Baking method, printing method, conveying method, apparatus, baking machine, readable medium and electronic device

Abstract

Disclosed in the present application are a baking method, a printing method, a conveying method, an apparatus, a baking machine, a readable medium and an electronic device. The baking method comprises: upon detection of a start signal sent by a printing main unit on the basis of a printing instruction, controlling to adjust a buffer structure to a first position; when it is detected that a printing material reaches a designated position of a baking machine, controlling to fix the printing material onto a conveying structure; and moving the printing material to a baking structure of the baking machine by means of the conveying structure, so as to bake the printing material. In the technical solution of the present application, the printing material output by the printing main unit can be automatically conveyed to the baking machine without manual operation by a user, thereby improving the convenience and baking efficiency of a baking process.

Description

Baking methods, printing methods, conveying methods, devices, baking machines, readable media, and electronic devices

[0001] Related applications

[0002] This application and disclosure claim priority to all of Chinese patent application No. 202411531517.3, filed on October 30, 2024, entitled “Baking and Printing Method, Apparatus, Baking Machine, Readable Medium and Electronic Device”, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This application belongs to the field of printing technology, specifically relating to a baking and printing method, apparatus, baking machine, readable medium, and electronic device. Background Technology

[0004] Inkjet printing is a non-contact printing technology that creates images or text on various media by ejecting extremely small ink droplets. This technology is widely used in office printing, home printing, professional printing services, and industrial production. For example, Direct to Film (DTF) is a digital printing technology that involves printing an image onto a special transfer film, then transferring the image from the film to various textiles via heat pressing. This process involves baking the printed items, requiring a baking machine.

[0005] Currently, the printing and baking method of baking machines involves first printing a roll of material (referred to as roll material) using a printing device, then manually inserting the material to be baked into the feeding port of the baking machine, and finally turning on the baking machine for baking. Because this printing and baking method requires the user to manually connect the printer's output and the baking machine's feeding, the operation is very inconvenient.

[0006] It should be noted that the information disclosed in the background section above is only used to enhance the understanding of the background of this application, and therefore may include information that does not constitute prior art known to those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The purpose of this application is to provide a baking and printing method, apparatus, baking machine, readable medium, and electronic device to simplify user operation in the baking process of printing materials and improve baking efficiency.

[0008] Other features and advantages of this application will become apparent from the following detailed description, or may be learned in part from practice of this application.

[0009] According to one aspect of the embodiments of this application, a baking method is provided, applied to a baking machine, the baking machine being connected to a printing host, the method comprising:

[0010] When a start signal sent by the printing host based on a printing command is detected, the control buffer structure is adjusted to a first position so that the printing material moves from the printing host to the conveying structure of the baking machine through the buffer structure located at the first position;

[0011] When the printing material is detected to have reached the designated position of the baking machine, the printing material is controlled to be fixed onto the conveying structure.

[0012] The printing material is moved to the baking structure of the baking machine via the conveying structure to bake the printing material.

[0013] According to one aspect of the embodiments of this application, a printing method is provided, applied to a printing host, the printing host being connected to a baking machine, the method comprising:

[0014] When a print command is detected, a start signal is sent to the baking machine to cause the baking machine control buffer structure to adjust to a first position; the buffer structure is used to carry the printing material moving from the print host to the baking machine;

[0015] The printing operation corresponding to the printing instruction is executed, and the printing material is moved to the baking machine so that the printing material is moved to the conveying structure of the baking machine through the buffer structure located at the first position. When the baking machine detects that the printing material has arrived at the designated position of the baking machine, it controls the printing material to be fixed on the conveying structure, and moves the printing material to the baking structure of the baking machine through the conveying structure to bake the printing material.

[0016] According to one aspect of the embodiments of this application, a method for conveying printing material is provided, wherein the method is applied to a baking machine, the baking machine being connected to a printing host, the baking machine including a buffer structure and a conveying structure, the method comprising:

[0017] In response to a received start signal, the buffer structure is controlled to adjust to engage with the printing material output end of the print host, causing the printing material to move from the print host to the buffer structure; and

[0018] When the printing material is detected to have reached the designated position of the baking machine, the printing material is controlled to be fixed onto the conveying structure.

[0019] According to one aspect of the embodiments of this application, a baking apparatus is provided, applied to a baking machine, the baking machine being connected to a printing host, the apparatus comprising:

[0020] The first adjustment module is used to control the buffer structure to adjust to a first position when a start signal sent by the printing host based on a printing command is detected, so that the printing material moves from the printing host to the conveying structure of the baking machine through the buffer structure located at the first position;

[0021] The module is used to control the printing material to be fixed onto the conveying structure when the printing material is detected to have reached a designated position on the baking machine;

[0022] A baking module is used to move the printing material to the baking structure of the baking machine via the conveying structure to bake the printing material.

[0023] According to one aspect of the embodiments of this application, a printing apparatus is provided, applied to a printing host, the printing host being connected to a baking machine, the apparatus comprising:

[0024] A signal transmitting module is used to send a start signal to the baking machine when a printing command is detected, so that the control buffer structure of the baking machine is adjusted to a first position; the buffer structure is used to carry the printing material moving from the printing host to the baking machine;

[0025] The printing module is used to execute the printing operation corresponding to the printing instruction and move the printing material to the baking machine so that the printing material moves to the conveying structure of the baking machine through the buffer structure located at the first position, so that when the baking machine detects that the printing material has arrived at the designated position of the baking machine, it controls the printing material to be fixed on the conveying structure, and moves the printing material to the baking structure of the baking machine through the conveying structure to bake the printing material.

[0026] According to one aspect of the embodiments of this application, a printing system is provided, comprising:

[0027] A baking machine, used to implement the baking method provided in any embodiment of this application;

[0028] A printing host, connected to the baking machine, is used to implement the printing method provided in any embodiment of this application.

[0029] According to one aspect of an embodiment of this application, a baking machine is provided, comprising:

[0030] A buffer structure for connecting the baking machine and the printing host, wherein when the buffer structure is adjusted to a first position, printing material is moved from the printing host to the baking machine through the buffer structure;

[0031] A baking structure is used to bake the printing material.

[0032] A conveying structure, connecting the buffer structure and the baking structure respectively, is used to combine with the printing material when the printing material arrives at a designated position in the baking machine, and to move the printing material to the baking structure.

[0033] According to one aspect of the embodiments of this application, a computer-readable medium is provided having a computer program stored thereon, which, when executed by a processor, implements the baking or printing method as described in the above technical solutions.

[0034] According to one aspect of the embodiments of this application, an electronic device is provided, the electronic device comprising: a processor; and a memory for storing executable instructions of the processor; wherein the processor executes the executable instructions to cause the electronic device to perform a baking or printing method as described in the above technical solutions.

[0035] According to one aspect of the embodiments of this application, a computer program product or computer program is provided, which includes computer instructions stored in a computer-readable storage medium. A processor of a computer device reads the computer instructions from the computer-readable storage medium and executes the computer instructions, causing the computer device to perform the baking or printing method as described in the above technical solutions.

[0036] In the technical solution provided in this application embodiment, when the baking machine detects a start signal sent by the printing host based on a printing command, it controls the buffer structure to adjust to a first position, so that the printing material moves from the printing host to the conveying structure of the baking machine through the buffer structure located at the first position; then, when the printing material is detected to have reached the designated position of the baking machine, it controls the printing material to be fixed on the conveying structure; finally, the printing material is moved to the baking structure of the baking machine through the conveying structure for baking; thus, by controlling the buffer structure to adjust to the first position, the printing material output by the printing host can be automatically connected to the baking machine without manual operation by the user, thereby simplifying the user operation of the printing material baking process and improving the convenience and efficiency of the baking process; at the same time, through the cooperation of the buffer structure and the conveying structure, the printing material can quickly enter the baking structure for baking after being output from the printing host, thereby achieving the effect of printing and baking simultaneously, further improving the baking efficiency and obtaining the printed product faster.

[0037] It should be understood that the above general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only, and do not limit this application. Attached Figure Description

[0038] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with this application and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of this application. It is obvious that the drawings described below are merely some embodiments of this application, and those skilled in the art can obtain other drawings based on these drawings without any inventive effort.

[0039] Figure 1 schematically illustrates an exemplary printing system architecture block diagram applying the technical solution of this application.

[0040] Figure 2 schematically illustrates an exemplary baking machine architecture block diagram applying the technical solution of this application.

[0041] Figure 3 schematically illustrates a flowchart of a baking method provided in one embodiment of this application.

[0042] Figure 4 schematically illustrates a flowchart of a baking method provided in one embodiment of this application.

[0043] Figure 5 schematically illustrates a flowchart of the buffer structure provided in one embodiment of this application.

[0044] Figure 6 schematically illustrates a powder circulation direction provided in one embodiment of this application.

[0045] Figure 7 schematically illustrates a flowchart of a printing method provided in one embodiment of this application.

[0046] Figure 8 schematically illustrates a flowchart of a printing method provided in one embodiment of this application.

[0047] Figure 9 schematically illustrates a printing method provided in one embodiment of this application.

[0048] Figure 10 schematically illustrates a transmission method provided in one embodiment of this application.

[0049] Figure 11 schematically shows a structural diagram of a baking machine provided in one embodiment of this application.

[0050] Figure 12 schematically shows a structural block diagram of the baking apparatus provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0051] Figure 13 schematically shows a structural block diagram of the printing apparatus provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0052] Figure 14 schematically illustrates a computer system architecture block diagram suitable for implementing electronic devices according to embodiments of the present application. Detailed Implementation

[0053] Exemplary embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, these exemplary embodiments can be implemented in many forms and should not be construed as limited to the examples set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided to make this application more comprehensive and complete, and to fully convey the concept of the exemplary embodiments to those skilled in the art.

[0054] Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics can be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. Numerous specific details are provided in the following description to give a thorough understanding of embodiments of this application. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that the technical solutions of this application can be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or other methods, components, apparatuses, steps, etc., can be employed. In other instances, well-known methods, apparatuses, implementations, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring various aspects of this application.

[0055] The block diagrams shown in the accompanying drawings are merely functional entities and do not necessarily correspond to physically independent entities. That is, these functional entities can be implemented in software, in one or more hardware modules or integrated circuits, or in different network and / or processor devices and / or microcontroller devices.

[0056] The flowcharts shown in the accompanying drawings are merely illustrative and do not necessarily include all content and operations / steps, nor do they necessarily have to be performed in the described order. For example, some operations / steps can be broken down, while others can be combined or partially combined; therefore, the actual execution order may change depending on the specific circumstances.

[0057] Figure 1 schematically illustrates an exemplary printing system architecture block diagram applying the technical solution of this application. Figure 2 schematically illustrates an exemplary baking machine architecture block diagram applying the technical solution of this application.

[0058] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the printing system includes a print host 110 and a baking machine 120. The baking machine 120 includes a buffer structure 121, a conveying structure 122, and a baking structure 123, and may also include a powder-spreading structure 124. The print host 110 and the baking machine 120 can be connected via a wired or wireless communication link for data communication. The buffer structure 121, the conveying structure 122, and the baking structure 123 are connected sequentially. The buffer structure 121 connects the print host 110 and the baking machine 120, and the printing material is conveyed from the print host 110 to the baking machine 120 through the buffer structure 121. The conveying structure 122 is used to move the printing material within the baking machine 120, for example, moving the printing material from the buffer structure 121 to the baking structure 123. The conveying structure 122 surrounds the baking structure 123 to move the printing material relative to the baking structure 123, or to move the printing material inside the baking structure, so that the printing material can be baked better. At the same time, it allows the printing material to move continuously to prevent the printing material from remaining on the baking structure and melting, and allows unbaked areas to also reach the baking structure. The baking structure 123 is mainly used for baking the printing material.

[0059] The printer host 110 is used to execute user-specified printing instructions and perform printing operations on the printing material. In this application's technical solution, the printing material is a variety of materials suitable for inkjet printing and baking, such as PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate), EVA (Ethylene Vinyl Acetate), silicone, cotton, polyester, nylon, etc. During printing, the printing material is usually in the form of a film or sheet of paper; therefore, the printing material is also called printing film or printing paper.

[0060] When the print host 110 detects a print command, it sends a start signal to the baking machine 120. Upon receiving the start signal, the baking machine 120 controls the buffer structure 121 to adjust to a first position. This first position is typically used to connect the buffer structure 121 with the printing material output end (referred to as the paper output end or feed end) of the print host 110, allowing the printed material to move from the print host 110 to the baking machine 120. Driven by the print host 110, the printing material moves forward continuously through the buffer structure 121. When the printing material reaches the designated position in the baking machine 120, the baking machine 120 controls the conveyor structure 122 to operate, fixing the printing material onto the conveyor structure 122. Afterward, the printing material can be moved within the baking machine 120 via the conveyor structure 122. Finally, the printing material is moved to the baking structure 123 of the baking machine 120 via the conveyor structure 122 for baking. Once baking is complete, the final printed material product is obtained.

[0061] The baking and printing methods provided in this application will be described in detail below with reference to specific embodiments.

[0062] Figure 3 schematically illustrates a flowchart of a baking method provided in an embodiment of this application. This baking method is applied in a baking machine, as shown in Figures 1 and 2. As shown in Figure 3, the baking method provided in this embodiment includes the following steps:

[0063] Step 210: When a start signal sent by the print host based on the print command is detected, the control buffer structure is adjusted to the first position so that the printing material moves from the print host to the conveying structure of the baking machine through the buffer structure located in the first position.

[0064] Specifically, the print command can be triggered by the user or by a pre-defined program. The print command defines the pattern content to be printed and related print parameters. When the print host detects the print command, it prepares to execute the print operation and sends a start signal to the baking machine, thereby starting the baking machine.

[0065] In this embodiment, "printing material" is a general term for the printing object of the printing host. Printing material can be divided into printed and unprinted portions. Printed portions refer to the parts on which the printing host has already performed a printing operation; generally, these printed portions should contain a printed pattern. Unprinted portions are the printing material that has not yet undergone a printing operation. When the printed pattern is not a concern, "printing material" can refer to either the printed or unprinted portions. For example, printing material typically has a certain length and width. When the printing host performs a printing operation, it usually prints in the width direction and moves the printing material in the length direction. After a printing operation is completed at a certain moment, the portion with the previously printed pattern can be called the printed portion, and the subsequent printing material without a printed pattern is called the unprinted portion. In this case, "printing material" can also refer to both the printed and unprinted portions. In DTF printing technology, printing material is also called transfer film, and in most cases, this transfer film uses PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) material, hence it is also called PET film.

[0066] When the printer detects the start signal from the print host, the baking machine starts and adjusts its buffer structure to the first position. The buffer structure in the baking machine is plate-shaped and serves to support the printing material, allowing it to pass through the buffer structure and enter the conveyor structure of the baking machine. When the buffer structure is in the first position, it can align with the output end of the print host, allowing the printing material output from the print host to move smoothly into the baking machine via the buffer structure.

[0067] Optionally, the first position can be considered as a position that is flush with the output end of the printer host. For example, if the output end of the printer host is horizontal, then the first position can be a horizontal position. Here, the horizontal position refers to a position that is roughly flush with the horizontal direction. For example, the angle between the printer host and the horizontal line within the preset range is considered a horizontal position.

[0068] Step 220: When the printing material is detected to have reached the designated position on the baking machine, control the printing material to be fixed onto the conveying structure.

[0069] Specifically, the printing material moves forward continuously on the buffer structure. When it reaches the designated position of the baking machine, which can be the junction of the buffer structure and the conveying structure, the baking machine controls the operation of the conveying structure so that the printing material combines with the conveying structure and is fixed on the conveying structure, so that the printing material can be moved in the baking machine by the conveying structure in the future.

[0070] In one embodiment of this application, the printing material has holes on both sides in the width direction, and the conveying structure of the baking machine has pins. When the printing material is detected to have reached a designated position in the baking machine (detected by a membrane recognition sensor), it can be determined that the holes on the printing material have reached the positions of the pins on the conveying structure. At this time, the holes on the printing material are engaged with the pins on the conveying structure, that is, the pins on the conveying structure are inserted into the holes on the printing material, thus achieving the bonding between the printing material and the conveying structure. It should be noted that the printing material has multiple holes on both sides, and the conveying structure has multiple pins. The distance between two adjacent holes on the printing material and the distance between two adjacent pins on the conveying structure are matched, so that two adjacent holes on the printing material can engage with two adjacent pins on the conveying structure respectively.

[0071] In one embodiment of this application, the printing host outputs printing material at a certain speed (hereinafter referred to as the printer speed), and the conveying structure on the baking machine operates at another speed (hereinafter referred to as the conveying structure speed). If the printer speed and the conveying structure speed are the same, the position of the holes on the printing material relative to the pins on the conveying structure will be relatively fixed, making it difficult for the two to engage. Therefore, this embodiment adopts a differential engagement method to make the printing material and the conveying structure bond together. Specifically, it includes: adjusting the conveying speed of the conveying structure on the baking machine to a second speed according to the first speed at which the printing host moves the printing material, so that the printing material and the conveying structure bond together; wherein, the first speed and the second speed are not equal.

[0072] Specifically, this involves adjusting the conveyor speed (equivalent to the second speed) based on the printer speed (equivalent to the first speed), making the two speeds different. This alters the position of the holes on the printing material relative to the pins on the conveyor structure, thus enabling them to engage. For example, if the distance between the holes on the printing material and the pins on the conveyor structure (hereinafter referred to as the relative distance between the holes and pins) is 5mm, if the speeds are the same, this distance will remain constant at 5mm, preventing engagement. If the conveyor speed is adjusted to be less than the printer speed (i.e., the second speed is less than the first speed), the relative distance between the holes and pins will continuously decrease. When the distance falls below a preset threshold, the holes and pins are essentially in the same position, thus engaging. Similarly, adjusting the conveyor speed to be greater than the printer speed (i.e., the second speed is greater than the first speed) will also reduce the relative distance between the holes and pins, enabling them to engage. This situation usually causes the hole to engage with the next pin. For example, if hole 1 and pin 1 are 5mm apart, due to the high speed of the conveying structure, although the distance between hole 1 and pin 1 will continue to increase, the distance between hole 1 and pin 2 after pin 1 will continue to decrease, thus causing hole 1 to engage with pin 2.

[0073] Optionally, considering that the conveyor structure of the printing material will drive the printing material to move after the printing material is combined with the baking machine, if the speed of the conveyor structure is greater than the speed of the printer, it is easy to exert a certain pulling force on the printing material output by the printer host, which may lead to deformation or damage of the printing material. Therefore, when adjusting the conveyor speed of the conveyor structure on the baking machine, it is preferable to adjust the second speed to be less than the first speed.

[0074] In one embodiment of this application, when the printing material is detected to have reached the designated position of the baking machine, the process of controlling the printing material to be fixed to the conveying structure may also be: controlling the conveying structure to convey the printing material at a speed lower than that of the printing host moving the printing material, so that after the broken hole on the printing material reaches the pin position on the conveying structure, the hole on the printing material located after the broken hole is fixed to the other pins on the conveying structure.

[0075] In this embodiment, the first hole on the printing material is a broken hole, i.e., a cut hole, not a complete hole. In this case, a membrane-based identification sensor can detect whether the printing material has reached the designated position on the baking machine. If the printing material has reached the designated position, the conveying structure is controlled to run at a certain speed, which must be lower than the speed at which the printing host conveys the printing material. Before the printing material and the conveying structure engage, the printing material moves faster than the conveying structure, and the broken hole on the printing material will continuously move forward. Since the conveying structure has pins, the broken hole on the printing material will abut against these pins. The positional distance between holes on the printing material corresponds to the positional distance between pins on the conveying structure. When the broken hole abuts against one pin on the conveying structure, it is equivalent to aligning the other holes on the printing material with the other pins on the conveying structure. Thus, the other holes after the broken hole on the printing material can accurately engage with the other pins on the conveying structure, thereby achieving engagement between the printing material and the conveying structure. This interlocking method is equivalent to aligning the holes on the printing material with the pins on the conveying structure through a broken hole, resulting in faster positioning speed and better interlocking effect.

[0076] In one embodiment of this application, the process of controlling the printing material to be fixed to the conveying structure may also be: controlling the conveying structure to convey, and when the pin on the conveying structure is detected to reach the designated position of the baking machine, controlling the conveying structure to stop conveying; when the printing material is detected to reach the designated position, controlling the printing host and the conveying structure to move the printing material at the same speed, so that the holes on the printing material are fixed to the pins on the conveying structure at the designated position.

[0077] In this embodiment, after the baking machine controls the conveyor structure to operate, the pins on the conveyor structure move synchronously. When the pins on the conveyor structure reach the designated position on the baking machine, the conveyor structure stops. Subsequently, when the printing material reaches the designated position, the holes on the printing material align with the pins at the designated position. At this time, the printing host and the conveyor structure are controlled to run at the same speed, so the holes on the printing material can be fixed to the pins at the designated positions. Afterward, the remaining holes will gradually engage with the remaining pins, thus achieving engagement between the printing material and the conveyor structure. It should be noted that this embodiment does not specifically limit the time at which the baking machine controls the conveyor structure to start conveying. It can start when the baking machine receives a start signal, or it can start after a certain length of printing material has passed through the buffer structure, as long as the pins on the conveyor structure are at the designated positions before the printing material reaches the designated position.

[0078] Step 230: The printing material is moved to the baking structure of the baking machine via the conveying structure to bake the printing material.

[0079] Specifically, the conveying structure is connected to the baking structure. The movement of the conveying structure can move the printing material to the baking structure, where it can be baked. The baked material becomes the finished product for printing, and the pattern on the printed material can then be transferred to clothing or other media.

[0080] In the technical solution provided in this application embodiment, when the baking machine detects a start signal sent by the printing host based on a printing command, it controls the buffer structure to adjust to a first position, so that the printing material moves from the printing host to the conveying structure of the baking machine through the buffer structure located at the first position; then, when the printing material is detected to have reached the designated position of the baking machine, it controls the printing material to be fixed on the conveying structure; finally, the printing material is moved to the baking structure of the baking machine through the conveying structure for baking; thus, by controlling the buffer structure to adjust to the first position, the printing material output by the printing host can be automatically connected to the baking machine without manual operation by the user, thereby simplifying the user operation of the printing material baking process and improving the convenience and efficiency of the baking process; at the same time, through the cooperation of the buffer structure and the conveying structure, the printing material can quickly enter the baking structure for baking after being output from the printing host, thereby achieving the effect of printing and baking simultaneously, further improving the baking efficiency and obtaining the printed product faster.

[0081] Figure 4 schematically illustrates a flowchart of a baking method provided in one embodiment of this application, which is a further refinement of the above embodiments. As shown in Figure 4, the baking method provided in this embodiment includes the following steps:

[0082] Step 310: When a start signal sent by the print host based on the print command is detected, the control buffer structure is adjusted to the first position so that the printing material moves from the print host to the conveying structure of the baking machine through the buffer structure located in the first position.

[0083] Step 320: When the printing material is detected to have reached the designated position on the baking machine, control the printing material to be fixed onto the conveying structure.

[0084] Steps 310 and 320 can be referred to the relevant descriptions of steps 210 and 220 above, and will not be repeated here.

[0085] Step 330: After confirming that the printing material is fixed on the conveying structure, control the buffer structure to adjust to the second position so that the area where the buffer structure is located forms a buffer space to accommodate the printing material.

[0086] Specifically, after the printing material is combined with the conveying structure, the control buffer structure is adjusted to the second position. This operation is equivalent to removing the buffer structure from the connection point with the print host, thus creating a buffer space in the area where the buffer structure is located. The printing material output from the print host will then gradually fall into this buffer space. The printing material falling into the buffer space can prevent the conveying structure and the print host's output end from pulling on the printing material in the baking machine, thus playing a role in tension isolation.

[0087] In one embodiment of this application, the buffer structure is typically plate-shaped, hence it can be referred to as a flap. Adjusting the buffer structure to the first position is equivalent to raising the flap, and adjusting it to the second position is equivalent to lowering it. Optionally, when adjusting the buffer structure to the second position, the end of the buffer structure furthest from the print host can be used as a fixed point. The buffer structure is then rotated downwards around this fixed point, causing the end of the buffer structure closest to the print host to move downwards, ultimately placing the buffer structure in an inclined state. This creates a downward-facing groove at the location of the buffer structure, which serves as the buffer space. Since the print host output lacks the support of the buffer structure, the output printing material will fall into the groove at the buffer structure.

[0088] In one embodiment of this application, when the printing material falls into the buffer space, upon detecting that the printing material has reached a preset position in the buffer space, the movement parameter of the printing material in the baking machine is adjusted to a third parameter, so that the distance the printing material moves in the baking machine is greater than the distance the printing material moves in the printer host. The preset position of the buffer space is a position relatively close to the bottom of the buffer space. When the printing material reaches this preset position, it indicates that some material has accumulated in the buffer space. At this point, the baking machine needs to process the printing material relatively quickly to prevent the printing material from accumulating in the buffer space and affecting print quality. Therefore, adjusting the movement parameter of the printing material in the baking machine to the third parameter, so that the distance the printing material moves in the baking machine is greater than its distance moving in the printer host, allows the printing material in the buffer space to be quickly moved out of the buffer space, thereby avoiding accumulation.

[0089] The movement parameters of the printing material in the baking machine include the moving speed and the feeding distance. The moving speed is equivalent to the conveying speed of the conveyor structure. The movement of the printing material in the baking machine (or printer host) is usually intermittent (or step-by-step), that is, it pauses after moving a certain distance. This distance is usually called the feeding distance (or step distance). Generally, as long as either the moving speed or the feeding distance is greater than the corresponding value in the printer host, the distance the printing material moves in the baking machine will be greater than the distance the printing material moves in the printer host. For example, the moving speed of the printing material in the baking machine can be the same as the moving speed in the printer host, but the feeding distance is greater than the step distance in the printer host; or the feeding distance of the printing material in the baking machine can be the same as the step distance in the printer host, but the moving speed is greater than the moving speed in the printer host.

[0090] For example, Figure 5 schematically illustrates a flowchart of a buffer structure provided in one embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 5, the buffer structure is plate-shaped, and its operation includes the following stages:

[0091] S1. In the initial state, the buffer structure is in the lowered state, that is, in the second position.

[0092] S2. Upon detecting the start signal sent by the printer host based on the printing command, the baking machine controls the buffer structure to adjust to the first position, that is, lift the buffer structure so that the buffer structure is aligned with the output end of the printer host.

[0093] S3. When the printing material moves to the designated position of the baking machine through the buffer structure, control the printing material to be fixed on the conveying structure.

[0094] S4. After confirming that the printing material is fixed on the conveying structure, the baking machine controls the buffer structure to adjust to the second position, that is, to lower the buffer structure, so that the buffer structure area forms a buffer space.

[0095] S5. As the printer continues to output printing material, the material falls into the buffer space. At this time, the powder dispensing and powder shaking operations are performed simultaneously. When the film pressure is detected to be at the bottom of the buffer space (i.e., the printing material is detected to have reached the preset position in the buffer space), the movement parameter of the printing material in the baking machine is adjusted to the third parameter, which controls the baking machine to accelerate the processing of the printing material.

[0096] S6. After the baking machine accelerates the processing of the printing material, the amount of printing material in the buffer space will decrease, thus avoiding material accumulation in the buffer space. S5 and S6 can be executed cyclically.

[0097] Step 340: When the printing material is in the buffer space, perform powder sprinkling and powder shaking operations on the printing material to obtain the material to be baked.

[0098] Specifically, when the printing material is in the buffer space, it undergoes both powder-sprinkling and powder-shaking operations simultaneously. The printed material output after these operations is called the material to be baked. The powder-sprinkling operation involves spraying powder onto the printing material, typically to evenly coat the printed image with a layer of hot melt powder (also known as hot melt adhesive powder or heat transfer powder). This powder protects and fixes the ink, improves the adhesion of the printed pattern to the printing material, and creates a 3D printing effect, allowing the printed pattern to be transferred to other media after heating. The powder-shaking operation involves tapping the powder-coated printing material to distribute the powder more evenly and to remove excess powder.

[0099] In one embodiment of this application, when performing a toner application operation, it is typically necessary to configure toner application parameters. This process includes: adjusting the toner application parameters according to the printing parameters corresponding to the printing instruction; and performing a toner application operation on the printing material according to the toner application parameters. The toner application parameters are used to control the amount of toner applied to the printing material. By accurately controlling the amount of toner applied to the printing material according to the toner application parameters in the printing parameters, the print quality is improved.

[0100] In one embodiment of this application, the printing parameters include the number of passes and the image size. The number of passes refers to the number of times the printhead travels through the same image area during inkjet printing, which is the number of times the image needs to be printed (the number of times a unit area is covered). For example, 4 passes means the printhead will travel back and forth 4 times in the same printing area, and 6 passes means the printhead will travel back and forth 6 times in the same printing area. Generally, the higher the number of passes, the slower the printing speed, but the better the print quality, because the ink can cover the material more finely, making the image more delicate. The toner dispensing parameters include the toner dispensing speed. When adjusting the toner dispensing parameters, the number of passes and the toner dispensing speed are positively correlated, and the image size and the toner dispensing speed are also positively correlated. For example, the larger the number of passes and the larger the image size, the faster the toner dispensing speed (the more toner is dispensed).

[0101] In one embodiment of this application, the powder dispensing operation involves dispensing powder from the powder dispensing bin located above the printing material onto the printing material. Therefore, before dispensing the powder, it is necessary to add powder to the powder dispensing bin. This powder addition can be performed when the baking machine is started, that is, when the start signal sent by the printing host based on the printing command is detected, the powder circulation structure in the baking machine is controlled to work so as to add powder to the powder dispensing bin through the powder circulation structure.

[0102] In this embodiment, the baking machine has two powder hoppers: a powder dispensing hopper located above the printing material and a powder collecting hopper located below the printing material. Generally, the powder collecting hopper has a larger capacity than the powder dispensing hopper, and therefore contains more powder than the powder dispensing hopper. During powder dispensing, the powder in the collecting hopper needs to be transported to the powder dispensing hopper, a process achieved through the powder circulation structure within the baking machine. To ensure timely powder dispensing to the printing material, the powder circulation structure is activated upon startup of the baking machine to add powder to the powder dispensing hopper, ensuring sufficient powder is dispensed onto the printing material as it passes through the buffer structure. Simultaneously, not all powder dispensed onto the printing material adheres; some falls off during the powder shaking operation. The powder circulation structure can also transport this fallen powder to the powder dispensing hopper, achieving powder recycling and thus saving powder material. The powder in the collecting hopper is typically added by the user. When the powder in the powder dispensing hopper becomes excessive, the powder circulation structure can also transport the fallen powder to the collecting hopper.

[0103] For example, the powder circulation direction in the baking machine is shown in Figure 6. A powder level detection structure is installed in the powder collection bin. When the powder level in the collection bin is low (e.g., the powder height is less than a threshold), a prompt message is issued, allowing the user to add powder to the collection bin in a timely manner. The powder dispensing structure is located above the PET film (i.e., the printing material). After the powder dispensing operation, the powder falls off. Through the powder circulation structure, the fallen powder is recycled back to the powder collection bin or the powder dispensing bin.

[0104] In one embodiment of this application, the execution time of the powder-sprinkling operation is shorter than the execution time of the powder-shaking operation, so as to avoid uneven powder distribution on the printing material.

[0105] In one embodiment of this application, the toner-dissipating operation can be performed after the printing material is fixed onto the conveying structure, while the toner-spreading operation can be performed in advance. For example, the toner-spreading operation can be performed on the printing material after detecting that the printing material has passed through a preset toner-spreading position. This can avoid missing toner-spreading areas on the printing material and reduce waste of printing material. That is, the toner-spreading operation is performed first, and then the toner-dissipating operation is performed.

[0106] Step 350: The material to be baked is moved to the baking structure of the baking machine by the conveying structure for baking.

[0107] Specifically, after the powdering and shaking operations, the conveyor structure moves the material to be baked to the baking structure to achieve baking.

[0108] In one embodiment of this application, to ensure that the material to be baked (printing material) moving to the baking structure can be baked in a timely manner and to improve the uniformity of baking, the baking structure can be preheated before the material is moved to the baking structure of the baking machine. This allows the baking structure to provide a suitable and uniform baking temperature when the material reaches the baking structure, thereby improving baking efficiency and uniformity, and ultimately enhancing baking quality. Optionally, the preheating operation of the baking structure can be performed when the baking machine starts; that is, when a start signal sent by the printing host based on a printing command is detected, the baking structure is controlled to preheat.

[0109] In the technical solution provided in the embodiments of this application, the buffer structure is first adjusted to the first position to allow the printing material to pass through, and then the buffer structure is adjusted to the second position to form a buffer space. The buffer structure realizes both the material transfer function and the tension isolation effect, thereby not only realizing the automatic connection of printing materials between the printing host and the baking machine, but also improving the printing quality of the final product.

[0110] In one embodiment of this application, after the printing host completes the printing operation, it cuts the printing material to separate the printed and unprinted portions, and simultaneously sends a cutting completion command to the baking machine. When the baking machine detects the cutting completion command sent by the printing host, it controls the conveying structure to move the printing material a preset distance within the baking machine. That is, after the printing operation is completed and the cutting is finished, the printing material is controlled to move forward a certain distance, keeping it away from the buffer structure to avoid affecting the next printing.

[0111] In one embodiment of this application, when the baking machine detects a cutting completion command sent by the printing host, it sequentially stops the powder application and powder shaking operations after a first preset time. After the powder application stops, the powder circulation structure stops working after a second preset time. The powder application and powder shaking operations do not stop simultaneously; rather, the powder application stops first, followed by the powder shaking, to ensure that the powder is shaken off after the printing material is powdered. That is, after all the printing material has entered the baking structure, the powder application and powder shaking operations are no longer needed, and the powder circulation structure can also stop working at this time. Therefore, the time required for the printing material to enter the baking structure after printing is estimated, and a preset time is set so that the powder application and powder shaking operations stop with a delay, thereby ensuring that the printing material entering the baking structure is covered with hot melt adhesive powder. The powder circulation structure closes with a delay after powder application, ensuring that there is sufficient powder in the powder application structure 124 so that the hot melt adhesive powder can be applied to the printing material during the next powder application operation.

[0112] In one embodiment of this application, after sequentially stopping the powder application and powder shaking operations, the movement parameters in the conveying structure are adjusted according to the printing parameters corresponding to the printing operation. The cut printing material is then moved to the baking structure of the baking machine via the conveying structure using the adjusted movement parameters for baking. A single sheet of printed material is obtained based on the baked printing material. That is, the movement parameters in the conveying structure are adjusted according to the printing parameters to convey the printing material to the baking structure for baking. These printing parameters include ink volume, pass count, etc. Since the printing host has cut the printing material, a single sheet of printed material can be obtained after baking. This allows for the printing of materials of any length without the need to print a roll of material each time, as is the case with traditional industrial printing baking methods. This is equivalent to single-sheet feeding, making the technical solution of this application more suitable for home printing baking scenarios and improving the user experience.

[0113] Figure 7 schematically illustrates a flowchart of a printing method provided in an embodiment of this application. This printing method is applied in a printing host, as shown in Figure 1. As shown in Figure 7, the printing method provided in this embodiment includes the following steps:

[0114] Step 610: When a print command is detected, a start signal is sent to the baking machine to adjust the control buffer structure of the baking machine to the first position; the buffer structure is used to carry the printing material moving from the print host to the baking machine.

[0115] Step 620: Execute the printing operation corresponding to the printing instruction and move the printing material to the baking machine so that the printing material moves to the conveying structure of the baking machine through the buffer structure located in the first position. When the baking machine detects that the printing material has reached the designated position of the baking machine, it controls the printing material to be fixed on the conveying structure and moves the printing material to the baking structure of the baking machine through the conveying structure to bake the printing material.

[0116] Specifically, when the printing host detects a printing command, it sends a start signal to the baking machine so that the baking machine can adjust the position of the buffer structure, allowing the printing material to move into the baking machine through the buffer structure. The processes implemented by the baking machine in steps 610 and 620 have been described in the corresponding embodiments of the baking method and will not be repeated here.

[0117] In the technical solution provided in this application embodiment, when the printing host detects a printing command, it sends a start signal to the baking machine to adjust the control buffer structure of the baking machine to the first position; then it executes the printing operation corresponding to the printing command and moves the printing material to the baking machine so that the baking machine can bake the printing material. Thus, the automatic connection between the printing host and the baking machine is realized, eliminating the need for manual operation by the user, thereby simplifying the user operation of the printing material baking process and improving the convenience and efficiency of the baking process; at the same time, through the cooperation of the buffer structure and the conveying structure, the printing material can quickly enter the baking structure for baking after being output from the printing host, thereby achieving the effect of printing and baking at the same time, further improving the baking efficiency and enabling faster production of printed products.

[0118] Figure 8 schematically illustrates a flowchart of a printing method provided in one embodiment of this application, which is a further refinement of the printing method in the foregoing embodiments. As shown in Figure 8, the printing method provided in this embodiment includes the following steps:

[0119] Step 710: When a print command is detected, a start signal is sent to the baking machine to adjust the control buffer structure of the baking machine to the first position; the buffer structure is used to carry the printing material moving from the print host to the baking machine.

[0120] Step 720: Execute the printing operation corresponding to the printing instruction and move the printing material to the baking machine so that the printing material moves to the conveying structure of the baking machine through the buffer structure located in the first position. When the baking machine detects that the printing material has arrived at the designated position of the baking machine, it controls the printing material to be fixed on the conveying structure and moves the printing material to the baking structure of the baking machine through the conveying structure to bake the printing material.

[0121] Specifically, steps 710 and 720 can be referred to the relevant descriptions in steps 610 and 620 above, and will not be repeated here.

[0122] Step 730: When the printing operation is detected to be complete, a cutting operation is performed on the printing material to separate the printed and unprinted portions of the printing material.

[0123] Specifically, when the printing host detects the completion of the printing operation, it performs a cutting operation on the printing material. This cutting operation typically occurs along the width of the printing material, adjusting for its length; that is, the cutting operation can change the length of the printing material without changing its width. During cutting, a certain margin is usually left in the size of the printed pattern, for example, cutting at a preset distance from the edge of the printed pattern. After cutting, the printed portion of the printing material is moved to a baking machine for baking, while the unprinted portion can be reserved for the next printing.

[0124] In one embodiment of this application, the cutting operation specifically includes: acquiring a current image of the printing material; identifying the location of holes in the printing material based on the current image; and performing a cutting operation on the printing material based on the location of the holes.

[0125] Specifically, the cutting operation can be performed using image recognition. When the printing operation is complete, a current image of the printing material is acquired; this image can be an image of the printing material on the printing table area. Then, image recognition is used to determine the location of holes in the printing material, that is, to identify the holes. Finally, the cutting operation is performed based on the hole locations.

[0126] In one embodiment of this application, the printing host can perform a cutting operation in the area between two adjacent holes, that is, without cutting the holes themselves. For example, the cutting can be performed at a location that is not a hole and is located at a distance greater than or equal to a preset distance from the boundary of the printed pattern.

[0127] In one embodiment of this application, the printing host can perform a cutting operation on the location of the hole on the printing material, thereby cutting off a complete hole to form a broken hole, which can be used to achieve the engagement of the printing material and the conveying structure.

[0128] Step 740: Send a cutting completion command to the baking machine.

[0129] Specifically, after cutting is completed, a cutting completion command is sent to the baking machine so that the baking machine is informed that printing is complete.

[0130] In one embodiment of this application, after cutting is completed, it can be detected whether the cutting was successful. If the cutting operation is detected as successful, a cutting completion command is generated; if the cutting operation is detected as failed, the cutting operation on the printing material is re-performed, or an error message is generated. Specifically, the success of the cutting operation can be confirmed by image detection, sensor detection, etc. If there is no adhesion between the printed and unprinted parts of the printing material, the cutting operation is considered successful; if there is a connection between them, the cutting operation is considered failed. When a cutting operation is determined to have failed, the cutting operation can be performed again, or an error message can be directly issued to notify the user to handle the cutting operation. Optionally, the number of cutting retries can be set, and an error message can be issued when the number of cutting retries reaches a preset threshold (e.g., 2 times).

[0131] In the technical solution provided in this application embodiment, the printing host separates the printed and unprinted parts of the printing material through a cutting operation. Users can set the printing size as needed and print a single sheet of film of a certain length each time, without having to process a roll of material. This realizes the single-sheet feeding of the printing host to the baking machine, making this printing method more suitable for home use.

[0132] Figure 9 schematically illustrates a printing method provided in an embodiment of this application, which is applied to a printing system. As shown in Figure 9, the printing method provided in this embodiment includes the following steps:

[0133] I. Preparation Stage

[0134] S801, Start. At this time, the print host detects the print command, which can be issued by the user pressing a button on the print host.

[0135] S802, the printer sends a start command to the baking machine, and the baking machine starts heating, that is, performs the preheating operation.

[0136] S803, The printer feeds paper forward. This is where the printing material is fed to the baking machine when no printing operation is performed; it is equivalent to the lead-out margin of the printing area.

[0137] S804: The baking machine controls the tilting plate to lift, powder circulation to start, powder dispensing to stop, and powder shaking to stop. The tilting plate, also known as the buffer structure, lifts (with the buffer structure in the first position) to allow the film (printing material) to pass through. The powder circulation structure starts working, allowing the powder to reach the area above the printing material (powder dispensing chamber). Powder dispensing stops to prevent powder from reaching non-printing areas, and powder shaking stops to prevent it from affecting the film's forward movement.

[0138] S805, The printer host begins printing data transmission. This printing data includes the printing data corresponding to the printing command, such as the printing pattern and printing parameters.

[0139] S806, Y-axis total movement distance is cleared to 0. The Y-axis movement distance is the movement distance along the length of the printing material. Clearing the total Y-axis movement distance to 0 here is equivalent to the distance the printer moves the paper forward in S803.

[0140] II. Printing Stage

[0141] S807, The printhead plate of the printer host has cached data. The printhead plate is the inkjet printing structure.

[0142] S808, the printer host controls the X-axis movement Dx. The X-axis direction is the width direction of the printing material, and it is used to control the movement of the print head.

[0143] S809, the Y-axis of the print host moves the paper at a speed Sy and a step distance Dy. Here, speed Sy and step distance Dy are parameters for the print host to move the printing material.

[0144] S810. The printer host detects whether the film position sensor of the baking machine is triggered. The film position sensor here is a sensor in the baking machine used to detect whether the printing material has reached the designated position of the baking machine. When the sensor is triggered, it means that the printing material has reached the designated position of the baking machine; if it is not triggered, it means that the printing material has not reached the designated position of the baking machine.

[0145] S811. The feeding speed of the baking machine is Sy*K, and the feeding distance is Dy. K is a proportional coefficient, which can be 1, less than 1, or greater than 1.

[0146] S812, the baking machine controls the flip plate to lower, powdering to start, and powder shaking to start for M seconds. That is, the baking machine controls the buffer structure to be in the second position to form a buffer space, while simultaneously performing the powdering and powder shaking operations.

[0147] S813, baking feed and main unit move at the same speed >20mm.

[0148] S814. The printer host detects whether the buffer sensor is triggered. The buffer sensor is used to detect whether the printing material has reached the preset position of the buffer space. If triggered, it means that the printing material has reached the preset position of the buffer space; if not triggered, it means that the printing material has not reached the preset position of the buffer space.

[0149] S815, the paper feed in the baking machine is at a speed of Sy, with a feed distance of Dy + 20mm (unit: mm). Here, 20mm is just an example; other values ​​are possible. This means adjusting the movement parameter of the printing material in the baking machine to the third parameter, ensuring that the distance the printing material moves in the baking machine is greater than the distance it moves in the print host, thus preventing the printing material from accumulating in the buffer space.

[0150] S816. The printer host determines whether printing is complete. If printing is complete, proceed to the next step; otherwise, continue the printing operation.

[0151] III. Printing Completion Stage

[0152] S817: The printer uses a camera to identify the location of the film holes. That is, it acquires a current image of the printing material and identifies the location of the holes in the printing material based on the current image.

[0153] S818, The printer begins cutting. This means that the printer performs a cutting operation between two adjacent holes based on the location of the holes in the printing material.

[0154] S819. The printer host determines whether the cutting is complete. If complete, proceed to the next step.

[0155] The S820 printer uses a camera to detect whether the print job has been cut. This means it checks if the cutting operation was successful. If the cutting fails (i.e., not cut), an error message is displayed and the process ends. If the cutting is successful (i.e., the print job is cut), the process proceeds to the next step.

[0156] S821, the paper feed in the baking machine is at a speed of Sy, with a feeding distance of 200mm. That is, when the cutting completion command sent by the printing host is detected, the conveying structure in the baking machine moves the printed part of the printing material a preset distance in the baking machine, so that the printed part of the printing material is away from the buffer and does not affect the next printing.

[0157] S822, Toner circulation and toner dispensing delay shutdown in the baking machine. After the printing material in the baking machine has fully entered the baking process, toner dispensing and powder application are no longer needed. Therefore, a time delay is estimated to shut down toner circulation and toner dispensing, and powder application is also turned off.

[0158] S823, The feeding of the baking machine is carried out at a specific speed (automatically adapted according to ink volume and pass count). That is, after sequentially stopping the powder application and powder shaking operations, the movement parameters in the conveyor structure are adjusted according to the printing parameters corresponding to the printing operation; by adjusting the movement parameters of the conveyor structure, the cut printing material is moved to the baking structure of the baking machine to bake the printing material.

[0159] It should be noted that although the steps of the method in this application are described in a specific order in the accompanying drawings, this does not require or imply that the steps must be performed in that specific order, or that all the steps shown must be performed to achieve the desired result. Additional or alternative steps may be omitted, multiple steps may be combined into one step, and / or one step may be broken down into multiple steps.

[0160] Figure 10 schematically illustrates a transfer method provided in an embodiment of this application, which is applied in a baking machine. As shown in Figure 10, a method for transferring printing material is applied in a baking machine connected to a printing host. The baking machine includes a buffer structure and a transfer structure. The method includes:

[0161] S910, in response to the received start signal, controls the buffer structure to adjust to a first position to connect with the printing material output end of the print host, so that the printing material moves from the print host to the buffer structure; and

[0162] S920, when the printing material is detected to have reached the designated position of the baking machine, the printing material is controlled to be fixed onto the conveying structure.

[0163] For a detailed description of S910 and S920, please refer to the embodiments described in Figures 1 to 9 above, which will not be described in detail here.

[0164] In this embodiment, the baking machine further includes a baking structure, and the conveying method further includes:

[0165] The conveying structure moves the printing material to the baking structure of the baking machine to bake the printing material.

[0166] In the technical solution provided in this application embodiment, the baking machine responds to the received start signal by controlling the buffer structure to adjust to a first position to connect with the printing material output end of the printing host. This allows the printing material to move from the printing host to the buffer structure and then to the baking machine, enabling the baking machine to bake the printing material. This achieves automatic connection between the printing host and the baking machine, eliminating the need for manual operation by the user. This simplifies the user operation of the printing material baking process and improves the convenience and efficiency of the baking process. At the same time, through the cooperation of the buffer structure and the conveying structure, the printing material can quickly enter the baking structure for baking after being output from the printing host, thereby achieving the effect of printing and baking simultaneously, further improving baking efficiency and enabling faster production of printed products.

[0167] The following describes an apparatus embodiment of this application, which can be used to perform the baking method, printing method, or conveying method in the above embodiments of this application.

[0168] Figure 11 schematically illustrates the structure of a baking machine according to an embodiment of this application. This baking machine can be used to implement the baking method provided in any embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 11, the baking machine provided in this embodiment includes:

[0169] The buffer structure 910 is used to guide the printing material output by the printer host to the conveying structure so as to connect the printing material from the printer host to the baking machine. When the buffer structure 910 is adjusted to the first position, the printing material is moved from the printer host to the baking machine through the buffer structure 910 located in the first position. The buffer structure 910 can complete the connection of the printing material from the printer host to the baking machine and realize tension isolation.

[0170] The baking structure 920 is used to bake the printing material. The baking process involves heating the powder to transform it from a solid state to a liquid state.

[0171] The conveying structure 930, located between and connected to the baking structure 920, is used to combine with the printing material when it arrives at the designated position in the baking machine and move the printing material to the baking structure 920. The conveying structure 930 can complete the transmission of the printing material throughout the baking machine. The conveying structure 930 also wraps around the baking structure 920, driving the printing material to move relative to the baking structure 920.

[0172] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 11, the baking machine also includes a powder circulation structure 940, which is used to realize the powder circulation function, powder sprinkling operation, and powder shaking operation. The powder circulation function includes conveying the powder in the powder collection bin to the powder distribution bin, and conveying the powder dropped during the powder sprinkling and shaking operations to the powder distribution bin or the powder collection bin, thereby realizing the recycling of powder.

[0173] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 11, the baking machine also includes a smoke exhaust module 950, which is used to exhaust the oil fumes generated inside the baking machine to the outside of the baking machine.

[0174] The contents of the buffer structure 910, baking structure 920, conveying structure 930, powder circulation structure 940 and smoke exhaust module 950 provided in this embodiment can be referred to the above embodiments regarding the baking method, printing method or conveying method, and will not be repeated here.

[0175] Figure 12 schematically shows a structural block diagram of a baking apparatus provided in an embodiment of this application. This baking apparatus is applied to a baking machine, which is connected to a printing host. As shown in Figure 12, the baking apparatus includes:

[0176] The first adjustment module 1010 is used to control the buffer structure to adjust to a first position when a start signal sent by the printing host based on a printing command is detected, so that the printing material moves from the printing host to the conveying structure of the baking machine through the buffer structure located at the first position.

[0177] Combined with module 1020, it is used to control the printing material to be fixed onto the conveying structure when the printing material is detected to have reached the designated position of the baking machine;

[0178] The baking module 1030 is used to move the printing material to the baking structure of the baking machine via the conveying structure, so as to bake the printing material.

[0179] In one embodiment of this application, module 1020 is specifically used for:

[0180] Based on a first speed at which the printing host moves the printing material, the conveying speed of the conveying structure is adjusted to a second speed so that the printing material is combined with the conveying structure; wherein the first speed and the second speed are not equal; the conveying structure is used to drive the printing material to move in the baking machine.

[0181] In one embodiment of this application, module 1020 is specifically used for:

[0182] The conveying structure is controlled to convey the printing material at a speed lower than that of the printing host, so that after the broken hole on the printing material reaches the pin position on the conveying structure, the hole on the printing material located after the broken hole is fixed to the other pins on the conveying structure.

[0183] In one embodiment of this application, module 1020 is specifically used for:

[0184] Control the conveying of the conveying structure, and when the pin on the conveying structure is detected to have reached the designated position of the baking machine, control the conveying structure to stop conveying;

[0185] When the printing material is detected to have reached the designated position, the printing host and the conveying structure are controlled to move the printing material at the same speed so that the holes on the printing material are fixed to the pins on the conveying structure at the designated position.

[0186] In one embodiment of this application, the apparatus further includes:

[0187] The second adjustment module is used to control the buffer structure to adjust to a second position after it is determined that the printing material is fixed on the conveying structure, so that the area where the buffer structure is located forms a buffer space to accommodate the printing material.

[0188] The powder-sprinkling module is used to perform powder-sprinkling and powder-shaking operations on the printing material when the printing material is located in the buffer space to obtain the material to be baked. The powder-sprinkling operation includes sprinkling powder onto the printing material, and the powder-shaking operation includes shaking the printing material.

[0189] The baking module 1030 is specifically used to move the material to be baked to the baking structure of the baking machine via the conveying structure.

[0190] In one embodiment of this application, the execution time of the powder-sprinkling operation is less than the execution time of the powder-shaking operation.

[0191] In one embodiment of this application, the apparatus further includes:

[0192] The movement parameter adjustment module is used to adjust the movement parameter of the printing material in the baking machine to a third parameter when the printing material is detected to have reached a preset position in the buffer space, so that the distance the printing material moves in the baking machine is greater than the distance the printing material moves in the printing host.

[0193] In one embodiment of this application, the powder-sprinkling module is specifically used for:

[0194] The powder dispensing parameters are adjusted according to the printing parameters corresponding to the printing command. The powder dispensing parameters are used to control the amount of powder dispensed onto the printing material.

[0195] The powdering operation is performed on the printing material according to the powdering parameters.

[0196] In one embodiment of this application, the printing parameters include the number of passes and the image size, and the toner application parameters include the toner application speed; the number of passes and the toner application speed are positively correlated, and the image size and the toner application speed are positively correlated.

[0197] In one embodiment of this application, the apparatus further includes:

[0198] The powder-spraying module is used to perform a powder-spraying operation on the printing material after detecting that the printing material has passed through a preset powder-spraying position. The powder-spraying operation includes spraying powder onto the printing material.

[0199] In one embodiment of this application, the apparatus further includes:

[0200] The powder circulation module is used to control the operation of the powder circulation structure in the baking machine, so as to add powder to the powder dispensing bin through the powder circulation structure; the powder in the powder dispensing bin is used to sprinkle on the printing material.

[0201] In one embodiment of this application, the apparatus further includes:

[0202] A moving module is used to control the conveying structure to move the printing material a preset distance in the baking machine when a cutting completion command sent by the printing host is detected; the cutting completion command is generated by the printing host after detecting that the printing operation has been completed and performing a cutting operation on the printing material.

[0203] In one embodiment of this application, the apparatus further includes:

[0204] The shutdown module is used to, when the cutting completion command sent by the printing host is detected, sequentially stop the powder application and powder shaking operations after a first preset time. After the powder application operation stops, the powder circulation structure stops working after a second preset time. The cutting completion command is generated by the printing host after detecting that the printing command has been completed and then performing a cutting operation on the printing material.

[0205] In one embodiment of this application, the baking module 1030 is specifically used for:

[0206] After sequentially stopping the powder application and powder shaking operations, the movement parameters in the conveying structure are adjusted according to the printing parameters corresponding to the printing instruction.

[0207] The cut printing material is moved to the baking structure of the baking machine by the conveying structure with adjusted movement parameters to bake the printing material;

[0208] A single sheet of printed material is obtained based on the baked printing material.

[0209] In one embodiment of this application, the apparatus further includes:

[0210] The preheating module is used to control the preheating of the baking structure.

[0211] The specific details of the baking apparatus provided in the various embodiments of this application have been described in detail in the corresponding baking method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0212] Figure 13 schematically shows a structural block diagram of a printing apparatus provided in an embodiment of this application. This printing apparatus is applied to a printing host, which is connected to a baking machine. As shown in Figure 13, the printing apparatus includes:

[0213] The signal transmitting module 1110 is used to send a start signal to the baking machine when a printing command is detected, so that the control buffer structure of the baking machine is adjusted to a first position; the buffer structure is used to carry the printing material moving from the printing host to the baking machine;

[0214] The printing module 1120 is used to execute the printing operation corresponding to the printing instruction and move the printing material to the baking machine so that the printing material moves to the conveying structure of the baking machine through the buffer structure located at the first position, so that when the baking machine detects that the printing material has arrived at the designated position of the baking machine, it controls the printing material to be fixed on the conveying structure, and moves the printing material to the baking structure of the baking machine through the conveying structure to bake the printing material.

[0215] In one embodiment of this application, the apparatus further includes:

[0216] A cutting module is used to cut the printing material when the printing operation is detected to be complete, so as to separate the printed part and the unprinted part of the printing material;

[0217] The instruction sending module is used to send a cutting completion instruction to the baking machine.

[0218] In one embodiment of this application, the cutting module is specifically used for:

[0219] Obtain the current image of the printing material;

[0220] Identify the location of holes in the printing material based on the current image;

[0221] The printing material is cut according to the location of the holes in the printing material.

[0222] In one embodiment of this application, the cutting module is specifically used for:

[0223] A cutting operation is performed between two adjacent holes in the printing material; or

[0224] A cutting operation is performed at the location of the hole in the printing material to cut off the hole.

[0225] In one embodiment of this application, the cutting module is specifically used for:

[0226] If the cutting operation is detected as successful, a cutting completion command is generated;

[0227] If the cutting operation fails, the printing material will be cut again, or an error message will be generated.

[0228] The specific details of the printing apparatus provided in the various embodiments of this application have been described in detail in the corresponding printing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0229] Figure 14 schematically illustrates a computer system architecture block diagram for implementing an electronic device according to an embodiment of this application.

[0230] It should be noted that the computer system 1200 of the electronic device shown in Figure 14 is only an example and should not impose any limitations on the functionality and scope of use of the embodiments of this application.

[0231] As shown in Figure 14, the computer system 1200 includes a central processing unit (CPU) 1201, which can perform various appropriate actions and processes based on programs stored in read-only memory (ROM) 1202 or programs loaded from storage section 1208 into random access memory (RAM) 1203. The RAM 1203 also stores various programs and data required for system operation. The CPU 1201, ROM 1202, and RAM 1203 are interconnected via a bus 1204. An input / output interface 1205 (I / O interface) is also connected to the bus 1204.

[0232] The following components are connected to the input / output interface 1205: an input section 1206 including a keyboard, mouse, etc.; an output section 1207 including a cathode ray tube (CRT), liquid crystal display (LCD), etc., and speakers, etc.; a storage section 1208 including a hard disk, etc.; and a communication section 1209 including a network interface card such as a local area network card, modem, etc. The communication section 1209 performs communication processing via a network such as the Internet. A drive 1210 is also connected to the input / output interface 1205 as needed. A removable medium 1211, such as a disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, semiconductor memory, etc., is installed on the drive 1210 as needed so that computer programs read from it can be installed into the storage section 1208 as needed.

[0233] Specifically, according to embodiments of this application, the processes described in the various method flowcharts can be implemented as computer software programs. For example, embodiments of this application include a computer program product comprising a computer program carried on a computer-readable medium, the computer program containing program code for performing the methods shown in the flowcharts. In such embodiments, the computer program can be downloaded and installed from a network via communication section 1209, and / or installed from removable medium 1211. When the computer program is executed by central processing unit 1201, it performs various functions defined in the system of this application.

[0234] It should be noted that the computer-readable medium shown in the embodiments of this application can be a computer-readable signal medium, a computer-readable storage medium, or any combination of the two. A computer-readable storage medium can be, for example,—but not limited to—an electrical, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, or device, or any combination thereof. More specific examples of a computer-readable storage medium may include, but are not limited to: an electrical connection having one or more wires, a portable computer disk, a hard disk, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), flash memory, optical fiber, portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), optical storage device, magnetic storage device, or any suitable combination thereof. In this application, a computer-readable storage medium can be any tangible medium containing or storing a program that can be used by or in conjunction with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device. In this application, a computer-readable signal medium can include a data signal propagated in baseband or as part of a carrier wave, carrying computer-readable program code. Such transmitted data signals can take various forms, including but not limited to electromagnetic signals, optical signals, or any suitable combination thereof. The computer-readable signal medium can also be any computer-readable medium other than a computer-readable storage medium, which can send, propagate, or transmit a program for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device. The program code contained on the computer-readable medium can be transmitted using any suitable medium, including but not limited to wireless, wired, etc., or any suitable combination thereof.

[0235] The flowcharts and block diagrams in the accompanying drawings illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems, methods, and computer program products according to various embodiments of this application. In this regard, each block in a flowchart or block diagram may represent a module, segment, or portion of code containing one or more executable instructions for implementing a specified logical function. It should also be noted that in some alternative implementations, the functions indicated in the blocks may occur in a different order than those indicated in the drawings. For example, two consecutively indicated blocks may actually be executed substantially in parallel, and they may sometimes be executed in reverse order, depending on the functions involved. It should also be noted that each block in a block diagram or flowchart, and combinations of blocks in a block diagram or flowchart, may be implemented using a dedicated hardware-based system that performs the specified function or operation, or using a combination of dedicated hardware and computer instructions.

[0236] It should be noted that although several modules or units for the device used to perform actions have been mentioned in the detailed description above, this division is not mandatory. In fact, according to the embodiments of this application, the features and functions of two or more modules or units described above can be embodied in one module or unit. Conversely, the features and functions of one module or unit described above can be further divided and embodied by multiple modules or units.

[0237] Through the above description of the embodiments, those skilled in the art will readily understand that the exemplary embodiments described herein can be implemented by software or by combining software with necessary hardware. Therefore, the technical solutions according to the embodiments of this application can be embodied in the form of a software product, which can be stored in a non-volatile storage medium (such as a CD-ROM, USB flash drive, external hard drive, etc.) or on a network, including several instructions to cause a computing device (such as a personal computer, server, touch terminal, or network device, etc.) to execute the method according to the embodiments of this application.

[0238] Other embodiments of this application will readily occur to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein. This application is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of this application that follow the general principles of this application and include common knowledge or customary techniques in the art not disclosed herein.

[0239] It should be understood that this application is not limited to the precise structure described above and shown in the accompanying drawings, and various modifications and changes can be made without departing from its scope. The scope of this application is limited only by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A baking method, wherein, Applied to a baking machine, wherein the baking machine is connected to a printing host, the method includes: When a start signal sent by the printing host based on a printing command is detected, the control buffer structure is adjusted to a first position so that the printing material moves from the printing host to the conveying structure of the baking machine through the buffer structure located at the first position; When the printing material is detected to have reached the designated position of the baking machine, the printing material is controlled to be fixed onto the conveying structure. The printing material is moved to the baking structure of the baking machine via the conveying structure to bake the printing material.

2. The baking method according to claim 1, wherein, Controlling the printing material to be fixed onto the conveying structure includes: Based on the first speed at which the printing host moves the printing material, the conveying speed of the conveying structure is adjusted to a second speed so that the printing material is fixed onto the conveying structure; wherein the first speed and the second speed are not equal; the conveying structure is used to move the printing material in the baking machine.

3. The baking method according to claim 1, wherein, Controlling the printing material to be fixed onto the conveying structure includes: The conveying structure is controlled to convey the printing material at a speed lower than that of the printing host, so that after the broken hole on the printing material reaches the pin position on the conveying structure, the hole on the printing material located after the broken hole is fixed to the other pins on the conveying structure.

4. The baking method according to claim 1, wherein, When the printing material is detected to have reached a designated position on the baking machine, the printing material is controlled to be fixed onto the conveying structure, including: Control the conveying of the conveying structure, and when the pin on the conveying structure is detected to have reached the designated position of the baking machine, control the conveying structure to stop conveying; When the printing material is detected to have reached the designated position, the printing host and the conveying structure are controlled to move the printing material at the same speed so that the holes on the printing material are fixed to the pins on the conveying structure at the designated position.

5. The baking method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, Before moving the printing material to the baking structure of the baking machine via the conveying structure, the method further includes: Once the printing material is fixed to the conveying structure, the buffer structure is adjusted to a second position so that a buffer space is formed in the area where the buffer structure is located to accommodate the printing material. When the printing material is located in the buffer space, a powder-sprinkling operation and a powder-shaking operation are performed on the printing material to obtain a material to be baked. The powder-sprinkling operation includes sprinkling powder onto the printing material, and the powder-shaking operation includes shaking the printing material. Moving the printing material to the baking structure of the baking machine via the conveying structure includes: The material to be baked is moved to the baking structure of the baking machine via the conveying structure.

6. The baking method according to claim 5, wherein, The execution time of the powder-sprinkling operation is less than the execution time of the powder-shaking operation.

7. The baking method according to claim 5, wherein, After controlling the buffer structure to adjust to the second position, the method further includes: When the printing material is detected to have reached a preset position in the buffer space, the movement parameter of the printing material in the baking machine is adjusted to a third parameter so that the distance the printing material moves in the baking machine is greater than the distance the printing material moves in the printing host.

8. The baking method according to claim 5, wherein, Performing a powder application operation on the printing material includes: The powder dispensing parameters are adjusted according to the printing parameters corresponding to the printing command. The powder dispensing parameters are used to control the amount of powder dispensed onto the printing material. The powdering operation is performed on the printing material according to the powdering parameters.

9. The baking method according to claim 8, wherein, The printing parameters include the number of passes and the image size, and the toner application parameters include the toner application speed; the number of passes and the toner application speed are positively correlated, and the image size and the toner application speed are positively correlated.

10. The baking method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein, After the control buffer structure is adjusted to the first position, the method further includes: Once the printing material is detected to have passed the preset powder application location, a powder application operation is performed on the printing material, which includes applying powder to the printing material.

11. The baking method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein, When a start signal sent by the print host based on a print command is detected, the method further includes: The powder circulation structure in the baking machine is controlled to operate so as to add powder to the powder dispensing bin through the powder circulation structure; the powder in the powder dispensing bin is used to sprinkle on the printing material.

12. The baking method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein, The method further includes: When the cutting completion command sent by the printing host is detected, the conveying structure is controlled to move the printing material a preset distance in the baking machine; the cutting completion command is generated by the printing host after it detects that the printing command has been completed and performs a cutting operation on the printing material.

13. The baking method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein, The method further includes: When the cutting completion command sent by the printing host is detected, the powder application operation and the powder shaking operation are stopped sequentially after a first preset time. After the powder application operation stops, the powder circulation structure stops working after a second preset time. The cutting completion command is generated by the printing host after it detects that the printing command has been completed and performs a cutting operation on the printing material.

14. The baking method according to claim 13, wherein, Moving the printing material to the baking structure of the baking machine via the conveying structure for baking the printing material includes: After sequentially stopping the powder application and powder shaking operations, the movement parameters in the conveying structure are adjusted according to the printing parameters corresponding to the printing instruction. The cut printing material is moved to the baking structure of the baking machine by the conveying structure with adjusted movement parameters to bake the printing material; A single sheet of printed material is obtained based on the baked printing material.

15. The baking method according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein, When a start signal sent by the print host based on a print command is detected, the method further includes: The baking structure is preheated.

16. A printing method, wherein, Applied to a print host connected to a baking machine, the method includes: When a print command is detected, a start signal is sent to the baking machine to cause the baking machine control buffer structure to adjust to a first position; the buffer structure is used to carry the printing material moving from the print host to the baking machine; The printing operation corresponding to the printing instruction is executed, and the printing material is moved to the baking machine so that the printing material moves to the baking machine through the buffer structure located at the first position. When the baking machine detects that the printing material has reached the designated position of the baking machine, it controls the printing material to be fixed on the conveying structure, and moves the printing material to the baking structure of the baking machine through the conveying structure to bake the printing material.

17. The printing method according to claim 16, wherein, The method further includes: When the printing operation is detected to be complete, the printing material is cut to separate the printed and unprinted portions of the printing material. Send a cutting completion command to the baking machine.

18. The printing method according to claim 17, wherein, The cutting operation of the printed material includes: Obtain the current image of the printing material; Identify the location of holes in the printing material based on the current image; The printing material is cut according to the location of the holes in the printing material.

19. The printing method according to claim 18, wherein, The printing material is cut according to the location of the holes in the printing material, including: A cutting operation is performed between two adjacent holes in the printing material; or A cutting operation is performed at the location of the hole in the printing material to cut off the hole.

20. The printing method according to any one of claims 17 to 19, wherein, After cutting the printing material, the method further includes: If the cutting operation is detected as successful, a cutting completion command is generated; If the cutting operation fails, the printing material will be cut again, or an error message will be generated.

21. A method for conveying printing material, wherein, Applied to a baking machine, the baking machine being connected to a printing host, the baking machine including a buffer structure and a conveying structure, the method includes: In response to a received start signal, the buffer structure is controlled to adjust to engage with the printing material output end of the print host, causing the printing material to move from the print host to the buffer structure; and When the printing material is detected to have reached the designated position of the baking machine, the printing material is controlled to be fixed onto the conveying structure.

22. The transmission method according to claim 21, wherein, The start signal is sent by the print host to the baking machine when it detects a print command.

23. The transmission method according to claim 21, wherein, If the baking machine further includes a baking structure, then the conveying method further includes: The conveying structure moves the printing material to the baking structure of the baking machine to bake the printing material.

24. The transmission method according to claim 21, wherein, The designated location is the junction between the buffer structure and the transmission structure.

25. A baking apparatus, wherein, Applied to a baking machine, the baking machine being connected to a printing host, the device includes: The first adjustment module is used to control the buffer structure to adjust to a first position when a start signal sent by the printing host based on a printing command is detected, so that the printing material moves from the printing host to the conveying structure of the baking machine through the buffer structure located at the first position; The module is used to control the printing material to be fixed onto the conveying structure when the printing material is detected to have reached a designated position on the baking machine; A baking module is used to move the printing material to the baking structure of the baking machine via the conveying structure to bake the printing material.

26. A printing apparatus, wherein, Applied to a print host, the print host being connected to a baking machine, the device includes: A signal transmitting module is used to send a start signal to the baking machine when a printing command is detected, so that the control buffer structure of the baking machine is adjusted to a first position; the buffer structure is used to carry the printing material moving from the printing host to the baking machine; The printing module is used to execute the printing operation corresponding to the printing instruction and move the printing material to the baking machine so that the printing material moves to the conveying structure of the baking machine through the buffer structure located at the first position, so that when the baking machine detects that the printing material has arrived at the designated position of the baking machine, it controls the printing material to be fixed on the conveying structure, and moves the printing material to the baking structure of the baking machine through the conveying structure to bake the printing material.

27. A printing system, wherein, include: A baking machine for implementing the baking method according to any one of claims 1 to 15; A printing host, connected to the baking machine, is used to implement the printing method according to any one of claims 16 to 20.

28. A baking machine, wherein, include: A buffer structure for connecting the baking machine and the printing host, wherein when the buffer structure is adjusted to a first position, printing material is moved from the printing host to the baking machine through the buffer structure; A baking structure is used to bake the printing material. A conveying structure, connecting the buffer structure and the baking structure respectively, is used to combine with the printing material when the printing material arrives at a designated position in the baking machine, and to move the printing material to the baking structure.

29. The baking machine according to claim 28, wherein the conveying structure includes pins for engaging with holes on both sides of the printing material in the width direction, so that the conveying structure is combined with the printing material.

30. A computer-readable medium having a computer program stored thereon, wherein, When executed by a processor, the computer program implements the baking method according to any one of claims 1 to 15, or the printing method according to any one of claims 16 to 20, or the transmission method according to any one of claims 21 to 24.

31. An electronic device, wherein, include: processor; as well as Memory for storing the executable instructions of the processor; The processor executes the executable instructions to cause the electronic device to perform the baking method according to any one of claims 1 to 15, or the printing method according to any one of claims 16 to 20, or the transmission method according to any one of claims 21 to 24.

Images