UV inkjet printer

Abstract

This application provides an ultraviolet inkjet printer, which includes a frame, a loading and unloading mechanism, a printing mechanism, a first support platform, and a second support platform. The frame includes a first track and a second track. The frame includes a loading and unloading station corresponding to the loading and unloading mechanism and a printing station corresponding to the printing mechanism. Both the first support platform and the second support platform are used to carry the workpiece to be printed. The first support platform is connected to the first track. The second support platform is connected to the second track. The first track includes a first waiting station located between the loading and unloading station and the printing station. When the first support platform is stationed at the first waiting station, the second support platform can reciprocate between the loading and unloading station and the printing station along the second track. The second track includes a second waiting station located between the loading and unloading station and the printing station. When the second support platform is stationed at the second waiting station, the first support platform can reciprocate between the loading and unloading station and the printing station along the first track.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of printing technology, and more specifically to an ultraviolet inkjet printer. Background Technology

[0002] Ultraviolet (UV) printing technology refers to a printing process that uses ultraviolet light to dry and cure inks. Printing machines that use UV printing technology can be called UV printers, UV inkjet printers, or flatbed printers.

[0003] The process of ultraviolet (UV) printing involves inkjet printing of a photosensitive ink onto the substrate, followed by curing using LEDs or mercury lamps to quickly dry and cure the ink. This UV printing technology is not limited by materials and is suitable for color photo-quality printing on a variety of surfaces. It requires no plate making, completes the printing in a single pass, and produces vibrant, rich colors that are wear-resistant and UV-protective. For example, it can be used to print on surfaces such as wood, glass, various signs, crystal, PVC, acrylic, metal, plastic, stone, and leather.

[0004] As ultraviolet printing technology is gradually accepted by users in the field of certificate and card production, users' requirements for printing speed are gradually increasing, and there is an urgent need for low-cost ultraviolet printers that can print at high speed. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a UV inkjet printer that can improve printing efficiency.

[0006] The ultraviolet inkjet printer provided in this application includes:

[0007] The frame includes a first track and a second track;

[0008] A loading and unloading mechanism is installed on the frame, and the frame includes loading and unloading stations corresponding to the loading and unloading mechanism;

[0009] A printing mechanism is mounted on the frame, the frame including printing stations corresponding to the printing mechanism;

[0010] The first support platform is used to support the work to be printed, and the first support platform is connected to the first track;

[0011] The second support platform is used to support the work to be printed, and the second support platform is connected to the second track;

[0012] The first track includes a first waiting station, which is located between the loading and unloading station and the printing station. When the first carrier platform is stationed at the first waiting station, the second carrier platform can reciprocate between the loading and unloading station and the printing station along the second track.

[0013] The second track includes a second waiting station located between the loading / unloading station and the printing station. When the second carrier platform is stationed at the second waiting station, the first carrier platform can reciprocate between the loading / unloading station and the printing station along the first track.

[0014] In one embodiment, the loading / unloading mechanism and the printing mechanism are distributed longitudinally, the first track and the second track both extend longitudinally, and the first track and the second track are spaced apart laterally; wherein, in the height direction, the first support platform is at a first height relative to the frame in the first waiting station, the loading / unloading station and the printing station, the second support platform is at the first height relative to the frame in the loading / unloading station and the printing station, and the second support platform is at a second height in the second waiting station, the second height being lower or higher than the first height.

[0015] In one embodiment, there are two first tracks, and the two ends of the first support platform are respectively connected to the two first tracks; the second track is located between the two first tracks, and the second height is lower than the first height.

[0016] In one embodiment, the ultraviolet inkjet printer further includes a controller, and a first drive unit and a second drive unit electrically connected to the controller. The loading / unloading mechanism and the printing mechanism are both electrically connected to the controller. The controller controls the first carrier platform to move along the first track through the first drive unit, and the controller controls the second carrier platform to move along the second track through the second drive unit. When the first carrier platform or the second carrier platform reaches the loading / unloading station, the controller also controls the loading / unloading mechanism to unload the printed parts on the first carrier platform or the second carrier platform and to load the parts to be printed onto the first carrier platform or the second carrier platform. When the first carrier platform or the second carrier platform reaches the printing station, the controller also controls the printing mechanism to perform a printing operation on the parts to be printed carried by the first carrier platform or the second carrier platform at the printing station.

[0017] In one embodiment, the ultraviolet inkjet printer further includes a first sensing component and a second sensing component, both of which are electrically connected to the controller. The first sensing component is used to sense whether the first carrier platform has arrived at the loading / unloading station, the first waiting station, or the printing station, and sends a first loading / unloading arrival signal, a first waiting arrival signal, and a first printing arrival signal to the controller upon arrival. The second sensing component is used to sense whether the second carrier platform has arrived at the loading / unloading station, the second waiting station, or the printing station, and sends a second loading / unloading arrival signal, a second waiting arrival signal, and a second printing arrival signal to the controller upon arrival. The controller generates control over the loading / unloading mechanism to unload the printed item and load the item to be printed based on the first loading / unloading arrival signal or the second loading / unloading arrival signal. The controller also controls the printing mechanism to perform a printing operation based on the first printing arrival signal or the second printing arrival signal.

[0018] In one embodiment, the loading and unloading mechanism includes a monitor. When the first carrier platform and the second carrier platform are located at the loading and unloading station, the monitor is used to monitor whether the carrier platform carries the workpiece to be printed or the already printed workpiece, and generates a feedback signal. The controller is electrically connected to the monitor. The controller determines whether the workpiece to be printed has been loaded on the carrier platform based on the feedback signal from the monitor, and controls the first carrier platform or the second carrier platform to leave the loading and unloading station after confirming that the workpiece to be printed has been loaded on the carrier platform.

[0019] In one embodiment, the first carrier platform includes at least two carrier positions, which are distributed laterally at intervals. The first carrier platform and the second carrier platform are identical, and the monitor corresponds one-to-one with each carrier position. The loading and unloading mechanism further includes a delivery component, a receiving component, and a toggle component. The delivery component and the receiving component are distributed laterally on opposite sides of the loading and unloading station. The at least two carrier positions include a first carrier position adjacent to the delivery component and a second carrier position adjacent to the receiving component. The receiving component can receive a printed piece at the second carrier position, and the delivery component can deliver a piece to be printed to the first carrier position. The toggle component includes a drive roller, a driven roller, a synchronous belt, and a toggle plate. The drive roller and driven roller are distributed laterally at intervals, and the central axis of the drive roller and driven roller extends along the height direction. The synchronous belt is sleeved on the drive roller and driven roller. The paddles are disposed on the synchronous belt. There are multiple paddles, which are evenly distributed laterally. The distance between adjacent paddles is equal to the size of the bearing position in the lateral direction. The paddles follow the movement of the synchronous belt to move the printed or unprinted parts located at the bearing position toward the receiving component. When the first bearing platform or the second bearing platform is located at the loading and unloading station, the paddles facing the loading and unloading station correspond one-to-one with the bearing positions to simultaneously move the printed or unprinted parts at each of the bearing positions.

[0020] In one embodiment, the delivery component includes a first upper roller and a first lower roller spaced apart along the height direction, and the workpiece to be printed can be held between the upper roller and the lower roller; and / or, the receiving component includes a second upper roller and a second lower roller spaced apart along the height direction, and the printed workpiece can be held between the second upper roller and the second lower roller.

[0021] In one embodiment, the ultraviolet inkjet printer further includes a positioning mechanism mounted on the frame. The positioning mechanism includes a first positioning element and a second positioning element. The first support platform includes a support groove, a first opening, and a second opening. The support groove corresponds one-to-one with the workpiece to be printed. The support groove includes a bottom wall and two side walls spaced apart longitudinally. The workpiece to be printed is accommodated between the two side walls. The support groove is located between two adjacent second openings, and the first opening is located between two adjacent second openings. The opening directions of the first opening and the second opening are both facing the printing mechanism. The first support platform and the second support platform are identical. When the first support platform or the second support platform reaches the printing station, the first positioning element is inserted into the first opening, and the second positioning element is inserted into the second opening. The workpiece to be printed is jointly positioned by the first positioning element, the second positioning element, and the side walls of the support groove.

[0022] In one embodiment, the positioning mechanism includes a laterally extending robotic arm, the first positioning member includes a first elastic member, one end of which is connected to the robotic arm, and the first elastic member is capable of elastic deformation in the longitudinal direction; and / or, the second positioning member includes a second elastic member, one end of which is connected to the robotic arm, and the second elastic member is capable of elastic deformation in the lateral direction.

[0023] The technical solution of this application embodiment allows the first and second tracks to be used to make the first and second carrier platforms move alternately. While the first carrier platform is in the printing process, the second carrier platform moves to the loading / unloading station to unload the printed parts and load the parts to be printed. Alternatively, while the second carrier platform is in the printing process, the first carrier platform moves to the loading / unloading station to unload the printed parts and load the parts to be printed. This saves loading / unloading time before printing and improves printing efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0024] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. By reading the detailed description of the embodiments below, the advantages and benefits of the solutions will become clear to those skilled in the art. The accompanying drawings are only for illustrating preferred embodiments and are not intended to limit this application. In the accompanying drawings:

[0025] Figure 1 A perspective view of an ultraviolet inkjet printer provided in some embodiments of this application is shown.

[0026] Figure 2 A partial perspective view of an ultraviolet inkjet printer provided in some embodiments of this application is shown.

[0027] Figure 3 Another partial perspective view of an ultraviolet inkjet printer provided in some embodiments of this application is shown, in which a second carrier stage is hidden.

[0028] Figure 4 This illustration shows a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the second track in an ultraviolet inkjet printer according to some embodiments of this application.

[0029] Figure 5 This illustration shows a perspective view of the positioning mechanism and the first support stage in an ultraviolet inkjet printer according to an embodiment of this application.

[0030] Figure label:

[0031] 11-First track, 12-Second track, 121-Loading and unloading section, 122-Printing section, 123-Waiting section, 124-Slope section;

[0032] 20-Loading and unloading mechanism, 21-Monitor, 22-Conveying component, 23-Taking component, 24-Actuating component, 241-Drive roller, 242-Driven roller, 243-Synchronous belt, 244-Paddle;

[0033] 30 - Printing mechanism

[0034] 40-First support platform, 41-First opening, 42-Second opening, 43-Support groove, 431-Side wall;

[0035] 50 - Second support platform

[0036] 60-Positioning mechanism, 61-First positioning component, 62-Second positioning component, 63-Robotic arm, 64-Robotic finger;

[0037] K1 - Loading and unloading station, K2 - Printing station, D1 - First waiting station, D2 - Second waiting station. Detailed Implementation

[0038] The technical solutions in this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0039] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

[0040] refer to Figure 1This application provides an ultraviolet inkjet printer, including a frame, a loading / unloading mechanism 20, a printing mechanism 30, a first support platform 40, and a second support platform 50. The frame includes a first track 11 and a second track 12. The loading / unloading mechanism 20 is mounted on the frame, and the frame includes loading / unloading stations corresponding to the loading / unloading mechanism 20. The printing mechanism 30 is mounted on the frame, and the frame includes printing stations corresponding to the printing mechanism 30. The first support platform 40 is used to support the workpiece to be printed and is connected to the first track 11. The second support platform 50 is used to support the workpiece to be printed. The first platform 40 is connected to the second track 12; wherein, the first track 11 includes a first waiting station, which is located between the loading and unloading station and the printing station. When the first carrier platform 40 is stationed at the first waiting station, the second carrier platform 50 can reciprocate between the loading and unloading station and the printing station along the second track 12; the second track 12 includes a second waiting station, which is located between the loading and unloading station and the printing station. When the second carrier platform 50 is stationed at the second waiting station, the first carrier platform 40 can reciprocate between the loading and unloading station and the printing station along the first track 11.

[0041] in, Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram showing the first support platform 40 located at the printing station K2 and the second support platform 50 at the loading / unloading station K1.

[0042] The above technical solution utilizes the first track 11 and the second track 12 to allow the first carrier platform 40 and the second carrier platform 50 to move alternately. While the first carrier platform 40 is in the printing process, the second carrier platform 50 moves to the loading / unloading station to unload the printed parts and load the parts to be printed. Alternatively, while the second carrier platform 50 is in the printing process, the first carrier platform 40 moves to the loading / unloading station to unload the printed parts and load the parts to be printed. This saves loading / unloading time before printing and improves printing efficiency.

[0043] Taking a longer printing time and a shorter loading and unloading time as an example, the specific movement flow of the first carrier stage 40 and the second carrier stage 50 when using the above-mentioned ultraviolet inkjet printer can be referred to as follows:

[0044] S1, the first carrier platform 40 loads the part to be printed at the loading and unloading station K1 through the loading and unloading structure, and after completion, moves from the loading and unloading station K1 to the printing station K2. During this process, the second carrier platform 50 is located at the second waiting station D2.

[0045] S2, during the process of printing the part to be printed on the first carrier platform 40 through the printing mechanism 30, the second carrier platform 50 moves from the second waiting station D2 to the loading and unloading station K1, and returns to the second waiting station D2 after loading the part to be printed through the loading and unloading structure.

[0046] S3, after printing is completed, the first carrier platform 40 moves from the printing station K2 to the loading and unloading station K1, and the second carrier platform 50 moves from the second waiting station D2 to the printing station K2;

[0047] S4, during the process of printing the part to be printed on the second carrier platform 50 by the printing mechanism 30, the first carrier platform 40 loads the part to be printed at the loading and unloading station K1 through the loading and unloading structure, and moves from the loading and unloading station K1 to the first waiting station D1 after completion.

[0048] S5, after printing is completed, the second carrier platform 50 moves from the printing station K2 to the loading and unloading station K1, and then the first carrier platform 40 moves from the first waiting station D1 to the printing station K2;

[0049] S6, during the process of printing the part to be printed on the first carrier platform 40 through the printing mechanism 30, the second carrier platform 50 returns to the second waiting station D2 after loading the part to be printed through the loading and unloading structure at the loading and unloading station K1.

[0050] Then, repeat steps S3, S4, S5, and S6 in a loop.

[0051] refer to Figure 1 In one possible implementation, the loading / unloading mechanism 20 and the printing mechanism 30 are distributed longitudinally, and the first track 11 and the second track 12 both extend longitudinally and are spaced apart laterally; wherein, in the height direction, the first support platform 40 is at a first height relative to the frame in the first waiting station, loading / unloading station and printing station, the second support platform 50 is at a first height relative to the frame in the loading / unloading station and printing station, and the second support platform 50 is at a second height in the second waiting station, the second height being lower or higher than the first height; the height direction, the lateral direction and the longitudinal direction are perpendicular to each other.

[0052] As can be seen from the above technical solution, by making the second height lower or higher than the first height, on the one hand, when the first carrier platform 40 is located at the first waiting station, the second carrier platform 50 can move smoothly along the second track 12 to reach the loading / unloading station or printing station without being affected by the first carrier platform 40; or, when the second carrier platform 50 is located at the second waiting station, the first carrier platform 40 can move smoothly along the first track 11 to reach the loading / unloading station or printing station without being affected by the second carrier platform 50. On the other hand, the movement paths of the first carrier platform 40 and the second carrier platform 50 can overlap, reducing the size of the printer.

[0053] In one embodiment, there are two first tracks 11, with each end of the first support platform 40 connected to one of the two first tracks 11. A second track 12 is located between the two first tracks 11, and its second height is lower than its first height. Thus, when the second support platform 50 is in the second waiting position, the first support platform 40 can pass over it; or, when the first support platform 40 is in the first waiting position, the second support platform 50 can pass under it. Furthermore, the limiting effect of the two first tracks 11 allows the first support platform 40 to move more stably along the first tracks 11.

[0054] For example, the first support platform 40 and the first track 11 are slidably connected, or the first support platform 40 and the first track 11 are slidably connected.

[0055] In one example, reference Figure 4 The second track 12 includes a loading / unloading section 121, a printing section 122, a waiting section 123, and a ramp section 124. The loading / unloading section 121, printing section 122, and waiting section 123 all extend longitudinally. The loading / unloading section 121 and printing section 122 are at the same height relative to the frame, while the waiting section 123 is at a lower height relative to the frame than the loading / unloading section 121. One end of the waiting section 123 is connected to the loading / unloading section 121 via the ramp section 124, and the other end is connected to the printing section 122 via the ramp section 124. The second carrier platform 50 can only reach the loading / unloading station after traveling from the second waiting station to the loading / unloading section 121 via the ramp section 124, and it can only reach the printing station after traveling from the second waiting station to the printing section 122 via the ramp section 124.

[0056] In one example, there are two second tracks 12, spaced laterally, and the two ends of the second support platform 50 are connected to the two second tracks 12. Thus, the limiting effect of the two second tracks 12 allows the second support platform 50 to move more stably along the second tracks 12.

[0057] For example, the second support platform 50 and the second track 12 are slidably connected, or the second support platform 50 and the second track 12 are slidably connected.

[0058] In one possible implementation, the ultraviolet inkjet printer further includes a controller, and a first drive unit and a second drive unit electrically connected to the controller. The loading / unloading mechanism 20 and the printing mechanism 30 are both electrically connected to the controller. The controller controls the first carrier platform 40 to move along the first track 11 through the first drive unit, and controls the second carrier platform 50 to move along the second track 12 through the second drive unit. When the first carrier platform 40 or the second carrier platform 50 reaches the loading / unloading station, the controller also controls the loading / unloading mechanism 20 to unload the printed parts on the first carrier platform 40 or the second carrier platform 50, and to load the parts to be printed onto the first carrier platform 40 or the second carrier platform 50. When the first carrier platform 40 or the second carrier platform 50 reaches the printing station, the controller also controls the printing mechanism 30 to perform a printing operation on the parts to be printed carried by the first carrier platform 40 or the second carrier platform 50 located at the printing station.

[0059] As can be seen from the above technical solution, the controller can automatically control the first carrier platform 40 to move along the first track 11, automatically control the second carrier platform 50 to move along the second track 12, automatically control the loading and unloading mechanism 20 to perform loading and unloading operations, and control the printing mechanism 30 to perform printing operations. This is beneficial to improving printing efficiency.

[0060] In one specific embodiment, the controller sends a loading / unloading command to the loading / unloading mechanism 20 when the first carrier platform 40 or the second carrier platform 50 arrives at the loading / unloading station, and sends a printing command to the printing mechanism 30 when the first carrier platform 40 or the second carrier platform 50 arrives at the printing station. According to the loading / unloading command, the loading / unloading mechanism 20 unloads the printed workpiece from the first carrier platform 40 or the second carrier platform 50 located at the loading / unloading station, and loads the workpiece to be printed onto the first carrier platform 40 or the second carrier platform 50 located at the loading / unloading station. After the workpiece to be printed has been loaded, the controller controls the first carrier platform 40 or the second carrier platform 50 to leave the loading / unloading station. According to the printing command, the printing mechanism 30 performs a printing operation on the workpiece to be printed carried by the first carrier platform 40 or the second carrier platform 50 located at the printing station, and after completing the printing operation, sends a printing completion signal to the controller. The controller controls the first carrier platform 40 or the second carrier platform 50 to leave the printing station according to the printing completion signal.

[0061] Based on the above technical solution, after receiving the loading / unloading completion signal, the controller can control the first carrier platform 40 to move from the loading / unloading station to the first waiting station. After determining that the second carrier platform 50 has moved from the printing station to the second waiting station, the controller can control the first carrier platform 40 to continue moving from the first waiting station to the printing station. Alternatively, after receiving the loading / unloading completion signal, the controller can control the second carrier platform 50 to move from the loading / unloading station to the second waiting station. After determining that the first carrier platform 40 has moved from the printing station to the first waiting station, the controller can control the second carrier platform 50 to continue moving from the second waiting station to the printing station.

[0062] Similarly, upon receiving the printing completion signal, the controller can control the first carrier platform 40 to move from the printing station to the first waiting station. After determining that the second carrier platform 50 has moved from the loading / unloading station to the second waiting station, it can control the first carrier platform 40 to continue moving from the first waiting station to the loading / unloading station. Alternatively, upon receiving the printing completion signal, the controller can control the second carrier platform 50 to move from the printing station to the second waiting station. After determining that the first carrier platform 40 has moved from the loading / unloading station to the first waiting station, it can control the second carrier platform 50 to continue moving from the second waiting station to the loading / unloading station.

[0063] In one possible embodiment, to accurately determine the positions of the first carrier platform 40 and the second carrier platform 50, so that the controller can accurately control the movement of the first carrier platform 40 and the second carrier platform 50, the ultraviolet inkjet printer provided in this application further includes a first sensing component and a second sensing component, both of which are electrically connected to the controller; the first sensing component is used to sense whether the first carrier platform 40 has arrived at the loading / unloading station, the first waiting station, or the printing station, and sends a first loading / unloading arrival signal, a first waiting arrival signal, and a first printing arrival signal to the controller upon arrival; the second sensing component is used to sense whether the second carrier platform 50 has arrived at the loading / unloading station, the second waiting station, or the printing station, and sends a second loading / unloading arrival signal, a second waiting arrival signal, and a second printing arrival signal to the controller upon arrival; the controller generates control over the loading / unloading mechanism 20 to unload the printed item and load the item to be printed based on the first loading / unloading arrival signal or the second loading / unloading arrival signal; and the controller controls the printing mechanism 30 to perform the printing operation based on the first printing arrival signal or the second printing arrival signal.

[0064] Clearly, the first loading / unloading arrival signal indicates that the first carrier platform 40 has arrived at the loading / unloading station, and the second loading / unloading arrival signal indicates that the second carrier platform 50 has arrived at the loading / unloading station. The first waiting arrival signal indicates that the first carrier platform 40 has arrived at the first waiting station, and the second waiting arrival signal indicates that the second carrier platform 50 has arrived at the second waiting station. The first printing arrival signal indicates that the first carrier platform 40 has arrived at the printing station, and the second printing arrival signal indicates that the second carrier platform 50 has arrived at the printing station. Therefore, the controller can accurately determine the positions of the first carrier platform 40 and the second carrier platform 50, thereby enabling orderly control of their movement.

[0065] In one specific embodiment, the controller can generate a loading / unloading command based on a first loading / unloading arrival signal or a second loading / unloading arrival signal, and generate a printing command based on a first printing arrival signal and a second printing arrival signal. Thus, the loading / unloading mechanism 20 executes the loading / unloading command to complete the unloading of the printed parts and the loading / unloading of the parts to be printed. The printing mechanism 30 executes the printing command to perform the printing operation on the parts to be printed held on the first carrier platform 40 or the second carrier platform 50 located at the printing station.

[0066] In one example, the first sensing component may include three position sensors, which are respectively positioned on the first track 11 and correspond to the loading / unloading station, the first waiting station, and the printing station. When the first carrier platform 40 arrives at the loading / unloading station, the corresponding position sensor sends a first loading / unloading arrival signal to the controller. When the first carrier platform 40 arrives at the first waiting station, the corresponding position sensor sends a first waiting arrival signal to the controller. When the first carrier platform 40 arrives at the printing station, the corresponding position sensor sends a first printing arrival signal to the controller.

[0067] Similarly, in one example, the second sensing component may include three position sensors, which are respectively positioned on the second track 12 and correspond to the loading / unloading station, the second waiting station, and the printing station. When the second carrier platform 50 arrives at the loading / unloading station, the corresponding position sensor sends a second loading / unloading arrival signal to the controller. When the second carrier platform 50 arrives at the second waiting station, the corresponding position sensor sends a second waiting arrival signal to the controller. When the second carrier platform 50 arrives at the printing station, the corresponding position sensor sends a second printing arrival signal to the controller.

[0068] In one possible embodiment, reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 The loading and unloading mechanism 20 includes a monitor 21. When the first carrier platform 40 and the second carrier platform 50 are in the loading and unloading station, the monitor 21 monitors whether the carrier platform carries a workpiece to be printed or a workpiece that has already been printed, and generates a feedback signal. The controller is electrically connected to the monitor 21. The controller determines whether a workpiece to be printed has been loaded on the carrier platform based on the feedback signal from the monitor 21, and controls the first carrier platform 40 or the second carrier platform 50 to leave the loading and unloading station after confirming that a workpiece to be printed has been loaded on the carrier platform. In this way, the monitor 21 helps to accurately determine whether the workpiece to be printed has been loaded, thereby facilitating the controller to control the first carrier platform 40 or the second carrier platform 50 to leave the loading and unloading station in a timely and accurate manner. At this time, the first carrier platform 40, after leaving the loading and unloading station, can reach the first waiting station or directly reach the printing station. At this time, the first carrier platform 40, after leaving the loading and unloading station, can reach the second waiting station or directly reach the printing station.

[0069] In one example, the monitor 21 may include an infrared sensor that can monitor whether the carrier platform located at the loading / unloading station is carrying a workpiece to be printed or a printed workpiece. When the carrier platform is not carrying a workpiece to be printed or a printed workpiece, it can send an empty signal to the controller. When the carrier platform is carrying a workpiece to be printed or a printed workpiece, it can send a carrying signal to the controller. For example, when the first carrier platform 40 arrives at the loading / unloading position carrying a printed workpiece, the controller first receives a first loading / unloading arrival signal, and then receives a carrying signal sent by the monitor 21; then, when the printed workpiece is unloaded, the controller receives an empty signal; then, when a workpiece to be printed is loaded, the controller receives a carrying signal. Based on the first loading / unloading arrival signal and the alternating carrying and empty signals, the controller can confirm that the loading / unloading mechanism 20 has completed the unloading of the printed workpiece and the loading of the workpiece to be printed.

[0070] In the printer provided in this application, the first carrier stage 40 includes at least two carrier positions, which are distributed sequentially and alternately along the horizontal direction. The first carrier stage 40 and the second carrier stage 50 are identical, and the monitor 21 corresponds one-to-one with the carrier positions. Thus, each carrier stage can simultaneously carry at least two items to be printed; that is, one carrier position can carry one item to be printed, thereby improving printing efficiency. By ensuring a one-to-one correspondence between the monitor 21 and the carrier positions, the controller can determine whether all carrier positions on the carrier stage have carried items to be printed.

[0071] Further reference Figure 3 The loading and unloading mechanism 20 also includes a delivery component 22, a receiving component 23, and a toggle component 24. The delivery component 22 and the receiving component 23 are laterally distributed on opposite sides of the loading and unloading station. At least two bearing positions include a first bearing position adjacent to the delivery component 22 and a second bearing position adjacent to the receiving component 23. The receiving component 23 is capable of receiving the printed part at the second bearing position, and the delivery component 22 is capable of delivering the part to be printed to the first bearing position. The actuating element 24 includes a drive roller 241, a driven roller 242, a timing belt 243, and a paddle 244. The drive roller 241 and driven roller 242 are distributed laterally at intervals, and their central axes extend along the height direction. The timing belt 243 is sleeved on the drive roller 241 and driven roller 242. The paddle 244 is disposed on the timing belt 243. There are multiple paddles 244, which are evenly distributed laterally at intervals. The distance between adjacent paddles 244 is equal to the lateral dimension of the bearing position. The paddles 244 move with the timing belt 243 to actuate the printed or unprinted parts located at the bearing position toward the receiving element 23. When the first bearing platform 40 or the second bearing platform 50 is located at the loading / unloading station, the paddles 244 facing the loading / unloading station correspond one-to-one with the bearing positions to simultaneously actuate the printed or unprinted parts at each bearing position.

[0072] Clearly, based on this technical solution, the paddle 244 can move the printed part toward the pick-up member 23 so that the printed part can be picked up by the pick-up member 23 and thus leave the carrier table. The paddle 244 can also move the part to be printed on the first carrier position toward the second carrier position so that the first carrier position can continue to carry the next part to be printed delivered by the delivery member 22.

[0073] For example, the first carrier platform 40 may include three carrier positions: a first carrier position, an intermediate carrier position, and a second carrier position. In this case, the timing belt 243 can be rotated one cycle, causing the paddle 244 to move the printed item at the second carrier position so that it can be picked up by the pickup 23. Simultaneously, the printed item at the intermediate carrier position moves to the second carrier position under the action of another paddle 244, and the printed item at the first carrier position moves to the intermediate carrier position under the action of another paddle 244. At this point, the first carrier position is idle, and the delivery component 22 can be used to deliver the item to be printed to the first carrier position. Then, the timing belt 243 rotates to the next paddle, and as the paddle 244 moves, the printed item at the second carrier position is picked up again by the pickup 23, and the first carrier position becomes idle again. Then, the delivery component 22 can be used again to deliver the item to be printed to the first carrier position. This cycle continues until all printed items are unloaded, and each carrier position on the first carrier platform 40 carries an item to be printed. Obviously, loading and unloading can be carried out simultaneously, which helps to improve loading and unloading efficiency.

[0074] In one possible embodiment, the delivery component 22 may include a first upper roller and a first lower roller spaced apart along the height direction, and the workpiece to be printed can be held between the upper roller and the lower roller. Thus, the purpose of transporting the workpiece to be printed can be achieved by making the rotation directions of the first upper roller and the first lower roller opposite.

[0075] In one example, the first upper roller and the first lower roller are the same size.

[0076] In one example, there can be multiple first upper rollers, the number of first lower rollers can be the same as the number of first upper rollers, and the first upper rollers and first lower rollers correspond to each other in the height direction.

[0077] In one possible embodiment, the picking member 23 may include a second upper roller and a second lower roller spaced apart along the height direction, and the printed part can be held between the second upper roller and the second lower roller. Thus, the purpose of picking up the printed part can be achieved by making the rotation directions of the second upper roller and the second lower roller opposite.

[0078] In one example, the second upper roller and the second lower roller are the same size.

[0079] In one example, there can be multiple second upper rollers, the number of second lower rollers can be the same as the number of second upper rollers, and the second upper rollers and the second lower rollers correspond to each other in the height direction.

[0080] To ensure successful loading of the printable part, both the horizontal and vertical dimensions of the bearing groove 43 must be larger than the corresponding dimensions of the printable part. However, this will result in a higher positioning accuracy of the printable part, which may lead to inaccurate printing of fonts or patterns. To address this issue, in one possible implementation, the ultraviolet inkjet printer further includes a positioning mechanism 60, mounted on the frame. The positioning mechanism 60 includes a first positioning element 61 and a second positioning element 62. The first support platform 40 includes a support groove 43, a first opening 41, and a second opening 42. The support groove 43 corresponds one-to-one with the workpiece to be printed. The support groove 43 includes a bottom wall and two side walls 431 spaced apart longitudinally. The workpiece to be printed is accommodated between the two side walls 431. The support groove 43 is located between two adjacent second openings 42, and the first opening 41 is located between two adjacent second openings 42. The opening direction of the first opening 41 and the opening direction of the second opening 42 both face the printing mechanism 30. The first support platform 40 and the second support platform 50 are identical. When the first support platform 40 or the second support platform 50 reaches the printing station, the first positioning element 61 is inserted into the first opening 41, and the second positioning element 62 is inserted into the second opening 42. The workpiece to be printed is jointly positioned by the first positioning element 61, the second positioning element 62, and the side walls 431 of the support groove 43.

[0081] Through the above technical solution, by inserting the second positioning member 62 into the second opening 42, the horizontal position of the workpiece to be printed can be adjusted, eliminating gaps and making the horizontal positioning of the workpiece to be printed more accurate. By inserting the first positioning member 61 into the first opening 41, the vertical position of the workpiece to be printed can be adjusted, eliminating gaps and making the vertical positioning of the workpiece to be printed more accurate.

[0082] In one implementation, reference Figure 5 The positioning mechanism 60 includes a robotic arm 63 extending laterally, and a first positioning member 61 including a first elastic member. One end of the first elastic member is connected to the robotic arm 63, and the first elastic member is capable of elastic deformation along the longitudinal direction. In this way, the first elastic member and the side wall 431 of the bearing groove 43 can cooperate with each other to clamp the workpiece to be printed in the longitudinal direction, preventing the workpiece to be printed from moving longitudinally during the printing process.

[0083] The first elastic element may include a first section and a second section. The first section extends laterally, and the two ends of the second section are connected to the robotic arm 63 and the first section, respectively. The extension direction of the second section forms an acute angle with the first section and with the robotic arm 63. Thus, when the first section is subjected to a thrust toward the robotic arm 63, the second section can undergo elastic deformation, causing the first section to move toward the robotic arm 63.

[0084] In one embodiment, the second positioning member 62 includes a second elastic member, one end of which is connected to the robotic arm 63. The second elastic member is capable of elastic deformation in the lateral direction. In this way, the two second elastic members on both sides of the bearing groove 43 can cooperate with each other to clamp the workpiece to be printed in the lateral direction, preventing the workpiece to be printed from moving laterally during the printing process.

[0085] The second positioning member 62 may further include a mechanical finger 64 connected to the robotic arm 63, the mechanical finger 64 extending longitudinally. The second elastic member may include a third section and a fourth section, the third section extending longitudinally, and the two ends of the fourth section connected to the third section and the mechanical finger 64 respectively. The extension direction of the fourth section forms an acute angle with the mechanical finger 64, and the fourth section is closer to the loading / unloading station, while the third section is farther away from the loading / unloading station. Thus, the fourth section has a slope relative to the longitudinal direction. When the second positioning member 62 is inserted into the second opening 42, the slope of the fourth section can play a guiding role, and at the same time, the fourth section can elastically deform in the lateral direction, causing the third section to move towards the mechanical finger 64.

[0086] Furthermore, the positioning mechanism 60 provided in this application can be fixed on the frame. As the first support platform 40 or the second support platform 50 moves toward the printing station, the first opening 41 can be fitted over the first positioning member 61, and the second opening 42 can be fitted over the second positioning member 62. When the first support platform 40 or the second support platform 50 moves to the printing station, the first positioning member 61 and the second positioning member 62 can just complete the positioning of the workpiece to be printed.

[0087] It should be noted that, without conflict, the various embodiments and / or technical features described in this application can be arbitrarily combined with each other, and the resulting technical solutions should also fall within the protection scope of this application.

[0088] It should be understood that the specific examples in the embodiments of this application are only for the purpose of helping those skilled in the art to better understand the embodiments of this application, and are not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments of this application. Those skilled in the art can make various improvements and modifications based on the above embodiments, and all such improvements or modifications fall within the protection scope of this application.

[0089] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. An ultraviolet inkjet printer, characterized in that, include: The frame includes a first track (11) and a second track (12); A loading and unloading mechanism (20) is installed on the frame, the frame including loading and unloading stations corresponding to the loading and unloading mechanism (20); A printing mechanism (30) is mounted on the frame, the frame including printing stations corresponding to the printing mechanism (30); The first support platform (40) is used to support the workpiece to be printed, and the first support platform (40) is connected to the first track (11); The second support platform (50) is used to support the workpiece to be printed, and the second support platform (50) is connected to the second track (12); The first track (11) includes a first waiting station, which is located between the loading and unloading station and the printing station. When the first carrier platform (40) is stationed at the first waiting station, the second carrier platform (50) can reciprocate between the loading and unloading station and the printing station along the second track (12). The second track (12) includes a second waiting station, which is located between the loading and unloading station and the printing station. When the second carrier (50) is stationed at the second waiting station, the first carrier (40) can reciprocate between the loading and unloading station and the printing station along the first track (11). The loading and unloading mechanism (20) and the printing mechanism (30) are distributed longitudinally, the first track (11) and the second track (12) both extend longitudinally, and the first track (11) and the second track (12) are distributed laterally at intervals; In the height direction, the first support platform (40) is at a first height relative to the frame when it is at the first waiting station, the loading and unloading station and the printing station, the second support platform (50) is at the first height relative to the frame when it is at the loading and unloading station and the printing station, and the second support platform (50) is at a second height when it is at the second waiting station, and the second height is lower or higher than the first height.

2. The ultraviolet inkjet printer according to claim 1, characterized in that, There are two first tracks (11), and the two ends of the first support platform (40) are respectively connected to the two first tracks (11); The second track (12) is located between the two first tracks (11), and the second height is lower than the first height.

3. The ultraviolet inkjet printer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The ultraviolet inkjet printer also includes a controller, and a first drive unit and a second drive unit electrically connected to the controller. The loading and unloading mechanism (20) and the printing mechanism (30) are both electrically connected to the controller. The controller controls the first support platform (40) to move along the first track (11) via the first drive unit, and the controller controls the second support platform (50) to move along the second track (12) via the second drive unit. When the first carrier platform (40) or the second carrier platform (50) arrives at the loading and unloading station, the controller also controls the loading and unloading mechanism (20) to unload the printed parts on the first carrier platform (40) or the second carrier platform (50) and load the parts to be printed onto the first carrier platform (40) or the second carrier platform (50); When the first carrier platform (40) or the second carrier platform (50) arrives at the printing station, the controller also controls the printing mechanism (30) to perform a printing operation on the part to be printed carried by the first carrier platform (40) or the second carrier platform (50) located at the printing station.

4. The ultraviolet inkjet printer according to claim 3, characterized in that, The ultraviolet inkjet printer also includes a first sensing component and a second sensing component, both of which are electrically connected to the controller. The first sensing component is used to sense whether the first carrier platform (40) has arrived at the loading and unloading station, the first waiting station or the printing station, and sends a first loading and unloading arrival signal, a first waiting arrival signal and a first printing arrival signal to the controller respectively when it arrives; The second sensing component is used to sense whether the second carrier platform (50) has arrived at the loading and unloading station, the second waiting station or the printing station, and sends a second loading and unloading arrival signal, a second waiting arrival signal and a second printing arrival signal to the controller respectively when it arrives; The controller generates control over the loading / unloading mechanism (20) to unload the printed item and load the item to be printed based on the first or second loading / unloading arrival signal; and, The controller controls the printing mechanism (30) to perform the printing operation based on the first print arrival signal or the second print arrival signal.

5. The ultraviolet inkjet printer according to claim 3, characterized in that, The loading and unloading mechanism (20) includes a monitor (21). When the first carrier platform (40) and the second carrier platform (50) are located at the loading and unloading station, the monitor (21) is used to monitor whether the carrier platform is carrying the workpiece to be printed or the printed workpiece, and generates a feedback signal. The controller is electrically connected to the monitor (21). The controller determines whether the printable part has been loaded on the carrier platform based on the feedback signal from the monitor (21). After confirming that the printable part has been loaded on the carrier platform, the controller controls the first carrier platform (40) or the second carrier platform (50) to leave the loading and unloading station.

6. The ultraviolet inkjet printer according to claim 5, characterized in that, The first support platform (40) includes at least two support positions, which are distributed sequentially and alternately along the lateral direction. The first support platform (40) and the second support platform (50) are the same. The monitor (21) corresponds one-to-one with the support positions. The loading and unloading mechanism (20) further includes a delivery component (22), a receiving component (23), and a toggle component (24). The delivery component (22) and the receiving component (23) are distributed laterally on opposite sides of the loading and unloading station. The at least two bearing positions include a first bearing position adjacent to the delivery component (22) and a second bearing position adjacent to the receiving component (23). The ingestor (23) is capable of ingesting the printed part on the second bearing position, and the delivery member (22) is capable of delivering the part to be printed to the first bearing position; The actuating element (24) includes a drive roller (241), a driven roller (242), a timing belt (243), and a paddle (244). The drive roller (241) and the driven roller (242) are distributed laterally at intervals, and the central axis of the drive roller (241) and the driven roller (242) extends along the height direction. The timing belt (243) is sleeved on the drive roller (241) and the driven roller (242). The paddle (244) is disposed on the timing belt (243). There are multiple paddles (244) and they are evenly distributed laterally at intervals. The distance between adjacent paddles (244) is equal to the size of the bearing position in the lateral direction. The paddle (244) moves with the timing belt (243) to actuate the printed or unprinted part located at the bearing position toward the receiving element (23). When the first carrier platform (40) or the second carrier platform (50) is located at the loading and unloading station, the paddle (244) facing the loading and unloading station corresponds one-to-one with the carrier position, so as to simultaneously paddle the printed or unprinted parts at each of the carrier positions.

7. The ultraviolet inkjet printer according to claim 6, characterized in that, The delivery component (22) includes a first upper roller and a first lower roller spaced apart along the height direction, and the workpiece to be printed can be held between the upper roller and the lower roller; and / or, The receiving element (23) includes a second upper roller and a second lower roller spaced apart along the height direction, and the printed element can be held between the second upper roller and the second lower roller.

8. The ultraviolet inkjet printer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The ultraviolet inkjet printer also includes a positioning mechanism (60), which is mounted on the frame and includes a first positioning element (61) and a second positioning element (62). The first support platform (40) includes a support groove (43), a first opening (41) and a second opening (42). The support groove (43) corresponds one-to-one with the workpiece to be printed. The support groove (43) includes a bottom wall and two side walls (431) spaced apart in the longitudinal direction. The workpiece to be printed is accommodated between the two side walls (431). The support groove (43) is located between two adjacent second openings (42). The first opening (41) is located between two adjacent second openings (42). The opening direction of the first opening (41) and the opening direction of the second opening (42) are both facing the printing mechanism (30). The first support platform (40) and the second support platform (50) are the same; when the first support platform (40) or the second support platform (50) arrives at the printing station, the first positioning member (61) is inserted into the first opening (41), and the second positioning member (62) is inserted into the second opening (42). The piece to be printed is jointly positioned by the first positioning member (61), the second positioning member (62) and the side wall (431) of the support groove (43).

9. The ultraviolet inkjet printer according to claim 8, characterized in that, The positioning mechanism (60) includes a laterally extending robotic arm (63), the first positioning member (61) includes a first elastic member, one end of which is connected to the robotic arm (63), and the first elastic member is capable of elastic deformation along the longitudinal direction; and / or, The second positioning member (62) includes a second elastic member, one end of which is connected to the robotic arm (63), and the second elastic member is capable of elastic deformation in the lateral direction.

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