TW201940349A - Printing apparatus, printing method - Google Patents

Abstract

In end transfer in which a blanket (23) is pressed to the vicinity of an end surface (Se) of two main surfaces (Sm1, Sm2) of a substrate (S), a biting amount ([Delta]23) of the end surface (Se) with respect to the blanket (23) is controlled so as to prevent the blanket (23) from being brought into contact with the two main surfaces (Sm1, Sm2) by elastic deformation, and a conductive pattern (Pc) is printed so as to extend from one of the two main surfaces (Sm1, Sm2) of the substrate (S) to the other via the end surfaces (Se).

Description

Printing device and printing method

The present invention relates to a technique for printing a pattern from one of the two main surfaces of a medium to be printed to the other side through the end surface.

In recent years, a technique for printing a to-be-printed medium having a three-dimensional shape using a transfer member composed of an elastomer such as silicone rubber has been adopted. Specifically, as shown in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2016-182728 or Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2013-198996, by stepping the printing medium into a transfer member to which ink is adhered, it is possible to make the printing medium stepwise and curved. The ink is transferred from the transfer member to the printing medium along the transfer member. The above-mentioned printing technology is applicable to various applications.

As an example, a field of a display typified by a liquid crystal display can be cited. That is, in this field, although the demand for larger size is increasing every year, if the substrate for a display is enlarged, the use of the substrate becomes difficult. Here, a method of arranging a plurality of small displays to constitute a large display was reviewed. However, in conventional displays, wirings such as power lines and signal lines are arranged outside the display portion. Therefore, the borders of the adjacent small displays are occupied by the wiring, which becomes a slit in the display portion and becomes conspicuous.

In this way, wiring is performed on the main surface on the opposite side of the display portion from the two main surfaces of the substrate, and the slit of the display portion is suppressed to be narrow. Therefore, in order to realize the electrical connection between the wiring on the opposite side of the display portion and the display portion, a pattern must be formed on the substrate from one of the two main surfaces of the substrate to the other through the end surface. Here, it may be considered that the pattern is printed on the end of the substrate by the printing technique.

However, it is still difficult to form a desired pattern even by this printing technique. That is, if the transfer member is pushed into both end faces of the substrate by making the transfer member penetrate into the end face of the substrate In the vicinity of the end surface, there is a case where the ink is extruded. As a result, there is a problem that ink does not remain in the vicinity of the end faces of both main surfaces of the substrate. In addition, this problem is not limited to a substrate for a display, but may occur in common when a pattern as described above is printed on various printed media.

The present invention has been developed in view of the above-mentioned problems, and an object thereof is to provide a technique capable of printing a pattern that reaches from the one of the two main surfaces of the medium to be printed to the other through the end surface.

The printing device of the present invention includes: a transfer member having an elastic body; an ink attachment portion for attaching ink to the elastic body; a medium holding portion for holding a printed medium; and a driving portion for making the printing medium The medium to be printed held by the medium holding portion moves relatively to the transfer direction with respect to the transfer member; and the control portion executes the deep movement of the end face of the medium to be moved into the elastic body in the movement direction by the driving portion, thereby transferring the ink The transfer from the elastomer to the printed medium, and printing on the printed medium a pattern extending from one of the two main faces of the printed medium through the end face to the other; the control unit performs an in-depth operation to perform the ink The end transfer region is transferred to the end transfer region. The end transfer region includes an end surface and a main surface end transfer region extending from the end surface to the moving direction of the two main surfaces. The manner in which the elastic body does not contact the two principal surfaces due to elastic deformation controls the amount of penetration of the end surface into the elastic body.

The printing method of the present invention includes: an attaching step for attaching ink to an elastic body of a transfer member; and a transfer step for performing an in-depth operation of causing an end surface of a printed medium to penetrate into the elastic body in a moving direction, The ink is transferred from the elastomer to the printed medium, and a pattern extending from one of the two main surfaces of the printed medium to the other through the end surface is printed on the printed medium. In the transfer process, an in-depth operation is performed to borrow This execution transfers the ink to the end transfer region of the end transfer region. The end transfer region includes the end surface and the main surface end transfer region extending from the end surface to the moving direction among the two main surfaces. During the transfer, the amount of penetration of the end surface into the elastic body is controlled so that the elastic body does not contact the two main surfaces due to elastic deformation.

In the present invention (printing apparatus and printing method) configured as described above, the end portion transfer is performed by performing a deep motion once. The end transfer is performed by transferring ink to an end transfer region including an end transfer region and an end transfer region of the main surface extending from the end surface in the moving direction of the two main surfaces. From one of the two main faces of the print media The other side stretches the pattern. At this time, in the end transfer, the amount of penetration of the end surface into the elastic body is controlled so that the elastic body does not contact the two main surfaces due to elastic deformation. That is, it is possible to suppress the situation where the ink is pushed out due to the transfer member being pressed against the vicinity of the end faces of both main surfaces of the substrate. As a result, it is possible to print a pattern that reaches from the one of the two main surfaces of the medium to be printed to the other side through the end surface.

In addition, in the end transfer, even if the elastic body does not contact the two main surfaces, the ink can be adhered to the two main surfaces. That is, since the ink adhered to the elastic body has a certain thickness, as the end surface of the printing medium contacts the elastic body, the ink system adhered to the elastic body on both sides of the end surface contacts the two main surfaces and is transferred. Alternatively, as the end surface of the printed medium penetrates into the elastic body, a part of the ink sandwiched between the end surface of the printed medium and the elastic body is pressed out and transferred to both main surfaces.

In addition, the printing device may be configured as follows: the control unit performs the main surface transfer by the deep motion of the end surface into the elastic body with a greater depth than the end transfer, and the main surface transfer is performed by the main surface transfer. The main ink is connected to the ink transferred by the end transfer. The main surface transfer system makes the elastically deformed elastic body contact the two main surfaces and transfer the ink to the two main surfaces. Alternatively, the printing method may be structured as follows: in the transfer process, the main surface transfer is performed by a deep-movement operation in which the end surface penetrates into the elastic body with a larger depth than the end transfer, and the main surface transfer is performed The transferred ink is connected to the ink transferred by the end transfer. The main surface transfer system makes the elastically deformed elastic body contact the two main surfaces and transfer the ink to the two main surfaces. In this configuration, even in a case where the length of the ink that can be transferred to both main surfaces by the end transfer is insufficient for the desired pattern, the insufficient portion can be made up by the main surface transfer.

In addition, the printing device can also be configured as follows: in the main surface transfer, the greater the amount of penetration of the end surface into the elastomer, the farther the area where the ink is transferred from the end surface to the direction of movement; the control unit changes the amount of penetration and executes a plurality of The secondary major surface transfer connects the inks transferred by the multiple primary major surface transfers to the respective primary surfaces. Alternatively, the printing method can also be structured as follows: in the main surface transfer, the greater the amount of penetration of the end face into the elastomer, the farther the area where the ink is transferred from the end face to the direction of movement; in the transfer process, the amount of penetration is changed In addition, a plurality of main surface transfers are performed so that the ink transferred by the plurality of main surface transfers is connected to each main surface. In this configuration, the length of the ink transferred to both main surfaces can be sufficiently secured by performing the main surface transfer a plurality of times.

Incidentally, in the case where a plurality of main surface transfers are performed, if the elastic body penetrated by the end face of the printing medium in the subsequent main surface transfer contacts the two main bodies transferred in the previous main surface transfer Surface ink, there is a possibility of affecting the ink. Here, the printing device may be configured as follows: the control unit sequentially executes the transfer from the end surface to the main surface with a large amount of penetration of the elastic body. Alternatively, the printing method may be structured as follows: In the transfer step, the main surface having a large amount of penetration from the end surface to the elastic body is sequentially transferred. Thereby, the influence on the ink transferred in the previous main surface transfer can be suppressed and the subsequent main surface transfer can be performed.

In addition, if the end portion transfer is performed before the main surface transfer, there is a possibility that the elastic body penetrated by the end surface of the printing medium during the main surface transfer may affect the ink transferred during the end transfer. Here, the printing apparatus may be configured as follows: the control section executes the end transfer after the autonomous surface transfer is completed. Alternatively, the printing method may be configured as follows: in the transfer step, the end portion transfer is performed after the autonomous surface transfer is completed.

In addition, the printing device may be configured as follows: the control unit performs the deep movement after the ink transferred by the main surface transfer and the end transfer is fixed to the printing medium, and the surface shapes of the ink on the two main surfaces are changed. average. Alternatively, the printing method may be structured as follows: In the transfer step, after the ink transferred by the main surface transfer and the end transfer is fixed to the printing medium, a deep operation is performed, and the inks on both main surfaces are transferred. The surface shape is uniform. This makes it possible to uniformize the thickness of the ink on both main surfaces of the print medium and print a pattern.

In addition, the printing device may be configured as follows: the control unit performs a repeat transfer of overlapping the ink transferred by the plurality of main surface transfers, and the transfer of the ink transferred by the repeated transfer and the end transfer The printed ink is connected. Alternatively, the printing method may be configured as follows: In the transfer step, a repeat transfer is performed in which the ink transferred by the main surface transfer is overlapped, and the ink transferred by the repeat transfer is overlapped with the ink transferred by the repeat transfer. The ink transferred by the end transfer is connected. With this configuration, a pattern can be printed while ensuring the thickness of the ink on both main surfaces of the medium to be printed.

In addition, various configurations of the transfer member can be considered. For example, the printing device or printing method may be configured as follows: The transfer member further includes a roller that rotates in a rotation direction centered on a rotation axis parallel to the end surface, and an elastic system provided on the peripheral surface of the roller.

At this time, the printing device may also be configured as follows: the ink adhering unit attaches the ink that is the object of transfer by different penetration operations to different positions in the rotation direction; and the control unit adjusts the rotation angle of the roller to thereby allow the penetration by the penetration After the ink becomes the target position of the transfer target, the ink is transferred to the printed medium by performing the deep movement, whereby the ink of the transfer target is transferred to the printed medium by each of the different deep moves. Alternatively, the printing method may be configured as follows: In the attaching step, the ink that is the object of the transfer by different penetration operations is attached to different positions in the rotation direction; in the transfer step, the rotation angle of the roller is adjusted to thereby make The ink that has become the target of the transfer by the deep movement is aligned with the position of the ink to be printed, and then the deep movement is performed, whereby the ink of the transfer target is transferred to the medium to be printed by each of the different deep movements. In this configuration, the ink can be aligned to the end surface of the printing medium and transferred to the printing medium accurately by the simple operation of rotating the roller to the end surface of the printing medium in each deep movement.

In addition, the printing apparatus may be configured as follows: the control unit adjusts the position of the printed medium held by the medium holding unit relatively to the transfer member, and moves the position of the printed medium from a position parallel to the axis of rotation through a rotation axis The hypothetical planes of the directions are separated, so that the lengths in the moving direction between the portion existing on one of the two principal surfaces and the portion existing on the other of the principal surfaces in the pattern are different. Alternatively, the printing method may be configured as follows: In the transfer step, the position of the medium to be printed is adjusted relative to the transfer member, and the position of the medium to be printed is separated from the hypothetical plane passing through the rotation axis and parallel to the moving direction. , And the length in the moving direction between the part existing on one of the two main faces and the part existing on the other of the two main faces in the pattern is different. In this configuration, a simple operation of adjusting the position of the medium to be printed on the transfer member can move the portion of the pattern that exists on one of the two main surfaces and the portion that exists on the other side in the moving direction. Of different lengths.

The printing device may be configured to further include a cleaner for removing ink from the elastic body. Alternatively, the printing method may include a step of removing ink from the elastic body with a cleaner. Thereby, unnecessary ink can be removed from the elastomer, and contamination of the printing medium by the ink can be suppressed.

In addition, the printing apparatus or printing method may be configured as follows: the ink is a solvent-based ink; The elastomer is made of silicone rubber. In this configuration, since the elastomer made of silicone rubber tends to eject ink belonging to the solvent-based ink, the ink can be surely transferred from the elastomer to the printing medium by a deep operation. Furthermore, since particles attached to the print medium tend to be captured by the elastomer, the particles can be removed from the print medium with further movement.

In addition, the printing apparatus may be structured as follows: it further includes: a static eliminator, which removes static electricity from the printed medium on which the in-depth operation is performed. Alternatively, the printing method may be structured as follows: further including a step of removing static electricity from the printed medium by performing a further operation by a static eliminator. In this configuration, the static electricity generated when the to-be-printed medium is separated from the elastomer after the in-depth operation can be removed from the to-be-printed medium.

In addition, the printing device may be configured as follows: it further includes: an abutment member, which is arranged at the same height as the end surface of the printed medium held by the medium holding unit and is adjacent to the printed medium; Dive into elastomers. Alternatively, the printing method may be structured as follows: In the penetration operation, the abutting member and the end surface, which are arranged at the same height as the end surface of the printing medium and are adjacent to the printing medium, are a penetration elastic body. Thereby, the ink can be appropriately transferred to the periphery of the edge of the end surface of the medium to be printed.

In addition, the printing apparatus or the printing method may be configured as follows. The abutment members are arranged on both sides of the medium to be printed held by the medium holding unit. Thereby, the ink can be appropriately transferred to the peripheral edges of both sides of the end surface of the printing medium.

In addition, the printing apparatus may be configured to further include a supporting member that supports the printing medium from a side opposite to the moving direction of the end surface of the printing medium. Alternatively, the printing method may be configured such that, in the transfer step, the printing medium is supported by a supporting member from a side opposite to the moving direction of the end surface of the printing medium. In this configuration, it is possible to stably support the print medium by the support member against the reaction force from the elastic body caused by the deep movement. As a result, the ink can be transferred to the printing medium satisfactorily.

The printing apparatus or printing method may be configured as follows: an ink-based conductive ink. Thereby, it is possible to print a conductive pattern that reaches from the one of the two main surfaces of the medium to be printed to the other through the end surface.

As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to print a pattern that can be printed from one of the two main surfaces of the medium to be printed to the other through the end surface.

1‧‧‧Printing Device

2‧‧‧ transfer member

3‧‧‧ Ink Adhesion Department

4‧‧‧ substrate holding section (media holding section)

5‧‧‧Driver

9‧‧‧ Controller (Control Department)

21‧‧‧rotation axis

22‧‧‧ felt body (roller)

23‧‧‧ felt (elastomer)

△ 23‧‧‧depth

31‧‧‧ plate

32‧‧‧ ink filling unit

41‧‧‧ Substrate

42‧‧‧Drive seat

61, 62‧‧‧ aiming at the camera

71‧‧‧cleaning roller (cleaner)

72‧‧‧ Eliminator

411‧‧‧side support member

411e‧‧‧face

412‧‧‧ rear support member

B‧‧‧ Edition

Dc‧‧‧Rotation direction

d‧‧‧ clearance

Lc‧‧‧ contact position

Lo‧‧‧ location

Pc‧‧‧ conductive pattern

Re‧‧‧end transfer area

Rem‧‧‧ Main Surface End Transfer Area

Rm1, Rm2 ‧‧‧ main surface transfer area

Tm1, Tm2 ‧‧‧ main surface transfer pattern

Te‧‧‧end transfer pattern

S‧‧‧ Substrate (Printed Media)

Se‧‧‧face

Sm1‧‧‧first main face

Sm2‧‧‧Second main face

T‧‧‧ transfer pattern

Te‧‧‧end transfer pattern

V21‧‧‧ Hypothetical plane

X‧‧‧ direction of movement

Y‧‧‧Width direction

Z‧‧‧ vertical direction

FIG. 1 is a front view schematically showing an embodiment of a printing apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view schematically showing a part of the configuration of the printing apparatus of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of a method for obtaining a positional offset of the conductive ink.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart schematically showing a first example of a printing method of a conductive pattern.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view schematically showing an example of operations performed in accordance with the flowchart of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional view schematically showing an in-depth operation performed in the flowchart of FIG. 4.

FIG. 7 is a partial cross-sectional view schematically showing a conductive pattern printed by the flowchart of FIG. 4.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a second example of a printing method of a conductive pattern.

FIG. 9 is a partial cross-sectional view schematically showing an in-depth operation performed in the flowchart of FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is a partial cross-sectional view schematically showing a conductive pattern printed by the flowchart of FIG. 8.

Fig. 11 is a front view schematically showing a modification of the printing apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a front view schematically showing another modification of the printing apparatus of the present invention.

13 is a partial cross-sectional view schematically showing a conductive pattern printed by a modified example of a printing method of a conductive pattern.

FIG. 14 is a portion schematically showing a modified example of operations that can be performed by the printing apparatus. front view.

FIG. 15 is a diagram schematically showing an experimental result for determining the relationship between the depth of penetration Δ23 and the transfer pattern T. FIG.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an experimental result of a transfer pattern between a center and a left end when a side support member is not provided.

FIG. 1 is a front view schematically showing an embodiment of a printing apparatus according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view schematically showing a part of the configuration of the printing apparatus of FIG. 1. The XYZ orthogonal coordinates having the vertical direction Z are suitably shown in the drawings of FIG. 1, FIG. 2, and the following figures. This printing device 1 can be used for printing a conductive pattern (wiring pattern) on the substrate S, and is particularly suitable for printing on a substrate S for a display such as a liquid crystal display. Here, the substrate S will be described as a glass substrate for a liquid crystal display.

The printing device 1 includes: a transfer member 2; an ink adhering section 3 for attaching a solvent-based conductive ink to the transfer member 2; and a substrate holding section 4 for holding the substrate S. The substrate S is transferred The conductive ink adhering to the transfer member 2; and the driving section 5 are each configured to apply a driving force to the ink adhering section 3 and the substrate holding section 4 in the moving direction X (horizontal direction) by, for example, a linear motor.

The transfer member 2 is provided with a cylindrical blanket body 22 rotatably supported by the printing device 1 with the rotation axis 21 as a center, and the rotation axis 21 is parallel to the width direction orthogonal to the moving direction X. Y (horizontal direction); and the felt 23 is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the felt body 22 with a predetermined thickness. The felt 23 is made of silicone rubber and has elasticity. The felt 23 is integrally rotated with the felt body 22 around the rotation shaft 21 and has a cylindrical outer surface. As described above, the transfer member 2 is a transfer roller having a cylindrical shape as a whole and rotatable around the rotation shaft 21.

The ink adhering section 3 adheres the conductive ink to the transfer member 2 by a mechanism similar to a so-called analog printing technique. That is, the ink attachment unit 3 includes a platen 31 for supporting plate B horizontally, and an ink filling unit 32 for filling conductive plate with plate B supported by plate 31. The platen 31 is supported by the printing device 1 so as to be able to move in the moving direction X by receiving the driving force from the driving unit 5. The ink filling unit 32 is a doctor blade that fills conductive ink from a distributor to the plate B blade) slides on the plate B, thereby filling the concave portion of the plate B with conductive ink.

The ink adhering section 3 moves the platen 31 in the moving direction X, and thereby conveys the plate B filled with the conductive ink under the transfer member 2. Then, the plate B passes under the felt 23 in the moving direction X while touching the outer periphery of the felt 23, and the felt 23 rotates in synchronization with the movement of the plate B. Thereby, the conductive ink filled in the plate B is adhered to the felt 23, and a transfer pattern T corresponding to the plate B is formed. In this way, when the felt 23 receives the conductive ink from the plate B, the ink adhering portion 3 retracts the platen 31 from below the felt 23. In addition, the transfer member 2 can be raised and lowered in the vertical direction Z. While receiving the conductive ink from the plate B, the transfer member 2 is located at a lower position and contacts the plate B. On the other hand, it is positioned higher than the lower position in the retreat of the plate table 31. Left from the B position.

The substrate S is a flat plate of a cubic shape held by the substrate holding portion 4 and has: a first main surface Sm1; a second main surface Sm2 opposite to the first main surface Sm1; Between the ends of each of the main surface Sm1 and the second main surface Sm2. The first main surface Sm1 is parallel to the second main surface Sm2, and the end surface Se is orthogonal to the first main surface Sm1 and the second main surface Sm2.

The substrate holding unit 4 includes a substrate stage 41 that holds the substrate S horizontally, and a drive base 42 that drives the substrate stage 41. The substrate stage 41 holds the substrate S such that the first main surface Sm1 and the second main surface Sm2 are parallel to the moving direction X and the end surface Se is orthogonal to the moving direction X, so that the end surface Se of the substrate S faces the felt from the moving direction X. 23 of the outer peripheral surface.

The substrate holding portion 4 includes a pair of lateral support members 411 that support the substrate S on the substrate table 41 from both sides in the width direction Y, and a rear support member 412 that is opposite to the moving direction X from the end surface Se. Side support substrate S. Each side support member 411 has a cube shape and abuts on the substrate S from the width direction Y. The end surface 411e of each lateral support member 411 faces the felt 23 from the moving direction X, and is arrange | positioned at the same height on the end surface Se of the board | substrate S. In addition, the rear support member 412 has a cubic shape and abuts on the substrate S from the moving direction X.

In this way, the height of the substrate S held on the substrate stage 41 is adjusted for the felt 23 by the drive base 42. Thereby, the position of the hypothetical plane V21 passing through the rotation axis 21 and parallel to the moving direction X coincides with the position of the substrate S in the vertical direction Z. Here, the position of the substrate S in the vertical direction Z can be represented by the position of the geometric center of gravity of the end surface Se. In the vertical direction Z, the position on the hypothetical plane V21 When the position of the substrate S is consistent with the position of the substrate S, the distance between the first principal surface Sm1 and the hypothetical plane V21 is equal to the distance between the second principal surface Sm2 and the hypothetical plane V21.

As described above, in a state where the height of the substrate S is adjusted, the drive base 42 is moved to the felt 23 in the moving direction X by the driving force of the driving unit 5. Thereby, the end surface Se of the board | substrate S is penetrated deeply into the felt 23 in the moving direction X. In this penetration operation, the end surface Se of the substrate S is brought into contact with the felt 23 at the contact position Lc and penetrates the felt 23. Further, the end surface 411 e of each lateral support member 411 provided at the same height as the end surface Se of the substrate S is also penetrated into the felt 23 after touching the felt 23. In addition, the rear support member 412 supports the substrate S against the reaction force from the felt 23 caused by the deep movement.

At this time, before the end surface Se of the substrate S contacts the felt 23, the rotation angle of the transfer member 2 is adjusted in the rotation direction Dc centered on the rotation axis 21 so that the transfer pattern T is aligned to the contact position Lc. Thereby, the transfer pattern T is transferred to the end surface Se of the substrate S which penetrates the felt 23. In this way, a conductive pattern is printed on the substrate S. The details of the method of printing the conductive pattern will be described later.

In addition, the printing apparatus 1 includes a controller 9 that controls the transfer member 2, the ink adhesion section 3, the substrate holding section 4, and the driving section 5. The controller 9 is composed of a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and a processor, and a HDD (Hard Disk Drive). Computer with memory device. Then, the filling of the conductive ink to the plate B, the adhesion to the felt 23, and the transfer to the substrate S are performed according to the control of the controller 9.

Furthermore, the printing apparatus 1 includes alignment cameras 61 and 62. The alignment camera 61 images the position of the conductive ink attached to the felt 23, and the alignment camera 62 images the position of the conductive ink transferred to the substrate S. Then, the positional deviation of the conductive ink before and after the transfer to the substrate S can be determined from the imaging results of the alignment cameras 61 and 62. This position shift is equivalent to a position shift between the conductive ink on the felt 23 and the substrate S held by the substrate holding portion 4, and the transfer of the conductive ink to the substrate S is adjusted according to the position shift. Position, whereby the conductive ink can be transferred to a target position of the substrate S.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of a method for obtaining the positional displacement of the conductive ink. The flowchart in the figure is executed under the control of the controller 9. First, the ink attachment portion 3 is formed on the felt 23 by a predetermined alignment pattern made of conductive ink (step S101). This alignment pattern is constituted by a line extending in the rotation direction Dc along the peripheral surface of the felt 23, for example. However, the shape of the alignment pattern is not limited to this. Then, the alignment camera 61 photographs the alignment pattern on the felt 23, that is, the alignment pattern before the transfer (step S102), and the controller 9 calculates the alignment before the transfer based on the photographing result of the alignment camera 61. The position of the pattern in the width direction Y (step S103).

Next, an in-depth operation is performed to transfer the alignment pattern from the felt 23 to the end surface Se of the substrate S (step S104). Then, the alignment camera 62 captures the alignment pattern on the substrate S, that is, the alignment pattern after the transfer (step S105), and the controller 9 calculates the alignment after the transfer based on the photographing result of the alignment camera 62. The position of the pattern in the width direction Y (step S106). Further, the controller 9 calculates a position offset ΔY between the position calculated in step S103 and the position calculated in step S106 and stores the position offset ΔY (step S107).

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a first example of a printing method of a conductive pattern, FIG. 5 is a perspective view schematically showing an example of an operation performed in accordance with the flowchart of FIG. A partial cross-sectional view of the in-depth operation performed by the flowchart. FIG. 7 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a conductive pattern printed by the flowchart of FIG. 4.

The method for printing the conductive pattern in FIG. 4 is executed under the control of the controller 9. In step S201, the ink attachment portion 3 is formed on the felt 23 with an end portion transfer pattern Te made of conductive ink. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the end transfer pattern Te is composed of a plurality of lines arranged in the width direction Y, and each line extends along the peripheral surface of the felt 23 in the rotation direction Dc and is orthogonal to the width direction Y.

In step S202, the end transfer pattern Te on the felt 23, that is, the end transfer pattern Te before the transfer, is aligned with the camera 61, and the controller 9 calculates the width direction Y of the end transfer pattern Te. s position. Then, in step S203, the drive base 42 positions the position of the substrate S on the basis of the position shift ΔY obtained by the position shift obtaining method of FIG. 3 and the position of the end transfer pattern Te calculated in step S202. Width direction Y adjustment (alignment). Thereby, the position where the end transfer pattern Te is transferred to the substrate S can be made to coincide with a predetermined target position in the width direction Y. Moreover, if steps S202 and S203 are for If the substrate S that is printed first is executed, the substrate S that is executed the second time or later may be omitted.

In step S204, the controller 9 adjusts the rotation angle of the transfer member 2 in the rotation direction Dc, so that the end transfer pattern Te on the felt 23 is located at the contact position Lc. Thereby, as shown in the column of step S204 of FIG. 5, the end transfer pattern Te is opposed to the end surface Se of the substrate S in the moving direction X.

In step S205, a deep motion is performed. The end surface Se of the substrate S penetrates the felt 23 at the contact position Lc, and at the same time, the end surfaces 411e of the lateral support members 411 penetrate the felt 23 on both sides of the contact position Lc. In this penetration operation, the penetration amount of the end surface Se of the substrate S into the felt 23 is controlled in the state shown in FIG. 6.

As shown in FIG. 6, the penetration amount Δ23 is an amount in which the outer peripheral surface of the felt 23 is recessed in the moving direction X by the elastic deformation accompanying the penetration action. This penetration amount Δ23 is the position of the end face Se at the time point when the end face Se first contacts the felt 23 as the end face Se moves in the moving direction X, and the end point Se at the point where the end face Se penetrates the felt 23 the most (the end time of the deep motion) The distance between the positions in the moving direction X. Then, in the deepening operation of step S205, the depth of penetration Δ23 is adjusted within a range where the elastically deformed felt 23 does not contact the first main surface Sm1 and the second main surface Sm2 of the substrate S.

By this in-depth operation, the conductive ink is transferred from the felt 23 to the end surface Se of the substrate S. Further, the conductive ink is also transferred to the first main surface Sm1 and the second main surface Sm2 of the substrate S. That is, the pattern of the conductive ink formed on the felt 23 has a certain thickness. Therefore, as the end surface Se of the substrate S contacts the felt 23, the conductive surface of the felt 23 is on both sides of the end surface Se (upper and lower sides in FIG. 6). The ink is in contact with the first main surface Sm1 and the second main surface Sm2 of the two main surfaces and is transferred. Alternatively, as the end surface Se of the substrate S penetrates into the felt 23, a portion of the conductive ink sandwiched between the end surface Se of the substrate S and the felt 23 is pressed out and transferred to the first principal surface Sm1 and the first principal surface of the two principal surfaces. Two main faces Sm2. In this way, as shown in FIG. 7, the following end transfer is performed: the end transfer pattern Te is transferred to the end surface Se of the substrate S and the first main surface Sm1 and the second main surface Sm2 of the two main surfaces. The end transfer region Re constituted by the upper portion (the main surface end transfer region Rem).

That is, the end transfer region Re includes the main surface end transfer region Rem, which extends from each of the first main surface Sm1 and the second main surface Sm2 from the end surface Se to the moving direction X. Then, the end transfer pattern Te transferred to the end transfer region Re by the end transfer is from the first main surface Sm1 The upper main surface end transfer region Rem extends from the main surface end transfer region Rem on the second main surface Sm2 via the end surface Se. The end transfer pattern Te functions as a conductive pattern Pc electrically connecting the first main surface Sm1 and the second main surface Sm2.

As described above, when the transfer of the end portion transfer pattern Te is completed, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the end surface Se of the substrate S is separated from the felt 23 in the moving direction X (step S206). In other words, in step S201, a margin for the end transfer pattern Te is set in the rotation direction Dc, and the conductive ink is attached to the felt 23. Therefore, as shown in the column of “S206” in FIG. 5, the conductive ink remains in the felt 23 after the end portion transfer pattern Te is peeled off.

As described above, in the first example of the present embodiment, the end transfer is performed by performing a deep motion once. The end transfer is performed by transferring conductive ink to an end transfer region Re, and the end transfer region Re includes an end surface Se and a first main surface Sm1 and a second main surface on both main surfaces of the substrate S. The main surface end transfer region Rem of the surface Sm2 extending from the end surface Se to the moving direction X is printed on the substrate S from one of the first main surface Sm1 and the second main surface Sm2 of the two main surfaces of the substrate S. A conductive pattern Pc extending from the end surface Se to the other side. At this time, in the end transfer, the depth Δ23 of the end face Se with respect to the felt 23 is controlled so as not to contact the first principal surface Sm1 and the second principal surface Sm2 of the two principal surfaces due to the elastic deformation of the felt 23. That is, it is suppressed that the conductive ink is extruded when the felt 23 presses the vicinity of the end faces Se of the first principal surface Sm1 and the second principal surface Sm2 of the two principal surfaces of the substrate S. As a result, it becomes possible to print a conductive pattern Pc that reaches from the first principal surface Sm1 and the second principal surface Sm2 of the two principal surfaces of the substrate S to the other via the end surface Se.

In addition, the first example of this embodiment also has the following advantages. That is, the first main surface Sm1 and the second main surface of the two main surfaces can be printed through the end surface Se of the substrate S by making the end surface Se of the substrate S penetrate deeper (step S205). The conductive pattern Pc connected to the main surface Sm2. In this way, it is not necessary to form a physical hole such as a perforation in the substrate S. As a result, the strength of the substrate S can be maintained, and the increase in time and cost required can be suppressed, thereby becoming the first principal surface Sm1 that can realize both principal surfaces of the substrate S. And the electrical connection between the second main surfaces Sm2.

In addition, the conductive pattern Pc extending from one of the first main surface Sm1 and the second main surface Sm2 of the two main surfaces of the substrate S to the other via the end surface Se may not be formed by using, for example, The above-mentioned printing in the deep operation is performed by applying a conductive material to the substrate S with a dispenser. However, in order to accurately move the dispenser with respect to the substrate S in accordance with the shape of the conductive pattern Pc, the positional relationship between the dispenser and the substrate S must be highly controlled in three dimensions. In addition, a dispenser having a nozzle shape suitable for a conductive pattern requires a high cost. On the other hand, in this embodiment, since the position control and preparation of the distributor are not required, it is more advantageous than the case where the distributor is used.

In addition, a lateral support member 411 is provided which is disposed at the same height as the end surface Se of the substrate S held by the substrate holding portion 4 and is adjacent to the substrate S from the width direction Y. Then, in the deep motion, the end surface Se and the lateral support member 411 penetrate the felt 23. In this configuration, the lateral support member 411 suppresses a phenomenon in which the lateral flow of the felt 23 in the width direction Y of the end surface Se causes the transfer position of the conductive ink to deviate from the periphery of the width direction Y of the end surface Se. In this manner, the conductive ink can be appropriately transferred to the periphery of the edge Y in the width direction Y of the end surface Se of the substrate S.

The lateral support members 411 are arranged on both sides in the width direction Y of the substrate S held by the substrate holding portion 4. Thereby, the conductive ink can be appropriately transferred to the peripheral edges of both sides of the end surface Se of the substrate S.

In addition, in step S205, the rear support member 412 supports the substrate S from the side opposite to the movement direction X of the end surface Se of the substrate S. In this configuration, the substrate S can be stably supported by the rear support member 412 against the reaction force from the felt 23 caused by the deep movement. As a result, the ink can be transferred to the substrate S satisfactorily.

The conductive ink is a solvent-based ink, and the felt 23 may be made of silicone rubber. In this configuration, the felt 23 made of silicone rubber tends to bounce off the conductive ink belonging to the solvent-based ink, so that the conductive ink can be surely transferred from the felt 23 to the substrate S by a deep operation. Further, in a case where the felt 23 is made of silicone rubber, particles attached to the substrate S tend to be captured by the felt 23, so that the particles can be removed from the substrate S as the operation proceeds.

8 is a flowchart showing a second example of a printing method of a conductive pattern, FIG. 9 is a partial cross-sectional view schematically showing an in-depth operation performed in the flowchart of FIG. 8, and FIG. 10 is a diagram showing A partial cross-sectional view of the conductive pattern printed in the flowchart of FIG. 8. Below, for and above The differences between the embodiments described above are mainly described, and common points are given the same symbols, and descriptions thereof are appropriately omitted. However, it is needless to say that the same effect can be achieved by having a structure common to the above embodiment.

The method for printing the conductive pattern in FIG. 8 is executed under the control of the controller 9. In this printing method, the above-mentioned end transfer and main surface transfer are performed in combination. Here, the main surface transfer is an operation in which the elastically deformed felt 23 contacts the first of the two main surfaces by making the end surface Se penetrate into the felt 23 with a depth of penetration Δ23 greater than the end transfer. The main surface Sm1 and the second main surface Sm2, and the conductive ink is transferred to the first main surface Sm1 and the second main surface Sm2 of the two main surfaces. By using the main surface transfer in combination, even if the length of the conductive pattern Pc on the first main surface Sm1 and the second main surface Sm2 of the two main surfaces is not sufficient when the transfer is performed by only the end portions, Shortcomings.

In step S301, the necessary number of times Nx of the main surface transfer is set. The necessary number of times Nx can be set by an input operation performed by the user to the controller 9, or can be automatically set by the controller 9. In the latter case, the controller 9 may set the number of times Nx required for printing of the conductive pattern Pc in accordance with the calculated result. Here, the number of times Nx is set to two times, for example. Thereby, by performing the subsequent steps, it becomes possible to sequentially perform two times of the main surface transfer and one time of the end surface transfer.

In step S302, the first main surface transfer pattern Tm1, the second main surface transfer pattern Tm2, and the end transfer pattern Te are formed on the felt 23 by a conductive ink. Each of the main surface transfer patterns Tm1, Tm2, and the end transfer patterns Te are formed at mutually different positions of the felt 23 in the rotation direction Dc. These main surface transfer patterns Tm1 and Tm2 include a plurality of lines arranged in the width direction Y in the same manner as the above-mentioned end transfer pattern Te.

In step S303, the alignment camera 61 captures at least one of the main surface transfer patterns Tm1, Tm2, and the end transfer patterns Te before the transfer. Then, in step S304, the position of the substrate S is adjusted (aligned) in the width direction Y according to the photographing result. The details of steps S303 and S304 are the same as those of steps S202 and S203 described above, and are therefore omitted.

In step S305, the number of execution times N of the main surface transfer is set to zero, and in step S306, the number of execution times N is increased (increased by 1). Then, in step S307, the controller 9 adjusts the rotation angle of the transfer member 2 in the rotation direction Dc to transfer the pattern Tm1 on the main surface for the Nth time (first time). The alignment position is to the contact position Lc (in other words, the alignment position is to the end surface Se of the substrate S).

In step S308, the main surface transfer is performed by an in-depth operation. While the end surface Se of the substrate S penetrates the felt 23 in the contact position Lc, the end surfaces 411e of the lateral support members 411 penetrate on both sides of the contact position Lc. Felt 23. In this penetration operation, the penetration amount of the end surface Se of the substrate S into the felt 23 is controlled as shown in FIG. 9.

As shown in FIG. 9, the depth Δ23 in the main surface transfer in step S308 is larger than the depth Δ23 in the above-mentioned end transfer, and the elastically deformed felt 23 is in contact in the contact range C. A first principal surface Sm1 and a second principal surface Sm2 of the two principal surfaces of the substrate S. In the above-mentioned in-depth operation, in the contact range C, the conductive ink system sandwiched by the felt 23 and the first principal surface Sm1 and the second principal surface Sm2 of the two principal surfaces is pressed out in the moving direction X, and 23 is attached to the first principal surface Sm1 and the second principal surface Sm2 of the two principal surfaces further outside than the contact range C. As a result, as shown in FIG. 10, the conductive ink is selectively attached to the main surface transfer region Rm1 of the first main surface Sm1 and the second main surface Sm2 of the two main surfaces that is far from the end surface Se in the moving direction X, And the main surface transfer pattern Tm1 is transferred.

In the above-mentioned step S308, the main surface transfer is performed. The main surface transfer causes the elastically deformed felt 23 to contact the first main surface Sm1 and the second main surface Sm2 of the two main surfaces to transfer the conductive ink. It is printed on the first main surface Sm1 and the second main surface Sm2 of the two main surfaces. In this main surface transfer, the larger the depth of the end surface Se into the felt 23 is, the more the main surface transfer region Rm1 to which the conductive ink is transferred is moved away from the end surface Se in the moving direction X. Here, the depth Δ23 of the transfer on the main surface is adjusted in accordance with the length of the conductive pattern Pc to be printed on the first main surface Sm1 and the second main surface Sm2 of the two main surfaces.

In other words, in the main surface transfer, the conductive ink adheres to the main surface transfer area Rm1 of the first main surface Sm1 and the second main surface Sm2 of the two main surfaces that are far from the end surface Se in the moving direction X. , And the main surface transfer pattern Tm1 is transferred. That is, the main surface transfer pattern Tm1 is constituted by a conductive ink separated from two places. In this way, the main surface transfer pattern Tm1 formed on the felt 23 in the above step S302 can be constituted by the conductive ink separated at two places due to the rotation direction Dc. In this case, the alignment position at step S307 is performed by adjusting the rotation angle of the transfer member 2 so that the contact position Lc is located at the center of the conductive ink at two places. However, it is needless to say that in step S302, the main surface transfer pattern Tm1 may be formed on the felt 23 by using conductive ink that is continuous in a linear manner.

When the first main surface transfer in step S308 is completed, the controller 9 moves the end surface Se of the substrate S away from the felt 23 in the moving direction X (step S309), and determines whether the number of execution times N of the main surface transfer has been performed. The necessary number of times Nx (= 2) is reached (step S310). Here, since the number of executions N (= 1) is less than the necessary number of times Nx, it is judged as "No" in step S310, and the process returns to step S306, and the number of executions N is increased (increased by one), and then step S307 is executed.

In step S307, the controller 9 adjusts the rotation angle of the transfer member 2 in the rotation direction Dc so that the N-th (second) main surface transfer pattern Tm2 is aligned to the contact position Lc. In other words, the alignment position reaches the end surface Se of the substrate S. Then, in step S308, the second main surface transfer is performed. The depth Δ23 of the second main surface transfer is smaller than the depth Δ23 of the first main surface transfer. As a result, as shown in FIG. 10, in the second main surface transfer, the main surface transfer area Rm2 of the first main surface Sm1 and the second main surface Sm2 where the conductive ink adheres to the two main surfaces is higher than the first The principal surface transfer region Rm1 in the secondary principal surface transfer is closer to the end surface Se. In this way, in the first principal surface Sm1 and the second principal surface Sm2 of the two principal surfaces, the principal surface transfer pattern Tm2 is transferred to the principal surface transfer area Rm2 adjacent to the principal surface transfer area Rm1, and the principal surface is turned The printed patterns Tm1 and Tm2 are connected in the moving direction X.

Incidentally, the main surface transfer pattern Tm2 is also transferred to the main surface transfer region Rm2 far from the end surface Se in the moving direction X in the same manner as the main surface transfer pattern Tm1. In this manner, the formation of the main surface transfer pattern Tm2 in step S302 and the alignment position of the main surface transfer pattern Tm2 in step S307 can be performed in the same manner as the above-mentioned operation for the main surface transfer pattern Tm1.

When the second main surface transfer of step S308 is completed, the controller 9 removes the end surface Se of the substrate S from the felt 23 in the moving direction X (step S309), and determines whether the number of execution times N of the main surface transfer has been performed. The necessary number of times Nx (= 2) is reached (step S310). Here, since the number of executions N (= 2) is equal to the necessary number of times Nx, it is determined as YES in step S310, and the process proceeds to step S311.

In steps S311 to S313, the same operations as those in steps S204 to S206 described above are performed. As a result, the end transfer pattern Te is transferred to the end transfer region Re adjacent to the main transfer region Rm2 of the first and second main surfaces Sm1 and Sm2, and the first of the two main surfaces is transferred. The main surface transfer patterns Tm1 and Tm2 of the main surface Sm1 and the second main surface Sm2 are connected to the end transfer patterns Te, respectively. In this way, the substrate S is printed with the main surface transfer patterns Tm1, Tm2 and the end transfer patterns Te connected thereto. In other words, the conductive pattern Pc is printed on the substrate S, and the conductive pattern Pc is continuous from one of the first principal surface Sm1 and the second principal surface Sm2 of the two principal surfaces of the substrate S to the other via the end surface Se.

As described above, in the second example of this embodiment, the end surface Se is controlled in the end transfer so that the first principal surface Sm1 and the second principal surface Sm2 of the two principal surfaces do not contact each other due to the elastic deformation of the felt 23. For the depth of the felt 23 Δ23. In this way, it becomes possible to print a conductive pattern Pc that reaches the other side from the first main surface Sm1 and the second main surface Sm2 of the two main surfaces of the substrate S via the end surface Se.

In addition, in this second example, the main surface transfer is performed by a deep motion (step S308) of causing the end surface Se to penetrate into the felt 23 with a greater depth of penetration than the end transfer, and the main surface transfer system is elastic. The deformed felt 23 contacts the first main surface Sm1 and the second main surface Sm2 of the two main surfaces, and transfers conductive ink to the first main surface Sm1 and the second main surface Sm2 of the two main surfaces. Then, the conductive ink (main surface transfer patterns Tm1, Tm2) transferred by the main surface transfer is connected to the conductive ink (end transfer pattern Te) transferred by the end transfer. In this configuration, the conductive pattern Pc required can be transferred to the first main surface Sm1 and the second main surface Sm2 of the two main surfaces by the end transfer (the end transfer). In the case where the length of the printed pattern Te) is insufficient, the insufficient portion may be made up by the main surface transfer.

In other words, in the main surface transfer, the larger the depth Δ23 of the end surface Se to the felt 23 is, the more the main surface transfer areas Rm1 and Rm2 of the conductive ink transfer move away from the end surface Se in the moving direction X. Here, the controller 9 changes the depth Δ23 and performs a plurality of main surface transfers (step S308), so that the conductive ink (main surface transfer patterns Tm1, Tm2) is transferred by a plurality of main surface transfers. They are connected to the first main surface Sm1 and the second main surface Sm2. In this configuration, by performing a plurality of main surface transfers, the length of the conductive ink transferred to the first main surface Sm1 and the second main surface Sm2 of the two main surfaces can be sufficiently secured.

Incidentally, in the case where a plurality of main surface transfers are performed, the conductive ink transferred to the first main surface Sm1 and the second main surface Sm2 of the two main surfaces in the previous main surface transfer is the same as that in In the subsequent main surface transfer, the felt 23 penetrated by the end surface Se of the substrate S may cause an influence on the conductive ink. Therefore, the controller 9 sequentially performs the main surface transfer of the end surface Se to the felt 23 with a large depth Δ23. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the influence on the conductive ink transferred in the previous main surface transfer and perform the subsequent main surface transfer.

In addition, if the end transfer is performed before the main surface transfer, it is stored in the main surface transfer. The felt 23 penetrated by the end surface Se of the substrate S affects the conductive ink transferred during the end transfer. To prevent this, the controller 9 starts the end transfer after the main surface transfer is completed.

In addition, the ink adhering section 3 attaches the conductive ink to be transferred to different positions in the rotation direction Dc by different penetration operations (step S302). Then, the controller 9 adjusts the rotation angle of the transfer member 2 so that the conductive ink is aligned with the conductive ink as the transfer target to the substrate S (steps S307 and S311). S308, S312). Thereby, the conductive ink to be transferred is transferred to the substrate S by different penetration operations. In this configuration, with a simple operation of rotating the transfer member 2, the conductive ink that is a transfer target in each deep operation can be aligned to the end surface Se of the substrate S and accurately transferred to the substrate S.

Fig. 11 is a front view schematically showing a modification of the printing apparatus of the present invention. This modification is different from the above-mentioned embodiment in that the cleaning roller 71 and the static eliminator 72 are further provided, and other points are common to the above-mentioned embodiment.

The cleaning roller 71 is rotatably supported by the printing apparatus 1 around a rotation axis parallel to the rotation axis 21 and abuts the outer peripheral surface of the felt 23, and rotates as the felt 23 rotates. The outer peripheral surface of the cleaning roller 71 has an adhesive force and captures the adhered matter on the outer peripheral surface of the felt 23. In particular, the controller 9 moves the area of the felt 23 that is the subject of transfer (end transfer, main surface transfer) to the cleaning roller 71. Accordingly, the cleaning roller 71 removes the conductive ink remaining on the felt 23 after the transfer from the felt 23.

The static eliminator 72 is a so-called ionizer that neutralizes the substrate S held by the substrate holding unit 4. In particular, the controller 9 causes the static eliminator 72 to neutralize the substrate S separated from the felt 23 by the above steps S206, S309, S313, and the like.

As described above, in this modification, the cleaning roller 71 that removes the conductive ink from the felt 23 is provided. Thereby, unnecessary conductive ink can be removed from the felt 23, and contamination of the substrate S by the conductive ink can be suppressed.

Incidentally, the configuration of the cleaning roller 71 may be appropriately changed, and for example, a metal roller may be used as the cleaning roller 71. In this case, the conductive ink adhering to the cleaning roller 71 may be removed by a spatula or the like.

In addition, a static eliminator 72 is provided to neutralize the substrate S that has performed the deep operation. to In this configuration, static electricity generated when the substrate S and the felt 23 are separated from each other after the penetration operation can be removed from the substrate S. In this way, for example, it is possible to suppress dust from adhering to the substrate S due to static electricity, or to suppress the influence of static electricity on electronic components mounted on the substrate S on which the conductive pattern Pc is printed.

FIG. 12 is a front view schematically showing another modification of the printing apparatus of the present invention. In the above example, the felt 23 is provided throughout the entire circumferential direction of the outer peripheral surface of the felt body 22. However, in another modification of FIG. 12, the felt 23 is partially provided in the circumferential direction of the felt body 22.

That is, the two arc-shaped felts 23 are spaced apart from each other and are mounted on the outer peripheral surface of the felt body 22. In a state where one of the two felts 23 faces the end surface Se of the substrate S from the moving direction X, the other felt 23 is in contact with the cleaning roller 71. In this way, the controller 9 can perform transfer of the conductive ink to the substrate S by one felt 23 and remove the conductive ink from the other felt 23 by the cleaning roller 71.

In the embodiment described above, the printing device 1 corresponds to an example of the “printing device” of the present invention, the transfer member 2 corresponds to an example of the “transfer member” of the present invention, and the rotation shaft 21 corresponds to the “printing apparatus” of the present invention. An example of "rotation axis" is felt body 22 which corresponds to an example of the "roller" of the present invention, felt 23 corresponds to an example of an "elastic body" of the present invention, and ink adhesion portion 3 corresponds to an example of "ink adhesion portion" of the present invention. The substrate holding unit 4 corresponds to an example of the "media holding unit" of the present invention, the driving unit 5 corresponds to an example of the "driving unit" of the present invention, and the controller 9 corresponds to an example of the "control unit" of the present invention, step S205. S312 corresponds to an example of the "end transfer" of the present invention, step S308 corresponds to an example of the "main surface transfer" of the present invention, and the end transfer region Re corresponds to the "end transfer region" of the present invention. As an example, the main surface end transfer region Rem corresponds to one example of the “main surface end transfer region” of the present invention, the depth of penetration Δ23 corresponds to one example of the “deep depth” of the present invention, and the cleaning roller 71 corresponds to the present invention. An example of the "cleaner" invented, The electric appliance 72 corresponds to an example of the "eliminator" of the present invention, the substrate S corresponds to an example of the "printed medium" of the present invention, the conductive pattern Pc corresponds to an example of the "pattern" of the present invention, and the rear support member 412 corresponds to As an example of the "supporting member" of the present invention, step S201 or step S302 corresponds to an example of the "adhesion step" of the present invention, and step S205 or steps S308 and S312 correspond to one example of the "transfer step" of the present invention.

In addition, the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments, and can be used without departing from the interest of the present invention. Under the premise of making various changes other than the above. Here, it is also possible to appropriately add the changes exemplified below.

13 is a partial cross-sectional view schematically showing a conductive pattern printed by a modified example of a printing method of a conductive pattern. In this modification, in the conductive pattern printing method of FIG. 8, each of the main surface transfer region Rm1, the main surface transfer region Rm2, and the end transfer region Re is executed a plurality of times (secondary). Transfer. As a result, two layers of conductive ink (main surface transfer pattern Tm1) are overlapped in the main surface transfer region Rm1, and two layers of conductive ink (main surface transfer pattern Tm2) are overlapped in the main surface transfer region Rm2. Two layers of conductive ink (end transfer pattern Te) are overlapped on the end transfer pattern Te. Then, these are connected to form a conductive pattern Pc.

As described above, the controller 9 performs a repeating main surface transfer (repetitive transfer) in which the conductive ink transferred by the plurality of main surface transfers is superimposed, thereby causing the transfer by the repeating main surface transfer. The printed conductive ink is connected to the conductive ink transferred by the end transfer. In this configuration, the thickness of the conductive ink on the first main surface Sm1 and the second main surface Sm2 of the two main surfaces of the substrate S is ensured, and a conductive pattern Pc having good electrical characteristics can be obtained.

In addition, the controller 9 performs a plurality of repeated transfers while changing the depth of penetration Δ23. This makes it possible to sufficiently secure the length of the conductive ink transferred to the first principal surface Sm1 and the second principal surface Sm2 of the two principal surfaces.

In addition, the controller 9 executes repeated end transfer to overlap the conductive ink transferred by the plurality of end transfers, so that the conductive ink transferred by the repeated end transfer is overlapped with the main ink. The conductive ink transferred by the surface transfer is connected. In this configuration, the thickness of the conductive ink on the end transfer region Re of the substrate S can be secured, and a conductive pattern Pc having good electrical characteristics can be obtained.

FIG. 14 is a partial front view schematically showing a modified example of operations that can be performed by the printing apparatus. In the same figure, the positions Lo, Lu, and Ld of the three substrates S are shown. The position Lo corresponds to the position of the hypothetical plane V21, and corresponds to the position of the substrate S shown in the above embodiment. On the other hand, the positions Lu and Ld deviate from the hypothetical plane V21 in the normal direction of the hypothetical plane V21. Then, the drive base 42 can selectively place the substrate S at one of the positions Lo, Lu, and Ld.

By placing the substrate S at the position Lo and performing the transfer, it is possible to print as in the above embodiment. The following conductive pattern Pc is brushed: the first principal surface Sm1 and the second principal surface Sm2 of the two principal surfaces have the same length in the moving direction X. On the other hand, when the substrate S is positioned at the position Lu and the transfer is performed, the following conductive pattern Pc can be printed: among the first principal surface Sm1 and the second principal surface Sm2 of the two principal surfaces, it is assumed that The length of the second principal surface Sm2 on one side of the plane V21 is longer than the length of the first principal surface Sm1 on the far side from the hypothetical plane V21. Alternatively, when the substrate S is positioned at the position Ld and the transfer is performed, the following conductive pattern Pc can be printed: among the first principal surface Sm1 and the second principal surface Sm2 of the two principal surfaces, near the hypothetical plane V21 The length of one of the first principal surfaces Sm1 is longer than the length of the second principal surface Sm2 which is farther away from the hypothetical plane V21.

As described above, the controller 9 adjusts the position of the substrate S held by the substrate holding portion 4 with respect to the transfer member 2 to separate the position of the substrate S from the hypothetical plane V21, thereby allowing the conductive pattern Pc to exist in the The length in the moving direction X between one of the first principal surface Sm1 and the second principal surface Sm2 of the two principal surfaces and the other portion of the first principal surface Sm1 and the second principal surface Sm2 of the two principal surfaces. different. In this configuration, the simple operation of adjusting the position of the substrate S to the transfer member 2 can make one of the first principal surface Sm1 and the second principal surface Sm2 of the two principal surfaces among the conductive patterns Pc. The length in the moving direction X is different between the part that is present and the part that exists on the other side.

In addition, the adjustment of the position of the substrate S with respect to the transfer member 2 may be performed not by the configuration in which the substrate S is moved by the substrate holding portion 4 but by the configuration in which the transfer member 2 is moved. Alternatively, it may be performed by combining these configurations.

Incidentally, the method of varying the lengths of the conductive patterns Pc of the first main surface Sm1 and the second main surface Sm2 of the two main surfaces is of course not limited to the embodiment of FIG. 14. That is, in a state where the substrate S is located at the position Lo, the position of the transfer pattern is adjusted by the rotation angle of the transfer member 2 so that the length and transfer of the conductive ink transferred to the first main surface Sm1 can be adjusted. The length of the conductive ink on the second main surface Sm2 is different. Alternatively, the position adjustment of the substrate S with respect to the transfer member 2 and the position adjustment of the transfer pattern due to the rotation angle of the transfer member 2 may be used together to make the first main surface Sm1 and the second main surface of the two main surfaces. The length of the conductive pattern Pc of the surface Sm2 is different.

In addition, the conductive pattern Pc printed on the substrate S as in the above-mentioned embodiment is obtained by firing. And fixed to the substrate S. Here, after the substrate S is fired, the above-described printing apparatus 1 can be used as in the following embodiments. In this embodiment, if the fired substrate S is set on the substrate holding portion 4, the controller 9 performs an in-depth operation. Then, as shown in FIG. 10, for example, the felt 23 can be pressed to the uneven shape of the surface of the conductive ink (ie, the conductive pattern Pc) transferred to the substrate S by the main surface transfer and the end transfer, This uneven shape was homogenized. Thereby, the thickness of the conductive ink on the first main surface Sm1 and the second main surface Sm2 of the two main surfaces of the substrate S is uniformized, and a conductive pattern Pc having good electrical characteristics can be obtained.

In addition, the order of performing the main surface transfer and the end transfer is not limited to the example of FIG. 8 and the like described above. That is, in the case of firing at each transfer, the main surface transfer can be performed after the end portion transfer, or the main surface can be performed multiple times in sequence from the main surface transfer with a small depth of Δ23. Transfer.

In addition, in step S302 of FIG. 8, each of the main surface transfer patterns Tm1, Tm2, and the end transfer pattern Te may be formed on the felt 23. However, a transfer pattern to be a transfer target in the penetration operation may be formed on the felt 23 before the transfer by each penetration operation is performed.

The configuration and the like of the felt 23 can also be changed as appropriate. Here, the thickness of the felt 23 may be designed in accordance with the maximum value of the penetration amount Δ23 of the penetration operation performed in the printing of the conductive pattern Pc. Specifically, the thickness of the felt 23 is larger than the maximum value of the depth Δ23, and is more preferably designed to be 5 times or more of the maximum value.

In addition, the transfer member 2 does not need to have a roll shape as described above, and may have a flat plate shape, for example.

In addition, the penetration operation may not be performed by the movement of the substrate S, but may be performed by the movement of the transfer member 2. Alternatively, the movement of the substrate S and the movement of the transfer member 2 may be used in combination to perform an in-depth operation.

The method of attaching the conductive ink to the felt 23 can be changed as appropriate. In this manner, for example, the conductive ink can be ejected by an inkjet method to thereby attach the conductive ink to the felt 23.

In addition, various considerations can be given to the specific size and shape of the printed conductive pattern Pc. For example, the conductive pattern Pc in which a plurality of wirings are arranged at a pitch of 100 μm or less may be printed according to the printing method. In addition, in the above example, the first main When the surface Sm1 and the second main surface Sm2 are printed with a conductive pattern Pc formed by a straight line (wiring) extending parallel to the moving direction X. However, a conductive pattern Pc composed of a straight line (wiring) extending obliquely to the moving direction X may be printed.

In addition, in the positional displacement acquisition in FIG. 3, the positional displacement between the conductive ink before transferring to the substrate S and the substrate S held by the substrate holding portion 4 is based on the imaging of the conductive ink formed on the felt 23. Find it out. However, the position shift can also be obtained from the result of photographing an alignment mark on the plate B by the alignment camera 61.

The specific composition of the conductive ink and felt 23 is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments. In this manner, conductive ink other than a solvent system may be used, or a material different from the silicone rubber may be used for the felt 23.

The print medium is not limited to the substrate S for a display. As described above, even when decorative printing is performed on a printing medium such as a container different from the substrate S, printing can be performed in the same manner as described above. In particular, the embodiment described above is extremely suitable for decorative printing on the end of a printed medium having the same shape as the substrate S, that is, a flat plate shape. In addition, the ink used for decorative printing need not be a conductive ink.

Experimental results

Next, the results of experiments concerning the above embodiment will be described. FIG. 15 is a graph showing an experimental result for obtaining the relationship between the depth Δ23 and the transfer pattern T. FIG. In the same figure, the experimental results are shown for each of the depths Δ23 of 100 μm, 300 μm, 500 μm, and 700 μm. As shown in the figure, as the depth of penetration Δ23 becomes larger, the end (the lower end in the same figure) on the opposite side of the end surface Se of the transfer pattern T is farther from the end surface Se. When the depth of penetration Δ23 is small (100 μm, 300 μm), the transfer pattern T extends from the end surface Se in the moving direction X without leaving a gap with the end surface Se. On the other hand, in the case where the depth of penetration Δ23 is large (500 μm, 700 μm), it can be confirmed that the gap d is left between the transfer pattern T system and the end surface Se and leaves the end surface Se. This is because, as described above, the conductive ink sandwiched between the first main surface Sm1 and the second main surface Sm2 of the two main surfaces of the felt 23 and the substrate S is extruded in the moving direction X, and is relatively Is caused by the first main surface Sm1 and the second main surface Sm2 attached to the two main surfaces.

Figure 16 shows the center and left ends in the case where there will be no side support members A graph comparing the experimental results of the transfer pattern. From the same figure, it can be confirmed that the transfer pattern T in the center of the width direction Y extends straight toward the moving direction X, and the transfer pattern T at the left end in the width direction Y is inclined to the left as it moves away from the end surface Se. On the other hand, in the case where the side support member 411 is provided as described above, it is possible to suppress the inclination in the width direction Y.

The present invention is suitably used to realize electrical connection between two main surfaces of a substrate for a liquid crystal display. However, the application object of the present invention is not limited to this, and may be used to realize electrical connection between two main surfaces of a substrate other than a substrate for a liquid crystal display. Furthermore, it can also be used for decorative printing on a printed medium such as a container different from the substrate.

Claims (34)

A printing device includes: a transfer member having an elastic body; an ink attachment portion for attaching ink to the aforementioned elastic body; a medium holding portion for holding a printed medium; and a driving portion for making The printing medium held by the media holding section moves relative to the transfer member with respect to the transfer member; and the control section executes by the driving section to cause the end face of the printing medium to penetrate the elastic body in the movement direction. Further operation, thereby transferring the ink from the elastomer to the printed medium, and printing on the printed medium a pattern extending from one of the two main surfaces of the printed medium through the end surface to the other; the aforementioned control The department performs the above-mentioned in-depth action once, thereby performing the end transfer of the ink transfer to the end transfer region, the end transfer region including the end surface and the two main surfaces moving from the end surface to the end. The main surface end transfer region extending in the direction, and in the end transfer, the elastic body does not contact the two main surfaces due to elastic deformation It controls the amount of depth to the end faces of the elastomer. The printing device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit executes the main surface transfer by the deep penetration operation in which the end surface penetrates into the elastic body by a deeper amount than the end transfer, and the main surface transfer is performed by The ink transferred by the main surface transfer is connected to the ink transferred by the end transfer, and the main surface transfer system makes the elastically deformed elastic body contact the two main surfaces and transfer the ink. Transfer to the two main surfaces. The printing device according to claim 2, wherein in the main surface transfer, the greater the amount of penetration of the end surface into the elastic body, the more the area where the ink is transferred is farther from the end surface toward the moving direction; The control unit changes the depth of penetration and executes the main surface transfer a plurality of times so that the ink transferred by the plurality of main surface transfers is connected to the main surfaces. The printing device according to claim 3, wherein the control unit sequentially executes the transfer from the end surface to the main surface with a large amount of penetration of the elastic body. The printing device according to claim 2, wherein the control unit executes the end portion transfer after the main surface transfer is completed. The printing device according to claim 2, wherein the control unit executes the in-depth operation after the ink transferred by the main surface transfer and the end transfer is fixed to the printing medium, and the aforementioned The surface shapes of the aforementioned inks on both major surfaces were uniformized. The printing device according to claim 2, wherein the control unit executes a repetitive transfer in which the ink transferred by the main surface transfer is overlapped a plurality of times, so that the ink transferred by the repetitive transfer is overlapped. The ink is connected to the aforementioned ink transferred by the aforementioned end transfer. The printing device according to claim 1, wherein the transfer member further includes a roller rotating in a rotation direction centered on a rotation axis parallel to the end surface, and the elastic system is provided on a peripheral surface of the roller. The printing device according to claim 8, wherein the ink adhering unit is configured to attach the ink that is a target of transfer by different the deep penetration operations to different positions in the rotation direction; the control unit adjusts a rotation angle of the roller In this way, the ink that is the object of transfer by the above-mentioned in-depth operation is executed after the alignment position reaches the printed medium, so that the ink of the object of transfer is performed by each of the different in-depth operations. Transferred to the print medium. The printing device according to claim 8, wherein the control unit is configured by the aforementioned The position of the printing medium held by the medium holding section is relatively adjusted for the transfer member, and the pattern is separated from the hypothetical plane passing through the rotation axis and parallel to the moving direction to separate the pattern. Among them, the length in the moving direction is different between a portion existing on one of the two principal surfaces and a portion existing on the other of the two principal surfaces. The printing device according to claim 1, further comprising a cleaner for removing the ink from the elastic body. The printing device according to claim 1, wherein the ink is a solvent-based ink, and the elastomer is made of silicone rubber. The printing device according to claim 1, further comprising: a static eliminator, which is configured to neutralize the printed medium to which the foregoing in-depth operation has been performed. The printing device according to claim 1, further comprising: an abutment member arranged at the same height as the end surface of the printed medium held by the media holding unit and adjacent to the printed medium; and in the deepening operation The end surface and the abutting member are penetrated into the elastic body. The printing device according to claim 14, wherein the abutment member is disposed on both sides of the to-be-printed medium held by the medium holding unit. The printing device according to claim 1, further comprising: a supporting member that supports the printed medium from a side opposite to the moving direction of the end surface of the printed medium. The printing device according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the ink is a conductive ink. A printing method includes: an attaching step for attaching ink to an elastic body of a transfer member; and a transfer step for performing an in-depth operation of causing an end surface of a printed medium to penetrate into the elastic body in a moving direction, While transferring the ink from the elastomer to the front The printed medium is printed on the printed medium with a pattern extending from one of the two main surfaces of the printed medium through the end surface to the other; in the transfer process, the in-depth operation is performed once, thereby performing the The ink transfer is transferred to an end of an end transfer region, and the end transfer region includes the end surface and a main surface end transfer region extending from the end surface to the moving direction among the two end surfaces, and The amount of penetration of the end surface into the elastic body is controlled during the end transfer so that the elastic body does not contact the two main surfaces due to elastic deformation. The printing method according to claim 18, wherein in the transfer step, the main surface transfer is performed by the deep penetration operation in which the end surface is penetrated into the elastic body by a deeper amount than the end transfer, and the main surface transfer is performed. The ink transferred by the main surface transfer is connected to the ink transferred by the end portion transfer, and the main surface transfer system causes the elastic body that has been elastically deformed to contact the two main surfaces and transfers the ink. The ink is transferred to the two main surfaces. The printing method according to claim 19, wherein in the main surface transfer, the greater the amount of penetration of the end surface into the elastic body, the more the area where the ink is transferred is farther from the end surface toward the moving direction; In the transfer step, the amount of penetration is changed, and the main surface transfer is performed a plurality of times so that the ink transferred by the plurality of main surface transfers is connected to the main surfaces. The printing method according to claim 20, wherein in the transfer step, the transfer is performed sequentially from the end surface to the main surface where the elastomer has a large amount of penetration. The printing method according to claim 19, wherein in the transfer step, the end portion transfer is performed after the main surface transfer is completed. The printing method according to claim 19, wherein, in the transfer step, the deepening operation is performed after the ink transferred by the main surface transfer and the end transfer is fixed to the print medium, , The aforementioned ink on the two main surfaces Surface shape is homogenized. The printing method according to claim 19, wherein in the transfer step, a repeat transfer is performed in which the ink transferred by the main surface transfer is overlapped a plurality of times, and the transfer transferred by the repeat transfer is performed. The printed ink is connected to the ink transferred by the end transfer. The printing method according to claim 18, wherein the transfer member further includes a roller rotating in a rotation direction centered on a rotation axis parallel to the end surface, and the elastic system is provided on a peripheral surface of the roller. The printing method according to claim 25, wherein in the attaching step, the ink that is the object of transfer by the different in-depth operations is attached to different positions in the rotation direction; and in the transfer step, the ink is adjusted. The rotation angle of the roller, so that the ink that is the object of the transfer by the penetration operation is executed after the alignment position reaches the printing medium, and the transfer is performed by each of the different penetration operations. The target ink is transferred to the print medium. The printing method according to claim 25, wherein in the transfer step, the position of the print medium is relatively adjusted with respect to the transfer member, and the position of the print medium is changed from passing through the rotation axis and parallel The hypothetical planes in the moving direction are separated, so that a length in the moving direction is different between a portion of the pattern existing on one of the two main surfaces and a portion of the other main surface. The printing method according to claim 18, further comprising a step of removing the ink from the elastomer with a cleaner. The printing method according to claim 18, wherein the ink is a solvent-based ink, and the elastomer is made of silicone rubber. The printing method according to claim 18, further comprising: The step of neutralizing the print medium to which the above-mentioned deepening operation has been performed. The printing method according to claim 18, wherein, in the deepening operation, a contact member disposed at the same height as the end surface of the print medium and adjacent to the print medium and the end surface penetrates the elastic body. The printing method according to claim 31, wherein the abutment member is disposed on both sides of the to-be-printed medium held by the medium holding unit. The printing method according to claim 18, wherein in the transfer step, the printing medium is supported by a supporting member from a side opposite to the moving direction of the end surface of the printing medium. The printing method according to any one of claims 18 to 33, wherein the ink is a conductive ink.