A printing device

Abstract

This application relates to a printing apparatus, comprising: an ink scalpel, a first control mechanism, a second control mechanism, and a control module. The ink scalpel is configured to return ink to the ink paste after printing on a solar cell. The first control mechanism is configured to control the movement of the ink scalpel in a first direction. The second control mechanism is configured to move the ink scalpel in a second direction. The control module is configured to, during the first printing stage after adding ink, control the ink scalpel to be in a preset avoidance position in the second direction; and during the second printing stage after the first printing stage is completed, control the ink scalpel to be in a return ink preparation position in the second direction. Furthermore, in the second direction, the preset avoidance position is higher than the return ink preparation position by a preset distance, and the first and second directions intersect. This printing apparatus achieves effective avoidance of ink addition, improves ink utilization, and reduces material waste.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of solar cell manufacturing technology, and in particular to a printing apparatus. Background Technology

[0002] In the high-speed printing process of solar cells, to meet the requirements of high-speed, stable, and continuous production, the ink scalpel's return stroke is generally set to be short to ensure it quickly returns to its original position for the next printing. However, in the existing printing process, the added ink cannot avoid the ink scalpel, resulting in ink accumulation and waste, incomplete printing, and poor initial printing.

[0003] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a printing device that can effectively avoid newly added paste and improve printing quality. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Therefore, it is necessary to provide a printing device that addresses the problems in existing technologies where the added paste cannot avoid the ink knife, resulting in paste accumulation and waste, blurry printing, and poor print quality.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, this application provides a printing apparatus, comprising:

[0006] The ink scalpel is configured to re-ink the ink from the printing paste on solar cells.

[0007] The first control mechanism is configured to control the movement of the ink knife in a first direction;

[0008] The second control mechanism is configured to move the ink knife in the second direction;

[0009] The control module is configured to control the ink scalpel to be in a preset avoidance position in the second direction during the first printing stage after the ink is added, and to control the ink scalpel to be in a return ink preparation position in the second direction during the second printing stage after the first printing stage is completed. In the second direction, the preset avoidance position is higher than the return ink preparation position by a preset distance, and the first direction intersects the second direction.

[0010] In one embodiment, the preset distance in the second direction ranges from 40 to 45 mm.

[0011] In one embodiment, the control module is further configured to control the ink scalpel to be in the preset avoidance position in the second direction when the slurry is being added.

[0012] In one embodiment, the control module is further configured to control the ink knife to be in the ink return position in the second direction when in the ink return state.

[0013] In one embodiment, in the second direction, the distance between the ink return preparation position and the ink return position is not less than 3 mm.

[0014] In one embodiment, the printing apparatus further includes an automatic paste-adding mechanism configured to automatically add paste.

[0015] In one embodiment, the printing apparatus further includes a height monitoring device configured to monitor the position of the ink knife in real time.

[0016] In one embodiment, the printing apparatus further includes a first fixing component, and the second control mechanism is mounted on the first control mechanism via the first fixing component.

[0017] In one embodiment, the printing apparatus further includes a second fixing component, through which the ink knife is mounted on the second control mechanism.

[0018] In one embodiment, the printing apparatus further includes a doctor blade configured to print paste onto the solar cell.

[0019] The aforementioned printing apparatus, through a first control mechanism configured to move the ink blade in a first direction, a second control mechanism configured to move the ink blade in a second direction, and configured to control the ink blade to be in a preset avoidance position in the second direction during the first printing stage after ink addition, and to control the ink blade to be in a return ink preparation position in the second direction during the second printing stage after the first printing stage is completed, wherein the preset avoidance position is a preset distance higher than the return ink preparation position in the second direction, can effectively avoid newly added ink, preventing it from being pushed to the end position and accumulating, improving ink utilization, reducing material waste, and avoiding ink blade avoidance only at the beginning of printing, thus avoiding ink accumulation and excessively long ink blade movement lines, ensuring printing efficiency; and in some embodiments, the control module is also configured to control the ink blade to be in the preset avoidance position in the second direction during ink addition, allowing sufficient time for the ink attached to the ink blade to slide off, thereby avoiding ink loss at the printing start position, applicable to various ink addition scenarios, especially suitable for manual ink addition processes and printing lines with high-viscosity inks. Attached Figure Description

[0020] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the conventional technology, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the conventional technology will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the printing apparatus provided in one embodiment;

[0022] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the change in the position of the ink knife in a printing apparatus provided in one embodiment.

[0023] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0024] 1-Ink knife, 2-First control mechanism, 3-Second control mechanism, 4-First fixing component, 5-Second fixing component, 6-Scraper blade, 7-Third fixing component, 8-Third control mechanism. Detailed Implementation

[0025] To facilitate understanding of this application, a more complete description will be provided below with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate embodiments of the present application. However, the present application can be implemented in many different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that the disclosure of this application will be thorough and complete.

[0026] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application belongs. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the application.

[0027] It should be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as "on," "adjacent to," "connected to," or "coupled to" other elements or layers, it may be directly on, adjacent to, connected to, or coupled to other elements or layers, or there may be intervening elements or layers. Conversely, when an element is referred to as "directly on," "directly adjacent to," "directly connected to," or "directly coupled to" other elements or layers, there are no intervening elements or layers. It should be understood that although the terms first, second, third, etc., may be used to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, doping types, and / or portions, these elements, components, regions, layers, doping types, and / or portions should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, doping type, or portion from another element, component, region, layer, doping type, or portion. Therefore, without departing from the teachings of this invention, the first element, component, region, layer, doping type, or portion discussed below may be referred to as a second element, component, region, layer, or portion.

[0028] Spatial relation terms such as “below,” “under,” “below,” “under,” “above,” “above,” etc., are used herein to describe the relationship between one element or feature shown in the figure and other elements or features. It should be understood that, in addition to the orientation shown in the figure, spatial relation terms also include different orientations of the device in use and operation. For example, if the device in the figure is flipped, the element or feature described as “below,” “under,” or “below” will be oriented “above” the other element or feature. Therefore, the exemplary terms “below” and “under” can include both above and below orientations. Furthermore, the device may also include other orientations (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or other orientations), and the spatial descriptive terms used herein will be interpreted accordingly.

[0029] When used herein, the singular forms of “a,” “an,” and “the” may also include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should also be understood that the terms “comprising / including” or “having,” etc., specify the presence of the stated features, wholes, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof, but do not preclude the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, wholes, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof. Meanwhile, in this specification, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of the associated listed items.

[0030] Please see Figure 1 This application provides a printing apparatus, including: an ink scalpel 1, a first control mechanism 2, a second control mechanism 3, and a control module (not shown). The ink scalpel 1 is configured to return ink to the ink paste after printing on a solar cell. The first control mechanism 2 is configured to control the movement of the ink scalpel 1 in a first direction. The second control mechanism 3 is configured to drive the ink scalpel 1 to move in a second direction. The control module is configured to, during the first printing stage after adding ink, control the ink scalpel 1 to be in a preset avoidance position in the second direction; and during the second printing stage after the first printing stage is completed, control the ink scalpel 1 to be in a return ink preparation position in the second direction. In the second direction, the preset avoidance position is higher than the return ink preparation position by a preset distance, and the first and second directions intersect. In this embodiment, the first and second directions are perpendicular to each other.

[0031] In the above example, by using a first control mechanism 2 configured to move the ink blade 1 in a first direction, a second control mechanism 3 configured to move the ink blade 1 in a second direction, and a control module configured to control the ink blade 1 to be in a preset avoidance position in the second direction during the first printing stage after ink addition and to control the ink blade 1 to be in a return ink preparation position in the second direction during the second printing stage after the first printing stage is completed, and by setting the preset avoidance position to a preset distance higher than the return ink preparation position in the second direction, the printing apparatus can effectively avoid the newly added ink at the beginning of the printing process after ink addition, preventing it from being pushed to the end position and causing accumulation, thereby improving ink utilization and reducing material waste. Furthermore, by only performing the avoidance action of the ink blade 1 at the beginning of printing, both ink accumulation and long stroke movement of the ink blade 1 in the second direction are avoided, thus ensuring printing efficiency. In some embodiments, the control module is also configured to control the ink blade 1 to remain in the preset avoidance position in the second direction when the printing apparatus is in the ink addition state, so that there is sufficient time for residual ink adhering to the ink blade 1 to slide off naturally, avoiding printing defects caused by insufficient ink at the starting position. The printing apparatus of this application is suitable for various paste addition scenarios, especially for manual paste addition processes and solar cell printing lines using high-viscosity pastes.

[0032] In one embodiment, the printing apparatus further includes a printing screen (not shown) having through holes with a preset pattern, through which the paste forms a printed pattern on the surface of the solar cell under a preset pressure.

[0033] In one embodiment, the printing apparatus further includes a squeegee 6 configured to print paste onto the solar cell. The squeegee 6 pushes the paste through a printing screen during the printing stroke to print a predetermined printing pattern onto the surface of the solar cell.

[0034] In one embodiment, the printing apparatus further includes a first fixing component 4, and a second control mechanism 3 is mounted on the first control mechanism 2 via the first fixing component 4. The first fixing component 4 enables the second control mechanism 3 to independently control the ink knife 1 in a second direction, based on the movement driven by the first control mechanism 2, thereby improving the motion coordination and control precision during the printing process. The first fixing component 4 can be a bracket, connecting plate, or guide rail structure; the specific form can be selected according to actual installation requirements. The first fixing component 4 facilitates modular installation and maintenance, improving system integration.

[0035] In one embodiment, the printing apparatus further includes a second fixing component 5, through which the ink blade 1 is mounted on the second adjusting mechanism 3. The second fixing component 5 allows the ink blade 1 to move precisely in a second direction with the second adjusting mechanism 3, while ensuring the stability and reliability of the ink blade 1's installation. The second fixing component 5 can adopt a screw connection, snap-fit, or slide rail structure to achieve quick assembly and maintenance; this connection method facilitates precise adjustment of the ink blade 1's position, further improving the stability and repeatability of the ink blade 1's movement.

[0036] In one embodiment, the printing apparatus further includes a third fixing component 7 and a third adjusting mechanism 8. The third adjusting mechanism is mounted on the first fixing component 4, and the third fixing component 7 is mounted on the third adjusting mechanism 8. The doctor blade 6 is connected to the third adjusting mechanism 8 through the third fixing component 7. This mechanism is used to move the doctor blade 6 between a printing position and a printing waiting position in a second direction, thereby achieving precise control over the printing timing and the position of the doctor blade 6, further improving printing quality and production efficiency.

[0037] In one embodiment, the doctor blade 6 and the ink blade 1 are arranged opposite to each other in a first direction and are mounted on the first fixed component 4 via the third fixed component 7 and the second fixed component 5, and with the aid of the third adjusting mechanism 8 and the second adjusting mechanism 3. This structure enables the doctor blade 6 and the ink blade 1 to achieve independent and coordinated movement control on the same reference component, which is beneficial to improving the matching accuracy and overall stability of the printing and ink return processes.

[0038] For example, the ink blade 1 is used to scrape the residual ink on the printing screen surface back to the starting position by moving in the reverse direction after each printing cycle, thereby ensuring sufficient ink recycling and providing a good foundation for the next printing. This process not only effectively guarantees printing quality but also avoids ink waste. Through the coordinated operation of the ink blade 1 and the doctor blade 6, ink recycling and seamless connection of the printing process are achieved, solving the problems of ink waste and printing interruption in traditional printing, and significantly improving production efficiency and product yield.

[0039] In one embodiment, the first control mechanism 2 includes a telescopic translation shaft for driving the ink blade 1 to reciprocate along a first direction during printing and ink return processes. Specifically, when printing with the squeegee 6 and when returning ink with the ink blade 1, the telescopic translation shaft is extended in the first direction to ensure that the ink blade 1 covers the entire width of the printing screen during operation. It should be noted that the squeegee 6 is also driven by the first control mechanism 2, achieving reciprocating movement in the first direction.

[0040] Specifically, in the ink printing stage, the first control mechanism 2 drives the telescopic translation axis to extend and retract along the first direction, causing the doctor blade 6 to push the ink through the printing screen, thus achieving pattern transfer. In the ink return stage, the first control mechanism 2 drives the telescopic translation axis to extend and retract in the opposite direction of the first direction, causing the ink blade 1 to recycle the residual ink from the screen surface back to the printing starting position. The above structure realizes the co-track movement and division of labor between the doctor blade and the ink blade in the first direction, improving printing stability and overall work efficiency.

[0041] In one embodiment, the second control mechanism 3 includes a linear motor, which drives the second fixed component 5 to move along a second direction, thereby causing the ink blade 1 to move up and down in the second direction. By using a linear motor as the driving component, the ink blade 1 can achieve precise displacement within a preset height range, meeting the height position control requirements at different working stages (such as avoidance, preparation, and ink return), improving the dynamic response capability and control accuracy of the system, and facilitating the rapid switching of the ink blade 1 between preset avoidance position, ink return position, and ink return preparation position, ensuring that the printing action of the doctor blade 6 is not disturbed, and improving the collaborative working efficiency of the system.

[0042] In one embodiment, the control module is configured to control the ink blade 1 to be in a preset avoidance position in the second direction during the first printing stage after the ink paste is added; and to control the ink blade 1 to be in a return ink preparation position in the second direction during the second printing stage after the first printing stage is completed. The first printing stage can be the initial printing, i.e., the printing start stage after the ink paste is added. This avoids ink accumulation during the printing process and also avoids multiple large-scale adjustments at the beginning of the printing stage. During this stage, the ink blade 1 moves between the preset avoidance position and the return ink position. The second printing stage consists of multiple printings performed after the first printing stage. During this stage, the ink blade 1 moves between the return ink position and the return ink preparation position. The return ink preparation position serves as a standby position to avoid frequent large-scale position adjustments of the ink blade and improve printing efficiency.

[0043] In one embodiment, the distance between the ink return preparation position and the ink return position in the second direction is not less than 3 mm. This distance setting prevents the ink scalpel 1 from having too small a travel distance from the ink return preparation position to the ink return position during the second printing stage, which would cause the ink scalpel 1 to fail in its avoidance effect during the second printing stage, thus ensuring the smooth progress of the printing process and the printing quality. It should be noted that, while ensuring the avoidance effect of the ink scalpel 1, the upper limit of the distance range between the ink return preparation position and the ink return position can be selected according to the actual situation and is not limited here.

[0044] In one embodiment, see Figure 2The control module is also configured to control the ink blade 1 to be in a preset avoidance position in the second direction when ink is being added. By keeping the ink blade 1 in the preset avoidance position in the second direction for a sufficient time, the control module allows the ink adhering to the ink blade to slide off fully, preventing ink loss at the printing start point. This control strategy is applicable to various ink addition scenarios, and is particularly suitable for manual ink addition processes and printing lines with high-viscosity inks. It effectively prevents ink accumulation while shortening the ink blade's movement path, ensuring printing efficiency.

[0045] In the second direction, the preset avoidance position is higher than the ink return preparation position, with a preset distance range of 40-45mm. This preset distance is set above the thickness of the added ink paste to ensure that the ink scalpel 1 will not come into contact with the newly added ink paste in the avoidance state, thereby avoiding ink paste accumulation or contamination of the bottom of the ink scalpel. Specifically, the preset avoidance position corresponds to the third distance of the second control mechanism 3 relative to the zero point position, which is in the opposite direction of the second direction, with a position value of -9.5mm; the ink return preparation position corresponds to the second distance of the second control mechanism 3 relative to the zero point position, which is along the second direction, with a position value of 33mm; the ink return position corresponds to the first distance of the second control mechanism 3 relative to the zero point position, also along the second direction, with a position value of 36mm. Therefore, the preset distance is 42.5mm.

[0046] The position parameters of the ink knife 1 are precisely set and dynamically switched through the control module to ensure that the ink knife 1 has a suitable height distribution under different working conditions. It is particularly suitable for printing scenarios with high viscosity or manual paste addition, where the avoidance height requirement is high, thereby improving system stability and process compatibility.

[0047] It should be noted that the timing for adding ink is determined to be when the printing device is in a stopped state and the first control mechanism 2 controls both the ink knife 1 and the doctor blade 6 to remain in the printing start position. This moment is the optimal time to add ink, which helps ensure operational safety and avoids problems such as ink overflow, contamination, or decreased printing accuracy caused by adding ink during operation.

[0048] In addition, the printing apparatus includes an automatic paste-adding mechanism (not shown), configured to automatically add paste, improving the accuracy of paste addition and production efficiency. Therefore, the paste addition determination criteria also facilitate the control module's linkage with the automatic paste-adding mechanism to execute the paste-adding action, thus achieving a design compatible with both automated control and manual operation. Furthermore, the control module can be linked with the automatic paste-adding mechanism and is also configured to automatically determine the paste-adding status and trigger avoidance actions to prevent paste accumulation and incomplete printing. The automatic paste-adding mechanism uses a small, multiple-addition method to avoid excessive paste accumulation and overflow.

[0049] Furthermore, the printing apparatus also includes a height monitoring device (not shown), configured to monitor the position of the ink scalpel 1 in the second direction in real time, ensuring the accuracy of the ink scalpel 1's position and the safety and reliability of its movement, and working with the control module to achieve precise closed-loop control. The height monitoring device is also configured to monitor the position of the doctor blade 6 in the second direction in real time.

[0050] It should be noted that the control module can be an independent computer system or a control circuit unit including a processor and memory. Specifically, it can be implemented through software programs, hardware circuits, or a combination of both. The aforementioned control module is used to uniformly control and logically judge the movement states of the doctor blade 6 and the ink knife 1, the driving process of the control mechanism, and the ink addition process, thereby achieving automated and intelligent operation of the printing apparatus.

[0051] For example, the working process of the above printing device includes: when the printing device is in a stopped state and the first control mechanism 2 drives the ink knife 1 to stop at the printing start position (in this embodiment, the first control mechanism 2 drives the second control mechanism 3 to move to the rightmost end of the first direction), the system enters the paste addition preparation state.

[0052] The control module controls the second adjustment mechanism 3 to move the ink knife 1 from the ink return position to the preset avoidance position to make room for ink addition;

[0053] Subsequently, the slurry addition process can be completed manually or with the help of an automatic slurry addition mechanism;

[0054] After the paste is added, the control module controls the first control mechanism 2 to start and enter the first printing stage. The squeegee 6 is driven to move linearly in the first direction to print the paste evenly onto the printing screen and transfer it to the surface of the solar cell. During the printing process, the ink knife 1 is kept in the preset avoidance position to avoid interference with the paste or the squeegee 6.

[0055] After the first printing stage is completed, the control module controls the second adjustment mechanism 3 to move the ink knife 1 from the preset avoidance position to the ink return position, and moves the ink knife 1 through the first adjustment mechanism 2 to complete the ink recovery and ink return action.

[0056] The second printing stage then begins, during which the ink blade 1 repeatedly switches between the ink return position and the ink return preparation position to perform multiple printing and ink return operations. Compared to the first printing stage, this stage eliminates the need for avoidance maneuvers, reducing large-stroke switching and improving efficiency. After the current batch of printing is completed, the printing unit enters a shutdown state again, and the first control mechanism 2 controls the ink blade 1 and the doctor blade 6 to return to the printing start position. The above operation process is repeated for each subsequent round of ink printing.

[0057] It should be noted that the user information (including but not limited to user device information, user personal information, etc.) and data (including but not limited to data used for analysis, data stored, data displayed, etc.) involved in this application are all information and data authorized by the user or fully authorized by all parties, and the collection, use and processing of the relevant data must comply with relevant regulations.

[0058] In the description of this specification, references to terms such as "some embodiments," "other embodiments," and "ideal embodiments" indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the invention. In this specification, the illustrative descriptions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiments or examples.

[0059] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features of the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0060] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementation methods of this application, and while the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the patent application. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this application, and these all fall within the protection scope of this application. Therefore, the protection scope of this patent application should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A printing device characterized by comprising: include: The ink knife (1) is configured to re-ink the ink from the paste printed on the solar cell. The first control mechanism (2) is configured to control the movement of the ink knife (1) in a first direction; The second control mechanism (3) is configured to drive the ink knife (1) to move in the second direction; The control module is configured to control the ink knife (1) to be in a preset avoidance position in the second direction during the first printing stage after the addition of paste, and to control the ink knife (1) to be in a return ink preparation position in the second direction during the second printing stage after the completion of the first printing stage. In the second direction, the preset avoidance position is higher than the return ink preparation position by a preset distance, and the first direction intersects with the second direction.

2. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, In the second direction, the preset distance ranges from 40 to 45 mm.

3. The printing apparatus of claim 1, wherein The control module is also configured to control the ink knife (1) to be in the preset avoidance position in the second direction when the slurry is added.

4. The printing apparatus of claim 1, wherein The control module is also configured to control the ink knife (1) to be in the ink return position in the second direction when in the ink return state.

5. The printing apparatus of claim 4, wherein In the second direction, the distance between the ink return preparation position and the ink return position is not less than 3mm.

6. The printing apparatus of claim 1, wherein The printing apparatus also includes an automatic paste adding mechanism configured to automatically add paste.

7. The printing apparatus of claim 1, wherein The printing apparatus also includes a height monitoring device configured to monitor the position of the ink knife (1) in real time.

8. The printing device of claim 1, wherein, The printing apparatus further includes a first fixing component (4), and the second control mechanism (3) is mounted on the first control mechanism (2) through the first fixing component (4).

9. The printing apparatus of claim 1, wherein The printing device also includes a second fixing component (5), and the ink knife (1) is mounted on the second control mechanism (3) through the second fixing component (5).

10. The printing device of claim 1, wherein, The printing apparatus also includes a doctor blade (6) configured to print paste onto the solar cell.

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