Printing screen

Abstract

A printing screen (100), comprising a metal layer (101) and a composite layer (102). The metal layer (101) comprises a printed pattern (1) arranged to be in the shape of a long strip, wherein the printed pattern (1) is provided with connecting bridges (11) at intervals in a length direction, and a hollowed-out portion (12) penetrating through the metal layer (101) is arranged between adjacent connection bridges (11). The composite layer (102) is compounded on the metal layer (101), and the composite layer (102) comprises a strip-shaped printing channel (3) corresponding to the printed pattern (1), wherein the printing channel (3) penetrates through the composite layer (102) and is in communication with the hollowed-out portions (12), the connection bridges (11) being suspended on the printing channel (3), and each connection bridge (11) being provided with a material storage portion (13) towards the printing channel (3). The printing screen has the advantages of having a good ink deposition performance and a better ink deposition quality and not being prone to breakage, thus ensuring the quality of printing.

Description

A printing screen Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of screen technology, and in particular to a printing screen. Background Art

[0002] Screen printing technology, with its advantages of simple process, ample graphic design space, and suitability for large-scale production, has become widely used in the electronics field. For example, in the field of solar cells, printed screens are a crucial tool for printing solar cell electrodes. A printed screen typically consists of a screen frame and a mesh stretched within it. Conductive paste is poured onto the screen and then moved across the mesh with a scraper. The paste is squeezed through the mesh holes and onto the solar cell, forming a corresponding pattern on the solar cell, thus forming the solar cell's electrodes.

[0003] Existing screens are typically metal meshes, woven from interlaced metal threads in both the warp and weft directions. Nodes form where the warp and weft threads intersect, which can easily affect the mesh's ink absorption and quality, leading to breakage and poor print quality. Therefore, a new printing screen is urgently needed to address at least one of the technical issues inherent in existing technologies.

[0004] Summary of the Invention

[0005] Based on this, it is necessary to provide a printing screen to solve the above technical problems.

[0006] A technical solution of this application is:

[0007] A printing screen, comprising:

[0008] The metal layer includes a printed pattern arranged in a long strip shape, wherein the printed pattern is provided with connecting bridges at intervals along the length direction, and a hollow portion penetrating the metal layer is formed between adjacent connecting bridges;

[0009] a composite layer, which is composited with the metal layer, the composite layer comprising a long strip of printing channels arranged corresponding to the printed pattern, the printing channels penetrating the composite layer and communicating with the hollow portion, and the connecting bridge suspended in the printing channels;

[0010] Wherein, the connecting bridge is provided with a material storage portion toward the printing channel.

[0011] In one embodiment, the connecting bridge is recessed with a clearance space communicating with the printing channel, and the clearance space forms the material storage portion.

[0012] In one embodiment, the metal layer is defined as banks on both sides of the connecting bridge, and the thickness of the connecting bridge is smaller than the thickness of the banks.

[0013] In one embodiment, the thickness of the connecting bridge is d, and the thickness of the bank is D, wherein 2 μm≤Dd≤8 μm.

[0014] In one embodiment, the material storage portion includes a bridge bottom surface located at the connecting bridge, and the bridge bottom surface is flat, stepped or arc-shaped.

[0015] In one embodiment, the connecting bridge is an arch bridge, and the arch hole under the arch bridge forms the material storage part.

[0016] In one embodiment, the connecting bridge includes a bridge top surface located on the bridge and a bridge bottom surface located below the bridge, and the bridge bottom surface is curved to form the material storage portion.

[0017] In one embodiment, the bridge top surface and the bridge bottom surface are both arched and arranged conformally or non-conformally.

[0018] In one embodiment, the metal layer defines banks on both sides of the connecting bridge, and the top surface of the bridge extends to the banks.

[0019] In one embodiment, the thickness of the connecting bridge is smaller than the thickness of other regions of the metal layer.

[0020] The beneficial effects of the present application are as follows: when the printing screen is printing slurry, part of the printing slurry crosses the connecting bridge and enters the printing channel through the storage part. The temporary storage of the slurry by the storage part allows sufficient slurry at the connecting bridge to enter the printing channel, ensuring the continuity of printing and preventing line breakage, thereby ensuring printing quality. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of the planar structure of the printing screen of the present application;

[0022] FIG2 is a schematic diagram of a partially enlarged structure of FIG1 ;

[0023] FIG3 is a schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure along line XX in FIG2 ;

[0024] FIG4 is a schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure along line YY in FIG2 ;

[0025] FIG5 is a schematic diagram of another cross-sectional structure of the printing screen of the present application;

[0026] FIG6 is a schematic diagram of another cross-sectional structure of the printing screen of the present application;

[0027] FIG7 is a schematic diagram of another cross-sectional structure of the printing screen of the present application;

[0028] FIG8 is a schematic diagram of another cross-sectional structure of the printing screen of the present application;

[0029] FIG9 is a schematic diagram of another cross-sectional structure of the printing screen of the present application;

[0030] FIG10 is a schematic diagram of another cross-sectional structure of the printing screen of the present application;

[0031] FIG11 is a schematic diagram of another cross-sectional structure of the printing screen of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] To facilitate understanding of the present application, a more comprehensive description of the present application will be provided below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The accompanying drawings illustrate preferred embodiments of the present application. However, the present application can be implemented in many different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described below. Rather, these embodiments are provided to provide a more thorough and comprehensive understanding of the disclosure of the present application.

[0033] It should be noted that when an element is referred to as being "disposed on" another element, it may be directly on the other element or there may be an element centered thereon. When an element is referred to as being "connected to" another element, it may be directly connected to the other element or there may be an element centered thereon. The terms "vertical," "horizontal," "left," "right," and similar expressions used herein are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only implementations.

[0034] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which this application pertains. The terms used herein in the specification of this application are intended only to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit this application. The term "and / or" as used herein includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0035] The present application discloses a printing screen, which comprises:

[0036] The metal layer includes a printed pattern arranged in a long strip shape, the printed pattern is provided with connecting bridges at intervals along the length direction, and a hollow portion penetrating the metal layer is formed between adjacent connecting bridges;

[0037] A composite layer is composited with the metal layer, the composite layer includes a long strip of printing channels arranged corresponding to the printed pattern, the printing channels penetrate the composite layer and communicate with the hollow portion, and the connecting bridge is suspended in the printing channels;

[0038] Wherein, the connecting bridge is provided with a material storage portion toward the printing channel.

[0039] The printing screen disclosed in this application has excellent ink delivery, good ink delivery quality, and is not prone to line breakage, thereby ensuring printing quality. When printing slurry on the printing screen, some of the printing slurry crosses the connecting bridge and enters the printing channel through the storage unit. The storage unit temporarily stores the slurry, ensuring that sufficient slurry enters the printing channel at the connecting bridge, ensuring printing continuity and preventing line breakage, thereby ensuring printing quality. The storage unit also prevents the connecting bridge from entering the printing channel when the metal layer is laminated, thereby affecting the printing space and ink delivery of the printing channel, ensuring the smoothness of the printing channel, thereby ensuring printing continuity and printing quality.

[0040] In one embodiment, the connecting bridge is recessed with a clearance space connected to the printing channel, and the clearance space forms a material storage portion. The clearance space provided by the connecting bridge facilitates the entry of slurry, eliminates the influence of the connecting bridge on ink flow, ensures the continuity of printing and prevents line breakage.

[0041] In one embodiment, the metal layer is defined as banks on both sides of the connecting bridge, and the thickness of the connecting bridge is less than the thickness of the banks. The connecting bridge is thinned to facilitate the slurry to pass through the connecting bridge into the printing channel, thereby eliminating the influence of the connecting bridge on the printing channel. Preferably, the thickness of the connecting bridge is d, and the thickness of the bank is D, wherein 2μm≤Dd≤8μm. The thickness of the metal layer excluding the connecting bridge is D, and the thickness of the connecting bridge is d. The bank and the connecting bridge are flush on one side of the metal layer, that is, the side of the metal layer used for scraping ink is flush, that is, the other side of the metal layer composite layer is flush, and the lower side of the connecting bridge is concavely arranged, and forms a clearance space with the banks on both sides. The material storage portion obtained in this way increases the ink-lowering capacity and ensures the space of the printing channel.

[0042] In one embodiment, the connecting bridge includes a top surface located above the bridge and a bottom surface located below the bridge, and the material storage portion includes a bottom surface located at the connecting bridge, and the bottom surface is flat, stepped, or arc-shaped. The stepped or arc-shaped can increase the space of the material storage portion.

[0043] In one embodiment, the connecting bridge is an arch bridge, with a cavity beneath the arch bridge forming a reservoir. The cavity creates space for slurry to enter, eliminating the influence of the connecting bridge on ink flow, ensuring printing continuity and preventing line breakage. The resulting reservoir improves ink flow and ensures space for the printing channel.

[0044] In one embodiment, the connecting bridge includes a top surface located above the bridge and a bottom surface located below the bridge, with the bottom surface curved to form a material storage portion. Preferably, the bottom surface is curved in an arc shape. The arched bottom surface prevents the connecting bridge from entering the printing channel during lamination, thereby affecting the printing channel, thereby ensuring ink delivery and printing quality.

[0045] In one embodiment, both the top and bottom surfaces of the bridge are arched and can be configured conformally or non-conformally. In a conformal configuration, the thickness of the connecting bridge is uniform, and the thickness of the connecting bridge can be set to be consistent with the overall thickness of the metal layer. In a non-conformal configuration, the curvature of the top surface of the bridge can be greater or less than that of the bottom surface. The top surface of the connecting bridge protrudes from the rest of the surface of the metal layer, facilitating the formation of the connecting bridge and the material storage portion, and also improving ink scraping quality.

[0046] In one embodiment, the top surface of the bridge extends to the bank, which reduces the curvature of the top surface of the bridge, strengthens the strength of the connecting bridge, and is conducive to the formation of the material storage part, thereby ensuring the ink filling performance and quality.

[0047] In one embodiment, the thickness of the connecting bridge is smaller than that of other areas of the metal layer. The reduced thickness of at least part of the connecting bridge is beneficial to the stability of the connecting bridge and can increase the space of the material storage part, thereby ensuring ink filling performance and quality.

[0048] Please refer to Figures 1 to 11 for examples of describing the printing screen of the present application.

[0049] Referring to Figures 1 to 4, the present application discloses a printing screen 100, which includes a stacked metal layer 101 and a composite layer 102, wherein the composite layer 102 includes a connecting layer 103 located between the metal layer 101 and the composite layer 102. The metal layer 101 includes a plurality of printing patterns 1 arranged in a strip shape at intervals and a grid area 2 surrounding the printing pattern 1. The printing pattern 1 is provided with connecting bridges 11 at intervals along the length direction, and between adjacent connecting bridges is a hollow portion 12 that passes through the metal layer 101. The grid area 2 includes warp threads 21 and weft threads 22 that are arranged in a cross-shaped manner without any knots, and a mesh 23 formed by the warp threads 21 and weft threads 22. The composite layer 102 is bonded to the metal layer 101 through the connecting layer 103. The composite layer 102 includes a printing channel 3 in the form of a strip corresponding to the printing pattern 1. The printing channel 3 passes through the composite layer 102 and is connected to the hollow portion 12. The connecting bridge 11 is suspended in the printing channel 3. The connecting bridge 11 is provided with a material storage portion 13 facing the printing channel 3. When printing stencil 100 is printing slurry (e.g., conductive ink, not shown), some of the printing slurry crosses bridge 11 and enters printing channel 3 through reservoir 13. Temporary storage of the slurry by reservoir 13 ensures that sufficient slurry at bridge 11 enters printing channel 3, ensuring printing continuity and preventing line breakage, thereby ensuring print quality. Reservoir 13 also prevents bridge 11 from entering printing channel 3 when metal layer 101 is laminated with composite layer 102, thereby affecting the printing space and ink delivery of brush channel 3. This ensures smooth printing of printing channel 3, thereby ensuring printing continuity and print quality.

[0050] Metal layer 101 is a nickel layer or nickel alloy layer, or other metal or alloy layer. Composite layer 102 is a polymer layer, such as a PI layer. Connecting layer 103 is an adhesive layer, such as an OCA adhesive layer. In other embodiments, composite layer 102 can also be directly laminated to metal layer 101. In other embodiments, composite layer 102 is also a metal layer.

[0051] Please continue to refer to Figures 3 and 4. The connecting bridge 11 is recessed with a clearance space connected to the printing channel 3. The clearance space forms a storage portion 13, which does not affect the space of the printing channel 3, facilitates the entry of slurry, ensures the continuity of printing and is not prone to breakage. Specifically, the metal layer 101 is defined as the bank 24 on both sides of the connecting bridge 11, the thickness of the connecting bridge 11 is defined as d, and the thickness of the bank 24 is D, then d<D. The lower side of the connecting bridge 11 is thinned to form a storage portion at the thinned portion, which makes it easy for the slurry to enter the printing channel through the connecting bridge, eliminates the influence of the connecting bridge 11 on the printing channel, ensures the spatiality of the printing channel, and ensures the ink-absorbing property. Furthermore, 2μm≤Dd≤8μm, and the ink-absorbing property is very good within this thickness difference range.

[0052] The connecting bridge 11 includes a top surface 111 located on the bridge and a bottom surface 112 located under the bridge, and the bottom surface 112 forms a material storage portion 13. The bottom surface 112 is planar, and the material storage portion 13 is groove-shaped, as shown in Figures 3 and 4. In other embodiments, please refer to Figures 5 and 6, the bottom surface 112 (for clarity and ease of understanding, the same reference numerals are used in different embodiments, the same below) is stepped, and the thickness of the connecting bridge 11 is stepped to increase the space for the material storage portion 13 and strengthen the strength of the connecting bridge 11. The thickness of the connecting bridge 11 on both sides adjacent to the shore 24 is the same as that of the shore 24, and the thickness of the connecting bridge 11 is reduced in the middle position, as shown in Figure 5. The thickness on both sides of the connecting bridge 11 is less than the thickness of the shore 24, and the thickness on both sides of the connecting bridge 11 is greater than the thickness in the middle of the connecting bridge 11, as shown in Figure 6. 7 , the bridge bottom surface 112 is arc-shaped, and the thickness of the connecting bridge 11 is stepped to increase the space of the material storage portion 13 and enhance the strength of the connecting bridge 11. In other embodiments, the bridge bottom surface 112 is uneven, irregular, or other shapes.

[0053] Please refer to Figure 8. In another embodiment, the connecting bridge 11 is an arch bridge, and the arch hole under the arch bridge forms a material storage part. The space formed by the arch hole is easy for the slurry to enter, ensuring the continuity of printing and not easy to break the line, thereby ensuring the printing quality. The connecting bridge 11 includes a bridge top surface 111 located on the bridge and a bridge bottom surface 112 located under the bridge. The bridge bottom surface 112 is bent to form a material storage part 13. The bridge bottom surface 112 is bent into an arc shape. After the bridge bottom surface 112 is arched, it can prevent the connecting bridge 11 from entering the printing channel 3 during compounding, thereby affecting the printing channel 3, ensuring the ink filling and printing quality. The bridge top surface 111 and the bridge bottom surface 112 are both arched and conformally arranged. The thickness of the connecting bridge 11 is equal to the thickness of the bank 24 and other areas of the metal layer. In other embodiments, the bridge top surface 111 and the bridge bottom surface 112 are both arched but not conformally arranged, and the arcs of the bridge top surface 111 and the bridge bottom surface 112 are set differently. As shown in Figure 9, the curvature of the bridge top surface 111 extends to the bank 24, making the bridge 11 thinner in the middle and thicker at the sides, making the bridge more stable. As shown in Figure 10, the curvature of the bridge bottom surface 112 is smaller than that of the bridge top surface 111, which can increase the space in the material storage section 13 and ensure ink filling efficiency and quality.

[0054] Please refer to Figure 11. In another embodiment, the connecting bridge 11 is arched and the bottom surface 112 of the bridge is further recessed. The thickness of the connecting bridge 11 is less than the thickness of the bank 24, that is, it is thinned and arched at the same time to prevent the space of the printing channel from being affected during compounding, ensure the ink feeding performance and ink feeding quality, prevent line breakage, and improve printing quality.

[0055] In order to make the above-mentioned objects, features and advantages of the present application more obvious and easy to understand, the specific implementation methods of the present application are described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the above description, many specific details are set forth to facilitate a full understanding of the present application. However, the present application can be implemented in many other ways different from those described above, and those skilled in the art can make similar improvements without violating the connotation of the present application. Therefore, the present application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed above. In addition, the various technical features of the embodiments described above can be combined arbitrarily. In order to make the description concise, not all possible combinations of the various technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0056] The above-described embodiments merely represent several implementation methods of the present application. While the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention. It should be noted that a person of ordinary skill in the art may make various modifications and improvements without departing from the spirit of the present invention, all of which fall within the scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention shall be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A printing screen, characterized in that: It includes: The metal layer comprises a printed pattern arranged in a long strip shape, wherein the printed pattern is provided with connecting bridges at intervals along the length direction, and a hollow portion penetrating the metal layer is formed between adjacent connecting bridges; A composite layer, which is composited with the metal layer, the composite layer includes a strip-shaped printing channel arranged corresponding to the printing pattern, the printing channel runs through the composite layer and is connected to the hollow portion, and the connecting bridge is suspended on the printing channel; Wherein, the connecting bridge is provided with a material storage portion toward the printing channel.

2. The printing screen according to claim 1, characterized in that: The connecting bridge is recessed with a clearance space communicating with the printing channel, and the clearance space forms the material storage portion.

3. The printing screen according to claim 2, characterized in that: The metal layer is defined as banks on both sides of the connecting bridge, and the thickness of the connecting bridge is smaller than the thickness of the banks.

4. The printing screen according to claim 3, characterized in that: The thickness of the connecting bridge is d, and the thickness of the bank is D, wherein 2 μm≤Dd≤8 μm.

5. The printing screen according to claim 2, characterized in that: The material storage portion includes a bridge bottom surface located at the connecting bridge, and the bridge bottom surface is in a plane shape, a step shape or an arc shape.

6. The printing screen according to claim 1, characterized in that: The connecting bridge is an arch bridge, and the arch hole under the arch bridge forms the material storage part.

7. The printing screen according to claim 6, characterized in that: The connecting bridge comprises a bridge top surface located on the bridge and a bridge bottom surface located under the bridge, and the bridge bottom surface is bent to form the material storage portion.

8. The printing screen according to claim 7, characterized in that: The bridge top surface and the bridge bottom surface are both arched and arranged conformally or non-conformally.

9. The printing screen according to claim 7, characterized in that: The metal layer is defined as banks on both sides of the connecting bridge, and the top surface of the bridge extends to the banks.

10. The printing screen according to claim 6, characterized in that: The thickness of the connecting bridge is smaller than the thickness of other regions of the metal layer.

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