Printing device

Abstract

A printing device comprises a rotating module, a feeding module, a printing module and a discharging module. The rotating module comprises a rotating disc, a first driving assembly for driving the rotating disc to rotate, and the rotating disc has a plurality of printing tables arranged along the rotating direction of the rotating disc, and the rotating disc drives the printing tables to pass through at least one feeding station, one printing station and one discharging station in sequence. The feeding module is connected to the printing tables at the feeding station, and the feeding module comprises a first conveying device for conveying articles to be printed and a feeding assembly for moving the articles to be printed from the first conveying device to the printing tables. The feeding assembly comprises a positioning assembly for positioning the articles to be printed and a transfer assembly for adjusting the pose of the articles to be printed and transferring the articles to the printing tables. The printing module is located at the printing station and is used for printing all the articles to be printed on the printing tables. The discharging module corresponds to the discharging station, and the discharging module comprises a second conveying device for moving the printed articles away from the printing tables.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of automatic printing technology, and more particularly to a printing apparatus. Background Technology

[0002] In traditional printing equipment, the printing module integrates a positioning and correction function, which adjusts the position of the printing screen to align it with the item to be printed on the printing table.

[0003] After the items to be printed are transported to the printing station by the transmission device, the items are first positioned, and then the position of the screen is adjusted according to the original position information of the items. However, by adjusting the screen, only one battery cell can be printed at a time, and multiple battery cells cannot be printed at the same time, resulting in low efficiency.

[0004] In view of this, it is necessary to provide an improved printing apparatus to solve the above-mentioned technical problems. Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of this application is to provide a printing apparatus that improves printing efficiency.

[0006] To achieve the above-mentioned objectives of this utility model, the following technical solution is adopted: A printing apparatus includes a rotating module, a loading module, a printing module, and a unloading module. The rotating module includes a turntable and a first driving component for rotating the turntable. The turntable has a plurality of printing tables arranged along its rotation direction. When the turntable rotates, it drives the printing tables sequentially through at least one loading station, one printing station, and one unloading station. The loading module is located at the loading station and docks with the printing tables. The loading module includes a first conveying device for conveying items to be printed and a loading module for moving the items to be printed from the first conveying device to the printing tables. The loading module includes a positioning component for positioning the items to be printed and a transfer component for adjusting the position of the items to be printed and transferring them to the printing tables. The printing module is located at the printing station and is used to print all the items to be printed on the printing tables. The unloading module corresponds to the unloading station and includes a second conveying device for removing the printed items from the printing tables.

[0007] In some implementations, the number of items to be printed loaded by the feeding module onto the printing table is N, the number of feeding stations is K, and the number of items to be printed that the printing module can print at one time is M, then M = N × K.

[0008] In some embodiments, the feeding module further includes a transfer table for temporarily placing the items to be printed, the positioning component is located above the transfer table, and the transfer component moves between the positioning component and the transfer table.

[0009] In some embodiments, the positioning component includes a camera group corresponding to at least one of the items to be printed, the number of cameras in the camera group being consistent with the number of positioning areas of the items to be printed.

[0010] In some embodiments, the positioning component includes a camera group corresponding to at least one of the items to be printed, and a first moving module that moves the camera group over different positioning areas of the items to be printed.

[0011] In some embodiments, the number of cameras in the camera group is 1 / K1 of the number of positioning areas of the item to be printed, where K1 is an integer greater than 1; the first moving module includes a first slide rail, a first slider slidably connected to the first slide rail, and a first drive motor that drives the first slider to move; all cameras in the camera group are fixed on the first slider, and all cameras move in the same direction and with the same stroke.

[0012] In some embodiments, the transfer assembly includes a gripping module for gripping the item to be printed and a second moving module for driving the gripping module to move. The second moving module can drive the gripping module to move along the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis, which are perpendicular to each other. The Z-axis is perpendicular to the plane of the printing table. One of the gripping modules is connected to the second moving module through a rotating assembly, which drives the gripping module to rotate about the T-direction, where the T-direction is the direction of rotation about the Z-axis.

[0013] In some embodiments, the number of transfer components is at least two. Each transfer component includes at least one gripping module for gripping the item to be printed and a second moving module for driving the gripping module to move. The second moving module can drive the gripping module to move along the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis, which are perpendicular to each other. The Z-axis is perpendicular to the plane of the printing table. One of the gripping modules of the transfer component is connected to the second moving module through a rotating component. The rotating component drives the gripping module to rotate around the T-direction, which is the direction of rotation around the Z-axis.

[0014] In some implementations, the travel distance of at least two of the transfer components is kept consistent, and their positions are adjusted by the same second moving module; or, the positions of the two transfer components are adjusted by separate second moving modules; and the positioning time of the positioning component is not greater than the travel time of any one of the transfer components.

[0015] In some embodiments, the second moving module includes a second slide rail, a second slider slidably connected to the second slide rail, a second drive motor driving the second slider to move, a third slide rail fixed to the second slider, a third slider slidably connected to the third slide rail, a third drive motor driving the third slider to move, a fourth slide rail fixed to the third slider, a fourth slider slidably connected to the fourth slide rail, a fourth drive motor driving the fourth slider to move, and a rotating assembly fixed to the fourth slider. The gripping module is fixed to the rotating assembly. The second slide rail, the third slide rail, and the fourth slide rail are perpendicular to each other, with one extending in the same direction as the Z-axis and the other extending to the location of the printing table. At least one gripping module is fixed to the fourth slider via the rotating assembly, and the remaining gripping modules are directly fixed to the fourth slider.

[0016] In some embodiments, the second slide rail extends to the location of the printing table, and the fourth slide rail extends along the Z-axis; and / or, the slide rail extending to the location of the printing table among the second, third, and fourth slide rails has the largest travel.

[0017] In some embodiments, the gripping module includes a suction cup for picking up the article to be printed and a second vacuum assembly in communication with the suction cup.

[0018] In some embodiments, the feeding module further includes a sensor communicatively connected to the feeding module, the sensor being used to detect whether the item to be printed has moved to the end of the first transmission device closer to the rotating module.

[0019] Compared to existing technologies, this application connects the loading, printing, and unloading processes in series using a rotating module. The rotating layout tightly surrounds each functional module around the turntable, forming a highly integrated and compact production device. The printing unit integrates the positioning module and transfer components into the loading module, ensuring from the source that each item to be printed has extremely high and consistent positioning accuracy when placed on the printing table. Therefore, multiple battery cells can be printed simultaneously, resulting in high efficiency. Based on this, the printing module does not require a complex positioning and correction structure and can directly perform printing operations, greatly simplifying the structural design of the printing module. It also allows positioning, correction, and printing to be performed simultaneously at different workstations, improving printing efficiency. This device achieves true parallel operation and continuous production. While the printing table at the printing station is performing printing operations, other printing tables can simultaneously perform loading and unloading operations. This completely eliminates the waiting time during process switching in traditional linear or single-station equipment. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1A schematic diagram of a printing apparatus provided in an illustrative embodiment of this application is shown.

[0021] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A diagram from another angle.

[0022] Figure 3 for Figure 1 Top view.

[0023] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a turntable provided in an illustrative embodiment of this application is shown.

[0024] Figure 5 for Figure 4 A diagram from another angle.

[0025] Figure 6 for Figure 4 Top view.

[0026] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of a feeding module provided in an illustrative embodiment of this application is shown.

[0027] Figure 8 for Figure 7 A diagram from another angle.

[0028] Figure 9 A schematic diagram of a positioning component provided in an illustrative embodiment of this application is shown.

[0029] Figure 10 A schematic diagram of a transfer component provided in an illustrative embodiment of this application is shown.

[0030] Figure 11 for Figure 10 A diagram from another angle.

[0031] Among them, 100-printing device, 1-rotation module, 11-turntable, 12-first drive assembly, 13-printing table, 2-feeding module, 21-first transmission device, 22-positioning assembly, 221-camera group, 222-first moving module, 223-first slide rail, 224-first slider, 225-ruler, 23-transfer assembly, 231-gripping module, 232-second moving module, 2321-second slide rail, 2322-second slider, 2324-third slide rail, 2325-third slider, 2326-third drive motor, 2327-fourth slide rail, 2328-fourth slider, 2329-fourth drive motor, 2320-rotation assembly, 24-transfer table, 25-sensor, 3-printing module, 31-printing assembly, 32-second drive assembly, 4-unloading module. Detailed Implementation

[0032] The application will now be described in detail with reference to the specific embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. However, these embodiments do not limit the present application, and any structural, methodological, or functional modifications made by those skilled in the art based on these embodiments are included within the scope of protection of this application.

[0033] It should be noted that the term "comprising" or any other variation thereof is intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0034] Please refer to Figures 1 to 11 The image shows a preferred embodiment of the printing apparatus 100 of this utility model. The printing apparatus 100 includes a rotating module 1, a feeding module 2, a printing module 3, and a discharging module 4.

[0035] The rotating module 1 includes a turntable 11 and a first driving component 12 that drives the turntable 11 to rotate. The turntable 11 has a plurality of printing tables 13 arranged along its circumference. When the turntable 11 rotates, it drives the printing tables 13 to pass through at least one loading station, one printing station and one unloading station in sequence.

[0036] The loading module 2 docks with the printing table 13 at the loading station to load the printing table 13 with items to be printed. The loading module 2 includes a first conveying device 21 for conveying the items to be printed and a loading module for moving the items to be printed from the first conveying device 21 to the printing table 13. The loading module includes a positioning component 22 for positioning the items to be printed and a transfer component 23 for transferring the items to be printed and adjusting the posture of the items to be printed.

[0037] The printing module 3 is located at the printing station and is used to print all items to be printed on the printing table 13.

[0038] The unloading module 4 corresponds to the unloading station and includes a second conveying device that removes the printed items from the printing table 13.

[0039] The printing unit 100 connects the feeding, printing, and unloading processes in series via a rotating module 1. The rotating layout tightly surrounds each functional module around the turntable 11, forming a highly integrated and compact production unit. Compared to long, linear production lines, this design significantly saves floor space. Simultaneously, the flow path of the items to be printed is a simple, repetitive circular motion; the path is clear and fixed, reducing complex transmission and scheduling, lowering the risk of material blockage or collision, and achieving efficient and orderly material flow.

[0040] The printing apparatus 100 separates the positioning and correction processes from the printing module 3 and integrates them forward into the loading module 2. The positioning module and transfer component 23 are integrated into the loading module 2, ensuring from the source that each item to be printed has extremely high and consistent positioning accuracy when placed on the printing table 13. Based on this, the printing module 3 does not need a complex positioning and correction structure and can directly perform printing operations, greatly simplifying the structural design of the printing module 3. It also allows positioning, correction, and printing to be performed simultaneously at different workstations, improving printing efficiency.

[0041] This device enables true parallel operation and continuous production. While printing station 13 at the printing station is performing a printing operation, other printing stations 13 can simultaneously perform loading and unloading operations. This completely eliminates the waiting time during process switching in traditional linear or single-station equipment.

[0042] In some implementations, the first drive component 12 Located below or in the middle of the turntable 11, it drives the turntable 11 to rotate. Several printing tables 13 are evenly arranged along the circumference of the turntable 11, resulting in relatively uniform rotational force.

[0043] The printing table 13 can fix the item to be printed using conventional methods, such as vacuum adsorption, adhesive fixation, or snap-fit ​​fixation. In one embodiment, the printing table 13 is provided with an adsorption hole and a first vacuum component communicating with the adsorption hole. Vacuum adsorption of the item to be printed can improve stability and prevent damage to the item to be printed.

[0044] In some implementations, the number of items to be printed loaded by the feeding module 2 onto the printing table 13 is N, the number of feeding stations is K, and the number of items to be printed that the printing module 3 can print at one time is M, then M = N × K. When the printing table 13 reaches the printing station, it can be fully loaded with items to be printed, and then the printing can be completed in one go, which can greatly improve efficiency.

[0045] Assuming the printing time for all items on printing station 13 is T, then each feeding module 2 only needs to feed N items within time T. By setting K feeding stations to work in parallel, M items can be prepared within the printing cycle. This avoids the printing module 3 waiting due to insufficient feeding speed, and also avoids the increased system complexity and cost caused by excessive feeding, achieving a high degree of coordination and consistency.

[0046] Preferably, N=1. Each feeding module 2 feeds one piece of material to be printed onto the printing table 13. When the material reaches the printing station, M pieces of material to be printed are placed on the printing table 13. Each feeding module 2 processes only one piece of material to be printed, which is simple in structure and highly efficient. It achieves perfect rhythm matching between various processes on the production line, eliminates bottlenecks, and enables the equipment capacity to reach its theoretical maximum value.

[0047] Each time the turntable 11 rotates, each feeding module 2 performs only one feeding action (or only feeds one item to be printed), while the printing module 3 performs one printing action. This one-to-one mapping relationship makes the control program simple, robust, and less prone to logical errors or signal conflicts. Compared to complex scheduling algorithms that mismatch between feeding stations and printing capacity, the control system of this solution is easier to develop, has a shorter debugging cycle, and a lower failure rate.

[0048] When N is greater than 1, the number of items to be printed that each upper-level module can load increases, allowing more items to be printed at once, thus further improving efficiency.

[0049] The loading module 2 transports the items to be printed via the first transmission device 21, positions the items via the positioning component 22, and then adjusts the position of the items via the transfer component 23 and transfers them onto the printing table 13. This module decomposes the loading process into three sub-processes: "transmission-positioning-transfer," and allows positioning and transmission / transfer to be performed in parallel, greatly reducing the work cycle.

[0050] The first transmission device 21 can be a continuously running belt, transmission roller, etc., to continuously supply the items to be printed.

[0051] In some embodiments, the loading module 2 further includes a transfer table 24 for temporarily storing the items to be printed. A positioning component 22 is located above the transfer table 24, and a transfer component 23 moves between the positioning component 22 and the transfer table 24. The transfer component 23 and the positioning component 22 do not interfere with each other. This design allows the items to be printed on the first conveying device 21 to be temporarily stored on the transfer table 24 without affecting the continuous conveying function of the first conveying device 21.

[0052] In one embodiment, such as Figures 7 to 8 , Figures 10 to 11 As shown, the number of transfer components 23 is 1, and each transfer component 23 has only one gripping module. The transfer component 23 first transfers the item to be printed from the first transmission device 21 to the transfer station 24. The positioning component 22 positions the item to be printed, and then the transfer component 23 adjusts the pose of the item to be printed and transfers it to the printing table 13.

[0053] To improve the efficiency of location and transfer, the following solutions can also be adopted: In one embodiment, the number of transfer components 23 is one, but the transfer component 23 has two gripping modules. One gripping module is used to transfer the item to be printed from the first conveying device 21 to the transfer station 24, and the other gripping module is used to adjust the pose of the item to be printed and transfer it to the printing table 13. The travel distance of the two gripping modules is consistent, so the position can be adjusted by the same second moving module. Of course, the travel distance of the two gripping modules can be inconsistent, and the pose can be adjusted by separate second moving modules.

[0054] While the transfer component 23 is moving the previously positioned item from the transfer station 24 to the printing station 13, the next item to be printed can be simultaneously moved to the transfer station 24 for positioning. The overlap in time between the two transfer actions avoids the "waiting" idle time of the equipment components, optimizing the original serial operation of "transfer time + positioning time + transfer time" into a near-single "transfer time + positioning time" (taking the maximum value), significantly improving the working efficiency of the loading module itself, thus laying the foundation for high-cycle production of the entire system.

[0055] In another embodiment, the number of transfer components 23 is at least two (a group), and each transfer component 23 is provided with at least one gripping module. One transfer component 23 is used to transfer the item to be printed from the first conveying device 21 to the transfer station 24, and the other transfer component 23 is used to adjust the position of the item to be printed and transfer it to the printing table 13.

[0056] The two transfer components 23 have the same travel distance, so their positions can be adjusted using the same second transfer module.

[0057] Preferably, the travel distances of the two transfer components 23 are inconsistent, and their positions are adjusted separately by a second transfer module. The positioning time of the positioning component 22 is no greater than the travel time of any one of the transfer components 23, where travel time refers to the time it takes for the transfer component 23 to reciprocate and transfer one item to be printed. That is, during the process of any one of the transfer components 23 reciprocating and transferring one item to be printed, the positioning component 22 has just completed or has already completed the positioning of the item to be printed.

[0058] When the transfer component 23 moves from the transfer station 24 to the first transmission device 21 and moves an item to be printed onto the transfer station 24, the positioning component 22 has just completed positioning the previous item to be printed, and another transfer component takes the positioned item from the transfer station 24 and moves it to the printing table 13. Alternatively, when the transfer component 23 moves an already positioned item from the transfer station 24 to the printing table 13 and then returns to the transfer station 24, the next item to be printed has already been moved to the transfer station 24 and positioned. Similarly, during the process of the first transmission device 21 conveying the next item to be printed to the transfer station 24, the positioning and transfer actions can be performed independently. This overlap in time avoids the "waiting" idle time of equipment components, optimizing the "transfer time + positioning time + transfer time" originally required for serial operation into a nearly single "transfer time" (taking the maximum value), significantly improving the working efficiency of the feeding module itself, thus laying the foundation for high-cycle production of the entire system.

[0059] A dedicated, fixed transfer station 24 provides the positioning component 22 with an undisturbed and stable imaging platform. The first transmission device 21 is typically a continuously running belt or roller, which generates vibration. Directly positioning the item to be printed from the moving conveyor belt can easily result in blurry images and poor accuracy. The transfer station 24 transforms the dynamic transport of the item into a static state, providing the necessary conditions for high-precision image acquisition.

[0060] The transfer station 24 can also decouple the preceding and following processes. When the first transmission device 21 malfunctions (such as jamming or speed adjustment), it will not directly impact or affect the precision positioning component 22 and the transfer component 23. Conversely, the debugging and maintenance of the positioning component 22 or the transfer component will not require the entire transmission line to shut down. Accordingly, the control logic of each component (transmission device, positioning component 22, transfer component 23) can be relatively independent. The transmission device is only responsible for delivering the items to the transfer station 24; the positioning component 22 is only responsible for photographing and calculating the items stationary on the transfer station 24; and the transfer component 23 is only responsible for executing predetermined grabbing and moving commands. This separation of responsibilities simplifies the control system and facilitates modular debugging and fault diagnosis.

[0061] The positioning component 22 is fixed directly above the turntable 24, forming a fixed spatial relationship between the two. This means that each positioning is performed in the same reference coordinate system, eliminating systematic errors caused by changes in the reference and ensuring the consistency and repeatability of the positioning data.

[0062] In some embodiments, the positioning component 22 includes a camera group 221 corresponding to at least one item to be printed and a first moving module 222 that moves the camera group 221 over different positioning areas of the item to be printed.

[0063] First, the camera group 221 acquires an image of a portion of the positioning area of ​​the item to be printed; then, the first moving module 222 moves the camera group 221 above other positioning areas to acquire an image of that portion of the positioning area; the images acquired multiple times are merged, and the original position information of the item to be printed on the printing table 13 is obtained based on the merged image.

[0064] The number of cameras in camera group 221 is less than the number of positioning areas on the item to be printed. Combined with the high-precision first moving module 222, it achieves full-coverage, high-precision positioning measurement with a minimal number of cameras. This design significantly reduces the number of expensive cameras used, thereby lowering costs, while ensuring that each positioning area is covered by a camera.

[0065] Specifically, the first moving module 222 includes a first slide rail 223, a first slider 224 slidably connected to the first slide rail 223, and a first drive motor for driving the first slider 224 to move. The camera group 221 is fixed on the first slider 224, and all cameras in the camera group 221 move in the same direction and with the same stroke.

[0066] After the first moving module 222 moves the camera group 221, at least one camera moves from one positioning area to another positioning area to be positioned (to acquire an image), preferably each camera moves from one positioning area to another positioning area to be positioned.

[0067] All cameras are mounted on the same slider, ensuring consistent movement direction and stroke. This ensures that when scanning different positioning areas of the same item, the acquisition benchmark for all images is uniform, fundamentally avoiding systematic errors caused by different camera installation positions or movement trajectories, and improving the quality and comparability of positioning data. In one specific embodiment, the number of cameras in camera group 221 is 1 / K1 of the number of positioning areas of the item to be printed, where K1 is an integer greater than 1. Thus, camera group 221 works K1 times and is moved K1-1 times to complete the positioning of all positioning areas.

[0068] Preferably, the first slide rail 223 is provided with a scale 225 for precise observation and control of the movement of the first slider 224, thereby precisely fixing the position of the camera group 221.

[0069] In addition, the first slider 244 is also provided with strip-shaped mounting holes, which facilitates adjusting the position of the camera in the camera group 221 to correspond to the position of the item to be printed, that is, the several cameras in the movable camera group 221 correspond one-to-one with the several positioning areas of the item to be printed.

[0070] In one embodiment, the number of positioning areas for the item to be printed is 4, K1=2, and the number of cameras in the camera group 221 is 2 (4÷2=2). First, the two positioning areas are positioned by the two cameras, and then the two cameras are moved above the other two positioning areas by the first moving module 222 for positioning.

[0071] In one embodiment, the number of positioning areas for the item to be printed is 6, K1=3, and the number of cameras in the camera group 221 is 2 (6÷3=2). First, the two cameras are used to position the two positioning areas. Then, the first moving module 222 moves the two cameras once to position them above the other two positioning areas. Then, the two cameras are moved once to position them above the last two positioning areas.

[0072] It should be noted that when there are multiple camera groups 221, they can share a single first moving module 222, and the multiple camera groups 221 can be fixed on the same first slider 224, simplifying control. Alternatively, multiple camera groups 221 can be equipped with multiple first moving modules 222 for individual control, resulting in higher positioning accuracy.

[0073] In some embodiments, the positioning component 22 includes a camera group 221 corresponding to at least one of the items to be printed, the number of cameras in the camera group 221 being consistent with the number of positioning areas of the items to be printed, so that the positioning camera group 221 does not need to be moved during positioning.

[0074] Compared to a movable camera assembly, the only difference is that the first slider 224 is fixed on the first slide rail 223, and the first slider 244 has strip-shaped mounting holes. The position of the movable camera assembly 221 can be adjusted within the mounting holes as needed, so that the camera assembly 221 corresponds to the position of the item to be printed, meaning that several cameras in the camera assembly 221 correspond one-to-one with multiple positioning areas of the item to be printed.

[0075] The stationary camera group 221 has more cameras than the moving camera group 221, but each positioning is performed in the same reference coordinate system, which eliminates systematic errors caused by reference changes and ensures the consistency and repeatability of positioning data.

[0076] The transfer component 23 includes a gripping module 231 for gripping the item to be printed, and a second moving module 232 for driving the gripping module 231 to move. The second moving module 232 drives the gripping module 231 to adjust the position of the item to be printed.

[0077] The gripping module 231 grips the item to be printed, and the second moving module 232 adjusts the posture of the gripping module 231, thereby adjusting the posture of the item to be printed. The item is then placed on the printing table 13. The gripping module 231 and the second moving module 232 work together for active gripping and position adjustment. Compared to traditional push-type correction, this method offers higher precision, causes no impact on the item, and allows for multi-dimensional fine-tuning. It is particularly suitable for fragile or high-value items to be printed, such as photovoltaic cells, optoelectronic devices, and microelectronic devices.

[0078] The gripping module 231 includes a suction cup for picking up the item to be printed and a second vacuum assembly connected to the suction cup. The vacuum level of the suction cup is controlled by the second vacuum assembly, and the gripping or releasing of the item by the suction cup provides a uniformly distributed adsorption force, avoiding scratches or stress concentration that may be caused by mechanical clamping, and achieving stable gripping of the item surface without damage, which is very beneficial for smooth sheet materials.

[0079] In one embodiment, the second moving module 232 can drive the gripping module 231 to move along the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis. The X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis are perpendicular to each other. The Z-axis is perpendicular to the plane where the printing table 13 is located.

[0080] At least one gripping module 231 is connected to the second moving module 232 via a rotating assembly 2320. The rotating assembly 2320 drives the gripping module 231 to rotate around the T direction, which is the direction of rotation around the Z-axis. The position adjustment of the item to be printed can be completed independently through the second moving module 232.

[0081] Specifically, the second moving module 232 includes a second slide rail 2321, a second slider 2322 slidably connected to the second slide rail 2321, a second drive motor for driving the second slider 2322, a third slide rail 2324 fixed to the second slider 2322, a third slider 2325 slidably connected to the third slide rail 2324, a third drive motor 2326 for driving the third slider 2325, a fourth slide rail 2327 fixed to the third slider 2325, a fourth slider 2328 slidably connected to the fourth slide rail 2327, and a fourth drive motor 2329 for driving the fourth slider 2328. The second drive motor is a linear motor built into the second slide rail 2321.

[0082] The second slide rail 2321, the third slide rail 2324, and the fourth slide rail 2327 are perpendicular to each other, with one extending in the same direction as the Z-axis and the other extending to the printing table 13. The gripping module 231 moves along the X, Y, and Z axes by moving the second slider 2322, the third slider 2325, and the fourth slider 2328, while the gripping module 231 rotates in the T-direction by the rotating component 2320. Simultaneously, the rotating component 2320 moves and rotates, causing the item to be printed to move or rotate, thereby adjusting the item's position so that it can be directly printed when placed on the printing table 13.

[0083] In one embodiment, the second slide rail 2321 extends to the location of the printing table 13, and the fourth slide rail 2327 extends along the Z-axis. And / or, the slide rail extending to the location of the printing table 13 among the second slide rail 2321, the third slide rail 2324, and the fourth slide rail 2327 has the largest stroke, corresponding to a larger displacement.

[0084] At least one gripping module 231 is fixed to the fourth slider 2328 via a rotating assembly 2320 and can rotate about T to adjust the position of the item to be printed. The remaining gripping modules 231 are directly fixed to the fourth slider 2328 and cannot rotate about T. The gripping modules 231 are fixed to the rotating assembly 2320.

[0085] It should be noted that the gripping module 231 can be fixed to the fourth slider 2328 either via the rotating component 2320 or directly, depending on the requirements. At least one gripping module 231 is fixed to the fourth slider 2328 via the rotating component 2320, meaning that it can be partially or completely fixed via the rotating component 2320. In this case, the number of other gripping modules 231 is 0, that is, no gripping module 231 is directly fixed to the fourth slider 2328.

[0086] When the number of transfer components is 1, and the transfer components include only one gripping module 231, the gripping module 231 is fixed to the fourth slider 2328 by the rotating component 2320.

[0087] When the number of transfer components is 1, and the transfer components include two or more gripping modules 231, both gripping modules 231 are fixed to the fourth slider 2328 by the rotating component 2320; or, one gripping module 231 is fixed to the fourth slider 2328 by the rotating component 2320, and the other gripping module 231 is directly fixed to the fourth slider 2328.

[0088] When the number of transfer components is 2, and the transfer components include only one gripping module 231, both gripping modules 231 are fixed to the fourth slider 2328 by the rotating component 2320; or, one gripping module 231 is fixed to the fourth slider 2328 by the rotating component 2320, and the other gripping module 231 is directly fixed to the fourth slider 2328.

[0089] When the number of transfer components is 2, and the transfer components include two or more gripping modules 231, all gripping modules 231 are fixed to the fourth slider 2328 by the rotating component 2320; or, at least one gripping module 231 on at least one transfer component is fixed to the fourth slider 2328 by the rotating component 2320, and the remaining gripping modules 231 are directly fixed to the fourth slider 2328.

[0090] When multiple gripping modules 231 are fixed to the fourth slider 2328 via the rotating assembly 2320, they can coordinate to adjust the position of the item to be printed, or, if one gripping module 231 malfunctions, the other gripping modules 231 can be used as replacements.

[0091] The feeding module 2 also includes a sensor 25 that is communicatively connected to the feeding module. The sensor 25 is used to detect whether the item to be printed has moved to the end of the first transmission device 21 near the rotating module 1, thereby achieving precise control.

[0092] This invention, by pre-positioning and correcting the workpieces, adjusts their position during loading, eliminating the need to adjust the posture of the printing module 3 and allowing for mechanical printing. On one hand, multiple loading stations position, adjust, and load different workpieces separately; then, a single printing module 3 prints all workpieces simultaneously, significantly improving printing efficiency. On the other hand, it simplifies the structure of the printing module 3, reduces costs, and simplifies its control logic.

[0093] In some embodiments, the printing module 3 has a simple structure, consisting only of a printing component 31 and a second drive component 32 that drives the printing component 31 to move closer to or further away from the printing table 13 located at the printing station. The printing component 31 is designed to print corresponding patterns as needed, and will not be described in detail here. The second drive component 32 only drives the one-dimensional movement of the printing component 31, and has a simple structure.

[0094] The second drive assembly 32 includes a track 321, a moving block 322 that moves along the track 321, and a motor 323. The printing assembly 31 is fixed to the moving block 322, and the motor 323 acts on the printing assembly 31 or the moving block 322. In one embodiment, the track 321 extends vertically. Driven by the motor 323, the printing assembly 31 moves downward toward the printing table 13 for printing, and after printing is completed, the printing assembly 31 moves upward away from the printing table 13.

[0095] After printing is completed, the printing table 13 rotates to the unloading station, where it is unloaded via the unloading module 4, and the finished product is removed. The empty printing table 13 continues to rotate to the loading station, where it accepts new items to be printed at multiple loading stations. This printing device 100 achieves 100% utilization of the printing table and, through parallel processing technology, enables a very high production cycle for high-precision printing.

[0096] In the application of the printing apparatus 100, the rotating turntable 11, combined with the parallel, high-precision positioning component 22 and transfer component 23, ensures that extremely high printing accuracy can still be achieved even at high production speeds.

[0097] Based on the printing module 3, various types of printing apparatus 100 can be used, such as screen printing apparatus 100. The printing apparatus 100 of this invention can be used to print the grid lines of photovoltaic cells.

[0098] The following will be based on Figure 1 For reference, the structure and printing method of the printing apparatus 100 of this utility model will be described in detail.

[0099] The turntable 11 includes six printing tables 13 evenly arranged along its circumference. Around the turntable 11, four loading stations, one printing station, and one unloading station are arranged in sequence. The first drive assembly 12 uses a rotary motor to drive the turntable 11 to rotate, so that the printing tables 13 sequentially pass through the four loading stations, one printing station, and one unloading station.

[0100] Four feeding modules 2 load the items to be printed onto the printing table 13 at four feeding stations. One feeding module 2 loads one item onto the printing table 13, and the position of the item corresponds exactly to that of the printing module 3. The printing table 13 sequentially passes through the four feeding stations, receiving four items to be printed.

[0101] The printing table 13 rotates to the printing station, and the printing module 3 prints on the four pieces of items to be printed.

[0102] The printing table 13 rotates to the unloading station, and the unloading module 4 removes the four printed items.

[0103] The printing table 13 continues to rotate, passing through four loading stations, one printing station, and one unloading station in sequence, working in conjunction with the loading module 2, printing module 3, and unloading module 4 to achieve automated printing.

[0104] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this utility model, but the protection scope of this utility model is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this utility model should be included within the protection scope of this utility model. Therefore, the protection scope of this utility model should be determined by the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A printing apparatus, characterized in that, include: A rotating module, comprising a turntable and a first driving component for driving the turntable to rotate, the turntable having a plurality of printing tables arranged along its rotation direction, the turntable driving the printing tables to sequentially pass through at least one loading station, one printing station and one unloading station when rotating; The loading module, which is connected to the printing table at the loading station, includes a first conveying device for conveying the item to be printed and a loading module for moving the item to be printed from the first conveying device to the printing table. The loading module includes a positioning component for positioning the item to be printed and a transfer component for adjusting the position of the item to be printed and transferring it to the printing table. The printing module located at the printing station is used to print all items to be printed on the printing table; The unloading module corresponding to the unloading station includes a second conveying device for removing the printed items from the printing table.

2. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The number of items to be printed loaded onto the printing table by the feeding module is N, the number of feeding stations is K, and the number of items to be printed that the printing module can print at one time is M. Then M = N × K.

3. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The feeding module also includes a transfer table for temporarily placing the items to be printed. The positioning component is located above the transfer table, and the transfer component moves between the positioning component and the transfer table.

4. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The positioning component includes a camera group corresponding to at least one of the items to be printed, wherein the number of cameras in the camera group is consistent with the number of positioning areas of the items to be printed.

5. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The positioning component includes a camera group corresponding to at least one of the items to be printed, and a first moving module that moves the camera group above different positioning areas of the items to be printed.

6. The printing apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that, The number of cameras in the camera group is 1 / K1 of the number of positioning areas of the item to be printed, where K1 is an integer greater than 1; the first moving module includes a first slide rail, a first slider slidably connected to the first slide rail, and a first drive motor that drives the first slider to move; all cameras in the camera group are fixed on the first slider, and all cameras move in the same direction and with the same stroke.

7. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The transfer assembly includes at least one gripping module for gripping the item to be printed, and a second moving module for driving the gripping module to move. The second moving module can drive the gripping module to move along the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis, which are perpendicular to each other. The Z-axis is perpendicular to the plane of the printing table. One of the gripping modules is connected to the second moving module through a rotating assembly, which drives the gripping module to rotate around the T-direction, which is the direction of rotation around the Z-axis.

8. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The number of transfer components is at least two. Each transfer component includes at least one gripping module for gripping the item to be printed and a second moving module for driving the gripping module to move. The second moving module can drive the gripping module to move along the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis. The X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis are perpendicular to each other, and the Z-axis is perpendicular to the plane of the printing table. One of the gripping modules of the transfer component is connected to the second moving module through a rotating component. The rotating component drives the gripping module to rotate around the T-direction, which is the direction of rotation around the Z-axis.

9. The printing apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that, At least two of the transfer components maintain a consistent travel distance and are positioned by the same second moving module; Alternatively, the two transfer components may be positioned by separate second moving modules; and the positioning time of the positioning component may not exceed the moving time of either of the transfer components.

10. The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that, The second moving module includes a second slide rail, a second slider slidably connected to the second slide rail, a second drive motor for driving the second slider to move, a third slide rail fixed to the second slider, a third slider slidably connected to the third slide rail, a third drive motor for driving the third slider to move, a fourth slide rail fixed to the third slider, a fourth slider slidably connected to the fourth slide rail, and a fourth drive motor for driving the fourth slider to move. The second slide rail, the third slide rail, and the fourth slide rail are perpendicular to each other, and one of them extends in the same direction as the Z-axis, while the other extends to the location of the printing table. At least one of the gripping modules is fixed to the fourth slider via the rotating assembly, and the remaining gripping modules are directly fixed to the fourth slider.

11. The printing apparatus according to claim 10, characterized in that, The second slide rail extends to the location of the printing table, and the fourth slide rail extends along the Z-axis direction; And / or, the slide rail that extends to the location of the printing table among the second, third, and fourth slide rails has the largest stroke.

12. The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that, The gripping module includes a suction cup for picking up the item to be printed and a second vacuum component in communication with the suction cup.

13. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The feeding module also includes a sensor that is communicatively connected to the feeding module, the sensor being used to detect whether the item to be printed has moved to the end of the first transmission device that is close to the rotating module.

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