CN113710373A

CN113710373A - Liquid detection device

Info

Publication number: CN113710373A
Application number: CN201980095667.5A
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: 2021-11-26
Also published as: JPWO2020217525A1; WO2020217525A1

Abstract

A liquid detection device (160) is provided with: a detection unit (161, 162, 163) that detects the liquid discharged by the liquid discharge unit; and a data processing unit (1664) that determines whether or not the liquid material is discharged, using a difference between a detection result detected by the detection unit in a state where the liquid material discharge unit does not discharge the liquid material and a detection result detected by the detection unit in a state where the liquid material discharge unit discharges the liquid material.

Description

Liquid detection device

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a liquid detection 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 conventional technology, it is not clear whether or not the liquid material is actually discharged from the reservoir storing the liquid material when the liquid material is discharged from the dispenser.

An object of one embodiment of the present invention is to provide a liquid discharge device capable of stably detecting discharge of a liquid body.

Means for solving the problems

The disclosed liquid detection device is provided with: a detection unit that detects the liquid discharged by the liquid discharge unit; and a data processing unit that determines whether or not the liquid material is discharged, using a difference between a detection result detected by the detection unit in a state where the liquid material discharge unit does not discharge the liquid material and a detection result detected by the detection unit in a state where the liquid material discharge unit discharges the liquid material.

Effects of the invention

In the liquid discharging device, the discharge of the liquid body can be stably detected.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of an example of the liquid 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 discharging apparatus 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 discharge detection device as an example of the liquid discharge device of the present embodiment.

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

Fig. 11 is a diagram illustrating an operation of the discharge detection device as an example of the liquid discharge device according to the present embodiment.

Fig. 12 is a diagram illustrating an operation of the discharge detection device as an example of the liquid discharge device according to the present embodiment.

Fig. 13 is a flowchart of processing example 1 of the discharge detection device as an example of the liquid discharge device according to the present embodiment.

Fig. 14 is a flowchart of an example of processing of the discharge detection device 2 in the example of the liquid discharge device according to the present embodiment.

Fig. 15 is a flowchart of an example of processing 3 of the discharge detection device as an example of the liquid discharge device according to the present embodiment.

Fig. 16 is a diagram illustrating an operation of a discharge 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 the 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. Information of the user and the like are transmitted to the server device 300 by the information processing terminal 200. 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 300 updates information on the state of the liquid discharge apparatus 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 liquid material discharge devices in fig. 1. For example, a plurality of liquid material discharge devices 100 and the information processing terminal 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 discharge apparatus 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. Container lid 108 is provided across upper surface 101 and 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 described.

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 types 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 main 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) 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 main body 510 of the container 500 is an example of a storage unit. The container 500 functions as a push pump (english: push button) by the push button 522 of the cover 520.

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 housed in the container housing section 120 of the rotary table 110 of the liquid discharge apparatus 100 described later so 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.

< rotating table 110>

Fig. 4 and 5 are perspective views showing an internal structure of an example of the liquid discharge apparatus 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 is an example of a moving table.

The rotary table 110 includes a container housing unit 120 for housing the container 500. The container storage portions 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 container housing portions 120 are denoted as

container housing portions

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 portions

122, 123, 124, and 125. In the above description, the specific container 500 is stored in each container storage unit 120, but any container 500 may be stored in each container storage unit 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 drawing port 106 is referred to as a discharge position PosA. In the liquid discharging apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment, since the containers 500 can be stored in a total of 5 container storage units 120, the

containers

501, 502, 503, 504, and 505 sequentially reach the discharge position PosA by rotating the rotary table 110 by 72 ° about the rotation axis 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 extraction 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 container 504(500) is rotated 36 ° by rotating the turntable 110 shown in fig. 6(a) by 36 °, and is positioned at 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.

In this way, 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 rotary table 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 decelerator 132 decelerates the rotation 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 container 500 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 motor 113 to control the rotation of the rotation table 110.

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.

The respective functions of the control device 140 are 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. Further, 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 apparatus 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 apparatus 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.

< discharge detecting device 160 >

Fig. 9 is an enlarged view of the discharge detection device 160 of the liquid discharge device 100. Fig. 10 is a functional block diagram of a discharge detection device as an example of the liquid discharge device according to the present embodiment.

The discharge detection device 160 will be explained. The discharge detection device 160 includes 3 sets of

sensors

161, 162, 163, a plate 164 on which the

sensors

161, 162, 163 are placed, a cam plate 165 for moving the plate 164, and a discharge detection device control unit 166.

The

sensors

161, 162, 163 will be explained. The discharge detection device 160 of the present embodiment has a plurality of

sensors

161, 162, and 163 arranged in a direction intersecting the direction in which the liquid material is discharged from the discharge port 526 of the container 500 (discharge direction).

Here, the sensor 161 will be explained. The sensor 161 includes a light emitting unit 1611 and a light receiving unit 1612. The light emitting unit 1611 includes a light emitting element. The light-emitting element is, for example, a light-emitting diode. The light emitting unit 1611 emits light emitted from the light emitting element toward the light receiving unit 1612. The light receiving unit 1612 includes a light receiving element. The light receiving element is, for example, a photodiode. The light receiving unit 1612 receives the light emitted from the light emitting unit 1611 by a light receiving element. Further, the region where light propagates between the light emitting unit 1611 and the light receiving unit 1612 is a sensor detection range of the sensor 161.

The light emitted from the light emitting unit 1611 is light having a wavelength that is absorbed or reflected by the liquid material. Therefore, when the liquid material is present in the sensor detection range between the light emitting unit 1611 and the light receiving unit 1612, the amount of light received by the light receiving unit 1612 decreases because the light emitted from the light emitting unit 1611 is blocked by the liquid material. In this way, whether or not the liquid material is discharged to the sensor detection range can be detected based on the presence or absence of the decrease in light.

The

sensors

162 and 163 are the same sensors as the sensor 161. That is, the

sensors

162 and 163 include light emitting

portions

1621 and 1631 and

light receiving portions

1622 and 1632, respectively. The operation of the

sensors

162 and 163 is the same as that of the sensor 161.

Next, the plate 164 on which the

sensors

161, 162, 163 are mounted will be described. The plate 164 includes a light emitting section mounting section 1641, a light receiving section mounting section 1642, and an opening section 1643.

Light emitting units

1611, 1621, and 1631 of

sensors

161, 162, and 163 are disposed on light emitting unit mounting unit 1641. The

light receiving portions

1612, 1622, and 1632 of the

sensors

161, 162, and 163 are disposed on the light receiving portion mounting portion 1642. The light emitting section mounting section 1641 and the light receiving section mounting section 1642 are disposed across the opening section 1643. Thus, the upper portion of the opening portion 1643 of the plate 164 becomes the sensor detection range of each of the

sensors

161, 162, 163. The liquid discharged from the discharge port 526 of the container 500 passes through the opening portion 1643 and is discharged from the extraction port 106.

In the present embodiment, the position of the light-emitting portion and the light-receiving portion of the sensor mounted on the plate 164 is changed as in the light-emitting portion mounting portion 1641 and the light-receiving portion mounting portion 1642, but the arrangement of the light-receiving portion and the light-emitting portion may be changed if the sensor is mounted so that the sensor detection area of the sensor is located above the opening portion 1643. For example, the light emitting portion, the light receiving portion, and the light emitting portion of the sensor may be arranged in this order on one side of the opening portion 1643, and the corresponding light receiving portion, the light emitting portion, and the light receiving portion of the sensor may be arranged in this order on the other side.

Next, the cam plate 165 for moving the plate 164 will be described.

The cam plate 165 includes an inclined groove 1651 formed in an inclined direction and a lateral groove 1652 formed in a lateral direction. A projection 1342 projecting from the slide member 134 of the discharge mechanism 130 is fitted into the inclined groove 1651. A projection 1351 projecting from the fixing member 135 of the discharge mechanism 130 is fitted into the horizontal slot 1652. In addition, the upper portion of the cam plate 165 is held so as not to move in the upward direction by the restraining member 1352 protruding from the fixing member 135 of the discharge mechanism 130.

When the liquid discharging apparatus 100 discharges the liquid, the sliding member 134 of the discharge mechanism 130 slides in the upward direction. When the slide member 134 is slid in the upward direction, the protrusion 1342 of the slide member 134 is moved in the upward direction. The protrusion 1342 is fitted into the inclined groove 1651 of the cam plate 165, and thus the protrusion 1342 moves along the inclined groove 1651 of the cam plate 165 when moving upward. The cam plate 165 is restricted in vertical movement by the protrusion 1351 of the fixing member 135 fitted into the horizontal groove 1652 and the restricting member 1352. Therefore, when the projection 1342 moves upward, it moves along the inclined groove 1651 of the cam plate 165, and the cam plate 165 moves in the lateral direction, that is, in the direction intersecting the discharge direction of the liquid material. The plate 164 moves in the lateral direction, i.e., in the direction intersecting the discharge direction of the liquid material. Thus, the

sensors

161, 162, and 163 provided on the plate 164 move in the lateral direction, i.e., the direction intersecting the direction in which the liquid material is discharged from the discharge port 526 of the container 500 (discharge direction), and in the same direction as the direction in which the

sensors

161, 162, and 163 are arranged.

The cam plate 165 and the ejection mechanism 130 are examples of the detection unit moving unit. The discharge detection device 160 is an example of a liquid detection device.

Thus, the discharge detection device 160 of the present embodiment is linked to the discharge mechanism 130 that discharges the liquid material from the container 500, and more specifically, to the slide member 134 that discharges the liquid material by pressing the push button 522 of the container 500 and the plate 164.

Next, the discharge detection device control unit 166 will be described. The discharge detection device control unit 166 controls the discharge detection device 160. The discharge detection device control unit 166 includes an overall control unit 1661, a light emission control unit 1662, a data acquisition unit 1663, a data processing unit 1664, and a storage unit 1665.

The overall control unit 1661 controls the entire discharge detection device control unit 166.

The light emission control unit 1662 controls light emission of the

light emitting units

1611, 1621, and 1631 of the

sensors

161, 162, and 163, respectively.

The data acquiring unit 1663 acquires data of the intensity of the received light from the

light receiving units

1612, 1622, and 1632 of the

sensors

161, 162, and 163, respectively.

The data processor 1664 processes the intensity data of the

light receiving portions

1612, 1622, and 1632 acquired by the data acquirer 1663, and determines whether or not the liquid discharged from the outlet 526 of the container 500 is discharged.

The storage 1665 stores data and the like. The storage 1665 stores, for example, intensity data of the

light receiving sections

1612, 1622, and 1632 acquired by the data acquisition section 1663.

< discharge detection processing of liquid Material discharge apparatus 100>

Effect of contamination with liquid Material

Here, the influence of the

sensors

161, 162, and 163 in the case where the liquid material discharged from the discharge port 526 of the container 500 is adhered to the

light emitting portions

1611, 1621, and 1631 and the

light receiving portions

1612, 1622, and 1632 will be described. In addition to the liquid material, the contamination of the

light emitting portions

1611, 1621, and 1631 and the

light receiving portions

1612, 1622, and 1632 may be caused by, for example, hand contamination or adhesion of dust in the air, and the contamination of the liquid material will be described below.

Fig. 11 shows data of the detection signal acquired by the data acquisition unit 1663 when the

light emitting units

1611, 1621, and 1631 and the

light receiving units

1612, 1622, and 1632 of the

sensors

161, 162, and 163 are not attached with the liquid material, that is, when the liquid material is not contaminated.

When the liquid material does not adhere to the

sensors

161, 162, and 163, the data (base line) acquired by the data acquiring unit 1663 when the liquid material is not discharged from the discharge port 526 of the container 500 is a value sufficiently smaller than the threshold value. Therefore, if the threshold value is used to perform the threshold value processing, the presence or absence of the liquid material discharged from the discharge port 526 of the container 500 can be detected.

Fig. 12 shows data acquired by the data acquisition unit 1663 when the liquid material adheres to the

light emitting units

1611, 1621, 1631 and the

light receiving units

1612, 1622, 1632 of the

sensors

161, 162, 163, that is, when the liquid material is contaminated.

When the liquid material is adhered to the

sensors

161, 162, and 163, the data (base line) acquired by the data acquiring unit 1663 when the liquid material is not discharged from the discharge port 526 of the container 500 has a value larger than the threshold value. Therefore, if the threshold processing is performed using the threshold value in the case where the contamination of the liquid material does not adhere to the

sensors

161, 162, 163, even if there is no discharge of the liquid material from the discharge port 526 of the container 500, it is erroneously detected that the liquid material is discharged from the discharge port 526 of the container 500.

In the discharge detection device 160 of the present embodiment, even when the liquid material adheres to the

sensors

161, 162, and 163, the processing is performed so as to enable normal detection. The processing of the discharge detection device 160 will be described.

Example of treatment 1

A processing example 1 of the liquid discharge apparatus 100 of the present embodiment will be described. Fig. 13 is a flowchart of a 1 st processing example of the liquid material discharging apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment. In the 1 st processing example, the threshold value of the threshold processing is changed.

< step S110>

The liquid discharging apparatus 100 of the present embodiment performs the discharge detection process in a state where the liquid is not discharged from the discharge port 526 of the container 500 at first (in a state of idle discharge ち).

The control device 140 of the liquid discharge apparatus 100 controls the discharge control unit 144 to stop the operation of the discharge mechanism 130.

The overall controller 1661 instructs the light emission controller 1662 to cause the

light emitting units

1611, 1621, 1631 to emit light. The light emission control unit 1662 causes the

light emitting units

1611, 1621, and 1631 to emit light. The

light emitting portions

1611, 1621, and 1631 emit light and emit the light toward the

light receiving portions

1612, 1622, and 1632. The

light receiving units

1612, 1622, and 1632 receive the light emitted from the corresponding

light emitting units

1611, 1621, and 1631, and output the received detection signals to the data acquisition unit 1663.

The data acquisition unit 1663 acquires detection signals of the

light receiving units

1612, 1622, and 1632, and outputs the detection signals to the data processing unit 1664.

< step S120 >

Next, the liquid discharging apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment calculates a threshold value for detecting discharge.

The data processing unit 1664 calculates a baseline, which is the intensity of the detection signal when no liquid material is discharged, based on the result of detection in step S110. In step S110, since no liquid material is discharged, the detection result in step S110 becomes a baseline.

Then, a threshold value is set so that the detection signal of the baseline can be subjected to threshold processing. For example, a value shifted by a certain intensity from the baseline is used as the threshold value.

< step S130>

Next, the liquid discharging apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment performs the discharge detection process in a state where the liquid is discharged from the discharge port 526 of the container 500.

The controller 140 of the liquid discharge apparatus 100 controls the discharge controller 144 to operate the discharge mechanism 130 to discharge the liquid from the discharge port 526 of the container 500.

The overall controller 1661 instructs the light emission controller 1662 to emit light from the

light emitting units

1611, 1621, and 1631 in accordance with the timing of discharging the liquid material. The light emission control unit 1662 causes the

light emitting units

1611, 1621, and 1631 to emit light. The

light emitting portions

1611, 1621, and 1631 emit light and emit the light toward the

light receiving portions

1612, 1622, and 1632. The

light receiving units

1612, 1622, and 1632 receive the light emitted from the corresponding

light emitting units

The data acquisition unit 1663 acquires detection signals of the

light receiving units

The data processor 1664 performs threshold processing on the detection signals of the

light receiving units

1612, 1622, and 1632 using the threshold calculated in step S120 to detect whether or not the liquid material is discharged.

By performing the processing as described above, even when the liquid material adheres to the

sensors

161, 162, and 163, the discharge of the liquid material can be detected.

Example of treatment 2

A process example 2 of the liquid discharge apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment will be described. Fig. 14 is a flowchart of a processing example 2 of the liquid material discharging apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment. In the processing example 2, the difference between the case where the liquid material is discharged and the case where the liquid material is not discharged is used for processing.

< step S210>

The liquid discharging apparatus 100 of the present embodiment performs the discharge detection process in a state where the liquid is not discharged from the discharge port 526 of the container 500 at first (idle discharge state).

light emitting units

1611, 1621, 1631 to emit light. The light emission control unit 1662 causes the

light emitting units

1611, 1621, and 1631 to emit light. The

light emitting portions

1611, 1621, and 1631 emit light and emit the light toward the

light receiving portions

1612, 1622, and 1632. The

light receiving units

1612, 1622, and 1632 receive the light emitted from the corresponding

light emitting units

The data acquisition unit 1663 acquires detection signals of the

light receiving units

< step S220>

Next, the liquid discharge apparatus 100 of the present embodiment stores the detection signals of the

light receiving portions

1612, 1622, and 1632.

The data processing unit 1664 stores the detection signals of the

light receiving units

1612, 1622, and 1632 detected in step S210 in the storage unit 1665.

< step S230>

light emitting units

1611, 1621, and 1631 to emit light. The

light emitting portions

1611, 1621, and 1631 emit light and emit the light toward the

light receiving portions

1612, 1622, and 1632. The

light receiving units

1612, 1622, and 1632 receive the light emitted from the corresponding

light emitting units

The data acquisition unit 1663 acquires detection signals of the

light receiving units

The data processing unit 1664 calculates the difference between the detection signal of the

light receiving unit

1612, 1622, or 1632 and the detection signal of the

light receiving unit

1612, 1622, or 1632 in the state where the liquid material is not discharged (idle state) stored in the storage unit 1665.

Then, when the calculated difference is larger than a predetermined threshold value, the discharge of the liquid material is detected. Further, regarding the detection, the detection may be performed by performing threshold processing on the maximum value of the difference.

sensors

161, 162, and 163, the discharge of the liquid material can be detected.

Example of treatment No. 3

A processing example 3 of the liquid discharge apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment will be described. Fig. 15 is a flowchart of a processing example 3 of the liquid discharging apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment. In the processing example 3, the difference between the case where the liquid material is discharged and the case where the liquid material is not discharged is further integrated and processed.

In the liquid discharging apparatus 100 of the present embodiment, the

sensors

161, 162, and 163 move (scan) in a direction intersecting the direction in which the liquid is discharged (discharging direction). For example, when protective glass or the like is present, the value of the baseline may vary depending on the location of movement.

For example, fig. 16 shows a detection result of any one of the

sensors

161, 162, and 163 (for example, the sensor 161) of the liquid material discharge apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment. Fig. 16 a shows a detection result in a state where the liquid material is not discharged from the discharge port 526 of the container 500 (idle discharge state). From the result of fig. 16(a), when 1 scan is performed, since the detection signal becomes large near the center, it is estimated that contamination such as adhesion of the liquid material exists near the center. An example of the treatment in the case where the degree of contamination varies depending on the location will be described.

< step S310 >

The controller 140 of the liquid discharging apparatus 100 controls the rotation controller 143 and the discharge controller 144 to scan the

sensors

161, 162, and 163 while preventing the liquid from being discharged from the discharge port 526 of the container 500. Specifically, when the container 500 is located at a position other than the discharge position PosA, the discharge controller 144 is controlled to perform the discharge operation. In the liquid discharge apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment, the discharge of the liquid and the movement of the sensor are linked. Therefore, by performing the discharge operation when the container 500 is located at a position other than the discharge position PosA, the sensor can be moved while the liquid material is not discharged from the discharge port 526 of the container 500.

light emitting units

1611, 1621, 1631 to emit light. The light emission control unit 1662 causes the

light emitting units

1611, 1621, and 1631 to emit light. The

light emitting portions

1611, 1621, and 1631 emit light and emit the light toward the

light receiving portions

1612, 1622, and 1632. The

light receiving units

1612, 1622, and 1632 receive the light emitted from the corresponding

light emitting units

The data acquisition unit 1663 acquires detection signals of the

light receiving units

< step S320 >

light receiving portions

1612, 1622, and 1632.

The data processing unit 1664 stores the detection signals of the

light receiving units

1612, 1622, and 1632 detected in step S310 in the storage unit 1665.

< step S330 >

light emitting units

1611, 1621, and 1631 to emit light. The

light emitting portions

1611, 1621, and 1631 emit light and emit the light toward the

light receiving portions

1612, 1622, and 1632. The

light receiving units

1612, 1622, and 1632 receive the light emitted from the corresponding

light emitting units

The data acquisition unit 1663 acquires detection signals of the

light receiving units

light receiving unit

1612, 1622, or 1632 and the detection signal of the

light receiving unit

The calculated difference is then integrated, and when the integration result is greater than a predetermined threshold value, the discharge of the liquid material is detected. Fig. 16(B) shows the detection result in the state where the liquid material is discharged from the discharge port 526 of the container 500. The hatched portion is a portion where the detection signal increases due to the liquid material. In the processing example 3, the discharge is detected by integrating the hatched portions.

The

sensors

161, 162, and 163 are examples of the detection unit.

< action, Effect >

sensors

161, 162, and 163, the discharge of the liquid material can be detected more accurately by using the difference between the detection result in the state where the liquid material is not discharged and the detection result in the state where the liquid material is discharged.

Even if the state of adhesion of the liquid material varies depending on the position of the scanning sensor, the discharge of the liquid material can be detected by integrating the obtained difference value.

In the liquid material discharge system 1 of the present embodiment, the server device 300 manages the state of the liquid material discharge device 100. For example, the remaining amount of the liquid material stored in the container 500 of the liquid material discharge device 100 is managed. By detecting the discharge of the liquid material using the discharge detection device 160 of the present embodiment, the remaining amount can be accurately managed.

The present invention has been described above based on the embodiments, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the claims.

For example, the number of sensors of the discharge detection device 160 is not limited to 3. The number of sensors of the discharge detection device 160 may be 2, or 4 or more.

In addition, when the size of the base line becomes large, it is also possible to instruct cleaning of the sensor portion of the liquid material detection device 160 or maintenance of the liquid material discharge device 100. In the processing example 3, in the case where there is almost no difference in the detection results of fig. 16(a) and 16(B), it is also possible to instruct cleaning of the sensor portion of the liquid material detection apparatus 160 or maintenance of the liquid material discharge apparatus 100.

Description of the reference numerals

100 liquid discharge device

130 discharge mechanism

160 discharge detection device

161 sensor

162 sensor

163 sensor

164 plate

165 cam plate

500 container

1664 data processing unit

Claims

1. A liquid detection device is characterized by comprising:

a detection unit that detects the liquid discharged by the liquid discharge unit; and

a data processing unit for processing the data received from the data input unit,

the data processing unit determines whether or not the liquid material is discharged using a difference between a detection result detected by the detection unit in a state where the liquid material discharge unit does not discharge the liquid material and a detection result detected by the detection unit in a state where the liquid material discharge unit discharges the liquid material.

2. The liquid material detection apparatus according to claim 1,

the liquid discharge apparatus includes a detection unit moving unit configured to move the detection unit in a direction intersecting a discharge direction of the liquid material.

3. The liquid material detection apparatus according to claim 2,

the data processing section is configured to perform a data processing operation,

integrating an output from the detection unit while the detection unit moving unit moves the detection unit in a state where the liquid discharge unit is not discharging the liquid,

integrating an output from the detection unit while the detection unit moving unit moves the detection unit in a state where the liquid discharge unit discharges the liquid,

the presence or absence of discharge of the liquid material is determined using a difference in the integrated result.

4. The liquid material detection apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3,

the liquid discharge device is provided with a plurality of detection units in a direction intersecting the discharge direction of the liquid material.