JP5169550B2 - Suction device control method, suction device, and droplet discharge device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a method for controlling a suction device including a plurality of caps configured to be detachable from a nozzle surface of a plurality of inkjet functional droplet ejection heads, a suction device, and a droplet ejection device including the same It is about.

Conventionally, a suction system including seven suction units (suction devices) mounted with 12 head caps corresponding to seven carriage units mounted with twelve functional liquid droplet ejection heads is known. (See Patent Document 1).
Each suction device includes a cap unit in which twelve head caps are mounted on a cap plate, a separation / contact mechanism that separates and contacts twelve head caps with respect to twelve functional liquid droplet ejection heads via the cap plate, A waste liquid tank connected to the head caps, an ejector for connecting the secondary side to the waste liquid tank and applying a suction pressure to the waste liquid tank, and a suction flow path for connecting the 12 head caps to the waste liquid tank. Yes.
When each head cap is in close contact with each functional liquid droplet ejection head and the ejector is driven so as to introduce compressed air to the primary side, the tank in the waste liquid tank and the suction flow path become negative pressure, and 12 The functional liquid is sucked from the 12 functional liquid droplet ejection heads through the head cap. In addition, each head cap is slightly separated from each functional liquid droplet ejection head, and the ejector is driven while performing the waste ejection (flushing) of each functional liquid droplet ejection head. It has become. Thus, the function maintenance and function recovery of the twelve function liquid droplet ejection heads are performed by two functions.
JP 2005-254798 A

In such a conventional suction system, since seven suction devices (suction units) are independent from each other, a waste liquid tank and an ejector are also provided independently. For this reason, there is a problem that the space efficiency is deteriorated and the structure is complicated. In this case, the problem can be solved by integrating the waste liquid tanks and ejectors of the seven suction devices into a single unit.
However, the suction pressure for sucking the functional liquid from a large number of discharge nozzles and the suction pressure for sucking the functional liquid discharged (discarded discharge) to the head cap are higher in the former and lower in the latter. When the operation method in which the suction device that performs the operation and the suction device that receives the discarded discharge is used is mixed, it becomes impossible to perform both operations at the same time. Even if the pressure is switched between high and low, it takes time until the pressure is stabilized.
Therefore, it is conceivable to separately provide a high-pressure suction device and a low-pressure suction device. However, because the high-pressure waste liquid tank with a large amount of suction and the low-pressure waste liquid tank with a small amount of suction are extremely different, the frequency of draining the waste liquid tank (waste liquid treatment) as a whole is very different. In addition, it is assumed that dirt adheres significantly in the low-pressure waste liquid tank.

  The present invention provides a suction device control method, a suction device, and a droplet discharge device capable of simultaneously performing suction processing with different suction pressures in units of cap units, and capable of performing device operation with different suction pressures in a balanced manner. The challenge is to provide

The suction device control method of the present invention is a suction device control method for sucking a functional liquid through a cap against the nozzle surfaces of a plurality of inkjet-type functional liquid droplet ejection heads, wherein the functional liquid is sucked from the cap. Using a plurality of suction means and a plurality of cap units each having one or more caps and connected to the plurality of suction means, and the plurality of suction means set pressures different from each other A pattern is set to the suction pressure of the plurality of suction means, and suction is performed by selecting any one suction means for each cap unit while changing the pattern setting for a plurality of suction means periodically or as necessary. Features.

The suction device of the present invention is a suction device including a plurality of caps configured to be detachable from the nozzle surfaces of a plurality of inkjet-type functional liquid droplet ejection heads, and sucks a functional liquid from each cap. a plurality of suction means, with each of which equipped with one or more caps, and a plurality of cap units each connected to a plurality of suction means, and disjunction mechanism for releasing contact operating each cap with the cap unit basis, respectively but upstream the caps side channel connected to the cap unit, and a plurality of sets of suction flow path formed downstream of a plurality of suction means side channel connected to the suction means, the cap side channel A plurality of flow path switching means for selectively switching each suction flow path to any one suction means, a separation mechanism, and a plurality of suction paths. Means and Control means for controlling the number of flow path switching means, and the control means sets the set pressures of the plurality of suction means to different levels of suction pressure and sets the patterns for the plurality of suction means. The suction is performed by selecting any one suction means for each cap unit while periodically changing as necessary.

  According to these configurations, each suction channel is selectively switched to one arbitrary suction unit by each channel switching unit, so that a plurality of cap units can be mutually sucked in cap units. It is possible to communicate with a plurality of suction means having different values. That is, in the suction process, the suction unit can be selectively applied to the functional liquid droplet ejection head via the cap in units of cap units. Thereby, it is possible to perform suction processing with different suction pressures simultaneously on a plurality of cap units. In addition, since the suction pressure pattern setting in the plurality of suction units having different pressure levels is changed periodically or as necessary, the frequency of use of the plurality of suction units can be made uniform. Thereby, for example, the suction amount of the functional liquid can be made uniform, the liquid draining frequency of the waste liquid tank can be made uniform, and the liquid draining frequency can be reduced as a whole. Moreover, maintenance of one suction means can be performed without stopping the apparatus.

In this case, the cap-side flow path, a plurality of the individual suction channels connected to the caps, the plurality of individual suction channel, a primary manifold Ru are merged by the cap unit basis, be composed of, preferably.

  According to this configuration, since the plurality of individual suction channels are connected to the primary manifold, if the channel length and the channel diameter of the plurality of individual suction channels are configured to be the same, The suction pressure can be the same.

In this case, the plurality of suction means side channels in the plurality of sets of suction channels include a plurality of main suction channels whose downstream sides are connected to the respective suction units and a plurality of two suction channels connected to the upstream side of each main suction channel. A secondary manifold.

  According to this configuration, since each suction means is configured to be connectable to all cap units, a plurality of cap units can be selectively suctioned by different levels of suction pressure.

  In this case, each flow path switching means includes a plurality of distribution suction flow paths connecting each primary manifold and a plurality of secondary manifolds, and a plurality of distribution flow path opening / closing valves provided in each distribution suction flow path. It is preferable to consist.

  According to this configuration, by controlling the distribution flow path opening / closing valve, it is possible to easily switch the flow path for any one suction means for each cap unit to be sucked.

  In this case, each suction means has a waste liquid tank connected to the downstream side of the suction means side flow path, and an ejector that introduces compressed air to the primary side and connects the secondary side to the upper space of the waste liquid tank. It is preferable.

  According to this configuration, the structure of the suction unit can be simplified, and a structure excellent in chemical resistance against the functional liquid can be obtained.

  In this case, it is preferable that each suction means further includes a pressure adjusting means for adjusting the pressure of the compressed air on the primary side, and the control means controls the set pressure via the pressure adjusting means.

  According to this configuration, it is possible to control the suction pressure to be always constant in any cap unit (cap).

  In this case, the control means further controls the pressure adjusting means according to the number of opened flow path switching means among the plurality of flow path switching means so that the suction pressure in each cap unit becomes constant. It is preferable to do.

  In addition to the above-described configuration, pressure detecting means for detecting the pressure of each waste liquid tank at the time of suction is further provided, and the control means adjusts the pressure so that the pressure in the waste liquid tank becomes a predetermined pressure corresponding to the number of open tanks. It is preferred to further control the means.

  Further, in place of the above-described configuration, the apparatus further includes a flow rate detecting means for detecting the flow rate of the functional liquid flowing into each waste liquid tank by suction, and the control means has a predetermined flow rate depending on the number of opened functional liquid flows into the waste liquid tank. It is preferable to further control the pressure adjusting means so that the flow rate is as follows.

  According to these configurations, first, the suction pressure is controlled according to the number of opening of the flow path switching means, and then the suction pressure is set so that the pressure (or flow rate) becomes a pressure according to the number of open of the flow path switching means. Therefore, in any cap unit (cap), the suction pressure can be controlled to be always constant.

  In this case, the plurality of suction means are constituted by two suction means, and the pattern setting is performed by setting each cap to a high-pressure set pressure that sucks each cap in close contact with each functional liquid droplet ejection head. It is preferable that the pressure drop is set at a low pressure level to be sucked away from each functional droplet discharge head.

  According to this configuration, for example, one of the suction means is used for restoring the function of sucking the functional liquid from the functional liquid droplet ejection head, and the other suction means is discharged from the functional liquid droplet ejection head and discharged (flushed). Can be used for maintaining the function of sucking from the cap. Thereby, the suction means can be used properly depending on the clogging of each functional liquid droplet ejection head.

  In this case, it is preferable that a plurality of sets of functional liquid droplet ejection heads are provided for each color of the functional liquid, and correspondingly, each cap unit is mounted with a plurality of sets of one or more caps for each color. .

  According to this configuration, a plurality of functional liquid droplet ejection heads for each color can be collectively subjected to suction processing via the plurality of cap units, and the function maintenance and function of the functional liquid droplet ejection heads for each color can be performed. Recovery can be done.

  The liquid droplet ejection apparatus of the present invention is a drawing means for performing drawing by ejecting functional liquid droplets from each functional liquid droplet ejection head while moving a plurality of ink jet type functional liquid droplet ejection heads relative to the workpiece. And the suction device described in any of the above.

  According to this configuration, function maintenance and function recovery of the functional liquid droplet ejection head can be performed appropriately, and productivity in work processing can be improved.

  Hereinafter, a droplet discharge device to which a suction device (suction unit) of the present invention is applied will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. This droplet discharge device is incorporated in a flat panel display production line, and uses, for example, a functional droplet discharge head into which a special ink or a functional liquid that is a light-emitting resin liquid is introduced. A light emitting layer to be a pixel, a filter element of a color filter, and the like are formed.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the droplet discharge device 1 is disposed on an X-axis support base 21 supported by a stone surface plate, and extends in the X-axis direction, which is the main scanning direction, to extend a workpiece W. Are arranged on a pair of Y-axis support bases 31 that are bridged across the X-axis table 2 via a plurality of columns 11 and in the sub-scanning direction. A Y-axis table 3 extending in the Y-axis direction, and 13 carriage units 4 suspended in a movable manner on the Y-axis table 3 and mounted with a plurality (twelve) functional liquid droplet ejection heads 13; , Is composed of. Further, the droplet discharge device 1 has a chamber 5 that accommodates these devices in an atmosphere in which temperature and humidity are controlled, and a function of supplying the functional liquid to the functional droplet discharge head 13 through the chamber 5. A liquid supply unit 6 is provided, and a tank cabinet 50 for storing a main tank 60 and the like constituting the main part of the functional liquid supply unit 6 is provided in a part of the side wall of the chamber 5. The droplet discharge device 1 discharges and drives the functional droplet discharge head 13 in synchronization with the driving of the X-axis table 2 and the Y-axis table 3, thereby providing six-color functional droplets supplied from the functional liquid supply unit 6. And a predetermined drawing pattern is drawn on the workpiece W.

  The droplet discharge device 1 also includes a maintenance device 7 including a flushing unit 15, a suction unit 16, a wiping unit 17, and a discharge performance inspection unit 18, and these units are used for maintenance of the functional droplet discharge head 13. The function of the functional liquid droplet ejection head 13 is maintained and recovered. In the droplet discharge device 1 of the present embodiment, the workpiece W is drawn with the carriage unit 4 facing the portion where the X-axis table 2 and the Y-axis table 3 intersect, and the Y-axis table 3 and the maintenance device 7 (suction unit) 16, the carriage unit 4 faces the portion where the wiping unit 17) intersects to perform the function maintenance / recovery of the function liquid droplet ejection head 13.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the X-axis table 2 has a set table 22 having a mechanism capable of sucking and setting the workpiece W and correcting in the θ-axis direction, and the set table 22 slidably supported in the X-axis direction An X-axis first slider 23, an X-axis second slider 24 that slidably supports the flushing unit 15 and the discharge performance inspection unit 18 in the X-axis direction, and extends in the X-axis direction. And a pair of left and right X-axis linear motors (not shown) that move the slider 23 and the X-axis second slider 24 in the X-axis direction.

  The Y-axis table 3 includes 13 bridge plates 32 each having 13 carriage units 4 suspended therein, 13 sets of Y-axis sliders (not shown) that support the 13 bridge plates 32 in both ends, and a pair. And a pair of Y-axis linear motors (not shown) that move the bridge plate 32 in the Y-axis direction. In addition, the Y-axis table 3 performs sub-scanning of the functional liquid droplet ejection head 13 during drawing via each carriage unit 4 and causes the functional liquid droplet ejection head 13 to face the suction unit 16 and the wiping unit 17. In this case, the carriage units 4 can be moved independently and individually, or the 13 carriage units 4 can be moved together. The drawing means described in the claims includes the X-axis table 2, the Y-axis table 3, and the carriage unit 4 (the functional liquid droplet ejection head 13 and the head unit 42).

  Each carriage unit 4 has six colors of R, G, B, C, M, and Y, each of two (total 12) functional droplet ejection heads 13 and 12 functional droplet ejection heads 13 The head unit 42 includes a head plate 41 that is supported in two groups each (see FIG. 4). Each carriage unit 4 has a θ rotation mechanism 43 that supports the head unit 42 so as to be capable of θ correction (θ rotation), and a suspension member 44 that supports the head unit 42 on the bridge plate 32 via the θ rotation mechanism 43. And. In addition, each of the carriage units 4 has a sub tank 45 disposed thereon (actually disposed on the bridge plate 32). The sub tank 45 utilizes a natural water head and is connected via a pressure regulating valve. The functional liquid is supplied to each functional liquid droplet ejection head 13. In the present embodiment, the number of carriage units 4 and the number of functional liquid droplet ejection heads 13 mounted on each carriage unit 4 are arbitrary.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the functional liquid droplet ejection head 13 is a so-called double ink jet head, which includes a functional liquid introduction part 51 having two connection needles 54, and a double series head connected to the functional liquid introduction part 51. A substrate 52 and a head main body 53 that discharges the functional liquid are provided below the head substrate 52 (see FIG. 5A).

  The functional liquid introduction part 51 has a pair of connecting needles 54 and is supplied with the functional liquid from the sub tank 45. The head main body 53 includes a double pump unit 55 configured by a piezo element and the like, and a nozzle plate 56 having a nozzle surface 58 on which a plurality of discharge nozzles 57 are formed. A large number of discharge nozzles 57 formed on the nozzle surface 58 of the nozzle plate 56 constitute two nozzle rows NL arranged in parallel with each other and shifted by a half nozzle pitch position. , 180 discharge nozzles 57 arranged at equal pitches (see FIG. 5B). The head substrate 52 is provided with two series of connectors 59, and each connector 59 is connected to the control device via a flexible flat cable (not shown). The drive waveform output from the control device is applied to each pump unit 55 (piezoelectric element) via each connector 59, so that the functional liquid is discharged from each discharge nozzle 57.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the flushing unit 15 includes a pair of pre-drawing flushing units 61 and 61 and a regular flushing unit 62, and the drawing process immediately before the drawing process or when the workpiece W is replaced. It receives the discarded discharge of the functional liquid droplet discharge head 13 that is performed during the pause. The suction unit 16 has 13 cap units 71, forcibly sucks the functional liquid from the discharge nozzle 57 of each functional liquid droplet discharge head 13, and performs capping. The wiping unit 17 wipes the nozzle surface 58 of the functional liquid droplet ejection head 13 after suction. The ejection performance inspection unit 18 inspects the presence / absence of ejection of the functional liquid droplet ejection head 13 and the flight bend.

  The regular flushing unit 62 includes a regular flushing box 64 that receives the functional liquid, a pair of box support members 65 that are mounted on the X-axis second slider 24 and support both ends of the regular flushing unit 62 so that the height of the regular flushing unit 62 can be adjusted. have. The regular flushing unit 62 is a function of regular flushing performed by ejecting and driving the all-function liquid droplet ejection head 13 of the head unit 42 when drawing processing is temporarily suspended, such as when the workpiece W is replaced. For receiving liquid. As a result, it is possible to prevent the functional liquid droplet ejection head 13 from drying and clogging the nozzles when drawing is suspended.

  The pre-drawing flushing unit 61 includes a pair of pre-drawing flushing boxes 63 that receive the functional liquid, and a pair of box support members (not shown) that support the pair of pre-drawing flushing boxes 63 on the set table 22. Yes. The pre-drawing flushing unit 61 is for receiving the functional liquid for pre-drawing flushing performed by ejecting and driving the all-function liquid droplet ejection head 13 of the head unit 42 immediately before ejecting the functional liquid onto the workpiece W. Thereby, the ejection of the functional liquid droplet ejection head 13 immediately before the drawing can be stabilized, and the drawing process with high accuracy can be performed on the workpiece W.

  Next, the suction unit (suction device) 16 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7. The suction unit 16 moves up and down each cap unit 71 through 13 cap units 71 in which 12 head caps 81 corresponding to 12 functional liquid droplet ejection heads 13 are arranged on a cap plate 82 and a support member 83. 13 lifting / lowering mechanisms (separating / disconnecting mechanisms) 73, 13 suction channel systems 74 connected to each cap unit 71 and having a functional fluid suction channel, and connected to each suction channel system 74 and two And a suction mechanism 75 (see FIG. 8) having two waste liquid tanks 101 corresponding to the pressure level. The suction unit 16 is connected to a compressed air supply facility 76 that supplies compressed air for control to a pressure control mechanism 102 and the like, which will be described later, an exhaust facility 77 for exhausting from each part, and a waste liquid tank 101, and is stored. And a functional liquid waste liquid facility 78 for draining the used functional liquid.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the cap unit 71 includes a head cap 81 corresponding to a total of twelve functional liquid droplet ejection heads 13 for each color, and a cap plate 82 on which these are mounted. The cap 81 is mounted on the cap plate 82 in the same arrangement as the twelve functional liquid droplet ejection heads 13 and in the same inclination posture.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the lifting mechanism 73 includes a lifting cylinder 84 that lifts and lowers the head cap 81 directly via a support member 83, a pair of linear guides 85 that guide lifting by the lifting cylinder 84, and a base that supports these. Part 86. The support member 83 includes a support member 83 main body having a support frame 72 that supports the cap unit 71 at the upper end, and an atmosphere release frame 88 for opening the atmosphere release valves (not shown) of the 12 head caps 81 together. And a pair of air cylinders 89 and 89 for moving the atmosphere release frame 88 downward. The elevating mechanism 73 moves the cap unit 71 in three stages between the close position for suction, the separated position for flushing, and the replacement position for replacement of the head unit 42 and consumables of the cap unit 71 (maintenance). Move up and down.

  As shown in FIG. 8, each suction flow path system 74 includes a cap side flow path system 90 that is continuous with each cap unit 71 and a tank side flow path system 91 that is continuous with the cap side flow path system 90. . The cap-side channel system 90 includes a homogeneous channel 92 having an upstream end connected to each head cap 81 and an individual suction channel in which the downstream side of the homogeneous channel 92 is merged according to the color of the functional liquid via the junction joint 108. 93 and a primary manifold 94 to which the downstream end of the merged individual suction flow path 93 is connected. That is, each of the two same-type flow paths 92 connected to the 12 head caps 81 corresponding to the above-described six colors, each of the two (total 12) functional liquid droplet ejection heads 13, are connected via the junction joint 108. Combined and connected to a total of six individual suction channels 93, and these six individual suction channels 93 are connected to the primary manifold 94 at their downstream ends. Further, an individual flow path opening / closing valve 95 that opens and closes the individual suction flow path 93 for each color of the functional liquid is interposed in the individual suction flow path 93 that merges on the downstream side.

  The tank-side channel system 91 includes a plurality of distribution suction channels 96 whose upstream ends are connected to the primary manifold 94, two secondary manifolds 97 connected to the downstream ends of the plurality of distribution suction channels 96, and an upstream end. The main suction channel 98 is connected to each secondary manifold 97 and has a downstream end connected to each waste liquid tank 101. In addition, two distribution suction channels 96 are connected to each cap unit 71 corresponding to two pressure levels, and two pressure levels are selectively switched to each distribution suction channel 96. A distribution flow path opening / closing valve 99 is interposed. Each main suction channel 98 is provided with a flow meter (flow rate detecting means) 100 for detecting the flow rate of the functional liquid flowing into each waste liquid tank 101. The downstream end of the main suction channel 98 is disposed at the waste liquid tank. It is inserted deeply to the vicinity of the bottom surface of 101. The individual flow path opening / closing valve 95 and the distribution flow path opening / closing valve 99 are mere opening / closing valves, and the flow path can be switched by setting one to “open” and the other to “close”.

  The primary manifold 94 and the secondary manifold 97 are constituted by a disk-shaped manifold formed in a funnel shape whose upper end is closed by a disk-shaped lid. In this case, in the primary manifold 94, the downstream ends of the six individual suction passages 93 are connected to the lid so as to be evenly arranged in the circumferential direction of the disk-like manifold. Similarly, in the secondary manifold 97, the downstream ends of the thirteen distribution suction channels 96 are arranged so as to be evenly arranged in the circumferential direction of the disk-like manifold, or double and equally arranged in the circumferential direction. It is connected to the.

  The suction mechanism 75 includes two waste liquid tanks 101 for waste of the sucked functional liquid and a pair of pressure control mechanisms 102 for controlling the internal pressure of each waste liquid tank 101. The internal pressure of 101 is individually adjusted, and each head cap 81 is controlled to a negative pressure (suction) via the distribution suction channel 96.

  The waste liquid tank 101 includes a first waste liquid tank 103 used at a high pressure (first level) and a second waste liquid tank 104 used at a low pressure (second level). Both tanks 103, 104 are connected to a tank main body 105 constituted by a so-called sealed tank, an upper space of the tank main body 105, a pressure gauge (pressure detection means) 106 for detecting internal pressure, and a side of the tank main body 105. And a liquid level detecting means 107 for detecting the liquid level of the stored functional liquid. When the liquid level detecting means 107 detects the upper limit liquid level, the liquid level detecting means 107 opens the waste liquid on-off valve 79 interposed in the flow path on the side of the functional liquid waste liquid equipment 78 and wastes the functional liquid in the functional liquid waste liquid equipment 78. On the other hand, when the lower limit liquid level is detected, the waste liquid on-off valve 79 is closed. The waste liquid tank 101 is connected to a functional liquid waste liquid facility 78 that wastes the stored functional liquid. Furthermore, the above-described regular flushing unit 62 and the pre-drawing flushing unit 61 are connected to the second waste liquid tank 104 via a flushing flow channel 66. In addition, the flushing flow path 66 may be connected to both the first waste liquid tank 103 and the second waste liquid tank 104 via a flow path switching valve 67 (see a two-dot chain line in FIG. 8).

  The pressure control mechanism 102 includes a communication channel 109 whose upstream side is connected to the upper space of the tank body 105, an ejector 110 connected to the communication channel 109, the compressed air supply facility 76, and the exhaust facility 77, and the ejector 110 and the compression An electropneumatic regulator (pressure adjusting means) 111 that adjusts the pressure of the compressed air supplied to the ejector 110 and is installed adjacent to the electropneumatic regulator 111. A flow sensor 112. That is, the ejector 110 introduces compressed air from the compressed air supply facility 76 to the primary side, and connects the secondary side to the upper space of the waste liquid tank 101. The pressure is adjusted by the electropneumatic regulator 111, and the inside of the tank body 105 is controlled to be depressurized in such a manner that the air in the communication passage 109 is pulled toward the exhaust equipment 77 by the accompanying flow of the compressed air supplied to the ejector 110. The As a result, each of the waste liquid tanks 101 is individually adjusted to an appropriate suction pressure by the pressure control mechanism 102.

  Here, a method for calculating the appropriate suction pressure will be described. The appropriate suction pressure by the pressure control mechanism 102 is determined based on the number of openings of the distribution flow path opening / closing valve 99 and the detected value of the pressure gauge 106. An appropriate suction pressure is obtained from the number of open distribution channel opening / closing valves 99 by using a coefficient table obtained in advance through experiments. Thereafter, the electropneumatic regulator 111 is controlled so that the pressure of the waste liquid tank 101 detected by the pressure gauge 106 becomes an appropriate suction pressure (feedback control).

  As described above, by controlling the electropneumatic regulator 111 according to the number of the distribution channel opening / closing valves 99 opened, the suction pressure in each cap unit 71 (head cap 81) can be made constant. Accordingly, the suction flow rate of each cap unit 71 (head cap 81) can be made constant regardless of the number of functional liquid droplet ejection heads 13 that perform suction processing. Further, by controlling the electropneumatic regulator 111 based on the detection value of the pressure gauge 106, it is possible to control the suction pressure to be always constant in any cap unit 71 (head cap 81). In the coefficient table, it is preferable that an appropriate suction pressure is set based on the viscosity of the functional liquid in addition to the number of head caps 81.

  In the above suction processing example, the method of controlling the electropneumatic regulator 111 based on the detection value of the pressure gauge 106 is used as the control method. However, the following control method may be used. In another control method, the electropneumatic regulator 111 is controlled using the flow meter 100. An appropriate flow rate is obtained, and the pressure control of the electropneumatic regulator 111 is adjusted so that the functional liquid flow rate flowing into the waste liquid tank 101 becomes an appropriate flow rate (feedback control). According to this configuration, by controlling the electropneumatic regulator 111 based on the flow meter 100, the suction pressure is always maintained in any cap unit 71 (head cap 81) as in the case where the pressure gauge 106 is used. It can be controlled to be constant, and the suction process for the functional liquid droplet ejection head 13 can be appropriately performed while considering the type of the functional liquid.

  Next, the main control system of the droplet discharge device 1 will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in the figure, the droplet discharge device 1 includes a droplet discharge unit 191 having a head unit 42, a workpiece moving unit 192 having an X-axis table 2 and moving the workpiece W in the X-axis direction. And a Y-axis table 3, a head moving unit 193 that moves the head unit 42 in the Y-axis direction, a maintenance unit 194 that includes each unit of the maintenance device 7, and a functional liquid supply unit 6. A functional liquid supply unit 198 that supplies the functional liquid to the ejection head 13, a detection unit 195 that includes various sensors and performs various detections, and a drive unit 196 that includes various drivers that drive and control the respective units, and are connected to the respective units. And a control unit (control means) 197 for controlling the entire droplet discharge device 1.

  The control unit 197 includes an interface 201 for connecting each means, a storage area that can be temporarily stored, a RAM 202 that is used as a work area for control processing, and various storage areas. ROM 203 for storing control programs and control data; drawing data for drawing a predetermined drawing pattern on the work W; various data from each means; and a program for processing various data A hard disk 204, a CPU 205 that performs arithmetic processing on various data according to programs stored in the ROM 203 and the hard disk 204, and a bus 206 that connects them to each other.

  Then, the control unit 197 inputs various data from each means via the interface 201 and causes the CPU 205 to perform arithmetic processing according to the program stored in the hard disk 204, and the processing result is sent via the driving unit 196. Output to the means. Thereby, the whole apparatus is controlled and various processes of the droplet discharge apparatus 1 are performed.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the control unit 197 causes the first waste liquid tank 103 and the second waste liquid tank 104 to be fixedly operated via the pressure control mechanism 102, with the former being high-pressure suction and the latter being low-pressure suction. The two types of operation methods can be implemented, and the first waste liquid tank 103 and the second waste liquid tank 104 are alternately operated at high pressure and low pressure. The alternating operation in this case includes a case where it is performed as necessary, such as maintenance of one tank, and a case where it is periodically performed based on a predetermined operation time, a predetermined number of workpieces, and the like.

  Here, using the above-described appropriate suction pressure, the first functional liquid suction processing by the above-described suction unit 16 will be described. This suction process is a suction sequence when the functional liquid droplet ejection head 13 is initially filled with the functional liquid. In the initial stage, suction is performed at a high pressure (first level), and in the final stage, suction is performed at a low pressure (second level). The functional liquid is filled. Here, a case where all the carriage units 4 are sucked at a high pressure and then sucked at a low pressure will be described as an example.

  First, the corresponding cap unit 71 is raised to a close position by the elevating mechanism 73, and the distribution channel opening / closing valve 99 is controlled to make the cap unit 71 and the first waste liquid tank 103 communicate with each other. Then, both the high pressure and low pressure control mechanisms 102 are driven to start the initial filling at high pressure.

  After suction by high pressure, the distribution flow path opening / closing valve 99 connected to the first waste liquid tank 103 is “closed”, and the distribution flow path opening / closing valve 99 connected to the second waste liquid tank 104 is “open”. As a result, the cap unit 71 and the second waste liquid tank 104 are communicated with each other to perform filling at a low pressure.

  In this way, by switching the two distribution flow path opening / closing valves 99, 99, the main suction flow path 98 is selectively switched to any one waste liquid tank 101, so that a plurality of cap units 71 are capped. The unit 71 can communicate with the waste liquid tank 101 having different suction pressures. Thereby, the suction pressure can be switched from a high pressure to a low pressure only by controlling the distribution channel opening / closing valve 99. Therefore, the pressure stabilization waiting time when switching from high pressure to low pressure can be shortened as compared with the case where the pressure level is one.

  Next, the suction process of the second functional liquid by the suction unit 16 will be described. In this suction process, the functional liquid is sucked from the functional liquid droplet ejection head 13 by alternately using the suction mechanisms 75 with the suction pressure set to the same level. Here, a case will be described in which each even-numbered head unit 42 is sucked into the second waste liquid tank 104 after each odd-numbered head unit 42 is sucked into the first waste liquid tank 103. First, the distribution flow path opening / closing valve 99 is controlled, and the odd-numbered head cap 81 and the first waste liquid tank 103 are communicated and sucked.

  After sucking the functional liquid from the odd-numbered head units 42, the distribution flow path opening / closing valve 99 connected to the first waste liquid tank 103 is closed, and the distribution flow path opening / closing valve 99 connected to the second waste liquid tank 104 is opened. The individual flow path opening / closing valve 95 corresponding to the odd-numbered head unit 42 is set to “closed”, and the individual flow path opening / closing valve 95 corresponding to the even-numbered head unit 42 is set to “open”. Thereby, the even-numbered head unit 42 and the second waste liquid tank 104 are communicated and sucked. For example, if the first waste liquid tank 103 is full while the suction process is performed by the suction mechanism 75 having the second waste liquid tank 104, the waste liquid (functional liquid) stored in the first waste liquid tank 103 is discarded. be able to. Therefore, when the number of the suction mechanisms 75 is one, it is necessary to temporarily stop the suction processing, discard the waste liquid, and suction again. In this embodiment, the suction processing is continued without stopping the suction processing. Therefore, the time for the suction process can be shortened. Further, by alternately sucking at the same level of pressure, the amount of waste liquid stored in the first waste liquid tank 103 and the second waste liquid tank 104 can be made equal.

  Finally, the third functional liquid suction process by the suction unit 16 will be described. This suction processing is performed simultaneously with suction by the suction unit 16 and suction for flushing. Note that suction for suction is performed at a high pressure, and suction for flushing is performed at a low pressure. Here, a case where flushing is performed on the five carriage units 4 and suction is performed on the remaining eight carriage units 4 will be described as an example.

  In the carriage unit 4 that performs suction processing for suction, the corresponding cap unit 71 is lifted to the close position by the lifting mechanism 73 and the distribution channel opening / closing valve 99 is controlled to control the cap unit 71 and the first waste liquid tank 103. To communicate with. In the carriage unit 4 that performs the suction processing for flushing, the corresponding cap unit 71 is moved up to the separated position by the lifting mechanism 73 and the distribution channel opening / closing valve 99 is controlled to control the head cap 81 and the second waste liquid tank 104. To communicate. In these states, simultaneous parallel suction processing is performed. In this way, by the control of the pair of distribution flow path opening / closing valves 99, the plurality of cap units 71 can be simultaneously subjected to suction processing with different suction pressures. Further, since each suction mechanism 75 is configured to perform suction processing of a plurality of cap units 71, the number of suction mechanisms can be reduced as compared with the case where suction means are provided in units of cap units 71, and space efficiency can be reduced. Improvement and simplification of the structure can be achieved.

  In the third functional liquid suction process, for example, the first waste liquid tank 103 and the second waste liquid tank 104 are alternately operated at high pressure and low pressure every other day, so that the first waste liquid tank 103 and the second waste liquid are operated. It is preferable to equalize the amount of waste liquid stored in the tank 104. In order to cope with this alternate operation, the flushing flow path 66 of the flushing unit 15 is connected to both the first waste liquid tank 103 and the second waste liquid tank 104 via the flow path switching valve 67, respectively. Is preferred. The flow path switching valve 67 is provided with a flow path switching mechanism capable of selecting any one flushing flow path 66, so that the flushing unit 15 can be operated even if the pressure level is changed (pattern setting change). It is switched so as to be connected to the waste liquid tank 101 having a low level.

  Note that, as in the above-described two types of suction processing, the suction processing can be performed for each head unit 42, but can also be performed for each functional droplet discharge head 13 to be sucked. In this case, since the head cap 81 is separated from and in contact with the functional liquid droplet ejection head 13 in units of the cap unit 71, the individual cap opening / closing valve 95 provided in the individual suction channel 93 is controlled, so that any function can be achieved. A suction process can be performed only on the droplet discharge head 13. Further, a plurality of suction mechanisms 75 (waste liquid tanks 101) may be configured as required, such as medium pressure, in addition to high pressure and low pressure.

  In the present embodiment, functional liquid droplets supplied with six functional liquids of R (red), G (green), B (blue), C (cyan), M (magenta), and Y (yellow) are supplied. Although the one using the discharge head 13 is used, the number of colors and color types of the supplied functional liquid are arbitrary.

  According to the above configuration, suction processing with different suction pressures can be performed on the plurality of cap units 71 simultaneously in parallel. Moreover, since the two high and low suction mechanisms 75 are alternately operated, the frequency of use of the two suction mechanisms 75 can be made uniform. As a result, the amount of waste liquid stored in the first waste liquid tank 103 and the second waste liquid tank 104 can be made uniform, and the liquid draining frequency can be reduced as a whole. Further, maintenance of one suction mechanism 75 can be performed without stopping the apparatus.

1 is a perspective view of a droplet discharge device according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a top view of a droplet discharge device concerning an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a side view of a droplet discharge device according to an embodiment of the present invention. 2 is a plan view schematically showing a head unit equipped with a functional liquid droplet ejection head. FIG. It is a front and back external perspective view of a functional liquid droplet ejection head. It is a side view of a suction unit. It is a top view of a cap unit. It is a piping system diagram of a suction unit. It is the block diagram explaining the main control system of the droplet discharge apparatus.

Explanation of symbols

  1: droplet ejection device, 13: functional droplet ejection head, 15: flushing unit, 16: suction unit, 58: nozzle surface, 71: cap unit, 76: compressed air supply equipment, 81: head cap, 93: individual Suction channel, 94: primary manifold, 95: individual channel switching valve, 96: distribution suction channel, 97: secondary manifold, 98: main suction channel, 99: distribution channel switching valve, 100: flow meter, 101 waste liquid tank, 103: first waste liquid tank, 104: second waste liquid tank, 106: pressure gauge, 110: ejector, 111: electropneumatic regulator, W: work

Claims (13)

A control method of a suction device that sucks a functional liquid through a cap against the nozzle surfaces of a plurality of ink jet type functional liquid droplet ejection heads,
A plurality of suction means for sucking the functional liquid from the cap;
With each mounting one or more of the cap, using a plurality of cap units, each connected to the plurality of suction means, and
While setting the set pressure of the plurality of suction means to a plurality of different levels of suction pressure, and changing the pattern setting for the plurality of suction means periodically or as needed, the cap unit unit Then, a suction apparatus control method, wherein any one of the suction means is selected to perform suction. A suction device including a plurality of caps configured to be detachable with respect to the nozzle surfaces of a plurality of functional droplet discharge heads of an inkjet system,
A plurality of suction means for sucking the functional liquid from the caps;
With each mounting one or more of said cap, and a plurality of cap units, each connected to the plurality of suction means,
A separating mechanism for separating and contacting each cap in units of the cap unit;
Each, and a plurality of sets of suction flow path consisting of a plurality of suction portion side flow path caps side flow path, and a downstream connected to the respective suction means upstream and connected to the respective cap units,
Wherein interposed between each cap side flow path and the plurality of suction portion side flow path, a plurality of flow path switching means for selectively switching of the flow channels of the respective suction channel to the suction means any 1 When,
Control means for controlling the separation / contact mechanism, the plurality of suction means and the plurality of flow path switching means,
The control means sets the set pressures of the plurality of suction means to different levels of suction pressures, and changes the pattern settings for the plurality of suction means periodically or as necessary. A suction device that performs suction by selecting any one of the suction means for each cap unit. Each cap side flow path is
A plurality of individual suction channels connected to each cap;
Suction device according to claim 2, characterized by comprising a plurality of individual suction channel, from a primary manifold Ru are merged with the cap unit basis. The plurality of suction means side channels in the plurality of sets of suction channels are:
A plurality of main suction passages connected downstream to the respective suction means;
The suction device according to claim 3 , comprising a plurality of secondary manifolds connected to an upstream side of each main suction channel. Each flow path switching means includes
A plurality of distribution suction channels connecting the primary manifolds and the secondary manifolds;
The suction device according to claim 4, comprising a plurality of distribution flow path opening / closing valves interposed in the distribution suction flow paths.   Each of the suction means has a waste liquid tank connected to the downstream side of the suction means side flow path, and an ejector that introduces compressed air to the primary side and connects the secondary side to the upper space of the waste liquid tank. The suction device according to claim 2, wherein the suction device is provided. Each suction means further includes a pressure adjusting means for adjusting the pressure of compressed air on the primary side,
The suction device according to claim 6, wherein the control unit controls the set pressure via the pressure adjusting unit.   The control means adjusts the pressure adjusting means according to the number of opened flow path switching means among the plurality of flow path switching means so that the suction pressure in each cap unit becomes constant. The suction device according to claim 7, further controlled. Pressure detecting means for detecting the pressure of each waste liquid tank during suction, further comprising:
The suction device according to claim 8, wherein the control unit further controls the pressure adjusting unit so that the pressure in the waste liquid tank becomes a predetermined pressure corresponding to the open number. A flow rate detecting means for detecting the flow rate of the functional liquid flowing into each of the waste liquid tanks by suction;
The suction device according to claim 8, wherein the control unit further controls the pressure adjusting unit so that a flow rate of the functional liquid flowing into the waste liquid tank becomes a predetermined flow rate corresponding to the number of opened. .   The pattern setting includes a high-pressure set pressure for sucking the caps in close contact with the functional droplet discharge heads, and a low pressure for sucking the caps apart from the functional droplet discharge heads. The suction device according to any one of claims 2 to 10, characterized by comprising a set pressure of a level. The plurality of functional liquid droplet ejection heads are provided in plural sets for each color of the functional liquid,
Correspondingly, each of the cap units is equipped with a plurality of sets of one or more caps for each color, and the suction device according to any one of claims 2 to 11. A drawing means for performing drawing by discharging functional droplets from each of the functional droplet discharge heads while relatively moving a plurality of inkjet functional droplet discharge heads with respect to the workpiece;
A liquid droplet ejection device comprising: the suction device according to claim 2.

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