STIRRING DEVICE AND STIRRING METHOD

A stirring device includes the following. A rotating holder is capable of performing a rotating operation in a state where the rotating holder holds a cartridge that accommodates a liquid agent in which a solute is precipitated in a solvent by the liquid agent being left still. A drive motor causes the rotating holder to perform the rotating operation. A posture controller corrects a stop position of the rotating holder to position the cartridge in a first posture in a case where an operation of the drive motor is stopped in a state where the cartridge is in a second posture that is different from the first posture. The first posture is a state in which the cartridge is in a normal stop posture.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims the priority and the benefits to Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-148322 filed on Sep. 16, 2022. The entire specification, claims, and drawings of Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-148322 will be incorporated in the present specification by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a stirring device and a stirring method.

DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART

A print device (nail printer) that performs nail printing applies a base ink of a white color or the like as a base before a design is printed. The base ink contains titanium oxide or the like as a white component, and titanium oxide or the like is a solute with a high specific gravity. In a liquid agent (ink) containing such a solute with a high specific gravity, precipitation of the solute is likely to occur if the liquid agent is left still.

If printing is performed by using the ink in which precipitation of the solute has occurred, this may be a factor leading to degradation of print quality.

In this regard, International Publication No. WO 2017/217000, for example, describes a configuration in which stirring is performed by causing a cartridge holder that accommodates a cartridge (printing head) to be rotated.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A stirring device includes, a rotating holder that is capable of performing a rotating operation in a state where the rotating holder holds a cartridge that accommodates a liquid agent in which a solute is precipitated in a solvent by the liquid agent being left still; a drive motor that causes the rotating holder to perform the rotating operation; and a posture controller that corrects a stop position of the rotating holder to position the cartridge in a first posture in a case where an operation of the drive motor is stopped in a state where the cartridge is in a second posture that is different from the first posture, wherein the first posture is a state in which the cartridge is in a normal stop posture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

An embodiment of a stirring device and a stirring method according to the present disclosure will be described with reference toFIG.1toFIGS.11A to11C.

Note that although various limitations that are technically suitable for carrying out the present disclosure will be applied to the embodiment described below, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the following embodiment and the examples illustrated in the drawings.

A stirring device1according to the present embodiment includes a rotating holder12that performs a rotating operation in a state where the rotating holder12holds a cartridge2and a rotation mechanism that causes the rotating holder12to perform the rotating operation.

FIG.1is a perspective view illustrating the stirring device and the cartridge set therein, andFIG.2is a perspective view illustrating a state where the cartridge has been pushed in a direction of a thick arrow illustrated inFIG.1and set in the rotating holder.

As illustrated inFIGS.1and2, the rotating holder12is disposed on and supported by a main body11. The main body11preferably has a weight to some extent such that the main body11can stably support the rotating holder12even when the rotating holder12performs the rotating operation.

In the present embodiment, the main body11includes a casing110as a main body cover that accommodates a rotation mechanism10and the like. Note that the drawings other thanFIGS.1and2illustrate a state where the casing110has been removed in order to illustrate a configuration inside the casing110.

Although the shape and the like of the casing110are not particularly limited, a receiver11athat receives the rotating holder12is formed on the front side of the device, for example, and the rotating holder12is held on the receiver11a. The receiver11ais formed in a shape that follows an outer shape of the rotating holder12such that the receiver11adoes not interrupt the rotating operation of the rotating holder12.

In the present embodiment, the rotating holder12is a member with a cylindrical shape which has a substantially circular shape in a front view from the side of the surface including an accommodating recess121where the cartridge2is to be set, as illustrated inFIGS.1and2, for example. The receiver11areceives the outer surface of the rotating holder12with a cylindrical shape. Therefore, the receiver11ais a recess formed into a substantially arc shape to follow the outer periphery of the side surface of the rotating holder12.

The rotating holder12can rotate in a rotation direction R illustrated by an arrow inFIG.2in a state where the rotating holder12is set in the receiver11aof the main body11. Note that the rotating holder12can rotate both in a clockwise direction and in a counterclockwise direction in the present embodiment. The clockwise direction (forward direction) in a case where the stirring device1is seen from the front is defined as a default rotation direction R (illustrated as a rotation direction R1inFIG.10A) inFIG.10Aand the like.

Also, a photointerrupter (hereinafter, referred to as a PI)132is provided as a position detector at the deepest part of the arc (substantially the center in a device width direction in the present embodiment as illustrated inFIGS.1and2) of the receiver11ainside the casing110. The PI132includes a light emitter and a light receiver, which are not illustrated, at facing positions and receives light from the light emitter by the light receiver. If the light from the light emitter is blocked, then a detection signal is generated. The detection signal generated by the PI132is output to a motor controller50, which will be described later.

An operation unit, which is not illustrated, is provided on the outer side surface (the upper surface or the like of the main body11, for example) of the main body11. A configuration of the operation unit is not particularly limited, and the operation unit may include an operation button and the like or may be an operation panel or the like that allows touch operations.

In the present embodiment, it is possible for a user to switch ON/OFF of the operating state of the stirring device1and perform various kinds of settings and the like by the user operating the operation unit.

Also, the operation unit may set a rotation speed, a stirring time, a rotation direction, and the like of the rotating holder12achieved by the rotation mechanism10, which will be described later, in the present embodiment. Here, the rotation speed is a rotation speed of the drive motor112, which will be described later, to cause the rotating holder12to perform the rotating operation and is, for example, a value that can be indicated by a rotation frequency of rotation per minute (rpm). Also, the stirring time is a time during which the rotating holder12performs the rotating operation (that is, the rotating operation time of the drive motor112) in the present embodiment. Additionally, in regard to the rotation direction, the clockwise direction (forward direction) is defined as the default rotation direction R1as described above, but backward rotation may be allowed in accordance with a setting, or a setting may be able to be made such that reverse rotation appropriately occurs every predetermined time.

Note that various kinds of settings and operations of the stirring device1may be performed by receiving communication from various terminal devices such as a smartphone, for example, and other external devices, which are not illustrated. In this case, a communication unit capable of transmitting and receiving signals to and from the external devices is provided inside the main body11, for example.

In addition, a display, an indicator, and the like that allows monitoring of an operating condition and the like may be provided on the upper surface and the side surface of the main body11.

The rotation mechanism10assembled with a chassis111is accommodated inside the casing110of the main body11.

FIG.3is a perspective view illustrating main component configurations in a case where the rotating holder and the rotation mechanism are seen from the obliquely front side of the device, andFIG.4is a perspective view illustrating main component configurations in a case where the rotating holder and the rotation mechanism are seen from the obliquely rear side of the device.

The rotation mechanism10is adapted to cause the rotating holder12to perform the rotating operation. As illustrated inFIGS.3and4, the rotation mechanism10includes the drive motor112and a gear mechanism or the like that transmits the rotation of the drive motor112to the rotating holder12and causes the rotating holder12to perform the rotating operation.

Furthermore, the rotation mechanism10includes a motor controller50(a drive control circuit or the like; seeFIGS.1and2) that controls the operation of the drive motor112and a power source51(seeFIGS.1and2) or the like that supplies a power source to the drive motor112and the like. Note that the power source51is, for example, a power source circuit. The power source51may receive power supply from a battery or the like accommodated in the main body11or may receive power supply from the outside via various I/Fs.

The drive motor112is adapted such that the drive motor112receives power supply from the power source51and the operation thereof is controlled by the motor controller50(drive control circuit or the like).

The drive motor112in the present embodiment may be able to adjust outputs and the like, and in this case, the drive motor112operates in accordance with a setting content received by the aforementioned operation unit, for example. In other words, the drive motor112is controlled by the motor controller50to perform the rotating operation at the set arbitrary rotation speed, during an arbitrary time, and in an arbitrary rotation direction in this case.

Note that the rotation direction may be the clockwise direction or the counterclockwise direction as described above, and rotation in the clockwise direction and rotation in the counterclockwise direction may be randomly switched, for example.

Also, the gear mechanism of the rotation mechanism10is configured of a plurality of gears and the like that are interposed between the drive motor112and the rotating holder12.

In other words, a pinion gear114that is engaged with a deceleration gear115is attached to a motor shaft113of the drive motor112. A pinion gear116that is engaged with a rotation drive gear117that causes the rotating holder12to rotate is provided in the deceleration gear115coaxially with the deceleration gear115.

Consequently, rotation of the drive motor112is transmitted via the deceleration gear115to the rotation drive gear117that is coupled to the rotating holder12, which allows for rotation of the rotating holder12by the drive motor112.

The output rotation frequency of the drive motor112is appropriately decelerated by the intervention of the gear mechanism. Also, the rotation frequency is preferably set to about 10 rpm in a stage of the transmission to the rotation drive gear117. In a case where the rotation frequency of the drive motor112is 200 rpm, for example, it is possible to set the rotation frequency to 10 rpm by causing drive motor112to output via the gear mechanism (gear train) with a reduction ratio of 20. Note that in a case where a low-speed motor with an output of about 10 rpm is used as the drive motor112, there is no need to perform deceleration via the gear mechanism, and the rotating holder12may be coupled directly to the motor shaft113of the drive motor112without providing the deceleration gear115and the rotation drive gear117. If the gear mechanism including the deceleration gear115and the rotation drive gear117is not needed, it is possible to reduce the number of components correspondingly and to simplify the device configuration.

An end of a shaft (rotation shaft) provided at the rotation center of the rotation drive gear117on a side on which the shaft is coupled to the rotating holder12as illustrated inFIG.3is a cross protrusion119protruding in a cross shape. On the other hand, the rotating holder12is adapted to rotate around a shaft122provided at the rotation center (illustrated by a one-dotted dashed line inFIG.4) passing through the center of the circle of the cylinder, and a cross-accommodating recess123that is fitted onto the cross protrusion119of the rotation drive gear117is formed at the end of the shaft122on the side on which it is coupled to the rotation drive gear117.

The rotating holder12is coupled to the rotation drive gear117and rotates in conjunction therewith by the cross protrusion119of the rotation drive gear117being fitted into the cross-accommodating recess123of the shaft122. In other words, the rotating holder12performs the rotating operation around the shaft122in response to rotation of the rotation drive gear117once the drive motor112rotates and the rotation drive gear117then rotates.

The rotating holder12is adapted to perform the rotating operation in a state where the rotating holder12holds the cartridge2that accommodates a liquid agent (ink L) in which a solute is precipitated in a solvent by the liquid agent being left still. An accommodating recess121where the cartridge2is to be accommodated is formed in a surface of the rotating holder12which is disposed on the front side of the device.

As illustrated inFIGS.1and2, the accommodating recess121is formed into a shape in accordance with the outer shape of the cartridge2that is a target of stirring performed by the stirring device1such that the cartridge2can be exactly fitted thereinto. The accommodating recess121may have any shape as long as it fits to the shape of the cartridge2, and has a rectangular shape if the cartridge has a rectangular shape, or is a cylindrical recess if the cartridge has a cylindrical shape or the like.

Also, locking hooks125are provided around the accommodating recess121as locking units to prevent dropping. In the present embodiment, a pair of locking hooks125are provided on both sides of the accommodating recess121corresponding to the longitudinal direction of the cartridge2as illustrated inFIGS.1,2, and the like. The cartridge2is locked at the rotating holder12in the lateral direction (left-right direction) by the locking hooks125.

The locking hooks125are hook-shaped members that have locking claws125bat distal ends of arms125awith flexibility (spring property), for example, and are bent by being spread out by a hand to allow the cartridge2to be attached thereto and detached therefrom. Also, if the hand spreading out the locking hooks125is released, the locking hooks125hold and push the cartridge2from both sides and lock the cartridge2to prevent it from falling from the accommodating recess121when the rotating holder12performs the rotating operation.

Note that the locking units may be any locking unit as long as they can prevent dropping of the cartridge2and are not limited to the illustrated example. For example, the locking units may lock the cartridge2in the up-down direction. Also, the locking units may be provided on the upper, lower, left and right sides to lock the cartridge2from the four directions. Furthermore, the locking units may be fixed to the rotating holder12and may be, for example, bands, tapes, and the like that are attached after the cartridge2is fitted into the accommodating recess121and push the cartridge2from the outside. The cartridge2is prevented from rattling inside the accommodating recess121and from dropping from the accommodating recess121even when the rotating holder12performs the rotating operation, by the locking units being provided.

Furthermore, a protrusion131that serves as an original point indicator is provided in an outer peripheral surface or the like of the rotating holder12.

The protrusion131is disposed at a position disposed below the rotating holder12in a case where the cartridge2is set in the accommodating recess121to achieve a state where the lower surface (the lower surface inFIGS.1and2; the ejection surface23inFIG.5Aand the like) of the cartridge2faces down (a state where the cartridge2is in a “first posture” which is a “normal stop posture” as will be described later).

If the protrusion131is disposed at the position of the PI132provided inside the casing110, light from the light receiver is blocked, and a detection signal is output from the PI132to the motor controller50. In the present embodiment, once the PI132detects the protrusion131, the rotating holder12is in a state where “it has returned to the original point”, in which the rotating holder12holds the cartridge2in the “first posture” which is the “normal stop posture”.

Here, the cartridge2that is set in the stirring device1according to the present embodiment and is subjected to stirring processing will be described.

The cartridge2includes a casing21having a box shape with an outline being substantially L-shaped, as illustrated inFIGS.5A and5B.

An ink L (seeFIGS.6A and6B) as a liquid agent is stored in the casing21. As the cartridge2in the present embodiment, a cartridge integrated print head including a storage for storing the ink L, which is not illustrated, and an ink ejecting unit (including the ejection port22and the like) for ejecting the ink L stored in the storage at the time of printing, which is not illustrated, is assumed.

Note that the cartridge2is not limited to the configuration in which the storage and the ink ejecting unit are integrated. For example, the cartridge may be configured separately from the head part for ejecting the ink, and a configuration in which the cartridge including the storage is connected to the head part via a supply tube or the like at the time of printing may be employed. In this case, only the cartridge where the ink is stored is set in the stirring device1, and stirring is performed.

As illustrated inFIGS.5A,5B, and the like, the lower side surface of the casing21of the cartridge2is the ejection surface23(head surface) for ejecting the ink, and the ejection port22configuring the ink ejecting unit is formed in the ejection surface23. The ink ejecting unit can eject the ink L as fine liquid droplets by using a piezoelectric element, for example, and nozzles (nozzle array) that eject the liquid droplets of the ink L, which are not illustrated, are formed in an array form at the ejection port22.

Note that the posture of the cartridge2in a state where the surface (that is, the ejection surface23) where the ejection port22is provided faces down (seeFIGS.1,2,6A, and6B, for example) is defined as the “first posture” which is the “normal stop posture”, and a posture of the cartridge2in a state where other surfaces face down (seeFIG.10A, for example) is defined as a “second posture”.

Also, the cartridge2includes a ventilation port25in a surface that is different from the surface (ejection surface23) where the ejection port22is provided. In the present embodiment, the ventilation port25is formed in a surface (top surface24) opposite the surface (ejection surface23) where the ejection port22is provided. The cartridge2can smoothly eject the ink L from the ejection port22at the time of printing by taking in air from the ventilation port25and circulating the air therein.

In this regard, the ink L that is a liquid agent stored in the cartridge2in the present embodiment is a base ink of a white color or a color that is close thereto (for example, pink, blue, or the like that is close to white) containing water or the like as a solvent L1and titanium oxide or the like as a solute L2(seeFIG.6Afor both of them), for example.

In a case where printing is performed on fingernails, for example, the base ink is applied to the nails before a design (nail design) is printed by using color inks and the like. In this manner, it is possible to improve color development of the color inks and to perform printing (nail print) with beautiful finishing.

However, the specific gravity of the solute L2is high in the base ink or the like containing titanium oxide or the like as the solute L2, and the solute L2is likely to be separated from the solvent L1and precipitated if the liquid agent is left still.

FIG.6Ais a sectional view of the cartridge schematically illustrating a state where the solute has been precipitated and the solvent and the solute have been separated, andFIG.6Bis a sectional view of the cartridge schematically illustrating a state where the solvent and the solute have been dispersed again through stirring processing performed by the stirring device.

If printing is performed with the ink L in the state as illustrated inFIG.6A, concentration unevenness, color unevenness, and the like are likely to occur, and it is not possible to perform printing with high quality with appropriate concentration.

On the other hand, the ink L after being dispersed again as illustrated inFIG.6Bis homogenized as a whole, and it is possible to perform printing with clean finishing with no concentration unevenness and the like by using such an ink L.

Note that the cartridge2is not limited to the one accommodating the ink L such as a base ink as a liquid agent. A wide range of cartridge accommodating a liquid agent, which contains the solute L2with a higher specific gravity than the solvent L1, in which the solute L2is precipitated by the liquid agent being left still, is included as the cartridge2.

In this manner, in the case of the cartridge2, which contains the solute L2with a higher specific gravity than the solvent L1, in which the solute L2is precipitated by the liquid agent being left still, and if the cartridge2is left in a state where the surface with the ventilation port25formed therein (the top surface24in the present embodiment; seeFIGS.6A,6B, and the like) faces down, there is a likelihood that the solute L2with a high specific gravity is precipitated downward and causes clogging or blocking of the ventilation port25.

If the ventilation port25is blocked, the ink L cannot be appropriately ejected. Also, a sponge, which is not illustrated, is disposed in the cartridge2in order to perform adjustment and the like of the amount of ejected ink L. Therefore, although it is difficult to consider that the ink immediately exits the ventilation port25even if the ventilation port25faces down, there is a concern that the ink L leaks from the ventilation port25when an external pressure is applied thereto.

Although the position of the ventilation port25may differ depending on the type of the cartridge2, the ventilation port25is provided at least in a surface that is different from the surface (ejection surface23) where the ejection port22is provided. Therefore, the ventilation port25does not face down, and adverse influences due to precipitation of the solute L2are not received if the cartridge2is in the posture in which the surface with the ejection port22provided therein (ejection surface23) faces down (that is, the “first posture”).

Therefore, the “first posture” that is the posture of the cartridge2in a state where the surface with the ejection port22provided therein (ejection surface23) faces down when stirring is performed by the stirring device1is defined as the “normal stop posture”, and the stop position of the rotating holder12is corrected such that the cartridge2is in the “first posture” in a case where the cartridge2is stopped in the other posture (that is, the “second posture”). Note that correcting of the stop position of the rotating holder12such that the cartridge2is in the “first posture” will be referred to as “returning” the rotating holder12“to the original point” in the present embodiment.

In a case where the device stops normally (for example, in a case where the user provides an instruction for ending the stirring operation through an input operation, in a case where the device is automatically stopped due to elapse of a set time when a stirring time (rotation time) is set, and the like), even if the drive motor112temporarily stops the operation, the stirring device1is maintained in a state where control can be performed by the motor controller50. Therefore, the motor controller50causes the drive motor112to operate until the PI132provided inside the casing110outputs a detection signal indicating detection of the protrusion131as an original point indicator, and the motor controller50stops the drive motor112at a timing at which the detection signal is output from the PI132.

It is thus possible to stop the rotating holder12in a state where the position at which the protrusion131is provided faces down. When the cartridge2is set in the accommodating recess121of the rotating holder12, the protrusion131is provided at such a position that is located on the lower side in a case where the rotating holder12is disposed such that the surface with the ejection port22provided therein (ejection surface23) faces down (seeFIGS.1,2, and the like) as described above.

Therefore, if the drive motor112is stopped when the PI132detects the protrusion131, the drive motor112is stopped when the cartridge2is in the “first posture” that is the “normal stop posture” in the state where the surface with the ejection port22provided therein (ejection surface23) faces down, that is, when the rotating holder12is located at the position where it has been “returned to the original point”.

The stirring device1according to the present embodiment includes the posture controller that corrects the stop position of the rotating holder12such that the cartridge2is in the “first posture” in a case where the operation of the rotation mechanism10is stopped in a state where the cartridge2is in the “second posture” that is different from the “first posture” which is the “normal stop posture”.

In other words, in a case where the device stops normally, the PI132adapted to detect the protrusion131as described above detects the stop position of the rotating holder12, and the motor controller50functions as an operation controller that controls the operation of the rotation mechanism10including the drive motor112such that the rotating holder12stops at the position where the cartridge2is in the “first posture” on the basis of the detection result of the PI132. Also, the posture controller is configured to include the PI132and the motor controller50functioning as the operation controller.

Also, the stirring device1according to the embodiment includes a posture controller (referred to as a second posture controller) that corrects the stop position of the rotating holder12such that the cartridge2is in the “first posture” even in a case where the device does not stop normally (for example, in a case where the device is stopped due to turning-off of the power source of the stirring device1due to an accident such as a blackout during the stirring operation, in a case where the user forcibly turns off the power source by using an OFF switch and ends the stirring operation, and the like).

The second posture controller is adapted to “return” the rotating holder12(the cartridge2held by the rotating holder12) “to the original point” with a mechanical configuration in a case where the “returning to the original point” by using electric configurations such as the PI132, the motor controller50, and the drive motor112cannot be achieved due to disconnection of the power source.

The present embodiment has a configuration in which a tension coil spring137(spring member) that causes the rotating holder12to rotate is included as the posture controller (second posture controller) (seeFIG.9).

A specific configuration using the tension coil spring137(spring member) will be described with reference toFIGS.7to9.

As illustrated inFIGS.4and8, a cross-shaped recess118arecessed in a cross shape is formed, on the side of the rear surface of the device, in the rotation shaft118of the rotation drive gear117assembled with the chassis111configuring the rotation mechanism10, for example. In the present embodiment, the chassis111is adapted such that the return wheel134is attached to the side of the rear surface thereof, and a cross protrusion135protruding in a cross shape is formed at the center position in the plane direction on the side of attachment of the return wheel134. The cross protrusion135is adapted to be fitted into the cross-shaped recess118a, and it is possible to cause the rotation drive gear117to rotate in conjunction by fitting the cross protrusion135into the cross-shaped recess118aand thereby rotating the return wheel134. The eccentric protrusion136is provided in the return wheel134at a position deviating from the center position in the plane direction on the side opposite to the surface where the cross protrusion135is formed.

Also, a locking protrusion133is provided at a lower position on the side of the rear surface of the chassis111(that is, the side on which the return wheel134is attached).

Additionally, one end of the tension coil spring137that is a spring member is locked by the locking protrusion133, and the other end is locked by the eccentric protrusion136as illustrated inFIG.9.

In this manner, the cartridge2is configured to include a spring member (tension coil spring137) that applies a load such that the rotating holder12is stopped at the position where the cartridge2is in the “first posture”.

In a case where the operation of the rotation mechanism10is stopped in the state where the cartridge2is in the “second posture” that is different from the “first posture” that is the “normal stop posture”, the tension coil spring137causes the return wheel134to rotate such that the cartridge2is in the “first posture”. In this manner, the rotation drive gear117rotates in conjunction with the return wheel134, and the rotating holder12coupled to the rotation drive gear117is caused to perform the rotating operation.

By adjusting the positions of the locking protrusion133and the eccentric protrusion136at which the tension coil spring137is locked such that the cartridge2is in the “first posture” when the tension coil spring137contracts to the shortest length, it is possible to correct the stop position of the rotating holder12to the appropriate position (to return it to the original point) such that the cartridge2is in the “first posture” that is the “normal stop posture” even when it is not possible to electrically rotate the rotating holder12with the drive motor112.

Note that a spring with a weak tensile force is used as the tension coil spring137such that rotation is not interrupted when the rotating holder12performs the rotating operation by the drive motor112. Also, any spring member can be used as long as it has a spring property and can attract the eccentric protrusion136toward the locking protrusion133, and the spring member is not limited to the tension coil spring. For example, the spring member may be an elastic element such as rubber.

(Effects and Stirring Method of Stirring Device)

A stirring method according to the present embodiment will be described with reference toFIGS.10A to10C,11A to11C, and the like.

In the present embodiment, when the cartridge2including the ink L in which the solute is likely to be separated and precipitated like a base ink, in particular, is not used for printing, the cartridge2is set in the accommodating recess121of the rotating holder12of the stirring device1and the drive motor112is caused to operate, and the cartridge2is caused to perform the rotating operation together with the rotating holder12. In this manner, stirring of the ink L inside the cartridge2suppresses separation of the ink L into the solvent L1and the solute L2and precipitation of the solute L2and enables printing in a state suitable for utilization at the time of printing.

Moreover, in a case where the stirring device1stops normally, and the PI132detects the protrusion131, the detection signal indicating that is output to the motor controller50. Once the motor controller50receives the detection signal from the PI132, the motor controller50stops the drive motor112, and the rotating operation of the rotating holder12is stopped at the position where the PI132detects the protrusion131(or a position in the vicinity thereof).

In this manner, the cartridge2held by the rotating holder12stops in a state (the state illustrated inFIG.2or the like; “first posture”) where the ejection surface23with the ejection port22formed therein faces down.

On the other hand, in a case where the stirring device1stops abnormally due to blackout or the like, the power source is disconnected, and it is thus not possible to perform the detection achieved by the PI132and the operation control and the like of the drive motor112achieved by the motor controller50.

Even in such a case, it is possible to “return” the rotating holder12(the cartridge2held by the rotating holder12) “to the original point” with the mechanical configuration of the posture controller (second posture controller) including the tension coil spring137(spring member) in the present embodiment.

As illustrated inFIG.10A, for example, in a case where the power source is turned off due to blackout or the like when the cartridge2held by the rotating holder12is in a state where the ejection surface23with the ejection port22formed therein faces obliquely upward (“second posture”), and if the cartridge2is left in this state, the solute L2with a high specific gravity such as titanium oxide is precipitated on the side of the top surface24of the cartridge2when the ink L is separated into the solvent L1and the solute L2. Since the ventilation port25is provided on the side of the top surface24of the cartridge2in the present embodiment, there is a concern that a state where it is difficult to eject the ink L due to blocking of the ventilation port25is achieved if the solute L2is precipitated or that the ink L leaks from the ventilation port25and contaminates the surroundings when an external pressure or the like is applied. Note that it takes time to disperse the solute L2after precipitation has once advanced again and remove it from the ventilation port25and the like, and it is thus difficult to immediately move on to the printing operation. Therefore, in a case where the cartridge2is in the “second posture” after the stirring processing ends, it is desirable to solve the state as soon as possible and to achieve the “first posture” that is the “normal stop posture”.

FIG.10Bis the device in the state illustrated inFIG.10Awhen it is seen from the side of the rear surface of the device, andFIG.10Cis a perspective view of the device when it is seen from the obliquely rear side.

In the state illustrated inFIG.10A, the tension coil spring137locked by the locking protrusion133and the eccentric protrusion136is in a stretched state by being obliquely pulled as illustrated inFIGS.10B and10C.

Although a rotation force of the drive motor112does not work in a state where the power source is turned off, a spring force of the tension coil spring137contracting to the original state works, the eccentric protrusion136of the return wheel134is pulled downward due to the tension coil spring137, and the return wheel134rotates in the rotation direction R1. With this, the rotation drive gear117working in conjunction with the return wheel134also rotates and causes the rotating holder12to rotate.

Note that the rotation direction in which the return wheel134is rotated by the tension coil spring137differs depending on the position where the rotation achieved by the drive motor112stops. In a case where the rotation has stopped in a state where the ejection surface23has slightly rotated in the clockwise direction beyond the position where the ejection surface23looks straight up (the case illustrated inFIG.10A), the return wheel134rotates in the rotation direction R1(clockwise direction) as illustrated inFIG.10A. On the other hand, in a case where the rotation has stopped in a state where the ejection surface23has slightly rotated in the counterclockwise direction beyond the position where the ejection surface23looks straight up, the return wheel134rotates in the rotation direction R in the counterclockwise direction on the side opposite to that illustrated inFIG.10A.

As illustrated inFIGS.11A and11B, the tension coil spring137pulls the eccentric protrusion136toward the side of the locking protrusion133until the tension coil spring137contracts to the shortest length. Then, the cartridge2held by the rotating holder12is brought into the state where the ejection surface23with the ejection port22formed therein faces down (“first posture”) and the rotating holder12is stopped in the state where it has been “returned to the original point” as illustrated inFIG.11Cwhen the state where the tension coil spring137has contracted to the maximum is seen from the side of the front surface of the device.

In this manner, it is possible to “return” the rotating holder12“to the original point” such that the cartridge2is in the “first posture” in which the ejection surface23with the ejection port22formed therein faces down even in a state where the power source is turned off. Therefore, the cartridge2is held in a state where it can be used for printing immediately after the stirring operation ends, an ejection failure or the like is unlikely to occur, and it is possible to perform printing with high quality.

Advantages

As described above, the stirring device1according to the present embodiment includes: the rotating holder12that performs the rotating operation in a state where the rotating holder12holds the cartridge2that accommodates the ink L (liquid agent) in which the solute is precipitated in the solvent by the ink L being left still; the drive motor112, the motor controller50, the gear mechanism, and the like serving as the rotation mechanism10that causes the rotating holder12to perform the rotating operation; and the PI132and the motor controller50, the tension coil spring137, and the like serving as the posture controller that corrects the stop position of the rotating holder12such that the cartridge2is in the “first posture” in a case where the operation of the rotation mechanism10is stopped in a state where the cartridge2is in the “second posture” that is different from the “first posture” that is the “normal stop posture”.

It is possible to bring the liquid agent (ink L) such as a base ink, for example, into a homogenized and re-dispersed state with no variations in stirring operation, by automatically performing the stirring of the liquid agent (ink L) inside the cartridge2by the device rather than performing it manually. Also, it is possible to save user's time and effort by automatically performing the stirring processing and to disperse the liquid agent (ink L) again without burden.

In this manner, it is possible to correct the posture of the rotating holder12such that the cartridge2is in the “first posture” which is the “normal stop posture” with the ejection surface23facing down, through the electrical control achieved by the motor controller50and the like when the stirring device1stops normally. Also, even in a case where the stirring device1stops abnormally due to an accident, it is possible to correct the posture of the rotating holder12such that the cartridge2is in the “first posture” which is the “normal stop posture” with the mechanical configuration.

Therefore, it is possible to prevent the cartridge2from being held in a state where the cartridge2is stopped with the ventilation port25provided in the surface different from the ejection surface23facing down after the stirring operation, and it is possible to prevent a state where the ink cannot be ejected from the ejection port22due to blocking or clogging of the ventilation port25by the precipitated solute L2.

Also, the posture controller (second posture controller) includes the tension coil spring137or the like that is a spring member that applies a load such that the rotating holder12stops at a position where the cartridge2is in the “first posture”.

Therefore, it is possible to correct, with the simple configuration, the stop position of the rotating holder12such that the cartridge2is in the “first posture” which is the “normal stop posture” with the ejection surface23facing down.

Also, in the present embodiment, the posture controller includes the PI132that detects the stop position of the rotating holder12and the motor controller50serving as the operation controller that controls the operation of the rotation mechanism10such that the rotating holder12stops at the position where the cartridge2is in the “first posture” on the basis of the detection result of the PI132.

Therefore, in a case where the stirring device1stops normally in a state where the power source is turned on, it is possible to simply and reliably correct the posture of the rotating holder12with the electrical controller such that the cartridge2is in the “first posture” which is the “normal stop posture” with the ejection surface23facing down.

Also, the cartridge2includes the ejection port22for ejecting the ink L (liquid agent) and includes the ventilation port25in the surface (the top surface24in the present embodiment) that is different from the surface (ejection surface23) with the ejection port22provided therein, and the “first posture” is a posture in the state where the ejection surface23with the ejection port22provided therein faces down.

Therefore, it is possible to prevent the cartridge2from being left with the surface including the ventilation port25facing down, by correcting the stop position of the rotating holder12such that the cartridge2is in the “first posture” which is the “normal stop posture” with the ejection surface23facing down when the stirring device1stops. It is thus possible to avoid blocking or clogging of the ventilation port25by the solute L2separated and precipitated from the solvent L1and to maintain a state suitable for printing.

Modification Examples

Note that although the embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment, and it is a matter of course that various modifications are possible within a scope that does not depart from the gist of the present disclosure.

For example, although the spring member (tension coil spring137) is included as the posture controller (second posture controller) that causes the rotating holder12(the cartridge2held by the rotating holder12) to “return to the original point” with a mechanical configuration in the present embodiment, the configuration of the posture controller (second posture controller) is not limited thereto.

For example, the posture controller (second posture controller) may include a weight that sets the center of gravity of the rotating holder12such that the rotating holder12stops at the position where the cartridge2is in the “first posture”.

Specifically, a weight142is mounted at one end of the return wheel141as illustrated inFIGS.12A,12B,13A, and13B. Note that the same reference signs will be applied to members that are similar to those illustrated in the aforementioned embodiment and description thereof will be omitted.

FIGS.12A and12Billustrate a state where the protrusion131serving as an original point indicator indicating the side that the ejection surface23of the cartridge2faces is located on the left obliquely upper side and the cartridge2is in the “second posture” that is different from the “first posture”.

On the other hand,FIG.13Aillustrates a state where the protrusion131serving as an original point indicator indicating the side that the ejection surface23of the cartridge2faces is located at the lower end position of the rotating holder12, andFIGS.13A and13Billustrate a state where the cartridge2is in the “first posture”.

In this case, the weight142is provided at one end of the return wheel141on the same side on which the protrusion131is provided as illustrated inFIGS.13A and13B. By providing the weight142at such a position, the return wheel141rotates in a direction in which the weight142moves downward due to the weight of the weight142, and in conjunction with this, the rotating holder12is also “returned to the original point” at the stop position where the cartridge2is in the “first posture” in a case where the rotating holder12is stopped in a state where the cartridge2is in the “second posture” that is different from the “first posture”.

With such a configuration, it is possible to correct, with the simple configuration, the posture of the rotating holder12such that the cartridge2is in the “first posture” that is the “normal stop posture” even in a case where the stirring device1abnormally stops due to an accident. In this manner, it is possible to prevent the cartridge2from being held in a state where it is stopped with the ventilation port25provided in the surface that is different from the ejection surface23facing down, and it is possible to prevent a state in which the ink cannot be ejected from the ejection port22due to blocking or clogging of the ventilation port25by the precipitated solute L2.

Note that although the weight of the weight142is not particularly limited, the weight is set to such an extent that the weight does not interrupt the rotating operation of the drive motor112.

Also, the posture controller (second posture controller) may include a magnet that stops the rotating holder12such that the rotating holder12is stopped at the position where the cartridge2is in the “first posture”.

Specifically, a magnetic element152is disposed at one end of the return wheel151as illustrated inFIGS.14A,14B,15A, and15B. Also, a magnet153(magnet) is disposed at the chassis111below the return wheel151. Note that the same reference signs will be applied to members that are similar to those illustrated in the aforementioned embodiment and description thereof will be omitted.

FIGS.14A and14Billustrate a state where the protrusion131serving as an original point indicator indicating the side that the ejection surface23of the cartridge2faces is located on the left obliquely upper side and the cartridge2is in the “second posture” that is different from the “first posture”.

On the other hand,FIG.15Aillustrates a state where the protrusion131serving as an original point indicator indicating the side that the ejection surface23of the cartridge2faces is located at the lower end position of the rotating holder12, andFIGS.15A and15Billustrate a state where the cartridge2is in the “first posture”.

In this case, the magnetic element152is provided at one end of the return wheel141on the same side on which the protrusion131is provided as illustrated inFIGS.15A and15B. By providing the magnetic element152at such a position and disposing the magnet153below the return wheel151, the return wheel141rotates in a direction in which the part where the magnetic element152faces downward by the magnetic element152being attracted by a magnetic force (suctioning force) of the magnet153in a case where the rotating holder12stops in a state where the cartridge2is in the “second posture” that is different from the “first posture”, and in conjunction with this, the rotating holder12is also “returned to the original point” at the stop position where the cartridge2is in the “first posture”. Note that since the ink L does not contain any magnetic element, the magnetic force of the magnet153does not affect behaviors of the ink L.

With such a configuration, it is possible to correct, with the simple configuration, the posture of the rotating holder12such that the cartridge2is in the “first posture” that is the “normal stop posture” even in a case where the stirring device1abnormally stops due to an accident. In this case as well, similarly to the configuration illustrated in the embodiment, it is possible to prevent the cartridge2from being held in a state where the cartridge2is stopped with the ventilation port25provided in the surface different from the ejection surface23facing downward and to prevent a state where the ink cannot be ejected from the ejection port22due to blocking or clogging of the ventilation port25by the precipitated solute L2.

Note that the magnetic element152may be a magnet that mutually attracts the magnet153or may be a metal member or the like that is attracted by a magnet.

Any magnet can be applied as the magnet153as long as it is not an electromagnet. Note that although the strength of the magnetic force of the magnet153is not particularly limited, a strength to such an extent that the rotating operation of the drive motor112is not interrupted is applied.

Furthermore, a configuration in which the rotating holder12naturally rotates and the posture of the rotating holder12is corrected such that the cartridge2is “returned to the original point” to the posture in which the cartridge2is in the “first posture” that is the “normal stop posture” even without a spring member such as the tension coil spring137, may be achieved by providing the rotation shaft118itself of the rotation drive gear117at an eccentric position.

With such a configuration, it is possible to prevent, with the simple configuration, the cartridge2from being held in a state where the cartridge2is stopped with the ventilation port25provided in the surface different from the ejection surface23facing downward and to prevent a state where the ink cannot be ejected from the ejection port22due to blocking or clogging of the ventilation port25by the precipitated solute L2similarly to the configuration illustrated in the embodiment even in a case where the stirring device1stops abnormally due to an accident.

Although some embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the aforementioned embodiments and includes the scope of the inventions described in the claims and the scope equivalent thereto.