Printing device

Abstract

A printing device comprises a conveying module, a feeding module, a positioning and deviation correcting module, a printing module and a discharging module. The conveying module comprises a ring track, a plurality of printing tables distributed on the ring track and a first driving assembly for driving the printing tables to move. The feeding module is configured to load the printing tables with articles to be printed. The positioning and deviation correcting module comprises a positioning module located at a positioning station for positioning the articles to be printed on the printing tables and a deviation correcting module located at a deviation correcting station for adjusting the positions of the articles to be printed on the printing tables. The printing module is configured to print all the articles to be printed on the printing tables. The discharging module is configured to remove the printed articles. Each positioning and deviation correcting module is configured to position and correct the positions of a part of the articles to be printed on the printing tables, and different positioning and deviation correcting modules are configured to position and correct the positions of different articles to be printed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of automatic printing technology, and in particular to a printing device. Background Technology

[0002] In traditional printing equipment, the printing module integrates positioning and correction functions, which adjust 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 invention is to provide a printing device 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 transfer module comprising a circular track, a plurality of printing tables distributed on the circular track, and a first drive component for driving the printing tables to move along the circular track; the circular track having a loading station, at least two positioning and correction stations, a printing station, and an unloading station arranged sequentially; the positioning and correction station includes a positioning station and a correction station located downstream of the positioning station; a loading module docking with the printing tables at the loading station to load items to be printed onto the printing tables; a positioning and correction module including a positioning module located at the positioning station for positioning the items to be printed on the printing tables, and a correction module located at the correction station for adjusting the position of the items to be printed on the printing tables; a printing module located at the printing stations for printing all the items to be printed on the printing tables; and an unloading module docking with the printing tables at the unloading station to remove the printed items; wherein each positioning and correction module positions and corrects a portion of the items to be printed located on the printing tables, and different positioning and correction modules position and correct different items to be printed.

[0007] In some embodiments, the annular track is located in a plane, which is either a horizontal or vertical plane.

[0008] In some embodiments, the annular track is located in a vertical plane, and the printing table includes a first wall that slides with the annular track and a second wall connected to the top of the first wall, the second wall being arranged horizontally to support the article to be printed.

[0009] In some embodiments, the annular track includes a first track located in a first horizontal plane and facing upward, a second track located below the first track and facing downward, and a connecting track connecting the first track and the second track, wherein the positioning and correction station and the printing station are disposed on the first track.

[0010] In some embodiments, the annular track includes a first track extending in a straight line, a second track with a transmission direction opposite to that of the first track, and a connecting track connecting the first track and the second track, wherein the positioning and correction station and the printing station are disposed on the first track.

[0011] In some implementations, the connecting track is directly connected to the first track and the second track, and the connecting track is arc-shaped.

[0012] In some embodiments, the first track and the second track are located in a horizontal plane, and the connecting track includes an auxiliary track lower than the first track and the second track, an auxiliary platform located on the auxiliary track, and a second driving component for driving the auxiliary platform to move along the auxiliary track. The auxiliary track extends along the arrangement direction of the first track and the second track, and the auxiliary platform has a docking track. The auxiliary platform has a first state in which the docking track is docked with the first track and a second state in which the docking track is docked with the second track.

[0013] In some embodiments, the number of items to be printed loaded by the feeding module onto the printing table is N1, the number of items to be printed that each positioning and correction module can process simultaneously is M1, and the number of positioning and correction modules is M2; wherein, M1≤N1≤M1×M2; or N1 is an integer multiple of M1, and N1≤M1×M2.

[0014] In some embodiments, the positioning module includes a visual positioning module for positioning a piece of the item to be printed, and a first moving module for moving the visual positioning module above different positioning areas of the item to be printed.

[0015] In some embodiments, the number of cameras in the visual positioning module is 1 / K of the number of positioning areas of the item to be printed, where K 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 third driving component for driving the first slider to move; all cameras in the visual positioning module are fixed on the first slider, and all cameras move in the same direction and with the same stroke.

[0016] In some embodiments, the correction module includes a gripping module for gripping the item to be printed and a second moving module for driving the gripping module to move; wherein the second moving module can drive the gripping module to move along the X-axis, Y-axis, Z-axis, and T-direction, the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis are mutually perpendicular, the Z-axis is perpendicular to the plane of the printing table, and the T-direction is the direction of rotation around the Z-axis; or, the second moving module can drive the gripping module to move along the Y-axis, Z-axis, and T-direction, the Y-axis and Z-axis are mutually perpendicular to the transmission direction, the Z-axis is perpendicular to the plane of the printing table, and the T-direction is the direction of rotation around the Z-axis.

[0017] Compared to existing technologies, this invention connects the feeding, positioning and correction, printing, and unloading processes in series via a transmission module. A circular track tightly surrounds each functional module around the turntable, forming a highly integrated and compact production device. The printing unit separates the positioning and correction processes from the printing module, placing them between feeding and printing. The positioning and correction module adjusts the position of the items to be printed, eliminating the need to adjust the printing module's orientation, thus enabling simultaneous printing of multiple battery cells with high efficiency. Furthermore, the printing module eliminates the need for complex positioning and correction structures, allowing direct printing operations and significantly simplifying its design. It also allows positioning, correction, and printing to occur simultaneously at different workstations, further improving printing efficiency. The cyclical movement of the printing tables along the circular track enables true parallel operation and continuous production. While one printing table is printing, other printing tables can simultaneously perform feeding and unloading operations. This completely eliminates the waiting time during process switching in traditional linear or single-station equipment. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a printing apparatus provided in an illustrative embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0019] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A diagram from another angle.

[0020] Figure 3 for Figure 1 A diagram from another angle.

[0021] Figure 4A schematic diagram of a transmission module provided in an illustrative embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0022] Figure 5 for Figure 4 A diagram from another angle.

[0023] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of a printing apparatus provided in an illustrative embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0024] Figure 7 for Figure 6 A diagram from another angle.

[0025] Figure 8 for Figure 6 A diagram from another angle.

[0026] Figure 9 A schematic diagram of a transmission module provided in an illustrative embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0027] Figure 10 for Figure 9 A diagram from another angle.

[0028] Figure 11 A schematic diagram of a printing apparatus provided in an illustrative embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0029] Figure 12 for Figure 11 A diagram from another angle.

[0030] Figure 13 for Figure 11 A diagram from another angle.

[0031] Figure 14 A schematic diagram of a transmission module provided in an illustrative embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0032] Figure 15 for Figure 14 A diagram from another angle.

[0033] Figure 16 This diagram illustrates a schematic embodiment of the present invention, showing the cooperation between a printing table, an auxiliary track, and an auxiliary platform.

[0034] Figure 17 for Figure 16 A diagram from another angle.

[0035] Figure 18 A schematic diagram of a printing apparatus provided in an illustrative embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0036] Figure 19 for Figure 18A diagram from another angle.

[0037] Figure 20 for Figure 18 A diagram from another angle.

[0038] Figure 21 A schematic diagram of a transmission module provided in an illustrative embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0039] Figure 22 for Figure 21 A diagram from another angle.

[0040] Figure 23 for Figure 21 A diagram from another angle.

[0041] Among them, 100-printing device, 1-transmission module, 11-circular track, 111-first track, 112-second track, 113-connecting track, 1131-auxiliary track, 1132-auxiliary platform, 1133-docking track, 12-printing table, 121-first wall, 122-second wall, 123-reinforcing member, 2-positioning module, 21-visual positioning module, 22-first moving module, 221-first slide rail, 222-first slider, 3-correction module, 31-gripping module, 32-second moving module, 4-printing module, 5-fixed frame, P-item to be printed. Detailed Implementation

[0042] The present invention 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 invention, and any structural, methodological, or functional modifications made by those skilled in the art based on these embodiments are included within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0043] 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.

[0044] Please refer to Figures 1 to 23 The image shows a preferred embodiment of the printing apparatus 100 of this utility model. The printing apparatus 100 includes a transmission module 1, a feeding module, at least two positioning and correction modules, a printing module 4, and a discharging module 6.

[0045] The transmission module 1 includes a circular track 11, a plurality of printing tables 12 distributed on the circular track 11, and a first drive component for driving the printing tables 12 to move along the circular track 11. The circular track 11 has a loading station, at least two positioning and correction stations, a printing station, and a unloading station arranged sequentially; the positioning and correction stations include a positioning station and a correction station located downstream of the positioning station.

[0046] The loading module connects to the printing table 12 at the loading station to load the item P to be printed onto the printing table 12.

[0047] The positioning and correction module includes a positioning module 2 located at the positioning station to position the item P to be printed on the printing table 12, and a correction module 3 located at the correction station to adjust the position of the item P to be printed on the printing table 12.

[0048] The printing module 4 is located at the printing station and is used to print all the items P to be printed on the printing table 12.

[0049] The unloading module 6 connects with the printing table 12 at the unloading station to remove the printed items.

[0050] The printing unit 100 connects the feeding, positioning and correction, printing, and unloading processes in series through the transmission module 1. The circular layout tightly surrounds the various functional modules, forming a highly integrated and compact production unit. Compared with long, linear production lines, this solution greatly saves the floor space required for the equipment.

[0051] The printing device 100 separates the positioning and correction processes from the printing module 4 and places them between the feeding and printing processes. The printing module 4 does not need to be equipped with a complicated positioning and correction structure, and can directly carry out printing operations. This greatly simplifies the structural design of the printing module 4 and allows positioning, correction and printing to be carried out simultaneously at different workstations, thus improving printing efficiency.

[0052] By cyclically moving the printing table 12 along the circular track 11, true parallel operation and continuous production are achieved. While the printing table 12 at the printing station is performing a printing operation, other printing tables 12 can simultaneously perform loading and unloading operations. This completely eliminates the waiting time during process switching in traditional linear or single-station equipment.

[0053] To facilitate the installation of each module, a fixing frame 5 is set on one side of the circular track 11 in a direction perpendicular to the transmission direction. The positioning module 2, the correction module 3, and the printing module 4 are fixed on the fixing frame 5.

[0054] The circular track 11 refers to a closed-loop transmission channel, and the printing table 12 can move in a continuous cycle.

[0055] In some implementations, such as Figures 1 to 17As shown, the circular track 11 lies in a plane. All the printing tables 12 move within this plane, facilitating the assembly, debugging, and control of the first drive assembly.

[0056] In one embodiment, such as Figures 1 to 5 , Figures 11 to 17 As shown, the circular track 11 is located in a horizontal plane. The printing table 12 does not involve vertical movement. The working surface of the printing table 12 is horizontal and parallel to the plane of the circular track 11. The printing table 12 almost fits onto the circular track 11, resulting in relatively stable movement. Furthermore, the circular track 11, located in a horizontal plane, facilitates seamless integration with production lines that are typically horizontal, reducing the overall system integration complexity.

[0057] In another embodiment, such as Figures 6 to 10 As shown, the circular track 11 is located in a vertical plane, which greatly reduces the floor space occupied. The working surface of the printing table 12 is a horizontal plane, perpendicular to the plane where the circular track 11 is located.

[0058] Preferably, the printing table 12 includes a first wall 121 that slides with the annular track 11, a second wall 122 connected to the top of the first wall 121, and a reinforcing member 123 connecting the first wall 121 and the second wall 122. The second wall 122 is horizontally arranged to support the item P to be printed; the reinforcing member 123 improves the strength of the printing table 12 and ensures the stability of operation.

[0059] In other implementations, such as Figures 18 to 23 As shown, the annular track 11 is not located in the same plane. The annular track 11 includes a first track 111 located in the first horizontal plane and facing upward, a second track 112 located below the first track 111 and facing downward, and a connecting track 113 connecting the first track 111 and the second track 112. The working surface of the printing table 12 is parallel to the annular track 11 at any position, which can maintain good stability during movement.

[0060] The first track 111 and the second track 112 are located in a three-dimensional space. They are arranged along the upper and lower layers, which can reduce the horizontal footprint and improve the compactness of the equipment.

[0061] The positioning and correction station and the printing station are set on the upper first track 111, and the second track 112 serves as an empty return track, which facilitates the installation of other modules and also facilitates the cleaning and maintenance of the printing table 12 on the lower track.

[0062] In addition, the circular track 11 includes a first track 111 extending in a straight line, a second track 112 with the opposite transmission direction to the first track 111, and a connecting track 113 connecting the first track 111 and the second track 112. The positioning and correction station and the printing station are set on the first track 111, and the second track 112 serves as a return empty track.

[0063] By centralizing all functional components on the first track 111, which extends along a straight line, the layout is simplified, the distance between two workstations is reduced, and the transport cycle time is improved. Furthermore, the mechanical manufacturing precision of a straight track is easier to guarantee compared to a curved track, and its rigidity and stability during movement are significantly higher. For devices requiring high-precision positioning, correction, and printing, this reduces centrifugal force, vibration, and tracking errors caused by the curved sections of the track.

[0064] Based on the arrangement of the first track 111 and the second track 112, the connecting track 113 is slightly different.

[0065] In some embodiments, such as Figures 1 to 10 , Figures 18 to 23 As shown, the connecting track 113 is directly connected to the first track 111 and the second track 112. The connecting track 113 is arc-shaped, and the entire annular track 11 is integrally formed. The arc-shaped connecting track 113 allows the printing table 12 to smoothly transition from the first track 111 (second track 112) to the second track 112 (first track 111) without needing to lengthen the distance between the two straight tracks, thus reducing the volume of the entire annular track 11.

[0066] In some embodiments, such as Figures 1 to 10 As shown, when the first track 111 and the second track 112 are located in a plane and the first track 111 and the second track 112 face the same side, the connecting track 113 faces the same side as the first track 111 and the second track 112.

[0067] In some embodiments, such as Figures 11 to 17 As shown, the first track 111 and the second track 112 are located side by side in a horizontal plane. The connecting track 113 includes an auxiliary track 1131 that is lower than the first track 111 and the second track 112, an auxiliary platform 1132 located on the auxiliary track 1131, and a second drive assembly that drives the auxiliary platform 1132 to move along the auxiliary track 1131.

[0068] The auxiliary track 1131 extends along the arrangement direction of the first track 111 and the second track 112. The auxiliary platform 1132 has a docking track 1133. The auxiliary platform 1132 has a first state of docking with the first track 111 and a second state of docking with the second track 112.

[0069] By forming a circular track 11 with a gap through the docking track 1133, the motion relationship between the first track 111 and the second track 112 is decoupled. The auxiliary platform 1132 independently completes the transfer task, eliminating the "blockage" phenomenon at the connection point of the traditional circular track 11 and realizing the theoretical maximum production cycle.

[0070] Preferably, the second drive component is a linear motor built into the auxiliary track 1131, which has a simple external structure and is not prone to wire entanglement.

[0071] In some embodiments, such as Figures 18 to 23 As shown, the first track 111 and the second track 112 are not located in the same plane, and the first track 111 and the second track 112 are arranged in opposite directions, that is, the first track 111 and the second track 112 are arranged back to back. The connecting track 113 is arc-shaped and faces away from the first track 111 and the second track 112.

[0072] In this invention, the first driving component is used to drive the printing table 12 to move on the annular track 11 and stop at each workstation. The specific usage of the first driving component is not limited, as long as it can drive the printing table 12 to move along the annular track 11.

[0073] In one embodiment, the first drive component is a linear motor.

[0074] The linear motor consists of a stator and a mover. The stator is laid along the entire length of the circular track 11. The mover is fixed to the printing table 12. The stator and mover generate a direct, non-contact electromagnetic thrust on the printing table 12 through the law of electromagnetic induction, propelling the printing table 12 to move continuously.

[0075] Preferably, a position sensor can also be provided to detect the position of the printing table 12. By monitoring the position of each printing table 12 in real time through the position sensor, and independently controlling the current applied to the corresponding stator winding, independent and precise control of each printing table 12 can be achieved.

[0076] The loading station is located at any position upstream of the positioning and correction station, and the unloading station is located at any position downstream of the printing station. Preferably, both the loading and unloading stations are located at the connecting track 113, which makes it easier to make adaptive adjustments according to the loading module and the unloading module 6.

[0077] In this invention, both the feeding module and the unloading module 6 can be continuously running belts, conveyor rollers, etc., to continuously transport the item to be printed P and the printed item. The feeding module directly connects to the circular track 11 to load the item to be printed P onto the printing table 12. The unloading module 6 directly connects to the circular track 11 to remove the item to be printed P from the printing table 12.

[0078] The number of positioning and correction stations and positioning and correction modules is set according to the printing equipment's production capacity.

[0079] Each positioning and correction module positions and corrects a portion of the items P to be printed on the printing table 12. That is, positioning modules 2 and correction modules 3 located at the same positioning and correction station position and correct the same items P to be printed sequentially. Different positioning and correction modules position and correct different items P to be printed on the same printing table 12. All positioning modules 2 work together to complete the positioning and correction of all items P to be printed on the transport module.

[0080] Taking a printing table 12 including a first positioning and correction module and a second positioning and correction module as an example, the first positioning and correction module is located upstream of the second positioning and correction module. When a printing table 12 moves to the first positioning and correction station, the first positioning and correction module positions and corrects half of the printable item P on that printing table 12. When the printing table 12 moves to the second positioning and correction station, the second positioning and correction module positions and corrects the other half of the printable item P. Simultaneously, when the next printing table 12 arrives at the first positioning and correction station, the first positioning and correction module positions and corrects half of the printable item P on that printing table 12, and this process is repeated.

[0081] The feeding module loads N1 pieces of items P to be printed onto the printing table 12. Each positioning and correction module can simultaneously process M1 pieces of items P, and the total number of positioning and correction modules is M2. M1 × M2 represents the total number of items P that all positioning and correction modules can simultaneously process. Printing is performed on N1 pieces of items P simultaneously, improving printing efficiency.

[0082] In one embodiment, N1≤M1×M2, which ensures that all items P to be printed are positioned and corrected before reaching the printing station, so that printing can be achieved without adjusting the pose of the printing module 4.

[0083] In another embodiment, N1 is an integer multiple of M1, and N1 ≤ M1 × M2. Each positioning and correction module can handle the printed item P at full capacity without any idle time. Of course, under special conditions, when the number of printing tables 12 is small, one or more positioning and correction modules can be turned off.

[0084] In one specific embodiment, each positioning and correction module can simultaneously process 1 piece of material P to be printed, and the total number of positioning and correction modules is 4. The feeding module loads 4 pieces of material P to be printed onto the printing table 12. Each positioning and correction module processes only one piece of material P to be printed, and the printing table 12 passes through 4 positioning and correction modules in sequence, with each of the 4 positioning and correction modules processing 4 pieces of material P to be printed respectively.

[0085] In another specific embodiment, each positioning and correction module can simultaneously process 2 pieces of items P to be printed, and there are 2 positioning and correction modules in total. The feeding module loads 4 pieces of items P to be printed onto the printing table 12. Each positioning and correction module processes only 2 pieces of items P to be printed, while the other positioning and correction module processes the other 2 pieces of items P to be printed. After passing through 2 positioning and correction modules, all items P to be printed have completed the positioning and correction process.

[0086] The positioning module 2 includes a visual positioning module 21 corresponding to at least one item P to be printed, and a first moving module 22 that moves the visual positioning module 21 above different positioning areas of the item P to be printed. First, the visual positioning module 21 acquires images of a portion of the positioning area of ​​the item P to be printed; then, the first moving module 22 moves the visual positioning module 21 above other positioning areas to acquire images of those other positioning areas; the acquired images are merged, and the original position information of the item P on the printing table 12 is obtained from the merged image.

[0087] The number of cameras in the visual positioning module 21 is less than the number of positioning areas on the item P to be printed. Combined with the high-precision first moving module 22, 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.

[0088] Specifically, the first moving module 22 includes a first slide rail 221, a first slider 222 slidably connected to the first slide rail 221, and a third driving component for driving the first slider 222 to move. The visual positioning module 21 is fixed on the first slider 222, and all cameras within the visual positioning module 21 move in the same direction and with the same stroke. After the first moving module 22 moves the visual positioning module 21, 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.

[0089] 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 the visual positioning module 21 is 1 / K of the number of positioning areas of the item P to be printed, where K is an integer greater than 1. Thus, the visual positioning module 21 can complete the positioning of all positioning areas by working K times and being moved K-1 times.

[0090] In one embodiment, the number of positioning areas for the item P to be printed is 4, K=2, and the number of cameras in the visual positioning module 21 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 22 for positioning.

[0091] In one embodiment, the number of positioning areas for the item P to be printed is 6, K=3, and the number of cameras in the visual positioning module 21 is 2 (6÷3=2). First, the two cameras are used to position the two positioning areas. Then, the first moving module 22 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.

[0092] It should be noted that when there are multiple visual positioning modules 21, they can share a single first moving module 22, and the multiple visual positioning modules 21 can be fixed on the same first slider 222, simplifying control. Alternatively, multiple visual positioning modules 21 can be correspondingly equipped with multiple first moving modules 22 for individual control, resulting in higher positioning accuracy.

[0093] When N1 is an even number not less than 4, and N1 pieces of items P to be printed are arranged in a straight line, the number of visual positioning modules 21 is preferably N1 / 2. Multiple visual positioning modules 21 correspond to multiple items P to be printed that are spaced apart, resulting in a reasonable spatial layout. Alternatively, multiple visual positioning modules 21 can also correspond to N1 / 2 items P to be printed arranged sequentially from one end. The distance between multiple visual positioning modules 21 is small, facilitating the sharing of the same first moving module 22.

[0094] When N1 pieces of items P to be printed are arranged in an array, the preferred number of visual positioning modules 21 is the number of items P to be printed in a row or column. Multiple visual positioning modules 21 are arranged along rows or columns to position the items P in a row or column, which simplifies the control logic.

[0095] In one embodiment, the printing table 12 has 4 pieces of items P to be printed. The positioning module 2 includes two visual positioning modules 21 corresponding to two pieces of items P respectively. The two visual positioning modules 21 share a first moving module 22.

[0096] Four pieces of material P to be printed are arranged in a straight line and labeled as piece 1, piece 2, piece 3, and piece 4. Two visual positioning modules 21 correspond to piece 1 and piece 3, or piece 2 and piece 4, respectively. The spatial layout is reasonable, reserving sufficient space for the visual positioning modules 21. The two visual positioning modules 21 can also correspond to piece 1 and piece 2, or piece 3 and piece 4, respectively. The small distance between the two visual positioning modules 21 facilitates sharing the same first moving module 22. When the four pieces of material P to be printed are arranged in a 2×2 array, the two visual positioning modules 21 correspond to two pieces of material P to be printed in the same row or column, respectively.

[0097] In this invention, the extension direction of the first slide rail 221 is perpendicular to the transmission direction. The visual positioning module 21 moves in a direction perpendicular to the transmission direction, which reduces the overall size of the transport module in the transmission direction.

[0098] The correction module 3 includes a gripping module 31 for gripping the item P to be printed, and a second moving module 32 for driving the gripping module 31 to move. The second moving module 32 drives the gripping module 31 to adjust the position of the item P to be printed.

[0099] The gripping module 31 grips the item P to be printed, and the second moving module 32 adjusts the pose of the gripping module 31, thereby adjusting the pose of the item P. The item P is then placed on the printing table 12. The gripping module 31 and the second moving module 32 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 P to be printed, such as photovoltaic cells, optoelectronic devices, and microelectronic devices.

[0100] The gripping module 31 includes a suction cup for picking up the item P to be printed and a second vacuum component connected to the suction cup. The vacuum level of the suction cup is controlled by the second vacuum component, 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.

[0101] In one embodiment, the second moving module 32 can drive the gripping module 31 to move along the X-axis, Y-axis, Z-axis, and T-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 12 is located, and the T-axis is the direction of rotation around the Z-axis. The position adjustment of the item P to be printed can be completed independently by the second moving module 32.

[0102] Specifically, the second moving module 32 includes a three-axis displacement module and a rotating assembly. The rotating assembly is fixed to the three-axis displacement module, and the gripping module 31 is fixed to the rotating assembly.

[0103] In another embodiment, the second moving module 32 can drive the gripping module 31 to move along the Y-axis, Z-axis, and T-axis. The Y-axis and Z-axis are perpendicular to the transmission direction. The Z-axis is perpendicular to the plane where the printing table 12 is located, and the T-axis is the direction of rotation around the Z-axis. The first driving component controls the movement of the printing table 12 in the transmission direction, thereby adjusting the position of the item P to be printed in the transmission direction. The second moving module 32 achieves the position adjustment of the item P to be printed in the Y-axis, Z-axis, and T-axis. The first driving component and the second moving module 32 work together to complete the position adjustment of the item P to be printed. In this embodiment, the structure and control logic of the second moving module 32 are simplified, reducing costs.

[0104] Specifically, the second moving module 32 includes a two-axis displacement module and a rotating assembly. The rotating assembly is fixed to the two-axis displacement module, and the gripping module 31 is fixed to the rotating assembly.

[0105] This invention places the positioning and correction module at the front, adjusting the position of the item P to be printed before printing. This eliminates the need to adjust the posture of the printing module 4, allowing for mechanical printing. On one hand, by setting up multiple positioning and correction stations to position and adjust different items P, and then using a single printing module 4 to print all items P, printing efficiency is greatly improved. On the other hand, it simplifies the structure and control of the printing module 4.

[0106] The printing module 4 of this invention has a simple structure, comprising only a printing component and a second driving component that drives the printing component to move closer to or further away from the printing table 12 located at the printing station. The printing component is designed to print corresponding patterns as needed, and will not be described in detail here. The second driving component only drives the one-dimensional movement of the printing component, resulting in a simple structure.

[0107] Depending on the type of printing module 4 and the object it is printed on, various types of printing devices can be used. In one embodiment, it is a screen printing device, which can be used to print the grid lines of photovoltaic cells.

[0108] After printing is completed, the printing table 12 moves to the unloading station, where it is unloaded via the unloading module 6, and the finished product is removed. The empty printing table 12 returns to its original position, starting a new cycle. All stations have the same processing time, so there is no waiting time at any station, which improves production cycle time.

[0109] 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.

[0110] The circular track 11 includes a loading station, two positioning and correction stations, a printing station, and a unloading station arranged sequentially along the transport direction. The first drive assembly uses a linear motor to drive the printing table 12 to move along the circular track 11.

[0111] At the loading station, the loading module loads four solar cells to be printed onto the printing table 12. The solar cells are long strips that extend along the transport direction and are arranged in a row in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction, and are respectively labeled as cell 1, cell 2, cell 3, and cell 4.

[0112] Both positioning modules 2 have two visual positioning modules 21, and both correction modules 3 have gripping modules 31 that correspond one-to-one with the visual positioning modules 21. When the printing table 12 moves to the first positioning and correction module, the two visual positioning modules 21 position the first and third pieces respectively; the two gripping modules 31 correct the deviation of the first and third pieces respectively. When the printing table 12 moves to the second positioning and correction module, the two visual positioning modules 21 position the second and fourth pieces respectively; the two gripping modules 31 correct the deviation of the second and fourth pieces respectively.

[0113] The printing table 12 moves to the printing station, and the printing module 4 prints on the four pieces of items P to be printed.

[0114] The printing table 12 moves to the unloading station, and the unloading module 6 removes the four printed items.

[0115] The printing table 12 continues to move, passing through the loading station, two positioning and correction stations, one printing station, and one unloading station in sequence, cooperating with the loading module, positioning and correction module, printing module 4, and unloading module 6 to achieve automated printing.

[0116] 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: The transmission module includes a circular track, a plurality of printing tables distributed on the circular track, and a first driving component for driving the printing tables to move along the circular track. The circular track has a loading station, at least two positioning and correction stations, a printing station, and a unloading station arranged sequentially. The positioning and correction stations include a positioning station and a correction station located downstream of the positioning station. The loading module is connected to the printing table at the loading station to load the items to be printed onto the printing table; The positioning and correction module includes a positioning module located at the positioning station to position the item to be printed on the printing table, and a correction module located at the correction station to adjust the position of the item to be printed on 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 docks with the printing table at the unloading station to remove the printed items; Each of the positioning and correction modules positions and corrects a portion of the items to be printed located on the printing table, and different positioning and correction modules position and correct different items to be printed.

2. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The circular track is located in a plane, which can be a horizontal or vertical plane.

3. The printing apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that, The annular track is located in a vertical plane, and the printing table includes a first wall that slides with the annular track and a second wall connected to the top of the first wall. The second wall is arranged horizontally to support the items to be printed.

4. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The circular track includes a first track located in a first horizontal plane and facing upward, a second track located below the first track and facing downward, and a connecting track connecting the first track and the second track. The positioning and correction station and the printing station are located on the first track.

5. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The circular track includes a first track extending in a straight line, a second track with a transmission direction opposite to that of the first track, and a connecting track connecting the first track and the second track. The positioning and correction station and the printing station are located on the first track.

6. The printing apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that, The connecting track is directly connected to the first track and the second track, and the connecting track is arc-shaped; Alternatively, the first track and the second track are located in a horizontal plane, and the connecting track includes an auxiliary track lower than the first track and the second track, an auxiliary platform located on the auxiliary track, and a second driving component that drives the auxiliary platform to move along the auxiliary track. The auxiliary track extends along the arrangement direction of the first track and the second track, and the auxiliary platform has a docking track. The auxiliary platform has a first state in which the docking track is docked with the first track and a second state in which the docking track is docked with the second track.

7. The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The number of items to be printed loaded by the feeding module to the printing table is N1, the number of items to be printed that each positioning and correction module can process at the same time is M1, and the number of positioning and correction modules is M2. Where M1≤N1≤M1×M2; or N1 is an integer multiple of M1, and N1≤M1×M2.

8. The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The positioning module includes a visual positioning module for positioning a piece of the item to be printed, and a first moving module for moving the visual positioning module above different positioning areas of the item to be printed.

9. The printing apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that, The number of cameras in the visual positioning module is 1 / K of the number of positioning areas of the item to be printed, where K 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 third driving component for driving the first slider to move; all cameras in the visual positioning module are fixed on the first slider, and all cameras move in the same direction and with the same stroke.

10. The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The correction module includes a gripping module for gripping the item to be printed and a second moving module for driving the gripping module to move. in The second moving module can drive the gripping module to move along the X-axis, Y-axis, Z-axis, and T-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 is located, and the T-axis is the direction of rotation around the Z-axis. Alternatively, the second moving module can drive the gripping module to move along the Y-axis, Z-axis, and T-direction. The Y-axis and Z-axis are perpendicular to the transmission direction, the Z-axis is perpendicular to the plane where the printing table is located, and the T-direction is the direction of rotation around the Z-axis.

Images