Pressing module, sheet imprinting system and sheet imprinting method

Abstract

A pressing module, a sheet embossing system employing the pressing module, and a sheet embossing method are provided. The pressing module includes a hot plate module that presses against a hydrostatic plate. The hot plate has a patterned die and is configured to be heated and cooled very rapidly, and the hydrostatic plate is configured to ensure that the pressed sheet is flat during embossing. The embossing system and method continuously feed strip between rollers in successive steps, while discretely delivering strip segments as sheets for embossing. Rapid heating and cooling of the hot plate is achieved by selecting a thermally conductive material with low heat capacity and by supplying hot water, then cold water, through numerous channels traversing the hot plate material. Sheet control is achieved by controllably venting air and by the planar orientation of the sheet supported by the hydrostatic plate. This system provides rapid and accurate sheet embossing.

Description

Background of the Invention 1. Technical Field

[0002] This invention relates to the field of pattern transfer printing (PTP), and more specifically, to equipment and processes for producing pattern transfer sheets. 2. Background Technology

[0004] Imprinting is a known technique for creating patterns in plastic materials, in which the plastic (polymer) material is softened by heating and then pressed against a mold having a predefined pattern. Pattern protrusions penetrate the heated and softened polymer under pressure, and during a holding time, the polymer replicates the pattern from the mold. The polymer is then cooled, and the mold is removed from the polymer.

[0005] Two main types of embossing machines are (i) rotary embossing machines, in which the die is a roller and the polymer film moves continuously via a roller-to-roll system. Output is very high, but the dwell time (the time of thermal contact between the roller and the film) is short, so this type is typically used to produce low aspect ratio morphology patterns without sharp corners; and (ii) flatbed embossing machines, in which the die and press are flat, and the material being embossed is typically a single polymer sheet. Dwell time is unlimited, so high aspect ratio patterns with sharp corners can be produced, but output is generally lower. Examples of flatbed embossing machines are provided, for example, in WIPO Publication No. 2015 / 197415 and in European Patent No. 3,056,329, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2009 / 0068306, and U.S. Patent No. 8,235,697, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The following is a brief overview to provide a preliminary understanding of the invention. This overview does not necessarily identify key elements, nor does it limit the scope of the invention, but is only intended to introduce the following description.

[0007] One aspect of the present invention provides a pressing module in a sheet embossing system, the pressing module comprising: a hot plate module including a hot plate having a plurality of drilled holes that laterally pass through the hot plate and are in fluid communication with a water supply for hot and cold water, wherein a contact side of the hot plate includes a mold with patterned protrusions; and a hydrostatic plate including a flexible top cover configured to support a sheet when pressed against the patterned mold of the hot plate, wherein embossing of the sheet is performed by continuously heating and cooling the hot plate by continuously introducing hot water, and then cold water, through the hot plate when the hot plate module is pressed against the hydrostatic plate, wherein when the sheet is enclosed between the hot plate and the hydrostatic plate, the space surrounding the sheet is sealed by a seal attached to the hydrostatic plate, air in the sealed space is expelled, and the flexible top cover is flattened to enable controlled embossing of the sheet through the patterned protrusions.

[0008] One aspect of the present invention provides a sheet embossing system comprising: (i) a pressing module comprising: a hot plate module including a hot plate having a plurality of drilled holes that laterally pass through the hot plate and are in fluid communication with a hot water and a cold water supply, wherein a contact side of the hot plate includes a mold having patterned protrusions; and a hydrostatic plate including a flexible top cover configured to support a sheet when pressed against the patterned mold of the hot plate, wherein embossing of the sheet is performed by continuously heating and cooling the hot plate by continuously introducing hot water and then cold water through the hot plate when the hot plate module presses against the hydrostatic plate, wherein when the sheet is enclosed in the hot plate and the hydrostatic plate... When the sheets are between the plates, the space surrounding the sheet is sealed by a seal attached to a hydrostatic plate, air in the sealed space is expelled, and a flexible top cover is flattened to allow controlled imprinting of the sheet through patterned protrusions; and a piston configured to press the plates together to enclose the sheet between the plates and imprint the sheet, and to continuously move the plates apart to release the sheet; and (ii) a sheet delivery system comprising: an unwinding roller with an associated unwinding float, a rewinding roller with an associated rewinding float, and a feeder module, wherein the sheet delivery system is configured to continuously deliver the strip from the unwinding roller to the rewinding roller while continuously and stepwise delivering the sheet of strip for imprinting to the pressing module.

[0009] One aspect of the present invention provides a sheet embossing method comprising: pressing a sheet located on a strip between a hot plate and a hydrostatic plate to form a pattern on the sheet by means of a mold having patterned protrusions on the hot plate, wherein pressing comprises: sealing the sheet between the hot plate and the hydrostatic plate to form a sealed space and venting air from the sealed space, pressing a curved top cover of the hydrostatic plate to flatten and support the sheet, and heating and cooling the hot plate by continuously introducing hot water and then cold water through the hot plate—thereby embossing the sheet.

[0010] These, additional and / or other aspects and / or advantages of the invention are set forth in the following detailed description; may be inferred from the detailed description; and / or can be learned by practice of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0011] To better understand embodiments of the invention and to illustrate how embodiments of the invention can be implemented, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings by way of example only, in which the same reference numerals always indicate corresponding elements or parts.

[0012] In the attached diagram:

[0013] Figure 1 This is a high-level schematic diagram of a pressing module in a sheet imprinting system according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0014] Figure 2 This is a high-level schematic perspective view of a pressing module according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0015] Figures 3A to 3E This is a high-level schematic diagram of a hot plate according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0016] Figure 4 This is a high-level schematic top perspective view of a hydrostatic plate according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0017] Figures 5A to 5D as well as Figure 6 A sheet imprinting method according to some embodiments of the present invention is illustrated schematically.

[0018] Figure 7 This is a high-level schematic diagram of a sheet delivery system in a sheet imprinting system according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0019] Figures 8A to 8D The operation of a sheet delivery system according to some embodiments of the present invention is illustrated schematically.

[0020] Figure 9This is a high-level schematic cross-sectional view of a pattern transfer sheet according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 10 This is a high-level block diagram of an exemplary controller that can be used with embodiments of the present invention.

[0022] It will be understood that, for the sake of brevity and clarity, the elements shown in the accompanying drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some elements may be enlarged relative to others for clarity. Furthermore, reference numerals may be repeated in the drawings where deemed appropriate to indicate corresponding or similar elements. Detailed Implementation

[0023] In the following description, various aspects of the invention are described. Specific configurations and details are set forth for illustrative purposes in order to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the invention can be practiced without the specific details presented herein. Furthermore, well-known features may have been omitted or simplified so as not to obscure the invention. Referring specifically to the accompanying drawings, it is emphasized that the details shown are by way of example and are used only for the purpose of illustrative discussion of the invention, and are presented to provide the most useful and readily understood description of what is considered to be the principles and concepts of the invention. In this regard, no attempt has been made to show the structural details of the invention in more detail than necessary for a basic understanding of the invention; the description taken in conjunction with the drawings makes it apparent to those skilled in the art how several forms of the invention can be practiced.

[0024] Before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it should be understood that the invention, in its application, is not limited to the details of the construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or shown in the drawings. The invention is applicable to other embodiments that can be practiced or performed in various ways, as well as combinations of the disclosed embodiments. Furthermore, it should be understood that the wording and terminology used herein are for descriptive purposes and should not be considered limiting.

[0025] Embodiments of the present invention provide efficient and economical methods and mechanisms for providing embossing sheets, such as embossing sheets for pattern transfer sheets used in pattern transfer (PTP) systems, and thereby provide improvements to the technical field of producing photovoltaic (PV) solar cells and printed circuits for a wide range of applications.

[0026] A pressing module, a sheet embossing system employing the pressing module, and a sheet embossing method are provided. The pressing module includes a hot plate module with a thin metal die having the desired pattern disposed on its contact side, the thin metal die pressing against a hydrostatic plate. The hot plate is configured to heat and cool very rapidly (at least on its contact side), and the hydrostatic plate is configured to ensure that the pressed sheet is flat during embossing. The embossing system and method continuously feed strip between rollers in successive steps, while discretely delivering strip segments as sheets for embossing. Rapid heating and cooling of the hot plate is achieved by selecting a relatively thin metal plate as the contact side, the metal plate being made of a thermally conductive material with low heat capacity; and delivering hot water, then cold water, through a plurality of generally parallel tubular channels in the plate, the tubular channels traversing the hot plate material. Flatness of the sheet over the entire area is achieved by controlled air venting and by supporting the planar orientation of the sheet by the hydrostatic plate. The system provides rapid and accurate sheet embossing.

[0027] The disclosed embodiments provide a roll-to-roll embossing machine that combines very high-volume roll-to-roll strip (strip) processing with planar embossing features featuring high aspect ratios and clear pattern characteristics. As disclosed herein, to prevent overheating areas between adjacent embossing sections (sheets), the hot plate is configured to avoid heating adjacent strip sections of the embossed sheet by maintaining cold edges. As disclosed herein, the structure of the hot plate, and the continuous supply of hot water, followed by cold water, achieves a high degree of uniformity in heating and cooling the hot plate over the entire section area (sheet). Specifically, the hot plate may comprise a transversely perforated metal plate having a plurality of internal tubular channels through which pressurized hot water is supplied for heating the plate, and pressurized cold water is supplied for cooling the plate. The numerous, evenly distributed channels along the plate—which occupy a large portion of the plate volume—enable uniform heating and cooling over the plate area. At least the machine-oriented (MD) end of the hot plate can be maintained under a thermal gradient that reduces the high temperature within the plate to a much lower temperature at the ends of the plate, thus preventing heating beyond the strip section (sheet) during imprinting. The hot plate can be made of a special metal alloy, such as W-Cu alloy, which has high thermal conductivity and low specific heat capacity, enabling rapid heating and cooling to a predetermined temperature and high temperature uniformity across the entire plate area.

[0028] The pressing structure is designed to maintain pressure uniformity over large sections (sheets) by overcoming the challenges of existing mechanical tolerances in the press itself, the top heating plate, and the bottom plate. This provides near-zero pressure non-uniformity for a given practical mechanical tolerance and prevents air bubbles from forming during rapid press closure—avoiding defects in the pressed sheet. The bottom plate can be designed as a hydrostatic plate, with its internal volume filled with oil under controlled pressure, while the top cover of the plate is a relatively thin, flexible metal sheet. The top cover can be slightly bent (raised) to ensure air is expelled from the gap during press closure.

[0029] After sealing the gap between the top hot plate and the bottom hydrostatic plate containing the polymer strip sheet, the press applies a predetermined high pressure to the assembly. If any localized non-planarity exists in the contact area, the top cap of the hydrostatic plate will bend, and the localized pressure will remain uniform across the entire sheet (segment) area, regardless of the non-planarity of the included components or its underlying cause. A sealing strip is installed along the periphery of the bottom plate to seal the space between the plates, and inside the bottom plate, at least one vacuum valve connected to a vacuum pump evacuates air from the sealed space to prevent bubble formation—the vacuum pump is applied before applying high pressure once the gap between the top and bottom plates is closed and sealed—the vacuum pump removes any residual (trapped) air from the gap to eliminate any bubbles in the contact area.

[0030] The pressing module and sheet imprinting system are designed to maintain high throughput while ensuring high imprinting quality, which can be defined by the uniformity of the imprinted pattern across the entire sheet area (e.g., tolerance of imprinted groove depth < ±0.5 μm) and the sharpness of the pattern corners (e.g., outer corner radius < ±0.5 μm). Specifically, the following cycle steps have been optimized, and the duration of each cycle step has been minimized (and monitored and controlled during operation): heating the hot plate, closing the press, establishing pressing force, holding (imprinting process), switching from heating to cooling, cooling the hot plate, opening the press, separating the film (sheet) from the hot plate, and section exchange (via belt movement of the roller-to-roll system). In particular, the thermal process has been optimized to execute the heating, cooling, switching between heating and cooling, and holding of the press rapidly and accurately. Regarding the hardware, the following components have been optimized: the top hot plate is made of a metal alloy with minimal heat capacity and minimal thermal mass; the top cover of the bottom hydrostatic plate is made of a metal with low thermal conductivity (e.g., stainless steel) to reduce heat loss from the heated polymer; switching between pressurized hot and cold water is performed by a dedicated fast valve unit; press closing, force establishment, and press opening are performed very quickly using a dedicated hydraulic unit that controls the press movement; separation of the strip from the hot plate after imprinting is performed by a very fast-moving separating knife (demolder or sheet release unit); and segment (sheet) exchange is performed by a roll-to-roll module using a very fast segment advance unit (feeder), which has at least one or two floating devices in both the unwinding and rewinding modules. Due to these optimizations, the cycle time for imprinting at approximately 100°C is reduced to less than 15 seconds—providing high throughput for the disclosed roll-to-roll sheet imprinting system.

[0031] Figure 1 This is a high-level schematic diagram of the pressing module 100 in a sheet imprinting system 105 according to some embodiments of the present invention. Figure 2 This is a high-level schematic perspective view of a pressing module 100 according to some embodiments of the present invention. The pressing module 100 includes a hot plate module 120 and a hydrostatic plate 150, which are pressed together as disclosed herein to press against a sheet 95 located on a belt 90 (e.g., see...). Figure 7 Imprinting is performed (as illustrated in the inserted schematic perspective view), with the tape moving in 90-degree steps to continuously provide its segments as an imprinting sheet, for example, the imprinting sheet for pattern transfer described in Chinese Patent Application Nos. 202111321391.3 and 202122732445.7, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Figures 3A to 3E This is a high-level schematic diagram of a hot plate module 120 according to some embodiments of the present invention. Figure 3A It is a top-down 3D view. Figure 3BThis is a composite drawing that provides, in top view and cross-sectional side view, tubular transverse drill holes 125 and associated vertical holes 126 (perpendicular to drill holes 125) in the hot plate 130 of the hot plate module 120, as well as mold 122 (in... Figures 5A to 5D The diagram further schematically illustrates the operation, and a detailed view of the thermomechanical barrier 135 near the edge of the hot plate 130. Figure 3C Examples of thermal uniformity achieved during a heating period on the contact side of the hot plate 130 of the hot plate module 120 according to some embodiments of the invention (illustrated as on one-quarter of the contact side of the hot plate 130), and Figure 3D and Figure 3E The illustration schematically depicts the heating and cooling of hot and cold water, respectively and continuously, in a cross-flow configuration of hot plate 130 in hot plate module 120 (as a non-limiting example). Figure 4 This is a high-level schematic top perspective view of a hydrostatic plate 150 according to some embodiments of the present invention. Figures 5A to 5D as well as Figure 6 A sheet imprinting method 200 according to some embodiments of the present invention is schematically illustrated. Figure 7 This is a high-level schematic diagram of a sheet delivery system 180 in a sheet imprinting system 105 according to some embodiments of the present invention. Figures 8A to 8D The operation of a sheet delivery system 180 according to some embodiments of the present invention is schematically illustrated. Figure 9 This is a high-level schematic cross-sectional view of a pattern transfer sheet 95 according to some embodiments of the present invention. Figure 10 This is a high-level block diagram of an exemplary controller 190 that can be used with embodiments of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 1 The sheet imprinting system 105 illustrated in the figure includes a pair of sheets 95 configured to be located on a belt 90 (see Figure 105). Figure 7 (A schematic diagram of a strip 90 and a sheet 95) shows a pressing module 100 for imprinting and a sheet delivery system 180 configured to deliver the sheet 95 to the pressing module 100. The sheet 95 is imprinted on a continuous strip 90, and the sheet delivery system 180 is configured to continuously unwind and rewind the strip 90 from corresponding rollers while delivering the sheet 95 for continuous and stepwise imprinting—as shown in the diagram. Figure 7 as well as Figures 8B to 8DThe schematic diagram is shown below. One or more controllers 190 may be configured to monitor and control the sheet imprinting system 105, the pressing module 100, and / or the sheet delivery system 180. The sheet imprinting system 105 may be constructed as a cleaning system, for example, constructed in an enclosed volume and including an air filter unit 102. Multiple sensing elements, such as one or more optical inspection units 104, may be used to monitor the imprinting process and adjust the parameters of the imprinting process as needed.

[0033] Figure 2 The pressing module 100, shown in the figure in its open position, includes a hot plate module 120 and a hydrostatic plate 150. The hot plate module 120 and the hydrostatic plate 150 (in their closed position) press against each other to enclose the sheet 95 between the hot plate module 120 and the hydrostatic plate 150, and for the sheet 95 disclosed below (see... Figure 7 The sheet 95 is stamped (as shown in the schematic diagram of the strip 90 and sheet 95) and continuously separated, for example, by piston unit 110 to release sheet 95. Sheet release unit 115 (“demolding device”, for example implemented by a thin, flat blade-like or rod-like element) can be configured to release (open) the stamping module 100 and remove the stamped sheet 95 from the mold 122 of the hot plate module 120 (e.g., see [reference]). Figures 5A to 5D as well as Figure 3B The die 122 is separated (to overcome possible adhesion between the stamped sheet 95 and the die 122 during stamping). Additional mechanical elements 112 may include adjustable supports or pillars configured to support movement of the hydrostatic plate 150 relative to the hot plate module 120 when the pressing module 100 is closed and / or opened. The piston unit 110 and mechanical elements 112 may (e.g., via one or more controllers 190) be controlled in conjunction with the sheet delivery system 180 (in... Figure 7 as well as Figures 8B to 8D The pressing module 100 (schematically illustrated) is coordinated to produce smooth operation of the sheet delivery system 180. One or more sensors 114 (schematically illustrated) may be positioned to provide precise position data related to the plate 120 moving via the piston unit 110. One or more controllers 190 may be configured to monitor and control the pressing module 100 and / or any components of the pressing module 100, such as monitoring and controlling the operation of the hot plate module 120, the hydrostatic plate 150, the piston unit 110, the sheet release unit 115, etc.

[0034] In addition to the hot plate 130, the hot plate module 120 (see, for example, see...) Figures 3A to 3EIt also includes, for example: a partition plate 121 configured to prevent heat transfer from the hot plate 130 to the rest of the hot plate module 120 and the pressing module 100, and thereby controlling the thermal quality (the degree of heating and cooling) of the hot plate 130 and the thermal cycles it undergoes (e.g., preventing heat leakage and maintaining temperature uniformity of the hot plate 130); and a connecting plate 123 configured to transfer pressure / force from the pressing module 100 to the effective imprinted area on the hot plate 130. The hot plate module 120 may also include elements providing mechanical support and fluid management elements, such as pipes 129 and manifolds 132 disclosed in more detail below.

[0035] The heating plate 130 includes a plurality of drilled holes 125 that extend laterally from one side to the other and are in fluid communication with hot and cold water supply units 128 via pipes 129 and manifolds 132, respectively. Figure 2 (Schematic illustration). The contact side of the hot plate 130 also retains a thin metal mold 122 with patterned protrusions 131 (see Figure 122). Figure 3B Detailed images and Figures 5A to 5D The schematic diagrams in the diagrams provide non-limiting specific designs and generate Figure 9 The embossed sheet 95 is shown in the schematic diagram. The metal mold 122 can be micro-patterned according to, for example, the pattern required for a PV battery, and the paste is transferred from the grooves in the embossed sheet to the PV battery (see [reference]). Figures 5A to 5D as well as Figure 9 (Diagram in the diagram).

[0036] The transverse boreholes 125 through the hot plate 130 can form densely packed tubular channels 125, which are configured to rapidly and uniformly receive hot and / or cold water (optionally pressurized hot and / or cold water), thereby heating and / or cooling the hot plate 130 (see, for example, [reference]). Figures 3B to 3E For example, drill hole 125 may be located at its end (e.g., via screw 127). Figure 3B The transverse bore 125 is sealed to form a closed channel 125. Since the transverse bore 125 can be optimized to enhance heat exchange, it can be very narrow. In some embodiments, the vertical bore 126 (perpendicular to the channel 125) can be wider, in fluid communication with the channel 125, and can be configured to introduce and drain hot and cold water into and from the channel 125 (depending on the flow direction). The bore 126 can be perpendicular to the channel 125 and via… Figure 3AThe manifold 132, schematically illustrated, and the corresponding inlet and outlet hoses 129 provide fluid communication with hot and cold water sources. For example, a water supply unit 128 may be provided from the top side of the hot plate module 120, and the manifold 132 may be configured to evenly distribute the incoming water into the orifices 126 and channels 125, and evenly discharge the outgoing water from the orifices 126 and channels 125. The manifolds 132 on the two sides of the hot plate module 120 may handle the incoming and outgoing water separately to maintain the same water flow direction throughout operation of the pressing module 100. The manifold 132 and water delivery unit may be configured to generate and maintain cross-flow within the hot plate 130 to generate, maintain, and ensure temperature uniformity, at least on the contact side of the hot plate 130. A drain valve 139 may be used to drain residual water from the channels 125 and manifold 132 before or after operation.

[0037] like Figure 3B As shown, the edge of the hot plate 130 includes a peripheral cooling region 134, which can optionally (e.g., through...) Figure 3A The cold water inlet 138 shown in the diagram, via channel 134A) and (in Figure 2 The cold water supply section 128 (illustrated schematically) is in fluid communication with the central hot plate and is optionally separated from it by a recess 135, which serves as a non-limiting example of a thermomechanical barrier section 135. The peripheral cooling region 134 can remain cooled to avoid any thermal effects on the edges of the embossed sheet 95, thereby preventing the formation of any trace features on the embossed sheet 95 (e.g., thermal effects could interfere with features continuously filled with paste during successive pattern transfers). The thermomechanical barrier section 135 is configured, for example, to limit thermal communication between the central portion and the edges 134 of the hot plate 130 by being narrower than the central main portion of the hot plate 130, thereby limiting heat exchange through the central portion and the edges—as shown in the diagram (during the heating phase, see...). Figures 3B to 3D The enlarged cross-section of the thermomechanically separated channel 134A for cold water and channel 125 for hot water is schematically illustrated.

[0038] The hot plate 130 can be made of a material with high thermal conductivity, low heat capacity, and low thermal expansion. For example, the thermal conductivity can be higher than 150 W / m°K, higher than 200 W / m°K, higher than 250 W / m°K, or have intermediate values. For example, the hot plate 130 can be made of a tungsten-copper alloy, such as a W / Cu alloy with a thermal conductivity of 220 W / m°K (e.g., 60% / 40% by weight). The heat capacity of the hot plate 130—equal to its mass multiplied by its specific heat capacity Cp—can be low; for example, the hot plate 130 can have a Cp of less than 250 J / kg °C, less than 200 J / kg °C, less than 150 J / kg °C, or have intermediate values. For example, the hot plate 130 can be made of a tungsten-copper alloy, such as a W / Cu alloy with a specific heat capacity Cp of 60% / 40% and a specific heat capacity Cp of 181 J / kg °C. The coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) of the hot plate 130 can be low, for example, below 20.10. -6 m / m℃, below 15.10 -6 m / m℃, below 10·10 - 6 m / m℃, or an intermediate value. Although in some embodiments, a W / Cu alloy (with 60% W and 40% Cu, CTE = 11.9·10) is used. -6 (m / m℃), but other implementation methods can be used. 940, 940 is an alloy of Cu, Ni, Si, and Cr, possessing a thermal conductivity of 208 W / m°K, a specific heat capacity Cp of 380 J / kg°C, and a thermal conductivity of 17.5 × 10⁻⁶. -6 The coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) is measured in m / m℃. It should be noted that high specific heat capacity... 940 is inferior to W / Cu alloy, but it can still be used in the disclosed embodiments. The CTE values ​​of hot plate 130 and mold 122 can be close (e.g., within 20%, 15%, 10%, or 5% of each other; for example, the CTE of hot plate 130 made of W / Cu alloy is 11.9-10). -6 m / m℃, while the CTE of the Ni-made mold 122 is 13.10 -6 (m / m℃) or similar, to avoid mechanical stress between the hot plate 130 and the mold 122 during thermal cycling. In some embodiments, a thin separating layer 124 made of a material that allows relative sliding may be provided between the hot plate 130 and the mold 122 to reduce heat-induced mechanical stress between the hot plate 130 and the mold 122. For example, a thin separating layer 124 made of a material that allows relative sliding may be provided between the hot plate 130 and the mold 122. A thin (e.g., thinner than 100 μm) separator layer 124 was fabricated. Figure 3B(Illustrated schematically). Since the common material used for the embossing die 122 is nickel, the hot plate 130 can be made of a material with a similar CTE (approximately 13.10). -6 The material (m / m℃) is used, for example, a W / Cu alloy or an Ampcoloy alloy as non-limiting examples. When the CTE values ​​differ too much, the separator sheet 124 can be used to mitigate the difference in thermal expansion between the materials. For example, the separator sheet 124 can be used when Ni is used for the mold 122 and Ampcoloy is used for the hot plate 130.

[0039] Figure 3C The illustration shows experimental results simulating heat flow at the contact side and through a quarter of a hot plate 130 made of a 60% / 40% W / Cu alloy—illustrating the high temperature uniformity during the instantaneous heating of the hot plate 130 and the retention of cooling at the edge 134, as disclosed herein. In the experimental simulation, the hot plate 130 was heated from 40°C to 100°C in less than 5 seconds (4.8 seconds) and cooled back down in about 3 seconds (3.1 seconds).

[0040] As a non-restrictive example, Figure 3D and Figure 3E The illustration schematically depicts a counter-current (cross-flow) cycle in which hot and then cold water passes through a hot plate 130 to rapidly and uniformly heat the hot plate 130, followed by cooling. In the illustrated non-limiting example, water is introduced through holes 126 into and out of two sets of channels 125, such that water simultaneously moves through the hot plate 130 in two opposite directions (some holes 126 and channels 125 are used to transport water in one direction, while others are used to transport water in the opposite direction). Figure 3D As shown, hot water can be introduced into the hole 126 via the hose 129 through the manifold 132, and then into the channel 125 through the hole 126, before returning from the hole 126 and flowing out through the hose 129 via the manifold 132—to rapidly and evenly heat the bottom hot plate 130 of the hot plate module 120, and to imprint the sheet 95 using the mold 122. Continuously, as... Figure 3E As shown, cold water can be introduced via hose 129 through manifold 132 into orifice 126, and through orifice 126 into channel 125, then return from orifice 126 and flow out via hose 129 through manifold 132—to rapidly and uniformly cool the bottom hot plate 130. Heating is applied to imprint sheet 95 through die 122, while cooling is applied to release sheet 95 and allow hot plate module 120 to separate from hydrostatic plate 150 after imprinting. The heating and cooling cycle shaped the groove into the desired form (e.g., see...). Figure 9(and related disclosures) Imprinted into sheet 95, wherein sheet 95 is effectively separated from mold 122 without damaging the shape of the groove, and avoids artifacts that may have formed without rapid and uniform heating and cooling.

[0041] In various embodiments, different sets of holes 126 and channels 125 (and associated hoses 129 connected to holes 126 via manifold 132) can be used to receive water flows in opposite directions. While cross-flow configurations can enhance rapid and uniform heating and cooling of plate 130, in some embodiments, unidirectional flow can be used instead of cross-flow configurations, hot water circulation, and / or cold water circulation (e.g., to simplify water management while achieving sufficient heating and / or cooling rates using unidirectional flow). Heating and cooling of hot plate 130 also heats and cools mold 122 because hot plate 130 and mold 122 have good thermal contact, and hot plate 130 has high thermal conductivity and low thermal mass.

[0042] Hydrostatic plate 150 (see, for example) Figure 4 This includes a flexible top cover 160 configured to support the sheet 95 when pressed against the patterned die 122 of the hot plate 130. The embossing of the sheet 95 (see, for example, [reference needed]). Figures 5A to 5D (See schematic diagram) This is achieved by continuously heating and cooling the hot plate 130 by continuously introducing hot water, and then cold water, through the hot plate 130 when the hot plate module 120 is pressed against the hydrostatic plate 150. When the sheet 95 is enclosed between the hot plate 130 and the hydrostatic plate 150 of the hot plate module 120, the space 152 surrounding the sheet 95 (e.g., see schematic diagram) Figure 5B (The schematic diagram) The air from the sealed space 152 is expelled by a seal 170 (e.g., a seal 170 made of soft silicone) attached to the hydrostatic plate 150, and the flexible top cover 160 is flattened to enable controlled imprinting of the sheet 95 by the patterned protrusions 131 (micropatterns) of the mold 122.

[0043] Figures 5A to 5D The stages of a sheet imprinting method 200 according to some embodiments of the present invention are illustrated in a highly schematic manner. Figures 5A to 5D These process stages are illustrated in a highly exaggerated manner to explain the operating principle of the pressing module 100. In particular, the bending and flattening of the top cover 160 are exaggerated because the maximum bending amplitude of the top cover 160 at the center is actually very small (e.g., less than 1 mm, or less than 0.5 mm), and the flattening of the top cover 160 refers to the pressing of the flat surface of the supporting sheet 95 and keeping the sheet 95 flat during the pressing process. As schematically illustrated, during pressing, (i) sealing (stage 220, Figure 5A(ii) Discharge (stage 225, ) space 152, Figure 5B (iii) Air in space 152, and (iv) flattening the top cover 160 by reducing the pressure that causes it to bend, so that air is continuously and controllably discharged from the center of the sheet 95 to the periphery of the discharged air on the sheet 95, and the sheet 95 is supported in a flat position for imprinting (stage 230). During imprinting, hot water, and then cold water, is continuously conveyed through the hot plate 130 of the hot plate module 120 to imprint the sheet 95, thereby creating grooves 91 in the sheet 95 (stage 240). Figure 5C and Figure 5D The sheet 95 is then released from the pressing module 100 (stage 250), and the belt 90 advances (stage 260) to deliver the next sheet 95 for pressing. Figure 5D ).

[0044] The hydrostatic plate 150 may include a vacuum unit (e.g., a vacuum generator) 171 configured to expel air from the sealed space 152. For example, expelling air from the sealed space 152 can be achieved by... Figure 2 The vacuum generator 171 (illustrated in the diagram) is controlled by the associated vacuum inlet 172.

[0045] The oil pressure control unit 161 can be used, for example, by using a hydrostatic fluid such as oil disposed in a gap 165 below the top cover 160, and by a spring mechanism 167—which is connected via a hydraulic connection 162 (see, for example, see...) Figure 4 (Schematally illustrated) fluid communication with gap 165—the pressure of the hydrostatic fluid is controlled to control the pressure adjusting the shape of the top cover 160. For example, gap 165 filled with oil (in...) Figure 4 (Schematally illustrated in cross-section) can be configured to support the top cover 160 and provide pressure to bend the top cover 160, thereby causing the top cover 160 to bulge slightly (e.g., see...). Figures 5A to 5D (Highly exaggerated illustration), where the pressure is supplied by a spring unit 167 in communication with the oil fluid in gap 165 (in... Figure 4 (Diagram shown twice) Dynamically controlled. As a non-limiting example, the pressure required to fully bend the top cover 160 (e.g., before supplying the sheet 95 and sealing the space 152) could be 200 bar, while the reduced pressure for imprinting the sheet 95 onto the top cover 160 (e.g., after sealing the space 152 and venting air from the space 152) could be 60 bar. The spring mechanism 167 could be configured to control the pressure that bends the top cover 160 during the imprinting cycle.

[0046] It should be noted that the oil pressure control unit 161 is configured to provide pressure to bend the top cover 160 before receiving the new sheet 95 for imprinting, and is configured to flatten the top cover 160 by controllably reducing the pressure after the gap between the hot plate module 120 and the hydrostatic plate 150 is closed by the presser 110, for example, when the hot plate module 120 is pressed against the hydrostatic plate 150.

[0047] One or more controllers 190 can be configured to control the timing of the operation of any of the processes such as press 110, water delivery unit, vacuum unit 171 operating unit, oil pressure control unit 161, etc.

[0048] Figure 6 This is a highly schematic flowchart of a sheet imprinting method 200 according to some embodiments of the present invention. Method stages can be performed relative to the aforementioned pressing module 100 and sheet imprinting system 105, which may optionally be configured to implement method 200. Method 200 can be implemented at least in part by at least one computer processor, such as any of the controllers in controller 190. Some embodiments include a computer program product comprising a computer-readable storage medium having a computer-readable program implemented using the computer-readable storage medium, and the computer-readable program being configured to perform relevant stages of method 200. Method 200 may include the following stages, regardless of their order.

[0049] Method 200 includes pressing a sheet on a strip located between a hot plate and a hydrostatic plate to further form a pattern on the sheet by means of patterned protrusions on a die attached to the hot plate (stage 210). Method 200 also includes: sealing the sheet between the hot plate and the hydrostatic plate to form a sealed space (stage 220), and venting air from the sealed space (stage 225); flattening the sheet by, for example, controlling the pressure used to bend the top cover to press the (slightly convex) top cover of the hydrostatic plate to flatten the sheet while venting air from the sealed space (stage 230); and (during pressing) heating and cooling the hot plate by continuously introducing hot water, then cold water, through the hot plate—thereby imprinting the sheet (stage 240). Heating and cooling of the hot plate can be performed in a cross-flow configuration to improve the uniformity of heat transfer between the (hot or cold) water and the hot plate. Method 200 may further include releasing the embossed sheet (stage 250), for example by separating the embossed sheet from the hot plate (stage 255, for example including mechanical separation via a sheet release unit or demolding device), and moving the belt to deliver a continuous sheet for pressing and embossing (stage 260). Method 200 may also include using hydraulic fluid to bend and flatten the top cover (stage 235) – wherein bending of the top cover occurs before receiving new sheet for embossing, and flattening of the top cover occurs during pressing the hot plate against the hydrostatic plate. The hot plate may include a mold with patterned protrusions.

[0050] As in Figure 7 and Figures 8A to 8D As schematically illustrated, the sheet delivery system 180 may include a unwinding roller 182, an optional engagement unit 181, and an unwinding float 184 associated with the unwinding roller 182, a rewinding roller 188, and an associated rewinding float 186 and feeder module 185. The sheet delivery system 180 is configured to continuously deliver the strip 90 from the unwinding roller 182 to the rewinding roller 188 (maintaining strip tension, strip cleanliness, and position in the machine transverse direction CMD), while continuously and stepwise delivering the sheet 95 of the strip 90 for stamping to the pressing module 100 (see [link to image]). Figure 1 , Figure 7 and Figures 8B to 8C For clarity, the compression module 100 is not shown. Figure 7 (As shown in the figure). The rewinding roller 188 and the unwinding roller 182 may each include a stepper motor for unwinding and rewinding the belt 90.

[0051] The rewinding floating unit 186 and the unwinding floating unit 184 (respectively) are configured to adjust continuous tape handling and step-by-step continuous sheet delivery. (As in...) Figure 8AAs schematically illustrated, both floating units 184 and 186 have movable arms 183 that move during the step-by-step imprinting of the sheet 95 to cushion the continuous belt movement. For example, as... Figures 8B to 8D As shown, for consecutive stages, the movements of arms 183A and 183B of the unwinding float 184 and rewinding float 186, respectively, accumulate or release the length of the tape 90, thereby supporting continuous unwinding and rewinding during continuous (step-by-step) imprinting in the pressing module 100, as explained below. Some movements of arms 183A and 183B are indicated by arrows 263A to 263E to illustrate the accumulation and release of the tape 90 in a non-limiting manner. Before imprinting, with the pressing module 100 open (e.g., in release stage 250), float units 184 and 186 are at set points, ready to advance the tape 90, wherein arm 183A of the unwinding float 184 descends 263A to accumulate the tape length ( Figure 8B ). Feeder module 185 (which is also in Figure 1 and Figure 7 (Schematic illustration) The belt 90 is configured to pull the sheet 95 to continue cycling once the sheet 95 is released from the pressing module 100. As the belt 90 is continuously released from the unwinding roller 182 and continuously collected (along with the most recently pressed sheet 95) by the rewinding roller 188, the arm 183B of the rewinding float unit 186 descends 263B to collect and buffer the belt 90, while the arm 183A of the unwinding float unit 184 rises 263C—so that the belt 90 moves through the pressing module 100 and delivers the next sheet 95 for pressing. Figure 8C When sheet 95 is delivered and imprinted in pressing module 100, arm 183B of rewinding floating unit 186 rises 263D to release the buffered tape 90 to rewinding roller 188, while arm 183A of unwinding floating unit 184 falls 263E—to continuously collect unwound tape 90 while keeping the intermediate sheet 95 stationary during imprinting in pressing module 100. Figure 8D One or more controllers 190 of the sheet imprinting system 105, such as controllers 190 that control the operation of the pressing module 100 and the sheet delivery system 180, are configured to synchronize the belt movement with the imprinting stages to ensure matching of cycle times during continuous belt movement and step-by-step imprinting steps and to control the tension in the belt 90, as shown, for example in… Figure 7 The diagram is shown schematically.

[0052] As in Figure 7Further schematically illustrated, additional elements of the sheet delivery system 180 may include: a feeder unit 185 (e.g., a piston-based feeder unit 185) configured to pull the belt 90 in stages to deliver its segments as sheet 95 for pressing and embossing; a joining unit 181 configured as an alternative to a simplified roller; a clamping member 187 for separating the tensioned segment of the belt 90 from the embossed sheet 95; ion generators 189A and 189B configured to clean the belt 90 and / or remove static charge from the belt 90 after unwinding and / or before rewinding the belt 90; and possible additional elements (not shown) for controlling the proper unwinding and rewinding of the belt 90.

[0053] Figure 9 This is a high-level schematic cross-sectional view of a pattern transfer sheet 95 according to some embodiments of the present invention. In some embodiments, the pattern transfer sheet 95 may include at least a top polymer layer 94, the top polymer layer 94 including grooves 91 (and optional alignment marks) embossed thereon, as disclosed herein. In the non-limiting example illustrated, the grooves 91 are illustrated as a trapezoidal cross-section.

[0054] It should be noted that, although the illustration Figure 9 Periodic grooves 91 are shown, but these grooves can include trenches, recesses, and / or indentations embossed into the top polymer layer 94 and can have similar or different profiles. For example, the grooves 91 can have various profiles (cross-sectional shapes) such as trapezoidal, circular, square, rectangular, and / or triangular profiles. In various embodiments, the pattern of the grooves 91 on the transfer sheet 95 can include an array of continuous grooves 91 and / or separated indentations. Note that the term "groove" should not be construed as limiting the shape of the grooves 91 to linear elements, but is broadly understood to include grooves 91 of any shape.

[0055] The pattern transfer sheet 95 may also include a bottom polymer layer 92, the melting temperature of which is higher than the imprinting temperature of the top polymer layer 94. In a non-limiting example, the top polymer layer 94, when made of a semi-crystalline polymer, may have a melting temperature (T) below 170°C, below 150°C, below 130°C, below 110°C (or any intermediate range). m Alternatively, when made of an amorphous polymer, it may have a glass transition temperature (T0) below 160°C, below 140°C, below 120°C, below 100°C (or any intermediate range). gThe melting temperature of the bottom polymer layer 92 is higher than the melting point of the top polymer layer 94, for example, above 100°C (e.g., in a top polymer layer 94 made of polycaprolactone and having a T0 of about 70°C). m / T g (in the case of) above 120°C, above 150°C, above 160°C (e.g., biaxially oriented polypropylene) and up to 400°C (e.g., certain polyimides), or intermediate values.

[0056] In various embodiments, polymer layers 92, 94 may be made of at least one of the following materials: polyethylene, polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate, polyethylene naphthalate, fully aromatic polyester, other polyester copolymers, polymethyl methacrylate, other acrylate copolymers, polycarbonate, polyamide, polysulfone, polyethersulfone, polyetherketone, polyamide-imide, polyether-imide, aromatic polyimide, alicyclic polyimide, fluorinated polyimide, cellulose acetate, cellulose nitrate, aromatic polyamide, polyvinyl chloride, polyphenol, polyarylate, polyphenylene sulfide, polyphenylene ether, polystyrene, or combinations thereof—provided that the melting temperature or glass transition temperature (T0) of the top polymer layer 94 is within acceptable limits. m / T g ) lower than the melting temperature or glass transition temperature (T) of the bottom polymer layer 92 m / T g This is acceptable, and / or as long as the bottom polymer layer 92 is not affected by the processing conditions of the top polymer layer 94.

[0057] In some embodiments, the bottom polymer layer 92 and the top polymer layer 94 (each) may be between 10 μm and 100 μm thick, for example, between 15 μm and 80 μm thick, between 20 μm and 60 μm thick, between 25 μm and 40 μm thick, or in any intermediate range, wherein the bottom polymer layer 92 is preferably at least as thick as the top polymer layer 94. The polymer layers 92 and 94 may be attached by an adhesive layer 93 that is thinner than 10 μm (e.g., thinner than 8 μm, thinner than 6 μm, thinner than 4 μm, thinner than 2 μm, or has any intermediate thickness). For example, in some embodiments, the top polymer layer 94 may be several micrometers thicker than the depth of the trench 91, for example, 5 μm thick, 3 μm to 7 μm thick, 1 μm to 9 μm thick, or up to 10 μm thick. For example, the trench 91 can be 20 μm deep, the top polymer layer 94 can be between 20 μm and 30 μm thick (e.g., 25 μm thick), and the thickness of the bottom polymer layer 92 can be between 15 μm and 35 μm (it should be noted that a thicker bottom polymer layer 92 provides better mechanical properties).

[0058] The disclosed sheet 95 can be used to print fine lines of thick metal paste on silicon wafers, such as those used for photovoltaic (PV) cells, and to produce electronic circuits by creating wires, pads, or other features for printing passive electronic components such as resistors or capacitors, or for other printed electronic devices (e.g., on laminates for PCBs). Other applications may include creating conductive features in the manufacturing processes of: mobile phone antennas, decorative and functional automotive glass, semiconductor integrated circuits (ICs), semiconductor IC package connectors, printed circuit boards (PCBs), PCB component assemblies, optical, biological, chemical, and environmental sensors and detectors, radio frequency identification (RFID) antennas, organic light-emitting diode (OLED) displays (passive or active matrix), OLED lighting sheets, printed cells, and other applications.

[0059] Figure 10 This is a high-level block diagram of an exemplary controller 190 that can be used with embodiments of the present invention. Controller 190 may include one or more controllers or processors 193, an operating system 191, a memory 192, a storage device 195, an input device 196, and an output device 197. The one or more controllers or processors 193 may be, for example, one or more central processing unit processors (CPUs), one or more graphics processing units (GPUs or general-purpose GPUs—GPGPUs), chips, or any suitable computing device or computing-related device.

[0060] Operating system 191 may be or may include any code segment designed and / or configured to perform tasks involving coordinating, scheduling, arbitrating, supervising, controlling, or otherwise managing the operations of controller 190, such as the execution of a scheduler. Memory 192 may be or may include, for example, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), dynamic RAM (DRAM), synchronous DRAM (SD-RAM), double data rate (DDR) memory chips, flash memory, volatile memory, non-volatile memory, cache memory, buffers, short-term memory cells, long-term memory cells, or other suitable memory cells or storage units. Memory 192 may be or may include multiple possibly different memory cells. Memory 192 may store, for example, instructions for executing methods (e.g., code 194) and / or data such as user responses, interrupts, etc.

[0061] Executable code 194 can be any executable code, such as an application, program, process, task, or script. Executable code 194 can be executed via controller 193 under the control of operating system 191. For example, according to embodiments of the invention, when executed, executable code 194 can cause the generation or compilation of computer code or the execution of an application such as VR execution or inference. Executable code 194 can be code generated by the methods described herein. For the various modules and functions described herein, components of one or more computing devices and / or controller 190 can be used. A device comprising components similar to or different from those included in controller 190 can be used, and this device can be connected to a network and used as a system. One or more processors 193 can be configured to execute embodiments of the invention by, for example, executing software or code.

[0062] Storage 195 may be, or may include, for example, a hard disk drive, floppy disk drive, optical disc (CD) drive, recordable CD (CD-R) drive, Universal Serial Bus (USB) device, or other suitable removable and / or fixed storage unit. Data such as instructions, code, VR model data, parameters, etc., may be stored in storage 195 and may be loaded from storage 195 into memory 192, where the data may be processed by controller 193. In some embodiments, this may be omitted. Figure 10 Some of the components shown.

[0063] Input device 196 may be, or may include, for example, a mouse, keyboard, touchscreen, or touchpad, or any suitable input device. It will be appreciated that, as shown in box 196, any suitable number of input devices may be operatively connected to controller 190. Output device 197 may include one or more displays, speakers, and / or any other suitable output device. It will be appreciated that, as shown in box 197, any suitable number of output devices may be operatively connected to controller 190. Any applicable input / output (I / O) device may be connected to controller 190; for example, a wired or wireless network interface card (NIC), modem, printer or fax machine, universal serial bus (USB) device, or external hard drive may be included in input device 196 and / or output device 197.

[0064] Embodiments of the present invention may include: one or more articles of manufacture (e.g., memory 192 or storage 195), such as a computer or processor nontransitory readable medium or a computer or processor nontransitory storage medium, such as a memory, disk drive or USB flash drive; and encoding including or storing instructions, such as computer executable instructions, which, when executed by a processor or controller, perform the methods disclosed herein.

[0065] From Figures 1 to 10 The elements can be combined in any operable combination, and the illustration of certain elements in some figures but not in others is for illustrative purposes only and is not restrictive.

[0066] In the above description, embodiments are examples or implementations of the invention. The various appearances of "one embodiment," "implementation," "some embodiments," or "a number of embodiments" do not necessarily all refer to the same embodiment. Although various features of the invention may be described in the context of a single embodiment, these features may also be provided individually or in any suitable combination. Conversely, although the invention may be described herein in the context of independent embodiments for clarity, the invention may also be implemented in a single embodiment. Some embodiments of the invention may include features from different embodiments disclosed above, and some embodiments may incorporate elements from other embodiments disclosed above. The disclosure of elements of the invention in the context of a particular embodiment should not be construed as limiting the use of these elements only in that particular embodiment. Furthermore, it should be understood that the invention may be practiced or implemented in various ways, and the invention may be implemented in some embodiments other than those outlined in the above description.

[0067] This invention is not limited to these figures or corresponding descriptions. For example, the process does not need to move through each illustrated box or state or in the exact same order as illustrated and described. Unless otherwise defined, the meanings of technical and scientific terms used herein should be commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. Although the invention has been described with respect to a limited number of embodiments, these embodiments should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention, but rather as examples of some preferred embodiments. Other possible variations, modifications, and applications are also within the scope of the invention. Therefore, the scope of the invention should not be limited by what has been described so far, but by the appended claims and their legal equivalents.

Claims

1. A pressing module in a sheet imprinting system, the pressing module comprising: A hot plate module includes a hot plate having multiple drilled holes that laterally pass through the hot plate and are in fluid communication with a hot water and cold water supply unit. The contact side of the hot plate includes a mold with patterned protrusions. A hydrostatic platen, comprising a flexible top cover configured to support a sheet when pressed against a patterned mold on the hot platen, wherein the imprinting of the sheet is performed by continuously heating and cooling the hot platen by continuously introducing hot water, then cold water, through the hot platen as the hot platen module is pressed against it. When the sheet is enclosed between the hot plate and the hydrostatic plate, the space surrounding the sheet is sealed by a seal attached to the hydrostatic plate, air in the sealed space is expelled, and the flexible top cover is flattened to allow controlled embossing of the sheet through the patterned protrusions. The hydrostatic plate includes an oil-filled gap configured to bend the top cover by oil pressure provided by a spring unit in fluid communication with the oil in the gap. The spring unit is configured to provide pressure to bend the top cover before the impression is made and to controllably reduce the pressure to flatten the top cover when the hot plate module presses against the hydrostatic plate.

2. The compression module according to claim 1, wherein, The hot plate and the mold have a thermal expansion coefficient that differs by a maximum of 10%.

3. The pressing module according to claim 1 further includes a thin separating layer located between the hot plate and the mold.

4. The pressing module according to claim 1, wherein, The hot plate has a thermal conductivity higher than 150 W / m°K, a specific heat capacity lower than 250 J / Kg°C, and a specific heat capacity lower than 20.10 W / m°K. -6 Coefficient of thermal expansion in m / m°C.

5. The pressing module according to claim 4, wherein, The hot plate is made of tungsten-copper alloy.

6. The compression module according to claim 1, wherein, The borehole is sealed at its end to form a channel, which is in fluid communication with the water supply unit through a vertical hole in fluid communication with the channel.

7. The pressing module according to claim 6, wherein, The hot plate module also includes at least one manifold connecting the water supply unit and the vertical hole, and is configured to deliver hot and cold water to and from the vertical hole.

8. The pressing module according to claim 7, wherein, The hot and cold water circulate through the hot plate in a cross-flow configuration.

9. The compression module according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein, The hot plate also includes a peripheral cooling area that is in fluid communication with the cold water supply unit and is separated from the central hot plate by a thermomechanical barrier unit.

10. The compression module according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein, The hydrostatic plate includes a vacuum unit configured to exhaust air from the sealed space.

11. The pressing module according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising a piston configured to press the plates against each other to enclose the sheet between the plates and to imprint the sheet, and to continuously move the plates apart from each other to release the sheet.

12. The pressing module of claim 11, further comprising a sheet release unit configured to separate the sheet from the hot plate after releasing the sheet.

13. A sheet imprinting system, comprising: The pressing module according to any one of claims 1 to 12, and A sheet delivery system configured to deliver a sheet to the pressing module.

14. The sheet imprinting system according to claim 13, wherein, The sheet is imprinted on a continuous strip, and the sheet delivery system is configured to continuously unwind and rewind the strip from the corresponding rollers while continuously and stepwise delivering the sheet for imprinting.

15. The sheet imprinting system of claim 14, further comprising an unwinding floating unit and a rewinding floating unit, the unwinding floating unit and the rewinding floating unit being configured to adjust continuous tape processing and step-by-step continuous sheet delivery.

16. A sheet imprinting system, comprising: The compression module includes: A hot plate module includes a hot plate having multiple drilled holes that laterally pass through the hot plate and are in fluid communication with hot and cold water supply units. The contact side of the hot plate includes a mold with patterned protrusions. A hydrostatic platen, comprising a flexible top cover configured to support a sheet when pressed against a patterned mold on the hot platen, wherein the imprinting of the sheet is performed by continuously heating and cooling the hot platen by continuously introducing hot water, then cold water, through the hot platen as the hot platen module is pressed against it. When the sheet is enclosed between the hot plate and the hydrostatic plate, the space surrounding the sheet is sealed by a seal attached to the hydrostatic plate, air in the sealed space is expelled, and the flexible top cover is flattened to allow controlled embossing of the sheet via the patterned protrusions. The hydrostatic plate includes an oil-filled gap configured to bend the top cover by oil pressure provided by a spring unit in fluid communication with the oil in the gap. The spring unit is configured to provide pressure to bend the top cover before embossing and to controllably reduce the pressure to flatten the top cover as the hot plate module presses against the hydrostatic plate. A piston configured to press plates against each other to enclose the sheet between the plates and to imprint the sheet, and to continuously remove the plates from each other to release the sheet; and Sheet delivery system, the sheet delivery system comprising: Unwinding roller, the unwinding roller having an associated unwinding floating device, A rewinding roller, the rewinding roller having an associated rewinding floating device, and feeder module, The sheet delivery system is configured to continuously deliver the strip from the unwinding roller to the rewinding roller, while simultaneously delivering the sheet of the strip for embossing continuously and stepwise to the pressing module.

17. A method for performing sheet imprinting using a pressing module according to any one of claims 1 to 12, the method comprising: A sheet located on a strip between a hot plate and a hydrostatic plate is pressed to form a pattern on the sheet using a die with patterned protrusions on the hot plate, wherein the pressing includes: The sheet is sealed between the hot plate and the hydrostatic plate to form a sealed space, and air is discharged from the sealed space. The curved top cover of the hydrostatic plate is flattened to support the sheet. The sheet is imprinted by heating and cooling the hot plate by continuously introducing hot water and then cold water through it.

18. The method of claim 17, further comprising releasing the embossed sheet and moving the belt to deliver a continuous sheet for pressing and embossing.

19. The method of claim 17 or 18, further comprising using hydraulic fluid to bend the top cover before receiving the sheet for embossing and to flatten the top cover after pressing the hot plate and the hydrostatic plate.

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