Cabin for a pressing process

Abstract

A cabin (11) for a pressing process of at least one product to be pressed (P) onto a substrate, which defines a cabin compartment (130) suitable for containing an inert (or reducing) gas. The cabin (11) comprises at least one delivery passage (190, 140) fluidically communicating with the cabin compartment (130) and connectable to at least one delivery pipe (19, 14), so as to input the inert (or reducing) gas into the cabin compartment (130). The cabin (11) further comprises at least one cabin inlet port (110) suitable for allowing the introduction of the at least one product to be pressed (P) into the cabin compartment (130) and at least one cabin outlet port (120) suitable for allowing the removal of the at least one product to be pressed (P) at the end of the pressing process from the cabin compartment (130). The cabin (11) further comprises a lower die (8) on which the at least one product to be pressed (P) is suitable for being placed and an upper die (9), at least one of the lower die (8) and the upper die (9) being translatable with respect to the other between an inactive retracted position and an advanced pressing position. The cabin (11) further comprises handling means (40a, 40b, 50) suitable for moving the at least one product to be pressed (P) within the cabin compartment (130) between the at least one cabin inlet port (110), the lower die (8) and the at least one cabin outlet port (120).

Description

DESCRIPTION" CABIN FOR A PRESSING PROCESS"

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of presses for electronic components on a substrate, for example presses for sintering processes of electronic components on a substrate.

[0002] In particular, the object of the present invention is a cabin for a pressing process of at least one product to be pressed onto a substrate.

[0003] Furthermore, the present invention also relates to an inertization system for a pressing process, a press, and a method for pressing at least one product to be pressed by means of a press.

[0004] In the field, numerous examples of cabins for pressing processes are known, in particular suitable for containing inert or reducing gases.

[0005] In the aforementioned case of sintering electronic components on a substrate, the sintering process consists of hardening or bonding together particles of material, usually metallic or ceramic, by means of heating and compression. A sintering press is a machine used in this process, which compacts the powders or granules of a material into solid form by applying high pressure, without however completely melting the material.

[0006] Typically, the sintering process comprises three main steps: preheating, the actual sintering, and cooling.

[0007] In the first preheating step, the powdered material is gradually brought to an intermediate temperature, lower than the sintering temperature. During the preheating step, various physical and chemical phenomena occur, such as the removal of volatile impurities, the elimination of binders or organic additives (often present in the pressed powders), and a partial reduction of surface oxides.

[0008] In the second actual sintering step, the material is brought to the sintering temperature, generally around 250 °C. At this temperature, the atoms of the particles begin to diffuse and bond with each other, creating a solid structure with improved mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties.

[0009] Once the sintering step is completed, the third cooling step provides for the material to be cooled in a controlled manner to avoid internal stresses, deformations, or cracks.

[0010] Typically, pressure sintering is used in numerous electronic applications, to produce a variety of electronic components that require materials with high electrical conductivity, thermal resistance, or otherspecific properties, or to fix onto a substrate, by interposing a sintering paste, devices such as Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistors (IGBT), thermistors, or Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistors (MOSFET).

[0011] By "sintering paste" is meant a mixture of metallic, ceramic or similar powders, which is applied to a surface to promote the bonding of particles under the effect of heat and pressure during the sintering process.

[0012] By "substrate" is meant not only an electronic board, but also other types of supports for electronic components, such as heat sinks.

[0013] In further applications, the device subject to the sintering process may be composed of an enclosure containing the electronic board, made up of electronic components and substrate, on a heat-dissipating element.

[0014] Various design solutions are currently implemented in order to ensure the correctness of the sintering process on each part to be pressed in a sintering press.

[0015] Typically, a sintering press therefore comprises a lower die and an upper die, adapted to be brought into contact. Furthermore, the upper die is provided with pressing members, as described for example in W02020008287A1, in the name of the same Applicant.

[0016] Typically, the products subject to sintering must be subjected to a certain temperature, for example between 240 °C and 290 °C, for a certain time, for example between 180 seconds and 300 seconds, applying a predefined constant pressure, for example between 5 MPa and 30 MPa over a predetermined area.

[0017] Within a sintering press, in order for each product to be correctly sintered, the correct positioning and handling of the substrate within the machine must be ensured, while maintaining a controlled atmosphere (inert or reducing) in the vicinity of the product itself.

[0018] Such atmosphere is necessary in order to avoid the introduction of possible defects, such as oxidation, of certain components (such as the electronic devices, the sintering paste, the substrate ( s ) ) which could lead to aesthetic and / or functional defects.

[0019] Another typical problem consists in the contaminants released by the sintering materials at high temperatures during the sintering process, which generally cause contamination of the products.

[0020] A commonly used method for sintering in an inert atmosphere provides for the use of an inert gas, such as nitrogen, to create a protective environment around the product to be sintered.

[0021] Typically, such inert environment is obtained by insufflating the inert gas directly during the sintering step. However, this method has several drawbacks. In particular, the inert atmosphere is limited to the sintering step alone, whereas the preheating, cooling and handling steps of the product to be sintered from one station to another take place in an uncontrolled atmosphere. This typically results in oxidation or contamination of the product, compromising its final properties.

[0022] Known solutions, described in JP6675622B1, KR102193022B1, KR20220153840A, JPH0716794A and JP4550950B2, provide for multi-chamber architectures. In said publications, the different steps of the pressing process are physically separated into distinct cabins or chambers arranged in series. Such chambers are typically isolated from one another by gates or shut-off valves that must be cyclically actuated to allow the passage of the product to be pressed from one step to the next.

[0023] An alternative to such solutions based on a multi-chamber architecture consists in inserting the entire sintering press into a sealed chamber completely filled with inert gas. Although this approach guarantees a controlled environment throughout the entire process, it also has several drawbacks. First of all, it requiresconsiderable space and a high consumption of inert gas with a consequent increase in operating costs. Furthermore, the filling and emptying times of the chamber can be very long, compromising the efficiency of the entire process. Finally, maintaining the sealing of such a large volume may prove complex and costly.

[0024] Therefore, there is still a strong need to be able to operate in an inert (or reducing) environment during an entire pressing process, in particular for the sintering of electronic components on a substrate, without incurring the limitations and drawbacks typical of the known technique described above.

[0025] The object of the present invention is therefore to meet such a need.

[0026] In particular, one object of the present invention is to provide a cabin for a pressing process of the type described above that makes it possible to reduce the consumption of inert gas while at the same time ensuring control of the environment in which the pressing process takes place and, in particular, a very low, if not absent, level of contamination.

[0027] This and other objects are achieved by means of a cabin for a pressing process in accordance with claim 1 appended hereto. These objects are also achieved by means of an inertization system in accordance with claim 11, apress in accordance with claim 14 and a pressing method in accordance with claim 17.

[0028] Dependent claims describe preferred or advantageous embodiments of the invention.

[0029] The features and advantages of the cabin, the inertization system, the press and the pressing method according to the invention will however be evident from the following description of preferred embodiments thereof, given by way of example and without limitation, with reference to the attached figures, in which:

[0030] Figure 1 schematically shows a cabin for a pressing process according to the present invention;

[0031] Figure 2 shows, in section, a press comprising a cabin according to the present invention;

[0032] Figure 3 is a block diagram of one embodiment of the steps of the pressing method in accordance with the present invention.

[0033] In the continuation of the present disclosure, all directional references (for example, upper, lower, upward, downward, left, right, to the left, to the right, at the top, at the bottom, above, below, vertical, horizontal, clockwise and counterclockwise) are used solely for identification purposes to assist the reader in understanding the embodiments described and do not create limitations, particularly with regard to theposition, orientation, or use of the embodiments describe.

[0034] Furthermore, the coupling references (for example, fixed, coupled, connected and the like) must be interpreted in a broad sense and may include intermediate elements between a connection of elements and relative movement between elements.

[0035] Therefore, the coupling references do not necessarily imply that two elements are directly connected and in a fixed relationship with each other.

[0036] In said drawings, the number 11 denotes a cabin for a pressing process of at least one product to be pressed P onto a substrate, according to the invention as a whole.

[0037] In the continuation of the present description, by "product to be pressed P onto a substrate" is meant an electronic component to be pressed and a substrate onto which the electronic component is to be pressed.

[0038] In some embodiments, multiple electronic components may be pressed onto the same substrate.

[0039] In the continuation of the present description, the term "pressing process" shall be understood as any operation that requires the application of a mechanical pressure between the component to be pressed P and the substrate, optionally accompanied by the supply of heat.In particular, such pressing process may consist of, or comprise, a sintering operation, a bonding operation (such as thermal compression bonding), or any other mechanical or thermomechanical treatment aimed at bonding component P to the corresponding substrate or at modifying its structural properties.

[0040] In a broad sense, the term "press" shall be understood as any apparatus or compression system suitable for exerting a mechanical stress on the product P and the substrate, whether it be a single machine, part of an automated production line, or a module integrated into a more complex system.

[0041] For example, the press of the present invention may be a sintering press.

[0042] Likewise, the "pressing method" of the present invention is not limited to mere mechanical compression, but includes any operating cycle that provides for the application of a pressing load in temporal and / or logical combination with other process steps, such as, by way of example and not limitation: heating, cooling, maintaining in a controlled or inert atmosphere, or vacuum cycles.

[0043] For example, the method of the present invention may be a sintering method.

[0044] The cabin 11 defines a cabin compartment 130. The cabin compartment 130 is suitable for containing an inert (or reducing) gas.

[0045] Unlike known solutions in the prior art, the cabin compartment 130 is a "single cabin compartment." This expression means that the entire operating cycle –comprising, by way of example, the preheating, pressing / sintering, cooling steps and the related internal handling of the components by means of robots or transport systems – takes place entirely within a single shared volume, hermetically sealed with respect to the external environment.

[0046] For example, the cabin 11 is devoid of internal gates or physical barriers between the various workstations. This means that the components to be pressed do not undergo transitions between different volumes during the execution of the various process steps. The gates present are located at the entry and exit of the machine, delimiting the boundary between the "single cabin compartment" and the accessory interface compartments.

[0047] Externally to said single cabin compartment, there are provided an entry compartment and an exit compartment, both preferably configured with double gate. These compartments have the sole function of allowing theintroduction and extraction of the components to be pressed P, interfacing the machine with the preceding or subsequent units of a production line without compromising the internal atmosphere of the cabin 11.

[0048] For example, in said entry / exit compartments, no step relevant to the transformation or treatment process of the product to be pressed may be carried out, which during the treatment remains fully confined within the single volume of the cabin.

[0049] Preferably, said inert gas is nitrogen.

[0050] Preferably, said reducing gas is forming gas, for example a gas mixture composed of 5% hydrogen and 95% nitrogen.

[0051] In accordance with a general embodiment, the cabin 11 comprises at least one delivery passage 190, 140 fluidically communicating with the cabin compartment 130. Said at least one delivery passage 190, 140 is connectable to at least one delivery pipe 19, 14, so as to input into the cabin compartment 130 the inert (or reducing) gas.

[0052] The cabin 11 comprises at least one cabin inlet port 110. Said cabin inlet port 110 is suitable for allowing the introduction of the at least one product to be pressed P into the cabin compartment 130.

[0053] The cabin 11 comprises at least one cabin outlet port 120. Said cabin outlet port 120 is suitable for allowing the removal of the at least one product to be pressed P at the end of the pressing process from the cabin compartment 130.

[0054] Inside the cabin 11, a lower die 8 is housed, on which the at least one product to be pressed P is suitable for being placed.

[0055] Furthermore, an upper die 9 is housed inside the cabin.

[0056] At least one between the lower die 8 and the upper die 9 is translatable with respect to the other between an inactive retracted position and an advanced pressing position.

[0057] The cabin 11 further comprises handling means 40a, 40b, 50. Said handling means are suitable for moving the at least one product to be pressed P within the cabin compartment 130. Said handling means are suitable for moving the at least one product to be pressed P between the at least one cabin inlet port 110, the lower die 8 and the at least one cabin outlet port 120.

[0058] In one embodiment, at least one of the at least one cabin inlet port 110 and the at least one cabin outlet port 120 comprises a two-stage gas blocking chamber la, lb. Said two-stage gas blocking chamber la,lb prevents the inert (or reducing) gas from escaping from the cabin compartment 130 during the introduction into, or the removal from, the cabin compartment 130 of the at least one product to be pressed P.

[0059] In one embodiment, the two-stage gas blocking chamber la, lb comprises a first hermetic door 2a, 2c. The two-stage gas blocking chamber la, lb further comprises a second hermetic door 2b, 2d.

[0060] In one embodiment, the first hermetic door 2a, 2c and the second hermetic door 2b, 2d are arranged in sequence with respect to the direction of introduction into, and / or removal from, the cabin compartment 130 of the at least one product to be pressed P.

[0061] Preferably, the first hermetic door 2a, 2c and the second hermetic door 2b, 2d are vertically sliding.

[0062] In other words, the two-stage gas blocking chamber la, lb is a double-gate chamber.

[0063] By "double-gate chamber" is meant a chamber having two independent gates (or doors), which are typically opened in sequence to allow the product to pass from the outside to the inside of the cabin compartment (or vice versa).

[0064] Preferably, the first door is opened to introduce or remove the product from the cabin compartment. After hermetic closure of the first door,the chamber may for example be filled with inert (or reducing) gas, for example through at least one delivery passage fluidically communicating with the inside of the chamber. Subsequently, the second door is opened for the introduction or removal of the product.

[0065] In one embodiment, the two-stage gas blocking chamber la, lb comprises at least one delivery passage 240, 250 fluidically communicating with the inside of said two-stage gas blocking chamber la, lb. Said at least one delivery passage 240, 250 is connectable to at least one delivery pipe 24, 25, so as to input into said two-stage gas blocking chamber la, lb the inert (or reducing) gas.

[0066] In one embodiment, the two-stage gas blocking chamber la, lb comprises at least one delivery pipe 24, 25 connected to the at least one delivery passage 240, 250 and at least one gas dispensing means 26, 27 fluidically communicating with the at least one delivery pipe 24, 25. Said at least one gas dispensing means 26, 27 is suitable for being actuated to input inert (or reducing) gas into said two-stage gas blocking chamber la, lb. Said input of inert (or reducing) gas makes it possible to further minimise the entry of undesired gases, such as oxygen, into the cabin compartment 130.

[0067] Preferably, the at least one gas dispensing means 26, 27 is a compressor.

[0068] Preferably, the cabin 11 comprises sealing elements 16. Said sealing elements 16 make it possible to minimise the loss of inert (or reducing) gas from the cabin compartment 130.

[0069] In one embodiment, the cabin 11 comprises in the cabin compartment 130 a preheating station 5. The preheating station 5 is suitable for the preheating of the at least one product to be pressed P. The cabin 11 further comprises a cooling station 6. The cooling station 6 is suitable for cooling the at least one product to be pressed P at the end of the pressing process.

[0070] In one embodiment, the handling means 40a, 40b, 50 comprise at least one conveyor belt 40a, 40b and / or a motorised handling arm 50.

[0071] In a further embodiment, the handling means 40a, 40b, 50 comprise an infeed conveyor belt 40a extending between the at least one cabin inlet port 110 and the lower die 8. The handling means 40a, 40b, 50 further comprise an exit conveyor belt 40b extending between the lower die 8 and the at least one cabin outlet port 120. The handling means 40a, 40b, 50 finally comprise a motorised handling arm 50. Said handling arm50 is suitable for moving the at least one product to be pressed P from the infeed conveyor belt 40a to the lower die 8 and from the lower die 8 to the exit conveyor belt 40b.

[0072] In one embodiment, the motorised handling arm 50 is suitable for moving the at least one product to be pressed P from the infeed conveyor belt 40a to the preheating station 5 and from the cooling station 6 to the exit conveyor belt 40b.

[0073] In one embodiment, the cabin 11 is delimited at the bottom by a lower wall 70.

[0074] Preferably, the cabin 11 is delimited by one or more lateral walls defining the cabin compartment.

[0075] Preferably, the cabin 11 is delimited at the top by an upper wall.

[0076] In one embodiment, at least one between the lower die 8 and the upper die 9 is slidable along guide columns 75a, 75b.

[0077] In one embodiment, in the lower wall 70 there are formed column passages 72a, 72b fluid-tightly crossed by the guide columns 75a, 75b.

[0078] In the continuation of the present description, by "fluid-tight" is meant a system, a device or a component designed to prevent fluid (liquid or gas)leakage through a junction, connection or barrier. For example, the sealing elements 16 are fluid-tight.

[0079] In one embodiment, the cabin 11 comprises at least one gas sensor 17a, 17b suitable for measuring the concentration of at least one gas in the cabin compartment 130.

[0080] Preferably, the at least one gas sensor 17a, 17b is an oxygen sensor or an inert (or reducing) gas sensor.

[0081] Preferably, the cabin 11 comprises at least one discharge passage 180 fluidically communicating with the cabin compartment 130 and connectable to at least one discharge pipe 15, so as to allow the inert (or reducing) gas to exit from the cabin compartment 130.

[0082] In one embodiment, the cabin 11 comprises at least one gas intake passage 210 fluidically communicating with the cabin compartment 130 and connectable to at least one gas intake pipe, so as to input gas into the cabin compartment 130.

[0083] In one embodiment, the cabin 11 comprises at least one gas emission passage 230 fluidically communicating with the cabin compartment 130 and connectable to at least one gas emission pipe, so as to remove gas from the cabin compartment 130.

[0084] In other words, said gas intake passage 210 and said gas emission passage 230 act as chimneys, respectively allowing (if necessary) the inlet and / or outlet of air or inert (or reducing) gas from the cabin compartment 130.

[0085] In one embodiment, said gas intake passage 210 and said gas emission passage 230 are activatable, respectively, by a gas intake valve 22 and a gas emission valve 23.

[0086] For example, said gas intake passage 210 and said gas emission passage 230 may be activated simultaneously in order to remove the inert (or reducing) gas from the cabin compartment 130 in a short time.

[0087] According to a further aspect, the present invention also relates to an inertization system for a pressing process at controlled pressure and temperature.

[0088] Said system comprises a cabin 11 as described above, at least one delivery pipe 19, 14 connected to the at least one delivery passage 190, 140 and at least one gas dispensing means 20, 13 fluidically communicating with the at least one delivery pipe 19, 14. Said at least one gas dispensing means 20, 13 is suitable for being actuated to input inert (or reducing) gas into the cabin compartment 130.

[0089] Preferably, the at least one gas dispensing means 20, 13 is a compressor.

[0090] Preferably, the system comprises a cabin 11 in which a first delivery passage 190 and a second delivery passage 140 are provided, fluidically communicating with the cabin compartment 130. Said first delivery passage 190 and said second delivery passage 140 are connectable respectively to a first delivery pipe 19 and to a second delivery pipe 14.

[0091] Preferably, said system further comprises a first gas dispensing means 20 fluidically communicating with the first delivery pipe 19 and a second gas dispensing means 13 fluidically communicating with the second delivery pipe 14.

[0092] Preferably, the diameter of the first delivery pipe 19 is substantially greater than the diameter of the second delivery pipe 14. For example, the diameter of the first delivery pipe 19 is at least twice the diameter of the second delivery pipe 14.

[0093] Advantageously, said inertization system allows maintaining an overpressure inside the cabin compartment 130. Said overpressure allows a reduction in the entry of undesired gases from the external environment into the cabin compartment 130.

[0094] In one embodiment, the system comprises a cabin 11 as described above, equipped with at least one gas sensor 17a, 17b and an electronic control unit 21 suitable for actuating or deactivating the at least one gas dispensing means 20, 13 based on the concentration of the at least one gas in the cabin compartment 130 detected by the at least one gas sensor 17a, 17b.

[0095] Preferably, if the at least one gas sensor 17a, 17b is an oxygen sensor, the electronic control unit 21 is suitable for actuating / deactivating the at least one gas dispensing means 20, 13 when the oxygen concentration in the cabin compartment 130 detected is greater / less than a predetermined threshold value.

[0096] Conversely, if the at least one gas sensor 17a, 17b is a sensor of inert (or reducing) gas, the electronic control unit 21 is suitable for actuating / deactivating the at least one gas dispensing means 20, 13 when the oxygen concentration in the cabin compartment 130 detected is less / greater than a predetermined threshold value.

[0097] According to a further aspect, the present invention also relates to a press for a pressing process of at least one product to be pressed P onto a substrate.

[0098] Said press comprises an inertization system as described above and an actuator 10. The actuator 10 issuitable for moving at least one between the lower die 8 and the upper die 9 between the inactive retracted position and the advanced pressing position.

[0099] In one embodiment, the actuator 10 is placed outside the cabin 11.[000100] In one embodiment, illustrated in figure 1, the actuator 10 is positioned below the lower wall 70.[000101] In another embodiment, not illustrated in the figures, the actuator 10 is positioned above the upper wall.[000102] In one embodiment, the actuator 10 is suitable for moving at least one between the lower die 8 and the upper die 9 through a shaft 75c.[000103] In one embodiment, in the lower wall 70 a shaft passage 72c is formed, fluid-tightly crossed by the shaft 75c.[000104] In one embodiment, the press further comprises a support 3 on which the at least one product to be pressed P is suitable for being placed.[000105] The support 3 acts as a containment and positioning element for the at least one product to be pressed P. Its structure is specifically designed to accommodate and keep the at least one product to be pressed P in a stable position throughout the pressingcycle, ensuring proper alignment with respect to the upper die 9 and the lower die 8.[000106] Furthermore, the structure of the support 3 is designed in order to optimally manage the thermal expansions of the at least one product to be pressed P and / or of the at least one substrate and / or of the support 3 itself.[000107] Additionally, the support 3 is suitable for being positioned in the preheating station 5 and in the cooling station 6.[000108] The support 3 helps prevent undesired movements of the product that could compromise the quality of the final result. Moreover, its configuration allows optimising the space inside the cabin, enabling the pressing of multiple products simultaneously and maximising the efficiency of the process.[000109] According to a further aspect, the present invention also relates to a method for pressing at least one product to be pressed P by means of a press 100.[000110] In a general embodiment, the method comprises the following operating steps, illustrated in figure 2.[000111] Said method uses a press 100 as described above (step a).[000112] Said method then provides for inputting into the cabin compartment 130 an inert (or reducing) gasthrough the at least one delivery passage 190, 140 (step b).[000113] Said method then provides for introducing the at least one product to be pressed P into the cabin compartment 130 through the at least one cabin inlet port 110 (step c).[000114] Said method then provides for moving the at least one product to be pressed P between the at least one cabin inlet port 110 and the lower die 8 (step d).[000115] Said method then provides for pressing the at least one product to be pressed P (step e).[000116] Said method then provides for moving the at least one product to be pressed P at the end of the pressing process between the lower die 8 and the at least one cabin outlet port 120 (step f).[000117] Said method finally provides for removing the at least one product to be pressed P from the cabin compartment 130 through the at least one cabin outlet port 120 (step g).[000118] In one embodiment, the method provides that the cabin 11 comprises a cabin inlet port 110 and a cabin outlet port 120.[000119] In one embodiment, the cabin inlet port 110 and the cabin outlet port 120 respectively comprise a two-stage input gas blocking chamber la and a two-stage output gas blocking chamber lb.[000120] In one embodiment, the two-stage input gas blocking chamber la comprises a first hermetic inlet door 2a and a second hermetic inlet door 2b. The two-stage output gas blocking chamber lb comprises a first hermetic outlet door 2c and a second hermetic outlet door 2d.[000121] In one embodiment, step c) of the method described above comprises the following sub-steps.[000122] Step c) of the method provides for opening the first hermetic inlet door 2a (step cl ).[000123] Step c) of the method then provides for introducing the at least one product to be pressed P into the first two-stage gas blocking chamber la through the first hermetic inlet door 2a, while the second hermetic inlet door 2b is closed (step c2).[000124] Step c) of the method then provides for closing the first hermetic inlet door 2a (step c3).[000125] Step c) of the method then provides for inputting into the first two-stage gas blocking chamber la an inert (or reducing) gas (step c4).[000126] Preferably, said inert (or reducing) gas is input into the first two-stage gas blocking chamber la through the at least one delivery passage 240, for a predetermined period of time.[000127] Step c) of the method finally provides for opening the second hermetic inlet door 2b (step c5).[000128] In one embodiment, step g) of the method described above comprises the following sub-steps.[000129] Step g) of the method provides for opening the third hermetic outlet door 2c (step gl).[000130] Step g) of the method then provides for introducing the at least one product to be pressed P at the end of the pressing process into the second two-stage gas blocking chamber lb through the third hermetic outlet door 2c, while the fourth hermetic outlet door 2d is closed (step g2).[000131] Step g) of the method then provides for closing the third hermetic outlet door 2c (step g3).[000132] Step g) of the method then provides for inputting into the second two-stage gas blocking chamber lb an inert (or reducing) gas (step g4).[000133] Preferably, said inert (or reducing) gas is input into the second two-stage gas blocking chamber lb through the at least one delivery passage 250, for a predetermined period of time.[000134] Step g) of the method finally provides for opening the fourth hermetic outlet door 2d (step g5).[000135] In one embodiment, the method provides that the press 100 made available in step a) comprises a cabin 11comprising, in the cabin compartment 130, a preheating station 5 and a cooling station 6.[000136] In one embodiment, step d) of the method described above comprises the following sub-steps.[000137] Step d) of the method provides for moving the at least one product to be pressed P between the at least one cabin inlet port 110 and the preheating station 5 ( step dl ).[000138] Preferably, the temperature of the preheating station 5 is between 80 °C and 200 °C.[000139] Step d) of the method then provides for preheating the at least one product to be pressed P (step d2).[000140] Step d) of the method finally provides for moving the at least one product to be pressed P between the preheating station 5 and the lower die 8 (step d3).[000141] In one embodiment, step f) of the method described above comprises the following sub-steps.[000142] Step f) of the method provides for moving the at least one product to be pressed P at the end of the pressing process between the lower die 8 and the cooling station 6 (step fl).[000143] Preferably, the temperature of the cooling station 6 is between 20 °C and 40 °C.[000144] Step f) of the method then provides for cooling the at least one product to be pressed P (step f2).[000145] Step f) of the method finally provides for moving the at least one product to be pressed P between the cooling station 6 and the at least one cabin outlet port 120 (step f3).[000146] Preferably, the sub-steps dl) and f3) of the method described above are carried out respectively by means of the infeed conveyor belt 40a and the exit conveyor belt 40b.[000147] The sub-steps dl) and f3) of the method described above may also be carried out by means of the motorised handling arm 50.[000148] Preferably, the sub-steps d3) and fl) of the method described above are carried out by means of the motorised handling arm 50.[000149] Innovatively, the use of a cabin inside a pressing press makes it possible to maintain a controlled atmosphere in the vicinity of the products to be pressed, preventing their contamination and oxidation.[000150] Innovatively, the presence of a lower wall delimiting the cabin at the bottom, guide columns for the sliding of at least one die, and column passages fluid-tightly crossed by the guide columns, makes it possible to position the actuator outside the cabin compartmentrather than inside it. This makes it possible, first of all, to reduce the size of the cabin itself, thereby reducing its footprint within the production environment.[000151] Furthermore, the smaller size of the cabin makes it possible to reduce the amount of inert gas needed for filling, to accelerate the filling times, and to reduce the need for and number of seals required to ensure the sealing of the entire cabin, lowering costs and improving the hermeticity of the cabin itself.[000152] The reduction in the dimensions of the cabin offers two main advantages: it minimises the footprint in confined working environments, such as clean rooms, and it allows production costs to be contained.[000153] Advantageously, the presence of handling means for the products to be pressed enables more effective management of the products themselves inside the cabin compartment, allowing the production process to be automated.[000154] Advantageously, the presence of at least one two-stage gas blocking chamber prevents the inert (or reducing) gas from escaping from the cabin compartment during the insertion and / or removal of the products to be pressed from the cabin compartment itself.[000155] Furthermore, the presence of a pair of vertically sliding hermetic doors makes it possible tocompletely isolate the inside of the cabin compartment from the outside, minimising contamination and interference between the two spaces, while at the same time allowing easy entry and exit of the products to be pressed.[000156] Innovatively, the presence of the preheating station and the cooling station inside the cabin compartment, and therefore in an inert (or reducing) environment, makes it possible to prevent the product from coming into contact with air during the preheating and cooling steps, and during the movements from the preheating station to the press die and from the press die to the cooling station, thereby preventing the oxidation of the product and improving its quality.[000157] Furthermore, the presence of the preheating station and the cooling station inside the cabin compartment makes it possible to accelerate the times of the entire pressing process, increasing the efficiency of the production process.[000158] Advantageously, the presence of conveyor belts and of a motorised handling arm allows effective handling of the product to be pressed within the cabin compartment.[000159] Extremely advantageously, the presence of at least one gas sensor allows monitoring of the gasconcentration inside the cabin, ensuring the correct parameters of the production process.[000160] Advantageously, the presence of at least one gas dispensing means allows inert (or reducing) gas to be blown into the cabin when necessary.[000161] The presence of an electronic control unit makes it possible to actuate or deactivate the gas dispensing means based on the gas concentration in the cabin compartment detected by the gas sensor. This allows new inert (or reducing) gas to be input into the cabin compartment when the oxygen concentration rises above a predetermined threshold value, constantly maintaining an inert environment inside the cabin, while at the same time avoiding inert gas waste.[000162] Advantageously, the sealing elements allow better isolation of the cabin compartment from the outside, reducing inert gas waste.[000163] Advantageously, the discharge passage allows the inert (or reducing) gas to exit the cabin, enabling its rapid emptying when needed.[000164] Advantageously, the gas intake passage allows the entry of air into the cabin, preventing the occurrence of positive (or negative) overpressure inside the cabin.[000165] To the embodiments of the cabin, the inertization system, the press and the pressing method according to the invention, a person skilled in the art may make modifications, adjustments and replacements of elements with others functionally equivalent, in order to meet contingent needs, without departing from the scope of the following claims. Each of the characteristics described as belonging to a possible embodiment may be implemented independently of the other embodiments described.

Claims

Claims1. A cabin (11) for a pressing process of at least one product to be pressed (P) onto a substrate, said cabin (11) defining a cabin compartment (130) suitable for containing an inert (or reducing) gas, and comprising: - at least one delivery passage (190, 140) fluidically communicating with the cabin compartment (130) and connectable to at least one delivery pipe (19, 14), so as to input into said cabin compartment (130) the inert (or reducing) gas;- at least one cabin inlet port (110) suitable for allowing the introduction of the at least one product to be pressed (P) into the cabin compartment (130);- at least one cabin outlet port (120) suitable for allowing the removal of the at least one product to be pressed (P) at the end of the pressing process from the cabin compartment (130);- a lower die (8) on which the at least one product to be pressed (P) is suitable for being placed;- an upper die (9), at least one of said lower die (8) and said upper die (9) being translatable with respect to the other between an inactive retracted position and an advanced pressing position;- handling means (40a, 40b, 50) suitable for moving the at least one product to be pressed (P) within thecabin compartment (130) between the at least one cabin inlet port (110), the lower die (8) and the at least one cabin outlet port (120).

2. Cabin (11) according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the at least one cabin inlet port (110) and the at least one cabin outlet port (120) comprises a two-stage gas blocking chamber (la, lb), so as to prevent the inert (or reducing) gas from escaping from the cabin compartment (130) during the introduction into, or removal from, said cabin compartment (130) of the at least one product to be pressed (P).

3. Cabin (11) according to the preceding claim, wherein the two-stage gas blocking chamber (la, lb) comprises a first hermetic door (2a, 2c) and a second hermetic door (2b, 2d) arranged in sequence with respect to the direction of introduction into, and / or removal from, the cabin compartment (130) of the at least one product to be pressed (P).

4. Cabin (11) according to the preceding claim, wherein the first hermetic door (2a, 2c) and the second hermetic door (2b, 2d) are vertically sliding.

5. Cabin (11) according to any one of the preceding claims, said cabin (11) comprising in the cabin compartment (130):a preheating station (5) suitable for preheating theat least one product to be pressed (P);- a cooling station (6) suitable for cooling the at least one product to be pressed (P) at the end of the pressing process.

6. Cabin (11) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the handling means (40a, 40b, 50) comprise at least one conveyor belt (40a, 40b) and / or a motorised handling arm (50).

7. Cabin (11) according to the preceding claim, wherein the handling means (40a, 40b, 50) comprise:- an infeed conveyor belt (40a) extending between the at least one cabin inlet port (110) and the lower die (8);- an exit conveyor belt (40b) extending between the lower die (8) and the at least one cabin outlet port (120);- a motorised handling arm (50) suitable for moving the at least one product to be pressed (P) from the infeed conveyor belt (40a) to the lower die (8) and from the lower die (8) to the exit conveyor belt (40b).

8. Cabin (11) according to claims 5 and 6, wherein the handling means (40a, 40b, 50) comprise:- a motorised handling arm (50) suitable for moving the at least one product to be pressed (P) from the infeed conveyor belt (40a) to the preheating station (5)and from the preheating station (5) to the lower die (8) and from the lower die (8) to the cooling station ( 6) and from the cooling station (6) to the exit conveyor belt (40b).

9. Cabin (11) according to any one of the preceding claims, said cabin (11) being delimited at the bottom by a lower wall (70), wherein at least one of the lower die (8) and the upper die (9) is slidable along guide columns (75a, 75b), and wherein column passages (72a, 72b) are provided in said lower wall (70 ), fluid-tightly crossed by said guide columns (75a, 75b).

10. Cabin (11) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one gas sensor (17a, 17b) suitable for measuring the concentration of at least one gas in the cabin compartment (130).

11. An inertization system for a pressing process at controlled pressure and temperature, said system comprising:- a cabin (11) according to any one of the preceding claims;- at least one delivery pipe (19, 14) connected to the at least one delivery passage (190, 140);- at least one gas dispensing means (20, 13) fluidically communicating with the at least one delivery pipe (19, 14), said at least one gas dispensing means(20, 13) being suitable for being actuated to input inert (or reducing) gas into the cabin compartment (130).

12. Inertization system according to the preceding claim, comprising a cabin (11) according to claim 10, said system further comprising an electronic control unit (21) suitable for actuating or deactivating the at least one gas dispensing means (20, 13) based on the concentration of the at least one gas in the cabin compartment (130) detected by the at least one gas sensor (17a, 17b).

13. Inertization system according to the preceding claim, wherein the at least one gas sensor (17a, 17b) is an oxygen or inert (or reducing) gas sensor.

14. A press (100) for a pressing process of at least one product to be pressed (P) onto a substrate, comprising: - an inertization system according to any one of claims 11 to 13;- an actuator (10) suitable for moving at least one of the lower die (8) and the upper die (9) between the inactive retracted position and the advanced pressing position.

15. Press (100) according to the preceding claim, wherein the actuator (10) is placed outside the cabin (11).

16. Press (100) according to any one of claims 14 to 15,further comprising a support (3) on which the at least one product to be pressed (P) is suitable for being placed.

17. A method for pressing at least one product to be pressed (P) by means of a press (100), said method comprising the following operating steps:a) providing a press (100) according to any one of claims 14 to 16;b) inputting into the cabin compartment (130) an inert (or reducing) gas through the at least one delivery passage (190, 140);c) introducing the at least one product to be pressed (P) into the cabin compartment (130) through the at least one cabin inlet port (110);d) moving the at least one product to be pressed (P) between the at least one cabin inlet port (110) and the lower die (8);e) pressing the at least one product to be pressed (P); f) moving the at least one product to be pressed (P) at the end of the pressing process between the lower die (8) and the at least one cabin outlet port (120);g) removing the at least one product to be pressed (P) from the cabin compartment (130) through the at least one cabin outlet port (120).

18. Method according to the preceding claim, wherein thecabin (11) comprises a cabin inlet port (110) and a cabin outlet port (120), said cabin inlet port (110) and cabin outlet port (120) respectively comprising a two-stage input gas blocking chamber (la) and a two-stage output gas blocking chamber (lb), said two-stage input gas blocking chamber (la) comprising a first hermetic inlet door (2a) and a second hermetic inlet door (2b) and said two-stage output gas blocking chamber (lb) comprising a first hermetic outlet door (2c) and a second hermetic outlet door (2d), and wherein step c) comprises the following sub-steps:cl) opening the first hermetic inlet door (2a);c2) introducing the at least one product to be pressed (P) into the first two-stage gas blocking chamber (la) through the first hermetic inlet door (2a), while the second hermetic inlet door (2b) is closed;c3) closing the first hermetic inlet door (2a);c4) inputting into the first two-stage gas blocking chamber (la) an inert (or reducing) gas;c5) opening the second hermetic inlet door (2b);and wherein step g) comprises the following sub-steps: gl) opening the third hermetic outlet door (2c);g2) introducing the at least one product to be pressed (P) at the end of the pressing process into the secondtwo-stage gas blocking chamber (lb) through the third hermetic outlet door (2c), while the fourth hermetic outlet door (2d) is closed;g3) closing the third hermetic outlet door (2c);g4) inputting into the second two-stage gas blocking chamber (lb) an inert (or reducing) gas;g5) opening the fourth hermetic outlet door (2d).

19. Method according to claim 17 or 18, wherein the press (100) provided in step a) comprises a cabin (11) according to claim 5, and wherein step d) comprises the following sub-steps:dl) moving the at least one product to be pressed (P) between the at least one cabin inlet port (110) and the preheating station (5);d2) preheating the at least one product to be pressed (P);d3) moving the at least one product to be pressed (P) between the preheating station (5) and the lower die (8); and wherein step f) comprises the following sub-steps: fl) moving the at least one product to be pressed (P) at the end of the pressing process between the lower die (8) and the cooling station (6);f2) cooling the at least one product to be pressed (P); f3) moving the at least one product to be pressed (P)between the cooling station (6) and the at least one cabin outlet port (120).

20. Method according to any one of claims 17 to 19, suitable for sintering electronic components onto a substrate.

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