Light-cured inkjet printing apparatus and inkjet printing method

Abstract

The application provides a light-curing inkjet printing device and an inkjet printing method. The light-curing inkjet printing device comprises a printer head and a mechanical arm. The printer head is connected to the mechanical arm and can move under the driving of the mechanical arm and print at a target position. The light-curing inkjet printing device further comprises a gas treatment assembly. The gas treatment assembly comprises a sealing cover, a gas channel and a gas suction device. The sealing cover is arranged on the outer periphery of the printer head to seal the gas volatilized during inkjet printing of the printer head in the sealing cover. The gas suction device is connected to the inner cavity of the sealing cover through the gas channel to suck the gas in the sealing cover into the gas channel. A gas decomposition module is arranged in the gas channel or connected to the gas channel to decompose and treat the gas in the gas channel and then discharge the gas. The application can improve the working efficiency of the printing device and the flexibility of the movement of the printing device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of printing technology, and in particular to a photocurable inkjet printing device and an inkjet printing method. Background Technology

[0002] UV (Ultraviolet LED Inkjet Printer) printers are high-tech, plate-free, full-color digital printers that are not limited by materials. They can perform photo-quality color printing on surfaces such as T-shirts, sliding doors, cabinet doors, glass, sheets, various signs, crystal, PVC, acrylic, metal, plastic, stone, and leather. Printing is completed in a single pass without the need for plate making, producing vibrant and rich colors that are wear-resistant, UV-resistant, easy to operate, and have a fast printing speed, fully meeting industrial printing standards. They are widely used in screen printing, gift processing, signage, decoration, and personalized printing industries. In the ICT (information and communications technology) equipment manufacturing field, multiple different logos are often needed for a single product (e.g., chassis). UV printing can be used in the assembly stage to achieve diversified chassis manufacturing, avoiding excessive front-end coding. Furthermore, for various adhesive labels, UV printing can directly print content onto the product casing, eliminating manual pasting and overcoming label size limitations.

[0003] UV printing requires ink to be sprayed onto the device to be printed (such as chassis, panel, etc.). The ink volatilization will emit a strong and pungent odor, which is not conducive to production and manufacturing. In the existing technology, the odor emitted by the ink can be removed by using the exhaust device (such as ventilation fan, etc.) and exhaust pipe in the manufacturing workshop.

[0004] However, this method causes interruptions to the entire processing flow (for example, processing needs to be paused when the odor is strong and wait for the gas to be expelled before resuming processing), increasing turnaround time and slowing down processing efficiency. Furthermore, since the ventilation ducts in the manufacturing workshop are fixed devices, in order to speed up the exhaust speed, the UV printer and the ventilation ducts generally need to be set up close to each other or connected, thus limiting the operating position of the UV printer and making it difficult to move the UV printer flexibly.

[0005] It is evident that existing photopolymer inkjet printing equipment (or UV printers) suffers from low efficiency and poor flexibility. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This application provides a photocurable inkjet printing device and inkjet printing method, which solves the problems of low working efficiency and poor flexibility of printing devices in the prior art.

[0007] This application provides a photopolymer inkjet printing device, including a print head and a robotic arm. The print head is connected to the robotic arm and can move under the drive of the robotic arm to print at a target position.

[0008] The photopolymer inkjet printer also includes a gas handling assembly, which comprises a sealing cover, a gas channel, and an extraction device. The sealing cover is located around the outer periphery of the printhead to seal the gases emitted during inkjet printing within it. The extraction device is connected to the inner cavity of the sealing cover via the gas channel to draw the gases from the sealing cover into the gas channel.

[0009] The gas treatment assembly also includes a gas decomposition module, which is located within the gas channel or connected to the gas channel to decompose and process the gas within the gas channel before discharging it.

[0010] The photopolymer inkjet printing device of this application utilizes a sealing cover located around the printer head, a gas channel connected to the inner cavity of the sealing cover, a gas decomposition module located in or connected to the gas channel, and an extraction device to centrally absorb, decompose, and discharge odorous gases generated during inkjet printing. Since the sealing cover, gas channel, gas decomposition module, and extraction device are integrated into the photopolymer inkjet printing device, it helps the printing device to collect and decompose gases in a timely manner (for example, gas absorption can be performed while printing), avoiding the need to pause processing and wait for the gases to be discharged before resuming processing when the ink odor is strong, thus improving the working efficiency of the printing device. Furthermore, by directly integrating the sealing cover, gas channel, gas decomposition module, and extraction device into the photopolymer inkjet printing device, this application can eliminate the dependence of the printing device on ventilation ducts and vents in the manufacturing workshop, allowing the printing device to move flexibly and further improving the working efficiency of the printing device.

[0011] In some embodiments, the gas decomposition module is made of activated carbon and / or titanium dioxide.

[0012] In some embodiments, the robotic arm is hollow inside, and a gas passage is located inside the robotic arm.

[0013] The photopolymer inkjet printing device of this application reduces the space occupied by the printing device by setting the gas channel inside the robotic arm, which is beneficial to the miniaturization of the printing device.

[0014] In some embodiments, the photocurable inkjet printer further includes a lifting bracket, which is circumferentially rotatable about an axis parallel to the height direction of the photocurable inkjet printer.

[0015] The robotic arm includes a first link and a second link. The first end of the first link is rotatably connected to the end of the lifting bracket away from the ground, and the second end of the first link is rotatably connected to the first end of the second link. The printer head is rotatably connected to the second end of the second link, so that it can move towards or away from the lifting bracket under the drive of the first link and the second link.

[0016] The photopolymer inkjet printing device of this application embodiment utilizes a rotatable lifting bracket and a rotating first and second connecting rod, which enables the print head to move in the horizontal, vertical, and longitudinal directions (or can be understood as in the XYZ three-dimensional direction). This greatly reduces the movement or flipping of the object to be printed when printing different parts of the object, thereby effectively improving the working efficiency of the printing device.

[0017] In some embodiments, the robotic arm further includes a first connecting shaft, a second connecting shaft, and a third connecting shaft. The first end of the first link is connected to the end of the lifting bracket away from the ground via the first connecting shaft. The second end of the first link is connected to the first end of the second link via the second connecting shaft. The second end of the second link is connected to the printer head via the third connecting shaft.

[0018] The first connecting shaft, the second connecting shaft, and the third connecting shaft are parallel to each other and perpendicular to the axis.

[0019] In some embodiments, the photopolymer inkjet printing apparatus further includes a control module and a position sensor.

[0020] A position sensor is mounted on the print head to detect its current position. The position sensor is communicatively connected to the control module to feed back the detected current position of the print head. The control module is communicatively connected to the robotic arm and the print head to control the print head to print at the target position based on the current position feedback from the position sensor. The control module is also communicatively connected to the air extraction device to control its activation and deactivation.

[0021] The photopolymer inkjet printing device of this application embodiment can realize real-time detection and control of the printer head position through the control module and the position sensor set in the printer head, thereby improving the automation level and printing accuracy of the printing device.

[0022] In some embodiments, the photopolymer inkjet printing apparatus further includes an image sensor mounted on the printhead to detect the printed content. The image sensor is communicatively connected to the control module to feed back the detected printed content to the control module.

[0023] The photopolymer inkjet printer of this application embodiment can accurately detect the printed content by means of an image sensor installed in the print head, saving the time of manual detection and comparison, and further improving printing efficiency and the degree of automation of the printing equipment.

[0024] In some embodiments, the photopolymer inkjet printing equipment further includes a control box, and a gas decomposition module, an air extraction device, and the control module are housed within the control box.

[0025] The lifting bracket of the UV curing inkjet printer is rotatably connected to the control box at the end furthest from the robotic arm. The control box is equipped with casters at the bottom.

[0026] The photopolymer inkjet printing device of this application improves the integration of the printing device by setting the gas decomposition module, the gas extraction device and the control module in the control box, which facilitates the flexible movement of the printing device. Furthermore, by setting rollers at the bottom of the control box, the flexibility and convenience of the printing device are further improved.

[0027] This application also provides an inkjet printing method, which uses the photopolymer inkjet printing equipment involved in the above embodiments and possible embodiments to print, and the inkjet printing method includes:

[0028] The system acquires the target position information and target content information for printing, and controls the print head to move to the target position. The target position information includes the current position of the object to be printed and the relative position of the target content information on the object.

[0029] The system controls the air extraction device to start and controls the printer head to perform printing.

[0030] Obtain the current content information to be printed, and determine the printing effect based on the current content information and the target content information.

[0031] The inkjet printing method of this application can accurately move the print head to the target position by using the current position information of the object to be printed and the relative position information of the target content information on the object to be printed. In addition, it can also realize gas collection and processing during the printing process, thus effectively improving the flexibility, printing efficiency and printing accuracy of the printing equipment. Furthermore, this application can determine the printing effect by using the current content information and the target content information, saving the time of manual inspection and comparison, and further improving the printing efficiency and the degree of automation of the printing equipment.

[0032] In some embodiments, determining the printing effect based on current content information and target content information includes:

[0033] Determine whether the current content information and the target content information are consistent.

[0034] If the current content information and the target content information are consistent, then: stop printing.

[0035] If the current content information and the target content information are inconsistent, then: send a printing failure signal.

[0036] In some possible embodiments, after sending a printing failure signal, the process can return to the following steps: obtaining the target printing location information and controlling the print head to move to the target location.

[0037] In some embodiments, controlling the print head to move to a target position includes:

[0038] Obtain the current position information of the printer head.

[0039] Determine whether the printer head is at the target position based on the target position information and the current position information.

[0040] If the current location information matches the target location information, then: the printer head is determined to be at the target location.

[0041] If the current location information is inconsistent with the target location information, then: control the printer head to move to the target location. Attached Figure Description

[0042] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the photocurable inkjet printing device according to an embodiment of this application;

[0043] Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the photocurable inkjet printing device according to an embodiment of this application, wherein the gas channel is located inside the robotic arm;

[0044] Figure 3 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of a photocurable inkjet printing device according to an embodiment of this application; wherein, a robotic arm is rotatably connected to a lifting bracket;

[0045] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the communication connection of the control module of the photopolymer inkjet printing device according to an embodiment of this application;

[0046] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the flow structure of the inkjet printing method according to an embodiment of this application. Figure 1 ;

[0047] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the flow structure of step S3 in the inkjet printing method of this application embodiment;

[0048] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the flow structure of the inkjet printing method according to an embodiment of this application. Figure 2 ;

[0049] Figure 8This is a schematic diagram of the flow structure of the inkjet printing method according to an embodiment of this application. Figure 3 ;

[0050] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the flow structure of the inkjet printing method according to an embodiment of this application. Figure 4 .

[0051] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0052] 1: Photopolymer inkjet printer; 10: Printer head; 11: Robotic arm; 111: First link; 112: Second link; 113: First connecting shaft; 114: Second connecting shaft; 115: Third connecting shaft; 12: Image sensor; 13: Gas handling assembly; 131: Sealing cover; 132: Gas channel; 133: Evacuation device; 134: Gas decomposition module; 14: Lifting bracket; 141: First end; 142: Second end; 143: Lifting mechanism; 144: Base; 145: Lifting part; 15: Control box; 16: Roller; 17: Position sensor; 18: Control module;

[0053] O: Axis. Detailed Implementation

[0054] The following specific embodiments illustrate the implementation of this application. Those skilled in the art can easily understand other advantages and effects of this application from the content disclosed in this specification. Although the description of this application will be presented in conjunction with some embodiments, this does not mean that the features of this application are limited to this embodiment. On the contrary, the purpose of describing the application in conjunction with embodiments is to cover other options or modifications that may be derived based on the claims of this application. To provide a thorough understanding of this application, many specific details will be included in the following description. This application may also be implemented without using these details. Furthermore, to avoid confusion or obscuring the focus of this application, some specific details will be omitted in the description. It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features in the embodiments of this application can be combined with each other.

[0055] It should be noted that in this specification, similar reference numerals and letters in the following figures indicate similar items. Therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be further defined and explained in subsequent figures.

[0056] In the description of this application, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this application. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0057] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0058] In the description of this application, it should be understood that "electrical connection" can be understood as physical contact and electrical conduction between components; it can also be understood as a form of connection between different components in a circuit structure through physical lines such as copper foil or wires on a printed circuit board (PCB) capable of transmitting electrical signals. "Communication connection" can refer to the transmission of electrical signals, including wireless communication connections and wired communication connections. Wireless communication connections do not require a physical medium and are not considered connections that limit the product structure.

[0059] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the embodiments of this application will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0060] This application has no limited application scenarios. It can be applied to various ICT (information and communication technology) equipment for various digital printing, such as printing logos, nameplate information, panel silk screen printing, network access licenses, certificates of conformity, manufacturer information, label information, etc. It can be applied to various fields such as terminal equipment production and processing, gift processing and packaging, advertising services, clothing and toy production and packaging, and special printing.

[0061] This application provides a photocurable inkjet printing device; please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 1 , Figure 1This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of a photocurable inkjet printing device according to an embodiment of this application. The photocurable inkjet printing device 1 includes a print head 10 and a robotic arm 11. The print head 10 is connected to the robotic arm 11 and can move under the drive of the robotic arm 11 to print at the target position.

[0062] The target location can be understood as the designated position of the object to be printed. The type of object is not limited; it can be a mobile phone, tablet, smartwatch, fitness tracker, Bluetooth headset, or other terminal device, as well as a toy, gift box, advertising poster, clothing, etc. For example, the designated position of the object to be printed could be the center of the back cover of a mobile phone.

[0063] The photopolymer inkjet printer 1 also includes a gas handling assembly 13, which includes a sealing cover 131, a gas channel 132, and an extraction device 133. The sealing cover 131 covers the outer periphery of the print head 10 to seal the gases emitted during inkjet printing within the sealing cover 131. The extraction device 133 communicates with the inner cavity of the sealing cover 131 through the gas channel 132 to draw the gases from the sealing cover 131 into the gas channel 132. In one embodiment, the sealing cover 131 is open on the side facing the object to be printed, allowing the print head 10 to contact the object. Specifically, during printing, the side of the sealing cover 131 facing the object is pressed against the object, completely enclosing the print head 10 within the inner cavity of the sealing cover 131 to collect the gases emitted during inkjet printing. The shape of the sealing cover 131 is not limited; for example, it can be square, circular, or irregularly shaped. The air extraction device 133 can be, for example, a vacuum pump, a blower, or an air extraction pump, etc. Any device that can draw gas from the inner cavity of the sealing cover 131 into the gas channel 132 is within the scope of the embodiments of this application.

[0064] The gas treatment assembly 13 also includes a gas decomposition module 134, which is connected to the gas channel 132 to decompose and process the gas in the gas channel 132 before discharging it. For example, the gas decomposition module 134 can be disposed in a housing with an exhaust port. Gas enters the housing through the gas channel 132, is decomposed and processed by the gas decomposition module 134 inside the housing, and is discharged through the exhaust port.

[0065] In other alternative embodiments, the gas decomposition module 134 is disposed within the gas channel 132, so that the gas within the gas channel 132 is directly decomposed within the gas channel 132 and then discharged through the outlet of the gas channel 132. The gas decomposition module 134 may be made of materials such as activated carbon or titanium dioxide. In other alternative embodiments, the gas decomposition module 134 may also include other materials capable of decomposing and adsorbing the gases emitted during inkjet printing.

[0066] The photopolymer inkjet printer 1 of this application utilizes a sealing cover 131 located around the printer head 10, a gas channel 132 connected to the inner cavity of the sealing cover 131, a gas decomposition module 134 located in or connected to the gas channel 132, and an extraction device to concentrate, absorb, decompose, and discharge odorous gases generated during printing. Since the sealing cover 131, gas channel 132, gas decomposition module 134, and extraction device 133 are integrated on the photopolymer inkjet printer 1, it helps the printer to collect and decompose gases in a timely manner (for example, gas absorption can be performed while printing), avoiding the need to pause processing and wait for the gases to be discharged before resuming processing when the ink odor is strong, thus improving the working efficiency of the printer. Furthermore, by directly integrating the sealing cover 131, gas channel 132, gas decomposition module 134, and extraction device 133 on the photopolymer inkjet printer 1, this application can eliminate the printer's dependence on ventilation ducts and vents in the manufacturing workshop, allowing the printer to move flexibly and further improving its working efficiency. Furthermore, the photopolymer inkjet printing equipment of this application is small in size and can be integrated into the processing production line of ICT equipment to achieve production line consolidation, which helps to improve production efficiency and save production costs. It is evident that the photopolymer inkjet printing equipment of this application can overcome the inherent shortcomings of existing printing equipment, such as low efficiency and poor flexibility, and provides possibilities for future digital production, paperless production, and intelligent manufacturing.

[0067] In one implementation, such as Figure 2 As shown, Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the photopolymer inkjet printing device according to an embodiment of this application. The robotic arm 11 is hollow inside, and the gas channel 132 is located inside the robotic arm 11, which reduces the space occupied by the printing device and is conducive to the miniaturization of the printing device. In one embodiment, the signal transmission cables (such as the signal transmission lines of the printhead 10 and the signal transmission cables of the image sensor mentioned later), power lines, and ink supply pipes of the photopolymer inkjet printing device 1 are all located inside the robotic arm 11. This structure is conducive to the high integration of the photopolymer inkjet printing device 1 and helps to miniaturize and facilitate the use of the photopolymer inkjet printing device 1.

[0068] In one implementation, such as Figure 3 As shown, Figure 3This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of a photocurable inkjet printing apparatus according to an embodiment of this application. The photocurable inkjet printing apparatus 1 also includes a lifting bracket 14, which is rotatable around an axis O. This axis O is parallel to the height direction of the photocurable inkjet printing apparatus (or can be understood as the Z-axis direction). This axis O may be located on the lifting bracket 14; for example, the axis O may be the axis of the lifting bracket 14 itself. In other alternative embodiments, the axis O may not be located on the lifting bracket 14, and this application does not limit this.

[0069] The robotic arm 11 includes a first link 111 and a second link 112. The first end of the first link 111 is rotatably connected to the first end 141 of the lifting bracket 14 away from the ground. The second end of the first link 111 is rotatably connected to the first end of the second link 112 (or, as can be understood, the end of the second link 112 away from the printer head 10). The printer head 10 is rotatably connected to the second end of the second link 112 (or, as can be understood, the end of the second link 112 near the printer head 10). In one embodiment, as... Figure 3 As shown, the first end of the first link 111 of the robotic arm 11 (or the end of the first link 111 away from the printing mechanism 10) is rotatably connected to the first end 141 of the lifting bracket 14 away from the ground via the first connecting shaft 113. The second end of the first link 111 (or the end of the first link 111 near the printer head 10) is rotatably connected to the first end of the second link 112 (or the end of the second link 112 away from the printer head 10) via the second connecting shaft 114. The printer head 10 is rotatably connected to the second end of the second link 112 (or the end of the second link 112 near the printer head 10) via the third connecting shaft 115. The printer head 10 can move towards or away from the lifting bracket 14 under the drive of the first link 111 and the second link 112.

[0070] In one embodiment, the first connecting shaft 113, the second connecting shaft 114, and the third connecting shaft 115 are parallel to each other and perpendicular to the axis O (or can be understood as the Z-axis direction). For example, the first connecting shaft 113, the second connecting shaft 114, and the third connecting shaft 115 may all extend along the X-axis direction.

[0071] The form of the lifting bracket 14 is not limited, as long as it can move along the Z-axis and rotate circumferentially about an axis parallel to the Z-axis, it does not depart from the scope of the embodiments of this application. In one embodiment, the lifting bracket 14 includes a base 144, a lifting part 145, and a lifting mechanism 143, wherein the base 144 is connected to the lifting part 145 through the lifting mechanism 143. ，The lifting mechanism 143 can drive the lifting part 145 to move up and down along the Z-axis direction (or can be understood as the height direction of the photopolymer inkjet printing device). The lifting mechanism 143 can be, for example, a gear meshing structure, or for example, a gear and rack structure. Other alternative embodiments may also have other structures, which are not limited in this application.

[0072] As can be seen, the photocurable inkjet printing device 1 of this application embodiment utilizes a rotatable lifting bracket 14 and a first connecting rod 111 and a second connecting rod 112 that are rotatably connected, enabling the printer head 10 to move in the horizontal, vertical, and longitudinal directions (or can be understood as in the XYZ three-dimensional direction), covering the front, back, left, right, and top surfaces of the object to be printed. This greatly reduces the movement or flipping of the object to be printed when printing on different parts of the object, thereby effectively improving the working efficiency of the printing device.

[0073] In one implementation, such as Figures 1-3 As shown, the photopolymer inkjet printing equipment 1 also includes a control box 15, in which the gas decomposition module 134 and the exhaust device 133 are housed. In one embodiment, the control box 15 is reused as the outer shell of the aforementioned gas decomposition module 134. In another embodiment, the outer shell of the gas decomposition module 134 and the control box 15 are two independent structures, and the outer shell of the gas decomposition module 134 can be located inside the control box 15. In one embodiment, the control box 15 has a ventilation port connected to the exhaust port of the outer shell to discharge the processed gas outside the photopolymer inkjet printing equipment 1.

[0074] In one implementation, such as Figure 3 As shown, the second end 142 of the lifting bracket 14 away from the robotic arm 11 is rotatably connected to the control box 15. Specifically, for example, the second end 142 of the base 144 of the lifting bracket 14 away from the robotic arm 11 is rotatably connected to the control box 15. Furthermore, the bottom of the control box 15 is provided with rollers 16. The number of rollers 16 is not limited. For example, there can be 4 rollers. In other embodiments, there can be 6 rollers, etc.

[0075] In one implementation, please refer to Figure 4 understand, Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the communication connection of the control module of the photocurable inkjet printing device according to an embodiment of this application. The photocurable inkjet printing device 1 also includes a control module 18 and a position sensor 17. The position sensor ( Figure 3A position sensor 17 (not shown) is installed on the print head 10 to detect the current position of the print head 10. The position sensor 17 is communicatively connected to the control module 18 to feed back the detected current position of the print head 10 to the control module 18. The control module 18 is communicatively connected to the robotic arm 11 and the print head 10 to control the print head 10 to print at the target position based on the current position of the print head 10 fed back by the position sensor 17. The control module 18 is also communicatively connected to the vacuum device 133 to control the start and stop of the vacuum device 133. In one embodiment, the control module 18 is located inside the control box 15.

[0076] As will be understood by those skilled in the art, the communication connection can be a cable connection or a wireless connection.

[0077] The control module may include a memory, a processor, and program instructions stored in the memory that can be executed by the processor. The processor executes the program instructions to implement the steps of the inkjet printing method mentioned later.

[0078] A processor may include one or more processing units, such as an application processor (AP), a modem processor, a graphics processing unit (GPU), an image signal processor (ISP), a controller, a video codec, a digital signal processor (DSP), a baseband processor, and / or a neural network processing unit (NPU). These different processing units may be independent devices or integrated into one or more processors.

[0079] The processor can generate operation control signals based on the instruction opcode and timing signals to control the fetching and execution of instructions. The memory is used to store instructions and data. In some embodiments, the memory is a cache memory. This memory can store instructions or data that the processor has just used or that are used repeatedly. If the processor needs to use the instruction or data again, it can directly retrieve it from the memory. This avoids repeated accesses, reduces processor waiting time, and thus improves system efficiency.

[0080] Furthermore, the type of position sensor is not limited; for example, it can be an ultrasonic position sensor, an inductive position sensor, and so on.

[0081] As can be seen, the photopolymer inkjet printing device 1 of this application embodiment can realize real-time detection and control of the printer head position through the control module and the position sensor set in the printer head 10, thereby improving the automation level and printing accuracy of the printing device.

[0082] Furthermore, the photocurable inkjet printing device 1 of this application improves the integration of the printing device by arranging the gas decomposition module 134, the air extraction device 133 and the control module (not shown in the figure) in the control box 15, which facilitates the flexible movement of the printing device. In addition, by setting the rollers 16 at the bottom of the control box 15, the flexibility and convenience of the printing device are further improved.

[0083] In one implementation, such as Figure 3 As shown, the photopolymer inkjet printing device 1 also includes an image sensor 12, which is mounted on the print head 10 to detect the printed content. In one embodiment, the image sensor 12 is connected to the sealing cover 131 by fasteners. The image sensor 12 is communicatively connected to the control module to feed back the detected printed content to the control module. The image sensor 12 can be, for example, a camera or other imaging device. In one embodiment, the image sensor 12 is a CCD (charge-coupled device) camera, which can convert light into electrical charge and store and transfer the charge, and can also extract the stored charge to change the voltage, that is, converting optical effects into digital signals to achieve image acquisition. In this embodiment, the printed content can be detected and compared in real time using the image acquired by the image sensor 12 to determine whether the printed content meets the expected effect.

[0084] As can be seen, the photopolymer inkjet printing device 1 of this application embodiment can accurately detect the printing content of the printing device through the image sensor 12 installed in the print head 10, saving the time of manual detection and comparison, and further improving the printing efficiency and the degree of automation of the printing device.

[0085] This application also provides an inkjet printing method, which uses the photopolymer inkjet printing equipment involved in the above embodiments and their implementations, such as... Figure 5 As shown, Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the flow structure of the inkjet printing method according to an embodiment of this application. Figure 1 Inkjet printing methods include:

[0086] Step S1: Obtain the target position information and target content information for printing, and control the print head to move to the target position. The target position information includes the current position information of the object to be printed and the relative position information of the target content information on the object to be printed.

[0087] The relative position information of the target content on the object to be printed can be understood as the specific position of the content to be printed on the object. In one embodiment, the above position information can be, for example, coordinate parameters. In other alternative embodiments, it can also be other parameters that can characterize the position.

[0088] Step S2: Control the air extraction device to start and control the printer head to perform printing.

[0089] Step S3: Obtain the current content information to be printed, and determine the printing effect based on the current content information and the target content information.

[0090] The current content information can be understood as the print content captured in real time by the image sensor, while the target content information can be understood as the print content image received by the control module before printing begins, such as manually entered print content. Specifically, manual input can be performed via a touchscreen on the control box, which is communicatively connected to the control module, or via an external electronic device (such as a computer or mobile phone). Furthermore, acquiring the current print content information can be achieved, for example, by capturing the currently printed image information through the image sensor and sending that image information to the control module.

[0091] Furthermore, such as Figure 6 As shown, Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the flow structure of step S3 in the inkjet printing method of this application embodiment. Step S3 specifically includes step S31: obtaining the current content information to be printed;

[0092] Step S3, which determines the printing effect based on the current content information and the target content information, specifically includes:

[0093] Step S32: Determine whether the current content information and the target content information are consistent.

[0094] If the judgment result is yes, meaning the current content information and the target content information are consistent, then proceed to step S33: end printing. If the judgment result is no, meaning the current content information and the target content information are inconsistent, then proceed to step S34: send a printing failure signal. The printing failure signal can be an audio signal or a visual signal.

[0095] Specifically, printing quality can be understood as the completeness and / or clarity of the print. The target content information can include text and / or images, as well as the clarity, thickness, continuity of lines, accuracy of image colors, and so on. Therefore, if the current content information has missing text or images, excessively thin or thick printed lines, blurry or discontinuous printed lines, etc., it can be judged that the current content information and the target content information are inconsistent.

[0096] like Figure 7 As shown, Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the flow structure of the inkjet printing method according to an embodiment of this application. Figure 2 In one implementation, after step S34, the process can return to step S1. For example, after receiving a printing failure signal, the user can flip the object to be printed or replace the object to be printed and reprint it.

[0097] Furthermore, such as Figure 8 As shown, Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the flow structure of the inkjet printing method according to an embodiment of this application. Figure 3 Step S1, controlling the printer head to move to the target position, includes:

[0098] Step S12: Obtain the current position information of the printer head;

[0099] Step S13: Determine whether the printer head is at the target position based on the target position information and the current position information;

[0100] If the judgment result of step S13 is yes, that is, the current position information is consistent with the target position information, then the printer head is determined to be at the target position, and step S2 is executed. If the judgment result of step S13 is no, that is, the current position information is inconsistent with the target position information, then step S14 is executed: control the printer head to move to the target position.

[0101] The following is an example of the working process of an inkjet printing method. Please refer to it. Figure 8 and Figure 9 understand, Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the flow structure of the inkjet printing method according to an embodiment of this application. Figure 4 .

[0102] First, step S11 is executed, where the control center (which can be understood as the aforementioned control module) issues a command, and the CCD performs a preliminary scan to obtain the target position and content information for printing. Then, step S12 is executed, where the position sensor detects the current position of the print head and transmits it back to the control center. Then, step S13 is executed. If the judgment result of step S13 is negative, then step S14 is executed, where the robotic arm performs preliminary positioning, and the CCD performs a precise scan. Then, the process returns to step S13, continuously controlling and correcting the real-time position of the print head based on the positioning feedback from the position sensor. This positioning process is repeated until the print head is in the target position, at which point step S2 is executed, which involves printing and gas treatment. After printing is completed, step S3 is executed, which involves checking the printing effect. Specifically, step S31 is executed first, followed by step S32. If the judgment result of step S32 is positive, then step S33 is executed, which ends the printing process. If the judgment result of step S32 is negative, then step S34 is executed, and then the process returns to step S11.

[0103] The inkjet printing method of this application can accurately move the print head to the target position by using the current position information of the object to be printed and the relative position information of the target content information on the object to be printed. In addition, it can also realize gas collection and processing during the printing process, thus effectively improving the flexibility, printing efficiency and printing accuracy of the printing equipment. Furthermore, this application can determine the printing effect (or can be understood as the completeness and / or clarity of the printing) by using the current content information and the target content information, saving the time of manual inspection and comparison, and further improving the printing efficiency and the automation level of the printing equipment.

[0104] Obviously, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations to this application without departing from the spirit and scope of this application. Therefore, if such modifications and variations fall within the scope of the claims of this application and their equivalents, this application also intends to include such modifications and variations.

Claims

1. A photopolymer inkjet printing device, characterized in that, It includes a printer head and a robotic arm, wherein the printer head is connected to the robotic arm and can move under the drive of the robotic arm to print at the target position; The photopolymer inkjet printing equipment also includes a gas handling component, which includes a sealing cover, a gas channel, and an extraction device. The sealing cover is disposed on the outer periphery of the print head to seal the gas volatilized during inkjet printing within the sealing cover. The extraction device is connected to the inner cavity of the sealing cover through the gas channel to draw the gas from the sealing cover into the gas channel. The gas treatment assembly further includes a gas decomposition module, which is disposed within the gas channel, or the gas decomposition module is connected to the gas channel to decompose and process the gas in the gas channel before discharging it. The robotic arm is hollow inside, and the gas channel is located inside the robotic arm; and the signal transmission cable, power cable and ink supply pipe of the photocurable inkjet printer are all located inside the robotic arm; The photocurable inkjet printing equipment also includes a lifting bracket, which is capable of rotating circumferentially around an axis, the axis being parallel to the height direction of the photocurable inkjet printing equipment. The robotic arm includes a first link and a second link. The first end of the first link is rotatably connected to the end of the lifting bracket away from the ground, and the second end of the first link is rotatably connected to the first end of the second link. The printer head is rotatably connected to the second end of the second link so as to move toward or away from the lifting bracket under the drive of the first link and the second link. The lifting bracket includes a base, a lifting section, and a lifting mechanism. The base is connected to the lifting section through the lifting mechanism, and the lifting mechanism can drive the lifting section to move up and down along the height direction.

2. The photopolymer inkjet printing equipment as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The gas decomposition module is made of materials including activated carbon and / or titanium dioxide.

3. The photopolymer inkjet printing equipment as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The robotic arm also includes a first connecting shaft, a second connecting shaft, and a third connecting shaft. The first end of the first connecting rod is connected to the end of the lifting bracket away from the ground via the first connecting shaft. The second end of the first connecting rod is connected to the first end of the second connecting rod via the second connecting shaft. The second end of the second connecting rod is connected to the printer head via the third connecting shaft. The first connecting shaft, the second connecting shaft, and the third connecting shaft are parallel to each other and perpendicular to the axis.

4. The photopolymer inkjet printing apparatus as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The photopolymer inkjet printing equipment also includes a control module and a position sensor; The position sensor is installed on the print head to detect the current position of the print head. The position sensor is communicatively connected to the control module to feed back the detected current position of the print head to the control module. The control module is communicatively connected to the robotic arm and the print head to control the print head to print at the target position based on the current position of the print head fed back by the position sensor. The control module is also communicatively connected to the air extraction device to control the start and stop of the air extraction device.

5. The photopolymer inkjet printing equipment as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The photopolymer inkjet printing device also includes an image sensor, which is installed on the print head to detect the printing content of the print head; the image sensor is communicatively connected to the control module to feed back the detected printing content to the control module.

6. The photopolymer inkjet printing equipment as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The photopolymer inkjet printing equipment also includes a control box, in which the gas decomposition module, the air extraction device, and the control module are housed; The lifting bracket of the photopolymer inkjet printer is rotatably connected to the control box at one end away from the robotic arm; the bottom of the control box is equipped with casters.

7. An inkjet printing method, characterized in that, Printing is performed using the photopolymer inkjet printing equipment according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the inkjet printing method comprises: The system acquires the target position information and target content information for printing, and controls the print head to move to the target position; wherein, the target position information includes the current position information of the object to be printed and the relative position information of the target content information on the object to be printed; The system controls the vacuum pump to start and controls the printer head to perform printing. Obtain the current content information to be printed, and determine the printing effect based on the current content information and the target content information.

8. The inkjet printing method as described in claim 7, characterized in that, Determining the printing effect based on the current content information and the target content information includes: Determine whether the current content information and the target content information are consistent; If the current content information and the target content information are consistent, then: stop printing; If the current content information and the target content information are inconsistent, then: send a printing failure signal.

9. The inkjet printing method as described in claim 7 or 8, characterized in that, The process of controlling the printer head to move to the target position includes: Obtain the current position information of the printer head; Determine whether the printer head is at the target position based on the target position information and the current position information; If the current location information matches the target location information, then: the printer head is determined to be at the target location; If the current location information is inconsistent with the target location information, then: control the printer head to move to the target location.

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