Thickness detection mechanism and method for printing carrier and digital printing machine

Abstract

The invention belongs to the field of printing, and particularly relates to a printing carrier thickness detection mechanism and method and a digital printer, the printing carrier thickness detection mechanism comprises a detection part, and the detection part is used for making contact with the top of a printing carrier, so that the detection part moves up and down along with the thickness change of the printing carrier; the lower end of the transmission assembly is connected with the detection part, and the detection part drives the transmission assembly to move; the displacement detector and the upper end of the transmission assembly are installed in a matched mode, and the displacement detector is used for detecting the movement distance of the transmission assembly; and the processor is in signal connection with the displacement detector. The invention provides a thickness detection mechanism and method for a printing carrier and a digital printing machine, and aims to overcome the defects of an anti-collision mechanism in the prior art.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application belongs to the field of printing, and particularly relates to a thickness detection mechanism of a printing carrier, a method and a digital printing machine. BACKGROUND

[0002] Digital printing technology is a printing method that directly transfers digitalized graphic information to a printing carrier through a printing device, and its core feature is that it does not need the plate making process in traditional printing, and can realize on-demand printing, variable data printing and small batch rapid production. Compared with traditional offset printing, intaglio printing and letterpress printing processes that need to pre-produce printing plates, digital printing has the advantages of simplified process, high flexibility and fast response speed, and has been widely used in packaging printing, commercial printing, fabric printing and personalized customization fields. The device for printing using digital printing technology is a digital printing machine.

[0003] The digital printing machine mainly prints relevant patterns on the surface of a printing carrier through a printing head. The printing carrier can be plastic, fabric and paper, etc. The thickness of the printing carrier will change due to different types of printing carriers or different manufacturing parameters of the printing carrier. Therefore, when printing different printing carriers, the height of the printing head needs to be adjusted correspondingly to avoid collision between the printing head and the printing carrier.

[0004] In practice, it is found that the staff often forget to adjust the height of the printing head after replacing the printing carrier (for example, replacing paper with fabric), which brings losses to the enterprise (collision damage of the printing head).

[0005] In order to solve the above problems, some digital printing machines are equipped with an anti-collision mechanism on the printing head. The anti-collision mechanism usually includes an anti-collision component and a detector, and the bottom of the anti-collision component is level with the bottom of the printing head. When the thickness of the printing carrier changes, the printing carrier will first collide with the anti-collision mechanism, and then be detected by the detector. When the detector receives a detection signal, the digital printing machine is controlled to stop urgently to avoid collision and damage of the printing head and the printing carrier. The specific working principle and supporting structure of this technology can refer to the prior art, i.e. the prior patent application with the patent number CN211363997U and the name of an inkjet digital printing machine with anti-collision function.

[0006] However, the above anti-collision mechanism can only prevent collision, and after the printing machine stops urgently, the operator needs to adjust the height of the printing head according to the thickness data of the printing carrier, which is inconvenient to use and affects the production efficiency. SUMMARY

[0007] The present application provides a thickness detection mechanism of a printing carrier, a method and a digital printing machine, which aims to solve the deficiencies of the anti-collision mechanism in the prior art.

[0008] In order to achieve the above object, the present application provides a thickness detection mechanism of a printed carrier, comprising a detection component for contacting with the top of the printed carrier, so that the detection component follows the lifting movement of the thickness change of the printed carrier; a transmission assembly, the lower end of which is connected with the detection component, and the detection component drives the movement of the transmission assembly; a displacement detector, which is installed in cooperation with the upper end of the transmission assembly, and is used for detecting the movement distance of the transmission assembly; and a processor, which is in signal connection with the displacement detector.

[0009] The detection component contacts with the printed carrier, and the thickness change of the printed carrier causes the height change of the detection component. The upward movement of the detection component causes the movement of the transmission assembly, the displacement detector detects the movement data of the transmission assembly, and the processor processes the data, so that the thickness data of the printed carrier can be obtained, and the defects of the prior art are solved.

[0010] Preferably, the transmission assembly comprises a first piston module and a second piston module, the first piston module is connected with the detection component, and the second piston module is connected with the displacement detector; the first piston module comprises a first piston cavity, the second piston module comprises a second piston cavity, the first piston cavity and the second piston cavity are in communication, and the diameter of the first piston cavity is greater than the diameter of the second piston cavity.

[0011] The mutual cooperation of the first piston module and the second piston module expands the displacement distance of the detection component, and facilitates the detection work of the subsequent displacement detector.

[0012] Preferably, the first piston cavity and the second piston cavity are communicated through a connecting port.

[0013] The first piston module and the second piston module are both vertically arranged.

[0014] Preferably, the diameter of the connecting port is the same as the diameter of the second piston cavity.

[0015] Preferably, the transmission assembly further comprises a return spring, the two ends of the return spring are respectively installed in cooperation with the transmission assembly and the detection component, and the return spring is used for driving the return of the detection component.

[0016] Preferably, the detection component and the transmission assembly are separably connected.

[0017] Preferably, the transmission assembly further comprises an adjusting module, which is used for adjusting the height of the detection component.

[0018] The second aspect of the present application discloses a method for using the above thickness detection mechanism, comprising the following steps S1: The bottom of the detection component is set at the same horizontal height as the bottom of the print head. The different printing media causes the detection component to move upward. S2: The upward movement of the detection component drives the transmission assembly to move; S3: The displacement detector detects the displacement change data of the transmission component; S4: Obtain the thickness value of the printing carrier by measuring the displacement change data of the transmission components.

[0019] Preferably, the transmission assembly is a piston transmission assembly, which amplifies the displacement change data of the detection component.

[0020] A third aspect of the present invention discloses a digital printing machine, including the aforementioned thickness detection mechanism, printing mechanism, and controller. The printing mechanism includes a printing head, the thickness detection mechanism is mounted on the printing head, the bottom of the detection component is at the same horizontal height as the bottom of the printing head, and both the thickness detection mechanism and the printing mechanism are signal-connected to the controller.

[0021] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: This solution involves the detection component contacting the printing carrier, and the change in the thickness of the printing carrier causes a change in the height of the detection component. The upward movement of the detection component causes the transmission assembly to move, the displacement detector detects the motion data of the transmission assembly, and the data is processed by the processor to ultimately obtain the thickness data of the printing carrier, thus overcoming the shortcomings of the prior art. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the thickness detection mechanism in Example 1.

[0023] Figure 2 This is a comparative schematic diagram of the transmission component before and after it moves upward in Example 1.

[0024] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the transmission component in Example 2.

[0025] Figure 4 This is a comparative diagram showing the structure before and after adjustment in Example 3.

[0026] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the adjusted structure in Example 3.

[0027] Figure 6 This is a flowchart of the printing carrier thickness detection method in Example 4.

[0028] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram showing the connection between the printing head and the thickness detection mechanism in Example 5.

[0029] Figure 8The digital printing machine in Example 5 (the thickness detection mechanism is covered by the outer casing in the figure).

[0030] The reference numerals in the attached drawings include: detection component 1, transmission assembly 2, first piston chamber 21, first piston 22, second piston chamber 23, second piston 24, third piston chamber 25, third piston 26, adjusting nut 27, adjusting structure 28, connecting block 281, limiting groove 282, screw 283, limiting block 284, limiting protrusion 285, displacement detector 3, return spring 4, mounting plate 5, and printing head 6. Detailed Implementation

[0031] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments clearer, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only for explaining the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0032] Example 1: The basic example is as shown in the attached document. Figure 1 To be continued Figure 2 As shown, a thickness detection mechanism for a printed carrier includes a detection component 1, a transmission assembly 2, a displacement detector 3, and a processor.

[0033] In this embodiment, the detection component 1 is used to contact the top of the printing carrier. When the thickness of the printing carrier changes, the printing head 6 is lifted by the printing carrier, and the detection component 1 moves upward. For example, when the printing carrier is changed from paper to fabric, since the thickness of the fabric is greater than that of the paper, the detection component 1 can be lifted by the fabric. The front end of the detection component 1 is arc-shaped, which serves as a guide to prevent the detection component 1 from rubbing against the printing carrier when the thickness of the printing carrier changes. The middle part of the detection component 1 is flat, which is used to fit and contact the top of the printing carrier. When the printing head 6 moves, the detection component 1 will contact the printing carrier before the printing head 6, thereby preventing the printing head 6 from contacting the printing carrier after the thickness change and avoiding damage to the printing head 6.

[0034] In this embodiment, the transmission assembly 2 is a piston transmission assembly 2, which is used for transmission. The transmission assembly 2 includes a first piston module 22 and a second piston module 24. Both the first piston module 22 and the second piston module 24 are vertically arranged and are welded to the mounting plate 5. The mounting plate 5 serves as the mounting base for the first piston module 22 and the second piston module 24, ensuring that the first piston module 22 and the second piston module 24 are in a stable state. The first piston 22 is connected to the detection component 1, and the second piston 24 is connected to the displacement detector 3.

[0035] The first detection module of this embodiment includes a first piston chamber 21 and a first piston 22. The first piston chamber 21 is a cylindrical cavity, and the first piston 22 is installed inside the first piston chamber 21 and can slide inside the first piston chamber 21. When the first piston 22 slides inside the first piston chamber 21, the hydraulic oil contained inside the first piston chamber 21 is pushed and moved. The second detection module of this embodiment includes a second piston chamber 23 and a second piston 24. The second piston chamber 23 is also a cylindrical cavity, and the second piston 24 is installed inside the second piston chamber 23 and can slide inside the second piston chamber 23. When the second piston 24 slides inside the second piston chamber 23, the hydraulic oil contained inside the second piston chamber 23 is pushed. The first piston chamber 21 and the second piston chamber 23 are in a communicating state. In this embodiment, preferably, both the first and second receiving cavities are constructed inside a receiving cylinder. The first receiving cavity is located at the lower end of the receiving cylinder, and the second receiving cavity is located at the upper end of the receiving cylinder. The first and second receiving cavities are connected through a connecting port. When the first piston 22 slides inside the first piston chamber 21, the first piston 22 can push the hydraulic oil inside the first piston chamber 21 into the second piston chamber 23 through the connection port. After the hydraulic oil enters the second piston chamber 23, the second piston 24 is then pushed by the hydraulic oil to move.

[0036] In this embodiment, the diameter of the first receiving cavity is larger than the diameter of the second receiving cavity. Specifically, in implementation, the diameter of the first receiving cavity can be set to 5cm, and the diameter of the second receiving cavity can be set to 2cm. With this setting, when the first piston 22 slides inside the first piston cavity 21, the hydraulic oil entering the second piston cavity 23 can push the second piston 24 to move a greater distance, thereby increasing the moving distance of the first piston 22 and facilitating subsequent detection by the displacement detector 3.

[0037] To facilitate the rapid flow of hydraulic oil between the first piston chamber 21 and the second piston chamber 23, this embodiment preferably has the same diameter as the second receiving chamber, so that the hydraulic oil inside the first receiving chamber can enter the second receiving chamber more quickly, thereby improving the thickness detection speed of the printing carrier.

[0038] In this embodiment, the first piston 22 and the detection component 1 can be detachably connected. In practice, the piston rod end of the first piston 22 can be provided with an external thread, while the top of the detection component 1 can be provided with a threaded hole. The first piston 22 and the detection component 1 are connected via a threaded engagement. Because the first piston 22 is connected to the detection component 1, when the detection component 1 contacts the top of the printing carrier, the detection component 1 moves upward, pushing the first piston 22 upward.

[0039] To achieve automatic return of the first piston 22 after it moves upward, this embodiment includes a return spring 4 between the first piston 22 module and the detection component 1. Specifically, the lower end of the return spring 4 abuts against the top of the detection component 1, and the upper end of the return spring 4 abuts against the bottom end of the piston mounting seat. Therefore, when the detection component 1 moves upward, it compresses the return spring 4; afterwards, after the detection component 1 disengages from the printing carrier, the return spring 4 automatically rebounds, causing the detection component 1 to move downward back to its original position.

[0040] Since the piston rod of the first piston 22 is in a separable connection state with the detection component 1, when it is necessary to replace or install the return spring 4, it is only necessary to disconnect the first piston 22 from the detection component 1, so that the return spring 4 can be removed from between the detection component 1 and the first piston 22, or installed between the detection component 1 and the first piston 22.

[0041] In this embodiment, the second piston 24 is fixedly connected to the displacement detector 3. In practice, the piston rod of the second piston 24 can be fixedly welded to the detection part of the displacement detector 3. When the second piston 24 moves upward, the displacement detector 3 can detect the upward movement distance of the second piston 24, which is then used by the processor to process the relevant data. The displacement detector 3 can be a prior art displacement detector 3, which can be fixedly mounted on the mounting plate 5 using fasteners. The mounting plate 5 serves as the mounting base for the displacement detector 3, ensuring that the displacement detector 3 is in a stable state.

[0042] In this embodiment, the displacement detector 3 is electrically connected to the processor, and the displacement detector 3 feeds back the upward movement distance data of the second piston 24 to the processor. The processor processes the upward movement distance data of the second piston 24 to obtain the upward movement distance of the detection component 1, and finally obtains the thickness data of the printing carrier. The processor in this embodiment can be a conventional processor in the prior art, and will not be described in detail in this embodiment.

[0043] The processor in this embodiment can obtain the thickness data of the printing carrier through a comparison method. The specific comparison method is described below: before the thickness of the printing carrier is detected, the movement distance of the second piston 24 is collected sequentially when the detection component 1 contacts printing carriers of different thicknesses, and these distances are compiled into a comparison table. Then, when the thickness detection mechanism is in normal use, the upward movement data of the second piston 24 detected by the displacement detector 3 is compared with the data in the comparison table, thereby finally determining the thickness data of the printing carrier.

[0044] It should be noted that since the displacement detector 3 is constantly monitoring the movement data of the second piston 24, when the return spring 4 drives the detection component 1 back to its original position, the detection data from the displacement detector 3 can be used to determine whether the detection component 1 has returned to its initial position. If the detection data from the displacement detector 3 is inconsistent with the detection data when the detection component 1 is in its initial state, it indicates that the detection component 1 has not returned to its initial position, and the return spring 4 has experienced aging fatigue or other malfunctions. In this case, the operator needs to replace the return spring 4.

[0045] It should be noted that in this embodiment, the transmission component 2 is set as a piston transmission component 2. This is mainly because, under normal circumstances, the thickness variation of the printing carrier is small, making it inconvenient for the displacement detector 3 to detect. However, when two piston modules with different internal piston chamber diameters work together, the two piston modules can work together to expand the displacement value of the detection component 1, allowing the displacement detector 3 to detect a larger displacement variation, thereby ensuring that the displacement detector 3 can perform detection more accurately. Of course, when adapting to some printing carriers with more significant thickness variations, the transmission component 2 can consist only of a receiving sleeve and a transmission rod. The transmission rod is located inside the receiving sleeve and can move up and down inside the receiving sleeve, which is fixedly mounted on the mounting plate 5. The lower end of the transmission rod is detachably connected to the detection component 1, and the upper end of the transmission rod is connected to the displacement detector 3. When the detection component 1 moves upward, the detection component 1 drives the transmission rod to move upward as well. The displacement detector 3 detects the upward movement of the transmission rod and further obtains the thickness data of the printing carrier.

[0046] The following detailed description illustrates the specific implementation method: When the printing carrier changes, the top of the printing carrier can directly contact the detection component 1, and the detection component 1 is supported and moved upward by the printing carrier. The upward movement of the detection component 1 causes the first piston 22 to move upward simultaneously. During the upward movement of the first piston 22, it pushes the hydraulic oil in the first receiving cavity into the second receiving cavity. When the hydraulic oil enters the second receiving cavity, under pressure, it pushes the second piston 24 upward as well. Since the second piston 24 is connected to the displacement detector 3, the displacement detector 3 can detect the movement data of the second piston 24. The displacement detector 3 feeds back the movement data of the second piston 24 to the processor. The processor determines the thickness of the printing carrier using a comparison method.

[0047] Example 2: This embodiment is an improvement upon Example 1. In practice, it was found that the detection component 1 needs to be installed at the same height as the bottom of the print head 6 of the digital printing machine. However, due to limitations in installation accuracy, the bottom of the detection component 1 and the bottom of the print head 6 are often not at the same horizontal level after the thickness detection mechanism is installed. Therefore, it is necessary to adjust the height of the detection component 1 to achieve the same horizontal level between the bottom of the detection component 1 and the bottom of the print head 6.

[0048] Therefore, in order to achieve height adjustment of the detection component 1, in this embodiment, the outer surface of the piston rod of the second piston 24 is preferably constructed with external threads. Simultaneously, an adjusting nut 27 is installed on the piston rod of the second piston 24, located at the top of the piston mounting seat. The adjusting nut 27 is in a threaded engagement with the external threads. When the adjusting nut 27 rotates, because it is located at the top of the piston mounting seat, it is restricted from moving downwards by the seat, thus allowing the adjusting nut 27 to drive the second piston 24 upwards.

[0049] The following is an example application scenario: When it is necessary to adjust the upward adjustment detection component 1, a tool (such as a wrench) is used to turn the adjusting nut 27, which rotates along its external thread. Because the bottom of the adjusting nut 27 is restricted by the piston mounting seat, the rotating adjusting nut 27 drives the second piston 24 to move upward. When the second piston 24 moves upward, hydraulic oil located inside the first piston chamber 21 enters the second piston chamber 23. Under the negative pressure of the hydraulic oil, the first piston 22 moves upward accordingly. Since the first piston 22 is connected to the detection component 1, the upward movement of the first piston 22 drives the detection component 1 to move upward, thus completing the height adjustment of the detection component 1.

[0050] Example 3: This example differs from Example 2 in its method of adjusting the height of the detection component 1. Example 2 discloses a method of adjusting the height of the detection component 1 by configuring the adjusting nut 27. However, since the piston rod of the second piston 24 is connected to the detection part of the displacement detector 3, adjusting the height of the second piston 24 by the nut will have a certain impact on the displacement detector 3.

[0051] Therefore, this embodiment provides a new method for adjusting the height of the detection component 1, avoiding any impact on the displacement detector 3. Specifically, as follows... Figures 4 to 5 As shown, in order to adjust the height of the detection component 1, the transmission assembly 2 in this embodiment also includes an adjustment module, which is fitted with the first piston chamber 21. The adjustment module adjusts the position of the first piston 22 inside the first piston chamber 21, thereby adjusting the height of the detection component 1.

[0052] The adjustment module in this embodiment includes a third piston chamber 25, a third piston 26, and an adjustment structure 28. The third piston chamber 25 is also constructed inside the piston mounting seat, and is parallel to the second piston chamber 23. The third piston chamber 25 is connected to the first piston chamber 21 through a connecting hole, and also contains hydraulic oil. The third piston 26 is installed inside the third piston chamber 25 and can slide within it. When the third piston 26 slides within the third piston chamber 25, it can either inject hydraulic oil from the third piston chamber 25 into the first piston chamber 21, or extract hydraulic oil from the first piston chamber 21.

[0053] The adjustment structure 28 in this embodiment specifically includes a connecting block 281, a screw 283, and a threaded hole. The threaded hole is located at the top of the piston mounting seat and is in communication with the interior of the third piston chamber 25. The screw 283 is installed inside the threaded hole and can rotate within it, enabling its extension and retraction. The connecting block 281 is block-shaped and is fixedly connected to the piston rod of the third piston 26 by fasteners. A limiting groove 282 is constructed on the side of the connecting block 281. The limiting groove 282 is a circular groove, and an annular limiting ring is provided at the opening of the circular groove. The limiting ring and the limiting groove 282 can be integrally formed. At the same time, a limiting block 284 is provided at the front end of the screw 283. The limiting block 284 is disc-shaped and is accommodated inside the limiting groove 282. The limiting block 284 can rotate inside the limiting groove 282, and the limiting ring acts as a limit for the limiting block 284, preventing the limiting block 284 from separating from the limiting groove 282. When the screw 283 moves telescopically, the third piston 26 slides telescopically inside the third piston chamber 25 due to the cooperation of the limiting block 284 and the connecting block 281.

[0054] To facilitate the installation of the limiting block 284 into the limiting groove 282, the connecting block 281 in this embodiment is a separate unit. Specifically, the connecting block 281 includes a first connecting portion and a second connecting portion, both of which are semi-circular. The first and second connecting portions can be connected by fasteners, and the first and second connecting portions combine to form the connecting block 281. When the first and second connecting blocks 281 are separated, the limiting groove 282 is open, allowing the connecting block 281 to be installed inside. After the first and second connecting blocks 281 are connected by fasteners, the limiting groove 282 is closed, thus confining the connecting block 281 within the limiting groove 282.

[0055] Taking one application scenario as an example: When the height of the detection component 1 needs to be adjusted, a tool (such as a wrench) is first used to rotate the screw 283. As the screw 283 rotates, it moves backward, thereby causing the third piston 26 to move backward simultaneously. Since the third piston chamber 25 is connected to the first piston chamber 21, the backward movement of the third piston 26 allows hydraulic oil from the first piston chamber 21 to enter the third piston chamber 25, reducing the amount of hydraulic oil in the first piston chamber 21. Then, under the negative pressure inside the first piston chamber 21, the detection component 1 overcomes the spring force of the return spring 4 and moves upward, ultimately achieving the height adjustment of the detection component 1.

[0056] It is understandable that the third piston 26 moves by the rotation of the screw 283, and the threaded connection between the screw 283 and the threaded hole is quite precise. Therefore, through the threaded engagement, the total amount of hydraulic oil in the third piston chamber 25 can be precisely adjusted, ensuring more accurate adjustment of the height of the detection component 1.

[0057] To prevent the second piston 24 from moving downwards synchronously during the adjustment of the height of the detection component 1, this embodiment provides a limiting protrusion 285 on the piston rod of the second piston 24. The limiting protrusion 285 can be block-shaped, disc-shaped, or irregularly shaped. The limiting protrusion 285 is located at the top of the piston mounting seat, and it can abut against the top of the piston mounting seat to limit the movement of the second piston 24 during the adjustment of the hydraulic oil inside the first piston 22. At the same time, because the limiting protrusion 285 is provided, after the detection component 1 is adjusted, the limiting protrusion 285 can limit the downward movement of the first piston 22 from affecting the height of the detection component 1.

[0058] Because digital printing presses are prone to vibration during operation, when this vibration is transmitted to the screw 283, the screw 283 is likely to rotate under the vibration. When the screw 283 rotates, the third piston 26 moves accordingly, which in turn changes the position of the detection component 1, affecting the detection accuracy. To solve this problem, this embodiment preferably has a pin groove (not shown in the figure) constructed on the side wall of the threaded hole. The top of the pin groove communicates with the outside, and the side of the pin groove communicates with the inside of the threaded hole. The inside of the pin groove is used to accommodate a retaining pin, which can be a rectangular pin. After the screw 283 is adjusted, the operator inserts the retaining pin into the pin groove. When the retaining pin is inside the pin groove, both sides of the retaining pin contact the screw 283 and the inner wall of the pin groove, respectively, and the screw 283 is stopped and locked, preventing the screw 283 from rotating due to vibration.

[0059] Example 4: Figure 6 As shown, this embodiment provides a method for detecting the thickness of a printed carrier using the thickness detection mechanism described in Embodiment 1, including the following steps: S1: Set the bottom of the detection component 1 to the same horizontal height as the bottom of the print head. When the thickness of the printing carrier changes, the detection component 1 contacts the printing carrier before the print head 6. The detection component 1 contacts the top of the printing carrier, and the change in the thickness of the printing carrier synchronously causes the detection component 1 to move upward.

[0060] S2: The detection component 1 and the transmission assembly 2 are in a transmission connection state. The upward movement of the detection component 1 will drive the transmission assembly 2 to work. The transmission assembly 2 is preferably a piston transmission assembly, which mainly includes two piston modules with different internal diameters. The two piston modules with different diameters work together to increase the displacement of the upward movement of the detection component 1, which facilitates subsequent detection steps.

[0061] S3: The displacement change data of the transmission component 2 is detected by the displacement detector 3 and the displacement change data is transmitted to the processor.

[0062] S4: The processor obtains the thickness data of the printing carrier based on the displacement change data obtained by the displacement detector 3 using a comparison method.

[0063] Example 5: This example provides a digital printing machine, such as... Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, it includes the thickness detection mechanism, printing mechanism and controller of Embodiment 1.

[0064] In this embodiment, the mounting plate 5 in the thickness detection mechanism is installed to the side of the printing mechanism using fasteners, such as... Figure 7 As shown, the thickness detection mechanism is located at the moving front end of the printing mechanism, so that the printing carrier contacts the thickness detection mechanism first.

[0065] The printing mechanism in this embodiment includes a printing head 6 and a lifting structure. The specific structure and connection relationship can be referred to the prior art, and will not be described in detail in this embodiment.

[0066] When the thickness detection mechanism is installed on the side of the printing mechanism, the bottom of the detection component 1 is at the same level as the bottom of the print head. When the thickness of the printing carrier changes, the printing carrier will first come into contact with the thickness detection mechanism, thus causing the thickness detection mechanism to start working. The processor and controller in the thickness detection mechanism are in a signal connection state, and the controller can be the internal controller of a digital printing machine in the prior art.

[0067] The following describes the specific working process of the digital printing press: The digital printing press normally prints the image onto the printing substrate. If the thickness of the printing substrate changes, the thickness detection mechanism will first contact the substrate and detect its thickness data. This data is then fed back to the controller, which in turn moves the printing mechanism upwards to prevent the print head from colliding with and damaging the substrate. Simultaneously, because the printing mechanism has moved upwards, it can continue printing on the substrate.

[0068] The above descriptions are merely embodiments of the present invention, and common knowledge regarding specific structures and characteristics is not elaborated upon here. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the structure of the present invention, and these should also be considered within the scope of protection of the present invention. These modifications and improvements will not affect the effectiveness of the present invention or the practicality of the patent. The scope of protection claimed in this application should be determined by the content of its claims, and the specific embodiments described in the specification can be used to interpret the content of the claims.

Claims

1. A print carrier thickness detection mechanism, characterized by: comprising a detection component for contacting with the top of the printing carrier, so that the detection component follows the lifting movement of the thickness change of the printing carrier; a transmission assembly, the lower end of which is connected with the detection component, and the detection component drives the transmission assembly to move; a displacement detector, which is installed in cooperation with the upper end of the transmission assembly, and is used for detecting the displacement change data of the transmission assembly; and a processor, which is in signal connection with the displacement detector.

2. The thickness detecting mechanism according to claim 1, characterized by: The transmission assembly comprises a first piston module and a second piston module, the first piston module is connected with the detection component, and the second piston module is connected with the displacement detector. The first piston module comprises a first piston cavity, and the second piston module comprises a second piston cavity, the first piston cavity and the second piston cavity are in communication, and the diameter of the first piston cavity is larger than that of the second piston cavity.

3. The thickness detecting mechanism according to claim 2, characterized by: The first piston cavity and the second piston cavity are communicated through a connecting port. And / or; The first piston module and the second piston module are both vertically arranged.

4. The thickness detecting mechanism according to claim 3, characterized by: The diameter of the connecting port is the same as that of the second piston cavity.

5. The thickness detecting mechanism according to claim 1, characterized by: The transmission assembly further comprises a return spring, the two ends of which are respectively installed in cooperation with the transmission assembly and the detection component, and the return spring is used for driving the detection component to return.

6. The thickness detecting mechanism according to claim 5, characterized by: The detection component and the transmission assembly can be connected separately.

7. The thickness detecting mechanism according to claim 1, characterized by: The transmission assembly further comprises an adjusting module, which is used for adjusting the height of the detection component.

8. A method of using the thickness detecting mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized by: The steps comprise S1: The bottom of the detection component is arranged at the same horizontal height as the bottom of the printing head, and the printing carrier is different so that the detection component moves upward; S2: The upward movement of the detection component drives the transmission assembly to move; S3: The displacement detector detects the displacement change data of the transmission assembly; S4: The thickness value of the printing carrier is obtained through the displacement change data of the transmission assembly.

9. The thickness detection method according to claim 8, characterized by: The transmission assembly is a piston transmission assembly, which expands the displacement change data of the detection component.

10. A digital printer characterized by: The thickness detection mechanism, the printing mechanism and the controller according to any one of claims 1-7, the printing mechanism comprises a printing head, the thickness detection mechanism is installed on the printing head, the bottom of the detection component is at the same horizontal height as the bottom of the printing head, and the thickness detection mechanism and the printing mechanism are in signal connection with the controller.

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