3D shell ink-jet coloring device and 3D shell forming method

Abstract

The invention discloses a 3D shell ink-jet coloring device and a 3D shell forming method, and relates to the technical field of shell production. The 3D shell ink-jet coloring device comprises an operation table, a multi-axis driving assembly, a bearing table and an ink-jet device. Wherein the multi-shaft driving assembly is assembled on the operation table; the bearing table is used for placing a shell; the bearing table is assembled on the output end of the multi-shaft driving assembly; the multi-axis driving assembly is used for driving the bearing table to move in multiple directions; the ink jet device is located above the bearing table; the ink jet device is movably assembled on the operation table and reciprocates in the Z-axis direction and / or the Y-axis direction. By adopting the technical scheme, the coloring device has the advantages of high coloring speed, convenience in operation and capability of effectively ensuring the coloring effect.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of shell manufacturing technology, specifically to a 3D shell inkjet coloring device and a 3D shell molding method. Background Technology

[0002] In the production of housings (e.g., aluminum housings for electronic devices), anodizing is often required to increase the corrosion resistance of the housing surface and extend its service life. This involves placing the housing as the anode in the electrolyte of an oxidation bath, causing an oxide film to form on its surface. After anodizing, the oxide film on the housing surface has tiny pores that allow colored ink to penetrate, thus achieving coloring. However, in actual production, the surface of the housing is not completely flat; some 3D housings have textured surfaces to enhance their three-dimensionality. Traditional inkjet coloring devices for housings often fail to apply ink to certain recessed areas of the 3D housing, resulting in poor overall inkjet coloring and affecting the production quality of the housing. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to address the shortcomings and deficiencies of the existing technology by providing a 3D shell inkjet coloring device and a 3D shell molding method, which has the advantages of fast coloring speed, convenient operation and effective guarantee of coloring effect.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is: a 3D housing inkjet coloring device, comprising: an operating table, a multi-axis drive assembly, a support stage, and an inkjet device; The multi-axis drive assembly is mounted on the operating table; The support platform is used to place the housing; the support platform is mounted on the output end of the multi-axis drive assembly; the multi-axis drive assembly is used to drive the support platform to move in multiple directions; The inkjet device is located above the support platform; the inkjet device is movably mounted on the operating platform and reciprocates in the Z-axis direction and / or Y-axis direction.

[0005] The present invention further provides that the multi-axis drive assembly includes: A Y-axis drive device is mounted on the operating table; A connecting plate, one side of which is mounted on the output end of the Y-axis drive device; and An X-axis drive device is mounted on the other side of the connecting plate; The support platform is mounted on the output end of the X-axis drive device; the X-axis drive device is used to drive the support platform to rotate around the X-axis. The Y-axis drive device is used to drive the connecting plate and the X-axis drive device to rotate around the Y-axis, thereby driving the support platform to rotate around the Y-axis.

[0006] The present invention further provides that the operating console includes: The platform body; the Y-axis drive device is mounted on the top surface of the platform body; The first support column has one end fixed to the top surface of the platform and the other end extending upward in a vertical direction. The second support column has one end fixed to the top surface of the platform and the other end extending vertically upwards; the first support column and the second support column are arranged opposite to each other; and A connecting column is connected at one end to the first support column and at the other end to the second support column; the connecting column is located above the support platform and is parallel to the top surface of the platform.

[0007] The present invention further includes, in addition to, the 3D housing inkjet coloring device: The Y-axis moving component is slidably disposed on the outer peripheral wall of the connecting column; Y-axis drive device; the output end of the Y-axis drive device is connected to the Y-axis moving component; the Y-axis drive device is used to drive the Y-axis moving component to reciprocate in the Y-axis direction relative to the support platform; An extension plate, one side of which is fixed to the Y-axis moving part, and the other side extends in a vertical direction toward the platform; The Z-axis moving device is disposed on the side of the extension plate; and Z-axis moving component, assembled on the output end of the Z-axis moving device; The Z-axis moving device is used to drive the Z-axis moving component to perform vertical reciprocating motion in the Z-axis direction relative to the extension plate. The inkjet device is mounted on the side of the Z-axis moving part facing the top surface of the platform.

[0008] The present invention further provides that the Z-axis moving component is L-shaped; the Z-axis moving component includes: an extension portion mounted on the output end of the Z-axis moving device and a bent portion with one end vertically connected to the bottom end of the extension portion; the bent portion is parallel to the top surface of the platform; and the bottom side of the bent portion is for mounting the inkjet device.

[0009] The present invention further includes an X-axis moving device on the bent portion; the output end of the X-axis moving device faces the support platform; the inkjet device is disposed on the output end of the X-axis moving device; the X-axis moving device is used to drive the inkjet device to perform horizontal reciprocating motion in the X-axis direction relative to the support platform.

[0010] The present invention further includes, in addition to, a detection device and a Z-axis control device mounted on the inkjet device; the detection point of the detection device is arranged parallel to the ink outlet point of the inkjet device; the detection device is used to detect the real-time vertical distance between the ink outlet point of the inkjet device and the surface of the housing. The Z-axis control device includes: a Z-axis control unit; the Z-axis control unit, the detection device, and the Z-axis moving device are electrically connected; The Z-axis control unit, the detection device, and the Z-axis moving device work together to ensure that the real-time vertical distance between the ink outlet of the inkjet device and the surface of the housing is a set distance.

[0011] The present invention further provides that there are multiple Z-axis moving devices, Z-axis moving parts, and inkjet devices; multiple Z-axis moving devices are arranged side by side on the side of the extension plate; Multiple detection devices and multiple Z-axis control units are provided; multiple inkjet devices, multiple Z-axis control units, multiple Z-axis moving devices and multiple detection devices correspond one-to-one and are electrically connected respectively; Each of the Z-axis control units independently receives the detection signal from the corresponding detection device and independently controls the corresponding Z-axis moving device to ensure that the real-time vertical distance between the ink outlet of the corresponding inkjet device and the housing surface is a set distance.

[0012] The present invention further includes, in addition to, an ink cartridge mounted on one side of the Y-axis moving part and an ink connecting pipe connecting the ink cartridge and the inkjet device; the ink connecting pipe is provided in multiple manner and corresponds one-to-one with the multiple inkjet devices.

[0013] To achieve the above objectives, another technical solution adopted by the present invention is: a 3D shell forming method, the 3D shell forming method comprising: the 3D shell inkjet coloring device as described above; The 3D shell forming method includes the following steps: S100, stamping, placing the housing into the stamping die and stamping out uneven patterns on the surface of the housing; S200, Surface treatment, treating the surface of the housing; S300, bending and shaping: the shell is placed between the upper bending mold and the lower bending mold for bending and shaping, and a relief cavity is provided in the upper bending mold to crush the uneven pattern on the shell. S400, anodizing, generates an oxide layer with tiny pores on the uneven pattern of the shell surface; S500, inkjet coloring, inkjet coloring the uneven patterns on the surface of the casing, so that the ink enters the tiny pores; S600, sealing: sealing the casing after inkjet printing; S700, Post-processing and Inspection: Post-processing and inspection of the shell after the sealing process is completed; Step S500 also includes the following steps: S510, Drawing Scan: Scan the original drawing to obtain the first screen information; S520, Housing Scan: Scan the housing to obtain the second image information to be colored; S530. After adjusting the position of the inkjet device and the housing, the housing is colored. The main control device controls the multi-axis drive component to adjust the position of the housing and the inkjet device according to the first screen information and the second screen information obtained in steps S510 and S520, and starts the inkjet device to color the uneven pattern on the surface of the housing.

[0014] The beneficial effects of this invention, achieved by adopting the above technical solution, are as follows: In this invention, the multi-axis drive assembly can drive the carrier platform to move in multiple directions, flexibly adjusting the posture of the shell placed on the carrier platform. This facilitates rotating the areas to be colored, especially the recessed areas of the pattern, on the uneven surface of the shell to an angle that the inkjet device can cover, thus ensuring uniform ink application to all patterns on the shell surface. Simultaneously, the inkjet device is located above the carrier platform and is movably mounted on the operating table. The inkjet device reciprocates in the Z-axis and / or Y-axis directions, adjusting its height and horizontal position according to the depth and location of the recessed areas, effectively eliminating inkjet blind spots and ensuring uniform ink application to the recessed areas of the shell pattern. The cooperation between the multi-axis drive assembly and the inkjet device effectively guarantees the coloring effect and significantly improves the integrity of the shell coloring. Compared to the traditional shell coloring process, which requires manual adjustment of the shell's posture to ensure uniform coloring, this 3D shell inkjet coloring device is more convenient and simpler to operate, and has a faster coloring rate. Attached Figure Description

[0015] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a structural schematic diagram from another perspective of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a structural schematic diagram from another perspective of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a structural schematic diagram of the concealed ink connection tube and inkjet device of the present invention.

[0017] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: 110, platform; 120, first support column; 130, second support column; 140, connecting column; 200, multi-axis drive assembly; 210, drive device around the Y-axis; 220, connecting plate; 230, drive device around the X-axis; 300, support platform; 400, inkjet device; 500, housing; 600, Y-axis moving part; 700, extension plate; 810, Z-axis moving part; 820, Z-axis moving part; 821, extension; 822, bending part; 910, ink cartridge; 920, ink connecting tube. Detailed Implementation

[0018] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0019] This specific embodiment is merely an explanation of the present invention and is not intended to limit the invention. After reading this specification, those skilled in the art can make modifications to this embodiment without contributing any inventive element, but such modifications are protected by patent law as long as they fall within the scope of the claims of the present invention.

[0020] This embodiment relates to a 3D housing 500 inkjet coloring device, see reference Figures 1-4The system includes: an operating table, a multi-axis drive assembly 200, a carrier platform 300, and an inkjet unit 400. The multi-axis drive assembly 200 is mounted on the operating table; the carrier platform 300 is used to place the housing 500; the carrier platform 300 is mounted on the output end of the multi-axis drive assembly 200; the multi-axis drive assembly 200 drives the carrier platform 300 to move in multiple directions; the inkjet unit 400 is located above the carrier platform 300; the inkjet unit 400 is movably mounted on the operating table and reciprocates in the Z-axis and / or Y-axis directions. Specifically, the multi-axis drive assembly 200 can drive the carrier platform 300 to move in multiple directions, flexibly adjusting the posture of the housing 500 placed on the carrier platform 300. This facilitates rotating the uneven patterns on the surface of the housing 500, especially the recessed areas of the patterns, to an angle that the inkjet unit 400 can cover, thereby ensuring that the patterns on the surface of the housing 500 are uniformly inked. Meanwhile, the inkjet device 400 is located above the support platform 300 and is movably mounted on the operating table. The inkjet device 400 reciprocates in the Z-axis and / or Y-axis directions, and can adjust its height and horizontal position according to the depth and location of the recessed parts, effectively eliminating inkjet blind spots and ensuring uniform ink application to the recessed parts of the pattern on the housing 500. The cooperation between the multi-axis drive assembly 200 and the inkjet device 400 effectively guarantees the coloring effect and significantly improves the integrity of the coloring on the housing 500. Compared with the traditional housing 500 coloring process, which requires manual adjustment of the housing 500's posture to ensure uniform coloring, this 3D housing 500 inkjet coloring device is more convenient and simpler to operate, and has a faster coloring rate. In this embodiment, the inkjet device 400 is movably mounted on the operating table and reciprocates in the Z-axis and Y-axis directions. Specifically, the inkjet device 400 can move not only vertically but also in the front-to-back direction above the housing 500 to ensure uniform ink application to the uneven patterns on the surface of the housing 500 (especially the recessed areas distributed front and back). In some embodiments, the inkjet device 400 is movably mounted on an operating table and reciprocates in the Z-axis or Y-axis direction. In this embodiment, the support platform 300 can fix the housing 500 by vacuum adsorption or hot melt adhesive to prevent the housing 500 from shifting or falling off during the inkjet printing process. In this embodiment, the housing 500 is a 3D housing 500 with an uneven pattern on its surface, giving it a three-dimensional feel. The housing 500 can specifically be the back cover of electronic devices such as mobile phones and tablets. In this embodiment, the housing 500 is an aluminum shell. In some embodiments, the housing 500 can also be made of metal.

[0021] Furthermore, referring to Figures 1-4The multi-axis drive assembly 200 includes: a Y-axis drive device 210, a connecting plate 220, and an X-axis drive device 230. The Y-axis drive device 210 is mounted on the operating table; one side of the connecting plate 220 is mounted on the output end of the Y-axis drive device 210; the X-axis drive device 230 is mounted on the other side of the connecting plate 220; and the support platform 300 is mounted on the output end of the X-axis drive device 230. The X-axis drive device 230 drives the support platform 300 to rotate around the X-axis; the Y-axis drive device 210 drives the connecting plate 220 and the X-axis drive device 230 to rotate around the Y-axis, thereby driving the support platform 300 to rotate around the Y-axis. Specifically, the rotation around the Y-axis refers to rotation around a horizontal line in the front-back horizontal direction of the support platform 300 or an axis parallel to the horizontal line in the front-back horizontal direction of the support platform 300 as the central axis. The output of the Y-axis drive device 210 drives the connecting plate 220 and the X-axis drive device 230 to rotate around the Y-axis, which in turn drives the carrier platform 300 to rotate around the Y-axis. This allows the carrier platform 300 to switch between two postures: the right side of the carrier platform 300 is raised and the left side is lowered, and the left side of the carrier platform 300 is raised and the right side is lowered. Ultimately, this ensures that the right or left side of the housing 500 on the carrier platform 300 faces the inkjet printer 400, ensuring that the inkjet printer 400 can spray all the patterns on the left and right sides of the housing 500. The rotation around the X-axis refers to the rotation around a horizontal line in the left-right horizontal direction of the carrier platform 300 or an axis parallel to the horizontal line in the left-right horizontal direction of the carrier platform 300 as the central axis. In this embodiment, the central axis of the rotation around the X-axis is a horizontal bar set on the bottom surface of the carrier platform 300. The output of the X-axis drive device 230 is connected to this horizontal bar. The output of the X-axis drive device 230 drives the carrier platform 300 to rotate, thereby enabling the carrier platform 300 to switch between two postures: the front side of the carrier platform 300 is raised and the rear side is lowered, and the rear side of the carrier platform 300 is raised and the front side is lowered. Ultimately, this ensures that the front or rear side of the housing 500 on the carrier platform 300 is inclined towards the inkjet device 400, ensuring that the inkjet device 400 can spray all the patterns on the front and rear sides of the housing 500. In this embodiment, the Y-axis drive device 210, the connecting plate 220, and the X-axis drive device 230 work together to adjust the posture of the housing 500 placed on the carrier platform 300, ensuring that the housing 500 tilts in any direction such as front, rear, left, or right. This adds two rotational degrees of freedom to the housing 500, allowing the inkjet device 400 to comprehensively inkjet paint the uneven patterns on the housing 500, avoiding the impact of inkjet blind spots on the overall coloring effect. In this embodiment, the Y-axis drive device 210 and the X-axis drive device 230 are respectively configured as a Y-axis rotary cylinder and an X-axis rotary cylinder.In some embodiments, the Y-axis drive device 210 and the X-axis drive device 230 may also be configured as other drive devices capable of respectively realizing rotational motion around the Y-axis and rotational motion around the X-axis.

[0022] Furthermore, referring to Figure 1The operating table includes: a platform body 110, a first support column 120, a second support column 130, and a connecting column 140. The Y-axis drive device 210 is mounted on the top surface of the platform body 110. One end of the first support column 120 is fixed to the top surface of the platform body 110, and the other end extends vertically upwards. One end of the second support column 130 is fixed to the top surface of the platform body 110, and the other end extends vertically upwards. The first support column 120 and the second support column 130 are arranged opposite to each other. One end of the connecting column 140 is connected to the first support column 120, and the other end is connected to the second support column 130. The connecting column 140 is located above the support platform 300 and is parallel to the top surface of the platform body 110. The connecting column 140 provides installation space for the inkjet device 400. Furthermore, the 3D housing 500 inkjet coloring device also includes: a Y-axis moving part 600, a Y-axis driving device (not shown in the attached figure), an extension plate 700, a Z-axis moving device 810, and a Z-axis moving part 820. The Y-axis moving component 600 is slidably mounted on the outer peripheral wall of the connecting column 140; the output end of the Y-axis drive device is connected to the Y-axis moving component 600; the Y-axis drive device is used to drive the Y-axis moving component 600 to reciprocate in the Y-axis direction relative to the support platform 300; one side of the extension plate 700 is fixed on the Y-axis moving component 600, and the other side extends vertically toward the platform 110; the Z-axis moving device 810 is mounted on the side of the extension plate 700; the Z-axis moving component 820 is mounted on the output end of the Z-axis moving device 810; the Z-axis moving device 810 is used to drive the Z-axis moving component 820 to reciprocate vertically in the Z-axis direction relative to the extension plate 700; the inkjet device 400 is mounted on the side of the Z-axis moving component 820 facing the top surface of the platform 110. With the coordinated action of the Y-axis moving component 600, the Y-axis drive device, the extension plate 700, the Z-axis moving device 810, and the Z-axis moving component 820, the inkjet device 400 can reciprocate in the Y-axis direction (horizontal direction) and the Z-axis direction (vertical direction). This not only controls the vertical distance between the inkjet device 400 and the surface of the housing 500 to avoid ink splattering due to excessive vertical distance or ink overlap due to insufficient vertical distance, but also ensures that both sides of the housing 500 can be inked, further ensuring that the patterns on the surface of the housing 500 are colored, guaranteeing the integrity of the overall pattern coloring. In this embodiment, the Y-axis drive device can be a servo motor. In some embodiments, the Y-axis drive device can also be a stepper motor. In this embodiment, the Z-axis moving device 810 is a vertically placed linear motion mechanism, specifically a module product integrating a motor and a linear guide rail. In some embodiments, the Z-axis moving device 810 can also be configured as a cylinder-driven piston to achieve linear motion in the vertical direction.

[0023] In this embodiment, refer to Figure 4The Z-axis moving part 820 is L-shaped and includes an extension 821 and a bending part 822. The extension 821 is mounted on the output end of the Z-axis moving device 810, and one end of the bending part 822 is vertically connected to the bottom end of the extension 821. The bending part 822 is parallel to the top surface of the platform 110, and the bottom side of the bending part 822 is for mounting the inkjet device 400. Specifically, the output end of the Z-axis moving device 810 drives the extension 821 to reciprocate vertically in the Z-axis direction relative to the extension plate 700, which in turn drives the bending part 822 to reciprocate vertically, ultimately driving the inkjet device 400 to reciprocate vertically, thereby adjusting the vertical distance between the inkjet device 400 and the surface of the housing 500.

[0024] Furthermore, an X-axis moving device (not shown in the attached figure) is provided on the bending portion 822; the output end of the X-axis moving device faces the support platform 300; the inkjet device 400 is disposed on the output end of the X-axis moving device; the X-axis moving device is used to drive the inkjet device 400 to perform horizontal reciprocating motion in the X-axis direction relative to the support platform 300. Driven by the X-axis moving device, the inkjet device 400 can spray ink onto the front and rear sides of the housing 500 to ensure that both the front and rear sides of the housing 500 are inked, further ensuring that the patterns on the surface of the housing 500 are colored. In this embodiment, the X-axis moving device is configured as a linear motion mechanism, specifically a module product integrating a motor and a linear guide rail. In some embodiments, the X-axis moving device can also be configured as a cylinder-driven piston to achieve linear motion in the front and rear horizontal direction.

[0025] In this embodiment, the 3D housing 500 inkjet coloring device further includes: a detection device (not shown in the accompanying drawings) and a Z-axis control device (not shown in the accompanying drawings) mounted on the inkjet device 400; the detection point of the detection device is arranged parallel to the ink outlet of the inkjet device 400; the detection device is used to detect the real-time vertical distance between the ink outlet of the inkjet device 400 and the surface of the housing 500; the Z-axis control device includes: a Z-axis control unit; the Z-axis control unit, the detection device, and the Z-axis moving device 810 are electrically connected; the Z-axis control unit, the detection device, and the Z-axis moving device 810 cooperate to ensure that the real-time vertical distance between the ink outlet of the inkjet device 400 and the surface of the housing 500 is a set distance. Specifically, the set distance ranges from 2mm to 10mm. In this embodiment, the set distance is specifically set to 8mm. In some embodiments, the set distance can also be 2mm, 3mm, 4mm, 5mm, 6mm, 7mm, 9mm, or 10mm. As long as the set distance is set within 2mm-10mm, no specific limitation is made here. Preferably, the set distance is set to 8mm. If the vertical distance between the ink outlet of the inkjet unit 400 and the surface of the housing 500 exceeds the set distance range, ink splatter will occur due to the excessive vertical distance, affecting the coloring effect. If the vertical distance between the ink outlet of the inkjet unit 400 and the surface of the housing 500 is less than the set distance range, ink overlap will occur due to the excessive vertical distance, also affecting the coloring effect. The detection point of the detection device is set parallel to the ink outlet of the inkjet unit 400 to ensure that the detection point and the ink outlet are on the same horizontal reference plane, ensuring that the distance detected by the detection point is the distance from the ink outlet to the surface of the housing 500, thus avoiding misalignment. The Z-axis control unit compares the detection signal (i.e., the real-time vertical distance information) fed back by the detection device with the preset distance value set by the operator, and then controls the Z-axis moving device 810 to adjust the distance between the inkjet device 400 and the surface of the housing 500 in real time. The Z-axis control unit, the detection device, and the Z-axis moving device 810 work together to ensure the uniformity and stability of inkjet printing. In this embodiment, the detection device can be a laser displacement sensor. In some embodiments, the detection device can also be a spectral confocal displacement sensor. In this embodiment, the inkjet device 400 is a piezoelectric inkjet device 400. In some embodiments, the inkjet device 400 can also be a thermal bubble inkjet device 400.

[0026] Furthermore, multiple Z-axis moving devices 810, Z-axis moving parts 820, and inkjet devices 400 are provided; multiple Z-axis moving devices 810 are arranged side by side on the side of the extension plate 700; multiple detection devices and Z-axis control units are provided; multiple inkjet devices 400, multiple Z-axis control units, multiple Z-axis moving devices 810, and multiple detection devices are one-to-one and electrically connected respectively; any Z-axis control unit independently receives the detection signal from the corresponding detection device and independently controls the corresponding Z-axis moving device 810 to ensure that the real-time vertical distance between the ink outlet of the corresponding inkjet device 400 and the surface of the housing 500 is a set distance. In this embodiment, a Z-axis control unit, its corresponding Z-axis moving device 810, its corresponding Z-axis moving component 820, its corresponding detection device, and its corresponding inkjet device 400 are configured as a group. Each group's Z-axis control unit compares the real-time vertical distance between the ink outlet of the inkjet device 400 and the surface of the housing 500, fed back by the detection device in that group, with a set distance. It then controls the Z-axis moving device 810 to adjust the Z-axis moving component 820, thereby adjusting the vertical position of the inkjet device 400 to ensure that the real-time vertical distance between the ink outlet of the inkjet device 400 and the surface of the housing 500 is the set distance. Each Z-axis control unit can independently receive the detection signal from its corresponding detection device and independently control its corresponding Z-axis moving device 810. This not only allows for simultaneous coloring of different areas of the housing 500 but also adjusts the real-time vertical distance between the inkjet device 400 and the corresponding surface of the housing 500 according to the different degrees of indentation in the patterns on the housing 500, ensuring uniform coloring even with varying degrees of indentation in the patterns. In this embodiment, seven Z-axis moving devices 810, seven Z-axis moving parts 820, and seven inkjet printers 400 are provided. In some embodiments, eight Z-axis moving devices 810, eight Z-axis moving parts 820, and seven inkjet printers 400 may also be provided.

[0027] Furthermore, the 3D housing 500 inkjet coloring device also includes: an ink cartridge 910 mounted on one side of the Y-axis moving part 600, and an ink connecting pipe 920 connecting the ink cartridge 910 and the inkjet device 400; multiple ink connecting pipes 920 are provided, each corresponding to one of the multiple inkjet devices 400. In this embodiment, the ink cartridge 910 may have multiple different chambers to hold inks of different colors. In some embodiments, the ink connecting pipe 920 may also be provided with a data line to identify the color of the ink ejected by each inkjet device 400. In this embodiment, the ink output of the inkjet device 400 is controlled at 4%-10% of the maximum rated ink output to avoid color mixing due to excessive ink output or color unsaturation due to insufficient ink output. In this embodiment, the ink output of the inkjet device 400 is controlled at 6% of the maximum rated ink output. In some embodiments, the ink output of the inkjet device 400 may also be controlled at 4%, 5%, 7%, 8%, 9%, or 10% of the maximum rated ink output. The ink output of the inkjet unit 400 only needs to be controlled at 4%-10% of the maximum rated ink output; no specific limitation is imposed here. In this embodiment, seven ink connection tubes 920 are provided. In some embodiments, eight ink connection tubes 920 may also be provided.

[0028] This embodiment also relates to a method for molding a 3D housing 500, which includes the inkjet coloring device for the 3D housing 500 as described above. The method for molding a 3D housing 500 includes the following steps: S100, stamping, placing the housing 500 into the stamping die and stamping out uneven patterns on the surface of the housing 500; S200, Surface treatment, treating the surface of housing 500; S300, bending and shaping: the housing 500 is placed between the upper bending die and the lower bending die for bending and shaping, and a relief cavity is provided in the upper bending die to crush the uneven pattern on the housing 500. S400, anodizing, to generate an oxide layer with tiny pores on the uneven pattern of the shell 500 surface; S500, inkjet coloring, inkjet coloring is applied to the uneven patterns on the surface of the housing 500, allowing the ink to enter the tiny pores; S600, sealing: sealing the housing 500 after inkjet coloring is completed; S700, Post-processing and Inspection: Post-processing and inspection of the housing 500 after the sealing process is completed; Step S500 also includes the following steps: S510, Drawing Scan: Scan the original drawing to obtain the first screen information; S520, Scanning the housing 500: Scan the housing 500 to obtain the second image information to be colored; S530. After adjusting the positions of the inkjet device 400 and the housing 500, the housing 500 is colored. The main control device controls the multi-axis drive component 200 to adjust the position of the housing 500 and adjust the inkjet device 400 according to the first screen information and the second screen information obtained in steps S510 and S520. The inkjet device 400 is started to color the uneven pattern on the surface of the housing 500.

[0029] Specifically, in steps S100 to S400, an uneven pattern is first stamped onto the surface of the housing 500. The stamping die applies pressure using a press, causing plastic deformation of the housing 500 to form the uneven pattern on its surface. Next, after stamping, the surface of the housing 500 is treated to remove residual oil and other impurities, as well as to remove burrs and trim edges. After surface treatment, since the housing 500 is typically used as a mobile phone casing, laptop casing, or appliance casing, it usually requires specific bending angles, curvatures, or three-dimensional contours. The upper and lower bending dies work together to apply pressure to the housing 500, causing plastic deformation at its edges to achieve the desired bending curvature. Simultaneously, the upper bending die has a recessed cavity to protect the stamped uneven pattern from damage. Anodizing is an electrochemical process where an electric current is passed through an acidic solution containing an electrolyte, oxidizing the surface of the housing 500 into an oxide layer. An oxide layer gradually forms on the surface of the housing 500. This oxide layer is typically aluminum oxide, which has high hardness and corrosion resistance. Simultaneously with the formation of the oxide layer, bubbles or oxygen in the electrolyte create tiny pores beneath it (gas generated between the shell 500 surface and the oxide layer propels the gas through the oxide layer, forming pores underneath).

[0030] In step S500, inkjet printing is applied to the uneven patterns on the surface of the housing 500. Specifically, in step S510, the original drawing corresponding to the patterns on the surface of the housing 500 is first scanned, and the scanning result is transmitted to the central control device. Then, the housing 500 is scanned to obtain the second image information to be colored. The central control device in this 3D housing 500 inkjet printing device is electrically connected to the Z-axis control device, Y-axis drive device, and X-axis movement device, and is also electrically connected to the multi-axis drive assembly 200. Based on the first and second image information, the central control device controls the multi-axis drive assembly 200 to adjust the posture of the housing 500 in real time, and simultaneously controls the Y-axis drive device, X-axis movement device, and each Z-axis control unit to adjust the position of the inkjet device 400, ensuring that the ink outlet of the inkjet device 400 corresponds to the coloring point of the pattern on the housing 500, thus ensuring the overall coloring effect. The central control unit coordinates the X-axis drive unit 230 and the Y-axis drive unit 210 to adjust the posture of the housing 500 in real time. At the same time, it adjusts the position of the inkjet device 400 by controlling the Y-axis drive unit, the X-axis moving device, and each Z-axis control unit. It also adjusts the real-time vertical distance between the ink outlet of the inkjet device 400 and the surface of the housing 500 to a set distance. This allows for dynamic adjustment of the posture of the housing 500, the position of the inkjet device 400, and the inkjet distance for uneven patterns on the housing 500, ensuring that the ink evenly covers all parts of the pattern and avoiding ink leakage in the recesses of the housing 500 and uneven coloring caused by the complex shape of the housing 500.

[0031] In step S600, after inkjet printing, the housing 500 undergoes a sealing process. This sealing process forms a sealing layer to prevent contact between the anode and the medium, thereby slowing down the corrosion rate of the housing 500. In this embodiment, a sealing agent contained in the ink is used to seal the micropores. In some embodiments, sealing can also be achieved using hot water sealing, high-temperature steam sealing, electrolytic sealing, etc. In step S700, the housing 500 after sealing undergoes post-processing to clean residual ink. Simultaneously, the appearance of the housing 500 is inspected, and the ink adhesion is tested, promptly rejecting defective products.

[0032] The above is only used to illustrate the technical solution of the present invention and is not intended to limit it. Any other modifications or equivalent substitutions made by those skilled in the art to the technical solution of the present invention, as long as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the technical solution of the present invention, should be covered within the scope of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A 3D housing inkjet coloring device, characterized in that, include: The control panel, multi-axis drive assembly (200), support platform (300), and inkjet unit (400); The multi-axis drive assembly (200) is mounted on the operating table; The support platform (300) is used to place the housing (500); the support platform (300) is mounted on the output end of the multi-axis drive assembly (200); the multi-axis drive assembly (200) is used to drive the support platform (300) to move in multiple directions; The inkjet device (400) is located above the support platform (300); the inkjet device (400) is movably mounted on the operating platform and reciprocates in the Z-axis direction and / or the Y-axis direction.

2. The 3D housing inkjet coloring device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The multi-axis drive assembly (200) includes: A Y-axis drive device (210) is mounted on the operating table; A connecting plate (220) is mounted on one side of the output end of the Y-axis drive device (210); and An X-axis drive device (230) is mounted on the other side of the connecting plate (220); The support platform (300) is mounted on the output end of the X-axis drive device (230); the X-axis drive device (230) is used to drive the support platform (300) to rotate around the X-axis. The Y-axis drive device (210) is used to drive the connecting plate (220) and the X-axis drive device (230) to rotate around the Y-axis so as to drive the support platform (300) to rotate around the Y-axis.

3. The 3D housing inkjet coloring device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The control panel includes: Platform (110); the Y-axis drive device (210) is mounted on the top surface of the platform (110); The first support column (120) has one end fixed to the top surface of the platform (110) and the other end extending upward in a vertical direction; The second support column (130) has one end fixed to the top surface of the platform (110) and the other end extending upward in a vertical direction; the first support column (120) and the second support column (130) are arranged opposite to each other; and A connecting column (140) is connected at one end to the first support column (120) and at the other end to the second support column (130); the connecting column (140) is located above the support platform (300) and is parallel to the top surface of the platform body (110).

4. The 3D housing inkjet coloring device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The 3D housing inkjet coloring device also includes: The Y-axis moving part (600) is slidably disposed on the outer peripheral wall of the connecting column (140); Y-axis drive device; the output end of the Y-axis drive device is connected to the Y-axis moving part (600); the Y-axis drive device is used to drive the Y-axis moving part (600) to reciprocate in the Y-axis direction relative to the support platform (300); An extension plate (700) is fixed on one side to the Y-axis moving part (600) and extends in a vertical direction toward the platform (110) on the other side. A Z-axis moving device (810) is disposed on the side of the extension plate (700); and Z-axis moving component (820) is assembled on the output end of the Z-axis moving device (810); The Z-axis moving device (810) is used to drive the Z-axis moving component (820) to perform vertical reciprocating motion in the Z-axis direction relative to the extension plate (700); The inkjet device (400) is mounted on the side of the Z-axis moving part (820) facing the top surface of the platform (110).

5. The 3D housing inkjet coloring device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The Z-axis moving part (820) is L-shaped; the Z-axis moving part (820) includes: an extension (821) mounted on the output end of the Z-axis moving device (810) and a bent part (822) with one end vertically connected to the bottom end of the extension (821); the bent part (822) is parallel to the top surface of the platform (110); and the bottom side of the bent part (822) is for mounting the inkjet device (400).

6. The 3D housing inkjet coloring device according to claim 5, characterized in that, An X-axis moving device is provided on the bending part (822); the output end of the X-axis moving device faces the support platform (300); the inkjet device (400) is provided on the output end of the X-axis moving device; the X-axis moving device is used to drive the inkjet device (400) to perform horizontal reciprocating motion in the X-axis direction relative to the support platform (300).

7. The 3D housing inkjet coloring device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The 3D housing inkjet coloring device further includes: a detection device and a Z-axis control device mounted on the inkjet device (400); the detection point of the detection device is set parallel to the ink outlet point of the inkjet device (400); the detection device is used to detect the real-time vertical distance between the ink outlet point of the inkjet device (400) and the surface of the housing (500). The Z-axis control device includes: a Z-axis control unit; the Z-axis control unit, the detection device, and the Z-axis moving device (810) are electrically connected; The Z-axis control unit, the detection device, and the Z-axis moving device (810) cooperate to ensure that the real-time vertical distance between the ink outlet of the inkjet device (400) and the surface of the housing (500) is a set distance.

8. The 3D housing inkjet coloring device according to claim 7, characterized in that, Multiple Z-axis moving devices (810), Z-axis moving parts (820), and inkjet devices (400) are provided; multiple Z-axis moving devices (810) are arranged side by side on the side of the extension plate (700); The detection device and the Z-axis control unit are each provided in multiple ways; the multiple inkjet devices (400), the multiple Z-axis control units, the multiple Z-axis moving devices (810) and the multiple detection devices are one-to-one and electrically connected respectively; Each of the Z-axis control units independently receives the detection signal from the corresponding detection device and independently controls the corresponding Z-axis moving device (810) to ensure that the real-time vertical distance between the ink outlet of the corresponding inkjet device (400) and the surface of the housing (500) is a set distance.

9. The 3D housing inkjet coloring device according to claim 8, characterized in that, The 3D housing inkjet coloring device further includes: an ink cartridge (910) mounted on one side of the Y-axis moving part (600) and an ink connecting pipe (920) connecting the ink cartridge (910) and the inkjet device (400); the ink connecting pipe (920) is provided in multiple ways and corresponds one-to-one with the multiple inkjet devices (400).

10. A 3D shell molding method, characterized in that, The 3D shell forming method includes: the 3D shell inkjet coloring apparatus as described in any one of claims 1-9; The 3D shell forming method includes the following steps: S100, stamping, placing the housing (500) into the stamping die and stamping out uneven patterns on the surface of the housing (500); S200, Surface treatment, treating the surface of the housing (500); S300, bending and shaping: the shell (500) is placed between the upper bending mold and the lower bending mold for bending and shaping, and a relief cavity is provided in the upper bending mold to crush the uneven pattern on the shell (500). S400, anodizing, to generate an oxide layer with tiny pores on the uneven pattern on the surface of the housing (500); S500, inkjet coloring, inkjet coloring is applied to the uneven pattern on the surface of the housing (500), so that the ink enters the tiny holes; S600, sealing: sealing the housing (500) after inkjet printing; S700, Post-processing and Inspection: Post-processing and inspection are performed on the shell (500) after the sealing process is completed; Step S500 also includes the following steps: S510, Drawing Scan: Scan the original drawing to obtain the first screen information; S520, housing (500) scanning: Scan the housing (500) to obtain the second image information to be colored; S530. After adjusting the position of the inkjet device (400) and the housing (500), the housing (500) is colored. The main control device controls the multi-axis drive assembly (200) to adjust the position of the housing (500) and the inkjet device (400) according to the first screen information and the second screen information obtained in step S510 and step S520, and starts the inkjet device (400) to color the uneven pattern on the surface of the housing (500).

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