A printing method and apparatus

Abstract

This invention discloses a printing method and apparatus, relating to the field of inkjet printing technology, to solve the problems of low printing efficiency and low production capacity in existing technologies. The method includes: acquiring printing parameters for multiple objects to be printed, the printing parameters including at least the printing surface size, position information, and placement time of the multiple objects; further determining target printing data for the multiple objects based on the printing parameters; and determining the target printing position and target printing time of the multiple objects in the printing area based on the printing parameters and the running speed of the conveyor belt; the target printing position represents the moving width of the printing carriage during the printing process of printing the multiple objects in the printing area; finally, controlling the target print head to scan and print the multiple objects based on the target printing data, target printing position, and target printing time; thus achieving parallel printing of multiple objects, improving printing efficiency and production capacity.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of inkjet printing technology, and in particular to a printing method and apparatus. Background Technology

[0002] Inkjet printing technology and its market trends are undergoing rapid development and change, especially in the fields of digital printing and high-speed inkjet printing. With continuous technological advancements, the performance of inkjet printers will be further improved to meet higher market demands; this indicates that inkjet printing technology needs to develop towards higher quality and higher efficiency.

[0003] In flatbed printing scenarios, existing technology involves workers placing a flatbed tablet onto a conveyor belt, printing while the tablet is being transported by the belt, and then removing it from the belt after printing. For example, in printing cardboard or cartons, the existing flatbed printing method involves workers placing the folded cardboard or carton onto the conveyor belt, printing while the tablet is being transported, and then removing it from the belt after printing. While this printing method can achieve satisfactory print quality, it only enables single-channel printing; that is, only one piece of cardboard or carton can be printed at a time on a single printing machine. This results in low printing efficiency and throughput, which cannot meet user needs.

[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need to design a printing method and equipment with higher printing efficiency and printing capacity to solve the problems of low printing efficiency and low printing capacity in the existing technology. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to disclose a printing method and equipment to solve the problems of low printing efficiency and low production capacity in the prior art.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution:

[0007] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a printing method, which may include:

[0008] The printing parameters of multiple objects to be printed are obtained, including at least the printing surface size, position information, and placement time of the multiple objects to be printed; the multiple objects to be printed are placed on different printing channels; the position information represents the printing channel information of each object to be printed;

[0009] Based on the printing parameters of multiple objects to be printed, target printing data is determined for the multiple objects to be printed;

[0010] Based on the printing parameters of the multiple objects to be printed, and combined with the running speed of the conveyor belt, the target printing position and target printing time of the multiple objects to be printed in the printing area are determined; the target printing position represents the moving width of the printing carriage during the printing process of printing the multiple objects to be printed in the printing area.

[0011] Based on the target printing data, target printing position, and target printing time, the target printing nozzle is controlled to scan and print multiple objects to be printed.

[0012] Preferably, obtaining the printing parameters of multiple objects to be printed may include: using multiple photoelectric sensors to obtain longitudinal dimension data of multiple objects to be printed; the multiple photoelectric sensors are spaced apart on the entrance crossbeam above the entrance of the conveyor area, and the longitudinal dimension data represents the dimension data of multiple objects to be printed parallel to the direction of movement of the track.

[0013] Preferably, the plurality of photoelectric sensors may include a pulse transmitter and a pulse receiver; acquiring the longitudinal dimension data of the plurality of objects to be printed may include: sending pulse signals to the entrance of the transfer area using the pulse transmitters of the plurality of photoelectric sensors at preset time intervals;

[0014] If no object to be printed is detected, the pulse receiver receives a pulse signal and generates a low level.

[0015] If an object to be printed is detected, the pulse receiver does not receive a pulse signal and generates a high level.

[0016] Based on the high and / or low levels generated in sequence by the pulse receiver, the longitudinal dimension data of multiple objects to be printed are determined and sent.

[0017] Preferably, determining the target printing data for the multiple objects to be printed based on the printing parameters of the multiple objects to be printed may include: determining the printing channel for printing the objects to be printed based on the printing surface size and position information of the objects to be printed;

[0018] Based on the printing channel used to print the object to be printed, target printing data for multiple objects to be printed is determined.

[0019] Preferably, determining the target printing position of the multiple objects to be printed in the printing area based on the printing parameters of the multiple objects to be printed and the running speed of the conveyor belt may include:

[0020] Based on the printing parameters of the multiple objects to be printed, and combined with the running speed of the conveyor belt, the multiple target positions and multiple target times for the multiple objects to be printed to reach the printing area are determined.

[0021] The total width of the printing area occupied by the multiple target locations is determined as the target printing location;

[0022] The multiple target times are determined as the target printing times of the multiple objects to be printed in the printing area.

[0023] Preferably, controlling the target printhead to scan and print multiple objects based on the target print data, target print position, and target print time may include:

[0024] Based on the target printing position, the target printing data is retrieved;

[0025] According to the target printing time, the target printing nozzle is controlled to scan and print multiple objects to be printed; wherein, the target printing data in the blank areas of the target printing position is 0, and the blank areas of the target printing position indicate the location where there are no objects to be printed.

[0026] Preferably, controlling the target printhead to scan and print multiple objects to be printed according to the target printing time may include:

[0027] The target print data is mapped to the target print position; the target print head is controlled to read the target print data according to the target print time.

[0028] The target print head is controlled to scan and print multiple objects to be printed based on the target print data.

[0029] The target print data is deleted in real time after printing is completed; the target print data refers to the print data ejected by the printhead during the printing process.

[0030] Preferably, the plurality of objects to be printed are objects to be printed that meet preset requirements; the preset requirements include that the width of the object to be printed perpendicular to the direction of track movement is less than or equal to the width of the printing channel, and greater than or equal to the minimum printing channel width; the minimum printing channel width is the lateral distance between the side edge of the printing channel and the photoelectric sensor of the printing channel.

[0031] In a second aspect, the present invention provides a printing device, which prints using the printing method described in the first aspect. The device may include at least a roll-to-roll printing operation platform, with a conveyor belt fitted onto the roll, the conveyor belt being used to place and move multiple objects to be printed.

[0032] Along the rotation direction of the track, the printing operation platform is continuously divided into a feeding area, a conveying area, a printing area, and a unloading area;

[0033] The feeding area is used to place multiple objects to be printed;

[0034] The conveying area includes a crossbeam suspended above the track and a main control system located on the crossbeam; the crossbeam is suspended above the track and forms a feeding channel with the track; the main control system is used to acquire printing parameters of multiple objects to be printed; based on the printing parameters of the multiple objects to be printed, it determines the target printing data for the multiple objects to be printed; according to the printing parameters of the multiple objects to be printed and the target printing data, combined with the running speed of the conveyor belt, it determines the target printing position and target printing time of the multiple objects to be printed in the printing area; the printing parameters include at least the printing surface size, position information and placement time of the multiple objects to be printed; the multiple objects to be printed are placed on different printing channels; the position information represents the printing channel information of each object to be printed;

[0035] The printing area is equipped with a printing carriage, which is connected to the main control system. The printing carriage is used to control the target printing nozzle on the printing carriage to scan and print multiple objects to be printed based on the target printing data, the target printing position, and the target printing time. The target printing position represents the width of movement of the printing carriage during the printing process of printing multiple objects to be printed in the printing area.

[0036] The feeding area is used to place multiple objects that have already been printed and are to be printed.

[0037] Preferably, the device may also include multiple photoelectric sensors;

[0038] Multiple photoelectric sensors are arranged at preset distances on the crossbeam at the entrance of the conveying area, or multiple photoelectric sensors are arranged at equal intervals on the entrance crossbeam above the entrance of the conveying area according to the length of the entrance crossbeam.

[0039] Compared with existing technologies, the present invention provides a printing method that acquires printing parameters of multiple objects to be printed, the printing parameters including at least the printing surface size, position information, and placement time of the multiple objects to be printed; the multiple objects to be printed are placed on different printing channels; the position information represents the printing channel information of each object to be printed; further, based on the printing parameters of the multiple objects to be printed, target printing data is determined for the multiple objects to be printed, and based on the printing parameters of the multiple objects to be printed, combined with the running speed of the conveyor belt, the target printing position and target printing time of the multiple objects to be printed in the printing area are determined; the target printing position indicates the position of the printing carriage in the printing area. The printing area moves a certain width during the printing process of multiple objects to be printed; finally, based on the target printing data, target printing position, and target printing time, the target printing nozzle is controlled to scan and print multiple objects to be printed; based on this, the printing channel and placement time of each object to be printed can be determined according to the time and position of the objects to be printed in the feeding area; during the process of multiple objects to be printed entering the conveying area, the target printing data of each object's printing surface can be determined based on the detected size information of each object's printing surface; after multiple objects to be printed enter the printing area, they can be printed in parallel; thereby improving printing efficiency and production capacity. Attached Figure Description

[0040] The drawings described herein are used to provide a further understanding of the present invention and constitute a part of the present invention. The exemplary embodiments of the present invention and their descriptions are used to explain the present invention and do not constitute an improper limitation of the present invention. In the drawings:

[0041] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the main process of a printing method provided by the present invention;

[0042] Figure 2 A first structural schematic diagram of a printing device provided by the present invention;

[0043] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a second structure of a printing device provided by the present invention.

[0044] Reference numerals: 200-Printing operation platform, 210-Feeding area, 220-Conveying area, 230-Printing area, 240-Unloading area, 260-Crossbeam, 261-Inlet crossbeam, 262-Outlet crossbeam, 250-Printing carriage, 270-Photoelectric sensor, 280-Track, 290-Object to be printed. Detailed Implementation

[0045] To facilitate a clear description of the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention, the terms "first" and "second" are used to distinguish identical or similar items with essentially the same function and effect. For example, the first threshold and the second threshold are merely used to distinguish different thresholds and do not limit their order. Those skilled in the art will understand that the terms "first" and "second" do not limit the quantity or execution order, and the terms "first" and "second" are not necessarily different.

[0046] It should be noted that in this invention, the terms "exemplary" or "for example" are used to indicate examples, illustrations, or descriptions. Any embodiment or design described as "exemplary" or "for example" in this invention should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or designs. Specifically, the use of terms such as "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a concrete manner.

[0047] In this invention, "at least one" refers to one or more, and "more than one" refers to two or more. "And / or" describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A alone, A and B simultaneously, or B alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. The character " / " generally indicates that the preceding related objects have an "or" relationship. "At least one of the following" or similar expressions refer to any combination of these items, including any combination of single or plural items. For example, at least one of a, b, or c can represent: a, b, c, a combination of a and b, a combination of a and c, a combination of b and c, or a, b, and c, where a, b, and c can be single or multiple.

[0048] Current planar printing technology typically employs a single-channel printing process. Workers place the object onto a conveyor belt in the loading area, and printing occurs as the object travels along the belt. After printing, the object is removed from the conveyor belt in the unloading area and retrieved by workers. While this single-channel printing method provides acceptable print quality, its low printing efficiency and throughput fail to meet user needs. To further improve printing efficiency and throughput, there is an urgent need to design an advanced printing method and equipment to address the low efficiency and throughput issues of existing technologies.

[0049] In view of this, the present invention provides a printing method and device, which, by setting up multiple printing channels, can print different target printing data on each printing channel, realizes parallel printing of multiple objects to be printed, improves printing efficiency and production capacity, and solves the problems of low printing efficiency and low production capacity in the prior art.

[0050] The technical solution of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings:

[0051] Please see Figure 1 , Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the main process of a printing method provided by the present invention. The executing entity is a server or terminal device equipped with the technical solution disclosed in the embodiments of the present invention, such as a print service platform or terminal printing device, etc.

[0052] exist Figure 1 The method may include:

[0053] Step 110: Obtain printing parameters for multiple objects to be printed. The printing parameters include at least the printing surface size, position information, and placement time of the multiple objects to be printed; the multiple objects to be printed are placed on different printing channels; the position information represents the printing channel information of each object to be printed.

[0054] In step 110, the printing system can simultaneously acquire printing data for multiple objects to be printed. These objects are placed on the printing operation platform of the printing system and located in different printing channels. The printing system can determine the position information and placement time of the objects based on the time and location when they are placed in the feeding area. For example, it can use a pallet or sensor device on the feeding area to determine the printing channel in which the object is placed and obtain position information. Furthermore, the lateral coordinates of the object can be obtained based on the position information, thereby obtaining the lateral dimension of the object. As the conveyor belt carries the objects to be printed, during the transfer zone, the printing system can obtain the longitudinal dimension of the objects based on a photoelectric sensor installed on a crossbeam above the entrance of the transfer zone. Thus, it acquires printing parameters including at least the printing surface size, position information, and placement time of the multiple objects to be printed.

[0055] It should be noted that many of the objects to be printed are flat objects, such as cardboard, cartons, etc.

[0056] Step 120: Determine the target printing data for the multiple objects to be printed based on the printing parameters of the multiple objects to be printed.

[0057] Step 130: Based on the printing parameters of the multiple objects to be printed and the running speed of the conveyor belt, determine the target printing position and target printing time of the multiple objects to be printed in the printing area; the target printing position represents the width of movement of the printing carriage in the printing area during the printing process of the multiple objects to be printed.

[0058] Step 140: Based on the target printing data, target printing position, and target printing time, control the target printing nozzle to scan and print multiple objects to be printed.

[0059] In steps 120 to 140, firstly, target printing data for printing onto each of the multiple objects to be printed can be determined based on the printing parameters of the objects to be printed, and the target printing data can be mapped to the printing surfaces of each object. Further, by combining the track's running data, the time and position of each object to be printed being conveyed to the printing area can be determined. Therefore, based on the position of each object to be printed being conveyed to the printing area, the translation width of the printing carriage in the printing area and the target printing time can be determined; where the translation width of the printing carriage in the printing area is the target printing position. Finally, when the multiple objects to be printed enter the printing area, the printing system can control the target printing nozzle to scan and print on the multiple objects to be printed based on the target printing data, target printing position, and target printing time; thereby achieving parallel printing of multiple objects to be printed.

[0060] Based on this, the present invention provides a printing method that acquires printing parameters of multiple objects to be printed, determines target printing data for the multiple objects based on the printing parameters, and determines the target printing position and target printing time of the multiple objects in the printing area according to the printing parameters of the multiple objects and the running speed of the conveyor belt. Finally, based on the target printing data, target printing position, and target printing time, the target printing nozzle is controlled to scan and print the multiple objects. This achieves parallel printing of multiple objects through multiple channels, improving printing efficiency and production capacity.

[0061] It should be noted that the printing method provided by the present invention dynamically acquires the printing parameters of the object to be printed in real time and dynamically calls the target printing data. Based on the dynamic target printing data, target printing position and target printing time, the target printing nozzle is controlled to scan and print multiple objects to be printed. The entire printing process can be carried out dynamically in an assembly line manner, and one operator can monitor multiple printing devices, which improves the efficiency of workers.

[0062] In step 110, preferably, obtaining the printing parameters of multiple objects to be printed may include:

[0063] Multiple photoelectric sensors are used to acquire longitudinal dimension data of multiple objects to be printed; the multiple photoelectric sensors are spaced apart on the entrance crossbeam above the entrance of the conveyor area, and the longitudinal dimension data represents the dimension data of multiple objects to be printed parallel to the direction of movement of the track.

[0064] Specifically, multiple photoelectric sensors can be set on the crossbeam above the entrance of the conveyor zone at preset intervals, preferably one photoelectric sensor per printing channel. When each object to be printed enters the conveyor zone with the conveyor belt, the longitudinal dimension of each object can be detected. Combined with the printing channel information, the dimension information of the printing surface of each object can be obtained. Thus, the target printing data can be called and matched with the printing surface. After each object enters the printing area, the printing surface of each object is scanned and printed in parallel according to the matched target printing data, thereby improving printing efficiency.

[0065] Furthermore, the plurality of photoelectric sensors may include pulse transmitters and pulse receivers; acquiring the longitudinal dimension data of the plurality of objects to be printed may include: sending pulse signals to the entrance of the conveying area using the pulse transmitters of the plurality of photoelectric sensors at preset time intervals. The preset time interval can be set empirically or according to the parameters provided by the photoelectric sensor supplier.

[0066] If no object to be printed is detected, the pulse receiver receives a pulse signal and generates a low level.

[0067] If an object to be printed is detected, the pulse receiver does not receive a pulse signal and generates a high level.

[0068] Based on the high and / or low levels generated in sequence by the pulse receiver, the longitudinal dimension data of multiple objects to be printed are determined and sent.

[0069] Specifically, an XY coordinate system can be established along the entire printing channel with the position of the carriage as the center. Based on the voltage detection results and the running speed of the conveyor belt, the coordinates of each object to be printed can be obtained, and printing data can be generated dynamically in real time. The printing data of the object to be printed can be matched with the printing data in real time, which is convenient for the nozzle to read and complete the parallel printing of multiple objects to be printed, thus improving printing efficiency.

[0070] Taking cardboard as an example: the origin of the trolley can be used as the origin of the coordinate system, forming the X and Y axes. When the front end of the cardboard enters the conveyor zone, it will trigger a change in the level signal of the photoelectric sensor. The Y coordinate of the front edge of the cardboard can be calculated based on the length of the conveyor zone. Since the cardboard is placed against the edge of the conveyor belt, the X coordinate of the cardboard can be calculated based on the cardboard size. When the rear end of the cardboard leaves the entrance of the conveyor zone, it will trigger a change in the level signal of the photoelectric sensor, and the Y coordinate of the rear edge of the cardboard can also be calculated. After the cardboard leaves the photoelectric sensor area, the Y coordinate of the cardboard can be dynamically obtained based on the distance the conveyor belt moves. The size of the cardboard can be obtained based on the X and Y coordinates.

[0071] It should be noted that the calculation of the size information of the object under test based on the high and / or low levels generated by the pulse receiver in a timing sequence can also be performed according to the calculation methods in the prior art, and no specific limitation is made in this invention.

[0072] In step 120, preferably, determining the target printing data for the multiple objects to be printed based on the printing parameters of the multiple objects to be printed may include: determining a printing channel for printing the objects to be printed based on the printing surface size and position information of the objects to be printed; and determining the target printing data for the multiple objects to be printed based on the printing channel for printing the objects to be printed.

[0073] Specifically, after obtaining the printing parameters of multiple objects to be printed, the printing channel for printing the objects can be determined by combining the printing surface size and position information of the objects to be printed. Based on the printing channel of the objects to be printed, the target printing data for the multiple objects to be printed can be determined, thereby calling the target printing data corresponding to each object to be printed to achieve synchronous parallel printing.

[0074] To ensure that the objects to be printed can be printed correctly, the dimensions of multiple objects to be printed must meet at least the following requirements:

[0075] (1) The width of the object to be printed perpendicular to the direction of the track movement is less than or equal to the width of the printing channel; that is, the object to be printed cannot be too large, and its lateral width cannot exceed the width of the printing channel. In other words, it must be able to be placed in the printing channel normally, otherwise normal printing cannot be achieved.

[0076] (2) The width of the object to be printed perpendicular to the direction of the track movement is greater than or equal to the minimum printing channel width; the minimum printing channel width is the lateral distance between the side of the printing channel and the photoelectric sensor of the printing channel; that is, the object to be printed cannot be too small, and its lateral width cannot be less than the lateral distance between the side of the printing channel where it is placed and the photoelectric sensor of the longitudinal dimension of the printed object in the detection channel; in other words, when the printed object enters the conveying area from the printing channel, it needs to be detected by the photoelectric sensor of the printing channel set at the entrance of the conveying area, otherwise the data to be printed cannot be configured and the object to be printed cannot be printed.

[0077] It should be noted that because the printing carriage is located on the right side of the printing operation platform, all objects to be printed are normally placed on the right side of the printing channel when placed in the feeding area. The aforementioned minimum printing channel width refers to the lateral or horizontal distance between the right side of any printing channel and the photoelectric sensor set on that channel. In actual applications, there are no obvious dividing lines or separators between printing channels; they are virtual printing channels created by the system and can be distinguished based on the pallets or sensors placed in the feeding area. Under normal circumstances, once the object to be printed is placed in the feeding area, its printing channel is already determined and it will only move with the direction of the conveyor belt. Therefore, there are no separators between the various printing channels in the conveyor area, printing area, and feeding area.

[0078] As another example, when the object to be printed is large, it can occupy multiple regular printing channels. In this case, the range of channels occupied can be determined based on the characteristic parameters of the object. For example, if the printing device is set with 6 printing channels, each object of normal size only needs to occupy one printing channel. However, when the object to be printed is large, it can occupy 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 channels. Based on the number of channels occupied, its horizontal coordinate is determined. Then, combined with the photoelectric sensor set on the entrance beam above the conveyor area, its vertical coordinate is determined, and the size information of each object to be printed is obtained. Further, the corresponding target printing data is called for scanning and printing, thereby realizing the scanning and printing of various objects of different sizes to meet the printing needs of different users.

[0079] In step 130, preferably, determining the target printing position of the multiple objects to be printed in the printing area based on the printing parameters of the multiple objects to be printed and the running speed of the conveyor belt may include:

[0080] First, based on the printing parameters of the multiple objects to be printed and the running speed of the conveyor belt, the multiple target positions and multiple target times for the multiple objects to be printed to reach the printing area are determined.

[0081] Furthermore, the total width of the printing area occupied by the multiple target positions is determined as the target printing position; the multiple target times are determined as the target printing times of the multiple objects to be printed in the printing area.

[0082] For example, if object A to be printed in the 3rd printing channel enters the printing area, the target position is the 3rd printing channel, and the target printing position is the width of object A in the 3rd printing channel. If object A has been printed for 10 seconds but is not finished, and then object B to be printed in the 5th printing channel enters the printing area, the target positions are the 3rd and 5th printing channels, and the target printing position is the width from object A in the 3rd printing channel to object B in the 5th printing channel within the printing area. The printing time is the point in time when the system starts printing at the target printing position after the object enters the printing area.

[0083] In step 140, preferably, controlling the target print head to scan and print multiple objects to be printed based on the target print data, target print position, and target print time may include: calling the target print data based on the target print position; and controlling the target print head to scan and print multiple objects to be printed according to the target print time; wherein, the target print data in the blank area of ​​the target print position is 0, and the blank area of ​​the target print position indicates the location where there is no object to be printed.

[0084] Furthermore, controlling the target print head to scan and print multiple objects to be printed according to the target printing time may include: mapping the target printing data to the target printing position; controlling the target print head to read the target printing data according to the target printing time; controlling the target print head to scan and print multiple objects to be printed based on the target printing data; and deleting the target printing data in real time after printing is completed; the target printing data represents the printing data ejected by the print head during the printing process.

[0085] Specifically, following the example in step 130, when the width of the object to be printed from the 3rd printing channel to the 5th printing channel is determined as the target printing position, this target printing position spans the 4th printing channel. That is, the printing carriage will pass through the 4th printing channel to print the object to be printed from the 5th printing channel. Therefore, there will be a blank area and a printed area in the target printing position. The blank area represents the area where there is no object to be printed, and the printed area represents the area where there is an object to be printed. In the system, the target printing data of the blank area can be set to 0, and the target printing data of the printed area corresponds to the object to be printed.

[0086] Taking cardboard as the object to be printed as an example: By acquiring the cardboard coordinates in the conveyor zone in real time, when the first cardboard enters the conveyor zone, print data of the same size as the conveyor zone can be generated immediately, or print data of the same size as the printing area can be generated after a preset time interval. The preset time is the time required for the cardboard's leading edge to enter the conveyor zone and move to a position along the conveyor belt along the distance from the printing area. In addition, print data of a size between the conveyor zone size and the printing area size can also be generated. Based on the print data, the printing channel where the cardboard is located can be determined according to the cardboard's X coordinate. The corresponding PRT format print data for the printing channel can be retrieved from the storage area and pasted into the coordinate position of the cardboard, with blank spaces padded with 0s. This print data is data that the nozzles can directly read.

[0087] Furthermore, after associating the target print data with the target print position, the print head can be controlled to read the target print data according to the target print time, scanning and printing multiple objects to be printed in the print area, thereby achieving scanning and printing of objects to be printed in different print channels. After printing the target print data, it is also deleted from the printing system to ensure that the print data stored in the printing system is the data required for printing the objects to be printed in the conveyor area, reducing the data storage volume of the printing system. Specifically, as the conveyor belt moves, the print head on the carriage reads the data corresponding to each nozzle from the print data, deletes the printed data in real time after printing, and adds the data of newly placed cardboard. Therefore, the maximum memory occupied by the print data is only the size of the conveyor area, saving memory and avoiding the problem of reduced data processing capacity of the printing system due to excessive data stored in the printing system.

[0088] Secondly, based on the same technical concept as in the first aspect, the present invention provides a printing device that performs printing using the printing method described in the first aspect; please refer to... Figure 2 , Figure 2 This is a first structural schematic diagram of a printing device provided by the present invention.

[0089] It should be noted that, Figure 2 This is a specific embodiment of a printing device provided by the present invention. Figure 2 The example uses six printing channels, but the number of printing channels should not be construed as limiting the specific solution of this invention. Figure 2 In the diagram, the dashed lines between each channel represent the dividing lines of the printing channels. In actual applications, these dividing lines do not exist. Furthermore, the track on the printing platform can be a single, complete track, or it can be composed of six narrow tracks of the same width and running speed. No specific limitation is made in this invention.

[0090] exist Figure 2 The printing equipment may include at least a roll-to-roll printing operation platform 200, with a conveyor belt 280 fitted over the roll for placing and moving multiple objects to be printed; the printing operation platform 200 is divided into six printing channels by five dotted lines, and a conveyor belt is installed under each channel. Figure 2 The arrow in the image indicates the direction of movement of the tracks.

[0091] Along the rotation direction of the conveyor belt, the printing operation platform 200 is continuously divided into a feeding area 210, a conveying area 220, a printing area 230, and a unloading area 240. The feeding area 210 is used to place multiple objects 290 to be printed, including... Figure 2 The rectangles shown are 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6, etc., of different sizes.

[0092] The conveying zone 220 may include a crossbeam 260 suspended above the track and a main control system located on the crossbeam; the crossbeam 260 includes an entrance crossbeam 261 above the entrance of the conveying zone and an exit crossbeam 262 above the exit of the conveying zone.

[0093] The crossbeam 260 is suspended above the track, forming a feeding channel with the track 280; the main control system is used to acquire printing parameters of multiple objects to be printed; that is, to acquire printing parameters of multiple objects to be printed placed on the feeding area 210. The printing parameters include at least the printing surface size, position information, and placement time of the multiple objects to be printed; the multiple objects to be printed are placed on different printing channels; the position information indicates the printing channel information of each object to be printed.

[0094] Furthermore, based on the printing parameters of the multiple objects to be printed, target printing data for the multiple objects to be printed is determined; according to the printing parameters of the multiple objects to be printed and the target printing data, combined with the running speed of the conveyor belt, the target printing position and target printing time of the multiple objects to be printed in the printing area are determined; the printing parameters include at least the printing surface size, position information and placement time of the multiple objects to be printed; the multiple objects to be printed are placed on different printing channels; the position information represents the printing channel information of each object to be printed.

[0095] Furthermore, a printing carriage 250 is placed in the printing area 230, and the printing carriage 250 is connected to the main control system. The printing carriage 250 is used to control the target printing nozzle on the printing carriage to scan and print multiple objects to be printed based on the target printing data, the target printing position and the target printing time. The target printing position represents the moving width of the printing carriage during the printing process of printing multiple objects to be printed in the printing area.

[0096] The feeding area 240 is used to place multiple objects that have already been printed.

[0097] It should be noted that when there is no printing task, the printing carriage is located at the far right of the printing operation platform 200. When placing the object to be printed on any channel, it is placed with the right edge of that channel as the reference.

[0098] Preferably, the printing device may also include multiple photoelectric sensors 270; the multiple photoelectric sensors 270 are arranged at preset distances on the entrance beam 261, or the multiple photoelectric sensors 270 are arranged at equal intervals on the entrance beam 261 above the entrance of the conveying area according to the length of the entrance beam 261 of the conveying area.

[0099] As an example, the photoelectric sensor 270 is positioned in the middle of its corresponding printing channel; for example, it can be... Figure 2 The separated printing channels are numbered from right to left as printing channels 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6. Six photoelectric sensors are respectively installed on the entrance crossbeam 261, located in the middle of the crossbeam directly above printing channels 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6. Therefore, the photoelectric sensors on each printing channel can better detect the dimensions of the object to be printed along the track's running direction.

[0100] Preferably, as another example, please refer to Figure 3 , Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a second structure of a printing device provided by the present invention.

[0101] exist Figure 3 In this process, rectangles of different sizes represent multiple objects to be printed of different dimensions, with the larger objects located in printing channels 1, 2, and 3 being the most prominent. Similarly, the dimensions of the objects to be printed can vary, and the patterns printed onto their surfaces can also differ. Specifically, when printing larger objects, the longitudinal dimension of the object can be detected using photoelectric sensors located in the printing channels, while its lateral dimension is still obtained by the chuck or edge sensor when it is placed in the feeding area; thus, the size parameters of the object to be printed are obtained. The specific method for printing larger objects is the same as that described in the first aspect and will not be repeated here.

[0102] Based on this, the present invention proposes a printing device that, by setting up a roll-to-roll printing operation platform, has a conveyor belt fitted onto the roll, places multiple objects to be printed on the conveyor belt, and uses the conveyor belt to move the multiple objects to be printed; along the rotation direction of the conveyor belt, the printing operation platform is continuously divided into a feeding area, a conveying area, a printing area, and a unloading area; multiple photoelectric sensors are set on the entrance beam of the conveying area; a printing carriage is placed in the printing area, and the printing carriage is used to scan and print the objects to be printed; based on this, the printing device provided by the present invention can be used to implement the printing method described in the first aspect, by acquiring the printing parameters of multiple objects to be printed, the printing parameters including at least the printing surface size, position information, and feeding parameters of the multiple objects to be printed. The system sets the printing time; further, based on printing parameters, it determines the target printing data for multiple objects to be printed; and based on the printing parameters and the running speed of the conveyor belt, it determines the target printing position and target printing time of multiple objects to be printed in the printing area; the target printing position represents the moving width of the printing carriage during the printing process of printing multiple objects to be printed in the printing area; finally, based on the target printing data, target printing position, and target printing time, it controls the target printing nozzle to scan and print multiple objects to be printed; this enables parallel printing of multiple objects to be printed of different sizes, improving printing efficiency and production capacity; at the same time, it also allows one operator to complete the printing operations of multiple production lines, reducing labor consumption compared to existing technologies.

[0103] Although the invention has been described herein in conjunction with various embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand and implement other variations of the disclosed embodiments by reviewing the accompanying drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims in carrying out the claimed invention. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other components or steps, and "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. A single processor or other unit can implement several functions listed in the claims. While different dependent claims may recite certain measures, this does not mean that these measures cannot be combined to produce good results.

[0104] Although the invention has been described in conjunction with specific features and embodiments, it is obvious that various modifications and combinations can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, this specification and drawings are merely exemplary descriptions of the invention as defined by the appended claims, and are considered to cover any and all modifications, variations, combinations, or equivalents within the scope of the invention. Clearly, those skilled in the art can make various alterations and modifications to the invention without departing from its spirit and scope. Thus, if such modifications and modifications of the invention fall within the scope of the claims and their equivalents, the invention is also intended to include such modifications and modifications.

Claims

1. A printing method, characterized in that, include: Obtain printing parameters for multiple objects to be printed, wherein the printing parameters include at least the printing surface size, position information, and placement time of the multiple objects to be printed; Multiple objects to be printed are placed on different printing channels; The location information represents the printing channel information for each object to be printed; Based on the printing parameters of multiple objects to be printed, target printing data is determined for the multiple objects to be printed; Based on the printing parameters of the multiple objects to be printed, and combined with the running speed of the conveyor belt, the target printing position and target printing time of the multiple objects to be printed in the printing area are determined. The target printing position represents the width of movement of the printing carriage during the printing process of printing multiple objects to be printed in the printing area; Based on the target printing data, target printing position, and target printing time, the target printing nozzle is controlled to scan and print multiple objects to be printed. The process of obtaining printing parameters for multiple objects to be printed includes: The printing channel where the object to be printed is placed is determined by the sensor device on the feeding area to obtain position information, and the lateral dimension of the object to be printed is obtained based on the position information; Multiple photoelectric sensors are used to acquire longitudinal dimension data of multiple objects to be printed; the multiple photoelectric sensors are spaced apart on the entrance crossbeam above the entrance of the conveyor area, and the longitudinal dimension data represents the dimension data of multiple objects to be printed parallel to the direction of movement of the conveyor belt; The plurality of photoelectric sensors include a pulse transmitter and a pulse receiver; The step of obtaining the longitudinal dimension data of the multiple objects to be printed includes: According to a preset time interval, pulse signals are sent to the entrance of the transmission area using pulse transmitters of multiple photoelectric sensors; If no object to be printed is detected, the pulse receiver receives a pulse signal and generates a low level. If an object to be printed is detected, the pulse receiver does not receive a pulse signal and generates a high level. Based on the high and / or low levels generated in sequence by the pulse receiver, the longitudinal dimension data of multiple objects to be printed are determined and sent. The step of determining the target printing data for the multiple objects to be printed based on their printing parameters includes: Based on the printing surface size and position information of the object to be printed, a printing channel for printing the object to be printed is determined; Based on the printing channel used to print the object to be printed, target printing data for multiple objects to be printed is determined; The step of determining the target printing position of the multiple objects to be printed in the printing area based on the printing parameters of the multiple objects to be printed and the running speed of the conveyor belt includes: Based on the printing parameters of the multiple objects to be printed, and combined with the running speed of the track, the multiple target positions and multiple target times for the multiple objects to be printed to reach the printing area are determined. The total width of the printing area occupied by the multiple target locations is determined as the target printing location; The multiple target times are determined as the target printing times of the multiple objects to be printed in the printing area; The step of controlling the target print head to scan and print multiple objects to be printed based on the target print data, target print position, and target print time includes: Based on the target printing position, the target printing data is retrieved; According to the target printing time, the target printing nozzle is controlled to scan and print multiple objects to be printed; wherein, the target printing data in the blank areas of the target printing position is 0, and the blank areas of the target printing position indicate the location where there are no objects to be printed; The step of controlling the target print head to scan and print multiple objects to be printed according to the target printing time includes: Associate the target print data with the target print position; According to the target printing time, control the target print head to read the target printing data; The target print head is controlled to scan and print multiple objects to be printed based on the target print data. The target print data is deleted in real time after printing is completed; the target print data refers to the print data ejected by the printhead during the printing process.

2. The method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The multiple objects to be printed are objects that meet preset requirements; the preset requirements include that the width of the object to be printed perpendicular to the direction of track movement is less than or equal to the width of the printing channel, and greater than or equal to the minimum printing channel width; the minimum printing channel width is the lateral distance between the side of the printing channel and the photoelectric sensor of the printing channel.

3. A printing device, characterized in that, The printing device uses the printing method described in any one of claims 1 to 2 to print, and the device includes at least a roll-to-roll printing operation platform, with a conveyor belt fitted on the roll, the conveyor belt being used to place and move multiple objects to be printed; Along the rotation direction of the track, the printing operation platform is continuously divided into a feeding area, a conveying area, a printing area, and a unloading area; The feeding area is used to place multiple objects to be printed; The conveying area includes a crossbeam suspended above the track and a main control system located on the crossbeam; the crossbeam is suspended above the track and forms a feeding channel with the track; The main control system is used to acquire printing parameters for multiple objects to be printed; Based on the printing parameters of multiple objects to be printed, target printing data is determined for the multiple objects to be printed; Based on the printing parameters of the multiple objects to be printed, and combined with the running speed of the conveyor belt, the target printing position and target printing time of the multiple objects to be printed in the printing area are determined. The printing parameters include at least the printing surface size, position information, and placement time of the objects to be printed; Multiple objects to be printed are placed on different printing channels; the position information represents the printing channel information of each object to be printed. The printing area is equipped with a printing carriage, which is connected to the main control system. The printing carriage is used to control the target printing nozzle on the printing carriage to scan and print multiple objects to be printed based on the target printing data, target printing position and target printing time; The target printing position represents the width of movement of the printing carriage during the printing process of printing multiple objects to be printed in the printing area; The feeding area is used to place multiple objects that have already been printed and are to be printed.

4. The printing device as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The printing device also includes multiple photoelectric sensors; Multiple photoelectric sensors are arranged at preset distance intervals on the entrance beam above the entrance of the conveying area; Alternatively, based on the length of the entrance beam, multiple photoelectric sensors may be equally spaced on the entrance beam above the entrance of the conveying area.

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