A positioning method for the positioning frame of a large-format printer

Abstract

This solution relates to the field of industrial printers. Specifically, it provides a positioning method for a positioning frame of a large-format printer, based on the following structure: a support structure, a conveyor belt lifting mechanism, and a positioning mechanism. The support structure includes multiple sets of support units; the conveyor belt lifting mechanism includes multiple sets of conveyor belt assemblies, a transmission part, and a drive device; the positioning mechanism includes a lateral positioning unit, a lateral drive device, a longitudinal positioning unit, and a longitudinal drive device. This invention can completely move large-format printing media from an external conveying platform to the calibration position, and also makes the printing media more evenly stressed, which is beneficial to improving the printing effect, increasing the yield of industrial printing, and facilitating the movement of large-size and heavy printing media; thus solving the problem of moving large-format printing media to the calibration position and aligning them.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of industrial printers, and more specifically, to a positioning method for the positioning frame of a large-format printer. Background Technology

[0002] Industrial printers are widely used in the processing industries of ceramic tiles, glass, wood, and textiles. They print glazes onto ceramic tile blanks or glass surfaces, which are then fired. After firing, the color and texture of the glaze change. Existing industrial printers can perform full-color printing on any material. Their revolutionary digital printing concept has brought a breath of fresh air to the ceramic tile and glass processing industries, sweeping across the entire sector and significantly reducing production costs and increasing efficiency for customers. Furthermore, the use of printers greatly reduces dust generated during processing, minimizing the harm to workers from dust and other harmful substances, and further reducing industrial pollution. Therefore, this technology is currently widely praised in the industry.

[0003] With the continuous improvement of user demands, especially in environments such as hotels, the demand for large-format printers has increased dramatically in order to improve the realism of printed images and reduce seams. Because large-format printers require printing on large-sized media, they often use a method where the printing media remains stationary while the print head moves during the printing process. Therefore, in order to ensure that every printing area on the printing media corresponds perfectly with the preset printing pattern on the operating terminal, the large-format printing media needs to be placed in the calibrated position on the printing platform before the actual printing.

[0004] Secondly, when using ceramics or glass as printing media, common large-format printers often have printing media that are 3 meters wide and 6 meters long that are difficult to lift and place manually. In factories, large-format printing media are usually moved to the material inlet of the printer by an external conveyor platform and then moved to the designated position. However, since the height of the external conveyor platform varies from factory to factory, a fixed-height conveyor belt is difficult to adapt to the needs of different factories.

[0005] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a large-format printer that can calibrate the position and help move large-format printing media to the calibrated position. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In view of this, in order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides a positioning method for the positioning frame of a large-format printer, which solves the problem of alignment of large-format printing media, ensures that the printing media does not deviate from the preset printing image, and can move the large-format printing media from the external transport platform to the printer's calibration position.

[0007] The technical solution proposed in this invention is a positioning frame for a large-format printer, which is set on the printer frame and includes: a support structure for supporting the printing medium and fine-tuning the planar position of the printing medium;

[0008] The conveyor belt lifting mechanism is used to transport printing media and to make coarse adjustments to the planar position and height of the printing media;

[0009] A positioning mechanism is used to accurately position the printing media;

[0010] The support structure includes multiple sets of support units fixed on the frame and arranged in parallel, and the printing medium can move on the multiple sets of support units;

[0011] The conveyor belt lifting mechanism includes: multiple sets of conveyor belt assemblies arranged on the frame and in parallel, a transmission part for driving the conveyor belt assemblies to maintain the same direction and amplitude of movement, and a drive device arranged on the frame for raising or lowering the multiple sets of conveyor belt assemblies.

[0012] The support unit is spaced apart from and parallel to the conveyor belt assembly;

[0013] The positioning mechanism includes: a lateral positioning unit and a lateral driving device disposed on the lateral side of the printing platform; and a longitudinal positioning unit and a longitudinal driving device disposed on the longitudinal side of the printing platform.

[0014] The horizontal positioning unit and the vertical positioning unit work together to accurately position the printing medium.

[0015] The lateral drive device drives the lateral positioning unit to rise or fall;

[0016] The longitudinal drive device drives the longitudinal positioning unit to rise or fall.

[0017] For large format printers, there are generally two main longitudinal beams on both sides of the printer, which fix multiple crossbeams between the main longitudinal beams. Several main support legs are set at the bottom of the main longitudinal beams and crossbeams to support the printer's printing media platform, etc. The main support legs, crossbeams, and main longitudinal beams together form the external frame structure of the printer frame. The position is marked at the intersection of the extension lines of the horizontal positioning unit and the vertical positioning unit.

[0018] In this technical solution, the horizontal and vertical driving devices control the lifting and lowering of the horizontal and vertical positioning units, respectively. When the printing medium needs to be moved to the printing platform, the horizontal and vertical positioning units are first lowered below the printing platform. Subsequently, the driving device adjusts the multiple conveyor belt assemblies to rise, ultimately ensuring that the planes supporting the printing medium on the multiple conveyor belt assemblies are at the same height, slightly lower than the external conveying platform. This facilitates the smooth transfer of the printing medium from the external conveying platform to the multiple conveyor belt assemblies. Preferably, the driving device is a cylinder. Simultaneously, the transmission unit is powered by an external motor or other power device, causing all conveyor belt assemblies to move in the same direction. By controlling the rotational speed of the transmission unit, the movement amplitude of all conveyor belt assemblies is controlled, ensuring that the multiple parallel conveyor belt assemblies move in the same direction and with the same amplitude. This allows large-format printing media to be completely moved from the external conveying platform to the conveyor belt assemblies, completing the coarse adjustment of the printing medium's planar position. The entire process requires no manual handling.

[0019] During the transfer of printing media, multiple conveyor belt assemblies rise above the top support surface of the support unit. After the large-format printing media has been completely moved from the external conveying platform to the conveyor belt assembly, the multiple conveyor belt assemblies are lowered by the drive device. Since the support unit and the conveyor belt assembly are spaced apart and parallel, when the multiple conveyor belt assemblies have descended to the top support surface of the support unit, the printing media is supported by the support unit and has completely fallen onto the printing platform formed by the support unit. This stage completes the coarse adjustment of the height position of the printing media by the conveyor belt assembly.

[0020] After the printing medium has completely exceeded the horizontal and vertical positioning units, the horizontal and vertical driving devices raise the horizontal and vertical positioning units. The staff pushes the printing medium, and with the help of the support unit, it finally fits with the horizontal and vertical positioning units and reaches the calibrated position, thus completing the alignment of the printing medium.

[0021] Once the printing media is aligned, when printing on the printer, the preset pattern on the control panel is also drawn based on the calibration position of the printing platform. Therefore, it can be ensured that the printing media and the preset printing image are completely overlapped, avoiding deviation of the printing pattern and improving the output rate of the printed media.

[0022] Furthermore, the support unit includes a support longitudinal girder fixed to the frame and several rolling structures disposed on the support longitudinal girder.

[0023] Furthermore, several rolling structures are evenly distributed on each supporting longitudinal girder, forming an array of support points consisting of multiple rolling structures on the entire printer frame.

[0024] Furthermore, by adjusting the longitudinal spacing of the rolling structure in conjunction with the lateral spacing of the support units, the printer's support structure can form multiple small square or rectangular array structures. This can simultaneously meet the printing needs of media of different sizes. In particular, for large-format printing media, multiple array structures can form a mesh-like point-contact support for the printing media, making the printing media more evenly stressed and less prone to sinking or even breaking under its own weight. This is beneficial for improving the printing effect and increasing the yield of industrial printing.

[0025] Furthermore, the rolling structure includes: a swivel ball structure bolted to the supporting longitudinal girder, and a gasket disposed between the swivel ball structure and the supporting longitudinal girder.

[0026] Small holes are provided on the supporting longitudinal girder at positions corresponding to the omnidirectional ball structure. The omnidirectional ball structure is detachably connected to the supporting longitudinal girder by bolts. When a omnidirectional ball structure fails, it can be quickly replaced, facilitating maintenance. Due to the large structural size of large-format printers, it is difficult to achieve precise machining of the frame structure. Poor flatness of the crossbeams can cause the height of the omnidirectional ball structure to be difficult to maintain on the same horizontal plane. Therefore, shims are set to adjust the height of the omnidirectional ball structure. When the printing media is placed on the omnidirectional ball structure, the flatness of the printing media is ensured by the adjustment of the shims.

[0027] Furthermore, the transmission unit includes several transmission shafts, couplings, and connecting members; each pair of adjacent transmission shafts is connected by a coupling; the connecting members are used to fix the transmission shafts to the frame.

[0028] Because large-format printers are wide, using a single continuous drive shaft to drive the conveyor belt assembly would place a large load on the drive shaft bearings. To meet safe operation requirements, the diameter of the drive shaft would inevitably increase, leading to an increase in other structural dimensions and the overall weight of the printer. Therefore, this technical solution replaces the continuous drive shaft with several drive shafts connected by couplings. Simultaneously, multiple short longitudinal beams are installed on the frame, between adjacent short crossbeams before and after the drive shafts. Each drive shaft is connected to the short longitudinal beams via lap joints and detachably bolted. Where the drive shaft passes through the lap joints, the lap joints use small ball bearings to facilitate shaft rotation. Secondly, since several drive shafts are connected by couplings, only one drive shaft needs to be connected to a motor. When the motor operates, it can drive all the drive shafts to rotate, thereby driving multiple parallel conveyor belt assemblies to move in the same direction and with the same amplitude. Furthermore, a worm gear reducer is installed between the motor and the drive shafts to reduce the rotational speed while increasing the output torque.

[0029] Furthermore, the conveyor belt assembly includes: a conveyor belt, two side plates, a first tensioning mechanism, a second tensioning mechanism, two driven wheels, and two slide bars;

[0030] The two slide bars are respectively fixed at the longitudinal two ends of the two side plates. The driven wheels are sleeved on the slide bars and can rotate around the slide bars. The conveyor belt bypasses the driven wheels to form a closed structure;

[0031] The first tensioning mechanism is connected to the transmission shaft and is used for roughly adjusting the tension degree of the conveyor belt;

[0032] The second tensioning mechanism is located on the longitudinal side of the annular conveyor belt and is used for finely adjusting the tension degree of the conveyor belt.

[0033] In this technical solution, two mutually parallel side plates are vertically arranged. Slide holes are opened at the longitudinal two ends of the side plates. A slide bar is erected in each of the two slide holes corresponding to each end of the side plates, and the slide bar is fixed in the slide holes; A driven wheel is sleeved on the slide bar between the two side plates, and the driven wheel can rotate around the slide bar; Subsequently, the closed-structured conveyor belt is sleeved on the driven wheels at the longitudinal two ends. Further, the outer surface of the conveyor belt is a smooth plane and the inner surface is a gear structure. The conveyor belt and the driven wheel are in smooth-wheel transmission. When the driven wheel rotates, it can drive the conveyor belt to rotate, thereby supporting the printing medium to move; During installation, since the conveyor belt is an integral closed structure, to ensure its smooth installation on the driven wheels, the perimeter of the conveyor belt is greater than the actual length of one week around the two driven wheels. After the conveyor belt is installed on the driven wheels, a first tensioning mechanism needs to be arranged at the bottom of the conveyor belt for roughly adjusting the excess length of the conveyor belt at the beginning of installation; After the conveyor belt works for a period of time, the conveyor belt will be deformed or even loosened. At this time, a second tensioning mechanism needs to be arranged on the longitudinal side of the conveyor belt for finely adjusting the tension degree of the conveyor belt.

[0034] Further, the first tensioning mechanism includes two idler wheels and a transmission wheel sleeved on the transmission shaft. The three are all adjustably fixed on a side plate through a hanging plate.

[0035] Since multiple groups of conveyor belt assemblies arranged in parallel are all driven by one transmission shaft, that is, the transmission shaft drives multiple transmission wheels to rotate. Generally speaking, to ensure the transmission efficiency, multiple transmission wheels need to be arranged on the same horizontal line. When the conveyor belt needs to be finely adjusted, it is difficult to achieve by adjusting the height of the transmission wheel. Therefore, an idler wheel is arranged on each of the longitudinal two sides of the transmission wheel, and the idler wheel is located at the two shoulders of the transmission wheel, forming an inverted "pin" character structure with the transmission wheel. According to the tension degree that the conveyor belt needs to be adjusted, appropriately adjust the installation height of the hanging plate and the idler wheel, control the U-shaped height of the conveyor belt, so as to control the included angle size between the conveyor belt 321 and the transmission wheel 3232, achieving the purpose of roughly adjusting the tension degree of the conveyor belt. The operation process is simple and intuitive.

[0036] Furthermore, the conveyor belt assembly also includes a tensioning screw passing through the end section of each side plate. The axial direction of the tensioning screw is perpendicular to the thickness direction of the side plate and passes through the slide bar. The tensioning screw, the side plate, and the slide bar constitute a second tensioning mechanism.

[0037] Furthermore, the side plate is composed of a middle side plate and two extension plates located at both longitudinal ends. Threaded holes are drilled on the outer cross-section of the extension plates and in the direction perpendicular to the axis of the slide rod. The tension of the conveyor belt is adjusted by tightening or loosening the tensioning screw. Furthermore, to ensure the structural strength of the extension plates, the plate thickness t1 of the extension plates and the screw diameter t2 of the tensioning screw satisfy the following relationship: t1 / t2≥2.

[0038] Furthermore, the lateral positioning unit includes: a lateral support member, at least one lateral positioning part, and a lateral connecting member. The lateral connecting member is disposed on the lateral driving device, the lateral support member is fixed on the lateral connecting member, and the lateral positioning part is fixed on the lateral support member.

[0039] The longitudinal positioning unit includes: a longitudinal support member, at least one longitudinal positioning part, and a longitudinal connecting member. The longitudinal connecting member is disposed on the longitudinal driving device, the longitudinal support member is fixed on the longitudinal connecting member, and the longitudinal positioning part is fixed on the longitudinal support member.

[0040] In this technical solution, when the horizontal width of the printing platform is large, multiple horizontal positioning parts can be used, which are connected by welding or screws and fixed in sections to the upper part of a horizontal support. When the horizontal width of the printer is large, two or three horizontal support parts can be used, and multiple horizontal positioning parts are set in sections on each horizontal support using welding or screws to position the longitudinal position of the printing medium. At least two horizontal connecting parts are connected by welding or bolts on each horizontal support. Since the horizontal connecting parts are fixed on the horizontal drive device, when the horizontal drive device can drive the horizontal positioning parts to rise or fall, the function of placing the printing medium when the horizontal positioning parts fall and positioning the longitudinal position of the printing medium when the horizontal positioning parts rise is realized.

[0041] Similarly, when the longitudinal drive device rises or falls, it can drive the longitudinal positioning part to rise or fall, thereby realizing the function of positioning the lateral position of the printing medium when the longitudinal positioning part rises.

[0042] Furthermore, the lateral positioning part includes: a lateral stop and a lateral diagonal brace disposed on the lateral support member, wherein the lateral diagonal brace is diagonally supported between the lateral stop and the lateral support member; the longitudinal positioning part includes: a longitudinal stop and a longitudinal diagonal brace disposed on the longitudinal support member, wherein the longitudinal diagonal brace is diagonally supported between the longitudinal stop and the longitudinal support member.

[0043] Furthermore, the transverse support, transverse flange, transverse connector, longitudinal support, longitudinal flange, and longitudinal connector are all L-shaped profiles; the transverse diagonal brace and the longitudinal diagonal brace are both integrally formed unidirectional three-fold plates.

[0044] In the horizontal positioning unit, the horizontal connector is a horizontally placed L-shaped profile, with its horizontal edge fixed to the horizontal transmission rod; the horizontal support is an inverted L-shaped profile, with its opening facing the side of the horizontal support leg, and the vertical edge of the horizontal support is fixed to the vertical edge of the horizontal connector by bolts; the opening of the L-shaped horizontal stop also faces the side of the horizontal support leg, and its horizontal edge fits against the horizontal support, with both ends connected by bolts, and the vertical edge of the horizontal stop is used to position the printing medium, and the back of the vertical edge is flush with the back of the vertical edge of the horizontal support.

[0045] Similarly, in the longitudinal positioning unit, the longitudinal connector is a horizontally placed L-shaped material, with its horizontal side fixed to the longitudinal transmission rod; the longitudinal support is an inverted L-shaped material, with its opening facing away from the longitudinal support foot, and the vertical side of the longitudinal support is fixed to the vertical side of the longitudinal connector by bolts; the opening of the L-shaped longitudinal support faces the horizontal support foot, and its horizontal side is attached to the longitudinal support, with both ends connected by bolts; the vertical side of the L-shaped longitudinal baffle is used to position the printing medium, and the back of its vertical side is flush with the edge of the horizontal side of the longitudinal support.

[0046] Furthermore, a lateral limiting part is disposed above the lateral connecting member to limit the displacement of the lateral positioning unit; a longitudinal limiting part is disposed above the longitudinal connecting member to limit the displacement of the longitudinal positioning unit.

[0047] When the horizontal drive device drives the horizontal connector to rise, in order to avoid the gap between the bottom of the horizontal support and the printing platform being too large and resulting in poor positioning, a horizontal limiting part can be set on at least two horizontal support legs to limit the rising distance of the horizontal connector, thereby ensuring that the printing medium is within the height of the horizontal guard; similarly, a vertical limiting part also needs to be set on at least two vertical support legs.

[0048] Furthermore, a positioning method for the positioning frame of a large-format printer includes the following steps:

[0049] S1: The printing medium is near the printing inlet of the positioning frame;

[0050] S2: Input negative pulse signal M12 to the lateral drive device and the longitudinal drive device to control the lateral positioning unit and the longitudinal positioning unit to descend to a position lower than the top surface of the support unit;

[0051] S3: Input a positive pulse signal M21 to the drive unit to control multiple sets of conveyor belt lifting mechanisms to rise simultaneously, so that their support plane is slightly lower than the bottom surface of the printing medium;

[0052] S4: Turn on the power to make the transmission unit drive the conveyor belt to rotate, so that the printing media falls completely into the printing plane;

[0053] S5: Input a negative pulse signal M22 to the drive unit to control multiple sets of conveyor belt lifting mechanisms to descend simultaneously to a position below the top surface of the support unit, and the printing medium is then supported by the support unit.

[0054] S6: Input a positive pulse signal M11 to the lateral drive device and the longitudinal drive device to control the lateral positioning unit and the longitudinal positioning unit to rise.

[0055] S7: If the printing media has not reached the calibration position, manually push the printing media to fine-tune its horizontal position until it reaches the calibration position.

[0056] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows:

[0057] 1. This technical solution can completely move large-format printing media from the external conveying platform to the calibration position, and can also make the printing media more uniformly stressed, which is conducive to improving the printing effect, increasing the yield of industrial printing, and facilitating the movement of large-size and heavy printing media; solving the problem of moving large-format printing media to the calibration position and aligning them.

[0058] 2. The problem of lifting and lowering the conveyor belt is solved by setting multiple drive devices at the bottom of the frame. The drive devices drive the entire frame to rise or fall, thereby driving all the conveyor belt components to rise or fall. This method is suitable for external conveying platforms of different heights.

[0059] 3. A limiting part is set to limit the rising distance of the horizontal positioning unit and the vertical positioning unit, thereby ensuring the positioning effect of the printing medium. Attached Figure Description

[0060] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the present invention.

[0061] Figure 2 for Figure 1 The main view.

[0062] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of the support structure in this invention.

[0063] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of the support unit in this invention.

[0064] Figure 5 for Figure 3 Enlarged view of point A in the middle.

[0065] Figure 6 for Figure 4 Enlarged view of section B in the middle.

[0066] Figure 7 This is a perspective view of the conveyor belt lifting mechanism and positioning mechanism in this invention.

[0067] Figure 8 for Figure 7 Enlarged view of point C in the middle.

[0068] Figure 9 This is a perspective view of the conveyor belt assembly in this invention.

[0069] Figure 10 for Figure 9 The left view.

[0070] Figure 11 for Figure 9 Enlarged view of point D in the middle.

[0071] Figure 12 for Figure 11 The right view.

[0072] Figure 13 This is a perspective view of the transmission unit in this invention.

[0073] Figure 14 This is a perspective view of the positioning mechanism in this invention.

[0074] Figure 15 for Figure 14 Enlarged view of point E.

[0075] Figure 16 for Figure 15 Structural diagram of the power unit. Detailed Implementation

[0076] The present invention will be further described below with reference to specific embodiments. In the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of the present invention, the same or similar reference numerals correspond to the same or similar components and are for illustrative purposes only, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention. To better illustrate the embodiments of the present invention, some components in the drawings may be omitted, enlarged, or reduced, and do not represent the actual dimensions of the product. The terms "upper," "lower," "left," and "right," etc., used in the embodiments of the present invention indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation or be constructed in a specific orientation. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms according to the specific circumstances.

[0077] Example

[0078] like Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, a positioning frame for a large-format printer is mounted on the printer's outer frame structure. The outer frame structure includes two main longitudinal beams 12 arranged parallel to each other on the transverse sides of the printer. Five crossbeams 11 are arranged parallel to each other between the two main longitudinal beams 12. Several main support legs are provided at the lower part of the main longitudinal beams 12 and the crossbeams 11. The crossbeams 11, the main longitudinal beams 12, and the main support legs together constitute the outer frame structure of the printer frame 1. The printer's positioning frame includes a support structure 2 and a conveyor belt lifting mechanism 3 mounted on the outer frame structure, and also includes a positioning mechanism 4 mounted outside the conveyor belt lifting mechanism 3.

[0079] like Figure 3 As shown, the support structure 2 includes multiple sets of parallel support units 21. In this embodiment, the printer consists of 5 crossbeams 11. To avoid the support unit 21 spanning too large, 4 sets of support units 21 are arranged collinearly in the longitudinal direction of the printer's positioning frame. Each support unit 21 is longitudinally straddling an adjacent crossbeam 11. The printer's positioning frame has 16 sets of support units 21 arranged parallel to each other along the transverse direction of the crossbeams 11.

[0080] like Figure 4 As shown, the support unit 21 includes one support longitudinal girder 211 and ten rolling structures 212 disposed on the support longitudinal girder 211.

[0081] like Figure 5 As shown, each supporting longitudinal girder 211 is supported on the crossbeam 11 by the legs 22 at both ends.

[0082] like Figure 6 As shown, the rolling structure 212 includes a universal ball structure 2121, shims, and bolts 2124. Preferably, the shims include adjusting shims 2122 and fastening shims 2123. The bolts 2124 are integrally formed with the universal ball structure 2121. The adjusting shims 2122 and fastening shims 2123 are fitted onto the bolts 2124 from top to bottom, then pass through the supporting longitudinal girder 211, and are tightened at the bottom with nuts 2125. After the adjusting shims 2122 are installed, when the printing medium is placed on the rolling structure 212, they can appropriately adjust the height of the top of the rolling structure 212. Considering that the flatness error of printing media such as glass is usually no more than 1mm, adjusting shims with a vertical elastic range of 1mm can meet the requirements.

[0083] like Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the conveyor belt lifting mechanism 3 includes an inner frame structure mounted on the frame 1, multiple sets of parallel conveyor belt assemblies 32 mounted on the inner frame structure, a transmission part 33 for driving the conveyor belt assemblies 32 to maintain the same direction and amplitude of movement, and multiple drive devices 34 mounted at the bottom of the inner frame structure.

[0084] The inner frame structure is composed of two inner frame units 31 spliced ​​together. Each inner frame unit 31 includes two parallel long longitudinal beams 312, and six short crossbeams 311 are provided between the two long longitudinal beams 312. Each long longitudinal beam 312 has three driving devices 34 at its bottom. The driving devices 34 are fixed to the crossbeams 11 by brackets 341. Preferably, the driving devices 34 are cylinders. In this embodiment, the inner frame unit 31 is raised or lowered by multiple cylinders, thereby driving multiple sets of conveyor belt assemblies 32 arranged on the inner frame unit 31 to rise or fall. Since the inner frame unit 31 is a rigid component, it can be ensured that the multiple sets of conveyor belt assemblies 32 maintain the same direction and amplitude of movement.

[0085] Combination Figure 1 , Figure 3 and Figure 7 It can be seen that the conveyor belt assembly 32 and the support unit 21 are arranged at intervals, and one, two, three or four support units 21 are arranged between two adjacent conveyor belt assemblies 32, which can simultaneously meet the printing needs of printing media of different sizes and improve the applicability of the printer.

[0086] like Figure 9 As shown, the conveyor belt assembly 32 includes: a conveyor belt 321, two side plates 322, a first tensioning mechanism 323 for coarse adjustment of the tension of the conveyor belt 321, a second tensioning mechanism for fine adjustment of the tension of the conveyor belt 321, two driven wheels 324, two slide rods 325, and several connecting parts 326. The two slide rods 325 are respectively fixed to the longitudinal ends of the two side plates 322. The driven wheels 324 are sleeved on the slide rods 325 and can rotate around the slide rods 325. The conveyor belt 321 passes around the driven wheels 324 to form a closed structure. Figure 3 and Figure 5 It can be seen that one of the side plates 322 is fixed to the six short crossbeams 311 by six legs 326.

[0087] The side panel 322 is composed of a middle side panel 3221 and two extension panels 3222 located at both ends in the longitudinal direction. Preferably, according to the actual longitudinal length of the printer, the middle side panel 3221 can be formed by connecting two middle short panels. The middle short panels are connected and fixed by a side panel connecting plate 3223, which facilitates transportation.

[0088] Combination Figure 9 and Figure 10It can be seen that the first tensioning mechanism 323 includes two idler pulleys 3231 and a driving pulley 3232 sleeved on a transmission shaft 331. All of them are adjustably fixed on a side plate 322 through a hanging plate 3233. The side plate 322 on the same side as the hanging plate 3233 is connected to another side plate 322 through a transverse bolt, and the other side plate 322 is detachably fixed on the machine frame 1 through a plurality of connecting members 326.

[0089] When the conveyor belt 321 needs to be finely adjusted, it is difficult to achieve by adjusting the height of the driving pulley 3232. Therefore, an idler pulley 3231 is respectively arranged on both longitudinal sides of the driving pulley 3232, and the idler pulley 3231 is located at the two shoulders of the driving pulley 3232, forming an inverted "pin" character structure with the driving pulley 3232. The outer surface of the smooth plane of the conveyor belt 321 contacts the idler pulley 3231, and the inner surface of the gear structure meshes with the driving pulley 3232. That is, the conveyor belt 321 passes through between the idler pulley 3231 and the driving pulley 3232 in a U shape. The driving pulley 3232 is driven to rotate by the transmission shaft 331, and the conveyor belt 321 is driven to move through the meshing structure. After the driving pulleys 3232 and the conveyor belts 321 of all conveyor belt assemblies 32 are installed, the idler pulleys 3231 are installed. According to the tension degree that the conveyor belt 321 needs to be adjusted, the installation height of the hanging plate 3233 and the idler pulley 3231 is appropriately adjusted to control the U-shaped height of the conveyor belt 321, so as to control the included angle size between the conveyor belt 321 and the driving pulley 3232, achieving the purpose of coarsely adjusting the tension degree of the conveyor belt 321, and the operation process is simple and intuitive.

[0090] The hanging plate 3233 is fixed on the side plate 322 opposite to the connecting member 326 for the following two considerations: First, among the two side plates 322, one is used to support the weight of the entire conveyor belt assembly 32, and the other is used to support the weight of the first tensioning mechanism 323, avoiding all concentrated forces on one side plate. Second, when the conveyor belt 321 works for a period of time, it will become loose. If the worker does not adjust it in time, it is easy to run off track or even fall off. At this time, the hanging plate 3233 and the connecting member 326 are located on the transverse two sides of the conveyor belt 321, which can prevent the conveyor belt 321 from falling off to a certain extent.

[0091] As Figure 11 and Figure 12 shown, elongated sliding holes are formed in each extension plate 3222. The sliding rod 325 is horizontally arranged in the elongated sliding hole of one extension plate 3222, and then the driven pulley 324 is sleeved on the sliding rod 325. The other side plate 322 is connected to the already installed side plate 322 through a transverse bolt in a parallel and aligned manner with the already installed side plate 322. At this time, the other end of the sliding rod 325 also falls into the elongated sliding hole of the other extension plate 3222.

[0092] A threaded hole is made in the thickness direction of the extension plate 3222 along the longitudinal direction of the conveyor belt 321; a threaded hole is made in the slide bar 325, and the tensioning screw 327 is inserted into the threaded holes on the extension plate 3222 and the slide bar 325 in sequence, thereby forming the second tensioning mechanism of the conveyor belt assembly 32, which is used to finely adjust the tension of the conveyor belt 321.

[0093] After the conveyor belt 321 has been running for a period of time, if the operator finds that it is slightly loose, the distance between the axis of the slide rod 325 and the outer side of the extension plate 3222 can be adjusted by tightening the tension screw 327. Since the distance between the outer sides of the extension plates 3222 at both ends of the longitudinal direction is constant, when the tension screw 327 is tightened, the distance between the axis of the slide rod 325 and the outer side of the extension plate 3222 becomes smaller, the actual span of the conveyor belt 321 becomes larger, and the conveyor belt 321 becomes tensioned.

[0094] After both driven wheels 324 are fitted onto the slide bar 325, the closed-structure conveyor belt 321 is fitted onto the driven wheels 324 at both longitudinal ends. Preferably, the outer surface of the conveyor belt 321 is a smooth plane and the inner surface is a gear structure. The conveyor belt 321 and the driven wheels 324 are driven by a smooth wheel. When the driven wheels 324 rotate, they can drive the conveyor belt 321 to rotate, thereby supporting the printing media. During installation, since the conveyor belt 321 is an integrated closed structure, in order to ensure that it is installed smoothly on the driven wheels 324, the circumference of the conveyor belt 321 will be greater than the actual length of the two driven wheels 324 around once. After the conveyor belt 321 is installed on the driven wheels 324, a first tensioning mechanism 323 needs to be set at the bottom of the conveyor belt 321 to make a coarse adjustment for the excess length of the conveyor belt 321 at the beginning of installation.

[0095] Combination Figure 8 and Figure 13 It is known that the transmission unit 33 includes 4 transmission shafts 331, 3 couplings 332 and 7 overlapping parts 333; the spacing L3 between the multiple sets of conveyor belt assemblies 32 is different, and the spacing L3 is between 0.2m and 1m. Where the spacing between the conveyor belt assemblies 32 is large, one transmission shaft 331 passes through the transmission wheel 3232 on one conveyor belt assembly 32; where the spacing between the conveyor belt assemblies 32 is small, one transmission shaft 331 passes through the transmission wheels 3232 on three conveyor belt assemblies 32.

[0096] Each drive shaft 331 is detachably bolted to the short longitudinal girder 313 via a connecting member 333. Where the drive shaft 331 passes through the connecting member 333, the connecting member 333 employs a small ball bearing structure to facilitate rotation of the drive shaft 331. Each pair of adjacent drive shafts 331 is connected via a coupling 332. The motor 35 is connected to one of the drive shafts 331. Since the coupling 332 connects several drive shafts 331, only one drive shaft 331 needs to be connected to the motor 35. When the motor 35 operates, it can drive all the drive shafts 331 to rotate, thereby driving multiple sets of parallel conveyor belt assemblies 32 to maintain the same direction and amplitude of movement. Preferably, a worm gear reducer 36 is provided between the motor 35 and the drive shaft 331 to reduce the rotational speed while increasing the output torque.

[0097] like Figure 7 and Figure 14 As shown, the positioning mechanism 4 includes two coaxially arranged transverse positioning units 41 disposed on the outermost crossbeam 11. Each transverse positioning unit 41 is supported by two transverse legs 401, and each transverse leg 401 is provided with a transverse driving device 410. It also includes three coaxially arranged longitudinal positioning units 42 spanning the three crossbeams 11 and supported on the crossbeams 11 by longitudinal legs 402. Each longitudinal leg 402 is provided with a transverse driving device 410. The bottom of the transverse legs 401 is provided with a transverse pad 4011, and the bottom of the longitudinal legs 402 is provided with a longitudinal pad 4021, which are used to disperse the local pressure of the legs on the crossbeams 11.

[0098] like Figure 16 As shown, the lateral drive device 410 includes: a lateral cylinder 4100 and a lateral bracket 4101. The lateral bracket 4101 is fixed on the lateral support leg 401 and is used to support the lateral cylinder 4100. The lateral connector 414 is fixed on the lateral cylinder 4100 and moves vertically under the drive of the lateral cylinder 4100.

[0099] The longitudinal drive device 420 includes a longitudinal cylinder 4200 and a longitudinal bracket 4201. The longitudinal bracket 4201 is fixed on the longitudinal support leg 402 and is used to support the longitudinal cylinder 4200. The longitudinal connector 424 is fixed on the longitudinal cylinder 4200 and moves vertically under the drive of the longitudinal cylinder 4200.

[0100] Combination Figure 14 and Figure 15 It can be seen that the lateral positioning unit 41 includes: two lateral support members 411; two lateral positioning parts, the lateral positioning parts including a lateral stop 412 disposed on the lateral support member 411 and a lateral diagonal brace 413 diagonally braced between the lateral stop 412 and the lateral support member 411; and two lateral connecting members 414.

[0101] Each horizontal connector 414 is fixed to a horizontal cylinder 4100. The horizontal support 411 is fixed to the two horizontal connectors 414 by bolts. The two horizontal positioning parts are fixed to the horizontal support 411. The horizontal cylinder 4100 can drive the horizontal positioning parts to rise or fall, thereby realizing the function of placing the printing medium when the horizontal positioning parts fall and positioning the longitudinal position of the printing medium when the horizontal positioning parts rise.

[0102] Secondly, a continuous lateral limiting part 431 is fixed on the lateral support leg 401 to limit the displacement of the lateral connector 414, thereby limiting the rising distance of the lateral support 411 fixed on the lateral connector 414 and avoiding excessive gap between the bottom of the lateral support 411 and the printing platform, which would result in poor positioning effect; preferably, the width of the lateral limiting part 431 is consistent with the width of the lateral support leg 401.

[0103] Combination Figure 14 and Figure 15 It is known that the longitudinal positioning unit 42 includes: a longitudinal support member 421 spanning across the three crossbeams 11; three longitudinal positioning parts, each of which includes a longitudinal guard 422 disposed on the longitudinal support member 421 and a longitudinal diagonal brace 423 diagonally braced between the longitudinal guard 422 and the longitudinal support member 421; and three longitudinal connecting members 424.

[0104] Each longitudinal connector 424 is fixed to a longitudinal cylinder 4200. The longitudinal support 421 is connected to the two longitudinal connectors 424 by bolts. The two longitudinal positioning parts are fixed to the longitudinal support 421. The longitudinal cylinder 4200 can drive the longitudinal positioning parts to rise or fall, thereby realizing the function of positioning the lateral position of the printing medium when the longitudinal positioning parts rise.

[0105] Secondly, a continuous longitudinal limiting part 432 is fixed on each of the three longitudinal support legs 402 to limit the rising distance of the longitudinal connecting member 424, thereby limiting the rising distance of the longitudinal support member 421 fixed on the longitudinal connecting member 424 and preventing excessive gap between the bottom of the longitudinal support member 421 and the printing platform, which would result in poor positioning. Figure 4 It can be seen that the width of the longitudinal limiting part 432 is consistent with the width of the longitudinal support leg 402.

[0106] Preferably, the transverse support 411, transverse sidewall 412, transverse connector 414, longitudinal support 421, longitudinal sidewall 422, and longitudinal connector 424 are all L-shaped profiles; the transverse diagonal brace 413 and the longitudinal diagonal brace 423 are both integrally formed unidirectional three-fold plates.

[0107] The positioning frame of the large-format printer in this embodiment operates as follows: When the external conveyor platform in the factory transports the large-format printing media to the printer inlet, i.e., the side with the horizontal positioning unit 41, before printing, a positive pulse signal is input to the horizontal cylinder 4100 and the vertical cylinder 4200, causing them to descend below the support surface of the universal ball structure 2121. The printing media is then fed into the printer from the printer inlet via the external conveyor platform. The air paths of all cylinders 341 are controlled by the same solenoid valve system, causing all cylinders 341 to operate simultaneously. By raising the inner frame unit 31 to a certain height, the smooth outer surface of the conveyor belt 321 is slightly lower than the external conveying platform, allowing the printing media to fall onto the conveyor belt 321. Subsequently, the motor 35 is turned on, and the power is converted into rotational speed through the worm gear reducer 36, which is consistent with the speed of the external conveying platform belt. This drives the four drive shafts 331 to rotate simultaneously, thereby driving the drive wheel 3232 to rotate. Finally, the conveyor belt 321 rotates around the driven wheel 324, and the printing media supported on the upper surface of the conveyor belt 321 also moves accordingly. Finally, the printing media is transferred to the conveyor belt 321 and falls onto it, where it is supported.

[0108] Once the printing medium has completely passed the horizontal positioning unit 41, the air path of all cylinders 341 is controlled by the solenoid valve system, causing the cylinders 341 to drive the inner frame unit 31 to descend. Since the support unit 21 and the conveyor belt assembly 32 are spaced apart and parallel, when multiple sets of conveyor belt assemblies 32 descend to the top support surface of the universal ball structure 2121, the printing medium is then supported by the universal ball structure 2121.

[0109] Subsequently, a negative pulse signal is input to the horizontal cylinder 4100, causing it to lift the horizontal positioning unit 41 until the printing medium is between the heights of the horizontal guardrail 412. The operator manually pushes the printing medium, which moves with the assistance of the universal ball structure 2121, and one side of it comes into contact with the horizontal guardrail 412. If the vertical positioning unit 42 is at the bottom of the printing medium, the printing medium can be pushed to the side away from the vertical positioning unit 42 first. Then, a negative pulse signal is input to the vertical cylinder 4200, causing it to lift the vertical positioning unit 42 until the printing medium is between the heights of the vertical guardrail 422. Finally, the operator pushes the printing medium to contact the vertical guardrail 422, thus completing the problem of moving the large-format printing medium to the calibrated position and aligning it.

[0110] After the conveyor belt 321 has been working for a period of time, it will become loose. At this time, the operator can increase the actual span of the conveyor belt 321 by tightening the tension screw 327 located on the extension plate 3222, and the conveyor belt 321 will be tightened accordingly.

[0111] If the conveyor belt 321 needs to be replaced due to inability to adjust tension, first loosen the tension screw 327 to shorten the actual span of the conveyor belt 321. Then, remove the coupling 332 adjacent to the conveyor belt 321 that needs to be replaced. Remove the drive shaft 331 inside the drive wheel 3232 on this conveyor belt assembly 32. After removing the idler wheel 3231 and drive wheel 3232 fixed by the hanging plate 3233, the entire conveyor belt 321 can be taken out. Finally, put the new conveyor belt 321 onto the two driven wheels 324. Install the drive wheel 3232, drive shaft 331, and coupling 332 in sequence. Adjust the height of the mounting plate 3233 to keep the drive shaft 331 on the same axis as the other drive shafts 331. Finally, install the idler wheel 3231. Adjust the height of the mounting plate 3233 used to fix the idler wheel 3231 to complete the initial tension adjustment of the new conveyor belt 321. After installation, the tension screw 327 can be adjusted to keep the conveyor belt 321 at a suitable tension. The entire replacement process is carried out by partial replacement, which is more convenient.

[0112] Obviously, although the present invention has been disclosed with reference to the above embodiments, it is not intended to limit the invention. Any person skilled in the art can make possible changes and modifications based on the above description without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention should be determined by the scope defined in the claims.

Claims

1. A positioning method for the positioning frame of a large-format printer, characterized in that, The positioning frame includes components mounted on the printer frame (1): Support structure (2) is used to support the printing medium and to fine-tune the planar position of the printing medium; The conveyor belt lifting mechanism (3) is used to convey the printing medium and to make coarse adjustments to the planar position and height of the printing medium. Positioning mechanism (4) is used to accurately position the printing medium; The support structure (2) includes multiple sets of support units (21) fixed on the frame (1) and arranged in parallel, and the printing medium can move on the multiple sets of support units (21); The conveyor belt lifting mechanism (3) includes: multiple sets of conveyor belt assemblies (32) arranged on the frame (1) and arranged in parallel; a transmission part (33) for driving the conveyor belt assemblies (32) to maintain the same direction and amplitude of movement; and a drive device (34) arranged on the frame (1) for raising or lowering the multiple sets of conveyor belt assemblies (32); the conveyor belt assembly (32) includes: a conveyor belt (321); The support unit (21) and the conveyor belt assembly (32) are spaced apart and arranged in parallel; The positioning mechanism (4) includes: a horizontal positioning unit (41) and a horizontal driving device (410) disposed on the horizontal side of the printing platform; and a vertical positioning unit (42) and a vertical driving device (420) disposed on the vertical side of the printing platform. The horizontal positioning unit (41) and the vertical positioning unit (42) cooperate with each other to accurately position the printing medium. The lateral drive device (410) drives the lateral positioning unit (41) to rise or fall; The longitudinal drive device (420) drives the longitudinal positioning unit (42) to rise or fall; The positioning method includes the following steps: S1: The printing medium is near the printing inlet of the positioning frame; S2: Input negative pulse signal M12 to the lateral drive device (410) and the longitudinal drive device (420) to control the lateral positioning unit (41) and the longitudinal positioning unit (42) to descend to a position lower than the top surface of the support unit (21); S3: Input a positive pulse signal M21 to the drive device (34) to control multiple sets of conveyor belt lifting mechanisms (3) to rise simultaneously, so that their supporting plane is slightly lower than the bottom surface of the printing medium; S4: Turn on the power to make the transmission unit (33) drive the conveyor belt (321) to rotate, so that the printing medium falls completely into the printing plane; S5: Input a negative pulse signal M22 to the drive device (34) to control multiple sets of conveyor belt lifting mechanisms (3) to descend simultaneously to a position lower than the top surface of the support unit (21), and the printing medium is then supported by the support unit (21); S6: Input a positive pulse signal M11 to the lateral drive device (410) and the longitudinal drive device (420) to control the lateral positioning unit (41) and the longitudinal positioning unit (42) to rise; S7: If the printing media has not reached the calibration position, manually push the printing media to fine-tune its horizontal position until it reaches the calibration position.

2. The positioning method for the positioning frame of a large-format printer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The support unit (21) includes a support longitudinal girder (211) fixed on the frame (1) and a number of rolling structures (212) arranged on the support longitudinal girder (211).

3. The positioning method for the positioning frame of a large-format printer according to claim 2, characterized in that, The rolling structure (212) includes: a ball joint structure (2121) bolted to the supporting longitudinal girder (211), and a gasket disposed between the ball joint structure and the supporting longitudinal girder (211).

4. The positioning method for the positioning frame of a large-format printer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The conveyor belt assembly (32) further includes: two side plates (322), a first tensioning mechanism (323), a second tensioning mechanism, two driven wheels (324) and two slide bars (325); the transmission part (33) includes a transmission shaft (331); The two slide rods (325) are respectively fixed at the longitudinal ends of the two side plates (322). The driven wheel (324) is sleeved on the slide rod (325) and can rotate around the slide rod (325). The conveyor belt (321) passes around the driven wheel (324) to form a closed structure. The first tensioning mechanism (323) is connected to the drive shaft (331) and is used to coarsely adjust the tension of the conveyor belt (321); the second tensioning mechanism is located on the longitudinal side of the annular conveyor belt (321) and is used to finely adjust the tension of the conveyor belt (321).

5. The positioning method for the positioning frame of a large-format printer according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first tensioning mechanism (323) includes two idler wheels (3231) and a transmission wheel (3232) that passes through the transmission shaft (331). All three are adjustablely fixed to a side plate (322) via a hanging plate (3233).

6. The positioning method for the positioning frame of a large-format printer according to claim 4, characterized in that, The conveyor belt assembly (32) also includes a tensioning screw (327) passing through the end section of each side plate (322). The axial direction of the tensioning screw (327) is perpendicular to the thickness direction of the side plate (322) and passes through the slide rod (325). The tensioning screw (327), the side plate (322), and the slide rod (325) constitute a second tensioning mechanism.

7. The positioning method for the positioning frame of a large-format printer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The transmission unit (33) includes several transmission shafts (331), couplings (332) and connecting pieces (333); each pair of adjacent transmission shafts (331) are connected by couplings (332); the connecting pieces (333) are used to fix the transmission shafts (331) on the frame (1).

8. The positioning method for the positioning frame of a large-format printer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The lateral positioning unit (41) includes: a lateral support member (411), at least one lateral positioning part, and a lateral connector (414). The lateral connector (414) is disposed on the lateral drive device (410). The lateral support member (411) is fixed on the lateral connector (414), and the lateral positioning part is fixed on the lateral support member (411). The longitudinal positioning unit (42) includes: a longitudinal support (421), at least one longitudinal positioning part, and a longitudinal connector (424). The longitudinal connector (424) is disposed on the longitudinal drive device (420). The longitudinal support (421) is fixed on the longitudinal connector (424), and the longitudinal positioning part is fixed on the longitudinal support (421).

9. The positioning method for the positioning frame of a large-format printer according to claim 8, characterized in that, The lateral positioning part includes: a lateral stop (412) and a lateral diagonal brace (413) disposed on the lateral support (411), wherein the lateral diagonal brace (413) is diagonally braced between the lateral stop (412) and the lateral support (411); The longitudinal positioning part includes a longitudinal stop (422) and a longitudinal diagonal brace (423) disposed on the longitudinal support (421), wherein the longitudinal diagonal brace (423) is diagonally braced between the longitudinal stop (422) and the longitudinal support (421).

10. The positioning method for the positioning frame of a large-format printer according to claim 8, characterized in that, The positioning mechanism further includes: a lateral limiting part (431), disposed above the lateral connecting member (414), for limiting the displacement of the lateral positioning unit (41); and a longitudinal limiting part (432), disposed above the longitudinal connecting member (424), for limiting the displacement of the longitudinal positioning unit (42).

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