Apparatus for producing three-dimensional screen-printed workpieces

Abstract

The invention relates to an apparatus for producing three-dimensional screen-printed workpieces, in particular a 3D screen-printing system, comprising a printing device having a printing screen for producing at least one screen-printed workpiece layer by layer in several printing operations, and comprising a metering device for the metered dispensing of a pasty printing compound onto the printing screen, the metering device having a run-off stop apparatus for preventing and / or reducing the run-off of printing compound from the dispensing apparatus.

Description

[0001] Device for producing three-dimensional screen-printed workpieces

[0002] The present invention relates to a device for producing three-dimensional screen-printed workpieces. The present invention also relates to a method for producing three-dimensional screen-printed workpieces.

[0003] When producing workpieces using three-dimensional screen printing, it is necessary to apply a printing mass to the respective printing screen at regular intervals. The printing mass applied or distributed on the printing screen can then be pressed through the printing screen using a squeegee. This printing process creates a printing layer on the respective printing substrate or a further printing layer on the already partially formed workpiece.

[0004] When operating a device for producing three-dimensional screen-printed workpieces, the printing compound to be used can be applied to the printing screen manually, especially by the respective system operator. This is handling-intensive and therefore requires a relatively high level of personnel. Access to the printing screen is also limited. At the same time, such manual application can lead to uneven print results or uneven print layers, as well as unwanted contamination.

[0005] Against the background outlined above, the object of the present invention was to provide a device for producing three-dimensional screen-printed workpieces that ensures simplified operability and increased flexibility of use while simultaneously improving production accuracy and operational reliability. The object was also to provide a method for producing three-dimensional screen-printed workpieces.

[0006] With regard to the device, this object has been achieved by the subject matter of claim 1 as well as by the subject matter of claim 87. A method according to the invention is the subject matter of claim 88. Advantageous embodiments are the subject matter of the dependent claims and are explained below.

[0007] According to the invention, a device for producing three-dimensional screen-printed workpieces is provided. The device is, in particular, a 3D screen printing system, preferably an automated 3D screen printing system.

[0008] The device according to the invention comprises a printing device with a printing screen for the layer-by-layer production of at least one screen-printed workpiece in multiple printing processes, and a dosing device for the metered dispensing of a pasty printing compound onto the printing screen. The dosing device comprises a run-on stop device for preventing and / or reducing run-on of printing compound from the dosing device.

[0009] A dosing device provided according to the invention enables precise dispensing of printing compound onto the respective printing screen with minimal handling effort. In particular, the dosing device ensures a high degree of dosing precision, allowing the amount of dispensed printing compound to be adjusted and / or controlled relatively precisely.

[0010] In addition, a dosing device provided according to the invention can meet high requirements regarding the purity conditions of the products manufactured in each case, since the risk of contamination of the printing compound to be used by a system operator can be kept to a minimum or completely avoided.

[0011] Furthermore, the overrun stop device provided according to the invention can prevent or at least reduce unwanted overrun of printing compound from the dosing device, for example, during a doctor blade movement. As a result, unwanted contamination of device components that are intended to remain free of printing compound can be reliably prevented or a potential hazard reduced. The risk of accidental contamination of device components with printing compound by a system operator can also be avoided.

[0012] In addition, a run-off stop device can ensure a high degree of dosing accuracy, as uncontrolled and potentially excessive printing compound application to the printing screen can be prevented. This further improves the process reliability of printing compound dosing, ensuring a high level of overall operational reliability of the device.

[0013] Three-dimensional screen printing can be understood in a particularly preferred manner here as an additive manufacturing process in which a powder-based suspension is transferred with the aid of a squeegee through a fixed printing mask or printing screen onto a substrate, such as a printing table or a workpiece carrier or a previously applied layer of a screen-printed workpiece, and is dried. This procedure can be repeated several times until the desired component height or component shape is achieved. In particular, with three-dimensional screen printing, at least two or at least three printing layers can be created on top of one another. In a final process step, the component thus produced can be sintered. This can produce a screen-printed workpiece.Likewise, three-dimensional screen printing can be understood in a particularly preferred manner here as an additive manufacturing process in which a powder-based suspension is transferred to a substrate through a fixed printing mask or printing screen using a squeegee and dried, whereby the desired component height or shape is achieved with just a single print. In a final process step, a component produced in this way can be sintered, creating a screen-printed workpiece. If multiple printing processes are mentioned here, a single printing process may be sufficient and suitable.

[0014] In this context, a screen-printed workpiece can preferably be understood as a workpiece or a three-dimensional printed product that is to be or has been subjected to a sintering step. This particularly applies to workpieces made of a metal, a ceramic, a glass material, and / or a plastic material. Alloys of steel, nickel, copper, titanium, and / or ceramic alloys are particularly suitable for this purpose.

[0015] Printed products made of plastic materials can be excluded or included by the term "three-dimensional screen-printed workpiece." In particular, it is also possible to subject printed workpiece layers made of plastic material to a sintering step.

[0016] In this context, a screen-printed workpiece can also be understood as a workpiece or a three-dimensional printed product that has been produced without a sintering step or that can be completed or is completed without a sintering step. Thus, a final curing of printed layers can also take place without sintering steps. The curing of a screen-printed workpiece can advantageously also take place by UV curing and / or by a polymerization reaction and / or by drying, in particular by convection drying. Such curing can be carried out preferably, in particular, when a final curing of printed layers is to take place without sintering steps.

[0017] In the present case, a screen-printed workpiece can additionally or alternatively be understood as a workpiece or a three-dimensional printed product that has been produced entirely by three-dimensional screen printing.

[0018] In this context, a screen-printed workpiece can also be understood as a workpiece or a three-dimensional printed product that has been produced at least partially or in sections by three-dimensional screen printing. Thus, a screen-printed workpiece can be produced by applying at least one printing layer or even a plurality of printing layers to a substrate provided otherwise, whereby the substrate forms part of the finished workpiece.

[0019] A screen-printed workpiece within the meaning of the present invention can also be a pharmaceutical product and / or a biological product. Such screen-printed workpieces can be made, among other things, from pharmaceutical powder materials and / or powder mixtures and / or granules and / or from biological materials. In particular, pharmaceutical products and / or biological products can be finished without sintering steps or can be sufficiently cured for the respective application.

[0020] Screen-printed workpieces made from pharmaceutical powder materials and / or powder mixtures and / or granules may contain medicinal substances, active ingredients, excipients, in particular fillers and / or binders and / or disintegrants and / or lubricants.

[0021] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the device for producing three-dimensional screen-printed workpieces can be designed and / or configured for production under cleanroom conditions. In particular, the device can be designed and / or configured for production under cleanroom conditions according to cleanroom classes A, B, C, and / or D according to E11-GMP.

[0022] Further preferably, a device according to the invention for producing three-dimensional screen-printed workpieces can be designed and / or configured for use in medical technology, in optics and / or laser technology, in aerospace technology, in semiconductor technology, in biotechnology and / or in medical and / or pharmacological research.

[0023] Likewise, the device according to the invention can be designed and / or configured for the production of three-dimensional screen-printed workpieces for use and / or application as medical and / or pharmaceutical products, implants and / or sterile products and / or medicaments and / or for use and / or application as tablets for administering active ingredients.

[0024] According to the present invention, a screen-printed workpiece can be a workpiece that is built up on a workpiece carrier by three-dimensional screen printing in one or more printing processes. The screen-printed workpiece is, in particular, a workpiece that can be removed from the respective workpiece carrier again after completion of the printing process and / or after completion of a sintering process following the printing process, in particular, can be removed non-destructively.

[0025] Between any printing processes for a screen-printed workpiece, the respective workpiece carrier can be detached from the printing table or the printing table plate, or can be detached from it. The individual layers of a screen-printed workpiece - in the case of a multi-layer structure - can be dried between two successive printing processes in a position remote from the printing table or the printing table plate. According to a preferred embodiment, the dosing device can have a dispensing device for dispensing the printing material onto the printing screen. The overrun stop device can be designed to prevent and / or reduce overrun of printing material from the dispensing device. The uncontrolled running out or dripping of printing material from such a dispensing device can therefore be prevented.

[0026] According to an even more preferred embodiment, the dosing device can have at least one shut-off valve for shutting off a dosing mass flow, which allows the pressure mass flows to be influenced particularly effectively. The overrun stop device can be formed by the shut-off valve. Such an overrun stop device can be provided with minimal effort and ensures a relatively high degree of functional reliability for overrun prevention.

[0027] According to an even more preferred embodiment, the overrun stop device can have a pressure-based control and / or be designed to prevent and / or reduce the overrun of pressure compound from the dosing device and / or the dispensing device by means of a pressure-based control. Such a control can prevent undesired overrun with a particularly high degree of reliability.

[0028] According to an even more preferred embodiment, the pressure-based control system can be configured to detect and / or process a delivery pressure of the printing compound. Such detection and processing of a delivery pressure can be implemented using cost-effective and reliable components, in particular pressure sensors and / or data processing devices. Pressure-based control can thus be implemented particularly advantageously and at low device costs.

[0029] According to an even more preferred embodiment, the dosing device can be equipped with at least one container for storing the pasty printing compound and / or a dispensing device for dispensing the printing compound onto the printing screen. Additionally or alternatively, the dosing device can have a supply line extending between the container and the dispensing device for supplying the printing compound from the container to the dispensing device.

[0030] The arrangement of the dispensing device and the container for storing the pasty printing compound or the feed line for feeding the printing compound from the container to the dispensing device allows for an overall space-saving arrangement and / or an arrangement adapted to the respective system design.

[0031] In particular, above the respective printing screen and / or within the printing device, spatial and / or geometric restrictions may exist, which, however, can be countered in a particularly advantageous manner by dividing the dosing device into a dispensing device, a container and a supply line.

[0032] Such an arrangement can be positioned and mounted particularly advantageously, even in very limited local space. The overall design of the device can thus be influenced only minimally by the arrangement of the dosing device, and complex and time-consuming constructions can be avoided.

[0033] Overall, such a preferred design ensures a high degree of productivity and operational reliability.

[0034] According to an even more preferred embodiment, the dosing device can have at least one actuator for conveying the printing compound, in particular for conveying it from a container for storing the pasty printing compound and / or for conveying it within the dosing device and / or out of the dosing device and / or the dispensing device. Such an actuator can realize automated or semi-automated dosing of printing compound in an automated manner and with minimal equipment expenditure, thus improving productivity and manufacturing precision.

[0035] According to an even more preferred embodiment, the overrun stop device can be designed to reverse the motion of the actuator for conveying the pressure mass. This allows for an overrun stop to be achieved with further increased reliability. In particular, such an embodiment can also be implemented without a shut-off valve, so that an overrun stop can be realized with only a small number of components or assemblies.

[0036] According to a preferred embodiment, the container can be arranged outside a printing area of ​​the printing device and / or outside a printing table of the printing device. Additionally or alternatively, the container can be spaced apart horizontally from the printing screen and / or printing table, or vertically below or above a printing table of the printing device. The installation space available in the device can thereby be used particularly advantageously, and the use of the dosing device results in no or only minor design restrictions. In particular, a particularly ergonomic arrangement can be created by arranging the container outside the printing area and / or the printing table and vertically at a height above the printing table and / or the printing screen.

[0037] According to a further preferred embodiment, the container can be and / or remain arranged outside a printing area of ​​the printing device and / or outside a printing table of the printing device and / or at a distance in the horizontal direction relative to the printing screen and / or printing table, or in the vertical direction below or above a printing table of the printing device during the dispensing of the printing material. This can be achieved with little construction effort and yet ensures good accessibility of the container for the respective operating personnel. According to an even further preferred embodiment, the container can be and / or remain stationary and / or immobile during the dispensing of the printing material. This enables an overall robust and stable device construction and high operational reliability.

[0038] According to an even more preferred embodiment, the container can be designed as a bucket, in particular with a cylindrical or conical circumferential side wall and / or with a top-formed and / or closable opening and / or with a pressure compound outlet formed on the bottom. Such a container can be provided with little effort, can be easily refilled or filled, and can be designed with a large storage volume. Furthermore, a pressure compound outlet on the bottom enables safe and easy removal of pressure compound from the container. A conical circumferential side wall can reduce the risk of large residues in the container.

[0039] According to a further preferred embodiment, the container or a container designed as a bucket can have a receiving volume of at least 1 dm 3 , preferably at least 3 dm 3 , more preferably at least 4 dm 3, more preferably at least 5 dm 3 , more preferably at least 7 dm 3 , more preferably at least 9 dm 3 , more preferably of at least 10 dm 3 , more preferably at least 15 dm 3 , more preferably at least 20 dm 3 , even more preferably of at least 25 dm 3 and even more preferably of at least 35 dm 3 With such a capacity, a relatively large amount of printing material can be provided and applied in a metered manner to the respective printing screen for printing workpieces. Frequent replacement or setup effort for replacing an empty container with a filled one can thus be avoided.

[0040] According to a further preferred embodiment, the container or container designed as a bucket can have a capacity of up to 5 dm 3 , preferably up to 7 dm 3, more preferably up to 9 dm 3 , more preferably up to 10 dm 3 , more preferably up to 15 dm 3 , more preferably up to 20 dm 3 , more preferably up to 25 dm 3 , more preferably up to 30 dm 3 , more preferably up to 35 dm 3 , more preferably up to 45 dm 3 , even more preferably up to 50 dm 3 and even more preferably up to 100 dm 3 A container of this size can be conveniently accommodated even in limited space and also allows for good handling.

[0041] According to an even more preferred embodiment, the container can be designed as a cartridge, in particular as a disposable cartridge or a reusable cartridge. Cartridges are particularly suitable for simple handling, easy replacement, and convenient storage. Disposable cartridges can also meet high purity requirements for the respective printing compound. Reusable cartridges ensure particularly material- and resource-efficient production. In particular, reusable cartridges can also be filled with new printing compound on-site by the operator of the device and reused for production.

[0042] According to an even more preferred embodiment, the cartridge can be closed and / or have an openable and / or open outlet opening. The pressure compound can thus remain reliably protected from contamination and be discharged in a controlled manner through the outlet opening. Additionally or alternatively, a cartridge can have a piston head that is movable relative to a circumferential cartridge side wall. This enables simple and reliable pressurization of the pressure compound present in the cartridge and thus controlled discharge via an outlet opening, which can preferably be arranged opposite the piston head.

[0043] According to a further preferred embodiment, a container or the container designed as a cartridge can have a receiving volume of at least 50 cm 3 , preferably at least 100 cm 3 , more preferably at least 200 cm 3, more preferably at least 300 cm 3 , more preferably at least 500 cm 3 , more preferably at least 800 cm 3 , more preferably at least 1000 cm 3 , more preferably at least 1200 cm 3 , more preferably at least 1500 cm 3 , even more preferably of at least 1800 cm 3 and even more preferably of at least 2000 cm 3 With such a capacity, a relatively large amount of printing material can be stored in each cartridge and applied in a controlled manner to the respective printing screen for printing workpieces. Frequent replacement or setup work for replacing an empty cartridge with a filled one can thus be avoided.

[0044] According to a further preferred embodiment, a container or the container designed as a cartridge can have a receiving volume of up to 200 cm 3, preferably up to 500 cm 3 , more preferably up to 700 cm 3 , more preferably up to 900 cm 3 , more preferably up to 1000 cm 3 , more preferably up to 1200 cm 3 , more preferably up to 1500 cm 3 , more preferably up to 1700 cm 3 , more preferably up to 2000 cm 3 , more preferably up to 2500 cm 3 , even more preferably up to 3000 cm 3 and even more preferably up to 4000 cm 3 A cartridge dimensioned in this way can be conveniently arranged even in extremely limited installation spaces and also enables good handling and simple and safe replacement.

[0045] According to an even more preferred embodiment, the actuator for conveying the pressure mass can be designed as a suction device for sucking the pressure mass out of the container, in particular as a screw pump and / or eccentric screw pump. Such a suction device can be provided cost-effectively, has a high level of operational reliability, and ensures relatively large and precisely metered delivery volumes.

[0046] According to an even more preferred embodiment, the suction device can be immersed at least partially into the container and / or into the pressure compound contained in the container. Such a structure can be provided with minimal effort and enables a particularly simple exchange of an empty container with a filled container, in particular with minimal setup effort.

[0047] According to an even more preferred embodiment, the suction device can be arranged outside the container and / or be fluidly connected to the container via a suction line. Furthermore, a suction line connected to the suction device can be immersed in the container and / or in the pressure compound located therein. During operation, this reduces the risk of damage to the suction device caused by the pressure compound while simultaneously ensuring reliable suction of the pressure compound.

[0048] According to an even more preferred embodiment, the suction device can be designed and / or arranged to convey the pressure compound sucked from the container into the supply line and up to the dispensing device. In this way, pressure compound can be conveyed with particularly high reliability from the container into the supply line and further to the dispensing device. This ensures safe and precise dosing, even with a simple design.

[0049] According to an even more preferred embodiment, the actuator for conveying the pressure compound can be designed as a pressure-increasing device for pressurizing the pressure compound in the container and / or for pressure-based conveyance of the pressure compound out of the container. This can further improve dosing precision. Furthermore, the risk of contamination of the pressure compound can be reduced due to less and completely avoided contact with the pressure compound by the actuator.

[0050] According to an even more preferred embodiment, the pressure-increasing device can have a linear drive, wherein the linear drive can preferably be designed as an electric or electromechanical linear drive and / or as an electric spindle drive and / or as an electric cylinder and / or as a linear actuator. Such a linear drive can ensure particularly high conveying precision and can be integrated as a component of the dosing device with minimal effort and at low cost.

[0051] According to an even more preferred embodiment, the pressure-increasing device can be designed as a pneumatic and / or hydraulic linear drive or linear cylinder. A pressure-increasing device designed in this way is reliable in operation and can generate relatively high pressure forces. Furthermore, with such a design, volumetric monitoring of the paste pressed out of the respective container can be carried out in a particularly advantageous manner and with minimal effort. A pneumatic and / or hydraulic linear drive or linear cylinder can be monitored for displacement, thus ensuring precise dosing or volumetric monitoring.

[0052] According to an even more preferred embodiment, the pressure-increasing device can be designed and / or configured to apply a compressive force to the piston head of a cartridge filled with pressure compound. Additionally or alternatively, the pressure-increasing device can be designed and / or configured to displace the piston head of a cartridge relative to the respective cartridge side wall in a longitudinal direction in order to increase the internal pressure of the cartridge. This allows for a controlled increase in the internal pressure in the respective cartridge and thus a targeted and metered extrusion of the pressure compound from the cartridge without causing undesirable damage to the cartridge.

[0053] According to an even more preferred embodiment, the dosing device can have at least one sensor for determining the position of a piston crown of a cartridge. This simplifies the controlled and safe movement of the piston crown. Furthermore, such a sensor can be used to determine the fill level of the respective cartridge. Likewise, such a sensor can ensure particularly safe and controlled contact with the piston crown by the respective actuator.

[0054] According to an even more preferred embodiment, the position-determining sensor can be configured to determine a relative position between a piston crown and the actuator for conveying the pressure mass, in particular a relative position between a piston crown and the linear drive. The approach of the actuator to the respective piston crown and the contacting of the piston crown by the actuator can thus be achieved with particularly high accuracy and reliability. The extrusion of undesirably high volumes of pressure mass can thus be reliably prevented.

[0055] According to an even more preferred embodiment, the sensor can be configured to determine the absolute position of the piston crown of a cartridge. Determining the absolute position of the piston crown of a cartridge is particularly advantageous for determining the remaining fill volume of pressure mass.

[0056] According to an even more preferred embodiment, the sensor for determining the position of the piston crown can be designed as an inductive sensor and / or a capacitive sensor and / or a mechanical sensor. Such a sensor can be provided cost-effectively, installed in a confined space, and ensures a high degree of functional reliability.

[0057] According to an even more preferred embodiment, the sensor can be arranged on the actuator for conveying the pressure mass, in particular on the linear drive. This allows the determination of a relative position between the actuator and the respective piston head of the cartridge to be accomplished in a suitable manner.

[0058] According to an even more preferred embodiment, the overrun stop device can be designed to relieve pressure on a piston head of a cartridge. Additionally or alternatively, the overrun stop device can be designed to reverse the movement of a piston head of a cartridge. An overrun stop can thereby be achieved with even greater reliability. In particular, such an embodiment can also be implemented without a shut-off valve while simultaneously maintaining high process reliability, so that an overrun stop can be realized with only a small number of components or assemblies.

[0059] According to an even more preferred embodiment, the overrun stop device can be designed to cancel, in particular temporarily, the operative engagement and / or contact between the actuator for conveying the pressure mass, in particular the linear drive, and the piston head of a cartridge. By canceling the operative engagement and / or contact, the pressure in the interior of the cartridge can be quickly and efficiently reduced again.

[0060] By releasing the pressure, the remaining pressure mass in the cartridge can be released and automatically push the piston head back toward the actuator or linear drive to a relatively small extent. This can lead—again to a small extent—to pressure mass flowing back from the supply line into the cartridge, thus relatively reliably preventing any leakage from the dispensing device.

[0061] According to an even more preferred embodiment, the pressure-based control can be configured to detect and / or process a pressure generated by an actuator for conveying the printing compound and / or acting on a piston crown of a cartridge. Such detection and processing of a pressure generated by an actuator and / or acting on a piston crown of a cartridge can be implemented using cost-effective and reliably functioning components, in particular pressure sensors and / or data processing devices. Pressure-based control can thereby be implemented particularly advantageously and at low device costs. According to an even more preferred embodiment, the pressure-increasing device can have a pressure vessel that can be closed pressure-tight and in which the container for storing the pasty printing compound can be positioned.By increasing the internal pressure in a pressure vessel, the pressure on the printing compound can also be increased particularly reliably, for example, if the container for storing the pasty printing compound is positioned in the open position within the pressure vessel. By increasing the pressure on the printing compound, it can, in turn, be conveyed and dispensed in a controlled and precisely metered manner.

[0062] According to an even more preferred embodiment, the pressure vessel can have a connection opening for a compressed air supply, and a compressed air line can be connected or connectable to the connection opening in a pressure-tight manner. The connection opening can preferably be formed in a lid of the pressure vessel. This allows the internal pressure of the pressure vessel to be adjusted in a controlled manner with minimal design effort, thus initiating the delivery of pressure compound from the respective vessel.

[0063] According to an even more preferred embodiment, the pressure vessel can have an outlet opening for the passage of the supply line or an outlet opening for the passage of an outlet line connected to the supply line, wherein the outlet opening can preferably be formed in a lid of the pressure vessel. This enables the controlled and contamination-free discharge of pressure compound from the vessel as well as from the interior of the pressure vessel.

[0064] According to an even more preferred embodiment, the supply line or an outlet line connected to the supply line can be guided through the outlet opening into the interior of the pressure vessel, in particular into the container positioned in the pressure vessel and filled with pressure compound. By increasing the internal pressure, pressure compound can be pressed into the supply line or into an outlet line connected to the supply line in a simple and reliable manner, and pressure compound can be conveyed out of the pressure vessel.

[0065] According to an even more preferred embodiment, the supply line can be designed to be flexibly deformable and / or elastically deformable and / or bendable and / or free from plastic deformation, at least in sections along its length or along its entire length. Additionally or alternatively, the supply line can flexibly follow a relative movement between the dispensing device and the container. The structural design and / or arrangement of the container and the dispensing device can thereby be simplified and flexibly adapted with regard to the geometric requirements. Such a design also simplifies relative movements between the dispensing device and the container during operation and / or during maintenance and / or setup work on the device or the dosing device.

[0066] According to an even more preferred embodiment, the supply line can be made of a plastic material, in particular polyamide and / or polyester, at least in sections or along its entire length. Such a supply line is particularly cost-effective to provide, can ensure a high degree of geometric flexibility, and meets stringent requirements regarding the purity of the printing compound to be conveyed therein. Furthermore, good protection against contamination is provided.

[0067] According to an even more preferred embodiment, the supply line and / or a section of the supply line can be replaced without tools. This minimizes the handling effort for the operating personnel and facilitates the use of different supply lines due to the use of different printing compounds.

[0068] According to an even more preferred embodiment, the supply line can have a length of at least 10 cm, preferably of at least 15 cm, more preferably of at least 20 cm, more preferably of at least 25 cm, more preferably of at least 30 cm, more preferably of at least 35 cm, more preferably of at least 40 cm, more preferably of at least 50 cm, more preferably of at least 60 cm, more preferably of at least 80 cm, more preferably of at least 100 cm, more preferably of at least 120 cm, more preferably of at least 150 cm, more preferably of at least 170 cm, more preferably of at least 200 cm, more preferably of at least 250 cm, even more preferably of at least 300 cm.In this way, the container and the dispensing device can be arranged at a relatively large distance from one another or the container and the dispensing device can be moved relative to one another along a relatively large range of motion.

[0069] According to an even more preferred embodiment, the supply line can have a length of up to 20 cm, preferably up to 30 cm, more preferably up to 40 cm, more preferably up to 50 cm, more preferably up to 70 cm, more preferably up to 100 cm, more preferably up to 150 cm, more preferably up to 200 cm, more preferably up to 250 cm, more preferably up to 300 cm, more preferably up to 400 cm, more preferably up to 500 cm, even more preferably up to 1000 cm. A pressure drop within or along the supply line can thereby be effectively limited and a delivery pressure that must be applied for delivery through the supply line can be kept low.

[0070] According to an even more preferred embodiment, the dispensing device can have a plurality of dispensing openings for dispensing the printing compound onto the printing screen, in particular a plurality of dispensing openings formed discretely from one another. Dispensing openings formed discretely from one another are therefore not connected, but rather are each formed and / or arranged as individual and / or separate dispensing openings. A particularly well-defined distribution of printing compound on the printing screen can be achieved by means of a plurality of discrete dispensing openings. The dispensing of printing compound at defined locations on the printing screen and in a precisely defined quantity increases the reliability and accuracy of subsequent production processes.

[0071] According to an even more preferred embodiment, at least two dispensing openings can be of different dimensions and / or at least two dispensing openings can have cross-sectional sizes that differ from one another. In this way, any pressure difference at the different dispensing openings can be taken into account, and despite different pressures, a uniform dispensing of printing materials via the respective dispensing openings can be achieved.

[0072] According to an even more preferred embodiment, at least one of the dispensing openings can be smaller than a dispensing opening downstream of the printing mass in the flow direction, and / or a dispensing opening downstream of the printing mass in the flow direction can be larger than at least one dispensing opening upstream of the printing mass in the flow direction or all of the dispensing openings upstream of the printing mass in the flow direction. In this way, a pressure drop along a flow direction can be compensated in a particularly preferred manner, and a uniform printing mass dispensing through different dispensing openings can be ensured.

[0073] According to an even more preferred embodiment, the plurality of dispensing openings can be designed and / or arranged to dispense the printing compound onto the printing screen in discrete printing compound sections. This allows for a particularly controlled application of the printing compound to the printing screen.

[0074] According to an even more preferred embodiment, the dispensing device can be designed to dispense the printing material onto a closed section of the printing screen and / or onto a print overflow section of the printing screen. However, the printing material can still be applied to the printing screen within the effective range of the respective flood squeegee. This enables a good subsequent distribution of the printing material on the printing screen by the respective flood squeegee and, at the same time, a particularly controlled printing material discharge. Furthermore, the dispensing of the printing material can advantageously take place between two squeegeeing operations, thus enabling a particularly efficient printing sequence.

[0075] According to an even more preferred embodiment, the printing device can have a flood squeegee for flooding the printing screen with printing material and / or a printing squeegee for pressing printing material through the printing screen and / or two printing squeegees for pressing printing material through the printing screen, wherein the dispensing device is preferably designed to dispense the printing material from a position between the flood squeegee and the printing squeegee. Likewise, the dispensing device can preferably be designed to dispense the printing material from a position between two printing squeegees.

[0076] A flood squeegee is particularly advantageous for distributing printing material within the respective printing screen or for mixing newly applied printing material with printing material already present or still present on the printing screen. A squeegee reliably forces the applied and / or distributed printing material through the printing screen.

[0077] When two printing squeegees are arranged or when two squeegees are used as printing squeegees, flooding the printing screen or distributing printing material in the respective printing screen can be omitted in a separate step. Flooding the printing screen or distributing printing material in the respective printing screen or even mixing newly applied printing material with printing material already or still present on the printing screen can be carried out during a printing squeegee process. When two printing squeegees are arranged, both a forward and a backward movement of the two printing squeegees in the squeegee direction can be used for printing, namely in the forward direction with one printing squeegee and in the backward direction with the other printing squeegee. A flood squeegee can also be used advantageously as a printing squeegee.

[0078] An arrangement of the dispensing device for dispensing the printing mass starting from a position between the flood squeegee and the printing squeegee or between two printing squeegees allows a particularly space-saving design and an efficient dispensing of the printing mass in time between a printing squeegee movement and a flood squeegee movement and / or during a printing squeegee movement and / or a flood squeegee movement in a squeegee direction.

[0079] According to an even more preferred embodiment, the dispensing device can run at least partially or completely between the flood squeegee and the printing squeegee and / or between two printing squeegees, in particular in a direction transverse to or at an angle to the squeegee direction. Additionally or alternatively, the dispensing device can run at least partially parallel to a squeegee edge of the flood squeegee and / or of the at least one printing squeegee and / or the dispensing device can extend into an intermediate space between the flood squeegee and the printing squeegee and / or between two printing squeegees. Such a configuration can be constructed particularly compactly and at the same time ensures a reliable and relatively low-movement process sequence in the dispensing of printing mass, the flooding of the printing screen and / or the printing or subsequent printing of the printing paste by means of a squeegee movement.

[0080] According to an even more preferred embodiment, several or the plurality of dispensing openings can be distributed between the flood squeegee and the printing squeegee and / or arranged between two printing squeegees, in particular distributed in a direction transverse to or at an angle to the squeegee direction. Such an embodiment allows the respective printing compound to be distributed particularly evenly and favorably with regard to subsequent squeegee movements. The dispensed printing compound can thereby be distributed particularly advantageously along a longitudinal extension of the respective squeegee, so that a relatively uniform coverage of the printing compound can be ensured with one squeegee movement.

[0081] The squeegee direction can be or should be understood here as the direction along which the respective squeegee is moved during flooding of the printing screen, or during printing, or during the pressing of printing material through the printing screen. A lowering or lifting movement of the flooding squeegee or the printing squeegee is therefore not considered a squeegee direction.

[0082] According to an even more preferred embodiment, the dispensing device can have at least one dispensing slot or multiple dispensing slots, wherein the dispensing slot preferably runs in a direction transverse to or at an angle to the squeegee direction. The uniformity of the dispensing of the printing compound can be further improved by a dispensing slot. By arranging a dispensing slot in a direction transverse to or at an angle to the squeegee direction, the printing compound can be distributed in a particularly favorable manner with regard to subsequent squeegee movements. The dispensed printing compound can advantageously be distributed along a longitudinal extent of the respective squeegee, so that a relatively uniform coverage of the printing compound can be ensured with one squeegee movement.

[0083] According to an even more preferred embodiment, at least one dispensing slot of the dispensing device can have a varying width along its longitudinal extent. Such a width change can occur continuously or continuously. A pressure drop along the dispensing slot can thereby be compensated, ensuring a uniform dispensing of the printing compound even with a relatively long dispensing slot.

[0084] According to an even more preferred embodiment, at least one dispensing slot of the dispensing device can have different widths at sections spaced apart from one another along the longitudinal extent of the dispensing slot. Different widths in the longitudinal direction can be achieved by a stepwise, continuous, or stepless width change. In this way, any pressure drop along the dispensing slot can be compensated for with minimal design effort, ensuring a uniform dispensing of the printing compound.

[0085] According to an even more preferred embodiment, at least one dispensing slot of the dispensing device can be larger and / or wider in a slot section downstream of the printing compound in the flow direction than at least one slot section upstream in the flow direction. If a significant pressure drop in the printing compound is to be expected or should occur in the flow direction of the printing compound, this can be counteracted in a particularly advantageous manner by such a configuration.

[0086] According to an even more preferred embodiment, at least one dispensing slot of the dispensing device can have a size and / or width that continuously increases, at least in sections, along the flow direction of the printing compound. An increasing size and / or width can particularly suitably compensate for a possible pressure drop in the flow direction of the printing compound, so that sufficient printing compound can also be discharged from regions of the dispensing slot that are located relatively far downstream or far away from the container in the flow direction.

[0087] According to an even more preferred embodiment, the dispensing device can be arranged to move along with the flood squeegee and / or with the printing squeegee and / or with the printing squeegees, in particular to move along with the squeegee in a squeegee direction. This reduces the risk of collisions between a squeegee and the dispensing device. Furthermore, such a configuration can be implemented with relatively simple construction. In particular, the dispensing device can be arranged free of its own actuators in this way, since movement always occurs together with the respective squeegees. Independent movement of the dispensing device is not absolutely necessary.

[0088] According to an even more preferred embodiment, the dosing device can be configured to dispense printing compound via the dispensing device during a squeegee movement in a squeegee direction. In particular, the dosing device can be configured to continuously and / or periodically recurringly dispense printing compound via the dispensing device during a squeegee movement in a squeegee direction. This allows for particularly time-saving printing compound dispensing.

[0089] According to an even more preferred embodiment, the dosing device can be configured to dispense printing material during a joint and / or concurrent movement of the dispensing device with a flood squeegee and / or with at least one printing squeegee in a squeegee direction, in particular from a position of the dispensing device that travels and / or concurrently moves in the squeegee direction between a flood squeegee and a printing squeegee and / or between two printing squeegees. This ensures a particularly time-saving process sequence and thus high productivity with simultaneous high operational reliability.

[0090] According to an even more preferred embodiment, the metering device can be configured to dispense printing compound while a printing squeegee and / or a flood squeegee is stationary and / or at a standstill in the squeegee direction. The dispensing of the printing compound can thus be particularly controlled.

[0091] According to an even more preferred embodiment, the dosing device can have at least one actuator for moving the dispensing device, in particular for moving the dispensing device transversely or at an angle to the squeegee direction. In this way, a movement of the dispensing device independent of the respective squeegees can be realized. This allows a particularly compact arrangement of the flood and pressure squeegees, since the dispensing device can be moved into a movement range of the squeegee only as needed. Additionally or alternatively, the dispensing device itself can be designed to be compact in this way, since its mobility allows a larger dispensing range to be covered.

[0092] According to an even more preferred embodiment, the actuator can be designed to move the dispensing device during the dispensing of the printing compound onto the printing screen. By moving the dispensing device during the dispensing of the printing compound onto the printing screen, a relatively good distribution of a larger dispensing area can be ensured.

[0093] According to an even more preferred embodiment, the actuator can be configured to move the dispensing device from a standby position to a dispensing position and / or from a dispensing position to a standby position. In a standby position, a collision with the doctor blades or other components can be avoided. In a dispensing position, efficient dispensing can be ensured along a relatively large dispensing area. Operational reliability and dispensing functionality can be further improved as a result.

[0094] According to an even more preferred embodiment, the dispensing device can have at least one dispensing tube section in which at least one dispensing opening and / or one dispensing slot is formed. A dispensing tube section can be provided cost-effectively, have a relatively long length for good distribution of the printing compound, and simultaneously ensure a high degree of operational reliability.

[0095] According to an even more preferred embodiment, a plurality of dispensing openings can be provided in the dispensing tube section and / or arranged distributed along a flow direction of the printing compound. Additionally or alternatively, at least one dispensing slot can be formed in the dispensing tube section, running in the flow direction of the printing compound. This can be accomplished with minimal effort and ensures a high degree of functionality for the metered dispensing of printing compound along a relatively large or elongated dispensing area.

[0096] According to an even more preferred embodiment, the dispensing tube section can extend between the flood squeegee and the printing squeegee, in particular transversely or at an angle to the squeegee direction and / or parallel to a squeegee edge of the flood squeegee and / or the printing squeegee. This ensures a particularly space-saving and compact arrangement, while simultaneously providing favorable distribution of the printing mass with regard to subsequent squeegee processes.

[0097] According to an even more preferred embodiment, the dispensing device can have a plurality of dispensing tube sections, which are preferably aligned with one another and / or arranged to be movable uniformly with one another by one or more actuators. This allows for further improved dosing and distribution of pressure mass. In particular, a plurality of dispensing tube sections can be configured discretely from one another or separately from one another. Such dispensing tube sections can be arranged and mounted independently of one another. The risk of a significant pressure drop can be reduced by having a plurality of dispensing tube sections.

[0098] Furthermore, the dispensing device can have a plurality of dispensing pipe sections that are connected to one another to form a dispensing pipe and / or are formed integrally with one another as a dispensing pipe. The dispensing pipe sections can also be fluidly connected to one another. In this case, it is possible for pressure mass to be introduced into the two interconnected dispensing pipe sections via opposite ends. The pressure mass can be discharged via dispensing openings or a dispensing slot or multiple dispensing slots between the opposite ends. Counter-directional pressure mass flows can therefore be realized within the interconnected or integrally formed dispensing pipe sections. Such interconnected or integrally formed dispensing pipe sections can be manufactured cost-effectively, are easy to clean, and ensure a high level of operational reliability.Likewise, such interconnected or integrally formed dispensing tube sections can be aligned with each other and / or arranged to be uniformly movable with each other by one actuator or by several actuators.

[0099] According to an even more preferred embodiment, the supply line can have at least one distributor, preferably a plurality of distributors, for distributing a pressure mass flow to several parallel-connected supply line sections and / or for supplying a pressure mass flow to several dispensing openings and / or several dispensing slots and / or several dispensing pipe sections. Such branching improves the targeted metering of different pressure mass flows to different dispensing points or to different locations on the printing screen. The overall distribution can be improved. Furthermore, a significant pressure mass drop between different dispensing openings or dispensing points along a single line can be avoided.

[0100] According to an even more preferred embodiment, the supply line can have at least two supply line sections connected in parallel by a distributor. Of the parallel-connected supply line sections, at least one supply line section can additionally or alternatively have a further distributor for distributing a pressure mass flow among several parallel-connected supply line sections. This allows for a particularly favorable distribution of a pressure mass flow with minimal installation and assembly effort.

[0101] According to an even more preferred embodiment, the dispensing device can be designed and / or arranged to dispense the printing compound onto the printing screen in at least one elongated or cord-shaped printing compound section. Based on this, a particularly uniform distribution of the printing compound on the printing screen or a particularly uniform mixing with the printing compound still present on the printing screen can be achieved in a single flood squeegee operation.

[0102] According to an even more preferred embodiment, the dosing device can have at least one shut-off valve for shutting off a printing compound flow, wherein the shut-off valve can preferably be designed as part of the supply line and / or for shutting off the supply line. This reliably prevents unwanted discharge of printing compound, for example, during a squeegee movement, thus ensuring a high degree of process reliability.

[0103] According to an even more preferred embodiment, the distance of the shut-off valve from the container containing pressure compound along the supply line can be greater than the distance of the shut-off valve from the dispensing device and / or from at least one dispensing opening and / or a dispensing slot. The risk of undesired leakage of pressure compound from the dispensing device and / or from a dispensing opening and / or a dispensing slot can thus be reduced. The volume of pressure compound located downstream of the shut-off valve in the flow direction can thus be kept particularly small.

[0104] According to an even more preferred embodiment, the dosing device can have a container changing device for the automated changing of the respective printing material dispensing container, in particular the container designed as a cartridge or a bucket. This further improves the productivity of the device and prevents labor-intensive operation. The risk of manual operating errors can also be reduced. Furthermore, this allows the use of different printing materials for the production of a screen-printed workpiece with minimal effort. This further increases production flexibility with regard to a single screen-printed workpiece.

[0105] According to an even more preferred embodiment, the container changing device can be designed for tool-free and / or automated or semi-automated changing of the respective printing compound dispensing container. This ensures particularly high ease of handling and operational reliability, as well as minimal personnel requirements for operating the device.

[0106] According to an even more preferred embodiment, the container changing device can have a rotary indexing table for a container designed as a bucket. This ensures a space-saving design with high functional reliability. A rotary indexing table is also easy to operate and load with containers. Likewise, emptied containers can be easily removed from a rotary indexing table for refilling.

[0107] According to an even more preferred embodiment, the container changing device can have a connection plate with a passage for connecting the supply line. The passage can be designed for the passage of pressure compound from a container. In this case, a fluid connection can be established between the supply line and one of the plurality of containers, preferably depending on a relative position between the connection plate and a plurality of containers. Such a fluid connection can be established in particular via the passage of the connection plate. Additionally or alternatively, a fluid connection can be established between the supply line and a further container by adjusting the relative position between the connection plate and at least one container. This ensures an efficient and time-saving change of the container dispensing the pressure compound.

[0108] According to an even more preferred embodiment, the container changing device can be arranged outside a printing area of ​​the printing device. Additionally or alternatively, the container changing device can be arranged at a distance in the horizontal direction relative to the printing screen or can be arranged vertically below a printing table of the printing device. Geometric collisions between components of the printing device and the container changing device can thus be avoided. The arrangement of the container changing device can be arranged particularly advantageously with regard to any geometric restrictions of the printing device.

[0109] According to an even more preferred embodiment, the dosing device and / or the actuator for conveying the printing compound from the container can be designed for volumetric dosing of the printing compound. This allows the dosing accuracy to be improved particularly advantageously and with minimal effort.

[0110] According to an even more preferred embodiment, the dosing device and / or the actuator for conveying the printing compound from the container can be designed for stroke-based and / or volumetric dosing of the printing compound. Additionally or alternatively, the actuator for conveying the printing compound can be designed for volumetric dosing by stroke control. This further improves the precision of the dosing. When using a linear actuator or a linear drive as the actuator, the stroke position can advantageously be used as the basis for determining the dosed amount of printing compound.

[0111] According to an even more preferred embodiment, the dosing device can have a receiving cavity for receiving a cartridge, wherein the receiving cavity can preferably be designed for at least partially lateral and / or circumferential support of a cartridge side wall. This ensures secure positioning of the cartridge. Furthermore, this can also enable relief of the cartridge side wall with regard to increased internal pressures in the cartridge. According to an even more preferred embodiment, the actuator for moving the dispensing device can be designed as a gantry axis system or as part of a gantry axis system. A gantry axis system can cover large movement spaces and thus ensure suitable distribution of the pressure mass. Gantry axis systems are also simple in design and can move high load-bearing masses with high precision and reliability.

[0112] According to an even more preferred embodiment, the dispensing device can have a wiping device for wiping printing material from a dispensing opening or from a dispensing slot. Such a wiping device can prevent unwanted or uncontrolled dripping of printing material and effectively reduce the risk of contamination of device components.

[0113] According to an even further preferred embodiment, the supply line can have a backflow stop device for preventing and / or reducing the backflow of pressure mass against a discharge flow direction, wherein the backflow stop device is preferably designed as a shut-off valve.

[0114] Such a shut-off valve can preferably be designed as a ball valve and / or be manually operated. The shut-off valve can also be designed as an automatically operated or manually operated shut-off valve.

[0115] Such a design reliably prevents the pressure compound from flowing back, for example due to elastic deformation of the supply line or an internal prestress of the pressure compound present in the supply line. In particular, this prevents the pressure compound in the supply line from flowing back towards the container and being forced out of a container-side end of the supply line when the respective cartridge is changed. The risk of contamination in the area of ​​the container or a cartridge or any container receptacle can thus be reduced. A backflow stop device can preferably be actuated before the respective container is changed, in particular manually, automatically, or semi-automatically.

[0116] A backflow stop device is also particularly advantageous if the dosing device is also equipped with a backflow stop device, especially one designed as a shut-off valve. This is because such a backflow stop device prevents residual pressurized mass in the supply line from escaping toward the dispensing device, but would tend to flow back toward the container if the supply line were to be flexibly deformed. This can be reliably prevented with a backflow stop device.

[0117] According to an even more preferred embodiment, the distance between the backflow stop device and the container with pressure mass along the course of the supply line can be smaller than the distance between the backflow stop device and the dispensing device. The risk of pressure mass flowing back in the supply line towards the container and escaping from a container-side end of the supply line can be further reduced. With a small distance between the backflow stop device and the container, the risk is reduced that internal stress in the pressure mass present between the container and the backflow stop device in the supply line or flexible deformation of the supply line causes uncontrolled backflow and escaping of pressure mass from the container-side end of the supply line.

[0118] According to an even more preferred embodiment, the supply line between the container and the backflow stop device can be designed, at least in sections, as a rigid or inflexible line. In contrast, the supply line between the backflow stop device and the dispensing device can be designed, at least in sections, as a flexible or flexibly deformable line.

[0119] A further independent aspect of the present invention relates to a device for producing three-dimensional screen-printed workpieces, in particular a 3D screen printing system, with a printing device having a printing screen for the layer-by-layer production of at least one screen-printed workpiece in a plurality of printing processes and with a dosing device for the dosed dispensing of a pasty printing mass onto the printing screen, wherein the dosing device has at least one container for storing the pasty printing mass and / or a dispensing device for dispensing the printing mass onto the printing screen and at least one actuator for moving the container and / or the dispensing device, wherein the actuator is designed as a gantry axis system or as part of a gantry axis system.

[0120] A device designed in this way according to the further independent aspect of the present invention can preferably be designed with individual advantageous embodiments described above or with all of the advantageous embodiments described above.

[0121] A further independent aspect of the present invention relates to a device for producing three-dimensional screen-printed workpieces, in particular a 3D screen printing system, with a printing device having a printing screen for the layer-by-layer production of at least one screen-printed workpiece in a plurality of printing processes and with a dosing device for the dosed dispensing of a pasty printing mass onto the printing screen, wherein the dosing device can be equipped with at least one container for storing the pasty printing mass, with a dispensing device for dispensing the printing mass onto the printing screen and with a feed line running between the container and the dispensing device for feeding the printing mass from the container to the dispensing device.A device designed in this way according to the yet further independent aspect of the present invention can also be designed in a preferred manner with individual advantageous embodiments described above or with all of the advantageous embodiments described above.

[0122] A still further independent aspect of the present invention relates to a method for producing three-dimensional screen-printed workpieces, in particular with a device as described above, in which a screen-printed workpiece is produced layer by layer in a plurality of printing processes in a printing device with a printing screen and in which a pasty printing mass is dispensed onto the printing screen in a metered manner by means of a metering device, wherein a run-on stop device prevents or reduces the run-on of printing mass from the metering device.

[0123] A still further independent aspect of the present invention relates to a method for producing three-dimensional screen-printed workpieces, in particular with a device as described above, in which a screen-printed workpiece is produced layer by layer in a plurality of printing processes in a printing device with a printing screen and in which a pasty printing mass is dispensed in a metered manner onto the printing screen using a metering device, wherein a printing mass is conveyed out of a container for storing the pasty printing mass by means of the metering device and conveyed through a feed line to a dispensing device for dispensing the printing mass onto the printing screen.

[0124] The details and independent aspects described above with respect to the device, including the subordinate aspects relating to a device, apply equally to the inventive methods described above according to the further independent aspects.

[0125] The invention is described below by way of example using advantageous embodiments with reference to the accompanying figures. Each of these figures shows schematically:

[0126] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a device according to the invention according to an embodiment,

[0127] Fig. 2 is a side view of the device of Fig. 1 with an open view of a printing device without a housing,

[0128] Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a printing device of the device of Fig. 1,

[0129] Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a dosing device of the device of Fig. 1,

[0130] Fig. 5 is a side view of the dosing device of Fig. 4,

[0131] Fig. 6 is a partial view of the dosing device of Fig. 4 with an open representation of a container housing,

[0132] Fig. 7 is a sectional view along the section line AA from Fig. 6,

[0133] Fig. 8 is a detailed view of a dispensing device according to an embodiment of the present invention,

[0134] Fig. 9 is a detailed view of a dispensing device according to another embodiment of the present invention,

[0135] Fig. 10 is a detailed view of a dispensing device according to yet another embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 11 is a partial view of a printing device and a dosing device according to another embodiment,

[0136] Fig. 12 is a sectional view along the section line AA from Fig. 11,

[0137] Fig. 13 is a detailed view of an output device according to the embodiment of Figs. 11 and 12,

[0138] Fig. 14 is a perspective view of a dosing device according to a further embodiment of the present invention,

[0139] Fig. 15 is a side view of the dosing device of Fig. 14,

[0140] Fig. 16 is a perspective view of a device according to the invention according to a further embodiment,

[0141] Fig. 17 is a sectional view of the device of Fig. 16,

[0142] Fig. 18 is a side view of the device of Fig. 16,

[0143] Fig. 19 is a perspective view of a dosing device according to an embodiment of the present invention,

[0144] Fig. 20 is a side view of the dosing device of Fig. 19,

[0145] Fig. 21 is a perspective view of a dosing device according to a further embodiment of the present invention,

[0146] Fig. 22 is a side view of the dosing device of Fig. 21,

[0147] Fig. 23 is a perspective partial view of the dosing device of Fig. 22 with the dispensing device and the printing screen shown, Fig. 24 is a detailed side view of the dispensing device of Fig. 23 with the doctor blades shown,

[0148] Fig. 25 is a plan view of a printing screen of an inventive device according to an embodiment of the present invention,

[0149] Fig. 26 is a side view of a container changing device according to an embodiment of the present invention in a first operating position,

[0150] Fig. 27 is a side view of the container changing device of Fig. 26 in a further operating position,

[0151] Fig. 28 is a detailed view of a container changing device according to an embodiment of the present invention,

[0152] Fig. 29 is a further detailed view of the container changing device according to Fig. 28,

[0153] Fig. 30 is a side view of a dosing device according to a further embodiment of the present invention,

[0154] Fig. 31 a side view of the dosing device of Fig. 30 during the printing mass supply,

[0155] Fig. 32 a side view of the dosing device of Fig. 30 during a screen flooding by a flooding squeegee movement,

[0156] Fig. 33 is a side view of the dosing device of Fig. 30 after the container has been changed, Fig. 34 is a further perspective view of a dosing device according to the embodiment of Figs. 14 and 15,

[0157] Fig. 35 is a detailed view of Fig. 34.

[0158] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a device 10 for producing three-dimensional screen-printed workpieces according to an embodiment of the present invention. Device 10 may, in particular, be a 3D screen printing system. In particular, device 10 may be a 3D screen printing system for the production of pharmaceuticals.

[0159] Figure 2 shows a side view of the device 10 of Figure 1. The device 10 may have a housing 12, which is not shown in Figure 2 for clarity. Furthermore, the device 10 has a printing device 14, which is therefore shown open in Figure 2. Figure 3 further shows a perspective view of the printing device 14 of the device 10 of Figure 1.

[0160] The printing device 14 can be designed for the layer-by-layer production of at least one screen-printed workpiece (not shown in detail here) in several printing processes. For this purpose, the printing device can have a printing screen 16. Furthermore, the printing device 14 can have a metering device 18 for the metered dispensing of a pasty printing compound onto the printing screen 16. The printing device 14 can, for example, be arranged adjacent to other functional areas of the device 10, for example an inspection area for screen-printed workpieces and / or a drying area for screen-printed workpieces. The dimensions of the printing device 14 can essentially be determined by the printing screen 16 and / or by a frame holder and / or suspension for the printing screen 16 and / or can be limited by a printing table 32.

[0161] An exemplary embodiment of a dosing device 18 can be seen in Figures 4 to 8. Such a dosing device 18 can have at least one container 20 for storing a pasty printing compound 22, a dispensing device 24 for dispensing the printing compound 22 onto the printing screen 16, and a supply line 26 extending between the container 20 and the dispensing device 24 for supplying the printing compound 22 from the container 20 to the dispensing device 24.

[0162] As shown in Figure 5, the dosing device 18 can also have a multi-part dispensing device 24, as explained in more detail below. Likewise, the dispensing device 24 can be formed as a single piece.

[0163] In Figure 5, the container 20 is shown within a housing 28 and is therefore not visible in detail. Figure 6 shows a sectional view along line AA of Figure 5. In Figure 6, the container 20 is shown in a largely empty state, so that only a small residue of pressure mass 22 is shown in the container 20.

[0164] Figures 2 and 3 show that the container 20 can be arranged outside a printing area 30 of the printing device 14. In this case, the container 20 can be arranged at a distance in the horizontal direction relative to the printing screen 16.

[0165] Additionally or alternatively, the container 20 can be arranged in the vertical direction below a printing table 32 of the printing device 14, which is not shown in the embodiment according to Figures 1 to 4 but can be provided, for example, in the embodiment according to Figures 21 and 22.

[0166] It can also be seen from Figures 2 and 3 that the container 20 can be and remain arranged outside a printing area 30 of the printing device 14 and / or spaced apart in the horizontal direction relative to the printing screen 16, in particular during the dispensing of the printing mass 22. Additionally or alternatively, the container 20 can be and remain arranged vertically below a printing table 32 of the printing device 14, in particular during the dispensing of the printing mass 22, which is not shown in the exemplary embodiment according to Figures 1 to 4 but can be provided, for example, in the exemplary embodiment according to Figures 21 and 22.

[0167] Furthermore, the container 20 can be arranged and / or remain stationary and / or immobile during the dispensing of the printing mass 22.

[0168] In the embodiment according to Figures 1 to 7, the container 20 can be designed, in particular, as a cartridge 34, for example, as a disposable cartridge or as a reusable cartridge. Such a cartridge 34 can be closed and / or have an openable and / or open outlet opening 35. Furthermore, such a cartridge 34 can have a piston bottom 38 that is displaceable relative to a circumferential cartridge side wall 36, as shown in more detail in Figures 6 and 7.

[0169] A container 20 designed as a cartridge 34 can have a capacity of at least 50 cm 3 , preferably at least 100 cm 3 , more preferably at least 200 cm 3 , more preferably at least 300 cm 3 , more preferably at least 500 cm 3 , more preferably at least 800 cm 3 , more preferably at least 1000 cm 3 , more preferably at least 1200 cm 3, more preferably at least 1500 cm 3 , even more preferably of at least 1800 cm 3 and even more preferably of at least 2000 cm 3 have.

[0170] Furthermore, a container 20 designed as a cartridge 34 can have a capacity of up to 200 cm 3 , preferably up to 500 cm 3 , more preferably up to 700 cm 3 , more preferably up to 900 cm 3 , more preferably up to 1000 cm 3 , more preferably up to 1200 cm 3 , more preferably up to 1500 cm 3 , more preferably up to 1700 cm 3 , more preferably up to 2000 cm 3 , more preferably up to 2500 cm 3 , even more preferably up to 3000 cm 3 and even more preferably up to 4000 cm 3The dosing device 18 may further comprise at least one actuator 40 for conveying the pressure mass 22 from the container 20.

[0171] In the embodiment according to Fig. 1 to 7, the actuator 40 for conveying the pressure mass 22 can be designed as a pressure increasing device 42 for pressurizing the pressure mass 22 in the container 20 and / or for pressure-based conveying of the pressure mass 22 out of the container 20.

[0172] Such a pressure-increasing device 42 can have a linear drive 44, wherein a linear drive 44 can preferably be designed as an electric or electromechanical linear drive 44. Likewise, a linear drive 44 can be designed as an electric spindle drive and / or as an electric cylinder and / or as a linear actuator.

[0173] A pressure increasing device can also be designed as a pneumatic and / or hydraulic linear drive or linear cylinder, which, however, is not shown in more detail in the embodiment according to Figures 1 to 7.

[0174] The pressure increasing device 42 can be designed and / or configured to apply a compressive force to the piston head 38 of a cartridge 34 filled with pressure compound 22 and / or to the piston head 38 of a cartridge

[0175] 34 relative to the respective cartridge side wall 36 in a longitudinal direction in order to increase the internal pressure of the cartridge 34. In this way, the pressure mass 22 can be discharged from the outlet opening in a particularly advantageous manner

[0176] 35 and fed into the feed line 26 up to the output device 24.

[0177] Furthermore, the dosing device 18 can have at least one sensor 46 for determining the position of a piston head 38 of a cartridge 34, as shown in Fig.

[0178] 7 is shown schematically. The sensor 46 can be configured to determine a relative position between a piston crown 38 and the actuator 40 for conveying the pressure mass 22. In particular, the sensor 46 can be configured to determine a relative position between a piston crown 38 and a free end of a tappet 48 of the actuator 40.

[0179] Such a plunger 48 can be part of the linear drive 44 or can be connected to the linear drive 44 for transmitting a drive force.

[0180] Furthermore, the sensor 46 can be configured to determine an absolute position of the piston crown 38 of a cartridge 34.

[0181] Furthermore, multiple sensors can be provided that provide different functions and / or at least partially redundant functions. For example, a sensor can be provided to monitor the fill level of the container 20, as will be described in more detail below with reference to the exemplary embodiments in Figures 26 to 33.

[0182] A sensor for monitoring the fill level of the container 20 can be provided separately from the sensor 46. Likewise, a sensor for monitoring the fill level can be formed by the sensor 46, which in turn can be configured to determine an absolute position of the piston crown 38 of a cartridge 34 and / or to determine a relative position between a piston crown 38 and the actuator 40 for conveying the pressure mass 22. A fill level of the container 20 can be determined from such an absolute position and / or relative position.

[0183] The sensor 46 for determining the position of the piston crown 38 can be designed, in particular, as an inductive sensor and / or as a capacitive sensor and / or as a mechanical sensor. As schematically indicated in Figure 7, the sensor 46 can be arranged on the actuator 40 for conveying the pressure mass 22. In particular, the sensor 46 can be arranged on the linear drive 44 or on a plunger 48, wherein the plunger 48 can be formed as part of the actuator 40 and / or the linear drive 44 or can be coupled to the linear drive 44.

[0184] The supply line 26 can be designed to be flexibly deformable, elastically deformable, bendable, and / or flexible, at least in sections along its length or along its entire length, and / or free from plastic deformation. Likewise, the supply line 26 can flexibly follow a relative movement between the dispensing device 24 and the container 20. Such a relative movement between the dispensing device 24 and the container 20 can be achieved, for example, by a squeegee movement, as will be explained in more detail below, for example, with reference to Figures 10 and 11 and 29 to 33.

[0185] Furthermore, the supply line 26 can be made of a plastic material, at least in sections or along its entire length. In particular, the supply line 26 can be made of polyamide and / or polyester, at least in sections or along its entire length, or can comprise such a plastic, for example, as a coating and / or sheath.

[0186] Furthermore, the supply line 26 and / or a section of the supply line 26 can be replaceable without tools. Such interchangeability simplifies the use of different and / or alternating printing compounds and prevents unwanted contamination of printing compounds by residues in the supply line 26.

[0187] The supply line 26 can have a length of at least 10 cm, preferably at least 15 cm, more preferably at least 20 cm, more preferably at least 25 cm, more preferably at least 30 cm, more preferably at least 35 cm, more preferably at least 40 cm, more preferably at least 50 cm, more preferably at least 60 cm, more preferably at least 80 cm, more preferably at least 100 cm, more preferably at least 120 cm, more preferably at least 150 cm, more preferably at least 170 cm, more preferably at least 200 cm, more preferably at least 250 cm, even more preferably at least 300 cm.

[0188] Likewise, the supply line can have a length of up to 20 cm, preferably up to 30 cm, more preferably up to 40 cm, more preferably up to 50 cm, more preferably up to 70 cm, more preferably up to 100 cm, more preferably up to 150 cm, more preferably up to 200 cm, more preferably up to 250 cm, more preferably up to 300 cm, more preferably up to 400 cm, more preferably up to 500 cm, even more preferably up to 1000 cm.

[0189] Figures 8 to 10 show detailed views of an output device 24 according to different embodiments of the present invention.

[0190] In the exemplary embodiment according to Figure 8, the dispensing device 24 can have a plurality of dispensing openings 62 for dispensing the printing compound 22 onto the printing screen 16. In particular, the dispensing device 24 can have a plurality of dispensing openings 62 that are discretely formed from one another. At least two dispensing openings 62 can have different dimensions from one another. In particular, all dispensing openings 62 can have different dimensions from one another. Thus, each dispensing opening 62 can have different dimensions than each of the other dispensing openings 62 of the respective dispensing device 24.

[0191] For this purpose, at least two dispensing openings 62 can have cross-sectional dimensions that differ from one another. In particular, each dispensing opening 62 can have a cross-sectional size that differs from the cross-sectional size of any other dispensing opening 62. In the exemplary embodiment according to Figure 8, the dispensing openings 62 can be round, in particular circular. A dispensing device 24 can also have differently shaped dispensing openings 62.

[0192] Preferably, at least one of the dispensing openings 62 can be smaller than a dispensing opening 62 arranged downstream in the flow direction 64 of the printing mass 22. Likewise, a dispensing opening 62 arranged downstream in the flow direction 64 of the printing mass 22 can be larger than at least one dispensing opening 62 arranged upstream in the flow direction 64 or all of the dispensing openings 62 arranged upstream in the flow direction 64.

[0193] The further the respective pressure mass 22 flows in the dispensing device 24 along the flow direction 64, the more likely the pressure mass 22 is to be guided or extruded through a relatively large dispensing opening 62. A pressure drop occurring within the dispensing device 24 in the flow direction 64 can thus be well compensated, and the differently sized dispensing openings 62 can still ensure a uniform or evenly or relatively well-distributed pressure mass discharge.

[0194] The plurality of dispensing openings 62 of the dispensing device 24 can further be configured and / or arranged to dispense the printing compound 22 onto the respective printing screen 16 in discrete printing compound sections. With such a configuration, the printing compound sections applied to a printing screen 16 can be clearly differentiated from one another, thus ensuring particularly controlled dispensing.

[0195] Several or the plurality of dispensing openings 62 can be arranged distributed between a flood squeegee 50 and a printing squeegee 52, in particular distributed in a direction transverse to or at an angle to a squeegee direction 54. Thus, a dispensing device 24, shown for example in Figure 8, can be arranged extending between the flood squeegee 50 and the printing squeegee 52 in such a way that at least several or all of the dispensing openings

[0196] 62 are arranged distributed between the flood squeegee 50 and the printing squeegee 52.

[0197] The arrangement of an output device 24 between a flood squeegee 50 and a printing squeegee 52 or between two printing squeegees is explained in more detail below with reference to the embodiment in Figures 11 to 13.

[0198] Figure 9 shows a detailed view of a dispensing device 24 according to another embodiment of the present invention. The embodiment in Figure 9 differs from the embodiment in Figure 8 with regard to the shape of the dispensing openings 62.

[0199] The dispensing device 24 according to Figure 9 has at least one dispensing slot 66 or a plurality of dispensing slots 66. At least one dispensing slot 66 can preferably extend in a direction transverse to or at an angle to the squeegee direction 54. In particular, a longitudinal extension of the at least one dispensing slot 66 can preferably extend in a direction transverse to or at an angle to the squeegee direction 54. Furthermore, the longitudinal extension of the at least one dispensing slot 66 can extend, at least in sections, in the flow direction 64 of the printing compound 22 within the respective dispensing device 24.

[0200] All output slots 66 can extend in their longitudinal extent in the flow direction 64 and / or transversely or at an angle to the doctor blade direction 54.

[0201] At least two or all of the dispensing slots 66 may be aligned with one another in their longitudinal extent.

[0202] At least two dispensing slots 66 can be dimensioned differently from one another. In particular, all dispensing slots 66 can be dimensioned differently from one another. Thus, each dispensing slot 66 can be dimensioned differently than each of the other dispensing slots 66 of the respective dispensing device 24. For this purpose, at least two dispensing slots 66 can have slot widths that differ from one another. In particular, each dispensing slot 66 can have a slot width that differs from the slot width of every other dispensing slot 66.

[0203] Preferably, at least one of the dispensing slots 66 can be smaller in size than an dispensing slot 66 arranged downstream in the flow direction 64 of the printing mass 22. Likewise, an dispensing slot 66 arranged downstream in the flow direction 64 of the printing mass 22 can be larger or wider in size than at least one dispensing slot 66 arranged upstream in the flow direction 64 or all of the dispensing slots 66 arranged upstream in the flow direction 64. A pressure drop occurring within the dispensing device 24 in the flow direction 64 can thereby be suitably compensated for, and the differently sized dispensing slots 66 can nevertheless ensure a uniform or equally or relatively well-distributed printing mass outlet.

[0204] In the embodiment according to Figure 9, at least one dispensing slot 66 of the dispensing device 24 can have a size and / or width that is at least constant in sections along the flow direction 64 of the printing mass 22.

[0205] Furthermore, it can be provided that the output slots 66 of a dispensing device have differently dimensioned slot lengths, which is not shown in detail here.

[0206] Figure 10 shows a detailed view of a dispensing device 24 according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. The embodiment in Figure 10 differs from the embodiment in Figure 9 with regard to the shape of the dispensing slots 66. The different dimensions of the dispensing slots 66, as described above with reference to Figure 9, can also be provided in the embodiment according to Figure 10. Furthermore, in the embodiment according to Figure 10, it can be provided that at least one dispensing slot 66 of the dispensing device 24 has a varying width along its longitudinal extent. This can preferably be provided for all dispensing slots 66.

[0207] At least one dispensing slot 66 of the dispensing device 24 can have different widths at sections spaced apart from one another along the longitudinal extent of the dispensing slot 66. Preferably, all dispensing slots 66 of the dispensing device 24 can have different widths at sections spaced apart from one another along the longitudinal extent of the respective dispensing slot 66.

[0208] At least one dispensing slot 66 of the dispensing device 24 can be dimensioned larger and / or wider in a slot section formed downstream in the flow direction 64 of the printing compound 22 than at least one slot section upstream in the flow direction 64. This can, in turn, preferably be provided for all dispensing slots 66.

[0209] In the exemplary embodiment according to Figure 10, at least one dispensing slot 66 of the dispensing device 24 can have a size and / or width that continuously increases, at least in sections, along the flow direction 64 of the printing compound 22. This can preferably be provided for all dispensing slots 66 of the dispensing device 24 according to Figure 10.

[0210] In the exemplary embodiments according to Figures 1 to 10 and also in the exemplary embodiments explained in more detail below according to Figures 11 to 25, the dispensing device 24 can have at least one dispensing tube section 68 or a plurality of dispensing tube sections 68. The dispensing devices 24 shown above with reference to Figures 8 to 10 can each be designed as a dispensing tube section 68, or a dispensing device 24 can have at least one dispensing tube section 68 designed corresponding to the exemplary embodiments in Figures 8 to 10. Likewise, a dispensing device 24 can have a plurality of such dispensing tube sections 68.

[0211] At least one dispensing opening 62 and / or one dispensing slot 66, or a plurality of dispensing openings 62 and / or dispensing slots 66, can be formed in such a dispensing tube section 68. A dispensing opening 62 provided in a dispensing tube section 68 and / or a dispensing slot 66 provided in a dispensing tube section 68 can be formed as described in more detail above with reference to Figures 8 to 10.

[0212] In particular, a plurality of dispensing openings 62 can be provided in a dispensing tube section 68 and arranged distributed along a flow direction 64 of the pressure mass 22. Likewise, at least one dispensing slot 66 can be formed in a dispensing tube section 68, extending in the flow direction of the pressure mass 22.

[0213] Likewise, a dispensing tube section 68 may also have a dispensing opening 62 at a free end. In particular, such a dispensing tube section 68 may also be provided with only a dispensing opening 62 at a free end, as will be described in more detail below.

[0214] A previously described dispensing tube section 68 can run between the respective flood squeegee 50 and the respective printing squeegee 52, in particular transversely or at an angle to the squeegee direction 54 and / or parallel to a squeegee edge 56 of the flood squeegee 50 and / or parallel to a squeegee edge 58 of the printing squeegee 52. As shown in more detail in Figure 5, for example, the dispensing device 24 can have a plurality of dispensing tube sections 68, which are preferably aligned with one another. The dispensing device 24 can be arranged to be movable by an actuator 70. In particular, the dispensing tube sections 68 of the dispensing device 24 can be arranged to be uniformly movable with one another by an actuator 70 or by a plurality of actuators.

[0215] The actuator 70 can be a gantry axis system 72, as shown in Figure 3. A gantry axis system 72 can have an electric drive 74, which is shown in more detail in Figure 11, for example. The gantry axis system 72 can also support the flood squeegee 50 and the printing squeegee 52 and implement a squeegee movement in the squeegee direction 54.

[0216] In the exemplary embodiments according to Figures 1 to 10, as well as in the exemplary embodiments explained in more detail below according to Figures 11 to 33, the respective supply line 26 can have at least one distributor 76. Such a distributor 76 can be designed and / or arranged in particular for distributing a pressure mass flow 22 to a plurality of parallel-connected supply line sections 78 and / or for supplying a pressure mass flow 22 to a plurality of discharge openings 62 and / or to a plurality of discharge slots 66 and / or to a plurality of discharge pipe sections 68.

[0217] The supply line 26 can therefore have at least two supply line sections 78 connected in parallel by a distributor 76.

[0218] It is further possible for at least one of the parallel-connected supply line sections 78 to have a further distributor 76 for distributing a pressure mass flow 22 to a plurality of further parallel-connected supply line sections 78. Consequently, the respective supply line 26 can have a plurality of distributors 76. By providing a distributor 76, the supply line 26 can thus be branched. The lengths or length ranges of the supply line 26 specified above can each be a length or a length range of the supply line 26 starting from the respective container 20 up to the end of an individual branch. Likewise, the lengths or length ranges of the supply line 26 specified above can each be a length or a length range of the entire supply line 26, including all branches.

[0219] Figure 11 shows a partial view of a pressure device 14 and a metering device 18 according to yet another embodiment. Figure 12 shows a sectional view along section line AA of Figure 11.

[0220] Figures 11 and 12 show in more detail that the printing device 14 may have a flood squeegee 50 for flooding the printing screen 16 with printing compound 22. Likewise, Figures 11 and 12 show in more detail that the printing device 14 may have a printing squeegee 52 for pressing printing compound 22 through the printing screen 16.

[0221] Instead of the flood squeegee 50, a printing squeegee can also be provided, or the flood squeegee 50 can also be operated as a printing squeegee. Thus, the printing device 14 can be equipped with two printing squeegees, or two arranged squeegees can both be operated as printing squeegees.

[0222] As shown in the exemplary embodiment according to Figures 11 and 12, the dispensing device 24 can preferably be designed and / or arranged to dispense the printing mass 22 starting from a position between the flood squeegee 50 and the printing squeegee 52 or between two printing squeegees. This is shown in more detail in Figure 12. An arrangement with a flood squeegee 50 and a printing squeegee 52 will be discussed in more detail below, and the respective details also apply to an arrangement with two printing squeegees. The dispensing device 24 can run at least partially or completely between the flood squeegee 50 and the printing squeegee 52. In particular, the dispensing device 24 can run at least partially in a direction transverse to or at an angle to the squeegee direction 54.The squeegee direction 54 can be a direction along which the flood squeegee 50 is moved during flooding of the printing screen 16, or the printing squeegee 52 is moved during printing or during the pressing of printing compound 22 through the printing screen 16. A lowering or lifting movement of the flood squeegee 50 and / or the printing squeegee 52 is therefore not understood as a squeegee direction.

[0223] The above-described arrangement between a dispensing device 24 and the flood squeegee 50 and / or the printing squeegee 52 can also be provided in the exemplary embodiments according to Figures 1 to 10 and 13 to 25. Furthermore, the squeegee direction 54 is also shown in Figure 3.

[0224] The dispensing device 24 can furthermore run at least partially parallel to a squeegee edge 56 of the flood squeegee 50. Likewise, the dispensing device 24 can run at least partially parallel to a squeegee edge 58 of the printing squeegee 52. In this case, the dispensing device 24 can extend at least partially into a gap 60 between the flood squeegee 50 and the printing squeegee 52. This allows the respective printing paste 22 to be dispensed by the dispensing device 24 from a position within the gap 60 between the flood squeegee 50 and the printing squeegee 52.

[0225] During a squeegee movement of the flood squeegee 50 and / or the printing squeegee 52 along a squeegee direction 54, the dispensing device 24 can be moved together with the flood squeegee 50 and / or the printing squeegee 52, particularly in an embodiment according to Figures 11 and 12, but also according to Figures 1 to 10 and 13 to 25. Such a movement of the dispensing device 24 along the squeegee direction 54 can therefore also occur relative to the respective container 20. Thus, according to one embodiment of the present invention, as shown, for example, in Figures 1 to 25, the dispensing device 24 can be arranged to move along with the flood squeegee 50 and / or the printing squeegee 52, in particular to move along in a squeegee direction 54.

[0226] According to one embodiment of the present invention, as shown, for example, in Figures 1 to 25, the dosing device 18 can be configured to dispense printing compound 22 via the dispensing device 24 during a squeegee movement in a squeegee direction 54. In particular, the dosing device 18 can be configured to continuously and / or periodically recurringly dispense printing compound 22 via the dispensing device 24 during a squeegee movement in a squeegee direction 54.

[0227] Furthermore, the dosing device 18 according to an embodiment of the present invention, as shown for example in Figures 1 to 25, can be configured to dispense printing compound 22 during a joint and / or traveling movement of the dispensing device 24 with a flood squeegee 50 and / or with at least one printing squeegee 52 in a squeegee direction 54, in particular from a position of the dispensing device 24 traveling and / or moving in the squeegee direction between a flood squeegee 50 and a printing squeegee 52 and / or between two printing squeegees.

[0228] In this case, the dosing device 18 according to an embodiment of the present invention, as shown for example in Figures 1 to 25, can be configured to dispense printing compound 22 during a squeegee movement along the squeegee direction 54 carried out by the actuator 70 and / or by the portal axis system 72.

[0229] Finally, according to an embodiment of the present invention, as shown for example in Figures 1 to 25, the metering device 18 can be configured to dispense printing compound 22 during a stationary position and / or a stationary position in the squeegee direction 54 of a printing squeegee 52 and / or a flood squeegee 50.

[0230] Additionally or alternatively, the dosing device 18 according to an embodiment of the present invention, as shown, for example, in Figures 1 to 25, can be configured to dispense printing compound 22 during a movement of the dispensing device 24 relative to a flood squeegee 50 and / or relative to a printing squeegee 52 and / or during a movement between a flood squeegee 50 and a printing squeegee 52 and / or to dispense printing compound 22 during a movement of the dispensing device 24 transversely or at an angle to the squeegee direction 54, in particular when a printing squeegee 52 and / or a flood squeegee 50 is stationary and / or stationary in the squeegee direction 54. Figure 13 shows a detailed view of a dispensing device 24 according to the embodiment in Figures 11 and 12. In particular, the detailed view according to Figure 13 shows a dispensing subassembly 25 of the dispensing device 24.

[0231] The dispensing device 24 or the dispensing subassembly 25 according to Figure 13 has two dispensing tube sections 68 that run parallel to each other or adjacent to each other at least in sections. The parallel or adjacent configuration of the two dispensing tube sections 68 can overlap. Thus, the two dispensing tube sections 68 can run parallel or adjacent to each other only in sections. One of the dispensing tube sections 68 can protrude along a longitudinal direction relative to the other dispensing tube section 68 or be longer.

[0232] The output pipe sections 68 according to Figure 13 can each be fed with pressure mass 22 from a supply line section 78, wherein the supply line sections 78a, 78b directly adjacent to the output pipe sections 68 are connected in parallel and to the distributor 76. The flow direction 64 of the pressure mass 22 is indicated schematically in Figure 13. Upstream of the distributor 76, a supply line section 78c can in turn run, which can preferably also be connected in parallel and can be connected to a further distributor 76 (not shown in detail here). The parallel connection of the supply line section 78c can be effected with a further supply line section 78 (also not shown in detail here).

[0233] A dosing device 18 or a dispensing device 24 according to the embodiment in Figures 11 and 12 can therefore, for example, have two dispensing sub-assemblies 25, each with two parallel-connected dispensing pipe sections 68, as shown, for example, in Figure 13. Thus, a dispensing device 24 can have two opposing dispensing sub-assemblies 25, each of which can be designed, for example, according to Figure 13 and thus each have two parallel-connected dispensing pipe sections 68.

[0234] The dispensing tube sections 68 shown in Figure 13 can further each have a dispensing opening 62 at their free ends 69. In particular, the dispensing tube sections 68 according to the embodiment in Figure 13 can have a dispensing opening 62 exclusively at the free ends 69.

[0235] In the embodiment according to Figures 11 to 13, the dosing device 18 can further comprise at least one actuator 142 for moving the dispensing device 24 or the dispensing subassemblies 25—as shown, for example, in Figure 13—relative to the flood squeegee 50 and / or relative to the printing squeegee 52. The dosing device 18 according to Figures 11 to 13 can be designed and / or arranged to dispense printing compound 22 during a movement of the dispensing device 24 or the dispensing subassemblies 25 by means of the actuator 142.

[0236] Furthermore, a separate actuator can be provided for each dispensing sub-assembly 25, although this is not shown in detail here. This allows the dispensing sub-assemblies 25 to be moved independently of one another and / or in opposite directions to one another. The actuator 142 can be designed and / or arranged to move the dispensing device 24 and / or the dispensing sub-assemblies 25 transversely or at an angle to the squeegee direction 54. In particular, the actuator 142 can be designed and / or arranged to move the dispensing device 24 along a transverse direction 144 that runs transversely or at an angle to the squeegee direction 54. In this case, the actuator 142 can be designed and / or arranged to move the dispensing device 24 along the intermediate space 60 between the flood squeegee 50 and the printing squeegee 52 and / or in a direction parallel to a squeegee edge 56 of the flood squeegee 50 and / or parallel to a squeegee edge 58 of the printing squeegee 52.

[0237] The actuator 142 can be designed as a pneumatic and / or electrical actuator and / or as a linear actuator, in particular as a pneumatic and / or electrical linear actuator.

[0238] The actuator 142 can be designed and / or arranged to move the respective dispensing sub-assembly 25 along a transverse direction 144, in particular by a distance or dosing length that is less than 50% of the doctor blade width extending in the transverse direction 144. The actuator 142 can further be designed and / or arranged to move the respective dispensing sub-assembly 25 along a transverse direction 144 by a distance or dosing length that is less than 30% and / or more than 20%, preferably 25% or approximately 25%, of the doctor blade width extending in the transverse direction 144.

[0239] From one of the dispensing tube sections 68, a printing compound 22 can therefore be dispensed along a metering length or along a path corresponding to approximately 25% or approximately 25% of the squeegee width extending in the transverse direction 144. By arranging a total of two opposing dispensing sub-assemblies 25 and thus a total of four dispensing tube sections 68, the entire squeegee width extending in the transverse direction 144 can be covered. Thus, due to the movement by means of the actuator 142 through each dispensing tube section 68 along a metering width and / or path corresponding to approximately 25% or approximately 25% of the squeegee width extending in the transverse direction 144, a partial portion of the printing compound can be applied to the respective printing screen 16.

[0240] Four printing mass sections applied in this way via the respective dispensing tube sections 68 can complement each other to form a continuous printing mass section 122—as shown, for example, in Figure 25. Such a continuous printing mass section 122 can thus extend along the entire or substantially entire squeegee width, with the squeegee width itself extending in the transverse direction 144.

[0241] The actuator 144 can perform forward and backward movements along the squeegee direction 144, wherein, for example, during a forward movement, the printing compound 22 can be dispensed from the dispensing tube sections 68 of one dispensing sub-assembly 25, and during a backward movement, the printing compound 22 can be dispensed from the dispensing tube sections 68 of the respective other dispensing sub-assembly 25. The forward and backward movements along the squeegee direction 144 occur to the left and to the right in the illustration according to Figure 11.

[0242] If several actuators are provided or the actuator 144 has several individual actuators - not shown in detail here - the dispensing sub-assemblies 25 can be moved towards each other and / or away from each other during the dispensing of the printing mass 22.

[0243] Figure 14 shows a perspective view of a dosing device 18 according to a further embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 15 shows a side view of the dosing device 18 of Figure 14. In the embodiment according to Figures 14 and 15, the dispensing device 24 can have a plurality of dispensing tube sections 68, which can be connected to one another to form a dispensing tube 80 and / or can be formed integrally with one another as a dispensing tube 80. The dispensing tube sections 68 according to Figures 14 and 15 can also be fluidly connected to one another. It is possible for pressure compound 22 to be introduced into the two interconnected dispensing tube sections 68 via opposite ends 82. The pressure compound 22 can be dispensed via dispensing openings 62 or a dispensing slot 66 or a plurality of dispensing slots 66 between the opposite ends 82.Counter-rotating pressure mass flows can therefore be realized within the output pipe sections 68 which are connected to one another or formed as one piece.

[0244] Opposing pressure mass flows can meet approximately in the middle of the discharge pipe having the discharge pipe sections 68.

[0245] Figure 16 shows a perspective view of a device 10 according to the invention according to a further embodiment. Figure 17 shows a sectional view of the device 10 of Figure 16, and Figure 18 shows a side view of the device 10 of Figure 16.

[0246] The embodiment of the device 10 according to Figures 16 to 18 differs from the embodiment according to Figures 1 to 7 again with regard to the dosing device 18. Figure 19 shows a perspective view of a dosing device 18 of the device 10 from Figures 16 to 18 and Figure 20 shows a side view of the dosing device 18 of Figure 19.

[0247] The dosing device 18 shown in Figures 18 and 19 has a container 20, which can be designed as a bucket 84. Furthermore, the dosing device 18 according to Figures 18 and 19 has a pressure-increasing device 86 with a pressure vessel 88, which can be sealed pressure-tight. The container 20, designed as a bucket 84, for storing the pasty printing compound 22 is arranged in the pressure vessel 88 of the pressure-increasing device 86. Thus, the container 20, designed as a bucket 84, is only indicated in Figures 18 and 19, but not shown in detail.

[0248] In the broader sense or in the sense of the present invention, the pressure increasing device 86 can also be an actuator 40 for conveying the pressure mass 22 from the container 20.

[0249] A container 20 designed as a bucket 84 for storing the pasty printing compound 22 can also be taken from the embodiment in Figures 21 and 22, which will be discussed below.

[0250] A container 20 designed as a bucket 84 can be equipped with a cylindrical or conical circumferential side wall 90 and / or with a top-side and / or closable opening 92. Likewise, a container 20 designed as a bucket 84 can also be provided with a pressure mass outlet designed on the bottom, which is not shown in detail here.

[0251] In the embodiment according to Figures 16 to 19, the pressure vessel 88 can have a connection opening 94 for a compressed air supply. A compressed air line 96 can be connected or connectable in a pressure-tight manner to the connection opening 94. The connection opening 94 is preferably formed in a cover 98 of the pressure vessel 84.

[0252] The pressure vessel 88 further has an outlet opening 100 for the passage of the supply line 26 or an outlet opening 100 for the passage of an outlet line 102 connected to the supply line 26, wherein the outlet opening 100 can preferably be formed in the cover 98 of the pressure vessel 88. The supply line 26 or an outlet line 102 connected to the supply line 26 can be guided through the outlet opening 100 into the interior of the pressure vessel 88, in particular into the container 20 positioned in the pressure vessel 88 and filled with pressure compound 22, which in the present case can preferably be designed as a bucket 84.

[0253] By supplying compressed air via the compressed air line 96 and the connection opening 94, a pressure increase can be generated within the pressure vessel 88, which acts on the pressure compound 22 in the container 20. As a result, the pressure compound 22 in the container 20, which is arranged in the pressure vessel 88, can be pressed out of the pressure vessel 88 via an outlet line 102 and conveyed into the supply line 26 and further to the dispensing device 24, through which the pressure compound 22 can be dispensed onto a pressure screen 16.

[0254] As can be seen from Figure 17, the device 10 can have a plurality of metering devices 18 and / or the metering device 18 can have a plurality of pressure increasing devices 86 or a plurality of pressure vessels 88.

[0255] Figure 21 shows a perspective view of a dosing device 18 according to a further embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 22 shows a side view of the dosing device 18 of Figure 21. As already mentioned above, according to the embodiment in Figures 21 and 22, the container 20 of the dosing device 18 can be designed as a bucket 84.

[0256] In the exemplary embodiment according to Figures 21 and 22, the dosing device 18 can have an actuator 40 for conveying the pressure mass 22, wherein the actuator 40 can be designed as a suction device 104 for sucking the pressure mass 22 out of the container 20. The suction device 104 can be designed, in particular, as a screw pump and / or eccentric screw pump. The suction device 104 can be immersed, at least in sections, into the container 20 and / or into the pressure mass 22 located in the container 20 and / or can be arranged so that it can be immersed. For this purpose, a relative movement between the suction device 104 and the container 20 can be realized, for example, by a lifting device for the container 20.

[0257] The suction device 104 can also be arranged outside the container 20 and / or be in fluid communication with the container 20 via a suction line (not shown in detail here). Likewise, a suction line connected to the suction device 104 (also not shown in detail here) can be immersed in the container 20 and / or into the pressure mass 22 located in the container 20.

[0258] The suction device 104 can in particular be designed and / or arranged to convey printing compound 22 sucked from the container 20 into the feed line 26 and to the dispensing device 24, through which printing compound 22 can finally be dispensed onto the respective printing screen 16.

[0259] In the embodiment according to Figures 21 and 22, the dispensing device 24 can have a plurality of dispensing openings 62 formed at free line ends 106. The free line ends 106 can each be formed at a line end portion 108, which is in fluid communication with the supply line 26 or can be formed as part of the supply line 26.

[0260] The container 20 designed as a bucket 84, as used in the embodiments according to Figures 16 to 21, can have a receiving volume of at least 1 dm 3 , preferably at least 3 dm 3 , more preferably at least 4 dm 3 , more preferably at least 5 dm 3 , more preferably at least 7 dm 3 , more preferably at least 9 dm 3 , more preferably of at least 10 dm 3 , more preferably at least 15 dm 3 , more preferably at least 20 dm 3, even more preferably of at least 25 dm 3 and even more preferably of at least 35 dm 3 Likewise, the container 22 designed as a bucket 84, as used in the embodiments according to Figures 16 to 21, can have a receiving volume of up to 5 dm 3 , preferably up to 7 dm 3 , more preferably up to 9 dm 3 , more preferably up to 10 dm 3 , more preferably up to 15 dm 3 , more preferably up to 20 dm 3 , more preferably up to 25 dm 3 , more preferably up to 30 dm 3 , more preferably up to 35 dm 3 , more preferably up to 45 dm 3 , even more preferably up to 50 dm 3 and even more preferably up to 100 dm 3 have.

[0261] Figure 23 shows a perspective partial view of the dosing device 18 of Figure 22 with the dispensing device 24 and the printing screen 16 shown. Figure 24 shows a detailed side view of the dispensing device 24 of Figure 21 with the flood squeegee 50 and printing squeegee 52 shown. For clarity, only the flood squeegee 50 is shown in Figure 23. The line end sections 108 protrude into the intermediate space 60 between the flood squeegee 50 and the printing squeegee 52, so that the dispensing openings 62 at the free line ends 106 are also arranged in the intermediate space 60. The dispensing openings 62 can be distributed in the intermediate space 60, namely in a direction transverse to the squeegee direction 54.

[0262] Figure 25 shows a top view of a printing screen 16 of a device 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The printing screen 16 has a closed section 110 and an open section 112. A pasty printing compound 22 can be pressed through the open section 112, at least in sections, specifically to produce printing layers with the desired shape. The closed section 110 surrounds the open section 112 and, however, does not allow the printing compound 22 to be pressed through.

[0263] The dispensing device 24 can preferably be designed to dispense the printing compound 22 onto a closed section 110 of the printing screen 16. In particular, the dispensing device 24 can preferably be designed to dispense the printing compound 22 onto a printing overflow section 114 of the printing screen 16. The printing overflow section 114 can, in particular, be arranged at a distance from the open section 112 and / or on the closed section 110. The flood squeegee 50 and / or the printing squeegee 52 to be used in each case can be moved at least into the printing overflow section 114 when executing a squeegee movement in a squeegee movement direction 54.

[0264] Preferably, a pressure overflow section 114 can be provided on both sides of the open section 112, as seen in plan view according to Figure 25.

[0265] A dosing position 116 for the dispensed printing compound 22 on the printing screen 16 is shown in Figure 25. The dosing position 116 is arranged in the printing overflow section 114, in particular spaced from the open section 112 and / or on the closed section 110 of the printing screen 16.

[0266] Furthermore, a flood squeegee start position 118 is shown in Figure 25. The dosing position 116 can be arranged, in particular, between the open section 112 and the flood squeegee start position 118 in the plan view according to Figure 25.

[0267] Finally, Figure 25 shows a safe squeegee position 120. The safe squeegee position 120 is located above or on a closed section 110 of the printing screen. In the plan view according to Figure 25, the open section 112 can be arranged between the metering position 116 and the safe squeegee position 120. Such a safe squeegee position 120 can be particularly advantageous when the dispensing device 24 moves independently or by means of its own actuator and relative to the flood squeegee 50 and / or relative to the printing squeegee 52. By positioning the flood squeegee 50 and / or the printing squeegee 52 in a safe squeegee position 120, printing compound 22 can be metered at the metering position 116 or along the metering position 116 without the risk of collisions.The dispensing device 24 can, in particular, be designed and / or arranged to dispense the printing compound 22 onto the printing screen 16 in at least one elongated or cord-shaped printing compound section 122. Such a cord-shaped printing compound section 122 can be seen, for example, in Figure 25. A cord-shaped printing compound section 122 can be generated, for example, by a dispensing device 24 with a dispensing slot 66.

[0268] Figure 26 shows a side view of a container changing device 124 according to an embodiment of the present invention in a first operating position. Another operating position of the container changing device 124 is shown in Figure 27. A container changing device 124 can be designed and / or arranged as part of a dosing device 18.

[0269] The container changing device 124 can be designed and / or arranged for the automated changing of the respective container 20 dispensing printing compound 22, in particular a container 20 designed as a cartridge 34. Likewise, a container changing device 124 can also be designed and / or arranged for the automated changing of a container 20 designed as a bucket 84, which is not shown in detail here.

[0270] Additionally or alternatively, the container changing device 124 can be designed and / or arranged for the tool-free and / or automated or semi-automated changing of the container 20 dispensing the printing compound 22.

[0271] The container changing device 124 can have a container magazine 126 for accommodating a plurality of containers 20. The container magazine 126 can be designed, in particular, as a cartridge magazine for accommodating a plurality of containers 20 designed as cartridges 34. The container changing device 124 can further have a connection plate 128, which can be equipped with a passage 130 for the passage of printing compound 22 from a container 20. A supply line 26 (not shown in detail here) can be connected to the passage 130.

[0272] The container magazine 126 can be arranged so as to be movable or displaceable relative to the connecting plate 128, as schematically illustrated in Figures 26 and 27. Likewise, the connecting plate 128 could also be arranged so as to be movable or displaceable relative to the container magazine 126.

[0273] The outlet opening 35 of a cartridge 34 can be brought into fluid communication with the passage 130 of the connecting plate 128, thereby enabling pressure compound 22 to be discharged from this cartridge 34. In Figure 26, the outlet opening 35 of the cartridge 34 shown on the left is in fluid communication with the passage 130 of the connecting plate 128.

[0274] Figure 27 shows a side view of the container changing device 124 of Figure 26 in another operating position. In Figure 27, the container magazine 126 has been displaced relative to the connecting plate 128, so that the outlet opening 35 of the cartridge 34 shown on the right is now in fluid communication with the passage 130 of the connecting plate 128. The two other cartridges 34 according to Figure 27 may, for example, have been emptied.

[0275] Thus, depending on a relative position between the connection plate 128 and the plurality of containers 20, in particular the cartridges 34, a fluid connection can be established between the supply line 24 (not shown in detail here) and one of the plurality of containers 20, in particular cartridges 34. By adjusting the relative position between the connection plate 128 and at least one container 20, in particular cartridge 34, a fluid connection can be established between the supply line 24 and another container 20, in particular cartridge 34. A plunger 48 or a linear drive 44 is schematically shown in Figures 26 and 27. The plunger 48 can be part of the linear drive 44 or connected to the linear drive 44 for transmitting a drive force. The plunger 48 is intended to contact and move a piston head (not shown in detail here) of the respective cartridge 34.

[0276] Further detailed views of the container changing device 124 are shown in Figures 28 and 29. The piston head 38 of the cartridges 34 is shown in more detail in Figure 28. Figures 28 and 29 also show a more detailed view of the cartridges 34 being accommodated in the container magazine 126.

[0277] Figures 26 and 27 also show a schematically illustrated fill level sensor 132, via which a fill level of the printing compound 22 in the respective cartridge 34 can be determined.

[0278] A dosing device 18 according to an embodiment of the present invention may further comprise a receiving cavity 134 for receiving a cartridge 34, wherein the receiving cavity 134 may preferably be configured for at least partially lateral and / or circumferential support of a cartridge side wall 36. In the embodiment according to Figures 26 to 29, the receiving cavity 134 or the plurality of receiving cavities 134 is provided in the container magazine 126.

[0279] Likewise, a receiving cavity 134 for a cartridge 34 can be removed from the embodiment shown in Figure 7.

[0280] Figures 28 and 29 also show a quick-change device 127 for the container magazine 126. The quick-change device 127 can have fastening elements 127 that can be operated manually and / or without tools. By means of the fastening elements 127, a support plate 131 of the container magazine 126 can be clamped or fixed in an operating position, as shown in Figures 28 and 29. By manually or tool-free loosening the fastening elements 127, a support plate 131 of the container magazine 126 can be removed from the device 10, and another container magazine 126 can then be inserted and clamped or fixed. This allows for group-wise removal of, for example, emptied containers 20 with little effort, and these can then be replaced by a newly stocked container magazine 126 with a plurality of full or newly filled containers 20.

[0281] Figure 30 shows a side view of a dosing device 18 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The dosing device 18 shown in Figure 30 can be equipped with a container changing device 124, as shown in more detail in Figures 26 to 29 and described above.

[0282] The container changing device 124 can be arranged, in particular, outside the printing area 30 of the printing device 14. Furthermore, the container changing device 124 can be arranged at a distance in the horizontal direction relative to the printing screen 16. Likewise, the container changing device 124 can be arranged in the vertical direction below a printing table of the printing device 14, which is not shown in detail here.

[0283] The supply line 24 can in particular be arranged and / or designed to be replaceable without tools and / or in an automated or semi-automated manner.

[0284] The dosing device 18 according to Figure 30 can have at least one actuator 136 for moving the dispensing device 24. The actuator 136 can be designed and / or arranged, in particular, to move the dispensing device 24 transversely or at an angle to the squeegee direction 54. In the illustration according to Figure 30, the squeegee direction 54 runs orthogonally to the plane of the drawing. Thus, in the exemplary embodiment according to Figures 30 and 31, the dispensing device 24 can be moved via the actuator 136 independently of a movement of the flood squeegee 50 and / or the printing squeegee 52.

[0285] Figure 31 shows a side view of the dosing device 18 of Figure 30 during dispensing of the printing compound 22 onto the printing screen 16. The actuator 136 can be configured to move the dispensing device 24 during dispensing of the printing compound 22 onto the printing screen 16. In this way, a cord-shaped printing compound section 122 can also be created, namely due to the dispensing device 24 moving during the printing compound dispensing.

[0286] During the dispensing of the printing compound 22 and the movement of the dispensing device 24 by the actuator 136, the flood squeegee 50 and the printing squeegee 52 - not shown in detail here - can be positioned in a safe position or at a distance from the actuator 136, as already explained with reference to Figure 25.

[0287] Figure 32 shows a side view of the metering device 18 of Figure 30 during flooding of the printing screen 16 by a flood squeegee 50 or by a flood squeegee movement in the squeegee direction 54. The dispensing device 24 can be positioned in a waiting position during flooding of the printing screen 16 by the flood squeegee 50.

[0288] Thus, the actuator 136 can be configured to move the dispensing device 24 from a waiting position, as shown in Figure 32, into a dispensing position, as shown in Figure 31. Likewise, the actuator 136 can be configured to move the dispensing device 24 from a dispensing position, as shown in Figure 31, into a waiting position, as shown in Figure 32.

[0289] Figure 33 shows a side view of the dosing device 18 of Figure 30 after the container has been changed by the container changing device 136. After the container has been changed, pressure compound 22 can now be supplied from the container 20 shown on the right in Figure 30, in particular the cartridge 34 shown on the right.

[0290] A container change can be performed when the container 20 is empty and / or when a desired or planned change of the pressure compound 22 to be used is required. After or together with a container change, the supply line 24 and / or the connection plate 128 and / or the plunger 48 and / or any other component that comes into contact with the pressure compound 22 can also be replaced and / or cleaned to avoid contamination with a previously used pressure compound 22.

[0291] In all or at least some embodiments, as described above with reference to Figures 1 to 33, the metering device 18 can have at least one shut-off valve 138 for shutting off a pressurized mass flow. The shut-off valve 138 can preferably be designed as part of the supply line 24 and / or for shutting off the supply line 24.

[0292] Such a shut-off valve 138 can be designed, in particular, as a shut-off valve, a shut-off and / or throttle valve, a stopcock, and / or a butterfly valve. Such a shut-off valve 138 can be actuated, in particular, mechanically and / or pneumatically and / or electrically and / or manually and / or automatically and / or remotely. Such a shut-off valve 138 can be designed, in particular, as a pinch valve.

[0293] In all or at least some embodiments, as described above with reference to Figures 1 to 33, the distance of the shut-off valve 138 from the container 20 with pressure mass 22 can be greater along the course of the supply line 24 than the distance of the shut-off valve 138 from the dispensing device 24 and / or from at least one dispensing opening 62 and / or a dispensing slot 66 of a dispensing device 24. Furthermore, in all or at least some embodiments, as described above with reference to Figures 1 to 33, the metering device 18 and / or the actuator f for conveying the pressure mass 22 from the container 20 can be designed for volumetric metering of the pressure mass 22.

[0294] Furthermore, in all or at least some embodiments, as described above with reference to Figures 1 to 33, the metering device 18 and / or the respective actuator 40 for conveying the printing mass 22 can be designed for stroke-based and / or volumetric metering of the printing mass 22. Additionally or alternatively, an actuator 40 for conveying the printing mass 22 can be designed for volumetric metering by stroke control.

[0295] Furthermore, in the exemplary embodiments, as described above with reference to Figures 1 to 25, the actuator 70 for moving the dispensing device 24 can be designed as a portal axis system 72, as shown in more detail in Figures 3, 10, and 11, or as part of a portal axis system 72. Such a portal axis system 72 can be equipped with an electric drive 74, and the portal axis system 72 can support the flood squeegee 50 and the printing squeegee 52 and realize a squeegee movement in the squeegee direction 54, as described above.

[0296] The drive 74 can be provided for executing the squeegee movement in the squeegee direction 54. In such a configuration, the movement of the dispensing device 24 along the squeegee direction 54 occurs together with the flood squeegee 50 and / or with the printing squeegee 52.

[0297] The flood squeegee 50 and / or the printing squeegee 52 can be lowered relative to the portal axis system 72 into a squeegee position and / or raised again from a squeegee position relative to the portal axis system 72. The lowering and raising of the flood squeegee 50 and / or the printing squeegee 52 takes place with separate drives and in a direction transverse to or at an angle to a horizontal plane. The portal axis system 72, as shown in more detail in Figures 3, 10 and 11, can be designed such that a movement of the flood squeegee 50 and / or the printing squeegee 52 and / or the dispensing device 24 along a horizontal plane is only possible in the squeegee direction 54. The portal axis system 72 can, in particular, be designed free of further axes of movement along a horizontal plane, in particular free of axes of movement that extend along a horizontal plane and transversely to or at an angle to the squeegee direction 54.

[0298] Furthermore, in all or at least some embodiments of the device 10, as described above with reference to Figures 1 to 33, the respective dosing device 18 can have a run-on stop device 140 for preventing and / or reducing a run-on of printing mass 22 from the dispensing device 24.

[0299] In all or at least some embodiments, as described above with reference to Figures 1 to 33, the overrun stop device 140 can be formed by a shut-off valve 138 and / or can comprise the shut-off valve 138.

[0300] Furthermore, the overrun stop device 140, in particular in the form of a shut-off valve 138, can preferably be designed as a shut-off valve, as a shut-off and / or throttle valve, as a shut-off cock and / or as a butterfly valve or can have such a component.

[0301] Additionally or alternatively, the overrun stop device 140, in particular in the form of a shut-off valve 138 or comprising such a shut-off valve 138, can be actuated mechanically and / or pneumatically and / or electrically and / or manually and / or automatically and / or remotely. Such an overrun stop device 140, in particular in the form of a shut-off valve 138, can finally be designed as a pinch valve or have a pinch valve. Additionally or alternatively, the overrun stop device 140 can be designed to relieve pressure on a piston head 38 of a cartridge 34. Furthermore, the overrun stop device 140 can be designed to reverse the movement of a piston head 38 of a cartridge 34 and / or to reverse the movement of the actuator 40 for conveying the pressure mass 22.

[0302] The overrun stop device 140 can be configured to cancel, in particular temporarily cancel, the operative engagement and / or contact between the actuator 40 for conveying the pressure mass 22 and the piston crown 38 of a cartridge 34. In particular, the overrun stop device 140 can be configured to cancel, in particular temporarily cancel, the operative engagement and / or contact between the linear drive 44 and / or the plunger 48, on the one hand, and the piston crown 38 of a cartridge 34, on the other hand.

[0303] For this purpose, the overrun stop device 140 can be formed in particular by the actuator 40 or by a control and / or regulation of the actuator 40 not shown in detail here, or can have the actuator 40 or a control and / or regulation of the actuator 40 not shown in detail here.

[0304] By removing the contact between the actuator 40 and the piston crown 38 of a cartridge 34, in particular between the linear drive 44 and / or the plunger 48 on the one hand and the piston crown 38 of a cartridge 34 on the other hand, pressure relief can be generated in the cartridge 34. The pressure relief in the cartridge 34 can lead to a relaxation of the pressure mass 22 within the cartridge 34 and / or within the downstream supply line 24.

[0305] The piston crown 38 can subsequently perform a return movement, in particular a self-return movement. This can reliably prevent or reduce undesired overrun of pressure mass 22. The overrun stop device 140 can additionally or alternatively have a pressure-based control and / or be designed to prevent and / or reduce overrun of pressure mass 22 from the dispensing device 24 by means of a pressure-based control. Such a pressure-based control can be provided in the dosing devices 18 of all or some embodiments, as described above with reference to Figures 1 to 33.

[0306] Such a pressure-based control of the overrun stop device 140 can be configured in a particularly advantageous manner to detect and / or process a delivery pressure and / or fluid pressure of the pressure mass 22 and / or a pressure generated by an actuator 40 for delivering the pressure mass 22 and / or acting on a piston head 38 of a cartridge 34 and / or a pressure prevailing within a pressure vessel 88.

[0307] According to one embodiment, a pressure sensor (not shown in detail here) can be provided, for example in the supply line 26 and / or in the container 20 and / or in and / or on the dispensing device 24 and / or in a pressure container 88. By means of such a pressure sensor, the delivery pressure and / or fluid pressure of the pressure mass 22 in the supply line 26 and / or in the container 20 in and / or on the dispensing device 24 can be determined.

[0308] Likewise, by way of example, a pressure sensor (not shown in detail here) can be provided on the tappet 48 and / or on the piston bottom 38 of a cartridge 34, via which a pressure between the tappet 48 and the piston bottom 38 of a cartridge 34 can be determined.

[0309] Likewise, for example, a pressure sensor (not shown in detail here) can be provided in a pressure vessel 88 of a pressure booster device 86, via which a gas pressure in the pressure vessel 88 can be determined. Likewise, for example, a pressure sensor (not shown in detail here) can be provided in the compressed air line 96 and / or in and / or at the connection opening 94 of the pressure vessel 88, via which a gas pressure in the compressed air line 96 and / or in and / or at the connection opening 94 of the pressure vessel 88 can be determined.

[0310] The overrun stop device 140 can control and / or actuate the respective actuator 40 in order to prevent the pressure mass 22 from overrunning from the dispensing device 24 as a function of the pressure determined by the respective pressure sensor, in particular the respective fluid pressure, delivery pressure and / or gas pressure.

[0311] If the sensor detects a relatively high pressure and the dispensing of pressure mass 22 by the dispensing device 24 is to be terminated, the respective actuator 40 can be controlled quickly and / or to a relatively large extent to reduce the delivery pressure of the pressure mass 22. If necessary, the delivery pressure of the pressure mass 22 can also be completely reduced by appropriately controlling the respective actuator. It is also possible to only partially reduce the respective delivery pressure of the pressure mass 22, in particular to reduce it in a pressure-controlled manner using pressure sensor data.

[0312] An unnecessarily strong reduction in the delivery pressure can thus be avoided, so that only a relatively small increase in the delivery pressure by the respective actuator 40 is required for the delivery of pressure mass 22 from the delivery device 24 in a subsequent delivery sequence. The response behavior and / or the accuracy of the dosing device 18 can thereby be further improved.

[0313] It is also possible to control the respective actuator to generate a negative delivery pressure or to draw in the pressure mass 22 in a flow direction opposite to that in which it is discharged via the dispensing device 24, i.e., away from the dispensing device 24. The risk of pressure mass 22 running back can thus be further reduced.

[0314] For example, the plunger 48 can be brought into positive engagement with the piston crown 38 of a cartridge, so that the piston crown 38 can also be moved together with the plunger via an upward movement or a backward movement of the plunger 48 opposite to the discharge of pressure compound 22 from the cartridge. This allows a negative delivery pressure in a cartridge 34 or a suction of the pressure compound 22 from the supply line 26 and thus also from the dispensing device back into the cartridge 34.

[0315] A pressure-based control of the overrun stop device 140 can be provided in particular in addition to or as an alternative to a shut-off valve 138 to prevent and / or reduce overrun of the pressure mass 22.

[0316] Finally, the dispensing device 24 can have a stripping device (not shown in detail here) for stripping printing compound 22 from a dispensing opening 62 and / or from a dispensing slot 66. If overflow cannot be completely avoided, residues of printing compound 22 can be reliably removed from the respective dispensing opening 62 and / or the respective dispensing slot 66 of the dispensing device 24, thereby preventing uncontrolled dripping and the associated contamination of device components.

[0317] In a method according to the invention for producing three-dimensional screen-printed workpieces, in particular with a device 10 as described above, a screen-printed workpiece can be produced layer by layer in several printing processes in the printing device 14 with the printing screen 16. Furthermore, in the method, a pasty printing compound 22 can be dispensed in metered quantities onto the printing screen 16 using the dosing device 18. By means of the dosing device 18, a printing compound 22 is conveyed out of a container 20 for storing the pasty printing compound 22 and conveyed via the respective feed line 26 to a dispensing device 24 for dispensing the printing compound 22 onto the printing screen 22.

[0318] Additionally or alternatively, in a method according to the invention for producing three-dimensional screen-printed workpieces, in particular with a device 10 described above, a screen-printed workpiece can be produced layer by layer in several printing processes in a printing device 14 with a printing screen 16. Furthermore, in the method, a pasty printing compound can be dispensed in metered amounts onto the printing screen 16 using a metering device 18, wherein a follow-up flow of printing compound 22 from the metering device 18 can be prevented or reduced by means of a follow-up stop device 140.

[0319] Figure 34 shows a further perspective view of a dosing device according to the embodiment of Figures 14 and 15. Figure 35 shows a detailed view of Figure 34.

[0320] In the embodiment according to Figures 14 and 15 as well as 34 and 35, the supply line 26 can have a backflow stop device 146 for preventing and / or reducing the backflow of pressure mass 22 against a discharge flow direction 148. The backflow stop device 146 can preferably be designed as a shut-off valve 150, in particular as a ball valve.

[0321] Such a shut-off valve 150 can therefore be manually operated. Likewise, the shut-off valve 150 can also be designed as an automatically operated or operable shut-off valve.

[0322] Such a configuration reliably prevents the printing compound 22 from flowing back, for example due to elastic deformation of the supply line 26 or an internal prestress of the printing compound 22 present in the supply line 26. This prevents the printing compound 22 in the supply line 26 from flowing back within the supply line 26 toward the container 20 or toward the cartridge 34 and being forced out of a container-side end of the supply line 26 when the respective cartridge 34 is changed. The backflow stop device 146 can preferably be actuated before the respective container 20 is changed, in particular manually, automatically, or semi-automatically.

[0323] Furthermore, along the course of the supply line 26, the distance of the backflow stop device 146 from the container 20 with pressure mass 22 can be smaller than the distance of the backflow stop device 146 from the dispensing device 24. The risk of pressure mass 22 flowing back in the supply line 26 toward the container 20 and escaping from a container-side end of the supply line 26 can be further reduced. With a small distance between the backflow stop device 146 and the container 20, the risk is reduced that internal stress in the pressure mass 22 present between the container 20 and the backflow stop device 146 in the supply line 26 or flexible deformation of the supply line 26 will cause an uncontrolled backflow and escape of pressure mass 22 from the container-side end of the supply line 26.

[0324] Furthermore, the supply line 26 between the container 20 and the backflow stop device 146 can be designed, at least in sections, as a rigid or inflexible line. In Figures 34 and 35, the supply line 26 running between the container 20 and the backflow stop device 146 is partially concealed by the housing shown. Furthermore, the supply line 26 between the backflow stop device 146 and the dispensing device 24 can be designed, at least in sections, as a flexible or flexibly deformable line.

[0325] The device 10 can be designed and / or configured, in particular, for the development and / or production of large quantities of pharmaceuticals. Likewise, a method described above can be implemented for the production of large quantities of pharmaceuticals.

[0326] LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS

[0327] 10 Device

[0328] 12 Enclosure

[0329] 14 Printing device

[0330] 16 printing screen

[0331] 18 Dosing device

[0332] 20 containers

[0333] 22 printing mass

[0334] 24 Dispensing device

[0335] 25 Output part arrangement of the output device

[0336] 26 Supply line

[0337] 28 Enclosure

[0338] 30 print area

[0339] 32 printing table

[0340] 34 cartridges

[0341] 36 Cartridge side wall

[0342] 38 piston crown

[0343] 40 Actuator for conveying the printing mass 22

[0344] 42 Pressure booster device

[0345] 44 Linear actuator

[0346] 46 Sensor

[0347] 48 tappets

[0348] 50 flood squeegees

[0349] 52 squeegees

[0350] 54 Squeegee direction

[0351] 56 squeegee edge of the flood squeegee 50

[0352] 58 Squeegee edge of the printing squeegee 52

[0353] 60 space

[0354] 62 Dispensing opening

[0355] 64 Flow direction of the pressure mass 22

[0356] 66 Discharge slot 68 Discharge pipe section

[0357] 69 free end of the output pipe section

[0358] 70 Actuator

[0359] 72 Portal axis system

[0360] 74 Drive

[0361] 76 distributors

[0362] 78 supply line section

[0363] 80 dispensing tube

[0364] 82 ends

[0365] 84 buckets

[0366] 86 Pressure booster device

[0367] 88 pressure vessels

[0368] 90 side wall

[0369] 92 Opening

[0370] 94 Connection opening

[0371] 96 compressed air line

[0372] 98 lids

[0373] 100 Exit opening

[0374] 102 Outlet line

[0375] 104 Suction device

[0376] 106 free cable end

[0377] 108 Line end section

[0378] 110 closed section

[0379] 112 open section

[0380] 114 Pressure overflow section

[0381] 116 Dosing position

[0382] 118 Flood squeegee start position

[0383] 120 safe squeegee position

[0384] 122 Pressure mass section

[0385] 124 Container changing device

[0386] 126 container magazine

[0387] 127 Quick-change device 128 Connection plate

[0388] 129 Fastener

[0389] 130 passage

[0390] 131 Support plate 132 Level sensor

[0391] 134 Recording cavity

[0392] 136 Actuator

[0393] 138 Shut-off valve

[0394] 140 Overrun stop device 142 Actuator

[0395] 144 Transverse direction

[0396] 146 Backstop device

[0397] 148 Output flow direction

[0398] 150 shut-off valve

Claims

PATENT CLAIMS 1. Device (10) for producing three-dimensional screen-printed workpieces, in particular a 3D screen-printing system, with a printing device (14) having a printing screen (16) for the layer-by-layer production of at least one screen-printed workpiece in a plurality of printing processes and with a dosing device (18) for the dosed dispensing of a pasty printing mass (22) onto the printing screen (16), wherein the dosing device (18) has a run-on stop device (140) for preventing and / or reducing the run-on of printing mass (22) from the dosing device (18).

2. Device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the dosing device (18) has a dispensing device (24) for dispensing the printing compound (22) onto the printing screen (16) and that the overrun stop device (140) is designed to prevent and / or reduce overrun of printing compound (22) from the dispensing device (24).

3. Device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the dosing device (18) has at least one shut-off valve (138) for shutting off a dosing mass flow and / or that the run-on stop device (140) is formed by a shut-off valve (138).

4. Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the run-on stop device (140) has a pressure-based control and / or is designed to avoid and / or reduce a run-on of pressure mass (22) from the dosing device (18) and / or from the dispensing device (24) by means of a pressure-based control.

5. Device (10) according to claim 4, characterized in that the pressure-based control is designed to detect and / or process a delivery pressure of the printing mass (22).

6. Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the dosing device (18) has at least one container (20) for storing the pasty printing mass (22) and / or a dispensing device (24) for dispensing the printing mass (22) onto the printing screen (16).

7. Device (10) according to claim 6, characterized in that the dosing device (18) has at least one supply line (26) running between the container (20) and the dispensing device (24) for supplying the printing mass (22) from the container (20) to the dispensing device (24).

8. Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the dosing device (18) has at least one actuator (40) for conveying the printing compound (22), in particular for conveying it out of a container (20) for storing the pasty printing compound (22) and / or for conveying it within the dosing device (18) and / or out of the dosing device (18) and / or the dispensing device (24).

9. Device (10) according to claim 8, characterized in that the follow-up stop device (140) is designed to reverse the movement of the actuator (40) for conveying the pressure mass (22).

10. Device (10) according to one of claims 6 to 9, characterized in that the container (20) is arranged outside a printing area (30) of the printing device (14) and / or outside a printing table (32) of the Printing device (14) is arranged and / or spaced apart in the horizontal direction relative to the printing screen (16) and / or printing table (32) or is arranged in the vertical direction below or above a printing table (32) of the printing device (14).

11. Device (10) according to one of claims 6 to 10, characterized in that the container (20) during the dispensing of the printing mass (22) is and / or remains outside a printing area (30) of the printing device (14) and / or outside a printing table (32) of the printing device (14) and / or in the horizontal direction spaced relative to the printing screen (16) and / or printing table (32) or in the vertical direction below or above a printing table (32) of the printing device (14).

12. Device (10) according to one of claims 6 to 11, characterized in that the container (20) is and / or remains stationary and / or immobile during the dispensing of the printing mass (22).

13. Device (10) according to one of claims 6 to 12, characterized in that the container (20) is designed as a bucket (84), in particular with a cylindrical or conical side wall and / or with an opening formed on the top and / or closable and / or with a pressure mass outlet formed on the bottom.

14. Device (10) according to claim 13, characterized in that the container (20) designed as a bucket (84) has a receiving volume of at least 1 dm 3 , preferably at least 3 dm 3 , more preferably at least 4 dm 3 , more preferably at least 5 dm 3 , more preferably at least 7 dm 3 , more preferably at least 9 dm 3 , more preferably of at least 10 dm 3 , more preferably at least 15 dm 3 , more preferably of at least 20 dm 3 , even more preferably of at least 25 dm 3and even more preferably of at least 35 dm 3 has.

15. Device (10) according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that the container (20) designed as a bucket (84) has a receiving volume of up to 5 dm 3 , preferably up to 7 dm 3 , more preferably up to 9 dm 3 , more preferably up to 10 dm 3 , more preferably up to 15 dm 3 , more preferably up to 20 dm 3 , more preferably up to 25 dm 3 , more preferably up to 30 dm 3 , more preferably up to 35 dm 3 , more preferably up to 45 dm 3 , even more preferably up to 50 dm 3 and even more preferably up to 100 dm 3 .

16. Device (10) according to one of claims 8 to 12, characterized in that the container (20) is designed as a cartridge (34), in particular as a disposable cartridge or as a reusable cartridge.

17. Device (10) according to claim 16, characterized in that the cartridge (34) is designed to be closed and / or has an openable and / or open outlet opening (35) and / or has a piston bottom (38) which is displaceable relative to a circumferential cartridge side wall (36) 18. Device (10) according to one of claims 16 or 17, characterized in that the container (20) designed as a cartridge (34) has a receiving volume of at least 50 cm 3 , preferably at least 100 cm 3 , more preferably at least 200 cm 3 , more preferably at least 300 cm 3 , more preferably at least 500 cm 3 , more preferably at least 800 cm 3 , more preferably at least 1000 cm 3 , more preferably at least 1200 cm 3 , more preferably at least 1500 cm 3 , even more preferably of at least 1800 cm 3and even more preferably of at least 2000 cm 3 has.

19. Device (10) according to one of claims 16 to 18, characterized in that the container (20) designed as a cartridge (34) has a receiving volume of up to 200 cm 3 , preferably up to 500 cm 3 , more preferably up to 700 cm 3 , more preferably up to 900 cm 3 , more preferably up to 1000 cm 3 , more preferably up to 1200 cm 3 , more preferably up to 1500 cm 3 , more preferably up to 1700 cm 3 , more preferably up to 2000 cm 3 , more preferably up to 2500 cm 3 , even more preferably up to 3000 cm 3 and even more preferably up to 4000 cm 3 .

20. Device (10) according to one of claims 8 to 19, characterized in that the actuator (40) for conveying the pressure mass (22) is designed as a suction device (104) for sucking the pressure mass (22) out of the container (20), in particular as a screw pump and / or eccentric screw pump.

21. Device (10) according to claim 20, characterized in that the suction device (104) is immersed at least partially into the container (20) and / or into the pressure mass (22) located in the container (20).

22. Device (10) according to one of claims 20 or 21, characterized in that the suction device (104) is arranged outside the container (20) and / or is in fluid communication with the container (20) via a suction line and / or that a suction line connected to the suction device (104) is immersed in the container (20) and / or in the pressure mass (22) located in the container (20).

23. Device (10) according to one of claims 20 to 22, characterized in that the suction device (104) is designed and / or arranged to convey pressure mass (22) sucked from the container (20) into the supply line (26) and to the dispensing device (24).

24. Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims 8 to 19, characterized in that the actuator (40) for conveying the pressure mass (22) is designed as a pressure increasing device (42, 86) for pressurizing the pressure mass (22) in the container (20) and / or for pressure-based conveying of the pressure mass (22) out of the container (20).

25. Device (10) according to claim 24, characterized in that the pressure increasing device (42) has a linear drive (44), wherein the linear drive (44) is preferably designed as an electric or electromechanical linear drive and / or as an electric spindle drive and / or as an electric cylinder and / or as a linear actuator.

26. Device (10) according to one of claims 24 or 25, characterized in that the pressure increasing device (42) is designed as a pneumatic and / or hydraulic linear drive (44) or linear cylinder.

27. Device (10) according to one of claims 24 to 26, characterized in that the pressure increasing device (42) is designed and / or configured to apply a compressive force to the piston bottom (38) of a cartridge (34) filled with pressure compound (22) and / or to displace the piston bottom (38) of a cartridge (34) relative to the respective cartridge side wall (36) in a longitudinal direction in order to increase the internal pressure of the cartridge (34).

28. Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the dosing device (18) has at least one sensor (46) for determining the position of a piston head (38) of a cartridge (34).

29. Device (10) according to claim 28, characterized in that the sensor (46) is designed to determine a relative position between a piston head (38) and the actuator (40) for conveying the pressure mass (22), in particular a relative position between a piston head (38) and the linear drive (44).

30. Device (10) according to one of claims 28 or 29, characterized in that the sensor (46) is designed to determine an absolute position of the piston head (38) of a cartridge (34).

31. Device (10) according to one of claims 28 to 30, characterized in that the sensor (46) for determining the position of the piston crown (38) is designed as an inductive sensor and / or as a capacitive sensor and / or as a mechanical sensor.

32. Device (10) according to one of claims 28 to 31, characterized in that the sensor (46) is arranged on the actuator (40) for conveying the pressure mass (22), in particular on the linear drive (44).

33. Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the follow-up stop device (140) is designed to relieve pressure on a piston head (38) of a cartridge (34).

34. Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the follow-up stop device (140) is designed to reverse the movement of a piston head (38) of a cartridge (34).

35. Device (10) according to one of claims 28 to 34 in combination with claim 6, characterized in that the overrun stop device (140) is designed to cancel, in particular temporarily cancel, the operative engagement and / or contact between the actuator (40) for conveying the pressure mass (22), in particular the linear drive (44), and the piston head (38) of a cartridge (34).

36. Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pressure-based control is set up to detect and / or process a pressure generated by an actuator (40) for conveying the pressure mass (22) and / or acting on a piston head (38) of a cartridge (34).

37. Device (10) according to claim 24, characterized in that the pressure increasing device (86) has a pressure container (88) which can be closed in a pressure-tight manner and in which the container (20) for storing the pasty printing mass (22) can be positioned.

38. Device (10) according to claim 37, characterized in that the pressure vessel (88) has a connection opening (94) for a compressed air supply and a compressed air line (96) is or can be connected in a pressure-tight manner to the connection opening (94), wherein the connection opening (94) is preferably formed in a cover (98) of the pressure vessel (88).

39. Device (10) according to one of claims 37 or 38, characterized in that the pressure vessel (88) has an outlet opening (100) for the passage of the supply line (26) or outlet opening (100) for the passage of an outlet line (102) connected to the supply line (26), wherein the outlet opening (100) is preferably formed in a cover (98) of the pressure vessel (88).

40. Device (10) according to claim 39, characterized in that the supply line (26) or an outlet line (102) connected to the supply line (26) is guided through the outlet opening (100) into the interior of the pressure vessel (88), in particular into the vessel (20) positioned in the pressure vessel (88) and filled with pressure compound (22).

41. Device (10) according to one of claims 7 to 40, characterized in that the supply line (26) is designed to be flexibly deformable and / or elastically deformable and / or flexible and / or free from plastic deformation at least in sections along the entire length and / or that the supply line (26) flexibly follows a relative movement between the dispensing device (24) and the container (20).

42. Device (10) according to one of claims 7 to 41, characterized in that the supply line (26) is produced at least in sections or along the entire length from a plastic material, in particular from polyamide and / or polyester.

43. Device (10) according to one of claims 7 to 42, characterized in that the supply line (26) and / or a section of the supply line (26) can be replaced without tools.

44. Device (10) according to one of claims 7 to 43, characterized in that the supply line (26) has a length of at least 10 cm, preferably of at least 15 cm, further preferably of at least 20 cm, further preferably of at least 25 cm, further preferably of at least 30 cm, further preferably of at least 35 cm, further preferably of at least 40 cm, further preferably of at least 50 cm, further preferably of at least 60 cm, further preferably of at least 80 cm, further preferably of at least 100 cm, further preferably of at least 120 cm, further preferably of at least 150 cm, further preferably of at least 170 cm, more preferably at least 200 cm, more preferably at least 250 cm, even more preferably at least 300 cm.

45. Device (10) according to one of claims 7 to 44, characterized in that the supply line (26) has a length of up to 20 cm, preferably up to 30 cm, more preferably up to 40 cm, more preferably up to 50 cm, more preferably up to 70 cm, more preferably up to 100 cm, more preferably up to 150 cm, more preferably up to 200 cm, more preferably up to 250 cm, more preferably up to 300 cm, more preferably up to 400 cm, more preferably up to 500 cm, even more preferably up to 1000 cm.

46. Device (10) according to one of claims 2 to 45, characterized in that the dispensing device (24) has a plurality of dispensing openings (62) for dispensing the printing compound (22) onto the printing screen (16), in particular a plurality of dispensing openings (62) formed discretely with respect to one another.

47. Device (10) according to claim 46, characterized in that at least two dispensing openings (62) are of different dimensions and / or that at least two dispensing openings (62) have cross-sectional sizes that are different from one another.

48. Device (10) according to one of claims 46 or 47, characterized in that at least one of the dispensing openings (62) is smaller in dimension than a dispensing opening (62) arranged downstream in the flow direction (64) of the printing mass (22) and / or that a dispensing opening (62) arranged downstream in the flow direction (64) of the printing mass (22) is larger in dimension than at least one dispensing opening (62) arranged upstream in the flow direction (64) or all of the dispensing openings (62) arranged upstream in the flow direction (64).

49. Device (10) according to one of claims 46 to 48, characterized in that the plurality of dispensing openings (62) are designed and / or arranged to discharge the printing mass (22) onto the printing screen (16) in mutually discrete printing mass sections.

50. Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the dispensing device (24) is designed to dispense the printing mass (22) onto a closed section (110) of the printing screen (16) and / or onto a printing overflow section (114) of the printing screen (16).

51. Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the printing device (14) has a flood squeegee (50) for flooding the printing screen (16) with printing compound (22) and / or a printing squeegee (52) for pressing printing compound (22) through the printing screen (16) and / or two printing squeegees (52) for pressing printing compound (22) through the printing screen, wherein the dispensing device (24) is preferably designed to dispense the printing compound (22) starting from a position between the flood squeegee (50) and the printing squeegee (52) and / or between two printing squeegees (52).

52. Device (10) according to claim 51, characterized in that the dispensing device (24) runs at least partially or completely between the flood squeegee (50) and the printing squeegee (52) and / or between two printing squeegees (52), in particular in a direction transverse to or at an angle to the squeegee direction (54), and / or that the dispensing device (24) runs at least partially parallel to a squeegee edge (56, 58) of the flood squeegee (50) and / or of the at least one printing squeegee (52) and / or that the dispensing device (24) runs into an intermediate space (60) between the flood squeegee (50) and the printing squeegee (52) and / or between two printing squeegees (52).

53. Device (10) according to one of claims 51 or 52, characterized in that several or the plurality of dispensing openings (62) are arranged distributed between the flood squeegee (50) and the printing squeegee (52) and / or between two printing squeegees (52), in particular are arranged distributed in a direction transverse to or at an angle to the squeegee direction (54).

54. Device (10) according to one of claims 2 to 53, characterized in that the dispensing device (24) has at least one dispensing slot (66) or a plurality of dispensing slots (66), wherein the dispensing slot (66) preferably runs in a direction transverse to or at an angle to the doctor direction (54).

55. Device (10) according to claim 54, characterized in that at least one dispensing slot (66) of the dispensing device (24) has a varying width along the longitudinal extent.

56. Device (10) according to one of claims 54 or 55, characterized in that at least one dispensing slot (66) of the dispensing device (24) has different widths at sections spaced apart from one another in the longitudinal extent of the dispensing slot (66).

57. Device (10) according to one of claims 54 to 56, characterized in that at least one dispensing slot (66) of the dispensing device (24) in a slot section formed downstream in the flow direction (64) of the printing mass (22) is larger and / or wider than at least one slot section upstream in the flow direction (64).

58. Device (10) according to one of claims 54 to 57, characterized in that at least one output slot (66) of the output device (24) has a size and / or width that continuously increases at least in sections along the flow direction (64) of the pressure mass (22).

59. Device (10) according to one of claims 51 to 58, characterized in that the dispensing device (24) is arranged to move along with the flood squeegee (50) and / or with the printing squeegee (52) and / or with the printing squeegees (52), in particular is arranged to move along in a squeegee direction (54).

60. Device (10) according to one of claims 2 to 59, characterized in that the metering device (18) is set up to dispense printing compound (22) via the dispensing device (24) during a squeegee movement in a squeegee direction (54) and / or that the metering device (18) is set up for the continuous and / or periodically recurring dispensing of printing compound (22) via the dispensing device (24) during a squeegee movement in a squeegee direction (54).

61. Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the dosing device (18) is designed to dispense printing compound (22) during a common and / or traveling movement of the dispensing device (24) with a flood squeegee (50) and / or with at least one printing squeegee (52) in a squeegee direction (54), in particular from a position of the dispensing device (24) traveling and / or moving in the squeegee direction (54) between a flood squeegee (50) and a printing squeegee (52) and / or between two printing squeegees (52).

62. Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the metering device (18) for dispensing pressure mass (22) is arranged during a stationary and / or in the squeegee direction (54) stationary position of a printing squeegee (52) and / or a flood squeegee (50).

63. Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the dosing device (18) has at least one actuator (70, 136, 142) for moving the dispensing device (24), in particular for moving the dispensing device (24) transversely or at an angle to the doctor direction (54).

64. Device (10) according to claim 63, characterized in that the actuator (70, 136, 142) is designed to move the dispensing device (24) during the dispensing of the printing mass (22) onto the printing screen (16).

65. Device (10) according to one of claims 63 or 64, characterized in that the actuator (70, 136, 142) is designed to move the dispensing device (24) from a waiting position into a dispensing position and / or from a dispensing position into a waiting position.

66. Device (10) according to one of claims 2 to 65, characterized in that the dispensing device (24) has at least one dispensing tube section (68) in which at least one dispensing opening (62) and / or one dispensing slot (66) is formed.

67. Device (10) according to claim 66, characterized in that a plurality of dispensing openings (62) are provided in the dispensing tube section (68) and / or are arranged distributed along a flow direction (64) of the pressure mass (22) and / or that at least one dispensing slot (66) is formed in the dispensing tube section (68) running in the flow direction (64) of the pressure mass (22).

68. Device (10) according to one of claims 66 or 67, characterized in that the output tube section (68) runs between the flood squeegee (50) and the printing squeegee (52), in particular transversely or at an angle to the squeegee direction (54) and / or parallel to a squeegee edge (56, 58) of the flood squeegee (50) and / or the printing squeegee (52).

69. Device (10) according to one of claims 66 to 68, characterized in that the dispensing device (24) has a plurality of dispensing tube sections (68) which are preferably aligned with one another and / or which are arranged to be uniformly movable with one another by an actuator (70, 136, 142) or by a plurality of actuators (70, 136, 142).

70. Device (10) according to one of claims 7 to 69, characterized in that the supply line (26) has at least one distributor (76), preferably a plurality of distributors (76), for distributing a pressure mass flow to a plurality of parallel-connected supply line sections (78) and / or for supplying a pressure mass flow to a plurality of dispensing openings (62) and / or a plurality of dispensing slots (66) and / or a plurality of dispensing pipe sections (68).

71. Device (10) according to one of claims 7 to 70, characterized in that the supply line (26) has at least two supply line sections (78) connected in parallel by a distributor (76) and of the parallel-connected supply line sections (78), at least one supply line section (78) has a further distributor (76) for distributing a pressure mass flow to a plurality of parallel-connected supply line sections (78).

72. Device (10) according to one of claims 2 to 71, characterized in that the dispensing device (24) is designed and / or arranged to dispense the printing mass (22) onto the printing screen (16) in at least one longitudinal or cord-shaped pressure mass section.

73. Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims 3 to 72, characterized in that the shut-off valve (138) is preferably designed as part of the supply line (26) and / or for shutting off the supply line (26).

74. Device (10) according to one of claims 3 to 73, characterized in that along the course of the supply line (26) the distance of the shut-off valve (138) from the container (20) with pressure mass (22) is greater than the distance of the shut-off valve (138) from the dispensing device (24) and / or from at least one dispensing opening (62) and / or one dispensing slot (66).

75. Device (10) according to one of claims 6 to 74, characterized in that the dosing device (18) is a container changing device (124) for the automated changing of the container (20) dispensing the printing compound (22), in particular the container (20) designed as a cartridge (34) or as a bucket (84).

76. Device (10) according to claim 75, characterized in that the container changing device (124) is designed for the tool-free and / or automated or semi-automated changing of the container (20) dispensing the printing compound (22).

77. Device (10) according to one of claims 75 or 76, characterized in that the container changing device has a rotary indexing table for a container (20) designed as a bucket (84).

78. Device (10) according to one of claims 75 or 76, characterized in that the container changing device (124) comprises a connecting plate (128) is equipped with a passage (130) for the passage of pressure mass (22) from a container (20), wherein the passage (130) is designed for the connection of the supply line (26) and / or wherein, depending on a relative position between the connection plate (128) and a plurality of containers (20), a fluid connection can be established between the supply line (26) and one of the plurality of containers (20) and / or that, by adjusting the relative position between the connection plate (128) and at least one container (20), a fluid connection can be established between the supply line (26) and a further container (20).

79. Device (10) according to one of claims 75 to 78, characterized in that the container changing device (124) is arranged outside a printing area of the printing device (14) and / or is arranged at a distance in the horizontal direction relative to the printing screen (16) or is arranged in the vertical direction below a printing table (32) of the printing device (14).

80. Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the metering device (18) and / or the actuator (40) for conveying the printing mass (22) from the container (20) is designed for volumetric metering of the printing mass (22). 81 . Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the metering device (18) and / or the actuator (70, 136, 142) for conveying the printing mass (22) is designed for stroke-based and volumetric metering of the printing mass (22) and / or that the actuator (40) for conveying the printing mass (22) is designed for volumetric metering by stroke control.

82. Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the dosing device (18) has a receiving cavity (134) for receiving a cartridge (34), wherein the receiving cavity (134) is preferably designed for at least partially lateral and / or circumferential support of a cartridge side wall (36).

83. Device (10) according to one of claims 63 to 82, characterized in that the actuator (70) for moving the output device (24) is designed as a portal axis system (72) or as part of a portal axis system (72).

84. Device (10) according to one of claims 2 to 83, characterized in that the dispensing device (24) has a stripping device for stripping printing compound (22) from a dispensing opening (62) or from a dispensing slot (66).

85. Device (10) according to one of claims 7 to 84, characterized in that the supply line (26) has a backflow stop device (146) for preventing and / or reducing the backflow of pressure mass (22) against a discharge flow direction (148), wherein the backflow stop device (146) is preferably designed as a shut-off valve (138).

86. Device (10) according to claim 85, characterized in that along the course of the supply line (26) the distance of the return stop device (146) from the container (20) with pressure mass (22) is less than the distance of the return stop device (146) from the dispensing device (24).

87. Device (10) for producing three-dimensional screen-printed workpieces, in particular a 3D screen-printing system, with a printing device (14) having a printing screen (16) for the layer-by-layer production of at least one screen-printed workpiece in several printing processes and with a dosing device (18) for the metered dispensing of a pasty printing mass (22) onto the printing screen (16), wherein the dosing device (18) has at least one container (20) for storing the pasty printing mass (22) and / or a dispensing device (24) for dispensing the printing mass (22) onto the printing screen (16) and at least one actuator (70, 136, 142) for moving the container (20) and / or the dispensing device (24), wherein the actuator (70, 136, 142) is designed as a portal axis system (72) or as part of a portal axis system (72).

88. Method for producing three-dimensional screen-printed workpieces, in particular with a device (10) as described above, in which a screen-printed workpiece is produced layer by layer in a plurality of printing processes in a printing device (14) with a printing screen (16), and in which a pasty printing mass (22) is dispensed in a metered manner onto the printing screen (16) by means of a metering device (18), and in which a follow-up of printing mass (22) from the metering device (18) is avoided or reduced by means of a follow-up stop device (140).

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