Inkjet printing apparatus, bubble detection method, electronic apparatus, and storage medium

Abstract

This invention provides an inkjet printing device, a bubble detection method, an electronic device, and a storage medium. The inkjet printing device includes a printhead, an ink cartridge, a connecting pipe, and a bubble detection device. The printhead is connected to the ink cartridge via the connecting pipe. The bubble detection device includes a detection signal transmitting unit, a detection signal receiving unit, and a connecting part. The detection signal transmitting unit is located on a first side of the connecting pipe, and the detection signal receiving unit is located on a second side of the connecting pipe opposite to the first side. The detection signal transmitting unit and the detection signal receiving unit are connected via the connecting part. The bubble detection device is configured to transmit a first detection signal via the detection signal transmitting unit, receive a second detection signal formed after the first detection signal passes through the connecting pipe via the detection signal receiving unit, determine whether the intensity of the second detection signal is within an alarm range, and when the intensity of the second detection signal is within the alarm range, output an alarm signal indicating the presence of bubbles in the connecting pipe.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of printing equipment technology, and in particular to an inkjet printing device, a bubble detection method, an electronic device, and a storage medium. Background Technology

[0002] Inkjet printing is a common film formation method. Due to its advantages such as accurate positioning, no need for heating, and minimal material waste, inkjet printing technology is widely used in the production of OLEDs (Organic Light-emitting Diodes) and TFT-LCDs (Thin Film Transistors-Liquid Crystal Displays).

[0003] However, current inkjet printing equipment still needs optimization. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of this, embodiments of this application provide an inkjet printing device to at least partially solve the above-mentioned problems.

[0005] This application provides an inkjet printing device, including: a printhead, an ink cartridge, a connecting pipe, and an air bubble detection device; the printhead is connected to the ink cartridge via the connecting pipe; the air bubble detection device includes a detection signal transmitting unit, a detection signal receiving unit, and a connecting part, the detection signal transmitting unit is located on a first side of the connecting pipe, the detection signal receiving unit is located on a second side of the connecting pipe opposite to the first side, and the detection signal transmitting unit and the detection signal receiving unit are connected via the connecting part; the air bubble detection device is configured to transmit a first detection signal to the connecting pipe through the detection signal transmitting unit, receive a second detection signal formed after the first detection signal passes through the connecting pipe through the detection signal receiving unit, determine whether the intensity of the second detection signal is within an alarm range, and when the intensity of the second detection signal is within the alarm range, output an alarm signal indicating the presence of air bubbles in the connecting pipe.

[0006] In some alternative embodiments, the inkjet printing device further includes a status indicator light electrically connected to the bubble detection device; and / or, the inkjet printing device further includes a buzzer electrically connected to the bubble detection device.

[0007] In some alternative embodiments, the inkjet printing device further includes a signal conversion unit and a host device; the bubble detection device is electrically connected to the signal conversion unit, and the signal conversion unit is electrically connected to the host device; the signal conversion unit is configured to receive the alarm signal and transmit the alarm signal to the host device; the host device is used to record the alarm status of the presence of bubbles in the connecting pipeline based on the alarm signal.

[0008] In some alternative embodiments, the status indicator is electrically connected to the host device, which is configured to control the status indicator according to the alarm signal; and / or, the buzzer is electrically connected to the host device, which is configured to control the buzzer according to the alarm signal.

[0009] In some alternative embodiments, the host device includes a screen display unit configured to display the alarm status; the host device also includes an alarm indicator light configured to indicate the presence of air bubbles in the connecting pipe via the alarm indicator light.

[0010] In some alternative embodiments, the ink cartridge is provided with an ink outlet connector for dispensing ink, and the bubble detection device is located at the connection between the connecting pipe and the ink outlet connector.

[0011] In some alternative embodiments, the detection signal transmitting unit is located above the detection signal receiving unit in the vertical direction, or the detection signal receiving unit is located above the detection signal transmitting unit in the vertical direction.

[0012] This application also provides a method for detecting air bubbles in an inkjet printer. The inkjet printer includes a printhead, an ink cartridge, a connecting pipe, and an air bubble detection device. The printhead is connected to the ink cartridge via the connecting pipe. The air bubble detection device includes a detection signal transmitting unit, a detection signal receiving unit, and a connecting part. The detection signal transmitting unit is located on a first side of the connecting pipe, and the detection signal receiving unit is located on a second side of the connecting pipe opposite to the first side. The detection signal transmitting unit and the detection signal receiving unit are connected via the connecting part. The method includes: transmitting a first detection signal to the connecting pipe through the detection signal transmitting unit; receiving a second detection signal formed after the first detection signal passes through the connecting pipe through the detection signal receiving unit; determining whether the intensity of the second detection signal is within an alarm range; and outputting an alarm signal indicating the presence of air bubbles in the connecting pipe when the intensity of the second detection signal is within the alarm range.

[0013] This application also provides an electronic device, including: a processor, a memory, a communication interface, and a communication bus, wherein the processor, the memory, and the communication interface communicate with each other through the communication bus; the memory is used to store at least one computer software, and the computer software causes the processor to execute the method described in any of the above embodiments.

[0014] This application also provides a computer storage medium storing a computer program thereon, which, when executed by a processor, implements the methods described in any of the above embodiments.

[0015] In this embodiment, the inkjet printing device includes a printhead, an ink cartridge, a connecting pipe, and an air bubble detection device. The printhead is connected to the ink cartridge via the connecting pipe. The air bubble detection device includes a detection signal transmitting unit, a detection signal receiving unit, and a connecting part. The detection signal transmitting unit is located on a first side of the connecting pipe, and the detection signal receiving unit is located on a second side of the connecting pipe opposite to the first side. The detection signal transmitting unit and the detection signal receiving unit are connected via the connecting part. The air bubble detection device is configured to transmit a first detection signal to the connecting pipe via the detection signal transmitting unit, and receive a second detection signal formed after the first detection signal passes through the connecting pipe via the detection signal receiving unit. It determines whether the intensity of the second detection signal is within the alarm range, and when the intensity of the second detection signal is within the alarm range, it outputs an alarm signal indicating the presence of air bubbles in the connecting pipe. This alarm signal alerts to the presence of air bubbles in the connecting pipe, achieving automatic detection of air bubbles in the ink, saving labor costs, avoiding the errors of manual detection, and improving the accuracy of air bubble detection. Attached Figure Description

[0016] 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, the drawings described below are only some embodiments recorded in the embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings.

[0017] Figure 1 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of an inkjet printing device according to an optional embodiment of this application;

[0018] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structural installation of a bubble detection device according to an optional embodiment of this application;

[0019] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structural installation of another bubble detection device according to an optional embodiment of this application;

[0020] Figure 4This is a flowchart of the steps of an optional embodiment of the bubble detection method of this application;

[0021] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an electronic device according to an optional embodiment of this application.

[0022] Figure label:

[0023] 10. Printhead; 20. Ink cartridge; 21. Ink outlet connector; 30. Connecting tubing; 40. Bubble detection device; 41. Detection signal transmitting unit; 411. First detection signal; 42. Detection signal receiving unit; 43. Connecting part; 50. Ink; 60. Bubble. Detailed Implementation

[0024] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art should fall within the protection scope of the embodiments of this application.

[0025] The terminology used in the embodiments of this application is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of this application. The singular forms “a,” “the,” and “the” used in the embodiments of this application and the appended claims are also intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should also be understood that the term “and / or” as used in the embodiments of this application refers to and includes any or all possible combinations of one or more associated listed items.

[0026] It should be understood that in the description of the embodiments of this application, the terms "length", "width", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing the scheme of the embodiments of this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the embodiments of this application.

[0027] Furthermore, when an element or layer is referred to as being "on" another element or layer, "connected to," or "bonded to" another element or layer, the element or layer may be directly on the other element or layer, directly connected to, or directly bonded to the other element or layer, or there may be intermediate elements or layers. However, when an element or layer is referred to as being "directly on" another element or layer, "directly connected to," or "directly bonded to" another element or layer, there are no intermediate elements or layers.

[0028] The terms First, Second, etc., are used to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, and / or parts, but these elements, components, regions, layers, and / or parts should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, and / or part from another element, component, region, layer, and / or part.

[0029] Unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0030] As described in the background section, inkjet printing equipment still requires optimization. The inventors discovered that during the inkjet printing process, variations in ink flow rate and pressure can cause air bubbles to form in the ink. Furthermore, the ink flow lines often contain bends, valves, and diameter changes, which can create eddies and oscillations in the ink, further contributing to air bubble formation. These air bubbles, carried by the ink into the printhead, can cause abnormal ink ejection. Current inkjet printing equipment cannot automatically detect air bubbles in the ink, requiring manual inspection of the printhead's ink ejection process to determine their presence.

[0031] This application provides an inkjet printing device to at least partially solve the above problems.

[0032] like Figures 1-3 As shown, the inkjet printing device provided in this application embodiment includes: a printhead 10, an ink cartridge 20, a connecting pipe 30, and an air bubble detection device 40.

[0033] The printhead 10 is connected to the ink cartridge 20 via a connecting pipe 30. The bubble detection device 40 includes a detection signal transmitting unit 41, a detection signal receiving unit 42, and a connecting part 43. The detection signal transmitting unit 41 is located on the first side of the connecting pipe 30, and the detection signal receiving unit 42 is located on the second side of the connecting pipe 30 opposite to the first side. The detection signal transmitting unit 41 and the detection signal receiving unit 42 can be arranged facing each other, so that the detection signal transmitting unit 41 can transmit a detection signal towards the detection signal receiving unit 42. The detection signal transmitting unit 41 and the detection signal receiving unit 42 are connected via the connecting part 43. This application embodiment does not limit the specific orientation of the first and second sides of the connecting pipe 30, as long as the detection signal transmitting unit 41 and the detection signal receiving unit 42 can be arranged facing each other between the first and second sides of the connecting pipe 30.

[0034] The printhead 10 may include a nozzle array consisting of multiple micro-nozzles, which precisely ejects ink material (such as conductive paste, insulating polymer, or thermally conductive medium) in the form of microdroplets to a designated location to form a uniform thin film. Exemplarily, the printhead 10 may be a piezoelectric printhead, using piezoelectric ceramics, such as PZT (Lead Zirconate Titanate), as the excitation element. Voltage controls the deformation (stretching or bending) of the piezoelectric ceramic to generate pressure waves that drive the ink ejection. Alternatively, the printhead 10 may be a thermal bubble printhead, where a micro-heater vaporizes the ink to form bubbles, and the pressure generated by the expansion of these bubbles drives the ink out of the nozzles. Of course, the printhead 10 may also employ other suitable types of printheads; this application does not limit the type of printhead.

[0035] A filter unit may be connected to the connecting pipe 30 to filter the ink in the connecting pipe 30. The filter unit may include one or more filter elements. For example, the filter unit may connect three filter elements with filtration accuracies of 1μm (primary), 0.5μm (secondary), and 0.1μm (final) in series to perform multi-stage filtration of the ink in the connecting pipe 30. Each filter element may be a metal filter element, a ceramic filter element, or a filter element made of other suitable materials. The connecting pipe 30 may also be connected to a temperature control unit to perform temperature control according to the ink material characteristics, ensuring that the ink viscosity and surface tension meet the requirements for stable jetting. For example, the temperature control unit may include a water-cooled pipe and an electric heater. A temperature sensor may be installed inside or outside the connecting pipe 30. When the ink temperature in the connecting pipe 30 is higher than a predetermined temperature, the connecting pipe 30 is cooled by the water-cooled pipe; when the ink temperature in the connecting pipe 30 is lower than the predetermined temperature, the connecting pipe 30 is heated by the electric heater.

[0036] The ink cartridge 20 may also include electronic devices such as a temperature control unit and a temperature sensor to maintain a constant temperature for the ink. The ink cartridge 20 can be made of a material resistant to ink corrosion. Optionally, for acidic or alkaline inks (such as TFT etching solution), the inner liner of the ink cartridge 20 can be made of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) or ceramic material. The ink cartridge 20 can be black to prevent the photosensitive material from reacting with light when the ink contains photosensitive materials. The ink cartridge 20 may also include a water level detection unit to provide feedback on the ink level and issue a low ink warning when the ink level is low. The water level detection unit can detect the ink level through ink pressure detected by a pressure sensor, or it can detect the ink level through other suitable sensors; this embodiment does not limit this. In addition, the inkjet printing device may also include other modules or units such as a motion control module for controlling the movement of the printhead 10 and a cleaning and maintenance unit for rinsing the nozzles of the printhead 10. Specific details can be found in related technologies and will not be elaborated here.

[0037] The bubble detection device 40 is configured to transmit a first detection signal to the connecting pipe 30 via a detection signal transmitting unit 41, and receive a second detection signal formed after the first detection signal passes through the connecting pipe 30 via a detection signal receiving unit 42. The device determines whether the intensity of the second detection signal is within the alarm range, and if the intensity of the second detection signal is within the alarm range, outputs an alarm signal indicating the presence of bubbles in the connecting pipe 30. The alarm range can be understood as the intensity range of the second detection signal when bubbles are present in the connecting pipe 30, and can be determined through experimentation or set by those skilled in the art based on experience.

[0038] The first detection signal can be an ultrasonic signal. Correspondingly, the detection signal transmitting unit 41 includes an ultrasonic transmitting device, such as a piezoelectric transmitter, an ultrasonic generator, or a piezoelectric transducer, to generate the first detection signal. The detection signal receiving unit 42 includes an ultrasonic receiving device, such as a piezoelectric receiver or a piezoelectric transducer, to receive the second detection signal and convert it into a corresponding electrical signal. The strength of the second detection signal is determined by the magnitude of this electrical signal. Figure 2 As shown, when the first detection signal 411 is an ultrasonic signal, if the first detection signal 411 encounters ink 50, most of it will pass through ink 50. For example... Figure 3As shown, if the first detection signal 411 encounters an air bubble 60 in the ink 50, most of the first detection signal 411 will be blocked by the air bubble 60. Therefore, when the connecting pipe 30 is full of ink 50, the first detection signal 411 will not be significantly attenuated when passing through the connecting pipe 30. When an air bubble 60 is present in the connecting pipe 30, the first detection signal 411 will be significantly attenuated due to reflection from the air bubble 60 as it passes through the connecting pipe 30. Based on the intensity of the second detection signal when an air bubble 60 is present in the connecting pipe 30, an alarm range can be set, so that when the intensity of the second detection signal is within the alarm range, an alarm signal indicating the presence of an air bubble 60 in the connecting pipe 30 can be output.

[0039] To facilitate the entry of the first detection signal into the connecting pipe and optimize the bubble detection effect of the bubble detection device, the detection signal transmitting unit 41 is attached to the first side of the connecting pipe 30, and the detection signal receiving unit 42 is attached to the second side of the connecting pipe 30. For example, at least a portion of the first side of the connecting pipe 30 is planar, and the surface of the detection signal transmitting unit 41 that is attached to the first side of the connecting pipe 30 is also planar, with the planar portion of the detection signal transmitting unit 41 attached to the first side of the connecting pipe 30. At least a portion of the second side of the connecting pipe 30 is planar, and the surface of the detection signal receiving unit 42 that is attached to the second side of the connecting pipe 30 is also planar, with the planar portion of the detection signal receiving unit 42 attached to the second side of the connecting pipe 30. Alternatively, the first and second sides of the connecting pipe 30 are curved surfaces, the surface of the detection signal transmitting unit 41 near the first side of the connecting pipe 30 is a curved surface that is attached to the first side of the connecting pipe 30, and the surface of the detection signal receiving unit 42 near the second side of the connecting pipe 30 is a curved surface that is attached to the second side of the connecting pipe 30. Of course, the detection signal transmitting unit 41, the detection signal receiving unit 42, and the connecting pipe 30 can also be other more suitable shapes. If there is a gap between the detection signal transmitting unit 41 and the connecting pipe 30, or between the detection signal receiving unit 42 and the connecting pipe 30, a suitable material can be used to fill the gap to reduce the influence of air in the gap on the first detection signal.

[0040] In some optional embodiments, the quality of ink in the connecting pipe 30 was compared between the inkjet printer of this application embodiment with and without the bubble detection device 40 installed, to determine whether the installation and use of the bubble detection device 40 would cause the ink to generate additional bubbles. According to the COA (Certificate of Analysis) reports of the ink in both cases, there was no significant difference in ink quality between the two cases. The bubble detection device 40 does not affect the ink quality; that is, the bubble detection device 40 does not cause the ink to generate additional bubbles. The implementation method for ink quality detection can be referred to related technologies and will not be elaborated here. In some optional embodiments, the quality of products printed by the inkjet printer of this application embodiment with and without the bubble detection device 40 was also compared. It was found that compared with the product printed with the bubble detection device 40 installed, the product printed with the bubble detection device 40 installed did not exhibit defects such as pits or mura (poor uniformity). Therefore, the bubble detection device 40 does not affect the quality of the printed product. Therefore, the inkjet printing device of this application embodiment can automatically detect air bubbles in the ink without increasing ink bubbles or reducing print quality. In some optional embodiments, the effectiveness of the inkjet printing device is verified by emptying the ink cartridge. Specifically, after emptying the ink cartridge, air is injected into the connecting pipe, and the bubble detection device 40 can output an alarm signal normally. After ink is injected into the ink cartridge, ink is injected into the connecting pipe, and the bubble detection device 40 stops outputting alarm signals.

[0041] In this embodiment, the inkjet printing device includes a printhead 10, an ink cartridge 20, a connecting pipe 30, and an air bubble detection device 40. The printhead 10 is connected to the ink cartridge 20 via the connecting pipe 30; the air bubble detection device 40 includes a detection signal transmitting unit 41, a detection signal receiving unit 42, and a connecting part 43. The detection signal transmitting unit 41 is located on a first side of the connecting pipe 30, and the detection signal receiving unit 42 is located on a second side of the connecting pipe 30 opposite to the first side. The detection signal transmitting unit 41 and the detection signal receiving unit 42 are connected by the connecting part 43. The bubble detection device 40 is configured to transmit a first detection signal to the connecting pipe 30 via the detection signal transmitting unit 41, and receive a second detection signal formed after the first detection signal passes through the connecting pipe 30 via the detection signal receiving unit 42. The device determines whether the intensity of the second detection signal is within the alarm range, and outputs an alarm signal indicating the presence of bubbles in the connecting pipe 30 when the intensity of the second detection signal is within the alarm range. This alarm signal is used to detect bubbles in the connecting pipe 30 automatically, thereby saving labor costs, avoiding the errors of manual detection, and improving the accuracy of detecting bubbles in ink.

[0042] In some optional embodiments, the inkjet printing apparatus may include a signal switching unit and a host device. The bubble detection device 40 is electrically connected to the signal switching unit, and the signal switching unit is electrically connected to the host device. The signal switching unit is configured to receive an alarm signal and transmit the alarm signal output by the bubble detection device 40 to the host device. The host device is used to record the alarm status of the presence of bubbles in the connecting pipe 30 based on the alarm signal.

[0043] The signal transfer unit may include an I / O module to transmit alarm signals to the host device. The host device may include a controller, such as a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller), which performs the operation of recording the alarm status of air bubbles in the connecting pipe 30 based on the alarm signal. For example, the time when air bubbles appear in the connecting pipe 30 and the frequency of air bubbles appearing in the connecting pipe 30 may be recorded based on the time the alarm signal is received. The host unit may also include a memory, such as ROM (Read-Only Memory), Random Access Memory (RAM), floppy disk, hard disk, or magneto-optical disk, so that the host unit can store the recording results of the alarm status in the memory for subsequent retrieval.

[0044] In some optional embodiments, the alarm signal output by the bubble detection device 40 can also be used to indicate the intensity of the second detection signal / the number of bubbles in the connecting pipe 30. The host device can quantify the number of bubbles in the connecting pipe 30 according to the alarm signal through the controller, thereby obtaining more accurate bubble information.

[0045] In this embodiment, the inkjet printing device further includes a signal conversion unit and a host device. The bubble detection device 40 is electrically connected to the signal conversion unit, and the signal conversion unit is electrically connected to the host device. The signal conversion unit is configured to receive an alarm signal and transmit the alarm signal to the host device. The host device can record the alarm status of the presence of bubbles in the connecting pipe 30 based on the alarm signal, thereby obtaining more detailed information such as the time information, frequency information, and quantification information of the appearance of bubbles in the connecting pipe 30, thus more accurately reflecting the specific situation of the presence of bubbles in the connecting pipe 30.

[0046] In some alternative embodiments, the inkjet printing device also includes a status indicator light that is electrically connected to the bubble detection device 40.

[0047] In this embodiment, by electrically connecting the status indicator light to the bubble detection device 40, the alarm signal output by the bubble detection device 40 can control the illumination state of the status indicator light, thereby visually indicating whether there are bubbles in the connecting pipe 30. The inkjet printing device may include one status indicator light or multiple status indicator lights to more clearly indicate whether there are bubbles in the connecting pipe 30.

[0048] As a feasible implementation, the status indicator light can be electrically connected to the bubble detection device 40 via a signal transfer unit. The signal transfer unit transmits the alarm signal output by the bubble detection device 40 to the status indicator light as a control signal to control the illumination state of the status indicator light. Optionally, the status indicator light can be a single-color light. When the status indicator light receives the alarm signal transmitted by the signal transfer unit, it can change from being off to being on, thus indicating the presence of a bubble in the connecting pipe 30 by the illuminated state and the absence of a bubble in the connecting pipe 30 by the off state. Alternatively, when the status indicator light receives the alarm signal, it can change from being on to being off, thus indicating the presence of a bubble in the connecting pipe 30 by the off state and the absence of a bubble in the connecting pipe 30 by the illuminated state. The status indicator light can also be a multi-color light, for example, the status indicator light can emit red and green light. When the status indicator light receives the alarm signal transmitted by the signal transfer unit, it can change from emitting green light to emitting red light, thus indicating the presence of a bubble in the connecting pipe 30 by the red light state and the absence of a bubble in the connecting pipe 30 by the green light state. In some alternative embodiments, the status indicator light can also indicate whether there is an air bubble in the connection pipe 30 by whether it flashes. For example, when the status indicator light receives an alarm signal transmitted by the signal transfer unit, it can change from a constant state to a flashing state, thereby indicating the presence of an air bubble in the connection pipe 30 by flashing and by being constantly lit.

[0049] As another feasible implementation, the status indicator light can be electrically connected to the host device. That is, the status indicator light is electrically connected to the bubble detection device 40 through the host device and the signal conversion unit. The host device is configured to control the status indicator light according to the alarm signal. The host device can control the status indicator light by sending corresponding control signals to it. For specific implementation, refer to the above embodiment where the alarm signal is used as the control signal to control the status indicator light's illumination state, which will not be repeated here. In this embodiment, the status indicator light is electrically connected to the host device, and the host device is configured to control the status indicator light according to the alarm signal. The operation of controlling the status indicator light can be integrated into the host device, enabling more precise control of the status indicator light, such as controlling the illumination frequency and brightness of the status indicator light, making the status indicator light's function more flexible.

[0050] In some alternative embodiments, the inkjet printing apparatus also includes a buzzer electrically connected to the bubble detection device 40.

[0051] In this embodiment, by electrically connecting the buzzer to the bubble detection device 40, the sounding state of the buzzer can be controlled by the alarm signal output by the bubble detection device 40, thereby intuitively indicating whether there are bubbles in the connecting pipe 30 through the sounding state of the buzzer.

[0052] As a feasible implementation, the buzzer can be electrically connected to the bubble detection device 40 through a signal conversion unit. The signal conversion unit transmits the alarm signal output by the bubble detection device 40 to the buzzer as a control signal to control the buzzer's sounding state. For example, when the buzzer receives the alarm signal transmitted by the signal conversion unit, it can change from a silent state to a sounding state, thereby indicating the presence of a bubble in the connecting pipe 30 through the sounding state. Alternatively, when the buzzer receives the alarm signal, it can change from a sounding state to a silent state, thereby indicating the presence of a bubble in the connecting pipe 30 through the silent state.

[0053] As another feasible implementation, the buzzer can be electrically connected to the host device; that is, the buzzer is electrically connected to the bubble detection device 40 through the host device and the signal conversion unit. The host device is configured to control the buzzer according to the alarm signal. The host device can control the state of the buzzer by sending corresponding control signals to the buzzer. For specific implementation, please refer to the above embodiment where the alarm signal is used as the control signal for the buzzer's sounding state, which will not be repeated here. In this embodiment, the buzzer is electrically connected to the host device, and the host device is configured to control the buzzer according to the alarm signal. The operation of controlling the buzzer can be integrated into the host device, which can use the host device to perform more precise control of the buzzer, such as controlling the buzzer's sound frequency and sound intensity, making the use of the buzzer more flexible.

[0054] In some optional embodiments, the host device includes a screen display unit configured to display alarm information. For example, the screen display unit may include an LCD screen, a MicroLED screen, or an OLED screen to display the alarm information. After recording the alarm information, the host device can display the recording results through the screen display unit to facilitate staff review. The host device can be a touch-screen all-in-one machine, and the screen display unit may include a touchscreen, allowing staff to interact with the host device via the touchscreen, improving the ease of operation.

[0055] The host device also includes an alarm indicator light, configured to indicate the presence of air bubbles in the connecting pipe 30 via the alarm indicator light. It should be noted that the alarm indicator light and the aforementioned status indicator light are located in different positions. For example, the host device can be separately mounted from the inkjet printer body, with the alarm indicator light located on the host device and the status indicator light located on the inkjet printer body. This allows alarms to be triggered on both the host device and the inkjet printer body, respectively, to better alert operators to the presence of air bubbles in the connecting pipe 30. As a feasible implementation, the inkjet printer includes multiple buzzers, some of which can be located on the inkjet printer body and some on the host device, allowing multiple buzzers to trigger alarms on both the host device and the inkjet printer body.

[0056] After receiving the alarm signal transmitted by the signal transfer unit, the host device can synchronously control the alarm indicator light to indicate the presence of air bubbles in the connecting pipe 30. This alerts personnel in front of the host device to the presence of air bubbles in the connecting pipe 30, preventing them from missing the alarm. The method by which the host device controls the alarm indicator light can be referred to the embodiment of the status indicator light described above, and will not be repeated here.

[0057] like Figure 1 As shown, in some optional embodiments, the ink cartridge 20 is provided with an ink outlet connector 21 for dispensing ink, and an air bubble detection device 40 is disposed at the connection between the connecting pipe 30 and the ink outlet connector 21. As a feasible implementation, the inkjet printing device may include multiple air bubble detection devices 40; that is, in addition to the air bubble detection device 40 disposed at the connection between the connecting pipe 30 and the ink outlet connector 21, the inkjet printing device may also include other air bubble detection devices 40, which may be disposed at other suitable locations along the connecting pipe 30.

[0058] The connecting pipe 30 can be sleeved outside the ink outlet connector 21. The bubble detection device 40 can be disposed outside the connecting pipe 30 and located at the connection between the connecting pipe 30 and the ink outlet connector 21. The detection signal transmitting unit 41 and the detection signal receiving unit 42 of the bubble detection device 40 can be respectively located on both sides of the outlet end of the ink outlet connector 21 away from the ink cartridge 20, so as to detect bubbles at the outlet end of the ink outlet connector 21. As a feasible implementation, the bubble detection device 40 in this embodiment can be one or multiple. When there are multiple bubble detection devices 40, the bubble detection devices 40 can be respectively disposed at different positions on the connecting pipe 30, and bubbles can be detected at multiple positions on the connecting pipe 30 to more accurately detect bubbles in the connecting pipe 30.

[0059] The connection point between the connecting pipe 30 and the ink outlet connector 21 is a transitional area from the ink outlet connector 21 to the connecting pipe 30. Ink is prone to eddies and oscillations at this location, leading to air bubbles, making it a high-risk area for bubble formation. In this embodiment, by placing the bubble detection device 40 at the connection point between the connecting pipe 30 and the ink outlet connector 21, the device can focus on detecting bubbles in this high-risk area, avoiding missed detections, and can detect bubbles promptly when they are generated, improving the timeliness of bubble detection.

[0060] In some alternative embodiments, the detection signal transmitting unit 41 is located above the detection signal receiving unit 42 in the vertical direction, or the detection signal receiving unit 42 is located above the detection signal transmitting unit 41 in the vertical direction.

[0061] Optionally, the first side of the connecting pipe 30 can be the upper side of the connecting pipe 30 in the vertical direction, and the second side of the connecting pipe 30 can be the lower side of the connecting pipe 30 in the vertical direction. Thus, the detection signal transmitting unit 41 located on the first side of the connecting pipe 30 is located on the upper side of the connecting pipe 30 in the vertical direction, and the detection signal receiving unit 42 located on the second side of the connecting pipe 30 is located on the lower side of the connecting pipe 30 in the vertical direction. That is, the detection signal transmitting unit 41 is located above the detection signal receiving unit 42 in the vertical direction. Alternatively, the first side of the connecting pipe 30 can be the lower side of the connecting pipe 30 in the vertical direction, and the second side of the connecting pipe 30 can be the upper side of the connecting pipe 30 in the vertical direction. Thus, the detection signal transmitting unit 41 located on the first side of the connecting pipe 30 is located on the lower side of the connecting pipe 30 in the vertical direction, and the detection signal receiving unit 42 located on the second side of the connecting pipe 30 is located on the upper side of the connecting pipe 30 in the vertical direction. That is, the detection signal receiving unit 42 is located above the detection signal transmitting unit 41 in the vertical direction.

[0062] The inventors discovered that air bubbles in ink tend to gather upwards, specifically in the upper vertical portion of the connecting pipe 30. To address this, in this embodiment, the detection signal transmitting unit 41 is positioned vertically above the detection signal receiving unit 42, or vice versa. This arrangement of the detection signal transmitting unit 41 and the detection signal receiving unit 42 vertically sandwiches the upper vertical portion of the connecting pipe 30 between the detection signal transmitting unit 41 and the detection signal receiving unit 42, thereby enabling focused detection of air bubbles gathered in the upper vertical portion of the connecting pipe 30. This avoids missing air bubbles during detection and improves the accuracy of air bubble detection.

[0063] This application also provides a method for detecting air bubbles in an inkjet printer, which can be any of the inkjet printers described in the above embodiments. Optionally, the inkjet printer includes a printhead, an ink cartridge, a connecting pipe, and an air bubble detection device; the printhead is connected to the ink cartridge via the connecting pipe; the air bubble detection device includes a detection signal transmitting unit, a detection signal receiving unit, and a connecting part, wherein the detection signal transmitting unit is located on a first side of the connecting pipe, the detection signal receiving unit is located on a second side of the connecting pipe opposite to the first side, and the detection signal transmitting unit and the detection signal receiving unit are connected via the connecting part.

[0064] like Figure 4 As shown, the bubble detection method provided in this application includes:

[0065] S410. The first detection signal is transmitted to the connecting pipeline through the detection signal transmitting unit.

[0066] S420: The detection signal receiving unit receives the second detection signal formed after the first detection signal passes through the connecting pipeline.

[0067] S430. Determine whether the intensity of the second detection signal is within the alarm range, and when the intensity of the second detection signal is within the alarm range, output an alarm signal indicating the presence of air bubbles in the connecting pipeline.

[0068] In this embodiment, the inkjet printing device includes a printhead, an ink cartridge, a connecting pipe, and an air bubble detection device. The printhead is connected to the ink cartridge via the connecting pipe. The air bubble detection device includes a detection signal transmitting unit, a detection signal receiving unit, and a connecting part. The detection signal transmitting unit is located on a first side of the connecting pipe, and the detection signal receiving unit is located on a second side of the connecting pipe opposite to the first side. The detection signal transmitting unit and the detection signal receiving unit are connected via the connecting part. The detection signal transmitting unit transmits a first detection signal to the connecting pipe. The detection signal receiving unit receives a second detection signal formed after the first detection signal passes through the connecting pipe. It is determined whether the intensity of the second detection signal is within the alarm range. When the intensity of the second detection signal is within the alarm range, an alarm signal indicating the presence of air bubbles in the connecting pipe is output. This alarm signal automatically detects air bubbles in the ink, saving labor costs and avoiding the errors of manual detection, thus improving the accuracy of air bubble detection.

[0069] In some optional embodiments, the inkjet printing apparatus further includes a status indicator light electrically connected to the bubble detection device; and / or, the inkjet printing apparatus further includes a buzzer electrically connected to the bubble detection device. The bubble detection method further includes controlling the status indicator light and / or the buzzer via an alarm signal.

[0070] In some optional embodiments, the inkjet printing apparatus further includes a signal switching unit and a host device. The bubble detection device is electrically connected to the signal switching unit, and the signal switching unit is electrically connected to the host device. The host device can be used to execute the bubble detection method provided in the embodiments of this application. Optionally, the bubble detection method further includes: receiving an alarm signal through the signal switching unit, and recording the alarm status of the presence of bubbles in the connecting pipeline based on the alarm signal.

[0071] In some alternative embodiments, the status indicator light is electrically connected to the host device to control the status indicator light based on an alarm signal via the host device. And / or, a buzzer is electrically connected to the host device to control the status indicator light based on an alarm signal via the host device.

[0072] In some optional embodiments, the host device includes a screen display unit, and the bubble detection method further includes: displaying an alarm status through the screen display unit. The host device also includes an alarm indicator light, and the bubble detection method further includes: indicating the presence of bubbles in the connecting pipeline through the alarm indicator light.

[0073] It should be understood that the bubble detection method provided in this application embodiment is based on the same inventive concept as the aforementioned inkjet printing device embodiment and can achieve the same effect. For the specific implementation process, please refer to the description in the aforementioned inkjet printing device embodiment, which will not be repeated here.

[0074] This application also provides an electronic device. Specifically, see the following: (Refer to...) Figure 5 This document illustrates a schematic diagram of an electronic device according to an embodiment of this application. The specific embodiments of this application do not limit the specific implementation of the electronic device.

[0075] like Figure 5 As shown, the electronic device may include: a processor 502, a communications interface 504, a memory 506, and a communications bus 508.

[0076] in:

[0077] The processor 502, communication interface 504, and memory 506 communicate with each other via communication bus 508.

[0078] Communication interface 504 is used to communicate with other electronic devices or servers.

[0079] The processor 502 is used to execute at least one computer software 510, specifically the relevant steps in the above-described bubble detection method embodiment.

[0080] The processor 502 may be a CPU, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or one or more integrated circuits configured to implement the embodiments of this application. The smart device may include one or more processors of the same type, such as one or more CPUs; or it may include processors of different types, such as one or more CPUs and one or more ASICs.

[0081] Memory 506 is used to store at least one piece of computer software 510. Memory 506 may include high-speed RAM memory, and may also include non-volatile memory, such as at least one disk storage device.

[0082] Computer software 510 may include multiple computer instructions. Specifically, computer software 510 can use these multiple computer instructions to cause processor 502 to execute the operations corresponding to the bubble detection method described in any of the foregoing method embodiments. The specific implementation of each step in computer software 510 can be found in the corresponding descriptions of the steps and units in the foregoing method embodiments, and has corresponding beneficial effects; therefore, it will not be repeated here. Those skilled in the art will clearly understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the specific working process of the devices and modules described above can be referred to the corresponding process descriptions in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0083] This application also provides a computer storage medium storing a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements the bubble detection method described in any of the foregoing method embodiments. The storage medium includes, but is not limited to, compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), random access memory (RAM), floppy disk, hard disk, or magneto-optical disk.

[0084] It should be noted that, depending on the implementation needs, the various components / steps described in the embodiments of this application can be broken down into more components / steps, or two or more components / steps or parts of the operation of components / steps can be combined into new components / steps to achieve the purpose of the embodiments of this application.

[0085] The methods described in the embodiments of this application can be implemented in hardware, firmware, or as software or computer code that can be stored in a recording medium (such as a CD-ROM, RAM, floppy disk, hard disk, or magneto-optical disk), or as computer code downloaded over a network that is originally stored in a remote recording medium or a non-transitory machine-readable medium and will be stored in a local recording medium. Thus, the methods described herein can be stored on a recording medium using a general-purpose computer, a dedicated processor, or programmable or dedicated hardware (such as an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) or a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA)). It is understood that the computer, processor, microprocessor controller, or programmable hardware includes storage components (e.g., Random Access Memory (RAM), Read-Only Memory (ROM), Flash Memory, etc.) capable of storing or receiving software or computer code. When the software or computer code is accessed and executed by the computer, processor, or hardware, the methods described herein are implemented. Furthermore, when a general-purpose computer accesses the code used to implement the methods shown herein, the execution of the code transforms the general-purpose computer into a dedicated computer for executing the methods shown herein.

[0086] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the units and method steps of the various examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are implemented in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of the embodiments of this application.

[0087] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the embodiments of this application, and are not intended to limit the embodiments of this application. Those skilled in the art can make various changes and modifications without departing from the spirit and scope of the embodiments of this application. Therefore, all equivalent technical solutions also fall within the scope of the embodiments of this application, and the patent protection scope of the embodiments of this application should be defined by the claims.

Claims

1. An inkjet printing device, characterized in that, include: Printhead, ink cartridge, connecting tubing, and bubble detection device; The printhead is connected to the ink cartridge via a connecting pipe; the bubble detection device includes a detection signal transmitting unit, a detection signal receiving unit, and a connecting part. The detection signal transmitting unit is located on the first side of the connecting pipe, and the detection signal receiving unit is located on the second side of the connecting pipe opposite to the first side. The detection signal transmitting unit and the detection signal receiving unit are connected via the connecting part. The bubble detection device is configured to transmit a first detection signal to the connecting pipe through the detection signal transmitting unit, receive a second detection signal formed after the first detection signal passes through the connecting pipe through the detection signal receiving unit, determine whether the intensity of the second detection signal is within the alarm range, and output an alarm signal indicating the presence of bubbles in the connecting pipe when the intensity of the second detection signal is within the alarm range.

2. The inkjet printing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inkjet printing device further includes a status indicator light, which is electrically connected to the bubble detection device; and / or, The inkjet printing equipment also includes a buzzer, which is electrically connected to the bubble detection device.

3. The inkjet printing equipment according to claim 2, characterized in that, The inkjet printing equipment also includes a signal conversion unit and a host device; The bubble detection device is electrically connected to the signal conversion unit, and the signal conversion unit is electrically connected to the host device; The signal transfer unit is configured to receive the alarm signal and transmit the alarm signal to the host device; the host device is used to record the alarm status of air bubbles in the connecting pipeline based on the alarm signal.

4. The inkjet printing device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The status indicator light is electrically connected to the host device, and the host device is configured to control the status indicator light according to the alarm signal; and / or, The buzzer is electrically connected to the host device, which is configured to control the buzzer according to the alarm signal.

5. The inkjet printing equipment according to claim 3, characterized in that, The host device includes a screen display unit, which is configured to display the alarm status; The host device also includes an alarm indicator light, which is configured to indicate the presence of air bubbles in the connecting pipeline.

6. The inkjet printing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The ink cartridge is equipped with an ink outlet connector for dispensing ink, and the bubble detection device is located at the connection between the connecting pipe and the ink outlet connector.

7. The inkjet printing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The detection signal transmitting unit is located above the detection signal receiving unit in the vertical direction, or the detection signal receiving unit is located above the detection signal transmitting unit in the vertical direction.

8. A method for detecting air bubbles in an inkjet printer, characterized in that, The inkjet printing device includes a printhead, an ink cartridge, a connecting pipe, and an air bubble detection device; the printhead is connected to the ink cartridge via the connecting pipe; the air bubble detection device includes a detection signal transmitting unit, a detection signal receiving unit, and a connecting part, wherein the detection signal transmitting unit is located on a first side of the connecting pipe, the detection signal receiving unit is located on a second side of the connecting pipe opposite to the first side, and the detection signal transmitting unit and the detection signal receiving unit are connected via the connecting part; The method includes: transmitting a first detection signal to the connecting pipeline through the detection signal transmitting unit; The detection signal receiving unit receives the second detection signal formed after the first detection signal passes through the connecting pipe; Determine whether the intensity of the second detection signal is within the alarm range, and when the intensity of the second detection signal is within the alarm range, output an alarm signal indicating the presence of air bubbles in the connecting pipeline.

9. An electronic device, characterized in that, include: The processor, memory, communication interface, and communication bus are provided, wherein the processor, memory, and communication interface communicate with each other via the communication bus. The memory is used to store at least one computer software that causes the processor to execute the method as described in claim 8.

10. A computer storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, which, when executed by a processor, implements the method of claim 8.

Images