Apparatus and method for positioning a substrate on a support body

Abstract

An apparatus is provided for positioning a substrate on a support body. The apparatus comprises the support body for supporting the substrate, at least one registration element, wherein said at least one registration element is positioned and arranged for registering the substrate in a preselected position on the support body when brought into a registering state. The apparatus further comprises a registration actuator movably arranged with respect to the support body for selectively arranging a registration element into the registering state.

Claims

1. A printing apparatus, the apparatus comprising: a support body for supporting a substrate, the support body comprising a substrate support surface extending in a plane, the plane extending in a first direction and a second direction normal to the first direction; at least one registration element, wherein said at least one registration element is positioned and arranged for registering the substrate in a preselected position on the substrate support surface when brought into a registering state; and a registration actuator configured for selectively arranging the at least one registration element into the registering state, wherein the registration actuator is configured to translate over the substrate support surface parallel to the plane of the substrate support surface.

2. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a print head and a carriage, the print head arranged for printing on the substrate and the carriage movably arranged for moving the print head with respect to the support body and wherein, in operation of the registration actuator, the carriage is arranged for moving the registration actuator with respect to the support body.

3. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus further comprises a control unit configured for: selecting a position on the substrate support surface for the registration element, and controlling the registration actuator to translate over the support body parallel to the first direction and the second direction to the selected position.

4. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the registration actuator is further arranged for moving the registration element in a direction perpendicular to the substrate support surface of the support body to bring the registering element in a registering state.

5. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said at least one registration element is positioned and arranged for not registering the substrate on the support body when brought into a standby state.

6. The printing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein in the standby state the registration element is positioned inside the support body.

7. The printing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the registration actuator is movably arranged with respect to the support body for selectively arranging the registration elements into the standby state.

8. The printing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein in the standby state the registration element is positioned outside and away from the support body.

9. The printing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the apparatus further comprises a container arranged for storing a registration element in the standby state.

10. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the support body further comprises a plurality of suction holes being distributed over the support body for providing a suction force to a contact side of the substrate.

11. The printing apparatus according to claim 10, wherein said at least one registration element is positioned and arranged for closing a suction hole when brought into an enclosure state.

12. The printing apparatus according to claim 10, wherein said at least one registration element comprises a connecting portion, which is shaped to fit into a suction hole and to retain the registration element in the registering state.

13. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a print head for printing on a substrate; and a carriage arranged movably with respect to the support body, wherein, in operation of the registration actuator, the carriage is arranged for moving the registration actuator with respect to the support body parallel to the first direction and the second direction.

14. The printing apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the carriage is further movably arranged for moving the print head with respect to the support body.

15. A method for positioning a substrate on a support body, the support body being comprised in a printing apparatus and comprising a substrate support surface extending in a plane, the plane extending a first direction and a second direction normal to the first direction, the apparatus further comprising at least one registration element and a registration actuator, the method comprising the steps of: a) selecting a position of the substrate on the substrate support surface of the support body; b) selecting a position for a first registration element in a registering state for registering the substrate on the support body in the preselected position selected in step a); and c) moving the registration actuator with respect to the substrate support surface of the support body to arrange the first registration element into the registering state at the selected position of step b) on the substrate support surface of the support body in a direction parallel to the plane of the substrate support surface.

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein the method further comprises the step of: d) moving the registration actuator with respect to the support body to arrange the first registration element into a standby state, wherein in the standby state the registration element is positioned and arranged for not registering the substrate on the support body.

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein in step d) in the standby state the registration element is arranged outside and away from the support body.

18. The method according to claim 16, wherein in step d) in the standby state the registration element is arranged inside the support body.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) Hereinafter, the present invention is further elucidated with reference to the appended drawings showing non-limiting embodiments and wherein

(2) FIG. 1 shows a schematic view of a prior art print engine in which a method according to the invention may be used.

(3) FIG. 2 shows a schematic view of an apparatus according to the present invention.

(4) FIGS. 3A-3D schematically show an embodiment of an apparatus and a method to be used in the apparatus according to the present invention.

(5) FIGS. 4A-4D schematically show another embodiment of an apparatus and a method to be used in the apparatus according to the present invention.

(6) FIGS. 5A-5C schematically show an embodiment of an apparatus and a method to be used in the apparatus according to the present invention.

(7) FIG. 6 schematically shows a detailed view of another embodiment of an apparatus according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

(8) The present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein the same reference numerals have been used to identify the same or similar elements throughout the several views.

(9) FIG. 1 shows a printing device 10 for printing an image or text on a relatively large substrate, in particular on a relatively large and flat substrate. Such a printing device 10 is well known in the art. The printing device 10 comprises a support assembly 12 on which a support body 14 is mounted comprising a printing surface 15 for supporting said substrate. As illustrated, the printing surface 15 may be provided with suction holes for pulling the substrate onto the printing surface 15 and thereby holding the substrate flat on the printing surface 15 of the support body 14. A guiding assembly 16 is provided for supporting and guiding a carriage 18. The carriage 18 is movably supported by the guiding assembly 16 such that the carriage 18 may be moved over the printing surface 15. For example, the guiding assembly 16 may be movably supported on the support assembly 12 such that the guiding assembly may be moved in a y-direction (as indicated in FIG. 1) and the carriage 18 may be moveably supported by the guiding assembly 16 such that the carriage may be moved in a x-direction guided by the guiding assembly 16. The carriage 18 is provided with a printing element such as an inkjet print head for printing the image or the text on the substrate arranged on the printing surface 15 by ejecting ink drops at preselected positions. It is noted that the guiding assembly 16 and/or the carriage 18 may be supported such that they may be moved in a z-direction, thereby enabling to print on different media (i.e. substrates) having a different dimension in the z-direction (when positioned on the printing surface 15).

(10) FIG. 2 shows a schematic perspective view of an apparatus according to the present invention. The apparatus 100 comprises a support body 114 for supporting a substrate S on a support surface 115, at least one registration element 20, a registration actuator 120 and a control unit 130. The support body 114 including the support surface 115 extends in a direction X and a direction Y normal to the direction X.

(11) Said registration actuator 120 is arranged facing the support surface 115 and is movably arranged with respect to the support surface 115 of the support body 114 as indicated by arrows A.sub.x and A.sub.y. The direction A.sub.x is parallel to the direction X and the direction A.sub.y is parallel to the direction Y of the support surface 115. The registration actuator 120 is arranged to position and arrange the at least one registration element 20 into a registering state on the support surface 115 independently of one another. In examples, the registration actuator 120 may be electro-magnetic device for moving and mounting the registration element 20 by providing a magnetic force, may be a mechanical device for mounting and moving the registration element 20 by clamping the registration element 20 or may be a powered screw-driver for rotatably driving the registration element 20, such as a screw having a screw head.

(12) In the FIG. 2 a preselected position 22a on the support surface 115 of the support body 114 is shown for registering the substrate S. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the substrate S is a rectangular substrate.

(13) To register the rectangular substrate S on the preselected position 22a on the support surface 115, i.e. having a corner of the substrate S arranged at the position as indicated by arrow 22a,two edges of the substrate S need to be registered by the at least one registration element, such as a registration pin.

(14) The control unit 130 is operatively connected to the registration actuator for controlling the registration actuator 120. The control unit 130 controls and knows the position of each of the registration elements 20 in the registering state on the support body 114.

(15) The control unit 130 is arranged to control the registration actuator 120 based on the preselected position 22a of the substrate S.

(16) Additionally, the control unit 130 may be arranged to control the registration actuator 120 based on a predetermined shape of the substrate S, i.e. based on a predetermined shape of an edge of the substrate S.

(17) To register a first edge of the substrate S two positions 24a, 24b are selected, i.e. controlled by the control unit 130, for positioning a first registration pin and a second registration pin respectively to define a first registration line C. To register a second edge of the substrate S two positions 24c, 24d are selected for positioning a third registration pin and a fourth registration pin respectively to define a second registration line. The first registration line and the second registration line have a crossing point at the preselected position 22a on the support surface 115. In this way, the substrate S may be registered on the preselected position 22a by urging an edge of the substrate S in contact with the at least one registration element 20.

(18) The preselected position 22a may be suitably selected, for example based on a size and/or shape of the substrate S, such as by the control unit 130.

(19) The registration element 20 may in examples be a registration pin, a registration ruler having an alignment edge extending in a first direction or may be a registration element having a first alignment edge extending in a first direction and a second alignment edge extending in a second direction.

(20) The registration element 20 may be transported by the registration actuator 120 to any of the selected positions 24a-24d to be arranged in the registering state. An example is further explained in relation to the embodiment of FIG. 3A-3D.

(21) Alternatively the registration element 20 may be available in the support body 114 in any of the selected positions 24a-24d to be arranged in the registering state. An example is further explained in relation to the embodiment of FIG. 4A-4D.

(22) A registration element 20, when brought in the registering state, is positioned and arranged for registering the substrate Son the support surface 115, i.e. by urging an edge of the substrate S in contact to the registration element 20.

(23) In alternative embodiments the registration actuator 120 may be movably arranged with respect to the support surface 115 inside the support body 114 or below the support body 114 facing another surface of the support body 114 arranged opposite to the support surface 115.

(24) FIGS. 3A-3D schematically show an embodiment of an apparatus and a method to be used in the apparatus according to the present invention. The apparatus 100 comprises the support body 114 for supporting a substrate S on a support surface 115, at least one registration element 20a, the registration actuator 120 and the control unit 130, as shown in FIG. 2.

(25) FIGS. 3A-3D show a detailed cross section of the support body 114 in the X direction of the support surface 115.

(26) FIG. 3A shows a first stage of the method according to the present invention to be used in the apparatus 100. In the first stage the registration element 20a, which is mounted on the registration actuator 120, is moved by the registration actuator 120 over the support surface 115 in a direction as indicated by arrow A.sub.x towards a preselected position 24a of the support surface 115, also shown in FIG. 2. The support body 114 comprises a retaining mechanism, such as a plurality of receiving holes 40a-40c distributed over the support surface 115. A third receiving holes 40c is arranged at the preselected position 24a. Each of the receiving holes 40a-40c is shaped for accommodating a part of the registration element 20a and retaining the registration element 20a in the registering state.

(27) FIG. 3B shows a second stage of the method according to the present invention to be used in the apparatus 100. In the second stage the registration element 20a is arranged by the registration actuator 120 above the third receiving hole 40c in the preselected position 24a. The registration actuator 120 moves the registration element 20a in an engaging direction as indicated by arrow E to partly arrange the registration element 20a into the receiving hole 40c.

(28) FIG. 3C shows a third stage of the method according to the present invention to be used in the apparatus 100. In the third stage the registration element 20a is arranged in the registering state in the preselected position 24a. The registration actuator 120 is moved over the support surface 115 away from the registration element 20a in the direction as indicated by arrow A.sub.x. Alternatively, the registration actuator 120 may be moved over the support surface 115 in any other direction to clear the support surface 115.

(29) The sequence of first stage, second stage and third stage of the method may be repeated to arrange another registration element 20a on another selected position of the support surface 115 to register the substrate S in the preselected position 22a (shown in FIG. 2).

(30) After sufficient registration elements 20a have been arranged in selected positions on the support surface 115 to register the substrate S, in a next stage (not shown) edges of a substrate S may be urged against the at least one registration element 20a arranged in the registering state to register the substrate S on the support surface 115 in the preselected position 22a (shown in FIG. 2).

(31) After the substrate S has been processed according to appropriate processes, such as printing an image on an outer surface of the substrate S, fixing the image to the substrate S and/or cutting the substrate S, the substrate is removed from the support surface 115.

(32) FIG. 3D shows a fourth stage of the method according to the present invention to be used in the apparatus 100. In the fourth stage the substrate S has been removed from the support surface 115. The registration actuator 120 is arranged facing the support surface 115 at the preselected position 24a of the registration element 20a. The registration actuator 120 moves the registration element 20a in a disassemble direction as indicated by arrow D to remove the registration element 20a from the receiving hole 40c.

(33) In a next stage the registration element 20a is moved by the registration actuator 120 in a direction A to a standby state, such as a position in a container 140 arranged away from the support body 114. In the standby state the registration element 20a is stored and arranged for not registering the substrate S on the support body 114. The container 140 may be arranged adjacent to a side of the support body 114 in the direction X and may be adapted for storing a plurality of registration elements 20a.

(34) FIGS. 4A-4D schematically show another embodiment of an apparatus and a method to be used in the apparatus according to the present invention. The apparatus 200 comprises a support body 214 for supporting a substrate S on a support surface 215, a plurality of registration elements 20b, a registration actuator 120 and a control unit 130, as shown in FIG. 2.

(35) FIGS. 4A-4D show a detailed cross section of the support body 214 in the X direction of the support surface 215. The support body 214 comprises a retaining mechanism, such as retaining holes 140a-140c. A third retaining hole 140c is arranged at the preselected position 24a, also shown in FIG. 2. Each of the retaining holes 140a-140c is shaped for fully accommodating a registration element 20b and storing the registration element 20b inside the respective retaining hole 140a-140c close to the support surface 215.

(36) FIG. 4A shows a first stage of the method according to the present invention to be used in the apparatus 200. In the first stage the registration actuator 120 is moved over the support surface 215 in a direction as indicated by arrow A.sub.x towards a preselected position 24a of the support surface 215. In the preselected position 24a a retaining hole 140c is arranged inside the support body 214 and encloses a registration element 20b. The registration element 20b of each retaining holes 140a-140c is disposed inside the respective retaining holes 140a-140c in a standby state. The registration element 20b in the standby is arranged below the support surface 215 for not registering a substrate on the support body 214.

(37) FIG. 4B shows a second stage of the method according to the present invention to be used in the apparatus 200. In the second stage the registration actuator 120 is arranged above the third retaining hole 140c in the preselected position 24a. The registration actuator 120 moves the registration element 20b from the third retaining hole 140c in an engaging direction as indicated by arrow E to arrange a first part of the registration element 20b protruding from the support surface 214 in a registering state. In the registering state a second part of the registration element 20b is arranged inside the third retaining hole 140c for keeping the registration element 20b stationary with respect to the support surface 215.

(38) FIG. 4C shows a third stage of the method according to the present invention to be used in the apparatus 200. In the third stage the registration element 20b is maintained in the registering state in the preselected position 24a by the third retaining hole 140c. The registration actuator 120 is moved over the support surface 215 away from the registration element 20b in the direction as indicated by arrow A.sub.x. Alternatively, the registration actuator 120 may be moved over the support surface 215 in any other direction to clear the support surface 215.

(39) The sequence of first stage, second stage and third stage of the method may be repeated to arrange another registration element 20b on another selected position of the support surface 215 to register the substrate S in the preselected position 22a (shown in FIG. 2).

(40) After sufficient registration elements 20b have been arranged in selected positions on the support surface 115 to register the substrate S, in a next stage (not shown) edges of a substrate S may be urged against the at least one registration element 20b arranged in the registering state to register the substrate S on the support surface 215 in the preselected position 22a (shown in FIG. 2).

(41) After the substrate S has been processed according to appropriate processes, such as printing an image on an outer surface of the substrate S, fixing the image to the substrate S and/or cutting the substrate S, the substrate is removed from the support surface 215.

(42) FIG. 4D shows a fourth stage of the method according to the present invention to be used in the apparatus 200. In the fourth stage the substrate S may have been removed from the support surface 215. The registration actuator 120 is arranged facing the support surface 215 at the preselected position 24a of the registration element 20b. The registration actuator 120 moves the registration element 20b in a downwards direction as indicated by arrow D to move the protruding first part of the registration element 20b back into the receiving hole 140c. In this way, the registration element 20b is fully accommodated again inside the receiving hole 140c in a standby state. As such, the registration element 20b remains available close to the support surface 215 while not obstructing a substrate on the support surface 215.

(43) FIGS. 5A-5C schematically show another embodiment of an apparatus and a method to be used in the apparatus according to the present invention. The apparatus 300 comprises a support body 314 for supporting a substrate S on a support surface 315 of the support body 314, at least one registration element 20c, a registration actuator 120 and a control unit 130, as shown in FIG. 2.

(44) FIGS. 5A-5C show a cross section of the support body 314 in the X direction of the support surface 315. The support body 314 further comprises a plurality of suction holes 150 being distributed over the support surface 315 of the support body 314 for providing a suction force (as indicated by arrow S) to a contact side of the substrate, when arranged in contact to the support surface 315. One of the suction holes 150c is arranged at the preselected position 24a, as also shown in FIG. 2.

(45) The at least one registration element 20c comprises a first connecting portion 21c shaped to fit into a suction hole 150 and a second protruding portion 23c arranged to not accommodate into the suction hole 150. For example, the suction hole is a tube having a diameter of 2 mm, the first connecting portion 21c is a pin having a diameter of about 2 mm or less than 2 mm and the second protruding portion 23a is a pin having a diameter of more than 2 mm.

(46) FIG. 5A shows a first stage of the method according to the present invention to be used in the apparatus 300. In the first stage the registration element 20c, which is mounted on the registration actuator 120, is moved by the registration actuator 120 over the support surface 315 in a direction as indicated by arrow A.sub.x towards the suction hole 150c arranged at preselected position 24a of the support surface 315.

(47) FIG. 5B shows a second stage of the method according to the present invention to be used in the apparatus 300. In the second stage the registration element 20c is arranged by the registration actuator 120 above the suction hole 150c in the preselected position 24a. The registration actuator 120 moves the registration element 20c in an engaging direction as indicated by arrow E to arrange the first connecting portion 21c of the registration element 20c into the suction hole 150c in a registering state. In the registering state the second protruding portion 23c remains protruding from the support body 315. The registration element 20c is at the same time in an enclosure state, as the first connecting portion 21c and/or the second protruding portion 23c of the registration element 20c closes the suction hole 150c.

(48) FIG. 5C shows a third stage of the method according to the present invention to be used in the apparatus 300. In the third stage the registration element 20c is arranged in the registering state in the preselected position 24a. The registration actuator 120 is moved over the support surface 315 away from the registration element 20c in the direction as indicated by arrow A.sub.x. Alternatively, the registration actuator 120 may be moved over the support surface 315 in any other direction to clear the support surface 315.

(49) The registration element 20c is retained by the suction hole 150c in the registering state.

(50) Additionally a suction force S may be provided in the suction hole 150c to further enhance retaining the first part 21c of the registration element 20c inside the suction hole 150c.

(51) The sequence of first stage, second stage and third stage of the method may be repeated to arrange another registration element 20c on another selected position of the support surface 315 in one of the other suction holes 150 in order to register the substrate S in the preselected position 22a (as shown in FIG. 2).

(52) After sufficient registration elements 20c have been arranged in the registering state in selected positions on the support surface 315 to register the substrate S, in a next stage (not shown) edges of a substrate S may be urged against the at least one registration element 20c arranged in the registering state to register the substrate S on the support surface 315.

(53) After the substrate S has been processed according to appropriate processes, such as printing an image on an outer surface of the substrate S, fixing the image to the substrate S and/or cutting the substrate S, the substrate is removed from the support surface 315.

(54) FIG. 6 schematically shows a detailed view of another embodiment of an apparatus according to the present invention. The apparatus 400 comprises a support body 414 for supporting a substrate S on a support surface 415 of the support body 414, a plurality of registration elements 20d-20f, a registration actuator 120 and a control unit 130, as shown in FIG. 2.

(55) FIG. 6 shows a cross section of the support body 414 in the X direction of the support surface 415. The support body 414 comprises a plurality of suction holes 150 being distributed over the support surface 415 of the support body 414 for providing a suction force (as indicated by arrow S) to a contact side of the substrate, when arranged in contact to the support surface 415. One of the suction holes 150c is arranged at the preselected position 24a, as also shown in FIG. 2.

(56) The support body 414 further comprises a suction chamber 350 arranged in fluid communication to the plurality of suction holes 150 for providing the suction force to each of the suction holes 150. Inside the suction chamber 350 a retaining assembly 360 is arranged in the form of a structure arranged for supporting each of the registration elements 20d-20f. Each of the registration elements 20d-20f is arranged concentric to one of the suction holes 150 and is movably supported by retaining assembly 360 in an up-down direction as indicated by arrow L in at least three levels (lower level, middle level and upper level). The retaining assembly 360 comprises a plurality of retaining holes 362, all arranged for retaining one of the registration elements 20d-20f stationary, while allowing a sliding movement of the corresponding registration elements 20d-20f in the up-down direction L in case the registration actuator 120 provides a force on the registration elements 20d-20f in the up-down direction as indicated by arrow L.

(57) At the first level, i.e. lower level in direction L, each of the registration elements 20d-20f is arranged in a standby state, as shown in FIG. 6 for registration element 20d. At the first level the registration element 20d does not register or obstruct a substrate S on the support surface 415 and does not close the suction hole 150.

(58) At the second level, i.e. middle level in direction L, each of the registration elements 20d-20f is arranged a combination of an enclosure state and a standby state, as shown in FIG. 6 for registration element 20e. At the second level the registration element 20e closes the corresponding suction hole 150 and does not register or obstruct a substrate S on the support surface 415.

(59) At the third level, i.e. upper level in direction L, each of the registration elements 20d-20f is arranged in a combination of an enclosure state and a registering state, as shown in FIG. 6 by registration element 20f. At the third level the registration element 20f closes the suction hole 150 and in part protrudes from the support surface 415 for registering a substrate S on the support surface 415.

(60) The registration actuator 120 is movably arranged with respect to the support surface 415 as indicated by arrow A.sub.x while facing the support surface 415. In case the registration actuator 120 is arranged facing a suction hole 150, the registration actuator 120 is able to provide a force onto the corresponding registration element 20d-20f arrange at the position of the suction hole 150. For example, the registration actuator 120 may comprise an electro-magnetic device arranged for pulling the registration element 20d-20f upwards or pushing the registration element 20d-20f downwards in the direction L.

(61) In this way, the registration actuator 120 can selectively arrange each of the registration element 20d-20f in one of the three levels (lower level, middle level and upper level) independently of one another.

(62) After sufficient registration elements 20d-20f have been arranged in the registering state in selected positions on the support surface 415 to register the substrate S, in a next stage (not shown) edges of a substrate S may be urged against the at least one registration element 20d-20f arranged in the registering state to register the substrate S on the support surface 415.

(63) Detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which can be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. In particular, features presented and described in separate dependent claims may be applied in combination and any advantageous combination of such claims are herewith disclosed.

(64) Further, the terms and phrases used herein are not intended to be limiting; but rather, to provide an understandable description of the invention. The terms a or an, as used herein, are defined as one or more than one. The term plurality, as used herein, is defined as two or more than two. The term another, as used herein, is defined as at least a second or more. The terms including and/or having, as used herein, are defined as comprising (i.e., open language). The term coupled, as used herein, is defined as connected, although not necessarily directly.

(65) The invention being thus described, it will be obvious that the same may be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention, and all such modifications as would be obvious to one skilled in the art are intended to be included within the scope of the following claims.