A printer origin calibration method and apparatus

Abstract

The application discloses a printer origin calibration method and device, and relates to the technical field of printing. The device comprises at least four micro switches. Two first micro switches are oppositely arranged in the X-axis direction of the printer, and an X-axis deviation correction execution domain is formed between the two first micro switches, so that the midpoint of the X-axis deviation correction execution domain is used as the X-axis origin of a target component. Two second micro switches are oppositely arranged in the Y-axis direction of the printer, and a Y-axis deviation correction execution domain is formed between the two second micro switches, so that the midpoint of the Y-axis deviation correction execution domain is used as the Y-axis origin of the target component. The printer origin calibration device in the embodiment of the application can realize high-quality origin calibration of the target component through the four micro switches. The principle structure is simple, the cost is low, the cost price of the printer calibration module can be significantly reduced, and the universality of the printer is improved.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application belongs to the technical field of printing, and particularly relates to a printer origin calibration method and device. BACKGROUND

[0002] When the print head (or nozzle) of a printing device performs a printing task, it often needs to displace along with a multi-axis motion mechanism, at this time, mechanical movement will cause movement errors, thereby affecting the printing quality.

[0003] To this end, the printing devices on the market often use PID controllers, laser range finders and other complex and expensive devices to realize printer origin calibration, which results in high cost of the printer and difficulty in improving the universality of the printer. SUMMARY

[0004] Therefore, an object of the present application is to provide a printer origin calibration device to solve the problem of complex design and high cost of the calibration module in the prior art.

[0005] In some illustrative embodiments, the printer origin calibration device comprises at least four micro switches; wherein two first micro switches are arranged opposite to each other in the X-axis direction of the printer, and an X-axis deviation correction execution domain is formed between the two first micro switches, and the midpoint of the X-axis deviation correction execution domain is used as the X-axis origin of the target component; wherein two second micro switches are arranged opposite to each other in the Y-axis direction of the printer, and a Y-axis deviation correction execution domain is formed between the two second micro switches, and the midpoint of the Y-axis deviation correction execution domain is used as the Y-axis origin of the target component.

[0006] In some optional embodiments, the X-axis deviation correction execution domain and the Y-axis deviation correction execution domain are spatially multiplexed.

[0007] In some optional embodiments, the first micro switches and the second micro switches are arranged in a square shape with two pairs of opposite micro switches, and the central region constitutes the spatially multiplexed X-axis deviation correction execution domain and Y-axis deviation correction execution domain.

[0008] In some optional embodiments, the X-axis deviation correction execution domain satisfies: PL X > ML X + ΔX; wherein, PL X is the size of the X-axis deviation correction execution domain in the X-axis direction, ML X is the size of the target component in the X-axis direction, and ΔX is the X-axis movement error of the printer; and the Y-axis deviation correction execution domain satisfies: PL Y > ML Y + ΔY; wherein, PL Y is the size of the Y-axis deviation correction execution domain in the Y-axis direction, ML YΔY is the Y-axis movement error of the printer.

[0009] In some alternative embodiments, there is one third micro switch arranged in the Z-axis direction of the printer and a Z-axis correction execution area is formed above it, and the height of the third micro switch is set as the Z-axis origin of the target component.

[0010] In some alternative embodiments, the Z-axis correction execution area is spatially multiplexed with the X-axis correction execution area and / or the Y-axis correction execution area.

[0011] In some alternative embodiments, the printer origin calibration device further comprises a decorative plate that hides the micro switches and exposes the X-axis correction execution area and the Y-axis correction execution area.

[0012] In some alternative embodiments, the decorative plate is the operating table of the printer.

[0013] In some alternative embodiments, the micro switches share the same signal trigger circuit.

[0014] Another object of the present application is to provide a printer origin calibration method to achieve the use of the above printer origin calibration.

[0015] In some illustrative embodiments, the printer origin calibration method comprises: determining a target component; controlling the target component to touch the first micro switch on both sides of the X-axis correction execution area, and setting the midpoint of the X-axis correction execution area as the X-axis origin of the target component; controlling the target component to touch the second micro switch on both sides of the Y-axis correction execution area, and setting the midpoint of the Y-axis correction execution area as the Y-axis origin of the target component.

[0016] Compared with the prior art, the present application has the following advantages:

[0017] The printer origin calibration device in the embodiments of the present disclosure can achieve high-quality origin calibration of the target component through four micro switches, and has simple principle and structure and low cost, which can significantly reduce the cost of the printer calibration module, thereby improving the universality of the printer. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0018] Figure 1 is a structure example one of the printer origin calibration device in the embodiments of the present application;

[0019] Figure 2 is a structure example two of the printer origin calibration device in the embodiments of the present application.

[0020] Reference numerals: First micro switch 10, second micro switch 20, third micro switch 30, decorative panel 40. Detailed Implementation

[0021] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0022] It should be noted that, where there is no conflict, the various technical features in the embodiments of the present invention can be combined with each other.

[0023] This invention discloses a printer origin calibration device, specifically, as shown in the embodiment of the invention. Figures 1-2 As shown, Figure 1 This is a structural example of the printer origin calibration device in this embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 This is a second example of the structure of the printer origin calibration device in this embodiment of the invention; the printer origin calibration device may include: at least 4 micro switches; wherein 2 first micro switches 10 are arranged opposite each other in the X-axis direction of the printer, and form an X-axis correction execution domain between them, so as to use the midpoint of the X-axis correction execution domain as the X-axis origin of the target component; wherein 2 second micro switches 20 are arranged opposite each other in the Y-axis direction of the printer, and form a Y-axis correction execution domain between them, so as to use the midpoint of the Y-axis correction execution domain as the Y-axis origin of the target component.

[0024] A micro switch (also known as a sensitive switch) generally has a specific trigger stroke and is electrically connected to a signal trigger circuit. When its lever or contact is pressed and triggered, it can turn the internal switching element on or off. After its state changes, the corresponding electrical signal can be obtained through the signal trigger circuit.

[0025] In this embodiment, the two first microswitches arranged opposite each other along the X-axis of the printer refer to the operating surfaces (paddle or contact surfaces) of the two microswitches being arranged opposite each other. During testing, it is only necessary to insert the target component into its X-axis correction execution domain, then control the target component to move left and right along the X-axis to trigger the signal, and record the movement distance to know the position of the target component in the X-axis correction execution domain, thereby adjusting it to the midpoint of the X-axis correction execution domain and realizing the origin calibration of the target component in the X-axis direction.

[0026] The two second micro switches oppositely arranged in the Y-axis direction of the printer in the embodiments of the present disclosure are also oppositely arranged in the operation surface (the surface where the contact piece or the contact point is located) of the two micro switches. When detecting, only the target component is required to be deeply inserted into the Y-axis rectification execution domain, and then the target component is controlled to move up and down along the Y-axis to trigger a signal, and the moving stroke is recorded, so that the position of the target component in the Y-axis rectification execution domain can be obtained, and the target component is adjusted to the midpoint of the Y-axis rectification execution domain, so that the origin calibration of the target component in the Y-axis direction is realized.

[0027] The target component of the printer in the embodiments of the present disclosure can realize the origin calibration of the target component with high quality through the above-mentioned four micro switches. The principle and structure are simple, the cost is low, the cost price of the calibration module of the printer can be significantly reduced, and the universality of the printer is improved.

[0028] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the X-axis rectification execution domain and the Y-axis rectification execution domain refer to the relative region between the two micro switches on both sides.

[0029] Further, the midpoint of the X-axis rectification execution domain and / or the midpoint of the Y-axis rectification execution domain in the embodiments of the present disclosure can be determined manually during design and assembly, or can be determined by the stroke recorded by the target component triggering the two micro switches through simple calculation. Preferably, the self-detection determination can avoid manual errors, and the specifications / stroke of the micro switch can be ignored, that is, different specifications or different strokes or unknown strokes of the micro switch can also meet the above-mentioned use.

[0030] In addition, generally, the printer is usually simply designed to have the movement axes of the X-axis and the Y-axis on the XY-axis plane. The four micro switches can meet the origin calibration of the target component on the X-axis and the Y-axis. When there is still a demand for other axes, other pairs of micro switches can be arranged by referring to the above-mentioned X-axis and Y-axis calibration design, so as to calibrate the axis.

[0031] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, spatial multiplexing exists between the X-axis rectification execution domain and the Y-axis rectification execution domain, so as to reduce the space range occupied by the calibration device.

[0032] Preferably, the first micro switch and the second micro switch are arranged in a square shape in pairs, and the central region constitutes the spatially multiplexed X-axis rectification execution domain and Y-axis rectification execution domain. This embodiment can maximize the reduction of the space range occupied, and realize the miniaturization requirement of the calibration device.

[0033] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the size of the X-axis deviation correction execution domain (generally referring to the length of the X-axis deviation correction execution domain in the X-axis direction) and the size of the Y-axis deviation correction execution domain (generally referring to the length of the Y-axis deviation correction execution domain in the Y-axis direction) should be at least greater than the size of the target component (such as a nozzle, a print head, a probe, etc.), so as to meet the deep calibration of the target component.

[0034] Preferably, the X-axis deviation correction execution domain satisfies: PL X > ML X + ΔX; wherein, PL X is the size of the X-axis deviation correction execution domain in the X-axis direction, ML X is the size of the target component in the X-axis direction, and ΔX is the X-axis movement error of the printer; and the Y-axis deviation correction execution domain satisfies: PL Y > ML Y + ΔY; wherein, PL Y is the size of the Y-axis deviation correction execution domain in the Y-axis direction, ML Y is the size of the target component in the Y-axis direction, and ΔY is the Y-axis movement error of the printer.

[0035] Through the above design, rigid collision of the target component in the process of deepening into the deviation correction execution domain due to errors can be avoided, and the size of the calibration device can be optimally optimized.

[0036] Preferably, the movement error (ΔX and ΔY) can refer to the movement error measured after multiple operations of the printer, or the experience value of the designer; and ML can refer to the target component with the largest size in the printer, so as to improve the universality of the calibration device for the printer.

[0037] Preferably, the length of the X-axis deviation correction execution domain can be 1-2 cm, and the length of the Y-axis deviation correction execution domain can be 1-2 cm.

[0038] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, a third micro switch 30 can also be arranged in the micro switch of the printer origin calibration device in the Z-axis direction of the printer, and a Z-axis deviation correction execution domain is formed above the third micro switch, so as to take the height maintained by the third micro switch as the Z-axis origin of the target component.

[0039] When in use, the Z-axis height of the target component is adjusted by triggering the Z-axis deviation correction execution domain after the target component falls on the Z-axis deviation correction execution domain.

[0040] Preferably, the Z-axis deviation correction execution domain is spatially multiplexed with the X-axis deviation correction execution domain and / or the Y-axis deviation correction execution domain.

[0041] Further, for the case that the first micro switch and the second micro switch are arranged in a square shape with two pairs of opposite sides, the third micro switch can be arranged on the bottom surface of the central region, thereby realizing minimization of the calibration device.

[0042] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the printer origin calibration device further comprises a decorative plate 40 for hiding the micro switches and exposing the X-axis deviation correction execution domain and the Y-axis deviation correction execution domain. Preferably, the decorative plate is the operation table of the printer, i.e., the calibration module is hidden under the table of the printer, and only the deviation correction execution domain for calibration is exposed, thereby improving the overall aesthetics of the printer.

[0043] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, each micro switch can be configured with a signal trigger circuit, thereby realizing trigger detection of the micro switch. Since only one micro switch is triggered at the same time, all micro switches can share the same signal trigger circuit, thereby further reducing the structural complexity.

[0044] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, a printer origin calibration method is disclosed, which can be used to complete the use of any of the above printer origin calibration devices. Specifically, the method can include: determining a target component; controlling the target component to touch the first micro switch on both sides of the X-axis deviation correction execution domain, and taking the midpoint of the X-axis deviation correction execution domain as the X-axis origin of the target component; and controlling the target component to touch the second micro switch on both sides of the Y-axis deviation correction execution domain, and taking the midpoint of the Y-axis deviation correction execution domain as the Y-axis origin of the target component.

[0045] Finally, it should be noted that: the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present application, and not to limit them; although the present application has been described in detail with reference to the above embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that: it can still modify the technical solutions recorded in the above embodiments, or make equivalent replacement for part or all of the technical features; and these modifications or replacements do not make the essence of the corresponding technical solutions deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application.

Claims

1. A printer origin calibration device, characterized in that, include: At least four microswitches; There are two first micro switches arranged opposite each other in the X-axis direction of the printer, and the X-axis correction execution domain is formed between them, so that the midpoint of the X-axis correction execution domain is used as the X-axis origin of the target component. There are two second micro switches that are set opposite each other in the Y-axis direction of the printer, and the Y-axis correction execution domain is formed between them, so that the midpoint of the Y-axis correction execution domain is used as the Y-axis origin of the target component. There is a third micro switch set in the Z-axis direction of the printer, and a Z-axis correction execution domain is formed above it, so as to keep the target component's Z-axis origin at a set height relative to the third micro switch. The first micro switch and the second micro switch are arranged in a square pattern facing each other. The third micro switch is disposed on the bottom surface of the central region between the first micro switch and the second micro switch. The central region constitutes a spatially multiplexed X-axis correction execution domain, Y-axis correction execution domain and Z-axis correction execution domain.

2. The printer origin calibration device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The X-axis correction execution domain satisfies: PL X > ML X + ∆X; Among them, PL X ML represents the dimension of the X-axis correction execution domain in the X-axis direction. X Let X be the dimension of the target component in the X-axis direction, and ∆X be the X-axis motion error of the printer. The Y-axis correction execution domain satisfies: PL Y > ML Y + ∆Y; where PL Y ML represents the dimension of the Y-axis correction execution domain in the Y-axis direction. Y Let ΔY be the dimension of the target component in the Y-axis direction, and ∆Y be the Y-axis motion error of the printer.

3. The printer origin calibration device according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: The micro switch is concealed, and the X-axis correction execution domain and the decorative panel of the X-axis correction execution domain are exposed.

4. The printer origin calibration device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The decorative panel serves as the operating surface of the printer.

5. The printer origin calibration device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The microswitches share the same signal triggering circuit.

6. A printer origin calibration method, characterized in that, The printer origin calibration device applied to any one of claims 1-5 comprises: Identify the target component; The target component is controlled to touch the first microswitches on both sides of the X-axis correction execution domain, and the midpoint of the X-axis correction execution domain is taken as the X-axis origin of the target component. The target component is controlled to touch the second microswitches on both sides of the Y-axis correction execution domain, and the midpoint of the Y-axis correction execution domain is taken as the Y-axis origin of the target component.

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