DE102019202245A1 - Printing facility and procedure - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a printing device (1) for printing flat substrates (2), in particular printed circuit boards, wafers or solar cells, and having a print head (6) which is designed to print at least one substrate (2) with a printing compound, with a Printing table (3) which is designed to hold the at least one substrate (2) during printing and, in particular, to align it with the print head (6). An assembly device (12) for identification chips (15) is provided, in particular RFID chips, which is designed to apply an identification chip (15) to a substrate (2), in particular already printed by the printing device.

Description

The invention relates to a printing device for printing flat substrates, in particular circuit boards, wafers or solar cells, with a print head which is designed to print at least one substrate with a printing compound, with a printing table which is designed to print the at least one substrate during the To keep printing and in particular to align with the print head.

The invention also relates to a method for operating such a printing device.

Printing devices of the type mentioned are already known from the prior art. For printing flat substrates, such as circuit boards, wafers, solar cells, or the like, it is known to feed them to a print head which prints the substrates with a printing compound, for example using a printing mask and a squeegee. Such printing devices are also used to produce electrically conductive structures on substrates, in which case an electrically conductive printing compound, in particular printing paste, is used as the printing compound. This makes it possible to produce a large number of printed circuit boards in a short time. Usually, a substrate to be printed is fed to a printing table that is assigned to the print head. The substrate to be printed is aligned on the printing table and held during the printing process. The substrate is conveyed onto the printing table and away from the printing table by means of a transport device. The transport device is, for example, conveyor belts which convey the substrate to and from the printing table.

It is also known to identify the substrate or to make it identifiable. For this purpose, it is known, for example, that the substrate can be printed with an optically readable one-dimensional or two-dimensional code or identifier. This is read, for example, by the printing device and is used to enable printing, to specify a print image, and / or also for the traceability of the printed matter. It is advantageous if the code or the product identified by the code is linked to the data arising during processing, such as the time of processing, process parameters or the like. This is usually done with the help of the code in a central database, which collects the desired data. However, this requires a high level of signaling effort in order to ensure that the desired data or parameters are reliably assigned to the respective code and thus to the respective product and can be read out promptly.

The invention is based on the object of creating an improved printing device, by means of which the identification of the substrate is improved and a link with data relating to the substrate is simplified.

The object on which the invention is based is achieved by a printing device having the features of claim 1. This has the advantage that the data relating to the substrate are stored directly on the substrate, so that the data can be carried along with the substrate and can thus be read out at any time. As a result, a data connection to a central database is no longer necessary and rapid recording of the individual identity of the substrate and other data relating to the substrate is ensured. For this purpose, it is provided according to the invention that the printing device has an assembly device for identification chips, in particular RFID chips, which is designed to apply an identification chip in each case to a printed or to be printed substrate. The printing device is thus characterized by a mounting device which, in particular after a printing process has taken place, places an identification chip on the substrate. The fact that a chip is used to identify the substrate ensures that it can also be used for storing further data. The identification chip is characterized in that it has at least one non-volatile memory for recording the desired data, at least for recording identification data. The printing device thus ensures that, on the one hand, the substrate can be identified and, on the other hand, further data relating to the substrate can be carried along with the substrate. This ensures both quick and easy storage of the data or parameters as well as prompt readout, whereby a complex signaling connection with a central database can be dispensed with and is preferably dispensed with.

In particular, the assembly device has at least one gripper for gripping, transporting and positioning the identification chip on the respective substrate. By means of the gripper it is possible to guide the identification chip precisely to the desired location on the substrate. In particular, the gripper is designed as a multi-link arm that can move the substrate in three dimensions.

The equipping device preferably also has a magazine for storing and providing a large number of identification chips. The gripper is part of this, for example designed to remove an identification chip from the magazine and feed it to the substrate. In particular, the assembly device, in particular the gripper, is designed to place the identification chip on the printing compound on the substrate, so that an electrical connection of the identification chip to a conductor structure generated by the printing compound is established on the substrate.

Particularly preferably, the equipping device has a device for detecting a position of a substrate on the gripper that is gripped by the gripper. The position of the identification chip on the gripper is therefore detected by the device. This makes it possible to specifically guide and adjust the gripper in such a way that the substrate is deposited on the desired location on the substrate. The printing device preferably also has means for detecting the position of the substrate on the printing table, so that the identification chip can be optimally applied to the substrate by combining the detected positions of the identification chip on the gripper and substrate.

In particular, the device has at least one camera sensor for this purpose. This means that the position of the identification chip on the gripper is recorded reliably and precisely by means of image analysis.

According to a preferred development of the invention, the printing device has at least one device for writing data to the identification chip. The identification chip is thus written to by the printing device itself, so that an identity of the substrate can be predetermined, for example, by the printing device. The device is designed in particular to write identification data into the identification chip, in particular the RFID chip. Optionally, the device is also designed to write further data in the identification chip, which in particular relate to the processing of the substrate by the printing device. For example, the device is designed to write a print plan or a reference to the print plan, a print time, process parameters of the print process, operating data of the printing device, environmental data and / or the like into the memory of the identification chip after the printing process has taken place.

According to a preferred development of the invention, the printing device has a testing device for testing the correct installation of the identification chip on the substrate. The testing device is in particular an optical testing device which, for example, detects the substrate and the identification chip located on it by means of one or more camera sensors and determines the correct position of the identification chip on the substrate by means of image analysis. If the detected position of the identification chip deviates from a predefined position beyond a predefinable limit value, for example the actual position of the chip on the substrate is stored in the chip or the substrate is flagged as reject or faulty, for example by using the device in the memory of the identification chip is written. In particular, the test device determines the arrangement or the distance between the side edges of the identification chip and the side edges of the substrate and compares it with values that can be specified.

According to a preferred development of the invention, the printing device also has a dispenser unit for applying printing material to the identification chip on the gripper. Using the dispenser unit, printing compound can thus be applied directly to the identification chip, which is advantageous, for example, when the substrate is not yet or not sufficiently provided with printing compound.

Furthermore, the print head and / or the dispenser unit, if present, are designed in particular to print an antenna for the identification chip on the substrate. The antenna, in particular in the form of an antenna structure of electrical conductor tracks, is used to increase the reception or transmission range of the identification chip, so that reliable, contactless reading or writing of the memory of the identification chip is guaranteed. In particular, during the initial printing process, an antenna structure is printed on the substrate and then the identification chip is placed on the antenna structure, in particular on one end of the antenna structure, and is thereby electrically connected to it.

The method according to the invention with the features of claim 10 is characterized in that in a first step a) the substrate is aligned with the print head and in a subsequent step b) it is printed with printing material. In particular, the substrate is printed with an electrically conductive printing compound, in particular printing paste, so that conductor track structures or conductor structures are produced on the substrate surface. In a step c), in particular then an identification chip or the identification chip is applied to the substrate, in particular in the area of the printing compound, by means of the assembly device, in particular in such a way that an electrical connection is established from the identification chip to the printing compound or the conductor structure. Alternatively, the identification chip is applied to the substrate in step c) before the printing process is carried out in step b), with then preferably optional electrical connections to the Identification chip can be produced by the subsequent printing process or by a separate contacting process.

The identification chip is preferably arranged on the printed printing compound on the substrate, so that the electrical connection is automatically achieved by placing the identification chip on the printing compound.

Furthermore, in a subsequent step d), the identification chip is written with data for identifying the substrate. The advantages already mentioned above result.

Furthermore, it is provided that the identification chip is preferably positioned on the substrate by means of a gripper, the position of the identification chip on the gripper being detected before it is positioned on the substrate for adjusting the gripper. As soon as the identification chip is gripped by the gripper, the position of the identification chip on the gripper is detected. This makes it possible for the guide of the gripper to be adjusted in such a way that the identification chip is optimally aligned and placed on the substrate. The position of the identification chip on the gripper is preferably determined by one or more camera sensors and an image evaluation of the image or images from the camera sensor or sensors.

Particularly preferably, at least one antenna or antenna structure is printed on the substrate by the print head or a dispenser unit in order to increase the range of the identification chip that can be written and read without contact.

Furthermore, it is preferably provided that, after the printing process, the identification chip is written with data relating to the printing process. For example, data are written into the identification chip that relate to the process parameters of the printing process, such as the selected printing material, the printing temperature, the printing time, the printing time, the geometry of the printed structure or the like.

• 1 eine vorteilhafte Druckeinrichtung in einer vereinfachten perspektivischen Darstellung,
• 2 eine Draufsicht auf die Unterseite eines an einem Greifer der Druckeinrichtung gehaltenen Identifikationschips, und
• 3 ein Flussdiagramm zur Erläuterung eines vorteilhaften Verfahrens zum Betreiben der Druckeinrichtung aus 1.

Further advantages and preferred features and combinations of features emerge in particular from what has been described above and from the claims. The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the drawing. To show

• 1 an advantageous printing device in a simplified perspective illustration,
• 2 a plan view of the underside of an identification chip held on a gripper of the printing device, and
• 3 a flow chart for explaining an advantageous method for operating the printing device 1 .

1 shows a printing device in a simplified perspective illustration 1 for printing flat substrates 2 that are designed, for example, as circuit boards, wafers or solar cells or the like. The printing facility 1 has a printing table 3 on which the respective substrate can be positioned for printing. Present is a substrate 2 drawn in as an example. The printing table 3 optionally has a transport device 4th on, the present a conveyor belt for conveying the substrate 2 has, by means of which the respective substrate 2 along a transport plane in a transport direction indicated by arrows 5 is indicated by the printing device 1 is transported through. The printing table 3 opposite the printing device 1 a print head 6th on, according to the present embodiment, a printing screen or a printing mask 7th has, as well as a movable doctor blade 8th for applying printing material through the printing screen or the printing mask 7th through onto the substrate 2 . The printing table 3 and / or the printhead 6th are adjustable in height around the print head 6th close to the substrate 2 for a printing operation, and from the substrate 2 to be removed, for example to make space for an optional test device 9 which is designed to be between the print head 6th and the printing table 3 retract and the printing status of the substrate 2 and / or check its alignment. For this purpose, the testing device has in particular one or more camera sensors 10 on that through a carrier system 11 in a plane parallel to the substrate 2 are movable to the entire substrate 2 to be recorded optically. It is then possible, for example, to determine whether the substrate 2 was printed correctly. The carrier system 11 has in particular a longitudinal beam that is displaceable in a plane in a first direction, a slide on the longitudinal beam being displaceable along the longitudinal beam and thus transversely to its direction of movement, so that in a plane parallel to the substrate 2 free positioning of the carriage above the substrate 2 is made possible. In particular, the carriage carries the camera sensor or sensors 10 the test facility. Optionally, the cross member and / or the slide can also be adjusted in height in order to allow the slide with the device optionally arranged thereon to come closer 22nd , the gripper 16 and / or the at least one camera sensor 10 , to the substrate 2 to enable.

In addition, the printing device 1 a pick and place device 12 on. The placement device 12 has a component supply 13th , especially in the form of a magazine 14th on. In the magazine 14th are a variety of identification chips 15th storable, which are designed in particular as RFID chips (RFID = radio-frequency identification = identification by means of electromagnetic waves). Here is the component supply 13th the printing table 3 assigned or arranged on this.

The placement device 12 also has a gripper 16 on, which is movable in such a way that it supplies both the components 13th as well as that on the transport device 4th deposited substrate 2 can reach. To do this is the gripper 16 present on the carrier system 11 held and is moved with it. In particular, the gripper 16 according to the present embodiment as a vacuum gripper or suction gripper 17th formed, the one of the identification chips by generating a suction force or a negative pressure 15th grab and up to a desired location on the substrate 2 can transport.

Through a control device 18th becomes the gripper in particular after a printing process 16 or the carrier system 11 controlled one of the identification chips 15th to grab and on one of the printing device 1 printed substrate 2 to position that is still on the printing table 3 is located.

In particular, the gripper 16 An institution 19th assigned, which is designed to the arrangement of one of the gripper 16 gripped identification chips 15th , in particular from on the identification chip 15th trained electrical contact points on the gripper 16 capture. The facility 19th preferably at least one camera sensor 20th on. Before the substrate 2 with the identification chip 15th is loaded, the gripper becomes 16 to the establishment 19th guided so that the position of the identification chip 15th and the gripper 16 is optically detectable.

2 shows this in a simplified representation of a view of the gripper 16 held identification chip 15th , which has two electrical contact points A and B according to the present embodiment. The electrical contact points A, B are used on the substrate 2 to electrically contact the conductor structure that is already printed there, and thereby automatically when the identification chip is put on 15th on the substrate 2 an electrical connection or connection of the identification chip 15th to the substrate 2 to manufacture. In particular, the contact points A, B serve to connect with one on the substrate 2 trained antenna structure to come into contact. Optionally, the respective identification chip has more or less than two contact points. Using the camera sensor 20th is now in particular by the control unit 18th detects how the contact points A, B with respect to the gripper 16 lie on the gripper. This results in an optimized control of the gripper 16 in such a way that this enables the identification chip 15th with the contact points A, B targeted to the corresponding mating contacts on the substrate 2 positioned. Depending on the recorded data, the gripper then becomes 16 through the control unit 18th controlled for this, the identification chip 15th optimally in a designated place 21st on the substrate 2 , which in particular has already been printed with printing material. The previous detection of the position or arrangement of the identification chip 15th and in particular the contact points A, B on the gripper 16 makes sure that even if the gripper 16 the identification chip 15th imprecisely grasps, a precise depositing of the identification chip 15th , with the contact points A, B on the substrate 2 , in particular on the printing compound or on conductor structures formed by the printing compound.

Furthermore, the printing device 1 , especially the placement equipment 12 , a device 22nd for contactless writing of data on the identification chip. To this end, the device 22nd in particular a signal generator for generating electromagnetic waves which are used to write on the identification chip. In particular, the generally known RFID technology is used here. In particular, the respective identification chip 15th a non-volatile memory maintained by the device 22nd is writable if necessary. About the availability of the identification chip 15th increase is made by the printing device 1 by means of the print head 6th preferably also an antenna or antenna structure in the first printing process with the printing compound 23 for the identification chip 15th on the substrate 2 imprinted. In particular, for the identification chip 15th through the printhead 6th , especially the printmask 7th a paste bed is provided on which the identification chip 15th for electrical contacting of the contact points A, B can be attached. Part of the antenna structure protrudes into the area 21st in which the identification chip 15th is to be removed, so that when the identification chip 15th on the substrate 2 is used at the predetermined position, automatically an electrical connection to the antenna structure 23 is made by touch. As soon as the printing mass solidifies, the antenna structure is firmly connected 23 with the identification chip 15th , in particular permanently guaranteed with a corresponding antenna connection of the identification chip. By means of the device 22nd are particular data that identify the substrate 2 are written in the memory of the identification chip. In addition, data relating to the printing process, such as information about the medium used, the printing duration, the time of the printing process and / or process or operating data of the printing device, are optionally available 1 , such as operating temperature and operating age, printing speed, squeegee pressure or the like, and / or environmental data are written into the memory. The device 22nd is in particular on the carrier system 11 arranged so that they go through the carrier system 11 can easily be brought into a position in which the writing or the communication connection with the identification chip 15th is guaranteed. According to an alternative embodiment - in 1 not shown - is the device 22nd static or immobile, for example on one side of the printing device 1 , especially the printing table 3 , arranged.

Optionally in the identification chip 15th In addition, information is written, which is due to the printing mass on the substrate 2 Relate provided ladder structure. For example, the geometry of the conductor structure can be stored in the identification chip for later reading.

This ensures that there is documentation that the substrate 2 concerns, already with the manufacture of the substrate 2 begins and always with the substrate 2 is carried so that it can be read out at any time. External or central databases can be dispensed with, which means that the method can be implemented cost-effectively.

The printing facility 1 also optionally has a dispenser 24 on, especially on the printing table 3 is arranged and serves to one of the gripper 16 gripped identification chip 15th on its the substrate 2 assigned underside, in particular to apply electrically conductive material, in particular paste, from below. So can by means of the dispenser 24 the identification chip 15th , in particular the contact points A, B are applied with electrical conductive paste before the identification chip 15th on the substrate 2 is stored in order to improve the contacting of the substrate 2 , especially the antenna structure 23 , to guarantee.

3 shows, summarized in a simplified flowchart, an advantageous method for operating the printing device 1 . In a first step S1 becomes the substrate to be printed 2 on the printing table 3 arranged. In a subsequent step S2 is queried or checked whether the substrate 2 correct against the printhead 6th or the print mask 7th or pressure screen is arranged. The test facility 9 between printhead 6th and printing table 3 retracted and the substrate by means of the camera sensor 10 detected. The position of the substrate is determined by evaluating the image data 2 on the printing table 3 detected and with the position of the printhead 6th or the print mask 7th compared. If the positions deviate from one another, the substrate becomes 2 adjusted or repositioned so that it fits the printhead 6th optimally opposite. For example, the printing table 3 be shifted or pivoted in the plane, and / or the conveyor belt device 4th is controlled for this purpose, the substrate 2 to the printhead 6th to adjust. It is also conceivable that for adjusting the substrate 2 to the printhead 6th the printhead 6th is moved.

Is the substrate 2 optimally aligned, so will be in the next step S3 the printing process of the printhead 6th carried out. Then in one step S4 the print result by means of the testing device 9 supervised. This is preferably also done by means of image evaluation of the camera image of the one or more camera sensors 10 . Other scanning methods, such as laser methods or the like, by means of which the print result is checked, are also optionally possible. If the test result does not match the desired result, the printing process is repeated or the substrate 2 ejected as scrap, for example. However, if the test result corresponds to expectations (j), then in a subsequent step S5 an identification chip 15th from the magazine 14th provided and in a subsequent step S6 by means of the gripper 16 removed or recorded. Then the gripper 16 with the identification chips held on it 15th in one step S7 the device 19th supplied that the location of the identification chip 15th , in particular the location of the contact points A, B of the identification chip 15th on the gripper 16 determined.

In a subsequent step S8 it is checked whether on the substrate 2 printing paste is already present, especially in the area in which the identification chip 15th to be placed on the substrate. If there is no solder paste (s), then in a subsequent step S9 the gripper 16 with the identification chip 15th to the dispenser 24 moved so that the bottom of the identification chip 15th above the dispenser the dispenser 24 opposite. In the next step S10 becomes the dispenser 24 controlled for this, the identification chip 15th to be provided from below with electrically conductive printing compound, in particular printing paste. Through the dispenser 24 thus becomes electrically conductive material on the substrate 2 assigned underside of the identification chip 15th upset. In particular, the printing compound is applied in such a way that advantageous electrical connections are made from the contact points A, B of the identification chip 15th to electrical mating contact points of the substrate 2 result as soon as the now printed identification chip 15th on the substrate 2 through the gripper 16 is filed. After the identification chip has been printed 15th is this in a step S 11 by the gripper 16 on the substrate 2 placed. In the event that the substrate 2 is already printed with sufficient printing material, in particular for contacting the identification chip 15th in that area 21st , the procedure is carried out directly in the step S11 continued and for an additional application of the identification chip 15th dispensed even with printing compound.

In step S11 be the in step S7 obtained data on the alignment and position of the contact points A, B on the gripper 16 used the gripper 16 optimally to control in such a way that the identification chip 15th precisely on the substrate 2 , in particular on its mating contact points, so that the electrical connection between the identification chip 15th and substrate 2 is ensured. The adjustment or alignment of the identification chip 15th to the substrate 2 is alternatively or additionally supported by an adjustment of the printing table according to a further exemplary embodiment 3 carried out.

Then the carrier system 11 with the camera sensor 10 about the substrate 2 driven and the orientation and position of the identification chip 15th on the substrate 2 determined by image evaluation. In a query S12 it is checked whether the detected position / orientation corresponds to an expected position / orientation. If this is not the case (s), the substrate will 2 marked as scrap and removed from the production cycle. If, however, the expected position / orientation agrees with the one recorded, then in a subsequent step S14 the memory of the ID chip 15th at least described with identification data which are used to identify the substrate 2 serve. Optionally, data relating to the previous printing process are also described, as already mentioned above. Optionally, information is also stored whether the printing process had to be repeated or corrected due to a faulty print image after a first printing process.

Finally the substrate 2 with the identification chip now arranged and written on it 15th in one step S15 from the printer 1 promoted for further use.

Claims (15)

Printing device (1) for printing flat substrates (2), in particular printed circuit boards, wafers or solar cells, with a print head (6) which is designed to print at least one substrate (2) with a printing compound, and with a printing table (3) which is designed to hold the at least one substrate (2) during printing and in particular to align it with the print head (6), characterized by an assembly device (12) for identification chips (15), in particular RFID chips, which is designed for this purpose to apply an identification chip (15) in each case to a substrate (2), in particular already printed by the printing device. Printing device according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the equipping device (12) has at least one gripper (16) for gripping, transporting and positioning the identification chip (15) on the substrate (2). Printing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the equipping device (12) has a magazine (14) for storing and providing a plurality of identification chips (15). Printing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the assembly device (12) has a device (19) for detecting a position of a substrate (2) gripped by the gripper (16) on the gripper (16). Printing device according to Claim 4 , characterized in that the device (19) has at least one camera sensor (20). Printing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a device (22) for in particular contactless writing of data on the identification chip (15). Printing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a testing device (9) for testing the arrangement and / or alignment of the identification chip (15) applied to the substrate (2) relative to the substrate (2). Printing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a dispenser unit (24) for applying, in particular, electrically conductive printing mass to the identification chip (15) on the gripper (16). Printing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the print head (6) and / or the dispenser unit (24) are designed to print an antenna or antenna structure for the identification chip (15). A method for operating a printing device which, according to one of the Claims 1 to 9 is designed, with the following steps: a) aligning and arranging a substrate (2) to the print head (6) b) performing a printing process for applying a printing compound to the substrate (2), and c) applying an identification chip to the substrate (2 ) by means of the placement device (12). Procedure according to Claim 10 , characterized in that the identification chip (15) is arranged on the printed matter on the substrate (2). Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in a step d) following step c) the identification chip (15) is written with data for identifying the substrate (2). Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the identification chip (15) is positioned on the substrate (2) by means of a gripper (16), the position of the identification chip (15) on the gripper (16) prior to positioning on the Substrate (2) is detected for adjusting the gripper (16). Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one antenna or antenna structure is printed by the print head (6) or a dispenser unit (24). Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that after the printing process, the identification chip (15) is written with data relating to the printing process or the substrate (2).

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