Improved inkjet printer manufacturing technology

Abstract

A technique for operating a printer is provided. In an example, the printer may include a printhead, a curing lamp, and a controller. The controller may be configured to: move the printhead relative to a printing medium to print a given image; move the curing lamp at a curing speed to cure the ink in the given image in response to the curing lamp passing over a printed portion of the given image; and move the curing lamp at a guiding speed in response to the curing lamp passing over a non-printed portion of the given image, wherein the guiding speed is greater than the curing speed.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application filed on June 28, 2021, with application number 202110719661.X and invention title "Improved Inkjet Printer Production Technology".

[0002] Priority application

[0003] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 078,266, filed on September 14, 2020, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0004] This document relates to printing, and more specifically to techniques for improving inkjet printer production. Background Technology

[0005] Card products include, for example, credit cards, ID cards, driver's licenses, passports, and other card products. Such card products typically include printed information such as photographs, account numbers, ID numbers, and other personal information. Documents may also include data encoded in, for example, smart card chips, magnetic stripes, or barcodes.

[0006] A card production system includes a processing unit that processes a card substrate (hereinafter referred to as "card") to form a final card product. Such a process may include printing, lamination or transfer, data reading, data writing, laser engraving, and / or other processes for forming the desired document. An inkjet card printer is a form of card production system that uses an inkjet printhead to print an image onto the card.

[0007] In some applications, the printed ink is cured after printing. Curing allows the print to bond better to the substrate or card and reduces the chance of the print becoming smudged. Curing can be accelerated by placing the ink under a curing lamp. The conventional method of using a curing lamp involves scanning the entire substrate before allowing the substrate to be removed from the printed area, and this significantly impacts printer throughput. Summary of the Invention

[0008] A technique for operating a printer is provided. In an example, the printer may include a printhead, a curing lamp, and a controller. The controller may be configured to: move the printhead relative to a printing area to print a given image; move the curing lamp relative to the printing area at a curing speed to cure the ink in the given image in response to the curing lamp passing over a printed portion of the given image; and move the curing lamp at a guide speed, wherein the guide speed is greater than the curing speed, in response to the curing lamp passing over a non-printed portion of the given image. Attached Figure Description

[0009] Figure 1The block diagram side view of an example inkjet card printer according to this topic is shown in general.

[0010] Figure 2 The image shows a top view of an example inkjet card printer based on this topic.

[0011] Figure 3 The image shows a perspective view of the card feeder of an example inkjet card printer according to this topic.

[0012] Figure 4 The rate distribution 401 of a conventional method for curing ink using a curing lamp in an inkjet printer is shown in general.

[0013] Figure 5A and Figure 5B The overall illustration shows the use of inkjet printers, such as Figures 1 to 3 The curing lamp of the inkjet printer improves the rate distribution of ink curing.

[0014] Figure 6 An example rate distribution for an improved method of curing ink using a curing lamp in an inkjet printer is shown, wherein a given image extends at least to the middle of the entire print medium.

[0015] Figure 7 The example rate distribution of the curing process above a printing medium with two images separated by a gap is shown in general.

[0016] Figure 8 The example method for operating an inkjet card printer is shown in general, which provides efficient movement of curing irradiation over a newly printed image.

[0017] Figures 9A to 9D This document presents an example method for solidifying the image on a card when the card is removed from the printing area of ​​an inkjet card printer. Detailed Implementation

[0018] Embodiments of this disclosure generally relate to ink curing in inkjet card printers. Typically, these techniques modulate the relative speed of the curing light source on a newly printed card, allowing for a faster relative speed to be used on areas of the card that do not contain a portion of the printed image. This technique can reduce card processing time compared to conventional techniques that cause the curing light source to move across the entire card at a slower curing speed regardless of whether the image occupies the entire path on the card.

[0019] Figure 1 and Figure 2These are simplified side and top views of an inkjet card printer 100 or a portion thereof according to embodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the inkjet card printer 100 includes a printing unit 102 and a card carrier 104. The card carrier 104 is configured to feed individual cards 106 along a processing axis 108. The printing unit 102 includes an inkjet printhead 110 and a stage 112. The printhead 110 is configured to perform printing operations on individual cards 106 supported by the card carrier 104 and located at one or more printing positions 114 along the processing axis 108. The stage 112 is configured to move the printhead 110 through a printing area 116 during printing operations.

[0020] In some embodiments, the inkjet card printer 100 includes a controller 118, which represents one or more different controllers of the inkjet card printer 100. Each controller 118 includes at least one processor configured to execute program instructions stored in a computer-readable medium or memory of the inkjet card printer 100 or another location. The processor may also be represented by the controller 118. Any suitable computer-readable medium or memory conforming to the subject matter can be utilized, including, for example, hard disks, CD-ROMs, optical storage devices, flash memory, magnetic storage devices, or other suitable computer-readable media or memory that does not include transient waves or signals. The controller 118 executes instructions to control the components of the inkjet card printer 100 to perform the functions and method steps described herein.

[0021] In some examples, the inkjet card printer 100 may include one or more card feeders 120, such as card feeders 120A and 120B, each configured to convey card 106 to and receive card 106 from card conveyor 104. The inkjet card printer 100 may also include one or more card flippers 122, such as flippers 122A and 122B, configured to reverse card 106. A card dispenser 124, such as a card cassette containing a stack of cards, may be provided to dispense cards 106 for processing by the inkjet card printer 100, and processed cards may be ejected and collected by a suitable card collector (e.g., a card storage unit) 126.

[0022] The inkjet printhead 110 is configured to perform direct printing operations on pairs of cards 106 supported in the print position 114 along the processing axis 108. During the printing operation, such as Figure 2As shown, the stage 112 can move the printhead 110 along a first scan axis 130 generally parallel to the processing axis 108 and a second scan axis 132 generally perpendicular to the processing axis 108. As used herein, the term "first scan axis" refers to the axis along which the printhead 110 is moved by the stage 112 during the active printing phase of operation, during which ink is ejected from the printhead 110 to form an image on the card 106. The term "second scan axis" refers to the axis along which the printhead 110 is moved by the stage 112 to a position for the next active printing phase during the inactive printing phase (when no ink is ejected from the printhead).

[0023] In some implementations, the stage 112 and printhead 110 may occupy the print area 116 during the printing operation, the print area 116 being... Figure 1 and Figure 2 The dashed box indicates this. The printing area 116 may generally extend from the processing axis 108 into at least a portion of the space above the card conveyor 104 and card feeder 120, or the printing area 116 may extend directly above the processing axis 108 into at least a portion of the space above the card conveyor 104 and card feeder 120. The printing area 116 may also surround the card conveyor 104 and card feeder 120, such as... Figure 2 As shown in the image.

[0024] In some embodiments, each card feeder 120 includes a lifting mechanism 134 for moving the card feeder 120 to a lowered position, in which the card feeder 120 is displaced from the printing area 116, for example, displaced below the printing area 116, such as by... Figure 1 Card feeder 120A and Figure 3 The card feeders 120A and 120B are shown in the diagram. Figure 3 This is an isometric view of the card conveyor 104 and the card feeder 120 in their lowered position 136.

[0025] The lifting mechanism 134 can also move the card feeder 120 to a raised position, in which at least a portion of the card feeder 120 extends into the printing area 116, and the card feeder 120 is positioned to feed or receive cards 106 from or to the card conveyor 104, as described above. Figure 1 The card feeder 120B is shown in the diagram. Therefore, the card feeder 120 can be moved to the raised position of the card feeder 120 by the lifting mechanism 134, so as to feed the card 106 to or receive the card 106 from the card conveyor 104.

[0026] Therefore, the lifting mechanism 134 can be used to move the card feeder 120 from the raised position to the lowered position so that the print head 110 can be moved by the stage 112 through the printing area 116 and perform the printing operation. In the raised position, at least a portion of the card feeder 120 will obstruct the printing operation, and in the lowered position, the card feeder 120 will not obstruct the printing area 116.

[0027] In some embodiments, the card conveyor 104 includes a belt 140, such as a first belt 140A and a second belt 140B (i.e., a belt feeder or conveyor), each of which is supported by rollers 142 for movement along a belt path. In one example, each of the first belt 140A and the second belt 140B is supported by four rollers 142, the rollers 142 being formed by a belt frame 144, such as sidewalls 146A and 146B of the belt frame 144. Figure 3 Support. Belt 140 includes an exposed portion 150 adjacent to the processing axis 108. The exposed portion 150 of each belt in Belt 140 is used to feed the card 106 along the processing axis 108 and support the card 106 in the printing position 114.

[0028] Motors 154A and 154B can independently drive the first belt 140A and the second belt 140B along the belt paths of the first belt 140A and the second belt 140B. Therefore, the exposed portion 150 of the first belt 140A can be independently fed with the card 106 along the processing axis 108 using motor 154A in the direction toward the second belt 140B or in the direction toward the card feeder 120A, and the exposed portion 150 of the second belt 140B can be independently fed with the card 106 along the processing axis 108 using motor 154B in the direction toward the first belt 140A or in the direction toward the card feeder 120B.

[0029] The belt 140 of the card conveyor 104 can take any suitable form. In some embodiments, the belt 140 is a conventional vacuum belt coupled to a vacuum source 158 (i.e., a negative pressure source), such as a regenerative vacuum blower. The vacuum source 158 can be shared by the belt 140, such as... Figure 1 As shown, or separately, vacuum sources 158A and 158B can be used by belts 140A and 140B, respectively. Chamber 160 is connected to the exposed portion 150 of belt 140 via the negative pressure generated by vacuum source 158. The negative pressure is transmitted through... Figure 2 and Figure 3The hole 162 in the strip shown communicates with the top side of the exposed portion 150, and negative pressure is used to secure the card 106 to the exposed portion 150 during card feeding and printing operations. Therefore, when the card 106 engages with the top surface of the exposed portion 150 of one of the strips 140, the negative pressure generated by vacuum source 158 or vacuum sources 158A and 158B adheres the card 106 to the strip 140. When the strip 140 is driven by the corresponding motor 154, the adhered card 106 is driven along the processing axis.

[0030] For example, refer to Figure 2 With the card feeder 120 in its lowered position and the card 106 held in the printing position 114 against the exposed portions 150 of the belts 140A and 140B due to the negative pressure generated by the vacuum source 158 or vacuum sources 158A and 158B, the stage 112 can move the print head 110 above the card 106 along the first scanning axis 130 (processing axis 108) while the print head 110 prints image lines onto the surface 166, as indicated by arrow 170. As the print head 110 moves past the end of the card 106 adjacent to the card feeder 120B, the stage 112 displaces the print head 110 along the second scanning axis 132, as indicated by arrow 172. Then, the stage 112 moves the print head 110 backward along the first scanning axis 130 (arrow 174), during which time the print head 110 prints image lines onto the surface 166 of the card 106. The stage 112 again moves the position of the print head 110 along the second scan axis 132 (arrow 176), and the print head 110 prints image lines as the stage 112 moves the print head 110 along the first scan axis 130 (arrow 178). These steps of printing image lines are repeated while moving the print head 110 along the first scan axis 130 and shifting its position along the second scan axis 132, until the image has been printed onto the surface 166 of the card 106. Therefore, a single printing operation can simultaneously print images onto two cards 106 supported on the belt 140.

[0031] In order to print a complete edge-to-edge image on card 106, printhead 110 can be configured to print an image slightly larger than the surface 166 of card 106. As a result, some ink will be over-sprayed onto the edges of card 106.

[0032] In some embodiments, the exposed surface 150 of each strip 140 has a smaller surface area than that of the card 106. That is, the width and length of the exposed strip surface 150 are selected such that the width and length of the exposed strip surface 150 are smaller than the corresponding width and length of the card 106, as in... Figure 2As shown in the overall diagram, card 106 is indicated by dashed lines. Therefore, when card 106 is in the print position 114, the entire exposed tape surface 150 is covered by card 106, and the peripheral portion 180 of card 106 extends beyond the edge of the exposed tape surface 150. This allows printhead 110 to print an image extending to the edge of surface 166 of card 106 while protecting the exposed tape surface 150 from ink contamination.

[0033] In some embodiments, the inkjet card printer 100 includes an ink overspray collector 182 that surrounds the periphery of the exposed tape surface 150 and extends beyond the edge of the card 106 when the card 106 is in its printing position 114, such as... Figure 2 As shown in the diagram. Therefore, collector 182 is positioned to receive ink sprayed onto the longitudinal and lateral edges of card 106 during printing operations. In some embodiments, the ink overspray collector 182 is a disposable component that can be periodically removed and replaced by the operator of the inkjet card printer 100. Collector 182 can be formed of plastic, paper, cardboard, or other suitable materials. In some embodiments, collector 182 is a single-piece material having an opening 184A for the exposed tape surface 150 of tape 140A and an opening 184B for the exposed tape surface 150 of tape 140B.

[0034] In some embodiments, each card feeder 120 includes at least one pair of pinch rollers 190, such as pinch roller pairs 190A and 190B. In some embodiments, at least a portion of one or both of the pinch roller pairs 190 extends into the printing area 116 when the card feeder 120 is in the raised position. Pinch roller pairs 190A and 190B are positioned adjacent to ports 192 and 194 of the card feeder 120, respectively, wherein port 192 is positioned adjacent to the input / output end 196 of the corresponding tape 140, such as... Figure 3 As shown in the diagram. Each pinch roll pair 190 may include an idler roll 197 and a motorized feed roll 198 supported by the pinch feeder frame 200, for example, between sidewalls 201A and 201B of the frame 200, as shown in the diagram. Figure 3 As shown in the example. Although idler roller 197 is shown as the top roller in the provided example, it is understood that the positions of rollers 197 and 198 can be reversed. Figure 3 As shown, the cover 202 can be positioned between the pinch roller pairs 190A and 190B to cover part of the path through which the card 106 is fed by the card feeder 120.

[0035] Card feeders 120A and 120B each include motors 204A and 204B for driving a motorized roller 198 to feed a card 106 supported between one or both of the pinch roller pairs 190A and 190B along a card feed axis 208. The separate motor 204 of feeder 120 allows controller 118 to independently control card feeder 120. Thus, for example, card feeder 120A can be used to convey card 106 to belt 140A, while card feeder 120B conveys card 106 to collector 126.

[0036] The card feed axis 208 of each feeder 120 is substantially parallel to a vertical plane extending through the processing axis 108. Therefore, as... Figure 2 As shown in the top view, the card feed axis 208 of the feeder 120 is oriented to be substantially parallel (e.g., ±5 degrees) to the processing axis 108 in a horizontal plane.

[0037] In some embodiments, the lifting mechanism 134 causes the frame 200 of the card feeder 120 to pivot about the axis 210 during movement of the card feeder 120 between the raised and lowered positions of the card feeder 120. Figure 3 Pivoting. Therefore, the orientation of the card feed axis 208 relative to the processing axis 108 in the vertical plane changes as the card feeder 120 moves between an elevated position 138 and a lowered position 136. When the card feeder 120 is in the lowered position, the card feed axis 208 forms an angle (e.g., 20 to 50 degrees) with the processing axis 108 in the vertical plane. When the card feeder 120 is in the elevated position, the card feed axis 208 is substantially parallel to the processing axis 108 in the vertical plane, thereby allowing the card feeder 120 to use one or more of the pinch roller pairs 190 to transfer cards 106 to adjacent belts 140, or to receive cards 106 from adjacent belts 140.

[0038] In some embodiments, the pivot axis 210 is defined by a pivotable connection 212 between the card feeder frame 200 and the belt frame 144, such as Figure 3 As shown in the figure. In one embodiment, a pivotable connector or hinge 212 is formed between the sidewalls 201A and 201B of the card feeder frame 200 and the corresponding sidewalls 146A and 146B of the belt frame 144.

[0039] During the exemplary lifting operation in which the card feeder 120 moves from the lowered position to the raised position, the controller 118 actuates the motor 220 of the lifting mechanism 134 to drive a cam (not shown) along the path... Figure 3Arrow 224 indicates the direction of rotation about axis 222. As the cam rotates, it drives the card feeder frame 120 to pivot about pivot axis 210 until the card feeder 120 reaches the raised position. This operation can be reversed to move the card feeder 120 back to the lowered position.

[0040] Ideally, each card feeder 120 supports the received card 106 such that the central axis of the card 106 is aligned with the card feed axis 208. This ensures that the card 106 is fed to the adjacent belt 140 aligned with the processing axis 108, which allows the card 106 to be accurately positioned in the printing position 114 on the belt 140 and the image to be accurately printed onto the card surface 166.

[0041] Printer 100 may include one or more sensors 250 to facilitate various card feeding operations, such as receiving card 106 in card feeder 120 and positioning card 106 in print position 114 on belt 140. In one embodiment, printer 100 includes card sensor 250 for detecting the presence or absence of a card at each side of card conveyor 104. In some embodiments, card sensor 250 is positioned between pinch roller pair 190A and adjacent belt 140. In some embodiments, card sensor 250 is supported by card feeder frame 200.

[0042] During the reception of card 106 by card feeder 120 in its lowered position, sensor 250 can be used to detect the leading edge of card 106 as it is fed toward conveyor belt 140, indicating that card 106 is fully received in card feeder 120. Card feeder 120 can then move from the lowered position to the raised position. After card feeder 120 moves to the raised position, the corresponding card sensor 250 can be used to detect the trailing edge of card 106 as it is fed to the adjacent belt 140. Controller 118 can use this detection of the trailing edge of card 106 to control belt 140 to position card 106 in the desired printing position 114.

[0043] Card sensor 250 can also be used via controller 118 to control the reception of card 106 from belt 140 by card feeder 120. For example, as card 106 is fed from belt 140 toward card feeder 120, card sensor 250 can detect the leading edge of card 106. This detection can be used by controller 118 to control pinch roller pair 190 to receive card 106 in card feeder 120. Card 106 can then be fed into card feeder 120 using pinch roller pair 190 until sensor 250 detects the trailing edge of card 106, indicating that card 106 has been fully received in card feeder 120 and card feeder 120 is ready to move to lower position 136 of feeder 120.

[0044] As described above, the printer may optionally include one or more card flippers 122 driven by one or more motors 264. The card flippers 122 can be used to reverse the card 106 to facilitate printing operations on both sides of the card 106. Each card flipper 122 may be configured to receive a card 106 from an adjacent card feeder 120, card dispenser (flipper 122A), or card collector (flipper 122B), rotate the card 106 about the flipping axis 260 to reverse the card 106, and pass the reversed card 106 back to the adjacent card feeder 120, which can then convey the reversed card 106 to the card conveyor 104 and the printing unit 102 for printing operations.

[0045] Some embodiments of this disclosure relate to a method of printing an image onto one or more cards 106 using an inkjet card printer 100. In one embodiment of the method, a card 106, which may have been received from a dispenser 124 and fed to the card feeder 120A via a card flipper 122A, is supported by a pair of gripper rollers 190 of the card feeder 120A in a lowered position. The card feeder 120A is then moved to an elevated position using a corresponding lifting mechanism 134, and the card 106 is ejected from the card feeder 120A onto a belt 140A using the gripper rollers 190A. The card feeder 120A is then moved to a lowered position and away from the printing area 116 using the lifting mechanism 134, and the card 106 is fed along the processing axis 108 to the printing position 114 via the belt 140A. Figure 2 The image is then printed onto the surface 166 of the card 106 using the print head 110, which includes moving the print head 110 along with the stage 112 through the printing area 116.

[0046] In some examples, the inkjet card printer 100 may include a curing lamp 111 to aid in the curing of recently ejected ink. This curing lamp 111 may project ultraviolet (UV) light to cure UV-curable ink. In some examples, the curing lamp 111 may be attached to the inkjet printhead 110 and may move with the inkjet printhead 110. In some examples, the curing lamp 111 may be attached to an axis separate from the inkjet printhead axis and may move independently of the inkjet printhead 110. In operation, after printing an image, a conventional system causes the irradiated curing light to pass through the entire width or length of the printed medium to cure or harden the printed ink. For the inkjet printer according to this subject matter, after an image has been printed onto the printing medium using curable ink, the curing lamp 111 may pass over the image at a curing speed and may move over the unprinted portions of the printing medium, or retract over the cured portions of the image at a speed higher than the curing speed.

[0047] Figure 4 The graph generally illustrates the rate distribution 401 of a conventional method for curing ink using a curing lamp in an inkjet printer. This plot assumes the curing lamp can pass over the printing medium or card along the +x and -x directions. The y-axis shows the instantaneous rate of the curing lamp at the corresponding x-axis position. The position of the end of the printing medium in the direction the curing lamp moves across the printing medium is shown at x = M0 and x = M1. The range of one or more printed images on the printing medium is represented by x = N0. i and x = N1 i Here, i represents a specific image. Assume the initial position of the curing lamp before curing is at x = 0. For a typical single-pass curing, the curing lamp passes over the entire print media along the x-direction at a curing rate (S0). This movement is repeated for each new print media, regardless of the position and extent of the printed image on the print media. It is understood that with each change in rate, there may also be variations in the curing speed used for… Figure 4 The associated acceleration or deceleration, or subsequent rate distribution plots, are not shown in the diagram. As described above, it is assumed that the initial position of the curing process is at x = 0 and the final position is at x = D. It is understood that some curing processes may cause the curing lamp to start from the opposite end of the printed area, for example, at x = D, and end at x = 0. In some examples, the curing lamp may be started from a rest or idle position from the opposite side of the printed area, for example, at x = D.

[0048] Figure 5A and Figure 5B The overall illustration shows the use of inkjet printers, such as Figures 1 to 3 The curing lamp of the inkjet printer uses an improved method to cure ink at rates 501 and 502. Figures 5A to 5B In each of these, the position of the end of the printing medium in the direction in which the curing lamp moves across the printing medium is shown at x = M0 and x = M1. The range of one or more printed images on the printing medium is represented by x = N0. i and x = N1 i , where i represents a specific image. Assume the initial position of the curing lamp before curing is at x = 0. In some examples, the curing lamp can initiate the curing process from a resting or idle position, such as at x = D, on the opposite side of the printed area. The drawn lines represent the speed and two-dimensional direction of the curing lamp as it cures the curable ink in the printed image. Figure 5A It shows how to make with Figure 4The printing media and images shown are similar to the printing media and images cured by the curing lamp via an improved path of rate distribution 501. The initial movement segment of the curing lamp from its initial position (x = 0) to the edge of the image (x = N00) can be at a relatively high rate or guide speed because no image portion lies below the curing lamp during the initial movement segment. The second movement segment can continue to move the curing lamp above the image in the +x direction, but the rate of the movement segment can be reduced from the guide speed to the curing speed, allowing the curing lamp to effectively cure the curable ink of the image. When the curing lamp reaches a further range of the image (x = N10), the third movement segment changes the direction of the curing lamp and moves it back to the initial position (x = 0) at the guide speed. It is understood that the transitions between each movement segment can differ from the example shown, because additional factors besides the relative position of the curing lamp and the image range can affect the proper curing of the curable ink based on the curing speed. These factors can include, but are not limited to, the length of the curing lamp's projection field, the intensity of the curing lamp within the projection field, etc.

[0049] Figure 5B Overall, it shows the use of Figure 5A Example of alternative rate distribution for printed media and images 502. Figure 5B In the example, the method includes an initial segment in which the curing lamp moves along the X+ direction at a guiding speed from an initial position (x = 0) to the furthest extension of the image (x = N10). Then, as the curing lamp passes over the image along the x- direction, the movement of the curing lamp reverses in a second segment, and the rate decreases to the curing speed. As the curing lamp passes the approach range of the image (x = N00), a third segment increases the speed of the curing lamp and terminates the movement of the curing lamp at the initial position (x = 0) to complete the curing of the image on the printing media.

[0050] This example method can complete the curing process in a shorter time than conventional methods. For example, if the curing speed is S0, and the distance between the initial position (0) and the final position of the curing lamp is D, then for the conventional method, the time (tc) required to complete the curing process of the curing lamp is,

[0051] tc=(D)-(0)S0,

[0052] =D / S0.

[0053] If the guide speed is S1, then the time (te) required to complete the curing process of the improved method is,

[0054] te=(N00-0)S1+(N10-N00) / S0+(N10-0) / S1

[0055] =N00 / S1++(N10-N00)S0+(N10-0)S1

[0056] te = ((N00 + N10)S1 + (N10 - N00) / S0

[0057] Assume that the initial position and the final position are at the boundaries of the print medium, M0 = 0 and D = M1. Also assume that the extent of the image is N00 = 0.2M1 and N10 = 0.4M1, and that S1 = 1.5S0.

[0058] Then tc = M1 / S0, and

[0059] te = (0.2M1 + 0.4M1 / S1) + (0.4M1 - 0.2M1) / S0

[0060] = 0.6M1 / 1.5S0 + 0.2M1 / S0

[0061] = (0.6 / 1.5)M1 / S0 + 0.2M1 / S0

[0062] = 0.4M1 / S0 + 0.2M1 / S0

[0063] = 0.6M1 / S0.

[0064] Thus, compared to conventional methods, the improved method can achieve a significantly faster curing process (e.g., 0.6M1 / S0 < M1 / S0). Here, the time saved comes from the faster guiding speed and the interruption process of the curing lamp because the image does not extend from the initial position of the curing lamp to the middle position of the entire print medium. It is understood that the assumed values in the above equations and the following equations are for illustrative purposes and can be any suitable values. Generally, the guiding speed is greater than the curing speed to achieve a more efficient throughput for curing. It is also understood that in some examples, instead of interrupting the curing process and returning to the initial position (x = 0), efficiency can still be achieved by allowing the curing lamp to move forward at the guiding speed to the opposite side of the printing area, such as x = D.

[0065] Figure 6 An example rate profile 601 of an improved method for curing ink using a curing lamp of an inkjet printer is shown, where one or more images require the movement of the curing lamp to extend at least to the middle position of the entire print medium. Similarly, as in Figure 5A and Figure 5B the positions of the ends of the print medium in the direction in which the curing lamp moves across the print medium are shown at x = M0 and x = M1. The extent of one or more printed images on the print medium is represented as x = N0 i and x = N1 i, where i represents a specific image. Assume the initial position of the curing lamp before curing is x = 0. The endpoint of the curing lamp's journey, opposite to its initial position (e.g., x = 0), is x = D. The drawn line represents the speed and two-dimensional direction of the curing lamp as it cures the curable ink of the printed image.

[0066] exist Figure 6 In the example shown, an initial movement segment is executed at a guide speed (S1) to move the curing lamp from its initial position to the near edge of the image (x = N00). At the near edge of the image, as the curing lamp moves from the near edge to the far edge of the image (x = N01), a second movement segment is executed at the curing speed (S0). At the far edge of the image, a third movement segment converts the speed of the curing lamp back to the guide speed, moving the curing lamp from the far edge of the image to its endpoint position at or near the endpoint of its travel (x = D), in preparation for the next operation of the inkjet printer.

[0067] As mentioned above, in Figure 4 The figure shows the rate distribution for a conventional curing process. If the curing rate is S0, and the distance between the initial position (0) and the final position of the curing lamp is D, then for the conventional method, the time (tc) required to complete the curing process of the curing lamp is,

[0068] tc=(D)-(0)S0,

[0069] =D / S0.

[0070] for Figure 6 For example, the time required to complete the example curing process is,

[0071] te=(N00-0)S1+(N10-N00) / S0+(D-N10) / S1

[0072] =N00 / S1+(N10-N00) / S0+(D-N10) / S1.

[0073] For illustrative purposes and to simplify calculations, assume the image range is N00 = 0.2D and N10 = 0.7D, then

[0074] te=0.2D / S1+(0.7D-0.2D) / S0+(D-0.7D) / S1

[0075] = 0.2D / S1 + 0.5D / S0 + 0.3D / S1

[0076] =0.5D / S1 =0.5D / S0

[0077] If S1 = 1.5S0, then

[0078] te = 0.5D / 1.5S0 + 0.5D / S0

[0079] = 0.33D / S0 + 0.5D / S0

[0080] = 0.83D / S0.

[0081] Therefore, compared to the conventional method, the improved method enables the curing process to be completed approximately 17% faster (e.g., 0.83D / S0 < D / S0). In practical applications, due to the additional guiding distance between the initial and final positions of the curing lamp and the corresponding edges of the image - compared to the curing rate (S0) of the conventional method, the additional guiding distance can be completed at a faster speed (S1) in the improved method - this improvement can be more obvious. It can be understood that in some examples, instead of moving the curing lamp at the guiding speed to the opposite side of the printing area such as x = D, the efficiency can still be achieved by interrupting the curing process and moving the curing lamp back to the initial position (x = 0) at the guiding speed.

[0082] Figure 7 Generally, an example rate distribution 701 of the curing process above the print medium having two images separated by a gap is shown. As in the previous rate distribution diagrams, the positions of the ends of the print medium in the direction of movement of the curing lamp across the print medium are shown at x = M0 and x = M1. The extent of one or more printed images on the print medium is represented as x = N0 i and x = N1 i , where "i" represents a specific image. The initial position of the curing lamp before curing is assumed to be at x = 0. The traveling end point of the curing lamp opposite to the initial position (e.g., x = 0) is x = D. The drawn line represents the speed and two - dimensional direction of the curing lamp when the curable ink of the printed image is cured.

[0083] In Figure 7 the example shown, an initial movement segment is performed at the guiding speed (S1) to move the curing lamp from the initial position (x = 0) to the near edge of the first image (x = N00). At the near edge of the first image, when the curing lamp moves from the near edge of the first image to the far edge of the first image (x = N10), a second movement segment is performed at the curing speed (S0). The ink of the first image is cured during the second movement segment. At the far edge of the first image, a third movement segment converts the speed of the curing lamp to the guiding speed to move the curing lamp from the far edge of the first image to the near edge of the second image (x = N01).

[0084] At the near edge (x = N01) of the second image, as the curing lamp moves from the near edge to the far edge (x = N11) of the second image, a fourth movement segment is executed at the curing speed (S0). The ink in the second image is cured during the fourth movement segment. At the far edge of the second image, a fifth movement segment converts the speed of the curing lamp into a guide speed (S1), causing the curing lamp to move from the far edge of the second image to a position near or at the end of its travel path (x = D), in preparation for the next operation of the inkjet printer.

[0085] The following calculations show the effects applied to the printing media by... Figure 7 The velocity distribution shown is related to Figure 4 The improved performance of the example method compared to the conventional curing process shown is illustrated. Similarly, if the curing speed is S0, and the distance between the initial position (0) and the final position of the curing lamp is D, then for applications such as... Figure 7 For conventional methods of printing media, the time (tc) required to complete the curing process under the curing lamp is,

[0086] tc=(D)-(0) / S0,

[0087] =D / S0.

[0088] for Figure 6 For example, the time required to complete the example solidification process includes the execution time of each moving segment (te). x The sum of ), of which,

[0089] te1 = (N00-0) / S1, initial moving segment

[0090] te2 = (N10 - N00) / S0, the curing process of the second image.

[0091] te3 = (N01 - N10) / S1, a guide between images.

[0092] te4 = (N11 - N01) / S0, the curing process of the first image, and

[0093] te5=(D-N11) / S1, the guide to the destination.

[0094] For the example method, the overall execution time of the firmware process is:

[0095] te = te1 + te2 + te3 + te4 + te5.

[0096] For simplicity, let's assume that each of the listed dimensions is referenced to the end point of the journey, for example,

[0097] N00 = 0.25D

[0098] N10 = 0.4D,

[0099] N01 = 0.55D,

[0100] N11 = 0.85D, and

[0101] S1 = 1.5S0.

[0102] Substituting the assumed dimensions gives

[0103] te1 = (0.25D - 0) / 1.5S0 = 0.167D / S0,

[0104] te2 = (0.4D - 0.25D) / S0 = 0.15D / S0,

[0105] te3 = (0.55D - 0.4D) / 1.5S0 = 0.1D / S0

[0106] te4 = (0.85D - 0.55D) / S0 = 0.3D / S0, and

[0107] te5 = (D - 0.85D) / 1.5S0 = 0.1D / S0.

[0108] The total execution time obtained by summation is given:

[0109] te = 0.167D / S0 + 0.15D / S0 + 0.1D / S0 + 0.3D / S0 + 0.1D / S0

[0110] = (0.167 + 0.15 + 0.1 + 0.3 + 0.1)D / S0

[0111] = 0.187D / S0.

[0112] Thus, if the guiding speed is 1.5 times faster than the curing speed, the improved method for performing the curing process can be about 11% to 12% faster than the conventional method (e.g., 0.187D / S0 < D / S0). Over time, this can significantly increase throughput.

[0113] Figure 8An example method for operating an inkjet card printer is generally illustrated, which provides efficient movement of curing irradiation over a newly printed image. At 801, the printhead of the inkjet card printer can move relative to the printing area of ​​the inkjet card printer. At 803, as the printhead moves across the printing area, the controller can provide a command signal to dispense photocurable ink from the nozzles of the printhead to generate a given image. At 805, the activated curing lamp of the inkjet printer can move at multiple speeds to at least a portion of the printing area and move across at least a portion of the printing area to rapidly cure the ink of the given image.

[0114] In some examples, the activated curing lamp can move at a guide speed from an initial position near the edge of the printed area to the edge of the given image. When the illumination provided by the curing lamp is projected onto the first edge of the given image with an intensity sufficient to initiate the curing process, the speed of the activated curing lamp can be reduced to the curing speed, and the curing lamp can continue to move across the area of ​​the given image. When the illumination intensity provided by the curing lamp weakens at the second edge of the given image, the speed of the curing lamp movement can be adjusted to the guide speed. If the second edge of the given image is less than the middle of the printed area from the initial position of the curing lamp, the curing lamp can retract to the initial position at the guide speed. If the second edge of the given image is more than the middle of the printed area from the initial position of the curing lamp, the curing lamp can be guided at the guide speed to a second initial position at the opposite end of the printed area. In some examples, the given image includes gaps between portions of the image. The gaps are characterized by not including areas of recently deposited photocurable ink. For these images, the curing lamp can be guided at the guide speed as it passes through the gaps.

[0115] By directing the cure lamp at a speed higher than the cure speed, or by truncate and retracting the cure lamp at a speed higher than the cure speed, the throughput of an inkjet card printer can be increased compared to the conventional method of moving the cure lamp across the entire print area at a single cure speed during the curing operation.

[0116] Figures 9A to 9D The overall diagram shows the use of the 906 card from an inkjet card printer, for example... Figures 1 to 3 An example method for fixing the image on card 906 when the printed area of ​​an inkjet card printer is removed. Figure 9A The image is shown at a time (T = t0) after the image has been printed on card 906 within the printing area of ​​the inkjet card printer. Reference line 903 marks the edge of card 906 at T = t0 when card 906 is within the printing area of ​​the inkjet card printer. The transverse axis represents the distance (X) in the guiding direction discussed below. Reference line 901 generally marks the extent of the image on the card surface along the direction in which the card is guided in and out of the printing area of ​​the inkjet card printer. For use Figures 9A to 9D For illustrative purposes, reference line 901 will also be referred to as image 901. Box 911 represents the approximate position of the curing lamp 911 at T = t0. At T = t0, the controller of the inkjet card printer can illuminate the curing lamp 911 and begin guiding the card 906 out of the printing area. In some examples, the controller can also begin guiding a second card into the printing area. In some examples, at T = t0, the controller can also begin guiding a second card into a second printing area of ​​the inkjet card printer. Furthermore, at T = t0, the controller can begin guiding the curing lamp 911 in the same direction as the card 906.

[0117] Figure 9B The state of the curing lamp 911 and card 906 at T = t1 is shown, where t1 is later than t0 in time. At T = t1, card 906 has moved to the right by approximately one-third of the path of the entire printed area, and curing lamp 911, while also moving to the right with card 906, has moved to the left relative to image 901 by approximately one-third of the path of image 901. Figure 9C The state of the curing lamp 911 and card 906 at T = t2 is shown, where t2 is later than t1 in time. At T = t2, card 906 has moved to the right approximately two-thirds of the path of the entire printed area, and curing lamp 911, while also moving to the right with card 906, has moved to the left approximately two-thirds of the path of image 901 relative to image 901.

[0118] Figure 9D The state of the curing lamp 911 and card 906 at T = t3 is shown, where t3 is later than t2. At T = t3, card 906 has moved to the right out of the printing area and curing lamp 911 has moved to the left across image 901. The speed difference between card 906 and curing lamp 911 is the speed of curing lamp 911 relative to image 901. Compared to using a fixed card for the curing process, Figures 9A to 9D Example methods can increase the throughput of an inkjet card printer by performing an exit guide for the print card to leave the print area while simultaneously curing the ink in the image during the exit guide. In some examples, if the image comprises two print areas separated by a non-printing area, the curing lamp can be stopped or slowed down after the first area of ​​the image has passed under the curing lamp to allow the non-printing area to move at a faster speed (e.g., guide speed) relative to the curing lamp. After the non-printing area has passed under the slowed or fixed curing lamp, the curing lamp can increase its speed as the card exits, so that the second area of ​​the image cures at the curing speed.

[0119] Examples and notes

[0120] In the first example, Example 1 is a printer comprising: a printhead configured to move relative to a printing area and selectively deliver photocurable ink toward the printing area to generate a first given image; a curing lamp configured to move relative to the printing area and project curing illumination toward the printing area; and a controller configured to: move the printhead relative to the printing area to print the given image; move the curing lamp relative to the printing area at a curing speed in response to the curing lamp passing over a printed portion of the first given image to cure the ink in the printed portion of the first given image; and move the curing lamp at a guiding speed in response to the curing lamp passing over a non-printed portion of the first given image, wherein the guiding speed is greater than the curing speed.

[0121] In Example 2, the subject of Example 1 includes, in response to a first given image occupying a portion of the printing area biased toward a first edge of the printing area, the first given image extending from the first edge toward a second edge of the printing area but not to the middle of the entire printing area, and the first edge being positioned between the position of the curing lamp and the second edge, the controller is configured to initiate a first movement of the curing lamp in a first direction toward the second edge at a curing speed to cure the first given image, to interrupt the first movement at a position less than the middle between the first edge and the second edge, and to cause the curing lamp to retract toward the first edge at a guide speed.

[0122] In Example 3, the subject matter of Examples 1 to 2 includes, in response to a first given image occupying a portion of the print area biased toward a first edge of the print area, the first given image extending from the first edge of the print area toward a second edge of the print area beyond the middle position of the entire print area, and the first edge being positioned between the location of the curing lamp and the second edge, the controller is configured to initiate a first movement of the curing lamp in a first direction toward the second edge at a curing speed to cure the first given image, and to increase the relative speed of the print head toward the second edge as the curing lamp passes over the edge of the given image located closest to the second edge of the print area.

[0123] In Example 4, the subject matter of Examples 1 to 3 includes a curing lamp that is mechanically connected to the printhead.

[0124] In Example 5, the subject matter of Examples 1 through 4 includes, where the printhead is an inkjet printhead.

[0125] In Example 6, the subject matter of Examples 1 through 5 includes a printing area that is fixed and a print head that is movable relative to the printing area.

[0126] In Example 7, the subject matter of Examples 1 to 6 includes an ink that is photocurable by ultraviolet (UV) light and a UV curing lamp.

[0127] Example 8 is a method comprising: moving a printhead of a printer relative to a printing area of ​​the printer; selectively delivering ink toward the printing area to generate a given image; moving a curing lamp relative to the printing area from an initial position to provide relative movement between the curing lamp and the printing area; wherein moving the curing lamp relative to the printing area comprises: projecting curing illumination toward the printing area to cure the given image in the printing area; moving the curing lamp relative to the printing area at a curing speed in response to the curing lamp passing over a printed portion of the given image; moving the curing lamp relative to the printing area at a guiding speed in response to the curing lamp passing over a non-printed portion of the given image; and wherein the guiding speed is greater than the curing speed.

[0128] In Example 9, the subject of Example 8 includes moving the curing lamp relative to the printed area at a guide speed in response to passing over the cured portion of a given image.

[0129] In Example 10, the subject of Example 9 includes, wherein moving the curing lamp relative to the printing area includes a complete process planned across the printing area.

[0130] In Example 11, the subject of Example 10 includes interrupting the entire process in response to a given image not fully extending across the printed area.

[0131] In Example 12, the subject of Example 11 includes, wherein interrupting the entire process includes: stopping the relative movement between the curing lamp and the printing area; and returning the curing lamp to its initial position.

[0132] In Example 13, the subject matter of Examples 8 to 12 includes, wherein moving the curing lamp from an initial position includes moving the curing lamp from the initial position at a guide speed.

[0133] In Example 14, the subject of Example 13 includes, wherein moving the curing lamp from its initial position includes slowing the curing lamp from a guide speed to a curing speed as the projection of the curing lamp approaches an uncured edge of the image.

[0134] Example 15 is a machine-readable medium including instructions that, when executed by processing circuitry, cause the processing circuitry to perform operations including: moving a printhead of a printer relative to a printing area of ​​the printer; selectively delivering ink toward the printing area to generate a given image; moving a curing lamp relative to the printing area from an initial position to provide relative motion between the curing lamp and the printing area; wherein moving the curing lamp relative to the printing area includes: projecting curing illumination toward the printing area to cure the given image within the printing area; moving the curing lamp relative to the printing area at a curing speed in response to the curing lamp passing over a printed portion of the given image; moving the curing lamp relative to the printing area at a guiding speed in response to the curing lamp passing over a non-printed portion of the given image; and wherein the guiding speed is greater than the curing speed.

[0135] In Example 16, the subject of Example 15 includes an operation in which the curing lamp moves relative to the printing area at a guide speed in response to the curing lamp passing over the curing portion of a given image.

[0136] In Example 17, the subject of Example 16 includes the following: moving the curing lamp relative to the printing area includes a complete process planned across the printing area.

[0137] In Example 18, the subject of Example 17 includes an operation that includes interrupting the entire process in response to a given image not fully extending across the printed area.

[0138] In Example 19, the subject of Example 18 includes the following: interrupting the entire process includes the following operations: stopping the relative movement between the curing lamp and the printing area; and returning the curing lamp to its initial position.

[0139] In Example 20, the subject matter of Examples 15 to 19 includes, wherein moving the curing lamp from an initial position includes an operation that moves the curing lamp from the initial position at a guide speed.

[0140] In Example 21, the curing speed of Examples 1 to 20 may optionally be the differential speed between the movement of the curing lamp and the movement of the printing medium on which the image is printed.

[0141] In Example 22, the movement of the print media of any or more of Examples 1 to 21 may optionally be a guide for withdrawing or releasing the print media from the print area.

[0142] In Example 23, the guide speed may optionally be the differential speed between the movement of the printing medium and the stationary curing lamp.

[0143] Example 24 is at least one machine-readable medium including instructions that, when executed by processing circuitry, cause the processing circuitry to perform operations to implement any of the examples 1 through 23.

[0144] Example 25 is an apparatus that includes devices for implementing any of Examples 1 through 23.

[0145] Example 26 is a system used to implement any of the examples 1 through 23.

[0146] Example 27 is a method for implementing any of the examples in Examples 1 through 23.

[0147] The above detailed description includes reference to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of the detailed description. The drawings illustrate specific embodiments in which the invention can be practiced. These embodiments are also referred to herein as “examples.” These examples may include elements other than those shown or described. However, the inventors also contemplate examples that provide only those elements shown or described. Furthermore, the inventors also contemplate examples using any combination or arrangement of those elements (or one or more aspects of those elements) shown or described with respect to a particular example (or one or more aspects of that particular example) or with respect to other examples shown or described herein (or one or more aspects of other examples).

Claims

1. A printer, comprising: A printhead configured to selectively deliver photocurable ink toward a first printing medium in a printing area to print a first given image on the first printing medium; A curing lamp configured to project curing irradiation toward the first printing medium; as well as Controller, the controller is configured to: The first printing medium, on which the first given image is printed, moves at a first speed along a first direction away from the printing area; The curing lamp is moved along the first direction at a second speed slower than the first speed, such that the curing lamp passes over the first given image relative to the first printing medium at a third speed in a second direction opposite to the first direction, the third speed being the difference between the first speed and the second speed.

2. The printer according to claim 1, wherein: The printhead is configured to selectively deliver photocurable ink toward the first printing medium to print a second given image spaced apart from the first given image on the first printing medium; and The controller is configured to: After the curing lamp passes over the first given image, at least one of the following is performed: stopping the curing lamp or slowing down the speed of the curing lamp in the first direction from the second speed. as well as The speed of the curing lamp along the first direction is then increased to a fourth speed, such that the curing lamp passes over the second given image along the second direction at a fifth speed relative to the first printing medium, the fifth speed being the difference between the first speed and the fourth speed.

3. The printer according to claim 2, wherein, The fourth speed is the same as the second speed, and the fifth speed is the same as the third speed.

4. The printer according to claim 1, wherein, The print head prints the first given image onto the first printing medium in the printing area.

5. The printer according to claim 4, wherein, The controller is configured to move a second printing medium into the printing area when the first printing medium moves from the printing area.

6. The printer according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The printhead is an inkjet printhead.

7. The printer according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The photocurable ink can be cured by ultraviolet light, and the curing lamp is an ultraviolet curing lamp.

8. A method for operating a printer, the method comprising: A first printing medium, on which a first given image is printed, moves at a first speed along a first direction away from the printing area of ​​the printer; The curing lamp is moved along the first direction at a second speed slower than the first speed, such that the curing lamp passes over the first given image relative to the first printing medium in a second direction opposite to the first direction at a third speed, the third speed being the difference between the first speed and the second speed.

9. The method according to claim 8, further comprising: After the curing lamp passes over the first given image, at least one of the following is performed: stopping the curing lamp or slowing down the speed of the curing lamp in the first direction from the second speed. as well as The speed of the curing lamp along the first direction is then increased to a fourth speed, such that the curing lamp passes over the second given image along the second direction at a fifth speed relative to the first printing medium, the fifth speed being the difference between the first speed and the fourth speed.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein, The fourth speed is the same as the second speed, and the fifth speed is the same as the third speed.

11. The method of claim 8, further comprising: The second printing medium is moved into the printing area as the first printing medium moves from the printing area.

12. The method of claim 8, further comprising printing the first given image onto the first printing medium using an inkjet printhead.

13. The method according to any one of claims 8 to 12, wherein, The curing lamp is an ultraviolet curing lamp.

Images