CN113710589B

CN113710589B - Liquid discharge device

Info

Publication number: CN113710589B
Application number: CN201980095670.7A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 高田素树; 青木基治; 小林洋平; 冈本祐介; 冈村武则; 穴井一成
Original assignee: Shiseido Co Ltd
Current assignee: Shiseido Co Ltd
Priority date: 2019-04-26
Filing date: 2019-04-26
Publication date: 2023-01-10
Anticipated expiration: 2039-04-26
Also published as: CN113710589A; WO2020217528A1; JP7185027B2; JPWO2020217528A1

Abstract

A liquid discharge device is provided with: a main body; a rotary table that includes a plurality of container storage sections for storing containers, the container storage sections being rotated relative to the main body, the containers including liquid discharge nozzles; a liquid discharging unit that discharges the liquid stored in the container; a 1 st detection unit (151), a 2 nd detection unit (152), and a 3 rd detection unit (153) provided in the main body; and a processing unit (1553) in which the container storage units are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the rotary table, the rotary table includes a plurality of position detection members arranged at equal intervals between the adjacent container storage units, the 1 st detection unit and the 2 nd detection unit can detect the position detection members and the discharge nozzle, the 3 rd detection unit can detect the discharge nozzle without detecting the position detection members, and the processing unit detects the rotational position of the rotary table based on the detection results of the 1 st detection unit, the 2 nd detection unit, and the 3 rd detection unit.

Description

Liquid discharge device

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a liquid discharge device.

Background

Conventionally, dispensers for automatically discharging and supplying cosmetics and the like stored in a storage container have been known.

(patent document 1)

Documents of the prior art

Patent document

Patent document 1: international publication No. 2016/029104

Disclosure of Invention

Problems to be solved by the invention

However, in the related art, it is necessary to prepare a mechanism for discharging the liquid material according to the number of the reservoirs. The liquid material is discharged from each reservoir to a different place, and the discharge place is wide.

An object of one embodiment of the present invention is to provide a liquid discharging apparatus that detects positions of containers with a simple configuration and discharges liquid from a plurality of containers to the same place.

Means for solving the problems

The disclosed liquid discharge device is provided with: a main body; a rotary table that includes a plurality of container storage sections for storing containers, the container storage sections being rotated relative to the main body, the containers including liquid discharge nozzles; a liquid discharging unit that discharges the liquid stored in the container; a 1 st detection part, a 2 nd detection part and a 3 rd detection part which are arranged on the main body; and a processing unit, wherein the container storage units are arranged at equal intervals in a circumferential direction of the rotary table, the rotary table includes a plurality of position detection members arranged at equal intervals between the adjacent container storage units, the 1 st detection unit and the 2 nd detection unit are arranged in a circumferential direction, a distance between the 1 st detection unit and the 2 nd detection unit is a distance that can be detected at a point where any one of the 2 position detection members is located and a midpoint between the adjacent 2 position detection members, the 3 rd detection unit is arranged in a vertical direction of the 1 st detection unit, the 1 st detection unit and the 2 nd detection unit can detect the position detection member and the discharge nozzle, the 3 rd detection unit can detect the discharge nozzle without detecting the position detection member, and the processing unit detects a rotational position of the rotary table based on detection results of the 1 st detection unit, the 2 nd detection unit, and the 3 rd detection unit.

Effects of the invention

The position of the container can be detected by a simple structure, and the liquid material in a plurality of containers can be discharged to the same place.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of an example of the liquid material discharge system according to the present embodiment.

Fig. 2 is an overall view of an example of the liquid discharge apparatus according to the present embodiment.

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a container as an example of the liquid discharging apparatus according to the present embodiment.

Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing an internal structure of an example of the liquid discharging apparatus according to the present embodiment.

Fig. 5 is a perspective view showing an internal structure of an example of the liquid material discharge device according to the present embodiment.

Fig. 6 is a plan view showing an internal configuration of an example of the liquid material discharge device according to the present embodiment.

Fig. 7 is a perspective view showing details of a discharge mechanism of an example of the liquid discharge device according to the present embodiment.

Fig. 8 is a functional block diagram of an example of the liquid discharging apparatus according to the present embodiment.

Fig. 9 is an enlarged view of a position detection device as an example of the liquid discharge device of the present embodiment.

Fig. 10 is a block diagram of a position detection device as an example of the liquid discharge device according to the present embodiment.

Fig. 11 is a flowchart of processing performed by the position detection device as an example of the liquid discharge device according to the present embodiment.

Detailed Description

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

< liquid discharge System 1>

Fig. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of an example of a liquid discharge system 1 according to the present embodiment.

The liquid material discharge system 1 of the present embodiment includes a liquid material discharge device 100, an information processing terminal 200, and a server device 300. The liquid discharge apparatus 100, the information processing terminal 200, and the server apparatus 300 are connected via a network 400. The liquid discharge apparatus 100 will be described later. The information processing terminal 200 is a mobile terminal such as a smartphone or a tablet computer. The information processing terminal 200 transmits user information and the like to the server device 300. The server device 300 is an information processing device (computer) that performs processing as a server. The server device 300 manages the state of the liquid discharge device 100 and the user of the liquid discharge device 100. The server 300 determines how to operate the liquid discharge apparatus 100 based on weather information and the like generally disclosed, such as information of the user transmitted from the information processing terminal 200.

In the liquid material discharge system 1 of the present embodiment, the liquid material discharge device 100 receives information (operation information) regarding the operation of the liquid material discharge device 100 from the server device 300 via the network 400. Then, the liquid material discharge apparatus 100 performs processing based on the received operation information. Then, the liquid material discharge apparatus 100 transmits the result of the processing based on the received operation information to the server apparatus 300. Then, the server device 300 updates information on the state of the liquid discharge device 100 and the like.

In fig. 1, 1 liquid material discharge device 100, information processing terminal 200, and server device 300 are connected to network 400, but the number of liquid material discharge devices is not limited to the number of devices in fig. 1. For example, a plurality of liquid material discharge devices 100 and information processing terminals 200 may be connected to one server device 300. Further, the processing of the server devices 300 may be distributed and performed by a plurality of server devices 300. Further, the liquid material discharge device 100 may be operated alone without connecting the liquid material discharge device 100 to the network 400.

< liquid discharge apparatus 100>

Next, the liquid discharging apparatus 100 will be described.

Fig. 2 is an overall view of an example of the liquid material discharge device 100 according to the present embodiment. Fig. 2 a is a plan view (plan view) of the liquid discharge apparatus 100, fig. 2B is a front view of the liquid discharge apparatus 100, and fig. 2C is a side view of the liquid discharge apparatus 100. Fig. 2 (D) is a perspective view of the liquid discharge apparatus 100.

The liquid discharge apparatus 100 includes an upper surface 101, an upper case 102, a lower case 103, and a bottom surface 104. The liquid discharge apparatus 100 has a substantially cylindrical shape. The lower housing 103 includes a hand insertion portion 105. The lower case 103 includes an extraction port 106 and a human body sensor 107 in an upper portion of the hand insertion portion 105. When the user inserts a hand into the hand insertion portion 105, the human body perception sensor 107 detects the hand. When the human body sensor 107 senses a hand, a storage liquid (liquid) stored in the container 500 described later is discharged from the discharge port 106. The liquid discharge apparatus 100 includes a container lid 108. The container lid 108 is provided so as to straddle the upper surface portion 101 and the upper case 102. The user opens the container lid 108 and replaces the container 500, which will be described later, exposed from the portion where the container lid 108 is opened. The liquid discharge apparatus 100 further includes a button (switch) 109 on the upper surface 101. When the user presses the button 109, the operation of the liquid discharge apparatus 100 is started.

< Container 500 >

Next, the container 500 will be explained.

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a container 500 of an example of the liquid discharge apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment.

The container 500 is a container for storing a liquid material (storage liquid) such as a cosmetic such as a lotion or essence. In addition, the emulsion can be used in a plurality of kinds for morning use or night use, respectively, for example. In addition, various essences such as an antioxidant essence, a desiccation-preventing essence, and a stress-relieving essence can be used.

The container 500 of the present embodiment includes a body 510 and a lid 520. A storage liquid (liquid material) is stored in the main body 510. The cap 520 is mounted to the body 510 by screw engagement or the like. The lid 520 includes a flange 521, a push button (pressing member) 522, and a tube 524. The tube 524 is provided with a discharge port 526 for discharging the stored liquid (liquid material) at an end opposite to the push button 522. When the push button 522 is pushed, the liquid material (stock solution) in the container 500 is discharged.

The container 500 includes an RFID tag 550 on the bottom surface of the main body 510. The RFID tag 550 stores a unique identifier attached to each container 500, information on the commodity type of the liquid material (storage liquid) stored in the container 500, the expiration date and the remaining amount of the liquid material, and the like. By providing the container 500 with the RFID tag 550, it is possible to manage the life and amount of the liquid material (storage liquid) stored in the container 500, prevent erroneous insertion of the container 500, prevent distribution of counterfeit products, ensure traceability of the container 500 and the liquid material (storage liquid) stored in the container 500, and the like.

In the container 500 of the present embodiment, the RFID tag 550 is used, but the means for recording the information of the container 500 is not limited to the RFID tag. For example, a bar code or the like may be used.

The container 500 of the present embodiment is stored in the container storage unit 120 of the rotary table 110 of the liquid discharge apparatus 100, which will be described later, such that the push button 522 is located below. Specifically, the container 500 is inserted into the container housing section 120 in the direction of arrow I, and is housed in the container housing section 120.

The upper case 102 and the lower case 103 are examples of the main body.

< rotating Table 110 >

Fig. 4 and 5 are perspective views showing an internal structure of an example of the liquid material discharge device 100 according to the present embodiment. Fig. 4 and 5 are views showing a state in which the upper case 102 and a part of the inside of the upper case 102 are removed and the turntable 110 is exposed. Fig. 4 is a diagram of a state in which the container 500 is not stored in the container storage section 120. Fig. 5 is a diagram of a state in which the container 500 is stored in the container storage section 120.

The liquid discharging apparatus 100 of the present embodiment includes a rotary table 110 inside the upper casing 102 and above the lower casing 103. The rotary table 110 rotates relative to the upper and

lower housings

102 and 103 in the direction of arrow a or in the direction opposite to arrow a around a rotary shaft 112. In the liquid discharging apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment, the container 500 is rotationally moved using the rotary table 110, but the moving method is not limited to the rotation. For example, a moving table that moves the container housing section 120 horizontally in a straight line may be used. In this way, the rotary table 110 can move relative to the upper and

lower housings

102 and 103.

The rotary table 110 includes a container storage unit 120 for storing the container 500. The container storage units 120 are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the circumference around the rotation shaft 112. The rotary table 110 of the present embodiment includes a container housing unit 120 at a total of 5. The respective container housing sections 120 are denoted as

container housing sections

121, 122, 123, 124, 125. The container 501 is housed in the container housing section 121. Similarly,

containers

502, 503, 504, and 505 are respectively housed in the

container housing sections

122, 123, 124, and 125. In the above description, although the specific container 500 is stored in each container storage section 120, any container 500 may be stored in each container storage section 120. The tube 524 of the container 500 stored in the container storage unit 120 is stored so as to be located outside the container storage unit 120 with respect to the rotation shaft 112 of the rotary table 110.

The container housing section 120 of the rotary table 110 includes a fixing structure (not shown) for fixing the container 500. The container 500 is fixed by a fixing structure so as not to move in the vertical direction of fig. 5 when being stored in the container storage section 120.

Each container 500 is rotated with respect to the upper and

lower housings

102 and 103 by the rotation of the rotary table 110.

Fig. 6 is a plan view showing an internal configuration of an example of the liquid material discharge apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment. Fig. 6 is a view of the turntable 110 in a state where the container 500 is stored in the container storage unit 120, as viewed from above. Fig. 6 (a) shows a state in which the container 500 (container 501) is positioned above the extraction port 106. Fig. 6 (a) is a view of the liquid discharge apparatus 100 of fig. 5 as viewed from above. The position of the container 501 above the extraction port 106 is referred to as a discharge position PosA. In the liquid discharging apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment, since the vessels 500 can be accommodated in a total of 5 vessel accommodation units 120, the

vessels

501, 502, 503, 504, and 505 sequentially reach the discharge position PosA by rotating the rotary table 110 by 72 ° about the rotary shaft 112.

Fig. 6 (B) shows a state in which the turntable 110 is rotated by 36 degrees in the direction of the arrow a from the state shown in fig. 6 (a). Fig. 6 (B) shows a state in which the intermediate portion between the container 501 and the container 502 is positioned above the drawing port 106. A position on the opposite side of the discharge position PosA with respect to the rotation shaft 112 (the position of the container 504 in fig. 6B) is referred to as a replacement position PosB. In fig. 6 (B), the rotary table 110 shown in fig. 6 (a) is rotated by 36 °, and the container 504 (500) is also rotated by 36 ° to be at the position of PosB. When the container lid 108 is opened, the container 500 located at the replacement position PosB is exposed to the outside. The user can exchange the container 500 located at the exchange position PosB with another container 500.

As described above, in the liquid discharging apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment, the rotary table 110 is rotated by 36 ° about the rotary shaft 112, and thereby the containers 501 to 505 can be sequentially set to the discharge position PosA or the replacement position PosB.

In the liquid discharging apparatus 100 of the present embodiment, as shown in fig. 6, the discharge position PosA and the replacement position PosB are different in position in a plan view (plan view).

< discharge means 130 >

Fig. 7 is a perspective view showing details of the discharge mechanism 130 of an example of the liquid discharge apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment.

The liquid discharge apparatus 100 includes a discharge mechanism 130 at a position corresponding to the discharge position PosA of the turntable 110. The discharge mechanism 130 of the present embodiment includes a discharge motor 131, a speed reducer 132, a cam 133, a slide member 134, and a fixing member 135. A rotation shaft of the discharge motor 131 is connected to a reduction gear 132. The decelerator 132 is connected to the cam 133. The speed reducer 132 reduces the rotation speed of the discharge motor 131 to rotate the cam 133. The cam 133 is a substantially fan-shaped eccentric cam. The cam 133 is inserted into a recess 1341 provided on the face of the slide member 134 on the speed reducer 132 side. When the cam 133 rotates, the sliding member 134 slides up and down by the cam 133 contacting the inner surface of the recess 1341. The fixing member 135 is a member that holds and fixes the slide member 134 so that the slide member 134 slides up and down.

The rotary table 110 moves the container 500 to the discharge position PosA. The position of the push button 522 of the container 500 located at the discharge position PosA and the position of the distal end 136 of the slide member 134 coincide with each other in a plan view. When the slide member 134 is slid in the direction of the container 500 (upward direction), the tip 136 of the slide member 134 comes into contact with the push button 522 of the container 500, and pushes the push button 522 of the container 500 in the direction of the main body 510 of the container 500. The body 510 and the cover 520 of the container 500 are fixed by a fixing structure not shown so as not to move. Therefore, the stored liquid (discharged liquid) stored in the container 500 is discharged by pressing the push button 522 of the container 500. Further, the liquid material discharging apparatus 100 controls the amount of the stored liquid (discharged liquid) according to the number of times the push button 522 is pushed.

The discharge mechanism 130 is an example of a liquid discharge unit.

< control device 140 >

Fig. 8 is a functional block diagram of an example of the liquid discharging apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment.

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

The apparatus control unit 141 controls the entire apparatus.

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

The rotation controller 143 controls the rotation of the turntable 110. The rotary table 110 is connected to a rotation motor 113. The rotation control unit 143 controls the rotation of the rotation table 110 by controlling the rotation of the rotation motor 113.

The discharge control unit 144 controls the discharge of the liquid (stock solution). The discharge control unit 144 controls the discharge of the liquid material (the stock solution) by controlling the rotation of the discharge motor 131 of the discharge mechanism 130.

The position detecting unit 145 detects whether or not the predetermined container 500 is located at a predetermined position, for example, the discharge position PosA or the replacement position PosB. The position detecting unit 145 detects the position of the predetermined container 500 based on the detection result of the position detecting device 150 provided in the liquid discharge apparatus 100.

The discharge detector 146 detects whether or not the liquid (stock solution) is discharged from the container 500 located at the discharge position PosA. The discharge detector 146 detects whether or not the liquid (stock solution) is discharged based on the detection result of the discharge detector 160 provided in the liquid discharge device 100.

The input/output unit 147 receives input from a user or outputs information to the user. The input/output unit 147 receives an input from the user by detecting the pressing of the button 109. The input/output unit 147 controls the LED driving unit 170 to control light emission of the LEDs included in the liquid discharge apparatus 100, and outputs information to the user.

The RFID control unit 148 controls input and output of information recorded in the RFID tag 550 of the container 500. The RFID control unit 148 controls the RFID reader/writer 190 included in the liquid discharge apparatus 100 to read information from the RFID tag 550 of the container 500 or write information to the RFID tag 550.

Each function of the control device 140 is realized by a CPU (Central Processing Unit) operating in accordance with a program stored in a storage device (not shown) so as to be readable. For example, each of the above functions is realized by cooperation of hardware and software in a microcomputer including a CPU. The control device 140 may be divided into a plurality of processing devices, or other functions may be incorporated into the control device 140.

< operation of the liquid discharge apparatus 100>

The server 300 determines the type and amount of the liquid material discharged from the liquid material discharge apparatus 100 used by the user based on personal information such as the age, skin characteristics, and skin condition of the user, environmental information such as temperature, humidity, and weather of the day of use, and time information. When the user presses the button (switch) 109 of the liquid discharging apparatus 100, the liquid discharging apparatus 100 transmits information (discharged liquid information) on the type and amount of the discharged liquid to the server apparatus 300, and the server apparatus 300 transmits information (discharged liquid information) on the type and amount of the discharged liquid to the liquid discharging apparatus 100. When the user inserts his or her hand into the hand insertion portion 105, the liquid discharge apparatus 100 discharges 1 or more kinds of liquid corresponding to the container 500 stored in the liquid discharge apparatus 100. The liquid material discharge device 100 discharges each liquid material based on the amount of the discharged liquid information.

The device control unit 141 of the liquid material discharge device 100 determines which container 500 among the containers 500 (501, 502, 503, 504, 505) stored in the liquid material discharge device 100 is to be discharged from the discharged liquid material information received from the server device 300. Then, the device control unit 141 calculates how much liquid material is discharged, that is, how many times the push button 522 is pushed, for the specified discharge container 500.

When the user inserts the hand into the hand insertion portion 105, the apparatus control portion 141 controls the rotation control portion 143 to rotate the container storage portion 120 of the container 500, which is intended to discharge the liquid material, to the discharge position PosA. Next, the device control unit 141 controls the discharge control unit 144 to discharge the liquid material by pressing the push button 522 of the container 500 the calculated number of times.

< position detecting device 150 >

The position detection device 150 of the liquid discharge apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment will be described.

First, the rotational position will be explained. Fig. 6 (a) shows an example in which the container housing section 121 of the container 501 is located at the discharge position PosA. Not limited to this example, when any one of the container storage units 120 is located at the discharge position PosA, the rotary table 110 may be said to be located at the rotation position RotA. Fig. 6 (B) shows an example in which the container storage section 124 of the container 504 is located at the replacement position PosB. Not limited to this example, when any one of the container storage units 120 is located at the replacement position PosB, the rotary table 110 may be said to be located at the rotation position RotB.

The position detector 150 of the liquid discharge apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment detects whether the rotary table 110 is located at the rotation position RotA or the rotation position RotB.

Fig. 9 is a rear view of the upper case 102 and a part of the inside of the upper case 102, with parts of the

infrared sensors

151, 152, and 153 enlarged. Fig. 9 (a) is a rear view showing a state where portions of the

infrared sensors

151, 152, 153 are exposed. Fig. 9 (b) is a rear view of fig. 9 (a) with the turntable 110 added. Fig. 9 (c) is a rear view of fig. 9 (b) with the container 500 added.

As shown in fig. 9 (a), the position detection device 150 of the present embodiment includes an infrared sensor 151 and an infrared sensor 153 at a position below the rotary table 110 corresponding to the replacement position PosB. The infrared sensors 153 are arranged in a vertical direction of the infrared sensor 151.

The position detection device 150 includes an infrared sensor 151 and an infrared sensor 152 arranged in a row in the circumferential direction of the turntable 110.

As shown in fig. 9 (b), the rotary table 110 includes a position detection member 116 at an intermediate position between the adjacent container storage units 120.

Here, the distance between the infrared sensor 151 and the infrared sensor 152 will be described. The infrared sensor 151 and the infrared sensor 152 are disposed on a circumference centered on the rotation shaft 112. The infrared ray sensor 151 and the infrared ray sensor 152 are separated by a distance in the circumferential direction corresponding to a distance half the distance in the circumferential direction from the adjacent position detection member 116. For example, when the infrared sensor 151 is located at a position facing the position detection member 116, the infrared sensor 152 is located at a position facing an intermediate point between the position detection member 116 and the adjacent position detection member 116. In other words, when the infrared sensor 152 is located at a position facing the position detection member 116, the infrared sensor 151 is located at a position facing an intermediate point between the position detection member 116 and the adjacent position detection member 116. Thus, the distance between the infrared sensor 151 and the infrared sensor 152 is a distance that can be detected at the midpoint between the adjacent 2 position detection members 116 and at the point where any one of the 2 position detection members 116 is located.

As shown in fig. 9 (c), when the container 500 is stored in the container storage section 120, the tube 524 of the container 500 stored in the container storage section 120 is positioned between the position detection members 116. The vertical length of the position detection member 116 is shorter than the tube 524 of the container 500.

By disposing the

infrared sensors

151, 152, and 153 as described above, the

infrared sensors

151 and 152 can detect the position detection member 116 and the tube 524, and the infrared sensor 153 can detect the tube 524 without detecting the position detection member 116.

The pipe 524 is an example of a discharge nozzle.

Fig. 10 is a configuration diagram of the position detection device 150 according to the present embodiment.

The liquid discharging apparatus 100 of the present embodiment includes

infrared sensors

151, 152, and 153, a magnetic sensor 154, and a position detection device control unit 155.

The

infrared sensors

151, 152, 153 are sensors for detecting the presence or absence of an object using infrared rays. In the position detection device 150 of the present embodiment, the

infrared sensors

151 and 152 detect the position detection member 116 and the tube 524, and the infrared sensor 153 detects the tube 524.

The magnetic sensor 154 is a sensor that detects magnetism. The magnetic sensor 154 of the present embodiment detects a magnet 156 provided at a predetermined position on the rotary table 110. In the liquid discharge apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment, the magnet 156 is provided between the container storage unit 124 and the container storage unit 125 of the rotary table 110, as shown in fig. 4 and 5. In addition, the magnetic sensor 154 is disposed at a position opposing the magnet 156. Thus, the position detection device 150 can detect that the magnet 156 of the rotary table 110 is located at a predetermined position, that is, that the rotary table 110 is located at a predetermined reference rotational position.

The position detection device controller 155 acquires data from the

infrared sensors

151, 152, 153 and the magnetic sensor 154, and detects whether the rotary table 110 is located at the rotational position RotA or the rotational position RotB. The position detection device control unit 155 includes a whole control unit 1551, a data acquisition unit 1552, and a calculation unit 1553.

The overall control unit 1551 controls the overall position detection device control unit 155.

The data acquiring unit 1552 acquires detection results of the

infrared sensors

151, 152, 153 and the magnetic sensor 154.

The calculation unit 1553 calculates and detects whether the rotary table 110 is located at the rotation position RotA or the rotation position RotB based on the detection results of the

infrared sensors

151, 152, 153 and the magnetic sensor 154 acquired by the data acquisition unit 1552.

The

infrared sensors

151, 152, and 153 are examples of the 1 st, 2 nd, and 3 rd detection units, respectively.

The specific processing of the position detection device control unit 155 will be described.

First, the detection results of the

infrared sensors

151, 152, 153 at the rotational positions RotA, rotB are shown in table 1.

[ Table 1]

Fig. 11 is a flowchart of the position detection device 150 according to the present embodiment.

(step S10) the overall control unit 1551 of the position detection device 150 controls the data acquisition unit 1552 to acquire data from the

infrared sensors

151, 152, 153. The data acquiring unit 1552 acquires data from the

infrared sensors

151, 152, and 153. The overall control unit 1551 transmits the data of the detection results of the

infrared sensors

151, 152, and 153 acquired by the data acquisition unit 1552 to the calculation unit 1553.

(step S20) the arithmetic unit 1553 determines whether or not both the infrared sensor 151 and the infrared sensor 152 detect an object (the position detection means 116 or the tube 524) based on the detection results of the

infrared sensors

151 and 152. If both of infrared sensor 151 and infrared sensor 152 are detected (yes in step S20), the process proceeds to step S30, and if not detected (no in step S20), the process proceeds to step S60.

(step S30) the arithmetic unit 1553 determines whether or not the infrared sensor 153 has detected an object. When the infrared sensor 153 detects the signal (yes in step S30), the process proceeds to step S40, and when the signal is not detected (no in step S30), the process proceeds to step S50.

(step S40) the arithmetic unit 1553 determines that the position detection member 116 is located at a position facing the infrared sensor 152. Further, the calculation unit 1553 determines that the container 500 is present at a position corresponding to the infrared sensor 151. Then, the calculation unit 1553 determines that the rotary table 110 is located at the rotation position RotB. Since the container storage section 120 is located at the rotation position RotB, it is determined that any one of the container storage sections 120 is located at the replacement position PosB. After the above determination, the process is ended.

(step S50) the calculation unit 1553 determines that the position detection means 116 is present at the position facing the infrared sensor 151. Further, the calculation unit 1553 determines that the container 500 is present at a position corresponding to the infrared sensor 152. Then, the calculation unit 1553 determines that the rotary table 110 is located at the rotation position RotA. Since the container storage unit is located at the rotation position RotA, any one of the container storage units 120 is determined to be located at the discharge position PosA. After the above determination, the process is ended.

(step S60) the arithmetic unit 1553 judges whether or not the infrared sensor 151 has detected an object. When the infrared sensor 151 detects the signal (yes in step S60), the process proceeds to step S70, and when the signal is not detected (no in step S60), the process proceeds to step S80.

(step S70) the arithmetic unit 1553 determines that the position detection member 116 is located at a position facing the infrared sensor 151. Further, the calculation unit 1553 determines that the container 500 is not present at the position corresponding to the infrared sensor 152. Then, the calculation unit 1553 determines that the rotary table 110 is located at the rotation position RotA. Since the container storage unit is located at the rotation position RotA, any one of the container storage units 120 is determined to be located at the discharge position PosA. After the above determination, the process is ended.

(step S80) the arithmetic unit 1553 determines that the position detection member 116 is located at a position facing the infrared sensor 152. Further, the calculation unit 1553 determines that the container 500 is not present at the position corresponding to the infrared sensor 151. Then, the calculation unit 1553 determines that the rotary table 110 is located at the rotation position RotB. Since the container storage section 120 is located at the rotational position RotB, it is determined that any one of the container storage sections 120 is located at the replacement position PosB. After the above determination, the process is ended.

By performing the processing as described above, the position detection device 150 determines whether the position detection member 116 is located at a position facing the infrared sensor 151 or a position facing the infrared sensor 152. Further, it is possible to detect whether the rotary table 110 is located at the rotation position RotA or the rotation position RotB.

In step S10, the overall control unit 1551 of the position detection device 150 may also perform control so as to acquire data from the magnetic sensor 154 to the data acquisition unit 1552. The calculation unit 1553 detects that the magnet 156 of the rotary table 110 is located at a predetermined position, that is, the rotary table 110 is located at a predetermined reference rotational position, using the detection result of the magnetic sensor 154 from the data acquisition unit 1552. By using the detection result and the control information of the rotation control unit 143 of the control device 140, it is possible to grasp which container 500 (for example, the container 501 or the like) is present at the discharge position PosA and the replacement position PosB.

The magnetic sensor 154 is an example of the 4 th detection unit. The magnet 156 of the rotary table 110 is an example of a detection target portion. The arithmetic unit 1553 is an example of a processing unit.

< action, effect >

In the liquid discharging apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment, the position detection device 150 detects the rotational position of the rotary table 110, and thus it is possible to reliably detect that the predetermined container 500 is located at the discharge position PosA or the replacement position PosB.

This allows the liquid material in each container 500 to be discharged at the discharge position PosA, and the discharged liquid material in each container 500 to be discharged to the same place. In addition, the container 500 to be replaced can be accurately moved to the replacement position PosB.

Then, it can be determined whether or not the container 500 is present at the replacement position PosB.

Description of the reference numerals

100. Liquid discharging device

102. Upper shell

103. Lower casing

110. Rotary table

116. Position detecting member

120. Container storage part

130. Discharge mechanism

150. Position detecting device

151. Infrared sensor

152. Infrared sensor

153. Infrared sensor

154. Magnetic sensor

155. Position detection device control unit

156. Magnet body

500. Container with a lid

1553. An arithmetic unit.

Claims

1. A liquid discharge device is characterized by comprising:

a main body;

a rotary table that includes a plurality of container storage sections for storing containers, the container storage sections being rotated relative to the main body, the containers including liquid discharge nozzles;

a liquid discharging unit that discharges the liquid stored in the container;

a 1 st detection part, a 2 nd detection part and a 3 rd detection part which are arranged on the main body; and

a processing part for processing the received signal,

the container receiving portions are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the rotary table,

the rotary table includes a plurality of position detecting members arranged at equal intervals between the adjacent container storage portions,

the 1 st detecting part and the 2 nd detecting part are arranged in a circumferential direction,

the distance between the 1 st detecting unit and the 2 nd detecting unit is a distance that can be detected at a point between adjacent 2 of the position detecting members and at which the position detecting member of any one of the 2 position detecting members is located,

the 3 rd detecting part is arranged in the vertical direction of the 1 st detecting part,

the 1 st and 2 nd detecting units are capable of detecting the position detecting member and the discharge nozzle,

the 3 rd detecting portion can detect the discharge nozzle without detecting the position detecting member,

the processing unit detects a rotational position of the turntable based on detection results of the 1 st detecting unit, the 2 nd detecting unit, and the 3 rd detecting unit.

2. The liquid material discharging device according to claim 1,

the processing unit determines whether the position detection member is present at a position facing the 1 st detection unit or the position detection member is present at a position facing the 2 nd detection unit based on the detection results of the 1 st detection unit, the 2 nd detection unit, and the 3 rd detection unit, and detects the rotational position of the rotary table.

3. The liquid material discharging device according to claim 2,

the processing unit determines that any one of the container storage units is located at a discharge position where the liquid material of the container is discharged when the position detection member is determined to be located at a position facing the 1 st detection unit, and determines that any one of the container storage units is located at a replacement position where the container is replaced when the position detection member is determined to be located at a position facing the 2 nd detection unit.

4. The liquid material discharging device according to claim 1,

the processing unit detects whether or not the container is stored in the container storage unit based on detection results of the 1 st detection unit, the 2 nd detection unit, and the 3 rd detection unit.

5. The liquid material discharge apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4,

the device is also provided with a 4 th detection part,

the 4 th detection unit detects a detection target unit attached to the circumference of the turntable.