Photocuring method and photocuring module

Abstract

The invention discloses a photocuring method and a photocuring module, and the method comprises the steps: controlling the sub-pixels with different wavelengths to carry out the corresponding illumination according to the distribution regions of different inks through the arrangement and combination of a plurality of sub-pixels with different wavelengths in the photocuring module, so as to achieve the targeted illumination. And the illumination time and illumination intensity are controlled according to different ink components or models, so that a better curing effect is achieved, and the problems of asynchronous curing, low efficiency, smear or yellowing are avoided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention belongs to the technical field of photocuring, and in particular relates to a photocuring method and a photocuring module. Background Art

[0002] The existing printing devices, their photocuring module structures and the methods of photocuring have low curing efficiency and yellowing problems. The main reason is that when the photocuring module of the existing printing device uses short-wavelength (high energy) or high-intensity ultraviolet light for irradiation, yellowing problems will occur; when long-wavelength (low energy) or low-intensity light is used for irradiation, or when the irradiation curing time is shortened, the curing rate will be insufficient to form smears and other problems. The above problems are particularly obvious when it comes to multi-color and multi-material printing and curing or printing and curing of multi-ink systems due to the differences in the photocuring characteristics of different inks.

[0003] Based on this, the current common solution is to change the ink formula. For example, use multiple or multiple functional groups to increase the curing speed or adaptability. However, this solution will undoubtedly increase the difficulty and cost of ink synthesis, and there are problems such as insufficient ink stability or short shelf life.

[0004] The information disclosed in this background technology section is only intended to enhance the understanding of the overall background of the invention and should not be regarded as an acknowledgment or any form of suggestion that the information constitutes the prior art already known to a person skilled in the art. Summary of the invention

[0005] The object of the present invention is to provide a photocuring method and a photocuring module, which can improve the photocuring effect and avoid the problem of yellowing.

[0006] In order to achieve the above object, a technical solution provided by a specific embodiment of the present invention is as follows:

[0007] A light curing method, comprising:

[0008] A photocuring module is provided, wherein the photocuring module has photocuring pixel units arranged in an array, each of the photocuring pixel units includes a plurality of sub-pixels, and the plurality of sub-pixels in each of the photocuring pixel units include at least one first-type sub-pixel and at least one second-type sub-pixel, the wavelength of the first-type sub-pixel and / or the second-type sub-pixel is in the ultraviolet band, and the wavelength range of the first-type sub-pixel and the second-type sub-pixel is different, and each of the sub-pixels can be lit independently;

[0009] Obtaining information on the distribution areas of inks of different colors to be cured on the pages to be printed and information on the composition and / or model of the inks;

[0010] Based on the distribution area information, generating sub-pixel lighting area information matching the distribution area information on the light-curing module, wherein the sub-pixel lighting area information includes lighting area information of a first type of sub-pixels and lighting area information of a second type of sub-pixels, and the ink colors, compositions and / or models of the first type of sub-pixels and the second type of sub-pixels are different;

[0011] Based on the sub-pixel lighting area information, the first type of sub-pixels and / or the second type of sub-pixels on the light curing module are controlled to light up to form a lighting image that matches the distribution area.

[0012] In one or more embodiments of the present invention, based on the composition information and / or model information of the ink, the illumination intensity and / or illumination time of the first type of sub-pixels and / or the second type of sub-pixels in the corresponding distribution area are adjusted.

[0013] In one or more embodiments of the present invention, the plurality of sub-pixels in each of the photocurable pixel units include a plurality of sub-pixels of the second type;

[0014] Generating the lighting area information of the second type of sub-pixels on the light-curing module includes:

[0015] Select one of the second-type sub-pixels in the plurality of the photocurable pixel units on the photocurable module to generate the lighting area information of the second-type sub-pixel; or

[0016] A plurality of the second-type sub-pixels in a plurality of the photocurable pixel units on the photocurable module are selected to generate lighting area information of the second-type sub-pixels.

[0017] In one or more embodiments of the present invention, when the illumination time of the second-type sub-pixel exceeds or is equal to a preset threshold of the illumination time of a single second-type sub-pixel, a plurality of the second-type sub-pixels in the photocurable pixel unit are alternately lit, and the illumination time of each of the second-type sub-pixel is less than or equal to the preset threshold.

[0018] In one or more embodiments of the present invention, the ink distribution area corresponding to the light-up area of ​​the first type of sub-pixel and the ink distribution area corresponding to the light-up area of ​​the second type of sub-pixel partially overlap;

[0019] The first and second sub-pixels corresponding to the overlapping area are controlled to light up simultaneously or sequentially. At the same time, based on the proportional relationship between the ink corresponding to the first and second sub-pixels in the overlapping area, the lighting time ratio and / or lighting intensity ratio of the first and second sub-pixels are allocated.

[0020] In one or more embodiments of the present invention, the ink distribution area corresponding to the light-on area of ​​the first type of sub-pixel and the ink distribution area corresponding to the light-on area of ​​the second type of sub-pixel are located in a curing area corresponding to the same photocurable pixel unit;

[0021] The first type of sub-pixels and the second type of sub-pixels in the curing area corresponding to the photocuring pixel unit are controlled to light up simultaneously or sequentially. At the same time, based on the proportional relationship between the inks of the first type of sub-pixels and the second type of sub-pixels in the curing area corresponding to the photocuring pixel unit, the lighting time ratio and / or lighting intensity ratio of the first type of sub-pixels and the second type of sub-pixels are allocated.

[0022] In one or more embodiments of the present invention, based on the distribution area information, according to a preset color-component / model-sub-pixel category correspondence, sub-pixel lighting area information matching the distribution area information is generated on the photocuring module.

[0023] In one or more embodiments of the present invention, the photocuring module is regulated so that in each photocuring pixel unit, the angle between the center line of at least two of the second-type sub-pixels and the moving direction of the page to be printed is in the range of 80°-100°.

[0024] In one or more embodiments of the present invention, the photocuring module is regulated so that in each photocuring pixel unit, the angle between the center line of at least two of the second-type sub-pixels and the moving direction of the page to be printed is 90°.

[0025] In one or more embodiments of the present invention, the plurality of sub-pixels in each of the photocurable pixel units further include a third type of sub-pixels, and the wavelength range of the third type of sub-pixels is different from the wavelength range of the first type of sub-pixels.

[0026] In one or more embodiments of the present invention, based on all the distribution area information, third-type sub-pixel lighting area information matching all the distribution area information is generated on the light-curing module;

[0027] Based on the lighting area information of the third type of sub-pixels, the third type of sub-pixels on the light-curing module are controlled to light up, so as to form a lighting area that matches all the distribution areas.

[0028] A light-curing module, comprising:

[0029] substrate;

[0030] An array of photocurable pixel units is formed on the substrate, each of which includes a plurality of sub-pixels, and each of the plurality of sub-pixels in the photocurable pixel unit includes at least one first-type sub-pixel and at least one second-type sub-pixel, the first-type sub-pixels and the second-type sub-pixels have different wavelength ranges, and each of the sub-pixels can be lit independently.

[0031] In one or more embodiments of the present invention, the wavelength range of the first type of sub-pixels is 320nm-400nm, and the wavelength range of the second type of sub-pixels is 200nm-280nm.

[0032] In one or more embodiments of the present invention, the plurality of sub-pixels in each of the photocurable pixel units further include a third type of sub-pixels, and the wavelength range of the third type of sub-pixels is different from the wavelength range of the first type of sub-pixels.

[0033] In one or more embodiments of the present invention, the wavelength range of the third type of sub-pixel is 200nm-280nm; or, the wavelength range of the third type of sub-pixel is 750nm-1100nm; or, the wavelength range of the third type of sub-pixel is 400nm-500nm.

[0034] In one or more embodiments of the present invention, within each of the photocurable pixel units, the number ratio of the first type of sub-pixels, the second type of sub-pixels, and the third type of sub-pixels is 1:2:1.

[0035] In one or more embodiments of the present invention, the multiple sub-pixels in each of the photocurable pixel units are arranged in a diamond shape, wherein the first type of sub-pixels and the third type of sub-pixels are diagonally distributed, and two of the second type of sub-pixels are diagonally distributed.

[0036] Compared with the prior art, the photocuring method and photocuring module of the present invention utilize the arrangement combination of sub-pixels of different wavelengths to control the sub-pixels of different wavelengths to perform targeted illumination on the distribution areas of different inks, and control the illumination time and illumination intensity according to different ink components or models, so as to achieve better curing effect; avoid the problem of asynchronous curing or yellowing caused by the different response effects of the same wavelength light on the cross-linking reaction of photoinitiators in different inks; avoid the problem of partial color damage caused by using the same wavelength light and / or the same illumination time for different colors, thereby improving the photocuring effect and avoiding problems such as yellowing.

[0037] The photocuring method and photocuring module of the present invention set a plurality of sub-pixels with shorter wavelengths and shorter lifespans, and can allocate illumination time for a plurality of such sub-pixels according to illumination intensity and illumination time, thereby preventing such sub-pixels from overheating and affecting their lifespans, and extending the service life of the entire photocuring module. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0038] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments recorded in the present invention. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying creative work.

[0039] Figure 1 is a flow chart of a photocuring method according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 2 It is a structural schematic diagram of a light curing module in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0041] Figure 3 It is a structural schematic diagram of a light curing module in another embodiment of the present invention;

[0042] Figure 4 It is a structural schematic diagram of a light curing module in another embodiment of the present invention;

[0043] Figure 5 for Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the structure of a light-curing pixel unit in a light-curing module is shown;

[0044] Figure 6 FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a pattern to be printed in one embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0045] In order to enable those skilled in the art to better understand the technical solutions in the present invention, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without creative work should fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0046] As mentioned in the background art, the light curing modules and light curing methods in existing printing devices use the same wavelength of light or composite light for indiscriminate irradiation, which may cause yellowing problems or inconsistent curing response rates to form ghosting problems.

[0047] In order to solve the above technical problems, the present invention provides a photocuring method and a photocuring module. By arranging and combining multiple sub-pixels of different wavelengths in the photocuring module, the sub-pixels of different wavelengths are controlled to be correspondingly illuminated according to the distribution areas of different inks, so as to provide targeted lighting, and control the lighting time and lighting intensity according to different ink components or models, so as to achieve better curing effect and avoid problems such as asynchronous curing, low efficiency, ghosting or yellowing.

[0048] like Figure 1 As shown, a light curing method in one embodiment of the present invention comprises the following steps:

[0049] S1, provides a light curing module.

[0050] refer to Figure 2 As shown, the photocuring module has a plurality of photocuring pixel units 10 arranged in an array. Each photocuring pixel unit 10 includes a plurality of sub-pixels, and the plurality of sub-pixels in each photocuring pixel unit 10 include at least one first-type sub-pixel 10a and at least one second-type sub-pixel 10b. The wavelength ranges of the first-type sub-pixels 10a and the second-type sub-pixels 10b are different. The wavelength range of the first-type sub-pixels 10a is 320nm-400nm. The wavelength range of the second-type sub-pixels 10b is 200nm-280nm. Each sub-pixel in each photocuring pixel unit 10 can be lit independently.

[0051] Multiple photocurable pixel units 10 are arranged at equal intervals, wherein the interval between two adjacent photocurable pixel units 10 ranges from 1 μm to 5 mm. According to the use scenario of the image to be cured, miniLED or microLED technology is used for array arrangement, which has a spatial resolution matching the product to be cured and can be projected onto the surface to be cured through projection image scaling technology.

[0052] refer to Figure 3 As shown, in a preferred embodiment, the plurality of sub-pixels in each photocurable pixel unit 10 include a plurality of second sub-pixels 10b. The plurality of second sub-pixels 10b may be arranged on one side of the first sub-pixel 10a, or may be arranged around the first sub-pixel 10a.

[0053] The plurality of light-curing pixel units 10 are also arranged at equal intervals, wherein the interval between two adjacent light-curing pixel units 10 ranges from 1 μm to 5 mm.

[0054] The plurality of sub-pixels in each photocurable pixel unit 10 also include a third type of sub-pixel ( Figure 3(not shown), the wavelength range of the third type of sub-pixel is different from the wavelength range of the first type of sub-pixel 10a. The wavelength range of the third type of sub-pixel 10c is 200nm-280nm; or, the wavelength range of the third type of sub-pixel 10c is 750nm-1100nm; or, the wavelength range of the third type of sub-pixel 10c is 400nm-500nm. In each photocurable pixel unit 10, the number ratio of the first type of sub-pixel 10a, the second type of sub-pixel 10b, and the third type of sub-pixel 10c is 1:2:1.

[0055] refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, in another preferred embodiment, each photocurable pixel unit 10 includes a plurality of sub-pixels, and the plurality of sub-pixels in each photocurable pixel unit 10 include at least one first-type sub-pixel 10a and two second-type sub-pixels 10b. The plurality of sub-pixels in each photocurable pixel unit 10 are configured into a rhombus structure, and the plurality of sub-pixels are arranged in a rhombus, so that the entire photocurable pixel unit 10 presents a rhombus shape. Preferably, the rhombus is a square, and one of the diagonals of the square is parallel to the horizontal direction. Among them, there are at least two second-type sub-pixels 10b distributed diagonally.

[0056] Furthermore, the plurality of sub-pixels in each photocurable pixel unit 10 also include a third type of sub-pixel 10c, and the wavelength range of the third type of sub-pixel 10c is different from the wavelength range of the first type of sub-pixel 10a. The wavelength range of the third type of sub-pixel 10c is 200nm-280nm; or, the wavelength range of the third type of sub-pixel 10c is 750nm-1100nm; or, the wavelength range of the third type of sub-pixel 10c is 400nm-500nm. In each photocurable pixel unit 10, the number ratio of the first type of sub-pixel 10a, the second type of sub-pixel 10b, and the third type of sub-pixel 10c is 1:2:1. Among them, the first type of sub-pixel 10a and the third type of sub-pixel 10c are diagonally distributed, and the two second type of sub-pixels 10b are diagonally distributed.

[0057] A plurality of light-cured pixel units 10 are arranged in an array with small gaps or no gaps in the horizontal direction and the vertical direction, and the interval range of the small gaps is about 0-5 mm.

[0058] S2, obtaining the distribution area information of the different color inks to be cured on the page to be printed and the composition information and / or model information of the inks, wherein the composition information at least includes the crosslinking agent information or the photoinitiator information. The different color inks to be cured are inks of different base colors. The different color inks mentioned below can be understood as inks of different base colors.

[0059] It can be understood that the basic colors of ink - the three primary colors are cyan ink (Cyan, C), magenta ink (Magenta, M) and yellow ink (Yellow, Y). By controlling the mixing ratio of these three colors, patterns of various colors can be printed.

[0060] For 2D printing, obtaining the distribution area information of different color inks to be cured on the page to be printed includes: determining the number of all ink colors contained in the pattern to be printed, and for non-basic color inks, analyzing the types and proportions of basic color inks in the non-basic color inks and the distribution areas of different basic colors, and then sequentially obtaining the distribution area information of a single basic color ink, for example, the distribution area of ​​cyan ink, the distribution area of ​​magenta ink, etc., until the distribution area information of all the basic color inks is obtained. The distribution area information can be obtained by establishing a coordinate axis and obtaining the coordinates of ink droplets.

[0061] If the size of the pattern to be printed is relatively large, the pattern may be divided into several regions, and the distribution area information of the above-mentioned different color inks may be obtained by region.

[0062] For 3D printing, the distribution area information of different color inks to be cured on the page to be printed is obtained, including: determining the number of all ink colors contained in the pattern to be printed, and for non-basic color inks, analyzing the types and proportions of the basic color inks in the non-basic color inks and the distribution areas of different basic colors, and then obtaining the distribution area information of each basic color ink in turn until the distribution area information of all the basic color inks included is obtained.

[0063] It is understandable that, firstly, different color inks respond differently to different wavelengths of light. When different color inks are exposed to light without damage, the wavelength ranges that different color inks are adapted to are not completely the same. Secondly, the types and amounts of photoinitiators or crosslinking agents contained in different color inks may also be different, and different types or amounts of photoinitiators or crosslinking agents respond differently to different wavelengths of light.

[0064] Therefore, while obtaining the distribution area information of different color inks to be cured on the page to be printed, it is also necessary to obtain the composition information and / or model information of the inks of different colors, such as photoinitiator or cross-linking agent information, so as to facilitate the subsequent generation of different categories of sub-pixel lighting area information corresponding to the distribution area information of different color inks on the photocuring module based on the pre-set corresponding relationship table. For example, different models of inks from different brands can be obtained by looking up tables, and if the dye composition and initiator information of the ink cannot be obtained, the irradiation plan can be matched with reference to the ink model information.

[0065] S3, based on the distribution area information, generating sub-pixel lighting area information matching the distribution area information on the light curing module, wherein the sub-pixel lighting area information includes lighting area information of first-type sub-pixels and lighting area information of second-type sub-pixels, and the ink colors, compositions and / or models of the first-type sub-pixels and the second-type sub-pixels are different.

[0066] In the above step S2, the distribution area information of the basic color ink contained in the pattern to be printed and the ink component information and / or model information have been obtained. Therefore, in this step, based on the obtained distribution area information and according to the preset color-component / model-sub-pixel category correspondence, sub-pixel lighting area information matching the distribution area information can be generated on the photocuring module. Similar to the distribution area information, the sub-pixel lighting area information can also be obtained in the form of sub-pixel coordinates.

[0067] The preset color-component / model-sub-pixel category correspondence is a manually defined correspondence table, which can be pre-entered into the corresponding printing control system. After the printing control system obtains the ink color and ink component or model parameters each time, it can refer to the correspondence table to select the first category sub-pixel and / or the second category sub-pixel corresponding to the ink color and / or ink component and / or ink model to light up.

[0068] For example, Figure 6 For example, Figure 6 The pattern shown is drawn by three different colors of ink: red, yellow, and cyan. The distribution area of ​​the red ink is area A, and the cross-linking agent is cross-linking agent A; the distribution area of ​​the yellow ink is area B, and the cross-linking agent is cross-linking agent A; the distribution area of ​​the cyan ink is area C, and the cross-linking agent is cross-linking agent B.

[0069] In the color-component / model-sub-pixel category correspondence table, red ink, yellow ink, and cross-linking agent A are all applicable to the wavelength range of the first type of sub-pixels, and cyan ink and cross-linking agent B are all applicable to the wavelength range of the second type of sub-pixels. Then, based on the distribution area information of the red ink, the corresponding first-type sub-pixel lighting area information a is generated on the photocuring module, and the pattern generated by the first-type sub-pixel lighting area information a is exactly the same as the pattern generated by the distribution area information of the red ink. Based on the distribution area information of the yellow ink, the corresponding first-type sub-pixel lighting area information b is generated on the photocuring module, and the pattern generated by the first-type sub-pixel lighting area information b is exactly the same as the pattern generated by the distribution area information of the yellow ink. Based on the distribution area information of the cyan ink, the corresponding second-type sub-pixel lighting area information is generated on the photocuring module, and the pattern generated by the second-type sub-pixel lighting area information is exactly the same as the pattern generated by the distribution area information of the yellow ink.

[0070] In one embodiment, the multiple sub-pixels in each photocuring pixel unit on the photocuring module may include two or more second-category sub-pixels. Therefore, when generating the lighting area information of the second-category sub-pixels, one of the second-category sub-pixels can be selected to be lit, and the remaining second-category sub-pixels can be used as backup to increase the service life of the photocuring module; or multiple second-category sub-pixels can be selected to be lit, and by controlling the lighting time and lighting intensity of each second-category sub-pixel, the service life of the second-category sub-pixels can be extended as much as possible without affecting the curing effect.

[0071] Since the wavelength range of the second type of sub-pixel is 200nm-280nm, it belongs to the short wavelength ultraviolet light LED, so the service life of the second type of pixel is short. When there are two or more second type of sub-pixels in the multiple sub-pixels in each photocuring pixel unit on the photocuring module, if during the photocuring process, the illumination time of the second type of sub-pixel is required to exceed or equal to the preset threshold of the illumination time of a single second type of sub-pixel, the multiple second type of sub-pixels in the photocuring pixel unit can be controlled to light up alternately, and the illumination time of each second type of sub-pixel can be controlled to be less than the preset threshold, which can avoid the second type of sub-pixel from overheating, affecting the service life, and extending the service life of the entire photocuring module. Among them, the preset threshold of the illumination time of a single second type of sub-pixel can be set manually.

[0072] S4, based on the sub-pixel lighting area information, controlling the first type of sub-pixels and / or the second type of sub-pixels on the light curing module to light up, so as to form a lighting image matching the distribution area.

[0073] For example, Figure 6 For example, after obtaining the first type of sub-pixel lighting area information a, the first type of sub-pixels in the lighting area information a are controlled to light up, forming a lighting image that matches the distribution area A of the red ink. After obtaining the first type of sub-pixel lighting area information b, the first type of sub-pixels in the lighting area information b are controlled to light up, forming a lighting image that matches the distribution area B of the yellow ink. After obtaining the second type of sub-pixel lighting area information, the second type of sub-pixels in the lighting area information are controlled to light up, forming a lighting image that matches the distribution area C of the cyan ink.

[0074] It is understandable that, according to the progress of printing, the ink pattern printed on the page to be printed can be cured and irradiated synchronously in rows, regions or layers (for 3D printing).

[0075] S5, based on the composition information or model information of the ink, adjusting the illumination intensity and / or illumination time of the first type of sub-pixels and / or the second type of sub-pixels in the corresponding distribution area.

[0076] It is understandable that for the pattern to be printed, the illumination time and illumination intensity required by inks of different compositions or types may be different. Therefore, for different distribution areas formed by inks of different colors, the illumination time or illumination intensity of the sub-pixels corresponding to the area can be controlled according to the composition or type of the ink in each distribution area.

[0077] Furthermore, in addition to the basic color ink, the formation of the non-basic color ink is formed by mixing different basic color inks in a certain proportion. Therefore, there will be a situation where the distribution areas of different basic color inks overlap. Therefore, the ink distribution area corresponding to the lighting area of ​​the first type of sub-pixel and the ink distribution area corresponding to the lighting area of ​​the second type of sub-pixel are partially overlapping. In order to solidify the ink in the overlapping area, the first type of sub-pixel and the second type of sub-pixel corresponding to the overlapping area should be controlled to light up simultaneously or sequentially. At the same time, based on the proportional relationship between the ink corresponding to the first type of sub-pixel and the ink corresponding to the second type of sub-pixel in the overlapping area, the lighting time ratio and / or lighting intensity ratio of the first type of sub-pixel and the second type of sub-pixel are allocated.

[0078] For example, Figure 6 For example, Figure 6 In the pattern shown, area D is the overlapping area of ​​the red ink and the cyan ink. Therefore, area D receives both the light of the first type of sub-pixel for curing the red ink and the light of the second type of sub-pixel for curing the cyan ink, resulting in too long a lighting time or too high a light intensity in the area, which also affects the curing effect.

[0079] Therefore, by controlling the first type of sub-pixels and the second type of sub-pixels corresponding to the D area to light up simultaneously or sequentially, and allocating the illumination time and illumination intensity of the first type of sub-pixels and the second type of sub-pixels irradiating the D area according to the ratio of the red ink and the cyan ink in the D area, the total illumination time and total illumination intensity of the ink in the D area are made consistent with the distribution area of ​​the corresponding color, thereby ensuring the curing effect.

[0080] Another exemplary example is Figure 6 For example, Figure 6 In the pattern shown, area D is the overlapping area of ​​red ink, cyan ink and yellow ink. Therefore, area D receives light from the first type of sub-pixels for curing red ink, the second type of sub-pixels for curing cyan ink, and the first type of sub-pixels for curing yellow ink, resulting in too long a lighting time or too high a light intensity in the area, which also affects the curing effect.

[0081] Therefore, the first and second sub-pixels in the corresponding area D are still controlled to light up simultaneously or sequentially, and the illumination time and illumination intensity of the first and second sub-pixels in the area D are allocated according to the proportional relationship of the red ink, cyan ink and yellow ink in the area D, so that the total illumination time and total illumination intensity of the ink in the area D are consistent with the distribution area of ​​the corresponding color, thereby ensuring the curing effect.

[0082] Furthermore, in the curing area corresponding to the same photocurable pixel unit, there may be a situation where multiple basic color inks are mixed at the pixel level to form intermediate colors. For example, in the curing area corresponding to a single photocurable pixel unit, multiple red ink droplets and multiple cyan ink droplets can be alternately mixed adjacent to form visually white, or multiple red ink droplets and multiple cyan ink droplets can be mixed adjacent to form visually white. In this case, it is necessary to integrate and calculate the number or area ratio of red ink and cyan ink according to the scale range of the curing area corresponding to the single photocurable pixel unit, so as to allocate the lighting intensity or lighting time of the first type of sub-pixel used to cure the red ink and the lighting intensity or lighting time of the second type of sub-pixel used to cure the cyan ink.

[0083] For example, the ink drop range in the curing area corresponding to a single photocurable pixel unit is a 10*10 ink drop array area. After calculation, the number of red ink drops is 70 drops and the number of cyan ink drops is 30 drops. Then, within the curing area corresponding to the photocurable pixel unit, the lighting intensity or lighting time of the first type of sub-pixel used to cure the red ink and the lighting intensity or lighting time of the second type of sub-pixel used to cure the cyan ink are distributed in a ratio of 7:3.

[0084] Alternatively, the curing area corresponding to a single photocurable pixel unit is a 10*10 ink droplet array area. Within the curing area corresponding to the photocurable pixel unit, the boundary line between the red ink droplet and the cyan ink droplet divides the curing area into two micro-areas with an area ratio of 4:6. The lighting intensity or lighting time of the first type of sub-pixel and the lighting intensity or lighting time of the second type of sub-pixel in the corresponding photocurable pixel unit are allocated according to 4:6.

[0085] Depending on the size of the light spot formed by miniLED or microLED, one photocurable pixel unit corresponds to an ink drop array area in the range of 5*5-20*20.

[0086] For example, Figure 6 For example, Figure 6In the pattern shown, the X region is a region where red ink and cyan ink are mixed at the pixel level to form an intermediate color, and each photocurable pixel unit corresponding to the X region includes multiple drops of red ink and multiple drops of cyan ink in the corresponding curing region. The illumination time of the first type of sub-pixel required in the A region is 1 s, and the irradiation intensity is 2000 mW / cm 2 The illumination time of the second type of sub-pixel in area B is 1s, and the irradiation intensity is 3000mW / cm 2 . The ink drop ratio or area ratio of the red ink and the cyan ink in the curing area corresponding to each photocurable pixel unit in the X area is 4:1, then the lighting time ratio of the first type of sub-pixel and the second type of sub-pixel in the curing area corresponding to each photocurable pixel unit in the X area is 4:1, that is, the lighting time of the first type of sub-pixel is 0.8s, the lighting time of the second type of sub-pixel is 0.2s, and the irradiation intensity remains the original irradiation intensity. Alternatively, the lighting time of the first type of sub-pixel and the second type of sub-pixel in the curing area corresponding to each photocurable pixel unit in the X area are both 1s, and the lighting intensity ratio is 4:1, that is, the irradiation intensity of the first type of sub-pixel is [(2000+3000)*1 / 2]*(4 / 5)=2000mW / cm 2 , the irradiance of the second type of sub-pixel is [(2000+3000)*1 / 2]*(1 / 5)=500mW / cm 2 .

[0087] It can be understood that the above example is only an illustrative description of the technical solution of the present application, and the technical solution of the present application may also include other adjustment solutions.

[0088] In order to make the sub-pixels on the photocuring module better cover the pattern to be printed and avoid insufficient light intensity between the sub-pixels and the gaps between the photocuring pixel units, in the embodiment of the present application, during the printing and curing process, the rotation angle of the photocuring module relative to the movement direction of the page to be printed is adjusted so that the angle between the center line of at least two second-type sub-pixels in each photocuring pixel unit and the movement direction of the page to be printed is in the range of 80°-100°. Preferably, the photocuring module is adjusted so that the angle between the center line of at least two second-type sub-pixels in each photocuring pixel unit and the movement direction of the page to be printed is in the range of 90°.

[0089] In order to further accelerate the curing effect, a third type of sub-pixel is also set on the light curing module, and the third type of sub-pixel is preferably an infrared wavelength (750nm-1100nm) sub-pixel. The setting of infrared wavelength sub-pixels can increase the curing temperature, and coordinate with the first type of sub-pixels and the second type of sub-pixels (ultraviolet wavelength sub-pixels) to accelerate the light curing effect.

[0090] The light curing method of this embodiment further includes: based on all the distribution area information, generating third-type sub-pixel lighting area information matching all the distribution area information on the light curing module, that is, generating third-type sub-pixel lighting area information matching the pattern to be printed on the light curing module.

[0091] Based on the lighting area information of the third type of sub-pixels, the third type of sub-pixels on the light-curing module are controlled to light up, so as to form a lighting area that matches all the distribution areas.

[0092] The invention also provides a light curing module.

[0093] refer to Figure 2 As shown, the photocuring module includes a substrate and a plurality of photocuring pixel units 10 formed on the substrate and distributed in an array. Each photocuring pixel unit 10 includes a plurality of sub-pixels, and the plurality of sub-pixels in each photocuring pixel unit 10 include at least one first-type sub-pixel 10a and at least one second-type sub-pixel 10b. The wavelength ranges of the first-type sub-pixels 10a and the second-type sub-pixels 10b are different. The wavelength range of the first-type sub-pixels 10a is 320nm-400nm. The wavelength range of the second-type sub-pixels 10b is 200nm-280nm. Each sub-pixel in each photocuring pixel unit 10 can be lit independently.

[0094] The plurality of light-curable pixel units 10 are arranged at equal intervals, wherein the interval between two adjacent light-curable pixel units 10 is greater than or equal to 0 and less than or equal to 10 mm.

[0095] refer to Figure 3 As shown, in a preferred embodiment, the plurality of sub-pixels in each photocurable pixel unit 10 include a plurality of second sub-pixels 10b. The plurality of second sub-pixels 10b may be arranged on one side of the first sub-pixel 10a, or may be arranged around the first sub-pixel 10a.

[0096] The plurality of light-curing pixel units 10 are also arranged at equal intervals, wherein the interval between two adjacent light-curing pixel units 10 is greater than or equal to 0 and less than or equal to 10 mm.

[0097] The plurality of sub-pixels in each photocurable pixel unit 10 also include a third type of sub-pixel ( Figure 3(not shown), the wavelength range of the third type of sub-pixel is different from the wavelength range of the first type of sub-pixel 10a. The wavelength range of the third type of sub-pixel 10c is 200nm-280nm; or, the wavelength range of the third type of sub-pixel 10c is 750nm-1100nm; or, the wavelength range of the third type of sub-pixel 10c is 400nm-500nm. In each photocurable pixel unit 10, the number ratio of the first type of sub-pixel 10a, the second type of sub-pixel 10b, and the third type of sub-pixel 10c is 1:2:1.

[0098] refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, in another preferred embodiment, each photocurable pixel unit 10 includes a plurality of sub-pixels, and the plurality of sub-pixels in each photocurable pixel unit 10 include at least one first-type sub-pixel 10a and two second-type sub-pixels 10b. The plurality of sub-pixels in each photocurable pixel unit 10 are configured into a rhombus structure, and the plurality of sub-pixels are arranged in a rhombus, so that the entire photocurable pixel unit 10 presents a rhombus shape. Preferably, the rhombus is a square, and one of the diagonals of the square is parallel to the horizontal direction. Among them, there are at least two second-type sub-pixels 10b distributed diagonally.

[0099] Furthermore, the plurality of sub-pixels in each photocurable pixel unit 10 also include a third type of sub-pixel 10c, and the wavelength range of the third type of sub-pixel 10c is different from the wavelength range of the first type of sub-pixel 10a. The wavelength range of the third type of sub-pixel 10c is 200nm-280nm; or, the wavelength range of the third type of sub-pixel 10c is 750nm-1100nm; or, the wavelength range of the third type of sub-pixel 10c is 400nm-500nm. In each photocurable pixel unit 10, the number ratio of the first type of sub-pixel 10a, the second type of sub-pixel 10b, and the third type of sub-pixel 10c is 1:2:1. Among them, the first type of sub-pixel 10a and the third type of sub-pixel 10c are diagonally distributed, and the two second type of sub-pixels 10b are diagonally distributed.

[0100] A plurality of light-cured pixel units 10 are arranged in an array with small gaps or no gaps in the horizontal direction and the vertical direction, and the interval range of the small gaps is about 0-5 mm.

[0101] Compared with the prior art, the photocuring method and photocuring module of the present invention utilize the arrangement combination of sub-pixels of different wavelengths to control the sub-pixels of different wavelengths to perform targeted illumination on the distribution areas of different inks, and control the illumination time and illumination intensity according to different ink components or models, so as to achieve better curing effect; avoid the problem of asynchronous curing or yellowing caused by the different response effects of the same wavelength light on the cross-linking reaction of photoinitiators in different inks; avoid the problem of partial color damage caused by using the same wavelength light and / or the same illumination time for different colors, thereby improving the photocuring effect and avoiding problems such as yellowing.

[0102] The photocuring method and photocuring module of the present invention set a plurality of sub-pixels with shorter wavelengths and shorter lifespans, and can allocate illumination time for a plurality of such sub-pixels according to illumination intensity and illumination time, thereby preventing such sub-pixels from overheating and affecting their lifespans, and extending the service life of the entire photocuring module.

[0103] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the invention is not limited to the details of the exemplary embodiments described above and that the invention can be implemented in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential features of the invention. Therefore, the embodiments should be considered exemplary and non-limiting in all respects, and the scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description, and it is intended that all variations falling within the meaning and scope of the equivalent elements of the claims be included in the invention. Any reference numeral in a claim should not be considered as limiting the claim to which it relates.

[0104] In addition, it should be understood that although the present specification is described according to implementation modes, not every implementation mode contains only one independent technical solution. This description of the specification is only for the sake of clarity. Those skilled in the art should regard the specification as a whole. The technical solutions in each embodiment may also be appropriately combined to form other implementation modes that can be understood by those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A photocuring method, characterized in that: include: A photocuring module is provided, wherein the photocuring module has photocuring pixel units arranged in an array, each of the photocuring pixel units includes a plurality of sub-pixels, and the plurality of sub-pixels in each of the photocuring pixel units include at least one first-type sub-pixel and at least one second-type sub-pixel, the wavelength of the first-type sub-pixel and / or the second-type sub-pixel is in the ultraviolet band, and the wavelength range of the first-type sub-pixel and the second-type sub-pixel is different, and each of the sub-pixels can be lit independently; Obtaining information on the distribution areas of inks of different colors to be cured on the pages to be printed and information on the composition and / or model of the inks; Based on the distribution area information, generating sub-pixel lighting area information matching the distribution area information on the light-curing module, wherein the sub-pixel lighting area information includes lighting area information of a first type of sub-pixels and lighting area information of a second type of sub-pixels, and the ink colors, compositions and / or models of the first type of sub-pixels and the second type of sub-pixels are different; Based on the sub-pixel lighting area information, the first type of sub-pixels and / or the second type of sub-pixels on the light curing module are controlled to light up to form a lighting image that matches the distribution area.

2. The photocuring method according to claim 1, characterized in that: Based on the composition information and / or model information of the ink, the illumination intensity and / or illumination time of the first type of sub-pixels and / or the second type of sub-pixels in the corresponding distribution area are adjusted.

3. The light curing method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The plurality of sub-pixels in each of the photocurable pixel units include a plurality of sub-pixels of the second type; Generating the lighting area information of the second type of sub-pixels on the light-curing module includes: Selecting one of the second-type sub-pixels in the plurality of the photocurable pixel units on the photocurable module, and generating lighting area information of the second-type sub-pixel; or, A plurality of the second-type sub-pixels in a plurality of the photocurable pixel units on the photocurable module are selected to generate lighting area information of the second-type sub-pixels.

4. The light curing method according to claim 3, characterized in that: When the illumination time of the second-type sub-pixel exceeds or is equal to a preset threshold of the illumination time of a single second-type sub-pixel, multiple second-type sub-pixels in the photocurable pixel unit are alternately lit, and the illumination time of each second-type sub-pixel is less than or equal to the preset threshold.

5. The light curing method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The ink distribution area corresponding to the light-on area of ​​the first type of sub-pixel and the ink distribution area corresponding to the light-on area of ​​the second type of sub-pixel partially overlap; The first and second sub-pixels corresponding to the overlapping area are controlled to light up simultaneously or sequentially. At the same time, based on the proportional relationship between the ink corresponding to the first and second sub-pixels in the overlapping area, the lighting time ratio and / or lighting intensity ratio of the first and second sub-pixels are allocated.

6. The light curing method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The ink distribution area corresponding to the light-on area of ​​the first type of sub-pixel and the ink distribution area corresponding to the light-on area of ​​the second type of sub-pixel are located in a curing area corresponding to the same photocurable pixel unit; The first type of sub-pixels and the second type of sub-pixels in the curing area corresponding to the photocuring pixel unit are controlled to light up simultaneously or sequentially. At the same time, based on the proportional relationship between the inks of the first type of sub-pixels and the second type of sub-pixels in the curing area corresponding to the photocuring pixel unit, the lighting time ratio and / or lighting intensity ratio of the first type of sub-pixels and the second type of sub-pixels are allocated.

7. The light curing method according to claim 1, characterized in that: Based on the distribution area information, according to a preset color-component / model-sub-pixel category correspondence, sub-pixel lighting area information matching the distribution area information is generated on the light curing module.

8. The photocuring method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The photocuring module is regulated so that in each of the photocuring pixel units, the angle between the center line of at least two of the second-type sub-pixels and the moving direction of the to-be-printed page is in the range of 80°-100°.

9. The light curing method according to claim 8, characterized in that: The photocuring module is regulated so that in each of the photocuring pixel units, the angle between the center line of at least two of the second-type sub-pixels and the moving direction of the to-be-printed page is 90°.

10. The light curing method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The multiple sub-pixels in each of the photocurable pixel units further include a third type of sub-pixels, and the wavelength range of the third type of sub-pixels is different from the wavelength range of the first type of sub-pixels.

11. The light curing method according to claim 10, characterized in that: Based on all the distribution area information, generating third-type sub-pixel lighting area information matching all the distribution area information on the light-curing module; Based on the lighting area information of the third type of sub-pixels, the third type of sub-pixels on the light-curing module are controlled to light up, so as to form a lighting area that matches all the distribution areas.

12. A light curing module, characterized in that: include: substrate; An array of photocurable pixel units is formed on the substrate, each of which includes a plurality of sub-pixels, and each of the plurality of sub-pixels in the photocurable pixel unit includes at least one first-type sub-pixel and at least one second-type sub-pixel, the first-type sub-pixels and the second-type sub-pixels have different wavelength ranges, and each of the sub-pixels can be lit independently.

13. The light curing module according to claim 12, characterized in that: The wavelength range of the first type of sub-pixels is 320nm-400nm, and the wavelength range of the second type of sub-pixels is 200nm-280nm.

14. The light curing module according to claim 12, characterized in that: The multiple sub-pixels in each of the photocurable pixel units further include a third type of sub-pixels, and the wavelength range of the third type of sub-pixels is different from the wavelength range of the first type of sub-pixels.

15. The light curing module according to claim 14, characterized in that: The wavelength range of the third type of sub-pixel is 200nm-280nm; or, the wavelength range of the third type of sub-pixel is 750nm-1100nm; or, the wavelength range of the third type of sub-pixel is 400nm-500nm.

16. The light curing module according to claim 14, characterized in that: In each of the photocurable pixel units, the number ratio of the first type of sub-pixels, the second type of sub-pixels, and the third type of sub-pixels is 1:2:

1.

17. The light curing module according to claim 16, characterized in that: The multiple sub-pixels in each of the photocurable pixel units are arranged in a diamond shape, wherein the first type of sub-pixels and the third type of sub-pixels are diagonally distributed, and two of the second type of sub-pixels are diagonally distributed.

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