Nozzle control method, nozzle, storage medium, and program product

Abstract

The application discloses a nozzle control method, a nozzle, a storage medium and a program product, and relates to the technical field of inkjet printing. First target data, a first digital twin simulation model and a real-time temperature of a nozzle of the nozzle are acquired, wherein the first target data comprises a target ejection volume of to-be-ejected ink, a pressure difference between two ends of an ink flow channel of the nozzle, and first energization waveform feature data of a piezoelectric element in the nozzle for driving ink ejection, and a nozzle shape of the nozzle is adjusted based on the temperature; the first target data is input into the first digital twin simulation model, and a target temperature corresponding to the first target data is output by the first digital twin simulation model; the real-time temperature of the nozzle is adjusted based on the target temperature, and the to-be-ejected ink with the target ejection volume is ejected through the piezoelectric element to which the energization waveform feature data has been applied, the ink flow channel of the nozzle, and the nozzle with the real-time temperature close to the target temperature in sequence. The technical problem that the control method for ink drop volume is low in efficiency and inaccurate is solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of inkjet printing technology, and more particularly to printhead control methods, printheads, storage media, and computer program products. Background Technology

[0002] Achieving on-demand control of droplet volume is crucial for inkjet printing technology to achieve high-precision and high-efficiency ink ejection. In existing piezoelectric printhead inkjet printing processes, droplet volume is typically controlled by precisely manipulating the driving voltage waveform of the piezoelectric element, thus selectively ejecting droplets of different sizes. In practice, multiple driving voltage waveform parameters, similar to trapezoidal waves, need to be adjusted, such as rise time, duration, fall time, and amplitude. By observing the ejection effect, one or more of these driving voltage waveform parameters are repeatedly optimized to allow the printhead to eject droplets according to the target droplet volume and size.

[0003] However, due to the lack of an effective mapping relationship between droplet volume and the driving voltage waveform of the piezoelectric element, and the numerous control parameters of the driving voltage waveform, existing methods for controlling droplet volume mainly rely on manual parameter tuning. This not only suffers from drawbacks such as long tuning cycles and poor droplet volume control accuracy, but also requires extensive experience from the tuners. Therefore, existing methods for controlling droplet volume are cumbersome, lack precision and accuracy, and are not conducive to the multi-scenario application of piezoelectric printheads.

[0004] The above content is only used to help understand the technical solution of this application and does not represent an admission that the above content is prior art. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The main objective of this application is to provide a printhead control method, printhead, storage medium, and computer program product, which aims to solve the technical problem of low efficiency and inaccuracy in the method of controlling ink droplet volume.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, this application proposes a nozzle control method, the nozzle control method comprising:

[0007] Acquire first target data, first digital twin simulation model and real-time nozzle temperature of the printhead, wherein the first target data includes the target ejection volume of the ink to be ejected, the pressure difference between the two ends of the ink flow channel of the printhead, and the first energized waveform characteristic data of the piezoelectric element in the printhead used to drive the ink ejection, and the nozzle of the printhead is based on temperature-adjustable shape.

[0008] The first target data is input into the first digital twin simulation model, and the first digital twin simulation model outputs the target temperature corresponding to the first target data.

[0009] The nozzle real-time temperature is adjusted based on the target temperature, and the ink to be sprayed is sequentially ejected through the piezoelectric element with applied energized waveform characteristic data, the ink channel of the printhead, and the nozzle with a real-time temperature close to the target temperature, thus ejecting the target ejection volume of ink.

[0010] In one embodiment, the nozzle control method further includes:

[0011] Acquire second target data and a second digital twin simulation model, wherein the second target data includes the target ejection volume, ink material characteristic data, and the second energized waveform characteristic data of the piezoelectric element;

[0012] The second target data is input into the second digital twin simulation model, and the second digital twin simulation model outputs the target temperature corresponding to the second target data.

[0013] In one embodiment, the step of ejecting the ink to be ejected at the target ejection volume includes:

[0014] Obtain the actual observed volume of the ejected ink droplets, and determine the volume difference between the actual observed volume and the target ejected volume;

[0015] Based on the volume difference, the real-time nozzle temperature of the nozzle and the first energized waveform characteristic data of the piezoelectric element are adjusted.

[0016] In one embodiment, the step of adjusting the real-time nozzle temperature of the nozzle and the energized waveform characteristic data of the piezoelectric element based on the volume difference includes:

[0017] When the volume difference is greater than a preset volume difference threshold, the real-time temperature of the nozzle of the spray head is adjusted.

[0018] When the volume difference is less than or equal to a preset volume difference threshold, the energized waveform characteristic data of the piezoelectric element is adjusted.

[0019] In one embodiment, after the step of ejecting the ink to be ejected at the target ejection volume, the method further includes:

[0020] When the volume of the ink to be ejected changes, the nozzle returns to its original shape.

[0021] Determine the new target temperature based on the new target ejection volume of the ink to be inkjetted;

[0022] Based on the new target temperature, the real-time temperature of the nozzle after the printhead is cooled is adjusted, and based on the nozzle after temperature readjustment, a new target ejection volume of ink is ejected.

[0023] In one embodiment, the nozzle has a cooling channel inside, and the step of restoring the nozzle to its original shape includes:

[0024] By opening the cooling channel of the nozzle and introducing cooling gas, the nozzle is restored to its original shape.

[0025] Furthermore, to achieve the above objectives, this application also proposes a nozzle control device, which includes:

[0026] The first module is used to acquire first target data, a first digital twin simulation model, and the real-time nozzle temperature of the printhead. The first target data includes the target ejection volume of the ink to be ejected, the pressure difference between the two ends of the ink flow channel of the printhead, and the first energized waveform characteristic data of the piezoelectric element in the printhead used to drive the ink ejection. The nozzle of the printhead is based on a temperature-adjustable shape.

[0027] The second module is used to input the first target data into the first digital twin simulation model, and the first digital twin simulation model outputs the target temperature corresponding to the first target data.

[0028] The third module is used to adjust the real-time temperature of the nozzle based on the target temperature, and sequentially eject the ink of the target ejection volume through the piezoelectric element with the applied energized waveform characteristic data, the ink channel of the printhead, and the nozzle with the real-time temperature close to the target temperature.

[0029] In addition, to achieve the above objectives, this application also proposes a printhead comprising: a piezoelectric element, an ink channel, and a nozzle; and the steps of implementing the printhead control method as described above for the printhead.

[0030] In addition, to achieve the above objectives, this application also proposes a storage medium, which is a computer-readable storage medium, on which a computer program is stored, and when the computer program is executed by a processor, it implements the steps of the nozzle control method described above.

[0031] In addition, to achieve the above objectives, this application also provides a computer program product, which includes a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements the steps of the nozzle control method described above.

[0032] One or more technical solutions proposed in this application have at least the following technical effects:

[0033] This application proposes a method for regulating droplet volume without relying on the driving voltage waveform of a piezoelectric element. First, based on the current structure of a piezoelectric printhead, the fixed-shape nozzle is replaced with a temperature-variable shape nozzle. Then, a first digital twin simulation model is pre-established, mapping the droplet volume to the nozzle temperature, the pressure difference across the ink flow channel, and the first energized waveform characteristic data of the piezoelectric element (i.e., the effective ejection time, i.e., the duration of the piezoelectric element's driving voltage waveform). The target temperature corresponding to the first target data under the current real-time inkjet environment and requirements is obtained from the first digital twin simulation model. The real-time nozzle temperature is further adjusted according to the target temperature, making it as close as possible to the target temperature, thus maintaining the nozzle shape to eject droplets of the target volume and size. Finally, by sequentially passing the piezoelectric element with applied energized waveform characteristic data, the ink flow channel of the printhead, and the nozzle whose real-time temperature is close to the target temperature (i.e., the nozzle maintaining its ideal shape), ink of the target ejection volume and size can be ejected.

[0034] Therefore, compared to the method of controlling the driving voltage waveform parameters of the piezoelectric element, the temperature control method of the nozzle with variable shape proposed in this application has the advantage of utilizing the characteristic of the variable nozzle structure to affect the droplet volume and morphology. This eliminates the technical problems of controlling the driving voltage waveform of the piezoelectric element to regulate the droplet volume, and eliminates the need to control numerous driving voltage waveform parameters. Only the droplet volume, the nozzle temperature of the printhead, the pressure difference across the ink flow channel of the printhead, and the first energized waveform characteristic data of the piezoelectric element (i.e., the effective ejection time, which is the waveform duration of the driving voltage waveform of the piezoelectric element) are required. This clarifies the parameters needed and significantly reduces the required control parameters, making the construction of the first digital twin simulation model more efficient and accurate. Consequently, the droplet volume control method based on the first digital twin simulation model is more efficient and accurate. Attached Figure Description

[0035] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with this application and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of this application.

[0036] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, for those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0037] Figure 1 This is a flowchart illustrating the first embodiment of the nozzle control method of this application.

[0038] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the nozzle structure provided in the first embodiment of the nozzle control method of this application;

[0039] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating the second embodiment of the nozzle control method of this application.

[0040] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating the third embodiment of the nozzle control method of this application.

[0041] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the device structure of the hardware operating environment involved in the nozzle control method in the embodiments of this application.

[0042] The purpose, features, and advantages of this application will be further explained in conjunction with the embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Detailed Implementation

[0043] It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the technical solutions of this application and are not intended to limit this application.

[0044] To better understand the technical solution of this application, a detailed description will be provided below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and specific implementation methods.

[0045] It should be noted that the executing entity in this embodiment can be a computing service device with data processing, network communication, and program execution functions, such as a tablet computer, personal computer, or mobile phone, or an electronic device or nozzle control device capable of performing the above functions. The following description uses a nozzle control device as an example to illustrate this embodiment and the subsequent embodiments.

[0046] Based on this, the embodiments of this application provide a nozzle control method, referring to... Figure 1 , Figure 1 This is a flowchart illustrating the first embodiment of the nozzle control method of this application.

[0047] In this embodiment, the nozzle control method includes steps S10 to S30:

[0048] Step S10: Obtain first target data, first digital twin simulation model and real-time nozzle temperature of printhead. The first target data includes the target ejection volume of ink to be ejected, the pressure difference between the two ends of the ink flow channel of printhead, and the first energized waveform characteristic data of the piezoelectric element in printhead used to drive ink ejection. The nozzle of printhead is shaped based on temperature regulation.

[0049] The target ejection volume of the ink to be sprayed refers to the volume of the ink after it has been ejected from the printhead nozzle. It is understood that the target ejection volume of the ink can also be described by the size of the resulting ink droplets; the target ejection volume of the ink can be replaced by the target droplet size. In one embodiment, the volume or size of the ink droplets after ejection from the printhead nozzle is observed using an ink droplet observer.

[0050] The ink channel of a printhead refers to the passage from the piezoelectric element to the nozzle outlet of the printhead for the flow of ink to be printed. The pressure difference between the two ends of the ink channel can be obtained by measuring the pressure values ​​at the inlet and outlet of the ink channel of the printhead.

[0051] The piezoelectric element used to drive ink ejection in the printhead refers to a piezoelectric element structure that converts electrical signals into a driving force for ejecting ink, and its material can be piezoelectric ceramic.

[0052] The first characteristic data of the energized waveform of the piezoelectric element is the effective injection time, which is the waveform duration of the piezoelectric element's driving voltage waveform. It can be understood that when a driving voltage waveform is given to the piezoelectric element, both the waveform amplitude and waveform duration are simultaneously set.

[0053] The nozzle of the spray head is based on a temperature-controlled shape, meaning that the nozzle structure can be adjusted in shape. The material can be a shape memory alloy, which can deform when heated and recover its shape when cooled. It can be understood that by energizing the electrodes that mate with the nozzle, the temperature of the nozzle can be changed, thereby altering its structure.

[0054] In one embodiment, a miniature thermocouple is tightly attached to the outer wall of the nozzle structure, which allows for direct and real-time monitoring of the actual temperature of the nozzle.

[0055] In one application scenario, refer to Figure 2 The printhead includes a piezoelectric element Y, an ink channel, and a nozzle (composed of components Z1 and Z2). Figure 2 The dashed arrow indicates the flow direction of the ink to be printed under the action of the piezoelectric element Y. Additionally, the nozzles Z1 and Z2 contain cooling channels n1 and n2 for introducing cooling gas. These cooling channels n1 and n2 can be... Figure 2 The U-shaped channel shown can also be a straight pipe inserted into the nozzle; the design of its cooling flow channel is not limited here.

[0056] In one feasible implementation, after step S30, the method further includes:

[0057] When the volume of the ink to be ejected changes, the nozzle returns to its original shape.

[0058] Determine the new target temperature based on the new target ejection volume of the ink to be inkjetted;

[0059] The real-time temperature of the nozzle after printhead cooling is adjusted based on the new target temperature, and based on the nozzle after temperature readjustment, a new target ejection volume of ink is ejected.

[0060] When the target ejection volume of the ink to be printed changes, such as when the target ejection volume of the ink to be printed is adjusted, the cooling channel of the nozzle is opened to introduce cooling gas, such as low-temperature air, to quickly cool down the nozzle structure and restore it to its original shape. Once the nozzle structure has been restored to its original shape, the cooling channel of the nozzle is closed, and the required current is then applied to the nozzle that has been restored to its original shape for heating.

[0061] The following section introduces the principles of the first digital twin simulation model:

[0062] First, because the nozzle shape can be adjusted based on temperature, the temperature T maintaining the nozzle structure varies under different currents I, resulting in different nozzle structural dimensions. By precisely measuring the key geometric dimensions of the nozzle after deformation using a microscope or laser scanner, a data mapping table or fitting curve can be obtained, thus clarifying the relationship between temperature and structure when using a shape memory alloy of that type and shape. Specifically, , Where D is the nozzle orifice diameter and θ is the nozzle orifice slope, refer to Figure 2 The nozzle orifice diameter refers to the distance between components Z1 and Z2, which can be either their closest or furthest distance. The nozzle orifice slope refers to the inclination angle of the slope surface formed by components Z1 or Z2 in the ink flow channel. T is the temperature sensor output value of the nozzle when current I is applied. Simultaneously, the correspondence between temperature T and current I can be calibrated, where T∝I.

[0063] Next, the volumetric flow rate Q of the ink ejected from the nozzle follows Poiseuille's law, which means that it is directly proportional to the fourth power of the nozzle radius r, inversely proportional to the ink flow path length L of the printhead, and directly proportional to the pressure difference ΔP across the ink flow path, i.e., Q∝(r^4 / L)*ΔP.

[0064] Additionally, it is understandable that since the nozzle of the printhead can be shaped based on temperature, the temperature T can determine the size of the nozzle orifice slope θ, which in turn determines the size of the ink flow path length L.

[0065] The droplet volume V can be approximated as the product of the flow rate Q and the effective ejection time t (i.e., the characteristic data of the first energized waveform of the piezoelectric element): V≈Q*t. Therefore, combining with Poiseuille's law, we know that V∝[D^4 / L]*ΔP*t. Based on this, and considering the relationship between temperature, nozzle orifice diameter, nozzle orifice slope, and ink channel length, we know that V∝T*ΔP*t. Therefore, the expression for the ink volume can be constructed as: V=G(T, ΔP, t), where G() can be considered the first digital twin simulation model. It is understandable that this first digital twin simulation model can be determined through digital twin simulation.

[0066] Step S20: Input the first target data into the first digital twin simulation model, and output the target temperature corresponding to the first target data from the first digital twin simulation model;

[0067] Step S30: Adjust the real-time temperature of the nozzle based on the target temperature, and sequentially eject the ink of the target ejection volume through the piezoelectric element with applied energized waveform characteristic data, the ink flow channel of the printhead, and the nozzle whose real-time temperature is close to the target temperature.

[0068] After obtaining the first target data, namely the target ejection volume V of the ink to be ejected, the pressure difference ΔP across the ink channel of the printhead, and the first energized waveform characteristic data t of the piezoelectric element in the printhead used to drive the ink ejection, the target temperature can be obtained by solving the first digital twin simulation model G(). By adjusting the real-time temperature of the nozzle with this target temperature, and sequentially passing the ink through the piezoelectric element with the applied energized waveform characteristic data, the ink channel of the printhead, and the nozzle whose real-time temperature is close to the target temperature, the ink to be ejected with the target ejection volume can be ejected.

[0069] In one embodiment, after energizing the nozzle structure during nozzle use, a PID algorithm is introduced to dynamically adjust the current I applied to the nozzle based on the temperature feedback value from the temperature sensor, thereby maintaining nozzle temperature stability and thus nozzle structure stability. The PID algorithm is U(t) = K_p e(t)+K_i ∫[e(t)d(t)]+K_d d / dt e(t), U(t) is the current regulation I, e(t) is the temperature deviation, and K_p, K_i, and K_d are the proportional, integral, and derivative coefficients, respectively.

[0070] This application proposes a method for regulating droplet volume without relying on the driving voltage waveform of a piezoelectric element. First, based on the current structure of a piezoelectric printhead, the fixed-shape nozzle is replaced with a temperature-variable shape nozzle. Then, a first digital twin simulation model is pre-established, mapping the droplet volume to the nozzle temperature, the pressure difference across the ink flow channel, and the first energized waveform characteristic data of the piezoelectric element (i.e., the effective ejection time, i.e., the duration of the piezoelectric element's driving voltage waveform). The target temperature corresponding to the first target data under the current real-time inkjet environment and requirements is obtained from the first digital twin simulation model. The real-time nozzle temperature is further adjusted according to the target temperature, making it as close as possible to the target temperature, thus maintaining the nozzle shape to eject droplets of the target volume and size. Finally, by sequentially passing the piezoelectric element with applied energized waveform characteristic data, the ink flow channel of the printhead, and the nozzle whose real-time temperature is close to the target temperature (i.e., the nozzle maintaining its ideal shape), ink of the target ejection volume and size can be ejected.

[0071] Therefore, compared to the method of controlling the driving voltage waveform parameters of the piezoelectric element, the temperature control method of the nozzle with variable shape proposed in this application has the advantage of utilizing the characteristic of the variable nozzle structure to affect the droplet volume and morphology. This eliminates the technical problems of controlling the driving voltage waveform of the piezoelectric element to regulate the droplet volume, and eliminates the need to control numerous driving voltage waveform parameters. Only the droplet volume, the nozzle temperature of the printhead, the pressure difference across the ink flow channel of the printhead, and the first energized waveform characteristic data of the piezoelectric element (i.e., the effective ejection time, which is the waveform duration of the driving voltage waveform of the piezoelectric element) are required. This clarifies the parameters needed and significantly reduces the required control parameters, making the construction of the first digital twin simulation model more efficient and accurate. Consequently, the droplet volume control method based on the first digital twin simulation model is more efficient and accurate.

[0072] Based on the first embodiment of this application, in the second embodiment of this application, the content that is the same as or similar to the first embodiment described above can be referred to the above description, and will not be repeated hereafter. Based on this, please refer to... Figure 3 The nozzle control method further includes steps T10~T20:

[0073] Step T10: Acquire the second target data and the second digital twin simulation model. The second target data includes the target ejection volume, ink material characteristic data, and the second energized waveform characteristic data of the piezoelectric element.

[0074] Step T20: Input the second target data into the second digital twin simulation model, and the second digital twin simulation model outputs the target temperature corresponding to the second target data.

[0075] The properties of ink materials significantly affect droplet ejection performance. For each functional material with different physical properties, manual parameter adjustment is required. Furthermore, whenever the ink is changed or the printing environment is altered, such as by changing the temperature, the digital twin simulation model may need to be readjusted.

[0076] To address the technical issue of inaccurate digital twin simulation models caused by the aforementioned ink material characteristics, this embodiment considers that the pressure difference ΔP across the ink flow channel of the nozzle is related to the amplitude U of the piezoelectric element driving voltage waveform, the ink viscosity μ, and the ink surface tension γ. Therefore, based on the preceding content of the ink volume expression V=G(T, ΔP, t) constructed in the first embodiment, another expression for the ink volume, V=F(T, U, μ, γ, t), can be constructed. Here, F() can be considered the second digital twin simulation model. It is also understood that this second digital twin simulation model can be determined through digital twin simulation. The ink material characteristic data refers to the ink viscosity μ and the ink surface tension γ, and the second energized waveform characteristic data of the piezoelectric element refers to the amplitude U of the piezoelectric element driving voltage waveform and the waveform duration, i.e., the effective ejection time t. After obtaining the second target data, namely the target ejection volume V of the ink to be sprayed, the ink material characteristic data (μ, γ), and the second energized waveform characteristic data (U, t) of the piezoelectric element, the target temperature can be obtained by solving the second digital twin simulation model F().

[0077] Based on the first embodiment of this application, in the third embodiment of this application, the content that is the same as or similar to that in the first embodiment can be referred to the above description, and will not be repeated hereafter. Based on this, please refer to... Figure 4 Step S30 also includes steps S301 to S302:

[0078] Step S301: Obtain the actual observed volume of the ejected ink droplets and determine the volume difference between the actual observed volume and the target ejected volume;

[0079] Step S302: Based on the volume difference, adjust the real-time nozzle temperature of the nozzle and the first energized waveform characteristic data of the piezoelectric element.

[0080] In this embodiment, a method for controlling the volume of ink droplets is provided. Based on the volume difference between the actual observed volume of the ejected ink droplets and the target ejected volume, the real-time temperature of the nozzle and the first energized waveform characteristic data of the piezoelectric element are adjusted to reduce the volume difference between the actual observed volume and the target ejected volume of the subsequently ejected ink droplets.

[0081] It should be noted that adjusting the real-time temperature of the nozzle to control the volume of the ink droplets ejected from the nozzle is a structural control method. It takes a short time but has a large step value. In other words, this method can be adjusted quickly but has low sensitivity. Adjusting the first energized waveform characteristic data of the piezoelectric element to control the volume of the ink droplets ejected from the nozzle is a driving force control method. It takes a long time but has a small step value. In other words, this method has high sensitivity but slow adjustment.

[0082] In one feasible implementation, step S302 may include steps S3021 to S3022:

[0083] Step S3021: When the volume difference is greater than the preset volume difference threshold, adjust the real-time temperature of the nozzle of the spray head.

[0084] Step S3022: When the volume difference is less than or equal to a preset volume difference threshold, adjust the energized waveform characteristic data of the piezoelectric element.

[0085] In this embodiment, a control method that automatically switches between structural control and driving force control is proposed. When the volume difference is greater than a preset volume difference threshold, the method tends to quickly adjust and reduce the volume difference, and the real-time temperature of the nozzle is adjusted. When the volume difference is less than or equal to the preset volume difference threshold, the method tends to finely adjust and reduce the volume difference more accurately, and the energized waveform characteristic data of the piezoelectric element is adjusted.

[0086] In one embodiment, when the difference ΔV between the volume observed by the droplet observer and the target ejection volume is greater than a preset volume difference threshold M, the current I is regulated to flow through the nozzle structure. The target nozzle structure maintains a temperature T using a PID control algorithm, which is: U1(t) = K1_p e1(t)+K1_i ∫[e1(t)d(t)]+K1_d d / dt e1(t), where U1(t) is the temperature adjustment amount for maintaining T, e1(t) is the droplet volume deviation (i.e., volume difference), and K1_p, K1_i, and K1_d are the proportional, integral, and derivative coefficients, respectively. Based on the modified target maintaining temperature T, a corresponding initial current value is set. Subsequently, based on the feedback value from the temperature sensor, the target current is dynamically adjusted to maintain temperature stability, i.e., to maintain structural stability.

[0087] In another embodiment, when the difference ΔV between the volume observed by the droplet observer and the target ejection volume is less than or equal to a preset volume difference threshold M, the voltage amplitude U applied by the piezoelectric element is adjusted, and the control algorithm is: U2(t) = K2_p e1(t)+K2_i ∫[e2(t)d(t)]+K2_d d / dt e2(t), where U2(t) is the amplitude U adjustment amount, e2(t) is the droplet volume deviation, and K2_p, K2_i, and K2_d are the proportional, integral, and derivative coefficients, respectively.

[0088] It should be noted that the above examples are only for understanding this application and do not constitute a limitation on the nozzle control method of this application. Any simple modifications based on this technical concept are within the protection scope of this application.

[0089] This application also provides a nozzle control device, the nozzle control device comprising:

[0090] The first module is used to acquire first target data, a first digital twin simulation model, and the real-time temperature of the nozzle of the printhead. The first target data includes the target ejection volume of the ink to be ejected, the pressure difference between the two ends of the ink flow channel of the printhead, and the first energized waveform characteristic data of the piezoelectric element in the printhead used to drive the ink ejection. The nozzle of the printhead is shaped based on temperature regulation.

[0091] The second module is used to input the first target data into the first digital twin simulation model, and the first digital twin simulation model outputs the target temperature corresponding to the first target data.

[0092] The third module is used to adjust the real-time temperature of the nozzle based on the target temperature, and then sequentially eject the ink of the target ejection volume through the piezoelectric element with applied energized waveform characteristic data, the ink channel of the printhead, and the nozzle whose real-time temperature is close to the target temperature.

[0093] In one embodiment, the nozzle control device further includes a fourth module for:

[0094] Acquire second target data and a second digital twin simulation model, wherein the second target data includes target ejection volume, ink material characteristic data, and second energized waveform characteristic data of piezoelectric element;

[0095] The second target data is input into the second digital twin simulation model, and the second digital twin simulation model outputs the target temperature corresponding to the second target data.

[0096] In one embodiment, the third module is further configured to:

[0097] Obtain the actual observed volume of the ejected ink droplets and determine the volume difference between the actual observed volume and the target ejected volume;

[0098] Based on the volume difference, the real-time nozzle temperature and the first energized waveform characteristic data of the piezoelectric element are adjusted.

[0099] In one embodiment, the third module is further configured to:

[0100] When the volume difference exceeds the preset volume difference threshold, the real-time temperature of the nozzle is adjusted.

[0101] When the volume difference is less than or equal to a preset volume difference threshold, the energized waveform characteristic data of the piezoelectric element is adjusted.

[0102] In one embodiment, the nozzle control device further includes a fifth module for:

[0103] After the step of ejecting the ink to be ejected at the target ejection volume:

[0104] When the volume of the ink to be ejected changes, the nozzle returns to its original shape.

[0105] Determine the new target temperature based on the new target ejection volume of the ink to be inkjetted;

[0106] The real-time temperature of the nozzle after printhead cooling is adjusted based on the new target temperature, and based on the nozzle after temperature readjustment, a new target ejection volume of ink is ejected.

[0107] In one embodiment, the nozzle has a cooling channel inside, and the fifth module is further configured to:

[0108] By opening the cooling channel of the nozzle and introducing cooling gas, the nozzle is restored to its original shape.

[0109] The printhead control device provided in this application, employing the printhead control method in the above embodiments, can solve the technical problems of low efficiency and inaccuracy in the ink droplet volume control method. Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the printhead control device provided in this application are the same as those of the printhead control method provided in the above embodiments, and other technical features in the printhead control device are the same as those disclosed in the methods of the above embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0110] This application provides a printhead control device, which includes: a printhead composed of a piezoelectric element, an ink flow channel, and a nozzle; at least one processor; and a memory communicatively connected to the at least one processor; wherein the memory stores instructions executable by the at least one processor, and the instructions are executed by the at least one processor to enable the at least one processor to perform the printhead control method in the above embodiment 1.

[0111] The following is for reference. Figure 5The diagram illustrates a structural schematic of a nozzle control device suitable for implementing embodiments of this application. The nozzle control device in the embodiments of this application may include, but is not limited to, mobile terminals such as mobile phones, laptops, digital broadcast receivers, PDAs (Personal Digital Assistants), PADs (Portable Application Description), PMPs (Portable Media Players), in-vehicle terminals (e.g., in-vehicle navigation terminals), and fixed terminals such as digital TVs and desktop computers. Figure 5 The nozzle control device shown is merely an example and should not impose any limitation on the functionality and scope of use of the embodiments of this application.

[0112] like Figure 5 As shown, the nozzle control device may include a processing unit 1001 (e.g., a central processing unit, a graphics processing unit, etc.), which can perform various appropriate actions and processes according to a program stored in a read-only memory 1002 or a program loaded from a storage device 1003 into a random access memory 1004. The random access memory 1004 also stores various programs and data required for the operation of the nozzle control device. The processing unit 1001, the read-only memory 1002, and the random access memory 1004 are interconnected via a bus 1005. An input / output interface 1006 is also connected to the bus. Typically, the following systems can be connected to the input / output interface 1006: input devices 1007 including, for example, a touch screen, touchpad, keyboard, mouse, image sensor, microphone, accelerometer, gyroscope, etc.; output devices 1008 including, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD), speaker, vibrator, etc.; storage devices 1003 including, for example, magnetic tape, hard disk, etc.; and communication devices 1009. Communication device 1009 allows the nozzle control device to communicate wirelessly or wiredly with other devices to exchange data. Although nozzle control devices with various systems are shown in the figures, it should be understood that implementation or possession of all the systems shown is not required. More or fewer systems may be implemented alternatively.

[0113] Specifically, according to the embodiments disclosed in this application, the processes described above with reference to the flowcharts can be implemented as computer software programs. For example, embodiments disclosed in this application include a computer program product comprising a computer program carried on a computer-readable medium, the computer program containing program code for performing the methods shown in the flowcharts. In such embodiments, the computer program can be downloaded and installed from a network via a communication device, or installed from storage device 1003, or installed from read-only memory 1002. When the computer program is executed by processing device 1001, it performs the functions defined in the methods of the embodiments disclosed in this application.

[0114] The printhead control device provided in this application, employing the printhead control method described in the above embodiments, can solve the technical problems of low efficiency and inaccuracy in the ink droplet volume control method. Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the printhead control device provided in this application are the same as those of the printhead control method provided in the above embodiments, and other technical features of this printhead control device are the same as those disclosed in the previous embodiment method, and will not be repeated here.

[0115] It should be understood that the various parts disclosed in this application can be implemented using hardware, software, firmware, or a combination thereof. In the description of the above embodiments, specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics can be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0116] 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.

[0117] This application provides a computer-readable storage medium having computer-readable program instructions (i.e., a computer program) stored thereon, the computer-readable program instructions being used to execute the nozzle control method in the above embodiments.

[0118] The computer-readable storage medium provided in this application may be, for example, a USB flash drive, but is not limited to, electrical, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor systems or devices, or any combination thereof. More specific examples of computer-readable storage media may include, but are not limited to: electrical connections having one or more wires, portable computer disks, hard disks, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), optical fiber, portable compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM), optical storage devices, magnetic storage devices, or any suitable combination thereof. In this embodiment, the computer-readable storage medium may be any tangible medium containing or storing a program that can be used by or in conjunction with an instruction execution system or device. The program code contained on the computer-readable storage medium may be transmitted using any suitable medium, including but not limited to: wires, optical cables, RF (Radio Frequency), etc., or any suitable combination thereof.

[0119] The aforementioned computer-readable storage medium may be included in the nozzle control device; or it may exist independently and not assembled into the nozzle control device.

[0120] The aforementioned computer-readable storage medium carries one or more programs. When the one or more programs are executed by the printhead control device, the printhead control device causes the following: It acquires first target data, a first digital twin simulation model, and the real-time nozzle temperature of the printhead. The first target data includes the target ejection volume of the ink to be ejected, the pressure difference across the ink channel of the printhead, and the first energized waveform characteristic data of the piezoelectric element in the printhead used to drive the ink ejection. The nozzle of the printhead is shaped based on temperature. It inputs the first target data into the first digital twin simulation model, and the first digital twin simulation model outputs the target temperature corresponding to the first target data. Based on the target temperature, it adjusts the real-time nozzle temperature and sequentially ejects the ink of the target ejection volume through the piezoelectric element with applied energized waveform characteristic data, the ink channel of the printhead, and the nozzle whose real-time temperature is close to the target temperature.

[0121] Computer program code for performing the operations of this application can be written in one or more programming languages ​​or a combination thereof, including object-oriented programming languages ​​such as Java, Smalltalk, and C++, and conventional procedural programming languages ​​such as the "C" language or similar programming languages. The program code can be executed entirely on the user's computer, partially on the user's computer, as a standalone software package, partially on the user's computer and partially on a remote computer, or entirely on a remote computer or server. In cases involving remote computers, the remote computer can be connected to the user's computer via any type of network—including a Local Area Network (LAN) or a Wide Area Network (WAN)—or can be connected to an external computer (e.g., via the Internet using an Internet service provider).

[0122] The flowcharts and block diagrams in the accompanying drawings illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems, methods, and computer program products according to various embodiments of this application. In this regard, each block in a flowchart or block diagram may represent a module, segment, or portion of code containing one or more executable instructions for implementing a specified logical function. It should also be noted that in some alternative implementations, the functions indicated in the blocks may occur in a different order than those indicated in the drawings. For example, two consecutively indicated blocks may actually be executed substantially in parallel, and they may sometimes be executed in reverse order, depending on the functions involved. It should also be noted that each block in the block diagrams and / or flowcharts, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and / or flowcharts, can be implemented using a dedicated hardware-based system that performs the specified function or operation, or using a combination of dedicated hardware and computer instructions.

[0123] The modules described in the embodiments of this application can be implemented in software or hardware. The names of the modules do not necessarily limit the functionality of the unit itself.

[0124] The readable storage medium provided in this application is a computer-readable storage medium that stores computer-readable program instructions (i.e., a computer program) for executing the above-described printhead control method, which can solve the technical problem of low efficiency and inaccuracy in the ink droplet volume control method. Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the computer-readable storage medium provided in this application are the same as the beneficial effects of the printhead control method provided in the above embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0125] This application also provides a computer program product, including a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements the steps of the nozzle control method described above.

[0126] The computer program product provided in this application can solve the technical problem of low efficiency and inaccuracy in the method of controlling ink droplet volume. Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the computer program product provided in this application are the same as those of the printhead control method provided in the above embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0127] The above description is only a part of the embodiments of this application and does not limit the patent scope of this application. All equivalent structural transformations made under the technical concept of this application and using the contents of the specification and drawings of this application, or direct / indirect applications in other related technical fields, are included in the patent protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A nozzle control method, characterized in that, The nozzle control method includes: Acquire first target data, first digital twin simulation model and real-time nozzle temperature of the printhead, wherein the first target data includes the target ejection volume of the ink to be ejected, the pressure difference between the two ends of the ink flow channel of the printhead, and the first energized waveform characteristic data of the piezoelectric element in the printhead used to drive the ink ejection, and the nozzle of the printhead is based on temperature-adjustable shape. The first target data is input into the first digital twin simulation model, and the first digital twin simulation model outputs the target temperature corresponding to the first target data. The target ejection volume of the ink to be sprayed is proportional to the nozzle temperature of the printhead, proportional to the pressure difference across the ink flow channel of the printhead, and proportional to the first energized waveform characteristic data of the piezoelectric element in the printhead used to drive the ink ejection. Based on the proportional relationship between the target ejection volume of the ink to be sprayed and the nozzle temperature of the printhead, the pressure difference across the ink flow channel of the printhead, and the first energized waveform characteristic data of the piezoelectric element in the printhead used to drive the ink ejection, the first digital twin simulation model is constructed. The nozzle real-time temperature is adjusted based on the target temperature corresponding to the first target data, and the ink to be sprayed is sequentially ejected through the piezoelectric element that has been applied with the first energized waveform characteristic data, the ink channel of the printhead, and the nozzle whose real-time temperature is close to the target temperature, to eject the ink of the target ejection volume.

2. The nozzle control method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The step of ejecting the ink to be ejected from the target ejection volume includes: Obtain the actual observed volume of the ejected ink droplets, and determine the volume difference between the actual observed volume and the target ejected volume; Based on the volume difference, the real-time nozzle temperature of the nozzle and the first energized waveform characteristic data of the piezoelectric element are adjusted.

3. The nozzle control method as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The step of adjusting the real-time nozzle temperature of the nozzle and the first energized waveform characteristic data of the piezoelectric element based on the volume difference includes: When the volume difference is greater than a preset volume difference threshold, the real-time temperature of the nozzle of the spray head is adjusted. When the volume difference is less than or equal to a preset volume difference threshold, the first energized waveform characteristic data of the piezoelectric element is adjusted.

4. The nozzle control method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, After the step of ejecting the ink to be ejected at the target ejection volume, the method further includes: When the volume of the ink to be ejected changes, the nozzle returns to its original shape. Determine the new target temperature based on the new target ejection volume of the ink to be inkjetted; Based on the new target temperature, the real-time temperature of the nozzle after the printhead is cooled is adjusted, and based on the nozzle after temperature readjustment, a new target ejection volume of ink is ejected.

5. The nozzle control method as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The nozzle has internal cooling channels, and the step of restoring the nozzle to its original shape includes: By opening the cooling channel of the nozzle and introducing cooling gas, the nozzle is restored to its original shape.

6. A nozzle control method, characterized in that, The nozzle control method includes: Acquire second target data, a second digital twin simulation model, and the real-time nozzle temperature of the printhead. The second target data includes the target ejection volume of the ink to be ejected, ink material characteristic data, and the second energized waveform characteristic data of the piezoelectric element in the printhead used to drive the ink ejection. The second target data is input into the second digital twin simulation model, and the second digital twin simulation model outputs the target temperature corresponding to the second target data. The target ejection volume of the ink to be sprayed is proportional to the nozzle temperature of the printhead, proportional to the ink material characteristic data, and proportional to the second energized waveform characteristic data of the piezoelectric element in the printhead used to drive the ink ejection. Based on the proportional relationship between the target ejection volume of the ink to be sprayed and the nozzle temperature of the printhead, the ink material characteristic data, and the second energized waveform characteristic data of the piezoelectric element in the printhead used to drive the ink ejection, the second digital twin simulation model is constructed. The real-time temperature of the nozzle is adjusted based on the target temperature corresponding to the second target data, and the ink to be sprayed is sequentially ejected through the piezoelectric element that has been applied with the second energized waveform characteristic data, the ink channel of the printhead, and the nozzle whose real-time temperature is close to the target temperature, to eject the ink of the target ejection volume.

7. A nozzle, characterized in that, The printhead includes: a piezoelectric element, an ink channel, and a nozzle; the printhead is implemented using the printhead control method as described in any one of claims 1 to 4.

8. The nozzle as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The nozzle has a cooling channel inside for introducing cooling gas; the nozzle control method as described in claim 5 is implemented on the nozzle.

9. A storage medium, characterized in that, The storage medium is a computer-readable storage medium, and a computer program is stored on the storage medium. When the computer program is executed by a processor, it implements the steps of the nozzle control method as described in any one of claims 1 to 6.

10. A computer program product, characterized in that, The computer program product includes a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements the steps of the nozzle control method as described in any one of claims 1 to 6.

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