Inspection device, printing device, and inspection method

Abstract

An inspection device according to the present disclosure is used in a printing device which has a discharge head for discharging a fluid. The inspection device comprises: a mark substrate on which a reference mark is formed; a feeding unit that feeds out a film onto the mark substrate in a predetermined feed direction by a predetermined movement force; a regulation unit that is provided on at least a portion of the periphery of the mark substrate, that generates a frictional force by contacting the film, and that regulates the movement of the film at less than the predetermined movement force; and a control unit that inspects the discharge state of the fluid on the basis of the reference mark and the fluid discharged from the discharge head onto the film.

Description

Inspection device, printing device, and inspection method

[0001] This specification discloses an inspection apparatus, a printing apparatus, and an inspection method.

[0002] A conventional printing device inspection device has been proposed that ejects ink onto a test film to form a test pattern, then captures an image of the test pattern with an imaging camera to inspect for ink ejection defects (see, for example, Patent Document 1). This device is said to be able to accurately detect ejection defects that may cause product defects during the ink application process.

[0003] International Publication No. 2010 / 090080

[0004] However, in some cases, the inspection device may scan a member supporting the test film in a specific direction, which can cause the test film to move unexpectedly, making it impossible to accurately inspect for defective discharge.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made to solve such problems, and its main purpose is to provide an inspection device, a printing device, and an inspection method that can more reliably perform fluid ejection inspection.

[0006] The present disclosure has adopted the following means to achieve the above-mentioned main object.

[0007] The inspection device disclosed in this specification is an inspection device used in a printing device having an ejection head that ejects a fluid, and includes: a mark substrate on which a reference mark is formed; a feed section that feeds the film on the mark substrate in a predetermined feed direction using a predetermined moving force; a regulating section that is provided on at least a part of the periphery of the mark substrate and comes into contact with the film to generate a frictional force and regulate the movement of the film below the predetermined moving force; and a control section that inspects the ejection state of the fluid based on the fluid ejected from the ejection head onto the film and the reference mark.

[0008] This inspection device can deliver the film using the delivery unit and deliver fluid to a new film surface, and can inspect the fluid delivery status while the film movement is more restricted by the restriction unit. Therefore, this inspection device can more reliably perform fluid delivery inspections. Furthermore, because this inspection device restricts film movement using frictional force, it can more reliably perform fluid delivery inspections with a simpler configuration.

[0009] 1 is a schematic explanatory diagram showing an example of a production system 10 and a three-dimensional printer 11. An explanatory diagram showing an example of the schematic configuration of a pallet 50. An explanatory diagram showing an example of the schematic configuration of an inspection device 60 and a regulating unit 70. An explanatory diagram showing examples of regulating units 70, 70B, 70C, and 70D. A flowchart showing an example of a printing processing routine. An explanatory diagram showing an example of the operation of the inspection device 60. An explanatory diagram showing an example of the schematic configuration of an inspection device 60B and a regulating unit 80. A flowchart showing an example of an inspection processing routine. An explanatory diagram of an example of the operation of the regulating unit 80. An explanatory diagram showing an example of another regulating unit 80B.

[0010] This embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic explanatory diagram showing an example of a production system 10 including a 3D printer 11 according to an example of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of a pallet 50 and an inspection device 60, with FIG. 2A being a plan view and FIG. 2B being a front view of the inspection device 60. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of the inspection device 60 and a regulating unit 70. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing examples of regulating units 70, 70B, 70C, and 70D. In this embodiment, the left-right direction (X-axis), the front-back direction (Y-axis), and the up-down direction (Z-axis) are as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 .

[0011] The production system 10 is configured as a production line in which a 3D printer 11 forms a molded object as a first process, forms predetermined components on the molded object as a second process, and then a mounting device 15 mounts components. The 3D printer 11 may form a wiring pattern of metal wiring as a second process, and the mounting device 15 may mount components at predetermined positions on the wiring pattern. The production system 10 may be configured solely with the 3D printer 11 without the mounting device 15. Alternatively, the production system 10 may include, in addition to the mounting device 15, one or more mounting-related devices, such as a printing device that prints solder as a viscous fluid on the molded object, a printing inspection device that inspects the printing results, a mounting inspection device that inspects the mounting results, and a transport device that transports the molded object. The 3D printer 11 or the mounting device 15 may also include a dispenser that dispenses a conductive paste. The conductive paste may be, for example, a resin that hardens when heated and has metal particles dispersed therein. For example, in the case of a conductive paste, when the resin hardens and shrinks, the metal particles dispersed in the resin come into contact with each other. This allows the conductive paste to exhibit conductivity. The resin of the conductive paste is, for example, an organic adhesive, and exhibits adhesive strength upon hardening. Furthermore, while the production system 10 shown in FIG. 1 includes two mounting devices 15, it may also include three or more mounting devices 15, or it may also include only one mounting device 15. The mounting device 15 is a device that mounts components onto a model created by the 3D printer 11.

[0012] The three-dimensional printer 11 is a three-dimensional modeling device that models a model. The material to be modeled is not particularly limited, and examples include resin and ceramics. The three-dimensional printer 11 includes a control device 20, a memory unit 23, a transport processing unit 26, an operation panel 28, a communication unit 29, a first processing unit 30, a second processing unit 40, and an inspection device 60. Here, the three-dimensional printer 11 will be mainly described as a device that models an insulator, such as a substrate as a base material for the model, using the first processing unit 30, and then performs a process of forming a wiring pattern on the modeled insulator using the second processing unit 40.

[0013] The control device 20 is configured as a microprocessor centered on the control unit 21 and controls the entire 3D printer 11. The control device 20 exchanges information with the memory unit 23, the transport processing unit 26, the operation panel 28, the communication unit 29, the first processing unit 30, and the second processing unit 40. The control unit 21 inspects the fluid ejection state based on the fluid ejected from the first ejection head 32 and the second ejection head 42 onto the film 67 fixed on the mark substrate 61 and the reference marks 62 formed on the mark substrate 61. The memory unit 23 is a large-capacity storage medium, such as a HDD or flash memory. The memory unit 23 stores modeling information 24 and wiring information 25. The modeling information 24 includes information such as the shape and size of the object to be manufactured. The wiring information 25 includes information such as the wiring pattern to be formed on the object. The 3D printer 11 performs modeling operations based on the information stored in the memory unit 23.

[0014] The transport processing unit 26 includes a moving unit 27 that moves and secures a pallet 50 on which a product is placed. As shown in FIG. 1 , the moving unit 27 moves a unit supporting the pallet 50 in the X-axis direction and also moves it along a guide in the Y-axis direction. The moving unit 27 can also move this unit in the Z-axis direction. The moving unit 27 moves the inspection device 60, which includes a mark substrate 61, a feed unit 63, and a regulating unit 70, along the Y-axis direction, which is a predetermined direction, along with this unit. The moving unit 27 is provided with an imaging unit 69 that captures an image of the top surface of the pallet 50. The imaging unit 69 is a camera with a predetermined depth of field and is moved in the X- and Y-axis directions by the moving unit 27. The transport processing unit 26 also moves the pallet 50 along the Y-axis direction when components are formed in the first processing unit 30 and the second processing unit 40.

[0015] The operation panel 28 is a unit that accepts input from the worker W and presents information to the worker W. The operation panel 28 is disposed on the front of the 3D printer 11 and includes a display unit and an operation unit that has a touch panel and buttons. The communication unit 29 is an interface used when communicating with external devices such as the mounting device 15 and a management device (not shown). Each device in the production system 10 exchanges information via the communication unit 29.

[0016] The first processing unit 30 is a modeling unit that ejects a hardening fluid, hardens the fluid, and then forms a model. The first processing unit 30 includes a first head moving unit 31, a first ejection head 32, a first head maintenance unit 34, a hardening processing unit 35, a flattening unit 36, a capping unit 37, and a first supply unit 38. The first head moving unit 31 includes a slider that is guided by a guide rail and moves along the X-axis direction, and a motor that drives the slider. A first ejection head 32 is attached to the slider, and the first ejection head 32 moves along the X-axis direction in accordance with the movement of the slider. The first ejection head 32 is a modeling head that ejects the fluid and forms a model. A first nozzle 33 that ejects the fluid is formed on the underside of the first ejection head 32. The fluid ejected from the first nozzle 33 may be, for example, a liquid curable resin (e.g., an ultraviolet curable resin, a thermosetting resin, a two-component mixed curable resin, etc.), a thermoplastic resin, or a slurry in which a solvent is mixed with solids such as inorganic matter.

[0017] The first discharge head 32 is a modeling head that discharges a hardening fluid onto a pallet 50 serving as a target object. The first discharge head 32 is connected to a first supply unit 38 and receives a supply of fluid from the first supply unit 38. The first discharge head 32 includes first nozzles 33 and a discharge drive unit. The first nozzles 33 are communication holes that discharge the fluid supplied from the first supply unit 38 onto the pallet 50. The first nozzles 33 are formed on a nozzle plate disposed at predetermined intervals on the underside of the first discharge head 32. The discharge drive unit discharges the fluid toward the pallet 50, and may be, for example, a piezoelectric element. The discharge drive unit is disposed in each first nozzle 33 and is driven based on a signal from the control device 20. The first supply unit 38 includes a supply tank that stores the fluid, a recovery tank that recovers the fluid, and a flow path connected to these tanks and that circulates the fluid through the first discharge head 32.

[0018] The first head maintenance unit 34 is a unit that performs ejection maintenance based on the ejection state of the first ejection head 32. The first head maintenance unit 34 performs, for example, maintenance of the ejection state of fluid from the first nozzles 33 and cleaning of the first nozzles 33. The first head maintenance unit 34 includes a discharge plate that receives fluid ejected from the first ejection head 32 and a wiping unit that has wiping paper or the like as a cleaning member and wipes and cleans the vicinity of the first nozzles 33. The control device 20 uses the first head maintenance unit 34 to perform cleaning processing periodically or as appropriate depending on the degree of dirt on the first ejection head 32.

[0019] The curing unit 35 is a unit that performs a predetermined process on the fluid dispensed onto the pallet 50 and hardens it. When the first discharging head 32 dispenses a liquid ultraviolet-curable resin, the curing unit 35 is a unit that irradiates ultraviolet rays. Furthermore, when the first discharging head 32 dispenses a fluid that hardens by drying and baking, the curing unit 35 may be a unit that performs drying and baking. Each time one or more layers of a modeled object are formed on the pallet 50 by the first discharging head 32, the pallet 50 moves and receives the hardening unit 35, which hardens the layer. The planarizing unit 36 ​​is a unit that flattens the fluid dispensed onto the pallet 50. The planarizing unit 36 ​​may be, for example, a flattening roller or a flattening blade that flattens the outer shape (e.g., the upper surface) of the dispensed object. The capping unit 37 is a unit that seals the first nozzle 33 when the device is not used for a long period of time or when there is a predetermined gap during modeling.

[0020] The second processing unit 40 is a discharge unit that forms a predetermined material on the surface of the object formed by the first processing unit 30. This second processing unit 40 includes a second head moving unit 41, a second discharge head 42, a second head maintenance unit 44, a heating unit 45, a cap unit 47, and a second supply unit 48. The second head moving unit 41 is assumed to have mechanisms similar to the slider and motor of the first head moving unit 31, and detailed description thereof will be omitted. The second discharge head 42 is a forming head that discharges a fluid onto the object as a target to form a wiring pattern, etc. A second nozzle 43 that discharges the fluid is formed on the underside of the second discharge head 42. Examples of the fluid discharged by the second nozzle 43 include a mixture of a solid material mixed with a solvent and a solution of a resin dissolved in a solvent. Note that examples of the fluid that forms the wiring pattern include a mixture of a metal powder as a conductive material dispersed in an organic solvent. The second ejection head 42 has an ejection unit and a second supply section 48 that are configured similarly to the first ejection head 32, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0021] The second head maintenance unit 44 is equipped with mechanisms similar to those of the discharge plate and wiping unit of the first head maintenance unit 34, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted. The heating treatment unit 45 is a unit that heats the shaped object and performs a process to dry the solvent contained in the fluid formed on the surface of the shaped object. The heating treatment unit 45 may accommodate and heat the pallet 50 after all wiring patterns have been formed by the second discharge head 42, or may accommodate and heat the pallet 50 each time a portion of a wiring pattern is formed by the second discharge head 42. The cap unit 47 is configured similarly to the cap unit 37 of the first treatment unit 30, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted. The configurations of the first discharge head 32 and the second discharge head 42 are not limited to those described above and may be modified as appropriate depending on the application and desired specifications. In this embodiment, for ease of explanation, the first ejection head 32 and the second ejection head 42 will be collectively referred to simply as ejection heads, the first nozzle 33 and the second nozzle 43 will be collectively referred to simply as nozzles, and the first processing unit 30 and the second processing unit 40 will be collectively referred to simply as processing units.

[0022] The pallet 50 is a plate-like member having an area where a model is formed. As shown in FIG. 2 , the pallet 50 has a free modeling area 51, a waste shot area 52, and a sensor measurement area 53. A removable film is attached to the top surface of the pallet 50, and the next model can be manufactured by replacing the film. The free modeling area 51 is a printing area where a model is formed by the first processing unit 30, and a printing area where a predetermined pattern is formed on the model by the second processing unit 40. The waste shot area 52 is an area that receives unnecessary fluid ejected from the first ejection head 32 and the second ejection head 42. The sensor measurement area 55 is an area where sensors of the first processing unit 30 and the second processing unit 40 are inspected.

[0023] The inspection device 60 is used in a printing device having an ejection head that ejects fluid, and inspects the ejection state of the fluid. The inspection device 60 is disposed in a unit that supports the pallet 50 of the moving unit 27, and moves in conjunction with the movement of this unit by the transport processing unit 26. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 , the inspection device 60 includes a mark substrate 61, a delivery unit 63, and a regulating unit 70. The inspection device 60 lands fluid on the surface of a film 67 fixed on the mark substrate 61 and then delivers the film 67, thereby eliminating the need for processes such as cleaning the mark substrate 61 and enabling multiple ejection inspections to be performed efficiently. The film 67 is preferably a transparent resin film, and its material and thickness can be appropriately determined to facilitate ejection inspection.

[0024] The mark substrate 61 is an area where ejection inspection of the first ejection head 32 and the second ejection head 42 is performed, and reference marks 62 are formed according to the nozzle pitch of the first ejection head 32 and the second ejection head 42. The mark substrate 61 is a plate-like body on which the reference marks 62 are formed. The mark substrate 61 may be formed, for example, of a transparent material such as a glass plate or a resin plate. The reference marks 62 serve as a reference for the position and amount of fluid ejected from the first nozzle 33 of the first ejection head 32 and the second nozzle 43 of the second ejection head 42. The shape of the reference marks 62 may be any of a circle, rectangle, polygon, star, etc., but a circle is more preferable from the perspective of determining the center position and calculating the area. The control device 20 can determine whether the fluid ejection state of the nozzle is normal based on the positional relationship between the fluid ejection position and the reference marks 62.

[0025] The delivery unit 63 delivers the film 67 on the mark substrate 61 along a predetermined feed direction S using a predetermined moving force. The delivery unit 63 includes a delivery roller 64, an intermediate roller 65, a take-up roller 66, and a drive unit (not shown). The delivery roller 64 is a roller around which the film 67 is wound and is a driven roller that delivers the film 67 in response to the rotation of the take-up roller 66. The intermediate roller 65 is disposed between the delivery roller 64 and the take-up roller 66 and is a driven roller that supports the film 67. The take-up roller 66 is driven to rotate by a drive unit such as a drive motor and takes up the film 67 delivered from the delivery roller 64 and onto which the fluid has been ejected. The delivery roller 64 is replaced with a new one when all of the film 67 has been taken up by the take-up roller 66. The drive unit of the delivery unit 63 applies a moving force equal to or greater than the predetermined moving force to the film 67.

[0026] As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4 , the restricting portion 70 is provided on at least a portion of the periphery of the mark substrate 61. The restricting portion 70 contacts the film 67 to generate friction and restricts the film 67 from moving when the force is less than a predetermined value. The restricting portion 70 may include a friction portion 71 that generates friction and a static eliminator 72 that contains a conductive material and eliminates static electricity from the film 67. The friction portion 71 is formed of a material with higher friction than the surrounding materials of the mark substrate 61, such as an adhesive material such as rubber or a material with an uneven surface. The static eliminator 72 is formed of a material with higher conductivity, such as metal or carbon material. When the friction force F0 between the friction portion 71 and the film 67, the acceleration / deceleration force F1 applied by the moving portion 27 during acceleration / deceleration, and the moving force F2 used to feed the film 67 by the feed portion 63 are taken as the friction force F0, the friction portion 71 generates a friction force that satisfies the relationship F2 > F0 > F1. The static friction force F0 [N] between the friction part 71 and the film 67 is expressed as F0 = μ × T, where T [N] is the tension of the film 67 and μ is the friction coefficient. The acceleration / deceleration force F1 [N] applied when accelerating / decelerating by the moving part 27 of the inspection device 60 carrying the film 67 is expressed from Newtonian mechanics as the unit mass m [kg] and the acceleration a [m / s 2], F1 is expressed as F1 = m × a. The winding torque of the winding roller 66 when feeding the film 67 is defined as a moving force F2 [N]. When the restricting unit 70 generates a frictional force that satisfies F2 > F0 > F1, the film 67 is prevented from slipping when the inspection device 60 accelerates or decelerates, and the winding roller 66 can feed the film 67.

[0027] In an inspection device 60 including a restricting unit 70, when the film 67 is fed out, static electricity is generated when the film 67 rubs against the frictional portion 71, which may cause the film 67 to stick to the mark substrate 61. The restricting unit 70 can prevent the film 67 from sticking due to static electricity by disposing a static eliminator 72 to eliminate static electricity. The frictional portion 71 may be present only on a portion of the periphery of the mark substrate 61. However, as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, for example, frictional portions 71 and 71B may be present on the entire periphery of the mark substrate 61. Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 4C and 4D, the frictional portion may be frictional portions 71C and 71D present at two locations, one upstream and one downstream in the feed direction S of the film 67 relative to the mark substrate 61. For example, the static eliminator 72 is preferably located at least downstream of the frictional portion 71 in the feed direction S, on the upstream side of the mark substrate 61 in the feed direction S. From the viewpoint of static elimination, it is preferable that the static eliminator 72 be located closer to the mark substrate 61 than the friction portion 71, for example, between the mark substrate 61 and the friction portion 71. This static eliminator may be located only in a portion of the periphery of the mark substrate 61, but may also be static eliminators 72 and 72C that are located around the entire periphery of the mark substrate 61, as shown in Figures 4A and 4C. The static eliminator may be static eliminator 72B located in one location upstream of the mark substrate 61 in the feed direction S of the film 67, as shown in Figure 4B, or static eliminator 72D located in two locations, one upstream and one downstream of the mark substrate 61 in the feed direction S of the film 67, as shown in Figure 4D. As shown in Figure 4, the restricting portions 70, 70B to 70D can prevent unnecessary movement of the film 67 while preventing the film 67 from sticking due to static electricity.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 2B , the restricting portion 70 has a height t that holds the film 67 at a position higher than the mark substrate 61. The restricting portion 70 has a height t that allows the surfaces of the film 67 and the mark substrate 61 to fit within the depth of field of the imaging portion 69. The inspection device 60 performs a fluid discharge inspection using an image of the fluid discharged onto the film 67 captured by the imaging portion 69. The restricting portion 70 is adjusted to a height t that fits within the depth of field of the imaging portion 69, allowing for more appropriate images to be acquired. The friction portion 71 and the charge eliminating portion 72 may be removably attached to the mounting portion 68 on which the mark substrate 61 is disposed. Because the friction portion 71 and the charge eliminating portion 72 may deteriorate, they are preferably configured to be replaceable after a predetermined period of use.

[0029] Next, the 3D modeling process of the 3D printer 11 configured as described above will be described. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of a printing process routine executed by the control unit 21 of the control device 20. This routine is stored in the memory unit 23 and is executed by the control device 20 after the operator W inputs a command to execute the production process. When the printing process routine starts, the control unit 21 of the control device 20 first determines whether it is time to inspect the first processing unit 30 and the second processing unit 40 (S100). The inspection timing may be, for example, when a new production run begins, when a predetermined number of objects, such as five or ten, have been produced, or when a predetermined time, such as 30 minutes or one hour, has elapsed. If it is currently time to inspect the first and / or second ejection heads 32 and / or 42 in S100, the control unit 21 executes an ejection inspection process for the first and / or second ejection heads 32 and / or 42 (S110-S170).

[0030] 6A is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the operation of the inspection device 60, with Fig. 6A being an explanatory diagram of the mark substrate 61 and the restricting unit 70, Fig. 6B being a diagram showing the film 67 being draped over, Fig. 6C being a diagram showing the discharged material 59 being discharged onto the film 67, Fig. 6D being a diagram showing the discharged material 59 being imaged by the imaging unit 69, and Fig. 6E being a diagram showing the film 67 being fed out after inspection. Here, for the sake of convenience, the discharge inspection process of the first processing unit 30 will be mainly described, and the discharge inspection process of the second processing unit 40 will be omitted, but the same process as described below can also be performed for the second processing unit 40.

[0031] When the discharge inspection process is executed, the control unit 21 first controls the moving unit 27 to move the inspection device 60 below the first discharge head 32 (S110, FIG. 6B). Next, the control unit 21 executes a discharge process in which fluid is discharged onto the film 67 (S120, FIG. 6C), and then captures an image of the discharged object 59 with the imaging unit 69 and performs image processing (S130, FIG. 6D). In the discharge process, the control unit 21 performs a process in which the moving unit 27 moves the first discharge head 32 in a predetermined direction along the Y axis at a predetermined pitch to an area between the upper and lower reference marks 62, for example, to discharge the fluid. Furthermore, in the imaging process, the pallet 50 is moved below the imaging unit 69. At this time, a predetermined acceleration / deceleration force F1 acts on the film 67 on which the discharged object 59 is formed in the inspection device 60, but the regulating unit 70 suppresses any deviation due to this movement. Furthermore, in the image processing, the control unit 21 acquires the positional relationship and area ratio between the reference mark 62 and the discharged object 59. Next, the control unit 21 determines whether or not there is an abnormal nozzle based on the image processing result (S140). The control unit 21 determines as an abnormal nozzle the first nozzle 33 that ejected the ejected material 59 such that the positional relationship between the reference mark 62 and the ejected material 59 exceeds a predetermined tolerance. Note that abnormal nozzles include, for example, nozzles that are unable to eject, are misaligned, have an insufficient ejection amount, an excessive ejection amount, and are satellites with multiple ejected materials 59 nearby.

[0032] If an abnormal nozzle is found, the control unit 21 stores information including the nozzle number of the abnormal nozzle in the memory unit 23 (S150). After S150, or if no abnormal nozzle is found in S140, the control unit 21 executes a feed process to feed the film 67 along the feed direction S (S160, FIG. 6E). The restricting unit 70 applies a static friction force F0 to the film 67 to prevent the film 67 from shifting, but the drive unit of the take-up roller 66 applies a moving force F2 that exceeds the static friction force F0 to the film 67, thereby feeding the film 67. The control unit 21 then determines whether the ejection inspection process is complete based on whether any untested nozzles remain (S170). If the ejection inspection is not complete, the control unit 21 executes the processes from S110 onward. That is, the control unit 21 moves the mark substrate 61 below the first nozzle 33 to be inspected next, performs the ejection process, and inspects the first nozzle 33 for ejection defects based on the captured image.

[0033] On the other hand, when the ejection inspection is completed in S170, or when it is not inspection time in S100, the control unit 21 determines whether it is time to execute the first printing process by the first processing unit 30 (S180). If it is time to execute the first printing process, the control unit 21 causes the first processing unit 30 to execute the first printing process (S190). In the first printing process, the control unit 21 moves the pallet 50 below the first ejection head 32, ejects fluid onto the pallet 50, performs flattening in the flattening unit 36, and hardens the fluid in the hardening processing unit 35. The control unit 21 repeatedly executes the movement process, ejection process, flattening process, and hardening process as necessary.

[0034] After S180, or when it is not the timing to execute the first printing process in S170, the control unit 21 determines whether it is the timing to execute the second printing process by the second processing unit 40 (S200). When it is the timing to execute the second printing process, the control unit 21 causes the second processing unit 40 to execute the second printing process (S210). In the second printing process, the control unit 21 moves the pallet 50 below the second ejection head 42, ejects fluid onto the object formed on the pallet 50, and causes the heating processing unit 45 to perform a heating process on the fluid. The control unit 21 repeatedly executes the movement process, ejection process, and heating process as necessary.

[0035] After S210, or when it is not time to execute the second printing process in S200, the control unit 21 determines whether the production process of the shaped object has been completed (S220). If the production process has not been completed, the control unit 21 executes the processes from S100 onward. On the other hand, if the production process has been completed in S220, the control unit 21 ends this routine. Because the inspection device 60 moves together with the pallet 50 between the printing position and the imaging position, there is a risk that the film 67 may shift as a result of this movement, and this shift may result in a decrease in inspection accuracy. In this inspection device 60, the provision of a regulating unit 70 can suppress shifting of the film 67.

[0036] Here, the correspondence between the components of this embodiment and the components of the present disclosure will be clarified. The inspection device 60 of this embodiment is an example of an inspection device of the present disclosure, the mark substrate 61 is an example of a mark substrate, the reference mark 62 is an example of a reference mark, the sender 63 is an example of a sender, the film 67 is an example of a film, the restricting unit 70 is an example of a restricting unit, the friction unit 71 is an example of a friction unit, and the static eliminator 72 is an example of a static eliminator. Furthermore, the three-dimensional printer 11 is an example of a printing device, and the first ejection head 32 and the second ejection head 42 are examples of ejection heads. Note that in this embodiment, by explaining the operation of the inspection device 60, an example of a printing device and an inspection method of the present disclosure will also be clarified.

[0037] The inspection device 60 of the present embodiment described above is used in a three-dimensional printer 11 serving as a printing device having an ejection head for ejecting a fluid, and includes a mark substrate 61 on which a reference mark 62 is formed, a feed unit 63 that feeds a film 67 on the mark substrate 61 in a predetermined feed direction S using a predetermined moving force, a regulating unit 70 that is provided around at least a portion of the periphery of the mark substrate 61 and that contacts the film 67 to generate a frictional force and restrict movement of the film 67 below the predetermined moving force, and a control unit 21 that inspects the fluid ejection state based on the fluid ejected from the ejection head onto the film 67 and the reference mark 62. This inspection device 60 can feed the film 67 using the feed unit 63 and eject fluid onto a new film surface, and can inspect the fluid ejection state with the movement and shifting of the film 67 more restricted by the regulating unit 70. Therefore, this inspection device 60 can more reliably perform fluid ejection inspections. Furthermore, in this inspection device 60, the movement or shifting of the film 67 is restricted by a member having frictional force, so that fluid discharge inspection can be performed more reliably with a simpler configuration than when using a fixing mechanism that fixes the film 67 in a releasable manner.

[0038] The restricting unit 70 also includes a friction unit 71 that generates a frictional force and a static eliminator 72 that includes a conductive material and eliminates static electricity from the film 67. In this inspection device 60, the friction unit 71 restricts the movement of the film 67, and the static eliminator 72 suppresses adhesion of the film 67 to the mark substrate 61, etc., caused by static electricity, thereby ensuring ease of movement of the film 67. The static eliminator 72 is also disposed at least downstream of the friction unit 71 in the predetermined feed direction S. Therefore, in the inspection device 60, static electricity generated by the friction unit 71 can be easily eliminated by the static eliminator 72. Furthermore, the inspection device 60 includes a moving unit 27 that moves the mark substrate 61, the feed-out unit 63, and the regulating unit 70 in a predetermined direction. When the frictional force F0 between the regulating unit 70 and the film 67, the acceleration / deceleration force F1 applied when the moving unit 27 accelerates or decelerates, and the moving force F2 for feeding the film 67 by the feed-out unit 63 are taken as F0, the regulating unit 70 generates a frictional force that satisfies the relationship F2 > F0 > F1. In this inspection device 60, the regulating unit 70 prevents film misalignment during inspection, prevents misalignment of the film 67 that occurs when the moving unit 27 moves the film, and enables film feeding by the feed-out unit 63. Furthermore, the regulating unit 70 has a height t that holds the film 67 higher than the mark substrate 61. This inspection device 60 can further reduce interference between the film 67 and the mark substrate 61, thereby more appropriately performing the movement of the film 67 and regulating its movement. Furthermore, the inspection device 60 includes an imaging unit 69 that captures an image of the fluid discharged onto the film 67, the control unit 21 performs a fluid discharge inspection using the image captured by the imaging unit 69, and the restriction unit 70 has a height that allows the surface of the film 67 and the reference mark 62 on the mark substrate 61 to fall within the depth of field of the imaging unit 69. With this inspection device 60, when performing a fluid discharge inspection, it is possible to obtain a more appropriate captured image, and to perform the fluid discharge inspection in a more appropriate state.

[0039] The three-dimensional printer 11 also includes a discharge head that discharges a fluid and the above-described inspection device 60. Because the three-dimensional printer 11 includes the above-described inspection device 60, it is possible to more reliably perform fluid discharge inspection. The three-dimensional printer 11 also achieves effects according to the aspect of the above-described inspection device 60 employed. The discharge head of the three-dimensional printer 11 is a discharge head for one or more three-dimensional printing devices that either discharges a fluid that forms a model or a fluid that forms a predetermined pattern on a model. The three-dimensional printer 11 also allows for more reliably performing fluid discharge inspection during three-dimensional printing.

[0040] It goes without saying that the inspection device, printing device, and inspection method of the present disclosure are in no way limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be implemented in various forms as long as they fall within the technical scope of the present disclosure.

[0041] For example, in the above-described embodiment, the restricting unit 70 generates a frictional force to further suppress movement or deviation of the film 67. However, this is not particularly limited, and other forces besides frictional force may also be utilized. For example, the inspection device 60 may include a pressure applying unit disposed in the restricting unit 70 of the friction unit 71 and / or the static eliminator 72, which applies pressure to the film 67 to restrict its movement. In this inspection device 60, in addition to the frictional force, pressure is applied to the film 67 to restrict its movement, thereby enabling more reliable fluid discharge inspection. Here, the pressure applying unit may apply a positive pressure or a negative pressure to the film 67, but applying a negative pressure is preferable from the viewpoint of restricting movement.

[0042] In the above-described embodiment, the restricting portion 70 includes multiple components, namely, the friction portion 71 and the static eliminator 72. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The restricting portion 70 may include a friction portion 71 that contains a conductive material, functions as a static eliminator that eliminates static electricity from the film 67, and generates frictional force against the film 67. In this inspection device 60, the friction portion 71 restricts the movement of the film, and the static eliminator suppresses adhesion of the film caused by static electricity, thereby ensuring the ease of movement of the film 67. Furthermore, in this inspection device, the friction portion functions as a static eliminator, thereby further simplifying the configuration. In this case, the friction portion 71 may be formed, for example, from rubber containing a conductive material such as a carbon material, or may be formed by forming carbon fiber as a conductive material on felt.

[0043] In the above-described embodiment, the restricting portion 70 includes the friction portion 71 and the static eliminator 72, but this is not particularly limited, and the static eliminator 72 may be omitted. In this case, the restricting portion 70 may be made of a material that does not easily generate static electricity, and the film 67 may be made of a material that does not easily generate static electricity. In this inspection device 60, too, the movement or shifting of the film 67 can be further suppressed by frictional force.

[0044] In the embodiment described above, the movement or shifting of the film 67 is further suppressed by the regulating unit 70 that generates a frictional force, but this is not particularly limited, and the regulating unit 80 may be configured to apply pressure to further suppress the movement or shifting of the film 67 as described below. Figure 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the outline of the configuration of the inspection device 60B and the regulating unit 80. The inspection device 60 described here includes the regulating unit 80 instead of the regulating unit 70, and the same reference numerals are used for other components that are the same as those of the above-described three-dimensional printer 11, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0045] The inspection device 60B includes a mark substrate 61, a feed unit 63, a regulating unit 80, and a control unit 21. The mark substrate 61 is a plate-shaped member on which a reference mark 62 is formed. The reference mark 62 serves as a reference for the position and amount of the ejected fluid. The feed unit 63 is a unit that feeds the film 67 in a predetermined feed direction S on the mark substrate 61. The feed unit 63 includes a feed roller 64, an intermediate roller 65, a take-up roller 66, and a drive unit that drives the take-up roller 66. The regulating unit 80 is provided around at least a portion of the periphery of the mark substrate 61 and applies pressure to the film 67 to regulate the movement of the film 67. The control unit 21 inspects the ejection state of the fluid based on the fluid ejected onto the film 67 from the ejection head and the reference mark 62. The control unit 21 also performs a process to determine the fixation state of the film 67 based on detection results from a pressure detection unit 84 (described later).

[0046] The restricting portion 80 is provided around at least a portion of the periphery of the mark substrate 61 and applies pressure to the film 67 to restrict its movement. As shown in FIG. 7 , the restricting portion 80 includes a pressure applying portion 81, a communication hole 82, a pressure supply circuit 83, and a pressure detecting portion 84. The pressure applying portion 81 is a member that applies pressure to restrict the movement of the film 67. The pressure applying portion 81 is a block-shaped member that is provided on both the upstream and downstream sides of the mark substrate 61 in the feed direction. The pressure applying portion 81 may be made of metal. The pressure applying portion 81 may apply a negative pressure to the film 67 to apply a suction force, or a positive pressure to apply a pressing force, but the following description will primarily focus on the application of negative pressure. A communication hole 82 is formed on the top surface of the pressure applying portion 81, with which the film 67 comes into contact. A pressure supply circuit 83 is connected to this communication hole 82, and the pressure supply circuit 83 supplies pressure to the film 67 via the communication hole 82. The pressure supply circuit 83 is a pressure-resistant pipe connected to a vacuum pump and / or a pressure pump (not shown). The pressure detection unit 84 is connected to the pressure supply circuit 83 and is a pressure sensor that measures the internal pressure of the pressure supply circuit 83. The restriction unit 80 applies negative pressure to the film 67 to restrict the movement of the film 67, and the control unit 21 executes a process of applying positive pressure to the film 67 based on the detection result of the pressure detection unit 84 to improve the fixed state of the film 67.

[0047] In the restricting unit 80, the pressure applying unit 81 has a height t that holds the film 67 at a position higher than the mark substrate 61. The pressure applying unit 81 of this restricting unit 80 has a height t that causes the surface of the film 67 and the surface of the mark substrate 61 to fall within the depth of field of the imaging unit 69. The inspection device 60B performs a fluid discharge inspection using an image of the fluid discharged onto the film 67 captured by the imaging unit 69, and the restricting unit 80 is adjusted to a height t that falls within the depth of field of the imaging unit 69, making it possible to acquire a more appropriate image.

[0048] Next, the 3D modeling process of the 3D printer 11 configured as described above will be described. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of an inspection process routine executed by the control unit 21 of the control device 20. This routine is stored in the storage unit 23 and is executed by the control device 20 after the operator W inputs a command to execute the production process. This inspection process routine is executed in parallel with the printing process routine that executes the steps S180 to S210 described above. When this inspection process routine is started, the control unit 21 of the control device 20 first determines whether it is time to inspect the first processing unit 30 and the second processing unit 40 (S300). The inspection timing may be, for example, when a new production run is started, when a predetermined number of objects, such as five or ten, have been produced, or after a predetermined time, such as 30 minutes or one hour, has elapsed.

[0049] If the current timing is the inspection timing in S300, the control unit 21 applies negative pressure to the restriction unit 80 and acquires a pressure detection value from the pressure detection unit 84 (S310). When the negative pressure from the pressure application unit 81 acts on the film 67, the film 67 is fixed on the pressure application unit 81. Next, the control unit 21 determines whether the pressure detection value is within a predetermined tolerance range (S320). This tolerance range may be set, for example, by empirically determining the pressure value indicated when the film 67 is properly fixed on the pressure application unit 81, and adding a predetermined margin to this pressure value as necessary. If the pressure detection value is within the tolerance range, the control unit 21 determines that the film 67 is properly fixed on the restriction unit 80, and executes an ejection inspection process for the first ejection head 32 and / or the second ejection head 42 (S330). The ejection inspection process will not be described in detail here, as it executes the processes of S110 to S170 described above.

[0050] On the other hand, if the detected pressure value is not within the predetermined tolerance in S320, the control unit 21 determines whether the number of times the detected pressure value is outside the tolerance exceeds a predetermined number (S340). This inspection device 60B executes a process to improve the fixation state of the film 67 when the detected pressure value is not within the predetermined tolerance. The inspection device 60B is configured to notify the operator W of this execution if the execution count exceeds a predetermined number. This predetermined number can be empirically set to a value at which the fixation state of the film 67 cannot be improved even if positive pressure is applied to the film 67. If the execution count of the process to improve the fixation state of the film 67 does not exceed the predetermined number, the control unit 21 switches the pressure applied to the pressure application unit 81 from negative pressure to positive pressure (S350), and then switches the pressure applied to the pressure application unit 81 from positive pressure to negative pressure (S360). Subsequently, the control unit 21 executes the processes from S310 onward.

[0051] 9A and 9B are explanatory diagrams illustrating an example of the operation of the restricting unit 80. FIG. 9A illustrates a state in which the film 67 is normally fixed, FIG. 9B illustrates a state in which the film 67 is bent, and FIG. 9C illustrates a state in which a gap has formed between the film 67 and the pressure applying unit 81. The restricting unit 80 applies negative pressure from the pressure supply unit 85 to fix the film 67 (FIG. 9A). In the states of FIGS. 9B and 9C, the detected pressure value is higher than normal. At this time, the control unit 21 applies positive pressure to the film 67 through the communication hole 82 to improve the posture of the film 67, including the winding force of the winding roller 66. When the fixed state of the film 67 is improved, the control unit 21 determines in S320 that the detected pressure value is within the allowable range.

[0052] On the other hand, if the number of times the process to improve the fixation state of the film 67 has been performed exceeds the predetermined number, the control unit 21 outputs a warning to that effect to the operation panel 28 (S370). Next, the control unit 21 determines whether or not the process to correct the abnormality in the fixation state of the film 67 has been completed based on input from the operation panel 28, and if the process to correct the abnormality has not been completed, the control unit 21 executes the process of S370. Having confirmed this warning on the operation panel 28, the worker W performs the work to correct the position of the film 67 and inputs to the operation panel 28 that the work has been completed. When the process to correct the abnormality has been completed, the control unit 21 executes the processes from S310 onwards.

[0053] On the other hand, if it is not inspection time in S300, or if the ejection inspection process has been executed in S330, the control unit 21 determines whether the production process of the 3D printer 11 has been completed (S390). If the production process has not been completed, the control unit 21 executes the processes from S300 onwards, and ends this routine when the production process has been completed. In this way, in the inspection device 60B, the regulating unit 80 applies negative pressure to fix the film 67, thereby preventing movement or shifting of the film 67 due to movement of the pallet 50.

[0054] Here, the correspondence between the components of this embodiment and the components of the present disclosure will be clarified. The inspection device 60B of this embodiment is an example of an inspection device of the present disclosure, the mark substrate 61 is an example of a mark substrate, the reference mark 62 is an example of a reference mark, the sender 63 is an example of a sender, the film 67 is an example of a film, the regulating unit 80 is an example of a regulating unit, and the pressure detecting unit 84 is an example of a detecting unit. Furthermore, the three-dimensional printer 11 is an example of a printing device, and the first ejection head 32 and the second ejection head 42 are examples of ejection heads. Note that in this embodiment, by explaining the operation of the inspection device 60, an example of a printing device and an inspection method of the present disclosure will also be clarified.

[0055] The inspection device 60B of this embodiment described above can deliver the film 67 using the delivery unit 63 and discharge a fluid onto a new film surface. The fluid discharge status can be inspected with the movement of the film 67 more restricted by the restriction unit 80. Therefore, the inspection device 60B can more reliably inspect the fluid discharge. Furthermore, the inspection device 60B applies pressure to the film 67 to restrict its movement, thereby more reliably inspecting the fluid discharge. The restriction unit 80 also includes a pressure detection unit 84 that detects the pressure applied to the film 67, and the control unit 21 determines the fixation status of the film 67 based on the detection results of the pressure detection unit 84. By determining the fixation status of the film 67, the inspection device 60B can more reliably inspect the fluid discharge under more appropriate conditions. Furthermore, the restriction unit 80 applies negative pressure to the film 67 to restrict its movement, and the control unit 21 applies positive pressure to the film 67 based on the detection results of the pressure detection unit 84 to improve the fixation status of the film 67. In this inspection device 60B, by improving the fixing state of the film 67, it is possible to more reliably carry out the fluid discharge inspection under more appropriate conditions.

[0056] It goes without saying that the inspection device, printing device, and inspection method of the present disclosure are in no way limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be implemented in various forms as long as they fall within the technical scope of the present disclosure.

[0057] For example, in the above-described embodiment, the restricting portion 80 applies pressure to fix the film 67, but this is not particularly limited, and the restricting portion 80 may also apply frictional force to fix the film 67. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of another restricting portion 80B. This restricting portion 80B includes a pressure applying portion 81B formed from a material that generates frictional force between the restricting portion 80B and the film 67. The pressure applying portion 81B may be formed from, for example, rubber. The pressure applying portion 81B may also be formed from a conductive material. This restricting portion 80B can prevent the film 67 from moving or shifting by applying pressure and frictional force.

[0058] In the above-described embodiment, the restricting unit 80 includes the pressure detecting unit 84, but this is not particularly limited, and the pressure detecting unit 84 may be omitted. This restricting unit 80 can further simplify the configuration. Furthermore, the restricting unit 80 applies positive pressure to the film 67 based on the detection result of the pressure detecting unit 84 to improve the fixed state, but this is not particularly limited, and this process may be omitted. This restricting unit 80 can further simplify the process.

[0059] In the above-described embodiment, the restricting portion 80 has the pressure applying portions 81 arranged on the left and right sides, which are the short side sides, of the mark substrate 61, but this is not particularly limited to this, and as shown in FIG. 4 , the restricting portion 80 may be provided with a pressure applying portion 81 having communication holes 82 formed so as to surround the outer periphery of the mark substrate 61. Furthermore, the restricting portion 80 may have the pressure applying portions 81 arranged above and below the mark substrate 61 so that the communication holes 82 are arranged on the top and bottom, which are the long side sides, of the mark substrate 61. The communication holes 82 can be arranged at any position on the outer periphery of the mark substrate 61 as long as the restricting portion 80 can appropriately apply pressure to the film 67.

[0060] In the above-described embodiment, the regulating portion 80 applies negative pressure to the film 67 to fix the film 67 by suction force, but this is not limited to this, and the regulating portion 80 may also apply positive pressure to the film 67 to fix the film 67 by pressing force.

[0061] In the above-described embodiment, the ejection head ejects a fluid that forms a molded object, or ejects a fluid that forms a predetermined pattern on the molded object, but it may be either one of these, or it may be an ejection head for image formation that is not intended for a three-dimensional modeling device.

[0062] In the above-described embodiment, an example has been described in which the imaging unit 69 is disposed on the moving unit 27, but the location at which the imaging unit 69 is disposed is not limited to this. The imaging unit 69 may be disposed in another position as long as it can be relatively disposed at a position where it can capture an image of the film 67 on the mark substrate 61.

[0063] In the embodiment described above, the moving unit 27 moves the unit that grips and supports the pallet 50 in the X-axis direction as well as the Y-axis and Z-axis directions, but this is not limiting. The moving unit 27 may be capable of moving this unit only in the Y-axis direction, or the moving unit 27 may be capable of moving the unit in the Y-axis direction and at least one of the X-axis and Z-axis directions.

[0064] In the above-described embodiment, the 3D printer 11 is described as being equipped with the inspection devices 60, 60B, but the present disclosure is not limited to this and may be configured with only the inspection devices 60, 60B. Furthermore, the above-described inspection devices 60, 60B are used in the 3D printer 11 that produces a shaped object, but are not limited to this and may be used in a printing device other than a 3D printer, such as an inkjet printer that prints images, as long as the device produces a product by ejecting a fluid. Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the present disclosure is described as an inspection device or a 3D printer 11, but it may also be an inspection method or a program therefor.

[0065] The present disclosure may be configured as follows: For example, an inspection method of the present disclosure is used in a printing device having an ejection head that ejects a fluid, and utilizes a restricting portion that is provided on at least a portion of the periphery of a mark substrate on which a reference mark is formed, and that comes into contact with a film to generate a frictional force and restrict movement of the film below a predetermined moving force, the inspection method including: (a) a step of feeding the film in a predetermined feed direction on the mark substrate by the predetermined moving force; (b) a step of ejecting fluid from the ejection head onto the film that has been fed in step (a) and whose movement has been restricted by the restricting portion; and (c) a step of inspecting the ejection state of the fluid based on the fluid ejected in step (b) and the reference mark.

[0066] In this inspection method, the fluid can be ejected onto a new film surface by feeding the film, and the fluid ejection state can be inspected while the movement of the film is more tightly restricted by the restricting unit. Therefore, this inspection method can more reliably perform fluid ejection inspection, similar to the inspection device described above. Furthermore, in this inspection method, the movement of the film is restricted by frictional force, so that the fluid ejection inspection can be more reliably performed with a simpler configuration. Note that this inspection method may employ various aspects of the inspection device described above, or may include additional steps that realize each function of the inspection device described above.

[0067] Alternatively, the inspection method disclosed herein is an inspection method used in a printing device having an ejection head that ejects a fluid, and utilizes a regulating section that is provided around at least a portion of the periphery of a mark substrate on which a reference mark is formed and applies pressure to the film to restrict movement of the film, and includes: (d) a step of feeding the film in a predetermined feed direction on the mark substrate; (e) a step of applying pressure to the film fed in step (d) by the regulating section to restrict movement of the film; (f) a step of ejecting the fluid from the ejection head onto the film whose movement has been restricted in step (e); and (g) a step of inspecting the ejection state of the fluid based on the fluid ejected onto the film and the reference mark.

[0068] In this inspection method, the fluid can be ejected onto a new film surface by feeding the film, and the fluid ejection state can be inspected while the movement of the film is more restricted by the restricting unit. Therefore, this inspection method can more reliably perform fluid ejection inspection, similar to the inspection device described above. Furthermore, in this inspection method, pressure is applied to the film to restrict its movement, so that fluid ejection inspection can be performed even more reliably. Note that this inspection method may employ various aspects of the inspection device described above, or may include additional steps that realize each function of the inspection device described above.

[0069] This specification also discloses the technical idea of ​​changing "the inspection apparatus according to claim 1 or 2" to "the inspection apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4" in claim 5 as originally filed, the technical idea of ​​changing "the inspection apparatus according to claim 1 or 2" to "the inspection apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5" in claim 6 as originally filed, the technical idea of ​​changing "the inspection apparatus according to claim 1 or 7" to "the inspection apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9" in claim 10 as originally filed, the technical idea of ​​changing "the inspection apparatus according to claim 1 or 7" to "the inspection apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10" in claim 11 as originally filed, and the technical idea of ​​changing "the inspection apparatus according to claim 1 or 7" to "the inspection apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 11" in claim 12 as originally filed.

[0070] The present disclosure is applicable to the technical field of devices that discharge fluids and manufacture products.

[0071] 10 Production system, 11 Three-dimensional printer, 15 Mounting device, 20 Control device, 21 Control unit, 23 Memory unit, 24 Forming information, 25 Wiring information, 26 Transport processing unit, 27 Movement unit, 28 Operation panel, 29 Communication unit, 30 First processing unit, 31 First head movement unit, 32 First ejection head, 33 First nozzle, 34 First head maintenance unit, 35 Hardening processing unit, 36 Flattening unit, 37 Capping unit, 38 First supply unit, 40 Second processing unit, 41 Second head movement unit, 42 Second ejection head, 43 Second nozzle, 44 Second head maintenance unit, 45 Heating processing unit, 47 Capping unit, 48 Second supply unit, 50 Pallet, 51 Free-form forming area, 52 Trimming area, 53 Sensor measurement area, 59 Discharged material, 60, 60B Inspection device, 61 Mark substrate, 62 Reference mark, 63 Feeding section, 64 feeding roller, 65 intermediate roller, 66 winding roller, 67 film, 68 placing section, 69 imaging section, 70, 70B to 70D regulating section, 71, 71B to 71D friction section, 72, 72B to 72D static elimination section, 80 regulating section, 81 pressure applying section, 82 communication hole, 83 pressure supply circuit, 84 pressure detection section, 85 pressure supply section, t height, S feeding direction, W operator.

Claims

1. An inspection device used in a printing device having an ejection head that ejects a fluid, comprising: a mark substrate on which a reference mark is formed; a feed section that feeds the film on the mark substrate in a predetermined feed direction using a predetermined moving force; a regulating section that is provided on at least a portion of the periphery of the mark substrate and comes into contact with the film to generate a frictional force and regulate the movement of the film below the predetermined moving force; and a control section that inspects the ejection state of the fluid based on the fluid ejected from the ejection head onto the film and the reference mark.

2. An inspection device as described in claim 1, wherein the regulating portion comprises a friction portion that generates the frictional force, and a static elimination portion that contains a conductive material and eliminates static electricity from the film.

3. The inspection device according to claim 2, wherein the static electricity removing section is disposed at least downstream of the friction section in the predetermined feed direction.

4. An inspection device as described in claim 2 or 3, wherein the regulating section includes a pressure applying section arranged in the friction section and / or the static electricity removing section, which applies pressure to the film and regulates the movement of the film.

5. An inspection device as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the regulating portion includes a conductive material, has the function of a static eliminator that eliminates static electricity from the film, and is provided with a friction portion that generates the frictional force.

6. An inspection device as claimed in claim 1 or 2, comprising a moving section which moves the mark substrate, the sending section and the regulating section in a predetermined direction, wherein when the frictional force between the regulating section and the film is F0, the acceleration / deceleration force applied when the moving section accelerates or decelerates is F1, and the moving force for feeding the film by the sending section is F2, the regulating section generates the frictional force which satisfies F2>F0>F1.

7. An inspection device used in a printing device having an ejection head that ejects a fluid, comprising: a mark substrate on which a reference mark is formed; a feed section that feeds the film in a predetermined feed direction on the mark substrate; a regulating section that is provided around at least a portion of the periphery of the mark substrate and applies pressure to the film to regulate the movement of the film; and a control section that inspects the ejection state of the fluid based on the fluid ejected from the ejection head onto the film and the reference mark.

8. The inspection device according to claim 7, wherein the regulating section includes a detection section that detects the pressure applied to the film, and the control section determines the fixed state of the film based on the detection result of the detection section.

9. The inspection device according to claim 8, wherein the regulating unit applies negative pressure to the film to regulate the movement of the film, and the control unit applies positive pressure to the film based on the detection result of the detection unit to improve the fixed state of the film.

10. An inspection device according to claim 1 or 7, wherein the regulating portion has a height that allows the film to be held at a position higher than the mark substrate.

11. An inspection device as described in claim 1 or 7, comprising an imaging unit that images the fluid ejected onto the film, the control unit performs an ejection inspection of the fluid using the image captured by the imaging unit, and the regulating unit has a height such that the surface of the film and the mark substrate are within the depth of field of the imaging unit.

12. A printing device comprising: an ejection head that ejects a fluid; and the inspection device according to claim 1 or 7.

13. The printing device according to claim 12, wherein the ejection head is an ejection head for one or more three-dimensional modeling devices that ejects the fluid to form a modeled object or ejects the fluid to form a predetermined pattern on a modeled object.

14. An inspection method used in a printing device having an ejection head that ejects fluid, and utilizing a regulating section that is provided on at least a portion of the periphery of a mark substrate on which a reference mark is formed, and that generates a frictional force when in contact with the film and restricts the movement of the film below a predetermined moving force, the inspection method comprising: (a) a step of feeding the film in a predetermined feed direction on the mark substrate by the predetermined moving force; (b) a step of ejecting fluid from the ejection head onto the film, the movement of which is restricted by the regulating section after being fed in step (a); and (c) a step of inspecting the ejection state of the fluid based on the fluid ejected in step (b) and the reference mark.

15. An inspection method used in a printing device having an ejection head that ejects a fluid, and utilizing a regulating section that is provided around at least a portion of a mark substrate on which a reference mark is formed and applies pressure to a film to regulate the movement of the film, the inspection method including: (d) a step of feeding the film in a predetermined feed direction on the mark substrate; (e) a step of applying pressure to the film fed in step (d) by the regulating section to regulate the movement of the film; (f) a step of ejecting the fluid from the ejection head onto the film whose movement has been regulated in step (e); and (g) a step of inspecting the ejection state of the fluid based on the fluid ejected onto the film and the reference mark.

Images