Method, device and storage medium for improving inkjet effect under low temperature conditions

Abstract

The present invention discloses a method, device and storage medium for improving inkjet effect under low temperature conditions, comprising the following steps: S1, after the printer is turned on, the ink circulation system is turned on to put the ink in a flowing state; S2, a dry spray signal is given to the nozzle to simulate nozzle printing but the nozzle does not output ink, so that the nozzle reaches a preheating effect; S3, before starting printing, a flash spray signal is given to the nozzle to instantly perform a full nozzle ink discharge action; S4, after the flash spray is completed, the printing operation is started; the present invention can effectively solve the problem of poor printing effect of the inkjet printer when it is just turned on at a low temperature. By obtaining and comparing the nozzle and ambient temperature, the preheating degree of the nozzle can be accurately controlled to ensure that a temperature close to the optimal printing temperature is reached. The inkjet stability and quality can be improved by comparing the temperature difference and making corresponding adjustments.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of printers, and in particular to a method, a device and a storage medium for improving inkjet effects under low temperature conditions. Background Art

[0002] During inkjet printing, the physical and chemical parameters of the ink, such as viscosity, fluidity, and surface tension, play a crucial role in the printout. However, environmental factors, particularly high or low temperatures and humidity, can cause some variations in the ink's physical and chemical parameters, significantly affecting printout quality. This impact is particularly pronounced for solvent-based, eco-solvent-based, and UV-based inks.

[0003] For example, in low-temperature environments such as winter, when an inkjet printer starts working, the nozzle temperature is still low. Printing at this time often causes problems with weak printing. As the nozzle temperature gradually rises after a period of operation, the physical and chemical parameters of the ink improve under the influence of temperature, and the printing effect will improve.

[0004] To address this issue of poor low-temperature printing, most manufacturers currently employ a heater for the printhead. While this heater effectively raises the printhead temperature, improves ink quality, and ultimately enhances printing quality, it also has a significant drawback: if the heater remains on during standby mode, it wastes energy and increases operating costs, which is detrimental to long-term inkjet printer users.

[0005] Therefore, it is necessary to develop a solution that can not only effectively solve the problem of poor printing effect of inkjet printers when they are just turned on at low temperatures, but also avoid wasting resources due to the continuous opening of the heating device when the machine is in standby mode. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In order to solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention provides a method, a device and a storage medium for improving inkjet effect under low temperature conditions.

[0007] The technical solution of the present invention is achieved as follows:

[0008] A method for improving inkjet performance under low temperature conditions comprises the following steps:

[0009] S1, after the printer is turned on, open the ink circulation system to keep the ink flowing;

[0010] S2, gives the nozzle an empty spray signal, simulates the nozzle printing but the nozzle does not produce ink, so that the nozzle reaches the preheating effect;

[0011] S3, before starting printing, gives the print head a flash signal, and all print heads start to spray ink vigorously instantly;

[0012] S4, after the flash inkjet is completed, the printing job begins.

[0013] Preferably, the step S2 further includes the following sub-steps:

[0014] S21, obtaining the nozzle temperature from the nozzle temperature sensor and the printing environment temperature;

[0015] S22, setting the optimal print head temperature and ambient temperature that match the print head model;

[0016] S23, comparing the set optimal print head temperature with the ambient temperature and the print head temperature to obtain a difference a after comparison;

[0017] S24, after the nozzle is preheated by air jetting, the current nozzle temperature is obtained, and the current nozzle temperature is compared with the optimal printing nozzle temperature to obtain the difference a1 after comparison. When a1 is greater than 5, step S23 is repeated until a1 is less than 5.

[0018] Preferably, the nozzle empty spray signal of S2 is a waveform signal, the frequency is set to 200-300Hz, the positive voltage amplitude is set to 30-50V, and the negative voltage amplitude is set to negative 30-50V.

[0019] Preferably, the step S3 further includes the following sub-steps:

[0020] S31, after the print head flashes, the printer uses a built-in camera to detect the flash ink spraying status of the printing medium through image recognition. When the flash ink spraying is confirmed, the print head temperature and the current printing environment temperature are obtained. When the flash ink spraying is confirmed to have failed, the flash ink spraying is continued until the detection is successful;

[0021] S32, setting the optimal print head temperature and ambient temperature that match the print head model;

[0022] S33, based on the optimal setting of the print head temperature and the ambient temperature and the nozzle temperature comparison, obtain the difference b after comparison;

[0023] S34, obtaining the current nozzle temperature, comparing the current nozzle temperature with the optimal printing nozzle temperature, obtaining the difference b1 after comparison, and starting to configure a heating device for the nozzle when b1 is greater than 2, and stopping configuring the heating device for the nozzle until b1 is less than 2.

[0024] Preferably, in step S2, a table is created to record the ambient temperature and nozzle temperature before and after the empty spraying, which is used as the nozzle empty spraying temperature increase amplitude at the ambient temperature, and the number of empty spraying times is set for the nozzle temperature increase according to the temperature increase amplitude; and the nozzle temperature increase voltage increase is recorded, and a voltage increase threshold is set, and an abnormal alarm is issued when the nozzle temperature increase voltage increases close to the threshold.

[0025] Preferably, the historical temperature rise amplitude q of the table is obtained through historical records, the current temperature rise amplitude is k, and the normal amplitude is 5≤qk≤12. When the normal amplitude is exceeded, the nozzle sends a temperature abnormality signal and starts the nozzle configuration heating device until the difference b1 between the front nozzle temperature and the optimal printing nozzle temperature is less than 2, and then the nozzle configuration heating device is stopped.

[0026] A printing device includes at least one processor, at least one memory and computer program instructions stored in the memory. When the computer program instructions are executed by the processor, the method for improving inkjet effect under low temperature conditions is implemented.

[0027] A storage medium stores computer program instructions, wherein the method for improving inkjet effect under low temperature conditions is implemented when the computer program instructions are executed by a processor.

[0028] The present invention can effectively solve the problem of poor printing effect of inkjet printer when it is just turned on at low temperature. By obtaining the nozzle and ambient temperature and comparing them, the preheating degree of the nozzle can be accurately controlled to ensure that it reaches a temperature close to the optimal printing temperature. For example, the temperature difference comparison and corresponding adjustment in steps S2 and S3 can improve the stability and quality of inkjet printing. A table can be established to record temperature and other data. The number of empty sprays and the voltage increase can be set according to the temperature increase amplitude. The abnormality can be detected in time and measures can be taken by comparing the historical and current temperature increase amplitudes to effectively maintain the normal operation of the nozzle. As a whole, the inkjet effect can be better improved in a low temperature environment and the stable operation of the equipment can be guaranteed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of a method for improving inkjet effect under low temperature conditions of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] To further illustrate the technical means and effectiveness of the present invention in achieving its intended purpose, exemplary embodiments will be described in detail herein, with examples illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In the following description, when referring to the drawings, identical numerals in different figures represent identical or similar elements, unless otherwise indicated. The embodiments described in the following exemplary embodiments are not intended to represent all possible embodiments consistent with the present application. Rather, they are merely examples of methods and systems consistent with certain aspects of the present application, as detailed in the appended claims.

[0031] The terms used in this application are for the purpose of describing specific embodiments only and are not intended to limit this application. As used in this application and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," "the," and "the" are intended to include the plural forms, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should also be understood that the term "and / or" as used herein refers to and encompasses any and all possible combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0032] A method for improving inkjet performance under low temperature conditions comprises the following steps:

[0033] S1, after the printer is turned on, open the ink circulation system to keep the ink flowing;

[0034] S2: Send an empty jet signal to the printhead to simulate printing but without ink, so that the printhead can achieve preheating effect. The control system sends a specific waveform empty jet signal to the printhead, and the printhead simulates printing according to the signal. Although no ink is produced, the relevant components inside the printhead, such as the piezoelectric ceramic element, will start to move, thereby generating heat for preheating.

[0035] The step S2 further includes the following sub-steps:

[0036] S21, obtain the nozzle temperature and printing environment temperature of the nozzle temperature sensor; accurately obtain the current temperature value of the nozzle through the nozzle temperature sensor, and at the same time obtain the printing environment temperature of the printer, in preparation for subsequent precise control;

[0037] S22, setting the optimal print head temperature and ambient temperature for the print head model; for a specific print head model, based on past experimental tests, print head performance parameters, and actual printing experience, setting the print head temperature and ambient temperature value that can achieve the best printing effect for the print head;

[0038] S23, comparing the set optimal print head temperature and the ambient temperature with the print head temperature to obtain a difference a after comparison; comparing the set optimal print head temperature and the ambient temperature with the actual print head temperature, respectively, to calculate the difference a between the two temperature values, thereby measuring the degree of deviation between the current temperature and the ideal temperature;

[0039] The calculation method of the difference a is: set the difference between the optimal print head temperature and the actual print head temperature to be l, the ambient temperature to be o and the environmental impact coefficient to be c, then a=lo*c;

[0040] If the print head is directly used for printing in a low-temperature environment, the ink jetting effect will be very poor, such as uneven ink droplet size and unstable jetting speed. Through air jet preheating, the print head temperature can be increased, the physical and chemical properties of the ink in the print head can be improved, the ink viscosity can be reduced, and the ink can be ejected more accurately according to the control system instructions, thereby improving the print quality. Accurate monitoring and comparative adjustment of the temperature can ensure that the print head is preheated to the appropriate degree, avoiding over-preheating or under-preheating.

[0041] S24, after the nozzle is preheated by air jetting, the current nozzle temperature is obtained, and the current nozzle temperature is compared with the optimal printing nozzle temperature to obtain the difference a1 after comparison. When a1 is greater than 5, step S23 is repeated until a1 is less than 5.

[0042] S3: Before starting printing, a flash signal is given to the printheads, causing all printheads to eject ink with great force. The printer control system generates a flash signal and sends it to the printheads. After receiving the signal, the printheads instantly eject ink with great force.

[0043] The step S3 further includes the following sub-steps:

[0044] In step S31, after the printhead flashes, the printer's built-in camera uses image recognition to monitor the print media's flash ink status. Once flash ink is confirmed, the printer acquires the printhead temperature and the current printing environment temperature. If flash ink is confirmed to have failed, the printer continues flashing until the detection is successful. The printer's control system incorporates advanced image recognition algorithms. After the camera captures the image on the print media, the algorithm processes and analyzes it. First, the algorithm grayscales the image, converting the color image to grayscale, simplifying subsequent analysis and reducing computational complexity. Next, edge detection algorithms, such as the Canny edge detection algorithm, identify the edge contours of the ink trace in the image to accurately define the ink distribution range. Next, an area filling algorithm determines the area covered by the ink and compares it to a preset standard area range. The algorithm also analyzes the density distribution of the ink trace, detecting changes in the grayscale values of pixels to determine the intensity of the ink at different locations.

[0045] S32, setting the optimal print head temperature and ambient temperature that match the print head model;

[0046] S33, based on the optimal setting of the print head temperature and the ambient temperature and the nozzle temperature comparison, obtain the difference b after comparison;

[0047] The difference b is calculated in the same way as the difference a;

[0048] S34, obtaining the current nozzle temperature, comparing the current nozzle temperature with the optimal printing nozzle temperature, obtaining the difference b1 after comparison, and starting to configure a heating device for the nozzle when b1 is greater than 2, and stopping configuring the heating device for the nozzle until b1 is less than 2.

[0049] S4, after the flash inkjet is completed, the printing job begins.

[0050] Preferably, the nozzle empty spray signal of S2 is a waveform signal, the frequency is set to 200-300Hz, the positive voltage amplitude is set to 30-50V, and the negative voltage amplitude is set to negative 30-50V.

[0051] Preferably, in step S2, a table is created to record the ambient temperature and nozzle temperature before and after the empty spraying, which is used as the nozzle empty spraying temperature increase amplitude at the ambient temperature, and the number of empty spraying times is set for the nozzle temperature increase according to the temperature increase amplitude; and the nozzle temperature increase voltage increase is recorded, and a voltage increase threshold is set, and an abnormal alarm is issued when the nozzle temperature increase voltage increases close to the threshold.

[0052] Preferably, the historical temperature rise amplitude q of the table is obtained through historical records, the current temperature rise amplitude is k, and the normal amplitude is 5≤qk≤12. When the normal amplitude is exceeded, the nozzle sends a temperature abnormality signal and starts the nozzle configuration heating device until the difference b1 between the front nozzle temperature and the optimal printing nozzle temperature is less than 2, and then the nozzle configuration heating device is stopped.

[0053] A printing device includes at least one processor, at least one memory and computer program instructions stored in the memory. When the computer program instructions are executed by the processor, the method for improving inkjet effect under low temperature conditions is implemented.

[0054] A storage medium stores computer program instructions, wherein the method for improving inkjet effect under low temperature conditions is implemented when the computer program instructions are executed by a processor. Example 2

[0055] This embodiment provides a method for improving inkjet performance under low temperature conditions, comprising the following steps:

[0056] S1, when the system starts, obtains the initial current nozzle temperature T_current and ambient temperature T_environment, calculates the current nozzle temperature deviation ΔT and the current nozzle temperature change rate dT / dt, and inputs these values into the fuzzy logic control system.

[0057] S2, fuzzify the input variables according to their respective membership functions to obtain the membership degree of the input variables to each fuzzy set.

[0058] S3, according to the fuzzy reasoning rules, combined with the membership of the input variables, fuzzy reasoning is performed to obtain the fuzzy sets and corresponding membership of the output variables "nozzle heating power adjustment coefficient K_heat" and "nozzle cooling power adjustment coefficient K_cool".

[0059] S4, using a defuzzification method such as the centroid method, the fuzzy set of the output variable and the corresponding membership degree obtained by fuzzy reasoning are converted into specific numerical values, that is, the specific nozzle heating power adjustment coefficient K_heat and the nozzle cooling power adjustment coefficient K_cool are obtained.

[0060] S5, the controller adjusts the heating power of the nozzle heating device and the cooling power of the nozzle cooling system according to the obtained nozzle heating power adjustment coefficient K_heat and nozzle cooling power adjustment coefficient K_cool, so as to control the nozzle temperature.

[0061] S6 continuously monitors the current nozzle temperature T_current, the ambient temperature T_environment, the current nozzle temperature deviation ΔT, and the current nozzle temperature change rate dT / dt. The above process is continuously cycled to adjust the nozzle heating power and cooling power in real time to keep the nozzle temperature within the appropriate range, ensuring the normal operation of the nozzle and printing quality.

[0062] Preferably, the step S3 further includes the following sub-steps:

[0063] S31, obtaining the difference between the current temperature of the nozzle and the preset optimal temperature of the nozzle;

[0064] S32, set the deviation threshold and extreme deviation threshold of the difference, the deviation threshold is 10, the extreme deviation threshold is 20, when the difference is greater than the deviation threshold 10 and less than 20, the required heating power is level 3, when the difference is less than 10 and greater than 7, the required heating power is level 2, when the difference is less than 7, the required heating power is level 1.

[0065] S33, calculate the change of the nozzle temperature per unit time, set it as the current nozzle temperature change rate, calculate the preheating time required, and if the preheating time required is not greater than the set time, the heating power remains unchanged. If the preheating time required is greater than the set time, the heating power is increased by one level. Example 3

[0066] This embodiment provides a method for improving inkjet performance under low temperature conditions, comprising the following steps:

[0067] S1, using historical data to establish a voltage and temperature relationship model to formulate corresponding voltage adjustment strategies;

[0068] S2, based on the optimal printing performance requirements of the printhead, determines the target temperature range of the printhead under different printing tasks, such as different types of inks used, different printing resolution requirements, etc. For example, for high-precision printing tasks using a certain high-viscosity ink, the target temperature of the printhead may be determined to be 50°C - 60°C; while for ordinary text printing tasks, the target temperature may be set at 30°C - 40°C;

[0069] S3, obtains the temperature information of the print head in real time through the sensor, and the output signal of the sensor is converted into a digital signal through a suitable signal acquisition circuit so that it can be processed by the printer control system;

[0070] S4, start printing job;

[0071] Preferably, in step S2, it is detected that the current nozzle temperature is lower than the lower limit of the target temperature range:

[0072] Sa21, when the sensor detects that the current nozzle temperature is lower than the lower limit of the target temperature range, the voltage value corresponding to the lower limit of the target temperature range is found according to the previously established voltage-temperature relationship model;

[0073] Sa22 sets the voltage adjustment step size, such as increasing by 2V each time. Starting from the actual voltage value applied to the current nozzle, gradually increase the voltage according to the set step size. Assuming the current nozzle voltage is 20V, the voltage after the first adjustment becomes 20 + 2 = 22V, and after the second adjustment becomes 22 + 2 = 24V, and so on, gradually approaching the target voltage value of 30V;

[0074] Sa23, after each voltage increase, immediately use the temperature sensor to monitor the changes in the nozzle temperature in real time. Since the change in the nozzle temperature may not be instantaneous, it is necessary to wait for a period of time, for example, monitor once every 5 seconds for 30 seconds to observe whether the nozzle temperature has an upward trend and the extent of the increase. If the nozzle temperature does not rise significantly or the increase is very small during several consecutive monitorings, it may be necessary to extend the waiting time or further check whether there is a fault in the nozzle, such as internal blockage or circuit connection problems, to ensure that the temperature can respond normally to the voltage adjustment.

[0075] Sa24: Continue voltage adjustment and temperature monitoring until the printhead temperature reaches or exceeds the lower limit of the target temperature range. Once the printhead temperature reaches the target temperature range, such as 45°C, voltage adjustment is stopped. At this point, the printhead temperature has met the lower limit of printing requirements and subsequent printing preparations can be carried out.

[0076] Preferably, in step S2, when the current nozzle temperature is detected to be higher than the upper limit of the target temperature range, the voltage value corresponding to the upper limit of the target temperature range is also found based on the voltage-temperature relationship model. For example, if the upper limit of the target temperature range is 55°C, the model shows that the nozzle voltage value corresponding to 55°C should be 20V.

[0077] Preferably, in step S2, it is detected that the current nozzle temperature is lower than the upper limit of the target temperature range:

[0078] Sb21, when the current nozzle temperature is detected to be higher than the upper limit of the target temperature range, the voltage value corresponding to the upper limit of the target temperature range is also found based on the voltage-temperature relationship model. For example, if the upper limit of the target temperature range is 55°C, the model finds that the nozzle voltage value corresponding to 55°C should be 20V.

[0079] Sb22, set the voltage adjustment step size, for example, reduce it by 2V each time; starting from the actual voltage value applied to the current nozzle, gradually reduce the voltage according to the set step size; if the current nozzle voltage is 30V, then after the first adjustment, the voltage becomes 30-2 = 28V, after the second adjustment, it becomes 28-2 = 26V, and so on, gradually adjusting towards the target voltage value of 20V;

[0080] For Sb23, after each voltage reduction, quickly use the temperature sensor to monitor the changes in the nozzle temperature in real time. You also need to wait for a while to observe the temperature drop trend and magnitude, for example, monitor once every 5 seconds for 30 seconds. If the nozzle temperature drops too slowly or does not drop significantly, you may need to check whether there is a heat dissipation problem with the nozzle, such as whether the heat dissipation channels around the nozzle are blocked and whether the cooling fan is working properly, to ensure that the temperature can respond normally to the voltage adjustment.

[0081] Sb24, continue to adjust the voltage and monitor the temperature until the nozzle temperature drops to within the target temperature range; when the nozzle temperature falls within the target temperature range, stop the voltage adjustment operation. At this time, the nozzle temperature meets the printing requirements and subsequent printing preparations can continue.

[0082] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and does not constitute any form of limitation to the present invention. Although the present invention has been disclosed as above in terms of a preferred embodiment, it is not intended to limit the present invention. Any person skilled in the art can, without departing from the scope of the technical solution of the present invention, make some changes or modifications to equivalent embodiments using the technical contents disclosed above. However, any brief modifications, equivalent changes and modifications made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present invention without departing from the content of the technical solution of the present invention are still within the scope of the technical solution of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for improving inkjet performance under low temperature conditions, characterized in that: The steps include: S1, after the printer is turned on, open the ink circulation system to keep the ink flowing; S2, gives the nozzle an empty spray signal, simulates the nozzle printing but the nozzle does not produce ink, so that the nozzle reaches the preheating effect; S3, before starting printing, gives the print head a flash signal, and all print heads start to spray ink vigorously instantly; S4, after the flash inkjet is completed, the printing job begins; The step S2 further includes the following sub-steps: S21, obtaining the nozzle temperature from the nozzle temperature sensor and the printing environment temperature; S22, setting the optimal print head temperature and ambient temperature that match the print head model; S23, comparing the set optimal print head temperature with the ambient temperature and the print head temperature to obtain a difference a after comparison; S24, after the nozzle is preheated by air jetting, the current nozzle temperature is obtained, and the current nozzle temperature is compared with the optimal printing nozzle temperature to obtain the difference a1 after comparison. When a1 is greater than 5, step S23 is repeated until a1 is less than 5; The step S3 further includes the following sub-steps: S31, after the print head flashes, the printer uses a built-in camera to detect the flash ink spraying status of the printing medium through image recognition. When the flash ink spraying is confirmed, the print head temperature and the current printing environment temperature are obtained. When the flash ink spraying is confirmed to have failed, the flash ink spraying is continued until the detection is successful; S32, setting the optimal print head temperature and ambient temperature that match the print head model; S33, based on the optimal setting of the print head temperature and the ambient temperature and the nozzle temperature comparison, obtain the difference b after comparison; S34, obtaining the current nozzle temperature, comparing the current nozzle temperature with the optimal nozzle temperature, obtaining the difference b1 after comparison, and starting to configure a heating device for the nozzle when b1 is greater than 2, and stopping configuring the heating device for the nozzle when b1 is less than 2; In step S2, a table is created to record the ambient temperature and nozzle temperature before and after the empty spraying, which is used as the nozzle empty spraying temperature increase amplitude at the ambient temperature. The number of empty spraying times for nozzle heating is set according to the temperature increase amplitude. The nozzle heating voltage increase is also recorded, and a voltage increase threshold is set. When the nozzle heating voltage increase approaches the threshold, an abnormal alarm is issued. The historical temperature rise amplitude q of the table is obtained through historical records. The current temperature rise amplitude is k. The normal amplitude is 5≤qk≤12. When the normal amplitude is exceeded, the nozzle sends a temperature abnormality signal and starts the nozzle configuration heating device. When the difference b1 between the front nozzle temperature and the optimal printing nozzle temperature is less than 2, the nozzle configuration heating device is stopped.

2. The method for improving inkjet performance under low temperature conditions according to claim 1, characterized in that: The nozzle empty spray signal of S2 is a waveform signal with a set frequency of 200-300 Hz, a positive voltage amplitude of 30-50 V, and a negative voltage amplitude of -30-50 V.

3. A printing device comprising at least one processor, at least one memory, and computer program instructions stored in the memory, wherein when the computer program instructions are executed by the processor, the method according to any one of claims 1 to 2 is implemented.

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