate its robot arm based on command signals from the robot motion control unit 41 of the robot control device 4. Therefore, the robot motion control unit 41 can control the movement of the dispenser device 1 attached to the tip of the robot arm along a predetermined trajectory.

[0041] The input / output device 5 is a device for inputting and displaying coating conditions (coating information), inputting and displaying for correcting (changing) discharge parameters and suction parameters, and outputting the input information. Coating conditions refer to information about the coating pattern of the coating material applied to the workpiece, such as the target amount of coating material applied, target coating dimensions (coating diameter of the coating cross-section, coating height), coating time, and coating speed, but are not limited to these conditions. Also, the "amount" mentioned above includes both volume and mass. The input / output device 5 is also equipped with a touch panel. The touch panel is responsible for both the display function (display device 51) and the input function (input device 52) of coating information. The display device 51 is composed of a liquid crystal display device or an organic EL display device, and various images (GUI) described later are displayed on the display device 51.

[0042] The input / output device 5 (touch panel) is configured to display and / or input coating conditions, operating parameters, and correction information for various images (GUI: Graphical User Interface) shown on the display device 51, as shown in Figures 10 to 12.

[0043] As shown in Figure 3, the dispenser control device 2 includes an input receiving unit 21, a coating condition setting unit 22, an operation parameter setting unit 23, a parameter relationship generation unit 24, an operation control unit 25, a storage unit 26, a correction information receiving unit 27, and a display control unit 28.

[0044] The input receiving unit 21 receives input from the user regarding the application conditions of the coating material to the workpiece, for example, in response to various images displayed on the display device 51 of the input / output device 5.

[0045] The coating condition setting unit 22 can set at least one of the following as coating conditions: the target coating amount applied to the workpiece, the target coating dimensions of the coating cross-section, and operating parameters. The coating dimensions refer to the dimensions of the coating diameter and coating height of the coating cross-section when the coating applied to the workpiece in a spot is considered as a hemisphere of a spheroid. Note that the setting method described above is just one example, and a separate calculation method for setting can be prepared as long as it is linked to the coating diameter and / or coating height. In the case of linear coating, where the coating material is applied linearly to the workpiece, a value related to the length of the line is relevant, and for example, the volume of the shape (semi-circular) when the linear coating material is viewed in cross-section may be calculated.

[0046] The operation parameter setting unit 23 derives and sets operation parameters that correlate with the amount of coating material applied to the workpiece, based on the coating material application conditions. Note that "derives and sets based on the coating material application conditions" includes cases where the operation parameter setting unit 23 sets the operation parameters fully automatically, and cases where the user partially manually operates (inputs conditions) when setting the operation parameters.

[0047] The operating parameters include discharge parameters and suction parameters. Discharge parameters are parameters that correlate with the amount of coating material discharged by the pump mechanism 11. Discharge parameters are derived and set based on the discharge conditions of the coating material. Discharge conditions are arbitrary numerical values ​​related to discharge input by the user to the dispenser control device 2, such as "discharge time" and "discharge rotation speed". Discharge parameters are, for example, the output and / or operating time during forward rotation of the dispenser device 1. The "output" refers to the rotation speed of the rotor 13 or motor 15 in the case of a single-screw eccentric type, the movement speed of the plunger in the case of a plunger type, and the air pressure in the case of an air type. Suction parameters are parameters that correlate with the amount of coating material suctioned by the pump mechanism 11. Suction parameters are derived and set based on the suction conditions of the coating material. Suction parameters are, for example, the output and / or operating time during suck-back operation of the dispenser device 1. The suction conditions refer to arbitrary numerical values ​​related to suction that are input by the user to the dispenser control device 2.

[0048] The operation parameter setting unit 23 can derive and set operation parameters by a method described later. For example, the operation parameter setting unit 23 can set operation parameters based on the coating conditions set in the coating condition setting unit 22, and then set the discharge amount of coating material by the discharge operation to increase in response to the decrease in the amount of coating material applied due to suck-back operation.

[0049] The operation parameter setting unit 23 can derive and set discharge parameters by the method described later. For example, the operation parameter setting unit 23 can derive and set discharge parameters based on discharge conditions of the coating material that correlate with the discharge amount of the coating material by the pump mechanism unit 11, derive and set based on the target discharge amount (or target application amount) of the coating material discharged (or applied) to the workpiece during discharge operation, and / or derive and set based on the difference between the target discharge amount (or target application amount) of the coating material discharged (or applied) to the workpiece during discharge operation and the actual discharge amount (or actual application amount) of the coating material.

[0050] The operation parameter setting unit 23 can derive and set the suction parameter based on its relationship with the discharge parameter set by the operation parameter setting unit 23.

[0051] Furthermore, the coating system 100 can perform a calibration operation (initial setup) to optimize the operating parameters according to the coating conditions. During the calibration operation, the operating parameter setting unit 23 provisionally sets the amount of coating material sucked in during suck-back operation as a provisional suction amount. For example, when the operating parameter setting unit 23 provisionally sets the amount of coating material sucked in during suck-back operation as a provisional suction amount, it is configured to calculate based on at least one of the following: (1) target coating amount and / or target coating dimensions, (2) discharge parameters such as forward rotation speed and / or time, (3) arbitrary values ​​entered by the user, (4) fixed values ​​unrelated to other conditions or parameters, or (5) suction parameters.

[0052] In other words, the operation parameter setting unit 23, during the calibration operation, initially sets the suction amount (temporary suction amount) to a predetermined value, and also initially sets the discharge parameters (rotation speed) based on the initially set temporary suction amount, target coating dimensions, target coating amount, and coating time. Subsequently, the operation control unit 25 performs a test coating, experimentally executing the coating operation in accordance with the initially set discharge parameters.

[0053] As described above, in this embodiment, the operation parameter setting unit 23 determines the initial forward rotation speed in the initial setting using a calculation formula that takes into account the reduction in coating amount due to reverse suction, and as an example, it is shown by the following formula: Forward rotation speed = ((discharge amount) + (provisional reverse suction amount)) / (theoretical discharge amount × forward rotation time). In other words, the numerator of the above formula is set as the provisional coating amount by adding the provisional reverse suction amount to the discharge amount, with the aim of matching the provisional coating amount to the target coating amount. The target coating amount is calculated by assuming "a hemisphere of a spheroid with the desired coating diameter and coating height". As described above, by including the "provisional reverse suction amount", it is possible to calculate a more appropriate (closer to the correct) forward rotation speed from the initial stage.

[0054] The parameter relationship generation unit 24 generates a relationship between discharge parameters and suction parameters based on actual values ​​relating to the combination of discharge parameters and suction parameters. Actual values ​​are based on past calculation results, simulation results, etc.

[0055] The operation control unit 25 controls the operation of the dispenser device 1 in accordance with the operation parameters set in the operation parameter setting unit 23.

[0056] The memory unit 26 stores in advance programs, data, and various images displayed on the display device 51 that control the entire dispenser device 1. The memory unit 26 also stores a history of application conditions (patterns) entered by the user, as well as the set operating parameters.

[0057] The correction information receiving unit 27 receives correction information related to the correction of operating parameters for adjusting the coating amount so that a desired coating amount can be obtained. The correction information receiving unit 27 can receive as correction information the actual coating dimensions and actual coating amount of the coating cross-section of the coating material applied to the workpiece, as well as the target coating dimensions and target coating amount of the coating cross-section of the coating material.

[0058] The correction information receiving unit 27 includes a discharge parameter correction information receiving unit 271 and a suction parameter correction information receiving unit 272. The discharge parameter correction information receiving unit 271 receives input of correction information related to the correction of discharge parameters for adjusting the discharge amount of coating material. The suction parameter correction information receiving unit 272 receives input of correction information related to the correction of suction parameters for adjusting the suction amount of coating material.

[0059] The operation parameter setting unit 23 corrects the operation parameters based on the correction information received by the correction information receiving unit 27. For example, the operation parameter setting unit 23 corrects the discharge parameter using the relationship between the measured coating dimension and the target coating dimension of the coating material received by the correction information receiving unit 27. Note that this is not limited to the measured coating dimension or the target coating dimension; it may also be the measured coating amount or the target coating amount. Furthermore, the operation parameter setting unit 23 can correct the suction parameter using the relationship between the discharge parameter and the suction parameter based on actual values ​​relating to the combination of the discharge parameter and the suction parameter.

[0060] The display control unit 28 controls the display of the coating condition display unit 281, the operation parameter display unit 282, and the correction information display unit 283 on the display device 51 of the input / output device 5. The coating condition display unit 281 displays the coating conditions received by the input reception unit 21. This coating condition display unit 281 is, for example, an image relating to the "width" and "height" in the coating shape specification image shown in Figure 10(a).

[0061] The operation parameter display unit 282 displays the operation parameters (discharge parameters and suction parameters) derived and set by the operation parameter setting unit 23 based on the coating conditions received by the input reception unit 21. This operation parameter display unit 282 displays images related to "discharge rotation speed," "discharge time," "suction speed," and "suction time" in the coating shape specification image shown in Figure 10(a).

[0062] The correction information display unit 283 displays the correction information received by the correction information reception unit 27. This correction information display unit 283 displays images related to "suction speed," "suction time," "diameter," and "height," for example, as shown in Figures 11 and 12.

[0063] Next, with reference to Figures 3 to 12, the procedure for adjusting the coating amount of the coating system according to this embodiment will be described.

[0064] As shown in Figure 4, in step S1-1, the user inputs (sets) the coating conditions for the coating material to be applied to the workpiece, such as coating dimensions and coating time. At this time, for example, an image of the coating shape specification (coating condition display unit 281 and operation parameter display unit 282) as shown in Figure 10(a) is displayed on the display device 51. The user inputs the coating conditions for the coating material to be applied to the workpiece, such as coating dimensions (width and height shown in Figure 10(a)) and coating time (dispensing time), by operating the touch panel on the coating shape specification image displayed on the display device 51. The information (coating conditions) input by the user is received by the input reception unit 21 of the dispenser control device 2 and set as coating conditions by the coating condition setting unit 22. Also, when the "?" button in the image shown in Figure 10(a) is pressed, an explanatory diagram regarding the coating dimensions of the coating material is displayed as shown in Figure 10(b). In this embodiment, the "suction speed" and "suction time" shown in Figure 10(a) are displayed as temporary, fixed values, but the user may be allowed to input different values. If the user inputs different values, the system may be controlled so that these values ​​are not reflected in the calculation result of the "discharge rotation speed" in step S1-2 described later, or it may be controlled so that these values ​​are reflected in the calculation result.

[0065] Furthermore, if the provisional suction time is too long compared to the discharge time entered by the user, the system may be automatically adjusted to shorten the suction time. Note that the "constant value" mentioned above is a provisional value and can be set as appropriate. In addition, the "suction speed" and "suction time" may be automatically set based on application conditions such as the target coating amount and / or target coating dimensions, or on discharge parameters such as forward rotation speed and / or time. In this embodiment, suction parameters such as "suction speed" and "suction time" are displayed and / or input, but instead of or in addition to these, "suction amount" and / or "provisional suction amount" may be displayed and / or input. In this case, the suction amount and provisional suction amount can be various values, such as a constant value, a value entered by the user, or a value automatically calculated based on the application conditions and discharge parameters, similar to the suction speed and suction time.

[0066] Next, in step S1-2, the forward rotation speed of the dispenser device 1 is automatically calculated. At this time, the dispenser control device 2 calculates the forward rotation speed by taking into account a provisional reverse suction amount (provisional suction amount). Specifically, in the calibration operation (initial setting), the operation parameter setting unit 23 provisionally sets the amount of coating material suctioned during suck-back operation as the provisional suction amount. Furthermore, the operation parameter setting unit 23 provisionally sets the operation parameter (forward rotation speed) based on the provisional coating amount, which is the amount obtained by adding the provisional suction amount to the amount of coating material discharged during discharge operation, and using the provisional coating amount as the provisional coating amount discharged to the workpiece by the coating operation. At this time, the operation parameter setting unit 23 calculates based on the formula shown as forward rotation speed = ((discharge amount) + provisional reverse suction amount) / (theoretical discharge amount × forward rotation time). Note that if suction parameters such as suction speed and suction time are displayed and / or entered on the coating shape specification screen mentioned above, the provisional suction amount can be calculated and used based on those values. On the other hand, if the suction volume or provisional suction volume is displayed and / or entered, those values ​​can be used as the provisional suction volume as is, or a different value calculated based on those values ​​can be used as the provisional suction volume.

[0067] Here, the method for calculating the rotational speed in dispenser device 1 will be explained using an illustrative diagram. As shown in Figure 6, with the horizontal axis representing time t and the vertical axis representing rotational speed V, region A represents the discharge amount during forward rotation, region B represents the suction amount during reverse rotation, and region C (shaded area) represents the amount that is not actually applied. In such a case, if the target application amount is 100, the conventional calculation method will calculate so that A = 100. As a result, the decrease in B is not taken into account, so the application amount will be less than expected, for example, 97. On the other hand, the calculation method according to this embodiment calculates so that AB = 100. In the initial calculation stage, the suction parameter is undetermined and the value of B (suction amount) is not determined, so a provisional value (provisional suction amount) is used in the calculation. This makes it possible to reduce errors compared to the conventional calculation method.

[0068] Next, in step S1-3 shown in Figure 4, a test coating (trial coating) is performed, in which the coating operation is carried out according to the operating parameters provisionally set by the operating parameter setting unit 23.

[0069] Next, in step S2, the suction parameters are corrected to be appropriate. In the trial application in steps S1-3 above, dripping or excessive suction is common, making it impossible to accurately measure the application amount and dimensions. Therefore, the suction parameters are corrected (compensated) to be appropriate. The user will set the suction parameters related to the suction time and suction speed by observing the state of liquid depletion of the coating material. For example, the user inputs "suction speed 1" and "suction time" as reverse suction conditions in the correction 1 image (correction information display unit 283) shown in Figure 11(a) displayed on the display device 51. At this time, the information (correction information) input by the user is received by the suction parameter correction information receiving unit 272 of the correction information receiving unit 27 of the dispenser control device 2. Note that if suck-back operation is not performed during trial application, no suction of the coating material will occur, so the correction (compensation) of the suction parameters in step S2 above may include cases where new conditions are set when suck-back operation is not performed.

[0070] Next, in step S3, the operation parameter setting unit 23 derives and sets the operation parameters based on the coating conditions and suction conditions input in steps S1 to S2, and performs a test coating with reverse suction. For example, the user touches the "Operation 1" switch on the correction 2 image (correction information display unit 283) shown in Figure 11(b) displayed on the display device 51 to dispense the liquid several times.

[0071] Next, in step S4, the user actually measures the dimensions of the coating applied to the workpiece using a caliper, ruler, or the like. The user inputs the measured coating dimensions ("Diameter 1" and "Height 1") into the correction 2 image shown in Figure 11(b) displayed on the display device 51. At this time, the information (correction information) input by the user is received by the correction information receiving unit 27 of the dispenser control device 2. Alternatively, measuring equipment for measuring the coating dimensions of the coating material may be installed at any position to automatically measure the coating dimensions. Furthermore, by providing a communication device to transmit the measurement results from the measuring equipment, it is possible to automate both the measurement of coating dimensions and the setting of parameters.

[0072] Next, as shown in Figure 5, in step S5-1, based on the measurement results from step S4, the dispenser control device 2 predicts the range of forward rotation speeds in which the desired dispensing dimensions can be obtained, and instructs (displayed on the display device 51) to adjust the suction parameters at several points in the forward rotation speed range. At this time, for example, by touching the switches for "Operation 2," "Operation 3," and "Operation 4" as shown in Figure 12(a) to dispense liquid, a correction 3 image (correction information display unit 283) is displayed on the display device 51, which sets the parameters for "Suction Speed ​​2," "Suction Speed ​​3," and "Suction Speed ​​4" so that the liquid does not run out properly. The display control unit 28 may also control the display device 51 to display an image such as "Please adjust the reverse suction at forward rotation speed x rotations." The adjustment of the reverse suction (automatic setting) described above may also be performed based on a single point in the combination of forward and reverse rotation speeds. In this case, relationships are generated by artificial intelligence such as AI based on the parameters set in step S2, and steps S5-1 and S5-2 may be omitted.

[0073] Specifically, in step S4, when the user inputs the measurement results of the coating dimensions into a predetermined item in the correction 2 image shown in Figure 11(b), the operation parameter setting unit 23 estimates (automatically specifies) the forward rotation speed range in which the desired coating amount can be obtained. As a method for determining the forward rotation speed range, the ratio of the actual coating amount obtained in step S4 (a value calculated from the actual coating dimensions) to the target coating amount (a value calculated from the target coating dimensions) is multiplied by a predetermined margin rate and set as the upper or lower limit of the range. In a simpler variation, the actual coating amount may not be used in the calculation, and the range may be specified based only on the target coating amount, either through calculation or by using a database. Furthermore, it is possible to use not only the coating amount but also the coating dimensions, i.e., diameter (width), height, or area (which may be calculated based on the diameter or height, or obtained through image processing, etc.), in the calculation.

[0074] For example, in the example shown in Figure 7, the horizontal axis represents the forward rotation speed [min -1 ] and the vertical axis represents the reverse rotation speed [min -1When set to ], the forward rotation speed range is 10.0~20.9[min -1 It is presumed to be within the range of ]. Note that the forward rotation speed is 10.0 [min -1 Since the reverse rotation speed in ] has been adjusted and entered in step S2, in the corrected image 3 shown in Figure 12(a), the forward rotation speed is 13.6 [min -1 ], 17.3[min -1 ], and 20.9 [min -1 The instructions specify that the reverse rotation speed for each of the following should be adjusted and entered. Furthermore, the reverse suction time should be kept constant and not changed. Alternatively, the reverse suction time may be made adjustable while the rotation speed remains constant.

[0075] Next, in step S5-2, the user pre-adjusts the suction parameters corresponding to the instructed forward rotation speed. For example, the user touches the "Operation 2," "Operation 3," and "Operation 4" switches respectively in the correction 3 image shown in Figure 12(a) displayed on the display device 51 to dispense liquid. Next, the user adjusts the parameters "Suction Speed ​​2," "Suction Speed ​​3," and "Suction Speed ​​4" so that the liquid flow is appropriate. After that, the user inputs the adjusted results from the input / output device 5 (touch panel), and the input results are received by the suction parameter correction information receiving unit 272 of the correction information receiving unit 27 of the dispenser control device 2. In this way, by setting appropriate reverse rotation speeds (suction parameters) corresponding to multiple forward rotation speeds (discharge parameters), the relationship between the two is generated. That is, the parameter relationship generation unit 24 generates the relationship between the discharge parameters and suction parameters based on the actual values ​​related to the combination of forward rotation speed (discharge parameters) and reverse rotation speed (suction parameters). For example, the parameter relationship generation unit 24 can generate the relationship using an approximation curve with multiple points. Specifically, in the example in Figure 7, the relationship is generated by linear interpolation using two points, but linear interpolation using three or more points, or polynomials, exponential approximation, logarithmic approximation, sine waves, etc., may also be used. By generating the relationship in this way, when the forward rotation speed is changed, even if the changed forward rotation speed is not the forward rotation speed for which the suction parameters were set in step S2 or step S5-2, it becomes possible to automatically calculate the appropriate suction parameters. In step 5-2, once it is confirmed that proper liquid depletion has been achieved at the three types of rotation speeds described above, proceed to the next step.

[0076] Next, steps S6 and S7 are repeated. In step S6, coating is performed based on the forward and reverse rotation speeds calculated by the operation parameter setting unit 23. In step S7, the coating dimensions (diameter and height) of the coating applied to the workpiece by the user are measured, and the measurement results are input. The processing contents of steps S6 and S7 are described in detail below.

[0077] In step S6, the operation parameter setting unit 23 calculates the forward rotation speed based on the setting dimensions set in step S1-1, and also calculates the reverse rotation speed based on the relationship between the forward rotation speed and the reverse rotation speed obtained in step S5. When calculating the forward rotation speed, for example, as shown in Figure 8, a graph is referenced in which the horizontal axis is the forward rotation speed and the vertical axis is the amount of coating material applied (the hemispherical volume of the ellipsoid calculated from the trial application and measured dimensions). In Figure 8, Z(n-2) shows the rotation speed and amount applied in the (n-2)th application, and Z(n-1) shows the rotation speed and amount applied in the (n-1)th application. Z(0) can be the corrected prediction of the next (n)th rotation speed and target coating amount.

[0078] The corrected prediction described above will be explained with reference to the image in Figure 9. In Figure 9, as with Figure 8 described above, the horizontal axis represents the forward rotation speed, and the vertical axis represents the amount of coating material applied. In Figure 9(a), the first application is represented as "〇" and the second as "△". If the relationship between the amount applied and the rotation speed is linear, it is estimated that applying at the calculated rotation speed will result in an amount of "□". The actual amount produced will be "◇". Next, in Figure 9(b), since the correction uses data from the past two applications, "△" is replaced with "〇" and "◇" is replaced with "△" for the calculation. By repeating the above calculation multiple times, "〇" and "△" will approach each other, as shown in Figure 9(c).

[0079] As mentioned above, corrections based on the relationship between the two previous measured values ​​(actual values) (by connecting the two points with a line) can only be made from the third test application onwards. Therefore, in the first application, the first point is plotted by performing calculations and measurements as shown in steps S1 to S4. In the second application, the rotation speed for the second application is calculated by multiplying the difference (ratio) between the measured application dimension in the first application and the desired application dimension by the rotation speed in the first application. The second point is plotted by performing a test application and measurement at this rotation speed. In the third application, the rotation speed corresponding to the desired application dimension is derived by connecting the first and second points with a line. This process is repeated in the manner described above until the target application amount is achieved.

[0080] Next, in step S7, the application dimensions (diameter and height) of the coating material applied to the workpiece by the user are measured, and the measurement results are input. For example, if there are multiple coating materials applied to the workpiece, the average value of each application dimension may be input. At this time, for example, the user inputs "diameter 2" and "height 2" as the measurement results of the application dimensions in the correction 4 image (correction information display unit 283) shown in Figure 12(b) displayed on the display device 51. At this time, the information (correction information) input by the user is received by the discharge parameter correction information reception unit 271 of the correction information reception unit 27 of the dispenser control device 2, and the operation parameter setting unit 23 corrects the operation parameters based on the correction information. Steps S6 and S7 are repeated. At this time, in step S6, as described above, each time, the operation parameter setting unit 23 calculates the forward rotation speed based on the relationship between the measured dimensions measured in steps S4 and S7 and the set dimensions set in step S1-1, and also calculates the reverse rotation speed based on the relationship between the forward rotation speed and the reverse rotation speed obtained in step S5.

[0081] According to the embodiment described above, the following effects (1) to (11) can be obtained.

[0082] (1) In the coating system 100 according to the above embodiment, the operating parameter display unit 282, which displays the operating parameters derived and set by the operating parameter setting unit 23 based on the coating conditions received by the input receiving unit 21, is displayed on the display device 51. According to the above embodiment, when the input receiving unit 21, which receives input of coating conditions for coating material onto a workpiece, receives the coating conditions entered by the user, the operating parameter setting unit 23 automatically sets appropriate operating parameters and displays the operating parameters on the operating parameter display unit 282. In other words, since the operating parameters are automatically set by the operating parameter setting unit 23 based on the coating conditions received by the input receiving unit 21, the user does not need to calculate and set the operating parameters based on, for example, the dimensions of the coating cross-section of the coating material applied to the workpiece, thus eliminating the need for difficult adjustment know-how. As a result, by automatically setting the motion parameters based on the coating conditions of the coating material, the time required to adjust the amount of coating material applied can be shortened. In addition, since the operating parameters set by the operating parameter setting unit 23 are displayed on the operating parameter display unit 282, the user can visually confirm the motion parameters on the display device 51.

[0083] (2) In the coating system 100 according to the above embodiment, the discharge parameter is derived and set based on the discharge conditions of the coating material, and the suction parameter is derived and set based on the suction conditions of the coating material. As a result, the operation parameter setting unit 23 automatically derives and sets the discharge parameter based on the discharge conditions of the coating material, or automatically derives and sets the suction parameter based on the suction conditions of the coating material, so that the user does not need to calculate and set the discharge parameter and suction parameter based on, for example, the dimensions of the coating cross-section of the coating material applied to the workpiece. This eliminates the need for complicated work when setting the discharge parameter and suction parameter.

[0084] (3) In the coating system 100 according to the above embodiment, the operation parameter setting unit 23 sets the suction parameter based on the coating conditions or discharge parameter set in the coating condition setting unit 22. As a result, the suction parameter is automatically set by the operation parameter setting unit 23 based on the coating conditions (at least one of the dimensions of the coating cross-section of the fluid and the coating amount) or discharge parameter set in the coating condition setting unit 22, so the user does not have to set the suction parameter by trial and error in advance. This eliminates the need for complicated work when setting the suction parameter.

[0085] (4) In the coating system 100 according to the above embodiment, the operation parameter setting unit 23 sets the suction parameter to a predetermined value and sets the discharge parameter to a predetermined value based on the set suction parameter, the dimensions of the coating cross-section of the coating material applied to the workpiece, and the amount of coating applied. This makes it possible to set a more appropriate (closer to the correct) discharge parameter by taking the suction parameter into consideration. As a result, the time required for the user to set the discharge parameter is reduced and complicated work can be eliminated.

[0086] (5) In the coating system 100 according to the above embodiment, the operation control unit 25 performs a test coating, which is an experimental execution of the coating operation in accordance with the initially set discharge parameters. This eliminates the need for the user to initially set the discharge parameters related to the calibration operation when performing the calibration operation. As a result, the complicated work involved in the calibration operation during initial setup is eliminated, and test coating can be performed quickly.

[0087] (6) In the coating system 100 according to the above embodiment, the operation parameter setting unit 23 corrects the operation parameters based on the correction information received by the correction information receiving unit 27. As a result, the operation parameter setting unit 23 automatically corrects the operation parameters, so that the user can obtain the desired amount of coating material without having to perform complicated calculations regarding the correction of operation parameters.

[0088] (7) In the coating system 100 according to the above embodiment, the correction information display unit 283, which displays the correction information received by the correction information receiving unit 27, is displayed on the display device 51 by the display control unit 28. This allows the user to visually confirm the correction information in the correction information display unit 283 (correction information display image diagram shown in Figures 11 and 12).

[0089] (8) In the coating system 100 according to the above embodiment, the discharge parameter correction information receiving unit 271 receives input of correction information related to the correction of discharge parameters, and the suction parameter correction information receiving unit 272 receives input of correction information related to the correction of suction parameters. As a result, the discharge parameters are automatically corrected by the operation parameter setting unit 23 based on the correction information received by the discharge parameter correction information receiving unit 271, and the suction parameters are automatically corrected by the operation parameter setting unit 23 based on the correction information received by the suction parameter correction information receiving unit 272. Therefore, the user can obtain the desired amount of coating material without having to perform complicated calculations regarding the correction of discharge parameters and suction parameters.

[0090] (9) In the coating system 100 according to the above embodiment, the operation parameter setting unit 23 corrects the discharge parameters by utilizing at least one of the following: the relationship between the measured coating dimensions and the target coating dimensions of the coating material received by the correction information receiving unit 27, and the relationship between the measured coating amount and the target coating amount of the coating material. As a result, the discharge parameters are automatically corrected by the operation parameter setting unit 23 based on at least one of the following: the relationship between the measured coating dimensions and the target coating dimensions of the coating cross-section of the coating material, and the relationship between the measured coating amount and the target coating amount of the coating material, which are correction information received by the correction information receiving unit 27. Therefore, the user can obtain the desired amount of coating material without having to perform complicated calculations regarding the correction of the discharge parameters.

[0091] (10) In the coating system 100 according to the above embodiment, the operation parameter setting unit 23 corrects the suction parameter based on actual values ​​relating to the combination of the discharge parameter and the suction parameter, using the relationship between the discharge parameter and the suction parameter. As a result, the relationship between the two is generated by setting an appropriate suction parameter corresponding to the discharge parameter, so the user does not have to set an appropriate suction parameter corresponding to the discharge parameter through trial and error in advance.

[0092] (11) In the coating system 100 according to the above embodiment, when the discharge parameter is corrected, the operation parameter setting unit 23 corrects the suction parameter so that it changes to correspond to the discharge parameter, using the result of a separate correction of the suction parameter. As a result, even if the user is aware that they are correcting the discharge parameter, the suction parameter is also automatically corrected by using the result of a separate correction of the suction parameter, thereby reducing the burden on the user regarding the correction of the suction parameter.

[0093] (Other embodiments) Next, with reference to Figure 13, a filling system 110 according to another embodiment will be described.

[0094] As shown in Figure 13, the filling system 110 mainly comprises a dispenser device 1, a dispenser control device 2, a robot 3, and a robot control device 4. These devices are electrically connected by wired or wireless communication to enable one-way or bidirectional information communication. The dispenser control device 2 is mainly responsible for controlling the entire dispenser device 1. The robot control device 4 is mainly responsible for controlling the entire robot 3. The dispenser device 1 is attached to the robot 3.

[0095] In this embodiment, the only difference between the filling system 110 and the coating system 100 described above is that the filling system 110 fills the object to be filled 130, such as a container, with the filling material 120 discharged from the dispenser device 1. Therefore, the configuration provided in the coating system 100 can be replaced in the filling system 110.

[0096] According to the embodiment described above, the following effects (12) to (22) can be obtained.

[0097] (12) In the filling system 110 according to the above embodiment, the operating parameter display unit 282, which displays the operating parameters derived and set by the operating parameter setting unit 23 based on the filling conditions received by the input receiving unit 21, is displayed on the display device 51. According to the above embodiment, when the input receiving unit 21, which receives input of the filling conditions for the filler material 120 to be filled 130, receives the filling conditions entered by the user, the operating parameter setting unit 23 automatically sets appropriate operating parameters and displays the operating parameters on the operating parameter display unit 282. In other words, since the operating parameters are automatically set by the operating parameter setting unit 23 based on the filling conditions received by the input receiving unit 21, the user does not need to calculate and set the operating parameters based on, for example, the mass of the filler material 120 to be filled into the object to be filled 130, thus eliminating the need for difficult adjustment know-how. As a result, by automatically setting the motion parameters based on the filling conditions of the filler material 120, the time required to adjust the amount of filler material 120 to be filled can be shortened. Furthermore, the operating parameters set by the operating parameter setting unit 23 are displayed on the operating parameter display unit 282, allowing the user to visually confirm the motion parameters on the display device 51.

[0098] (13) In the filling system 110 according to the above embodiment, the discharge parameter is derived and set based on the discharge conditions of the filler material 120, and the suction parameter is derived and set based on the suction conditions of the filler material 120. As a result, the discharge parameter is automatically derived and set based on the discharge conditions of the filler material 120 by the operation parameter setting unit 23, or the suction parameter is automatically derived and set based on the suction conditions of the filler material 120, so that the user does not need to calculate and set the discharge parameter and suction parameter based on the amount of filler material 120 filled into the object to be filled 130, for example. As a result, the complicated work of setting the discharge parameter and suction parameter is eliminated.

[0099] (14) In the filling system 110 according to the above embodiment, the operation parameter setting unit 23 sets the suction parameter based on the filling conditions or discharge parameter set in the filling condition setting unit (which has the same configuration as the coating condition setting unit 22 in the coating system 100). As a result, the suction parameter is automatically set by the operation parameter setting unit 23 based on the filling conditions or discharge parameter set in the filling condition setting unit, so the user does not have to set the suction parameter by trial and error in advance. This eliminates the need for complicated work when setting the suction parameter.

[0100] (15) In the filling system 110 according to the above embodiment, the operation parameter setting unit 23 sets the suction parameter to a predetermined value and also sets the discharge parameter based on the set suction parameter and the amount of filler material 120 to be filled into the object to be filled 130. This makes it possible to set a more appropriate (closer to the correct) discharge parameter by taking the suction parameter into consideration. As a result, the time required for the user to set the discharge parameter is reduced and complicated work can be eliminated.

[0101] (16) In the filling system 110 according to the above embodiment, the operation control unit 25 performs a test filling, which is an experimental execution of the filling operation in accordance with the initially set discharge parameters. This eliminates the need for the user to initially set the discharge parameters related to the calibration operation when performing the calibration operation. As a result, the complicated work involved in the calibration operation during initial setup is eliminated, and test filling can be performed quickly.

[0102] (17) In the filling system 110 according to the above embodiment, the operation parameter setting unit 23 corrects the operation parameters based on the correction information received by the correction information receiving unit 27. As a result, the operation parameter setting unit 23 automatically corrects the operation parameters, so that the user can obtain the desired amount of filler material 120 without having to perform complicated calculations regarding the correction of operation parameters.

[0103] (18) In the filling system 110 according to the above embodiment, the correction information display unit 283, which displays the correction information received by the correction information receiving unit 27, is displayed on the display device 51 by the display control unit 28. This allows the user to visually confirm the correction information in the correction information display unit 283 (correction information display image diagram shown in Figures 11 and 12).

[0104] (19) In the filling system 110 according to the above embodiment, the discharge parameter correction information receiving unit 271 receives input of correction information related to the correction of discharge parameters, and the suction parameter correction information receiving unit 272 receives input of correction information related to the correction of suction parameters. As a result, the discharge parameters are automatically corrected by the operation parameter setting unit 23 based on the correction information received by the discharge parameter correction information receiving unit 271, and the suction parameters are automatically corrected by the operation parameter setting unit 23 based on the correction information received by the suction parameter correction information receiving unit 272. Therefore, the user can obtain the desired amount of filling material 120 without having to perform complicated calculations regarding the correction of discharge parameters and suction parameters.

[0105] (20) In the filling system 110 according to the above embodiment, the operating parameter setting unit 23 corrects the discharge parameters using the relationship between the measured amount of filler material 120 and the target amount of filler material 120 received by the correction information receiving unit 27. As a result, the discharge parameters are automatically corrected by the operating parameter setting unit 23 based on the relationship between the measured amount of filler material 120 and the target amount of filler material 120 as correction information received by the correction information receiving unit 27, so that the user can obtain the desired amount of filler material 120 without having to perform complicated calculations regarding the correction of discharge parameters.

[0106] (21) In the filling system 110 according to the above embodiment, the operating parameter setting unit 23 corrects the suction parameter based on actual values ​​relating to the combination of the discharge parameter and the suction parameter, using the relationship between the discharge parameter and the suction parameter. As a result, the relationship between the two is generated by setting an appropriate suction parameter corresponding to the discharge parameter, so the user does not have to set an appropriate suction parameter corresponding to the discharge parameter through trial and error in advance.

[0107] (22) In the filling system 110 according to the above embodiment, when the discharge parameter is corrected, the operating parameter setting unit 23 corrects the suction parameter so that it changes to correspond to the discharge parameter, using the result of a separate correction of the suction parameter. As a result, even if the user is aware that they are correcting the discharge parameter, the suction parameter is also automatically corrected by using the result of a separate correction of the suction parameter, thereby reducing the burden on the user regarding the correction of the suction parameter.

[0108] (Other variations) The above embodiment can also be configured with the following modifications.

[0109] In the above embodiment, an example of a dispenser device using a single-screw eccentric type was shown, but the present invention is not limited thereto. In the present invention, any dispenser device capable of suck-back operation, such as plunger type (piston type), valve type, screw type, and air type, can be used.

[0110] In the above embodiment, the coating diameter, coating height, and coating time were mainly shown as examples of coating conditions, but the present invention is not limited thereto. In the present invention, conditions other than the coating diameter, coating height, and coating time of the coating material may be included in the coating conditions.

[0111] In the above embodiment, the case of spot coating, in which the coating material is applied to the workpiece in a dot, was described, but the present invention is not limited thereto. In the present invention, in the case of linear coating, in which the coating material is applied to the workpiece in a linear manner, a value related to the coating length (length of the line) can be used as a coating condition. For example, it may be necessary to calculate the volume of the shape (semi-circular) when the linear coating material is viewed in cross-section. Also, in the case of linear coating, the coating speed (relative movement speed of the dispenser device relative to the workpiece) can be used as a coating condition instead of the coating time.

[0112] In the above embodiment, an example of controlling the coating conditions by coating dimensions was shown, but it is also possible to control them by coating amount (volume or mass).

[0113] In the above embodiment, an example was shown in which the user determines the suction parameters by a coating test and inputs them to the dispenser control device when the suction parameters are set by the operation parameter setting unit, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, by automating the measurement of the dimensions of the coated coating material, etc., the control device can automatically set the suction parameters without the user having to input them to the control device.

[0114] In the above embodiment, an example of operating parameters (discharge parameters and suction parameters) was shown in which the discharge parameter was the output and / or operating time during forward rotation of the dispenser device, and the suction parameter was the output and / or operating time during suck-back operation of the dispenser device. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. In the present invention, it is sufficient that the operating parameters correlate with the amount of coating material applied to the workpiece, and for example, the robot's movement speed or movement distance may also be included as operating parameters.

[0115] The above embodiment shows an input / output device (touch panel) in which the display device and input device are integrated, but the present invention is not limited thereto. In the present invention, it is also possible to configure the display device (e.g., a display or monitor) and the input device (e.g., a keyboard, numeric keypad, and mouse) as separate components. Alternatively, the input / output device such as a touch panel may be provided on the housing of the control device, or the touch panel provided on the housing of the control device may be eliminated and a completely separate PC or tablet may be used to input and display data.

[0116] In the above embodiment, the coating shape specification image (Figure 10) is configured to allow the user to input coating conditions, etc. In addition, when the user inputs coating conditions, etc., a shape reflecting the coating conditions, etc. may be displayed on the coating shape specification image of the display device. This allows the user to visually confirm the coating shape of the coating material to be applied.

[0117] In the above embodiment, the coating shape specification image (Figure 10) is configured to allow the user to input coating conditions, etc. In addition, drawing methods such as AutoShapes may be used, that is, by dragging with a mouse or by pinching in (zooming out) and pinching out (zooming in) on a touch panel, the shape can be input and resized, and the dimensions can be automatically reflected.

[0118] In the above embodiment, the coating shape specification image (Figure 10) is configured to allow the user to input coating conditions, etc. In addition, an input section for inputting a "magnification ratio" to enlarge or reduce the coating dimensions, and selectable selection buttons may be provided so that the user can adjust the coating dimensions by inputting (selecting) a "magnification ratio".

[0119] In the above embodiment, the coating shape specification image (Figure 10) is configured to allow the user to input coating conditions, etc. In addition to this, a "numerical value" for enlarging or reducing the coating dimensions may be displayed in advance, and the coating dimensions may be adjusted by selecting a "numerical value" button (or performing a touch operation in the case of a touch panel).

[0120] Furthermore, the modifications described above for the coating system can also be applied to the filling system described above as similar modifications.

[0121] The embodiments described above are all illustrative examples of the application of the present invention, and it goes without saying that any other embodiments within the scope of the claims are also included in the technical scope of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0122] 1: Dispenser device 11: Pump mechanism 12:Discharge port 2: Dispenser control device (control device) 21: Input Reception Section 22: Coating condition setting unit 23: Operation parameter setting unit 24: Parameter Relationship Generation Unit 25: Operation Control Unit 27: Correction Information Reception Department 271: Discharge parameter correction information receiving unit 272: Suction parameter correction information receiving unit 28: Display Control Unit 281: Application condition display unit (condition display unit) 282: Operating parameter display unit 283: Correction information display section 51:Display device 100: Dispensing system (dispenser system) 110: Filling system (dispenser system) 120: Filling material 130: Work

Claims

1. A dispenser device having a discharge port for discharging a fluid and a pump mechanism for moving the fluid relative to the discharge port, capable of performing a discharge operation in which the pump mechanism is operated so that the fluid moves from the pump mechanism toward the discharge port, and a suck-back operation in which the pump mechanism is operated so that the fluid moves from the discharge port toward the pump mechanism, A control device for controlling the operation of the dispenser device, A display device, By performing the suck-back operation after discharging a fluid onto a workpiece using the discharge operation, it is possible to perform either an application operation in which the fluid is applied to the workpiece, or a filling operation in which the fluid is filled into the workpiece by performing the suck-back operation after discharging a fluid onto the workpiece using the discharge operation, or both. The control device, An input receiving unit that receives input for the application conditions of the fluid to the workpiece, or input for the filling conditions of the fluid to the workpiece, An operating parameter setting unit that derives and sets operating parameters having a correlation with the amount of fluid applied to the workpiece based on the fluid application conditions, or derives and sets operating parameters having a correlation with the amount of fluid filled to the workpiece based on the fluid filling conditions, A display control unit that controls the display of the aforementioned display device, An operation control unit that controls the operation of the dispenser device in accordance with the operation parameters set in the operation parameter setting unit, It has, The display control unit, A condition display unit that displays the coating conditions or filling conditions received in the input receiving unit, An operating parameter display unit that displays the operating parameters derived and set by the operating parameter setting unit based on the coating conditions received in the input receiving unit, or the operating parameters derived and set by the operating parameter setting unit based on the filling conditions received in the input receiving unit, A dispenser system characterized by displaying the above on the display device.

2. The aforementioned operating parameter setting unit derives and sets operating parameters including a discharge parameter that correlates with the amount of fluid discharged by the pump mechanism, and a suction parameter that correlates with the amount of fluid sucked in by the pump mechanism. The aforementioned discharge parameters are derived and set based on the discharge conditions of the fluid, The aforementioned suction parameters are derived and set based on the suction conditions of the fluid, The dispenser system according to claim 1, characterized in that the operating parameter setting unit sets at least one of the operating parameters, namely the discharge parameter and the suction parameter.

3. The control device has a coating condition setting unit that can set at least one of the dimensions of the coating cross-section of the fluid applied to the workpiece and the amount applied as coating conditions, The dispenser system according to claim 2, characterized in that the operating parameter setting unit sets the suction parameter based on the coating conditions or discharge parameter set in the coating condition setting unit.

4. The dispenser system according to claim 2, characterized in that the operating parameter setting unit sets the suction parameter to a predetermined value and sets the discharge parameter to at least one of the set suction parameter, the dimensions of the coating cross-section of the fluid applied to the workpiece, and the amount of fluid applied.

5. This system can perform a calibration operation to optimize the operating parameters according to the aforementioned coating conditions. The dispenser system according to claim 4, characterized in that, in the calibration operation, the operation control unit performs a test application in which the application operation is experimentally executed in accordance with the dispensing parameters.

6. The control device has a correction information receiving unit that receives correction information related to the correction of the operating parameters, The dispenser system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the operating parameter setting unit corrects the operating parameters based on correction information received by the correction information receiving unit.

7. The dispenser system according to claim 6, characterized in that the display control unit causes the display device to display a correction information display unit that displays the correction information received by the correction information receiving unit.

8. The aforementioned operating parameter setting unit derives and sets operating parameters including a discharge parameter that correlates with the amount of fluid discharged by the pump mechanism, and a suction parameter that correlates with the amount of fluid sucked in by the pump mechanism. The aforementioned discharge parameters are derived and set based on the discharge conditions of the fluid, The aforementioned suction parameters are derived and set based on the suction conditions of the fluid, The operation parameter setting unit sets at least one of the operation parameters, namely the discharge parameter and the suction parameter. The dispenser system according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the correction information receiving unit includes a discharge parameter correction information receiving unit that receives input of correction information relating to the correction of the discharge parameter, and a suction parameter correction information receiving unit that receives input of correction information relating to the correction of the suction parameter.

9. The correction information receiving unit can receive the measured coating dimensions and target coating dimensions of the coating cross-section of the fluid applied to the workpiece, and the measured coating amount and target coating amount of the fluid as correction information. The dispenser system according to claim 8, characterized in that the operating parameter setting unit corrects the discharge parameter using at least one of the following: the relationship between the measured coating dimension and the target coating dimension of the coating cross-section of the fluid, and the relationship between the measured coating amount and the target coating amount of the fluid, which are received by the correction information receiving unit.

10. The dispenser system according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the operating parameter setting unit corrects the suction parameter based on actual values ​​relating to the combination of the discharge parameter and the suction parameter, using the relationship between the discharge parameter and the suction parameter.

11. The dispenser system according to claim 10, characterized in that when the discharge parameter is corrected, the operating parameter setting unit uses the result of a separate correction of the suction parameter to change the suction parameter to correspond to the discharge parameter.

12. The control device has a filling condition setting unit that can set the amount of fluid to be filled into the workpiece as a filling condition, The dispenser system according to claim 2, characterized in that the operating parameter setting unit sets the suction parameter based on the filling conditions or discharge parameter set in the filling condition setting unit.

13. The dispenser system according to claim 2, characterized in that the operating parameter setting unit sets the suction parameter to a predetermined value and sets the discharge parameter to a predetermined value based on at least one of the set-up suction parameter and the amount of fluid to be filled into the workpiece.

14. This system can perform a calibration operation to optimize the operating parameters according to the aforementioned filling conditions. The dispenser system according to claim 13, characterized in that, in the calibration operation, the operation control unit performs a test filling, in which it experimentally executes the filling operation in accordance with the discharge parameters.

15. The control device has a correction information receiving unit that receives correction information relating to the correction of the operating parameters, The correction information receiving unit can receive the measured amount of fluid filled into the workpiece and the target amount of fluid as correction information. The dispenser system according to claim 14, characterized in that the operating parameter setting unit corrects the discharge parameter using the relationship between the measured amount of fluid and the target amount of fluid received by the correction information receiving unit.

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