WO2018141765A1

WO2018141765A1 - Printing apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2018141765A1
Application number: PCT/EP2018/052337
Authority: WO
Inventors: Hubert Reinisch
Original assignee: Ekra Automatisierungssysteme Gmbh
Priority date: 2017-02-02
Filing date: 2018-01-31
Publication date: 2018-08-09
Also published as: DE102017201715B4; DE102017201715A1; TW201832944A

Abstract

The invention relates to a printing apparatus (1), in particular for printing flat substrates (5), in particular solar cells, wafers, printed circuit boards or the like, having a printing device (2), which is associated with at least one movable printing table (6), having a feed device (7) for feeding substrates (5) to the printing table (6), and having a removal device (8) for removing substrates (5) from the printing table (6). According to the invention, a movement device (9) can forcibly move the printing table (6) along a curved path (10) such that the printing table shifts a substrate (5) from the feed device (7) to the printing device and from the printing device (2) to the removal device (8).

Description

DESCRIPTION

printing device

The invention relates to a printing device, in particular for printing flat substrates, in particular wafers, solar cells, printed circuit boards or the like, with a printing device, which is associated with at least one movable printing table, with a feed device for feeding substrates to the printing table and with a discharge device for discharging of substrates from the printing table.

Printing devices of the type mentioned are already known from the prior art. For the handling of flat / flat substrates such as solar cells, wafers, printed circuit boards or the like, printing devices are necessary, which can move the substrates with sufficient care and precise for processing. Flat substrates from electrical engineering are often printed with an electrically conductive paste to produce, for example, electrical conductors and / or electrical conductive contact points. For this purpose, printing devices are known which apply, for example by means of a doctor blade, which is pushed over a printing screen or a pressure mask, a predetermined pattern of electrical conductors on a substrate. Usually, such printing devices cooperate with feeding devices and discharge devices, which feed the substrates to the printing table and remove them again after the printing process. Normally, the feed device, the printing device and the discharge device are arranged in series one behind the other, in particular in a production line or in a production line. The feeding and removal of the substrates means an additional expenditure of time, as well as the only sequential processing of the substrates. In addition, different drive means are necessary for the individual tasks that require space and accurate control.

The invention is therefore an object of the invention to provide an improved printing device, which allows easy and fast transport of substrates to a printing device and away from a printing device, the number of parts and in particular the number of necessary drive machines should be kept as low as possible. The object underlying the invention is achieved by a printing device with the features of claim 1. This has the advantage that the printing table itself performs essential tasks in the recording and dispensing of substrates, whereby the general operation of the printing device is simplified and in particular a continuous operation that is energy efficient and with a high throughput allows. According to the invention, it is provided for this purpose that the printing table is forcibly guided by a movement device along a curved path such that it spends a substrate from the supply device to the printing device and from the printing device to the discharge device. By the movement of the printing table along the curved path is achieved that it performs a predetermined movement, which leads at least from the feed device, through the printing device to the discharge device. The printing table thus, in its movement, picks up the substrate to be printed on the feeding device and feeds it to the printing device, where a printing process can be carried out in order to subsequently move it to the discharge device. Thus, a large part of the movement work for the substrate falls on the printing table and less on feeder and discharge device. As a result, the movement is simplified as a whole and yet ensures a rapid positioning of the substrate in the printing device. The curved path defines the path followed by the printing table. Characterized in that the printing table is not (only) linearly moved, thus takes place a movement in several directions, whereby the printing table advantageous feeding device, printing device and discharge device can be fed. In particular, the printing table can thereby be brought from below to the feed device and from above to the discharge device, whereby a particularly simple substrate acceptance and substrate delivery is made possible.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention it is provided that the curved path is formed as a closed curved path, so that the printing table is moved from the discharge device to the feeding device along the curved path or can be moved further. Due to the closed design of the curved path, the printing table thus undergoes an endless movement with the advantage that a simple drive means for moving the printing table, in particular in only one direction is necessary. The fact that the printing table can perform a continuous movement, standstill pages of the printing device can be minimized and the throughput of the substrates to be printed can be increased. Due to the movement along the closed cam track is also achieved that the printing device may have a plurality of such pressure tables for the printing device, which are each movable along the same curved path. Due to the closed curved path, the respective printing table is moved in a simple manner back to the feed device to receive a new substrate and supply the printing device. The movements are rotationally and continuously rotating and thus advantageous for acceleration and wear behavior of the device.

Furthermore, it is preferably provided that the curved path lies in a vertical plane. This means that the respective printing table performs a movement in a vertical plane, so that the movement takes place in a space-saving manner. In addition, the curved path in the vertical plane provides the advantage that the printing table also performs an up and down movement along the curved path, which facilitates picking up and delivering substrates to the feed device or discharge device because the printing table, for example, in the course of its movement the substrates from below from the feeder decreases and deposits from above on the discharge device.

In particular, it is provided that the curved path is a circular path, so that the printing table follows a circular path and performs a circular movement. As a result, it is achieved, in particular, that the printing table can be guided and stored mechanically in a particularly simple manner. While in a curved path, which deviates from a circular course and also illustrates a possible embodiment of the invention, a traction mechanism drive, in particular a chain drive, belt drive, linear motor or the like, or an own drive unit associated with the printing table is necessary, the movement on a circular path allows one Particularly simple mechanical design, for example by a rotatably mounted carrier wheel on which the respective printing table is arranged. This simplifies the manufacturing and assembly costs for the printing device and also ensures a uniform movement of the printing table, whereby, for example, slippage of the substrate is avoided on the printing table during movement.

According to a preferred development of the invention, it is provided that the movement device has a support for the printing table rotatably mounted about a horizontal axis of rotation. Due to the rotatably mounted carrier a circular movement of the printing table is particularly easy to implement. Because the axis of rotation is aligned horizontally, the rotational movement takes place in the vertical plane, as previously described. The printing table is arranged on the carrier spaced from the axis of rotation, so that the Printing table moves on a circular path with a given radius to the horizontal axis of rotation.

Furthermore, it is preferably provided that the carrier is designed as a carrier arm, carrier roller or as a carrier wheel. In the embodiment as a support arm, this projecting in particular radially from the axis of rotation or a rotary joint forming the axis of rotation to the outside to the printing table. Also, the support arm in the plane of the circular path lying curved or bent may be formed, for example, to increase its capacity. In training as a carrier this is, as already mentioned above, expediently arranged coaxially to the axis of rotation, so that it is rotatable about it. Expediently spaced from the axis of rotation of the respective printing table on the support arm or the carrier wheel is arranged so that it follows a circular path on the radius to the axis of rotation.

According to an advantageous development of the invention, it is provided that the movement device has a plurality of, in particular, uniformly distributed support arms, which each carry a pressure table and are mounted pivotably about the rotation axis. Thus, the printing device on a plurality of printing tables, which are supported by a respective support arm. The support arms together form in particular a star-shaped carrier wheel, which is mounted by the rotary joint on a housing or the like rotatable about the horizontal axis of rotation. By a preferred uniform distribution of the support arms is achieved that there is a balance in the carrier wheel, which in operation imbalances or non-uniform movements are avoided. Conveniently, the support arms are identical, whereby the production is simplified. The support arms are either on a common base or bearing ring, which forms the pivot bearing or mitbildet arranged or integrally formed with each other to ensure a resilient structure. Optionally, adjacent support arms are circumferentially interconnected by at least one tie bar to increase load capacity and improve the precision of the guide of the press tables.

If the carrier is designed as a carrier wheel, then the printing table can be arranged at an arbitrary position along the circumference of the carrier ring. In particular, however, it is provided that a plurality of printing tables, in particular evenly distributed, are arranged on the carrier ring, so that the carrier wheel also carries a plurality of printing tables. The carrier wheel is guided either directly in an outer rotary bearing, so that can be dispensed with an inner bearing ring with a central pivot bearing, or the carrier wheel has a or a plurality of support arms, which lead radially inwardly to the base or bearing ring, which forms the central pivot bearing or mitbildet.

The respective printing table is also preferably mounted pivotably about a pivot axis, which is aligned parallel to the axis of rotation of the carrier. This ensures that the respective printing table can take a desired orientation regardless of its position along the curved path, so that for example the printing table and thus the substrate resting thereon are always aligned horizontally, so that the substrate does not move on the printing table.

The movement device preferably has at least one guide slot, which is designed in particular as a guide groove or profiled rail guide and cooperates with the respective printing table to align the respective printing table horizontally regardless of its position along the curved path. By a mechanical guide is thus achieved that the printing table is always aligned horizontally, without the need for an additional drive is necessary. In particular, it is provided that the horizontal alignment is ensured over the entire extent of the curved path. Alternatively, it is provided that the horizontal alignment is horizontally aligned only along a portion, namely the portion which leads from the feed device to the printing table and from the printing table to the discharge device. In the return portion of the curved path leading from the discharge device to the feeder, the orientation of the printing table may deviate from a horizontal. This can be advantageous, for example, if a cleaning device or station is provided in the section between the discharge device and the feed device, through which the printing table is passed. By an inclination of the printing table deviating from the horizontal can be achieved in this section, for example, that cleaning fluid or dirt from the printing table can be easily dissipated.

Preferably, it is further provided that the respective printing table has at least one guide element which cooperates with the guide slot to achieve the horizontal orientation. If the guide slot is designed as a guide groove, then the guide element is preferably designed as a guide pin, which rests in the guide groove and is displaceably mounted in the longitudinal extent of the guide groove. If the guide slot is designed as a profile rail guide, then it is preferably provided that the guide element is designed as a guide fork or the like, which at least the profile rail guide partially receives and thereby also produces a mechanical positive guidance along the cam track or the guide slot of the moving device. Overall, this results in a simple mechanical positive guidance and in particular horizontal alignment of the printing table is achieved. According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, it is preferably provided that the movement device has at least one transmission associated with the respective printing table and cooperating with the rotary bearing, which always aligns the respective printing table horizontally and, in particular, couples the rotary bearing with the respective pivot joint. This transmission is preferably formed by a plurality of gear wheels, of which at least two gear wheels, are mechanically operatively connected to each other by a third gear. Through the transmission is achieved that during a rotational movement of the carrier automatically a rotational movement or pivotal movement is induced in the respective printing table, so that it is always the same orientation, in particular always aligned horizontally. Thus, for example, it is provided that the rotary bearing is associated with a stationary or non-rotatable gear wheel, in particular drive gear, and the respective pressure table with a gear wheel rotating with the printing table, in particular output gear. Drive gear and driven gear are thereby operatively connected to each other by the third gear, in particular an intermediate gear, wherein the gears expediently each have the same radius to ensure the alignment of the printing table. The intermediate gear is preferably rotatably mounted on the respective support arm or support arm of the carrier.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention it is provided that the feed device and the discharge device each have at least two parallel aligned support fingers for a substrate, and that the respective printing table has two corresponding to the support fingers recesses so that the support fingers pass through the recesses when the printing table is moved past the feed device or the discharge device by the movement device. As a result, during the movement of the printing table along the curved path, the printing table and the feed device and the printing table and the discharge device overlap, the recesses allowing the carrying fingers of the feed device and the discharge device to pass through the printing table. As a result, during the movement of the printing table along the curved path, an automatic removal of a substrate lying on the supporting fingers of the feeding device takes place, as well as an automatic dispensing or depositing of a substrate on the carrying fingers of the discharge device. This ensures that the supply and removal of the substrates is at least substantially taken over by the movement device itself, so that the mechanical effort for supplying and removing the substrates is kept particularly low. In this case, the curved path with respect to the feed device and discharge device is preferably configured such that the printing table is guided past the feed device from below to receive a substrate resting on the support fingers and is guided past the removal device from above, so that a substrate resting on the printing table is stored on the support fingers of the discharge device.

Furthermore, it is preferably provided that each support finger is associated with a movable conveyor belt to transport a substrate on the support fingers or away from the support fingers. This ensures that the respective substrate reliably reaches the area of the support fingers in order to be picked up by the respective printing table or to be reliably removed from the support fingers. Expediently, the transport belt of the discharge device is assigned a drive device and the transport belt of the discharge device has a further drive device in order to ensure the individual operation of the transport belt. In this case, the transport belts are preferably controlled in such a way that the substrate is aligned as precisely as possible in order to avoid or minimize the subsequent readjustment of the substrate on the printing table in the region of the printing device. For this purpose, it can be provided, for example, that in the region of the feed device, a test device is provided, which monitors the orientation of the substrate on the support fingers in order to be able to control the transport belts for changing the orientation of the substrate as needed.

Preferably, the feeding device and the discharge device are arranged below the printing device in the vertical plane in order to be able to carry out the above-described procedure in a simple manner, whereby in particular the design of the curved path is made possible as a circular path. As a result of the movement on the circular path, the respective printing table guides the substrate lying thereon upwards in the direction of the printing device, so that in addition an additional lifting mechanism for lifting the substrate in the direction of the printing device or the printing screen or the printing mask can be dispensed with. Optionally, however, such can also be provided in addition.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that along the curved path of the movement device at least one further processing, control and / or cleaning station is arranged. Due to the advantageous embodiment of the curved path, it follows that even more stations can be arranged in the path of movement of the printing table, which can be used for positioning, testing and / or cleaning of printing table and / or substrate. In particular, the return section of the cam track lying between the discharge device and the feed device is suitable for positioning a cleaning station for the printing table (s) so that, for example, print residues which have come from the substrate onto the printing table are reliably removed from the printing table before the addition of a next substrate to be printed , According to an advantageous embodiment, it is provided for example that the cleaning station with protective films or documents, in particular of paper works. For this purpose, a protective pad is first placed on each printing table, which is supplied to the feeder, by means of the cleaning station, on which the substrate is deposited. After carrying out the printing process and discharging the substrate at the discharge device, the printing table again passes through the cleaning station, where the now used and possibly contaminated pad is removed and replaced by a new pad. As a result, a simple cleaning and keeping clean the printing tables or the respective printing table in a simple manner possible. Alternatively or additionally, it is provided that the cleaning station cleans the printing table by means of compressed air and / or printing fluid before supplying a further substrate. An advantageous control station between the feed device and the printing device ensures that the orientation of the substrate for the printing screen or the printing mask can be checked before feeding the substrate to the printing device and can be readjusted if necessary. For this purpose, the control station preferably has at least one camera device which optically monitors the alignment / arrangement of the substrate on the respective printing table. The printing table itself or in particular the printing device and / or the printing mask are provided with adjusting means which allow a subsequent adjustment of the substrate on the respective printing table or an adjustment of the printing mask / printing device to the substrate. Such adjusting devices are basically known, and can be easily integrated into the advantageous printing device. According to a preferred development of the invention, provision is made for a respective slide device to be arranged on the feed device and / or on the discharge device, which in particular forcibly moves a slide as a result of the movement of the printing table along the curved path to a substrate from the feed station to push the printing table and / or from the printing table to the discharge station. This is particularly advantageous if the discharge station and / or the feed station do not have the transport belt described above. However, in addition to existing transport belts, the slide device is advantageous in order to ensure that the substrate comes to rest completely on the respective printing table or is pushed completely from the respective printing table onto the discharge device. To actuate the slide device, the movement device preferably has a further guide slot, which cooperates with the slider device for their actuation, so that when passing the respective printing table at the feed station or the discharge automatically the slide is actuated without the need for an additional drive is necessary. Thus, in the printing apparatus, many of the moving operations are automated by the rotational movement of the carrier alone, for which only one driving machine is necessary.

Advantageously, the respective printing table has a plurality of suction openings for sucking a substrate. The suction openings are preferably connected / connectable, at least in the region of the pressure device, to a vacuum system by means of which a negative pressure at the suction openings can be adjusted in order to suck the substrate against the printing table. As a result, an attachment of the respective substrate to the printing table is ensured in a simple and secure manner, in particular during the printing process.

Furthermore, it is preferably provided that the printing device is associated with a stamp device which is adapted to lift a substrate from the respective printing table in the direction of the printing device and optionally to align the printing device, and / or to the recesses of the printing table for the carrying catcher during the printing operation to close flush. By the stamping device is thus achieved that during the process of the printing table forms a completely closed surface, so that the substrate can not sag or damaged due to lack of support on its back or bottom. Alternatively or additionally, the substrate can be raised and / or aligned by means of the stamp device in order, for example, to carry out the previously described readjustment of the substrate with respect to a printing mask or printing screen.

Furthermore, the printing device has a mechanical centering device which is designed to align the printing table relative to the printing device, in particular to the printing screen and / or the printing mask. The mechanical centering device has, for example centering geometries, such as centering on the printing device on, which can be inserted into centering openings of the substrate and / or the respective printing table, or vice versa. This results in a simple centering of the substrate to the printing device, in particular when the substrate is raised by the printing table and / or the lifting punch in the direction of the printing device. Alternatively or additionally, it is preferably provided that in the region of the printing device guide elements are provided which automatically align the printing table in at least one direction when inserting the printing table in the printing device by their position to each other in the direction of movement of the printing table and in the direction of the printing device to a distance decreases, which substantially corresponds to the relative desired position and orientation of the respective substrate.

The movement device preferably has one, in particular only one drive motor, which is preferably designed as an electric motor, and which is operatively connected directly or through a transmission gear and / or step transmission with the carrier. By one drive motor, all or at least most of the movements of the movement device are thus predetermined. By interposing a step transmission, the electric motor can be operated continuously, for example, in an optimal operating state, wherein the step mechanism ensures that the printing tables are not moved continuously, but gradually along the curved path. This is a particularly simple and cost-effective implementation for driving the printing device. The features described above can of course also be realized in any combination with one another in the printing device. For a better understanding of the invention, this will be explained in more detail below with reference to the drawing. Show this

1 shows a printing device in a simplified side view,

2 shows a feed device of the printing device in a plan view, FIG. 3 shows a discharge device of the printing device in a plan view,

Figures 4A and 4B, a stamp device of the printing device in a side and a

Top view,

FIGS. 5A and 5B show a first embodiment of a movement device

Printing device, FIGS. 6A and 6B show a second embodiment of the movement device,

FIG. 7 shows an optional further development and

8 shows an alternative embodiment of a cleaning station of the printing device.

Figure 1 shows a side view of a printing device for printing flat substrates, in particular printed circuit boards, wafers, solar cells or the like. For this purpose, the printing device has a printing device 2 which, for example by means of a printing mask 3 and a doctor blade 4, prints on a substrate 5 supplied to it. For this purpose, the substrate 5 is deposited on a printing table 6, which supplies the substrate 5 to the printing device 2.

Furthermore, the printing device 1 has a feed device 7, which is adapted to supply the substrate 5 to the printing table 6, and a discharge device 8, which is designed to remove the printed substrate 5 from the printing table 6 again and feed, for example, another processing machine.

The printing device 1 also has a moving device 9 which is adapted to move the printing table 6 to move it from the feeding device 7 to the printing device 2, from there to the discharge device 8 and back. Advantageously, it is provided that the movement device 9 moves the printing table 6 on a curved path 10, which is circular, so that the printing table 6 follows a circular path and thus performs a continuous movement of the feed device 7, to the printing device 2, the discharge device 8 and back to the feeder 7 to arrive. The movement device 9 has for this purpose a carrier which is designed as a carrier wheel 11. The carrier wheel 11 is rotatably mounted centrally by a pivot bearing 12 on a housing 13 of the printing device 1, wherein a rotational axis 14 formed by the rotary joint 12 parallel to the bottom 15 on which the printing device 1 is set up or is oriented horizontally, so that the carrier wheel 11th turning in a vertical plane. The carrier wheel 11 has a swivel joint 12 associated bearing ring 16 which is connected by a plurality of support struts 17 with an outer circular support ring 18, in particular integrally formed. On the support ring 18 more of the pressure tables 6 are evenly distributed over the circumference of the support ring 18 is arranged. According to the present embodiment, four printing tables 6 are arranged on the support ring 18, but it can Also, more or less pressure tables 6 may be arranged thereon, as indicated by an additional printing table shown in dashed lines.

The respective pressure table 6 is held by a pivot bearing 19 on the support ring 18, wherein the pivot bearing 19 forms a pivot axis about which the pressure table 6 is pivotable, and which is aligned parallel to the axis of rotation 14.

The carrier wheel 11 is associated with a drive motor 20 which is directly or preferably connected by a step gear with the carrier wheel 11 to drive this, so that the pressure tables 6 are moved along the circular path around the rotation axis 14 around. The printing tables 6 are thereby moved such that the support surface provided by them for the respective substrate 5 is aligned horizontally, regardless of where along the curved path 10, the respective printing table 6 is located. To accomplish this, different solutions can be used. In one case, for example, it is provided that each printing table 6 is assigned an actuator, in particular an electric motor, which pivots directly or through a gear, the respective printing table 6 about the pivot axis of the pivot joint 19 in dependence on the position of the printing table 6 along the curved path 10 , so that the respective printing table 6 is always aligned horizontally. Further variants will be discussed below.

As an alternative to the exemplary embodiment illustrated here, the pressure tables 6 can also be provided on a support arm 17 'which is provided, for example, instead of one of the support struts 17, wherein the support ring 18 is dispensed with, as indicated by dashed lines on one of the support struts 17 in FIG.

According to the present exemplary embodiment, the feed device 7 and the discharge device 8 face each other at approximately the same height below the printing device 2. The feed device 7 and the discharge device 8 are assigned to the carrier wheel 11 such that the printing tables 6 move along the curved path 10 , as indicated by an arrow 21, are guided past the feed device 7 and the discharge device 8. Due to the advantageous connection of the drive motor 20 by a step transmission with the carrier wheel 11, despite further running drive motor 20, the carrier wheel 11 is stationary when the pressure tables 6 are at the level of the feeder 7 and the discharge device 8, so then by the feeder 7, a substrate. 5 on the existing there printing table 6 and a printed substrate can be removed from the printing table 6 present there by the discharge device 8. For this purpose, the feed device 7 and the discharge device 8 may have corresponding means by means of which the transport of the substrate 5 to the respective printing table 6 or from the respective printing table 6 can be realized. The sequence of movements is as follows. First, a substrate 5 is pushed onto the printing table 6 associated with the feed device 7. Subsequently, the support ring 11 is rotated in the present embodiment by 90 °, so that the printing table 6 is now assigned to the printing device 2, so that the substrate 5 located there can be printed. After the printing process, the support ring is rotated by 90 °, so that the printing table 6 is opposite to the now printed substrate of the discharge device 8 or associated with this. There, the printed substrate 5 is removed from the discharge table 8 from the printing table 6 and provided for further processing or use. Subsequently, the carrier wheel 11 is rotated by a further 90 °, so that the printing table in the connection again below the printing device 2, but which lies on the side facing away from the axis of rotation 14 side.

There is optionally a cleaning station 22 is arranged, by means of which the now free printing table 6 is freed of pressure medium residues or the like. This can be done by the cleaning station

For example, 22 may be designed to wet clean the printing table 6. During the next movement of the carrier wheel 11 by 90 °, the now cleaned printing table 6 is again supplied to the feed device 7 in order to receive a new substrate 5 in reception.

As further shown in Figure 1, between the feeder 7 and the printing device 2 in the direction of movement of the carrier wheel 11 optionally a control station

23 is arranged, for example, has a camera sensor 24, by means of which the resting on the printing table 6 substrate 5 is controlled. In this case, in particular, it is checked whether the substrate 5 is correctly aligned on the printing table 6, or whether the correct substrate or whether at all a substrate is on the printing table 6, before it is the printing device 2 is supplied. The data obtained can be used, for example, to adjust the substrate 5 for the printing device 2 or the printing device 2, preferably the printing screen / printing mask, located on the printing table 6 relative to the substrate, so that the printing process can be carried out successfully. According to an advantageous embodiment, it is provided that the pressure tables 6 cooperate with the feed device 7 and the discharge device 8 such that the picking and dispensing of a substrate 5 is automated by the movement of the respective printing table 6 or at least supported. FIGS. 2 and 3 each show, in a plan view, the feed device 7 or the discharge device 8, which cooperate with the printing table 6 to allow automated lifting and depositing of a substrate.

FIG. 2 shows a plan view of the printing device 1 in the region of the feed device 7. The feeding device 7 has at its end facing the carrier wheel 11 a conveying device 25 which in the present case has two supporting fingers 26 oriented parallel to one another which project in the path of movement of the printing tables 6 , There may also be more than two of the parallel aligned support fingers 26 or only one support finger 26. FIG. 2 also shows a section of the carrier wheel 11 with one of the printing tables 6, which is located at the level of the feed device 7. The printing tables 6 each have in particular according to the number of support fingers 26, two or more parallel aligned recesses 27 which are formed corresponding to the support fingers 26 such that the support fingers 26 are passed through the recesses 27 when the printing table 6 at the feeder 7 is moved past.

Advantageously, the support fingers 26 each have a conveyable transport belt 28 which is conveyed along the longitudinal extension of the support fingers 26 to move a substrate 5 on the free end of the support fingers 7 and in the path of movement of the printing tables 6. If a substrate 5 is thus located on the end of the support fingers 26, as indicated by a dashed box in FIG. 2, and the printing table 6 is fed from below to the supply device 7, the printing table 6 approaches from below Supporting fingers 26, this takes in the recesses 27 and lifts the substrate 5 from the support fingers 26 from. As a result, a simple and secure recording of the substrate 5 is ensured by the printing table 6 in the movement of the carrier wheel 11.

Figure 3 shows the corresponding mechanism to the discharge device 8. Like the feeder 7, the discharge device 8 corresponding support fingers 29 which can enter into the recesses 27 of the printing table 6 and can be passed through the recesses 27 when the printing table 6 at the Abführrichtung 8 is moved past. However, because the recesses 27 on the printing table 6 are also opened on the discharge device 8 in the direction of the same side as on the feeder 7, the support fingers 29 are held by a support radially between the support ring 11 and the printing table 6 and the transport belt 29 driven accordingly to a substrate 5, which is deposited by the respective printing table 6 on the support fingers 26, remove from the printing table 6. The support fingers 26 dive through the recesses 27 through, while the printing table 6 is moved downward, so that the respective substrate 5 is automatically deposited on the support fingers 26.

Overall, this ensures that the movement device 9, the recording and dispensing of the substrates 5 by the movement of the pressure tables 6 is automated, without additional movement means are absolutely necessary. Thus, the feed device 7 and / or the discharge device 8 can also be configured without a transport belt, for example by the substrates automatically sliding into the acceptance and storage position, for example by the support fingers 26 are aligned obliquely.

Alternatively it can be provided that in or on the respective printing table 6 itself extendable pins are arranged, which are actuated by a guide slot on the carrier wheel 11 or the housing 13 such that the pressure pins extend to lift a substrate 5 from the printing table 6, so that a removal device can be inserted between the printing table and the substrate, by means of which the substrate is automatically removed from the printing table 6 during the further movement of the printing table 6. Similarly, the pins go to the feeder, as soon as a substrate was deposited by the feeder 7 on this and the printing table 6 is moved further in the direction of the printing device 2. In this way can also be dispensed with the recesses 27 in the printing table 6. The kinematics for moving the pins can by a simple guide slot on the feeder 7 and the discharge device

8, be realized. It is also conceivable to provide a hydraulic or pneumatic actuation of the pins. 4A and 4B show in a side view (FIG. 4A) and in a plan view (FIG. 4B) one of the printing tables 6 in the region of the printing device 2. The printing device 2 is optionally associated with a stamp device 30, so that the printing table 6 is located between the stamp device 30 and the printing device Printmask 3 can be placed by the rotational movement. The stamping device 30 has a punch 31, which is movable horizontally according to the double arrow shown in FIG. 4A. For its movement, for example, a rotatable cam 32 is provided, which raises or lower the punch 31. On the punch 31 advantageously two web-shaped elevations are formed, which are formed corresponding to the recesses 27. If the punch 31 is moved in the direction of the printing device 2 or the printing mask 3, then the web-shaped elevations 33 penetrate into one of the recesses 27 of the printing table 6, as shown in FIG. 4B, so that a flush closed surface is formed on the printing table 6. As a result, the substrate 5 is in the connection to the printing table 6 completely flat. Optionally, the stamping device 30 may also be configured to lift the substrate 5 in the direction of the printmask 3 to facilitate the printing process. If this is not the case, the printing device 2 is advantageously designed to move downwards in the direction of the substrate 5 in order to carry out the printing operation.

FIGS. 5A and 5B show an advantageous embodiment of the printing apparatus 1 in a side view (FIG. 5A) and in a sectional view (FIG. 5B), in which an advantageous drive for the pivoting movement of the printing tables 6 is shown which does not have a separate drive motor for the printing tables 6 needed.

According to this embodiment, it is provided that between the pressure tables 6 and the carrier wheel 11, a transmission 34 acts, which transmits the rotational movement of the carrier wheel 11 to the pressure tables 6 such that they are always aligned horizontally. The sectional view in FIG. 5B shows the drive motor 20, whose output shaft 35 in the present case is connected directly to the carrier wheel 11 in a rotationally fixed manner in order to move it as described above. On the carrier wheel 11, the pressure tables 6 are also held by the pivot bearing 19. For this purpose, the pivot bearings 19 each have a cylindrical bearing portion or bolt 36 which is pivotally supported by Wälzkörperlager in the carrier wheel 11. At the respective bearing pin 36, a drive wheel 37 is also arranged in each case and rotatably connected to the bearing pin 36. An intermediate wheel 38, which is rotatably mounted on the carrier wheel 11, meshes on the one hand with the drive wheel 37 and on the other hand with a housing-fixed output gear 39, which is arranged coaxially with the output shaft 35.

Now, if the carrier wheel 11 is set in a rotational movement, the intermediate wheel 38 runs on the output gear 39 and thus induces a rotational movement in the drive gear 37, which in turn rotates the bearing pin 36 and thus the pressure table 6 about the pivot axis. For a safe power transmission, the drive wheel 37, the intermediate gear 38 and the output gear 39 are each formed as a gear, in particular with spur gear teeth, wherein the gears equal are formed or at least each having the same radius, so that the orientation of the printing table 6 regardless of the position along the curved path 10 is always the same.

Another embodiment for moving the printing tables 6 is already shown in FIG. There, a circular guide slot 40 is located, which is fixed to the housing and cooperates with the pressure tables 6 such that they are always in the horizontal. FIGS. 6A and 6B show a detailed view of the musculoskeletal system for the printing tables 6 on the basis of a printing table 6. On a fixed disc or annular disc of the printing device 1, which is arranged parallel to the carrier wheel 11, the guide slot 40 according to the embodiment of FIG projecting profile rail guide 41 is formed. The cross section of the profiled rail guide 41 is presently selected trapezoidal, but may also have other shapes, such as I-shaped or T-shaped. The respective pressure table 6 has a guide element 42 cooperating with the profile rail guide 41 and corresponding thereto, which in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 6A is designed as a guide fork in which the profile rail guide 41 rests in regions. The guide element 42 is arranged at the printing table 6 spaced from the axis of rotation or the pivot joint 19 so that it runs on the guide slot 40 which is offset from the path of movement 10. This ensures that the pivotable printing table 6 is held by the guide slot 40 in the horizontal orientation, without requiring a further drive motor for the respective printing table 6 would be necessary. The profiled rail guide 41 or the guide slot 40 extends correspondingly over the entire path of movement of the printing tables 6 in order to maintain the desired orientation. At least in the section between the feed device 7, the printing device 2 and the discharge device 8, the horizontal orientation is advantageous, so that the substrate 5 is held securely on the respective printing table 6. Optionally, the printing tables 6 between the feeding device 7, the printing device 2 and the discharge device 8 are held only roughly in horizontal alignment, so that lower demands on manufacturing and assembly tolerances are offered, and that then the respective printing table 6 with a substrate thereon by the previously described mechanical centering device 45 is only at or in the printing device 2 with high precision or increased precision relative to the printing screen or the print mask of the printing device 2 is aligned. In the section leading from the discharge device 8 to the feeder 7, optionally passing through the cleaning station 22, the horizontal orientation is not necessarily necessary. In particular in the area of the cleaning station 22, an oblique orientation could be advantageous so that dirt particles, printing paste residues or the like can be removed more easily from the printing table 6. In order to achieve this, the guide slot 40 deviates from the circular path in the area of the cleaning station 22, so that an inclination of the printing table 6 is achieved at least for this movement section.

Figure 6B shows an alternative embodiment in which the guide slot 40 is formed as a cam groove 43 in the fixed disc or washer of the housing 13, and the guide member 42 of the respective pressure table 6 accordingly as a guide pin which engages in the cam groove 43 and stored in this longitudinally displaceable is. The course of the guideway of the guide slot 40 is selected as described above. This results in the same advantages.

Another optional further development is shown in FIG. The printing tables 6 then have a plurality of suction openings 44 which are connected to a vacuum system or connectable to generate a vacuum, if necessary, through which the respective resting on the printing table 6 substrate 5 is sucked to the printing table 6 and thereby held on this frictionally , This ensures that the substrate 5 can not fall off the printing table 6 and is held stable in particular during the printing process. Conveniently, all printing tables 6 are formed accordingly.

Optionally, it is also provided that the printing device 2 has a mechanical centering device 45. The centering device 45 has one or more centering pins with an insertion bevel, which can penetrate into corresponding openings of the substrate 5 and / or the printing table 6 to automatically align the printing table and substrate 5 to the printing mask when printing table and print mask are moved towards each other. Optionally, the relative orientation of the printing table 6 to the printing device 2, in particular the printing screen or the printing mask, by mechanical guiding or alignment elements, such as wedge-shaped pressure elements, wedge geometries, role centering or simple investment ledges / surfaces.

Figure 7 shows a simplified embodiment of an embodiment in which the respective substrate 5 is not lifted from the printing table 6 of the feeding device 7, but in which means are arranged on the feeding device 7 for moving the substrate 5 on the printing table 6. According to the embodiment of Figure 7, it is provided that the feed device 7 has a slide device 46 which is actuated by a formed on the carrier wheel 11 and thus co-moving guide slot 47 such that it moves a slider 48 in the direction of the printing table 6, when this the feeder 7 is moved past. On the one hand, the slide 48 has a projection which can be assigned to one side edge of the substrate 5 in order to push it onto the printing table 6 during a movement in the direction of the printing table 6, and on the other hand a guide element 49 which cooperates with the guide link, for example with reference to FIG. 6A or 6B. In this case, the slider 48 protrudes, for example, with the projection through a recess in a bearing surface of the feed device 7 in order to move the substrate 5 from this support surface onto the printing table 6. A corresponding slide device 46 is optionally also associated with the discharge device 8. This is also possible in combination with a conveyor belt to support and secure the conveyor effect of the belt.

FIG. 8 shows an alternative embodiment of the cleaning station 22. Here, a wet cleaning is dispensed with; instead, it is provided that the cleaning station 22 has a multi-stage design. In a first station 22 1, a paper support or film resting on the respective printing table 6 is removed from the printing table 6 after the substrate 5 has been deposited on the removal device 8. In the subsequent station 22 2, a new paper pad is removed from a magazine 22 3 by the cleaning station 22 and placed on the printing table 6. The paper documents are preferably punched out such that they have openings which correspond to the suction openings 44 and in particular also with the recesses 27, so that the above-described treatment of the substrates 5 on the printing table 6 despite the paper underlay is possible. Optionally, the paper pads have no openings corresponding to the suction openings 44, so that the substrate is sucked through the paper. The printing table 6 provided with the new paper base is then fed to the feed device 7, so that a substrate 5 is deposited on the printing table 6 on the paper support. As a result, a simple cleanliness of the printing table 6 and the printing device 2 is ensured.

The embodiments described above allow a simple, energy-saving and space-saving printing process for flat substrates with a high throughput. The mentioned embodiments can be combined with each other to meet different boundary conditions.

Claims

1. Printing device (1), in particular for printing flat substrates (5), in particular solar cells, wafers, printed circuit boards or the like, with a printing device (2), which is associated with at least one movable printing table (6), with a feed device (7) for feeding substrates (5) to the printing table (6) and with a discharge device (8) for discharging substrates (5) from the printing table (6), characterized in that the printing table (6) is moved by a moving device (9) a cam track (10) is forcibly moved such that it a substrate (5) from the feed device (7) to the printing device (2) and from the printing device (2) to the discharge device (8) spends.

2. Printing device according to claim 1, characterized in that the curved path (10) is designed as a closed curved path (10), so that the printing table (6) from the discharge device (8) to the feed device (7) along the curved path (10) weiterbewegbar is.

3. Printing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the curved path (10) lies in a vertical plane.

4. Printing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the curved path (10) is a circular path.

5. Printing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the movement device (9) has a about a horizontal axis of rotation (14) of a rotary bearing (12) rotatably mounted carrier for the printing table (6).

6. Printing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the carrier has at least one carrier arm (17 ') or a carrier wheel (11).

7. Printing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the movement device (9) a plurality of evenly distributed evenly arranged support arms (17 '), each carrying a printing table (6) and rotatably supported by the pivot bearing about the axis of rotation (14) are.

8. Printing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that on the carrier wheel (11) a plurality of printing tables (6) are arranged distributed uniformly.

9. Printing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the respective printing table (6) about a pivot axis which is aligned parallel to the axis of rotation (14) is pivotally mounted.

10. Printing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the movement device (9) at least one housing-fixed guide slot (40), in particular a profiled rail guide (41) or a slotted guide (43), which cooperates with the respective printing table (6) in order to align the respective printing table (6) horizontally independently of its position along the curved path (10).

11. Printing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the movement device (9) at least one of the respective printing table (6) and associated with the pivot bearing (12) cooperating gear (34), the horizontal of the respective printing table (6) aligns, and in particular the pivot bearing (12) coupled to the respective pivot joint (19).

12. Printing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the feed device (7) and the discharge device (8) each have at least two parallel aligned support fingers (26,29) for a substrate (5), and that the respective printing table ( 6) has two open-ended recesses (27) corresponding to the support fingers (26, 29), so that the support fingers (26, 29) pass through the recesses (27) when the printing table (6) is moved by the movement device (9) on the feed device (26). 7) or the discharge device (8) is moved past.

13. Printing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each support finger (26,29) is associated with a movable transport belt (28) to a substrate (5) on the support fingers (26,29) or of the support fingers (26, 29) to transport away.

14. Printing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the supply device (7) and the discharge device (8) below the printing device (2) are arranged.

15. Printing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that along the curved path (10) at least one further processing, control and / or cleaning station (23,22) is arranged.

16. Printing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the feed device (7) and / or the discharge device (8) each have a

Slider means (46) is associated, which in particular by the movement of the carrier along the cam track (10) forcibly moved a slider (48) moves a substrate (5) from the feed device (7) on the printing table (6) and / or pushes the printing table (6) on the discharge device (8).

17. Printing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the respective printing table (6) has a plurality of suction openings (44) for sucking a substrate (5).

18. Printing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the printing device (2) is associated with a stamping device (30) which is adapted to lift a substrate (5) from the respective printing table (6) in the direction of the printing device (2) and / or to close the recesses (27) flush in the printing table (6).

19. Printing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pressure device (2) has a mechanical centering device (45) which is designed to align the printing table (6) relative to the printing device (2).

20. Printing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the movement device (9) one, in particular only one drive motor (20), in particular electric motor, which is operatively connected directly or by a transmission gear and / or step transmission with the carrier.