KR101420223B1 - Device and Method of Confirming Alignment of Printing Patterns, and Printing Apparatus and Method Having the Same - Google Patents

Abstract

The printing pattern aligning apparatus according to the present invention detects one or both of a pair of trigger marks provided on a flexible substrate on which a first print pattern is formed and outputs a pair of first trigger signals TSa1 and TSb1 A first sensing sensor; A first alignment camera and an illumination device capturing a first image of a pair of first alignment marks provided on the flexible substrate in accordance with the pair of trigger signals TSa1 and TSb1; A second sensing sensor sensing one or both of the pair of trigger marks and outputting a pair of second trigger signals TSa2 and TSb2; As long as capturing a second image in which the pair of first alignment marks and a pair of second alignment marks provided on the flexible substrate are overlapped according to the pair of second trigger signals TSa2 and TSb2 A pair of second alignment cameras and a lighting device; Controlling a printing start position of a second printing pattern to be printed on the flexible substrate using the captured first image, and controlling the printing start position of the pair of first alignment marks and the pair A controller for checking an alignment state between the second alignment marks of the first alignment mark; And a display device connected to the controller and displaying the captured first and second images.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention [0001] The present invention relates to a printing apparatus and a printing apparatus,

The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for verifying a print pattern alignment, and a printing apparatus and a method having the same.

More specifically, the present invention relates to a method for printing a first print pattern by superimposing a second print pattern on a first print pattern or in a position different from the first print pattern while the flexible substrate on which the first print pattern is printed is continuously supplied It is possible to precisely align at the time of superimposed printing between different printing patterns by checking and correcting the alignment state between the alignment marks of the first printing pattern and the alignment marks of the second printing pattern in real time, And a possibility of occurrence of defects is remarkably reduced, and a superimposed printing process of different printing patterns is performed at a high speed, thereby making it possible to mass-produce final products and reduce costs, and a printing apparatus and a method having the same .

In recent years, the field of printing electronics has been attracting attention as a printing method for producing electronic devices such as RFID antennas, polymer transistors, flexible displays, and solar cells. Such an electronic device is manufactured by a general printing apparatus, and a product capable of performing the function of an electronic device can be mass-produced only by maintaining the accuracy to several tens of microns.

In the printing apparatus used for manufacturing the above-described electronic device, accurate pressure control plays an important role in increasing the transfer rate of the functional ink and ensuring uniform transfer quality. In addition, in order to produce electronic elements such as transistors by superimposing printing on functional inks such as insulating, semiconducting, conductive, etc., the alignment accuracy of each ink layer must be increased to several to several tens of microns.

As the printing apparatus of the prior art, for example, three rolls (gravure roll, blanket roll, and backup roll) are arranged in the vertical or horizontal direction in the case of offset printing, and in the case of gravure printing, And a blanket roll) are arranged in a vertical or horizontal direction. Hereinafter, a printing apparatus in which rolls are arranged in a vertical direction will be referred to as a vertical printing apparatus, and a printing apparatus in which rolls are arranged in a horizontal direction will be referred to as a horizontal printing apparatus.

1A is a schematic side view of a vertical printing apparatus having three rolls according to the prior art.

1A, in a conventional vertical printing apparatus 100, a gravure roll 110 moves in a vertical direction so as to contact a blanket roll 120 to transfer ink for a printing pattern to a blanket roll 120 The printing pattern is formed on the flexible substrate 150 by printing the transferred ink for printing pattern on the flexible substrate 150 by moving in the vertical direction so that the blanket roll 120 contacts the flexible substrate 150. The flexible substrate 150 may be a flexible substrate such as a flexible printed circuit and the blanket roll 120 may be fixed to the backup roll 130 while the flexible substrate 150 is supported by the backup roll 130. [ Is measured by the load cell 141 provided in the back-up roll 130.

FIG. 1B is a schematic view of a horizontal type printing apparatus according to the prior art, and FIG. 1C is a detailed view showing a layout structure of a roll and a flexible substrate according to the prior art shown in FIG. 1B.

1B and 1C, a horizontal printing apparatus 100 according to the related art is provided to be horizontally movable, and includes a gravure roll 110 having printing grooves (not shown) formed on a surface thereof to correspond to a printing pattern; A backup roll 130 in a fixed state; A blanket roll (120) provided between the gravure roll (110) and the backup roll (130) so as to be horizontally movable in a direction approaching or away from the backup roll (130); The blanket roll 120 and the backup roll 130 are mounted on the gravure roll 110, the blanket roll 120 and the backup roll 130, respectively, and the gravure roll 110, the blanket roll 120, First to third rotation driving members (114, 124, 134); A supply roll 170a for supplying the flexible substrate 150 in contact with the surface of the backup roll 130 so as to have a constant contact surface A; A recovery roll 170b for recovering the flexible substrate 150; A first pressure control device 140 for controlling the pressure of the gravure roll 110; And a second pressure control device (160) for controlling the pressure of the blanket roll (120).

The gravure roll 110, the blanket roll 120, and the backup roll 130 are horizontally arranged in the horizontal printing apparatus 100 of the related art described above. In addition, the blanket roll 120 is provided so as to be horizontally movable in a direction of approaching or departing from the backup roll 130. Accordingly, the blanket roll 120 transfers the print pattern to the flexible substrate 150 supplied with the ink transferred from the gravure roll 110 in contact with the surface of the backup roll 130 so as to have a predetermined contact surface A . In this case, the first contact angle? 1 corresponding to the contact surface A of the flexible substrate 150 with the backup roll 130 is the second contact angle? 2 at which the blanket roll 120 contacts the flexible substrate 150, Lt; / RTI > That is, the flexible substrate 150 has a margin angle? 3 corresponding to 1/2 of the difference between the first contact angle? 1 and the second contact angle? 2, or a margin contact surface B corresponding thereto, (130).

1B and 1C, a flexible substrate 150 is provided on the surface of the backup roll 130 in comparison with the vertical printing apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 1A, The transfer rate of the ink transferred from the blanket roll 120 to the surface of the flexible substrate 150 is maintained at a constant value, so that the printed pattern is formed in a clear and uniform thickness.

In the horizontal printing apparatus 100 of the related art, since the blanket roll 120 horizontally moves and adjusts the amount of pressure to be applied, it is easy to precisely adjust the amount of drawing even if vibration occurs in the blanket roll 120 and the backup roll 130 And an advantage that it is easy to form an accurate final print pattern when overprinting a plurality of print patterns is achieved.

The vertical printing apparatus 100 and the horizontal printing apparatus 100 described above have been disclosed by the present applicant on Oct. 13, 2009, entitled "Layout Structure of Rolls and Printed Objects, Printing Apparatus and Printing System Including the Structure, "Filed as Korean Patent Application No. 10-2009-0097353 and published in Korean Patent Application No. 10-2011-0040181, published on Apr. 20, 2011.

On the other hand, on the flexible substrate 150 using the above-described conventional vertical printing apparatus 100 and horizontal printing apparatus 100 (collectively referred to as "printing apparatus 100" In the case where the secondary printing patterns are superimposed on the same flexible substrate 150 after the primary printing patterns are printed, alignment between the primary printing patterns and the secondary printing patterns is required.

More specifically, FIG. 1D is a view schematically showing a case where a first print pattern and a second print pattern are formed on a flexible substrate.

Referring to FIG. 1D, a first print pattern P1 is printed on a flexible substrate 150 using the printing apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 1A or 1B. Thereafter, the second printing pattern P2 is superimposed on the first printing pattern P1 by using the printing apparatus 100 again, and the printing is performed.

When the second print pattern P2 is superimposed and printed on the first print pattern P1 in the printing apparatus 100 according to the related art described above, the difference between the first print pattern P1 and the second print pattern P2 The alignment is made by a mechanical setting between the printing apparatus 100 and the flexible substrate 150. In this case, in the printing apparatus 100 of the related art, when the first print pattern P1 and the second print pattern P2 are printed while the flexible substrate 150 on which the first print pattern P1 is formed is continuously supplied There has been no apparatus and method for confirming alignment between the first print pattern P1 and the second print pattern P2 in real time.

Whether the first print pattern P1 is aligned with the second print pattern P2 is determined by whether the flexible substrate 150 printed by superimposing the second print pattern P2 on the first print pattern P1 (Not shown), so that the printing process must be stopped.

If it is confirmed that the first print pattern P1 and the second print pattern P2 are misaligned, it is possible to prevent misalignment between the first print pattern P1 and the second print pattern P2. Since the printing apparatus 100 and the flexible substrate 150 must be mechanically set again, there arises a problem that the initial equipment setting time becomes considerably long.

When either or both of the first print pattern P1 and the second print pattern P2 are changed, a gap between the printing apparatus 100 and the flexible substrate 150 in the same manner as described above for the new alignment operation The setting status should be changed and reset.

A third print pattern (not shown) may be overprinted on the second print pattern P2 after the overlap printing of the first print pattern P1 and the second print pattern P2, The setting state between the printing apparatus 100 and the flexible substrate 150 as described above for alignment between the overlapped second printed pattern P2 and the third printed pattern, To be further reset.

In addition, when misalignment occurs in the case of superimposing different patterns as described above, the printed flexible substrate 150 must be discarded, resulting in a great increase in cost.

As described above, in the printing apparatus 100 according to the related art, when overlaying different patterns, an excessive time is required for the alignment check process and the initial equipment setting, so that the total process time and cost are greatly increased, There is a problem that mass production of the final product is difficult and the productivity is greatly deteriorated.

Therefore, there is a need for a new method for solving the problems of the printing apparatus 100 of the related art described above.

Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2011-0040181

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a flexible printed circuit board in which a first printed pattern is continuously supplied and a second printed pattern is superimposed on the first printed pattern or at a position different from the first printed pattern It is possible to perform precise alignment at the time of superimposing printing between different print patterns by realigning and correcting the alignment state between the alignment mark of the first print pattern and the alignment mark of the second print pattern in real time, An apparatus and method for verifying a printing pattern alignment capable of remarkably improving the printing quality and significantly reducing the possibility of occurrence of defects and capable of mass production and cost reduction of the final product by superposing printing processes of different printing patterns at high speed, A printing apparatus, and a printing method.

The printing pattern aligning apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention detects one or both of a pair of trigger marks provided on the flexible substrate on which the first printing pattern is formed and outputs a pair of first trigger signals TSa1, A first sensing sensor for outputting a first sensing signal TSb1; A first alignment camera and an illumination device capturing a first image of a pair of first alignment marks provided on the flexible substrate in accordance with the pair of trigger signals TSa1 and TSb1; A second sensing sensor sensing one or both of the pair of trigger marks and outputting a pair of second trigger signals TSa2 and TSb2; As long as capturing a second image in which the pair of first alignment marks and a pair of second alignment marks provided on the flexible substrate are overlapped according to the pair of second trigger signals TSa2 and TSb2 A pair of second alignment cameras and a lighting device; Controlling a printing start position of a second printing pattern to be printed on the flexible substrate using the captured first image, and controlling the printing start position of the pair of first alignment marks and the pair A controller for checking an alignment state between the second alignment marks of the first alignment mark; And a display device connected to the controller and displaying the captured first and second images.

A printing apparatus according to a second aspect of the present invention includes: a gravure roll having a printing groove corresponding to a second printing pattern formed on a surface thereof; A fixed backup roll; A blanket roll provided between the gravure roll and the backup roll so as to be horizontally or vertically movable in a direction of approaching or departing from the backup roll; First to third rotation driving members mounted on the gravure roll, the blanket roll, and the backup roll, respectively, for rotating the gravure roll, the blanket roll, and the backup roll, respectively; A supply roll for supplying the flexible substrate having the first print pattern formed thereon so as to have a predetermined contact surface with the surface of the backup roll; A recovery roll for recovering the flexible substrate; A first pressure control device for controlling the pressure of the gravure roll; A second pressure control device for controlling the pressure of the blanket roll; And a print pattern alignment confirmation device for controlling a print start position of the second print pattern and confirming an alignment state between the first print pattern and the second print pattern in real time.

A third aspect of the present invention is to provide a pattern alignment detecting method comprising the steps of: a) detecting, by using either or both of a pair of trigger marks provided on a flexible substrate on which a first print pattern sensed by a first sensing sensor is formed, Capturing and transmitting a first image of a pair of first alignment marks provided on the flexible substrate to a controller; b) comparing the first coordinate value of the first image with a predetermined reference value using the controller, and adjusting a print start position of a second print pattern to be printed on the flexible substrate by a blanket roll, if necessary; c) printing the pair of second alignment marks and the second print pattern on the flexible substrate using the blanket roll; d) a second image in which the pair of first alignment marks and the pair of second alignment marks are overlapped using either or both of the pair of trigger marks detected by the second detection sensor Capturing and transmitting to the controller; And e) comparing the first coordinate value with the second coordinate value of the pair of second alignment marks using the controller to determine whether the pair of first alignment marks and the pair of second alignment marks And confirming an alignment state of the interlayer.

A printing method according to a fourth aspect of the present invention comprises the steps of: a) continuously feeding a flexible substrate on which a first printing pattern is formed from a supply roll to a recovery roll via a backup roll; b) a first image of a pair of first alignment marks provided on the flexible substrate using either or both of a pair of trigger marks provided on the flexible substrate sensed by the first sensing sensor, Capturing and transmitting to the controller; c) comparing the first coordinate value of the first image with a predetermined reference value using the controller, and adjusting a print start position of a second print pattern to be printed on the flexible substrate by a blanket roll, if necessary; d) printing a pair of second alignment marks and the second print pattern on the flexible substrate using the blanket roll; and e) a second image in which the pair of first alignment marks and the pair of second alignment marks are overlapped using either or both of the pair of trigger marks detected by the second detection sensor Capturing and transmitting to the controller; And f) using the controller to compare the first coordinate value with a second coordinate value of the pair of second alignment marks to determine whether the pair of first alignment marks and the pair of second alignment marks And confirming an alignment state of the interlayer.

An apparatus and method for verifying a print pattern alignment according to the present invention, and a printing apparatus and method having the same, can achieve the following effects.

1. Alignment between different patterns is confirmed in real time during superimposed printing of different patterns.

2. Misalignment occurring between different patterns in superimposed printing of different patterns can be quickly adjusted.

3. Precise alignment between different patterns is possible during superimposed printing of different patterns as the flexible substrate is fed in succession.

4. According to the above-described effects 1 to 3, the printing quality of the final product is remarkably improved and the possibility of occurrence of defects is remarkably reduced.

5. It is possible to mass-produce the final product and reduce the cost because the superimposing printing process of different printing patterns is performed at a high speed.

Further advantages of the present invention can be clearly understood from the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like or similar reference numerals denote like elements.

1A is a schematic side view of a vertical printing apparatus having three rolls according to the prior art.
1B is a view schematically showing a horizontal type printing apparatus according to the prior art.
Fig. 1C is a detailed view showing the arrangement structure of the roll and the flexible substrate according to the prior art shown in Fig. 1B.
FIG. 1D is a view schematically showing a case where a first print pattern and a second print pattern are formed on a flexible substrate. FIG.
FIG. 2A is a diagram illustrating a printing pattern alignment check apparatus and a printing apparatus having the same according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2B is a view schematically showing a printing pattern alignment check apparatus used in a printing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 2A.
FIG. 2C is a view illustrating a printing pattern alignment check apparatus used in the printing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 2A.
2D is a diagram showing the first print mark, the second print mark and the trigger mark on the flexible substrate.
FIG. 2E is a diagram illustrating a first image and a second image captured by the printing pattern alignment confirmation apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
2F is a view showing a method of correcting an alignment state between a first alignment mark and a second alignment mark from a superimposed state in which one first alignment mark and one second alignment mark are misaligned.
FIG. 2G is a photograph showing a confirmation test result of an alignment mark printed on a flexible substrate using a printing pattern alignment confirmation apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG.
3A is a flowchart showing a print pattern alignment confirmation method according to an embodiment of the present invention.
3B is a flowchart showing a printing method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Hereinafter, the present invention will be described with reference to embodiments and drawings of the present invention.

FIG. 2A is a view illustrating a printing pattern alignment check apparatus and a printing apparatus having the same according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2B is a schematic view of a printing apparatus used in a printing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. FIG. 2C is a view showing a printing pattern alignment confirmation apparatus used in a printing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 2A in detail, and FIG. 2C is a view And 2d are diagrams showing the first print mark and the second print mark and the trigger mark on the flexible substrate. 2A and 2B show only the second light emitting portion and the light receiving portions 292a and 292b of the first light emitting portion and the light receiving portions 282a and 282b and the second detection sensor 292 of the first detection sensor 282, 1 < / RTI > detection sensor 282 and the second detection sensor 292 are omitted.

2A to 2D, a printing pattern aligning apparatus 201 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a pair of trigger marks (not shown) provided on a flexible substrate 250 on which a first print pattern P1 is formed, A first sensing sensor 282 sensing either one or both of the first trigger signals TSa1 and TSb1 and outputting a pair of first trigger signals TSa1 and TSb1; A first alignment camera for capturing a first image of a pair of first alignment marks (M1a, M1b) provided on the flexible substrate (250) in accordance with the pair of trigger signals (TSa1, TSb1) Devices 280a, 280b; A second detection sensor (292) detecting one or both of the pair of trigger marks (TM) and outputting a pair of second trigger signals (TSa2, TSb2); The pair of first alignment marks M1a and M1b and the pair of second alignment marks M2a and M2b provided on the flexible substrate 250 in accordance with the pair of second trigger signals TSa2 and TSb2, A pair of second aligning cameras and illuminators (290a, 290b) capturing a second image overlaid on the second image; Controlling a print start position of a second print pattern (P2) to be printed on the flexible substrate (250) using the captured first image, and controlling the print start position of the pair of first aligning patterns A controller (294) for checking an alignment state between the marks (M1a, M1b) and the pair of second alignment marks (M2a, M2b); And a display device (296) coupled to the controller (294) for displaying the captured first and second images.

The controller 294 used in the print pattern aligning apparatus 201 according to an embodiment of the present invention may be a personal computer (PC), a microprocessor, or a programmable logic controller (PLC) Controller, and the display device 296 may be implemented as a monitor used in, for example, a personal computer (PC).

A printing apparatus 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a gravure roll 210 having a printing groove (not shown) corresponding to a second printing pattern P2 formed on a surface thereof; A backup roll 230 in a fixed state; A blanket roll (220) provided between the gravure roll (210) and the backup roll (230) so as to be horizontally or vertically movable in a direction approaching or departing from the backup roll (230); The gravure roll 210, the blanket roll 220, and the backup roll 230, respectively, and the gravure roll 210, the blanket roll 220, First to third rotation driving members 214, 224, and 234; A supply roll 270a for supplying the flexible substrate 250 on which the first print pattern P1 is formed in contact with the surface of the backup roll 230 so as to have a predetermined contact surface; A recovery roll 270b for recovering the flexible substrate 250; A first pressure control device 240 for controlling the pressure of the gravure roll 210; A second pressure control device (260) for controlling the pressure of the blanket roll (220); And a print pattern aligning confirmation device for controlling a printing start position of the second print pattern and confirming an alignment state between the first print pattern and the second print pattern in real time 201).

Although the blanket roll 220 is illustrated as being provided horizontally to the backup roll 230 in the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 2A, those skilled in the art will recognize that the print pattern aligning apparatus 201 can be applied to a vertical printing apparatus in which the blanket roll 220 is provided so as to be movable vertically to the backup roll 230. [

Hereinafter, the specific configuration and operation of the printing pattern alignment confirmation apparatus 201 used in the printing apparatus 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail.

2A to 2D, the first sensing sensor 282 of the printing pattern aligning apparatus 201 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a flexible substrate 250 on which the first printing pattern P1 is formed, Detects either one or both of the pair of trigger marks (TM) provided on the first trigger signal and outputs a first trigger signal. To this end, the first detection sensor 282 includes first light emitting portions and light receiving portions 282a and 282b disposed above and below the pair of trigger marks TM. The sensing beam emitted from the first light emitting portion 282a while the trigger mark TM provided on the flexible substrate 250 passes through the first light emitting portion and the light receiving portions 282a and 282b is the trigger mark (TM) and is not received at the first light receiving section 282b. Thus, while the sensing beam is not received at the first light receiving portion 282b, the first sensing sensor 282 outputs a pair of first trigger signals TSa1, TSb1 to the first aligning camera and the lighting devices 280a, 280b . Here, the first trigger signal TSa1 is used for the first aligning camera 280a, and the first trigger signal TSb1 is used for the first illuminating device 280b. When the first illuminating device 280b receives the first trigger signal TSb1, the light emitting diode (LED) (not shown) in the first illuminating device 280b blinks once. At the same time, when the first aligning camera 280a receives the first trigger signal TSa1, it captures the first image of the pair of first alignment marks M1a and M1b.

Although the first sensing sensor 282 is described as sensing a pair of trigger marks TM in the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 2D, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the first sensing sensor 282 is a pair of trigger marks The first trigger signal TSa1 and the second trigger signal TSb1 may be output by detecting only one of the trigger marks TM of the first trigger signal TM.

Referring to FIG. 2C, it is noted that in the embodiment of the present invention, the second duration B of the first trigger signal TSb1 is longer than the first duration A of the first trigger signal TSa1 do. For example, the first duration A of the first trigger signal TSa1 is approximately 20 to 30 microseconds (μs), and the second duration B of the first trigger signal TSb1 is equal to the first duration Is preferably three times (that is, approximately 60 to 90 microseconds (μs)) of the first duration A of the signal TSa1. In this case, the second duration B has the same duration A before and after the first duration A, respectively. This is because when the first aligning camera 280a captures the first image of the pair of first alignment marks M1a and M1b during the first duration A of the first trigger signal TSa1, The device 280b is to provide sufficient illumination time (i.e., approximately three times the duration of the first trigger signal TSa1).

On the other hand, the first image of the pair of first alignment marks M1a, M1b captured by the first aligning camera 280a is transmitted to the controller 294. [ The controller 294 determines the first coordinate value of the first image of the pair of first alignment marks M1a and M1b (e.g., the x-axis and y-axis coordinate values of the first center C1 of the first image ) With a predetermined reference value (i.e., the reference x-axis and y-axis coordinate values) to calculate the first difference value (or the first correction value corresponding thereto). The controller 294 also transmits the first image of the pair of first alignment marks M1a and M1b to the display device 296 and displays it on the display device 296. [ The controller 294 then uses the calculated first difference value (or the first correction value) to print the second print pattern P2 to be printed on the flexible substrate 250 by the blanket roll 220 Control the position.

More specifically, if the x-axis coordinate value of the first image does not match the predetermined x-axis reference value, the controller 294 calculates the x-axis difference value (or the corresponding x-axis compensation value). The controller 294 horizontally moves or rotates the blanket roll 220 along the x-axis direction by the x-axis compensation value so that the second print pattern P2 is printed on the x- To adjust the printing start position. Here, the x-axis direction is the moving direction of the flexible substrate 250.

If the y-axis coordinate value of the pair of first alignment marks M1a and M1b does not coincide with the predetermined y-axis reference value, the controller 294 outputs the y-axis difference value (or the corresponding y-axis compensation value) . Thereafter, the controller 294 horizontally moves the blanket roll 220 along the y-axis direction by the y-axis compensation value so that the second print pattern P2 is printed in the y-axis direction to be printed on the flexible substrate 250 Adjust the position. Here, the y-axis direction is a direction perpendicular to the moving direction of the flexible substrate 250.

Thereafter, the pair of second alignment marks M2a and M2b and the second print pattern P2 are printed on the flexible substrate 250 by the blanket roll 220. [ As a result. The pair of second alignment marks M2a and M2b are superimposed on the pair of first alignment marks M1a and M1b and the second print pattern P2 is superposed on the first print pattern P1 Is superimposed and printed at another position on the flexible substrate (250).

Thereafter, the second detection sensor 292 provided in the print pattern aligning confirmation apparatus 201 according to an embodiment of the present invention is provided with a pair of trigger marks TM provided on the flexible substrate 250 One or both, and outputs a second trigger signal. To this end, the second detection sensor 292 includes a second light emitting portion and light receiving portions 292a and 292b disposed above and below the pair of trigger marks TM. The detection beam emitted from the second light emitting portion 292a while the trigger mark TM provided on the flexible substrate 250 passes through the second light emitting portion and the light receiving portion 292a and 292b is transmitted to the trigger mark TM And is not received by the second light receiving section 292b. Therefore, while the detection beam is not received by the second light receiving portion 292b, the second detection sensor 292 outputs the pair of second trigger signals TSa2 and TSb2 to the second alignment camera and the illumination devices 290a and 290b . Here, the second trigger signal TSa2 is used for the second aligning camera 290a, and the second trigger signal TSb2 is used for the second illuminating device 290b. When the second illuminator 290b receives the second trigger signal TSb2, the light emitting diode (LED) (not shown) in the second illuminator 290b blinks once. At the same time, when the second aligning camera 290a receives the second trigger signal TSa2, the pair of first alignment marks M1a and M1b and the pair of second alignment marks M2a and M2b And captures the overlapped second image. Here, the first duration A of the second trigger signal TSa2 is about 20 to 30 microseconds (μs), and the second duration B of the second trigger signal TSb2 is the second trigger signal (I.e., about 60 to 90 microseconds (占 퐏)) of the first sustain time A of the first sustain pulse TSa2. In this case, the second duration B has the same duration A before and after the first duration A, respectively, since the second aligning camera 290a has the same duration A as that of the second trigger signal TSa2 When the second illuminator 290b captures sufficient illumination time (i.e., approximately three times the duration of the second trigger signal TSa2) when capturing a pair of superimposed second images during the first duration A, .

As described above, in the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 2D, the second sensing sensor 292 is described as sensing a pair of trigger marks TM. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the second sensing sensor 292 It may be appreciated that one of the pair of trigger marks TM may be sensed to output a pair of second trigger signals TSa2 and TSb2.

On the other hand, the second image captured by the second aligning camera 290a is transmitted to the controller 294. [ Accordingly, the controller 294 confirms the alignment between the pair of first alignment marks M1a and M1b and the pair of second alignment marks M2a and M2b from the second image. More specifically, the controller 294 determines the first coordinate value (e.g., the x-axis and y-axis coordinate values of the first center C1) of the pair of first alignment marks M1a and M1b (For example, the x-axis and y-axis coordinate values of the second center C2) of the pair of second alignment marks M2a and M12 and a second difference value Corresponding second correction value). Here, the first center C1 and the second center C2 are shown in Fig. 2F described later. The controller 294 also transmits the superimposed second image to the display device 296 and displays it on the display device 296. [

Then, when it is confirmed that the pair of first alignment marks M1a and M1b and the pair of second alignment marks M2a and M2b are misaligned from the second image (that is, the second difference value Or a second correction value) is generated), the controller 294 adjusts the predetermined reference value by the calculated second difference value (or the second correction value). The adjusted reference value (hereinafter, referred to as " adjusted reference value ") is adjusted by the adjustment of the first alignment marks M1a and M1b of the pair of first alignment marks M1a and M1b of the next first print pattern P1 on the flexible substrate 250 1 < / RTI >

Thereafter, the second print pattern P2 to be printed at the same or different position as the next first print pattern P1 and the next first print pattern P1 formed on the flexible substrate 250, The print pattern aligning confirmation apparatus 201 continuously performs the above-described operations in real time.

2A to 2D, the case where the second print pattern P2 is formed on the flexible substrate 250 on which the first print pattern P1 is formed is formed as an example Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the printing pattern aligning apparatus 201 of the present invention may print the second printing pattern P2 in a superimposed manner on the flexible substrate 250 at a position different from the first printing pattern P1 (Fig. 1D, bottom right drawing).

The printing pattern alignment confirmation apparatus 201 of the present invention is a printing pattern aligning apparatus for printing a pattern in which a first print pattern P1 and a second print pattern P2 are overlapped and printed at the same or different positions on the flexible substrate 250, It will be appreciated that the present invention can be applied to the case where additional printing patterns (not shown) are further superimposed and printed.

FIG. 2E is a diagram illustrating a first image and a second image captured by the printing pattern alignment confirmation apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 2E, the first and second images I1 and I2 captured by the first and second aligning cameras 280a and 290a, respectively, of the print pattern aligning confirmation apparatus 201 according to an embodiment of the present invention, , I2 are displayed on the display device 296. [ The first image I1 shows the state of the pair of first alignment marks M1a and M1b and the second image I2 shows the state of the pair of first alignment marks M1a and M1b and the pair of first alignment marks M1a and M1b. And the second alignment marks M2a and M2b are overlapped.

2F is a view showing a method of correcting an alignment state between a first alignment mark and a second alignment mark from a superimposed state in which one first alignment mark and one second alignment mark are misaligned.

Referring to FIG. 2F, the coordinates (x1, y1) of the first center C1 of one first alignment mark M1a and the second center C2 of one second alignment mark M2a (X2, y2) do not coincide with each other. In this case, the controller 294 calculates a difference value (or a second correction value) between the coordinates (x1, y1) of the first center C1 and the coordinates (x2, y2) of the second center C2, The predetermined reference value is adjusted by the second correction value. As a result, the first center coordinate C1 of the first aligned mark M1a to be subsequently fed is the same as the first center mark C1 of the second aligned mark M2a to be printed by the blanket roll 220, Alignment between the first alignment mark M1a and the second alignment mark M2a which are subsequently supplied in conformity with the coordinates (x2, y2) of the center C2 can be made.

FIG. 2G is a photograph showing the result of recognition test of the alignment mark printed on the flexible substrate using the printing pattern alignment confirmation apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG.

Referring to FIG. 2G, the photograph of the test result is printed using a first aligning line camera 290a or a second aligning line 290b of the print pattern aligning apparatus 201 according to the embodiment of the present invention, (m) or (M2) on the flexible substrate 250 supplied at a moving speed of 100 m / sec. 2G, the test results indicate that the shutter speed of the first aligning camera 290a or the second aligning camera 290b is less than or equal to about 1 / Is clearly recognized. Further, as the value of the shutter speed of the first aligning camera 290a or the second aligning camera 290b is decreased (i.e., the shutter opening time is shortened), the clearer The recognition status can be confirmed. In the present invention, the shutter speed of the first aligning camera 290a or the second aligning camera 290b may be up to about 1/100,000.

3A is a flowchart showing a print pattern alignment confirmation method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 3A, the print pattern alignment check method 300 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes the steps of: a) detecting a first print pattern P1 (P1) sensed by the first sensor 282 Provided on the flexible substrate 250 using one or both of a pair of trigger marks TM provided on the flexible substrate 250 on which the first alignment marks M1a and M1b (310) the first image (I1) of the first image (I1) to the controller (294); b) comparing the first coordinate value of the first image (I1) with a predetermined reference value using the controller (294) and, if necessary, 2) Adjusting (320) the print start position of the print pattern (P2); c) printing (330) a pair of second alignment marks (M2a, M2b) and the second print pattern (P2) on the flexible substrate (250) using the blanket roll (220); d) using the one or both of the pair of trigger marks (TM) detected by the second detection sensor (292) to detect the pair of first alignment marks (M1a, M1b) (340) capturing and transmitting to the controller 294 a second image (I2) in which the two alignment marks (M2a, M2b) are superimposed; And e) comparing the first coordinate value with a second coordinate value of the pair of second alignment marks (M2a, M2b) by using the controller (294) to determine the pair of first alignment marks (M1b) and the pair of second alignment marks (M2a, M2b).

If the first detection sensor 282 detects any one or both of the pair of trigger marks TM in step a) of the print pattern alignment confirmation method 300 according to the embodiment of the present invention Outputs a pair of first trigger signals TSa1 and TSb1 to the first aligning camera and the illuminating devices 280a and 280b and the first aligning camera 280a captures the first image I1 Controller 294, and in step d), when the second detection sensor 292 detects any one or both of the pair of trigger marks TM, a pair of second trigger signals TSa2, TSb2 To the second aligning camera and illumination device 290a and 290b and the second aligning camera 290a captures the second image I2 and transmits it to the controller 294. [

If the first coordinate value is different from the predetermined reference value in the step b) of the printing pattern alignment checking method 300 according to the embodiment of the present invention, The adjustment of the starting position may be performed by horizontally moving or rotating the blanket roll 220 along the moving direction of the flexible substrate 250 and by moving the blanket roll 220 perpendicularly to the moving direction of the flexible substrate 250 And moving them horizontally along the direction of the vehicle.

If the first coordinate value is different from the second coordinate value as a result of the checking in step e), the controller 294 (i) ) May be used to adjust the predetermined reference value.

3B is a flowchart showing a printing method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 3B, a printing method 301 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes the steps of: a) feeding a flexible substrate 250 on which a first print pattern P1 is formed from a supply roll 270a (310) continuously through the backup roll (230) to the recovery roll (270b); (b) one or more of the pair of trigger marks TM provided on the flexible substrate 250 sensed by the first sensing sensor 282, as long as they are provided on the flexible substrate 250 Capturing and transmitting 320 the first image I1 of the pair of first alignment marks M1a, M1b to the controller 294; c) comparing the first coordinate value of the first image (I1) with a predetermined reference value using the controller (294), and if necessary, using a blanket roll (220) 2) adjusting (330) the print start position of the print pattern P2; d) printing (340) a pair of second alignment marks (M2a, M2b) and the second print pattern (P2) on the flexible substrate (250) using the blanket roll (220); e) using the one or both of the pair of trigger marks (TM) detected by the second sensor (292) to detect the pair of first alignment marks (M1a, M1b) (350) capturing and transmitting the second image (12) overlaid with the second alignment marks (M2a, M2b) to the controller (294); And f) comparing the first coordinate value with a second coordinate value of the pair of second alignment marks (M2a, M2b) by using the controller (294) to determine the pair of first alignment marks (M1b) and the second alignment mark (M2a, M2b) of the pair (360).

If the first detection sensor 282 senses any one or both of the pair of trigger marks TM in step b) of the printing method 301 according to the embodiment of the present invention, 1 trigger signals TSa1 and TSb1 to the first aligning camera and illuminating devices 280a and 280b and the first aligning camera 280a captures the first image I1 and outputs it to the controller 294. [ , And when the second detection sensor (292) detects any one or both of the pair of trigger marks (TM) in the step (e), the pair of second trigger signals (TSa2, TSb2) And the second aligning camera 290a captures the second image I2 and transmits the second image I2 to the controller 294. [

If it is determined in step c) that the first coordinate value is different from the predetermined reference value, the adjustment of the printing start position may be performed by moving the blanket roll 220 to the position An operation of moving the blanket roll 220 horizontally along a moving direction and an operation of horizontally moving the blanket roll 220 along a direction perpendicular to the moving direction of the flexible substrate 250.

If the first coordinate value is different from the second coordinate value as a result of the check in step f), the controller 294 (i) ) May be used to adjust the predetermined reference value.

As described above, according to the present invention, since the alignment state between different patterns is checked and adjusted in real time during superimposed printing of different patterns, the superimposed printing process of different printing patterns is performed at a high speed, It is possible.

Various modifications may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the following claims. It is not. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention should not be limited by the above-described exemplary embodiments, but should be determined only in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents.

100, 200: printing device 110, 210: gravure roll 120, 220: blanket roll
130, 230: Backup roll 140, 160, 240, 260:
141: load cell 150, 250: flexible substrate
114, 214, 214, 214, 242, 344: rotation drive member 170a, 270a:
170b, and 270b: a recovery roll 201: a print pattern alignment confirmation device
280a, 290a: alignment camera 280b, 290b: illumination device
282,292: Detection sensor 282a, 292a: Light emitting portion 282b, 292b: Light receiving portion
294: Controller 296: Display device

Claims (18)

A printing pattern alignment confirmation apparatus comprising:
A first sensing sensor for sensing either one or both of a pair of trigger marks provided on the flexible substrate on which the first print pattern is formed and outputting a pair of first trigger signals TSa1 and TSb1;
A first alignment camera for capturing a first image of a pair of first alignment marks provided behind the pair of trigger marks on the flexible substrate in accordance with the pair of first trigger signals TSa1 and TSb1, And a lighting device;
A second sensing sensor sensing one or both of the pair of trigger marks and outputting a pair of second trigger signals TSa2 and TSb2;
As long as capturing a second image in which the pair of first alignment marks and a pair of second alignment marks provided on the flexible substrate are overlapped according to the pair of second trigger signals TSa2 and TSb2 A pair of second alignment cameras and a lighting device;
Controlling a printing start position of a second printing pattern to be printed on the flexible substrate using the captured first image, and controlling the printing start position of the pair of first alignment marks and the pair A controller for checking an alignment state between the second alignment marks of the first alignment mark; And
A display device coupled to the controller and configured to display the captured first and second images,
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The print start position of the second print pattern is adjusted by a first correction value corresponding to a first difference value between a first coordinate value of the first image calculated by the controller and a predetermined reference value
Print pattern alignment confirmation device. The method according to claim 1,
The second duration B of the first and second trigger signals TSb1 and TSb2 is longer than the first duration A of the first and second trigger signals TSa1 and TSa2 Device. delete The method according to claim 1,
The adjustment by the controller may include any one of an operation of horizontally moving or rotating the blanket roll along the moving direction of the flexible substrate and an operation of moving the blanket roll horizontally along a direction perpendicular to the moving direction of the flexible substrate A printing pattern alignment confirmation device made by both. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the controller compares a first coordinate value of the pair of first alignment marks and a second coordinate value of the pair of second alignment marks from the second image, And adjusts the predetermined reference value by a first correction value corresponding to a second difference value of the coordinate value. In the printing apparatus,
A gravure roll having a printing groove corresponding to the second printing pattern on its surface;
A fixed backup roll;
A blanket roll provided between the gravure roll and the backup roll so as to be horizontally or vertically movable in a direction of approaching or departing from the backup roll;
First to third rotation driving members mounted on the gravure roll, the blanket roll, and the backup roll, respectively, for rotating the gravure roll, the blanket roll, and the backup roll, respectively;
A supply roll for supplying the flexible substrate having the first print pattern formed thereon so as to have a predetermined contact surface with the surface of the backup roll;
A recovery roll for recovering the flexible substrate;
A first pressure control device for controlling the pressure of the gravure roll;
A second pressure control device for controlling the pressure of the blanket roll; And
A printing pattern alignment confirmation device for controlling the printing start position of the second printing pattern and checking in real time the alignment state between the first printing pattern and the second printing pattern,
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The printing pattern alignment confirmation apparatus
A first sensing sensor sensing one or both of a pair of trigger marks provided on the flexible substrate and outputting a pair of first trigger signals TSa1 and TSb1;
A first alignment camera for capturing a first image of a pair of first alignment marks provided behind the pair of trigger marks on the flexible substrate in accordance with the pair of first trigger signals TSa1 and TSb1, And a lighting device;
A second sensing sensor sensing one or both of the pair of trigger marks and outputting a pair of second trigger signals TSa2 and TSb2;
As long as capturing a second image in which the pair of first alignment marks and a pair of second alignment marks provided on the flexible substrate are overlapped according to the pair of second trigger signals TSa2 and TSb2 A pair of second alignment cameras and a lighting device;
Controlling a printing start position of a second printing pattern to be printed on the flexible substrate using the captured first image, and controlling the printing start position of the pair of first alignment marks and the pair A controller for checking an alignment state between the second alignment marks of the first alignment mark; And
A display device coupled to the controller and configured to display the captured first and second images,
/ RTI >
The print start position of the second print pattern is adjusted by a first correction value corresponding to a first difference value between a first coordinate value of the first image calculated by the controller and a predetermined reference value
printer. delete delete The method according to claim 6,
The adjustment by the controller may include any one of an operation of horizontally moving or rotating the blanket roll along the moving direction of the flexible substrate and an operation of moving the blanket roll horizontally along a direction perpendicular to the moving direction of the flexible substrate Wherein the printing device is made by both. The method according to claim 6,
Wherein the controller compares a first coordinate value of the pair of first alignment marks and a second coordinate value of the pair of second alignment marks from the second image, And adjusts the predetermined reference value by a first correction value corresponding to a second difference value of the coordinate value. A method for identifying a print pattern alignment,
a) a first print pattern sensed by a first sensing sensor is provided behind the pair of trigger marks on the flexible substrate using one or both of a pair of trigger marks provided on the formed flexible substrate Capturing and transmitting a first image of a pair of first alignment marks to a controller;
b) comparing the first coordinate value of the first image with a predetermined reference value using the controller, and adjusting a print start position of a second print pattern to be printed on the flexible substrate by a blanket roll, if necessary;
c) printing the pair of second alignment marks and the second print pattern on the flexible substrate using the blanket roll;
d) a second image in which the pair of first alignment marks and the pair of second alignment marks are overlapped using either or both of the pair of trigger marks detected by the second detection sensor Capturing and transmitting to the controller; And
e) comparing the first coordinate value with the second coordinate value of the pair of second alignment marks using the controller to determine the distance between the pair of first alignment marks and the pair of second alignment marks Steps to check for alignment
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Wherein when the first sensing sensor senses any one or both of the pair of trigger marks in the step a), a pair of first trigger signals is output to the first aligning camera and the lighting device, A camera captures and transmits the first image to a controller,
And in the step d), when the second detection sensor senses any one or both of the pair of trigger marks, a pair of second trigger signals is output to the second aligning camera and the lighting device, The camera captures the second image and transmits it to the controller
How to check print pattern alignment. delete 12. The method of claim 11,
If it is determined in the step b) that the first coordinate value differs from the predetermined reference value as a result of the comparison,
The adjustment of the printing start position may be performed by any one of an operation of horizontally moving or rotating the blanket roll along the moving direction of the flexible substrate and an operation of horizontally moving the blanket roll along a direction perpendicular to the moving direction of the flexible substrate Or both
How to check print pattern alignment. 14. The method according to claim 11 or 13,
The method further includes the step of adjusting the predetermined reference value using the controller if the first coordinate value and the second coordinate value are different from each other in the step (e) How to check the print pattern alignment. In the printing method,
a) continuously feeding the flexible substrate on which the first print pattern is formed from the supply roll to the recovery roll via the backup roll;
b) a pair of first marks provided on the flexible substrate in front of the pair of trigger marks on the flexible substrate using either or both of a pair of trigger marks provided on the flexible substrate detected by the first detection sensor Capturing and transmitting a first image of the alignment mark to a controller;
c) comparing the first coordinate value of the first image with a predetermined reference value using the controller, and adjusting a print start position of a second print pattern to be printed on the flexible substrate by a blanket roll, if necessary;
d) printing the pair of second alignment marks and the second print pattern on the flexible substrate using the blanket roll
and e) a second image in which the pair of first alignment marks and the pair of second alignment marks are overlapped using either or both of the pair of trigger marks detected by the second detection sensor Capturing and transmitting to the controller; And
f) comparing the first coordinate value with a second coordinate value of the pair of second alignment marks using the controller to determine a position between the pair of first alignment marks and the pair of second alignment marks Steps to check for alignment
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And if the first detection sensor detects any one or both of the pair of trigger marks in the step b), outputs a pair of first trigger signals to the first aligning camera and the lighting device, A camera captures and transmits the first image to a controller,
If the second detection sensor senses any one or both of the pair of trigger marks in step e), outputs a pair of second trigger signals to the second alignment camera and the illumination device, The camera captures the second image and transmits it to the controller
How to print. delete 16. The method of claim 15,
If it is determined in step (c) that the first coordinate value is different from the predetermined reference value as a result of the comparison,
The adjustment of the printing start position may be performed by any one of an operation of horizontally moving or rotating the blanket roll along the moving direction of the flexible substrate and an operation of horizontally moving the blanket roll along a direction perpendicular to the moving direction of the flexible substrate Or both
How to print. 18. The method according to claim 15 or 17,
Wherein the printing method further comprises: g) adjusting the predetermined reference value using the controller if the first coordinate value and the second coordinate value are different from each other in the step f).

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