LOCKING SYSTEM AND CONTROL METHOD THEREFOR

Abstract

Closure system (2) for closing at least one nozzle (11a, 11b), wherein the at least one nozzle (11a, 11b) is carried on a sliding component (30), the sliding component (30) can slide in a first direction (X), and the sliding component (30) comprises at least one positioning groove (31a, 31b) passing through a bottom surface (30a) thereof, characterized in that the closure system (2) comprises: a base (26); a platform (20) arranged on the base (26) and comprising at least one cover section (21a, 21b) and at least one positioning column (22a, 22b), wherein the at least one cover section (21a, 21b) spatially corresponds to the at least one nozzle (11a, 11b) and the at least one positioning column (22a, 22b) spatially corresponds to the at least one groove (31a, 31b); a drive element (23) arranged on the base (26) and configured to drive the platform (20) to move it in a second direction (Z); an arm (24) arranged on the base (26) and having a first end (241) and a second end (242), the first end (241) of the arm (24) being connected to the drive element (23), wherein, when the drive element (23) drives the platform (20) to move in the second direction (Z), the arm (24) is rotated by a corresponding angle of rotation; and a sensor (25) arranged on the base (26) and spatially corresponding to the second end (242) of the arm (24), wherein, when the platform (20) is moved away from the sliding component (30) and is in an initial position, the angle of rotation of the arm (24) is zero and the second end (242) of the arm (24) is detected by the sensor (25), wherein, when the drive element (23) drives the platform (20) to move towards the sliding component (30), and the sliding component (30) is in a closed position relative to the platform (20), the at least one positioning column (22a, 22b) passes through the at least one positioning groove (31a, 31b), the at least one nozzle (11a, 11b) is covered by the at least one cover portion (21a, 21b), and the angle of rotation reaches a first angle value (θ1), wherein, when the drive element (23) drives the platform (20) to move towards the sliding component (30), and the sliding component (30) is in an interference position relative to the platform (20), the at least one positioning column (22a, 22b) and the at least one positioning groove (31a, 31b) are not are aligned with each other, the upper end of the at least one positioning column (22a,22b) bears against the underside (30a) of the sliding component (30), the at least one cover section (21a, 21b) and the at least one nozzle (11a, 11b) are moved away from each other and the angle of rotation reaches a second angular value (θ2), wherein the second angular value (θ2) is greater than zero and smaller than the first angular value (θ1), wherein the at least one positioning groove (31a, 31b) has a first width (W1) in the first direction (X), the at least one positioning column (22a, 22b) has a second width (W2) in the first direction (X), and the first width (W1) is greater than the second width (W2) to form a differential distance (D), wherein, when the sliding component (30) is in the interference position relative to the platform (20), the sliding component (30) is moved by a displacement distance to achieve an alignment the at least one positioning groove (31a, 31b) and the at least one positioning column (22a,22b) to ensure that the sliding component (30) is in the closed position relative to the platform (20), the displacement distance being equal to or less than the differential distance (D).

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a shutter system for closing a nozzle, and more particularly to a shutter system and a control method thereof capable of automatically adjusting the shutter position to ensure that the nozzle portion of the print head is completely closed by the shutter device. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] In recent years, the print quality of inkjet printers has gradually improved. Although the ink droplets become smaller with increasing resolution, inkjet printers still need to meet the requirements of high-speed printing. Under these circumstances, nozzle cleaning is naturally very important. The cleaning system provides key functions for cleaning and protecting the print head nozzles to maintain the print quality of the inkjet printer.

[0003] When the inkjet printer's nozzle needs cleaning, the ink carriage moves to a sealing position according to the signal from a grid sensor. At the same time, the ink seal support platform moves upward to completely seal the print head nozzle, allowing the cleaning mechanism to operate and create a negative pressure in the sealed area. This sucks out the ink and uses it to flush the nozzle. After the flushing process is completed, the ink seal support platform moves downward, the wiper blade moves upward to wipe the remaining ink from the nozzle, and then the ink carriage returns to its home position. The cleaning process is complete.

[0004] However, if the ink carriage is moved to an incorrect sealing position during the cleaning process due to various external factors, some of the nozzle openings may not be covered by the sealing portion on the sealing platform when the ink seal support platform is moved upward. As a result, the nozzle area of the print head cannot be completely sealed to generate negative pressure, and the ink cannot be sucked successfully and smoothly. As a result, the cleaning process is unsuccessful. This leads to more severe nozzle clogging. US20030197753A1 and JP2016193499A disclose ink carriage print heads with a cleaning device.

[0005] Therefore, there is a need to provide a shutter system and a control method thereof capable of ensuring that the sliding component, such as the ink carriage, is pushed to the correct shutter position of the shutter system and the nozzle portion of the print head is completely sealed by the shutter device when the shutter support platform is moved upward, in order to solve the above-mentioned problems encountered in the prior art. OVERVIEW OF THE INVENTION

[0006] The subject of the present disclosure is a closure system and a control method therefor. By converting the displacement distance of the closure system platform relative to the sliding component into a corresponding rotation angle, the closure system can be controlled and the closure position relative to the sliding component can be automatically confirmed. Furthermore, the confirmation method ensures the closure position of the closure system relative to the nozzle on the sliding component, ensuring that the nozzle on the sliding component is moved to the correct closure position of the closure system. When the closure part is moved upward on the closure system platform, the nozzle on the sliding component is completely closed.Because the position of the nozzle of the sliding component relative to the shutter part can be automatically adjusted in the shutter system, problems caused by subjective judgment of the shutter situation by humans are avoided and the accuracy of the shutter operation is ensured. When the shutter operation is combined with the cleaning system and applied to the printer, the shutter system's automatic shutter position adjustment ensures that the nozzle openings of the sliding component are completely covered by the shutter part. This prevents outside air from being sucked into the nozzle openings. It is helpful for extending the life of the nozzle.

[0007] Another object of the present disclosure is a shutter system and a control method therefor. By controlling the displacement distance of the sliding component, the efficiency of aligning the positioning column of the shutter system and the positioning groove of the sliding component is effectively improved, and the shutter position confirmation process is simplified. On the other hand, in the design of the positioning column and the positioning groove, the compensation distance is further utilized to correct the position of the nozzle of the sliding component relative to the shutter section of the shutter system, and the accuracy and efficiency of the shutter operation are further improved.

[0008] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a closure system for closing at least one nozzle is provided. The at least one nozzle is supported on a sliding component, the sliding component being slidable in a first direction, and the sliding component having at least one positioning groove extending through its bottom surface. The closure system comprises a base, a platform, a drive element, an arm, and a sensor. The platform is disposed on the base and includes at least one closure part and at least one positioning column. The at least one closure part spatially corresponds to the at least one nozzle, and the at least one positioning column spatially corresponds to the at least one groove. The drive element is disposed on the base and configured to drive the platform to move in a second direction.The arm is arranged on the base and includes a first end and a second end. The first end of the arm is connected to the drive element. When the drive element drives the platform to move it in the second direction, the arm is rotated by a corresponding angle of rotation. The sensor is arranged on the base and spatially corresponds to the second end of the arm. When the platform is moved away from the sliding component and is in an initial position, the angle of rotation of the arm is zero, and the second end of the arm is detected by the sensor.When the drive element drives the platform to move toward the sliding component and the sliding component is in a closing position relative to the platform, the at least one positioning column passes through the at least one positioning groove, the at least one nozzle is covered by the at least one cover portion, and the angle of rotation reaches a first angle value.When the drive element drives the platform to move toward the sliding component, and the sliding component is in an interference position relative to the platform, the at least one positioning column and the at least one positioning groove are not aligned with each other, the upper end of the at least one positioning column abuts the lower surface of the sliding component, the at least one cover portion and the at least one nozzle are moved away from each other, and the rotation angle is set to a second angle value. The second angle value is greater than zero and less than the first angle value.

[0009] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a control method for a closure system is provided. The control method comprises the following steps: (S1) providing the closure system for closing at least one nozzle, wherein the at least one nozzle is supported on a sliding component, the sliding component being capable of sliding in a first direction, the sliding component having at least one positioning groove passing through a bottom surface thereof, and the closure system comprising a base, a platform, a drive element, an arm, and a sensor, the drive element being arranged on the base and being configured to drive the platform to move in a second direction, the arm being arranged on the base and having a first end and a second end, the first end of the arm being connected to the drive element,when the drive element drives the platform to move it in the second direction, the arm is rotated accordingly by an angle of rotation, wherein the sensor is arranged on the base and spatially corresponds to the second end of the arm, wherein when the platform is moved away from the sliding component and is in an initial position, the angle of rotation of the arm is zero, and the second end of the arm is detected by the sensor, wherein when the drive element drives the platform to move towards the sliding component and the sliding component is in a closed position relative to the platform, the at least one positioning column passes through the at least one positioning groove, the at least one nozzle is covered by the at least one cover portion, and the angle of rotation reaches a first angular value, wherein when the drive element drives the platform to move towards the sliding component,and the sliding component is in an interference position relative to the platform, the at least one positioning column and the at least one positioning groove are not aligned with each other, the upper end of the at least one positioning column abuts the lower surface of the sliding component, the at least one cover portion and the at least one nozzle are moved away from each other, and the angle of rotation reaches a second angle value, wherein the second angle value is greater than zero and less than the first angle value; (S2) receiving a first control command by the drive element to drive the platform to move toward the sliding component so that the angle of rotation of the arm is increased and reaches the first angle value or the second angle value; (S3) receiving a second control command by the drive element to drive the platform to move away from the sliding component,such that the angle of rotation of the arm is reduced by a third angle value, the third value being less than the first angle value and greater than or equal to the second angle value; and (S4) determining whether the second end of the arm is detected by the sensor, wherein, if the second end of the arm is detected by the sensor, it is indicated that the at least one positioning column and the at least one positioning groove are not aligned with each other, wherein, if the second end of the arm is not detected by the sensor, it is indicated that the at least one positioning column is aligned with the at least one positioning groove. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. 1 is a schematic view of a printer having a shutter system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, taken from a top perspective; Fig. 2 is a schematic view showing the shutter system and associated nozzles of the printer according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, taken from a top perspective; Fig. 3 is a schematic view showing the shutter system and associated nozzles of the printer according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, taken from a bottom perspective; Fig. 4A and Fig. 4B shows a flowchart of a control method for the closure system according to the present disclosure; Fig. 5 is a side view showing the locking system with the platform in a home position according to the present embodiment; Fig. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view showing the nozzles of the sliding component in an exemplary position relative to the closure system, with the platform in the home position in Fig. 5; Fig. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view showing the nozzles of the sliding component in another exemplary position relative to the closure system, with the platform in the home position in Fig. 5; Fig. 8 is a side view showing the locking system in a locking situation according to the present embodiment; Fig. Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view showing the locking system used for locking the nozzles of the sliding component relative to the platform of Fig. 8 is operated; Fig. 10 is a side view showing the shutter system operated for an interference position according to the embodiment of the present disclosure; Fig. Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view showing the shutter system responsible for the interference position of the nozzles of the sliding component relative to the platform of Fig. 10 is operated; Fig. 12 is a side view showing the shutter system operated to return a third angular value from the shutter position of the nozzles of the sliding component with respect to the platform and rotate; Fig. 13 shows a corresponding relationship between the positioning column of the closure system and the positioning groove of the sliding component according to the embodiment of the present disclosure; Fig. 14 shows another corresponding relationship between the positioning column of the locking system and the positioning groove of the sliding component according to the embodiment of the present disclosure; Fig. 15 shows a first exemplary corresponding relationship between the positioning column of the closure system and the positioning groove of the sliding component according to the embodiment of the present disclosure; Fig. 16 shows a corresponding relationship between the positioning column and the positioning groove after the sliding component of Fig. 15 was moved by a compensation distance; Fig. 17 shows a second exemplary corresponding relationship between the positioning column of the closure system and the positioning groove of the sliding component according to the embodiment of the present disclosure; Fig. 18 shows a corresponding relationship between the positioning column and the positioning groove after the sliding component is removed from Fig. 17 was moved by a compensation distance; Fig. 19 shows a third exemplary corresponding relationship between the positioning column of the closure system and the positioning groove of the sliding component according to the embodiment of the present disclosure; and Fig. 20 shows a corresponding relationship between the positioning column and the positioning groove after the sliding component is removed from Fig. 19 was moved by a compensation distance. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0010] The present disclosure will now be described in more detail with reference to the following embodiments. It should be noted that the following descriptions of the preferred embodiments of this disclosure are presented herein for purposes of illustration and description only. The description is not intended to be exhaustive or to be limited to the precise form disclosed.

[0011] Fig. 1 is a schematic view of a printer having a closure system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, taken from a top perspective. Fig. 2 is a schematic view showing the shutter system and associated nozzles of the printer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, from a top perspective. Fig. 3 is a schematic view showing the shutter system and associated nozzles of the printer according to the present embodiment, from a bottom perspective. Fig. 4A and Fig. 4B shows a flowchart illustrating a control method of the shutter system according to the present embodiment. In the embodiment, a shutter system 2 is attached, for example, to an inkjet system 3 of the printer 1 to cover at least one nozzle 11a, 11b of the inkjet system 3 for cleaning. It should be emphasized that the shutter system 2 of the present disclosure is not limited to the application of the inkjet system 3 in the printer 1. Any nozzle that can be closed by the shutter system 2 is applicable to the technology of the present disclosure.

[0012] First, as shown in a step S1, the closure system 2 of the present disclosure is mounted, for example but not exclusively, on a frame 9 of the printer 1 so that it corresponds to at least one nozzle 11a, 11b of the inkjet system 3. Preferably, but not exclusively, in the embodiment, the at least one nozzle 11a, 11b is the print head of the ink cartridge 10a, 10b and is supported by a sliding component 30. Preferably, but not exclusively, the sliding component 30 is an ink carriage slidably arranged on a slide rail 40. The sliding component 30 can slide in a first direction, e.g., in the direction of the X-axis. Preferably, but not exclusively, the at least one nozzle 11a, 11b comprises a plurality of nozzles 11a, 11b arranged side by side along the X-axis direction and exposed on the bottom surface 30a of the sliding component 30.In the embodiment, the sliding component 30 comprises at least one positioning groove 31a, 31b extending through the bottom surface 30a of the sliding component 30. Preferably, but not exclusively, the at least one positioning groove 31a, 31b is arranged between the plurality of nozzles 11a, 11b. Preferably, but not exclusively, the plurality of positioning grooves 31a, 31b are arranged along the Y-axis direction. In this embodiment, the closure system 2 comprises a base 26, a platform 20, a drive element 23, an arm 24, and a sensor 25. Preferably, but not exclusively, the platform 20 is a closure support platform and is arranged on the base 26. The platform 20 comprises at least one closure part 21a, 21b and at least one positioning column 22a, 22b.The at least one closure section 21a, 21b spatially corresponds to the at least one nozzle 11a, 11b, and the at least one positioning column 22a, 22b spatially corresponds to the at least one positioning groove 31a, 31b. Preferably, but not exclusively, the positioning columns 22a, 22b are arranged along the Y-axis direction. A height of the at least one positioning column 22a, 22b on the platform 20 is higher than a height of the at least one closure section 21a, 21b on the platform 20. In particular, the number and the corresponding arrangements of the at least one nozzle 11a, 11b, the at least one closure section 21a, 21b, the at least one positioning column 22a, 22b, and the at least one positioning groove 31a, 31b are adjustable according to practical requirements.In the following descriptions, the nozzle 11b, the closure portion 21b, the positioning column 22a, and the positioning groove 31a are used primarily to illustrate the correspondence relationship with each other, rather than limiting the number and corresponding arrangements of the at least one nozzle 11a, 11b, the at least one closure portion 21a, 21b, the at least one positioning column 22a, 22b, and the one positioning groove 31a, 31b. This is mentioned for clarity.

[0013] Preferably, but not exclusively, the drive element 23 in this embodiment is a stepper motor and is arranged on one side of the base 26. The drive element 23 is connected to the platform 26 via a gear (not shown) and is configured to move the platform 20 in a second direction, for example, in the Z-axis direction. The arm 24 is arranged on another side of the base 26 and comprises a first end 241 and a second end 242. Preferably, but not exclusively, the first end 241 of the arm 24 is connected to the drive element 23. When the drive element 23 moves the platform 20 in the second direction (i.e., in the Z-axis direction), the arm 24 is also driven by the drive element 23 and rotated accordingly by an angle of rotation.Preferably, but not exclusively, the first end 241 of the arm 24 is connected directly or via a gear (not shown) to the rotating shaft of the drive element 23. In the embodiment, the sensor 25 is arranged laterally on the base 26 and spatially corresponds to the second end 242 of the arm 24.

[0014] In the embodiment, the drive element 23 of the shutter system 2 drives the platform 20 to move relative to the nozzles 11a, 11b of the sliding component 30 along the second direction (ie, the Z-axis direction), whereby the shutter system 2 can perform an initial position operation, a shutter position operation, and an interference position operation. Fig. 5 is a side view showing the locking system with the platform in a home position according to the present embodiment. Fig. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view showing the nozzles of the sliding component located in an exemplary position relative to the closure system, with the platform in the home position in Fig. 5 is located. Fig. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view showing the nozzles of the sliding component in another exemplary position relative to the closure system, with the platform in the home position of Fig. 5 is located. Fig. 8 is a side view showing the locking system in a locking position according to the present embodiment. Fig. Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view showing the closure system in the closing position of the nozzles of the sliding component relative to the platform of Fig. 8 shows. Fig. 10 is a side view showing the shutter system in an interference position according to the present embodiment. Fig. Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view showing the closure system in the interference position of the nozzles of the sliding component with respect to the platform of Fig. 10 represents. Fig. Figure 12 is a side view showing the shutter system being operated to return and rotate a third angle value from the shutter position of the sliding component nozzles relative to the platform. See also Fig. 1 to Fig. 12. In this embodiment, the angle of rotation of the arm 24 is zero when the platform 20 is moved away from the sliding component 30 and is in a home position, and the second end 242 of the arm 24 is located in the detection range of the sensor 25 and can be detected by the sensor 25. Preferably, but not exclusively, when the platform 20 is moved away from the sliding component 30 and is in the home position, the positioning column 22a on the platform 20 of the closure system 2 is aligned with the corresponding positioning groove 31a on the sliding component 30, as shown in Fig. 6. This allows the drive element 23 to move the platform 20 in the second direction (ie, in the direction of the Z-axis), and the positioning column 22a can be guided through the corresponding positioning groove 31a, so that a shutter positioning operation for sucking and cleaning ink is achieved, as shown in Fig. 8 and Fig. 9. Preferably, but not exclusively, the positioning column 22a on the platform 20 of the closure system 2 may not coincide with the corresponding positioning groove 31a on the sliding component 30 when the platform 20 is moved away from the sliding component 30 and is in the starting position, as shown in Fig. 7. When the drive element 23 drives the platform 20 to move in the second direction (the Z-axis direction), the positioning column 22a cannot pass through the corresponding positioning groove 31a, and the positioning column 22a is stopped due to the interference of the bottom surface 30a of the sliding component 30, so that an interference positioning operation is achieved, as shown in Fig. 10 and Fig. 11 shown.

[0015] Then, as shown in step (S2), when the drive element 23 receives a first control command to drive the platform 20 to move toward the sliding component 30 along the second direction (ie, the Z-axis direction), the result of the movement of the platform 20 toward the sliding component 30 is affected by the alignment or misalignment of the positioning column 22a and the corresponding positioning groove 31a.In the embodiment, when the drive element 23 drives the platform 20 to move toward the sliding component 30, and the positioning column 22a and the corresponding positioning groove 31a are aligned with each other, the sliding component 30 can be arranged in a closing position relative to the platform 20 such that the at least one positioning column 22a passes through the at least one positioning groove 31a and the at least one nozzle 11b is covered by the at least one cover portion 21b. At this time, the rotation angle of the arm 24 reaches a first angular value θ1, for example, 60°, as shown in FIG. Fig. 8. When the drive element 23 drives the platform 20 to move toward the sliding component 30, and the positioning column 22a and the corresponding positioning groove 31a are not aligned with each other, the sliding component 30 is in an interference position relative to the platform 20, so that the upper end of the at least one positioning column 22a abuts the lower surface 30a of the sliding component 30. At this time, the rotation angle of the arm 24 reaches a second angle value θ2, e.g., 35°, as shown in Fig. 10. In this embodiment, the second angle value θ2 is greater than zero and smaller than the first angle value θ1. Namely, when the drive element 23 receives the first control command to move the platform 20 toward the sliding component 30, the rotation angle of the arm 24 is increased and reaches the first angle value θ1 or the second angle value θ2. Furthermore, step S2 includes a preprocessing step (S2') in which the platform 20 is driven by the drive element 23 to move away from the sliding component 30, so that the platform 20 is returned to the initial position and the rotation angle of the arm 24 is zero. Of course, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0016] Thereafter, as shown in step S3, when the drive element 23 receives a second control command to drive the platform 20 to move away from the sliding component 30, the rotation angle of the arm 24 is reduced by a third angle value, e.g., 45°. In the embodiment, the third value is smaller than the first angle value θ1, e.g., 60°, and greater than or equal to the second angle value θ2, e.g., 35°. When the sliding component 30 is in the interference position with respect to the platform 20 and step S3 is executed, the rotation angle of the arm 24 is reset and returned to the initial position, as shown in Fig. 5. At this time, the second end 242 of the arm 24 is within the detection range of the sensor 25 and can be detected by the sensor 25. Alternatively, the rotation angle of the arm 24 is reset and set to an avoidance angle value θ3 (e.g., 15°), as shown in Fig. 12 when the sliding component 30 is in the closed position relative to the platform 20 and step S3 is executed. At this time, the second end 242 of the arm 24 is not within the detection range of the sensor 25. That is, the second end 242 of the arm 24 cannot be detected by the sensor 25.

[0017] Therefore, as shown in step S4, it is determined whether the second end 242 of the arm 24 is detected by the sensor 25 to indicate the alignment or misalignment of the positioning column 22a and the corresponding positioning groove 31. If the second end 242 of the arm 24 is detected by the sensor 25, it is indicated that the positioning column 22a of the closure system 2 and the corresponding positioning groove 31a on the sliding component 30 are not aligned with each other, as shown in Fig. 7. Alternatively, if the second end 242 of the arm 24 is not detected by the sensor 25, it is indicated that the positioning column 22a of the closure system 2 is aligned with the corresponding positioning groove 31a on the sliding component 30, as shown in Fig. 6. When it is confirmed that the positioning column 22a of the closure system 2 is aligned with the corresponding positioning groove 31a on the sliding component 30, the position of the sliding component 30 in the first direction (i.e., in the X-axis direction) is recorded to provide a reference for the closure position in subsequent closure operations. Of course, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Since the positioning column 22a and the positioning groove 31a are aligned with each other, it is also ensured that at least one nozzle 11a, 11b on the sliding component 30 is moved to the correct closure position on the closure system 2. When the closure parts 21a, 21b are moved upward on the platform 20 of the closure system 2, the nozzle 11a, 11b on the sliding component 30 can be completely sealed and covered.This helps eliminate problems caused by subjective judgment of the closure position by humans and ensures the accuracy of the closure operation. It ensures that the nozzle openings of the nozzles 11a, 11b on the sliding component 30 are completely covered by the closure parts 21a, 21b on the platform 20. This prevents outside air from being sucked into the nozzle openings. This is helpful for extending the service life of the nozzles 11a, 11b.

[0018] On the other hand, if it is determined that the at least one positioning column 22a and the at least one positioning groove 31a are not aligned with each other in step S4, the sliding component 30 is further controlled to be moved along a displacement path as shown in a step S5 to perform alignment of the positioning column 22a and the corresponding positioning groove 31a. Fig. 13 shows a corresponding relationship between the positioning column of the closure system and the positioning groove of the sliding component according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 14 shows another corresponding relationship between the positioning column of the closure system and the positioning groove of the sliding component according to the present embodiment of the disclosure. To facilitate the positioning operation of the positioning column 22a and the corresponding positioning groove 31a to complete the positioning operation, the positioning column 22a in this embodiment has a T-shaped horizontal cross section to ensure sufficient structural strength to prevent deformation occurring during collision between the upper end of the positioning column 22a and the sliding component 30. Preferably, but not exclusively, the upper end of the positioning column 22a in this embodiment has a tapered structure. Of course, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.Specifically, in the embodiment, the at least one positioning groove 31a has a first width W1 in the first direction (i.e., the X-axis direction), the at least one positioning column 22a has a second width W2 in the first direction (i.e., the X-axis direction), and the first width W1 is greater than the second width W2 to form a differential distance D1, for example, 0.5 mm. In the embodiment, the displacement distance is equal to or smaller than the differential distance D. In this way, it is avoided that the displacement distance of the sliding component 30 is too large to miss the alignment of the positioning column 22a and the positioning groove 31a.In other words, when the shutter system 2 confirms the shutter position by controlling the displacement distance of the sliding component 30 and repeats step S2 and step S3, the positioning operation of the positioning column 22a and the corresponding positioning groove 31a is effectively and accurately achieved.

[0019] In the embodiment, after aligning the positioning column 22a and the corresponding positioning groove 31a, the control method further includes a step S6 in which the sliding component 30 is moved by a compensation distance. Preferably, but not exclusively, the compensation distance is one-quarter of the difference distance D. Fig. 15 shows a first exemplary corresponding relationship between the positioning column of the closure system and the positioning groove of the sliding component according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 16 shows a corresponding relationship between the positioning column and the positioning groove after the sliding component of Fig. 15 has been moved by a compensation distance. In the embodiment, when the positioning column 22a passes through the center of the corresponding positioning groove 31a, the positioning column 22a maintains the spaced distances by D / 2 from the two lateral sides of the corresponding positioning groove 31a in the first direction (ie, the X-axis direction), as shown in Fig. 15. After the compensation process of step S6 is performed, the sliding component 30 is moved by the compensation distance D / 4 in the reverse first direction (ie, the reverse X-axis direction), and the positioning column 22a is aligned with the corresponding positioning groove 31a in the first direction (X-axis direction) and has the spaced distances by D / 4 and 3D / 4 from the two lateral sides of the corresponding positioning groove 31a, and it is ensured that the nozzle 11a on the sliding component 30 is completely covered by the cover portion 21a of the platform 20.

[0020] Fig. 17 shows a second exemplary corresponding relationship between the positioning column of the closure system and the positioning groove of the sliding component according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 18 shows a corresponding relationship between the positioning column and the positioning groove after the sliding component of Fig. 17 has been moved by a compensation distance. In the embodiment, when the positioning column 22a passes through the corresponding positioning groove 31a and adjacent to the right lateral side of the corresponding positioning groove 31a, the positioning column 22a maintains the spaced distance of D from the left lateral side of the corresponding positioning groove 31a in the first direction (ie, the X-axis direction), as shown in Fig. 17. After the compensation process of step S6 is performed, the sliding component 30 is moved by the compensation distance D / 4 in the first direction (ie, the X-axis direction), and the positioning column 22a is aligned with the corresponding positioning groove 31a in the first direction (X-axis direction) and has the spaced distances by D / 2 and D / 2 from the two lateral sides of the corresponding positioning groove 31a, and it is ensured that the nozzle 11a on the sliding component 30 is completely covered by the cover portion 21a of the platform 20.

[0021] Fig. 19 shows a third example of a corresponding relationship between the positioning column of the closure system and the positioning groove of the sliding component according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. Fig. 20 shows a corresponding relationship between the positioning column and the positioning groove after the sliding component of Fig. 19 has been moved by a compensation distance. In the embodiment, when the positioning column 22a passes through the corresponding positioning groove 31a and adjacent to the left lateral side of the corresponding positioning groove 31a, the positioning column 22a maintains the spaced distance of D from the right lateral side of the corresponding positioning groove 31a in the first direction (ie, the X-axis direction), as shown in Fig.19. After the compensation process of step S6 is performed, the sliding component 30 is moved by the compensation distance D / 4 in the reverse first direction (i.e., the reverse X-axis direction), and the positioning column 22a is aligned with the corresponding positioning groove 31a in the first direction (X-axis direction) and has the spaced distances of 3D / 4 and D / 4 from the two lateral sides of the corresponding positioning groove 31a, and it is ensured that the nozzle 11a on the sliding component 30 is completely covered by the cover portion 21a of the platform 20. As described above, by the compensation process in step S6, the distance between the positioning column 22a and the two lateral sides of the corresponding positioning groove 31a is controlled between D / 4 and 3D / 4.Therefore, the compensation distance is further used to correct the position of the nozzle 11a of the sliding component 30 relative to the closure portion 21a of the closure system 2 to improve the accuracy and efficiency of the closure process. Of course, in other embodiments, step S6 may be omitted, and the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0022] In the embodiment, after the alignment process of the positioning column 22a and the corresponding positioning groove 31a, the control method further includes a step S7 of recording the position of the sliding component 30 in the first direction (ie, the X-axis direction) and updating the locking position of the sliding component 30 relative to the platform 20 to provide a reference for the locking position in subsequent capping processes. Of course, the present disclosure is not limited to this.

[0023] In summary, the present disclosure provides a shutter system and a control method therefor. By converting the displacement distance of the shutter system platform relative to the sliding component into a corresponding rotation angle, the shutter system can be controlled and automatically confirm the shutter position relative to the sliding component. Furthermore, the confirmation method of the shutter system's shutter position relative to the nozzle on the sliding component ensures that the nozzle on the sliding component is moved to the correct shutter position of the shutter system. When the shutter part is moved upward on the shutter system platform, the nozzle on the sliding component is completely closed.Because the position of the nozzle of the sliding component relative to the shutter part can be automatically adjusted in the shutter system, problems caused by subjective judgment of the shutter situation by humans are avoided and the accuracy of the shutter operation is ensured. When the shutter operation is combined with the cleaning system and applied to the printer, the shutter system's automatic shutter position adjustment ensures that the nozzle openings of the sliding component are completely covered by the shutter part. This prevents outside air from being sucked into the nozzle openings and contributes to extending the life of the nozzle.By controlling the displacement distance of the sliding component, the efficiency of aligning the positioning column of the shutter system and the positioning groove of the sliding component is effectively improved, and the shutter position confirmation procedure is simplified. On the other hand, the design of the positioning column and the positioning groove further utilizes the compensation distance to correct the position of the nozzle of the sliding component relative to the shutter section of the shutter system, further improving the accuracy and efficiency of the shuttering process.

Claims

[1] Closure system (2) for closing at least one nozzle (11a, 11b), wherein the at least one nozzle (11a, 11b) is carried on a sliding component (30), the sliding component (30) can slide in a first direction (X), and the sliding component (30) comprises at least one positioning groove (31a, 31b) passing through a bottom surface (30a) thereof, characterized by that the locking system (2) comprises: a base (26); a platform (20) arranged on the base (26) and comprising at least one cover section (21a, 21b) and at least one positioning column (22a, 22b), wherein the at least one cover section (21a, 21b) spatially corresponds to the at least one nozzle (11a, 11b) and the at least one positioning column (22a, 22b) spatially corresponds to the at least one groove (31a, 31b); a drive element (23) arranged on the base (26) and configured to drive the platform (20) to move it in a second direction (Z); an arm (24) arranged on the base (26) and having a first end (241) and a second end (242), the first end (241) of the arm (24) being connected to the drive element (23), wherein, when the drive element (23) drives the platform (20) to move in the second direction (Z), the arm (24) is rotated by a corresponding angle of rotation; and a sensor (25) arranged on the base (26) and spatially corresponding to the second end (242) of the arm (24), wherein, when the platform (20) is moved away from the sliding component (30) and is in an initial position, the angle of rotation of the arm (24) is zero and the second end (242) of the arm (24) is detected by the sensor (25), wherein, when the drive element (23) drives the platform (20) to move towards the sliding component (30), and the sliding component (30) is in a closed position relative to the platform (20), the at least one positioning column (22a, 22b) passes through the at least one positioning groove (31a, 31b), the at least one nozzle (11a, 11b) is covered by the at least one cover portion (21a, 21b), and the angle of rotation reaches a first angle value (θ1), wherein, when the drive element (23) drives the platform (20) to move towards the sliding component (30), and the sliding component (30) is in an interference position relative to the platform (20), the at least one positioning column (22a, 22b) and the at least one positioning groove (31a, 31b) are not are aligned with each other, the upper end of the at least one positioning column (22a,22b) bears against the underside (30a) of the sliding component (30), the at least one cover section (21a, 21b) and the at least one nozzle (11a, 11b) are moved away from each other and the angle of rotation reaches a second angular value (θ2), wherein the second angular value (θ2) is greater than zero and smaller than the first angular value (θ1), wherein the at least one positioning groove (31a, 31b) has a first width (W1) in the first direction (X), the at least one positioning column (22a, 22b) has a second width (W2) in the first direction (X), and the first width (W1) is greater than the second width (W2) to form a differential distance (D), wherein, when the sliding component (30) is in the interference position relative to the platform (20), the sliding component (30) is moved by a displacement distance to achieve an alignment the at least one positioning groove (31a, 31b) and the at least one positioning column (22a,22b) to ensure that the sliding component (30) is in the closed position relative to the platform (20), the displacement distance being equal to or less than the differential distance (D). [2] The closure system (2) according to claim 1, wherein the drive element (23) is a stepper motor, the nozzle (11a, 11b) is a print head, the sliding component (30) is an ink carriage, the platform (20) is a closure support platform and the sliding component (30) is slidably arranged on a slide rail (40) and driven to slide in the first direction (X). [3] The closure system (2) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one positioning column (22a, 22b) has a T-shaped horizontal cross section and the upper end of the at least one positioning column (22a, 22b) has a tapered structure, wherein a height of the at least one positioning column (22a, 22b) on the platform (20) is higher than a height of the at least one closure section (21a, 21b) on the platform (20). [4] A method for controlling a locking system (2), characterized by that it includes the following steps: (S1) Providing the closure system (2) for closing at least one nozzle (11a, 11b), wherein the at least one nozzle (11a, 11b) is carried on a sliding component (30), the sliding component (30) can slide in a first direction (X), the sliding component (30) has at least one positioning groove (31a, 31b) passing through a bottom surface (30a) thereof, and the closure system (2) comprises a base (26), a platform (20), a drive element (23), an arm (24), and a sensor (25), wherein the drive element (23) is arranged on the base (26) and configured to drive the platform (20) to move in a second direction (Z), wherein the arm (24) is arranged on the base (26) and has a first end (241) and a second end (242), wherein the first end (241) of the arm (24) is connected to the drive element (23), wherein, when the drive element (23) drives the platform (20),to move in the second direction (Z), the arm (24) is rotated accordingly by an angle of rotation, wherein the sensor (25) is arranged on the base (26) and spatially corresponds to the second end (242) of the arm (24), wherein the angle of rotation of the arm (24) is zero when the platform (20) is moved away from the sliding component (30) and is in a starting position, and the second end (242) of the arm (24) is detected by the sensor (25), wherein, when the drive element (23) drives the platform (20) to move towards the sliding component (30) and the sliding component (30) is in a closed position relative to the platform (20), the at least one positioning column (22a, 22b) extends through the at least one positioning groove (31a, 31b) which has at least one nozzle (11a, 11b) is covered by the at least one cover section (21a, 21b), and the angle of rotation reaches a first angle value (θ1), wherein,when the drive element (23) drives the platform (20) to move toward the sliding component (30), and the sliding component (30) is in an interference position relative to the platform (20), the at least one positioning column (22a, 22b) and the at least one positioning groove (31a, 31b) are not aligned with each other, the upper end of the at least one positioning column (22a, 22b) abuts the underside (30a) of the sliding component (30), the at least one cover section (21a, 21b) and the at least one nozzle (11a, 11b) are moved away from each other, and the angle of rotation reaches a second angle value (θ2), wherein the second angle value (θ2) is greater than zero and less than the first angle value (θ1); (S2) receiving a first control command via the drive element (23) to drive the platform (20) to move in the direction of the sliding component (30) so that the angle of rotation of the arm (24) is increased and reaches the first angle value (θ1) or the second angle value (θ2); (S3) receiving a second control command by the drive element (23) to drive the platform (20) to move away from the sliding component (30) such that the angle of rotation of the arm (24) is reduced by a third angle value, the third value being less than the first angle value (θ1) and greater than or equal to the second angle value (θ2); and (S4) Determining whether the second end (242) of the arm (24) is detected by the sensor (25), wherein, if the second end (242) of the arm (24) is detected by the sensor (25), it is indicated that the at least one positioning column (22a, 22b) and the at least one positioning groove (31a, 31b) are not aligned with each other, wherein, if the second end (242) of the arm (24) is not detected by the sensor (25), it is indicated that the at least one positioning column (22a, 22b) is aligned with the at least one positioning groove (31a, 31b), wherein, if it is indicated in step (S4) that the at least one positioning column (22a, 22b) and the at least one positioning groove (31a, 31b) are not aligned with each other, the control method further comprises a step (S5) of moving the sliding Component (30) by a displacement distance, wherein the at least one positioning groove (31a, 31b) has a first width (W1) in the first direction (X),the at least one positioning column (22a, 22b) has a second width (W2) in the first direction (X), and the first width (W1) is greater than the second width (W2) to form a differential distance (D), wherein the displacement distance is equal to or smaller than the differential distance (D); and step (S2) and step (S3) are repeated. [5] The control method according to claim 4, wherein, when it is indicated in step (S4) that the at least one positioning column (22a, 22b) and the at least one positioning groove (31a, 31b) are aligned with each other, the control method further comprises a step (S6) in which the sliding component (30) is moved by a compensation distance, the compensation distance being one quarter of the difference distance (D). [6] The control method according to any one of claims 4 to 5, wherein, when it is indicated in step (S4) that the at least one positioning column (22a, 22b) and the at least one positioning groove (31a, 31b) are aligned with each other, the control method further comprises a step (S7) of detecting the position of the sliding component (30) in the first direction (X) and updating the locking position of the sliding component (30) relative to the platform (20). [7] The control method according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the step (S2) further comprises a preprocessing step (S2') in which the platform (20) is driven by the drive element (23) to move away from the sliding component (30) so that the platform (20) is returned to the initial position and the angle of rotation of the arm (24) is zero. [8] The control method according to any one of claims 4 to 7, wherein the drive element (23) is a stepping motor, the nozzle (11a, 11b) is a print head, the sliding component (30) is an ink carriage, the platform (20) is a shutter support platform, and the sliding component (30) is slidably arranged on a slide rail (40) and is slidably driven in the first direction (X), wherein the at least one positioning column (22a, 22b) has a T-shaped horizontal cross section, and the upper end of the at least one positioning column (22a, 22b) has a tapered structure, wherein a height of the at least one positioning column (22a, 22b) on the platform (20) is higher than a height of the at least one shutter portion (21a, 21b) on the platform (20).

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