Apparatus for producing a three-dimensional screen printed workpiece

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for producing a three-dimensional screen-printed workpiece, in particular a 3D screen-printing machine, having a printing device with a printing screen for producing at least one screen-printed workpiece layer by layer in a plurality of printing operations and a metering device for metered dispensing of a paste-like printing substance onto the printing screen, wherein the metering device has a flow continuation stop for avoiding and / or reducing flow continuation of the printing substance outside the dispensing device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to equipment for producing three-dimensional screen-printed workpieces. This invention also relates to methods for producing three-dimensional screen-printed workpieces. Background Technology

[0002] When producing workpieces using 3D screen printing, printing material needs to be applied to the corresponding printing screen at regular intervals. The applied or distributed printing material is then pushed through the screen using a squeegee. This printing operation produces a printed layer on the corresponding printing substrate or additional printed layers on a partially constructed workpiece.

[0003] During the operation of equipment used to produce 3D screen-printed workpieces, the printing material to be used can be applied manually to the printing screen, specifically by the corresponding factory operators. This is operation-intensive and therefore requires a relatively high level of personnel. The accessibility of the printing screen is also limited. Furthermore, this manual application can lead to uneven printing results or uneven printed layers, and can also cause undesirable contamination. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In light of the above background, the object of the present invention is to provide equipment for producing three-dimensional screen-printed workpieces, which ensures simplified operability and increased flexibility of use, while improving production accuracy and operational reliability. This object also includes providing a method for producing three-dimensional screen-printed workpieces.

[0005] Regarding this device, this objective has been achieved through the subject matter of claim 1 and claim 87. The method according to the invention is the subject matter of claim 88. Advantageous embodiments are the subject matter of the dependent claims and are described below.

[0006] According to the present invention, an apparatus for producing three-dimensional screen-printed workpieces is provided. This apparatus is particularly a 3D screen printing machine, preferably an automated 3D screen printing machine.

[0007] The apparatus according to the invention comprises a printing device and a metering device. The printing device has a printing screen for producing at least one screen-printed workpiece layer by layer in multiple printing operations, and the metering device is used to meter and dispense a paste-like printing material onto the printing screen. In this case, the metering device has a flow stop device for preventing and / or reducing the outflow of printing material from the metering device.

[0008] The metering device provided according to the present invention enables precise dispensing of printing material onto the corresponding printing screen with minimal operation. In particular, the metering device ensures high metering accuracy, thereby allowing for relatively precise setting and / or control of the amount of dispensing printing material.

[0009] Furthermore, the metering device provided according to the present invention can meet the high requirements for the cleanliness of separately produced products, because the risk of contamination of the printing materials to be used by the factory operators can be kept low or completely avoided.

[0010] Furthermore, the flow-stopping device provided according to the present invention can avoid or at least reduce undesirable flow of printed material outside the metering device (e.g., during squeegee movement). Therefore, contamination of equipment components (which should remain free of printed material) can be avoided or potential risks can be reduced. Simultaneously, the risk of accidental contamination of equipment components by printed material due to operator error can also be avoided.

[0011] Furthermore, the use of a flow stop device ensures high metering accuracy because it prevents uncontrolled and potentially excessive application of printing material to the printing screen. This further improves the reliability of printing material metering, thereby ensuring a high level of overall operational reliability of the equipment.

[0012] In this case, three-dimensional screen printing can be understood in a particularly preferred manner as an additive manufacturing method, in which a powder-based suspension is transferred through a fixed printing mask or printing screen to a substrate, such as a printing table or workpiece carrier or a previously applied layer of the screen-printed workpiece, by means of a squeegee, and then dried. This process can be repeated several times until the desired part height or part shape is achieved, respectively. Specifically, in the case of three-dimensional screen printing, at least two or at least three printing layers can be produced in a manner where one layer is on top of another. In a final process step, the part produced in this way can be sintered. Thus, a screen-printed workpiece can be produced.

[0013] Similarly, in this case, three-dimensional screen printing can be understood in a particularly preferred manner as an additive manufacturing method, in which a powder-based suspension is transferred to a substrate by means of a squeegee through a fixed printing mask or screen and dried, wherein the desired part height or part shape is achieved in a single printing pass. In a final process step, the part produced in this way can be sintered, and a screen-printed workpiece can be produced. Regarding the multiple printing operations mentioned in this case, a single printing operation may be sufficient and suitable to replace it.

[0014] In this context, screen-printed workpieces can be understood, preferably, as workpieces to be or already having undergone a sintering step, or as three-dimensional printed products. This particularly relates to workpieces made of metal, ceramic, glass, and / or plastic materials. In particular, alloys made of steel, nickel, copper, titanium, and / or ceramic alloys are considered for this purpose.

[0015] The term "3D screen-printed workpiece" may include or exclude printed products made of plastic materials. In particular, it is also possible to perform a sintering step on the printed workpiece layers made of plastic materials.

[0016] In this context, screen-printed workpieces can also be understood as workpieces or 3D printed products produced without a sintering step, or workpieces or 3D printed products that can be completed or have been completed without a sintering step. Therefore, the final curing of the printed layer can also be carried out without a sintering step. The curing of screen-printed workpieces can also advantageously be carried out by UV curing and / or by polymerization and / or by drying, particularly by convection drying. Such curing is particularly preferred when the intention is to carry out the final curing of the printed layer without a sintering step.

[0017] In this case, screen-printed workpieces can be additionally or alternatively understood as workpieces or three-dimensional printed products produced entirely through three-dimensional screen printing.

[0018] In this case, a screen-printed workpiece can also be understood as a workpiece or three-dimensional printed product that is at least partially or segmentally produced by three-dimensional screen printing. Therefore, a screen-printed workpiece can be produced by applying at least one or more printed layers to a substrate provided in another manner, wherein the substrate forms part of the finished workpiece.

[0019] The screen-printed workpieces within the scope of this invention can also be pharmaceutical products and / or biological products. Such screen-printed workpieces can, in particular, be made from pharmaceutical powder materials and / or powder mixtures and / or granules and / or biological materials. Specifically, pharmaceutical products and / or biological products can be produced without a sintering step, or can be sufficiently cured for their respective applications.

[0020] Screen-printed workpieces made of pharmaceutical powder materials and / or powder mixtures and / or granules may contain pharmaceuticals, active substances, auxiliaries, particularly fillers and / or binders and / or disintegrants and / or lubricants.

[0021] According to a preferred improvement of the invention, the equipment for producing three-dimensional screen-printed workpieces can be designed and / or configured for production under cleanroom conditions. In particular, the equipment can be designed and / or configured for production under cleanroom conditions conforming to cleanroom classes A, B, C, and / or D according to EU-GMP.

[0022] More preferably, the apparatus according to the invention for producing three-dimensional screen-printed workpieces can be designed and / or constructed for applications in medical technology, optical and / or laser technology, aerospace technology, semiconductor technology, biotechnology and / or medical and / or pharmacological research.

[0023] Similarly, the apparatus according to the invention for producing three-dimensional screen-printed workpieces can be designed and / or constructed for use as and / or applied as medical products and / or pharmaceutical products, implants and / or sterile products and / or drugs, and / or for use as and / or applied as tablets for the administration of active substances.

[0024] According to the present invention, a screen-printed workpiece can be a workpiece constructed on a workpiece carrier by three-dimensional screen printing in one or more printing operations. In this case, the screen-printed workpiece is particularly one that can be released from the corresponding workpiece carrier after the printing operation is completed and / or after the sintering operation following the printing operation is completed, and in particular, can be released non-destructively.

[0025] Between possible printing operations for screen-printed workpieces, the corresponding workpiece carrier can be released from or from the printing table or printing plate. In the case of a multi-layer structure, each layer of the screen-printed workpiece can be dried in a location away from the printing table or printing plate between two consecutive printing operations.

[0026] According to a preferred configuration, the metering device has a dispensing device for dispensing printing material onto a printing screen. In this case, the flow stop device is configured to prevent and / or reduce the flow of printing material outside the dispensing device. Therefore, uncontrolled emergence or dripping of printing material from such a dispensing device can be prevented.

[0027] According to another preferred configuration, the metering device can have at least one shut-off accessory for cutting off the flow of printing material, thus the flow of print quality can be affected particularly effectively. In this case, the backflow stop device can be formed by the shut-off accessory. Such a backflow stop device can be provided with very little effort and ensures a relatively high degree of functional reliability to prevent backflow.

[0028] According to another preferred configuration, the backflow stop device may have a pressure-based closed-loop control and / or be configured to prevent and / or reduce backflow of printing material outside the metering device and / or outside the dispensing device via the pressure-based closed-loop control. With such a closed-loop control, undesirable backflow can be avoided with a particularly high level of reliability.

[0029] According to another preferred configuration, the pressure-based closed-loop control device can be configured to detect and / or process the delivery pressure of printed material. This detection and processing of the delivery pressure can be achieved using cost-effective and reliable functional components, particularly pressure sensors and / or data processing equipment. Therefore, the pressure-based closed-loop control device can be implemented in a particularly advantageous manner and at a lower equipment cost.

[0030] According to another preferred configuration, the metering device may be equipped with at least one container for storing the paste-like printing material and / or a dispensing device for dispensing the printing material onto a printing screen. Additionally or alternatively, the metering device may have a supply line extending between the container and the dispensing device for supplying the printing material from the container to the dispensing device.

[0031] The arrangement of the dispensing device, the container for storing the paste-like printing material, or the supply pipeline for supplying the printing material from the container to the dispensing device allows for overall space savings and / or an arrangement that adapts to the corresponding machine construction.

[0032] In particular, there may be space and / or geometric constraints above the corresponding printing screen and / or within the printing apparatus, but these constraints can be offset in a particularly advantageous manner by dividing the metering device into dispensing devices, containers, and supply lines.

[0033] Even in situations where local space is very limited, this arrangement can be positioned and installed in a particularly advantageous manner. The arrangement of the metering device affects the overall structure of the equipment to a very small extent, and can avoid complex and cumbersome construction.

[0034] In summary, this optimized configuration ensures high productivity and operational reliability.

[0035] According to another preferred configuration, the metering device may have at least one actuator for conveying printing material, particularly for conveying outside the container, or for conveying within and / or outside the metering device, and / or outside the dispensing device. With such an actuator, automated or partially automated metering of printing material can be achieved in an automated manner with minimal workload for the equipment, thereby improving productivity and production accuracy.

[0036] According to another preferred configuration, the flow stop device can be configured to reverse the movement of an actuator used for conveying printing material. This allows for a further improved level of reliability in achieving the flow stop. In particular, this configuration can also be implemented without shut-off accessories, enabling the flow stop to be achieved with only a small number of parts or components.

[0037] According to a preferred configuration, the container can be arranged outside the printing area and / or printing table of the printing apparatus. Additionally or alternatively, the container can be arranged horizontally spaced relative to the printing screen and / or printing table, or vertically positioned below or above the printing table. Due to the use of the metering device, the existing installation space in the equipment can be utilized in a particularly advantageous manner, with no or only minor design limitations. In this case, a particularly ergonomic arrangement can be created, especially by positioning it outside the printing area and / or printing table and at a height above the printing table and / or printing screen in the vertical direction.

[0038] According to a further preferred configuration, during the dispensing of the printing material, the container can be arranged and / or maintained outside the printing area of ​​the printing apparatus and / or outside the printing table of the printing apparatus, and / or can be arranged and / or maintained in a horizontal direction relative to the printing screen and / or printing table, or can be arranged and / or maintained in a vertical direction below or above the printing table of the printing apparatus. In terms of design, this can be achieved with very little effort and still ensures good accessibility to the container for the corresponding operator.

[0039] According to another preferred configuration, the container can be arranged and / or kept stationary and / or immobile during the dispensing of the printed material. This allows for a robust and stable overall device construction and a high level of operational reliability.

[0040] According to another preferred configuration, the container can be designed as a barrel-shaped component, specifically having cylindrical or conical surrounding sidewalls and / or having an opening formed on the upper side and / or that can be closed on the upper side and / or having a printed material outlet formed on the lower side. Such a container can be provided with minimal effort, can be easily refilled or refilled, and can be designed to have a large receiving volume. Furthermore, the printed material outlet located on the lower side allows for reliable and easy delivery of printed material outside the container. The conical surrounding sidewalls reduce the risk of relatively large residues within the container.

[0041] According to another preferred configuration, the receiving volume of the container, or the container designed as a barrel, can be at least 1 dm³. 3 Preferably at least 3dm 3 More preferably at least 4dm3 More preferably at least 5dm 3 More preferably at least 7dm 3 More preferably at least 9dm 3 More preferably at least 10 dm 3 More preferably at least 15dm 3 More preferably at least 20dm 3 More preferably at least 25dm 3 And more preferably at least 35dm 3 Using such a receiving volume, a relatively large amount of printing material can be provided, and this relatively large amount of printing material can be applied to the corresponding printing screen in a metered manner for printing on the workpiece. Therefore, the frequent replacement or setup work of changing empty containers with filled ones can be avoided.

[0042] According to another preferred configuration, the receiving volume of the container, or a container designed as a barrel, can be up to 5 dm³. 3 Preferably up to 7dm 3 More preferably up to 9dm 3 More preferably up to 10dm 3 More preferably up to 15dm 3 More preferably up to 20dm 3 More preferably up to 25dm 3 More preferably up to 30dm 3 More preferably up to 35dm 3 More preferably up to 45dm 3 More preferably up to 50dm 3 And even more preferably up to 100dm 3 This type of container can also be suitably accommodated in limited installation space while still allowing for good operation.

[0043] According to another preferred configuration, the container can be designed as a cartridge, particularly a disposable or reusable cartridge. Cartridges are particularly suitable for simple operation, easy replacement, and practical storage. Disposable cartridges also meet the high cleanliness requirements of the corresponding printing materials. Reusable cartridges ensure particularly material-friendly and resource-friendly production. In particular, reusable cartridges can be filled with new printing material on-site by the equipment operator and reused in production.

[0044] According to another preferred configuration, the cartridge can be in a closed form and / or have an openable and / or openable outlet opening. In this way, printed matter can be reliably kept free from contamination and can be dispensed in a controlled manner through the outlet opening. Additionally or alternatively, the cartridge can have a piston bottom that is displaceable relative to the circumferential cartridge sidewall. This allows for simple and reliable pressure to be applied to the printed matter present in the cartridge, and thus allows for controlled dispensing via the outlet opening, which is preferably arranged opposite the piston bottom.

[0045] According to another preferred configuration, the receiving volume of the container, or the container designed as an ink cartridge, can be at least 50 cm³. 3 Preferably at least 100cm 3 More preferably at least 200cm 3 More preferably, at least 300cm 3 More preferably at least 500cm 3 More preferably at least 800cm 3 More preferably at least 1000cm 3 More preferably, at least 1200cm 3 More preferably, at least 1500cm 3 More preferably, at least 1800cm 3 And more preferably at least 2000cm 3 Using such a receiving volume, a relatively large amount of printing material can be provided in the corresponding ink cartridge, and this relatively large amount of printing material can be applied to the corresponding printing screen in a metered manner for printing on the workpiece. Therefore, the frequent replacement or setup work of replacing empty ink cartridges with refilled ones can be avoided.

[0046] According to another preferred configuration, the receiving volume of the container, or the container designed as an ink cartridge, can be up to 200 cm³. 3 Preferably, it can be up to 500cm high. 3 More preferably, up to 700cm 3 More preferably, up to 900cm 3 More preferably up to 1000cm 3 More preferably, up to 1200cm 3 More preferably, up to 1500cm 3 More preferably, up to 1700cm 3 More preferably up to 2000cm 3 More preferably, up to 2500cm 3 More preferably, up to 3000cm 3 And even more preferably up to 4000cm3 This type of ink cartridge can also be arranged in a suitable way in extremely limited installation space, while still allowing for good operation or simple and reliable replacement.

[0047] According to another preferred configuration, the actuator for conveying printing material can be configured as a suction device for drawing printing material from a container, particularly a screw pump and / or an eccentric screw pump. Such a suction device can be provided cost-effectively, offering a high level of operational reliability and ensuring relatively large and accurately metered delivery volumes.

[0048] According to another preferred configuration, the suction device can be at least partially immersed in the container and / or immersed in the printing material provided in the container. This configuration can be provided with very little work and makes replacing an empty container with a filled one particularly simple and requires very little setup work.

[0049] According to another preferred configuration, the suction device can be configured to be located outside the container and / or to be in fluid communication with the container via a suction line. Furthermore, the suction line communicating with the suction device can be immersed in the container and / or immersed in the printing material provided within the container. During operation, this reduces the risk of the printing material damaging the suction device while simultaneously ensuring reliable suction of the printing material.

[0050] According to another preferred configuration, the suction device can be constructed and / or arranged to convey the printing material drawn from the container into the supply line and then to the dispensing device. In this way, the printing material can be delivered from the container into the supply line and further to the dispensing device with a particularly high level of reliability. Therefore, reliable and accurate metering can be ensured even with a simple design.

[0051] According to another preferred configuration, the actuator for conveying the printed material can be configured as a pressurizing device for pressurizing the printed material in the container and / or for conveying the printed material out of the container based on pressure. Therefore, metering accuracy can be further improved. Furthermore, the risk of actuator contamination of the printed material can be reduced due to relatively low and completely avoided contact with the printed material.

[0052] According to another preferred configuration, the booster unit can have a linear drive, which is preferably designed as an electric or electromechanical linear drive and / or an electric spindle drive and / or an electric cylinder and / or a linear actuator. Such a linear drive can ensure particularly high delivery accuracy and can be integrated into the metering device with minimal effort and at a low cost.

[0053] According to another preferred configuration, the pressurizing device can be designed as a pneumatic and / or hydraulic linear drive or linear cylinder. This type of pressurizing device is reliable during operation and can generate relatively high compression forces. Furthermore, with this configuration, the volume of the paste extruded from the corresponding container can be monitored in a particularly advantageous manner with minimal effort. The pneumatic and / or hydraulic linear drive or linear cylinder allows for monitoring of the path, thus ensuring accurate metering or volume monitoring.

[0054] According to another preferred configuration, the pressurizing device can be configured and / or configured to apply compressive force to the bottom of the piston of the ink cartridge filled with printing material. Additionally or alternatively, the pressurizing device can be configured and / or configured to displace the bottom of the piston of the ink cartridge relative to the corresponding ink cartridge sidewall in the longitudinal direction, thereby increasing the internal pressure of the ink cartridge. Thus, the internal pressure in the corresponding ink cartridge can be increased in a controlled manner, and the printing material can be selectively and meteredly expelled from the ink cartridge without causing undesirable damage to the ink cartridge.

[0055] According to another preferred configuration, the metering device may have at least one sensor for determining the position of the piston bottom of the ink cartridge. This simplifies the controlled and reliable movement of the piston bottom. Furthermore, this sensor can determine the fill level of the corresponding ink cartridge. Similarly, this sensor can ensure that the corresponding actuator contacts the piston bottom particularly reliably and in a controlled manner.

[0056] According to another preferred configuration, the sensor for determining the position can be configured to determine the relative position between the piston bottom and the actuator for conveying the printing material, particularly the relative position between the piston bottom and the linear drive. Thus, the approach of the actuator to the corresponding piston bottom and the contact between the actuator and the piston bottom can be performed with a particularly high level of accuracy and reliability. In this way, unwanted large amounts of printing material can be reliably avoided.

[0057] According to yet another preferred configuration, the sensor can be configured to determine the absolute position of the bottom of the piston of the ink cartridge. Determining the absolute position of the bottom of the piston of the ink cartridge is advantageously suited for determining the remaining fill volume of printed material in a particularly favorable manner.

[0058] According to another preferred configuration, the sensor used to determine the position of the piston bottom can be designed as an inductive sensor and / or a capacitive sensor and / or a mechanical sensor. Such a sensor can be provided cost-effectively, can be installed in confined spaces, and ensures high functional reliability.

[0059] According to another preferred configuration, the sensor can be arranged on the actuator used to deliver printing material, particularly on a linear drive. This allows the relative position between the actuator and the bottom of the corresponding piston of the ink cartridge to be determined in a suitable manner.

[0060] According to another preferred configuration, the flow stop device can be configured to release pressure at the bottom of the piston of the ink cartridge. Additionally or alternatively, the flow stop device can be configured to reverse the movement of the bottom of the piston of the ink cartridge. This allows for a further improved level of reliability in achieving flow stop. In particular, this configuration can also be implemented without a shut-off accessory and simultaneously possesses a high level of process reliability, enabling flow stop to be implemented with only a small number of parts or components.

[0061] According to another preferred configuration, the flow stop device can be configured to cancel (especially temporarily cancel) the operational engagement and / or contact between the actuator (especially the linear drive) used for conveying printing material and the piston bottom of the ink cartridge. By canceling the operational engagement and / or contact, the pressure inside the ink cartridge can be reduced quickly and effectively again.

[0062] By releasing the pressure, residual printing material in the cartridge can be removed, and the bottom of the piston can be automatically moved back to a relatively small extent in the direction of the actuator or the linear drive. This also causes a small amount of printing material to flow back from the supply line into the cartridge, thus making it relatively reliable to prevent follow-through from the dispensing device.

[0063] According to another preferred configuration, the pressure-based closed-loop control device can be configured to detect and / or process the pressure generated by the actuator for conveying printing material and / or the pressure acting on the bottom of the piston of the ink cartridge. This detection and processing of the pressure generated by the actuator and / or the pressure acting on the bottom of the piston of the ink cartridge can be achieved using cost-effective and reliable functional components, particularly pressure sensors and / or data processing equipment. Therefore, the pressure-based closed-loop control device can be implemented in a particularly advantageous manner and at a lower equipment cost.

[0064] According to another preferred configuration, the pressurizing device can have a pressure vessel that can be closed by a pressure seal, and a container for storing the paste-like printing material can be positioned within the pressure vessel. The pressure on the printing material can also be increased reliably by the increased internal pressure within the pressure vessel, for example, when the container for storing the paste-like printing material is arranged in an open position within the pressure vessel. This increased pressure on the printing material allows for controlled and precise delivery and distribution.

[0065] According to another preferred configuration, the pressure vessel may have a connection opening for compressed air supply, and a compressed air line may be connected to or can be pressure-sealed to the connection opening. In this case, the connection opening may preferably be formed in the cover of the pressure vessel. Therefore, the internal pressure of the pressure vessel can be set in a controlled manner with minimal design work, and thus the delivery of printing material from the corresponding vessel can begin.

[0066] According to another preferred configuration, the pressure vessel may have an outlet opening for connecting a supply line or an outlet opening for connecting an outlet line connected to the supply line, wherein the outlet opening may preferably be formed in the cover of the pressure vessel. In this way, it becomes possible to dispense printing material in a controlled and contamination-free manner from the vessel and from the interior of the pressure vessel.

[0067] According to another preferred configuration, the supply line or the outlet line connected to the supply line can be guided through the outlet opening into the interior of the pressure vessel, particularly into a container located within the pressure vessel and filled with printing material. Therefore, by increasing the internal pressure, the printing material can be easily and reliably forced into the supply line or the outlet line connected to the supply line, and the printing material can be transported outside the pressure vessel.

[0068] According to another preferred configuration, the supply line can be designed to be at least partially or entirely deformable and / or elastically deformable and / or flexible and / or flexible without plastic deformation along its length. Additionally or alternatively, the supply line can flexibly follow the relative movement between the dispensing device and the container. Therefore, the design configuration and / or arrangement of the container and the dispensing device can be adapted to geometric requirements in a simplified and flexible manner. This configuration also simplifies the relative movement between the dispensing device and the container during operation and / or during maintenance and / or setup work on the equipment or metering device.

[0069] According to another preferred configuration, the supply line can be made at least partially or along its entire length from a plastic material, particularly polyamide and / or polyester. This supply line can be provided in a particularly cost-effective manner, ensuring high geometric flexibility and meeting high requirements for the cleanliness of the printed material being transported therein. Furthermore, it creates good protection against contamination.

[0070] According to another preferred configuration, the supply lines and / or a portion thereof can be replaced without tools. Therefore, the operator's workload can be kept low, and the use of different supply lines due to the use of different printing materials is convenient.

[0071] According to another preferred configuration, the length of the supply line can be at least 10 cm, preferably at least 15 cm, more preferably at least 20 cm, more preferably at least 25 cm, more preferably at least 30 cm, more preferably at least 35 cm, more preferably at least 40 cm, more preferably at least 50 cm, more preferably at least 60 cm, more preferably at least 80 cm, more preferably at least 100 cm, more preferably at least 120 cm, more preferably at least 150 cm, more preferably at least 170 cm, more preferably at least 200 cm, more preferably at least 250 cm, and even more preferably at least 300 cm. In this way, the container and the dispensing device can be arranged at a relatively large distance from each other, or the container and the dispensing device can move relative to each other within a relatively large range of motion.

[0072] According to another preferred configuration, the length of the supply line can be up to 20 cm, preferably up to 30 cm, more preferably up to 40 cm, more preferably up to 50 cm, more preferably up to 70 cm, more preferably up to 100 cm, more preferably up to 150 cm, more preferably up to 200 cm, more preferably up to 250 cm, more preferably up to 300 cm, more preferably up to 400 cm, more preferably up to 500 cm, and even more preferably up to 1000 cm. Therefore, the pressure drop within or along the supply line can be effectively limited, and the delivery pressure to be applied for delivery through the supply line can be kept low.

[0073] According to another preferred configuration, the dispensing device can have multiple dispensing openings for dispensing printing material onto the printing screen, particularly multiple dispensing openings formed discretely relative to each other. Therefore, the dispensing openings formed discretely relative to each other are not continuous, but are formed and / or arranged as separate and / or independent dispensing openings. A particularly well-defined distribution of printing material on the printing screen can be achieved through multiple discrete dispensing openings. Dispensing printing material in precisely defined amounts and at defined points on the printing screen increases the reliability and accuracy of subsequent production sequences.

[0074] According to another preferred configuration, at least two dispensing openings may have different sizes, and / or at least two dispensing openings may have different cross-sectional sizes relative to each other. In this way, pressure differences that may exist at the different dispensing openings can be taken into account, and uniform distribution of the printing material can be achieved through the corresponding dispensing openings despite the different pressures.

[0075] According to another preferred configuration, at least one of the distribution openings is smaller in size than the distribution opening downstream of the printing material in the flow direction, and / or the distribution opening downstream of the printing material in the flow direction is larger in size than at least one distribution opening or all distribution openings upstream in the flow direction. In this way, pressure drop along the flow direction can be compensated in a particularly preferred manner, and uniform distribution of the printing material through the different distribution openings can be ensured.

[0076] According to another preferred configuration, the plurality of dispensing openings can be formed and / or arranged to perform the dispensing of print material onto the printing screen relative to discrete print material segments. This allows the print material to be applied to the printing screen in a particularly controlled manner.

[0077] According to another preferred configuration, the dispensing device can be configured to dispense printing material onto closed sections of the printing screen and / or onto printing over-limit sections of the printing screen. However, in this case, printing material can still be dispensed into the effective area of ​​the corresponding filler squeegee on the printing screen. This allows for good subsequent distribution of the printing material on the printing screen via the corresponding filler squeegee, while also allowing for particularly controlled dispensing of the printing material. Furthermore, in this way, the dispensing of printing material can advantageously be performed between two squeegee processes, enabling a particularly efficient printing sequence.

[0078] According to another preferred configuration, the printing apparatus may have a filling squeegee for filling the printing screen with printing material and / or a printing squeegee for pushing the printing material through the printing screen and / or two printing squeegees for pushing the printing material through the printing screen, wherein the dispensing device is preferably configured to dispense printing material starting from a position between the filling squeegee and the printing squeegee. Similarly, the dispensing device may preferably be configured to dispense printing material starting from a position between two printing squeegees.

[0079] A squeegee allows the printing material to be distributed in a particularly advantageous manner within the corresponding printing screen, or to mix newly applied printing material with printing material already present or still existing on the printing screen. The squeegee enables the applied and / or distributed printing material to be reliably pushed through the printing screen.

[0080] When two squeegees are arranged, or when two squeegees are provided as printing squeegees, the distribution of the filler or printing material in the respective printing screen can be omitted in a separate step. The distribution of the filler or printing material in the respective printing screen, or the mixing of newly applied printing material with printing material already present or still existing on the printing screen, can be performed during the execution of the printing squeegee process. In this case, by arranging two printing squeegees, both forward and backward movements of the two squeegees in the squeegee direction can be used for printing; that is, one printing squeegee is used in the forward direction, and the corresponding other printing squeegee is used in the backward direction. A filler squeegee can also advantageously be used as a printing squeegee.

[0081] The arrangement of the dispensing device for dispensing printing material from a position between the filling squeegee and the printing squeegee or between two printing squeegees allows for a particularly space-saving configuration, and allows for timely and efficient dispensing of printing material along the squeegee direction between the movement of the printing squeegee and the movement of the filling squeegee and / or during the movement of the printing squeegee and / or the movement of the filling squeegee.

[0082] According to another preferred configuration, the dispensing device may extend at least partially or completely between the filling squeegee and the printing squeegee and / or between the two printing squeegees, particularly in a direction transverse to the squeegee direction or in a direction angled to the squeegee direction. Additionally or alternatively, the dispensing device may extend at least partially parallel to the squeegee edge of the filling squeegee and / or the squeegee edge of at least one printing squeegee, and / or the dispensing device may extend into the intermediate space between the filling squeegee and the printing squeegee and / or into the intermediate space between the two printing squeegees. This configuration can be constructed to be particularly compact and simultaneously ensure a reliable and relatively low-motion process sequence in the dispensing of printing material by the movement of the printing squeegees, the filling of the printing screen, and / or the printing of the printing paste or subsequent printing.

[0083] According to another preferred configuration, multiple dispensing openings, or the aforementioned multiple dispensing openings, can be arranged in a dispersed manner between the filling squeegee and the printing squeegee and / or between the two printing squeegees, particularly in a dispersed manner in a direction transverse to the squeegee direction or in a direction at an angle to the squeegee direction. With this configuration, the corresponding printing material can be distributed particularly evenly and advantageously with respect to subsequent squeegee movement. Therefore, it is particularly advantageous that the dispensed printing material can be arranged in a dispersed manner along the longitudinal range of the respective squeegee, thereby ensuring relatively uniform entrainment of the printing material through squeegee movement.

[0084] The squeegee direction here can or should be understood as the direction of the corresponding squeegee movement during the filling of the printing screen or during the printing or pressing of the printed material through the printing screen. Therefore, the downward or upward movement of the filling squeegee or the printing squeegee cannot be understood as the squeegee direction.

[0085] According to another preferred configuration, the dispensing device may have at least one or more dispensing channels, wherein the dispensing channels preferably extend in a direction transverse to the squeegee direction or in a direction angled to the squeegee direction. The dispensing channels can further improve the uniformity of the printing material dispensing. Through the course of the dispensing channels in the direction transverse to the squeegee direction or in a direction angled to the squeegee direction, the printing material can be distributed in a particularly advantageous manner during subsequent squeegee movements. The dispensed printing material can advantageously be arranged in a dispersed manner along the longitudinal range of the respective squeegee, thereby ensuring relatively uniform material carrying capacity through squeegee movement.

[0086] According to another preferred configuration, at least one dispensing groove of the dispensing device may have a width that varies along the longitudinal direction. This width variation may occur continuously or steplessly. Therefore, pressure drop along the dispensing groove can be compensated, and uniform dispensing of printing material can be ensured even in the case of a relatively long dispensing groove.

[0087] According to another preferred configuration, at least one dispensing groove of the dispensing device may have different widths in sections spaced apart from each other along its longitudinal direction. These different widths in the longitudinal direction can be achieved through stepped width variations or through stepless or continuous width variations. In this way, possible pressure drops along the dispensing groove can be compensated for with minimal design work, and uniform distribution of the printed material can be ensured.

[0088] According to yet another preferred configuration, the size of at least one dispensing groove of the dispensing device is such that the groove section formed downstream of the printed material in the flow direction is larger and / or wider than at least one groove section arranged upstream in the flow direction. This configuration can particularly advantageously offset any significant pressure drop of the printed material expected or deserving to occur in the flow direction of the printed material.

[0089] According to yet another preferred configuration, at least one dispensing groove of the dispensing device may have at least partially a continuously increasing size and / or width along the flow direction of the printing material. This increased size and / or width can compensate for any possible pressure drop in the flow direction of the printing material in a particularly suitable manner, such that sufficient printing material can also be generated from a region of the dispensing groove arranged relatively downstream in the flow direction or arranged away from the container.

[0090] According to another preferred configuration, the dispensing device can be arranged to travel with the filling squeegee and / or with the printing squeegee and / or with multiple printing squeegees, particularly in the direction of the squeegee. Therefore, the risk of collision between the squeegee and the dispensing device can be reduced. Furthermore, this configuration can be implemented in a relatively simple manner in terms of design. In particular, the dispensing device can be arranged in such a way that it does not have its own actuator, since the movement always occurs together with the corresponding squeegee. The movement of the dispensing device independent of the squeegee is not absolutely necessary.

[0091] According to another preferred configuration, the metering device can be configured to dispense printing material via a dispensing device during squeegee movement in the squeegee direction. Specifically, the metering device can be configured to continuously and / or periodically dispense printing material via the dispensing device during squeegee movement in the squeegee direction. This allows for particularly time-saving dispensing of printing material.

[0092] According to another preferred configuration, the metering device can be configured to dispense printing material during the common and / or traveling motion of the dispensing device with the filling squeegee and / or with at least one printing squeegee in the squeegee direction, particularly from a position of the dispensing device traveling and / or moving in the squeegee direction between the filling squeegee and the printing squeegee and / or between the two printing squeegees. This ensures a particularly time-saving process sequence, thus achieving a high level of productivity while maintaining a high level of operational reliability.

[0093] According to yet another preferred configuration, the metering device can be configured to dispense printing material during the period when the printing squeegee and / or filling squeegee are in a stationary and / or resting position in the squeegee direction. In this way, the dispensing of printing material can be carried out in a particularly controlled manner.

[0094] According to another preferred configuration, the metering device may have at least one actuator for moving the dispensing device, particularly for moving the dispensing device laterally or at an angle to the scraper direction. In this way, the movement of the dispensing device can be independent of the corresponding scraper. This allows for a particularly compact arrangement of the filling scraper and the printing scraper, as the dispensing device can be moved only within the scraper's movement area as needed. Additionally or alternatively, in this way, the dispensing device itself can be constructed in a compact manner, as a relatively large dispensing area can be covered due to its mobility.

[0095] According to another preferred configuration, the actuator can be configured to move the dispensing device during the dispensing of printing material onto the printing screen. During the dispensing of printing material onto the printing screen, the movement of the dispensing device ensures a relatively good distribution over a relatively large dispensing area.

[0096] According to another preferred configuration, the actuator can be configured to move the dispensing device from a waiting position into a dispensing position and / or from a dispensing position into a waiting position. In the waiting position, collisions with the scraper or other components can be avoided. In the dispensing position, effective dispensing along a relatively large dispensing area can be ensured. Therefore, operational reliability and dispensing functionality can be further improved.

[0097] According to another preferred configuration, the dispensing device may have at least one dispensing conduit section, in which at least one dispensing opening and / or a dispensing groove are formed. The dispensing conduit section can be provided cost-effectively, and can have a relatively large length for good distribution of the printing material, while ensuring high operational reliability.

[0098] According to another preferred configuration, multiple dispensing openings can be provided in the dispensing conduit section and / or can be arranged in a dispersed manner along the flow direction of the printed material. Additionally or alternatively, at least one dispensing groove can be formed to extend in the flow direction of the printed material within the dispensing conduit section. This can be achieved with minimal effort and ensures a high degree of functionality in metering and dispensing printed material along a relatively large or longitudinally extending dispensing area.

[0099] According to another preferred configuration, the distribution conduit section can extend between the filling squeegee and the printing squeegee, particularly transverse to or at an angle to the squeegee direction and / or parallel to the squeegee edge of the filling squeegee and / or the printing squeegee edge. This ensures a particularly space-saving and compact arrangement while guaranteeing favorable distribution of the printed material in subsequent squeegee processes.

[0100] According to another preferred configuration, the dispensing device can have multiple dispensing conduit sections, which are preferably arranged and / or configured to move synchronously with each other via actuators or multiple actuators. This allows for further improved metering and distribution of the printed material. Specifically, the multiple dispensing conduit sections can be formed discretely or separately from each other. Such dispensing conduit sections can be arranged and installed independently of each other. The risk of large pressure drops can be reduced by using multiple dispensing conduit sections.

[0101] Furthermore, the dispensing device may have multiple dispensing conduit sections that are interconnected to form a dispensing conduit and / or integrally formed into a dispensing conduit. In this case, the dispensing conduit sections may also be in fluid communication with each other. In this configuration, it is possible to introduce printing material into two interconnected dispensing conduit sections via opposing ends. The printing material can be dispensed via a dispensing opening or dispensing groove or multiple dispensing grooves between opposing ends. Therefore, reverse flow of printing material can be achieved within dispensing conduit sections that are interconnected or integrally formed.

[0102] These interconnected or integrally formed distribution piping sections can be manufactured cost-effectively, are easy to clean, and ensure a high level of operational reliability. Similarly, these interconnected or integrally formed distribution piping sections can be arranged in an aligned manner and / or configured to move in unison via a single actuator or multiple actuators.

[0103] According to another preferred configuration, the supply line may have at least one distributor (preferably multiple distributors) for distributing the printing material flow to multiple parallel-connected supply line segments and / or for supplying the printing material flow to multiple distribution openings and / or multiple distribution slots and / or multiple distribution line segments. This branching improves the targeted metering of different printing material flows to different distribution points or to different points on the printing screen. Overall, the distribution can be improved. Furthermore, relatively large drops in printing material between different distribution openings or distribution points along the various lines can be avoided.

[0104] According to another preferred configuration, the supply line may have at least two supply line sections connected in parallel via distributors. In addition to, or alternatively, at least one supply line section may have a further distributor for distributing the print material flow to the multiple parallel supply line sub-segments. Thus, a particularly advantageous distribution of the print material flow can be achieved with minimal installation and assembly work.

[0105] According to another preferred configuration, the dispensing device can be configured and / or arranged to perform the dispensing of printing material onto the printing screen in at least one longitudinally extending or strip-shaped section of printing material. From this, a particularly uniform distribution of printing material on the printing screen or a particularly uniform mixing with the printing material still present on the printing screen can be achieved in only one filling squeegee process.

[0106] According to another preferred configuration, the metering device may have at least one shut-off fitting for shutting off the flow of printing material, wherein the shut-off fitting may preferably be formed as part of the supply line and / or formed for shutting off the supply line. Therefore, undesirable dispensing of printing material (e.g., during the movement of the printing squeegee) can be reliably avoided, thereby ensuring high process reliability.

[0107] According to another preferred configuration, along the supply pipeline route, the distance between the shut-off fitting and the container containing the printing material can be greater than the distance between the shut-off fitting and the dispensing device and / or at least one dispensing opening and / or dispensing trough. Therefore, the risk of unwanted printing material continuing to flow outside the dispensing device and / or outside the dispensing opening and / or outside the dispensing trough can be reduced. Thus, in particular, the amount of printing material supplied by the shut-off fitting downstream in the flow direction can be kept relatively small.

[0108] According to another preferred configuration, the metering device can include a container changing device for automatically changing the containers for dispensing printing material, particularly those designed as cartridges or barrels. This further improves equipment productivity and prevents labor-intensive use. It also reduces the risk of manual errors. Furthermore, this method allows for the production of screen-printed works using different printing materials with minimal workload. Therefore, it further increases the production flexibility of individual screen-printed works.

[0109] According to another preferred configuration, the container changing device can be constructed for tool-free and / or automatic or semi-automatic changing of containers dispensing printed material. This ensures a particularly high level of ease of operation and operational reliability, and requires only a small number of personnel to operate the device during operation.

[0110] According to another preferred configuration, the container changing device can have a rotary indexing table for containers designed as barrels. This ensures a space-saving construction and a high level of functional reliability. The rotary indexing table can also be easily operated and equipped with containers. Similarly, emptied containers can be easily removed from the rotary indexing table for refilling.

[0111] According to another preferred configuration, the container changing device may have a connecting plate with a channel for connecting a supply line. This channel may be designed for the dispensing of printing material from the container. In this case, depending on the relative position of the connecting plate and the plurality of containers, a fluid connection may preferably be established between the supply line and one of the containers. This fluid connection may be established specifically via the channel of the connecting plate. Additionally or alternatively, a fluid connection may be established between the supply line and another container by adjusting the relative position of the connecting plate and at least one container. This ensures efficient and time-saving changing of the containers dispensing printing material.

[0112] According to another preferred configuration, the container changing device can be arranged outside the printing area of ​​the printing apparatus. Additionally or alternatively, the container changing device can be arranged horizontally spaced relative to the printing screen, or it can be arranged vertically below the printing table of the printing apparatus. Therefore, geometrical collisions between components of the printing apparatus and the container changing device can be avoided. The arrangement of the container changing device can be particularly advantageous in terms of the possible geometric constraints of the printing apparatus.

[0113] According to yet another preferred configuration, the metering device and / or the actuator for conveying printed material outside the container can be configured for volumetric metering of the printed material. Therefore, the accuracy of the metering can be improved in a particularly advantageous manner and with very little effort.

[0114] According to yet another preferred configuration, the metering device and / or the actuator for conveying printed material outside the container can be configured for stroke-based metering and / or volume-based metering of the printed material. Additionally or alternatively, the actuator for conveying the printed material can be configured for volumetric metering via closed-loop stroke control. Therefore, the accuracy of the metering can be further improved. When a linear actuator or linear drive is used as the actuator, the stroke position can advantageously serve as the basis for determining the amount of metered printed material.

[0115] According to another preferred configuration, the metering device may have a receiving cavity for receiving the ink cartridge, wherein the receiving cavity may preferably be designed for at least partially lateral and / or circumferential support of the sidewalls of the ink cartridge. This ensures reliable positioning of the ink cartridge. Furthermore, in terms of the increased internal pressure of the ink cartridge, this also makes it possible to depressurize the sidewalls of the ink cartridge.

[0116] According to another preferred configuration, the actuator for moving the dispensing device can be formed as a hinge system or as part of a hinge system. The hinge system can cover a large movement space and thus ensure proper distribution of the printed material. The hinge system is also simple in construction and capable of moving high-load-bearing masses with high precision and high reliability.

[0117] According to another preferred configuration, the dispensing device may include a wiping device for wiping away printed material outside the dispensing opening or outside the dispensing groove. This wiping device can prevent unwanted or uncontrolled dripping of printed material and can effectively reduce the risk of contaminating equipment components.

[0118] According to another preferred configuration, the supply line may have a backflow stop device for preventing and / or reducing the return of printing material in the opposite direction to the distribution flow direction, wherein the backflow stop device is preferably formed as a shut-off fitting.

[0119] Such shut-off fittings can preferably be configured as ball valves and / or manually actuated. Similarly, shut-off fittings can also be configured as automatically actuated or actuable shut-off valves.

[0120] This configuration reliably prevents the backflow of printed matter, such as that caused by elastic deformation of the supply line or internal pre-stress of the printed matter within the supply line. Specifically, it prevents the backflow of printed matter in the supply line in the container direction and the pushing of printed matter beyond the container-side end of the supply line during the replacement of the corresponding cartridge. Therefore, the risk of contamination in the container, cartridge, or possible container receiver area is reduced.

[0121] The backflow stop device can preferably be actuated before the corresponding container is replaced, and in particular, it can be actuated manually, automatically, or partially automatically.

[0122] Furthermore, a backflow stop is particularly advantageous when the metering device is also equipped with a backflow stop device (especially one formed as a shut-off accessory). This is because, with such a backflow stop device, any remaining printing material in the supply line will no longer flow towards the dispensing device, but will tend to flow back towards the container in the event of flexible deformation of the supply line. This can be reliably prevented by the backflow stop device.

[0123] According to another preferred configuration, along the supply line, the distance between the backflow stop device and the container containing the printed material can be less than the distance between the backflow stop device and the dispensing device. In this way, the risk of printed material returning in the direction of the container and exiting from the container-side end of the supply line can be further reduced. With a smaller distance between the backflow stop device and the container, the risk of uncontrolled backflow of printed material or exiting from the container-side end of the supply line due to internal tension of the printed material present between the container and the backflow stop device or flexible deformation of the supply line is reduced.

[0124] According to another preferred configuration, the supply line between the container and the backflow stop device can be designed at least partially as a rigid or inflexible line. In contrast, the supply line between the backflow stop device and the distribution device can be designed at least partially as a flexible or deformable line.

[0125] Another independent aspect of the invention relates to apparatus for producing three-dimensional screen-printed workpieces, particularly a 3D screen printing machine having a printing device and a metering device. The printing device has a printing screen for producing at least one screen-printed workpiece layer by layer in multiple printing operations. The metering device is used to meter and dispense a paste-like printing material onto the printing screen. The metering device has at least one container for storing the paste-like printing material, and / or a dispensing device for dispensing the printing material onto the printing screen, and at least one actuator for moving the container and / or the dispensing device, wherein the actuator is designed as a hinge system or part of a hinge system.

[0126] The device constructed in this manner according to another independent aspect of the invention can be constructed in a preferred manner as some or all of the above-described advantageous embodiments.

[0127] Another independent aspect of the invention relates to apparatus for producing three-dimensional screen-printed workpieces, particularly a 3D screen printing machine, having a printing apparatus and a metering apparatus. The printing apparatus has a printing screen for producing at least one screen-printed workpiece layer by layer in multiple printing operations. The metering apparatus is used to meter and dispense a paste-like printing material onto the printing screen. The metering apparatus may be equipped with at least one container for storing the paste-like printing material, a dispensing device for dispensing the printing material onto the printing screen, and a supply line extending between the container and the dispensing device for supplying the printing material from the container to the dispensing device.

[0128] The device constructed in this manner according to yet another independent aspect of the present invention can also be constructed in a preferred manner in some or all of the above-described advantageous embodiments.

[0129] Another independent aspect of the invention relates to a method for producing three-dimensional screen-printed workpieces, particularly a method for producing three-dimensional screen-printed workpieces using the aforementioned equipment, wherein the screen-printed workpieces are produced layer by layer in a printing apparatus having a printing screen in multiple printing operations, and wherein a metering device is used to meter the paste-like printing material onto the printing screen, wherein a flow stop device is used to prevent and / or reduce the flow of the printing material outside the metering device.

[0130] Another independent aspect of the invention relates to a method for producing three-dimensional screen-printed workpieces, particularly a method for producing three-dimensional screen-printed workpieces using the aforementioned equipment, wherein the screen-printed workpieces are produced layer by layer in a printing apparatus having a printing screen in multiple printing operations, and wherein a metering device is used to meter the paste-like printing material onto the printing screen, wherein the printing material is conveyed by the metering device to a container for storing the paste-like printing material and to a dispensing device for dispensing the printing material onto the printing screen via a supply line.

[0131] The details and individual aspects of the device described above (including similar aspects related to the device) apply in the same manner to the method according to the invention described above according to other individual aspects. Attached Figure Description

[0132] The invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings and based on advantageous embodiments.

[0133] The following are schematically shown respectively: Figure 1 A perspective view of the device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 Figure 1 A side view of the device, showing an open illustration of the printing unit without a housing; Figure 3 Figure 1 A perspective view of the printing unit in the equipment; Figure 4 Figure 1 A perspective view of the metering device in the equipment; Figure 5 Figure 4 Side view of the metering device; Figure 6 Figure 4 A partial view of the metering device, in which the container housing is shown in an open diagram; Figure 7 along Figure 6 Cross-sectional view of mid-section line AA; Figure 8 Detailed view of a dispensing apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; Figure 9 Detailed view of a dispensing device according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention; Figure 10 Detailed view of a dispensing device according to yet another exemplary embodiment of the present invention; Figure 11 Partial views of a printing apparatus and a metering apparatus according to another exemplary embodiment; Figure 12 along Figure 11 Cross-sectional view of mid-section line AA; Figure 13 according to Figure 11 and Figure 12 Detailed view of the dispensing apparatus in an exemplary embodiment; Figure 14 A perspective view of a measuring device according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention; Figure 15 Figure 14 Side view of the metering device; Figure 16 A perspective view of the device according to the invention according to another exemplary embodiment; Figure 17 Figure 16 Cross-sectional view of the equipment; Figure 18 Figure 16 Side view of the device in the middle; Figure 19 Perspective view of a metering device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; Figure 20 Figure 19 Side view of the metering device; Figure 21 A perspective view of a measuring device according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention; Figure 22 Figure 21 Side view of the metering device; Figure 23 Figure 22 A partial perspective view of the metering device, showing the dispensing equipment and the printing screen; Figure 24 Figure 23 A detailed side view of the central dispensing device, showing the scraper; Figure 25 A plan view of a printing screen of the apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; Figure 26 A side view of a container replacement device in a first operating position according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; Figure 27 Figure 26 Side view of the container replacement equipment in another operating position; Figure 28 Detailed view of a container replacement device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; Figure 29 according to Figure 28 Another detailed view of the container replacement equipment; Figure 30 A side view of a metering device according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention; Figure 31 Figure 30 Side view of the metering device during the supply of printing materials; Figure 32 Figure 30 Side view of the metering device during wire mesh filling via the movement of the filling scraper; Figure 33 Figure 30 Side view of the metering device after container replacement; Figure 34 according to Figure 14 and Figure 15 Another perspective view of the metering device in the exemplary embodiment; Figure 35 Figure 34 Detailed view. Detailed Implementation

[0134] Figure 1 This diagram shows a perspective view of an apparatus 10 for producing three-dimensional screen-printed workpieces according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The apparatus 10 may, in particular, be a 3D screen printing machine. Specifically, the apparatus 10 may be a 3D screen printing machine for producing pharmaceuticals.

[0135] Figure 2 Show Figure 1 Side view of device 10. Device 10 may have a housing 12; for better illustration, in... Figure 2 The housing is not shown in the diagram. Furthermore, the device 10 has a printing device 14, which therefore... Figure 2 It is shown as being in an open state. Figure 3 Further show Figure 1 A perspective view of the printing apparatus 14 of the middle device 10.

[0136] The printing apparatus 14 can be configured to produce at least one screen-printed workpiece (not shown in more detail here) layer by layer in multiple printing operations. For this purpose, the printing apparatus can have a printing screen 16. Furthermore, the printing apparatus 14 can have a metering device 18 for metering and dispensing a paste-like printing material onto the printing screen 16. The printing apparatus 14 can be arranged, for example, adjacent to other functional areas of the equipment 10, such as an inspection area adjacent to the screen-printed workpiece and / or a drying area adjacent to the screen-printed workpiece. The size of the printing apparatus 14 can be substantially limited by the printing screen 16 and / or the frame mount of the printing screen 16 and / or the frame suspension of the printing screen 16 and / or the printing table 32.

[0137] from Figures 4 to 8An exemplary embodiment of the metering device 18 can be obtained from the above. Such a metering device 18 may have at least one container 20 for storing a paste-like printing material 22, a dispensing device 24 for dispensing the printing material 22 onto a printing screen 16, and a supply line 26 extending between the container 20 and the dispensing device 24 for supplying the printing material 22 from the container 20 to the dispensing device 24.

[0138] like Figure 5 As shown, the metering device 18 may also have a multi-piece dispensing device 24, which will be described in more detail below. Similarly, the dispensing device 24 may be integrally formed.

[0139] exist Figure 5 In the image, container 20 is shown inside housing 28, so no further details can be seen. Figure 6 Show along Figure 5 Cross-sectional view of line AA in the middle. Figure 6 In the image, container 20 is shown as being substantially empty, so that only a small amount of the printed material 22 remains in container 20.

[0140] from Figure 2 and Figure 3 As can be seen from this, the container 20 can be arranged outside the printing area 30 of the printing apparatus 14. In this case, the container 20 can be arranged to be horizontally spaced relative to the printing screen 16.

[0141] Additionally or alternatively, container 20 may be arranged vertically below printing table 32 of printing apparatus 14, according to Figures 1 to 4 The printing table 32 is not shown in the exemplary embodiment, but it may be, for example, in accordance with... Figure 21 and Figure 22 An exemplary embodiment provides a printing table 32.

[0142] In addition, from Figure 2 and Figure 3 It can be seen that the container 20 can be arranged and maintained (particularly during the dispensing of printing material 22) outside the printing area 30 of the printing apparatus 14, and / or can be arranged and maintained in a horizontal direction relative to the printing screen 16.

[0143] Additionally or alternatively, container 20 may be arranged and maintained (particularly during the dispensing of printing material 22) vertically below the printing table 32 of printing apparatus 14, according to Figures 1 to 4 The printing table 32 is not shown in the exemplary embodiment, but it may be, for example, in accordance with... Figure 21 and Figure 22 An exemplary embodiment of the invention provides a printing table 32.

[0144] In addition, container 20 may be arranged and / or kept stationary and / or immobile during the dispensing of printed material 22.

[0145] According to Figures 1 to 7 In an exemplary embodiment, the container 20 may be designed, in particular, as an ink cartridge 34, such as a disposable or reusable ink cartridge. This ink cartridge 34 may be in a closed form and / or have an openable and / or accessible outlet opening 35. Furthermore, this ink cartridge 34 may have a piston bottom 38 that is displaceable relative to the circumferential ink cartridge sidewall 36, such as… Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown in more detail below.

[0146] The receiving volume of the container 20, designed for ink cartridge 34, can be at least 50 cm³. 3 Preferably at least 100cm 3 More preferably at least 200cm 3 More preferably, at least 300cm 3 More preferably at least 500cm 3 More preferably at least 800cm 3 More preferably at least 1000cm 3 More preferably, at least 1200cm 3 More preferably, at least 1500cm 3 More preferably, at least 1800cm 3 And more preferably at least 2000cm 3 .

[0147] Furthermore, the receiving volume of the container 20, designed as ink cartridge 34, can be up to 200 cm³. 3 Preferably, it can be up to 500cm high. 3 More preferably, up to 700cm 3 More preferably, up to 900cm 3 More preferably up to 1000cm 3 More preferably, up to 1200cm 3 More preferably, up to 1500cm 3 More preferably, up to 1700cm 3 More preferably up to 2000cm 3 More preferably, up to 2500cm 3 More preferably, up to 3000cm 3 And even more preferably up to 4000cm 3 .

[0148] In addition, the metering device 18 may have at least one actuator 40 for conveying the printed material 22 outside the container 20.

[0149] According to Figures 1 to 7 In an exemplary embodiment, the actuator 40 for conveying the printed material 22 may be configured as a pressurizing device 42 for pressurizing the printed material 22 in the container 20 and / or for conveying the printed material 22 out of the container 20 based on pressure.

[0150] This booster device 42 may have a linear drive 44, wherein the linear drive 44 may preferably be designed as an electric or electromechanical linear drive 44. Similarly, the linear drive 44 may be designed as an electric spindle drive and / or an electric cylinder and / or a linear actuator.

[0151] Furthermore, the booster unit can be designed as a pneumatic and / or hydraulic linear drive or linear cylinder, but this is not in accordance with... Figures 1 to 7 Exemplary embodiments are shown in more detail in the embodiments.

[0152] The pressurizing device 42 can be configured and / or arranged to apply a compressive force to the piston bottom 38 of the ink cartridge 34 filled with printing material 22, and / or to displace the piston bottom 38 of the ink cartridge 34 in the longitudinal direction relative to the corresponding ink cartridge sidewall 36, so as to increase the internal pressure of the ink cartridge 34. In this way, the printing material 22 can be pushed out of the outlet opening 35 in a particularly advantageous manner, and the printing material 22 can be conducted into the supply line 26, all the way to the dispensing device 24.

[0153] Furthermore, the metering device 18 may have at least one sensor 46 for determining the position of the piston bottom 38 of the ink cartridge 34, such as Figure 7 As shown schematically.

[0154] Sensor 46 can be configured to determine the relative position between the piston bottom 38 and the actuator 40 for conveying the printing material 22. In particular, sensor 46 can be configured to determine the relative position between the piston bottom 38 and the free end of the plunger 48 of the actuator 40.

[0155] This plunger 48 can be part of the linear drive 44, or can be connected to the linear drive 44 to transmit driving force.

[0156] In addition, sensor 46 can be configured to determine the absolute position of the piston bottom 38 of cartridge 34.

[0157] In addition, multiple sensors can be provided, offering different functions and / or at least partially redundant functions. For example, a sensor for monitoring the fill level of container 20 can be provided, which will be discussed below. Figures 26 to 33 Exemplary embodiments are described in more detail below.

[0158] The sensor used to monitor the fill level of container 20 can be separate from sensor 46. Similarly, the sensor for monitoring the fill level can be formed by sensor 46, which can be configured to determine the absolute position of the piston bottom 38 of cartridge 34 and / or to determine the relative position between the piston bottom 38 and the actuator 40 for delivering printing material 22. The fill level of container 20 can be determined by this absolute and / or relative position.

[0159] The sensor 46 used to determine the position of the piston bottom 38 can be specifically designed as an inductive sensor and / or a capacitive sensor and / or a mechanical sensor.

[0160] As in Figure 7 As schematically shown, sensor 46 can be arranged on actuator 40 for conveying printing material 22. In particular, sensor 46 can be arranged on linear drive 44 or plunger 48, wherein plunger 48 can be designed as part of actuator 40 and / or linear drive 44, or can be coupled to linear drive 44.

[0161] The supply line 26 may be designed to be at least partially or entirely deformable and / or elastically deformable and / or flexible and / or flexible without plastic deformation along its length. Similarly, the supply line 26 may flexibly follow the relative movement between the dispensing device 24 and the container 20. This relative movement between the dispensing device 24 and the container 20 may be achieved, for example, by scraper movement, which will be referred to below, for example. Figure 10 and Figure 11 as well as Figures 29 to 33 To provide a more detailed explanation.

[0162] Furthermore, the supply line 26 may be made of plastic material, at least partially or along its entire length. In particular, the supply line 26 may be designed to be made of polyamide and / or polyester, at least partially or along its entire length, or may include such plastic material, for example, as a coating and / or sheath.

[0163] Furthermore, supply line 26 and / or a portion thereof may be replaceable without tools. This replaceability simplifies the use of different printing materials and / or printing materials for alternating use, and prevents undesirable contamination of the printing materials by residues in supply line 26.

[0164] The length of the supply pipeline 26 can be at least 10cm, preferably at least 15cm, more preferably at least 20cm, more preferably at least 25cm, more preferably at least 30cm, more preferably at least 35cm, more preferably at least 40cm, more preferably at least 50cm, more preferably at least 60cm, more preferably at least 80cm, more preferably at least 100cm, more preferably at least 120cm, more preferably at least 150cm, more preferably at least 170cm, more preferably at least 200cm, more preferably at least 250cm, and even more preferably at least 300cm.

[0165] Similarly, the length of the supply pipeline can be up to 20cm, preferably up to 30cm, more preferably up to 40cm, more preferably up to 50cm, more preferably up to 70cm, more preferably up to 100cm, more preferably up to 150cm, more preferably up to 200cm, more preferably up to 250cm, more preferably up to 300cm, more preferably up to 400cm, more preferably up to 500cm, and even more preferably up to 1000cm.

[0166] Figures 8 to 10 Detailed views of the dispensing device 24 according to different exemplary embodiments of the present invention are shown.

[0167] According to Figure 8 In an exemplary embodiment, the dispensing device 24 may have a plurality of dispensing openings 62 for dispensing printing material 22 onto the printing screen 16. Specifically, the dispensing device 24 may have a plurality of dispensing openings 62 formed discretely relative to each other. At least two dispensing openings 62 may have different dimensions relative to each other. In particular, all dispensing openings 62 may have different dimensions relative to each other. Therefore, each dispensing opening 62 may have a different dimension than each of the other dispensing openings 62 of the corresponding dispensing device 24.

[0168] Therefore, at least two distributing openings 62 can have cross-sectional sizes different from each other. Specifically, each distributing opening 62 can have a cross-sectional size different from the cross-sectional size of each of the other distributing openings 62. According to... Figure 8 In an exemplary embodiment, the dispensing opening 62 may be circular, particularly circular. The dispensing device 24 may also have a dispensing opening 62 of a different shape.

[0169] In a preferred embodiment, at least one of the dispensing openings 62 may be smaller than the dispensing opening 62 located downstream of the printed material 22 in the flow direction 64. Similarly, the dispensing opening 62 located downstream of the printed material 22 in the flow direction 64 may be larger than at least one dispensing opening 62 located upstream of the flow direction 64, or all of the dispensing openings 62 located upstream in the flow direction.

[0170] The further the corresponding printing material 22 flows in the distribution device 24 along the flow direction 64, the greater the likelihood that the printing material 22 will be guided or pushed out through the relatively large distribution opening 62. This can effectively compensate for the pressure drop that occurs in the flow direction 64 within the distribution device 24, and still ensure uniform or equal or relatively good dispersion of the printing material by using distribution openings 62 of different sizes.

[0171] Furthermore, the plurality of dispensing openings 62 of the dispensing device 24 can be formed and / or arranged to perform dispensing of the printing material 22 onto the corresponding printing screen 16 relative to discrete segments of printing material. In this configuration, the segments of printing material applied to the printing screen 16 in various cases can be clearly distinguished from each other, and thus particularly controlled dispensing can be ensured.

[0172] Multiple dispensing openings 62, or the aforementioned multiple dispensing openings 62, can be arranged in a dispersed manner between the filling squeegee 50 and the printing squeegee 52, particularly in a dispersed manner in a direction transverse to the squeegee direction 54 or in a direction at an angle to the squeegee direction 54. Therefore, the dispensing device 24 (e.g., in...) Figure 8 (As shown in the figure) can be arranged to extend between the filling squeegee 50 and the printing squeegee 52, such that at least a plurality of the dispensing openings 62 or all of the dispensing openings 62 are arranged in a dispersed manner between the filling squeegee 50 and the printing squeegee 52.

[0173] The following will refer to Figures 11 to 13 The exemplary embodiments described herein illustrate in more detail the arrangement of the dispensing device 24 between the filling squeegee 50 and the printing squeegee 52 or between the two printing squeegees.

[0174] Figure 9 A detailed view of a dispensing device 24 according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 9 Exemplary embodiments and Figure 8 The difference in the exemplary embodiment lies in the shape of the allocation opening 62.

[0175] according to Figure 9The dispensing device 24 has at least one dispensing groove 66 or multiple dispensing grooves 66. In this document, at least one dispensing groove 66 may preferably extend in a direction transverse to the scraper direction 54 or in a direction angled to the scraper direction 54. Specifically, the at least one dispensing groove 66 may preferably extend in its longitudinal direction in a direction transverse to the scraper direction 54 or in a direction angled to the scraper direction 54. Furthermore, the at least one dispensing groove 66 may extend at least partially in its longitudinal direction along the flow direction 64 of the printing material 22 within the respective dispensing device 24.

[0176] All dispensing grooves 66 may extend in the flow direction 64 and / or transverse to or at an angle to the scraper direction 54 within their longitudinal direction. At least two dispensing grooves 66 or all dispensing grooves 66 may be aligned with each other within their longitudinal direction.

[0177] At least two dispensing slots 66 may have different dimensions relative to each other. In particular, all dispensing slots 66 may have different dimensions relative to each other. Therefore, each dispensing slot 66 may have a different dimension from each of the other dispensing slots 66 of the corresponding dispensing device 24.

[0178] Therefore, at least two dispensing slots 66 may have slot widths that are different from each other. In particular, each dispensing slot 66 may have a slot width that is different from the slot width of each of the other dispensing slots 66.

[0179] In a preferred embodiment, at least one of the distribution channels 66 is smaller than the distribution channel 66 located downstream of the printed material 22 in the flow direction 64. Similarly, the distribution channel 66 located downstream of the printed material 22 in the flow direction 64 is larger or wider than at least one or all of the distribution channels 66 located upstream in the flow direction 64. This appropriately compensates for the pressure drop occurring in the flow direction 64 within the distribution device 24, while still ensuring uniform, equal, or relatively well-distributed discharge of the printed material through the distribution channels 66 of varying sizes.

[0180] According to Figure 9 In an exemplary embodiment, at least one dispensing groove 66 of the dispensing device 24 has at least partially a constant size and / or width along the flow direction 64 of the printed material 22.

[0181] Furthermore, the dispensing slot 66 of the dispensing device can be configured to have slot lengths of different sizes, which are not shown in more detail here.

[0182] Figure 10A detailed view of a dispensing device 24 according to yet another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 10 Exemplary embodiments and Figure 9 The difference in the exemplary embodiment lies in the shape of the distribution groove 66. According to... Figure 10 In exemplary embodiments, references to the above may also be provided. Figure 9 The different sizes of the distribution groove 66.

[0183] In addition, according to Figure 10 In an exemplary embodiment, at least one dispensing slot 66 of the dispensing device 24 may be configured to have a width that varies along a longitudinal direction. Preferably, this may be provided in all dispensing slots 66.

[0184] At least one dispensing groove 66 of the dispensing device 24 may have different widths in sections of the dispensing groove 66 that are spaced apart from each other along the longitudinal direction. Preferably, all dispensing grooves 66 of the dispensing device 24 may have different widths in sections of the respective dispensing groove 66 that are spaced apart from each other along the longitudinal direction.

[0185] In this document, the dimensions of at least one dispensing groove 66 of the dispensing device 24 are such that the groove section formed downstream of the printed material 22 in the flow direction 64 is larger and / or wider than at least one groove section arranged upstream in the flow direction 64. This can preferably be provided in all dispensing grooves 66.

[0186] According to Figure 10 In an exemplary embodiment, at least one dispensing groove 66 of the dispensing device 24 has at least partially a continuously increasing size and / or width along the flow direction 64 of the printed material 22. This can preferably be achieved according to... Figure 10 The dispensing device 24 is provided in all the dispensing slots 66.

[0187] According to Figures 1 to 10 In exemplary embodiments, and according to the following, which will be described in more detail... Figures 11 to 25 In an exemplary embodiment, the distribution device 24 may have at least one distribution pipeline section 68 or multiple distribution pipeline sections 68.

[0188] Referenced above Figures 8 to 10 The distribution device 24 shown can be configured as distribution pipeline sections 68, or the distribution device 24 can have corresponding Figures 8 to 10 The exemplary embodiment forms at least one distribution conduit section 68. Similarly, the distribution device 24 may have multiple such distribution conduit sections 68.

[0189] At least one distribution opening 62 and / or one distribution groove 66, or multiple distribution openings 62 and / or distribution grooves 66, can be formed in such a distribution conduit section 68. The distribution openings 62 and / or distribution grooves 66 provided in the distribution conduit section 68 can be as described above. Figures 8 to 10 It is formed as described in more detail.

[0190] Specifically, multiple dispensing openings 62 can be provided in the dispensing conduit section 68 and can be arranged in a dispersed manner along the flow direction 64 of the printed material 22. Similarly, at least one dispensing groove 66 can be formed to extend in the dispensing conduit section 68 along the flow direction of the printed material 22.

[0191] Similarly, the distribution pipe section 68 may also have a distribution opening 62 at its free end. In particular, such a distribution pipe section 68 may also have a distribution opening 62 only at its free end, which will be described in more detail below.

[0192] The aforementioned distribution pipe section 68 may extend between the corresponding filling squeegee 50 and the corresponding printing squeegee 52, particularly extending transversely to or at an angle to the squeegee direction 54 and / or parallel to the squeegee edge 56 of the filling squeegee 50 and / or parallel to the squeegee edge 58 of the printing squeegee 52.

[0193] For example, as in Figure 5 As shown in more detail below, the dispensing device 24 may have a plurality of dispensing conduit sections 68, which are preferably arranged in an aligned manner with each other. The dispensing device 24 may be arranged to be movable by the actuator 70. In particular, the dispensing conduit sections 68 of the dispensing device 24 may be arranged to move in unison with each other by the actuator 70 or by a plurality of actuators.

[0194] like Figure 3 As shown, the actuator 70 can be a door hinge system 72. The door hinge system 72 can have an electric drive 74, for example in... Figure 11 The electric drive unit is shown in more detail below. The door hinge system 72 can also carry the filling squeegee 50 and the printing squeegee 52, and can realize squeegee movement in the squeegee direction 54.

[0195] According to Figures 1 to 10 In exemplary embodiments, and according to the following, which will be described in more detail... Figures 11 to 33In an exemplary embodiment, the corresponding supply line 26 may have at least one distributor 76. Such distributor 76 may be formed and / or arranged, particularly for distributing the printing material flow 22 to a plurality of parallel-connected supply line segments 78, and / or for supplying the printing material flow 22 to a plurality of distribution openings 62 and / or to a plurality of distribution slots 66 and / or to a plurality of distribution line segments 68.

[0196] Therefore, supply line 26 may have at least two supply line sections 78 connected in parallel via distributor 76.

[0197] Furthermore, it is possible that in the parallel-connected supply line segments 78, at least one supply line segment 78 has an additional distributor 76 for distributing the printed material flow 22 to a plurality of other parallel-connected supply line sub-segments 78. Thus, the corresponding supply line 26 may have a plurality of distributors 76.

[0198] Due to the arrangement of the distributor 76, the supply line 26 can therefore be formed in a branched manner. The length or length range of the supply line 26 described above can be the length or length range of the supply line 26 from the respective container 20 to the end of the respective branch. Similarly, the length or length range of the supply line 26 described above can be the length or length range of the entire supply line 26 including all branches.

[0199] Figure 11 A partial view of a printing apparatus 14 and a metering apparatus 18 according to yet another exemplary embodiment is shown. Figure 12 Show along Figure 11 Cross-sectional view of the mid-section line AA.

[0200] From a more detailed illustration Figure 11 and Figure 12 As can be seen from the diagram, the printing apparatus 14 may have a filling squeegee 50 for filling the printing screen 16 with the printing material 22. Similarly, from the more detailed illustration... Figure 11 and Figure 12 As can be seen from this, the printing apparatus 14 may have a printing squeegee 52 for pushing the printing material 22 through the printing screen 16.

[0201] Alternatively, a printing squeegee can be provided instead of the filling squeegee 50, or the filling squeegee 50 can also be operated as a printing squeegee. Therefore, the printing apparatus 14 can be equipped with two printing squeegees, or both arranged squeegees can be operated as printing squeegees.

[0202] As in accordance with Figure 11 and Figure 12In the exemplary embodiment shown, the dispensing device 24 may preferably be configured and / or arranged for dispensing the printing material 22 from a position between the filling squeegee 50 and the printing squeegee 52 or between the two printing squeegees. This is particularly true in Figure 12 The arrangement with a filling squeegee 50 and a printing squeegee 52 will be discussed in more detail below, and the corresponding details also apply to the arrangement with two printing squeegees.

[0203] The dispensing device 24 may extend at least partially or completely between the filling squeegee 50 and the printing squeegee 52. Specifically, the dispensing device 24 may extend at least partially in a direction transverse to or at an angle to the squeegee direction 54. The squeegee direction 54 may be the direction along which the filling squeegee 50 moves during filling the printing screen 16, or the direction along which the printing squeegee 52 moves during printing or pushing the printing material 22 through the printing screen 16. Therefore, the downward or upward movement of the filling squeegee 50 and / or the printing squeegee 52 should not be interpreted as the squeegee direction.

[0204] According to Figures 1 to 10 and Figures 13 to 25 In an exemplary embodiment, the above-described arrangement between the dispensing device 24 and the filling squeegee 50 and / or the printing squeegee 52 may also be provided. Furthermore, in Figure 3 The direction of the scraper is also drawn in the middle.

[0205] Furthermore, the dispensing device 24 may extend at least partially parallel to the squeegee edge 56 of the filling squeegee 50. Similarly, the dispensing device 24 may extend at least partially parallel to the squeegee edge 58 of the printing squeegee 52. In this case, the dispensing device 24 may extend at least partially into the intermediate space 60 between the filling squeegee 50 and the printing squeegee 52. Therefore, the corresponding printing paste 22 can be dispensed from a position within the intermediate space 60 between the filling squeegee 50 and the printing squeegee 52 by the dispensing device 24.

[0206] During the scraper movement of the filling scraper 50 and / or the printing scraper 52 along the scraper direction 54, particularly according to Figure 11 and Figure 12 And according to Figures 1 to 10 and Figures 13 to 25 In this configuration, the dispensing device 24 can move together with the filling squeegee 50 and / or the printing squeegee 52. Therefore, this movement of the dispensing device 24 along the squeegee direction 54 can also be performed relative to the corresponding container 20.

[0207] According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, for example, Figures 1 to 25As shown, the dispensing device 24 can therefore be arranged to travel with the filling squeegee 50 and / or with the printing squeegee 52, and in particular, can be arranged to travel in the squeegee direction 54.

[0208] According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, for example, Figures 1 to 25 As shown, the metering device 18 can be configured to dispense printing material 22 via the dispensing device 24 during scraper movement along the scraper direction 54. In particular, the metering device 18 can be configured to continuously and / or periodically dispense printing material 22 via the dispensing device 24 during scraper movement along the scraper direction 54.

[0209] Furthermore, according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, for example, Figures 1 to 25 As shown, the metering device 18 may be configured to dispense printing material 22 during the common and / or traveling movement of the dispensing device 24 with the filling squeegee 50 and / or with at least one printing squeegee 52 in the squeegee direction 54, particularly from the position of the dispensing device 24 traveling and / or moving in the squeegee direction between the filling squeegee 50 and the printing squeegee 52 and / or between the two printing squeegees.

[0210] In this case, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, for example, Figures 1 to 25 As shown, the metering device 18 can be configured to dispense printing material 22 during scraper movement along the scraper direction 54 performed by the actuator 70 and / or by the door hinge system 72.

[0211] Finally, according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, for example, Figures 1 to 25 As shown, the metering device 18 can be configured to dispense the printing material 22 during the period when the printing squeegee 52 and / or the filling squeegee 50 are in a stationary and / or resting position in the squeegee direction 54.

[0212] Additionally or alternatively, according to exemplary embodiments of the invention, such as Figures 1 to 25 As shown, the metering device 18 can be configured to dispense printing material 22 during the movement of the dispensing device 24 relative to the filling squeegee 50 and / or relative to the printing squeegee 52 and / or during the movement between the filling squeegee 50 and the printing squeegee 52, and / or to dispense printing material 22 during the movement of the dispensing device 24 transverse to or at an angle to the squeegee direction 54, particularly when the printing squeegee 52 and / or the filling squeegee 50 are in a stationary and / or resting position in the squeegee direction 54.

[0213] Figure 13 Showing according to Figure 11 and Figure 12 A detailed view of the dispensing device 24 in an exemplary embodiment. Specifically, according to... Figure 13 A detailed view shows the distribution sub-assembly 25 of the distribution device 24.

[0214] according to Figure 13 The dispensing device 24 or dispensing subassembly 25 has two dispensing conduit sections 68 that extend at least partially parallel to or adjacent to each other. The extensions of the two dispensing conduit sections 68 arranged parallel to or adjacent to each other may overlap. Therefore, the two dispensing conduit sections 68 extend only partially parallel to or adjacent to each other. One of the dispensing conduit sections 68 may extend longitudinally relative to the corresponding other dispensing conduit section 68, or may be formed to be longer.

[0215] according to Figure 13 The distribution pipeline section 68 can be supplied with printing material 22 via the supply pipeline section 78, wherein the supply pipeline sections 78a and 78b, which are directly adjacent to the distribution pipeline section 68, are connected in parallel and connected to the distributor 76. The flow direction 64 of the printing material 22 is... Figure 13 It is shown schematically in the diagram.

[0216] Subsequently, supply line segment 78c may extend upstream of distributor 76, and this supply line segment 78c may preferably also be connected in parallel and may communicate with another distributor 76—not shown in more detail here. Supply line segment 78c may be connected in parallel with another supply line segment 78, which is also not shown in more detail here.

[0217] Therefore, according to Figure 11 and Figure 12 The metering device 18 or dispensing device 24 in the exemplary embodiments may have, for example, two dispensing sub-assemblies 25, each having two dispensing pipeline sections 68 connected in parallel, such as... Figure 13 As shown. Therefore, the dispensing device 24 can have two opposing dispensing sub-assemblies 25, which can, for example, be based on... Figure 13 This forms, and thus can have two distribution pipe sections 68 connected in parallel.

[0218] also, Figure 13 The distribution pipe section 68 shown may have a distribution opening 62 at its free end 69. Specifically, according to... Figure 13 In an exemplary embodiment, the distribution conduit section 68 may have a distribution opening 62 only at the free end 69.

[0219] In addition, according to Figures 11 to 13In an exemplary embodiment, the metering device 18 may have at least one actuator 142 for moving the dispensing device 24 or dispensing subassembly 25 relative to the filling scraper 50 and / or relative to the printing scraper 52, for example, Figure 13 As shown. In this case, according to Figures 11 to 13 The metering device 18 may be configured and / or arranged for dispensing printed material 22 during the movement of the dispensing device 24 or dispensing assembly 25 by the actuator 142.

[0220] Furthermore, each allocation sub-assembly 25 may be provided with a separate actuator, which is not shown in more detail here. Thus, the allocation sub-assemblies 25 can move independently of each other and / or move in opposite directions relative to each other.

[0221] The actuator 142 may be configured and / or arranged to move the dispensing device 24 and / or the dispensing sub-assembly 25 laterally to or at an angle to the squeegee direction 54. Specifically, the actuator 142 may be configured to move the dispensing device 24 in a laterally oriented direction 144, which extends laterally to or at an angle to the squeegee direction 54. In this case, the actuator 142 may be configured and / or arranged to move the dispensing device 24 along the intermediate space 60 between the filling squeegee 50 and the printing squeegee 52 and / or in a direction parallel to the squeegee edge 56 of the filling squeegee 50 and / or in a direction parallel to the squeegee edge 58 of the printing squeegee 52.

[0222] Actuator 142 can be designed as a pneumatic and / or electric actuator and / or as a linear actuator, particularly a pneumatic and / or electric linear actuator.

[0223] Actuator 142 may be configured and / or arranged to move the corresponding dispensing sub-assembly 25 along the lateral direction 144, particularly by a distance or metering length less than 50% of the scraper width extending in the lateral direction 144. Furthermore, actuator 142 may be configured and / or arranged to move the corresponding dispensing sub-assembly 25 along the lateral direction 144 by a distance or metering length less than 30% and / or greater than 20%, preferably 25%, or approximately 25% of the scraper width extending in the lateral direction 144.

[0224] Therefore, the dispensing of the printed material 22 from one of the dispensing pipe sections 68 can be carried out along a metering length or along a distance corresponding to approximately 25% or about 25% of the scraper width extending in the transverse direction 144. The entire scraper width extending in the transverse direction 144 can be covered by the arrangement of a total of two opposing dispensing sub-assemblies 25, and thus by the arrangement of a total of four dispensing pipe sections 68.

[0225] Therefore, due to the movement of the actuator 142 through each dispensing pipe section 68 along the metering width and / or distance, which corresponds to about 25% or approximately 25% of the squeegee width extending in the lateral direction 144, the printing material segments can be applied to the corresponding printing screen 16.

[0226] The four printing material segments applied in this manner via the corresponding distribution conduit section 68 can complement each other to form a continuous printing material section 122, for example, as shown in the figure. Figure 25 As shown. Therefore, this continuous section of printed material 122 can extend along the entire width of the squeegee or substantially along the entire width of the squeegee, wherein the portions of the squeegee width itself extend in the lateral direction 144.

[0227] In this configuration, actuator 144 can perform forward and backward movements along the scraper direction 144, wherein, for example, during forward movement, printing material 22 can be dispensed from the dispensing conduit section 68 of the dispensing subassembly 25, and during backward movement, printing material 22 can be dispensed from the dispensing conduit section 68 of the corresponding other dispensing subassembly 25. The forward and backward movements along the scraper direction 144 are determined according to… Figure 11 The diagram shows movement to the left and right.

[0228] If multiple actuators are provided or actuator 144 has multiple individual actuators—which are not shown in more detail here—then during the dispensing of printed material 22, the dispensing sub-assemblies 25 may move toward and / or away from each other.

[0229] Figure 14 A perspective view of a measuring device 18 according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 15 Show Figure 14 Side view of the measuring device 18. According to... Figure 14 and Figure 15 In an exemplary embodiment, the dispensing device 24 may have a plurality of dispensing pipe sections 68, which may be connected to each other to form a dispensing pipe 80 and / or may be integrally formed to form a dispensing pipe 80.

[0230] In this case, according to Figure 14 and Figure 15The distribution pipe sections 68 can also be in fluid communication with each other. It is possible to introduce printing material 22 into two interconnected distribution pipe sections 68 via opposite ends 82. The printing material 22 can be distributed via a distribution opening 62 or a distribution groove 66 or multiple distribution grooves 66 between opposite ends 82. Therefore, reverse flow of printing material can be achieved within the distribution pipe sections 68 that are connected to each other or integrally formed with each other.

[0231] The reverse flow of printed material can meet each other approximately at the center of the distribution conduit having distribution conduit section 68.

[0232] Figure 16 A perspective view of a device 10 according to another exemplary embodiment of the invention is shown. Figure 17 Show Figure 16 Cross-sectional view of device 10. Figure 18 Show Figure 16 Side view of device 10.

[0233] according to Figures 16 to 18 Embodiments of device 10 and according to Figures 1 to 7 The difference in the embodiment lies in the measuring device 18. Figure 19 Show Figures 16 to 18 A perspective view of the metering device 18 of the equipment 10. Figure 20 Show Figure 19 Side view of the metering device 18.

[0234] Figure 18 and Figure 19 The metering device 18 shown has a container 20, which can be designed as a barrel-shaped piece 84. Furthermore, according to... Figure 18 and Figure 19 The metering device 18 has a pressurizing device 86, which has a pressure vessel 88 that can be sealed by pressure sealing.

[0235] A container 20, designed as a barrel 84, for storing the paste-like printing material 22, is arranged within the pressure vessel 88 of the pressurizing device 86. Therefore, the container 20, designed as a barrel 84, is only... Figure 18 and Figure 19 It is shown in the text, but not in more detail.

[0236] In a further sense or within the meaning of this invention, the pressurizing device 86 may also be an actuator 40 for conveying the printed material 22 outside the container 20.

[0237] Alternatively, from Figure 21 and Figure 22 As seen in the exemplary embodiments, the container 20 for storing the paste-like printed material 22 is designed as a barrel-shaped piece 84, which will be discussed below.

[0238] The container 20, designed as a barrel-shaped part 84, may be equipped with cylindrical or conical surrounding sidewalls 90 and / or with openings 92 formed on the upper side and / or that can be closed on the upper side. Similarly, the container 20, designed as a barrel-shaped part 84, may also be provided with a printed material outlet formed on the lower side, which is not shown in more detail here.

[0239] According to Figures 16 to 19 In one embodiment, the pressure vessel 88 may have a connection opening 94 for compressed air supply. A compressed air line 96 may be connected to, or may be pressure-sealed to, the connection opening 94. The connection opening 94 is preferably formed in the cover 98 of the pressure vessel 84.

[0240] In addition, the pressure vessel 88 has an outlet opening 100 for connecting the supply line 26 or an outlet opening 100 for connecting the outlet line 102 connected to the supply line 26, wherein the outlet opening 100 may preferably be formed in the cover 98 of the pressure vessel 88.

[0241] The supply line 26 or the outlet line 102 connected to the supply line 26 can be guided through the outlet opening 100 into the interior of the pressure vessel 88, particularly into the container 20 located in the pressure vessel 88 and filled with the printed material 22, which in the present case can preferably be designed as a barrel 84.

[0242] By supplying compressed air via compressed air line 96 and connection opening 94, a pressure increase can be generated within pressure vessel 88, which acts on the printing material 22 in container 20. Therefore, the printing material 22 in container 20 (located within pressure vessel 88) can be pushed out of pressure vessel 88 via outlet line 102, and the printing material 22 can be conveyed to supply line 26 and further to distribution device 24, through which the printing material 22 can be distributed onto printing screen 16.

[0243] from Figure 17 It can be seen that the device 10 may have multiple metering devices 18 and / or the metering devices 18 may have multiple pressurizing devices 86 or multiple pressure vessels 88.

[0244] Figure 21 A perspective view of a measuring device 18 according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 22 Show Figure 21 Side view of the measuring device 18. As described above, according to Figure 21 and Figure 22 In one embodiment, the container 20 of the metering device 18 can be designed as a barrel-shaped part 84.

[0245] According to Figure 21 and Figure 22 In an exemplary embodiment, the metering device 18 may have an actuator 40 for conveying the printing material 22, wherein the actuator 40 may be configured as a suction device 104 for drawing the printing material 22 from the container 20. The suction device 104 may be specifically designed as a screw pump and / or an eccentric screw pump.

[0246] The suction device 104 can be at least partially immersed in the container 20 and / or immersed in the printed material 22 disposed in the container 20, and / or can be arranged to be immersed. For this purpose, the relative movement between the suction device 104 and the container 20 can be achieved, for example, by a lifting device of the container 20.

[0247] The suction device 104 may also be arranged outside the container 20 and / or may be in fluid communication with the container 20 via a suction line (not shown in more detail here). Similarly, the suction line in communication with the suction device 104 (again not shown in more detail here) may be immersed in the container 20 and / or immersed in the printed material 22 disposed in the container 20.

[0248] The suction device 104 may be configured and / or arranged to specifically deliver the printing material 22 drawn from the container 20 to the supply line 26 and to the dispensing device 24, through which the printing material 22 can ultimately be dispensed onto the corresponding printing screen 16.

[0249] According to Figure 21 and Figure 22 In one embodiment, the dispensing device 24 may have a plurality of dispensing openings 62 formed at the free line end 106. The free line end 106 may be formed at a line end section 108 in fluid communication with the supply line 26, or may be formed as part of the supply line 26.

[0250] As in accordance with Figures 16 to 21 In the embodiments used, the receiving volume of the container 20, designed as a barrel-shaped member 84, can be at least 1 dm³. 3 Preferably at least 3dm 3 More preferably at least 4dm 3 More preferably at least 5dm 3 More preferably at least 7dm 3 More preferably at least 9dm 3 More preferably at least 10 dm 3 More preferably at least 15dm 3 More preferably at least 20dm 3 More preferably at least 25dm3 And more preferably at least 35dm 3 .

[0251] Similarly, as in accordance with Figures 16 to 21 In the embodiments used, the receiving volume of the container 22, designed as a barrel-shaped part 84, can be up to 5 dm². 3 Preferably up to 7dm 3 More preferably up to 9dm 3 More preferably up to 10dm 3 More preferably up to 15dm 3 More preferably up to 20dm 3 More preferably up to 25dm 3 More preferably up to 30dm 3 More preferably up to 35dm 3 More preferably up to 45dm 3 More preferably up to 50dm 3 And even more preferably up to 100dm 3 .

[0252] Figure 23 Show Figure 22 A partial perspective view of the metering device 18, showing the dispensing device 24 and the printing screen 16. Figure 24 Show Figure 21 A detailed side view of the dispensing device 24, showing the filling scraper 50 and the printing scraper 52. Figure 23 For clarity, only the filling squeegee 50 is shown. The end section 108 of the pipeline extends into the intermediate space 60 between the filling squeegee 50 and the printing squeegee 52, such that the dispensing opening 62 at the free end section 106 is also arranged in the intermediate space 60. Here, the dispensing opening 62 can be arranged in a distributed manner in the intermediate space 60, i.e., in a direction transverse to the squeegee direction 54.

[0253] Figure 25 A plan view of a printing screen 16 of an apparatus 10 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown. The printing screen 16 has closed sections 110 and open sections 112. A paste-like printing material 22 can be at least partially pressed through the open sections 112, i.e., for producing printed layers having desired shapes. The closed sections 110 surround the open sections 112 and, conversely, do not allow the printing material 22 to be pressed through.

[0254] The dispensing device 24 is preferably configured to dispense printing material 22 onto the closed section 110 of the printing screen 16. Specifically, the dispensing device 24 is preferably configured to dispense printing material 22 onto the print overrun section 114 of the printing screen 16. The print overrun section 114 may be specifically arranged to be spaced apart from the open section 112 and / or arranged on the closed section 110. The filling squeegee 50 and / or the printing squeegee 52 to be used respectively may move at least continuously into the print overrun section 114 during squeegee movement in the squeegee movement direction 54.

[0255] Preferably, the printing over-limit section 114 can be disposed on both sides of the open section 112, as per [the provided text]. Figure 25 As shown in the floor plan.

[0256] Figure 25 The diagram shows a dosage setting position 116 for the printing material 22 dispensed on the printing screen 16. The dosage setting position 116 is arranged in the printing over-limit section 114, particularly spaced apart from the open section 112 of the printing screen 16 and / or arranged on the closed section 110 of the printing screen 16.

[0257] also, Figure 25 The image shows the starting position 118 of the filling scraper. According to... Figure 25 In the plan view, the dose setting position 116 can be specifically arranged between the open section 112 and the filling scraper starting position 118.

[0258] at last, Figure 25 The image shows the fixed squeegee position 120. The fixed squeegee position 120 is located above or on the closed section 110 of the printing screen. In this case, as shown in... Figure 25 As shown in the plan view, the open section 112 can be arranged between the dose setting position 116 and the fixed scraper position 120. This fixed scraper position 120 can be advantageous, particularly when the dispensing device 24 moves independently of or via its own actuator and relative to the filling scraper 50 and / or relative to the printing scraper 52. Because the filling scraper 50 and / or the printing scraper 52 are positioned at the fixed scraper position 120, the printing material 22 can be metered at or along the dose setting position 116 without the risk of collision.

[0259] The dispensing device 24 can be specifically configured and / or arranged to perform dispensing of the printing material 22 onto the printing screen 16 within at least one longitudinally extending or strip-shaped section 122 of the printing material. For example, from Figure 25This strip-shaped printed material segment 122 can be identified. For example, the strip-shaped printed material segment 122 can be produced by a dispensing device 24 having a dispensing groove 66.

[0260] Figure 26 A side view of a container replacement device 124 in a first operating position according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 27 Another operating position of the container replacement device 124 is shown. The container replacement device 124 may be designed and / or arranged as part of the metering device 18.

[0261] The container replacement device 124 can be configured and / or arranged for automatically replacing the container 20 dispensing printing material 22, particularly the container 20 designed as ink cartridge 34. Similarly, the container replacement device 124 can also be configured and / or arranged for automatically replacing the container 20 designed as a barrel 84, which is not shown in more detail here.

[0262] Additionally or alternatively, the container changing device 124 may be configured and / or arranged to change the container 20 of the dispensing printed material 22 tool-free and / or automatically or semi-automatically.

[0263] The container replacement device 124 may have a container magazine 126 for receiving multiple containers 20. The container magazine 126 may be specifically designed to receive multiple containers 20 designed as ink cartridges 34.

[0264] Furthermore, the container replacement device 124 may have a connection plate 128, which may be equipped with a channel 130 for the discharge of printed material 22 from the container 20. A supply line 26, not shown in more detail here, may be connected to the channel 130.

[0265] like Figure 26 and Figure 27 As schematically shown, container 126 can be arranged to be movable or displaceable relative to connecting plate 128. Similarly, connecting plate 128 can also be arranged to be movable or displaceable relative to container 126.

[0266] The outlet opening 35 of the ink cartridge 34 is in fluid communication with the channel 130 of the connecting plate 128, thereby allowing the printed matter 22 to be discharged from the ink cartridge 34. Figure 26 In the middle, the outlet opening 35 of the ink cartridge 34 shown on the left is in fluid communication with the channel 130 of the connecting plate 128.

[0267] Figure 27 Show Figure 26 Side view of the container replacement device 124 in another operating position. Figure 27 In this configuration, the container 126 has been displaced relative to the connecting plate 128, thereby allowing the outlet opening 35 of the ink cartridge 34 shown on the right to now be in fluid communication with the channel 130 of the connecting plate 128. For example, according to Figure 27 The two other ink cartridges 34 can be emptied.

[0268] Therefore, depending on the relative position between the connecting plate 128 and the plurality of containers 20 (particularly ink cartridge 34), a fluid connection can be established between the supply line 24 (not shown in more detail here) and one of the containers 20 (particularly ink cartridge 34). By adjusting the relative position between the connecting plate 128 and at least one container 20 (particularly ink cartridge 34), a fluid connection can be established between the supply line 24 and another container 20 (particularly ink cartridge 34).

[0269] exist Figure 26 and Figure 27 The plunger 48 and linear drive 44 are schematically shown. The plunger 48 may be part of or connected to the linear drive 44 for transmitting driving force. The piston bottom of the corresponding cartridge 34 (not shown in more detail here) is designed to be contacted and moved by the plunger 48.

[0270] Figure 28 and Figure 29 The image shows a more detailed view of the container replacement device 124. Figure 28 The piston bottom 38 of the ink cartridge 34 is shown in more detail below. Figure 28 and Figure 29 The details of how ink cartridge 34 is received in container compartment 126 can also be found in the text.

[0271] In addition, it can be seen from Figure 26 and Figure 27 The schematically shown fill level sensor 132 can be used to determine the fill level of the printing material 22 in the corresponding ink cartridge 34.

[0272] Furthermore, the metering device 18 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention may have a receiving cavity 134 for receiving the ink cartridge 34, wherein the receiving cavity 134 may preferably be designed for at least partially lateral and / or circumferential support of the ink cartridge sidewall 36. Figures 26 to 29 In an exemplary embodiment, receiving cavity 134 or multiple receiving cavities 134 are disposed in container compartment 126.

[0273] Similarly, from Figure 7 The exemplary embodiment shown illustrates the receiving cavity 134 for the ink cartridge 34.

[0274] In addition, Figure 28 and Figure 29 The diagram shows a quick-change device 127 for container 126. The quick-change device 127 may have a fastening element 127 that can be manually and / or actuated without tools. The fastening element 127 can clamp or secure the support plate 131 of container 126 in an operating position, such as... Figure 28 and Figure 29 As shown. By manually or without tools releasing the fastening element 127, the support plate 131 of the container compartment 126 can be removed from the device 10, and another container compartment 126 can then be inserted and clamped or secured. Thus, the group removal of, for example, emptied containers 20 can be achieved with minimal effort, and these containers can then be replaced by a new container compartment 126 equipped with multiple full or newly filled containers 20.

[0275] Figure 30 A side view of a measuring device 18 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 30 The metering device 18 shown can be equipped with a container replacement device 124, such as in Figures 26 to 29 As shown in more detail and described above.

[0276] The container replacement device 124 may be specifically arranged outside the printing area 30 of the printing apparatus 14. Furthermore, the container replacement device 124 may be arranged horizontally spaced relative to the printing screen 16. Similarly, the container replacement device 124 may be arranged vertically below the printing table of the printing apparatus 14, which is not shown in more detail here.

[0277] The supply line 24 can be arranged and / or designed to be replaceable, in particular, replaceable without tools and / or in an automatic or partially automatic manner.

[0278] according to Figure 30 The metering device 18 may have at least one actuator 136 for moving the dispensing device 24. The actuator 136 may be configured and / or arranged specifically for moving the dispensing device 24 laterally to or at an angle to the scraper direction 54. According to... Figure 30 In the diagram, the scraper direction 54 extends orthogonally to the plane of the drawing. Therefore, according to Figure 30 and Figure 31 In an exemplary embodiment, the movement of the dispensing device 24 can occur via the actuator 136 independently of the movement of the filling squeegee 50 and / or the printing squeegee 52.

[0279] Figure 31 This illustrates the process of dispensing printing material 22 onto the printing screen 16. Figure 30Side view of the metering device 18. The actuator 136 here can be configured to move the dispensing device 24 during the dispensing of printing material 22 onto the printing screen 16. In this way, strip-shaped sections of printing material 122 can also be produced, i.e., strip-shaped sections of printing material 122 are produced due to the movement of the dispensing device 24 during the dispensing of printing material.

[0280] During the dispensing of printing material 22 and the movement of the dispensing device 24 by the actuator 136, the filling squeegee 50 and the printing squeegee 52 (not shown in more detail here) can be positioned in a fixed position or away from the actuator 136, as already referred to Figure 25 As explained.

[0281] Figure 32 This illustrates the process of filling the printing screen 16 via the filling squeegee 50 or via the squeegee direction 54. Figure 30 Side view of the metering device 18. During the filling of the printing screen 16 by the filling scraper 50, the dispensing device 24 can be positioned in a waiting position.

[0282] Therefore, actuator 136 can be configured to direct the dispensing device 24 from, for example, Figure 32 Move out of the waiting position shown and into the position shown. Figure 31 The dispensing position is shown. Similarly, the actuator 136 can be configured to move the dispensing device 24 from, as shown in the figure. Figure 31 Move out of the assigned position shown and into the position shown. Figure 32 The waiting position is shown.

[0283] Figure 33 This shows the process after the container is replaced via container replacement device 136. Figure 30 Side view of the metering device 18. After changing the container, the printed material 22 can now be supplied from the location located in Figure 30 The container 20 shown on the right, in particular, comes from the ink cartridge 34 shown on the right.

[0284] Container replacement may be performed when container 20 is emptied and / or when a desired or planned replacement of the printing material 22 to be used occurs. After or along with container replacement, the supply lines 24 and / or connecting plates 128 and / or plungers 48 and / or any other components in contact with the printing material 22 may also be replaced and / or cleaned to avoid contamination from previously used printing material 22.

[0285] In all or at least some exemplary embodiments, as referred to above Figures 1 to 33The described metering device 18 may have at least one shut-off fitting 138 for shutting off the flow of printing material. The shut-off fitting 138 may preferably be formed as part of the supply line 24 and / or formed for shutting off the supply line 24.

[0286] This shut-off fitting 138 can be specifically configured as a shut-off valve, a shut-off and / or throttling baffle, a shut-off cock, and / or a shut-off baffle. This shut-off fitting 138 can be specifically actuated mechanically and / or pneumatically and / or electrically and / or manually and / or automatically and / or remotely. This shut-off fitting 138 can be specifically configured as a pinch valve.

[0287] In all or at least some exemplary embodiments, as referred to above Figures 1 to 33 The distance of the described shut-off fitting 138 from the container 20 with the printed material 22 along the supply line 24 may be greater than the distance of the shut-off fitting 138 from the dispensing device 24 and / or at least one dispensing opening 62 and / or dispensing slot 66 of the dispensing device 24.

[0288] Furthermore, in all or at least some exemplary embodiments, as referred to above... Figures 1 to 33 The described metering device 18 and / or actuator for conveying printed material 22 outside the container 20 can be configured for volume metering of printed material 22.

[0289] Furthermore, in all or at least some exemplary embodiments, as referred to above... Figures 1 to 33 The described metering device 18 and / or the corresponding actuator 40 for conveying the printed material 22 can be configured for stroke-based metering and / or volume-based metering of the printed material 22. Additionally or alternatively, the actuator 40 for conveying the printed material 22 can be configured for volume-based metering via closed-loop stroke control.

[0290] Furthermore, in exemplary embodiments, as referred to above... Figures 1 to 25 The actuator 70 described for moving the distribution device 24 can be configured as a door hinge system 72 (e.g. Figure 3 , Figure 10 and Figure 11 (shown in more detail below), or formed as part of a hinge system 72. As described above, such a hinge system 72 may be equipped with an electric drive 74, and the hinge system 72 may carry the filling squeegee 50 and the printing squeegee 52, and realize squeegee movement in the squeegee direction 54.

[0291] The drive unit 74 can be configured to perform scraper movement in the scraper direction 54. In this configuration, the movement of the dispensing device 24 along the scraper direction 54 is performed together with the filling scraper 50 and / or the printing scraper 52.

[0292] The filling squeegee 50 and / or the printing squeegee 52 can be lowered to the squeegee position relative to the hinge system 72 and / or raised again to the squeegee position relative to the hinge system 72. The lowering and raising of the filling squeegee 50 and / or the printing squeegee 52 are performed by separate drive devices in a direction transverse to or at an angle to the horizontal plane.

[0293] like Figure 3 , Figure 10 and Figure 11 As shown in more detail below, the hinge system 72 can be configured such that movement of the filling squeegee 50 and / or the printing squeegee 52 and / or the dispensing device 24 along the horizontal plane is possible only in the squeegee direction 54. The hinge system 72 can be specifically configured such that no other axes of motion exist along the horizontal plane, and in particular, no axes of motion exist that extend along the horizontal plane and transverse to or at an angle to the squeegee direction 54.

[0294] Furthermore, in all or at least some exemplary embodiments of device 10, as referred to above... Figures 1 to 33 As described, the corresponding metering device 18 may have a run-on stop device 140 for preventing and / or reducing the run-on of the printed material 22 out of the dispensing device 24 (i.e., continuing to flow out of the dispensing device 24).

[0295] In all or at least some exemplary embodiments, as referred to above Figures 1 to 33 The described flow stop device 140 may be formed by and / or have a shut-off fitting 138.

[0296] Furthermore, the flow stop device 140 (particularly in the form of a shut-off accessory 138) can preferably be formed as a shut-off valve, a shut-off and / or throttling baffle, a shut-off cock and / or shut-off baffle, or have such a component.

[0297] Additionally or alternatively, the flow stop device 140 (particularly in the form of a shut-off fitting 138) or having such a shut-off fitting 138 can be actuated mechanically and / or pneumatically and / or electrically and / or manually and / or automatically and / or remotely. This flow stop device 140 (particularly in the form of a shut-off fitting 138) can ultimately be configured as or have a pinch valve.

[0298] Additionally or alternatively, the flow stop device 140 may be configured to release pressure on the piston bottom 38 of the ink cartridge 34. Furthermore, the flow stop device 140 may be configured to reverse the movement of the piston bottom 38 of the ink cartridge 34 and / or to reverse the movement of the actuator 40 used for conveying the printing material 22.

[0299] The flow stop device 140 can be configured to cancel (particularly temporarily cancel) the operational engagement and / or contact between the actuator 40 for conveying the printing material 22 and the piston bottom 38 of the ink cartridge 34. In particular, the flow stop device 140 can be configured to cancel (particularly temporarily cancel) the operational engagement and / or contact between the linear drive device 44 and / or the plunger 48 as one side and the piston bottom 38 of the ink cartridge 34 as the other side.

[0300] For this purpose, the freewheeling stop device 140 may be specifically formed by the actuator 40 or by the open-loop and / or closed-loop control device of the actuator 40 (not shown in more detail here), or have the actuator 40 or the open-loop and / or closed-loop control device of the actuator 40 (not shown in more detail here).

[0301] By canceling the contact between the actuator 40 and the piston bottom 38 of the cartridge 34 (particularly the contact between the linear drive 44 and / or the plunger 48 as one side and the piston bottom 38 of the cartridge 34 as the other side), pressure relief can be created in the cartridge 34. Due to the pressure relief in the cartridge 34, relaxation of the printing material 22 can occur within the cartridge 34 and / or within the supply line 24 arranged downstream.

[0302] The piston bottom 38 can then perform a return motion (particularly a self-actuating return motion). Therefore, the follow-through of unwanted printed material 22 can be reliably avoided or reduced.

[0303] The flow stop device 140 may additionally or alternatively have a pressure-based closed-loop control device and / or be configured to prevent and / or reduce the flow of printed material 22 outside the dispensing device 24 by means of the pressure-based closed-loop control device. Such a pressure-based closed-loop control device may be provided in the metering device 18 of all or some exemplary embodiments, as referenced above. Figures 1 to 33 As described.

[0304] This pressure-based closed-loop control device of the continuous flow stop device 140 can be configured in a particularly advantageous manner for detecting and / or processing the delivery pressure and / or fluid pressure of the printed material 22 and / or the pressure generated by the actuator 40 for delivering the printed material 22 and / or the pressure acting on the piston bottom 38 of the ink cartridge 34 and / or the existing pressure in the pressure vessel 88.

[0305] According to an exemplary embodiment, a pressure sensor (not shown in more detail here) may be disposed, for example, in the supply line 26 and / or container 20 and / or dispensing device 24 and / or pressure vessel 88. This pressure sensor allows the determination of the delivery pressure and / or fluid pressure of the printed material 22 in the supply line 26 and / or container 20 and / or dispensing device 24 and / or dispensing device 24.

[0306] Similarly, for example, a pressure sensor, not shown in more detail here, may be disposed on the plunger 48 and / or the piston bottom 38 of the cartridge 34, by which the pressure sensor can determine the pressure between the plunger 48 and the piston bottom 38 of the cartridge 34.

[0307] Similarly, for example, a pressure sensor (not shown in more detail here) may be disposed in the pressure vessel 88 of the pressurizing device 86, by means of which the gas pressure in the pressure vessel 88 can be determined. Likewise, for example, a pressure sensor (not shown in more detail here) may be disposed in the compressed air line 96 and / or in and / or on the connection opening 94 of the pressure vessel 88, by means of which the gas pressure in the compressed air line 96 and / or on the connection opening 94 of the pressure vessel 88 can be determined.

[0308] Based on the pressure determined by the corresponding pressure sensor (in particular the corresponding fluid pressure, delivery pressure and / or gas pressure), the flow stop device 140 can control and / or actuate the corresponding actuator 40 to prevent the printing material 22 from continuing to flow outside the dispensing device 24.

[0309] If the sensor determines that there is a relatively high pressure and it is intended to terminate the dispensing of the printing material 22 via the dispensing device 24, the corresponding actuator 40 can be controlled quickly and / or to a relatively large extent to reduce the delivery pressure of the printing material 22. Where appropriate, the delivery pressure of the printing material 22 can also be completely reduced through corresponding control of the respective actuator. Similarly, the corresponding delivery pressure of the printing material 22 can be reduced only partially, particularly using pressure sensor data in a pressure-based closed-loop control manner.

[0310] Therefore, unnecessary and significant reductions in delivery pressure can be avoided, so that for dispensing the printed material 22 from the dispensing device 24 in the subsequent dispensing sequence, only a relatively small increase in delivery pressure is required via the corresponding actuator 40. Thus, the response characteristics and / or accuracy of the metering device 18 can be further improved.

[0311] Similarly, the corresponding actuator can be controlled to generate a negative delivery pressure or to draw the printing material 22 in the opposite flow direction. Therefore, the printing material 22 can be dispensed in the opposite flow direction via the dispensing device 24, and thus conveyed in a direction away from the dispensing device 24. This further reduces the risk of backflow of the printing material 22.

[0312] For example, the plunger 48 can form a positive locking engagement with the piston bottom 38 of the ink cartridge, so that the piston bottom 38 can also move together with the plunger 48 via an upward or backward movement, the upward or backward movement of the plunger 48 being opposite to the direction of dispensing the printing material 22 from the ink cartridge. Therefore, a negative delivery pressure can be generated in the ink cartridge 34, or a suction force can be generated in the ink cartridge 34 to draw the printing material 22 from the supply line 26 and thus also from the dispensing device back into the ink cartridge 34.

[0313] In addition to or instead of shut-off accessory 138, a pressure-based closed-loop control device with a flow stop device 140 may be specially provided to prevent and / or reduce the flow of printing material 22.

[0314] Finally, the dispensing device 24 may have an wiping device (not shown in more detail here) for wiping away printed material 22 outside the dispensing opening 62 and / or outside the dispensing groove 66. Thus, if backflow cannot be completely avoided, residues of printed material 22 can be reliably removed from the respective dispensing opening 62 and / or the respective dispensing groove 66 of the dispensing device 24, thereby preventing uncontrolled dripping and associated contamination of equipment components.

[0315] In the method for producing three-dimensional screen-printed workpieces according to the present invention, particularly in the method for producing three-dimensional screen-printed workpieces using the aforementioned equipment 10, the screen-printed workpieces can be produced layer by layer in multiple printing operations within a printing apparatus 14 having a printing screen 16. Furthermore, in this method, a metering device 18 can be used to meter the paste-like printing material 22 onto the printing screen 16, wherein the metering device 18 conveys the printing material 22 outside the container 20 for storing the paste-like printing material 22 and to a dispensing device 24, which is used to dispense the printing material 22 onto the printing screen 22 via a corresponding supply line 26.

[0316] Additionally or alternatively, in the method for producing three-dimensional screen-printed workpieces according to the invention, particularly in the method for producing three-dimensional screen-printed workpieces using the aforementioned equipment 10, the screen-printed workpieces can be produced layer by layer in multiple printing operations within a printing apparatus 14 having a printing screen 16. Furthermore, in this method, the paste-like printing material 22 can be metered onto the printing screen 16 using a metering device 18, wherein the flow-stopping device 140 can prevent or reduce the flow of printing material 22 outside the metering device 18.

[0317] Figure 34 Showing according to Figure 14 and Figure 15 Another perspective view of the metering device of an exemplary embodiment. Figure 35 Show Figure 34 Detailed view.

[0318] According to Figure 14 and Figure 15 as well as Figure 34 and Figure 35 In an exemplary embodiment, the supply line 26 may have a backflow preventer 146 for preventing and / or reducing the return of the printed material 22 in the direction opposite to the distribution flow direction 148. The backflow preventer 146 may preferably be formed as a shut-off fitting 150, particularly a ball valve.

[0319] Therefore, this shut-off accessory 150 can be manually actuated. Similarly, the shut-off accessory 150 can also be configured as an automatically actuated or actuable shut-off valve.

[0320] This configuration reliably prevents the backflow of printed material 22, such as due to elastic deformation of the supply line 26 or internal prestress within the supply line 26. Therefore, backflow of printed material 22 in the supply line 26 in the direction of the container 20 or the direction of the cartridge 34 can be avoided during replacement of the corresponding cartridge 34 within the supply line 26, as well as preventing the printed material 22 in the supply line 26 from being pushed outside the container-side end of the supply line 26. The backflow stop device 146 can preferably be actuated before replacing the corresponding container 20, and in particular, can be actuated manually, automatically, or partially automatically.

[0321] Furthermore, along the supply line 26, the distance between the backflow stop device 146 and the container 20 containing the printed material 22 can be less than the distance between the backflow stop device 146 and the dispensing device 24. In this way, the risk of the printed material 22 returning in the direction of the container 20 and exiting from the container-side end of the supply line 26 can be further reduced. With a smaller distance between the backflow stop device 146 and the container 20, the risk of the printed material 22 returning uncontrollably and exiting from the container-side end of the supply line 26 due to internal tension of the printed material 22 present between the container 20 and the backflow stop device 146 or the flexible deformation of the supply line 26 is reduced.

[0322] Furthermore, the supply line 26 between container 20 and backflow stop device 146 can be designed at least partially as a rigid or non-flexible line. Figure 34 and Figure 35 In this configuration, the supply line 26 extending between the container 20 and the backflow stop device 146 is partially concealed by the housing shown. Furthermore, the supply line 26 between the backflow stop device 146 and the dispensing device 24 can be designed at least partially as a flexible or deformable line.

[0323] The apparatus 10 can be constructed and / or configured specifically for developing drugs and / or for producing large quantities of drugs. The methods described above for producing large quantities of drugs can also be implemented.

[0324] List of reference numerals 10 devices 12 shells 14 Printing apparatus 16 Printing Screen 18 Metering Devices 20 containers 22 Printed Materials 24 Distributor 25 Distributor Subassemblies 26 supply pipelines 28 housing 30 printing areas 32 printing tables 34 ink cartridges 36 ink cartridge sidewall 38 Piston Bottom 40 Actuator for conveying printing material 22 42 booster unit 44 Linear Drive Unit 46 sensors 48 plungers 50 Filler Scraper 52 Printing Scraper 54 scraper direction 56 Filling scraper 50 scraper edge 58 printing squeegee, 52 squeegee edge 60 intermediate space 62 distribution openings Flow direction of 64 printed material 22 66 Distribution slots 68 distribution pipeline section 69 Free end of distribution pipeline section 70 actuator 72-door hinge system 74 drive unit 76 Distributor 78 Supply Pipeline Section 80 distribution piping 82 end 84 barrel-shaped parts 86 booster unit 88 Pressure Vessel 90 sidewalls 92 opening 94 connection opening 96 Compressed Air Line 98 cover 100 Exit Opening 102 Outlet Pipeline 104 suction equipment 106 Free Pipeline End 108 pipeline end section 110 Closed Section 112 Open Section 114 Printing Over-Limit Section 116 Dosage Setting Location 118 Filler scraper starting position 120 Fixed scraper position 122 Printed Material Section 124 Container Replacement Equipment 126 Container Warehouse 127 Quick Equipment Change 128 connecting plate 129 Fastening Components 130 channels 131 bearing plate 132 Fill Level Sensor 134 receiving cavity 136 actuator 138 Shutdown Accessories 140 Continuous flow stop device 142 actuator 144 Horizontal direction 146 Backflow Stop Device 148 Distribution Flow Direction 150 shutdown accessories

Claims

1. An apparatus (10) for producing three-dimensional screen-printed workpieces, particularly a 3D screen printing machine, said apparatus (10) having a printing device (14) and a metering device (18), said printing device having a printing screen (16) for producing at least one screen-printed workpiece layer by layer in multiple printing operations, and said metering device (18) for metering and dispensing a paste-like printing material (22) onto said printing screen (16), wherein, The metering device (18) has a flow stop device (140) for preventing and / or reducing the flow of printing material (22) out of the metering device (18).

2. The device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The metering device (18) has a dispensing device (24) for dispensing the printing material (22) onto the printing screen (16), and is characterized in that the flow stop device (140) is configured to prevent and / or reduce the flow of the printing material (22) out of the dispensing device (24).

3. The device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The metering device (18) has at least one shut-off fitting (138) for shutting off the flow of printing material; and / or is characterized in that the flow stop device (140) is formed by the shut-off fitting (138).

4. The device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The flow stop device (140) has a pressure-based closed-loop control device and / or is configured to prevent and / or reduce the flow of printing material (22) out of the metering device (18) and / or the dispensing device (24) by means of the pressure-based closed-loop control device.

5. The device (10) according to claim 4, characterized in that, The pressure-based closed-loop control device is configured to detect and / or process the delivery pressure of the printed material (22).

6. The device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The metering device (18) has at least one container (20) for storing the paste-like printing material, and / or a dispensing device (24) for dispensing the printing material (22) onto the printing screen (16).

7. The device (10) according to claim 6, characterized in that, The metering device (18) has at least one supply line (26) extending between the container (20) and the dispensing device (24) for supplying the printing material (22) from the container (20) to the dispensing device (24).

8. The device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The metering device (18) has at least one actuator (40) for conveying the printed material (22), particularly for conveying outside the container (20) for storing the paste-like printed material and / or for conveying inside the metering device (18) and / or outside the metering device (18) and / or the dispensing device (24).

9. The device (10) according to claim 8, characterized in that, The flow stop device (140) is configured to reverse the motion of the actuator (40) used for conveying the printed material (22).

10. The device (10) according to any one of claims 6 to 9, characterized in that, The container (20) is arranged outside the printing area (30) of the printing device (14) and / or outside the printing table (32) of the printing device (14), and / or spaced apart in the horizontal direction from the printing screen (16) and / or the printing table (32), or arranged in the vertical direction below or above the printing table (32) of the printing device (14).

11. The device (10) according to any one of claims 6 to 10, characterized in that, During the dispensing of the printing material (22), the container (20) is arranged and / or held outside the printing area (30) of the printing device (14) and / or outside the printing table (32) of the printing device (14), and / or arranged and / or held in a horizontal direction relative to the printing screen (16) and / or the printing table (32), or arranged and / or held below or above the printing table (32) in a vertical direction.

12. The device (10) according to any one of claims 6 to 11, characterized in that, During the dispensing of the printed material (22), the container (20) is arranged and / or remains stationary and / or immobile.

13. The device (10) according to any one of claims 6 to 12, characterized in that, The container (20) is designed as a barrel-shaped part (84), in particular having cylindrical or conical surrounding sidewalls and / or having openings formed on the upper side and / or capable of being closed on the upper side and / or having a printed material outlet formed on the lower side.

14. The device (10) according to claim 13, characterized in that, The receiving volume of the container (20), designed as a barrel-shaped piece (84), is at least 1 dm. 3 Preferably at least 3dm 3 More preferably at least 4dm 3 More preferably at least 5dm 3 More preferably at least 7dm 3 More preferably at least 9dm 3 More preferably at least 10 dm 3 More preferably at least 15dm 3 More preferably at least 20dm 3 More preferably at least 25dm 3 And more preferably at least 35dm 3 .

15. The device (10) according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that, The receiving volume of the container (20) designed as a barrel (84) is up to 5 dm. 3 Preferably up to 7dm 3 More preferably up to 9dm 3 More preferably up to 10dm 3 More preferably up to 15dm 3 More preferably up to 20dm 3 More preferably up to 25dm 3 More preferably up to 30dm 3 More preferably up to 35dm 3 More preferably up to 45dm 3 More preferably up to 50dm 3 And even more preferably up to 100dm 3 .

16. The device (10) according to any one of claims 8 to 12, characterized in that, The container (20) is designed as an ink cartridge (34), particularly a disposable or reusable ink cartridge.

17. The device (10) according to claim 16, characterized in that, The ink cartridge (34) is in a closed form and / or the ink cartridge (34) has an openable and / or openable outlet opening (35) and / or the ink cartridge (34) has a piston bottom (38) that is displaceable relative to the circumferential ink cartridge sidewall (36).

18. The device (10) according to any one of claims 16 or 17, characterized in that, The receiving volume of the container (20) designed as an ink cartridge (34) is at least 50 cm³. 3 Preferably at least 100cm 3 More preferably at least 200cm 3 More preferably, at least 300cm 3 More preferably at least 500cm 3 More preferably at least 800cm 3 More preferably at least 1000cm 3 More preferably, at least 1200cm 3 More preferably, at least 1500cm 3 More preferably, at least 1800cm 3 And more preferably at least 2000cm 3 .

19. The device (10) according to any one of claims 16 to 18, characterized in that, The receiving volume of the container (20) designed as an ink cartridge (34) is up to 200 cm³. 3 Preferably, it can be up to 500cm high. 3 More preferably, up to 700cm 3 More preferably, up to 900cm 3 More preferably up to 1000cm 3 More preferably, up to 1200cm 3 More preferably, up to 1500cm 3 More preferably, up to 1700cm 3 More preferably up to 2000cm 3 More preferably, up to 2500cm 3 More preferably, up to 3000cm 3 And even more preferably up to 4000cm 3 .

20. The device (10) according to any one of claims 8 to 19, characterized in that, The actuator (40) for conveying the printed material (22) is configured as a suction device (104) for drawing the printed material (22) from the container (20), particularly configured as a screw pump and / or an eccentric screw pump.

21. The device (10) according to claim 20, characterized in that, The suction device (104) is at least partially immersed in the container (20) and / or at least partially immersed in the printed material (22) provided in the container (20).

22. The device (10) according to any one of claims 20 or 21, characterized in that, The suction device (104) is arranged outside the container (20) and / or is arranged in fluid communication with the container (20) via a suction line; and / or is characterized in that the suction line in communication with the suction device (104) is immersed in the container (20) and / or immersed in the printing material (22) provided in the container (20).

23. The device (10) according to any one of claims 20 to 22, characterized in that, The suction device (104) is configured and / or arranged to deliver the printing material (22) drawn from the container (20) into the supply line (26) and into the dispensing device (24).

24. The device (10) according to any one of claims 8 to 19, characterized in that, The actuator (40) for conveying the printed material (22) is configured as a pressurizing device (42, 86) for pressurizing the printed material (22) in the container (20) and / or for conveying the printed material (22) to the outside of the container (20) based on pressure.

25. The device (10) according to claim 24, characterized in that, The booster (42) has a linear drive (44), wherein the linear drive (44) is preferably designed as an electric or electromechanical linear drive (44) and / or as an electric spindle drive and / or as an electric cylinder and / or as a linear actuator.

26. The device (10) according to any one of claims 24 or 25, characterized in that, The booster (42) is designed as a pneumatic and / or hydraulic linear drive or linear cylinder.

27. The device (10) according to any one of claims 24 to 26, characterized in that, The pressurizing device (42) is configured and / or set to apply a compressive force to the piston bottom (38) of the ink cartridge (34) filled with printing material (22), and / or to displace the piston bottom (38) of the ink cartridge (34) in the longitudinal direction relative to the corresponding ink cartridge sidewall (36) in order to increase the internal pressure of the ink cartridge (34).

28. The device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The metering device (18) has at least one sensor (46) for determining the position of the piston bottom (38) of the ink cartridge (34).

29. The device (10) according to claim 28, characterized in that, The sensor (46) is configured to determine the relative position between the piston bottom (38) and the actuator (40) for conveying the printed material (22), and in particular the relative position between the piston bottom (38) and the linear drive (44).

30. The device (10) according to claim 28 or 29, characterized in that, The sensor (46) is configured to determine the absolute position of the bottom (38) of the piston of the cartridge (34).

31. The device (10) according to any one of claims 28 to 30, characterized in that, The sensor (46) used to determine the position of the bottom (38) of the piston is designed as an inductive sensor and / or a capacitive sensor and / or a mechanical sensor.

32. The device (10) according to any one of claims 28 to 31, characterized in that, The sensor (46) is arranged on the actuator (40) for conveying the printing material (22), and in particular on the linear drive (44).

33. The device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The flow stop device (140) is configured to release pressure at the bottom (38) of the piston of the ink cartridge (34).

34. The device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The flow stop device (140) is configured to reverse the movement of the piston bottom (38) of the ink cartridge (34).

35. The device (10) in combination with claim 6 according to any one of claims 28 to 34, characterized in that, The flow stop device (140) is configured to cancel, in particular temporarily cancel, the operational engagement and / or contact between the actuator (40) for conveying the printing material (22) and the piston bottom (38) of the ink cartridge (34), particularly the operational engagement and / or contact between the linear drive device (44) and the piston bottom (38) of the ink cartridge (34).

36. The device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The pressure-based closed-loop control device is configured to detect and / or process the pressure generated by the actuator (40) for conveying the printing material (22) and / or the pressure acting on the piston bottom (38) of the ink cartridge (34).

37. The device (10) according to claim 24, characterized in that, The pressurizing device (86) has a pressure vessel (88) which can be closed in a pressure-sealed manner, and the container (20) for storing the paste-like printing material (22) can be positioned in the pressure vessel.

38. The device (10) according to claim 37, characterized in that, The pressure vessel (88) has a connection opening (94) for supplying compressed air, and a compressed air line (96) is connected to the connection opening (94) or can be connected to the connection opening (94) in a pressure-sealed manner, wherein the connection opening (94) is preferably formed in the cover (98) of the pressure vessel (88).

39. The device (10) according to claim 37 or 38, characterized in that, The pressure vessel (88) has an outlet opening (100) for connecting the supply line (26) or an outlet opening (100) for connecting the outlet line (102) connected to the supply line (26), wherein the outlet opening (100) is preferably formed in the cover (98) of the pressure vessel (88).

40. The device (10) according to claim 39, characterized in that, The supply line (26) or the outlet line (102) connected to the supply line (26) is guided through the outlet opening (100) into the interior of the pressure vessel (88), and in particular into the container (20) located in the pressure vessel (88) and filled with printing material (22).

41. The device (10) according to any one of claims 7 to 40, characterized in that, The supply line (26) is designed to be at least partially or entirely deformable and / or elastically deformable and / or flexible and / or flexible without plastic deformation along its length; and / or characterized in that the supply line (26) flexibly follows the relative movement between the dispensing device (24) and the container (20).

42. The device (10) according to any one of claims 7 to 41, characterized in that, The supply line (26) is made of plastic material, particularly polyamide and / or polyester, at least in part or along its entire length.

43. The device (10) according to any one of claims 7 to 42, characterized in that, The supply line (26) and / or a portion thereof can be replaced without tools.

44. The device (10) according to any one of claims 7 to 43, characterized in that, The length of the supply pipeline (26) is at least 10cm, preferably at least 15cm, more preferably at least 20cm, more preferably at least 25cm, more preferably at least 30cm, more preferably at least 35cm, more preferably at least 40cm, more preferably at least 50cm, more preferably at least 60cm, more preferably at least 80cm, more preferably at least 100cm, more preferably at least 120cm, more preferably at least 150cm, more preferably at least 170cm, more preferably at least 200cm, more preferably at least 250cm, and even more preferably at least 300cm.

45. The device (10) according to any one of claims 7 to 44, characterized in that, The length of the supply pipeline (26) is up to 20cm, preferably up to 30cm, more preferably up to 40cm, more preferably up to 50cm, more preferably up to 70cm, more preferably up to 100cm, more preferably up to 150cm, more preferably up to 200cm, more preferably up to 250cm, more preferably up to 300cm, more preferably up to 400cm, more preferably up to 500cm, and even more preferably up to 1000cm.

46. ​​The device (10) according to any one of claims 2 to 45, characterized in that, The dispensing device (24) has a plurality of dispensing openings (62) for dispensing the printing material (22) onto the printing screen (16), in particular a plurality of dispensing openings (62) formed discretely relative to each other.

47. The device (10) according to claim 46, characterized in that, At least two distributing openings (62) have different sizes; and / or are characterized in that at least two distributing openings (62) have cross-sectional sizes that are different from each other.

48. The device (10) according to any one of claims 46 and 47, characterized in that, At least one of the distribution openings (62) is smaller in size than the distribution opening (62) arranged downstream of the printing material (22) in the flow direction (64); and / or is characterized in that the distribution opening (62) arranged downstream of the printing material (22) in the flow direction (64) is larger in size than at least one distribution opening (62) arranged upstream in the flow direction (64) or all distribution openings (62) arranged upstream in the flow direction.

49. The device (10) according to any one of claims 46 to 48, characterized in that, The plurality of dispensing openings (62) are formed and / or arranged to perform dispensing of the printing material (22) onto the printing screen (16) relative to discrete segments of the printing material.

50. The device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The dispensing device (24) is configured to dispense the printing material (22) onto the closed section (110) of the printing screen (16) and / or onto the printing over-limit section (114) of the printing screen (16).

51. The device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The printing apparatus (14) has a filling squeegee (50) for filling the printing screen (16) with printing material (22) and / or a printing squeegee (52) for pushing the printing material (22) through the printing screen (16) and / or two printing squeegees (52) for pushing the printing material (22) through the printing screen (16), wherein the dispensing device (24) is preferably configured to dispense the printing material (22) starting from a position between the filling squeegee (50) and the printing squeegee (52) and / or a position between the two printing squeegees (52).

52. The device (10) according to claim 51, characterized in that, The dispensing device (24) extends at least partially or completely between the filling squeegee (50) and the printing squeegee (52) and / or between the two printing squeegees (52), particularly in a direction transverse to the squeegee direction (54) or in a direction angled to the squeegee direction (54); and / or is characterized in that the dispensing device (24) extends at least partially parallel to the squeegee edge (56) of the filling squeegee (50) and / or the squeegee edge (56) of the at least one printing squeegee (52); and / or is characterized in that the dispensing device (24) extends all the way into the intermediate space (60) between the filling squeegee (50) and the printing squeegee (52) and / or into the intermediate space (60) between the two printing squeegees (52).

53. The device (10) according to any one of claims 51 and 52, characterized in that, Multiple distribution openings (62) or said multiple distribution openings (62) are arranged in a dispersed manner between the filling squeegee (50) and the printing squeegee (52) and / or between the two printing squeegees (52), particularly in a dispersed manner in a direction transverse to the squeegee direction (54) or in a direction at an angle to the squeegee direction (54).

54. The device (10) according to any one of claims 2 to 53, characterized in that, The dispensing device (24) has at least one dispensing groove (66) or a plurality of dispensing grooves (66), wherein the dispensing groove (66) preferably extends in a direction transverse to the scraper direction (54) or in a direction at an angle to the scraper direction (54).

55. The device (10) according to claim 54, characterized in that, At least one distribution slot (66) of the distribution device (24) has a width that varies along the longitudinal direction.

56. The device (10) according to any one of claims 54 or 55, characterized in that, At least one distribution slot (66) of the distribution device (24) has a different width in sections of the distribution slot (66) that are spaced apart from each other along the longitudinal direction.

57. The device (10) according to any one of claims 54 to 56, characterized in that, The dimensions of at least one dispensing groove (66) of the dispensing device (24) are such that the downstream groove section formed in the flow direction (64) of the printed material (22) is larger and / or wider than at least one groove section arranged in the upstream direction (64).

58. The device (10) according to any one of claims 54 to 57, characterized in that, At least one dispensing groove (66) of the dispensing device (24) has at least partially increasing size and / or width along the flow direction (64) of the printed material (22).

59. The device (10) according to any one of claims 51 to 58, characterized in that, The dispensing device (24) is arranged to travel with the filling squeegee (50) and / or with the printing squeegee (52) and / or with a plurality of printing squeegees (52), particularly arranged to travel in the squeegee direction (54).

60. The device (10) according to any one of claims 2 to 59, characterized in that, The metering device (18) is configured to dispense printing material (22) via the dispensing device (24) during scraper movement in the scraper direction (54); and / or is characterized in that the metering device (18) is configured to continuously and / or periodically dispense printing material (22) via the dispensing device (24) during scraper movement in the scraper direction (54).

61. The device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The metering device (18) is configured to dispense printing material (22) during the common and / or traveling movement of the dispensing device (24) with the filling squeegee (50) and / or with at least one printing squeegee (52) along the squeegee direction (54), particularly from the dispensing device (24) traveling and / or moving in the squeegee direction (54) at a position between the filling squeegee (50) and the printing squeegee (52) and / or between the two printing squeegees (52).

62. The device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The metering device (18) is configured to dispense printing material (22) during the period when the printing squeegee (52) and / or the filling squeegee (50) are in a stationary and / or resting position in the squeegee direction (54).

63. The device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The metering device (18) has at least one actuator (70, 136, 142) for moving the dispensing device (24), particularly for moving the dispensing device (24) laterally or at an angle to the scraper direction (54).

64. The device (10) according to claim 63, characterized in that, The actuators (70, 136, 142) are configured to move the dispensing device (24) during the dispensing of the printing material (22) onto the printing screen (16).

65. The device (10) according to any one of claims 63 or 64, characterized in that, The actuators (70, 136, 142) are configured to move the dispensing device (24) from the waiting position into the dispensing position and / or from the dispensing position into the waiting position.

66. The device (10) according to any one of claims 2 to 65, characterized in that, The dispensing device (24) has at least one dispensing pipe section (68) in which at least one dispensing opening (62) and / or one dispensing groove (66) are formed.

67. The device (10) according to claim 66, characterized in that, Multiple dispensing openings (62) are provided in the dispensing conduit section (68) and / or arranged to be distributed along the flow direction (64) of the printed material (22); and / or characterized in that at least one dispensing groove (66) is formed to extend in the dispensing conduit section (68) along the flow direction (64) of the printed material (22).

68. The device (10) according to any one of claims 66 and 67, characterized in that, The distribution pipe section (68) extends between the filling squeegee (50) and the printing squeegee (52), particularly laterally to the squeegee direction (54) or at an angle to the squeegee direction (54) and / or parallel to the squeegee edges (56, 58) of the filling squeegee (50) and / or the squeegee edges (56, 58) of the printing squeegee (52).

69. The device (10) according to any one of claims 66 to 68, characterized in that, The dispensing device (24) has a plurality of dispensing conduit sections (68), which are preferably arranged in an aligned manner and / or the plurality of dispensing conduit sections (68) are arranged to be able to move in unison with each other by means of actuators (70, 136, 142) or by means of multiple actuators (70, 136, 142).

70. The device (10) according to any one of claims 7 to 69, characterized in that, The supply line (26) has at least one distributor (76), preferably multiple distributors (76), which are used to distribute the printing material flow to multiple supply line sections (78) connected in parallel and / or to supply the printing material flow to multiple distribution openings (62) and / or multiple distribution slots (66) and / or multiple distribution line sections (68).

71. The device (10) according to any one of claims 7 to 70, characterized in that, The supply line (26) has at least two supply line segments (78) connected in parallel by a distributor (76), and at least one of the parallel supply line segments (78) has an additional distributor (76) for distributing the flow of printing material to the multiple parallel supply line sub-segments (78).

72. The device (10) according to any one of claims 2 to 71, characterized in that, The dispensing device (24) is configured and / or arranged to perform the dispensing of the printing material (22) onto the printing screen (16) in at least one longitudinally extending or strip-shaped section of printing material (122).

73. The device (10) according to any one of claims 3 to 72, characterized in that, The shut-off fitting (138) is preferably formed as part of the supply line (26) and / or formed for shutting off the supply line (26).

74. The device (10) according to any one of claims 3 to 73, characterized in that, Along the route of the supply line (26), the distance of the shut-off fitting (138) from the container (20) with the printed material (22) is greater than the distance of the shut-off fitting (138) from the dispensing device (24) and / or from at least one dispensing opening (62) and / or dispensing slot (66).

75. The device (10) according to any one of claims 6 to 74, characterized in that, The metering device (18) has a container replacement device (124) for automatically replacing the container (20) dispensing printing material (22), particularly the container (20) designed as an ink cartridge (34) or a barrel (84).

76. The device (10) according to claim 75, characterized in that, The container replacement device (124) is designed to replace the container (20) of the dispensed printing material (22) in a tool-free and / or automatic or semi-automatic manner.

77. The device (10) according to any one of claims 75 or 76, characterized in that, The container changing device has a rotary indexing table for containers (20) designed as barrel-shaped pieces (84).

78. The device (10) according to any one of claims 75 or 76, characterized in that, The container replacement device (124) has a connecting plate (128) equipped with a channel (130) for discharging printed material (22) from the container (20), wherein the channel (130) is configured to connect the supply line (26), and / or wherein, depending on the relative position of the connecting plate (128) and the plurality of containers (20), a fluid connection can be established between the supply line (26) and one of the plurality of containers (20); and / or characterized in that, by adjusting the relative position of the connecting plate (128) and at least one container (20), a fluid connection can be established between the supply line (26) and another container (20).

79. The device (10) according to any one of claims 75 to 78, characterized in that, The container replacement device (124) is arranged outside the printing area (30) of the printing device (14) and / or spaced apart from the printing screen (16) in the horizontal direction, or arranged below the printing table (32) of the printing device (14) in the vertical direction.

80. The device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The metering device (18) and / or the actuator (40) for conveying the printed material (22) outside the container (20) are configured for volume measurement of the printed material (22).

81. The device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The metering device (18) and / or the actuator (40) for conveying the printed material (22) are configured for stroke-based metering and volumetric metering of the printed material (22); and / or the actuator (40) for conveying the printed material (22) is configured for volumetric metering via closed-loop stroke control.

82. The device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The metering device (18) has a receiving cavity (134) for receiving an ink cartridge (34), wherein the receiving cavity (134) is preferably designed for at least partially lateral and / or circumferential support of the sidewall (36) of the ink cartridge.

83. The device (10) according to any one of claims 63 to 82, characterized in that, The actuator (70) for moving the dispensing device (24) is formed as a door hinge system (72) or as part of the door hinge system (72).

84. The device (10) according to any one of claims 2 to 83, characterized in that, The dispensing device (24) has an erasing device for erasing printed material (22) outside the dispensing opening (62) or outside the dispensing groove (66).

85. The device (10) according to any one of claims 7 to 84, characterized in that, The supply line (26) has a backflow stop device (146) for preventing and / or reducing the return of printing material (22) in the opposite direction to the distribution flow direction (148), wherein the backflow stop device (146) is preferably formed as a shut-off fitting (138).

86. The device (10) according to claim 85, characterized in that, Along the route of the supply line (26), the distance between the backflow stop device (146) and the container (20) with the printed material (22) is less than the distance between the backflow stop device (146) and the dispensing device (24).

87. An apparatus (10) for producing three-dimensional screen-printed workpieces, particularly a 3D screen printing machine, said apparatus (10) having a printing device (14) having a printing screen (16) for producing at least one screen-printed workpiece layer by layer in a plurality of printing operations, and said apparatus (10) having a metering device (18) for metering and dispensing a paste-like printing material (22) onto said printing screen (16), wherein, The metering device (18) has at least one container (20) for storing the paste-like printing material (22), and / or a dispensing device (24) for dispensing the printing material (22) onto the printing screen (16), and at least one actuator (70, 136, 142) for moving the container (20) and / or the dispensing device (24), wherein the actuator (70, 136, 142) is designed as part of a hinge system (72).

88. A method for producing three-dimensional screen-printed workpieces, particularly a method for producing three-dimensional screen-printed workpieces using the apparatus (10) according to the preceding claim, wherein the screen-printed workpiece is produced layer by layer in a printing apparatus (14) having a printing screen (16) in multiple printing operations, and wherein a paste-like printing material (22) is metered onto the printing screen (16) using a metering device (18), and wherein, The flow stop device prevents and / or reduces the flow of printed material (22) out of the metering device (18).

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