TWI656965B - Imprinting apparatus and imprinting method - Google Patents

Abstract

An embossing apparatus includes a first conveying unit, a flexible embossing model film and a driving roller set. The first transport unit is adapted to transport at least one workpiece to a working area of the imprint apparatus. The flexible embossed model film has a plurality of embossed sections. At least one embossed section is located in the work area. The workpiece is adapted to be embossed in the work area by a corresponding embossed section. The flexible embossed model film is partially retracted in the driving roller set, the embossing section located in the working area is unfolded in the driving roller set, and the driving roller set is adapted to drive the flexible embossing model film to be retracted by the driving At least another embossed section of the roller set is deployed to drive the roller set and moved to the work area. In addition, an imprint method is also mentioned.

Description

Imprinting equipment and imprinting method

The present invention relates to an imprint apparatus and an imprint method, and more particularly to an imprint apparatus and an imprint method for imprinting using a flexible imprint model film.

A common imprinting technique is to uniformly apply an imprinting material to a substrate, and then press the imprinting mold onto the imprinting material layer on the substrate to transfer the imprinting pattern on the surface of the imprinting mold to the imprinting material. On the floor. For example, imprint techniques can be used to fabricate an optical component having a grating that embosses an optical layer on a light transmissive substrate using an imprinted microstructure on an imprinting mold, and then cures the embossed optical layer to A grating is formed on the light transmissive substrate.

Generally, the imprinting microstructure of the imprinting mold is gradually lost after multiple imprinting and needs to be replaced. At this time, the user must remove the original imprinting mold from the imprinting apparatus and install a new imprinting. From the mold to the imprinting equipment, the replacement process is labor-intensive and time-consuming, making the imprinting apparatus inconvenient to use and having a low yield.

The invention provides an imprinting device and an imprinting method, which can increase the convenience in use of the imprinting device.

The imprint apparatus of the present invention includes a first transport unit, a flexible imprinted model film, and a drive roller set. The first transport unit is adapted to transport at least one workpiece to a working area of the imprint apparatus. The flexible embossed model film has a plurality of embossed sections, wherein at least one embossed section is located in the work area, and the workpiece is adapted to be embossed in the work area by a corresponding embossed section. The flexible embossed model film is partially retracted in the driving roller set, the embossing section located in the working area is unfolded in the driving roller set, and the driving roller set is adapted to drive the flexible embossing model film to be retracted by the driving At least another embossed section of the roller set is deployed to drive the roller set and moved to the work area.

In an embodiment of the invention, the imprint apparatus further includes a coating unit, wherein the coating unit is adapted to apply an optical layer to the workpiece before the workpiece reaches the working area, and the flexibility in the working area An embossed microstructure of the embossed model film is adapted to emboss the optical layer to form an optical microstructure on the workpiece.

In an embodiment of the invention, the embossing apparatus further includes a first detecting unit, wherein the coating unit is disposed between the first detecting unit and the working area, and the first detecting unit is adapted to detect the uncoated optical layer The surface state of the workpiece.

In an embodiment of the invention, the imprint apparatus further includes an energy source, wherein the energy source is disposed in the working area, and the embossed optical layer is adapted to be solidified by the energy provided by the energy source.

In an embodiment of the invention, the stamping device further includes a first An energy source and a second energy source, wherein the first energy source is disposed between the coating unit and the working area, the second energy source is disposed in the working area, and the optical layer before the imprint is adapted to be provided by the first energy source The energy is semi-cured and the embossed optical layer is adapted to be fully cured by the energy provided by the second energy source.

In an embodiment of the invention, the embossing apparatus further includes an embossing model roller, wherein the embossing model roller is disposed in the working area and is adapted to press the corresponding embossing section toward the workpiece.

In an embodiment of the invention, the embossing apparatus further includes a lifting unit, wherein the lifting unit is disposed in the working area and is adapted to drive the workpiece up and down relative to the flexible embossing model film.

In an embodiment of the invention, the driving roller set comprises two driving rollers, the working area is located between the two driving rollers, and the flexible embossing model film is partially wound around a driving roller and partially retracted in another A drive roller.

In an embodiment of the invention, the working area includes an embossing position and at least one detaching position, at least two embossing sections are respectively located at the embossing position and the detaching position, and the workpiece is adapted to be pressed at the embossing position. The embossed workpiece is adapted to be attached to a corresponding embossed section and driven by the drive roller set to a release position, the workpiece being adapted to be released from the die position.

In an embodiment of the invention, the embossing apparatus further includes at least one clamping member, wherein the clamping member is disposed in the working area, and the clamping member is adapted to clamp the flexible embossed model film and is located in the die-off The position of the flexible embossed model film is separated from the workpiece.

In an embodiment of the invention, the stamping device further includes at least one a cushioning member, wherein the cushioning member is disposed between the embossing position and the off-mold position, and the flexible embossing model film is adapted to be flexed by the cushioning member to be flexed to form a boundary of the embossed section at the off-mold position. At least one buffer segment.

In an embodiment of the invention, when the embossed workpiece is driven to the off-mold position by the driving roller set, the first conveying unit is adapted to convey the other workpiece to the embossing position, and is separated from the workpiece at the detachment position. At the same time as the mold, another workpiece is embossed at the imprinting position.

In an embodiment of the invention, the number of the at least one off-die position is two, and the imprint position is between the two off-die positions.

In an embodiment of the invention, the embossed segments include a first embossed segment and a second embossed segment, and the two die positions include a first die position and a first a two-mold position, when the first embossed section and the second embossed section are located in the working area, the driving roller set is adapted to drive the flexible embossed model film to perform a reciprocating movement and move in a first state Between a second state, when the flexible embossed model film is in the first state, the first embossed section is at the first detachment position and the second embossed section is at the embossing position, when the flexible pressure is When the printing mold film is in the second state, the first embossing section is at the embossing position and the second embossing section is at the second staking position.

In an embodiment of the invention, the embossed segments further include an adjacent third embossed segment and a fourth embossed segment, and the drive roller set is adapted to drive the flexible embossed film. And the third embossed section and the fourth embossed section are located in the working area, and when the third embossed section and the fourth embossed section are located in the working area, the driving roller set is adapted to drive the flexible pressing The printed model film is reciprocated.

In an embodiment of the invention, the embossing apparatus further includes at least one second detecting unit, wherein the second detecting unit is adapted to detect the embossed workpiece to determine a loss condition of the corresponding embossed section.

In an embodiment of the invention, the embossing apparatus further includes at least one second conveying unit, wherein the second conveying unit is adapted to convey the embossed workpiece through the second detecting unit.

The imprint method of the present invention comprises the following steps. At least one workpiece is transported to a work area by a first transport unit. The workpiece is embossed in the work area by an embossed section of a flexible embossed mold film. The flexible embossed model film is driven by a drive roller set such that at least one other embossed section of the flexible embossed mold film that is wound around the drive roller set is deployed to the drive roller set and moved to the work area.

In an embodiment of the invention, the embossing method further includes coating an optical layer onto the workpiece by a coating unit before the workpiece reaches the working area, wherein the step of embossing the workpiece by the embossing section comprises An optical layer is embossed by an embossed microstructure of the embossed section to form an optical microstructure on the workpiece.

In an embodiment of the invention, the embossing method further includes detecting, by a first detecting unit, a surface state of the workpiece that has not been coated with the optical layer.

In an embodiment of the invention, the embossing method further includes curing the embossed optical layer by energy provided by an energy source.

In an embodiment of the invention, the above imprint method further comprises the following steps. The optical layer before imprinting is semi-cured by the energy provided by a first energy source. The embossed optical layer is fully cured by the energy provided by a second source of energy.

In an embodiment of the invention, the embossing method further comprises pressing the corresponding embossed section toward the workpiece by an embossing model roller.

In an embodiment of the invention, the embossing method further includes moving the workpiece up and down relative to the flexible embossing model film by a lifting unit.

In an embodiment of the invention, the working area includes an imprinting position and at least one off-die position, and the imprinting method further comprises the following steps. The at least two embossed sections are respectively located at the embossing position and the off-die position. The workpiece is embossed at the imprint position. The embossed workpiece is attached to the corresponding embossed section and driven by the drive roller set to the off-die position. The workpiece is demolded at the off-die position.

In an embodiment of the invention, the embossing method further comprises clamping the flexible embossed model film by a clamping member and detaching the flexible embossing film located at the off-die position away from the workpiece.

In an embodiment of the invention, the embossing method further comprises flexing the flexible embossed model film by at least one cushioning member against the flexible embossed model film to be located at a position away from the mold. The boundary of the embossed section forms at least one buffer segment.

In an embodiment of the invention, the above imprint method further comprises the following steps. When the embossed workpiece is driven to the off-die position by the drive roller set, another workpiece is transported to the embossed position by the first transport unit. While the workpiece is being released from the mold release position, the other workpiece is embossed at the imprint position.

In an embodiment of the invention, the number of the at least one off-die position is two, and the stamping position is between the two off-die positions, and the stamping sections include an adjacent first stamping section and a second embossed section, the two die positions including a first departure The die position and a second die position, the stamping method further includes the following steps. When the first embossed section and the second embossed section are located in the working area, the flexible embossed model film is driven by the driving roller set to perform a reciprocating movement to move in a first state and a second state. And wherein when the flexible embossed model film is in the first state, the first embossed section is at the first detachment position and the second embossed section is at the embossed position when the flexible embossed model film is at In the second state, the first embossed section is in the embossed position and the second embossed section is in the second detachment position.

In an embodiment of the invention, the embossing segments further include an adjacent third embossing segment and a fourth embossing segment, and the embossing method further comprises the following steps. The third embossed section and the fourth embossed section are positioned within the work area by driving the roller set to drive the flexible embossed mold film. When the third embossed section and the fourth embossed section are located in the working area, the flexible embossed model film is driven to reciprocate by driving the roller set.

In an embodiment of the invention, the embossing method further includes detecting, by a second detecting unit, the embossed workpiece to determine a loss condition of the corresponding embossed section.

In an embodiment of the invention, the embossing method further includes conveying the embossed workpiece through the second detecting unit by using a second conveying unit.

Based on the above, in the imprint apparatus of the present invention, a flexible imprinted model film having a plurality of embossed sections is used as an imprinting mold, and when a part of the embossed section is used for imprinting a workpiece in a work area, A portion of the embossed section is retracted into the drive roller set for standby. Once the embossed section in use is worn out and needs to be replaced, the drive roller set can be used The embossed section that is slid into it enters the work area to replace the original embossed section. In this configuration, the user does not have to remove the original imprinting mold from the imprinting apparatus and install a new imprinting mold to the imprinting apparatus, but automatically replaces the flexible imprinted model film by driving the roller set. The embossed section is convenient for the imprinting apparatus to be used.

The above described features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following description.

50‧‧‧Workpiece

60‧‧‧carriers

100‧‧‧imprint equipment

100a‧‧‧Working area

110a‧‧‧First transport unit

110b‧‧‧Second transport unit

120‧‧‧Flexible imprinted model film

120a‧‧‧First embossed section

120b‧‧‧second embossed section

120c‧‧‧ third embossed section

120d‧‧‧4nd embossed section

120e‧‧‧5th embossed section

122‧‧‧embossed microstructure

130‧‧‧Drive roller set

132, 134‧‧‧ drive roller

140a‧‧‧First detection unit

140b‧‧‧Second detection unit

150‧‧‧ Coating unit

160‧‧‧Energy source

170‧‧‧ Imprinted model wheel

180‧‧‧ Lifting unit

190a‧‧‧Clamping parts

190b‧‧‧ cushioning parts

B1, B2, B3, B4‧‧‧ Buffer segments

IP‧‧‧ Imprint position

DP1‧‧‧first release position

DP2‧‧‧Second release position

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a part of a member of an imprint apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

2 is a flow chart of an imprint method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

3 illustrates the flexible imprinting model film of FIG. 1 being actuated from a first state to a second state.

4 illustrates the replacement of the embossed section of the flexible embossed model film of FIG. 1.

5A to 5G illustrate an operation flow of the imprint apparatus of FIG. 1.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a part of a member of an imprint apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 1 , the imprint apparatus 100 of the present embodiment includes a first transport unit 110 a , a flexible imprint model film 120 , and a drive roller set 130 . The first transport unit 110a is adapted to sequentially transport a plurality of workpieces 50 to a work area 100a of the imprint apparatus 100. The flexible imprinted model film 120 has a plurality of embossed sections (labeling the first embossed section) The first embossed section 120a, the second embossed section 120b, and the third embossed section 120c are located in the working area 100a.

The flexible embossed film 120 is, for example, an ultra-thin glass or a plastic film having a thickness of 0.07 to 0.2 mm, which is partially wound around the driving roller group 130. The first embossed section 120a, the second embossed section 120b, and the third embossed section 120c located in the work area 100a are developed to drive the roller set 130. The workpiece 50 is adapted to be embossed in the work area 100a by a corresponding embossed section (shown as a second embossed section 120b in FIG. 1). When the embossed segments in the work area 100a need to be replaced by the use loss, the drive roller set 130 can drive the flexible embossed mold film 120 so that the other embossed sections retracted on the drive roller set 130 are unfolded. The roller set 130 is driven and moved to the work area.

That is, when a portion of the embossed section of the flexible embossed mold film 120 is used to emboss the workpiece 50 in the work area 100a, another portion of the embossed section is taken up in the drive roller set 130 for standby. Once the embossed section in use is worn out and needs to be replaced, the drive roller set 130 can be used to drive the embossed section retracted therein into the work area 100a to replace the original embossed section. Under this configuration, the user does not have to remove the original imprint mold from the imprint apparatus 100 and install a new imprint mold to the imprint apparatus 100, but automatically replaces the flexible pressure by the drive roller set 130. The embossed section of the mold film 120 is printed to facilitate the use of the imprint apparatus 100. In addition, the use of ultra-thin glass as the flexible imprinting model film 120 can prevent the undesired deformation of the flexible imprinted molding film 120 and the workpiece 50 thereon during operation. The flow of the imprint method of the imprint apparatus 100 of the present embodiment will be described below by way of drawings.

2 is a flow chart of an imprint method according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, first, at least one workpiece 50 to a work area 100a is transported by a first transport unit 110a (step S602). Next, the workpiece 50 is embossed in the work area 100a by an embossed section of the flexible embossed mold film 120 (the second embossed section 120b is illustrated in FIG. 1) (step S604). The flexible embossed mold film 120 is driven by a driving roller set 130 such that at least another embossed portion of the flexible embossing film 120 that is wound around the driving roller set 130 is unfolded on the driving roller set 130 and Move to the work area (step S606).

The imprint apparatus 100 of the present embodiment is, for example, for fabricating an optical element having a grating, and the relevant components of the imprint apparatus 100 are described in detail below. As shown in FIG. 1 , the imprint apparatus 100 further includes a first detecting unit 140a, a glue coating unit 150, an energy source 160, an imprint model roller 170, and at least a second detecting unit 140b (shown as two And at least one second transport unit 110b (shown as two). The first detecting unit 140a is, for example, an automated optical inspection (AOI) device and disposed on the transport path of the first transport unit 110a, and the glue coating unit 150 is disposed between the first detecting unit 140a and the working area 100a. The energy source 160 and the imprint model roller 170 are disposed in the work area 100a, and the second detection unit 140b is, for example, an automatic optical detection device and disposed on the transport path of the second transport unit 110b.

Each workpiece 50 is, for example, a glass substrate or a plastic substrate, and the glue coating unit 150 is adapted to apply an optical layer (not shown) to the workpiece 50 before the workpiece 50 reaches the working area 100a. The glue coating unit 150 is, for example, an inkjet printing device to save the amount of material used in the gumming operation. Each embossed area of the flexible imprinted model film 120 The segment has an embossed microstructure 122, and the embossing model roller 170 is adapted to press the corresponding embossed portion (shown in FIG. 1 as the second embossed portion 120b of the working area 100a) toward the workpiece 50, so that The embossed microstructures 122 of the second embossed section 120b emboss the optical layer to form an optical microstructure (e.g., a grating) on the workpiece 50. The first detecting unit 140a is then adapted to detect the surface state of the workpiece 50 to which the optical layer has not been applied to ensure that the surface of the workpiece 50 is coated with the optical layer without dirt particles.

The embossed optical layer is adapted to be cured by the energy provided by the energy source 160. For example, the optical layer is, for example, a UV glue, and the energy source 160 is, for example, a UV light source to cure the optical layer with UV light. In other embodiments, the optical layer may be another type of glue layer (such as a glue layer having two-stage characteristics), and is disposed as a first energy source disposed between the glue coating unit 150 and the work area 100a. a second energy source disposed in the working area 100a in place of the energy source 160 of FIG. 1. The optical layer before imprinting may be semi-cured by the energy provided by the first energy source, as described in the embossed The optical layer can be fully cured by the energy provided by the second energy source.

The second conveying unit 110b is adapted to convey the embossed workpiece 50 through the second detecting unit 140b. The second detecting unit 140b is adapted to detect the embossed workpiece 50 to determine the loss condition of the corresponding embossed section. If the corresponding embossed section has been lost to the extent that it needs to be replaced by the detection of the workpiece 50 by the second detecting unit 140b, the flexible embossed model film 120 is automatically replaced by the driving roller set 130 as described above. Imprinted section.

In this embodiment, the driving roller set 130 includes two driving rollers 132, 134, and the working area 100a is located between the driving roller 132 and the driving roller 134. The flexible embossed mold film 120 is partially wound around the drive roller 132 and partially wound up on the drive roller 134. The drive rollers 132, 134 are adapted to rotate to drive the flexible imprinted mold film 120 to interlock. Further, in the present embodiment, for example, the workpiece 50 is carried by the carrier 60, and the carrier 60 is conveyed on the first conveying unit 110a or the second conveying unit 110b to move the workpiece 50 with it. In addition, the carrier 60 can provide, for example, an absorbing force to attract the workpiece 50 thereto, preventing the workpiece 50 from escaping from the carrier 60 during transport or embossing.

The arrangement of the work area 100a of the present embodiment will be specifically described below. Referring to FIG. 1, the working area 100a of the embodiment includes an imprinting position IP and at least one off-die position (shown as a first off-die position DP1 and a second off-die position DP2), and the imprint position IP is located first. Between the mold release position DP1 and the second mold release position DP2, the impression model roller 170 and the energy source 160 are disposed at the imprint position IP, the first imprint section 120a, the second imprint section 120b, and the third pressure. The printing segments 120c are located at the first release position DP1, the imprint position IP, and the second release position DP2, respectively, in the state shown in FIG. The workpiece 50 is adapted to be embossed at an embossing position IP, the embossed workpiece 50 being adapted to be attached to a corresponding embossed section and driven by the drive roller set 130 to a first release position DP1 or a second release position DP2 And the workpiece 50 is adapted to be demolded at the first off-die position DP1 or the second off-die position DP2.

In more detail, when the embossed workpiece 50 is driven by the driving roller set 130 from the embossing position IP to the first releasing position DP1 or the second releasing position DP2, the first conveying unit 110a conveys another workpiece 50. Up to the imprinting position IP, and the workpiece 50 after the imprinting is separated from the first off-die position DP1 or the second off-die position DP2 At the same time as the mold, the other workpiece 50 is embossed at the embossing position IP, thereby improving the work efficiency of the imprint apparatus 100.

3 illustrates the flexible imprinting model film of FIG. 1 being actuated from a first state to a second state. In this embodiment, when the first embossed section 120a and the second embossed section 120b are located in the working area 100a, the driving roller set 130 is adapted to drive the flexible embossing model film 120 to perform a reciprocating movement. Between a first state shown in FIG. 1 and a second state shown in FIG. When the flexible imprinting model film 120 is in the first state as shown in FIG. 1, the first imprinting section 120a is located at the first releasing position DP1 and the second imprinting section 120b is located at the imprinting position IP, At this time, the workpiece 50 corresponding to the first embossed section 120a can be demolded at the first detachment position DP1, and the workpiece 50 corresponding to the second embossed section 120b can be embossed at the embossed position IP. When the flexible imprinting model film 120 is in the second state as shown in FIG. 3, the first imprinting section 120a is located at the imprinting position IP and the second imprinting section 120b is located at the second releasing position DP2. At this time, the workpiece 50 corresponding to the first embossed section 120a can be embossed at the embossing position IP, and the workpiece 50 corresponding to the second embossed section 120b can be detached at the second releasing position DP2. By the above-described reciprocating motion by the flexible imprinting model film 120, the first imprinting section 120a and the second imprinting section 120b of the flexible imprinting model film 120 can be repeatedly used for the imprinting operation.

4 illustrates the replacement of the embossed section of the flexible embossed model film of FIG. 1. When the first embossed section 120a and the second embossed section 120b of the flexible embossed mold film 120 are gradually worn out and need to be replaced, the flexible embossed model film 120 can be driven by the driving roller set 130. Figure 4 shows the third embossed section 120c and the fourth embossed section The second embossed section 120e is located in the working area 100a. When the third embossed section 120c, the fourth embossed section 120d, and the fifth embossed section 120e are located in the working area 100a, the roller set 130 is driven. The flexible imprinting model film 120 is adapted to perform the reciprocating movement to repeatedly perform the imprinting operation using the third imprinting section 120c and the fourth imprinting section 120d of the flexible imprinting model film 120. In this manner, the sustainable drive roller set 130 drives the flexible embossed mold film 120 to automatically replace the embossed segments.

The imprint apparatus 100 of this embodiment further includes at least one lifting unit 180 (shown as three). The lifting unit 180 is disposed in the working area 100a and is respectively located at the first releasing position DP1, the pressing position IP and the second releasing position DP2, and each lifting unit 180 is adapted to drive the corresponding carrier 60 and the workpiece 50 relative to the flexible The embossed mold film 120 is lifted and lowered to enable the workpiece 50 to be smoothly embossed or released.

In addition, the imprint apparatus 100 of the present embodiment further includes at least one clamping member 190a (shown as a plurality) and at least one buffering member 190b (shown as a plurality). The clamping member 190a is disposed in the working area 100 and buffered. The piece 190b is disposed between the imprint position IP and the first off-die position DP1 and between the imprint position IP and the second off-die position DP2. The holding member 190a is adapted to sandwich the flexible embossed model film 120 at the boundary of the first release position DP1, the embossed position IP, and the second release position DP2 as shown in FIG. Thus, when the cushioning member 190b is pressed against the flexible imprinting model film 120 to deflect the flexible imprinting model film 120, it may be formed at the boundary of the first imprinting section 120a at the first releasing position DP1. Buffer segments B1, B3, and buffer segments B2, B4 may be formed at the boundary of the third imprint segment 120c at the second off-die position DP2. Part of the clamping member 190a will be located at the The flexible impression film 120 of the die release position DP1 and the second release position DP2 is separated from the workpiece 50, so that the workpiece 50 that has been embossed can be conveyed by the second conveyance unit 110b to the second detection unit 140b. In the process of separating the flexible imprinting model film 120 from the workpiece 50, the flexible imprinting model film 120 can be avoided by the buffering effect provided by the buffer segments B1, B2, B3, and B4. The detachment work of the sections at the die exit position DP1 and the second die position DP2 is disturbed to other sections of the flexible embossed mold film 120, so that the embossing operation can be smoothly performed.

The specific operation mode and flow of each component of the imprint apparatus 100 of the present embodiment will be described in more detail below with reference to the drawings. 5A to 5G illustrate an operation flow of the imprint apparatus of FIG. 1. First, as shown in FIG. 5A, the lifting unit 180 raises the corresponding carrier 60 and the workpiece 50 at the embossing position IP, and the embossing model roller 170 is rolled on the second embossing section 120b to emboss the corresponding workpiece. 50, and energy source 160 provides energy to cure the embossed optical layer on workpiece 50. Next, as shown in FIG. 5B, the lifting unit 180 moves the corresponding carrier 60 down at the embossing position IP, at which time the workpiece 50 is attached to the corresponding embossed microstructure 122. In FIGS. 5A and 5B, the flexible embossed model film 120 is in the first state, that is, the first embossed section 120a is located at the first release position DP1, and the second embossed section 120b is at the pressure Print position IP.

As shown in FIG. 5C, the clamping member 190a and the cushioning member 190b release the flexible imprinting model film 120, and the driving rollers 132, 134 are rotated clockwise to make the first imprinting section 120a and the second imprinting section. 120b moves to the right.

As shown in FIG. 5D, the holding member 190a holds the flexible embossed model film 120, the cushioning member 190b presses the flexible embossed model film 120, and the driving roller 134 is clockwise. Rotating so that the first embossed section 120a is located at the embossing position IP, and the second embossed section 120b and the workpiece 50 attached thereto are positioned at the second detachment position DP2. At this time, the lifting unit 180 raises the corresponding carrier 60 at the second releasing position DP2 to receive the corresponding workpiece 50. As shown in FIG. 5E, the lifting unit 180 lifts the corresponding other carrier 60 and the other workpiece 50 at the embossing position IP, and the embossing model roller 170 is rolled on the first embossing section 120a to emboss the corresponding Workpiece 50. At the same time, the clamping member 190a detaches the flexible embossing model film 120 at the second release position DP2 from the corresponding workpiece 50. As shown in FIG. 5F, energy source 160 provides energy to cure the embossed optical layer on workpiece 50, and lift unit 180 moves the corresponding carrier 60 and workpiece 50 down at the second release position DP2. In FIGS. 5D, 5E, and 5F, the flexible imprinting model film 120 is in the second state, that is, the first imprinting section 120a is located at the imprinting position IP, and the second imprinting section 120b is located. The second off-mode position DP2.

As shown in Fig. 5G, the workpiece 50 at the second release position DP2 is moved away from the carrier 60, and then the workpiece 50 is conveyed to the second detecting unit 140b shown in Fig. 1 for detection. In addition, the clamping member 190a and the buffering member 190b release the flexible imprinting model film 120 as shown in FIG. 5G, and the driving rollers 132, 134 are rotated counterclockwise to make the first imprinting section 120a and the second imprinting area. The segment 120b is shifted to the left to facilitate driving the flexible embossed mold film 120 to the first state again, thereby continuing the similar embossing and ejection procedures at the first die position DP1 and the nip position IP.

In summary, in the embossing apparatus of the present invention, a flexible embossed model film having a plurality of embossed sections is used as an embossing mold, and when a partial embossed section is used for embossing a workpiece in a work area Another part of the embossed section is retracted in the drive roller set for preparation use. Once the embossed section in use is worn out and needs to be replaced, the driving roller set can be used to drive the embossed section retracted thereto into the working area to replace the original embossed section. In this configuration, the user does not have to remove the original imprinting mold from the imprinting apparatus and install a new imprinting mold to the imprinting apparatus, but automatically replaces the flexible imprinted model film by driving the roller set. The embossed section is convenient for the imprinting apparatus to be used. In addition, the use of ultra-thin glass as a flexible imprinting model film can avoid undesired deformation of the flexible imprinted model film and the workpiece thereon during operation. In addition, when the embossed workpiece is released from the mold release position, the other workpiece can be embossed at the embossed position at the same time, thereby improving the working efficiency of the embossing apparatus. Moreover, by means of the buffer member in the buffer section formed by the flexible imprinting model film, the mold release operation of the segment of the flexible imprinted model film at the mold release position can be avoided to the flexible imprint The other sections of the model film allow the embossing to proceed smoothly.

Although the present invention has been disclosed in the above embodiments, it is not intended to limit the present invention, and any one of ordinary skill in the art can make some changes and refinements without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. The scope of the invention is defined by the scope of the appended claims.

Claims (28)

An embossing apparatus comprising: a first conveying unit adapted to convey at least one workpiece to a working area of the embossing apparatus, wherein the working area comprises an embossing position and two detaching positions, the embossing position is located at the embossing position Between the two mold positions; a flexible embossed mold film having at least two embossed sections respectively located at the embossing position and the mold release position, the workpiece being adapted to be embossed at the embossing position, the workpiece Suitable for demolding at the mold release position; and a drive roller set partially wound around the drive roller set, the embossed section located in the work area being unfolded on the drive roller And the driving roller set is adapted to drive the flexible embossing model film to perform a reciprocating movement, so that the embossed workpiece is adapted to be attached to the corresponding embossed section and driven by the driving roller set to the Offseting the position, and causing at least one other of the embossed segments retracted in the set of drive rollers to be deployed to the drive roller set and moved to the work area, the transport direction of the first transport unit and the flexible embossing The movement direction of the model film is different The embossing apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a coating unit, wherein the coating unit is adapted to apply an optical layer to the workpiece before the workpiece reaches the working area, and the working area is located An embossed microstructure of the embossed section is adapted to emboss the optical layer to form an optical microstructure on the workpiece. The embossing device of claim 2, further comprising a first detecting unit, wherein the coating unit is disposed in the first detecting unit and the working area Between the first detection units is adapted to detect the surface state of the workpiece that has not been coated with the optical layer. The embossing apparatus of claim 2, further comprising an energy source, wherein the energy source is disposed in the working area, and the embossed optical layer is adapted to be solidified by energy provided by the energy source. The embossing device of claim 2, further comprising a first energy source and a second energy source, wherein the first energy source is disposed between the coating unit and the working area, the second An energy source is disposed in the working area, and the optical layer before imprinting is adapted to be semi-cured by energy provided by the first energy source, and the embossed optical layer is adapted to be provided by the energy provided by the second energy source And fully cured. The embossing apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an embossing model roller, wherein the embossing model roller is disposed in the working area, and is adapted to press the corresponding embossed section toward the workpiece . The embossing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a lifting unit, wherein the lifting unit is disposed in the working area and is adapted to drive the workpiece to be lifted and lowered relative to the flexible embossing model film. The embossing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the driving roller set comprises two driving rollers, the working area is located between the two driving rollers, and the flexible embossing model film is partially retracted in the The roller is driven and partially rolled up to the other of the drive rollers. The embossing apparatus of claim 1, further comprising at least one clamping member, wherein the clamping member is disposed in the working area, the clamping member is adapted to clamp the The flexible impression film is detached from the workpiece at the position of the mold release. The imprint apparatus of claim 1, further comprising at least one buffer member, wherein the buffer member is disposed between the imprinting position and the off-die position, the flexible imprinting model film being adapted to be The cushioning member is flexed against the deflection to form at least one buffer segment at the boundary of the embossed section at the mold release position. The embossing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first conveying unit is adapted to convey another workpiece to the pressing when the embossed workpiece is driven to the releasing position by the driving roller set The position is printed, and while the workpiece is released from the mold release position, the other workpiece is embossed at the embossed position. The embossing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the embossed sections comprise an adjacent first embossed section and a second embossed section, the two detachable positions including a first a mold release position and a second mold release position, wherein the driving roller set is adapted to drive the flexible embossed model film when the first embossed section and the second embossed section are located in the working area Reciprocatingly moving between a first state and a second state, when the flexible embossed film is in the first state, the first embossed segment is located at the first die position and the a second imprinting section is located at the imprinting position, when the flexible imprinting model film is in the second state, the first imprinting section is located at the imprinting position and the second imprinting section is located at the The second off-mode position. The embossing apparatus of claim 12, wherein the embossed sections further comprise an adjacent third embossed section and a fourth embossed section, the driving roller set being adapted to drive the Flexibly imprinting the model film to make the third embossed segment and the first a fourth embossed section is located in the working area, and when the third embossed section and the fourth embossed section are located in the working area, the driving roller set is adapted to drive the flexible embossed model film This reciprocating movement. The embossing device of claim 1, further comprising at least one second detecting unit, wherein the second detecting unit is adapted to detect the embossed workpiece to determine a corresponding loss of the embossed segment situation. The embossing apparatus of claim 14, further comprising at least one second conveying unit, wherein the second conveying unit is adapted to convey the embossed workpiece through the second detecting unit. An embossing method comprising: transporting at least one workpiece to a working area by a first conveying unit, wherein the working area comprises an embossing position and two detaching positions, the embossing position being between the two detaching positions The two mold release positions include a first mold release position and a second mold release position; the workpiece is embossed by an embossed portion of a flexible embossed mold film, wherein the first The conveying direction of the conveying unit is different from the moving direction of the flexible embossing film; the flexible embossing film is driven by a driving roller set to wind the flexible embossing film At least another embossed section of the drive roller set is unfolded in the drive roller set and moved to the working area; the embossed sections include an adjacent first embossed section and a second embossed section. When the first embossed section and the second embossed section are located in the working area, Driving the flexible imprinting model film by the driving roller set to perform a reciprocating movement to move between a first state and a second state; and when the flexible imprinting model film is in the first state The first imprinting section is located at the first release position and the second imprinted section is located at the imprinting position, and the first imprint is performed when the flexible imprinted model film is in the second state The segment is located at the embossed position and the second embossed segment is at the second detachment position, wherein the workpiece is adapted to be embossed at the embossed position and adapted to be detached at the detachment position. The embossing method of claim 16, further comprising coating an optical layer onto the workpiece by a coating unit before the workpiece reaches the working area, wherein the embossed portion is embossed The step of the workpiece includes imprinting the optical layer by an embossed microstructure of the embossed section to form an optical microstructure on the workpiece. The embossing method of claim 17, further comprising detecting, by a first detecting unit, a surface state of the workpiece that has not been coated with the optical layer. The embossing method of claim 17, further comprising curing the embossed optical layer by energy provided by an energy source. The embossing method of claim 17, further comprising: semi-curing the optical layer before imprinting by energy provided by a first energy source; and energy provided by a second energy source The optical layer after embossing is fully cured. The embossing method of claim 16, further comprising pressing the corresponding embossed section toward the workpiece by an embossing model roller. The embossing method of claim 16, further comprising lifting the workpiece relative to the flexible embossed mold film by a lifting unit. The embossing method of claim 16, further comprising: clamping the flexible embossed model film by a clamping member and separating the flexible embossed film located at the die position For the workpiece. The embossing method of claim 16, further comprising flexing the flexible embossed model film by at least one cushioning member against the flexible embossed film to be located at the detachment The boundary of the embossed section of the die position forms at least one buffer segment. The embossing method of claim 16, further comprising: when the embossed workpiece is driven to the off-die position by the driving roller set, the other conveying workpiece is transported by the first conveying unit to The embossing position; and embossing the other workpiece at the embossing position while the workpiece is being detached from the mold release position. The embossing method of claim 16, wherein the embossing sections further comprise an adjacent third embossing section and a fourth embossing section, and the embossing method further comprises: borrowing Driving the flexible imprinting model film by the driving roller set such that the third imprinting section and the fourth imprinting section are located in the working area; and when the third imprinting section and the fourth When the embossed section is located in the working area, the reciprocating movement is performed by driving the flexible embossed model film by the driving roller set. The embossing method as described in claim 16 of the patent application further includes: The embossed workpiece is detected by a second detecting unit to determine a corresponding loss condition of the embossed section. The embossing method of claim 27, further comprising: transporting the embossed workpiece through the second detecting unit by a second conveying unit.