JP2011161810A - Alignment method and alignment apparatus for printer - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To correct three axes of XYθ without an alignment stage mechanism. <P>SOLUTION: In an alignment area 9 set on a trestle 1, there are provided two sets of fine adjustment push mechanisms 13 opposite to each other along the Y axis direction, at a required interval in the X axis direction and a camera 10 for the purpose of photographing an alignment mark 11 prepared in a plate 5 and a printing target 6. In a state where the plate table 3 on which the plate 5 is placed and a table 4 to be printed on which a printing target 6 is placed are arranged in the alignment area 9, deviation is obtained relating to the three axes of XYθ from the correct position of the plate 5 and the printing target 6 based on the alignment mark 11 photographed by the camera 10. The side faces of the plate 5 and the printing target 6 are suitably pushed by each fine adjustment push mechanism 13 from the outside of the corresponding tables 3, 4, thereby correcting the position in the Y axis direction and an angle posture on the tables 3, 4 of the plate 5 and the printing target 6. Then, with the movement in the X axis direction of the tables 3, 4, the position in the X axis direction is corrected for the plate 5 and the printing target 6. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a printing apparatus alignment method and apparatus for initial alignment of a flat plate used in a printing apparatus and a printing target to prevent a decrease in printing accuracy.

  One of the printing technologies is offset printing. Among these, offset printing using an intaglio is a target to be printed from the blanket roll after ink is once transferred (received) to a blanket roll that rolls from the inked intaglio. It is known as a technique capable of printing the intaglio printing pattern on the surface to be printed with good reproducibility by performing retransfer (printing) of the ink to the surface.

  Also, in recent years, as one of the methods for forming electronic circuits such as liquid crystal displays on a required substrate such as a glass substrate or a resin substrate, instead of fine processing such as etching of a metal vapor deposition film, conductive There has been proposed a technique of printing and forming an electronic circuit on a substrate using a printing technique using a paste as a printing ink, for example, an intaglio offset printing technique.

  When an electronic circuit such as the liquid crystal display is formed on a substrate, a fine line width of about 10 μm, for example, may be required as an electrode line width. In addition, a plurality of electronic circuits may be formed on the substrate in a superimposed manner. In this case, the overprinting of the electronic circuits is performed by replacing the plate. However, if the printing position is shifted, the entire configuration of the electronic circuits is destroyed. However, in the case of a precise electronic circuit in which the line width is about 10 μm, the positional deviation of the overlapping print position can be suppressed from several μm to sub-μm order. Sometimes it is needed.

  For this reason, when an electronic circuit is formed on the substrate by printing, higher printing accuracy is required as compared with normal offset printing in which characters and images are printed on paper or the like.

  It should be noted that the same shape of the plate and the printing object has higher reproducibility of the printing pattern by transfer (acceptance) by offset printing and retransfer (printing). When printing on a flat print object such as a substrate, it is said that it is advantageous to use a flat plate.

  Conventionally, as one of methods for improving the printing accuracy of offset printing using a flat plate, for example, a plate table that supports a platen plate (not shown) on which a flat plate is placed. (Plate carriage) and a printing target table (printing carriage) supporting a printing surface plate (not shown) on which a glass substrate to be printed (printed material) is placed are provided with the same dimensions and the same arrangement, respectively. A blanket roll (blanket cylinder) is made to travel (reciprocate) along the same guide rail (rail) provided on the base so as to extend in a uniaxial direction on the base via the guide block. It has been proposed to have a configuration in which is installed.

  According to such a configuration, even if the straightness of the guide rail is slightly reduced directly below the blanket roll, the posture of the plate table and the printing target table guided by the guide rail at the position is the same. The position error between the plate and the glass substrate is suppressed, and the ink transfer process (resin transfer) from the plate to the blanket roll is the same as the ink retransfer process (pattern transfer) from the blanket roll to the glass substrate. It is said that the printing accuracy can be increased by being performed at the position (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  By the way, when the printing object is sequentially replaced with a new one and printing work is performed, if there is a displacement of the installation position for each printing object, there arises a problem that the reproducibility of the printing position is lowered.

  Further, since the plate is gradually worn (consumed) when used for printing, it is necessary to replace the plate every required number of printings and printing times. In addition, when performing overprinting, it is necessary to exchange plates. When the plate installation position after the replacement is displaced with respect to the plate installation position before the replacement, the reproducibility of the printing position is deteriorated.

  High print accuracy required for offset printing of fine print patterns such as electrode patterns when there is a drop in reproducibility of the print position due to misalignment of the print target or plate position as described above There is a concern that it may not be possible to satisfy the above.

  By the way, in general, an XYθ triaxial alignment stage mechanism is widely used as an apparatus for finely adjusting the position and posture of a workpiece within the installation surface for alignment.

  This type of alignment stage mechanism is, for example, a small support mechanism having three degrees of freedom of XYθ at the four corners of the top table for holding and fixing the workpiece on the fixed base or at a plurality of required positions. Further, three of the support mechanisms can be pushed and pulled along one of the X axis and the Y axis, and the workpiece held on the top table is The position of the top table can be corrected in the three-axis directions of XYθ (see, for example, Patent Document 2 and Non-Patent Document 1).

  Further, the top table is supported on the base on the fixed side so as to be displaceable in three axial directions of XYθ by a required support mechanism, and the top table is pushed and pulled by three linear motion actuators. It is also known that the position of the workpiece held on the top table can be corrected in the three-axis directions of XYθ together with the top table (see, for example, Non-Patent Document 2).

JP 2008-129362 A JP 2008-21098 A

THK Co., Ltd. Catalog “Alignment Stage CMX”, August 3, 2007, Catalog Number 238-4 NTN Corporation, catalog “Precision Positioning Unit”, CAT. No. 6104-IX / J, [online], NTN Corporation, p. 48-56, [Search December 3, 2009], Internet <URL: http://www.ntn.co.jp/japan/products/catalog/ pdf / seimitu / pdf / seimitu.pdf>

  However, the one disclosed in Patent Document 1 cannot cope with the shape error caused by the production accuracy of individual plates or printing objects generated when the plates or printing objects are replaced.

  Therefore, when the plate or printing target used in the offset printing apparatus is supported by the alignment stage mechanism and the plate or printing target is replaced, it is considered that initial alignment of the plate or printing target is performed before starting the printing process. However, the conventional alignment stage mechanism as shown in Patent Document 2, Non-Patent Document 1, and Non-Patent Document 2 is generally not considered so much that a load is applied.

  That is, in the offset printing using the above-described flat plate or printing target, the blanket roll is pressed against the plate or printing target with a required printing pressure (contact pressure), so that the above plate or printing target is retained. In the alignment stage, a vertical load applied to the plate or the printing target from the blanket roll acts as a moving load along with the relative movement of the plate or the printing target and the blanket roll.

  For this reason, it is necessary to provide the support mechanism between the fixed base and the top table in the alignment stage mechanism with a load resistance sufficient to withstand such a vertical printing pressure load. Along with the increase in strength, there arises a problem that the weight of the alignment stage mechanism itself increases.

  Further, in the alignment stage mechanism, since the support points of the top table via the support mechanism on the base on the fixed side are not uniformly distributed over the entire surface of the top table, the load of the printing pressure is a moving load. When the action is applied, the top table is lowered in rigidity due to bending, and there is a concern that the printing accuracy may be lowered due to the reduction in rigidity of the plate and the portion holding the printing target.

  Therefore, the present invention provides an initial alignment for the three-axis directions of XYθ of the plate and the printing target held on the flat plate and the table holding the printing target used in the printing apparatus without providing an alignment stage mechanism on the table. This makes it possible to eliminate the need for an alignment stage mechanism that increases the weight when it is highly rigid, and to simplify the device configuration of the table that holds the plate and printing target. It is intended to provide an alignment method and apparatus for a printing apparatus that can reduce the weight of the apparatus, can secure rigidity against printing pressure, and can increase printing accuracy. is there.

  In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention, corresponding to claim 1, is arranged such that a plate table on which a plate is placed is moved along a guide rail on a gantry and arranged in an alignment area. The side surface of the plate placed on the plate table arranged in the alignment area is pushed by a fine adjustment mechanism arranged outside the plate table, and the position of the plate on the plate table and the angular posture in the horizontal plane are set. Next, the plate whose position and angle are corrected is held on the plate table in a state where relative displacement is prevented, and the printing target table on which the printing target is placed is placed on the guide rail on the gantry. Are moved to the alignment area, and then the side surface of the print target placed on the print target table arranged in the alignment area is arranged on the outside of the print target table. Press the push mechanism to correct the position of the print target on the print target table and the angular orientation in the horizontal plane, and then prevent relative displacement of the print target with the corrected position and angular orientation on the print target table. An alignment method for a printing apparatus that allows the printer to be held in a state in which it is held.

  Further, in the above configuration, the plate placed on the plate table arranged in the alignment area or the side surface located in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the guide rail to be printed on the printing target table is aligned with the alignment. The position in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the guide rail on the plate or the corresponding table to be printed and the angle in the horizontal plane are pushed by fine adjustment mechanisms arranged on both sides in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the guide rail in the area. The posture is corrected, and the longitudinal position of the plate or the printing target guide rail is corrected as the plate table or the printing target table moves along the guide rail.

  Similarly, in the above configuration, the plate placed on the plate table arranged in the alignment area, or the side surface positioned in the direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the guide rail to be printed on the print target table, and the guide The side surface located in the longitudinal direction of the rail is respectively pushed by a fine pushing mechanism arranged on both sides of the alignment area in the direction orthogonal to the guide rail and a fine pushing mechanism arranged on both sides of the guide rail in the alignment area in the longitudinal direction. The position in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the guide rail, the position in the longitudinal direction of the guide rail, and the angular posture in the horizontal plane are corrected on the corresponding table to be printed or printed.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, on the gantry in the printing apparatus provided with a plate table for holding the plate and a printing object table for holding the printing object along a guide rail provided on the gantry. A plate table in which an alignment area is set in correspondence with a place where a plate table or a printing target table in the longitudinal direction of the guide rail can be arranged, and the alignment area is provided with a fine pressing mechanism and is arranged in the alignment area. The side of the printing plate placed on the printing target table or the printing target table is pushed from the outside of each table so that the position of the printing plate or the printing target and the angular posture in the horizontal plane can be corrected. An alignment apparatus for a printing apparatus having the structure described above.

  Further, in the above configuration, a suction chuck is provided on the upper surface of the plate table or the printing target table to hold the plate or the printing target after correcting the position and the angular orientation in the horizontal plane in a state in which relative displacement is prevented. It becomes the composition which becomes.

  Furthermore, in the above configuration, a suction chuck for holding the plate or the printing target after being corrected on the position and the angle and orientation in the horizontal plane provided on the upper surface of the plate table or the printing target table in a state in which relative displacement is prevented, The configuration is a vacuum chuck.

  In each of the above-described configurations, two fine-pushing mechanisms are arranged facing each other on both sides in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the guide rail sandwiching the arrangement position of the plate table or the printing target table in the alignment area, or The three fine adjustment pushing mechanisms are arranged in a staggered manner along the longitudinal direction of the guide rail.

  Further, in the above-described configuration, the fine adjustment push mechanisms are directed to the inside of the alignment area along the longitudinal direction of the guide rail on both sides of the guide rail in the longitudinal direction across the arrangement position of the plate table or the printing target table in the alignment area. The configuration is such that each is arranged.

According to the present invention, the following excellent effects are exhibited.
(1) The plate table on which the plate is placed is moved along the guide rail on the gantry and placed in the alignment area, and then the plate placed on the plate table placed in the alignment area The side surface is pushed by a fine adjustment mechanism disposed outside the plate table to correct the position of the plate on the plate table and the angular orientation in the horizontal plane, and then the plate with the corrected position and angular posture is The printing target table on which the printing target is placed is moved along the guide rail on the gantry and arranged in the alignment area so that the relative displacement is prevented on the plate table. The side of the printing target placed on the printing target table placed on the printing target table is pushed by the fine adjustment mechanism arranged outside the printing target table, and the printing target table is placed on the printing target table. Alignment method of printing apparatus for correcting position and angle orientation in horizontal plane, and then holding printed object with corrected position and angle orientation on said printing object table in a state in which relative displacement is prevented And a plate in the longitudinal direction of the guide rail on the gantry in the printing apparatus provided with a plate table for holding the plate and a printing object table for holding the printing object along the guide rail provided on the gantry. A plate placed on a plate table that is set in an alignment area corresponding to a place where a table or a printing target table can be arranged, and is provided with a fine-pushing mechanism in the alignment area. Or, press the side of the printing target placed on the printing target table from the outside of each table to print the plate or print As an alignment apparatus of a printing apparatus having a configuration that can correct the position of the elephant and the angle and orientation in the horizontal plane, the plate placed on the plate table or the printing object placed on the printing target table Initial alignment can be achieved without using an alignment stage mechanism.
(2) Therefore, in the plate table or the printing target table, even in a state of having a load resistance that can withstand a large downward printing pressure in the vertical direction that acts via the plate or the printing target from the blanket roll during offset printing, Since the alignment stage mechanism that increases the weight is not necessary when the rigidity is high, the configuration of the plate table or the printing target table can be simplified, and the weight of the apparatus can be reduced.
(3) Further, in the plate table or the printing target table, since uneven distribution of the support points as in the alignment stage mechanism can be eliminated, it is possible to suppress a decrease in printing accuracy due to a partial decrease in rigidity. Therefore, it is possible to ensure rigidity against printing pressure and increase printing accuracy.

1 is a schematic plan view showing an embodiment of an alignment method and apparatus for a printing apparatus according to the present invention. It is an AA direction arrow line view of FIG. It is a BB direction arrow line view of FIG. It is a schematic plan view which shows the other form of implementation of this invention. It is a schematic plan view which shows other form of implementation of this invention. It is CC direction arrow line view of FIG.

  Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIGS. 1 to 3 show an embodiment of the alignment method and apparatus for a printing apparatus according to the present invention. A guide rail 2 extending in a uniaxial direction is provided on the upper side of a horizontal base (printing apparatus base) 1. A plate table 3 and a printing target table 4 as a movable table that can be reciprocated (runnable) by a driving device (not shown) along the plate 3 and the printing target table 4 are provided on the tables 3 and 4. Each of the guide rails 2 can be held individually, and is further orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the guide rail 2 disposed at a required position in the longitudinal direction of the guide rail 2, for example, at an intermediate portion in the longitudinal direction so as to straddle the upper portion of the guide rail 2. A blanket roll 8 extending in a horizontal direction, a rotation drive mechanism (not shown) for rotationally driving the blanket roll 8, and the blanket roll 8 Shows an example of a case of applying the offset printing apparatus of the type having a transfer mechanism portion 7 formed by a lifting drive mechanism (not shown) for causing descending, it is as follows. For convenience of explanation, hereinafter, the longitudinal direction of the guide rail 2 is referred to as an X-axis direction, and a horizontal direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the guide rail 2 is referred to as a Y-axis direction.

  That is, the alignment apparatus of the printing apparatus of the present invention corresponds to another halfway position in the longitudinal direction of the guide rail 2 in which the plate table 3 and the printing target table 4 can travel together and does not interfere with the transfer mechanism section 7. When initial alignment of the plate 5 placed on the plate table 3 and the printing target 6 placed on the printing target table 4 is performed at a required position on the gantry 1, the plate table 3 And a common alignment area 9 for arranging the print target tables 4.

  In the alignment area 9, the upper surface of the plate 5 placed on the plate table 3 traveling on the guide rail 2 and the upper surface of the print target 6 placed on the print target table 4 are located. Cameras 10 for photographing the alignment marks 11 provided in advance by engraving or printing at diagonal positions of the plate 5 and the printing object 6 are provided at positions above the required dimensions. The camera 10 is appropriately supported by a fixed portion (not shown) that does not interfere with the travel of the plate table 3 on which the plate 5 is placed on the guide rail 2 and the printing target table 4 on which the printing target 6 is placed. Shall.

  At the outer position of the guide rail 2 in the alignment area 9, the Y of the plate 5 placed on the plate table 3 arranged in the alignment area 9 and the printing target 6 placed on the printing target table 4 are displayed. A certain portion on both side surfaces in the axial direction is pushed inward along the Y-axis direction by the fine adjustment push mechanism 13, and the Y-axis direction of the plate 5 on the plate table 3 and the print target 6 on the print target table 4 is pressed. And a plate / printing object pressing mechanism 12 that can change the position and the angle orientation θ in the horizontal plane.

  At the center of the upper surface of the plate table 3, a vacuum suction chuck 14 as a suction chuck is provided in a region slightly smaller than the planar shape of the plate 5 to be placed and held on the plate table 3.

  Similarly, in the central portion of the upper surface of the printing target table 4, a vacuum suction chuck 14 as a suction chuck is provided in a region slightly smaller than the planar shape of the printing target 6 to be placed and held on the printing target table 4. Is provided.

  Further, the function of operating the vacuum suction chuck 14 of the plate table 3 and the printing target table 4 and the plate 5 on the plate table 3 arranged in the alignment area 9 and the printing target 6 on the printing target table 4 are described above. A function of giving a command to the fine adjustment mechanism 13 of the plate / printing target pressing mechanism 12 and the driving device (not shown) of the plate table 3 and the printing target table 4 based on the positional information of the alignment mark 11 photographed by the camera 10. It is set as the structure provided with the controller 15 which has these.

  More specifically, the plate / printing target pressing mechanism 12 includes a fine adjustment pressing mechanism 13 that can change the protruding amount of the operating rod 16 by a driving device (not shown) such as a ball screw mechanism or a piezoelectric element. 2 at a height position corresponding to the upper surface of the plate table 3 and the printing target table 4 on both sides of the plate 5 with an interval smaller than the dimension along the X axis direction of the plate 5 or the printing target 6 along the X axis direction. Place each group facing each other. Further, each fine adjustment push mechanism 13 is configured to be installed via a linear guide mechanism 17 along the Y-axis direction at a corresponding position on the gantry 1 which is directly below the fine adjustment push mechanism 13. Reference numeral 18 denotes a pad provided at the tip of the operating rod 16 in each of the fine adjustment pressing mechanisms 13.

  According to the plate / printing object pressing mechanism 12 having the above-described configuration, the plate table 3 on which the plate 5 is placed in the alignment area 9 is stopped, and in this state, the fine adjustment pressing mechanisms 13 correspond respectively. The linear guide mechanism 17 is arranged close to the plate table 3 in the alignment area 9 to hold the position in the Y-axis direction, and then the operating rod 16 is extended by a drive device (not shown) of each fine adjustment push mechanism 13. The tip of each actuating rod 16 may be pressed through the pad 18 at two positions spaced apart in the X-axis direction on both side surfaces in the Y-axis direction of the plate 5 on the plate table 3. I can do it.

  Further, from this state, the extending operation of the synchronized operating rods 16 by the two fine adjustment pressing mechanisms 13 on one side in the Y axis direction and the corresponding operating rods of the two fine adjustment pressing mechanisms 13 on the other side in the Y axis direction are performed. By performing the contraction operation of 16, the position correction for displacing the plate 5 parallel to the other side in the Y-axis direction on the plate table 3 can be performed.

  Further, from the state in which the tip end side of each actuating rod 16 of each fine adjustment pushing mechanism 13 is pressed against both side surfaces in the Y-axis direction of the plate 5 on the plate table 3 via the pads 18, the X of the plate 5 The plate 5 can be rotated on the plate table 3 by displacing the fine adjustment mechanism 13 disposed opposite to the one end portion and the other end portion in the axial direction in the opposite direction along the Y axis. It is.

  As a result, the plate 5 on the plate table 3 is adjusted with respect to the two axes of Yθ by appropriately combining the parallel movement of the plate 5 in the Y-axis direction on the plate table 3 and the rotation. I can do it.

  Similarly, in a state in which the printing target table 4 on which the printing target 6 is placed in the alignment area 9 is stopped, the expansion / contraction operation of the operating rod 16 of each fine adjustment push mechanism 13 is controlled to thereby control the printing target table 4. The above-described parallel movement of the print target 6 in the Y-axis direction and rotation are appropriately combined so that the print target 6 on the print target table 4 can be adjusted with respect to the two axes of Yθ.

  After the adjustment related to the two axes of Yθ for the plate 5 on the plate table 3 arranged in the alignment area 9 and the print target 6 on the print target table 4 as described above is finished, each fine adjustment push mechanism 13 is set. The operating rods 16 are contracted, and the fine adjustment pushing mechanisms 13 are moved away from the guide rails 2 from the alignment work positions where the alignment is performed along the Y-axis direction by the corresponding linear guide mechanisms 17. Thus, the fine adjustment pushing mechanism 13 is caused to travel on the plate table 3 and the printing target table 4 along the guide rail 2, and on the plate 5 on the traveling plate table 3 and on the printing target table 4 that travels. The retreat position is such that there is no possibility of interfering with the target 6.

  Next, the function of the controller 15 will be described together with the procedure of the alignment method of the printing apparatus of the present invention. In the following, the case where the initial alignment of the print target 6 is taken will be described.

  When the alignment method of the printing apparatus of the present invention is performed, a flat plate-like print target 6 such as a substrate is previously placed on the print target table 4 at an approximate position. Since this placement operation does not require precise positioning, it may be performed by any means such as a human hand or a robot.

  Next, the printing object table 4 on which the printing object 6 is placed is moved by a driving device (not shown) while the fine adjustment mechanism 13 of the plate / printing object pressing mechanism 12 is disposed at the retracted position. Then, it is moved along the guide rail 2 to a predetermined alignment work start position predetermined in the alignment area 9.

  The print target table 4 is arranged in the alignment area 9 as described above, and the alignment mark 11 provided on the diagonal portion of the print target 6 on the print target table 4 is photographed by the camera 10 in the alignment area 9. When the image information is input to the controller 15, the controller 15 detects the deviation of the alignment mark 11 photographed by the camera 10 from the correct (overlapping) position, and the deviation is detected. The correction amount for the three axes of XYθ necessary for setting the value to zero is obtained.

  The controller 15 arranges the fine adjustment push mechanisms 13 at the alignment work positions.

  Next, the controller 15 outputs a correction operation command for obtaining a correction amount related to the two axes of Yθ out of the three axis correction amounts of XYθ determined as described above. It gives to each fine adjustment push mechanism 13 of push mechanism 12. As a result, in accordance with the correction operation command, the fine adjustment pressing mechanism 13 of the plate / printing target pressing mechanism 12 appropriately performs the expansion / contraction operation of the operating rod 16, and the printing target 6 placed on the printing target table 4. The position correction for the two axes of Yθ is performed.

  When correcting the position of the print target 6 on the print target table 4, the vacuum suction chuck 14 provided on the upper surface of the print target table 4 reverses air in the normal vacuum suction operation. You may make it eject slightly. In this way, the print target 6 is slightly lifted by the air ejected from the vacuum suction chuck 14 on the print target table 4 to reduce the friction between the print target 6 and the upper surface of the print target table 4. Therefore, when the position of the print object 6 is corrected, the print object 6 can be smoothly moved, and each fine adjustment push mechanism 13 is necessary for moving the print object 6. It is possible to reduce the thrust force.

  When the position correction related to the two axes of Yθ for the print target 6 on the print target table 4 is completed by each fine adjustment push mechanism 13 of the plate / print target push mechanism 12 as described above, the controller 15 A command is given to each fine adjustment push mechanism 13 of the print target push mechanism 12 and each fine adjustment push mechanism 13 is retracted to the retreat position by the corresponding linear guide mechanism 17, and then the print target table 4 is driven (not shown). A correction operation command for giving a correction amount related to the X-axis among the obtained three-axis correction amounts of XYθ is given to the apparatus. As a result, the position of the print target 6 placed on the print target table 4 in the X-axis direction is corrected by the movement of the print target table 4 in the X-axis direction along the guide rail 2.

  As described above, the alignment mark 11 provided on the diagonal position of the print target 6 placed on the print target table 4 is arranged at the correct position. Initial alignment is complete.

  Thereafter, the controller 15 operates the vacuum suction chuck 14 provided on the upper surface of the print target table 4 to suck the print target 6 on which the initial alignment has been taken onto the print target table 4. Try to keep the relative position fixed.

  Further, the controller 15 retracts the fine adjustment push mechanisms 13 to the retracted position.

  Therefore, after that, when the offset printing process is performed, the position of the printing object 6 is grasped with reference to the position of the printing object table 4 when the initial alignment of the printing object 6 is taken, and the printing process is performed. That's fine.

  In the present embodiment, as described above, position correction in the X-axis direction when initial alignment of the print target 6 is performed is performed in accordance with the movement of the print target table 4 in the X-axis direction. Therefore, the suction and relative position fixing of the printing target 6 by the operation of the vacuum suction chuck 14 on the upper surface of the printing target table 4 is performed by the above-described plate / printing target pressing mechanism 12 on the printing target table 4 on the printing target table 4. Alternatively, the correction may be performed when the position correction for the two axes is completed.

  Further, the initial alignment of the plate 5 placed on the plate table 3 may be determined in the same procedure.

  As described above, according to the alignment method and apparatus of the printing apparatus of the present invention, the alignment stage mechanism is used for the plate 5 placed on the plate table 3 and the print target 6 placed on the print target table 4. Therefore, it is possible to take the initial alignment with respect to the three axes of XYθ.

  Therefore, the plate table 3 and the printing target table 4 have a load resistant enough to withstand a large downward printing pressure that acts on the printing plate 5 and the printing target 6 from the blanket roll 8 during offset printing. However, since there is no need for an alignment stage mechanism that increases the weight in the case of high rigidity, the configuration of the plate table 3 and the printing target table 4 can be simplified, and the weight of the apparatus can be reduced. Can do.

  In addition, in the plate table 3 and the printing target table 4, uneven distribution of support points such as the alignment stage mechanism can be eliminated, so that it is possible to suppress a decrease in printing accuracy due to a partial decrease in rigidity. Therefore, it is possible to ensure rigidity against printing pressure and increase printing accuracy.

  Next, FIG. 4 shows another example of the plate / printing object pressing mechanism as another embodiment of the present invention, which is as follows.

  That is, the plate / printing target pressing mechanism 12A according to the present embodiment includes fine adjustment mechanisms 13 similar to the fine adjustment mechanism 13 shown in FIG. 1 on both sides of the alignment area 9 in the Y axis direction. It is set as the structure arrange | positioned along 3 groups in zigzag form along.

  Specifically, a fine adjustment mechanism 13 similar to the fine adjustment mechanism 13 shown in FIG. 1 is provided on one side of the guide rail 2 in the alignment area 9 and corresponds to an intermediate portion of the alignment area 9 in the X-axis direction. On the other side of the guide rail 2 in the alignment area 9, the same fine adjustment mechanism 13 as described above is provided on the other side of the alignment rail 9, and the X-axis direction position of the fine adjustment mechanism 13 provided on one side of the guide rail 2 is centered. As shown in the figure, the two parts are arranged at two positions apart from each other in the X-axis direction.

  Note that the spacing in the X-axis direction between the fine adjustment pressing mechanisms 13 provided on the other side of the guide rail 2 is set to be smaller than the dimension along the X-axis direction of the plate 5 and the printing target 6 used in the offset printing process. It is.

  Other configurations are the same as those shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, and the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals.

  According to the present embodiment, the plate / print target pressing mechanism 12A is applied to both sides of the plate 5 on the plate table 3 arranged in the alignment area 9 and the print target 6 on the print target table 4 in the Y-axis direction. From the state in which the tip end side of the operation rod 16 of each fine adjustment push mechanism 13 is in contact, the tip end side of the operation rod 16 of each fine adjustment push mechanism 13 is adjusted so as not to separate from the side surface of the plate 5 or the printing object 6. When the operation rods 16 of the fine adjustment pressing mechanisms 13 are expanded and contracted, the expansion and contraction operations of the two fine adjustment pressing mechanisms 13 provided on the other side of the guide rail 2 are performed in synchronization with each other, whereby the plate 5 and the printing are performed. The object 6 can be displaced in parallel in the Y-axis direction on the corresponding tables 3 and 4. Further, the plate 5 and the printing object 6 are rotated on the corresponding tables 3 and 4 by changing the expansion / contraction operation amount between the two fine adjustment pressing mechanisms 13 provided on the other side of the guide rail 2. be able to.

  Therefore, the plate / print target pressing mechanism 12A also performs a combination of the translation in the Y-axis direction and the rotation of the plate 5 on the plate table 3 and the print target 6 on the print target table 4 as appropriate. By doing so, the two axes Yθ can be adjusted for the plate 5 on the plate table 3 and the print target 6 on the print target table 4.

  Thereby, by using the plate / print target pressing mechanism 12A, it is possible to obtain the same effect as that of the embodiment of FIGS.

  Next, FIGS. 5 and 6 show still another embodiment of the present invention. The alignment apparatus of the printing apparatus according to the present embodiment is a plate disposed in the alignment area 9 as a plate / printing target pressing mechanism. Some portions of both sides in the Y-axis direction of the printing plate 6 placed on the table 3 and the printing target 6 placed on the printing target table 4 are inwardly aligned along the Y-axis direction by the fine adjustment mechanism 13. At the same time, a certain portion of both measurement surfaces in the X-axis direction is pushed inward along the X-axis direction by the fine adjustment push mechanism 13a, so that the plate 5 on the plate table 3 and the print target on the print target table 4 are printed. 6 in which the position in the Y-axis direction, the angle orientation θ in the horizontal plane, and the position in the X-axis direction can be changed, that is, the plate 5 and the printing object 6 can be adjusted in three axes XYθ. A configuration including a printing target pressing mechanism 12B To do.

  Specifically, the plate / printing target pressing mechanism 12B has the same configuration as the plate / printing target pressing mechanism 12 shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, and the plate table 3 disposed in the alignment area 9 A position at which the printing target table 4 is sandwiched from both sides in the X-axis direction and a position that is an intermediate portion in the Y-axis direction in the alignment area 9 corresponding to the center portion in the Y-axis direction of each of the tables 3 and 4 is shown in FIG. Thru | or the fine adjustment mechanism 13a which is the structure similar to the fine adjustment mechanism 13 shown in FIG. 3 is each arrange | positioned toward the inner side of the alignment area 9 along the said X-axis direction.

  Further, each fine adjustment pushing mechanism 13a along the X-axis direction is arranged such that, for example, the guide rail 2 is not disturbed during traveling of the plate table 3 and the printing target table 4 along the guide rail 2. Along the uniaxial slider 19 provided at one end edge in the Y-axis direction of the gantry 1 on the outside of the frame 1, the guide rail 2 is moved from the alignment work position that is the intermediate portion in the Y-axis direction in the alignment area 9. The plate table 3 that travels along the guide rail 2 on the outer side and the printing table 4 are configured to be slidably supported to a retracted position that does not interfere with the travel position of the printing target table 4.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the printing plate 6 on the printing table 3 and the printing target 6 on the printing target table 4 arranged in the alignment area 9 by the printing plate / printing target pressing mechanism 12B are XYθ. In view of the fact that the three axes can be adjusted, the controller 15A has a function of operating the vacuum suction chuck 14 of the plate table 3 and the printing target table 4 and a plate disposed in the alignment area 9. Based on the positional information of the alignment mark 11 photographed by the camera 10 with respect to the plate 5 on the table 3 and the printing target 6 on the printing target table 4, the fine adjustment pressing mechanisms 13, 13a of the plate / printing target pressing mechanism 12B. It shall have the function to give a command to.

  More specifically, the controller 15A is configured such that the print target table 4 on which the print target 6 is placed according to the same procedure as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 is arranged at a predetermined alignment work position in the alignment area 9, and When the alignment mark 11 provided on the diagonal portion of the print target 6 on the print target table 4 is photographed by the camera 10 in the alignment area 9 and the image information is input to the controller 15A, the control is performed. The detector 15A detects a deviation from the correct (overlapping) position of the alignment mark 11 photographed by the camera 10, and obtains correction amounts for the three axes XYθ necessary to make the deviation zero.

  Further, the controller 15A places the fine adjustment push mechanisms 13 and 13a at the alignment work positions.

  Next, a correction operation command for obtaining the three-axis correction amount of XYθ obtained as described above is given to the fine adjustment pressing mechanisms 13 and 13a of the plate / printing target pressing mechanism 12B. is there. Thereby, according to the correction operation command, the expansion / contraction operation of the operation rod 16 by the fine adjustment pressing mechanisms 13 arranged on both sides in the Y-axis direction of the alignment area 9 in the plate / print target pressing mechanism 12B is appropriately performed. The position of the print target 6 placed on the print target table 4 is corrected with respect to the two axes of Yθ, and the operation rod 16 of each fine adjustment push mechanism 13a disposed on both sides of the alignment area 9 in the X-axis direction is used. The position of the print object 6 with respect to the X axis is corrected on the print object table 4 by appropriately expanding and contracting.

  As described above, the alignment mark 11 provided on the diagonal position of the print target 6 placed on the print target table 4 is arranged at the correct position. Initial alignment is complete.

  Thereafter, the controller 15A operates the vacuum suction chuck 14 provided on the upper surface of the print target table 4 to suck the print target 6 on which the initial alignment has been taken onto the print target table 4. So that the relative position is fixed.

  The controller 15A retracts the fine adjustment push mechanisms 13 and 13a to the retreat positions.

  The initial alignment of the plate 5 placed on the plate table 3 may be determined in the same procedure.

  Thus, the present embodiment can provide the same effects as those of the embodiment of FIGS.

  In addition, when aligning the plate 5 on the plate table 3 and the print target 6 on the print target table 4 in the three-axis directions of XYθ, the positions of the plate table 3 and the print target table 4 in the alignment area 9 are determined. Since it does not need to be moved, the position of the plate 5 or the printing object 6 held on the tables 3 and 4 is corrected without correcting the positions of the tables 3 and 4 when performing the printing process. Since it can be grasped, an effect of facilitating the control of the movement of the tables 3 and 4 during the printing process can be expected.

  Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and the fine adjustment push mechanisms 13 and 13 a are the printing plate 5 placed on the printing table 3 and the printing target placed on the printing target table 4. As long as it can be pushed by the actuating rod 16 that is extended and actuated on the corresponding side surfaces of the six, any drive device for the actuating rod 16 may be adopted, and the stroke of the actuating rod 16 and the device The shape of may be changed freely.

  The interval between the fine adjustment pressing mechanisms 13 arranged in the X-axis direction in the alignment area 9 may be appropriately changed according to the size of the plate 5 to be pressed or the printing target 6 in the X-axis direction.

  In the embodiment of FIG. 4, the arrangements of the one fine adjustment mechanism 13 and the two fine adjustment mechanisms 13 arranged on both sides in the Y-axis direction in the alignment area 9 may be interchanged.

  In the embodiment of FIGS. 5 and 6, one fine adjustment mechanism 13 disposed on both sides in the Y-axis direction in the alignment area 9 is provided on one side in the Y-axis direction, as in the embodiment of FIG. 4. It is good also as a structure formed by arrange | positioning 2 units | sets on the other side.

  Further, the fine adjustment pressing mechanisms 13a provided on both sides in the X-axis direction of the alignment area 9 in the embodiment of FIGS. 5 and 6 do not interfere with the travel positions of the plate table 3 and the printing target table 4 along the guide rail 2. If a retraction position is set, the retraction apparatus may be retreated in any direction in the Y-axis direction and in any direction above and below the alignment work position. Therefore, the retraction apparatus configuration may be changed as appropriate.

  The suction chuck provided on the upper surface of the plate table 3 and the printing target table 4 slightly floats the plate 5 and the printing target 6 on the plate table 3 and the printing target table 4 by blowing out air. From the viewpoint of reducing the thrust required by the fine adjustment mechanisms 13 and 13a when correcting the position of the plate 5 and the printing object 6 on the tables 3 and 4, it is preferable to use the vacuum suction chuck 14. Any type of suction chuck other than the vacuum suction chuck 14 may be adopted as long as the plate 5 and the print target 6 can be held during the printing process, depending on the plate 5 and the print target 6 to be used. Furthermore, as long as the plate 5 and the printing object 6 can be held on the corresponding tables 3 and 4 so as not to be displaced relative to each other after the position is corrected with the initial alignment, any type other than the suction chuck can be used. You may make it hold | maintain the plate 5 and the printing object 6 with a holding means.

  The alignment mark 11 provided on the plate 5 and the printing target 6 can detect a deviation in the three-axis directions of XYθ from the correct position of the plate 5 or the printing target 6 based on an image obtained by photographing the alignment mark 11 with the camera 10. If it does in this way, you may change suitably the position and number which provide the alignment mark 11 in the plate | version | printing 5 or the printing target 6. FIG. Further, the position and number of the camera 10 provided in the alignment area 9 may be changed as appropriate in accordance with the position and number of the alignment mark 11 provided on the plate 5 or the printing object 6.

  The alignment apparatus of the printing apparatus according to the present invention can be any type of offset printing apparatus as long as the flat plate 5 and the flat print object 6 are held on the corresponding tables 3 and 4, respectively. You may apply.

  Of course, various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Stand 2 Guide rail 3 Plate table 4 Print target table 5 Plate 6 Print target 9 Alignment area 13, 13a Fine adjustment push mechanism 14 Vacuum suction chuck (suction chuck)

Claims (8)

  The plate table on which the plate is placed is moved along the guide rail on the gantry and placed in the alignment area.Then, the side surface of the plate placed on the plate table placed in the alignment area is The position of the plate on the plate table and the angle and orientation in the horizontal plane are corrected by pressing with a fine pressing mechanism arranged outside the plate table, and then the plate with the corrected position and angle and posture is placed on the plate table. The print target table on which the print target is placed is moved along the guide rail on the gantry and placed in the alignment area, and then placed in the alignment area. The side of the print target placed on the print target table is pushed by the fine adjustment mechanism arranged outside the print target table, and placed on the print target table. The position and the angle / orientation in a horizontal plane are corrected, and then the printing object in which the position and the angle / orientation are corrected is held on the printing object table in a state in which relative displacement is prevented. Device alignment method.   The plate placed on the plate table placed in the alignment area, or the side surface located in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the guide rail to be printed on the printing target table is the length of the guide rail in the alignment area. The position of the guide rail in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the guide rail on the table corresponding to the plate or the printing object, and the angle and orientation in the horizontal plane, The printing apparatus alignment method according to claim 1, wherein the longitudinal position of the plate or the printing target guide rail is corrected in accordance with the movement of the plate table or the printing target table along the guide rail.   The plate placed on the plate table arranged in the alignment area, or the side surface located in the direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the guide rail to be printed on the printing target table, and the longitudinal direction of the guide rail The side surface is pressed by a fine adjustment mechanism arranged on both sides of the alignment area in the direction orthogonal to the guide rail and a fine adjustment mechanism arranged on both sides of the guide rail in the longitudinal direction of the alignment area. The alignment method of a printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the position in the direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the guide rail on the corresponding table, the position in the longitudinal direction of the guide rail, and the angular orientation in the horizontal plane are corrected. .   A plate table or printing in the longitudinal direction of the guide rail on the gantry in the printing apparatus provided with the plate table for holding the plate and the printing object table for holding the printing object, which can run along the guide rail provided on the gantry. A plate placed on a plate table to be arranged in the alignment area by setting an alignment area corresponding to a certain place where the target table can be arranged, and having a fine adjustment push mechanism in the alignment area, or It has a configuration in which the side surface of the printing target placed on the printing target table is pushed from the outside of each table so that the position of the plate or the printing target and the angular orientation in the horizontal plane can be corrected. Alignment device for printing device.   The upper surface of the plate table or the printing target table includes a suction chuck for holding the plate or the printing target after correcting the position and the angular orientation in the horizontal plane in a state in which relative displacement is prevented. 4. An alignment apparatus for a printing apparatus according to item 4.   The vacuum chuck is used as the suction chuck for holding the plate or the printing target after being provided on the upper surface of the plate table or the printing target table and correcting the position and the angular orientation in the horizontal plane in a state in which relative displacement is prevented. 5. An alignment apparatus for a printing apparatus according to 5.   Two fine adjustment push mechanisms are placed opposite each other in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the guide rail across the placement location of the plate table or printing target table in the alignment area, or the longitudinal direction of the guide rail The alignment apparatus for a printing apparatus according to claim 4, 5 or 6, wherein the three fine adjustment pressing mechanisms are arranged in a staggered pattern along the line.   A fine push mechanism is arranged on both sides of the guide rail in the longitudinal direction across the place where the plate table or printing target table is placed in the alignment area. The alignment apparatus of the printing apparatus according to claim 7.

Images