Ink droplet characteristic detection device

Abstract

The present invention discloses an ink droplet characteristic detection device, comprising a nozzle assembly, the nozzle assembly including a nozzle that can be moved horizontally to a preset position and spray ink downward; an ink receiving assembly including an ink tray, an ink receiving box, and a splash prevention structure, the ink tray collecting ink sprayed by the nozzle; the ink receiving box having a storage chamber, the ink tray provided with a connecting groove communicating with the storage chamber; the splash prevention structure disposed on the ink tray and having a first flow channel and a second flow channel connected thereto, the first flow channel having a first opening at the top below the nozzle that has moved to a preset position and is ready to spray ink, the second flow channel having a second opening at the bottom communicating with the connecting groove, the second flow channel being inclined at a preset angle relative to the first flow channel; a prism assembly including a reflecting prism; a camera assembly including a camera disposed on the other side of the ink tray relative to the reflecting prism; and a movable mechanism connected to the camera. This effectively prevents ink from splashing onto the camera lens, thereby ensuring the clarity of the camera lens.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of printing devices, and in particular to an ink droplet characteristic detection device. Background Art

[0002] During the printing process, the inkjet inspection device needs to take photos of the ink droplet ejection speed, angle, and volume of the nozzle to determine whether the nozzle is blocked or has other abnormal conditions.

[0003] Currently, ink droplets are sprayed directly onto the ink tray through a print head, and the shape of the ink droplets captured by the camera is then used to infer the working condition of the print head.

[0004] However, when the nozzle sprays ink, the ink sprayed downward has a relatively high spraying speed. When the ink contacts the ink tray, it will splash in all directions. Some ink will be sprayed onto the mirror surface of the camera. After a long period of detection operation, the ink on the camera accumulates more and more, thereby reducing the light entering the camera, thereby affecting the camera's normal imaging of the ink and reducing the accuracy of the detection. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The object of the present invention is to provide an ink droplet characteristic detection device, which can better prevent ink from splashing on a camera lens.

[0006] The embodiment of the present invention is achieved as follows:

[0007] The present application provides an ink droplet characteristic detection device, comprising:

[0008] A nozzle assembly, comprising a nozzle that can be moved horizontally to a preset position and spray ink downward;

[0009] The ink receiving assembly comprises an ink tray, an ink receiving box and an anti-splashing structure, wherein the ink tray is used to collect ink sprayed by the nozzle moved to a preset position; the ink tray is arranged in the ink receiving box, the interior of the ink receiving box has a receiving cavity for receiving ink droplets sprayed by the nozzle, and the bottom of the ink tray is provided with a connecting groove connected to the receiving cavity; the anti-splashing structure is arranged on the ink tray, and has a first flow channel and a second flow channel connected thereto, a first opening at the top of the first flow channel is located below the nozzle moved to a preset position and ready to spray ink, and the size of the first opening is larger than the size of the opening at the bottom of the nozzle, the second opening at the bottom of the second flow channel is connected to the connecting groove, and both ends of the first flow channel extend up and down in a vertical direction, and the second flow channel is inclined at a preset angle relative to the first flow channel;

[0010] a prism assembly, comprising a reflecting prism disposed on one side of the ink tray, for reflecting light from the falling ink;

[0011] a camera assembly comprising a movably arranged camera, the camera being arranged on the other side of the ink tray relative to the reflective prism, wherein light reflected by the reflective prism enters the interior of the camera to form an image within the camera;

[0012] The moving mechanism is connected to the camera and is used to drive the camera to move.

[0013] In a possible embodiment, the anti-splashing structure includes: a first ink receiving strip and a second ink receiving strip respectively disposed in abutment with each other in the upper and lower directions;

[0014] The first flow channel is provided inside the first ink receiving strip, and the first opening of the first flow channel is located on the top surface of the first ink receiving strip;

[0015] A portion of the second ink receiving strip extends into the interior of the first ink receiving strip and the second flow channel is formed therebetween. The second opening of the second flow channel is located on the bottom surface of the second ink receiving strip.

[0016] In a possible embodiment, the first ink receiving strip includes a first main body, a third channel is provided inside the first main body, and at least one first inclined surface inclined along the preset angle is provided inside the third channel;

[0017] The top surface of the second ink receiving strip is provided with a protrusion extending into the interior of the third channel, and the protrusion is matched with a second inclined surface relative to the third channel, and the second inclined surface is inclined along the preset angle.

[0018] In a possible embodiment, the bottom surface of the first main body is arranged parallel to the top surface of the second ink receiving strip, and the height of the protrusion extending in the vertical direction is the same as the depth of the third channel.

[0019] In a possible implementation manner, the inner side surface of the third channel facing away from the first inclined surface is arranged in the vertical direction, and the outer side surface of the protrusion facing away from the second inclined surface is arranged in the vertical direction.

[0020] In a possible implementation manner, a top surface of the protrusion is provided with a plane parallel to a top surface of the third channel.

[0021] In a possible embodiment, the first ink receiving strip further includes a boss portion, the boss portion protrudes at a preset height relative to the top surface of the first main body portion, the first flow channel is arranged in the boss portion, and the reflective prism and the camera are respectively arranged on both sides of the boss portion.

[0022] In a possible implementation manner, the third opening of the connecting groove is larger than the second opening.

[0023] In a possible implementation manner, a corrosion-resistant coating is provided on the inner side wall of the first flow channel, the inner side wall of the third channel, and the outer side wall of the protrusion.

[0024] The beneficial effects of the embodiments of the present invention are:

[0025] The first flow channel and the second flow channel are set to guide the ink. At the same time, the second flow channel is set at an angle, so that the sprayed ink first contacts the inner walls of the first flow channel and the second flow channel, and finally converges into the storage cavity and the ink cartridge, effectively preventing the ink from splashing onto the camera lens, thereby ensuring the clarity of the camera lens. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the embodiments. It should be understood that the following drawings only illustrate certain embodiments of the present invention and therefore should not be regarded as limiting the scope. For ordinary technicians in this field, other relevant drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying any creative work.

[0027] Figure 1 This is an overall structural diagram of an ink droplet characteristic detection device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 2 This is a structural diagram of an ink receiving assembly in an ink droplet characteristic detection device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 3 In the embodiment of the present invention Figure 2 Cross-sectional view in

[0030] Figure 4 For the embodiment of the present invention Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the first ink receiving strip;

[0031] Figure 5 For the embodiment of the present invention Figure 3 Cross-sectional view of the second ink strip.

[0032] Icons: 1. Ink tray; 11. Connecting groove; 2. Anti-splash structure; 21. First flow channel; 22. Second flow channel; 3. First ink receiving strip; 31. First main body; 311. Third channel; 312. First inclined surface; 32. Boss portion; 4. Second ink receiving strip; 41. Raised portion; 411. Second inclined surface; 5. Nozzle assembly; 51. Nozzle; 6. Reflecting prism; 7. Camera assembly; 8. Moving mechanism; 9. Ink receiving assembly. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention more clear, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. Generally, the components of the embodiments of the present invention described and shown in the drawings herein can be arranged and designed in various different configurations.

[0034] Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of the present invention provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the invention as claimed, but rather merely represents selected embodiments of the present invention. All other embodiments derived by persons of ordinary skill in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without creative effort shall fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0035] It should be noted that similar reference numerals and letters denote similar items in the following drawings, and therefore, once an item is defined in one drawing, it does not need to be further defined or explained in subsequent drawings.

[0036] In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer" and the like indicate positions or locations based on the positions shown in the accompanying drawings, or the positions or locations in which the inventive product is typically placed when in use. These terms are intended solely to facilitate the description of the present invention and to simplify the description, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the devices or components referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed, or operate in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the present invention. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," and "third," etc., are used solely to distinguish descriptions and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0037] Furthermore, terms such as "horizontal" and "vertical" do not necessarily mean that a component must be absolutely horizontal or overhanging, but rather that it can be slightly tilted. For example, "horizontal" simply means that its direction is more horizontal than "vertical," and does not mean that the structure must be completely horizontal, but rather that it can be slightly tilted.

[0038] In the description of the present invention, it should also be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, the terms "disposed," "installed," "connected," and "connected" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, they may refer to fixed connections, detachable connections, or integral connections; they may refer to mechanical connections or electrical connections; they may refer to direct connections or indirect connections through an intermediate medium; and they may refer to internal communication between two components. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0039] refer to Figures 1 to 5The present application provides an ink droplet characteristic detection device, comprising: a nozzle assembly 5, an ink receiving assembly 9, a prism assembly, a camera assembly 7, and a moving mechanism 8. The nozzle assembly 5 includes a nozzle 51 that can be moved horizontally to a preset position and spray ink downward. The number of nozzles 51 can be selected according to the format of the product to be inspected. When the format of the product is narrow, the product inspection operation can be completed by setting a single nozzle 51. When the product format is wide, the product inspection operation can be completed by setting multiple nozzles 51 in parallel.

[0040] The ink receiving assembly 9 includes an ink tray 1, an ink receiving box, and a splash prevention structure 2. The ink tray 1 is used to collect ink sprayed by the nozzle 51 when it moves to a preset position, preventing the sprayed ink from leaking and contaminating the surrounding working environment. The ink tray 1 is disposed within the ink receiving box, which has a receiving chamber for receiving ink droplets sprayed from the nozzle 51. The bottom of the ink tray 1 is provided with a connecting groove 11 that communicates with the receiving chamber. Ink sprayed downward can be collected into the receiving chamber through the connecting groove 11. The splash prevention structure 2 is disposed on the ink tray 1 and has a first flow channel 21 and a second flow channel 22 connected thereto. The first opening at the top of the first flow channel 21 is located below the nozzle 51 that has moved to a preset position and is ready to spray ink. The size of the first opening is larger than the size of the opening at the bottom of the nozzle 51. Ink sprayed downward can smoothly enter the first flow channel 21 through the first opening directly below it. The second opening at the bottom of the second flow channel 22 is connected to the connecting groove 11, and the two ends of the first flow channel 21 extend up and down in the vertical direction. The second flow channel 22 is tilted at a preset angle relative to the first flow channel 21. The ink entering the first flow channel 21 flows into the second flow channel 22 under the action of its own gravity, and is collected into the receiving cavity through the connecting groove 11, and finally flows into the ink receiving cartridge. The set first flow channel 21 and the second flow channel 22 play a role in guiding flow. In addition, the second flow channel 22 is tilted, and the ejected ink first contacts the inner walls of the first flow channel 21 and the second flow channel 22, and finally converges into the receiving cavity and the ink receiving cartridge, effectively avoiding splashing of ink.

[0041] The prism assembly includes a reflective prism 6 positioned on one side of the ink tray 1, which reflects light from the falling ink. A camera assembly 7 includes a removable camera, positioned on the other side of the ink tray 1 relative to the reflective prism 6. Light reflected by the reflective prism 6 enters the camera, forming an image within the camera. As the nozzle 51 ejects ink droplets, the camera rapidly captures a series of images. These images are processed using an image analysis algorithm to calculate the droplet's ejection velocity, angle, and volume. For example, the ejection velocity is determined by analyzing the positional changes of the ink droplets in adjacent images, the ejection angle is determined based on the inclination of the droplet's flight trajectory, and the volume is estimated based on the size of the ink droplet imaged in the image and related proportional relationships. Upon detecting an abnormality in the nozzle 51, such as an abnormally low ejection velocity, excessively deviated ejection angle, or a volume that clearly does not meet the standard, the alarm device in the nozzle inspection unit immediately sounds an alarm and feeds the abnormality information back to the print control system. The printing control system can take corresponding measures based on this information, such as pausing printing, cleaning or maintaining the nozzle 51, to avoid printing quality problems caused by abnormalities in the nozzle 51, ensuring the smooth progress of printing and high-quality output of printed products.

[0042] The moving mechanism 8 is connected to the camera and can drive the camera to move in a straight line. The distance between the camera and the reflecting prism 6 can be adjusted through the moving mechanism 8, and then the imaging focal length of the camera can be adjusted, thereby improving the clarity of the imaging and accurately judging the properties of the ink sprayed by the nozzle 51, thereby understanding the specific working conditions of the nozzle 51.

[0043] In general, the first flow channel 21 and the second flow channel 22 are set to guide the ink. At the same time, the second flow channel 22 is set at an angle, and the sprayed ink first contacts the inner walls of the first flow channel 21 and the second flow channel 22, and finally converges into the storage cavity and the ink cartridge, effectively avoiding the ink from splashing onto the camera lens, thereby ensuring the clarity of the camera lens.

[0044] In some embodiments, the anti-splash structure 2 includes: a first ink receiving strip 3 and a second ink receiving strip 4, which are respectively arranged in a butt joint along the upper and lower directions. A first flow channel 21 is provided inside the first ink receiving strip 3, and the first opening of the first flow channel 21 is located on the top surface of the first ink receiving strip 3. A portion of the second ink receiving strip 4 extends into the interior of the first ink receiving strip 3, and a second flow channel 22 is formed therebetween, and the second opening of the second flow channel 22 is located on the bottom surface of the second ink receiving strip 4. The anti-splash structure 2 can be a one-piece structure or a split structure. However, considering that the first and second flow channels 21 and 22 inside the one-piece anti-splash structure 2 are more difficult to process, injection molding is generally used to obtain the first and second flow channels 21 and 22, which results in higher processing costs. In practice, a split anti-splash structure 2 is typically used, i.e., the anti-splash structure 2 includes: a first and second ink receiving strip 3 and 4, which are respectively arranged in a butt joint along the upper and lower directions, and a vertically extending channel is directly opened inside the first ink receiving strip 3, thereby obtaining the first flow channel 21. At the same time, the top portion of the second ink receiving strip 4 is extended into the interior of the first ink receiving strip 3, thereby forming a second flow channel 22 between the two, and a second opening of the second flow channel 22 is processed at the bottom of the second ink receiving strip 4, thereby reducing the processing difficulty of the first flow channel 21 and the second flow channel 22 and reducing the processing cost.

[0045] In some embodiments, the first ink receiving strip 3 includes a first main body 31, a third channel 311 is provided inside the first main body 31, and at least one first inclined surface 312 inclined at a preset angle is provided inside the third channel 311. The top surface of the second ink receiving strip 4 is provided with a raised portion 41 extending into the third channel 311. The raised portion 41 is provided with a second inclined surface 411 corresponding to the third channel 311, and the second inclined surface 411 is inclined at a preset angle. A second flow channel 22 with a smaller space is formed between the raised portion 41 extending into the third channel 311 and the inner wall of the third channel 311. In addition, the first inclined surface 312 and the second inclined surface 411 have the same inclination direction, so that the entire second flow channel 22 is inclined as a whole, which can achieve ink drainage and effectively avoid ink splashing.

[0046] In some embodiments, the bottom surface of the first main body 31 is arranged parallel to the top surface of the second ink receiving strip 4, and the height of the raised portion 41 extending in the vertical direction is the same as the depth of the third channel 311. The plane where the top surface of the raised portion 41 is located is parallel to the plane where the top surface of the third channel 311 is located, and the gap between the two is small, thereby achieving a sealed connection between the raised portion 41 and the top surface of the third channel 311, thereby avoiding the formation of a gap that allows ink to flow in.

[0047] In some embodiments, the inner side surface of the third channel 311 facing away from the first inclined surface 312 is arranged in a vertical direction, the outer side surface of the protrusion 41 facing away from the second inclined surface 411 is arranged in a vertical direction, and the top surface of the protrusion 41 is provided with a plane parallel to the top surface of the third channel 311, thereby achieving a sealed connection between the outer side surface of the protrusion 41 and the inner side surface of the third channel 311, thereby avoiding the formation of a gap that allows ink to flow in.

[0048] In some embodiments, the first ink receiving strip 3 also includes a boss portion 32, which protrudes at a preset height relative to the top surface of the first main body portion 31, and the first flow channel 21 is arranged in the boss portion 32. The reflective prism and the camera are respectively arranged on both sides of the boss portion 32. The boss portion 32 protrudes at a preset height relative to the top surface of the first main body portion 31, which can improve the imaging clarity of the camera.

[0049] In some embodiments, the third opening of the connecting groove 11 is larger than the second opening, so as to enable rapid collection of ink.

[0050] In some embodiments, a corrosion-resistant coating is provided on the inner wall of the first flow channel 21, the inner wall of the third channel 311 and the outer wall of the protrusion 41, which can prevent the corrosion of the inner walls of the first flow channel 21 and the second flow channel 22 and extend the service life of the splash-proof structure 2.

[0051] The foregoing description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that various modifications and variations of the present invention are possible. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, or improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention are intended to be within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. An ink droplet characteristic detection device, characterized in that: include: A nozzle assembly, comprising a nozzle that can be moved horizontally to a preset position and spray ink downward; The ink receiving assembly comprises an ink tray, an ink receiving box and an anti-splashing structure, wherein the ink tray is used to collect ink sprayed by the nozzle moved to a preset position; the ink tray is arranged in the ink receiving box, the interior of the ink receiving box has a receiving cavity for receiving ink droplets sprayed by the nozzle, and the bottom of the ink tray is provided with a connecting groove connected to the receiving cavity; the anti-splashing structure is arranged on the ink tray, and has a first flow channel and a second flow channel connected thereto, a first opening at the top of the first flow channel is located below the nozzle moved to a preset position and ready to spray ink, and the size of the first opening is larger than the size of the opening at the bottom of the nozzle, the second opening at the bottom of the second flow channel is connected to the connecting groove, and both ends of the first flow channel extend up and down in a vertical direction, and the second flow channel is inclined at a preset angle relative to the first flow channel; a prism assembly, comprising a reflecting prism disposed on one side of the ink tray, for reflecting light from the falling ink; a camera assembly comprising a movably arranged camera, the camera being arranged on the other side of the ink tray relative to the reflective prism, wherein light reflected by the reflective prism enters the interior of the camera to form an image within the camera; a moving mechanism, connected to the camera and used to drive the camera to move; The anti-splashing structure includes: a first ink receiving strip and a second ink receiving strip respectively connected in the upper and lower directions; The first flow channel is provided inside the first ink receiving strip, and the first opening of the first flow channel is located on the top surface of the first ink receiving strip; A portion of the second ink receiving strip extends into the interior of the first ink receiving strip and the second flow channel is formed therebetween. The second opening of the second flow channel is located on the bottom surface of the second ink receiving strip.

2. The ink droplet characteristic detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first ink receiving strip comprises a first main body, a third channel is provided inside the first main body, and at least one first inclined surface inclined along the preset angle is provided inside the third channel; The top surface of the second ink receiving strip is provided with a protrusion extending into the interior of the third channel, and the protrusion is matched with a second inclined surface relative to the third channel, and the second inclined surface is inclined along the preset angle.

3. The ink droplet characteristic detection device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The bottom surface of the first main body is arranged parallel to the top surface of the second ink receiving strip, and the height of the protrusion extending in the vertical direction is the same as the depth of the third channel.

4. The ink droplet characteristic detection device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The inner side surface of the third channel facing away from the first inclined surface is arranged along the vertical direction, and the outer side surface of the protrusion facing away from the second inclined surface is arranged along the vertical direction.

5. The ink droplet characteristic detection device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The top surface of the protrusion is provided with a plane parallel to the top surface of the third channel.

6. The ink droplet characteristic detection device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The first ink receiving strip also includes a boss portion, which protrudes at a preset height relative to the top surface of the first main body portion. The first flow channel is arranged in the boss portion, and the reflection prism and the camera are respectively arranged on both sides of the boss portion.

7. The ink droplet characteristic detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The third opening of the connecting groove is larger than the second opening.

8. The ink droplet characteristic detection device according to claim 2, characterized in that: A corrosion-resistant coating is provided on the inner side wall of the first flow channel, the inner side wall of the third channel and the outer side wall of the protrusion.

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