Printing device

A printing device includes a camera position control mechanism is configured to control a position of a camera to switch between a first state, a second state, and a third state for photographing an alignment mark furnished on a substrate or a landing face for a liquid on a liquid landing member.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2011-051319 filed on Mar. 9, 2011 and Japanese Patent Application No. 2011-056897 filed on Mar. 15, 2011. The entire disclosures of Japanese Patent Application Nos. 2011-051319 and 2011-056897 are hereby incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The present invention relates to a printing device.

2. Related Art

In recent years, a technique has been proposed for coating a recording medium using an ink jet method for dropletizing and discharging a functional liquid, and printing predetermined information on the recording information by solidifying the coated functional liquid. Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application 2003-80687 discloses a printing device for using an IC chip as a recording medium and printing a serial number, manufacturing company, or other predetermined information on the IC chip.

In cases in which printing is performed by an inkjet method like that discussed above, alignment of the recording medium, the inkjet head, and the medium-retaining stage is necessary for the functional liquid from the inkjet head to land accurately on the recording medium. For this reason, the surface of the recording medium is typically furnished with alignment marks. In cases of performing this sort of alignment, the alignment marks furnished to the recording medium are photographed by a camera, and the position of the recording medium is then adjusted to a desired location by calculating the position of the recording medium based on the alignment marks.

Sometimes, alignment marks are furnished on both the front planar side and back planar side of the recording medium, as shown in Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application 2008-171873, for example. In this case, the configuration would be provided with a plurality of cameras in order to photograph the alignment marks on both sides. Because this configuration is provided with a plurality of cameras, even in cases in which, for example, alignment marks are furnished to either face of the recording medium, it is possible to photograph the alignment marks in a reliable manner nevertheless.

Furthermore, in cases of ejecting a functional liquid from an inkjet head in the manner discussed previously, in order to obtain good recorded image quality, a nozzle dropout test is performed to determine whether or not the functional liquid has been sprayed in a satisfactory manner from the nozzles of the inkjet head (see Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application 2006-76067, for example). The nozzle dropout test involves photographing the functional liquid with the camera as it is sprayed onto a test area from the nozzles to detect the condition of ejection of the functional liquid from each nozzle, and then determining nozzle dropout based on the detected result.

Accordingly, in printing by the inkjet method discussed previously, it would be desirable for the printing device to be able to perform both alignment and nozzle dropout testing.

SUMMARY

However, in cases in which a plurality of cameras are provided for alignment purposes as taught in the prior art discussed above, or in cases in which there is a need for both an alignment camera and a nozzle dropout camera in order to handle alignment and nozzle dropout testing, increased size of the printing device, or higher cost of the printing device per se, can be a problem.

With the foregoing in view, it is an object of the present invention to provide a printing device that is able to photograph an alignment mark with a single camera, regardless of which face of a substrate resting on a stage is furnished with the alignment mark.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a printing device whereby the alignment process and nozzle dropout testing can be performed with a single camera, so as to realize a device configuration that is smaller and cheaper.

In order to solve the aforedescribed problems, a printing device according to one aspect of the present invention includes a stage, a camera, and a camera position control mechanism. The stage is configured and arranged to support a substrate onto which droplets of liquid are ejected from nozzles of an ejection head. The camera is configured and arranged to photograph an alignment mark furnished to one of a first face and a second face of the substrate. The camera position control mechanism is configured and arranged to control a position of the camera to switch between a first state in which the alignment mark is photographed from a side of the first face, and a second state in which the alignment mark is photographed from a side of the second face.

According to the printing device of the above described aspect of the present invention, the camera position control mechanism can control the position of the camera so as to enable switching between a first state in which the substrate is photographed from one side, and a second state in which the substrate is photographed from the other side. Therefore, the camera position control mechanism can photograph an alignment mark on the one side of the substrate by controlling the camera to the first state position. The camera position control mechanism can photograph an alignment mark on the other side of the substrate by controlling the camera to the second state position. Consequently, the alignment mark can be photographed with a single camera regardless of which face of the substrate resting on a stage has been furnished with the alignment mark. Thus, it is unnecessary to provide a plurality of cameras, and therefore increased size of the device configuration can be prevented, and higher cost of the printing device can be prevented.

In the aforedescribed printing device, the stage includes a through-hole formed in an area in which the substrate rests on the stage such that the alignment mark furnished on the second face faces an inner side of the through-hole.

According to this configuration, in the second state, alignment mark photographing of the alignment mark furnished on the other face can take place in a reliable manner via the through-hole formed in the area of the stage on which the substrate rests.

The aforedescribed printing device preferably further includes an input section configured and arranged to input information indicating which of the first and second faces of the substrate is furnished with the alignment mark. The camera position control mechanism is preferably configured and arranged to switch the position of the camera in response to input of the input section.

According to this configuration, the camera position can be reliably switched to an optimum position, in response to input of the input section.

The aforedescribed printing device preferably further includes an identifier section configured and arranged to identify which of the first and second faces of the substrate is furnished with the alignment mark. The camera position control mechanism is preferably configured and arranged to switch the position of the camera in response to an identification result of the identifier section.

According to this configuration, the camera position can be reliably switched to an optimum position, in response to an identification result of the identifier section.

In the aforedescribed printing device, the camera position control mechanism is preferably configured and arranged to photograph with the camera in one of the first state and the second state, and to switch the position of the camera to the other of the first state and the second state and to photograph with the camera when the alignment mark furnished to the substrate cannot be photographed in the one of the first state and the second state.

According to this configuration, based on the state in which the camera photographed the alignment mark, it is possible to distinguish which face of the substrate has been furnished with alignment mark.

A printing device according to another aspect of the present invention includes a stage, a supporting section, a camera and a camera position control mechanism. The stage is configured and arranged to support a substrate onto which droplets of liquid are ejected from nozzles of an ejection head. The supporting section is configured and arranged to support a liquid landing member on which droplets ejected from the nozzles of the ejection head are caused to land. The camera is configured and arranged to photograph an alignment mark furnished to the substrate, or to photograph a face of the liquid landing member on which the liquid lands. The camera position control mechanism is configured and arranged to control a position of the camera to switch between a first state enabling photographing of the alignment mark, and a third state enabling photographing of the face of the liquid landing member on which the liquid lands.

According to the printing device of the above described aspect of the present invention, the camera position control mechanism can control the position of the camera so as to enable switching between a first state for photographing an alignment mark, and a third state for photographing the face of the liquid landing member on which the liquid lands. Thus, the substrate alignment process and nozzle state testing can be performed with a single camera, to realize a multifunctional printing device having fewer parts as well, so that the device configuration can be smaller and cheaper.

The aforedescribed printing device preferably further includes a nozzle dropout determining section configured and arranged to determine a state of the nozzles of the ejection head based on a result of photographing by the camera of the face of the liquid landing member on which the liquid lands.

According to this configuration, the state of the nozzles of the ejection head can be satisfactorily ascertained by the nozzle dropout determining section, whereby the nozzles can always be kept in a satisfactory state, and a highly reliable device with high print quality can be afforded.

In the aforedescribed printing device, the liquid landing member preferably includes a sheet member that moves together with the stage, with respect to the ejection head.

According to this configuration, because the liquid landing member moves together with the stage with respect to the ejection head, the sheet member can move to below the ejection head. Therefore, liquid can be ejected onto the sheet member from all of the nozzles of the ejection head.

In the aforedescribed printing device, in the first state, the camera is preferably configured and arranged to photograph the alignment mark furnished to a back face of the substrate via a through-hole formed in the stage.

According to this configuration, the camera can reliably photograph an alignment mark furnished to the back side of the substrate.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

The following is a description of modes for carrying out the printing device of the present invention, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

The following embodiment of implementation is meant to illustrate one aspect of the present invention and not to limit the present invention; any desired change to the present invention within the technical scope of the spirit thereof is possible. Also, to facilitate understanding of each of the configurations, the following drawings have different scales, numbers, and other parameters for each of the structures from the actual structures.

An example of a printing device and of a printing method for printing by using the printing device to discharge droplets, being features of the present invention, shall be described in this embodiment with reference toFIGS. 1 to 9.

Semiconductor Substrate

First, a semiconductor substrate, which is an example of an object to be drawn (printed) on with a printing device, shall now be described.

FIG. 1Ais a schematic plan view illustrating a semiconductor substrate. As illustrated inFIG. 1A, a semiconductor substrate1serving as a base material is provided with a substrate2. The substrate2may be heat-resistant and may allow for the installation of a semiconductor device3; a glass epoxy substrate, phenolic paper substrate, epoxy paper substrate, or the like can be used as the substrate2.

The semiconductor device3is installed onto the substrate2. A company name mark4, a model code5, a serial number6, and other marks (printing patterns or predetermined patterns) are drawn on the semiconductor device3. These marks are drawn on by the printing device. These marks are therefore drawn onto the mold layer formed on the surface of the semiconductor device3.

The semiconductor substrate1is furnished on one face thereof, in the present embodiment, the front face1aside, with alignment marks M. These alignment marks M are used during an alignment step with respect to the stage of a coating section, to be discussed later.

Printing Device

FIG. 1Bis a schematic plan view illustrating a printing device.

As illustrated inFIG. 1B, a printing device7is primarily constituted of a supply section8, a pre-treatment section9, a coating section (printing section)10, a cooling section11, a storage receptacle12, a transport section13, and a controller14. The printing device7has the supply section8, the pre-treatment section9, the coating section10, the cooling section11, the storage receptacle12, the controller14, and the input section19disposed, in the stated order, clockwise around the transport section13. The supply section8is also disposed adjacent to the controller14. The direction in which the supply section8, the controller14, and the storage receptacle12form a line serves as an X direction. The direction orthogonal to the X direction serves as a Y direction; the coating section10, the transport section13, and the controller14are disposed lined up in the Y direction. The vertical direction serves as a Z direction.

The supply section8is provided with a storage receptacle in which a plurality of semiconductor substrates1are housed. The supply section8is also provided with a relay point8a, the semiconductor substrates1being supplied to the relay point8afrom the storage receptacle.

The pre-treatment section9has the function of modifying while also heating the surface of the semiconductor device3. The spreading conditions of the discharged droplets and the close adhesion of the printed marks are adjusted on the semiconductor device3by the pre-treatment section9. The pre-treatment section9is provided with a first relay point9aand a second relay point9b, and takes in the pre-treatment semiconductor substrate1from the first relay point9aor the second relay point9band modifies the surface. Thereafter, the pre-treatment section9moves the post-treatment semiconductor substrate1to either the first relay point9aor the second relay point9b, and places the semiconductor substrate1on standby. The first relay point9aand the second relay point9bare combined to make a relay point9c. When pre-treatment is being performed within the pre-treatment section9, the point at which the semiconductor substrate1is located is a treatment point9d.

The cooling section11has a function of cooling the semiconductor substrates1, once heating and surface modification have been performed in the pretreatment section9. The cooling section11has treatment locations11a,11bwhere the semiconductor substrates1are respectively held and cooled. For convenience, the treatment locations11a,11bare sometimes referred to collectively as treatment locations11c.

The coating section10discharges droplets onto the semiconductor device3to draw (print) a mark, and has a function for either solidifying or curing the mark having been drawn. The coating section10is provided with a relay point10a, and moves the pre-drawing semiconductor substrate1from the relay point10ato perform a drawing treatment and a curing treatment. Thereafter, the coating section10moves the post-drawing semiconductor substrate1to the relay point10a, and places the semiconductor substrate1on standby.

The storage receptacle12is provided with a storage receptacle capable of housing a plurality of semiconductor substrates1. The storage receptacle12is also provided with a relay point12a, and houses the semiconductor substrate1in the storage receptacle from the relay point12a. An operator discharges, from the printing device7, the storage receptacle in which the semiconductor substrates1are housed.

The input section19is adapted to receive user input of printing parameters (printed image quality, number of substrates to be printed, etc.) for the semiconductor substrates1, and includes, for example, a touch panel for the user to input desired information to the controller14by touching the screen. In the present embodiment, via the input section19, the user is able to input information regarding the face e of the semiconductor substrate1on the side thereof furnished with the alignment marks M. The input section19is electrically connected to the controller14, and transmits information input by the user to the controller14.

The transport section13is arranged at a point in the middle of the printing device7. A scalar-type robot provided with two arm parts is used as the transport section13. Grasping sections13afor gripping the semiconductor substrate1are installed at the tips of the arm parts. The relay points8a,9c,10a,12aare located inside a moving range13bof the grasping sections13a. Accordingly, the grasping sections13aare able to move the semiconductor substrate1between the relay points8a,9c,10a,12c. The controller14is a device for controlling the operation of the entire printing device7, and manages the operating status of each of the parts of the printing device7. An instruction signal for moving the semiconductor substrate1is outputted to the transport section13. The semiconductor substrate1is thereby made to pass through each of the parts in sequence and be drawn on.

The following is a more detailed description of each of the parts.

Supply Section

FIG. 2Ais a schematic front view illustrating the supply section, andFIGS. 2B and 2Care schematic side views illustrating the supply section. As illustrated inFIGS. 2A and 2B, the supply section8is provided with a base stage15. A vertical motion device16is installed inside the base stage15. The vertical motion device16is provided with a linear movement mechanism for operating in the Z direction. As the linear movement mechanism, it is possible to use a combination of a ball screw and a rotary motor, a combination of a hydraulic cylinder and an oil pump, or other mechanism. This embodiment employs a mechanism which operates by a ball screw and a step motor, by way of example. A vertical movement plate17is installed on the upper side of the base stage15so as to be in contact with the vertical motion device16. The vertical movement plate17can be moved vertically by the vertical motion device16only by a predetermined degree of travel.

A cuboid storage receptacle18is installed on top of the vertical movement plate17, a plurality of semiconductor substrates1being housed within the storage receptacle18. The storage receptacle18has opening parts18aformed on both surfaces in the Y direction, allowing for the removal and insertion of the semiconductor substrate1from the opening parts18a. Convex rails18care formed inside side surfaces18blocated on both sides of the X direction of the storage receptacle18, the rails18cbeing arranged so as to extend in the Y direction. The rails18care arrayed in a plurality of equally spaced intervals in the Z direction. The semiconductor substrates1are inserted from either the Y direction or the −Y direction along the rails18c, whereby the semiconductor substrates1are housed in an array in the Z direction.

A substrate withdrawer22and a relay stage23are installed via a supporter material21in the Y direction side of the base stage15. The relay stage23is arranged so as to overlap the substrate withdrawer22in the case of the Y direction side of the storage receptacle18. The substrate withdrawer22is provided with an arm part22awhich stretches in the Y direction, and a linear movement mechanism for driving the arm part22a. The linear movement mechanism is not particularly limited, provided that the linear movement mechanism be a mechanism for moving in a linear manner; the present embodiment employs an air cylinder operated by compressed air, by way of example. A claw part22bbent in a substantially rectangular manner is installed at one end of the arm part22a, the tip of the claw part22bbeing formed so as to be parallel with the arm part22a.

The substrate withdrawer22stretches the arm part22a, whereby the arm part22apenetrates the storage receptacle18. Then, the claw part22bmoves to the −Y direction side of the storage receptacle18. Next, after the vertical motion device16lowers the semiconductor substrate1, the substrate withdrawer22contracts the arm part22a. At such a time, the claw part22bmoves while pushing one end of the semiconductor substrate1.

As a result, as illustrated inFIG. 2C, the semiconductor substrate1is made to move over the relay stage23from the storage receptacle18. The relay stage23has a concave part formed to have substantially the same width as the width in the X direction of the semiconductor substrate1, the semiconductor substrate1being moved along the concave part. The position in the X direction of the semiconductor substrate1is determined by the concave part. The position in the Y direction of the semiconductor substrate1is determined by the point where the semiconductor substrate1is halted, pushed by the claw part22b. The relay point8ais on top of the relay stage23, and the semiconductor substrate1is put on standby at a predetermined point of the relay point8a. When the semiconductor substrate1is put on standby at the relay point8aof the supply section8, the transport section13moves the grasping section13ato the point facing opposite the semiconductor substrate1and moves gripping the semiconductor substrate1.

After the semiconductor substrate1is moved from above the relay stage23by the transport section13, the substrate withdrawer22stretches out the arm part22a. Next, the vertical motion device16lowers the storage receptacle18, and the substrate withdrawer22moves the semiconductor substrate1over the relay stage23from within the storage receptacle18. In this manner, the supply section8moves the semiconductor substrates1in sequence from the storage receptacle18onto the relay stage23. After all of the semiconductor substrates1within the storage receptacle18have been moved onto the relay stage23, the operator switches the storage receptacle18, which is now empty, with a storage receptacle18in which semiconductor substrates1are housed. The semiconductor substrates can thereby be supplied to the supply section8.

FIGS. 3A and 3Bare schematic perspective views illustrating the configuration of the pre-treatment section. As illustrated inFIG. 3A, a pre-treatment section9is provided with a base stage24, and a pair of a first guide rail25and a second guide rail26are installed in a series each extending in the X direction on the base stage24. A first stage27serving as a mounting stage which moves reciprocatingly in the X direction along the first guide rail25is installed on the first guide rail25, and a second stage28serving as a mounting stage which moves reciprocatingly in the X direction along the second guide rail26is installed on the second guide rail26. The first stage27and the second stage28are provided with a linear movement mechanism and are able to move reciprocatingly. As the linear movement mechanism, it is possible to use, for example, a mechanism similar to the linear movement mechanism provided to the vertical motion device16.

A mounting surface27ais installed on the upper surface of the first stage27, and a suction-type chucking mechanism is formed on the mounting surface27a. The transport section13mounts the semiconductor substrate1onto the mounting surface27aand thereafter causes the chucking mechanism to operate, whereby the pre-treatment section9is able to secure the semiconductor substrate1to the mounting surface27a. Similarly, a mounting surface28ais also installed on the upper surface of the second stage28, and a suction-type chucking mechanism is formed on the mounting surface28a. The transport section13mounts the semiconductor substrate1onto the mounting surface28aand thereafter causes the chucking mechanism to operate, whereby the pre-treatment section9is able to secure the semiconductor substrate1to the mounting surface28a.

A heating device27H is built into the first stage27, and heats the semiconductor substrate1, having been mounted onto the mounting surface27a, to a predetermined temperature while being controlled by the controller14. Similarly, a heating device28H is built into the second stage28, and heats the semiconductor substrate1, having been mounted onto the mounting surface28a, to a predetermined temperature while being controlled by the controller14.

A point on the mounting surface27awhen the first stage27is arranged on the X direction side serves as a first relay point9a, and a point on the mounting surface28awhen the second stage28is arranged on the X direction side serves as a second relay point9b. A relay point9c, being the first relay point9aand the second relay point9b, is positioned within the operating range of the grasping sections13a; the mounting surface27aand the mounting surface28aare exposed at the relay point9c. Accordingly, the transport section13is readily able to mount the semiconductor substrate1onto the mounting surface27aand the mounting surface28a. After the semiconductor substrate1has been pre-treated, the semiconductor substrate1is put on standby over the mounting surface27apositioned at the first relay point9aor over the mounting surface28apositioned at the second relay point9b. Accordingly, the grasping sections13aof the transport section13are readily able to move gripping the semiconductor substrate1.

A planar support section29is assembled in the −X direction of the base stage24. A guide rail30extending in the Y direction is installed on the upper side on the surface in the X direction side of the support section29. Also, a carriage31which moves along the guide rail30is installed at a point facing opposite the guide rail30. The carriage31is provided with a linear movement mechanism, and is able to move reciprocatingly. As the linear movement mechanism, it is possible to use, for example, a mechanism similar to the linear movement mechanism provided to the vertical motion device16.

A treatment section32is installed at the base stage24side of the carriage31. Illustrative examples of the treatment section32can include a low-pressure mercury lamp for emitting activation light rays, a hydrogen burner, an excimer laser, plasma discharge section, corona discharge section, or the like. In the case where a mercury lamp is used, the semiconductor substrate1is irradiated with ultraviolet light, whereby the liquid repellency of the surface of the semiconductor substrate1can be modified. In the case where a hydrogen burner is used, the oxidized surface of the semiconductor surface1can be partially reduced, the surface being thus roughened. In the case where an excimer laser is used, the surface of the semiconductor substrate1can be partially molten and solidified, and is thus roughened. In the case where plasma discharge or corona discharge is used, the surface of the semiconductor substrate1can be mechanically ground, and is thus roughened. The present embodiment employs a mercury lamp, by way of example. The pretreatment section9brings about reciprocating motion of the carriage31while the semiconductor substrate1, in a state of being heated by the heating devices27H,28H, is being irradiated with ultraviolet from the treatment section32. In so doing, it is possible for the pretreatment section9to irradiate a wide area of the treatment location9dwith ultraviolet.

The pre-treatment section9is entirely covered by an outer covering part33. A door part34which can move up and down is installed in the interior of the outer covering part33. Also, as illustrated byFIG. 3B, the door part34is lowered after the first stage27or the second stage28has moved to a point facing opposite the carriage31. The ultraviolet light irradiated by the treatment section32is thereby prevented from leaking outside of the pre-treatment section9.

When either the mounting surface27aor the mounting surface28ais located at the relay point9c, the transport section feeds the semiconductor substrate1to the mounting surface27aand the mounting surface28a. The first stage27or second stage28on which the semiconductor substrate1is mounted is then moved to the treatment point9d, where pre-treatment is performed by the pre-treatment section9. After the pre-treatment has been completed, the pre-treatment section9moves the first stage27or the second stage28to the relay point9c. Subsequently, the transport section13removes the semiconductor substrate1from the mounting surface27aor the mounting surface28a.

Cooling Section

The cooling section11has cooling panels110a,110b, such as heat sinks or the like, which are respectively furnished to the treatment locations11a,11b, and which have a suction retention face at the upper face.

The treatment locations11a,11b(the cooling panels110a,110b) are positioned within the range of operation of the grasping section13a, with the cooling panels110a,110blying exposed at the treatment locations11a,11b. Consequently, the transport section13can readily rest the semiconductor substrates1on the cooling panels110a,110b. After the semiconductor substrates1have been cooled, the semiconductor substrates1stand by on the cooling panel110apositioned at the treatment location11a, or on the cooling panel110apositioned at the treatment location11b. Consequently, the grasping section13aof the transport section13can readily grasp and transport the semiconductor substrates1.

Coating Section

The following is a description of the coating section10for discharging droplets onto the semiconductor substrate1to form a mark, with reference toFIGS. 4 and 5. The device for discharging the droplets is any of various types of devices, but a device which uses an ink jet method is preferable. The ink jet method is capable of discharging minute droplets and is therefore suited for fine processing.

FIG. 4is a simplified perspective view showing the configuration of a coating section. Liquid is ejected on the semiconductor substrate1by the coating section10. As shown inFIG. 4, the coating section10is provided with a first base37A formed with a cuboid shape. Herein, the direction of relative movement of the object of ejection and the ejection head when the first base37A ejects droplets is designated as the main scanning direction. A direction orthogonal to the main scanning direction is designated as the sub-scanning direction. The sub-scanning direction is the direction of relative movement of the ejection head and the object of ejection during line breaking. In the present embodiment, the X direction is designated as the main scanning direction, and the Y direction as the sub-scanning direction.

A pair of guide rails38that extend in the Y direction protrude up from the upper face37aof the first base37A and extend across the entire width thereof in the Y direction. A stage39provided with direct drive mechanisms, not shown, corresponding to the pair of guide rails38is attached at the upper side of the first base37A. As the direct drive mechanisms for the stage39, there could be employed linear motors, screw type direct drive mechanisms, or the like. In the present embodiment, linear motors are adopted, for example. Outbound movement or return movement takes place at a predetermined speed in the Y direction. Repeated outbound movement or return movement is termed scanning movement. Additionally, a sub-scanning position detector40is disposed parallel to the guide rails38on the upper face37aof the first base37A, and the position of the stage39is detected by the sub-scanning position detection device40.

A resting face41is formed on the upper face of this stage39, and a suction type substrate chuck mechanism, not shown, is furnished to the resting face41. After the semiconductor substrate1has been rested on the resting face41, the semiconductor substrate1is secured onto the resting face41by the substrate chuck mechanism. The stage39is configured to have a larger dimension in the X direction than the first stage37A. Specifically, the stage39has an overhanging section39athat overhangs a side of the first stage37A in the X direction. The overhanging section39aconstitutes part of the resting face41on which the semiconductor substrate1rests. Through-holes39bare formed in the overhanging section39aof the stage39.

A point on the mounting surface41when the stage39is positioned in the −Y direction serves as a relay point10a. The mounting surface41is installed so as to be exposed within the operating range of the grasping sections13a. Accordingly, the transport section13is readily able to mount the semiconductor substrate1onto the mounting surface41. After the semiconductor substrate1has been coated, the semiconductor substrate1is put on standby on the mounting surface41, being the relay point10a. Accordingly, the grasping sections13aof the transport section13are readily able to move gripping the semiconductor substrate1.

The coating section10is also provided with a second stage37B furnished concomitantly with the first stage37A. A pair of guide rails93that extend in the Y direction protrude up from the upper face of the second base37B and extend across the entire width thereof in the Y direction. A stage90(one example of a supporting section) provided with direct drive mechanisms, not shown, corresponding to the pair of guide rails93is attached at the upper side of the second base37B. As the direct drive mechanisms for the stage90, there could be employed linear motors, screw type direct drive mechanisms, or the like. In the present embodiment, linear motors are adopted, for example. Outbound movement or return movement takes place at a predetermined speed in the Y direction. Additionally, a sub-scanning position detection device, not shown, is disposed parallel to the guide rails93on the upper face of the second base37B, and the position of the stage90is detected by the sub-scanning position detection device.

Also, a nozzle dropout detection area90ais established on the upper face of the stage90. Herein, nozzle dropout refers to whether or not ink droplets are ejected in satisfactory fashion from the nozzles of the drop ejection head. In the nozzle dropout detection area90a, a test sheet (liquid landing member)91for ink ejected from the nozzles is formed on the upper face of the stage39, at the +X direction side thereof.

Ink ejected from the nozzles lands on the test sheet91. The test sheet91is detachable from the stage90, and once a predetermined length of time has passed is replaced with a new one. Based on this configuration, in association with movement of the stage39over the first base37A, the test sheet91is conveyed to below the drop ejection head together with the stage39. In so doing, ink can be ejected onto the test sheet91from all of the nozzles of the drop ejection head.

The coating section10according to the present embodiment is adapted to perform nozzle dropout testing of the drop ejection head, for example, during initial filling with ink; when driving again after the ink ejection operation has been suspended for an extended period; or when a predetermined length of time has passed.

Returning toFIG. 4, a pair of support bases42are disposed upright at both sides of the first base37A and the second base37B in the X direction; and a guide member43extending in the X direction spans the pair of support bases42. A guide rail44extending in the X direction protrudes across the entire width of the guide member43in the X direction at the lower side thereof. A carriage (moving means)45moveably mounted onto the guide rail44is formed with a generally cuboid shape. The carriage45is provided with a direct drive mechanism; as the direct drive mechanism, there may be employed a mechanism comparable to the direct drive mechanisms provided to the stage39, for example. The carriage45undergoes scanning movement in the X direction. A main scanning position detection device46is disposed between the guide member43and the carriage45, and measures the position of the carriage45. A linear encoder is employed as the main scanning position detection device46. The main scanning position detection device46is electrically connected to the controller14, and transmits the results of measurement to the controller14. A head section47is disposed to the lower side of the carriage45, and a drop ejection head, not shown, protrudes from the face of the head section47on the stage39side thereof.

In order to eject droplets accurately onto the semiconductor substrate1, it is necessary for the semiconductor substrate1per se to be disposed accurately through alignment thereof with respect to the resting face41of the stage39. The printing device7according to the present embodiment is provided with an alignment section (camera position control mechanism)65, so that the semiconductor substrate1can be disposed accurately on the stage39by the alignment section65. The alignment section65is electrically connected to the controller14, which performs control thereof.

The alignment section65is provided with a guide member62extending in the X direction; a moving section63adapted to move across the guide member62; an alignment camera61for photographing alignment marks M furnished to the semiconductor substrate1; a shaft section67disposed on the moving section63; and a rotating section68rotatable with respect to the shaft section67and adapted to retain the alignment camera61. The rotating section68retains the alignment camera61rotatably about the X axis and the Z axis. Therefore, it is possible for a photographing face61aof the alignment camera61to face towards the −Z direction or the +Z direction. The guide member62is secured to the pair of support bases64disposed upright at both sides of the first base37A and the second base37B in the X direction.

The shaft section67is furnished with a guide rail67aextending in the Z direction, whereby the shaft section67is moveable in the Z direction (vertical direction) with respect to the moving section63by a drive mechanism, not shown. Additionally, the guide member62is furnished with a guide rail62aextending in the X direction, whereby the moving section63is moveable in the X direction with respect to the guide member62by a drive mechanism, not shown.

In the present embodiment, once the controller14, based on information input from the input section19, has recognized that alignment marks M are furnished on the front face1aside of the semiconductor substrate1, it drives the alignment section65.

FIG. 5describes operation of the alignment section65, withFIG. 5Ashowing a state in which the alignment marks M are photographed from above the semiconductor substrate1, andFIG. 5Bshowing a state in which the alignment marks M are photographed from below the semiconductor substrate1.

As shown inFIG. 5A, the alignment section65positions the rotating section68to the upper face side of the semiconductor substrate1, as well as facing the photographing face61aof the alignment camera61towards the stage39, thereby making it possible to photograph the alignment marks M on one side (the side towards the −X direction) of the semiconductor substrate1on the resting face41of the stage39. Additionally, the alignment section65moves the moving section63towards the +X direction across the guide member62to move the alignment camera61to the other end of the stage39, and by driving the rotating section68, rotates the orientation of the alignment camera61by 180 degrees about the Z axis. It is then possible to photograph the alignment marks M on the other side (the side towards the +X direction) of the semiconductor substrate1on the resting face41.

The image photographed by the alignment camera61is sent to the controller14, whereupon the controller14ascertains from the positions of the alignment marks M the amount of positional displacement of the semiconductor substrate1with respect to the resting face41of the stage39. The controller14then fine-tunes the position of the grasping section13aof the transport section13to dispose the semiconductor substrate1at a predetermined position with respect to the resting face41. This completes the operation to align the semiconductor substrate1with respect to the stage39. Herein, alignment mark information may be saved to the controller14. For example, as shown inFIG. 1A“+” (plus) marks may be saved, and the amount of positional displacement then ascertained by comparing the saved alignment mark information with the photographed image. The alignment marks are not limited thereto, and could also be the letter “L,” or circular in shape.

In the preceding description, the alignment marks M are furnished on the front face1aside of the semiconductor substrate1, but it is also possible for the alignment section65to satisfactorily photograph a semiconductor substrate1furnished with alignment marks M on the back face1bside.

In specific terms, as shown inFIG. 5B, the alignment section65positions the rotating section68to the bottom face side of the semiconductor substrate1, and faces the photographing face61aof the alignment camera61towards the stage39, whereby it is possible to photograph the alignment marks M of the semiconductor substrate1via the through-holes39bfurnished to the stage39.

Herein, once the alignment section65has moved the moving section63towards the −X direction across the guide member62and, has moved the shaft section67in the −Z direction with respect to the moving section63while avoiding contact between the alignment camera61and the semiconductor substrate1, it then again moves the moving section63in the +X direction with respect to the guide member62so that the alignment camera61can be disposed at the position inFIG. 5B. It is possible thereby to photograph the alignment marks M on one side (the side towards the −X direction) of the semiconductor substrate1on the resting face41of the stage39.

Additionally, once the alignment section65has moved the moving section63towards the +X direction across the guide member62to move to the alignment camera61to the other end of the stage39, it then moves the shaft section67downward while driving the rotating section68, thereby disposing the alignment camera along the Y direction. Once the alignment camera61has passed through the gap between the stage39and the stage90, the alignment camera61is disposed facing towards the −X direction and the photographing face61ais faced upward, thereby making it possible to photograph the alignment marks M of the semiconductor substrate1via the through-holes39bfurnished to the stage39.

The image photographed by the alignment camera61is sent to the controller14, whereupon the controller14adjusts the position of the grasping section13ain the above manner, thereby making possible alignment of the semiconductor substrate1to a predetermined position with respect to the resting face41.

In the above manner, the alignment section65according to the present embodiment has a configuration that enables switching between a first state for photographing the alignment marks M of the semiconductor substrate1on the stage39from one planar side (the +Z direction side with respect to the stage39) (one example of a first face), and a second state for photographing the alignment marks M of the semiconductor substrate1on the stage39from the other planar side (the −Z direction side with respect to the stage39) (one example of a second face).

During nozzle dropout testing, firstly, ink is ejected onto the aforedescribed test sheet91from all of the nozzles of the drop ejection head. Here, ink is ejected onto the test sheet91from all the nozzles of the drop ejection head; however, it is also acceptable to eject ink from a portion of the nozzles. The controller14then employs the alignment camera61of the alignment section65to photograph the ink landing face of the test sheet91. At this time, as shown inFIG. 5A, the alignment section65moves the moving section63towards the +X direction across the guide member62, so that the ink landing face of the test sheet91which has been placed in the nozzle dropout detection area90aof the stage39can be photographed.

The image photographed by the alignment camera61is sent to the controller14, whereupon the controller14analyzes the image in order to verify whether ink has been ejected in satisfactory fashion from the nozzles of the drop ejection head. Thereby, in cases in which nozzle dropout has been detected, nozzle dropout can be resolved by employing a maintenance device, not shown, as needed in order to perform a maintenance process (for example, a flushing process, a suction process, a wiping process, or the like) to resolve nozzle dropout. Herein, a pattern to be formed on the test sheet based on data instructing ejection onto the test sheet91from the drop ejection head may be recorded to the controller. The controller would then compare this data with the photographed image, to verify whether ink has been ejected in satisfactory fashion from the nozzles of the drop ejection head. Specifically, the controller14constitutes the nozzle dropout determining section of the present invention.

By performing nozzle dropout testing in the above manner, the printing device7according to the present embodiment is able to maintain a state of satisfactory ejection of ink from the nozzles. A highly reliable device providing high print quality onto the semiconductor substrates1is afforded thereby.

In the present embodiment shown above, the position of the alignment camera61is controlled so as to enable switching of the alignment section65between an alignment state (the first state or second state) enabling photographing of alignment marks M furnished on the semiconductor1, and a nozzle dropout testing state (third state) for photographing the ink landing face of the test sheet91.

FIG. 6is a schematic side view illustrating a carriage. As illustrated inFIG. 4B, the head section47and a pair of curing sections (irradiation sections)48serving as irradiation sections are arranged on the semiconductor substrate1side of the carriage45. A convex liquid droplet discharge head (discharge head)49for discharging droplets is provided to the semiconductor substrate1side of the head section47.

An irradiation device for irradiating with ultraviolet light, which causes the discharged droplets to be cured, is arranged on the interior of the curing section48s. The curing sections48are arranged on positions on both sides surrounding the head section47in the primary scanning direction (the relative movement direction). The irradiation device is constituted of a light-emitting section and a heatsink or the like. A plurality of light emitting diode (LED) elements are installed in series on the light-emitting section. The LED sections are elements supplied with electrical power to emit ultraviolet light, which is light in the ultraviolet range.

A housing tank50is arranged on the upper side of the carriage45as shown, and ink (the functional liquid) is housed in the housing tank50. The liquid droplet discharge head49and the housing50are connected by a tube (not shown), and the functional liquid inside the housing tank50is supplied to the liquid droplet discharge head49via a tube.

The functional liquid contains as primary materials a resin material, a photopolymerization initiator functioning as a curing agent, and a solvent or dispersion medium. Functional liquids having specific functionality can be formed by adding to these primary materials coloring matter such as pigments, dyes, and the like; surface modifying materials with hydrophilic or water repellent properties; and other such functional materials. In the present embodiment, for example, a white pigment is added. The resin material of the functional liquid is a material that forms a resin film. The resin material is not particularly limited, provided that the material is liquid at normal temperature, and forms a polymer through polymerization. Furthermore, in preferred practice, the resin material has low viscosity, and takes the form of an oligomer. More preferably it will take the form of a monomer. The photopolymerization initiator is an additive that acts on crosslinking groups to the polymer to promote a crosslinking reaction; benzyl dimethyl ketal or the like can be used as the photopolymerization initiator, for example. The solvent or dispersion medium adjusts the viscosity level of the resin material. Where the viscosity level of the functional liquid is one facilitating ejection from the drop ejection head, the functional liquid can be ejected in a stable fashion from the drop ejection head.

FIG. 7Ais a schematic plan view illustrating a head section. As illustrated inFIG. 7A, two liquid droplet discharge heads49constituting a first and a second discharge head at arranged on the head section47and create a gap in the secondary scanning direction; a nozzle plate51is arranged on the surface of each of the liquid droplet discharge heads49. A plurality of nozzles52are formed in series on each of the nozzle plates51. In the present embodiment, each of the nozzle plates51is provided with one nozzle column60in which 15 nozzles52are arranged along the secondary scanning direction. The two nozzle columns60are arranged in a linear manner along the Y direction and are arranged with regard to the X direction in positions equally spaced on both sides of the curing section48.

The nozzles52arranged at the two ends of the nozzle columns60in each of the liquid droplet discharge heads49trend toward having unsafe characteristics for discharging droplets and are therefore not used for liquid droplet discharge treatments. That is, in the present embodiment, 13 nozzles52, excluding the two end nozzles52, form an actual nozzle column60A for discharging droplets onto the semiconductor substrate1in actual practice.

Herein, the adjacent liquid droplet discharge heads49are arranged in a positional relationship satisfying the following formula, where LN is the length in the secondary scanning direction of each of the actual nozzle columns60A, and LH is the distance in the secondary scanning direction between the actual nozzle columns60A of the respective adjacent liquid droplet discharge heads49.
LH=n×LN(nis a positive integer)  (1)

In the present embodiment, the two liquid droplet discharge heads49are arranged along the Y direction in a positional relationship where n=1, i.e., where LH=LN.

Irradiation ports48aare formed on the lower surface of the curing section48. The irradiation ports48aare provided so as to have an irradiation range at least as a long as the sum of the length of the discharge heads49,49in the Y direction and the distance between the discharge heads49,49. Ultraviolet light emitted by the irradiation device is irradiated toward the semiconductor substrate1from the irradiation ports48a.

FIG. 5Bis a schematic cross-sectional view for describing the structural elements of the liquid droplet discharge head. As illustrated inFIG. 5B, the liquid droplet discharge head49is provided with the nozzle plate51, and the nozzles52are formed on the nozzle plate51. A cavity53communicating with the nozzles52is formed at a position on the upper side of the nozzle plate51and opposite the nozzles52. The functional liquid (liquid)54is supplied to the cavity53of the liquid droplet discharge head49.

A vibration plate55for vibrating in the up-down direction to enlarge and reduce the volume inside the cavity53is installed on the upper side of the cavity53. A piezoelectric element56for expanding and contracting in the up-down direction to cause the vibration plate55to vibrate is arranged at a point facing opposite the cavity53on the upper surface of the vibration plate55. The piezoelectric element56expands and contracts in the up-down direction to apply pressure on and vibrate the vibration plate55, and the vibration plate55enlarges and reduces the volume inside the cavity53to apply pressure on the cavity53. The pressure inside the cavity53is thereby made to fluctuate, and the functional liquid54having been supplied to the inside of the cavity53is discharged through the nozzles52.

When the liquid droplet discharge head49receives a nozzle drive signal for controlling the drive of the piezoelectric element56, the piezoelectric element56expands and the vibration plate55reduces the volume inside the cavity53. Consequently, an amount of functional liquid54equivalent to the reduction in volume is discharged as droplets57from the nozzles52of the liquid droplet discharge head49. The semiconductor substrate1, which has been coated with the functional liquid54, is irradiated with ultraviolet light from the irradiation ports48a, and the functional liquid54, which contains a curing agent, is thus made to solidify or cure.

Storage Receptacle

FIG. 8Ais a schematic front view illustrating a storage receptacle, andFIGS. 8B and 8Care schematic side views illustrating a storage receptacle. As illustrated byFIGS. 8A and 8B, a storage receptacle12is provided with a base stage74. A vertical motion device75is installed on the interior of the base stage74. The vertical motion device75used can be a similar device to the vertical motion device16installed in the supply section8. A vertical motion plate76is installed on the upper side of the base stage74so as to be connected with the vertical motion device75. The vertical motion plate76is lifted and lowered by the vertical motion device75. A cuboid storage receptacle18is installed on top of the vertical motion plate76, and the semiconductor substrates1are housed within the storage receptacle18. The storage receptacle18used is the same container as the storage receptacle18installed in the supply section18.

A substrate pusher78and a relay stage79are installed via a support member77on the Y direction side of the base stage74. The relay stage79is arranged at a point in the Y direction side of the storage receptacle18so as to overlap onto the substrate pusher78. The substrate pusher78is provided with an arm part78awhich moves in the Y direction, as well as with a linear movement mechanism for driving the arm part78a. The linear movement mechanism is not particularly limited, that the linear movement mechanism be a mechanism for moving in a linear manner; the present embodiment employs an air cylinder operated by compressed air, by way of example. The semiconductor substrate1is mounted onto the relay stage79and an arm part78ais allowed to make contact with the middle of one end of the Y direction side of the semiconductor substrate1.

The substrate pusher78causes the arm part78ato move in the −Y direction, whereby the arm part78acauses the semiconductor substrate1to move in the −Y direction. The relay stage79has a concave part formed so as to have substantially the same width as the width in the X direction of the semiconductor substrate1, and the semiconductor substrate1moves along the concave part. The position in the X direction of the semiconductor substrate1is determined by the concave part. Consequently, as illustrated inFIG. 8C, the semiconductor substrate1is made to move into the storage receptacle18. The rails18cbeing formed in the storage receptacle18, the rails18care positioned on the line of extension of the concave part formed on the relay stage79. The semiconductor substrate1is made to move along the rails18cby the substrate pusher78. The semiconductor substrate1is thereby safely housed in the storage receptacle18.

After the transport section13has moved the semiconductor substrate1onto the relay stage79, the vertical motion device75lifts the storage receptacle18. Then, the substrate pusher78drives the arm part78aand moves the semiconductor substrate1into the storage receptacle18. The storage receptacle12thus houses the semiconductor substrate1in the storage receptacle18. After a predetermined number of semiconductor substrates1have been housed in a storage receptacle18, the operator replaces the storage receptacle18in which the semiconductor substrates1have been housed with another empty storage receptacle18. The operator is thereby able to carry a plurality of semiconductor substrates1together in the following steps.

The storage receptacle12has a relay point12afor mounting the housed semiconductor substrates1. The transport section13is able to cooperate with the storage receptacle12to house the semiconductor substrates1in the storage receptacle18merely by mounting the semiconductor substrates1onto the relay point12a.

Transport Section

The following is a description of the transport section13for transporting the semiconductor substrate1, with reference toFIG. 9.FIG. 9is a schematic perspective view illustrating the configuration of a transport section. As illustrated inFIG. 9, the transport section13is provided with a base stage82formed in a planar shape. A support stage83is arranged on the base stage82. A hollow is formed in the interior of the support stage83, and a rotation mechanism83aconstituted of a motor, an angle detector, a decelerator, and the like is installed in the hollow. The output shaft of the motor is connected to the decelerator, and the output shaft of the decelerator is connected to a first arm part84arranged on the upper side of the support stage83. The angle detector is installed so as to be connected to the output shaft of the motor; the angle detector detects the angle of rotation of the output shaft of the motor. It is thereby possible to detect the angle of rotation of the first arm part84and to cause the rotation mechanism83ato rotate at a desired angle.

A rotation mechanism85is installed at the end of the first arm part84on the side opposite to the support stage83. The rotation mechanism85is constituted of a motor, an angle detector, a decelerator, and the like, and is provided with a similar function to that of the rotation mechanism installed inside the support stage83. An output shaft of the rotation mechanism85is connected to a second arm part86. It is thereby possible to detect the angle of rotation of the second arm part86and to cause the rotation mechanism85to rotate at a desired angle.

A vertical motion device87is arranged at the end of the second arm part86on the side opposite to the rotation mechanism85. The vertical motion device87is provided with a linear movement mechanism, and expands and contracts by driving the linear movement mechanism. The linear movement mechanism used can be a similar mechanism to that of, for example, the vertical motion device16of the supply section8. A rotation device88is arranged on the lower side of the vertical motion device87.

The rotation device88, with the provision of being able to control the angle of rotation, can be constituted of the combination of any kind of motor with a rotational angle sensor. It is additionally possible to use a stepper motor capable of rotating the angle of rotation at a predetermined angle. The present embodiment employs a stepper motor, by way of example. A deceleration device may also be further arranged. Rotation at an even finer angle is thereby possible.

The grasping sections13aare arranged on the lower side of the rotation device88as shown. The grasping sections13aare connected to the rotating shaft of the rotation device88. Accordingly, the grasping sections13acan be rotated by driving the rotation device88. Further, the grasping sections13acan be raised and lowered by driving the vertical motion device87.

The grasping sections13ahave four finger parts13chaving linear shapes, and a chuck mechanism for suction-chucking the semiconductor substrate1is formed on the tips of the finger parts13c. The grasping sections13aoperate the chuck mechanism to be able to grip the semiconductor substrate1.

A control device89is installed on the −Y direction side of the base stage82. The control device89is provided with a central computation device, a memory section, an interface, an actuator drive circuit, an input device, a display device, and the like. The actuator drive circuit is a circuit for driving the rotation mechanism83a, the rotation mechanism85, the vertical motion device87, the vertical motion device88, and the chuck mechanism of the grasping sections13a. These devices and the circuit are coupled to the central computation device via the interface. Additionally, the angle detectors are also coupled to the central computation device via the interface. The memory section stores data used for controlling and program software indicating the operational sequence for controlling the transport section13. The central computation device is a device for controlling the transport section13in accordance with the program software. The control device89inputs the output of the detectors arranged on the transport section13and detects the position and orientation of the grasping sections13a. The control device also drives the rotation mechanism83aand the rotation mechanism85to control such that the grasping sections13aare moved to predetermined positions.

Printing Method

Next, a printing method employing the printing device7discussed previously is described inFIG. 10.FIG. 10is a flowchart showing a printing method.

As shown by the flowchart ofFIG. 10, the printing method is constituted primarily of an conveying step S1in which the semiconductor substrate1is introduced from the storage receptacle18; a preprocessing (pre-treatment) step S2in which the surface of the introduced semiconductor substrate1undergoes pretreatment; a cooling step S3in which the semiconductor substrate1is cooled down from its elevated temperature in the preprocessing step S2; a printing step S4in which various types of marks are drawn and printed onto the cooled semiconductor substrate1; a post-processing (post-treatment) step S5in which the semiconductor substrate1imprinted with various types of marks undergoes post-treatment; and a storing step S6in which the post-treated semiconductor substrate1is stored in the storage receptacle18.

Of the aforedescribed steps, the steps from the preprocessing step S2to the printing step S4are characteristic parts of the present invention, and therefore these characteristic parts will be discussed in the following discussion.

In the preprocessing step S2, one of the stages, either the first stage27or the second stage28, is positioned at a relaying location9cin the pretreatment section9. The transport section13moves the grasping section13ato a location facing the stage which is positioned at the relaying location9c. Next, the transport section13lowers the grasping section13a, and thereafter releases suction on the semiconductor substrate1, whereby the semiconductor substrate1is rested on the first stage27or the second stage28positioned at the relaying location9c. As a result, the semiconductor substrate1is rested on the first stage27positioned at the relaying location9c(seeFIG. 3B), or the semiconductor substrate1is rested on the second stage28positioned at the relaying location9c(seeFIG. 3A).

The first stage27and the second stage28are preheated by the heating devices27H,28H, and the semiconductor substrate1, once rested on the first stage27or the second stage28, is quickly heated to a predetermined temperature. As will be discussed later, the temperature to which the semiconductor substrate1is heated is preferably one that enables effective modification of the surface of the semiconductor substrate1or elimination of organic matter from the surface thereof to be performed efficiently, while being equal to or less than the upper temperature limit of the semiconductor substrate1. In the present embodiment, the semiconductor substrate1is heated to a temperature within a range of 150° C. to 200° C., for example, to 180° C.

When the transport section13moves the semiconductor substrate1onto the first stage27, the semiconductor substrate1that is on the second stage28is being pre-treated at the treatment point9d, which is in the interior of the pre-treatment section9. Then, after the pre-treatment of the semiconductor substrate1on the second stage28is completed, the second stage28moves the semiconductor substrate1to the relay point9b. Next, the pre-treatment section9drives the first stage27and thereby moves the semiconductor substrate1mounted onto the first relay point9ato the treatment point9d, which is facing opposite the carriage31. It is thereby possible to begin pre-treating the semiconductor substrate1that is on the first stage27immediately after the pre-treatment of the semiconductor substrate1that is on the second stage28has been completed.

Subsequently, the semiconductor device3installed onto the semiconductor substrate1is irradiated with ultraviolet light in the pre-treatment section9. Thereby, the chemical bonds in the organic materials to be irradiated in the surface layer of the semiconductor device3are severed, and the active oxygen separated from the ozone generated by the ultraviolet light binds to the severed molecules in the surface layer and are converted to highly hydrophilic functional groups (for example, —OH, —CHO, —COOH). The surface of the substrate1is thereby modified, and the organic matter in the surface is removed. Herein, the semiconductor device3(the semiconductor substrate1), as has been described above, is irradiated with ultraviolet light in a state of having been pre-heated to 180° C., and therefore the semiconductor substrate1will not suffer any damage, and the molecules in the surface layer will collide at a higher rate; the surface can be effectively modified, and the organic matter in the surface can be effectively removed. After the pre-treatment has been performed, the pre-treatment section9drives the first stage27and thereby moves the semiconductor substrate1to the relay point9a.

Similarly, when the transport section13moves the semiconductor substrate1onto the second stage28, the semiconductor substrate1that is on the first stage27is being pre-treated at the treatment point9d, which is in the interior of the pre-treatment section9. The first stage27moves the semiconductor substrate1to the relay point9aafter the pre-treatment of the semiconductor substrate1that is on the first stage27has been completed. Next, the pre-treatment section9drives the second stage28and thereby moves the semiconductor substrate1having been mounted onto the second relay point9bto the treatment point9d, which is facing opposite the carriage31. It is thereby possible to begin pre-treating the semiconductor substrate1that is on the second stage28immediately after the pre-treatment of the semiconductor substrate1that is on the first stage27has been completed. Subsequently, the pre-treatment section9irradiates the semiconductor device3installed onto the semiconductor substrate1with ultraviolet light, whereby, similarly with respect to the aforesaid semiconductor substrate1that is on the first stage27, the semiconductor substrate1will not suffer any damage; the surface can be effectively modified, and the organic matter in the surface can be effectively removed. After the pre-treatment has been performed, the pre-treatment section9drives the second stage28and thereby moves the semiconductor substrate1to the relay point9b.

Once pretreatment of the semiconductor substrate1in the preprocessing step S2is finished, the process advances to the cooling step S3, whereupon the transport section13rests the semiconductor substrate1at the relaying location9con the cooling panel110aor the cooling panel110bwhich has been furnished at the treatment location11aor11b. In so doing, the semiconductor substrate1heated in the preprocessing step S2is cooled (temperature-adjusted) for a predetermined time period to a temperature suitable for performing the printing step S4(for example, to room temperature).

The semiconductor substrate1having been cooled in the cooling step S3is conveyed by the transport section13onto the stage39which is positioned at the relaying location10aof the coating section10. The controller14drives the alignment section65, and performs alignment of the semiconductor substrate1and the stage39by photographing the alignment marks M furnished on the front face1aside of the semiconductor substrate1which has been conveyed onto the stage39. In specific terms, as shown inFIG. 5A, the controller14positions the rotating section68to the upper face side of the semiconductor substrate1and faces the photographing face61aof the alignment camera61towards the stage39, then photographs the alignment marks M of the semiconductor substrate1on the resting face41of the stage39. The semiconductor substrate1can then be disposed at a predetermined position with respect to the resting face41through fine-tuning of the position of the grasping section13aof the transport section13.

In the printing step S4, the coating section10operates the chucking mechanism to retain, at the stage39, the semiconductor substrate1having been mounted onto the stage39. The coating section10discharges the droplets57from the nozzles52formed on each of the liquid droplet discharge heads49while also moving the carriage45scanning relative to the stage39in, for example, the +X direction (relative movement).

In the manner described above, the company name mark4, the model code5, the serial number6, and other marks are drawn onto the surface of the semiconductor device3. The marks are then irradiated with ultraviolet light from the curing section48installed in the −X side of the carriage45, which is the rear side in the scanning movement direction. Thereby, the surface of the marks is immediately solidified or cured, because the functional liquid54for forming the marks contains the photopolymerization initiator(s) by which polymerization is started due to the ultraviolet light.

At such a time, because the two liquid droplet discharge heads49are arranged along the Y direction, which is the secondary scanning direction, and the nozzle columns60are arranged in a linear manner in the Y direction as well, the pinning time between when the droplets57are discharged onto the semiconductor device3until the droplets57are irradiated with ultraviolet light and cured will be identical between the two liquid droplet discharge heads49, without there being any difference.

When the carriage45has finished its scanning movement in the +X direction, the stage39is, for example, fed a distance LN (=LH) in the +Y direction. As the carriage45is scanned (moved) relative to the stage39in the −X direction, the marks are then irradiated with ultraviolet light from the curing section48installed in the +X side of the carriage45, which is the rear side in the scanning movement direction, while the droplets57are discharged from the nozzles52formed on each of the liquid droplet discharge heads49.

Thereby, the droplets are also discharged over the area between the two liquid droplet discharge heads49where no droplets would be discharged by a single scanning movement. Further, in the liquid droplet discharge by the second scanning movement, the pinning time between when the droplets57are discharged onto the semiconductor device3until when the droplets57are irradiated with ultraviolet light and cured will be identical between the two liquid droplet discharge heads49, without there being any difference. Also, because the distance in the X direction between the nozzle columns60(the actual nozzle columns60A) and the two sides of the curing section48is identical, the pinning time will be identical between the liquid droplet discharge by the first scanning movement and the second scanning movement.

The printing device7according to the present embodiment is designed to detect nozzle dropout of the nozzles in the drop ejection head of the head section47, for example, at recurrent predetermined timing such as during initial filling with ink; when driving again after the ink ejection operation has been suspended for an extended period; or when a predetermined length of time has passed.

Nozzle dropout testing can be carried out by ejecting ink onto the test sheet91from all of the nozzles of the drop ejection head, photographing the ink landing face of the test sheet91with the alignment camera61, and having the controller14analyze the photographed image to determine whether nozzle dropout is present. In a case in which the controller14has detected nozzle dropout, the nozzle dropout can be resolved by employing a maintenance device, not shown, as needed in order to perform a maintenance process, for example, a flushing process, a suction process, a wiping process, or the like.

Consequently, by performing nozzle dropout testing, the printing device7according to the present embodiment is able to maintain a state of satisfactory ejection of ink from the nozzles, and can perform a high quality printing process on the semiconductor substrates1.

The test sheet91which is furnished on the upper face of the stage39is moveable together with the stage39, thereby enabling the test sheet91to be moved to below the head section47, whereby droplets ejected from all of the nozzles can be made to land thereon. Therefore, nozzle dropout testing can be performed for all of the nozzles.

After the semiconductor substrate1has been printed, the coating section10moves the stage39on which the semiconductor substrate1is mounted to the relay point10a. The transport section13is thereby readily able to grip the semiconductor substrate1. The coating section10also halts the operation of the chucking mechanism and releases the retention of the semiconductor substrate1.

Thereafter, during the housing step S6, the semiconductor substrate1is transported to the storage receptacle12by the transport section13and then housed in the storage receptacle18.

According to the present embodiment as described above, the alignment section65can switch the position of the alignment camera61between a first state in which the semiconductor substrate1is photographed from one planar face side, and a second state in which the semiconductor substrate1is photographed from the other planar face side. Consequently, regardless of which face of the substrate resting on the stage39has been furnished with the alignment marks M, these can be photographed with a single camera. Thus, it is unnecessary to provide a plurality of alignment cameras61, and therefore increased size of the device configuration can be prevented, and higher cost of the printing device7can be prevented.

Moreover, the alignment section65can switch between an alignment state for photographing the alignment marks M, and a nozzle dropout testing state for photographing the ink landing face of the test sheet91.

Consequently, it is unnecessary to provide a plurality of alignment cameras61, and alignment of the semiconductor substrates1and nozzle dropout testing can be performed with a single camera, to thereby realize a multifunctional printing device7having fewer parts as well, so that the device configuration can be smaller and cheaper.

The above description was given with regard to a preferred embodiment according to the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, but it will be appreciated that the present invention is not limited to the example. The various shapes, combinations, and the like of each of the illustrated constituent members have been described by way of example, and various different modifications are possible, based on design requirements and the like, within a scope that does not depart from the essence of the present invention.

For example, whereas the preceding embodiment described a case in which the alignment section65is driven subsequent to recognition by the controller14, based on information input from the input section19, of which face has been furnished with alignment marks M, it would also be acceptable to have a sensor (identifier section)100provided separately from the alignment camera61as shown inFIG. 11discriminate which face of the semiconductor substrate1is furnished with alignment marks M, and to then transmit the identification result to the controller14which is electrically connected to the sensor100. For example, the sensor100may monitor alignment mark M formation areas of the semiconductor substrate1from one planar side of the stage39, and in a case which it has discriminated alignment marks, to discriminate that the alignment marks are furnished to a predetermined side, or in a case in which it has not discriminated alignment marks, to discriminate that the alignment marks are furnished to the opposite planar side. According to this configuration, as in the aforedescribed embodiment, the position of the alignment camera61can be reliably switched to an optimum position in response to the identification result of the sensor100. Moreover, whereas the preceding embodiment described a case in which nozzle dropout testing is performed by photographing the ink landing face of the test sheet91with the alignment camera61, a nozzle testing area could be furnished on the semiconductor substrate1in place of the test sheet91. Specifically, a configuration whereby ink droplets are made to land on a portion of the upper face of the semiconductor substrate1, and nozzle dropout testing is performed by photographing the ink landing face with the alignment camera61, is acceptable as well.

Additionally, the controller14may drive the alignment section65in a state of non-recognition as to which face of the semiconductor substrate1has been furnished with the alignment marks M. In this case, the controller14positions the rotating section68to the upper face side of the semiconductor substrate1, as well as facing the photographing face61aof the alignment camera61towards the stage39, and photographs the semiconductor substrate1from the +Z direction side. Meanwhile, in a case in which the alignment camera61was not able to discriminate the alignment marks M, the controller14positions the rotating section68to the lower face side of the semiconductor substrate1, as well as facing the photographing face61aof the alignment camera61towards the stage39, and photographs the semiconductor substrate1from the −Z direction side.

In this way, based on the position of the alignment camera61when the alignment camera61has discriminated the alignment marks M, the controller14can make a determination as to which face of the semiconductor substrate1the alignment marks M are disposed on. According to this configuration, as in the aforedescribed embodiment, the determination as to which face of the semiconductor substrate1is furnished with the alignment marks M can be made employing the alignment section65only.

For example, although an ultraviolet curing ink is used in the above embodiment as UV ink, the present invention is not limited thereto; it is also possible to use various other active light curing inks for which visible light or infrared light can be used as the curing light.

Similarly with respect to the light source, it is possible to use various different active light sources for illuminating with visible light or other active light, i.e., to use an active light source irradiation section.

Herein, the “active light” in the present invention broadly includes, but is not particularly limited to, α-rays, γ-rays, X-rays, ultraviolet rays, visible rays, electron rays, and the like, provided that an energy capable of generating an initiating species in an ink can be imparted as a result of irradiation by the light. Ultraviolet rays and electron rays are preferred among these types of radiation in terms of curing sensitivity and device procurement; ultraviolet rays are particularly preferable. Accordingly, as in the present embodiment, an ultraviolet curing ink, which can be cured by being irradiated with ultraviolet light, is preferably used as the active light curing ink.

General Interpretation of Terms