Process system for applying process on workpiece and method for applying process on workpiece

Abstract

The invention relates to a process system 1 for printing on a workpiece 2, comprising a process device 3 for printing the workpiece 2 in a process region 4 in a feed direction V, a relative positioning device 7 for relatively positioning the workpiece 2 and the process device 3 in a transverse direction Q, and a feed device 5 for feeding the workpiece 2 to the process device 3, wherein the feed device 5 is designed to feed the workpiece 2 multiple times along at least one circulation path 6 to the process device 3 in a circulation operation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a process system for applying a process on a workpiece, the process system having the features of the preamble of claim 1. The invention also relates to a method for applying a process on a workpiece. Background Art

[0002] When printing components, especially when using inkjet print heads, it is necessary to distinguish between two different printing methods. On the one hand, the so-called single-pass method is used, i.e. the component is printed in a single pass under the print head. The printed image is therefore produced in a single pass, with each ink drop from the print head forming a distinct area of ​​the printed image, so that on the one hand the correct positioning of the ink drop is more important and on the other hand, sharper contours can be achieved due to the lack of intervention of statistical positioning of the ink droplets. The disadvantage of the single-pass method is that the width of the print head must correspond to the width of the printed area, so that a large number of printing technologies must be used.

[0003] On the other hand, there is also a multi-pass method, where the printed image is created by means of several passes, which together produce the desired printed image. To this end, each pass forms only a portion of the volume to be printed, or only a proportion of the surface is printed. The advantage of the multi-pass method is that the geometric errors that occur when the ink drops are transferred to the surface are statistically averaged out by the multiple passes and the incremental printing of the overall image, thus masking these error effects in visual perception and giving the printed image a homogeneous impression, although the clarity / precision and productivity of single-pass printing cannot be achieved. Summary of the invention

[0004] The object of the invention is to provide a process system for applying a process to a workpiece and a method for applying a process to a workpiece which are characterized by a new functional principle.

[0005] This object is achieved by a process system having the features of claim 1 and a method having the features of claim 12. Preferred or advantageous embodiments of the invention emerge from the dependent claims, the following description and the drawings.

[0006] The subject of the invention is a process system for applying a process on a workpiece. In particular, the process can be a measuring process and / or a manufacturing process. It can also be a combination of the two processes. For example, the measuring process can be an image-assisted measuring process based on a camera. The process is particularly designed as a contactless process. The manufacturing process can be, for example, printing, laser processing or a similar process.

[0007] The workpiece is in particular designed as a separate workpiece. A workpiece can also be understood as a finished product that is measured, recorded and / or tested using a measuring process.

[0008] The process system has a process device for applying a process on a workpiece. The process device can in particular have one or more device modules for applying the process. These device modules preferably have a laterally defined application area. In the case of printing, the application area can be defined by the extension of the print head as device module; in the case of laser processing, the application area can be defined by the processing area of ​​the laser head as device module. In the case of image-assisted measurement processes, the application area can be defined by the observation area and / or the measurement area of ​​the camera. In particular, the process application is designed as a process application extending in the transverse direction of the process system.

[0009] The application of the process to the workpiece takes place along the feed direction, wherein the workpiece is moved relative to the process device in the feed direction and processed in the process. The process application takes place in the process area of ​​the process system. In particular, the process area is arranged below the process device and / or arranged overlapping with the process device.

[0010] The process system has a relative positioning device for relative positioning of the workpiece and the process device in a transverse direction. In particular, the transverse direction is perpendicular to the feed direction. With the help of the relative positioning device, the workpiece can be positioned in the transverse direction relative to the process device. The process application to the workpiece extends in particular in the longitudinal direction and in the transverse direction. In particular, the transversely limited application area of ​​the device module is respectively smaller than the maximum area and / or the application area of ​​the process device in the transverse direction.

[0011] The process system has a feed device for feeding a workpiece to the process device, in particular to a process area. The feed device is designed to feed the workpiece to the process device several times along at least one circulation path in a cyclic operation, in particular to transport the workpiece along the process device for processing it. In particular, the workpiece passes through the process area at least twice along the circulation path, so that the process device can apply a process to the workpiece several times, in particular at least twice. In different cycles, the workpiece may be positioned differently, in particular clearly, in the transverse direction relative to the process device. The process device is preferably arranged in the process system in a stationary manner in the longitudinal direction, in particular during the application of the process.

[0012] In particular, the feed device forms a fixture for the workpiece, wherein the workpiece remains clamped in the fixture during a plurality of passes along the circulation path, so that it is arranged in a positionally defined manner in the process area and / or positioned in a defined manner in the process area each time a process is applied. In particular, the workpiece is held in the fixture in a positionally defined and / or positionally invariant manner, for example in a form-fitting manner.

[0013] The invention proposes that workpieces and in particular other workpieces are pushed past the process device, which is in particular stationary, in the same feed direction and then pass through the process device along a circulation path outside the process area in a cyclic operation in order to be ready again for a second or further pass relative to the process device. In this way, as long as the workpiece returns quickly enough on the circulation path, the process device can apply the process to the workpiece almost without application pauses. It can be provided that, when the process is applied multiple times, the process application areas on the workpiece are arranged side by side in the transverse direction. With regard to the process, in particular with regard to printing, these process application areas are referred to as single-pass areas. As an alternative or supplement, it can be provided that, when the process is applied multiple times, the process application areas on the workpiece are arranged at least partially overlapping in the transverse direction. With regard to the process, in particular with regard to printing, these process application areas are referred to as multi-pass areas.

[0014] In a possible design of the present invention, the relative positioning device is designed to move the process device in the lateral direction to achieve the relative positioning of the workpiece and the process device in the lateral direction. The advantage of this design is that the actuator of the relative positioning device only needs to be arranged at one position and / or only needs to be simply arranged, that is, used to move the process device.

[0015] In an alternative design of the invention, the relative positioning device is designed to move the workpiece in the transverse direction to achieve the relative positioning of the workpiece and the process device. The process device is preferably designed to be stationary in the transverse direction. In particular, in the case of a very large and possibly almost continuous throughput of workpieces in the process area, the advantage of this design is that the workpiece is already in the desired relative position relative to the process device in the transverse direction, and if necessary, only the process parameters of the process device need to be set according to the workpiece. This can usually be achieved very quickly, so that the throughput rate of the process system can be very high. If it is necessary to move the process device in the transverse direction, then in the case of high throughput and highly personalized process applications to the workpieces, it may be necessary to offset the process device for each workpiece, so that at least a sufficient distance must be maintained between the workpieces so that the process device can be positioned in the transverse direction in a timely manner.

[0016] In a preferred structural design of the invention, the feed device has at least one workpiece holder, which in particular serves as a fixture for fixing the workpiece during the cyclic operation. The workpiece holder ensures that the workpiece is fixed in a clear manner, in particular in a clear position, and can also be sent to the process device in the correct position and / or in a clear manner after passing along the cyclic path. For flexible use of the process system, it can be provided that the workpiece holder is designed to be replaceable and / or the feed device has a workpiece carrier for fixing the workpiece holder. In this way, the feed device can be easily modified to suit other workpieces.

[0017] In a preferred further development of the invention, the feed device has at least one shuttle, wherein the workpiece holder is carried by the shuttle. The shuttle can also have a plurality of workpiece holders. In particular, the shuttle is arranged on the above-mentioned workpiece carrier.

[0018] In a preferred further development of the invention, the shuttle can be fed in and / or out along the circulation path, in particular at the end points of the circulation path, in a circulating operation. In this way, a workpiece that has been processed can be placed on the shuttle out of the circulation path and a new shuttle with a new workpiece can be fed into the circulation path. By using the shuttle, the feed device can be quickly loaded with workpieces.

[0019] As long as the workpiece or the workpiece holder is fixed on the shuttle, the process can be applied to the workpiece in multiple cycles, wherein the individual process application processes can be realized at precisely defined relative positions.

[0020] In a preferred alternative of the invention, the workpiece holder with the components, the shuttle or the components themselves can be fed in and / or out along the circulation path, in particular at the end points of the circulation path, during the cyclic operation. In this way, workpieces can be fed out of the circulation path after the application of the process and new workpieces can be fed into the circulation path. In this case, the workpieces are always held in a positionally defined manner in the workpiece holder, even during multiple passes.

[0021] As an alternative or in addition, the feed device has at least one transfer section, wherein the transfer section is designed as an incoming section for incoming workpieces from a workpiece holder, a component, a workpiece carrier and / or a shuttle and / or is designed as an outgoing section for outgoing workpieces from a workpiece holder, a component, a workpiece carrier and / or a shuttle. In particular, the transfer section is arranged outside the circulation path and / or extends the circulation path so that the incoming and / or outgoing operations do not block the circulation path. For example, when a workpiece is being passed in and / or out in the transfer section, other workpieces can be moved on the circulation path and processed. In particular, the transfer section can be arranged and / or oriented as an extension of the circulation path in the feed direction and / or longitudinal direction.

[0022] In particular, the workpieces are transferred into and / or out of the feed device in a position-defined manner in the transport section, so that the workpieces are arranged in a position-defined manner in the transport section of the feed device, in particular for the purpose of entering or leaving a circulating operation.

[0023] In a preferred structural further development of the invention, the relative positioning device is designed as an adjustment axis for laterally displacing the workpiece. The workpiece can be positioned very precisely in the laterally direction by means of the adjustment axis. In particular, the adjustment axis is guided together with the workpiece, in particular by a shuttle. The adjustment axis can move the workpiece directly or indirectly. In the case of a direct movement, the adjustment axis acts on the workpiece. In the case of an indirect movement, the adjustment axis can move the workpiece holder, in particular directly or indirectly. In the case of an indirect movement, the adjustment axis acts directly on the workpiece holder. In the case of an indirect movement, the adjustment axis can move the workpiece carrier and / or the shuttle.

[0024] In a preferred structural further design of the present invention, the feed device has at least one first circulation device, which has a feed linear axis for moving the workpiece holder and / or the workpiece and / or the shuttle and / or the workpiece carrier in the longitudinal and / or feed direction of the circulation path. By using the feed linear axis, on the one hand, the workpiece can be guided longitudinally at a precise feed speed by the workpiece holder and / or the shuttle and / or the workpiece carrier, and on the other hand, the workpiece can be guided laterally with a smaller lateral tolerance. This allows high-precision process applications on the workpiece. The first circulation device and / or each circulation device preferably conveys exactly one workpiece carrier and / or exactly one workpiece holder. In order to increase the throughput, a plurality of such circulation devices can be provided, each of which conveys a workpiece carrier or a workpiece holder. The corresponding workpieces can be quickly and continuously, in particular uninterruptedly, sent to the process device.

[0025] In the case of a feed linear axis, the transfer section can be designed as an extension of the feed linear axis, wherein the extension extends beyond the linear axis region of the circulation path, in particular in the feed direction and / or in the longitudinal direction. For example, such a feed linear axis has an extension whose length (in particular in the feed direction and / or in the longitudinal direction) is the length of at least one workpiece, preferably the length of at least two workpieces, in particular the length of at least three workpieces, so as to form the transfer section. In this way, the transfer of workpieces and the like can be realized outside the circulation path.

[0026] In a preferred further development of the invention, at least the first circulation device has an auxiliary actuator for manipulating the workpiece, wherein the auxiliary actuator is designed such that during the process stroke along the circulation path, the workpiece holder and / or the workpiece and / or the shuttle and / or the workpiece carrier are arranged in the process area; during the return stroke along the circulation path, in particular in the return stroke opposite to the printing stroke direction, the workpiece holder and / or the workpiece and / or the shuttle and / or the workpiece carrier are arranged in the return area outside the process area. In this way, it is ensured that no collision with subsequent workpieces occurs during the circulation operation.

[0027] In the design of the auxiliary actuator, it can be arranged, for example, that the workpiece is deflected in height or in the sideways direction by the auxiliary actuator, so that, for example, it is returned below or above the process device and / or below or above the process area. In this case, the auxiliary actuator is designed, for example, as a highly linear axis, which is designed in a manner that supports the precise arrangement of the workpiece relative to the process device.

[0028] As an alternative, the auxiliary actuator can also pivot the workpiece away so that it does not pass through the process area on the return stroke. In this case, the auxiliary actuator is designed as a pivot axis in a manner that supports the precise arrangement of the workpiece relative to the process device.

[0029] The auxiliary actuator can be designed as an active auxiliary actuator, so as to work, for example, electrically, pneumatically and / or hydraulically. However, the auxiliary actuator can also be designed passively, for example mechanically by forced paths.

[0030] In a preferred further development of the invention, the workpiece is always held in a positionally defined manner during the cyclic operation. Thus, in process applications involving multiple passes, the workpiece maintains its position and orientation in a defined manner and / or is guided between the shuttle and the process module relative to the process module and / or the process device and the optional adjustment system. Positional definition is achieved by a low-tolerance or tolerance-free friction fit position (e.g. in the case of a vacuum gripper), a form fit position (e.g. in the case of a device holder or component holder) or an axis-controlled position (e.g. by means of a transverse adjustment axis and / or suitable sensor technology for setting the desired workpiece position) of the workpiece during the cyclic operation.

[0031] Particularly preferably, the process device has different process characteristic regions in the transverse direction. The process characteristic regions can be characterized by different processes, for example, a measurement process and / or a manufacturing process can be implemented in the transverse direction. However, the process characteristic regions can also differ from each other by different process parameters. Different process characteristic regions can be realized by different process modules.

[0032] Particularly preferably, the process system is designed as a printing system for printing on workpieces.

[0033] The printing may be decorative printing, such as an image, pattern or other surface printing. Alternatively, the printing is functional printing, such as to apply a conductive layer and / or an electroactive layer on a workpiece.

[0034] The size of the workpiece can be arbitrary, for example, the workpiece can be designed to be small, such as a maximum extension of less than 5 cm, or designed to be a larger workpiece, such as a maximum extension of more than 1 m. In the case of planar parts with a certain area, the design area of ​​the part can be greater than 0.1 m2 , especially greater than 2m 2 , especially greater than 2.5m 2 , up to 3m 2 As an alternative or in addition, components less than 10m 2 , especially less than 7m 2 , less than 5m 2 .

[0035] The printing system has a printing device as a process device, which is used to print on a workpiece and / or apply a printing process as a process application to the workpiece. In particular, the printing device can have one or more printing heads as process modules. In particular, the printing device (in particular the printing head) respectively has a printing nozzle for outputting a liquid printing ink. The printing ink is designed, for example, as a color ink and / or a functional ink, and the functional ink is, for example, conductive and / or active. The printing process is particularly designed as an inkjet printing process (Tintenstrahldruckprozess), in particular an inkjet printing process (Ink-Jet-Druckprozess), such as a DOD printing process (drop on demand) or an electrostatic printing head.

[0036] A particularly significant disadvantage of the multi-pass process is that the print head is guided over the component for printing, then decelerated, deflected laterally and guided again over the component in the opposite direction. This means, on the one hand, that the print head has to change direction each time it moves over the component and, on the other hand, that the print head has to be moved over the component by such an extent that auxiliary devices connected to the print head (e.g. curing lamps for the printed ink) are also moved completely over the component. It must also be taken into account that after each movement the print head first has to decelerate a distance, after a change of direction an acceleration distance and then can be moved over the component at a constant speed. In particular, it is provided that the printing system is suitable and / or designed for multi-pass printing of workpieces.

[0037] By means of the feed device, in particular by means of the continuous clamping of the workpiece during the cycle, critical position changes in the transverse direction can be carried out in a defined manner and / or precisely within the range of the printing resolution, which is not possible with conveyor belts, for example, because the position-related errors have too great an influence.

[0038] Another subject of the invention relates to a method for applying a process using the above-mentioned process system, wherein the process system is designed to feed the workpiece multiple times to the process device along at least one circulation path in a cyclic operation and to process it, and is configured to process (in particular print) at least one multi-pass area onto the workpiece.

[0039] It is generally accepted that single-pass and multi-pass processes have their own advantages for any process, especially for printing processes, but the advantages of the two different processes are based on the different structures of the relevant systems. In particular, with the optional access to workpiece holders, shuttles, workpiece carriers, adjustment axes and / or feed linear axes, the workpiece will be positioned and moved with high precision relative to the process device, so that a process system with this design can also achieve high-quality single-pass areas on the workpiece. This also makes hybrid variants possible, realizing a combination of single-pass and multi-pass on one component surface of the workpiece.

[0040] In the printing process, both image areas or image structures that are achieved through the properties of single-pass printing and areas or overlapping areas that are achieved through the properties of multi-pass printing are printed. This makes it possible to selectively utilize the quality properties of both processes in the printed image in order to adjust the print quality and productivity to specific requirements.

[0041] For example, different color areas, printing resolution areas, printing ink areas, ink drop sizes, etc. can be arranged in the horizontal direction, or operated with corresponding different settings.

[0042] As an alternative or in addition, one or more process gap regions, in particular printing gap regions, may be arranged in the transverse direction, in particular between process feature regions in the process device, in order to form a non-process region in the transverse direction.

[0043] In this way, the workpiece can pass through the relevant printing characteristic areas / process characteristic areas required for carrying out the process (especially printing) in multiple passes. The process characteristic areas are selected by the relative positioning of the workpiece or the process head in the transverse direction.

[0044] As a supplementary solution, at least one multi-pass region and at least one single-pass region can be processed (in particular printed) on the workpiece. For example, the multi-pass region and the single-pass region can be arranged side by side in the transverse direction and / or arranged offset in the transverse direction, in particular spaced apart from one another. However, it is also possible to process (in particular print) a layer structure with different layers, which have, for example, different process results, in particular printing inks, and these different layers have at least one single-pass region as a layer and at least one multi-pass region as a layer.

[0045] In a preferred design of the process, one of the process characteristic areas has a first process characteristic and another process characteristic area has a second process characteristic different from the first process characteristic. It is arranged that printing is performed with the first and second process characteristics in the multi-pass area. This means that the process system does not have to provide the first and second process characteristics on a common process path along the moving direction, but can first process the multi-pass area with the first process characteristic in a multi-pass operation, and then laterally shift the workpiece so that the workpiece in the second process characteristic area is printed with the second process characteristic in the same multi-pass area.

[0046] For example, the first and / or second process characteristic is designed as a printing characteristic, wherein the printing characteristic comprises a selection of droplet sizes for a printing ink. In particular, each droplet size selection comprises a limited number of different droplet sizes. For example, the droplet size is set as a 2-bit value, so that the first printing characteristic comprises three droplet sizes and the second printing characteristic comprises three droplet sizes for the same printing ink. The droplet sizes of the first and second printing characteristics are different. In this way, a larger number of different droplet sizes can be used in the multi-pass area, namely six droplet sizes in the present example. For example, due to the larger number of droplet sizes available for selection, grayscales with higher contrast resolution can be achieved.

[0047] As an alternative or in addition, in addition to influencing the metering technology, the printing speed and / or the process time per pass can also be varied. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0048] Further features, advantages and effects of the present invention can be gathered from the following description of preferred embodiments and the accompanying drawings.

[0049] in:

[0050] Figure 1 is a side view schematic diagram of a process system designed as a printing system as an embodiment of the present invention;

[0051] Figure 2a , Figure 2b , Figure 2c , Figure 2d for Figure 1 A top view of the process system in FIG.

[0052] Figure 3a , Figure 3b Various completed printed workpieces from the process systems shown in the previous figures;

[0053] Figure 4 It is a front plan view schematic diagram of an embodiment of the process system shown in the previous figures. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0054] Figure 1 A schematic block diagram of a process system 1 is shown, which is designed as a printing system for printing on a workpiece 2 as a process application to the workpiece 2. The process system 1 has a process device 3 designed as a printing device, which can print on the workpiece 2. The printing device is especially designed as an inkjet printing device and / or operates according to the inkjet principle. The printing device uses a printing ink, which is applied to the workpiece 2 during the printing process, wherein the printing ink can be designed as a color ink, in particular for producing a printed image and / or a decoration, or as a functional ink, for example for printing a conductive layer and / or an active layer or other functional layers on the workpiece 2.

[0055] In the process system 1 , a workpiece 2 is transported in a process area 4 designed as a printing area of ​​a process device 3 in a feed direction V and is printed in the process.

[0056] In order to move the workpiece 2 along the feed direction V, the process system 1 has a feed device 5 designed as a printing feed device, which in the present embodiment transports the workpiece 2 in the process area 4 below the process device 3. In particular, the workpiece 2 must pass through the process area 4 and / or move along the process device 3 at least twice in order to be processed and / or printed. Therefore, the feed device 5 is designed to convey the workpiece 2 to the process device 3 along a circulation path 6 in a cyclic operation. The circulation path 6 is designed as a closed circulation path 6 to achieve a cyclic operation.

[0057] Artifact 2 Figure 1 4, wherein the workpiece 2 is shown twice in the feeding direction V of the printing stroke as the process stroke by a solid line and after the process device 3 by a dotted line, in order to illustrate that the same workpiece 2 is returned along the circulation path 6 in the return stroke along the circulation path 6 in the opposite direction to the process stroke as the printing stroke. In the return stroke, the workpiece 2 is returned along the circulation path 6 outside the process area 4. This makes it possible to feed the workpiece 2 to the process device 3 for printing multiple times (in particular at least twice) in the circulation operation without collision.

[0058] The process system 1 has a relative positioning device 7, wherein the relative positioning device 7 is used for relative positioning of the workpiece 2 and the process device 3 in a transverse direction Q. The transverse direction Q is oriented in particular at an angle (in particular perpendicularly) to the feed direction V. In the embodiment shown, the relative positioning device 7 is used for moving the workpiece 2 in the transverse direction Q, wherein the process device 3 is preferably designed to be stationary in the transverse direction Q during printing operation. The movement of the workpiece 2 in the transverse direction Q is carried out in particular outside the process area 4.

[0059] Figure 2a to Figure 2dThe schematic top views of the process system 1 in the region of the process device 3 are shown respectively. The workpiece 2 is moved to a desired position along the transverse direction Q by the relative positioning device 7, and then moved to below the process device 3 along the feed direction V.

[0060] In this way, the workpiece 2 can pass through different process characteristic areas 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d as printing characteristic areas of the process device 3, and the workpiece 2 can be processed in different process characteristic areas 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d. If the area on the workpiece 2 is processed multiple times when passing through the printing area 4 multiple times, this process is equivalent to a multi-pass method and a multi-pass area is formed. However, it is also possible that the workpiece 2 is printed only once, then a single-pass method is implemented, and a single-pass area is formed on the workpiece. It is also possible to apply zebra stripes as process areas during the first pass, and print or process the unprinted and / or unprocessed stripes during the next pass and / or in the cycle. This can also be done with the same printing characteristics or process characteristics.

[0061] The process characteristic areas 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d can be designed as different areas on a common process module, which process module is designed as a printing head, for example; as an alternative or supplementary solution, the process characteristic areas 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d can also be assigned to multiple process modules, in particular printing heads; in particular, each process characteristic area 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d can be assigned its own process module, in particular a printing head in the process device 3.

[0062] The process characteristic regions 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d can differ from each other, for example, due to different printing inks, different resolutions or other nozzle parameters and / or print head parameters. Since the workpiece 2 can be positioned relative to the process device 3 in the transverse direction Q, the process characteristic regions 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d with corresponding process characteristics can be selectively selected to meet the printing requirements.

[0063] Figure 2a An exemplary embodiment is shown in which the process device 3 has, for example, four process-specific regions 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d arranged adjacent to each other in the transverse direction Q without any gaps.

[0064] Figure 2b An embodiment is shown in which the process device 3 comprises fewer process characteristic regions 8a, 8b, 8c, for which purpose a process gap region 9 is provided in the transverse direction Q, which is arranged between the two process characteristic regions 8b and 8c. If the workpiece 2 passes through the process gap region 9, processing, in particular printing, cannot be performed in this transverse region. This transverse region can be printed and / or processed in the next cycle.

[0065] Figure 2cAn embodiment is shown in which the process characteristic areas 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d are spaced apart in the transverse direction Q and are each provided with a process gap area 9 between them. This makes it possible to process (in particular print) the zebra pattern first and then process / print the unprocessed / unprinted area in at least one other cycle.

[0066] Figure 2d An embodiment is shown in which the extension of the workpiece 2 in the transverse direction Q is greater than the extension of a single process characteristic area 8a. A further advantage of the printing system 1 can be seen from this figure, namely that it is not necessary to use a process device 3 with at least the same process width (especially printing width) to process a wider workpiece 2 (as is common in a single-pass method), but rather a process device 3 with a significantly smaller process area in the transverse direction Q can be selected. If, for example, the printing head of the process device 3 is considered to be a driving factor in the manufacturing costs of the process system 1, the possibility of implementing multiple cycles can significantly reduce the system costs.

[0067] In other embodiments, the printing width and / or process area of ​​the process device 3 can be narrower than the workpiece 2 in the transverse direction, and the process device 3 can be multiple gap-free and / or can be equipped with one or more process gap areas 9 or print gap areas.

[0068] Figure 3a An exemplary top view of a workpiece 2 is shown, wherein the process system 1 processes a multi-pass region 10 and two single-pass regions 11 on the workpiece 2. In particular, one of the single-pass regions 11 is spaced apart from the multi-pass region 10 and / or the other single-pass region 11.

[0069] Fig. 3 shows a schematic cross section of a workpiece 2, wherein the single-pass region 11 and the multi-pass region 10 are designed as superimposed layers. For example, in this way, functional printing of the workpiece 2 can be achieved, wherein the multi-pass region 10 and the single-pass region 11 are selected according to the technical requirements.

[0070] Figure 4 The schematic front plan view of a process system 1 is shown, which includes a process device 3 and a feed device 5. The feed device 5 has a plurality of circulation devices 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d, in this example, four circulation devices 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d. The circulation devices 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d each have a feed linear axis 13a, 13b, 13c, 13d, so as to move the workpiece 2 in a feed direction V during a process stroke or in the opposite direction during a return stroke.

[0071] Each circulation device 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d has a workpiece carrier 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, on which the workpiece 2 is arranged / can be arranged. The workpiece 2 is preferably arranged in a workpiece holder 15a, 15b, 15c, 15d in order to position the workpiece in a position-defined manner so that it can pass through repeatedly in the circulation operation. In particular, the workpiece 2 is arranged in the workpiece holder 15a, 15b, 15c, 15d in a form-fitting manner and / or in a fixed manner and / or in a manner that is immovable in the transverse direction Q and / or in the feed direction V. The workpiece holder 15a, 15b, 15c, 15d can be arranged directly on the workpiece carrier 14a, 14b, 14c, 14d. Alternatively, the workpiece holders 15a, 15b, 15c, 15b are located on shuttles 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d which are detachably arranged on workpiece carriers 14a, 14b, 14c, 14d, so that the relevant shuttle 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d can be easily transferred into or out of the cycle operation to accelerate the workpiece replacement.

[0072] The circulation devices 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d respectively have auxiliary actuators 17a, 17b, 17c, 17d for manipulating the workpiece 2 and / or the workpiece carriers 14a, 14b, 14c, 14d, so that the workpiece 2 and / or the workpiece carriers 14a, 14b, 14c, 14d are arranged in the printing area 4 during the process stroke along the circulation path 6, and are arranged outside the process area 4 when returning along the circulation path 6 in the opposite direction to the process stroke.

[0073] The auxiliary actuators 17a, 17b of the circulation devices 12a, 12b are designed as height linear axes for height adjustment. The feed linear axes 13a, 13b are arranged opposite each other so that the workpiece carriers 14a, 14b can be operated in a vertically offset manner in circulation operation.

[0074] The auxiliary actuators 17c, 17d of the circulation devices 12c, 12d are designed as pivot axes, which can rotate the workpiece carriers 14c, 14d out of the collision zone of the process area 4 during the return stroke. Therefore, the four workpiece carriers 14a, 14b, 14c, 14d shown in the figure can pass through the process area 4 in any order and return along the circulation path 6 without collision during the return stroke with the workpieces 2.

[0075] In particular, each circulation device 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d has exactly one workpiece carrier 14a, 14b, 14c, 14d. The relative positioning device 7 can be formed arbitrarily in the circulation device 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d, so that the workpiece carrier 14a, 14b, 14c, 14d can be moved, the shuttle 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d can be moved, the workpiece holder 15a, 15b, 15c, 15d can be moved or the workpiece 2 can be moved directly.

[0076] In other embodiments, the illustrated process system 1 may perform other process applications, such as measurement processes, laser processes, wherein the process modules are correspondingly designed as measurement modules, manufacturing modules, etc., or the process characteristic areas 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d are designed as measurement areas, manufacturing areas, etc.

[0077] Description of Reference Numerals

[0078] 1 Printing system

[0079] 2 Workpiece

[0080] 3 Printing device

[0081] 4 Printing area

[0082] 5 Feeding device

[0083] 6 Cycle Path

[0084] 7 Relative positioning device

[0085] 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d Printing feature area

[0086] 9 Printing gap area

[0087] 10 Multi-trip areas

[0088] 11 One-way area

[0089] 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d Circulation device

[0090] 13a, 13b, 13c, 13d Feed linear axis

[0091] 14a, 14b, 14c, 14d Workpiece carrier

[0092] 15a, 15b, 15c, 15d Workpiece holder

[0093] 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d Shuttle

[0094] 17a, 17b, 17c, 17d Auxiliary actuator

Claims

1. A process system (1) for applying a process on a workpiece (2), comprising: a process device (3) for applying a process to the workpiece (2) along a feed direction (V) in a process area (4), A relative positioning device (7) is used to relatively position the workpiece (2) and the process device (3) in a transverse direction (Q), It is characterized in that A feeding device (5) is used to feed the workpiece (2) to the process device (3), wherein the process device (5) is designed to feed the workpiece (2) to the process device (3) multiple times along at least one circulation path (6) in a cyclic operation.

2. The process system (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The relative positioning device (7) is designed to move the process device (3) along the transverse direction (Q) to achieve relative positioning of the workpiece (2) and the process device (3).

3. The process system (1) according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that: The relative positioning device (7) is designed to move the workpiece (2) along the transverse direction (Q) to achieve relative positioning of the workpiece (2) and the process device (3).

4. The process system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The feed device (5) has at least one workpiece holder (15a, 15b, 15c, 15d) for fixing the workpiece (2) during the cyclic operation.

5. The process system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The feed device (5) has a shuttle (16a, 16b, 16c, 16d), wherein the workpiece holder (15a, 15b, 15c, 15d) is carried by the shuttle (16a, 16b, 16c, 16d).

6. The process system (1) according to any one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that: The relative positioning device (7) is designed to move an adjustment axis of the workpiece (2) in the transverse direction (Q).

7. The process system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The feeding device (5) has at least one first circulation device (12a, 12b, 12c, 12d), which has a feed linear axis (13a, 13b, 13c, 13d) for moving the workpiece holder (15a, 15b, 15c, 15d) and / or the workpiece (2) in the longitudinal direction and / or the feed direction (Q) of the circulation path (6).

8. The process system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that At least the first circulation device (12a, 12b, 12c, 12d) has an auxiliary actuator (17a, 17b, 17c, 17d) for manipulating the workpiece (2) and / or the workpiece holder (15a, 15b, 15c, 15d), wherein the auxiliary actuator (17a, 17b, 17c, 17d) is designed as follows: in a process stroke along the circulation path (6), the workpiece holder (15a, 15b, 15c, 15d) and / or the workpiece (2) are arranged in the process area (4), and in a return stroke along the circulation path (6) in the opposite direction to the process stroke, the workpiece holder (15a, 15b, 15c, 15d) and / or the workpiece (2) are arranged in a return area outside the process area (4).

9. The process system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The process device (3) has different process characteristic areas (8a, 8b, 8c, 8d) in the transverse direction (Q).

10. The process system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The process device (3) has a process gap area (9) in the transverse direction (Q).

11. The process system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The workpiece (2) is always held in a positionally defined manner during the cyclic operation.

12. A method for applying a process to a workpiece (2) using a process system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that: The process system (1) is designed to send the workpiece (2) to the process device (3) multiple times along at least one circulation path (6) in a cyclic operation and to perform processing.

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that Transversely juxtaposed multi-pass regions (10) and single-pass regions (11) and / or layered multi-pass layer regions (10) and single-pass layer regions (11) are processed on the workpiece (2).

14. The method according to any one of claims 12 or 13, characterized in that One of the process characteristic areas (8a, 8b, 8c, 8d) has a first process characteristic, and another process characteristic area (8a, 8b, 8c, 8d) has a second process characteristic different from the first process characteristic, wherein processing is performed in the multi-pass area (10) with the first and second process characteristics.

15. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that The process application is designed for printing.

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