Transport apparatus for substrates having movable hold-down devices

Abstract

A transport apparatus (1) for transporting substrates (2; 2'; 2'') along at least one guide (100A, 100B) comprises: a frame (10) and at least one hold-down device (16A, 16B) which is movable relative to the frame (10) from a set-down position, in which a passage region (B) is opened up such that a substrate (2; 2'; 2'') is able to be set down on the at least one guide (100A, 100B) in a set-down direction (R) through the passage region (B), into a hold-down position, in which the at least one hold-down device (16A, 16B) is arranged in the passage region (B) such that any movement of the substrate (2; 2'; 2'') set down on the at least one guide (100A, 100B) counter to the set-down direction (R) is blocked.

Description

[0001] Transport device for substrates with movable hold-down devices

[0002] The invention relates to a transport device for transporting substrates, a printing system with such a transport device and a method for transporting a substrate.

[0003] Substrates to be processed, especially in the form of print media to be printed by a printer, are typically transported to the printer one after the other. Various methods are known for this.

[0004] WO 2020 / 174017 A1, for example, describes the transport of substrates in the form of marker cards to a printer by means of round belts.

[0005] However, such round belts typically exhibit relatively high elasticity. Furthermore, the round belt can slip relative to the drive rollers, and the substrates can also slip relative to the round belt. This makes it difficult to ensure precise positioning of the substrates in the printer with such transport devices, which can compromise print quality. Variations in the dimensions of the substrates due to manufacturing tolerances can further exacerbate these problems.

[0006] DE 10 2007 011 179 A1 describes a central guide positioned at the center of a substrate, with a transport pin attached to a support arm being inserted into a transport hole in the substrate to transport the substrate. The transport pin must be aligned with the transport hole with relatively high precision, resulting in a complex design and increased susceptibility to errors.

[0007] The object of the present invention is to improve the transport of substrates in a simple manner.

[0008] This object is achieved by an article having the features of claim 1.

[0009] Accordingly, a transport device for transporting substrates along at least one guide comprises a frame and at least one hold-down device, which is movable relative to the frame from a deposit position into a hold-down position. In the deposit position of the at least one hold-down device, a passage area is exposed, such that a substrate can be deposited on the at least one guide along a deposit direction through the passage area. In the hold-down position, the at least one hold-down device is arranged in the passage area, such that movement of the substrate deposited on the at least one guide counter to the deposit direction is blocked by the hold-down device.

[0010] This is based on the realization that substrates are not only subject to manufacturing tolerances in their exact dimensions, but can also be bent or twisted. If, for example, printable identification plate mats are used as substrates, which were produced by injection molding, for example, then these identification plate mats can be concavely curved. The hold-down devices of the proposed transport device can now prevent a section of a identification plate mat to be transported from lifting off the guide (or guides) during transport. This allows the use of a particularly simple drive. This makes it possible to design the transport device to be simple, robust, and reliable, while at the same time reducing the susceptibility to errors.

[0011] The at least one hold-down device can be mounted on the frame so that it can be moved laterally perpendicular to the deposition direction, in particular in a translational and / or rotational manner, for example, displaceably. This allows for particularly simple and robust guidance.

[0012] The at least one guide can define a transport direction that is oriented, for example, perpendicular to the lateral direction and / or perpendicular to the depositing direction. This enables a particularly simple design because depositing, holding down, and transport occur in three independent directions.

[0013] Optionally, the transport device includes two movable hold-down devices, in particular two hold-down devices that can be moved relative to each other in opposite directions. This allows a deposited substrate to be secured against lifting on two opposite sides (especially side edges), thus providing a particularly reliable way.

[0014] The at least one hold-down device can (or the two hold-down devices can) be elongated and extend parallel to the at least one guide. This enables particularly secure blocking of the substrate from being lifted off the guide. Furthermore, the transport device can comprise a positioning device arranged next to the at least one hold-down device (e.g. directly adjacent to or spaced from it) as viewed in the direction of the at least one guide. The positioning device can be used to position a substrate mounted on the guides, in particular with at least one hold-down element fastened to the at least one guide. The hold-down devices of the transport device enable particularly reliable transfer of a substrate to the positioning device.

[0015] The at least one hold-down element of the positioning device, which is attached to the guide, can have an insertion bevel. This allows even curved or twisted substrates to be transported safely without jamming. The hold-down elements of the transport device can prevent a concave substrate that dips below the insertion bevel at the front from lifting so far at the rear that it becomes disengaged from a drive element (e.g., an arm of a slider).

[0016] The transport device may comprise a drive. The drive comprises, for example, a motor for driving a substrate placed on the at least one guide along the at least one guide.

[0017] For example, the drive comprises a slider. The slider can be designed to push a substrate mounted on the guide(s), e.g., on a rear end thereof. This enables a particularly reliable transport movement with a particularly simple design. The at least one hold-down device of the transport device can prevent the substrate from lifting off the slider, even with more severely curved substrates.

[0018] Optionally, the transport device comprises a depositing device for depositing a substrate by means of at least one movable depositing element through the cleared passage area onto the at least one guide. This allows for automated depositing and, optionally, separation from a stack of substrates.

[0019] The movement of at least one storage element can be coupled to the movement of at least one hold-down device. This allows both functions to be implemented with a single, shared mechanism. This allows for particularly simple and well-synchronized transport. The at least one storage element can be mounted on a rotatable support. This allows for continuous transport while maintaining a simple design.

[0020] Optionally, the at least one storage element is mounted rotationally fixed relative to a push button, e.g., on a common shaft. The push button can be arranged to act on an actuating surface of the hold-down device, e.g., to move the at least one hold-down device from the storage position to the hold-down position (and / or vice versa).

[0021] At least one substrate in the form of a sign mat, e.g., with several break-out labels, can be placed on the guides. The substrate can be flat. Furthermore, the substrate can be rigid.

[0022] According to one aspect, a printing system is provided. The printing system comprises a printer for printing the substrates. Furthermore, the printing system comprises the transport device according to any embodiment described herein for transporting substrates to the printer (and optionally away from the printer). Regarding the advantages, reference is made to the above information regarding the transport device.

[0023] According to one aspect, a method for transporting a substrate using a transport device according to any embodiment described herein is provided. The method comprises the following steps: moving the at least one hold-down device into the deposit position; depositing a substrate through the passage area onto the at least one guide; moving the at least one hold-down device into the hold-down position; and displacing the substrate along the at least one guide. Regarding the advantages, reference is again made to the above information regarding the transport device.

[0024] The concept underlying the invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the exemplary embodiments illustrated in the figures. They show:

[0025] Fig. 1 is a schematic view of a printing system for

[0026] Printing substrates in the form of print media; Fig. 2 shows a view of a print medium in the form of a sign mat with several break-out labels;

[0027] Fig. 3 to 6 different views of parts of a transport device of the

[0028] Printing system according to Fig. 1;

[0029] Fig. 7A a concavely curved substrate;

[0030] Fig. 7B shows the concavely curved substrate according to Fig. 7A being inserted through an insertion bevel;

[0031] Fig. 8 to 10 different views of movable hold-down devices and a depositing device of the printing system according to Fig. 1; and

[0032] Fig. 11 is a detailed view of one of the hold-down devices of the printing system according to Fig. 1.

[0033] Fig. 1 shows a printing system 3 for printing on multiple individually printable substrates in the form of print media 2. For this purpose, the printing system 3 comprises a transport device 1 with a storage device 17, e.g., in the form of a separating device, into which a print medium or a stack of print media 2 can be fed automatically or manually. The transport device 1 conveys individual print media 2 output from the storage device 17 to a printer 32 of the printing system 3.

[0034] The printer 32 prints the individual print media 2 one after the other. From the printer 32, the print media 2 are transported to a stacking device 31 by means of the transport device 1. The stacking device 31 stacks the individual printed print media 2 into a stack, which can then be removed manually or automatically from the stacking device 31. Alternatively, individual print media 2 can be output to a separate output 33 by means of the transport device 1.

[0035] The transport device 1 comprises a frame 10, which has at least one guide 100A, 100B, as will be explained in more detail below. Furthermore, the transport device 1 comprises at least one hold-down device 16A, 16B, which is movable relative to the frame 10 from a depositing position, in which a passage area B is exposed, such that a print medium 2 can be deposited along a depositing direction R through the passage area B on the at least one guide 100A, 100B, into a hold-down position, in which the at least one hold-down device 16A, 16B is arranged in the passage area B, such that movement of the substrate 2 deposited on the at least one guide 100A, 100B counter to the depositing direction R is blocked. As will be explained in more detail below, this enables particularly simple and reliable conveyance of the substrates 2.

[0036] Fig. 2 shows an example of such a printing medium 2. The printing medium 2 comprises a plurality of identification plates 20. The identification plates 20 are each formed on (at least) one of a plurality of webs 21. The webs 21 are arranged parallel to one another and with the identification plates 20 between two pairs of runners 22 serving as guides. The webs 21 are each fixed to the runners 22. The printing medium 2 is formed in one piece. For example, it is an injection-molded part. In particular, the printing medium 2 can consist of a plastic or comprise a plastic. The individual identification plates 20 can be broken off from the webs 21. For example, an identification plate 20 printed with the printer 32 can be attached to an electrical or electronic component in order to identify it. For this purpose, the identification plates 20 each have locking elements for locking onto a respective component.

[0037] The print medium 2 can also be referred to as a mat or card. It is plate-shaped and rigid. Due to its own weight, the print medium 2 does not bend, or only slightly, when held, for example, only on one side or corner.

[0038] The print medium 2 has a length, a width, and a height. The height is smaller than the length and the width. The width is smaller than the length. The guides 22 extend along the length. The end faces of the print medium 2 extend across its width.

[0039] Depending on the required shape and size of the identification labels 20, the printing medium 2 can have a larger or smaller number of identification labels 20 and webs 21 for holding the identification labels 20.

[0040] Figs. 3 to 6 show parts of the transport device 1 and their operation. The transport device 1 comprises a drive 11 and a positioning device 12, which are mounted on the frame 10.

[0041] The frame 10 is formed in one piece, in this case as an extruded profile. For example, the frame is made of aluminum or includes aluminum. The frame 10 is elongated and has a long side. At various (optionally all) points along the long side, the frame 10 has the same cross-sectional shape. Extruded profiles can be designed to be particularly stable and robust.

[0042] The transport device 1 has two guides 100A, 100B extending longitudinally along a transport direction T and spaced apart from one another in a lateral direction S perpendicular to the transport direction T. In general, the guides 100A, 100B can be attached to or formed on the frame 10. In the example shown, the guides 100A, 100B are formed on the frame 10 and, in this case, represent part of the frame 10.

[0043] The frame 10 comprises a base from which two side surfaces extend. The side surfaces are arranged parallel to each other. One of the guides 100A, 100B is formed at the respective open end of the side surfaces. The frame 10 therefore has a generally U-shaped cross-section. The frame 10 forms a trough.

[0044] Skids 22 of the printing medium 2' are guided on the guides 100A, 100B along the transport direction T.

[0045] The positioning device 12 in this case has two hold-down elements 120, 122, each in the form of a hold-down plate. The hold-down elements 120, 122 are fixed to the frame 10. One hold-down element 120 runs obliquely to the guides 100A, 100B. As a result, the hold-down element 120 rests against the printing medium 2' when the latter is located on the positioning device 12. The hold-down element 120 touches the printing medium 2' at a curvature of an edge of the printing medium 2', creating a linear contact. This allows for jam-free sliding, does not impede the printing process, and enables precise positioning. A force is applied obliquely, with a component along the vertical direction H downwards and a component along the lateral direction against the printing medium 2'.The positioning device 12 thus serves to position the substrate 2' mounted on the guides 100A, 100B in the lateral direction S and in the vertical direction H perpendicular thereto.

[0046] An insertion bevel 121 of the hold-down element 120 allows a safe insertion even of curved print media 2'.

[0047] The hold-down element 120 is mounted directly on the frame 10, in this case screwed thereto, on an inclined mounting surface of the frame 10.

[0048] The positioning device 12 further comprises a hold-down element 122 arranged on the other guide 100B and oriented parallel to the lateral direction S. This hold-down element 122 thus extends in a plane spanned by the transport direction T and the lateral direction S. It runs parallel to the flat guide surface of the guide 100B.

[0049] This hold-down element 122 also has an insertion bevel 123 for the printing medium 2'.

[0050] The positioning device 12 is arranged in a printing area D, as can be seen particularly in Fig. 4. In the assembled state, the printer 32 is arranged in the printing area D. The printing area D is arranged between an input area E and an output area A. In the input area E, print media 2' can be placed on the guides 100A, 100B of the transport device 1 for printing. In the output area A, the printed print media 2' can be removed from the guides 100A, 100B of the transport device 1. This is done in the assembled state by means of the depositing device 17 and the stacking device 31.

[0051] The hold-down elements 120, 122 enable the printing of the runners 22 and ensure continuous, well-positioned guidance across the entire printing area D. This allows for particularly good printing results.

[0052] By means of the drive 11, the printing medium 2' mounted on the guides 100A, 100B can be moved along the guides 100A, 100B and thus in the transport direction T. The drive comprises a slider 110, which can be moved relative to the frame 10. For this purpose, the frame 10 has a plurality of drive guides 104, 105. Two drive guides 104 are formed on the opposite side surfaces of the frame 10. Furthermore, a drive guide 105 is formed on the base of the frame 10. Sliders 115 of the slider 110 are guided on the drive guides 104, 105 along the transport direction T. Instead of (rotatably mounted) sliders 115, rotatable rollers, for example, can also be used as a means for translational movement guidance.

[0053] The drive 11 comprises a motor 112. The motor 112 is in this case fastened to a longitudinal end of the frame 10, specifically to an end plate 15 fastened to the end of the frame 10. The motor 112 drives a belt 113 extending along the transport direction T. The belt 113 is guided around a roller 114 which is rotatably mounted on an end plate 14. This end plate 14 is fastened to the frame 10 at the end of the frame 10 opposite the motor 112. The slider 110 is fastened, for example, to the belt 113 and can be moved back and forth along the transport direction T by activating the drive 11, thus in this case by activating the motor 112.

[0054] The slider 110 is designed to push the print medium 2', mounted on the guides 100A, 100B, along the transport direction T. For this purpose, the slider 110 has at least one, here two, arms 111, which press against the print medium 2' when the motor 112 is activated (see, for example, Fig. 6). The arms 111 each touch the print medium 2' at a corner. The slider 110 thus acts on the lateral skids 22, so that bending of the print medium 2' due to the drive can be prevented.

[0055] Rigid print media can sometimes exhibit significant deviations from an ideal shape. For example, some or even all print media may be concavely curved due to the respective manufacturing process.

[0056] Fig. 7A shows such a concavely curved printing medium 2" in the form of a simplified illustration of a label mat. The printing medium 2" has front and rear end edges 23 in the transport direction T. These end edges 23 are arranged on the front and rear end faces of the printing medium 2". The end edges 23 are bent upwards, as can be seen in Fig. 7A. When the printing medium 2" rests on the guides 100A, 100B with the side to be printed facing upwards, the end edges 23 are bent upwards. Fig. 7B illustrates what happens when the thus bent print medium 2" is pushed under the hold-down elements 120, 122 by means of the insertion bevels 121, 123. As a result of the curvature of the print medium 2", the rear end edge 23 in the transport direction T lifts even more from the guides 100A, 100B. As a result, the engagement with the arms 111 of the slider 110 can be lost.This could disrupt transport and cause traffic jams.

[0057] In order to prevent this, the transport device 1 comprises the movable hold-down devices 16A, 16B already mentioned at the beginning, the function of which will now be explained in more detail with reference to Figs. 8 to 11.

[0058] The hold-down devices 16A, 16B are each elongated and aligned parallel to the transport direction T. The hold-down devices 16A, 16B are each as long as the passage area B, but could alternatively be longer or shorter. The hold-down devices 16A, 16B have at least a large part of the length of the print media 2" that can be transported by the transport device 1. They are displaceably mounted relative to the frame 10, specifically displaceably mounted on a housing 175 of the storage device 17, which is fastened to the frame 10. The two hold-down devices 16A, 16B can be moved in opposite directions to one another. Furthermore, the two hold-down devices 16A, 16B can be moved synchronously, i.e., simultaneously toward one another or simultaneously away from one another.

[0059] The storage device 17 further comprises a guide 174, which in the example shown is formed by part of the housing 175. A stack of print media 2; 2'; 2" can be inserted into the guide 174. Generally, at least one storage element 170, here four storage elements 170, serves / serve to separate a print element 2; 2'; 2" from the stack and to place it on the guides 100A, 100B. For this purpose, the storage elements 170 in this case each have a recess. The storage elements 170 are fixed to shafts 171. In this case, two storage elements 170 are each fixed to a common shaft 171. The shafts 171 extend along the lateral direction S. The passage area B is located between the shafts 171 and the hold-down devices 16A, 16B. The storage elements 170 are disc-shaped in this case.

[0060] A drive 173 causes the two shafts 171 to rotate in opposite directions. As a result, the storage elements 170 grip the print medium 2; 2'; 2" immediately above with the recesses and transport it vertically downward in the storage direction R. The hold-down devices 16A, 16B are thereby brought into the storage position, i.e., into a position further apart from each other compared to the hold-down position. This can be achieved, for example, by means of a spring-elastic preload or simply by the action of the print medium 2; 2'; 2" being transported downward. For this purpose, the hold-down devices 16A, 16B have upper slopes 162 (see in particular Fig. 11). The print media 2; 2'; 2", which are actively transported downward by the storage elements 170, slide along the upper slopes 162 and thus press the hold-down devices 16A, 16B outwards. The storage direction R is parallel to the vertical direction H.

[0061] As soon as the currently transported print medium 2; 2'; 2" has been moved along the depositing direction R past the hold-down devices 16A, 16B, these are moved into the hold-down position, i.e., towards each other, see in particular the view obliquely from below according to Fig. 9. This can be done by spring-elastic pretensioning or, as in the example shown, by means of pushers 172. The pushers 172 are fixed to the shafts 171 and rotate together therewith. In the present case, a pusher 172 for each of the hold-down devices 16A, 16B is mounted on each shaft 171. A total of four pushers 172 are therefore provided. The pushers 172 each slide along an actuating surface 163 of the hold-down devices 16A, 16B. The actuating surfaces 163 each have a slope. Thus, when rotating, the pushers 172, together with the shafts 171, press the hold-down devices 16A, 16B into the hold-down position, as shown in Fig. 9 illustrates.By fixing the pushers 172 and the storage elements 170 to the shafts 171, this is coordinated with the storage movement. As soon as the storage has been completed on the guides 100A, 100B, the hold-down devices 16A, 16B are moved into the hold-down position. The hold-down devices 16A, 16B each have guide rails for bolts attached to the housing 175.

[0062] Fig. 10 shows the printing medium 2" with the hold-down devices 16A, 16B in the hold-down position (the two rear storage elements 170 are not shown in order not to obscure the view of the parts located behind them). Also visible are the insertion bevels 121, 123 of the hold-down elements 120, 122 fixed to the frame 10. Since the movable hold-down devices 16A, 16B hold the printing medium 2" close to the guides 100A, 100B over its entire length, the medium loses contact with the arms 111 of the slider 110 even when it is immersed under the hold-down elements 120, 122 fixed to the frame 10.

[0063] Fig. 11 shows how the hold-down device 16A holds the print medium 2" against the guide 100A. A holding surface 160 of the hold-down device 16A faces the print medium 2" (more precisely: its upper side facing away from the guide 100A at an edge of the print medium 2"). The edge of the print medium 2" is thus arranged between the hold-down device 16A and the guide 100A.

[0064] An optional cover 13 covers the belt 113 and parts of the slider 110, thus protecting them. The arms 111 of the slider 110 extend through side slots past the cover 13.

[0065] A method for transporting a substrate 2; 2'; 2" with the transport device 1 comprises the following steps: moving the at least one hold-down device 16A, 16B into the deposit position; depositing a substrate 2; 2'; 2" through the passage area B on the at least one guide 100A, 100B; moving the at least one hold-down device 16A, 16B into the hold-down position; and displacing the substrate 2; 2'; 2" along the at least one guide 100A, 100B.

[0066] The described transport device 1 enables compensation of the manufacturing tolerances of the print media 2; 2', starting already when they are placed on the guides 100A, 100B of the transport device 1.

[0067] The idea underlying the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but can in principle also be implemented in a completely different way.

[0068] List of reference symbols

[0069] 1 T ransport device

[0070] 10 frames

[0071] 100A, 100B guide

[0072] 104, 105 Drive guide

[0073] 11 Drive

[0074] 110 sliders

[0075] 111 Arm

[0076] 112 engine

[0077] 113 belts

[0078] 114 roll

[0079] 115 gliders

[0080] 12 Positioning device

[0081] 120 hold-down element

[0082] 121 insertion bevel

[0083] 122 hold-down element

[0084] 123 insertion bevel

[0085] 13 Cover

[0086] 14, 15 End plate

[0087] 16A, 16B hold-down device

[0088] 160 holding area

[0089] 162 slope

[0090] 163 operating area

[0091] 17 Storage device

[0092] 170 storage element

[0093] 171 Wave

[0094] 172 handles

[0095] 173 Drive

[0096] 174 Guide

[0097] 175 housings

[0098] 2; 2'; 2“ print medium (substrate)

[0099] 20 Identification plate

[0100] 21 jetty

[0101] 22 runners

[0102] 23 End edge

[0103] 3 Printing system 31 Stacking device

[0104] 32 printers

[0105] 33rd issue

[0106] A Output area B Passage area

[0107] D Pressure range

[0108] E Input area

[0109] H Altitude direction

[0110] R Deposit direction S Lateral direction

[0111] T Transport direction

Claims

Patent claims 1. Transport device (1) for transporting substrates (2; 2'; 2") along at least one guide (100A, 100B), comprising: a frame (10) and at least one hold-down device (16A, 16B) which is movable relative to the frame (10) from a depositing position in which a passage area (B) is exposed, so that a substrate (2; 2'; 2") can be deposited along a depositing direction (R) through the passage area (B) on the at least one guide (100A, 100B), into a hold-down position in which the at least one hold-down device (16A, 16B) is arranged in the passage area (B), so that a movement of the substrate (2; 2'; 2") deposited on the at least one guide (100A, 100B) counter to the depositing direction (R) is blocked.

2. Transport device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one hold-down device (16A, 16B) is mounted displaceably relative to the frame (10) in a lateral direction (S) perpendicular to the depositing direction (R).

3. Transport device (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the at least one guide (100A, 100B) defines a transport direction (T) which is oriented perpendicular to the lateral direction (S) and perpendicular to the depositing direction (R).

4. Transport device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by two hold-down devices (16A, 16B) movable relative to one another in opposite directions.

5. Transport device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one hold-down device (16A, 16B) extends parallel to the at least one guide (100A, 100B).

6. Transport device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a guide (100A, 100B) arranged along the at least one guide (100A, 100B) next to the at least one hold-down device (16A, 16B) Positioning device (12) for positioning a on the guides (100A, 100B) supported substrate (2; 2') with at least one hold-down element (120, 122) fastened to the at least one guide (100A, 100B). Transport device (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that the at least one hold-down element (120, 122) of the positioning device (12) has an insertion bevel (121, 123). Transport device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a drive (11) with a motor (112) for driving a substrate (2; 2'; 2") deposited on the at least one guide (100A, 100B) along the at least one guide (100A, 100B). Transport device (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that the drive (11) comprises a slider (110) which is designed to push a substrate (2; 2') deposited on the guides (100A, 100B).Transport device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a depositing device (17) for depositing a substrate (2; 2'; 2") by means of at least one movable depositing element (170) through the released passage area (B) on the at least one guide (100A, 100B). Transport device (1) according to claim 10, characterized in that a movement of the at least one depositing element (170) is coupled to a movement of the at least one hold-down device (16A, 16B). Transport device (1) according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the at least one depositing element (170) is rotatably mounted.Transport device (1) according to claim 12, characterized in that the at least one storage element (170) is mounted in a rotationally fixed manner relative to a pusher (172) arranged to act on an actuating surface (163) of the hold-down device (16A, 16B) in order to move the at least one hold-down device (16A, 16B) from the storage position into the hold-down position. Transport device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one substrate (2; 2'; 2") is in the form of a sign mat. with several break-out identification plates (20) on which at least one guide (100A, 100B) is placed.

15. Printing system (3) comprising: a printer (32) and the transport device (1) according to one of the preceding claims for transporting substrates (2; 2') to the printer (32).

16. Method for transporting a substrate (2; 2'; 2") with the transport device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, comprising the following steps: Moving the at least one hold-down device (16A, 16B) into the storage position; Placing a substrate (2; 2'; 2") through the passage area (B) on the at least one guide (100A, 100B); Moving the at least one hold-down device (16A, 16B) into the hold-down position; and Moving the substrate (2; 2'; 2") along the at least one guide (100A, 100B).

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