Imprinting apparatus

Abstract

The present application discloses an imprinting apparatus, which comprises an imprinting platform, an imprinting roller, a transfer module and a lifting pressurizing mechanism. The imprinting roller is disposed on the imprinting platform. The transfer module comprises a transfer film, which is located between the imprinting roller and the imprinting platform. The lifting pressurizing mechanism is connected with the imprinting roller, wherein the lifting pressurizing mechanism drives the imprinting roller to move along the normal direction of the imprinting platform and selectively pressurizes the imprinting roller. The present application provides an imprinting apparatus, which can improve the yield of imprinting and has better operation convenience.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus, and more particularly to an imprint apparatus. BACKGROUND

[0002] Currently, the separation between the transfer film and the product after the imprinting is completed on the nano-imprint machine is mostly through lifting the transfer film above the imprint platform to slowly pull and separate from the product. However, the above-mentioned method cannot be adapted to the changes of the product's glue material and parameters, so that the structure of the imprinted product is damaged due to the film separation process, thereby reducing the yield of the imprinted product. SUMMARY

[0003] The present invention is directed to an imprint apparatus, which can improve the yield of imprinting and has better operation convenience.

[0004] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an imprint apparatus includes an imprint platform, an imprint roller, a transfer module, and a lifting and pressing mechanism. The imprint roller is disposed on the imprint platform. The transfer module includes a transfer film, wherein the transfer film is located between the imprint roller and the imprint platform. The lifting and pressing mechanism is connected with the imprint roller, wherein the lifting and pressing mechanism drives the imprint roller to move along the normal direction of the imprint platform and selectively presses the imprint roller. When the imprint roller is moved to a first position by the lifting and pressing mechanism, the lifting and pressing mechanism does not press the imprint roller, the imprint roller contacts the transfer film located on the imprint platform, and the transfer film is pressed by the weight of the imprint roller. When the imprint roller is moved to a second position by the lifting and pressing mechanism, the lifting and pressing mechanism presses the imprint roller, the imprint roller contacts the transfer film, and the transfer film is pressed by the combination of the weight of the imprint roller and the pressure of the lifting and pressing mechanism.

[0005] In the imprint apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, the lifting and pressing mechanism includes a driving source, a base, and a holder. The base is connected to the driving source, and the holder is disposed at the end of the imprint roller and located in the base. The base includes a lower portion, an upper portion, and a guide column, the guide column is located between the lower portion and the upper portion and connected to the lower portion and the upper portion, the guide column extends along the normal direction, and the holder is slidably disposed in the guide column.

[0006] In the imprint apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, the lifting and pressing mechanism further includes a pressure sensor, which is fixed to the upper portion of the base and located between the upper portion of the base and the holder. When the imprint roller is at the first position, the holder contacts the lower portion of the base, and a gap is formed between the holder and the pressure sensor. When the imprint roller is at the second position, the holder contacts the pressure sensor and presses the pressure sensor.

[0007] In the imprint apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, the lifting and pressing mechanism includes two level detectors located at both ends of the imprint roller.

[0008] In the printing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present application, the printing apparatus further comprises a film detachment module and a fixing module. The transfer film module comprises a frame, and the transfer film is arranged on the frame. The frame is detachably arranged on the film detachment module through the fixing module.

[0009] In the printing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present application, the fixing module comprises a first fixing member, a second fixing member, a first rotating member and a second rotating member. The first fixing member is fixed to the film detachment module, the second fixing member is fixed to the frame, the first rotating member passes through a first hole of the film detachment module and is located at a side of the first fixing member, and the second rotating member passes through the first fixing member and is located between the first rotating member and the second fixing member.

[0010] In the printing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present application, the first rotating member comprises a knob, a first body and a first blocking member. The knob is exposed to the film detachment module, the first body has a groove, and the first blocking member extends from the first body in a direction away from the knob. The first body passes through the first hole of the film detachment module.

[0011] In the printing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present application, the first fixing member comprises a second body, a second hole and a second blocking member. The second hole is formed on the second body and corresponds to the first hole, and the second blocking member protrudes from a surface of the second body towards the first rotating member. When the first rotating member is located at an initial position, the first blocking member of the first rotating member is aligned with the second blocking member of the first fixing member, so that the movement of the first rotating member towards the first fixing member is limited by the second blocking member. When the first rotating member is rotated to a position where the first blocking member is misaligned with the second blocking member, the first rotating member is adapted to move towards the surface of the second body.

[0012] In the printing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present application, the second rotating member comprises a third body, a protrusion and a locking portion. The third body passes through the second hole of the first blocking member and has a first side and a second side. The first side is close to the first rotating member, and the second side is close to the second fixing member. The protrusion is located on an outer surface of the third body, the protrusion is adjacent to the first side and is inserted into the groove of the first rotating member, and the locking portion is located at the second side.

[0013] In the printing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present application, the second fixing member comprises an inner space and a positioning hole. The positioning hole is in communication with the inner space. When the first rotating member moves towards the surface of the second body, the second rotating member is pushed by the first rotating member, so that the locking portion of the second rotating member passes through the positioning hole and enters the inner space of the second fixing member. Then, by rotating the knob, the locking portion of the second rotating member is rotated to a position misaligned with the positioning hole, so that the frame is locked to the film detachment module.

[0014] In the embossing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present application, the fixing module further comprises an elastic member, which is sleeved on the second body and arranged between the locking portion and the first body.

[0015] In the embossing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present application, the embossing apparatus further comprises a plurality of adjustable force sensors arranged on the side of the transfer film.

[0016] In the embossing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present application, the embossing apparatus further comprises a tension adjusting mechanism, which comprises two rods and two lifting platforms. The extension directions of the two rods are parallel to the extension direction of the embossing roller. The two rods abut against the transfer film and are respectively located between the fixed frame of the transfer module and the embossing platform and between the movable frame of the transfer module and the embossing platform. The two lifting platforms respectively adjust the lifting heights of the two rods, and the transfer film is stretched to generate tension by being lifted by the two rods.

[0017] In the embossing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present application, the length of each rod is greater than the width of the transfer film.

[0018] In the embossing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present application, the tension adjusting mechanism further comprises two tension sensors respectively arranged between the two rods and the two lifting platforms to detect the real-time tension of the transfer film.

[0019] Based on the above, in the embossing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present application, the lifting and pressing mechanism drives the embossing roller to move along the normal direction of the embossing platform and selectively presses the embossing roller. When the embossing roller is moved to the first position by the lifting and pressing mechanism, the lifting and pressing mechanism does not press the embossing roller, the embossing roller contacts the transfer film located on the embossing platform, and the transfer film is pressed by the weight of the embossing roller. When the embossing roller is moved to the second position by the lifting and pressing mechanism, the lifting and pressing mechanism presses the embossing roller, the embossing roller contacts the transfer film, and the transfer film is pressed by the combination of the weight of the embossing roller and the pressure of the lifting and pressing mechanism. Therefore, the embossing roller of the embossing apparatus can use more flexible and diverse embossing pressures to emboss the transfer film and the embossing platform by the lifting and pressing mechanism. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0020] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an embossing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0021] Figure 2A is Figure 1 is a perspective view of the embossing platform in the embossing apparatus and a white light interferometer;

[0022] Figure 2B is Figure 2A is a side view of

[0023] Figure 3 is Figure 1 is a partial top view of the embossing apparatus;

[0024] Figure 4A is Figure 1 partial enlarged perspective view of the embossing apparatus from another perspective;

[0025] Figure 4B is Figure 4A side view of the embossing apparatus;

[0026] Figure 5A is Figure 1 partial enlarged perspective view of the embossing apparatus from yet another perspective;

[0027] Figure 5B is Figure 1 partial enlarged perspective view of the transfer module of the embossing apparatus with the movable carriage in the second position;

[0028] Figure 5C schematic representation of the actuation between the transfer film and the embossing roller when the movable carriage of the film detachment module is actuated to flip over;

[0029] Figure 6A is a top view of an embossing apparatus according to another embodiment of the application;

[0030] Figure 6B is Figure 6A side view of the embossing apparatus;

[0031] Figure 7A is a partial view of an embossing apparatus according to another embodiment of the application;

[0032] Figure 7B is Figure 7A partial views of the embossing apparatus from different perspectives;

[0033] Figure 7C is Figure 7A partial enlarged view of the lifting and pressure application mechanism;

[0034] Figure 8A is Figure 7A partial side view of the lifting and pressure application mechanism;

[0035] Figure 8B is Figure 8A schematic representation of the lifting and pressure application mechanism in the first position;

[0036] Figure 8C is Figure 8B cross-sectional view;

[0037] Figure 8D is Figure 8A schematic representation of the lifting and pressure application mechanism in the second position;

[0038] Figure 8E is Figure 8Da cross-sectional view of the device;

[0039] Figure 9A is Figure 7A a partial view of the embossing device from a different perspective;

[0040] Figure 9B is Figure 9A a partial enlarged view of the stationary module of the device;

[0041] Figure 9C is Figure 9B an exploded view of the stationary module of the device;

[0042] Figures 10A-10D is Figure 9B a schematic view of the locking procedure of the stationary module of the device;

[0043] Figure 11 is Figure 9A a partial enlarged view of the adjustable force gauge of the device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0044] Reference will now be made in detail to the exemplary embodiments of the present application, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used in the drawings and the description to refer to the same or like parts.

[0045] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an embossing device according to an embodiment of the present application. Figure 2A is Figure 1 a perspective view of the embossing platform and the white light interferometer in the embossing device. Figure 2B is Figure 2A a side view of the device. Figure 3 is Figure 1 a partial top view of the embossing device. Figure 4A is Figure 1 a partial enlarged perspective view of the embossing device from another perspective. Figure 4B is Figure 4A a side view of the device. Figure 5A is Figure 1 a partial enlarged perspective view of the embossing device from yet another perspective. Figure 5B is Figure 1 a partial enlarged perspective view of the movable carriage of the transfer module in the embossing device in the second position. Figure 5C is a schematic view of the action between the transfer film and the embossing roller when the movable carriage of the film detachment module is actuated to flip over. For the sake of convenience in explanation, Figure 1 , Figure 3 , Figure 5A and Figure 5B are drawn in a partially transparent manner, while Figure 2A , Figure 3 , Figure 4A , Figure 5A and Figure 5BThe middle part omits some components.

[0046] Please refer to Figure 1 , Figure 2A and Figure 3 In the embodiment, the embossing device 100 comprises an embossing platform 110, an embossing roller 120, a transfer module 130 and a film separation module 140. The embossing platform 110 has a first side 112 and a second side 114 opposite to each other. The embossing roller 120 is arranged above the embossing platform 110. The transfer module 130 comprises a transfer film 132, a fixed frame 134 and a movable frame 136 clamping opposite sides of the transfer film 132. The transfer film 132 is located between the embossing roller 120 and the embossing platform 110. The fixed frame 134 is fixed beside the first side 112 of the embossing platform 110, and the movable frame 136 is arranged beside the second side 114 of the embossing platform 110. In particular, the movable frame 136 is adapted to move horizontally relative to the fixed frame 134 to change the flatness of the transfer film 132. The film separation module 140 is connected to the movable frame 136 of the transfer module 130 and is adapted to drive the movable frame 136 to flip from a first position P1 (see Figure 5A ) to a second position P2 (see Figure 5B ), so that a fillet R (see Figure 5C ) is formed between the transfer film 132 and the embossing roller 120. That is, the film separation module 140 of the embodiment can flip the transfer film 132 fixed with the movable frame 136 and change the angle, so that the structure of the embossed product will not be damaged due to improper film separation, thereby improving the embossing yield and having better operation convenience.

[0047] In detail, please refer to Figure 1 , Figure 2A and Figure 2BThe imprinting platform 110 of the present embodiment is composed of a platform 111 and a wafer 113, for example, a precision six-axis imprinting platform, but not limited thereto. The levelness between the imprinting platform 110 and the imprinting roller 120 is an important condition for imprinting a uniform depth of structure, therefore the imprinting apparatus 100 of the present embodiment further comprises two white light interferometers 150, which are arranged separately beside the first side 112 of the imprinting platform 110, to detect the height between the imprinting roller 120 and the imprinting platform 110. In detail, the present embodiment can first adjust the focal points F of the light emitted by the two white light interferometers 150 to be in a straight line with the imprinting platform 110 by means of a correction jig 10 placed on the imprinting platform 110. Then, by means of the white light interferometers 150 projecting light of different wavelengths, the levelness between the imprinting roller 120 and the imprinting platform 110 is corrected. In addition to being able to project light of different wavelengths, the white light interferometers 150 can also detect the transfer film 132 between the imprinting roller 120 and the imprinting platform 110, and can also penetrate the transfer film 132 to detect the imprinting roller 120 above. By means of the height data, the imprinting roller 120 can be adjusted to be level with the imprinting platform 110.

[0048] In short, the present embodiment takes advantage of the fact that the white light interferometers 150 can project light of different wavelengths, and can penetrate transparent objects such as the transfer film 132, to achieve the detection of the height of the imprinting platform 110 and the imprinting roller 120. The white light interferometers 150 adjust and confirm the levelness between the imprinting platform 110 and the imprinting roller 120 by means of the focal points F of the two light sources being in a straight line. The levelness of the white light interferometers 150 only needs to be adjusted once, and the levelness of the imprinting roller 120 and the imprinting platform 110 can be detected in advance before each imprinting. In addition, the precision of the white light interferometers 150 is ±0.2 microns, so the levelness error is relatively small.

[0049] Furthermore, please refer to Figure 3The transfer film 132 of the transfer module 130 of the present embodiment is clamped by the fixed frame 134 and the movable frame 136, wherein the transfer film 132 has a plurality of nano-structures thereon and is adapted to be transferred onto the imprinting platform 110 by the imprinting roller 120. The fixed frame 134 is a frame that is fixed and immovable, while the movable frame 136 is a frame that is movable relative to the fixed frame 134. In detail, the movable frame 136 of the transfer module 130 includes a first portion 136a, a second portion 136b, and a plurality of elastic members 136c. The elastic members 136c are connected between the first portion 136a and the second portion 136b separately from each other, and the opposite sides of the transfer film 132 are clamped between the fixed frame 134 and the first portion 136a of the movable frame 136. Here, the elastic members 136c are springs, but are not limited thereto. That is, the movable frame 136 of the present embodiment can be regarded as a separate clamp, wherein the tension of the elastic members 136c on the clamp can keep the transfer film 132 flat.

[0050] Please also refer to Figure 1 and Figure 3 In order to effectively and accurately detect the tension of the elastic members 136c, the imprinting apparatus 100 of the present embodiment further includes at least one sensor 160 (two sensors 160 are schematically shown) disposed beside the second portion 136b of the movable frame 136 to detect the tension value of the elastic members 136c. The sensor 160 is, for example, a tension sensor that converts a physical signal into an electrical signal by using the deformation amount of an elastic material (such as a piezoelectric material) under force to accurately measure. Here, the sensor 160 can be fastened to the bearing portion 142 of the film module 140 by a cover plate 165 to effectively detect the tension value of the elastic members 136c of the movable frame 136. The tension reaching the required value and adjusting the left and right tensions to be consistent are completely determined by the sensor 160 detecting and presenting the tension value. That is, the sensor 160 facilitates the detection and adjustment of the left and right tension of the transfer film 132 to be average, and facilitates the detection of whether the tension value is maintained at the required force during imprinting, and also can observe the tension change when the second portion 136b of the movable frame 136 is actuated relative to the first portion 136a. The sensor 160 converts an electrical signal after being subjected to force, wherein the precision of the sensor 160 reaches ±0.3% RO, so that the error of the detected tension value is small.

[0051] In short, the tension of the elastic members 136c of the movable frame 136 of the transfer module 130 of the present embodiment can keep the transfer film 132 flat, and can reach the same left and right tension and the required tension value, thereby imprinting a product with excellent structure.

[0052] Please refer to Figure 4AThe embossing apparatus 100 of the present embodiment further comprises a moving platform 171, a first pair of slide rails S1 and a moving module 170. The first pair of slide rails S1 is arranged on the moving platform 171. The moving module 170 is slidably arranged on the first pair of slide rails S1 and comprises a carrier 172 and a frame 174 arranged on the carrier 172. The frame 174 comprises two first frame portions 174a opposite to each other and a second frame portion 174b connecting the two first frame portions 174a. Each of the two first frame portions 174a has a bearing groove 175, and the two ends 122, 124 of the embossing roller 120 opposite to each other are arranged in the bearing grooves 175. In order to effectively control the depth of the product structure, the embossing apparatus 100 of the present embodiment further comprises two sensors 180, wherein each of the sensors 180 is arranged in the bearing groove 175 and located between the two ends 122, 124 of the embossing roller 120 and the bearing groove 175, so as to measure the pressure value of the embossing roller 120.

[0053] In detail, when the moving module 170 drives the embossing roller 120 to be attached to the embossing platform 110, the moving module 170 will continuously form a state in which the embossing platform 110 presses against the embossing roller 120. However, the sensors 180 arranged on the opposite sides of the embossing roller 120 will continuously move downward with the moving module 170, so that a counteracting tension is formed between the embossing roller 120 pressed against the embossing platform 110 and the sensors 180, and the counteracting tension is equal to the downward pressure of the embossing roller 120 on the embossing platform 110. Here, the sensor 180 is, for example, a tension and compression sensor, which converts the deformation amount of the elastic material (such as piezoelectric material) under force into an electrical signal for accurate measurement. That is, the sensor 180 can convert the deformation amount of the embossing roller 120 under force into an electrical signal output, effectively detect the pressure value of the embossing roller 120 and facilitate adjustment of the downward pressure of the embossing roller 120, so as to control the depth of the product structure.

[0054] In short, the arrangement of the sensors 180 can facilitate detection of the downward pressure value of the embossing roller 120 during embossing and identification of whether the left and right forces of the embossing roller 120 are even. Furthermore, through the arrangement of the sensors 180, the downward pressure of the embossing roller 120 can be adjusted, and thus the embossing depth of the product can be controlled. In addition, the sensor 180 converts the electrical signal output after being subjected to force, and the precision can reach ±0.3%, so that the error of the detected force value is small.

[0055] Please refer to Figure 4A and Figure 4B, in order to further adjust the pressing force of the impression roller 120, the impression apparatus 100 of the present embodiment further comprises a second pair of slide rails S2 and an adjustable lead screw 185. The moving module 170 further comprises a support plate 176 disposed on the carrier 172, and the second pair of slide rails S2 is disposed on the support plate 176, and the second frame portion 174b is slidably disposed on the second pair of slide rails S2. The extension direction of the first pair of slide rails S1 is perpendicular to the extension direction of the second pair of slide rails S2. The adjustable lead screw 185 is connected to the second frame portion 174b, used to adjust the height difference between the frame 174 and the carrier 172. Furthermore, the impression apparatus 100 further comprises a plurality of elastic members 187, which are disposed between the two first frame portions 174a of the frame 174 and the carrier 172, respectively. Here, the impression platform 110 and the moving platform 171 have a spacing D, and the elastic member 187 is, for example, a compression spring, but is not limited thereto.

[0056] In detail, the pressing force of the impression roller 120 is an important parameter for the product microstructure during nanoimprinting. The moving module 170 of the present embodiment can control the rising or falling of the impression roller 120 through the adjustable lead screw 185, thereby adjusting the pressing force of the impression roller 120 on the impression platform 110. The size of the impression force determines the depth of the product microstructure, and sufficient pressing force can drive the bubbles inside the glue material to the outside of the product, so that the microstructure of the impression is not affected by the bubbles, thereby improving the product yield. That is, the present embodiment adjusts the size of the pressing force of the impression roller 120 on the impression platform 110 by using the rising or falling of the adjustable lead screw 185, and moves the moving module 170 by the first pair of slide rails S1 to complete the impression action. Here, the adjustable lead screw 185 can achieve a small adjustment of 10 microns up and down, thereby precisely controlling the pressing force of the impression roller 120. In addition, the elastic member 187 is arranged to support the cantilever deformation of the impression roller 120, and can adjust the damping force of the adjustable lead screw 185. In short, the impression roller 120 can adjust the pressing force of the impression roller 120 by the rising or falling of the adjustable lead screw 185, thereby controlling the size of the force during impression, and sufficient pressing force can solve the problem of bubble residue.

[0057] In addition, please refer to Figure 5AThe imprinting apparatus 100 of the present embodiment further comprises a pair of slide rails S disposed beside the third side 116 and the fourth side 118 opposite to each other of the imprinting platform 110, and the film separating module 140 is slidably disposed on the pair of slide rails S. The film separating module 140 of the present embodiment comprises a supporting portion 142 and a flipping mechanism 144. The movable frame 136 of the transfer module 130 is assembled on the supporting portion 142. The flipping mechanism 144 comprises two adjustable body portions 144a and two pivot portions 144b respectively connecting the two adjustable body portions 144a. The pivot portions 144b are respectively connected to two side edges of the supporting portion 142 opposite to each other, and the two adjustable body portions 144a are adapted to slide along the pair of slide rails S in a first direction D1 and to move along a second direction D2 perpendicular to the first direction D1 to adjust the distance between the transfer film 132 and the imprinting platform 110.

[0058] In detail, please refer to Figure 5A When the transfer film 132 after imprinting needs to be separated from the film, at this time, the movable frame 136 connected to the supporting portion 142 of the film separating module 140 is located at the first position P1. Then, please refer to Figure 5B and Figure 5C The flipping mechanism 144 of the film separating module 140 drives the movable frame 136 and the transfer film 132 fixed to the movable frame 136 to flip to form a round corner R between the transfer film 132 and the imprinting roller 120, and the movable frame 136 is located at the second position P2. At this time, the imprinting roller 120 and the flipping mechanism 144 move at the same speed to the left (i.e. to the first side 112 of the imprinting platform 110), and the round corner R can eliminate the pulling force when the transfer film 132 is separated from the product 20, so that the structure of the transfer film 132 and the product 20 can be smoothly separated. That is, the imprinting apparatus 100 of the present embodiment comprises a movable frame 136 that can freely bend, a film separating module 140 that rotates and bends the transfer film 132 and adjusts the angle / height to separate between the transfer film 132 and the product 20, and an imprinting roller 120, the continuous peeling of the round corner R of the imprinting roller 120 prevents damage to the imprinted product 20 caused by violent pulling, thereby improving the yield of imprinting. That is, the present embodiment can perform various film separating actions by the mechanism design of the film separating module 140, thereby adjusting to the most suitable film separating angle, avoiding the improper damage of the product microstructure by the transfer film 132, and improving the yield of the product. In addition, the film separating module 140 of the present embodiment can present multi-angle changes by flipping the transfer film 132, and the flipping mechanism 144 can be moved in the second direction D2 to slightly adjust the distance between the transfer film 132 and the imprinting platform 110, that is, the flipping mechanism 144 can be raised in height to adjust various film separating actions. Therefore, the structure of the imprinted product is not damaged due to improper film separation, thereby improving the yield of imprinting.

[0059] In short, the film separating module 140 of the present embodiment can flip and change the angle of the transfer mold 132 fixed on the movable frame 136, so as to adjust the film separating angle to the most suitable one, so that the product structure after embossing will not be damaged due to improper film separation, thereby improving the embossing yield and having better operation convenience. Furthermore, the present embodiment can achieve the precise levelness between the embossing platform 110 and the embossing roller 120 by the white light interferometer 150. The sensor 160 can accurately detect the tension of the elastic member 136c of the movable frame 136 of the transfer mold module 130, and the sensor 180 can effectively detect the pressure value of the embossing roller 120, so as to adjust the pressure of the embossing roller 120, thereby controlling the depth of the product structure. In addition, the embossing roller 120 can also adjust the pressure of the embossing roller 120 by the upward or downward movement of the adjustable lead screw 185, so as to control the embossing force and have sufficient pressure to solve the problem of bubble residue. In other words, the present embodiment optimizes the embossing and film separating actions of the embossing apparatus 100, thereby improving the embossing yield and operation convenience of the embossing apparatus 100. In addition, through the above mechanical design, the embossing apparatus 100 of the present embodiment can adjust the separation of the film with high degree of freedom, and find the most suitable peeling method for the product 20 and the transfer film 132. Furthermore, the multi-axis structure facilitates detailed testing and fine adjustment, prevents the embossed product 20 from being damaged due to improper single film separation, and improves the yield of the product.

[0060] It should be noted that the following embodiments use the component numbers and some contents of the previous embodiments, in which the same numbers are used to represent the same or similar components, and the description of the same technical contents is omitted. The description of the omitted parts can be referred to the previous embodiments, which will not be repeated hereinafter.

[0061] Figure 6A is a top view of an embossing apparatus according to another embodiment of the present application. Figure 6B is Figure 6A is a side view of the embossing apparatus of Figure 6A and Figure 6B only shows some components schematically, and the omitted parts can be referred to the related drawings of the previous embodiments. Please refer to Figure 3 , Figure 6A and Figure 6BThe printing apparatus 100a of this embodiment is similar to the printing apparatus 100 described above, except that the printing apparatus 100a of this embodiment further includes a tension adjustment mechanism 190, which includes two rods 192 and two lifting platforms 194. The extending direction of the two rods 192 is parallel to the extending direction of the printing roller 120. The two rods 192 abut against the transfer film 132 and are respectively located between the fixed frame 134 of the transfer module 130 and the printing platform 110, and between the first part 136a of the movable frame 136 of the transfer module 130 and the printing platform 110. The two lifting platforms 194 adjust the lifting height of the two rods 192 respectively, and the transfer film 132 is stretched open by the lifting of the two rods 192 to generate tension. In other words, the longitudinal front and rear rods 192 can be lifted by the lifting platform 194 (e.g., an electric cylinder) to make the transfer film 132 taut and generate tension, and the tension of the transfer film 132 can be independently adjusted by the lifting height of the rods 192.

[0062] Furthermore, the tension adjustment mechanism 190 of this embodiment also includes two tension sensors 196, which are respectively disposed between the two rods 192 and the two lifting platforms 194, and can be used to detect the real-time tension of the transfer film 132. Preferably, in this embodiment, the length L of each rod 192 is greater than the width W of the transfer film 132. Since the length L of the rod 192 in this embodiment is greater than the width W of the transfer film 132, and the rod 192 abuts against the transfer film 132 to form a straight and uniform tension, the tension can be uniformly transmitted to the lateral edge of the transfer film 132 (i.e., Figure 6A (The direction of the arrow in the image).

[0063] In short, the tension adjustment mechanism 190 of this embodiment works by installing two rods 192 longitudinally and longitudinally on the transfer film 132. The lifting of the rods 192 expands the transfer film, generating tension. Tension sensors 196 can be installed below the rods 192 to detect the real-time tension of the transfer film 132 and adjust the tightness (i.e., tension) according to the lifting and lowering amplitude of the rods 192. Furthermore, since each rod 192 is connected to a corresponding lifting platform 194, the longitudinal edge of the transfer film 132 can be independently adjusted. In addition, the length L of each rod 192 is greater than the width W of the transfer film 132; therefore, when the rods 192 expand the transfer film 132 in a straight line, a straight line of tension is evenly distributed along the transverse edge of the transfer film 132.

[0064] Figure 7A This is a partial schematic diagram of an embossing apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7B yes Figure 7A Partial schematic diagrams of the embossing equipment from different perspectives. Figure 7C yes Figure 7A A partial enlarged view of the lifting and pressurizing mechanism.

[0065] Referring to Figures 7A-7C , the embossing apparatus 100b of the present embodiment includes an embossing platform 110 Figure 7B , an embossing roller 120, a transfer module 130 Figure 7B , and at least one lifting and pressurizing mechanism 200. As shown in Figure 7B , the embossing roller 120 is disposed on the embossing platform 110. The transfer module 130 includes a transfer film 132, and the transfer film 132 is located between the embossing roller 120 and the embossing platform 110.

[0066] In the present embodiment, the number of the at least one lifting and pressurizing mechanism 200 is two, and the two lifting and pressurizing mechanisms 200 are located at the two ends 122, 124 of the embossing roller 120 so as to be connected with the embossing roller 120. That is, the lifting and pressurizing mechanism 200 drives the embossing roller 120 to move along the normal direction D3 of the embossing platform 110, and selectively pressurizes the embossing roller 120. The two lifting and pressurizing mechanisms 200 of the present embodiment are the same, and therefore the following description only refers to one lifting and pressurizing mechanism 200.

[0067] Specifically, as shown in Figure 7C , the lifting and pressurizing mechanism 200 of the present embodiment includes a driving source 201, a base 202, and a holder 206, the base 202 is connected to the driving source 201, the holder 206 is disposed at the end 122 Figure 8C of the embossing roller 120 and located in the base 202. The base 202 includes a lower part 203, an upper part 204, and a guide column 205, the guide column 205 is located between and connected to the lower part 203 and the upper part 204, the guide column 205 extends along the normal direction D3, and the holder 206 is slidably disposed on the guide column 205. A spring 210 is sleeved on the guide column 205 and pressurizes the holder 206 to stabilize the movement of the holder 206.

[0068] Figure 8A is a partial side view of the lifting and pressurizing mechanism of Figure 7A . Referring to Figure 8A , the embossing roller 120 (dashed line) is located on the transfer film 132, the transfer film 132 is located on the embossing platform 110 Figure 7B , and the embossing roller 120 has not yet contacted the transfer film 132.

[0069] Figure 8B is a schematic view of the lifting and pressurizing mechanism of Figure 8A located at the first position. Figure 8C is a sectional view of Figure 8B . Referring to Figure 8B and Figure 8CWhen the imprinting roller 120 moves downward to the first position via the lifting and pressing mechanism 200, the imprinting roller 120 contacts the transfer film 132 located on the imprinting platform 110.

[0070] like Figure 8C As shown, the lifting and pressurizing mechanism 200 also includes a pressure sensor 207, which is fixed to the upper part 204 of the base 202 and located between the upper part 204 of the base 202 and the holder 206. When the impression roller 120 is in the first position, the holder 206 contacts the lower part 203 of the base 202, and a gap G1 is formed between the holder 206 and the pressure sensor 207. That is, in the first position, the upper part 204 of the base 202 of the lifting and pressurizing mechanism 200 does not pressurize the impression roller 120 through the pressure sensor 207. The impression roller 120 is naturally placed on the transfer film 132 and the impression platform 110, and pressurizes the transfer film 132 and the impression platform 110 only by or mainly by the weight of the impression roller 120 itself. Because the pressure sensor 207 is not pressurized, the value detected by the pressure sensor 207 is zero.

[0071] In this embodiment, the gap G1 between the holder 206 and the pressure sensor 207 provides space for the impression roller 120 to move upward. Therefore, the position of the impression roller 120 along the normal direction D3 can be adjusted according to the shape of the impression platform 110, so that the transfer film 132 and the impression platform 110 can be uniformly pressurized by the impression roller 120.

[0072] Figure 8D yes Figure 8A A schematic diagram of the lifting and pressurizing mechanism in the second position. Figure 8E yes Figure 8D A cross-sectional view. Please refer to... Figure 8D and Figure 8E When the weight applied to the transfer film 132 and the impression roller 120 on the impression platform 110 is insufficient, the impression roller 120 selectively moves downward to a second position via the lifting and pressing mechanism 200. In the second position, the upper part 204 of the base 202 of the lifting and pressing mechanism 200 applies pressure to the impression roller 120 via the pressure sensor 207. Figure 8E As shown, the pressure sensor 207 contacts and pressurizes the retainer 206, causing the value detected by the pressure sensor 207 to be non-zero. A gap G2 is formed between the lower part 203 of the base 202 and the retainer 206.

[0073] In other words, when the impression roller 120 is in the second position, the upper part 204 of the base 202 of the lifting and pressing mechanism 200 presses the impression roller 120, so that the transfer film 132 and the impression platform 110 are pressurized by the combination of the weight of the impression roller 120 and the pressure of the lifting and pressing mechanism 200.

[0074] Therefore, the imprinting roller 120 in this embodiment can provide more flexible and diverse imprinting pressure to the transfer film 132 and the imprinting platform 110 through the lifting and pressing mechanism 200.

[0075] Please return Figure 7A The lifting and pressurizing mechanism 200 in this embodiment also includes two levelness detectors 208, located at both ends 122 and 124 of the impression roller 120. The two levelness detectors 208 are used to measure the levelness of the impression roller 120. Figure 7C As shown, screw 209 rests against level sensor 208 and the upper part 204 of base 202, such that the surface of screw 209 contacting level sensor 208 forms a reference surface for level sensor 208. Furthermore, level sensor 208 contacts ends 122 and 124 of impression roller 120 to obtain height information of ends 122 and 124 of impression roller 120, thereby obtaining the levelness of impression roller 120.

[0076] Figure 9A yes Figure 7A Partial schematic diagrams of the embossing equipment from different perspectives. Figure 9B yes Figure 9A A partially enlarged view of the fixed module. Please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 9A and Figure 9B The imprinting apparatus 100b also includes a release module 140b and a fixing module 220. The transfer module 130 includes a frame 138, on which the transfer film 132 is disposed. The frame 138 may be the second part 136b of the transfer module 130, but the type of frame 138 is not limited thereto. The frame 138 is detachably disposed on the release module 140b via the fixing module 220. In this embodiment, the fixing module 220 is a tool-free module with rapid assembly and release functions, which will be described in detail below.

[0077] Figure 9C yes Figure 9B An exploded view of the fixed module. Please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 9C The fixing module 220 includes a first fixing member 221, a second fixing member 230, a first rotating member 240, and a second rotating member 250. The first fixing member 221 is fixed to the release module 140b, the second fixing member 230 is fixed to the frame 138, the first rotating member 240 passes through the first hole 146 of the release module 140b and is located on the side of the first fixing member 221, and the second rotating member 250 passes through the first fixing member 221 and is located between the first rotating member 240 and the second fixing member 230.

[0078] The first rotating member 240 of the present embodiment includes a knob 242, a first body 244, and a first blocking member 248. The knob 242 is exposed outside the membrane module 140b, the first body 244 has a groove 246, and the first blocking member 248 extends from the first body 244 in a direction away from the knob 242. The first body 244 passes through the first hole 146 of the membrane module 140b.

[0079] The first fixed member 221 includes a second body 222, a second hole 224, and a second blocking member 225. The second hole 224 is formed on the second body 222 and corresponds to the first hole 146, and the second blocking member 225 protrudes from a surface 223 of the second body 222 toward the first rotating member 240.

[0080] The second rotating member 250 includes a third body 251, a protrusion 254, and a locking portion 255. The third body 251 passes through the second hole 224 of the first fixed member 221 and has a first side 252 and a second side 253, the first side 252 being close to the first rotating member 240, and the second side 253 being close to the second fixed member 230. The protrusion 254 is located on an outer surface of the third body 251, and the protrusion 254 is adjacent to the first side 252 and is inserted into the groove 246 of the first rotating member 240. Therefore, due to the engagement of the groove 246 and the protrusion 254, the second rotating member 250 can rotate together with the first rotating member 240. In addition, the locking portion 255 is located on the second side 253 of the third body 251.

[0081] The second fixed member 230 includes an inner space 232 and a positioning hole 234, and the positioning hole 234 communicates with the inner space 232.

[0082] Figures 10A-10D is Figure 9B a schematic diagram of the locking process of the fixed module. Please refer to Figure 10A When the first rotating member 240 is located at the initial position, the first blocking member 248 of the first rotating member 240 is aligned with the second blocking member 225 of the first fixed member 221, so that the movement of the first rotating member 240 toward the first fixed member 221 is limited by the second blocking member 225. Therefore, the first rotating member 240 cannot be pushed toward the first fixed member 221.

[0083] In addition, in Figure 10A , the locking portion 255 of the second rotating member 250 extends in the vertical direction, and the positioning hole 234 of the second fixed member 230 extends in the horizontal direction. That is, the locking portion 255 of the second rotating member 250 is not yet aligned with the positioning hole 234 of the second fixed member 230.

[0084] Please refer to Figure 10BWhen the first rotating member 240 is rotated to the position where the first blocking member 248 is misaligned with the second blocking member 225, the first rotating member 240 is adapted to move towards the surface 223 of the second main body 222. In Figure 10B , the second rotating member 250 is rotated to extend the locking portion 255 of the second rotating member 250 in the horizontal direction. The locking portion 255 of the second rotating member 250 is aligned with the positioning hole 234 of the second fixing member 230.

[0085] Referring to Figure 10C , when the first rotating member 240 moves towards the surface 223 of the second main body 222, the second rotating member 250 is pushed by the first rotating member 240 to make the locking portion 255 of the second rotating member 250 pass through the positioning hole 234 and enter the internal space 232 of the second fixing member 230.

[0086] Referring to Figure 10D , by rotating the knob 242 to rotate the locking portion 255 of the second rotating member 250 to the position misaligned with the positioning hole 234, the frame 138 is locked to the membrane module 140b. Therefore, the frame 138 can be quickly and conveniently detachably arranged on the membrane module 140b by the fixing module 220.

[0087] In addition, as shown in Figure 9C , the fixing module 220 further comprises an elastic member 260, which is sleeved on the third main body 251 and arranged between the locking portion 255 and the first main body 244. The elastic member 260 is used to reset the first rotating member 240 and the second rotating member 250 from the position of Figure 10C to the position of Figure 10B . Therefore, when it is needed to detach the frame 138 from the membrane module 140b, the user only needs to rotate the first rotating member 240 from the position of Figure 10D to the position of Figure 10C , and the first rotating member 240 and the second rotating member 250 can be automatically reset from the position of Figure 10C to the position of Figure 10B , so as to unlock the frame 138 from the membrane module 140b.

[0088] Figure 11 is a partial enlarged view of the adjustable force measuring device of Figure 9A . Referring to Figure 9A and Figure 11The embossing apparatus 100b of the present embodiment further includes a plurality of adjustable load cells 270 disposed on the side of the transfer film 132. The number of the adjustable load cells 270 of the present embodiment is two, but is not limited thereto. The adjustable load cells 270 are used to detect the tension of the transfer film 132, and the values measured by the adjustable load cells 270 can be manually corrected using a tool, such as a hexagonal wrench 274. Figure 11

[0089] Specifically, the size of the gap G3 between the adjustable load cell 270 and the movable plate 272 can be adjusted by the hexagonal wrench 274. Thus, the values measured by the adjustable load cells 270 can be corrected and become similar to each other. The overall tension of the transfer film 132 can be adjusted later to make the values measured by the adjustable load cells 270 more consistent.

[0090] In summary, in the embossing apparatus of the present application, the lift press mechanism drives the embossing roller to move in the normal direction of the embossing platform and selectively pressurizes the embossing roller. When the embossing roller is moved to the first position by the lift press mechanism, the lift press mechanism does not pressurize the embossing roller, the embossing roller contacts the transfer film located on the embossing platform, and the transfer film is pressurized by the weight of the embossing roller. When the embossing roller is moved to the second position by the lift press mechanism, the lift press mechanism pressurizes the embossing roller, the embossing roller contacts the transfer film, and the transfer film is pressurized by the combination of the weight of the embossing roller and the pressure of the lift press mechanism. Thus, the embossing roller of the embossing apparatus can emboss the transfer film and the embossing platform using more flexible and diverse pressures by the lift press mechanism.

[0091] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present application, rather than limit them; although the present application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that they can still modify the technical solutions recorded in the foregoing embodiments, or make equivalent replacements for part or all of the technical features; and these modifications or replacements do not make the essence of the corresponding technical solutions deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application.​

Claims

1. An embossing device, characterized in that, include: Imprinting platform; An impression roller is disposed on the impression platform; A transfer module includes a transfer film, wherein the transfer film is located between the impression roller and the impression platform; as well as A lifting and pressurizing mechanism is linked to the impression roller, wherein the lifting and pressurizing mechanism drives the impression roller to move along the normal direction of the impression platform and selectively applies pressure to the impression roller. When the impression roller moves to the first position via the lifting and pressurizing mechanism, the lifting and pressurizing mechanism does not apply pressure to the impression roller. The impression roller contacts the transfer film located on the impression platform, and the weight of the impression roller applies pressure to the transfer film. When the impression roller moves to the second position via the lifting and pressurizing mechanism, the lifting and pressurizing mechanism applies pressure to the impression roller, causing the impression roller to contact the transfer film. The weight of the impression roller combined with the pressure from the lifting and pressurizing mechanism applies pressure to the transfer film. The lifting and pressurizing mechanism includes a drive source, a base, and a retainer. The base is connected to the drive source, and the retainer is disposed at the end of the impression roller and located within the base. The base includes a lower part, an upper part, and a guide post. The guide post is located between and connected to the lower and upper parts, and extends along the normal direction. The retainer is slidably disposed on the guide post. The lifting and pressurizing mechanism also includes a pressure sensor, which is fixed to the upper part of the base and located between the upper part of the base and the retainer. When the imprinting roller is in the first position, the retainer contacts the lower part of the base and forms a gap between the retainer and the pressure sensor. When the imprinting roller is in the second position, the retainer contacts the pressure sensor and applies pressure to the pressure sensor.

2. The imprinting equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The lifting and pressurizing mechanism includes two levelness detectors located at both ends of the imprinting roller.

3. The imprinting equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a film release module and a fixing module, wherein the transfer module includes a frame, the transfer film is disposed on the frame, and the frame is detachably disposed on the film release module via the fixing module.

4. The embossing equipment according to claim 3, characterized in that, The fixing module includes a first fixing member, a second fixing member, a first rotating member, and a second rotating member. The first fixing member is fixed to the membrane release module, the second fixing member is fixed to the frame, the first rotating member passes through a first hole in the membrane release module and is located on the side of the first fixing member, and the second rotating member passes through the first fixing member and is located between the first rotating member and the second fixing member.

5. The embossing apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first rotating component includes a knob, a first body, and a first blocking component. The knob is exposed outside the membrane release module. The first body has a groove. The first blocking component extends from the first body in a direction away from the knob. The first body passes through the first hole of the membrane release module.

6. The embossing apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that, The first fixing member includes a second body, a second hole, and a second blocking member. The second hole is formed on the second body and corresponds to the first hole. The second blocking member protrudes from the surface of the second body toward the first rotating member. When the first rotating member is in the initial position, the first blocking member of the first rotating member is aligned with the second blocking member of the first fixed member, such that the movement of the first rotating member toward the first fixed member is restricted by the second blocking member. When the first rotating member rotates to a position where the first blocking member and the second blocking member are misaligned, the first rotating member is adapted to move toward the surface of the second body.

7. The embossing apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that, The second rotating member includes a third body, a protrusion, and a locking part. The third body passes through the second hole of the first fixing member and has a first side and a second side. The first side is close to the first rotating member, and the second side is close to the second fixing member. The protrusion is located on the outer surface of the third body. The protrusion is adjacent to the first side and inserted into the groove of the first rotating member. The locking part is located on the second side.

8. The embossing apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that, The second fixing component includes an internal space and a positioning hole, wherein the positioning hole communicates with the internal space. When the first rotating member moves toward the surface of the second body, the second rotating member is pushed by the first rotating member, causing the locking part of the second rotating member to pass through the positioning hole and enter the internal space of the second fixing member. Then, by rotating the knob, the locking part of the second rotating member is rotated to a position that is offset from the positioning hole, so that the frame is locked to the membrane module.

9. The embossing apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that, The fixing module also includes an elastic member, which is sleeved on the third body and disposed between the locking part and the first body.

10. The embossing apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that, It also includes multiple adjustable force gauges, which are disposed on the side of the transfer film.

11. The embossing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes The tension adjustment mechanism includes two rods and two lifting platforms. The extension direction of the two rods is parallel to the extension direction of the impression roller. The two rods abut against the transfer film and are respectively located between the fixed frame of the transfer module and the impression platform, and between the movable frame of the transfer module and the impression platform. The two lifting platforms adjust the lifting height of the two rods respectively, and the transfer film is stretched open by the lifting of the two rods to generate tension.

12. The embossing apparatus according to claim 11, characterized in that, The length of each of the rods is greater than the width of the transfer film.

13. The imprinting apparatus according to claim 11, characterized in that, The tension adjustment mechanism also includes two tension sensors, which are respectively disposed between the two rods and the two lifting platforms to detect the real-time tension of the transfer film.

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