A printer and a control method thereof

Abstract

The application relates to the technical field of printers, in particular to a printer and a control method thereof. Specifically, the printer comprises a printer main body, a first platform, a nozzle, a driving roller, a mounting frame, a mounting plate, a second material unwinding roller and a first power output mechanism. The driving roller is used for driving the printing material unwound from a material roll to move along the first platform towards the nozzle. The mounting frame is arranged on the first platform and is provided with the first material unwinding roller on one side. The mounting plate is arranged on the side end of the first platform and is provided with a guide rail. The second material unwinding roller is provided with a clamping table at the end, the clamping table is movably arranged on the guide rail, so that the second material unwinding roller can move along the track of the guide rail. The first power output mechanism is arranged on the outer side of the mounting plate and is rotationally connected with the clamping table. By adopting the technical scheme, the second material unwinding roller can move between different positions, the printer can adapt to printing materials with different materials, and the product adaptability and printing efficiency are improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of printer technology, and more specifically, to a printer and its control method. Background Technology

[0002] In existing technologies, UV printers are often used to print wide, large images such as large signs or giant advertisements.

[0003] However, different printing needs may require printing on different materials. If different materials are applied to the same printing path, technical problems such as wrinkling and curling of the printed material may occur.

[0004] In view of the above, this application is hereby submitted. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this application is to provide a printer and its control method to solve at least one of the technical problems mentioned in the background art.

[0006] Specifically, in a first aspect, this application provides a printer comprising:

[0007] The printer body includes a first platform and a printhead. The printhead operates above the first platform and performs inkjet operation on the printing material located on the first platform.

[0008] The drive roller is used to drive the printing material extending from the roll along the first platform toward the printhead;

[0009] A mounting bracket is set on a first platform, and a first feeding roller is mounted on one side of it. The first feeding roller is located above the drive roller and limits the upper surface of the printing material fed by the drive roller.

[0010] A mounting plate is disposed on the side of the first platform and a guide rail is provided through it. The two ends of the guide rail are a first position and a second position, respectively. The first position is lower than the second position, and the first position is farther from the drive roller in the horizontal direction than the second position. The guide rail also has a third position located between the first position and the second position. The third position is higher than the second position, and the line connecting the first position and the third position forms an acute angle with the line connecting the second position and the third position.

[0011] The second feeding roller has a locking platform at its end, which is movably mounted on the guide rail, so that the second feeding roller can move in accordance with the trajectory of the guide rail. When the second feeding roller is in the second position, it forms a first feeding position with the first feeding roller for placing the material roll. At this time, the material roll is located above the drive roller.

[0012] The first power output mechanism is located on the outside of the mounting plate and is rotatably connected to the clamping table. When the first power output mechanism is working, it can push the second feeding roller from the first position through the third position to the second position.

[0013] By adopting the above technical solution, the second feeding roller can move between different positions by setting the first power output mechanism, which enables the printer to adapt to different printing materials and improves the product's adaptability and printing efficiency.

[0014] Preferably, the printer further includes a second platform located below the first platform; the second platform is provided with a third feeding roller and a fourth feeding roller arranged parallel to each other and spaced apart, and a second feeding position is formed between the third feeding roller and the fourth feeding roller for placing the material roll.

[0015] Preferably, the second feeding position is farther from the nozzle than the drive roller in the horizontal direction.

[0016] Preferably, the printer includes the following printing modes:

[0017] In the first printing mode, the material roll is located at the second feeding position, the second feeding roller is located at the first position, and the printing material is drawn out from the material roll and enters the print head working area in sequence through the second feeding roller, above the drive roller, and below the first feeding roller.

[0018] In the second printing mode, the material roll is located at the second feeding position. The printing material is drawn out from the material roll and enters the working area of ​​the nozzle through the top of the drive roller and the bottom of the first feeding roller.

[0019] In the third printing mode, the material roll is located at the second feeding position, the second feeding roller is located at the second position, and the printing material is drawn out from the material roll and enters the print head working area sequentially above the second feeding roller and below the first feeding roller.

[0020] In the fourth printing mode, the material roll is located at the first feeding position, the second feeding roller is located at the second position, and the printing material is drawn out from the material roll and enters the printhead working area sequentially above the drive roller and below the first feeding roller.

[0021] Preferably, the distance from the third position to the second position is less than the distance from the third position to the first position.

[0022] Preferably, the first power output mechanism is a cylinder, which is rotatably mounted on the mounting plate.

[0023] Preferably, the mounting frame is rotatably provided with a connecting rod, one end of which is connected to the first feeding roller and the other end of which is connected to the second power output mechanism. When the second power output mechanism is working, the first feeding roller rotates under the drive of the connecting rod.

[0024] Preferably, the first power output mechanism is connected to a power switch. When the power switch is turned off, the second feeding roller can slide from the third position to the first position under the action of gravity.

[0025] Preferably, the power switch is a foot switch.

[0026] Preferably, the card holder has a support portion to facilitate support operations.

[0027] A second aspect of this application provides a method for controlling a printer as described in the first aspect of this application, comprising the steps of:

[0028] Raise the second feeding roller, start the first power output mechanism, and apply a vertical thrust to the second feeding roller through the clamping table, so that the second feeding roller moves from the third position to the second position.

[0029] Preferably, the control method further includes the step of:

[0030] The second feeding roller is lowered, the first power output mechanism is activated, and a vertical thrust is applied to the second feeding roller through the clamping platform. The second feeding roller is lifted by an external force applied through the clamping platform, so that the second feeding roller moves from the second position to the third position. The first power output mechanism is closed, the external force applied to the clamping platform is removed, and the second feeding roller falls back to the first position under the action of gravity.

[0031] Preferably, the card holder has a support portion to facilitate support operations.

[0032] In summary, this application has the following beneficial effects:

[0033] 1. The printer provided in this application, by setting a first power output mechanism, enables the second feeding roller to move between different positions, allowing the printer to adapt to different printing materials, thereby improving the product's adaptability and printing efficiency.

[0034] 2. The printer provided in this application, by setting a first feeding position and a second feeding position on the first platform and the second platform respectively, can realize more printing modes and adapt to different printing materials or printing needs.

[0035] 3. The printer control method provided in this application, by setting the method of raising the second feeding roller and lowering the second feeding roller respectively, makes the printer switching between different modes smoother and more convenient, and facilitates the operation of technicians. Attached Figure Description

[0036] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0037] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a printer in one embodiment of this application;

[0038] Figure 2 This is a partial view of a printer according to one embodiment of this application;

[0039] Figure 3 This is a side view of a printer according to one embodiment of this application;

[0040] Figure 4 for Figure 3 A magnified view of a portion of the image;

[0041] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the first placement method for the material coil, in which the clamp is in the first position;

[0042] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the second placement method for the material coil, in which the chuck is in the second position;

[0043] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the third placement method for the material roll, in which the chuck is in the second position.

[0044] The technical solution of this application can be more clearly understood and explained through the above description of the reference numerals in the accompanying drawings and in conjunction with the embodiments of this application.

[0045] 1. Printer body; 11. First platform; 12. Printhead; 13. Second platform; 131. Third feed roller; 132. Fourth feed roller; 2. Drive roller; 3. Material roll; 4. Mounting frame; 41. First feed roller; 5. Mounting plate; 42. Connecting rod; 51. Guide rail; 511. First position; 512. Second position; 513. Third position; 6. Second feed roller; 61. Mounting table; 7. First power output mechanism; 8. Second power output mechanism. Detailed Implementation

[0046] Exemplary embodiments will now be described in detail, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. When the following description relates to the drawings, unless otherwise indicated, the same numbers in different drawings denote the same or similar elements. The embodiments described in the following exemplary embodiments do not represent all embodiments consistent with this application. Rather, they are merely examples of apparatuses and methods consistent with some aspects of this application as detailed in the appended claims.

[0047] The terminology used in this application is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the application. The singular forms “a,” “the,” and “the” used in this application and the appended claims are also intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should also be understood that the term “and / or” as used herein refers to and includes any and all possible combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0048] The present application will be described in detail below through examples.

[0049] In existing technologies, UV printers are often used to print large signs or giant advertisements, which are wide and large-format images. However, different printing needs may require printing on different materials. If different materials are applied to the same printing path, technical problems such as wrinkling and curling of the printed material may occur.

[0050] To address the technical problems existing in current printing equipment, the present invention provides a printer comprising: a printer body including a first platform and a printhead, the printhead operating above the first platform and performing inkjet printing on printing material located on the first platform; an active roller for driving printing material extending from a cartridge along the first platform toward the printhead; a mounting bracket disposed on the first platform, with a first feed roller mounted on one side thereof, the first feed roller being located above the active roller and limiting the upper surface of the printing material fed by the active roller; and a mounting plate disposed on the side of the first platform, with a guide rail extending through it, the two ends of the guide rail being a first position and a second position, the first position being lower than the second position, and the first position being horizontal. The distance from the drive roller is further than the second position; the guide rail also has a third position located between the first position and the second position, the third position being higher than the second position, and the line connecting the first position and the third position and the line connecting the second position and the third position forming an acute angle; the second feeding roller has a locking platform at its end, the locking platform being movably mounted on the guide rail, so that the second feeding roller can move in accordance with the trajectory of the guide rail. When the second feeding roller is in the second position, it forms a first feeding position with the first feeding roller for placing the material roll, at which time the material roll is located above the drive roller; the first power output mechanism is located on the outside of the mounting plate and is rotatably connected to the locking platform. When the first power output mechanism is working, it can push the second feeding roller from the first position through the third position to the second position.

[0051] According to this invention concept, by setting a first power output mechanism, the second feeding roller can move between different positions, enabling the printer to adapt to different printing materials, thereby improving product adaptability and printing efficiency.

[0052] To better understand the above technical solutions, the following will provide a detailed explanation of the technical solutions in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and specific implementation methods.

[0053] Based on the inventive concept of this application, in some preferred embodiments of this application, a printer is provided, with reference to... Figures 1-4 ,include:

[0054] The printer body 1 includes a first platform 11 and a printhead 12. The printhead 12 works above the first platform 11 and performs inkjet operation on the printing material located on the first platform 11. The printhead 12 can actively move to spray ink onto the printing area of ​​the printing material.

[0055] The active roller 2 is used to drive the printing material extending from the material roll 3 to move along the first platform 11 toward the nozzle 12. The active roller 2 can be driven to rotate by an external motor. It can directly drive the printing material to move, or drive the guide belt of the first platform 11 to move the printing material located on the upper surface of the guide belt.

[0056] Mounting bracket 4 is disposed on the first platform 11, and a first feeding roller 41 is mounted on one side of it. The first feeding roller 41 is located above the drive roller 2 and limits the upper surface of the printing material fed by the drive roller 2. The printing material fed by the drive roller 2 is the printing material that moves by being driven by the drive roller 2. It can be in direct contact with the drive roller 2, or it can move by being driven by the drive roller 2, such as by a guide belt. The mounting bracket 4 can be disposed through the first platform, or multiple mounting brackets can be disposed at intervals on the first platform.

[0057] Mounting plate 5 is disposed on the side of the first platform 11 and a guide rail 51 is provided through it. The two ends of the guide rail 51 are a first position 511 and a second position 512, respectively. The first position 511 is lower than the second position 512, and the first position 511 is farther from the drive roller 2 in the horizontal direction than the second position 512. The guide rail 51 also has a third position 513 located between the first position 511 and the second position 512. The third position 513 is higher than the second position 512, and the line connecting the first position 511 and the third position 513 and the line connecting the second position 512 and the third position 513 form an acute angle. In specific implementation, the first position 511, the second position 512, and the third position 513 are connected to form the guide rail 51, and the guide rail has no branches. Two mounting plates 5 can be disposed on opposite sides of the printer.

[0058] The second feeding roller 6 has a locking platform 61 at its end. The locking platform 61 is movably mounted on the guide rail 51, so that the second feeding roller 6 can move in accordance with the trajectory of the guide rail 51. When the second feeding roller 6 is in the second position 512, it forms a first feeding position with the first feeding roller 41 for placing the material roll 3. At this time, the material roll 3 is located above the drive roller 2. The locking platform 61 can be detachably installed at both ends of the second feeding roller 6, so that the second feeding roller 6 is locked between the oppositely arranged mounting plates 5.

[0059] The first power output mechanism 7 is located on the outside of the mounting plate 5 and is rotatably connected to the clamping table 61. When the first power output mechanism 7 is working, it can push the second feeding roller 6 from the first position 511 through the third position 513 to the second position 512. In specific implementation, the first power output mechanism 7 can be a cylinder, one end of which is rotatably connected to the mounting plate 5. This allows the first power output mechanism 7 to rotate as the clamping table 61 moves along the guide rail 51, making the movement of the second feeding roller 6 smoother. Furthermore, the position where the first power output mechanism 7 is rotatably connected to the mounting plate 5 is directly below the first position 511.

[0060] By adopting the above technical solution, the second feeding roller 6 can move between different positions by setting the first power output mechanism 7, so that the printer can adapt to different printing materials, thereby improving the product's adaptability and printing efficiency.

[0061] In some preferred embodiments, reference Figure 3 The printer also includes a second platform 13, which is located below the first platform 11. The second platform 13 is provided with a third feeding roller 131 and a fourth feeding roller 132 arranged parallel to each other and spaced apart. A second feeding position is formed between the third feeding roller 131 and the fourth feeding roller 132 for placing the material roll 3.

[0062] In practice, both the first and second feeding positions can be used to place the material roll, but in actual production, only one of the two feeding positions can be selected in each printing process. In some embodiments, the second feeding position is further away from the printhead 12 than the drive roller 2 in the horizontal direction.

[0063] By adopting the above technical solution, the printer provided in this application can select different feeding positions according to different needs, thereby improving the adaptability of the product and production efficiency.

[0064] In some preferred embodiments, the printer, based on the above structure, can achieve the following printing modes:

[0065] First printing mode, reference Figure 5The material roll is located at the second feeding position, and the second feeding roller 6 is located at the first position 511. The printing material is drawn out from the material roll and enters the print head working area in sequence through the second feeding roller 6, above the active roller 2, and below the first feeding roller 41. In this printing mode, the material roll 3 extends a relatively long distance before entering the printing area.

[0066] Second printing mode, see reference. Figure 5 The material roll is located at the second feeding position. The printing material is drawn out from the material roll 3, passes above the drive roller 2 and below the first feeding roller 41, and enters the working area of ​​the print head. At this time, the printing material does not pass through the second feeding roller 6. In this printing mode, the material roll 3 extends a shorter distance before entering the printing area.

[0067] Third printing mode, see reference. Figure 6 The material roll is located at the second feeding position, and the second feeding roller 6 is located at the second position 512. The printing material is drawn out from the material roll 3 and enters the print head working area sequentially above the second feeding roller 6 and below the first feeding roller 41. In this printing mode, the material roll 3 extends a longer distance before entering the printing area, and the material roll is subjected to a greater tensile force, making it easier to keep flat in the printing area.

[0068] Fourth printing mode, see reference Figure 7 The material roll 3 is located at the first feeding position and has a gap from the first platform 11. The second feeding roller 6 is located at the second position 512. The printing material is drawn out from the material roll 3 and enters the print head working area sequentially above the active roller 2 and below the first feeding roller 41. This printing mode is relatively convenient to install the material roll and its distance from the printing area is very short, making it suitable for small-scale testing before printing.

[0069] In some preferred embodiments, reference Figure 4 The distance from the third position 513 to the second position 512 is less than the distance from the third position 513 to the first position 511. During the process of driving the second feeding roller 6 from the first position 511 to the second position 512, the first power output mechanism 7 is continuously operating. The process of the second feeding roller 6 moving from the third position 513 to the second position 512 is actually a process of lowering its horizontal height. Controlling the distance from the third position 513 to the second position 512 to be less than the distance from the third position 513 to the first position 511 allows the second feeding roller 6 to reach the second position 512 more efficiently, and also saves power consumption in the first power output mechanism 7.

[0070] In some preferred embodiments, the mounting frame 4 is rotatably provided with a connecting rod 42, one end of which is connected to the first feeding roller 41 and the other end of which is connected to the second power output mechanism 8. When the second power output mechanism 8 is working, the first feeding roller 41 rotates under the drive of the connecting rod 42. The second power output mechanism 8 can be a cylinder, which is fixedly connected to the mounting frame 4.

[0071] In the specific implementation process, the connecting rod 42 can drive the first feeding roller 41 to swing up and down, thereby controlling its limiting position on the printing material, and can also adapt its positional relationship with the second feeding roller 6 according to the size of the material roll, so as to form a more stable first feeding position.

[0072] In some preferred embodiments, the first power output mechanism 7 is connected to a power switch. When the power switch is turned off, the second feeding roller 6 can slide from the third position 513 to the first position 511 under the action of gravity. When the power switch is turned on, the first power output mechanism 7 operates and applies a pushing force to the clamping table 61. For ease of operation, the power switch is a foot switch, which can control the opening and closing of the first power output mechanism 7.

[0073] In some preferred embodiments, the card holder 61 has a support portion to facilitate support operations.

[0074] Based on the inventive concept of this application, in some preferred embodiments of this application, a printer control method as described in the above embodiments is provided, including the following steps:

[0075] S101, raise the second feeding roller 6, start the first power output mechanism 7, apply vertical thrust to the second feeding roller 6 through the clamping table 61, so that the second feeding roller 6 reaches the second position 512 via the third position 513.

[0076] In the specific implementation process, the first power output mechanism 7 is activated to provide an upward vertical thrust to the mounting platen 61. As the mounting platen 61 moves along the guide rail 51, the first power output mechanism 7 rotates with the mounting platen 61, rotating around its fixed position relative to the printer body 1. When the first power output mechanism 7 pushes the mounting platen 61 to the third position 513, the second feed roller 6 reaches the highest point of the guide rail 51 in the vertical direction. Because the first power output mechanism 7 rotates with the mounting platen, it provides a horizontal thrust to the mounting platen 61. This thrust allows the mounting platen 61 to continue moving towards the second position 512 and eventually stop there. Once the mounting platen 61 reaches the second position 512, the first power output mechanism 7 can be deactivated, and the second feed roller 6 can be stably positioned at the second position 512 under gravity. Using this scheme, the second feed roller 6 can reach the second position 512 using only the power of the first power output mechanism 7, simplifying operation and saving labor. In some embodiments, the first power output mechanism 7 is a cylinder, which applies a thrust outward under the action of gas after starting.

[0077] In some preferred embodiments, the control method further includes the step of:

[0078] S102, lower the second feeding roller 6, start the first power output mechanism 7, apply a vertical thrust to the second feeding roller 6 through the clamping table 61, apply an external force to lift the second feeding roller 6 through the clamping table 61, so that the second feeding roller 6 moves from the second position 512 to the third position 513, close the first power output mechanism 7, remove the external force applied to the clamping table 61, so that the second feeding roller 6 falls back to the first position 511 under the action of gravity.

[0079] In the specific implementation process, when it is necessary to return the second feeding roller 6 from the second position 512 to the first position 511, the first power output mechanism 7 is activated, and an external force is applied through the clamping platform 61 to lift the second feeding roller 6 to the third position 513. This external force can be the pulling force of the operator or external machinery. Since the first power output mechanism 7 can apply an upward pushing force to the clamping platform 61 at this time, the external force only needs to overcome the horizontal force of the first power output mechanism 7 to return the clamping platform 61 to the third position 513. When the clamping platform 61 reaches the third position 513, the first power output mechanism 7 is closed, and the external force applied by the operator or external machinery is removed. At this time, the second feeding roller 6 can automatically return from the third position 513 to the first position 511 due to its own weight. Using the above scheme, the second feeding roller 6 can be returned from the second position 512 to the first position 511 with relatively little effort. In some preferred embodiments, the clamping platform has a supporting part to facilitate the supporting operation.

[0080] In summary, the printer and its control method provided in this application can adjust the position of the second feeding roller 6 to adapt to different printing modes with simple operation and minimal external intervention, thereby improving the product's adaptability and work efficiency, and has good prospects for industrial application.

[0081] It should be noted that, for those skilled in the art, the technical features in the above embodiments can be freely combined, and the resulting technical solutions also belong to the embodiments disclosed in this application.

[0082] Furthermore, without departing from the principles of this application, several improvements and modifications may be made to this application, and these improvements and modifications also fall within the protection scope of the claims of this application.

Claims

1. A printer, characterized in that: include: The printer body includes a first platform and a printhead. The printhead operates above the first platform and performs inkjet operation on the printing material located on the first platform. The drive roller is used to drive the printing material extending from the roll along the first platform toward the printhead; A mounting bracket is set on a first platform, and a first feeding roller is mounted on one side of it. The first feeding roller is located above the drive roller and limits the upper surface of the printing material fed by the drive roller. A mounting plate is disposed on the side of the first platform and a guide rail is provided through it. The two ends of the guide rail are a first position and a second position, respectively. The first position is lower than the second position, and the first position is farther from the drive roller in the horizontal direction than the second position. The guide rail also has a third position located between the first position and the second position. The third position is higher than the second position, and the line connecting the first position and the third position forms an acute angle with the line connecting the second position and the third position. The second feeding roller has a locking platform at its end, which is movably mounted on the guide rail, so that the second feeding roller can move in accordance with the trajectory of the guide rail. When the second feeding roller is in the second position, it forms a first feeding position with the first feeding roller for placing the material roll. At this time, the material roll is located above the drive roller. The first power output mechanism is located on the outside of the mounting plate and is rotatably connected to the clamping table. When the first power output mechanism is working, it can push the second feeding roller from the first position through the third position to the second position. The printer also includes a second platform located below the first platform; the second platform is provided with a third feeding roller and a fourth feeding roller arranged parallel to each other and spaced apart, and a second feeding position is formed between the third feeding roller and the fourth feeding roller for placing the material roll.

2. The printer according to claim 1, characterized in that: The second feeding position is farther from the nozzle than the active roller in the horizontal direction.

3. The printer according to claim 2, characterized in that: The printer includes the following printing modes: In the first printing mode, the material roll is located at the second feeding position, the second feeding roller is located at the first position, and the printing material is drawn out from the material roll and enters the print head working area in sequence through the second feeding roller, above the drive roller, and below the first feeding roller. In the second printing mode, the material roll is located at the second feeding position. The printing material is drawn out from the material roll and enters the working area of ​​the nozzle through the top of the drive roller and the bottom of the first feeding roller. In the third printing mode, the material roll is located at the second feeding position, the second feeding roller is located at the second position, and the printing material is drawn out from the material roll and enters the print head working area sequentially above the second feeding roller and below the first feeding roller. In the fourth printing mode, the material roll is located at the first feeding position, the second feeding roller is located at the second position, and the printing material is drawn out from the material roll and enters the printhead working area sequentially above the drive roller and below the first feeding roller.

4. The printer according to claim 1, characterized in that: The distance from the third position to the second position is less than the distance from the third position to the first position.

5. The printer according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first power output mechanism is a cylinder, which is rotatably mounted on the mounting plate.

6. The printer according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that: The mounting frame is rotatably equipped with a connecting rod, one end of which is connected to the first feeding roller and the other end of which is connected to the second power output mechanism. When the second power output mechanism is working, the first feeding roller rotates under the drive of the connecting rod.

7. The printer according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first power output mechanism is connected to a power switch. When the power switch is turned off, the second feeding roller can slide from the third position to the first position under the action of gravity.

8. A control method for a printer as described in any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that: Including the following steps: Raise the second feeding roller, start the first power output mechanism, and apply a vertical thrust to the second feeding roller through the clamping table, so that the second feeding roller moves from the third position to the second position.

9. The printer control method according to claim 8, characterized in that: The control method further includes the following steps: The second feeding roller is lowered, the first power output mechanism is activated, and a vertical thrust is applied to the second feeding roller through the clamping platform. The second feeding roller is lifted by an external force applied through the clamping platform, so that the second feeding roller moves from the second position to the third position. The first power output mechanism is closed, the external force applied to the clamping platform is removed, and the second feeding roller falls back to the first position under the action of gravity.

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