Holding device for holding a magnetizable substrate during processing of the substrate surface of the magnetizable substrate

Abstract

The present invention relates to a holding device (2) for holding a magnetizable substrate (8) during machining of at least one substrate surface, in particular a magnetizable tool to be machined. The holding device (2) comprises a magnetic holding unit (4) arranged at an end for fixing the substrate (8) at the end by generating a magnetic field, a receiving unit (6) arranged on the holding unit (4) for receiving the substrate (8), and an exchangeable adapter unit (10) arranged in the receiving unit (6) for guiding and shielding the substrate (8). The adapter unit (10) has at least one recess (12) for passing the substrate (8), and the substrate (8) can be fixed in the holding device (2) in a manner laterally supported by the recess (12).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] explanation The present invention relates to a holding device for holding a magnetizable substrate during processing of at least one substrate surface thereof, and to a system and method for transporting and / or processing multiple substrates. [Background technology]

[0002] In particular, in the machining of delicate precision tools, such as workpieces formed in the form of small tools, cutting tools, punching tools, and embossing tools, transport and holding operations account for a significant portion of the overall work involved in the machining process. In machining processes such as coating processes for tool surface treatment, the tools to be machined are individually packaged at the customer's premises and shipped to the corresponding machining center before machining. These tools are then processed in various steps within the machining center, such as being unpacked, cleaned, coated, and blown with air, and then individually packaged again for shipping to the customer. This individual packaging is necessary to protect the tools from damage. Performing all of these individual operational steps results in a significant increase in the time consumed and, at the same time, a high risk of individual tool damage. Furthermore, consistent tool quality cannot be guaranteed. When machining particularly delicate precision parts, the operating effort and the associated risk of damage are particularly high. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] It is therefore an object of the present invention to at least partially overcome the above-mentioned drawbacks of known holding devices for holding magnetizable substrates and systems for transporting and / or machining a plurality of substrates, in particular a plurality of workpieces or tools to be machined. In particular, it is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and a system which allows stable fixation of the substrates during transport and / or machining in a simple and cost-effective manner, thereby minimizing the operating effort required to machine a plurality of substrates. Additionally, it is an object of the present invention to ensure a particularly accurate positioning of the plurality of substrates during processing, thereby enabling particularly accurate processing of the plurality of substrates. [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] The above-mentioned object is solved by a holding device for holding a substrate, having the device features set forth in the independent claims, a system for transporting and / or processing a plurality of substrates, having the system features set forth in the independent claims, and a method for transporting and / or processing a plurality of substrates, having the method features set forth in the independent claims. Further features and details of the invention can be taken from the respective dependent claims, the following description and the accompanying drawings. Features and details set forth with respect to the holding device according to the invention naturally also apply with respect to the system according to the invention and the method according to the invention, and vice versa, respectively, so that individual aspects of the invention are or can always be cross-referenced with each other in the context of the disclosure.

[0005] According to the present invention, there is provided a holding device for holding a magnetizable substrate during processing of at least one substrate surface, in particular for holding a magnetizable workpiece or tool to be processed. The holding device includes a magnetic holding unit arranged at an end and for fixing the substrate at the end by generating a magnetic field, a receiving unit arranged on the holding unit for receiving the substrate, and an exchangeable adapter unit arranged in the receiving unit for guiding and shielding the substrate. According to the present invention, the adapter unit has at least one recess for passing the substrate therethrough, so that the substrate can be fixed in the holding device in a manner supported laterally by the recess.

[0006] The holding device can be used both for transporting and for processing or machining the substrate or for processing at least one substrate surface. Such processing can be performed, for example, by polishing and / or chemically, and can include, in particular, cleaning, pre- and / or post-treatment of the substrate, as well as coating the substrate. It is understood that the magnetizable substrate can also be formed to be only partially magnetizable, i.e., have magnetizable components, such as, for example, a magnetizable holding handle or a partially magnetizable holding handle. The magnetizable substrate can also be formed, in particular, in the form of a magnetizable workpiece or a magnetizable tool. In particular, precision tools that are prone to breakage, such as shaft tools or punching tools, especially small punches, cutting punches, blanking punches, embossing punches, or forming punches, can be considered as viable tools. The holding device according to the invention is specifically designed / configured to hold only a single substrate. This allows maximum flexibility in the selection of processing methods, for example, allowing two-dimensional and even three-dimensional rotation during machining processes, such as coating. Magnetic fixation can advantageously be achieved by bringing the holding device into contact with the edge face of a magnetizable substrate, preferably with the edge face of a magnetizable tool to be machined. In addition to guiding the substrates laterally, the holding device, in particular the adapter unit, serves to shield or conceal these substrates, in particular during surface treatment processes such as coating processes. It is particularly provided according to the invention that the same holding device can be used to process different substrates, in particular tools of different shapes, by simply changing or exchanging the adapter unit. The recess for guiding the substrate does not need to be designed / configured to precisely fit the substrate to be accommodated, and therefore does not need to be in full contact with the substrate during accommodation, but may only be in partial contact with the substrate.

[0007] It is recognized within the scope of the present invention that by using a holding device according to the present invention, manipulation of individual tools during transport and processing operations is completely eliminated, thereby significantly reducing the risk of damaging the substrate. In addition, by using a holding device according to the present invention, particularly accurate positioning of the substrate is possible, which in turn allows particularly accurate processing of the substrate. In addition, when using the holding device, in particular the exchangeable adapter unit according to the present invention, the number of required variations of the holding device is significantly reduced, since one and the same holding device can be made suitable for use with a large number of different substrates by simply changing or replacing the adapter unit.

[0008] In the case of a particularly compact configuration, and in order to ensure particularly uniform processing of the substrates, it may be advantageously provided that the receiving unit is shaped like a hollow cylinder and that the receiving unit is arranged with respect to the exchangeable adapter unit and the magnetic holding unit in such a way that the substrate can be centrally positioned within the receiving unit, with centrally positioned being understood in particular to mean an arrangement in which the substrate has at least substantially the same distance from the edge region of the receiving unit along its accommodation in the receiving unit.

[0009] With regard to ensuring processing of the substrate during pick-up, in particular with regard to particularly uniform processing of the substrate, it can be provided in an objectively advantageous manner that the pick-up unit has recesses for contacting the substrate, which recesses are preferably formed in the form of symmetrically arranged, in particular longitudinally arranged cutouts in the pick-up unit, in particular this allows for direct contact of, for example, cleaning liquids, drying air, coating agents, etc. with the substrate during processing.

[0010] With regard to the stable positioning of the substrate during processing, it can also be advantageously provided that the exchangeable adapter unit has at least one guide means / element for guiding the substrate, and that a recess for guiding the substrate is arranged in the guide element, preferably centrally arranged in the guide element. In this case, the recess can preferably be formed in the shape of a bore or the like and can be adapted in particular to the geometric shape of the substrate to be guided. In addition to guiding the substrate, the guide element can also serve to shield or conceal the substrate, for example during surface processing operations.

[0011] In situations of particularly simple exchange or particularly simple and rapid adaptation, it may also be advantageously provided that the guide element is formed in the form of a flat part, in particular in the form of a guide disk, which can then be specifically shaped to the substrate to be processed, in particular with regard to the recess, so that when changing to process a different substrate, only the guide element has to be exchanged and one and the same holding device can be used to transport and handle different substrates, for example different punching tools.

[0012] For a material-saving and lightweight design / construction, the guide elements can have a material thickness of less than 2 mm, preferably 1.5 to 1 mm. At material thicknesses of 1.5 to 1 mm, particularly good results can be achieved in terms of reliable and precise machining. On the other hand, at material thicknesses below 1 mm, there is a risk that thermal effects will adversely affect the material.

[0013] In situations where a particularly stable positioning of the substrate during processing is required, it can further be envisaged that the exchangeable adapter unit comprises at least a second guide element for guiding the substrate, the second guide element preferably comprising a centrally arranged recess for the passage of the substrate, the recess being particularly centrally arranged in the guide element.

[0014] In order to allow both stable guidance and easy insertion of the substrate into the holding device, it may be provided here in particular that the second guide element is arranged at a distance from the first guide element and in particular matingly arranged with the first guide element. In the context of the present invention, mating is understood to mean in particular an arrangement in which two, preferably centrally arranged, recesses for the passage of the substrate are arranged one above the other in a snug fit.

[0015] With regard to maximizing stabilization, it is further conceivable according to the invention for the exchangeable adapter unit to comprise three or more guide elements, in particular four or more guide elements, for guiding the substrate.

[0016] To ensure optimal positioning of one or more guide elements, it can be advantageously provided according to the invention that the exchangeable adapter unit has spacing means / elements for spacing the guide elements, which spacing elements are preferably arranged directly on the guide elements, in particular directly between the first and second guide elements. In the context of the invention, directly arranged is understood to mean in particular an arrangement in which the spacing elements abut the guide elements. Preferably, the guide elements can rest at least partially on the spacing elements.

[0017] To ensure a simple, cost-effective, and flexible connection between one or more guide elements and the spacing element, the guide elements can preferably be connected to the spacing element by a force fit, for example by means of latching hooks, latching lugs, or connecting lugs. For example, a three-part configuration may be provided in which the guide elements are force-fitted onto the spacing element. Within the scope of a stable arrangement, the guide elements can alternatively be connected to one another in a material-to-material manner, for example by an arc welding process (e.g., a TIG welding process) or a beam welding process (e.g., a laser welding process).

[0018] With regard to the processing of the substrate during pick-up, in particular to ensure a particularly uniform processing of the substrate during pick-up, it can be provided in an objectively advantageous manner that the spacing elements have recesses for contacting the substrate, which recesses are preferably arranged symmetrically in the pick-up unit and are in particular formed in the form of cutouts arranged on the longitudinal sides, which in particular allow for direct contact of, for example, cleaning liquids, drying air, coating agents, etc. with the substrate during processing.

[0019] In circumstances that ensure a particularly compact arrangement and particularly uniform processing of the substrate, it can be provided in an objectively advantageous manner that the intervals are shaped like hollow cylinders and are arranged symmetrically within the storage unit, preferably in the storage unit so that the recesses of the intervals overlap at least partially, in particular completely, with the recesses of the storage unit.

[0020] Within the scope of the structurally simple fixing of the spacing means / elements or guide elements to the receiving unit according to the invention, it can be advantageously provided that the adapter unit has fixing means / elements for fixing the adapter unit in the receiving unit, the fixing elements being preferably formed in the form of spring elements, in particular in the form of clamping rings, which here are preferably arranged above one or more guide elements, in particular directly above the first guide element.

[0021] It may also be provided that the magnetic holding unit has a magnet, e.g., a permanent magnet, which is preferably completely enclosed in the holding unit, within the scope of a simple structural guarantee of the magnetic holding force, and which is formed in the form of a heat-resistant magnet, particularly preferably a heat-resistant magnet for temperatures above 450°C. 17SmCo magnets of this type are feasible magnets for this purpose. In the context of the present invention, encapsulation is understood to mean, in particular, complete enclosing. In this context, the magnet is preferably cylindrical and may have a diameter of less than 20 mm, preferably less than 15 mm, in particular less than 10 mm. The encapsulation ensures that the magnetic force only serves to fix the magnet, thereby eliminating any adverse effects on the processing operations to be performed, such as coating operations, in particular plasma coating operations. In combination with a corresponding encapsulation, a suitable magnet offers the particular advantage of ensuring reliable fixation while reducing the effects on the processing operations to be performed.

[0022] To achieve a structurally simple magnetic shielding, it may be provided that the magnet is arranged in the holding unit such that a holding unit with a material thickness of at least 0.5 mm is arranged between the magnet and the receiving unit arranged directly on the holding unit. This particularly ensures that direct contact between the magnet and the substrate is prevented. The magnet can be preferably pressed into the holding unit by a locking bolt or the like.

[0023] In an advantageous embodiment, the present invention provides a protective cover for protecting a substrate that can be placed in a holding device, particularly during transport, to the extent that protection of the substrate placed in the holding device can be ensured cost-effectively and structurally simply. The protective cover has an opening through which the protective cover can be fastened to the receiving unit, preferably at its edge, and in particular can be fastened tightly and / or loosely to the receiving unit. In this case, the protective cover can preferably be in the form of a protective cap or a transport cap, etc., and can in particular be designed / configured as a rotating part. In particular, the protective cover can be manufactured so that it can be fastened to the receiving unit with a tolerance of 0.3 mm.

[0024] Similarly, with regard to ensuring accurate placement of the substrate within the holding device, the protective cover may include a second opening for detecting the orientation of the disposable substrate within the holding device, the second opening preferably being located opposite the first opening.

[0025] Within the scope of a cost-effective design / construction, it is particularly conceivable here for the protective cover to be at least partially, preferably completely, made of plastic, in particular in the form of polyethylene and / or polyvinyl chloride and / or polyethylene terephthalate and / or polystyrene. It is understood that in addition to the plastics mentioned above, similar plastics with comparable properties can also be used.

[0026] It is also an object of the present invention to provide a system for transporting and / or processing a plurality of substrates, wherein the system according to the present invention comprises a plurality of holding devices as described above for holding the substrates and a holding unit for holding the holding devices. According to the present invention, the plurality of holding devices are arranged in the storage unit such that, if the substrates are stored separately, the stored plurality of substrates can be transported and / or processed together in the holding devices. Thus, the system according to the present invention has the same advantages as those already described in detail for the holding devices according to the present invention.

[0027] Within the scope of the structurally simple design / configuration of the system, it is particularly conceivable that the holding unit is formed in the form of a basket with a plurality of holding devices for holding said plurality of holding devices, which holding devices are preferably fastened in the holding elements in a form-fitting and / or force-fit manner.

[0028] With regard to a structurally simple design / configuration of the system for transporting a plurality of holding devices in question, it is also conceivable that a transport box is provided for accommodating the storage units, which can be fixed in the transport box by means of damping elements, preferably formed in the form of foam inserts. In addition, the transport box can advantageously have a lid, which, in the attached state, is preferably designed / configured to fix the holding devices arranged in the storage units therein, in particular via contacts on protective covers arranged on the holding devices.

[0029] With regard to a structurally simple design / configuration of a system for processing multiple substrates, it is also conceivable to provide a rotatable translation unit for translating the pick-up unit in the x-, y- and z-directions for processing, in particular coating, the substrates placed in the holding device of the pick-up unit, with such a translation unit being able to easily perform double or even triple rotations, in particular for coating processes, etc.

[0030] It is also an object of the present invention to provide a method for transporting and / or processing a plurality of substrates, the method comprising the steps of: accommodating the plurality of substrates in respective holding devices; accommodating the plurality of holding devices with the respective substrates in an accommodating unit for accommodating the holding devices; and transporting and / or processing the accommodated plurality of substrates together. The method according to the present invention therefore has the same advantages as those already described in detail for the holding device according to the present invention and the system according to the present invention.

[0031] With regard to the safe transport of the plurality of substrates without damage, it may be provided in particular that the holding device is fixed in a mating and / or clamping manner in a receiving element of the receiving unit before the plurality of substrates are transferred together. The receiving unit is preferably transferred into a transport box before the plurality of substrates are transferred together. The receiving unit is fixed in the transport box before the plurality of substrates are transferred together, in particular by a damping element.

[0032] In order to process multiple substrates in a structurally simple and safe manner without damaging them, it may be provided in particular that a holding device in the pick-up unit is transferred to a rotatable translation unit in order to translate the pick-up unit before processing the multiple substrates together, whereby the pick-up unit is preferably moved in at least two spatial directions x, y while processing the multiple substrates together.

[0033] It can be objectively advantageously specified that for the processing of substrates, in particular tools to be processed, pre-treatment and / or post-treatment and / or surface treatment are specified, the pre-treatment and / or post-treatment preferably comprising cleaning in an ultrasonic bath and / or chemical cleaning and / or drying, and the surface treatment particularly comprising a plasma coating process.

[0034] Further advantages, features and details of the present invention will become apparent from the following description in which an embodiment of the invention is described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this regard, each of the features mentioned in the appended claims and in the following description may be essential to the invention individually or in any combination. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0035] [Figure 1] 1 shows a schematic spatial view of a holding device according to the invention for holding a magnetizable substrate; [Figure 2] 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the holding device according to the invention shown in FIG. 1; FIG. [Figure 3]1 shows a schematic spatial view of a part of a holding device according to the invention for holding a magnetizable substrate; [Figure 4] 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a part of a holding device according to the invention for holding the magnetizable substrate shown in FIG. 3; FIG. [Figure 5] 4 shows a schematic spatial view of yet another part of a holding device according to the invention for holding a magnetizable substrate; FIG. [Figure 6] 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic representation of yet another part of the holding device according to the invention for holding the magnetizable substrate shown in FIG. 5; FIG. [Figure 7] 1 is a schematic spatial view of a system according to the invention for transporting and / or processing multiple substrates; [Figure 8] 1A-1C are schematic diagrams illustrating the individual steps / stages of a process according to the present invention for transporting and / or processing multiple substrates. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0036] FIG. 1 shows a schematic spatial view of a holding device 2 according to the invention for holding a magnetizable substrate 8 (not shown here).

[0037] The holding device 2 comprises a magnetic holding unit 4 arranged at an end portion for fixing the substrate 8 at the end portion by forming a magnetic field, a storage unit 6 arranged on the holding unit 4 for accommodating the substrate 8, and an exchangeable adapter unit 10 arranged inside the storage unit 6 for guiding and shielding the substrate 8. The adapter unit 10 also has a recess 12 for passing the substrate 8 therethrough, which enables the substrate 8 to be fixed inside the holding device 2 in a laterally supported manner.

[0038] The receiving unit 6 is shaped like a hollow cylinder and is arranged relative to the exchangeable adapter unit 10 and the magnetic holding unit 4 in such a way that the substrate 8 can be centrally arranged in the receiving unit 6. In this case, the receiving unit 6 has recesses 14 for contacting the substrate 8. These recesses 14 are here arranged symmetrically in the receiving unit 6 and are formed in the form of cutouts 14 arranged on the longitudinal sides. It is understood that an asymmetric arrangement of the recesses 14 in the receiving unit 6 can also be provided.

[0039] The exchangeable adapter unit 10 further comprises a first guide element 16 and a second guide element 16′ for guiding the substrate 8, each of which has a recess 12 for guiding the substrate 8 therethrough, which recess 12 is arranged centrally in the guide elements 16, 16′ in this case. It may also be provided here that the recess 12 is arranged off-center in the guide elements 16, 16′. The guide elements 16, 16′ are here designed / configured in the shape of a guide disk. The exchangeable adapter unit 10 further comprises a spacing element 18 for spacing the guide elements 16 or the guide elements 16, 16′. The spacing element 18 is here arranged directly between the first guide element 16 and the second guide element 16′. The spacing element 18 also has a recess 14 for contacting the substrate 8, which recess 14 completely overlaps the recess 14 of the receiving unit 6.

[0040] Furthermore, the adapter unit 10 comprises a fixing element 20 for fixing the adapter unit 10 in the receiving unit 6, which here is made in the form of a clamping ring.

[0041] FIG. 2 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a holding device 2 according to the invention for holding the magnetizable substrate 8 shown in FIG.

[0042] 1, it can be seen that the magnetic holding unit 4 has a magnet 22 completely enclosed within the holding unit 4. This magnet 22 may in particular be in the form of a permanent magnet and may be enclosed within the holding unit 4.

[0043] FIG. 3 shows a schematic spatial view of part of a holding device 2 according to the invention for holding a magnetizable substrate 8 .

[0044] FIG. 3 shows a storage unit 6 according to the invention having symmetrically arranged recesses 14 formed in the shape of longitudinal cutouts, which are clearly visualized in this figure, and a holding unit 4 arranged below said storage unit 6.

[0045] FIG. 4 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of part of a holding device 2 according to the invention for holding the magnetizable substrate 8 shown in FIG.

[0046] In this cross-sectional view, the longitudinal recess 14 of the holding unit 6 shown in FIG. 4 can be seen as well as in particular the permanent magnet 22 arranged inside the holding unit 4 .

[0047] FIG. 5 shows a schematic spatial view of yet another part of a holding device 2 according to the invention for holding a magnetizable substrate 8 .

[0048] This further part of the holding device 2 according to the invention relates to an adapter unit 10 according to the invention, which is shown here separately from the receiving unit 6 according to the invention. According to Figure 5, the structure of the adapter unit 10 according to the invention is shown here by way of example and comprises a first guide element 16 and a further guide element 16'. The first guide element 16 and the further guide element 16' are arranged above and below the spacing element 18, respectively.

[0049] In this case, the spacing elements 18 likewise have longitudinally arranged and symmetrically arranged recesses 14 which, in particular, ensure direct contact of substrates 8 arranged in the adapter unit 10 with, for example, cleaning fluids, drying air, coating agents, etc. during processing. In addition, symmetrically arranged recesses 12 can be seen in this case in the guide elements 16, 16' for the passage of the substrates 8 to be held. The fixing elements 20 arranged above the guide elements 16 serve, in particular, to fix the adapter unit 10 in the receiving unit 6 and are formed in this case in the form of a clamping ring, which allows for a particularly simple structural fixation of the adapter unit 10 in the receiving unit 6.

[0050] 5, it can be seen that the spacing element 18 has connection tabs 17 for a force-fit and / or form-fitting onto a first and / or second one of the further guide elements 16, 16′. The connection tabs 17 are intended in particular to ensure a particularly simple connection between one or more guide elements 16, 16′ and the spacing element 18.

[0051] FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of yet another part of a holding device 2 according to the invention for holding a magnetizable substrate 8 shown in FIG.

[0052] In addition to providing improved visibility of the multiple connection tabs 17 arranged on the spacing elements 18 for a press fit with the guide elements 16, 16' and / or for a form-fitting fit with the guide elements 16, 16', this cross-sectional view also allows the permanent magnets 22 arranged within the holding unit 4 to be seen.

[0053] FIG. 7 shows a schematic spatial view of a system 1 according to the invention for transporting and / or processing a plurality of substrates 8 .

[0054] The system 1 according to the invention comprises a plurality of the above-mentioned holding devices 2 for holding substrates 8 and a holding unit 30 for holding the holding devices 2. The plurality of holding devices 2 are arranged in the holding unit 30 in such a way that, when holding the substrates 8 separately, the plurality of held substrates 8 can in each case be transported and / or processed together in the holding devices 2.

[0055] The storage unit 30 is in this case formed in the shape of a basket and has a plurality of storage elements 32 for storing the holding devices 2, whereby the holding devices 2 can preferably be fastened in a form-fitting and / or force-fit manner in the storage elements 32. In addition, the storage unit 30 is here arranged in a transport box 34 for storing the storage unit 30, in which the storage unit 30 is fixed by means of damping elements 36. The damping elements 36 can preferably be formed in the form of foam inserts or the like.

[0056] The holding device 2 arranged in the receiving unit 30 is further protected by a protective cover 24, which has a first opening 26 via which the protective cover 24 can be fastened on one side to the receiving unit 4 of the corresponding holding device 2. Furthermore, the protective cover 24 comprises a second opening 26' for detecting the orientation of the substrate 8 that can be arranged in the holding device 2.

[0057] FIG. 8 shows a schematic diagram of the individual steps of a method according to the invention for transporting and / or processing a plurality of substrates 8 .

[0058] In this case, the method includes a step / stage 50 of accommodating a plurality of substrates 8 in respective holding devices 2, a step / stage 52 of accommodating a plurality of holding devices 2 with their respective substrates 8 in an accommodating unit 30 for accommodating the holding devices 2, and a step / stage 54 of transporting and / or processing the accommodated plurality of substrates 8 together.

[0059] The holding device 2 according to the invention, or the system 1 and method according to the invention for transporting and / or processing a plurality of substrates 8, and in particular the holding device 2 according to the invention, make it possible to completely eliminate the manipulation of individual tools during transport and processing operations, thereby significantly reducing the risk of damage to the substrates 8. In addition, the holding device 2 according to the invention makes it possible to position the substrates 8 particularly accurately, and to process the substrates 8 particularly accurately. Furthermore, the holding device 8, and in particular the exchangeable adapter unit 10 according to the invention, makes it possible for one and the same holding device to be suitable for use for a large number of different substrates by simply changing or replacing the adapter unit 10, thereby significantly reducing the variety required for variants of the holding device 2. [Explanation of symbols]

[0060] 1. A system for transporting and / or processing multiple substrates 2 Holding device 4 Magnetic holding unit 6 Containment Unit 8. Substrate (not explicitly shown in this application) 10 Adapter Unit 12 Recess for passing the board 14 Recess 16 First guide means / element 16' Second / further guide means / element 17 Connecting piece 18 Spacing means / elements 20 Fixing means / elements 22 Permanent magnets 24 Protective cover 26 Opening 26' Second opening 30 Containment Units 32 Containment Elements 34 Transport Box 36 Damping Elements 50 Pick up multiple substrates from each holding device 52 A plurality of holding devices, each having a substrate, are accommodated in the accommodation unit. 54 Transporting and / or processing multiple stored substrates together

Claims

1. A holding device (2) for holding a magnetizable substrate (8), comprising: a magnetic holding unit (4) arranged at the end of said holding device (2) for fixing said substrate (8) at said end by generating a magnetic field; a receiving unit (6) arranged on said magnetic holding unit (4) for receiving said substrate (8); - an exchangeable adapter unit (10) arranged in said receiving unit (6) for guiding and surrounding said substrate (8), The replaceable adapter unit (10) has at least one insertion portion (12) for passing the base plate (8), The holding device (2), wherein the substrate (8) is fixable within the holding device (2) in a manner supported by the insert (12).

2. 2. The holding device (2) of claim 1, wherein the storage unit (6) is shaped like a hollow cylinder and is positioned relative to the interchangeable adapter unit (10) and the magnetic holding unit (4) so ​​that the substrate (8) can be centered within the storage unit (6).

3. 3. The holding device (2) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the storage unit (6) has a first hole portion (14) arranged in the longitudinal direction, and the first hole portion (14) arranged in the longitudinal direction is arranged symmetrically within the storage unit (6) with respect to a central axis extending in the longitudinal direction of the storage unit (6).

4. The holding device (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the replaceable adapter unit (10) has at least one first guide element (16) for guiding the substrate (8), and the insertion portion (12) for passing the substrate (8) is arranged in the first guide element.

5. 5. A holding device (2) according to claim 4, wherein the first guide element (16) is disk-shaped.

6. 6. A holding device (2) according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the first guide element (16) has a material thickness of less than 2 mm.

7. The holding device (2) according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the replaceable adapter unit (10) has at least one second guide element (16') for guiding the substrate (8), the second guide element (16') having a centrally arranged recess (12) for passing the substrate (8), the recess being centrally arranged within the second guide element (16').

8. 8. A holding device (2) according to claim 7, wherein the second guide element (16') is arranged at a distance from the first guide element (16).

9. 9. A holding device (2) according to claim 8, wherein the exchangeable adapter unit (10) comprises at least a third guide element next to the first and second guide elements (16, 16').

10. 10. The holding device (2) according to any one of claims 4 to 9, wherein the replaceable adapter unit (10) has a spacing element (18) for spacing the first guide element (16) from the second guide element (16'), the spacing element (18) being arranged directly between the first guide element (16) and the second guide element (16').

11. 11. The holding device (2) according to claim 10, wherein the spacing element (18) has a plurality of connecting pieces (17) for a press fit and / or a form-fitting fit with the first guide element (16) and / or the second guide element (16').

12. 12. The holding device (2) of claim 10 or 11, wherein the spacing element (18) has a second hole portion (14) arranged in the longitudinal direction, and the second hole portion (14) arranged in the longitudinal direction is arranged symmetrically within the storage unit (6) with respect to a central axis extending in the longitudinal direction of the storage unit (6).

13. The holding device (2) according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the spacing element (18) is shaped like a hollow cylinder and is arranged symmetrically within the storage unit (6) with respect to a central axis extending in the longitudinal direction of the storage unit (6).

14. The holding device (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the exchangeable adapter unit (10) has a fixing element (20) for fixing the exchangeable adapter unit (10) in the receiving unit (6).

15. The holding device (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the magnetic holding unit (4) has a magnet (22) completely enclosed within the magnetic holding unit (4), the magnet (22) being formed in the form of a permanent magnet.

16. 16. The holding device (2) according to claim 15, wherein the permanent magnet (22) is arranged in the magnetic holding unit (4), the storage unit (6) is arranged directly on the magnetic holding unit (4), and the material thickness of the magnetic holding unit (4) is at least 0.5 mm.

17. A holding device (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein a protective cover (24) is provided for protecting the substrate (8), the protective cover (24) having a first opening (26), and the protective cover (24) can be fastened to the magnetic holding unit (4) at the end by passing through the first opening (26).

18. 18. The holding device (2) of claim 17, wherein the protective cover (24) includes a second opening (26') arranged opposite the opening (26) for visually detecting the orientation of a substrate (8) that can be placed in the holding device (2).

19. 19. The holding device (2) according to claim 17 or 18, wherein the protective cover (24) is at least partially made from plastic, the plastic being in the form of polyethylene and / or polyvinyl chloride and / or polyethylene terephthalate and / or polystyrene.

20. A system (1) for transporting and / or processing a plurality of substrates (8), comprising: - a plurality of holding devices (2) for holding substrates (8) according to any one of claims 1 to 19; a receiving unit (30) for receiving said plurality of holding devices (2), The system (1) is arranged in the storage unit (30) such that when the substrates (8) are stored separately, the plurality of holding devices (2) can, in each case, be transported and / or processed together within the holding devices (2).

21. 21. The system (1) according to claim 20, wherein the storage unit (30) is formed in the shape of a basket with a plurality of storage elements (32) for storing the holding device (2), and the holding device (2) is fastened in the storage elements (32) in a form-fitting and / or force-fit manner.

22. 22. The system (1) according to claim 20 or 21, wherein a transport box (34) is provided for accommodating the storage unit (30), and the storage unit (30) can be fixed in the transport box (34) by means of a damping element (36), the damping element (36) being formed in the form of a foam insert.

23. 21. The system (1) according to claim 20, wherein a rotatable translation unit is provided for translating the storage unit (30) in the x-, y- and z-directions for coating the substrate (8) arranged in the holding device (2) of the storage unit (30).

24. A method for transporting and / or processing a plurality of substrates (8) using a system (1) according to any one of claims 20 to 23, comprising the steps of: - holding (50) each of the plurality of substrates (8) on one holding device (2); - receiving (52) said plurality of holding devices (2) in a receiving unit (30) for receiving said plurality of holding devices (2) each provided with a substrate (8); - transporting (54) together and / or processing together said contained substrates (8).

25. 25. The method according to claim 24, wherein the holding device (2) is fastened in a form-fitting and / or force-fit manner in the receiving element (32) of the receiving unit (30) before transporting the substrate (8) therewith, the receiving unit (30) is transferred into a transport box (34) before transporting the substrate (8) therewith, and the receiving unit (30) is fixed in the transport box (34) by means of a damping element (36) before transporting the substrate (8) therewith.

26. 25. The method according to claim 24, wherein the holding device (2) in the storage unit (30) is transferred to a rotatable translation unit for translating the storage unit (30) before processing the substrates (8) together, and the storage unit (30) is moved in at least two spatial directions x and y during processing the substrates (8) together.

27. 27. The method according to any one of claims 24 to 26, wherein a pre-treatment and / or a post-treatment and / or a surface treatment is provided, said pre-treatment and / or said post-treatment comprising cleaning in an ultrasonic bath and / or chemical cleaning and / or drying, and wherein the surface treatment comprises a plasma coating process.

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