Systems and methods for coating substrates

Abstract

To provide a system and method for applying a coating to a substrate.SOLUTION: A coating system includes: a coating station 24 for applying a coating material to the substrate, where the coating station has a bottom portion; an oven 34 for curing the coating material on the substrate, where the oven is positioned vertically below the bottom portion; and a first lift 28 for transporting the substrate from the coating station to the oven. The system can also include an inspection station 54 for inspecting the substrate. Each of the separate elements of the coating system, including the coating station, first lift, oven, and inspection station can define self-contained modules.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] (CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS) This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 584,259, filed November 10, 2017, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present disclosure relates generally to applying coatings to substrates, and more particularly to a modular system for applying coatings to substrates, curing the coatings, and inspecting the substrates. [Background technology]

[0003] Various coating systems exist for applying conformal coatings to substrates such as printed circuit boards (PCBs). Conformal coatings are thin layers of dielectric material applied to substrates to provide environmental and mechanical protection for the circuitry on the board. The coating protects the circuitry from moisture and prevents shorting and corrosion of metal conductors and soldered joints. Conformal coatings also prevent or minimize dendritic growth (electrochemical migration) of metal at soldered joints, which can subsequently cause short circuits. After the coating is applied, it can be thermally cured on the substrate using one or more ovens included in the coating system. Furthermore, the coating can be inspected manually by a coating system operator or automatically by an inspection station included in the coating system.

[0004] Conventional coating systems may include conveyors extending through each portion of the coating system to move substrates from the beginning to the end of the coating process. As a result, such conveyors move substrates along a substantially linear path through the coating system. Due to the size of certain portions of the coating system, particularly the long length of some ovens, conventional coating systems can be quite long. Therefore, these coating systems define a large footprint and similarly require large floor space for operation.

[0005] As a result, there is a need for coating systems that define a reduced footprint, thereby conserving floor space, in a factory setting. Summary of the Invention

[0006] One embodiment of the present disclosure includes a system for applying a coating to a substrate, the system including a coating station for applying a coating material to the substrate, the coating station having a base, and an oven for curing the coating material on the substrate, the oven positioned vertically below the base. The system also includes a first lift for transporting the substrate from the coating station to the oven.

[0007] Another embodiment of the present disclosure includes a method for applying a coating to a substrate, the method including applying a coating material to a substrate using a coating station, transporting the substrate in a vertically downward direction from the coating station to an oven, and curing the coating on the substrate in the oven. The method also includes, after curing the coating, transporting the substrate in an upward vertical direction from the oven to an inspection station, and inspecting the substrate at the inspection station.

[0008] Another embodiment of the present disclosure includes a system for applying a coating to a substrate, the system including a first self-contained module including a coating station for applying a coating material to the substrate and a second self-contained module including an oven for curing the coating material on the substrate, the second self-contained module adjacent to the first self-contained module, the system also including a third self-contained module including a first lift for transferring the substrate from the first self-contained module to the second self-contained module, the third self-contained module adjacent to the first and second self-contained modules. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] The foregoing Summary of the Invention and the following Detailed Description of exemplary embodiments of the present application will be better understood when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the present application, there are shown in the drawings exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. It being understood, however, that the present application is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown.

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a coating system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0011] [Figure 2] 2 is a side cross-sectional view of a coating station of the coating system shown in FIG. 1.

[0012] [Figure 3A] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an inspection station of the coating system shown in FIG. 1.

[0013] [Figure 3B] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an inspection station of the coating system shown in FIG. 1.

[0014] [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the coating system shown in FIG. 1 with some elements removed for clarity.

[0015] [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the coating system shown in FIG. 1.

[0016] [Figure 6A] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a coating system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] [Figure 6B] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a coating system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] [Figure 6C] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a coating system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] [Figure 6D] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a coating system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a control system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] Described herein is a modular coating system 10 that includes a coating station 24 for applying a coating to a substrate 100 and an oven 34 positioned below the coating station 24 for curing the coating. Certain terminology is used in the following description to describe the coating system 10 for convenience only and is not intended to be limiting. The terms "right," "left," "bottom," and "top" refer to directions within the drawings to which reference is made. The terms "inside" and "outside" refer to directions toward and away from the geometric center of the description describing the coating system 10 and its associated portions, respectively. The terms "front" and "back" refer to directions along the coating system 10 and its associated portions in and opposite the lateral direction 4. The terminology includes the above-listed terms, derivatives thereof, and terms of similar import.

[0022] Unless otherwise noted herein, the terms "vertical" and "lateral" are used to describe orthogonal components of the various components of coating system 10, as designated by vertical direction 2 and lateral direction 4. While vertical direction 2 and lateral direction 4 are illustrated as extending along vertical planes, it should be understood that the planes encompassing the various directions may differ during use.

[0023] 1, 4, and 5, coating system 10 is a modular assembly of removable and replaceable components for applying a coating material to substrate 100, curing the coating 102, and inspecting substrate 100. Substrate 100 may be a printed circuit board (PCB) or may include any other type of substrate, as desired. Coating system 10 includes a loading area 20 for adding uncoated substrate 100 to coating system 10 and removing coated substrate 100 from coating system 10. Substrate 100 may be added to and removed from loading area 20 manually by an operator of coating system 10 or automatically from a loading machine. Coating system 10 may include an upper conveyor system 300 for transporting substrate 100 between various components of coating system 10 disposed above first plane P1, as described below. Specifically, the loading area 20 may include a second section 312 of the upper conveyor system 300 that transports the substrate 100 along the lateral direction 4 from the loading area 20 to the coating station 24, which may be located immediately to the right of the loading area 20. In the illustrated embodiment, each section of the upper conveyor system 300 is an endless conveyor, although other embodiments of the conveyor system are contemplated.

[0024] Referring to FIG. 2 , the coating system 10 may include a coating station 24 for applying a coating to a substrate 100. The coating station 24 may include a housing 104 and an applicator assembly 106 configured to be disposed within the housing 104. The bottom of the housing 104 defines a plane P1 parallel to the lateral direction 4. The applicator assembly 106 includes an applicator 108 in fluid communication with a material source 116 and is configured to transfer a coating material (not shown) from the material source 116 to form a coating 102 on the substrate 100. The coating material may be acrylic, polyurethane, silicone, or other types of materials typically used in substrate coating. The applicator 108 may include a jet dispenser, a contact dispenser, an air or airless spray applicator, or other types of applicators as desired. The amount of coating material transferred through the applicator 108 to the substrate 100 may be monitored by a flow meter 124. In the illustrated embodiment, flow meter 124 is located on a portion of applicator 108, such as applicator tip 115, so that flow meter 124 can measure how much coating material passes from applicator 108 to substrate 100. In another embodiment, flow meter 124 can be located on coating material source 116 or between material source 116 and applicator 108. Alternatively, multiple flow meters can be positioned at multiple locations within applicator assembly 106.

[0025] The flow meter 124 may measure one or more parameters of the coating material as it flows from the material source 116. In some embodiments, the flow meter 124 may measure the volume, velocity, pressure, and / or duration of the flow. The flow meter may be connected to a controller 402 configured to receive data from the flow meter 124 and perform analysis on the data. The controller 402 may also be configured to analyze other parameters of the flow, such as the type of coating material, characteristics of the applicator 108, and / or characteristics of other parts of the coating system 10. In addition to the flow meter 124, the applicator assembly 106 may also include other types of sensors for detecting aspects of the coating material, such as a solvent sensor. While one embodiment of the applicator assembly 106 is described above, it is contemplated that the coating station 24 may include various other types of applicator assemblies 106 as desired depending on the type of substrate 100 being coated and the type of coating operation being performed. Due to the modular nature of coating system 10, the particular coating station 24 described above can be easily removed from coating system 10 and replaced with another coating station with little or no impact to the remainder of coating system 10. Although described as including an applicator configured for conformal coating, coating station 24 can alternatively include applicators configured to perform various other dispensing methods. For example, coating station 24 can include applicators configured to perform dispensing methods such as underfill, encapsulation, dam and fill, or other operations as desired.

[0026] 1, 4, and 5, coating station 24 may also include a third section 316 of upper conveyor system 300. Third section 316 is configured to receive substrate 100 from loading area 20 and move substrate 100 so that it is properly positioned to receive coating material from applicator assembly 106. After coating station 24 applies coating 102 to substrate 100, third section 316 of upper conveyor system 300 moves substrate 100 to first lift 28, which is configured to transport substrate 100 downwardly along vertical direction 2 into oven 34.

[0027] The first lift 28 is configured to receive the substrate 100 from the coating station 24, specifically the third section 316 of the upper conveyor system 300, via a first lift entrance 320 defined by the surface of the first lift 28 facing the coating station 24. The substrate 100 is received from the coating station 24 by an upper chamber 28a of the first lift 28 located at the top of the first lift 28. When the substrate 100 is fully within the upper chamber 28a, a sensor 29a within the upper chamber 28a can detect the position of the substrate 100 and notify the controller 402. The controller 402 then instructs the first lift 28 to transfer the substrate 100 downward along the vertical direction 2 from the upper chamber 28a to a lower chamber 28b of the first lift 28. The lower chamber 28b is located at the bottom of the first lift 28, opposite the upper chamber 28a. As a result, lower chamber 28b is positioned completely below first plane P1, and upper chamber 28a is positioned above first plane P1. When substrate 100 is completely positioned within lower chamber 28b, sensor 29b located within lower chamber 28b notifies controller 402, which in turn commands first lift 28 to move substrate 100 from lower chamber 28b to oven 34 via first lift outlet 324.

[0028] The oven 34 is positioned entirely below the first plane P1 and may be modular, including multiple separate ovens 34a-34c. The oven 34 includes a lower conveyor system 304 for moving the substrates 100 from the first lift 28 to the second lift 50 through the oven 34. In one embodiment, each section of the lower conveyor system 304 may be an endless conveyor, although other types of conveyors are also contemplated. Additionally, each oven of the ovens 34 is configured to be heated to a predetermined temperature. As shown, the ovens 34 include a first oven 34a positioned immediately to the left of the first lift 28 along the lateral direction 4. Furthermore, the first oven 34a is positioned entirely below the coating station 24 along the vertical direction 2. The interior of the first oven 34a may be heated to and maintained at a first temperature to thermally cure the coating 102 applied to the substrates 100. For example, the first oven 34a may be heated to a temperature of approximately 60 degrees Celsius to approximately 130 degrees Celsius. The coating system 10 may include a seal 30 disposed between the first lift 28 and the first oven 34a to create a heat seal between the first lift 28 and the first oven 34a. The seal 30 may prevent heat from escaping from the first oven 34a to the first lift 28, and similarly from the first oven 34a to the environment in which the coating system 10 is located. The seal 30 may include Viton, silicone, or other material capable of withstanding temperatures encountered within the oven 34a. Alternatively, the seal 30 may be a metal flange. The seal 30 may define a portion of the first oven 34a or the first lift 28, or may be releasably attached to the first oven 34a and the first lift 28 so that the seal 30 can be used with other configurations of components within the coating system 10. The first oven 34a may include a first section 328 of the lower conveyor system 304 for moving the substrate 100 from the first lift 28 through the first oven 34a. Once the substrate 100 passes through the first oven 34a on the first section 328 of the lower conveyor system 304, the substrate 100 may enter a second oven 34b located immediately to the left of the first oven 34a along the lateral direction 4.

[0029] The second oven 34b is disposed immediately to the left of the first oven 34a along the lateral direction 4. Additionally, the second oven 34b is positioned immediately below the loading area 20. The interior of the second oven 34b may be elevated to and maintained at a second temperature to further thermally cure the coating 102 applied to the substrate 100. For example, the second oven 34b may be elevated to a temperature of about 60 degrees Celsius to about 130 degrees Celsius. The second temperature of the second oven 34b may be the same as or different from the first temperature of the first oven 34a. The coating system 10 may include a seal 38 disposed between the second oven 34b and the first oven 34a for creating a heat seal between the first oven 34a and the second oven 34b. The seal 38 may prevent the heat levels of the first oven 34a and the second oven 34b from affecting each other, as well as prevent heat from escaping from the first oven 34a and the second oven 34b to the external environment. The seal 38 may be configured similarly to the seal 30 or may be different, as desired. Furthermore, the seal 38 may define a portion of the first oven 34a or the second oven 34b, or may be releasably attached to the first oven 34a or the second oven 34b such that the seal 38 may be used with other configurations of components within the coating system 10. The second oven 34b may include a second section 332 of the lower conveyor system 304 for moving the substrate 100 from the first oven 34b through the second oven 34b. Once the substrate 100 passes through the second oven 34b on the second section 332 of the lower conveyor system 304, the substrate 100 may enter a third oven 34c located immediately to the left of the second oven 34b along the lateral direction 4.

[0030] The third oven 34c is positioned immediately to the left of the second oven 34b along the lateral direction 4. Additionally, the third oven 34c is positioned directly below the inspection station 54, described further below. The interior of the third oven 34c may be elevated to and maintained at a third temperature to further thermally cure the coating 102 applied to the substrate 100. For example, the third oven 34c may be elevated to a temperature of about 60 degrees Celsius to about 130 degrees Celsius. The third temperature of the third oven 34c may be the same as or different from the first and / or second temperatures. The coating system 10 may include a seal 42 positioned between the third oven 34c and the second oven 34b for creating a heat seal between the third oven 34c and the second oven 34c. The seal 42 may prevent the heat levels of the second oven 34b and the third oven 34c from affecting each other, as well as prevent heat from escaping from the second oven 34b and the third oven 34c to the external environment. The seal 42 may be configured similarly to seals 30 and / or 38 or may be different, as desired. Furthermore, the seal 42 may define a portion of the second oven 34b or the third oven 34c, or may be releasably attached to the second oven 34b and the third oven 34c such that the seal 42 may be used with other configurations of components within the coating system 10. The third oven 34c may include a third section 336 of the lower conveyor system 304 for moving the substrate 100 from the second oven 34b through the third oven 34c.

[0031] While oven 34 is described as including three ovens 34a-34c, the modular nature of coating system 10 allows more ovens to be attached to coating system 10 to accommodate different types of substrates, coating materials, coating operations, etc., without significantly affecting the remainder of coating system 10. Similarly, any of ovens 34a-34c may be removed as desired. For example, oven 34 may include only one oven. While described as being capable of being heated to a particular temperature, each of ovens 34a-34c may internally define multiple temperature zones such that each of ovens 34a-34c may be simultaneously heated to multiple temperatures. Each additional oven may be configured similarly to ovens 34a-34c already described, or alternatively configured as desired. Each additional oven may also include additional conveyor portions, including a portion of lower conveyor system 304. Regardless of the number of ovens comprising oven 34, the lower surface of any of ovens 34 may define a second plane P2 parallel to transverse direction 4. The second plane P2 is spaced apart from the first plane P1 along the vertical direction 2. The underside of the other ovens of the oven 34 may also be located substantially on the second plane P2.

[0032] As the substrate 100 passes through the third oven 34c, it may enter a second lift 50 located immediately to the left of the third oven 34c. The second lift 50 is configured to receive the substrate 100 from the oven 34c via a second lift entrance (not shown) and transport the substrate 100 upward along the vertical direction 2 to an inspection station 54. The substrate 100 passes through the second lift entrance defined by the surface of the second lift 50 facing the oven 34c. The coating system 10 may include a seal 46 located between the third oven 34c and the second lift 50 to create a heat seal between the third oven 34c and the second lift 50. The seal 46 may prevent the heat level of the third oven 34c from affecting the operation of the second lift 50 and, similarly, may prevent heat from escaping from the third oven 34c to the external environment. Seal 46 may be configured similarly to seals 30, 38, and / or 42, or may be different as desired. Additionally, seal 46 may define a portion of third oven 34c and second lift 50, or may be releasably attached to third oven 34c and second lift 50 such that seal 46 may be used with other configurations of components within coating system 10.

[0033] The substrate 100 is received from the oven 34 into the lower chamber 50b of the second lift 50, which is located below the second lift 50. When the substrate 100 is completely inside the lower chamber 50b, the sensor 51b in the lower chamber 50b can detect the position of the substrate 100 and notify the control device 402. The control device 402 then instructs the second lift 50 to transfer the substrate 100 upward along the vertical direction 2 from the lower chamber 50b to the upper chamber 50a of the second lift 50. The upper chamber 50a is located at the top of the second lift 50, opposite the lower chamber 50b. As a result, the upper chamber 50a is located completely above the first plane P1, and the lower chamber 50b is located below the first plane P1. When the substrate 100 is fully positioned within the upper chamber 50a, a sensor 51a located within the upper chamber 50a notifies the control device 402, which in turn commands the second lift 50 to move the substrate 100 from the upper chamber 50a to the inspection station 54.

[0034] 3A-3B, the inspection station 54 includes an inspection system 200. The inspection system 200 may include an illumination subsystem 204 having an ultraviolet (UV) light source 208 that directs UV light toward the coating 102. The coating 102 may include a tracer that fluoresces in the presence of UV light. The illumination subsystem 204 may also include an optional white light source 212 that directs white light onto the coating 102 of the substrate 100. The inspection system 200 further includes a camera subsystem 216 that includes a camera 240. The camera 240 has a lens 244 positioned above the substrate 100 for capturing one or more images of the illuminated substrate 100 as light is emitted onto the substrate 100. Specifically, the camera 240 may be angled or positioned perpendicular to the facing surface 100a of the substrate 100. As shown in FIG. 3B , when positioned perpendicular to the facing surface 100 a, the inspection system 200 can include an angled mirror 248. While shown in FIG. 3A as being positioned above the substrate 100 and in FIG. 3B as being perpendicular to the substrate 100, the camera 240 can be angled, for example at a 45° angle, relative to the facing surface 100 a of the substrate 100, in which case the lens 244 captures one or more edge images of the illuminated outer edge 100 b of the substrate 100. Images from the camera 240 are conveyed to the image processing computer 224, which may be the controller 402, to determine whether the substrate 100 is properly coated. Alternatively, the image processing computer 224 can be separate from but in electronic communication with the controller 402.

[0035] The inspection station 54 may also include a substrate holder subsystem 228 that includes a first section 308 of the upper conveyor system 300. The first section 308 may be configured to hold the substrate 100 around one or more of its edges during inspection. In another embodiment, the substrate holder subsystem 228 may include support pins (not shown) that hold the substrate 100 during inspection. The first section 308 transfers the substrate 100 along the lateral direction 4 from the second lift 50 to the loading area 20, which may be located immediately to the right of the inspection station 54. To adjust the position of the camera 216, the camera 216 may be connected to an XY-axis motor 220. The XY-axis motor 220 is configured to move the camera 216 relative to the substrate 100 upon receiving commands from a motion controller 232 and / or an image processing computer 224. The motion controller 232 may be the controller 402 or, alternatively, may be separate from but in electronic communication with the controller 402. Although one type of inspection device is described, inspection station 54 may include various other types of inspection devices as desired, such as an optical 3D scanner, a 2D laser profiler, or a 3D laser profiler. Alternatively, coating system 10 may not include inspection station 54, but may instead include a manual or semi-automated inspection station (not shown), in which case an operator of coating system 10 must verify the coating quality of each substrate 100.

[0036] Each of the separate elements of coating system 10, including coating station 24, first lift 28, oven 34 (similarly, first, second, and third ovens 34a-34c), second lift 50, and inspection station 54, may define a self-contained, independent, separable module. As a result, each of these modules may be individually removed from and / or rearranged within coating system 10 without affecting the configuration of the other modules of coating system 10. For example, although coating station 24 is shown as being located above first oven 34a, either coating station 24 or first oven 34a may be removed from coating system 10 without affecting the other modules. Similarly, although inspection station 54 is shown as being located above third oven 34c, inspection station 54 of third oven 34c may be removed from coating system 10 without affecting the other modules. With such a modular structure, coating system 10 can include other modular stations not yet mentioned, such as a vacuum chamber for removing air bubbles from the coating material, an atmospheric or vacuum plasma system for substrate surface treatment, or other modules as desired.

[0037] 6A-6D illustrate coating systems 111, 112, 113, and 114, respectively. Coating systems 111, 112, 113, and 114 may function as alternative embodiments or configurations of coating system 10 shown in FIGS. 1, 4, and 5. Coating systems 111, 112, 113, and 114 illustrate the modular nature of the coating systems described herein. That is, depending on particular needs, various coating system components (e.g., coating station 24, oven 34, inspection station 54, loading area 20, lift 28, etc.) and / or modules described herein may be added (including additional instances of components / modules) or omitted. Furthermore, various components and / or modules may be configured in various orders depending on particular needs. Coating systems 111, 112, 113, and 114 may be similar to coating system 10 in some aspects. Accordingly, like reference numerals in the drawings refer to like elements.

[0038] Referring to FIG. 6A, the coating system 110 includes a loading area 20 where substrates are initially loaded prior to processing. The substrates proceed to a coating station 24 where they undergo a coating operation. The coated substrates are then transported to a fourth oven 34d, where the curing process of the coated substrates begins. The fourth oven 34d may form a module with the following fifth oven 34e. The temperatures of the fourth oven 34d and the fifth oven 34e may be controlled separately and independently. From the fourth oven 34d, the coated substrates proceed to a lift 27. The lift 27 may, in some embodiments, be similar to the lift 28 of FIGS. 1, 4, and 5. The lift 27 includes an upper section 27a configured to initially receive the substrate. The substrate is lowered to a lower section 27b of the lift 27. The lift 27 may be insulated and / or heated to protect the substrates from cooling during transfer between the fourth oven 34d and the fifth oven 34e. The upper section 27a is positioned on the upper surface of the coating system 111, and the lower section 27b is positioned on the lower surface of the coating system 111. From the lower section 27b of the lift 27, the coated substrate passes sequentially through the fifth oven 34e, the first oven 34a, the second oven 34b, and the third oven 34c to complete the curing process. The substrate is transported to the upper surface by the lift 50. The substrate is positioned in the inspection station 54 for inspection, including inspection of the coating applied to the substrate. The inspected substrate is then removed at the loading area 20.

[0039] Referring to FIG. 6B, the coating system 112 includes a loading area 20 for receiving uncoated substrates. The substrates are passed to the coating station 24 to be coated. The coated substrates are then transported to the fourth oven 34d, which, together with the lift 28, forms the upper part of a vertical stack. From the fourth oven 34d, the lift lowers the substrate to the lower surface of the coating system 112. The substrate then passes sequentially through the first oven 34a, the second oven 34b, and the third oven 34c to complete the curing process of the coated substrate. The substrate is then transferred to another lift 50 to raise the substrate from the lower surface of the coating system 111 to the upper surface. At the upper surface, the substrate is inspected at the inspection station 54 and removed from the coating system at the loading area 20.

[0040] Referring to FIG. 6C, the coating system 113 includes an initial loading area 20a for receiving uncoated substrates. The received substrates are transported to the coating station 24 for coating. The coated substrates are lowered from the upper surface of the coating system 113 to the lower surface of the coating system 113 by a lift 28. The coated substrates are cured as they pass through the first oven 34a, the second oven 34b, the fourth oven 34d, and the third oven 34c. The components housing the fourth oven 34d are configured to have an unloading area 20b located above the fourth oven 34d. The cured substrates are then transferred from the third oven 34c to a lift 50, which raises the substrates to the upper surface of the coating system 113. The substrates are then transported to an inspection station 54 for inspection, such as inspection of the coating applied to the substrate. After inspection, the substrates are moved to the unloading area 20b for unloading, such as by a human operator or a robotic appendage.

[0041] Referring to FIG. 6D, coating system 114 is configured with a loading area 22a (similar in some embodiments to loading area 20 in FIGS. 1, 4, and 5) at one end of the linear assembly of coating system 113. Substrates first advance to coating station 24 to undergo the coating process. The coated substrates are moved across transport area 23 to inspection station 54, which may inspect the coating on the substrate before it is cured. After inspection, the substrates are lowered by lift 28 from the upper surface to the lower surface of coating system 114. On the lower surface, the coating on the substrate is cured by moving the substrate through first oven 34a, second oven 34b, and third oven 34c. After final curing in third oven 34c, the substrates are transferred to unloading area 22b. Lower unloading area 22b is part of the same vertical component as upper loading area 22a.

[0042] Additional embodiments (not shown) are also contemplated. One embodiment may include a coating station 24 and / or an inspection station 54 located on a lower surface of the coating system, which may be in addition to or alternative to the coating station 24 or inspection station 54 located on the upper surface of the coating system. For example, one embodiment may be configured similar to that shown in FIGS. 1, 4, and 5, except that the third oven 34c is replaced with a different inspection station 54. That is, the module including the inspection station 54 located above the third oven 34c, as shown in FIGS. 1, 4, and 5, may be replaced with a module including a first inspection station 54 located on the upper surface, above a second inspection station 54 on the lower surface.

[0043] As another example, an embodiment may be configured similarly to the coating system 114 shown in FIG. 6D , except that the third oven 34c is replaced with another inspection station 54 in addition to the initial inspection station 54 above the first oven 34a. Thus, the module initially including the coating station 24 of FIG. 6D may be reconfigured to include the coating station 24 on the upper surface of the coating system 114 and a second inspection station 54 on the lower surface. A coating system so configured may allow for initial inspection of the coating by the first inspection station 54 (above the first oven 34a) before it is cured by the first and second ovens 34a, 34b. The cured coating on the substrate may then be inspected by the second inspection station 54 positioned below the coating station 24.

[0044] The coating systems (e.g., modules) described herein may include drying and / or flash-off components. For example, one embodiment may be similar to the coating system 10 shown in Figures 1, 4, and 5, except that the first oven 34a may be replaced with a drying or flash-off component. In this manner, a coating initially applied to a substrate by the coating station 24 may be allowed to dry before the coating is cured by the second oven 34b and the third oven 34c. The drying and / or flash-off components may be located on either the top or bottom of the coating system.

[0045] Referring to FIG. 7 , coating system 10 may be controlled by a control system 400 including a controller 402 and / or an HMI device 408 in communication with controller 402. Controller 402 may include one or more controllers, sometimes referred to as one or more processors. Controller 402 may include image processing computer 224 or may be separate from, but in electronic communication with, image processing computer 224. As shown in FIG. 7 , controller 402 and / or HMI device 408 may be wired and / or wirelessly connected to each aspect (feature) of coating system 10, such as loading area 20, coating station 24, first lift 28, oven 34, second lift 50, and inspection station 54, and configured to send commands to each of these aspects (features) of coating system 10 via the wireless and / or wired connections. Controller 402 may also be easily connected to additional modules that are added to coating system 10 over time. The controller 402 may be a programmable logic controller (PLC), a microprocessor-based controller, a personal computer, or another conventional controller capable of performing the functions described herein, as will be understood by those skilled in the art. For example, the controller 402 may execute various methods related to controlling the coating system 10 based on user input, as described in detail below. Additionally, the controller 402 may execute various methods related to controlling the coating system 10 based on a library of operating cycles or sequences stored in the controller's 402 memory unit 404. The memory unit 404 may include one or more memory units and may also be referred to as a storage device. Operational sequences are called into and placed in a particular control program executing in the controller 402, as needed. The operational sequences may be adjusted, for example, via the HMI device 408, to accommodate different dispensing operations, different substrate types, or different material types.

[0046] The HMI device 408 is operably connected to the controller 402 in a known manner. The HMI device 408 may include input devices and controls, such as keypads, push buttons, control knobs, and touch screens, and output devices, such as displays and other visual indicators, which an operator uses to control the operation of the controller 402 and thereby the operation of the coating system 10. The HMI device 408 may further include an audio output device, such as a speaker, by which audible alerts can be communicated to the operator. Using the HMI device 408, the operator can input parameters such as the type of coating material, the type of substrate 100, the desired coating pattern, and the desired temperature of the oven 34. Additionally, the controller 402 and / or the HMI device 408 may communicate wired and / or wirelessly with an external network (not shown), thereby allowing an operator of the coating system 10 to access the controller 402 remotely from a separate system or device.

[0047] In operation, an operator of the coating system 10 begins a coating operation by placing a substrate 100 in the loading area 20, specifically on the second section 312 of the upper conveyor system 300. This can be performed manually by the operator or by a separate robotic or otherwise automated device (not shown), such as a shuttle conveyor. To begin operation of the coating system 10, the operator activates a manual button or switch on the body of the coating system 10 or remotely commands the controller 402, such as via the HMI device 408 of the controller 402, to command the coating system 10 to operate. However, if an automated loading mechanism is used, operation of the coating system 10 can begin automatically. When the coating system 10 begins operation, the second section 312 of the upper conveyor system 300 moves the substrate 100 in a first direction along the lateral direction 4 to the third section 316 of the upper conveyor system 300 and into the housing 104 of the coating station 24. The first direction can be either left or right along the lateral direction 4, depending on the orientation of the coating system 10. Once positioned within the coating station 24, the applicator assembly 106 begins the coating operation automatically, in response to instructions from an operator, or in response to instructions from the controller 402. Various aspects of the coating operation (e.g., pattern, direction, etc.) can be preselected by the operator via the HMI device 408 or can be recalled from the memory unit 404 of the controller 402. After the coating operation is completed, the substrate 100 is moved in the first direction by the third section 316 of the upper conveyor system 300 into the upper chamber 28a of the first lift 28. When the sensor 29a located within the upper chamber 28a detects that the substrate 100 is completely within the upper chamber 28a, the first lift 28 conveys the substrate 100 downward along the vertical direction 2 into the lower chamber 28b of the first lift 28.When the sensor 29b located in the lower chamber 28b detects that the substrate 100 is completely within the lower chamber 28b, the first lift 28 transports the substrate 100 in a second direction opposite to the first direction to the oven 34, particularly the first oven 34a.

[0048] As the substrate 100 enters the first oven 34a, it is placed on the first section 328 of the lower conveyor system 304, which transports the substrate 100 through the first oven 34a. The first oven 34a, which may be located below the coating station 24, is heated to a first temperature to perform a portion of a curing operation on the coating 102 of the substrate 100. The substrate 100 is maintained in the first oven 34a for a first period of time. The first temperature and first period of time may be selected by an operator of the coating system 10 via the HMI device 408, may be recalled from the memory unit 404 based on specific characteristics of the coating operation, such as the substrate type and coating type, or may be default values. After the portion of the curing operation performed by the first oven 34a is completed, the first section 328 of the lower conveyor system 304 may transport the substrate 100 in a second direction to the second oven 34b of the oven 34.

[0049] As the substrate 100 enters the second oven 34b, it is placed on the second section 332 of the lower conveyor system 304, which transports the substrate 100 through the second oven 34b. The second oven 34b, which may be located below the loading area 20, is heated to a second temperature to perform a second portion of the curing operation on the coating 102 of the substrate 100. The substrate 100 is maintained in the second oven 34b for a second period of time. The second temperature and second period of time may be selected by an operator of the coating system 10 via the HMI device 408, may be recalled from the memory unit 404 based on specific features of the coating operation, such as substrate type and coating type, or may be default values. The second temperature and second period of time may be the same as the first temperature and period of time, respectively, or may be different, as desired. After the portion of the curing operation performed by the second oven 34b is completed, the second section 332 of the lower conveyor system 304 may transport the substrate 100 in a second direction to a third oven 34c of the ovens 34.

[0050] As the substrate 100 enters the third oven 34c, it is placed on a third section 336 of the lower conveyor system 304, which transports the substrate 100 through the third oven 34c. The third oven 34c, which may be located below the inspection station 54, is heated to a third temperature to perform a third portion of the curing operation on the coating 102 of the substrate 100. The substrate 100 is maintained in the third oven 34c for a third period of time. The third temperature and third period of time may be selected by an operator of the coating system 10 via the HMI device 408, may be recalled from the memory unit 404 based on specific features of the coating operation, such as substrate type and coating type, or may be default values. The third temperature and third period of time may be the same as the first and second temperatures and periods, respectively, or may be different, as desired. After the portion of the curing operation performed by the third oven 34c is completed, the third section 336 of the lower conveyor system 304 may transport the substrate 100 in a second direction to the second lift 50. Although the coating system 10 has been described as including an oven 34 comprising three separate ovens 34a-34c, the modular nature of the coating system 10 allows for additional ovens to be added or any of the ovens 34a-34c to be removed. For example, the second oven 34b may be removed from the coating system 10 such that only the first and third ovens 34a and 34c remain and only the second section 332 of the lower conveyor system 304 is positioned below the loading area 20. Additionally, the first and second ovens 34a and 34b may be removed from the coating system. Alternatively, the first through third ovens 34a-34c may be replaced with a single oven that includes the entirety of the oven 34.

[0051] After the curing operation is complete, the substrate 100 is moved in the second direction by the third section 336 of the lower conveyor system 304 into the lower chamber 50b of the second lift 50. When the sensor 51b located in the lower chamber 50b detects that the substrate 100 is completely within the lower chamber 50b, the second lift 50 transports the substrate 100 upward along the vertical direction 2 to the upper chamber 50a of the second lift 50. When the sensor 51a located in the upper chamber 50a detects that the substrate 100 is completely within the upper chamber 50a, the second lift 50 transports the substrate 100 in the first direction to the inspection station 54.

[0052] Once positioned within the inspection station 54, the applicator assembly 106 begins the inspection operation automatically, in response to instructions from an operator, or in response to instructions from the controller 402. Various aspects of the inspection operation (e.g., which portions of the substrate 100 and coating 102 are inspected, what type of inspection is performed, etc.) may be preselected by the operator via the HMI device 408 or recalled from the memory unit 404 of the controller 402. The inspection operation may be performed by the inspection station 54 itself, but the inspection may also include, at least in part, a visual inspection by the operator of the coating system 10 when the substrate 100 is within the inspection station 54. If the inspection station 54 detects a characteristic of the coating 102 on the substrate 100 that does not meet quality standards, the inspection station 54 may send a signal to the controller 402, which may alert the operator of the coating system 10 via the HMI device 408. The alert may be in the form of a sound, light, text notification, etc. After the inspection operation is completed, the substrate 100 is moved in a first direction by the first section 308 of the upper conveyor system 300 to the loading area 20, where the substrate 100 can be removed from the coating system 10. This can be performed manually by an operator or by a separate robotic or otherwise automated device, such as a shuttle conveyor (not shown). Alternatively, one operator can be positioned on one side of the loading area 20 to place the substrate 100 on the loading area 20, and another operator can be positioned on the opposite side of the loading area 20 to remove the substrate 100 from the loading area 20.

[0053] While the present invention is described herein using a limited number of embodiments, these specific embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the invention as claimed. The precise arrangement of various elements and order of steps of the articles and methods described herein should not be considered limiting. In particular, although method steps are described with reference to a sequential series of reference symbols and progression of blocks in figures, the method can be performed in any particular order, if desired. The scope of the claims at the time of filing is as follows: <Claim 1> 1. A system for applying a coating to a substrate, comprising: a coating station for applying a coating material to the substrate, the coating station having a bottom; an oven for curing the coating material on the substrate, the oven being positioned vertically below the bottom; a first lift for transporting the substrate from the coating station to the oven; A system comprising: <Claim 2> The system of claim 1 further comprising an inspection station for inspecting the substrate. <Claim 3> a loading area disposed between the inspection station and the coating station; The system of claim 2 , wherein the loading area includes a conveyor extending from the inspection station to the coating station. <Claim 4> the oven is a first oven; The system further includes a second oven positioned vertically below the conveyor; The system of claim 3 , wherein the second oven is also positioned vertically below the bottom of the coating station. <Claim 5> The system of claim 4 , wherein the second oven is adjacent to the first oven. <Claim 6> The system of claim 4 , wherein the second oven operates at a different temperature than the first oven. <Claim 7> a third oven positioned vertically below the inspection station; Further provided with The system of claim 2 , wherein the third oven is also positioned below the bottom portion. <Claim 8> 8. The system of claim 7, wherein the third oven is spaced apart from the first oven. <Claim 9> The system of claim 7 , wherein the third oven operates at a different temperature than the first oven. <Claim 10> a second lift for transporting the substrate from the third oven to the inspection station; The system of claim 7 further comprising: <Claim 11> The system of claim 2 , wherein the inspection station includes a camera for capturing an image of the substrate. <Claim 12> The system of claim 1 , wherein the coating station includes a jetting dispenser for applying the coating material to the substrate. <Claim 13> a vacuum chamber for removing air bubbles from the coating material The system of claim 1 further comprising: <Claim 14> a plasma system for treating said substrate; The system of claim 1 further comprising: <Claim 15> 1. A method for applying a coating to a substrate, comprising: applying a coating material to the substrate at a coating station; transferring the substrate in a vertically downward direction from the coating station to an oven; curing the coating on the substrate in the oven; After curing the coating, transporting the substrate from the oven to an inspection station in a vertically upward direction opposite the downward direction; and inspecting the substrate at the inspection station. <Claim 16> 16. The method of claim 15, wherein applying the coating comprises moving the substrate through the coating station along a first direction. <Claim 17> 17. The method of claim 16, wherein inspecting the coating comprises moving the substrate through the inspection station along the first direction. <Claim 18> 17. The method of claim 16, wherein curing the coating comprises moving the substrate through the oven along a second direction opposite the first direction. <Claim 19> 20. The method of claim 18, wherein the ovens include a first oven and a second oven adjacent to the first oven. <Claim 20> 20. The method of claim 19, wherein the oven further comprises a third oven adjacent to the second oven. <Claim 21> 16. The method of claim 15, wherein transferring the substrate from the coating station comprises moving the substrate in the vertically downward direction from above a bottom of the coating station to below the bottom. <Claim 22> 22. The method of claim 21, wherein transferring the substrate from the oven comprises moving the substrate in the vertically upward direction from below the bottom of the coating station to above the bottom. <Claim 23> 1. A system for applying a coating to a substrate, comprising: a first self-contained module including a coating station for applying a coating material to the substrate; a second self-contained module including an oven for curing the coating material on the substrate, the second self-contained module adjacent to the first self-contained module; a third self-contained module including a first lift for transferring the substrate from the first self-contained module to the second self-contained module, the third self-contained module being adjacent to the first and second self-contained modules; A system comprising: <Claim 24> 24. The system of claim 23, wherein the first, second, and third self-contained modules are separable independently of one another. <Claim 25> a fourth self-contained module including an inspection station for inspecting said substrate; 24. The system of claim 23, further comprising: <Claim 26> a fifth self-contained module including a second lift for transferring the substrate from the second self-contained module to the fourth self-contained module; 26. The system of claim 25, further comprising: <Claim 27> the oven includes a first heating zone configured to be heated to a first temperature and a second heating zone configured to be heated to a second temperature; 24. The system of claim 23, wherein the first and second temperatures are different.

Claims

1. 1. A system for applying a coating to a substrate, comprising: a coating station for applying a coating material to the substrate, the coating station having a bottom; an oven for curing the coating material on the substrate, the oven being positioned immediately vertically below the bottom; a first lift for transporting the substrate from the coating station to the oven; Equipped with The system, wherein the first lift is configured to transport the substrate vertically downward into the oven.

2. The system of claim 1 further comprising an inspection station for inspecting the substrate.

3. a loading area disposed between the inspection station and the coating station; The system of claim 2 , wherein the loading area includes a conveyor extending from the inspection station to the coating station.

4. the oven is a first oven; The system further includes a second oven positioned vertically below the conveyor; The system of claim 3 , wherein the second oven is also positioned vertically below the bottom of the coating station.

5. the second oven is adjacent to the first oven; the second oven is positioned immediately adjacent to the first oven along a first direction transverse to the vertical direction; the second oven is positioned immediately vertically below the loading area; The system of claim 4 , wherein the coating station, the first oven, and the first lift are each independently separable from one another.

6. The system of claim 4 , wherein the second oven operates at a different temperature than the first oven.

7. a third oven positioned vertically below the inspection station; Further provided with The system of claim 4 , wherein the third oven is also positioned below the bottom.

8. The system of claim 7 , wherein the third oven is spaced apart from the first oven.

9. The system of claim 7 , wherein the third oven operates at a different temperature than the first oven.

10. a second lift for transporting the substrate from the third oven to the inspection station; The system of claim 7 further comprising:

11. The system of claim 2 , wherein the inspection station includes a camera for capturing an image of the substrate.

12. The system of claim 1 , wherein the coating station includes a jetting dispenser for applying the coating material to the substrate.

13. a vacuum chamber for removing air bubbles from the coating material; The system of claim 1 further comprising:

14. a plasma system for treating said substrate; The system of claim 1 further comprising:

15. 1. A method for applying a coating to a substrate, comprising: applying a coating material to the substrate at a coating station; transferring the substrate in a vertically downward direction from the coating station to an oven; curing the coating on the substrate in the oven; After curing the coating, transporting the substrate from the oven to an inspection station in a vertically upward direction opposite the vertically downward direction; and inspecting the substrate at the inspection station.

16. The method of claim 15 , wherein applying the coating comprises moving the substrate through the coating station along a first direction.

17. 17. The method of claim 16, wherein inspecting the coating comprises moving the substrate through the inspection station along the first direction.

18. 17. The method of claim 16, wherein curing the coating comprises moving the substrate through the oven along a second direction opposite the first direction.

19. The ovens include a first oven and a second oven adjacent to the first oven; a loading area is disposed between the inspection station and the coating station; the loading area includes a conveyor extending from the inspection station to the coating station; a second oven positioned vertically below the conveyor; the second oven is also positioned immediately vertically below the bottom of the coating station; the second oven is adjacent to the first oven; the second oven is disposed immediately adjacent to the first oven along a first direction that is transverse to the vertical downward direction; 20. The method of claim 18, wherein the second oven is positioned immediately vertically below the loading area.

20. 20. The method of claim 19, wherein the oven further comprises a third oven adjacent to the second oven.

21. 16. The method of claim 15, wherein transferring the substrate from the coating station comprises moving the substrate in the vertically downward direction from above a bottom of the coating station to below the bottom.

22. 22. The method of claim 21, wherein transferring the substrate from the oven comprises moving the substrate in the vertically upward direction from below the bottom of the coating station to above the bottom.

23. 1. A system for applying a coating to a substrate, comprising: a first self-contained module including a coating station for applying a coating material to the substrate; a second self-contained module including an oven for curing the coating material on the substrate, the second self-contained module adjacent to the first self-contained module; a third self-contained module including a first lift for transferring the substrate from the first self-contained module to the second self-contained module, the third self-contained module being adjacent to the first and second self-contained modules; Equipped with the oven is positioned immediately vertically below the coating station; The system, wherein the first lift is configured to transport the substrate vertically downward into the oven.

24. 24. The system of claim 23, wherein the first, second, and third self-contained modules are separable independently of one another.

25. a fourth self-contained module including an inspection station for inspecting said substrate; 24. The system of claim 23, further comprising:

26. a fifth self-contained module including a second lift for transferring the substrate from the second self-contained module to the fourth self-contained module; 26. The system of claim 25, further comprising:

27. the oven includes a first heating zone configured to be heated to a first temperature and a second heating zone configured to be heated to a second temperature; 24. The system of claim 23, wherein the first and second temperatures are different.

28. 24. The system of claim 23, wherein the oven is positioned completely vertically below the coating station.

29. 24. The system of claim 23, wherein the oven can be heated to a temperature between 60 degrees Celsius and 130 degrees Celsius.

30. The system of claim 1 , wherein the oven is positioned completely vertically below the bottom.

31. The system of claim 1 , wherein the oven is configured to be heated to a temperature between 60 degrees Celsius and 130 degrees Celsius.

32. 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the oven is heated to a temperature of between 60 degrees Celsius and 130 degrees Celsius.

33. the oven has a first opening configured to receive the substrate; the oven has a second opening offset from the first opening; The first opening and the second opening are configured such that the substrate can be transported through the first opening and the second opening.

2. The system of claim 1.

34. the first opening and the second opening of the oven are opposite each other; the first opening is configured to receive the substrate moving in a first direction; The second opening is configured to allow the substrate to move in the first direction to exit the second opening.

34. The system of claim 33.

35. The first opening and the second opening of the oven are on opposite sides of each other.

35. The system of claim 34.

36. an endless lower conveyor system configured to transport the substrate from the first opening to the second opening; 36. The system of claim 35 further comprising:

37. an endless top conveyor system configured to transport the substrate through the coating station; 37. The system of claim 36, further comprising:

38. transferring the substrate from the coating station to the oven, the oven receiving the substrate at a first opening of the oven; moving the substrate through the first opening; and The step of transferring the substrate after curing the coating comprises: transporting the substrate through a second opening in the oven offset from the first opening; transferring the substrate in the vertically upward direction through the second opening of the oven; have 16. The method of claim 15.

39. The first opening and the second opening of the oven are on opposite sides of each other; the first opening receives the substrate moving in a first direction; The substrate moves in the first direction to exit the second opening.

39. The method of claim 38.

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