A cardboard warp height detection mechanism

Abstract

A cardboard warp height detection mechanism relates to the field of cardboard warp detection technology. It is used to inspect the warp height of cardboard before printing, facilitating timely interruption of printing to protect the printer head. The cardboard warp height detection mechanism is installed on a printing device, which includes a conveyor belt and a printing body positioned above the conveyor belt. The cardboard warp height detection mechanism includes a paper feed plate, a rotating detection plate, and a laser detection component. The paper feed plate is positioned above the conveyor belt and at one end where the paper is fed. The cardboard to be printed is conveyed between the paper feed plate and the conveyor belt. The rotating detection plate is rotatably positioned on the side of the paper feed plate near the printing body. The lower edge of the rotating detection plate can rotate around the conveyor belt's conveying direction. Multiple rotating detection plates are provided, spaced apart along the extension direction of the paper feed plate. The gap between the rotating detection plate and the conveyor belt is less than the thickness of the cardboard to be printed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of cardboard warp detection technology, and in particular to a cardboard warp height detection mechanism. Background Technology

[0002] When printing on cardboard, the raised cardboard can collide with the printer head, pressure rollers, and other components, potentially scratching the print head and causing paper jams or printer jams, interrupting the printing process. However, it is difficult to determine with the naked eye whether the height of the raised cardboard will affect the printing process. Utility Model Content

[0003] This application provides a cardboard warping height detection mechanism for checking the warping height of cardboard before printing, so as to facilitate timely interruption of printing to protect the printer head.

[0004] This application provides a cardboard warp height detection mechanism, which is installed on a printing device. The printing device includes a conveyor belt and a printing body disposed above the conveyor belt.

[0005] The cardboard warpage height detection mechanism includes a paper feed crossbar, a rotating detection plate, and a laser detection component. The paper feed crossbar is positioned above the conveyor belt and at one end where the paper is fed. The cardboard to be printed is conveyed between the paper feed crossbar and the conveyor belt. The rotating detection plate is rotatably positioned on the side of the paper feed crossbar near the printing body. The lower edge of the rotating detection plate can rotate around the conveyor belt in the conveying direction. Multiple rotating detection plates are provided and spaced apart along the extension direction of the paper feed crossbar. The gap between the rotating detection plate and the conveyor belt is smaller than the thickness of the cardboard to be printed. The laser detection component includes a laser emitter and a laser receiver. The laser emitter and laser receiver are respectively positioned on both sides of all the rotating detection plates, with the laser emitter and laser receiver facing each other. The laser detection component is fixedly connected to the paper feed crossbar.

[0006] Along the conveying direction of the conveyor belt, the upper part of the rotating detection plate is at the same height as the laser detection component and there is a gap between them. When the height of the paperboard to be printed is higher than the preset value, the paperboard to be printed pushes the lower part of the rotating detection plate to rotate, and the upper part of the rotating detection plate rotates between the laser emitter and the laser receiver, blocking the laser sensing between them.

[0007] The multiple spaced rotating detection plates in this application ensure comprehensive coverage along the width of the cardboard, enabling the detection of warping at any location and avoiding missed detections due to single-point inspection. The gap between the rotating detection plate and the conveyor belt is less than the thickness of the cardboard, utilizing the physical shape of the warped cardboard itself to trigger the detection. Subsequent actions are only triggered when the cardboard warps to a certain height sufficient to push the detection plate.

[0008] The laser detection component provides a non-contact, high-response triggering method. When the upper part of the rotating detection plate is pushed into the laser path by the warped cardboard, it can quickly block the laser, thereby issuing an alarm through an external alarm or triggering the printing equipment to stop by connecting the laser detection component to the controller of the printing equipment.

[0009] This entire mechanism effectively prevents printing failures such as paper jams and printhead collision damage caused by severe cardboard warping, significantly improving the stability of the printing process, product qualification rate, and equipment lifespan.

[0010] In some embodiments of this application, the cardboard warp height detection mechanism further includes a rotating shaft that extends along the extension direction of the paper feed cross plate and is fixedly disposed on the side of the paper feed cross plate near the printing body. The rotating shaft is located at the bottom of the paper feed cross plate; the rotating detection plate is rotatably connected to the rotating shaft.

[0011] A common rotating shaft extending along the paper feed plate connects all rotating detection plates to this shaft, simplifying the overall structure. Multiple detection plates can share the same rotation center, reducing the number of parts, assembly complexity, and potential failure points. At the same time, it ensures that the installation reference of all rotating detection plates is uniform, ensuring their consistency and synchronization during rotation, which helps to improve the accuracy and reliability of detection.

[0012] In some embodiments of this application, the rotation detection plate includes a first plate and a second plate. The first plate extends along a conveying direction perpendicular to the conveyor belt, and the second plate extends along the conveying direction of the conveyor belt. The second plate is located in the upper half of the first plate, and the first plate and the second plate are fixedly disposed relative to each other. The top of the second plate is provided with a through hole that cooperates with the rotating shaft, and the second plate and the rotating shaft are rotatably connected through the through hole.

[0013] The first plate extends perpendicular to the conveyor belt, enabling it to effectively receive the pushing force from the warped cardboard below. The force direction is reasonable, improving the sensitivity of the detection. The second plate extends along the conveyor belt and connects to the rotating shaft, which not only facilitates installation, but its upward extension also naturally forms a "light-shielding" part that can block the laser. Clearly separating the force-receiving part and the triggering part makes the action of the detection plate more accurate and reliable, and also facilitates manufacturing and assembly.

[0014] In some embodiments of this application, multiple rotating detection plates are evenly spaced along the extension direction of the paper feed crossbar. Regardless of whether the warping of the paperboard occurs in the center, at the edge, or at any other location, it can be promptly detected by the detection plate in the corresponding area. The uniform distribution avoids detection blind spots, greatly improving the comprehensiveness and reliability of the detection, which is especially important for paperboards with a larger width.

[0015] In some embodiments of this application, a gap is provided between two adjacent rotating detection plates. When a detection plate rotates due to local warping, the adjacent detection plates are unaffected and can still remain in their initial positions, ensuring the independence and accuracy of the detection. The existence of the gap can also prevent the edges or warped parts of the cardboard from being stuck in the gap between the detection plates during high-speed conveying, thereby reducing the risk of paper jams and ensuring smooth conveying.

[0016] In some embodiments of this application, the cardboard warp height detection mechanism further includes at least two fixed protrusions, which are fixedly connected to the paper feed crossbar, and the rotating shaft and laser detection assembly are both fixedly mounted on the fixed protrusions.

[0017] At least two fixed protrusions are used to fix the rotating shaft and laser detection assembly, achieving integrated installation of key components. This not only simplifies the assembly process and unifies the installation benchmarks of multiple components onto the fixed protrusions, facilitating rapid positioning and installation, but also ensures that the relative positional relationship between the rotating shaft and the laser detection assembly remains accurate and stable. This avoids positional shifts caused by equipment vibration or long-term use, ensuring the accuracy of laser detection and the overall stability of the mechanism.

[0018] In some embodiments of this application, a bending portion is provided at one end of the first plate near the conveyor belt, with the bending portion facing the extension direction of the conveyor belt. The bending portion serves as a guide and transition, smoothly introducing the paperboard into the gap between the rotating detection plate and the conveyor belt. This effectively prevents the leading edge of the paperboard from jamming or breaking due to collision with the right-angle edge of the detection plate, significantly improving the smoothness and stability of paper feeding and reducing paper jam failures.

[0019] In some embodiments of this application, the side of the bend closest to the conveyor belt is curved. Compared to a straight surface or a fold, the curved surface structure can minimize the friction and contact resistance between the cardboard and the detection plate, making the cardboard feeding process smoother and more efficient; it further reduces the possibility of paper jams and can effectively prevent scratches or damage to the cardboard surface during high-speed conveying, helping to ensure the surface quality of the final product.

[0020] In some embodiments of this application, the printing device further includes a main support and a mounting plate. The mounting plate is disposed at the paper feeding end of the conveyor belt and is fixedly disposed on the main support. The paper feeding cross plate and the mounting plate are fixedly connected by fasteners.

[0021] The mounting plate makes the warp detection mechanism a relatively independent modular unit, which facilitates the overall installation, disassembly and debugging on the equipment. The modular design not only simplifies the equipment assembly process, but also brings convenience to subsequent maintenance and replacement, and reduces maintenance costs.

[0022] In some embodiments of this application, a fixing hole is provided on one of the mounting plate and the paper feed cross plate, and a strip-shaped hole extending along the height direction is provided on the other of the mounting plate and the paper feed cross plate. The fixing member passes through the strip-shaped hole and extends into the fixing hole. The fixing hole can match different heights of the strip-shaped hole to adjust the gap between the cardboard warping height detection mechanism and the conveyor belt.

[0023] Operators can easily adjust the height of the paper feed plate up and down according to the different thicknesses of the paperboard to be printed, thereby accurately setting the initial gap between the rotating detection plate and the conveyor belt; this allows the same detection mechanism to be adapted to paperboards of various specifications and thicknesses, greatly enhancing the versatility and applicability of the equipment. Attached Figure Description

[0024] The accompanying drawings are provided to further illustrate the technical solution of this utility model and constitute a part of the specification. They are used together with the embodiments of this application to explain the technical solution of this utility model and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solution of this utility model.

[0025] Figure 1 This is one of the overall schematic diagrams of a cardboard warp height detection mechanism and printing equipment provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0026] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the main body of a cardboard warp height detection mechanism provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0027] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a rotating detection plate in a cardboard warp height detection mechanism provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0028] Figure 4 This is a second overall schematic diagram of a cardboard warp height detection mechanism and printing equipment provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0029] Reference numerals: 1-Printing equipment; 11-Conveyor belt; 12-Printing body; 13-Main body support; 14-Mounting plate; 2-Paperboard warp height detection mechanism; 21-Paper feed plate; 22-Rotating detection plate; 221-First plate; 222-Second plate; 223-Through hole; 224-Bending part; 23-Laser detection component; 24-Rotating shaft; 25-Fixing protrusion. Detailed Implementation

[0030] The technical solutions of 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 without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0031] It should be noted that all directional indicators (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.) in this utility model embodiment are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of each component in a certain specific posture (as shown in the figure). If the specific posture changes, the directional indicator will also change accordingly.

[0032] The terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this application, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0033] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "connected" and "linked" should be interpreted broadly, for example, as a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances. Furthermore, when describing pipelines, the terms "connected" and "linked" as used in this application have the meaning of establishing electrical connection. The specific meaning needs to be understood in conjunction with the context.

[0034] In the embodiments of this application, the terms "exemplary" or "for example" are used to indicate that something is an example, illustration, or description. Any embodiment or design that is described as "exemplary" or "for example" in the embodiments of this application should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or design. Specifically, the use of the terms "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a specific manner.

[0035] When printing on cardboard, the raised cardboard may collide with the printer head, pressure rollers, and other components, potentially scratching the print head and causing paper jams, printer jams, and interruptions to the printing process.

[0036] Therefore, please refer to Figure 1 This application provides a cardboard warping height detection mechanism 2, which is used to check the warping height of the cardboard before printing, so as to facilitate timely interruption of printing to protect the printer head.

[0037] Please refer to Figure 1 The cardboard warp height detection mechanism 2 is installed on the printing equipment 1, which includes a conveyor belt 11 and a printing body 12 installed above the conveyor belt 11.

[0038] Please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The cardboard warp height detection mechanism 2 includes a paper feed crossbar 21, a rotating detection plate 22, and a laser detection component 23.

[0039] Please refer to Figure 1 The paper feed plate 21 is positioned above the conveyor belt 11 and at the paper feed end of the conveyor belt 11. The paperboard to be printed is conveyed between the paper feed plate 21 and the conveyor belt 11. The paper feed plate 21 can be made of a lightweight material with a certain degree of rigidity, such as aluminum alloy plate or engineering plastic plate (such as ABS or PC). Its shape can be a rectangular plate, with its length direction consistent with the width direction of the conveyor belt 11 to ensure that it can cover the width of the paperboard.

[0040] Please refer to Figure 1 The paper feed plate 21 and the conveyor belt 11 form a channel for the paperboard to pass through. The position and layout of the paper feed plate 21 need to take into account the initial gap between it and the conveyor belt 11. This gap is greater than the standard thickness of the paperboard to be tested, to ensure that flat paperboard can pass through smoothly, while warped paperboard will cause significant interference with the rotating detection plate 22. The specific position of the paper feed plate 21 can be fixed and adjusted by the mounting plate 14 described later.

[0041] Please refer to Figure 2 The rotating detection plate 22 is rotatably positioned on the side of the paper feed plate 21 near the printing body 12. Figure 2 (The middle part of the rotating detection plate 22 is not fully shown). The lower edge of the rotating detection plate 22 can rotate around the conveying direction of the conveyor belt 11. Multiple rotating detection plates 22 are provided, and the multiple rotating detection plates 22 are distributed at intervals along the extension direction of the paper feed cross plate 21. The gap between the rotating detection plate 22 and the conveyor belt 11 is smaller than the thickness of the paperboard to be printed.

[0042] Please refer to Figure 2 The rotating detection plate 22 can be made of a wear-resistant and elastic material, such as nylon, POM (polyoxymethylene), or stainless steel sheet. The rotating detection plate 22 can be designed in an L-shape, including a first plate 221 perpendicular to the surface of the conveyor belt 11 and a second plate 222 parallel to the surface of the conveyor belt 11 or slightly inclined upwards. The lower end of the first plate 221 serves as the lower edge that contacts the cardboard.

[0043] Please refer to Figure 2 The rotating detection plate 22 is connected to the paper feed cross plate 21 via a rotating shaft 24. Specifically, the rotating detection plate 22 has a shaft hole and is fitted onto the rotating shaft 24 fixed to the paper feed cross plate 21, allowing it to rotate around the conveyor belt 11 in the conveying direction. The positional layout of the rotating detection plate 22 should ensure that, in its natural state (when no paperboard passes through or the paperboard is flat), the gap between its lower edge and the conveyor belt 11 is less than the thickness of the paperboard. This way, when the paperboard warps upwards, it will push up the lower edge of the rotating detection plate 22, causing it to rotate around the rotating shaft 24. The spaced distribution of multiple rotating detection plates 22 ensures that different positions in the width direction of the paperboard are detected, avoiding missed detections.

[0044] Please refer to Figure 2 The laser detection component 23 includes a laser emitter and a laser receiver. Figure 2 The labeling of the laser detection component 23 indicates only the installation location; the specific structure and installation relationship are not shown. The laser emitter and laser receiver are respectively located on both sides of all rotating detection plates 22, with the laser emitter and laser receiver positioned opposite each other. The laser detection component 23 is fixedly connected to the paper feed plate 21.

[0045] Please refer to Figure 2 The laser detection component 23 is primarily made of its outer shell and internal optical elements. The outer shell can be made of metal or high-strength plastic, while the optical elements are made of glass or special optical materials. The laser detection component 23 can be a cuboid or cylindrical sensor module.

[0046] Please refer to Figure 2 The laser emitter and the laser receiver are located on opposite sides of the rotating detection plate 22. For example, the laser emitter is located on one side of the rotating detection plate 22 and fixed, and the laser receiver is located on the other side and aligned with the laser emitter, so that one or more laser beams are formed between them.

[0047] Please refer to Figure 2 The laser detection component 23 can be connected to the paper feed plate 21 by means of a bracket or by fasteners. The key to its positional layout is that, along the conveying direction of the conveyor belt 11, the upper part of the rotating detection plate 22 (e.g., the free end of the second plate 222 of the L-shaped rotating detection plate 22) should be outside the path of the laser beam in its natural state. When the lower part of the rotating detection plate 22 is pushed to rotate by the warped cardboard, its upper part will rotate between the laser emitter and the laser receiver, thereby blocking the laser sensing between the two.

[0048] Please refer to Figure 2 Along the conveying direction of the conveyor belt 11, the upper part of the rotating detection plate 22 and the laser detection component 23 are at the same height and there is a gap between them. When the height of the paperboard to be printed is higher than the preset value, the paperboard to be printed pushes the lower part of the rotating detection plate 22 to rotate, and the upper part of the rotating detection plate 22 rotates between the laser emitter and the laser receiver, blocking the laser sensing between them.

[0049] Please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2The multiple spaced rotating detection plates 22 in this application ensure comprehensive coverage in the width direction of the cardboard, enabling the detection of warping at any location and avoiding missed detections due to single-point detection. The gap between the rotating detection plate 22 and the conveyor belt 11 is less than the thickness of the cardboard. The detection is triggered by the physical shape of the warped cardboard itself. Subsequent actions will only be triggered when the cardboard warps to a certain height enough to push the detection plate.

[0050] The laser detection component 23 provides a non-contact, high-response triggering method. When the upper part of the rotating detection plate 22 is pushed into the laser path by the warped cardboard, it can quickly block the laser, thereby issuing an alarm through an external alarm or triggering the printing device 1 to stop by connecting the laser detection component 23 to the controller of the printing device 1.

[0051] This entire mechanism effectively prevents printing failures such as paper jams and printhead collision damage caused by severe cardboard warping, significantly improving the stability of the printing process, product qualification rate, and equipment lifespan.

[0052] Please refer to Figure 2 In some examples, the cardboard warp height detection mechanism 2 also includes a rotating shaft 24, which extends along the extension direction of the paper feed plate 21 and is fixedly disposed on the side of the paper feed plate 21 near the printing body 12. The rotating shaft 24 is located at the bottom of the paper feed plate 21; the rotating detection plate 22 is rotatably connected to the rotating shaft 24.

[0053] The common rotating shaft 24 extending along the paper feed plate 21 connects all rotating detection plates 22 to the rotating shaft 24. This simplifies the overall structure, allowing multiple detection plates to share the same rotation center, reducing the number of parts, assembly complexity, and potential failure points. At the same time, it ensures that the installation reference of all rotating detection plates 22 is uniform, ensuring their consistency and synchronization during rotation, which helps to improve the accuracy and reliability of detection.

[0054] Please refer to Figure 2 For example, the material of the rotating shaft 24 can be stainless steel or hard alloy steel to ensure its wear resistance and rigidity. The shape of the rotating shaft 24 can be cylindrical; the connection between the rotating shaft 24 and the paper feed plate 21 can be by welding, threaded connection or fixing by bearing seat. The connection between the rotating detection plate 22 and the rotating shaft 24 is achieved by providing a shaft hole on the rotating detection plate 22 that matches the diameter of the rotating shaft 24, so that the rotating detection plate 22 can rotate flexibly around the rotating shaft 24.

[0055] The position of the rotating shaft 24 should be such that its axis is parallel to the width direction of the conveyor belt 11 and is located on the bottom side of the paper feed plate 21 near the printing body 12, so as to ensure the installation position and rotation space of the rotation detection plate 22.

[0056] Please refer to Figure 2 For example, the shaft diameter of the rotating shaft 24 can be smaller than the shaft hole on the rotating detection plate 22, so that as the thickness of the cardboard decreases, the rotating detection plate 22 has space to be pushed upward, avoiding jamming between the rotating detection plate 22 and the cardboard or scratching the surface of the cardboard.

[0057] Please refer to Figure 3 In some examples, the rotation detection plate 22 includes a first plate body 221 and a second plate body 222. The first plate body 221 extends along the conveying direction perpendicular to the conveyor belt 11, and the second plate body 222 extends along the conveying direction of the conveyor belt 11. The second plate body 222 is located in the upper half of the first plate body 221, and the first plate body 221 and the second plate body 222 are fixedly disposed relative to each other. The top of the second plate body 222 is provided with a through hole 223 that cooperates with the rotating shaft 24, and the second plate body 222 and the rotating shaft 24 are rotatably connected through the through hole 223.

[0058] The first plate 221 extends in a direction perpendicular to the conveyor belt 11, enabling it to effectively receive the pushing force from the warped cardboard below. The force direction is reasonable, which improves the sensitivity of the detection. The second plate 222 extends in the direction of the conveyor belt 11 and is connected to the rotating shaft 24. This not only facilitates installation, but its upward extension also naturally forms a "light-shielding" part that can block the laser. Clearly separating the force-receiving part and the triggering part makes the action of the detection plate more accurate and reliable, and also facilitates manufacturing and assembly.

[0059] Please refer to Figure 3 For example, the first plate 221 and the second plate 222 may be made of the same or different materials, such as nylon or POM. The first plate 221 is usually a rectangular thin plate, perpendicular to the surface of the conveyor belt 11, and its upper width may be smaller than its lower width; the second plate 222 may also be a rectangular thin plate, extending from the upper half of the first plate 221 toward the printing body 12.

[0060] The first plate 221 and the second plate 222 can be connected by integral molding, bonding, welding, or fasteners. The through hole 223 at the top of the second plate 222 is clearance-fitted with the rotating shaft 24 to ensure smooth rotation. This L-shaped layout allows the lower end of the first plate 221 to contact the cardboard, while the second plate 222 serves as the part that triggers laser detection. Its length and angle design must ensure that the second plate 222 can effectively block the laser when the first plate 221 is lifted.

[0061] Please return to the reference. Figure 2In some examples, multiple rotating detection plates 22 are evenly distributed along the extension direction of the paper feed crossbar 21. Regardless of whether the warping of the cardboard occurs in the center, at the edge, or at any other location, it can be promptly detected by the detection plates in the corresponding areas. The uniform distribution avoids detection blind spots, greatly improving the comprehensiveness and reliability of the detection, which is especially important for cardboard with a larger width.

[0062] For example, an evenly spaced layout ensures that the detection points are evenly distributed along the width of the cardboard, improving the comprehensiveness and accuracy of the detection and avoiding missed or false detections caused by uneven density of detection points. For instance, if the cardboard width is 1.2 meters, six rotating detection plates 22 can be set up, each spaced 20 centimeters apart.

[0063] Please continue to refer to Figure 2 In some examples, a gap is provided between two adjacent rotating detection plates 22. When a detection plate rotates due to local warping, the adjacent detection plates are unaffected and can still remain in their initial positions, ensuring the independence and accuracy of the detection. The existence of the gap can also prevent the edges or warped parts of the cardboard from being stuck in the gap between the detection plates during high-speed conveying, thereby reducing the risk of paper jams and ensuring smooth conveying.

[0064] For example, the gap between adjacent rotation detection plates 22 prevents them from colliding or interfering with each other during rotation, ensuring that each rotation detection plate 22 can respond independently and flexibly to the warping of the cardboard. The size of the gap can be set according to the size of the rotation detection plate 22 and the expected maximum rotation angle, for example, a gap of 5-10 mm.

[0065] Please refer to Figure 2 In some examples, the cardboard warp height detection mechanism 2 also includes at least two fixed protrusions 25, which are fixedly connected to the paper feed crossbar 21, and the rotating shaft 24 and the laser detection assembly 23 are both fixedly mounted on the fixed protrusions 25.

[0066] At least two fixed protrusions 25 are used to fix the rotating shaft 24 and the laser detection assembly 23, realizing the integrated installation of key components. This not only simplifies the assembly process and unifies the installation reference of multiple components to the fixed protrusions 25, making it easy to quickly position and install, but also ensures that the relative positional relationship between the rotating shaft 24 and the laser detection assembly 23 remains accurate and stable, avoiding positional shifts caused by equipment vibration or long-term use, and ensuring the accuracy of laser detection and the overall stability of the mechanism.

[0067] Please refer to Figure 2For example, the material of the fixing protrusion 25 can be the same as that of the paper feed cross plate 21 or a more robust material, such as a metal block. The shape of the fixing protrusion 25 can be a cuboid or a cylinder. The fixing protrusion 25 can be connected to the paper feed cross plate 21 by welding, threaded connection, or integral molding. The rotating shaft 24 can be fixed by passing through the shaft hole on the fixing protrusion 25 and by a nut, or connected to the fixing protrusion 25 by a bearing.

[0068] The laser detection component 23 can be fixed to the side or top of the fixing protrusion 25 by bolts or clips. The position and layout of the fixing protrusion 25 should ensure that the rotating shaft 24 and the laser detection component 23 can be stably supported without affecting the normal operation of the rotating detection plate 22. Providing at least two fixing protrusions 25 can ensure the straightness of the rotating shaft 24 and the accuracy of the installation of the laser detection component 23.

[0069] Please refer to Figure 2 The number of fixed protrusions 25 can be 2, 3 or 4, or other numbers.

[0070] Please refer to Figure 3 In some examples, the first plate 221 has a bending portion 224 at one end near the conveyor belt 11, with the bending portion 224 facing the extension direction of the conveyor belt 11. The bending portion 224 serves as a guide and transition, smoothly introducing the paperboard into the gap between the rotating detection plate 22 and the conveyor belt 11. This effectively prevents the leading edge of the paperboard from getting stuck or broken due to colliding with the right-angle edge of the detection plate, significantly improving the smoothness and stability of paper feeding and reducing paper jam failures.

[0071] For example, the bending portion 224 is made of the same material as the first plate 221, and its shape is such that the lower end of the first plate 221 is bent at an angle, for example, 30-60 degrees, in the conveying direction (i.e., the paper feeding direction) of the conveyor belt 11. This bending portion 224 can serve as a guide, making it easier for the front end of the cardboard to enter under the rotating detection plate 22, reducing the possibility of paper jams, and also preventing the edge of the cardboard from being scratched by the sharp lower end of the first plate 221.

[0072] Please refer to Figure 3 In some examples, the side of the bend 224 closest to the conveyor belt 11 is curved. Compared to a straight surface or a bend, the curved surface structure can minimize the friction and contact resistance between the cardboard and the detection plate, making the cardboard feeding process smoother and more efficient; it further reduces the possibility of paper jams and can also effectively avoid scratches or damage to the cardboard surface during high-speed conveying, helping to ensure the surface quality of the final product.

[0073] Please refer to Figure 4In some examples, the printing device 1 also includes a main support 13 and a mounting plate 14. The mounting plate 14 is disposed at the paper feed end of the conveyor belt 11 and is fixedly disposed on the main support 13. The paper feed cross plate 21 is fixedly connected to the mounting plate 14 by a fastener.

[0074] Mounting plate 14 makes the warp detection mechanism a relatively independent modular unit, which facilitates the overall installation, disassembly and debugging on the equipment; the modular design not only simplifies the equipment assembly process, but also brings convenience to subsequent maintenance and replacement, and reduces maintenance costs.

[0075] Please refer to Figure 4 For example, the main support 13 is typically the frame structure of the printing device 1, and is made of steel. The mounting plate 14 can be made of steel plate or aluminum alloy plate, and its shape is designed according to the connection requirements of the main support 13 and the paper feed cross plate 21, and is usually rectangular.

[0076] The mounting plate 14 can be connected to the main support 13 by welding or by fasteners such as bolts. The paper feed cross plate 21 is connected to the mounting plate 14 by fasteners such as bolts and nuts. The position and layout of the mounting plate 14 should enable it to stably support the paper feed cross plate 21 and facilitate the installation and removal of the paper feed cross plate 21.

[0077] Please refer to Figure 4 In some examples, a fixing hole is provided on one of the mounting plate 14 and the paper feed cross plate 21, and a strip-shaped hole extending along the height direction is provided on the other of the mounting plate 14 and the paper feed cross plate 21 (neither the fixing hole nor the strip-shaped hole is labeled). The fixing member passes through the strip-shaped hole and extends into the fixing hole. The fixing hole can match the different heights of the strip-shaped hole to adjust the gap between the cardboard warping height detection mechanism 2 and the conveyor belt 11.

[0078] Operators can easily adjust the height of the paper feed plate 21 up and down according to the different thicknesses of the paperboard to be printed, thereby accurately setting the initial gap between the rotating detection plate 22 and the conveyor belt 11; this allows the same detection mechanism to be adapted to paperboards of various specifications and thicknesses, greatly enhancing the versatility and applicability of the equipment.

[0079] For example, the fixing hole can be a threaded hole or a smooth hole, and the strip hole is an elongated through hole 223 opened along the height direction (i.e., perpendicular to the surface of the conveyor belt 11). The fixing components are typically bolts and nuts. This structural layout allows the height of the paper feed cross plate 21 relative to the mounting plate 14 to be changed by adjusting the position of the fixing components in the strip hole, thereby adjusting the gap between the paper feed cross plate 21 (along with the rotating detection plate 22) and the conveyor belt 11 to accommodate the detection needs of paperboard of different thicknesses. For example, when the paperboard thickness increases, the height of the paper feed cross plate 21 can be appropriately increased, and vice versa.

[0080] For example, fixing holes can be provided on the mounting plate 14, and strip holes can be provided on the paper feed cross plate 21; the number of fixing holes can be 3 sets × 2, and the number of strip holes can be 3 or 6.

[0081] The cardboard warpage height detection mechanism 2, through the combination of the above structures, can accurately detect whether the warpage height of the cardboard exceeds a preset value before it enters the printing body 12. When the cardboard is flat, it passes smoothly through the gap between the paper feed plate 21 and the conveyor belt 11, the rotating detection plate 22 does not move, and the laser detection component 23 works normally. When the cardboard warpage is too high, it will push the rotating detection plate 22 to rotate, thereby blocking the laser and triggering the printing equipment 1 to stop or issue an alarm. This effectively avoids equipment damage and printing quality problems caused by cardboard warpage, and improves the stability and reliability of production.

[0082] For example, the laser detection component 23 can be connected to an alarm or buzzer to achieve an alarm effect, or the laser detection component 23 can be directly connected to the control chip of the printing equipment 1 through a PLC, so that after the PLC receives the displacement signal, it immediately controls the inkjet lifting mechanism to rise and stops the paperboard feeding, thereby reducing the impact force of the warped paperboard on the inkjet lifting mechanism, and ultimately achieving protection of the mechanism and the printhead.

[0083] In some embodiments, the through holes 223 on the rotating detection plate 22 can be much larger than the rotating shaft 24, and all the through holes 223 on the rotating detection plate 22 are coaxially arranged in a concentric hollow state, so that the laser of the laser detection component 23 can pass through the through holes 223 for detection. At this time, when the preset size of the through hole 223 is the preset value of the warp height of the paperboard to be printed, and the concavity and convexity of the paperboard will cause different rotation angles of the rotating detection plate 22, the warp detection of the paperboard will be more accurate.

[0084] The preset warp height can be 2mm, 1mm, or other values.

[0085] In some embodiments, a cardboard warp height detection mechanism 2 is used to be installed on an inkjet printing device 1, which includes a conveyor belt 11 and a printing body 12 disposed above the conveyor belt 11.

[0086] The cardboard warp height detection mechanism 2 mainly includes a paper feed plate 21, a rotating detection plate 22, a rotating shaft 24, a fixed protrusion 25, and a laser detection component 23.

[0087] The paper feed plate 21 can be made of aluminum alloy plate with a thickness of 5 mm. Its length can be 1.3 meters and its width can be 10 centimeters. It is horizontally set above the conveyor belt 11 and located at the paper feeding end of the conveyor belt 11. The lower surface of the paper feed plate 21 and the upper surface of the conveyor belt 11 form a channel for the paperboard to pass through.

[0088] The rotating detection plate 22 can be made of POM material and is L-shaped, including a first plate 221 and a second plate 222. The first plate 221 is rectangular and perpendicular to the surface of the conveyor belt 11; the second plate 222 is also rectangular and extends from the upper half of the first plate 221 (5 cm from the lower end of the first plate 221) toward the printing body 12. The first plate 221 and the second plate 222 are integrally formed, and a through hole 223 with a diameter of 2.5 cm is opened at the top of the second plate 222 (the end away from the first plate 221). A total of 12 rotating detection plates 22 are provided, evenly distributed along the extension direction of the paper feed cross plate 21, and the gap between two adjacent rotating detection plates 22 is 8 mm.

[0089] The rotating shaft 24 can be made of a stainless steel round bar with a diameter of 5 mm and a length of 1.3 m. It extends along the extension direction of the paper feed cross plate 21 and is fixedly mounted on the bottom of the paper feed cross plate 21 near the printing body 12 by two fixing protrusions 25. Each rotation detection plate 22 is fitted onto the rotating shaft 24 through a through hole 223 at the top of its second plate 222, allowing the rotation detection plate 22 to rotate flexibly around the rotating shaft 24. In its natural state, the gap between the lower edge of the first plate 221 of the rotation detection plate 22 (i.e., the lower end of the first plate 221) and the upper surface of the conveyor belt 11 can be 0.8 mm, which is less than the standard thickness of the paperboard to be printed (e.g., 1.2 mm).

[0090] The fixing protrusions 25 are made of stainless steel blocks and are rectangular in shape. The three fixing protrusions 25 are respectively fixed to the two ends of the paper feed plate 21 near the printing body 12 by bolts. Each fixing protrusion 25 has a semi-circular groove on the side facing the rotating shaft 24, which mates with the rotating shaft 24. The rotating shaft 24 is placed in the semi-circular groove and fixed by set screws.

[0091] The laser detection assembly 23 uses a commercially available laser beam sensor, including a laser emitter and a laser receiver. The laser emitter and laser receiver are respectively fixed to the fixing protrusions 25 at both ends of the paper feed plate 21 by brackets, located on both sides of the rotating detection plate 22, and the laser emitter and laser receiver are arranged opposite to each other so that they can form a horizontal laser beam, which passes through the center of the 2.5cm through hole 223.

[0092] The printing device 1 also includes a main support 13 and a mounting plate 14. The mounting plate 14 is a 5 mm thick steel plate, which is fixed to the main support 13 on both sides of the paper feed end of the conveyor belt 11 by bolts. Two strip holes with a length of 5 cm are opened along the height direction on the mounting plate 14. The two ends of the paper feed cross plate 21 are fixed to the mounting plate 14 by bolts (fixing members) passing through the strip holes on the mounting plate 14 and screwed into the pre-set threaded holes (fixing holes) at the ends of the paper feed cross plate 21. By adjusting the position of the bolts in the strip holes, the gap between the paper feed cross plate 21 and the conveyor belt 11 can be changed to accommodate paperboard of different thicknesses. For example, when the thickness of the paperboard to be printed is 1.5 mm, the paper feed cross plate 21 can be lowered so that the gap between the lower edge of the first plate body 221 of the rotation detection plate 22 and the conveyor belt 11 is adjusted to 1.1 mm.

[0093] A bending portion 224 is provided at one end of the first plate 221 near the conveyor belt 11 (i.e., the lower end of the first plate 221). The bending portion 224 is bent at a 45-degree angle toward the extension direction (paper feeding direction) of the conveyor belt 11. The side of the bending portion 224 near the conveyor belt 11 is polished to form a smooth arc surface with a radius of 2 mm.

[0094] The working principle of the cardboard warp height detection mechanism 2 in this embodiment is as follows.

[0095] When the paperboard to be printed is flat, it passes through the channel between the paper feed plate 21 and the conveyor belt 11. Since the gap between the lower edge of the first plate 221 of the rotating detection plate 22 and the conveyor belt 11 is less than the thickness of the paperboard, the paperboard will gently support the lower edge of the rotating detection plate 22 and cause the rotating detection plate 22 to rotate around the rotating shaft 24 at a certain angle. The rotating detection plate 22 remains in this state, and the through hole 223 on its second plate 222 is penetrated by the laser beam without affecting the normal transmission of the laser. The laser receiver can receive the laser signal normally, and the printing equipment 1 operates normally.

[0096] When the cardboard to be printed has an upward warp or a downward indentation, and the warp height exceeds a preset value (for example, when the cardboard warps so that the upper surface of the cardboard is 2 mm higher than the surface of the conveyor belt 11), the warped part of the cardboard will push up the lower edge of the first plate 221 of the corresponding rotation detection plate 22, causing the rotation detection plate 22 to rotate upward around the rotation axis 24 by a certain angle, or the indented part will cause the rotation detection plate 22 to rotate in the opposite direction by a certain angle.

[0097] When the two rotation detection plates 22 with the largest rotation angle difference shield each other, the transmission of the laser beam will be directly blocked. After the laser receiver can no longer detect the laser signal, it can immediately send a signal to the control system of the printing device 1. After receiving the signal, the control system will control the printing device 1 to stop feeding the cardboard and printing, and issue an alarm to prompt the operator to deal with the warped cardboard.

[0098] In the description of this specification, specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0099] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A cardboard warpage height detection mechanism, disposed on a printing device, the printing device comprising a conveyor belt and a printing body disposed above the conveyor belt, characterized in that, Cardboard warpage height detection agencies include: A paper feed plate is positioned above the conveyor belt and at one end of the conveyor belt where paper is fed. The paperboard to be printed is conveyed between the paper feed plate and the conveyor belt. A rotating detection plate is rotatably disposed on the side of the paper feed cross plate near the printing body. The lower edge of the rotating detection plate can rotate around the conveying direction of the conveyor belt. Multiple rotating detection plates are provided, and the multiple rotating detection plates are distributed at intervals along the extension direction of the paper feed cross plate. The gap between the rotating detection plate and the conveyor belt is smaller than the thickness of the paperboard to be printed. A laser detection assembly includes a laser emitter and a laser receiver, which are respectively disposed on both sides of all the rotating detection plates. The laser emitter and the laser receiver are disposed opposite to each other. The laser detection assembly is fixedly connected to the paper feed plate. Along the conveying direction of the conveyor belt, the upper part of the rotating detection plate and the laser detection component are at the same height and there is a gap between them, so that when the height of the paperboard to be printed is higher than a preset value, the paperboard to be printed pushes the lower part of the rotating detection plate to rotate, and the upper part of the rotating detection plate rotates between the laser emitting end and the laser receiving end, blocking the laser sensing between them.

2. The cardboard warpage height detection mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cardboard warpage height detection mechanism also includes a rotating shaft, which extends along the extension direction of the paper feed cross plate and is fixedly disposed on the side of the paper feed cross plate near the printing body, with the rotating shaft located at the bottom of the paper feed cross plate. The rotation detection plate is rotatably connected to the rotating shaft.

3. The cardboard warpage height detection mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that, The rotation detection plate includes a first plate and a second plate. The first plate extends along the conveying direction perpendicular to the conveyor belt, and the second plate extends along the conveying direction of the conveyor belt. The second plate is located in the upper half of the first plate, and the first plate and the second plate are fixedly arranged relative to each other. The top of the second plate is provided with a through hole that mates with the rotating shaft, and the second plate and the rotating shaft are rotatably connected through the through hole.

4. The cardboard warpage height detection mechanism according to claim 3, characterized in that, The plurality of rotation detection plates are distributed at equal intervals along the extension direction of the paper feed cross plate.

5. The cardboard warpage height detection mechanism according to claim 4, characterized in that, A gap is provided between two adjacent rotation detection plates.

6. The cardboard warpage height detection mechanism according to any one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that, The cardboard warp height detection mechanism also includes at least two fixed protrusions, which are fixedly connected to the paper feed cross plate. The rotating shaft and the laser detection component are both fixedly mounted on the fixed protrusions.

7. The cardboard warpage height detection mechanism according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first plate has a bent portion at one end near the conveyor belt, and the bent portion is oriented toward the extension direction of the conveyor belt.

8. The cardboard warpage height detection mechanism according to claim 7, characterized in that, The side of the bent portion closest to the conveyor belt is curved.

9. The cardboard warpage height detection mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The printing device also includes a main support and a mounting plate. The mounting plate is disposed at the paper feeding end of the conveyor belt and is fixedly disposed on the main support. The paper feeding cross plate is fixedly connected to the mounting plate by a fastener.

10. The cardboard warpage height detection mechanism according to claim 9, characterized in that, A fixing hole is provided on one of the mounting plate and the paper feed cross plate, and a strip-shaped hole extending along the height direction is provided on the other of the mounting plate and the paper feed cross plate. The fixing member passes through the strip-shaped hole and extends into the fixing hole. The fixing hole can cooperate with different heights of the strip-shaped hole to adjust the gap between the cardboard warp height detection mechanism and the conveyor belt.

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