Dual function tool tray with movable center portion for a stock printing machine and method for replacing articles

Abstract

A dual function tool tray with a movable central portion (56) includes a peripheral frame (42) having four sides (44, 46, 48, 50); a first frame member (52) spaced apart from a first side (44) of the peripheral frame (42); and a second frame member (54) spaced from a second side (46) of the peripheral frame (42). The first side (44) and the second side (46) of the peripheral frame (42) are parallel to each other. The tool tray further includes a third frame member (56) extending between the first frame member (52) and the second frame member (54) and secured to the first frame member (52) and the second frame member (54). The third frame member (56) is configured to support at least one scraper blade (36a, 36b). The third frame member is configured to move from a first position at the first frame member (52) and the second frame member (54) and to be mounted at a second position on the first frame member (52) and the second frame member (54), wherein the second position is spaced apart from the first position. In addition, the invention also provides a method for replacing articles in the stencil printing machine by using the tool tray.

Description

Background of the Invention 1. Technical Field This application generally relates to stencil printing machines and related methods for printing adhesive materials (e.g., solder paste) on electronic substrates (e.g., printed circuit boards (PCBs)), and more specifically to systems and methods for changing articles in a stencil printing machine, the stencil printing machine including a dual-function tool tray configured to move articles into the stencil printing machine. 2. Background Technology In the manufacture of surface-mount printed circuit boards (PCBs), a stencil printer is used to print solder paste onto the circuit board. Typically, a circuit board with a pad pattern or other conductive surface on which solder paste will be deposited is automatically fed into the stencil printer; and one or more holes or marks (called “reference points”) on the circuit board are used to properly align the circuit board with the stencil printer’s template or screen before the solder paste is printed onto the circuit board. In some systems, an optical alignment system implemented as an imaging or vision system is used to align the circuit board with the template.

[0002] Once the circuit board is correctly aligned with the stencil in the printing press, the board is raised onto the stencil, solder paste is dispensed onto the stencil, and a squeegee blade (or scraper) traverses the stencil to force the solder paste through the orifices in the stencil and onto the circuit board. As the scraper moves across the stencil, the solder paste readily rolls in front of the blade, which desiccates the mixing and shearing of the solder paste, resulting in the desired viscosity to facilitate filling the orifices in the screen or stencil. The solder paste is typically dispensed from a standard cartridge onto the stencil. The stencil is then separated from the circuit board, and the adhesion between the circuit board and the solder paste results in most of the material remaining on the circuit board. The material remaining on the stencil surface is removed during a cleaning process before printing another circuit board.

[0003] Another process in printed circuit boards involves inspecting the board after solder paste has been deposited on its surface. Inspecting the board is crucial for determining if clean electrical connections can be made. Excessive solder paste can cause short circuits, while too little solder paste in the appropriate location can impede electrical contact. Typically, imaging inspection systems are further employed to provide two-dimensional or three-dimensional inspection of the solder paste on the board.

[0004] Current stencil printers require manual intervention for routine operations. For example, during changeovers, operators must perform numerous manual tasks, such as changing stencils, replacing solder paste cartridges, changing squeegee blades, and replacing support tools. Each of these tasks requires manual operation. For instance, with most stencil printers, the operator must unlock the stencil, remove it, correctly insert the replacement stencil, and lock it in place. Changeover operations can take up to 30 minutes, during which time the stencil printer is not in operation, potentially causing PCB production line downtime. Summary of the Invention

[0005] One aspect of this disclosure relates to a dual-function tool tray with a movable central portion for a stencil printing machine. In one embodiment, the tool tray includes: a peripheral frame having four sides; a first frame member spaced apart from a first side of the peripheral frame; and a second frame member spaced apart from a second side of the peripheral frame. The first and second sides of the peripheral frame are parallel to each other. The tool tray further includes a third frame member extending between and secured to the first and second frame members. The third frame member is configured to support at least one doctor blade. The third frame member is configured to move from a first position on the first and second frame members and mount on a second position on the first and second frame members, wherein the second position is spaced apart from the first position.

[0006] Embodiments of the tool tray may further include a first position where a third frame member is arranged along the midpoint of a first frame member and a second frame member. A second position of the third frame member may be spaced apart from the first position toward one of a third or fourth side of the peripheral frame. The third frame member may include opposing ends, each end having a connector configured to mate with its respective first or second frame member. Each connector may include at least one downwardly extending fork configured to be received in an opening in its respective first or second frame member to arrange the third frame member relative to the first and second frame members. Each connector may include a spring-loaded snap-fit ​​assembly configured to releasably secure the connector to its respective first or second frame member. The third frame member may include at least one scraper blade support structure. The third frame member may also include a drip tray fixed to a bottom surface of the third frame member. The tool tray may also include a first support fixed to the first frame member and a second support fixed to the second frame member. The first and second supports are together configured to support the tool plate. The tool tray may further include a third support member fixed to a first frame member and a fourth support member fixed to a second frame member. The third and fourth supports are configured together to support the tool plate. The first and second supports may be arranged adjacent to a third side of the peripheral frame, and the third and fourth supports may be arranged adjacent to a fourth side of the peripheral frame. The first and second supports may be spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance sufficient to support the tool plate. The third and fourth supports may be spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance sufficient to support the tool plate. Each of the first, second, third, and fourth supports may include a feature configured to engage a mating feature associated with the tool plate to support the tool plate. The feature may be a pin, and the mating feature may be an opening sized to receive a pin.

[0007] Another aspect of this disclosure relates to a method for changing articles in a stencil printing press. In one embodiment, the method includes: providing a tool tray, the tool tray including: a peripheral frame having four sides; a first frame member spaced apart from a first side of the peripheral frame; a second frame member spaced apart from a second side of the peripheral frame, the first and second sides of the peripheral frame being parallel to each other; and a third frame member extending between and fixed to the first and second frame members, the third frame member being configured to support at least one doctor blade, the third frame member being configured to move from the first position to the second position spaced apart from the first position, the third frame member being located at the midpoint of the first and second frame members in the first position, the second position being spaced apart from the first position, the tool tray further including a first tool support, a second tool support, and a doctor blade support; providing a new tool plate on the first tool support of the tool tray; removing a used tool plate from a support assembly of a stencil printing machine; placing the used tool plate on the second tool support of the tool tray; moving the third frame member from the first position to the second position; removing a new tool plate from the tool tray; and mounting the new tool plate on the support assembly of the stencil printing machine.

[0008] Embodiments of the method may further include moving a third frame member from a second position to a first position once a new tool plate is mounted on a support assembly of the stencil printing machine. The third frame member may include opposing ends, each end having a connector configured to engage with its respective first and second frame members. Each connector may include at least one downwardly extending fork configured to be received in an opening in its respective first or second frame member. The method may further include arranging the third frame member relative to the first and second frame members. Each connector may include a spring-loaded locking pin assembly configured to releasably secure the connector to its respective first or second frame member. The method may further include releasably securing the third frame member to the first and second frame members. Movement of the third frame member between the first and second positions may be achieved by a tool member of the printhead assembly of the stencil printing machine. Each tool member may include a pin having a head configured to releasably engage a connector of the third frame member. Attached Figure Description

[0009] The accompanying drawings are not intended to be drawn to scale. In the drawings, each identical or nearly identical component shown in different figures is indicated by the same reference numerals. For clarity, not every component may be labeled in each figure. In the drawings: Figure 1 This is a front-view perspective view of a template printing machine; Figure 2 This is a front view of a template printing press; Figure 3 yes Figure 2 The diagram shows a top view of a stencil printing press, with some parts removed. Figure 4 This is a top plan view of a dual-function tool tray with a movable central portion, which supports clean tools according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 4A and Figure 4B These are top and bottom perspective views of the movable central section of the tool tray; Figure 4C This is an exploded perspective view of the connector of the movable central part of the tool tray; Figure 5 It is a top plan view of a tool tray that supports clean and used tools, showing the central part located in the middle or center position; Figure 6 It is a top view of the tool tray, showing the used tools moved away from the center. Figure 7 It is a top-down plan view showing the interference between the clean tool being picked up and placed on the stencil printing press and the central part; Figure 8 It is a top-down plan view showing that the middle section was moved to create space for picking up clean tools; and Figure 9 It is a perspective view of a printed head having tool components for picking up and moving items from a tool tray. Detailed Implementation

[0010] This disclosure generally relates to material application machines (referred herein to as “stencil printers,” “screen printers,” “printing machines,” or “printers”) and other equipment used in surface mount technology (SMT) production lines and configured to apply assembly materials (e.g., solder paste, conductive ink, or encapsulation materials) onto a substrate (e.g., a printed circuit board, referred herein to as an “electronic substrate,” “circuit board,” “board,” “PCB,” “PCB substrate,” “substrate,” or “PCB board”) or to perform other operations such as inspection, rework, or placing electronic components onto the substrate. Specifically, embodiments of this disclosure are described below with reference to stencil printers used in the production of printed circuit boards.

[0011] This disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings for illustrative purposes only and not for limitation. The application of this disclosure is not limited to the details of the construction and arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or shown in the drawings. The principles set forth in this disclosure can be used in other embodiments and can be practiced or performed in various ways. Furthermore, the wording and terminology used herein are for descriptive purposes and should not be considered limiting. Any reference to examples, embodiments, components, elements, or actions of systems and methods cited herein in the singular may also cover embodiments including plural items, and any reference to any embodiment, component, element, or action in the plural form herein may also include embodiments covering only the singular items. References in the singular or plural form are not intended to limit the systems or methods, their components, actions, or elements currently disclosed. The terms “comprising,” “consisting of,” “having,” “containing,” “involving,” and variations thereof, as used herein, are intended to cover the items listed thereafter and their equivalents, as well as additional items. References to “or” can be interpreted as inclusive, such that any item described using “or” may indicate a single item, multiple items, or any of all items described. Furthermore, in the event of any inconsistency between the terminology used in this document and the documents incorporated herein by reference, the terminology used in the incorporated reference shall supplement the terminology used in this document; in the event of any conflicting inconsistency, the terminology used in this document shall prevail.

[0012] For illustrative purposes, embodiments of this disclosure will now be described with reference to a stencil printer for printing assembly materials (such as solder paste) onto a circuit board. However, those skilled in the art will understand that embodiments of this disclosure are not limited to stencil printers for printing solder paste onto circuit boards, but can be used in other applications requiring the dispensing of other adhesive assembly materials (such as adhesives and encapsulants). For example, the apparatus can be used to print epoxy resin as an underfill for chip-level packages. Furthermore, stencil printers according to embodiments of this disclosure are not limited to those printers for printing assembly materials on circuit boards, but include those printers for printing other materials on various substrates (such as semiconductor wafers). Additionally, the terms "silk screen" and "stencil" are used interchangeably herein to describe means in a printer that define a pattern to be printed onto a substrate. In some embodiments, the stencil printer may include the Momentum® or Edison™ series stencil printer platforms provided by ITW Electronic Assembly Equipment, Hopkinton, Massachusetts. Exemplary stencil printers in Figure 1 The designation is generally indicated by 5. In this embodiment, the stencil printer 5 is an Edison® series stencil printer platform provided by ITW Electronic Assembly Equipment, Inc., Hopkinton, Massachusetts.

[0013] refer to Figure 2 The stencil printing machine of the present disclosure is generally designated 10. As shown, the stencil printing machine 10 includes a frame 12 supporting the components of the stencil printing machine. The components of the stencil printing machine may partially include a controller 14, a display 16, a stencil 18, and a printhead or printhead assembly generally designated 20, which is configured to apply solder paste in a manner described in more detail below.

[0014] like Figure 2 As shown and described below, the stencil and printhead assembly can be suitably coupled or otherwise connected to the frame 12. In one embodiment, the printhead assembly 20 can be mounted on a printhead assembly stand 22, which in turn can be mounted on the frame 12. The printhead assembly stand 22 allows the printhead assembly 20 to move in the y-axis direction under the control of the controller 14 and to apply pressure to the printhead assembly when it engages the stencil 18. In one embodiment, the printhead assembly 20 can be positioned above the stencil 18 and can be lowered in the z-axis direction to contact the stencil to form a seal with it.

[0015] The stencil printing press 10 may also include a conveyor system with tracks (not shown) for conveying printed circuit boards (sometimes referred to herein as “printed circuit boards,” “substrates,” or “electronic substrates”) to printing positions within the stencil printing press. The tracks, sometimes referred to herein as “traction feeders,” are configured to feed, load, or otherwise deliver the circuit boards to the working area of ​​the stencil printing press (which may be referred to herein as “printing nests”) and to unload the circuit boards from the printing nests.

[0016] For further reference Figure 3 The stencil printing machine 10 has a support assembly 28 to support a circuit board 29 (shown in dashed lines). The support assembly 28 raises and secures the circuit board, keeping it stable during the printing operation. In some embodiments, the substrate support assembly 28 may further include a specific substrate support system, such as a robust support member, multiple pins, or flexible tools, which is positioned below the circuit board when it is in the printing position. The substrate support system may be used in part to support internal areas of the circuit board to prevent flexing or warping of the circuit board during the printing operation.

[0017] In one embodiment, the printhead assembly 20 may be configured to receive solder paste from a source (such as a dispenser, e.g., a solder paste cassette) that supplies solder paste to the printhead assembly during the printing operation. Other methods of supplying solder paste may be used instead of the cassette. For example, solder paste may be deposited manually between the blades or deposited from an external source. Additionally, in one embodiment, the controller 14 may be configured to use a personal computer with a suitable operating system (such as Microsoft Windows®, provided by Microsoft Corporation) and application-specific software to control the operation of the stencil printer 10. The controller 14 may be networked with a main controller that controls the production line for manufacturing circuit boards.

[0018] In one configuration, the stencil printing machine 10 operates as follows: A circuit board 29 is loaded into the stencil printing machine 10 using a conveyor track. A support assembly 28 raises and secures the circuit board 29 to the printing position. Then, the print head assembly 20 is lowered in the z-axis direction until the blades of the print head assembly contact the stencil 18 with the desired pressure. The print head assembly 20 is then moved across the stencil 18 in the y-axis direction via a print head assembly stage 22. The print head assembly 20 deposits solder paste through orifices in the stencil 18 and onto the circuit board 29. Once the print head assembly has completely traversed the orifices in the stencil 18, the print head assembly is lifted off the stencil and the circuit board 29 is lowered back onto the conveyor track. The circuit board 29 is released from the stencil printing machine 10 and conveyed so that a second circuit board can be loaded into the stencil printing machine. For printing on the second circuit board 29, the print head assembly is lowered in the z-axis direction to contact the stencil and moves across the stencil 18 in the opposite direction to that used for the first circuit board.

[0019] An imaging system 30 may be provided for aligning the stencil 18 with the circuit board 29 before printing and for inspecting the circuit board after printing. In one embodiment, the imaging system 30 may be positioned between the stencil 18 and a support assembly 28 on which the circuit board is supported. The imaging system 30 is coupled to an imaging stage 32 to move the imaging system. In one embodiment, the imaging stage 32 may be coupled to a frame 12 and include a beam extending between side rails of the frame 12 to provide reciprocating movement of the imaging system 30 on the circuit board 29 in the y-axis direction. The imaging stage 32 may further include a carriage arrangement that accommodates the imaging system 30 and is configured to move along the length of the beam in the x-axis direction. The construction of the imaging stage 32 for moving the imaging system 30 is well known in the solder paste printing industry. This arrangement allows the imaging system 30 to be positioned either below the stencil 18 or above the circuit board 29 to capture images of predefined areas of the circuit board or the stencil, respectively.

[0020] After one or more applications of solder paste to the circuit board, excess solder paste may accumulate at the bottom of stencil 18, and the stencil wiper assembly (generally indicated by 34) can move below the stencil to remove the excess solder paste. In other embodiments, stencil 18 can move above the stencil wiper assembly.

[0021] As mentioned above, stencil printing presses traditionally require manual intervention to perform the replacement and / or replenishment of certain components. For example, a typical stencil needs to be replaced after a certain period of time (e.g., four hours). Furthermore, the stencil needs to be replaced for different production runs. Additionally, the solder paste cassette that supplies temperature-controlled solder paste to the stencil printing press needs to be replaced over time (e.g., within four hours or less). Different production runs may require different types of solder paste materials. Another item that needs periodic replacement is the doctor blade, which wears down during use. And finally, the tool used to support the substrate in the printing position is replaced when changing from one production product to another.

[0022] In one embodiment, a method for replacing templates and / or items placed on a tool tray may include: providing clean templates and / or items on a movable trolley when a request for new templates and / or items is made for a new production run or due to wear on existing templates and / or items. At the production line, “dirty” or used templates and / or items are removed from the template printing machine, and “clean” or new templates and / or items are inserted from the movable trolley into the template printing machine and secured for use. Dirty templates and / or items are transported to a cleaning station, where they are cleaned and ready for reuse. Once cleaned, templates and / or items can be transported back to the template printing machine or warehouse, where they can be reused during the same or different production runs.

[0023] Specially designed tool trays are available to facilitate the transfer of new and used doctor blades and tools within the stencil printing press. (Reference) Figure 4In one embodiment, the tool tray is generally indicated by 40. As shown, the tool tray 40 includes a square peripheral frame (generally indicated by 42) having four sides: a first side 44, a second side 46 parallel to the first side, a third side 48 connected to the ends of the first and second sides, and a fourth side 50 connected to the opposite ends of the first and second sides. In one embodiment, the tool tray 40 is sized and shaped to be identical to the template 18 of the template printing machine 10. The tool tray 40 further includes a first frame member 52 and a second frame member 54, the first frame member 52 being spaced apart from the first side 44 of the peripheral frame 42 and extending between the third side 48 and the fourth side 50 of the peripheral frame, and the second frame member 54 being spaced apart from the second side 46 of the peripheral frame and extending between the third side 48 and the fourth side 50 of the peripheral frame. As shown, the first side 44, the first frame member 52, the second frame member 54, and the second side 46 of the peripheral frame 42 are parallel to each other.

[0024] The tool tray 40 further includes a third frame member 56 that extends between and is secured to the first frame member 52 and the second frame member 54. In one embodiment, the third frame member 56 includes two spaced-apart tracks 56a and 56b, each configured to support a corresponding scraper blade. Specifically, the first track 56a of the third frame member 56 includes a first scraper blade support structure 58 configured to support scraper blade 36a. The second track 56b of the third frame member 56, spaced apart from the first track 56a, includes a scraper blade support structure 62 configured to support scraper blade 36b. As shown, the tool tray 40 supports one or more used scraper blades, such as two scraper blades 36a and 36b.

[0025] As shown, the third frame member 56 is perpendicular to the first frame member 52 and the second frame member 54. Furthermore, the third frame member 56 may include a drip tray 64 to collect solder paste that may drip from the used squeegee blade. In one embodiment, the drip tray 64 may extend between the first track 56a and the second track 56b of the third frame member 56. It is known that used squeegee blades may contain excess solder paste, and if excess solder paste drips from the squeegee blade, it may drip onto the working or operating parts of the stencil printer 10 or onto the printed circuit board (e.g., circuit board 29) supported by the stencil printer. This is undesirable. In one embodiment, the drip tray 64 may be fixed to the bottom surface of the third frame member 56 below the squeegee blade support structures 58, 62.

[0026] The tool tray 40 further includes a first support 66 fixed to a first frame member 52 and a second support 68 fixed to a second frame member 54, adjacent to a third side 48 of the peripheral frame 42. The first support 66 and the second support 68 are configured together to support a tool. Specifically, both the first support 66 and the second support 68 extend inwardly relative to their respective frame members 52, 54. In the illustrated embodiment, the first support 66 and the second support 68 are arranged adjacent to the third side 48 of the peripheral frame 42. Depending on the size of the tool, the first support 66 and the second support 68 are spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance sufficient to support the tool. In the illustrated embodiment, the first support 66 and the second support 68 are configured to support a used tool.

[0027] The first support member 66 includes a support tab 70, which includes a feature extending upward (along the z-axis) from the support tab. This feature is configured to engage a mating feature disposed on one side of the tool to support the tool. In one embodiment, the feature is implemented as a pin 72, and the mating feature is implemented as an opening formed in the bottom surface of the support tab disposed on one side of the tool.

[0028] Similarly, the second support 68 includes a support tab 76 with features extending upward (along the z-axis) from the support tab. This feature is configured to engage mating features disposed on opposite sides of the tool to support the tool. In one embodiment, the feature is implemented as a pin 78, and the mating feature is implemented as an opening formed in the bottom surface of the support tab disposed on opposite sides of the tool. This arrangement allows the support tabs 70, 76 of the first support 66 and the second support 68 to hold the tool in a precise position for transfer from the tool tray 40 to the stencil printing press 10.

[0029] The tool tray 40 further includes a third support 82 fixed to a first frame member 52 and a fourth support 84 fixed to a second frame member 54 adjacent to a fourth side 50 of the peripheral frame 42. The third support 82 and the fourth support 84 are configured to support tools together. Specifically, both the third support 82 and the fourth support 84 extend inward relative to their respective frame members 52, 54. In the illustrated embodiment, the third support 82 and the fourth support 84 are arranged adjacent to the fourth side 50 of the peripheral frame 42. Depending on the size of the tool, the third support 82 and the fourth support 84 are spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance sufficient to support the tool. In the illustrated embodiment, the third support 82 and the fourth support 84 are configured to support new or clean tools.

[0030] The third support 82 and the fourth support 84 are constructed in a manner similar to that of the first support 66 and the second support 68, respectively. The third support 82 includes a support tab 86 with a feature extending upward (along the z-axis) from the support tab. This feature is configured to engage a mating feature disposed on one side of the tool to support the tool. In one embodiment, the feature is implemented as a pin 88, and the mating feature is implemented as an opening formed in the bottom surface of the support tab disposed on one side of the tool. Similarly, the fourth support 84 includes a support tab 92 with a feature extending upward (along the z-axis) from the support tab. This feature is configured to engage a mating feature disposed on the opposite side of the tool to support the tool. In one embodiment, the feature is implemented as a pin 94, and the mating feature is implemented as an opening formed in the bottom surface of the support tab disposed on the opposite side of the tool. This arrangement allows the support tabs 86 and 92 of the third support 82 and the fourth support 84 to hold the tool in a precise position for transfer from the stencil printing press 10 to the tool tray 40. In the illustrated embodiment, the third support 82 and the fourth support 84 support a new or clean tool 96.

[0031] For further reference Figure 4A , Figure 4B and Figure 4C The third frame member 56 (sometimes referred to as the central portion of the tool tray 40) is movable relative to the first frame member 52 and the second frame member 54. Specifically, the ends of the first rails 56a and the second rails 56b of the third frame member 56 include a first connector 100 configured to be releasably connected to the first frame member 52. Similarly, the opposite ends of the first rails 56a and the second rails 56b of the third frame member 56 include a second connector 102 configured to be releasably connected to the second frame member 54.

[0032] like Figure 4B and Figure 4C As shown, connector 100 includes fork teeth 100a that enter into corresponding openings 104a or 104b formed in the first frame member 52. In the illustrated embodiment, openings 104a, 104b are formed as elongated slots in the first frame member 52, wherein fork teeth 100a have a relatively small diameter so that the fork teeth can be positioned at any location along the length of the opening. Similarly, connector 102 includes fork teeth 102a that enter into corresponding openings 106a, 106b formed in the second frame member 54. Openings 106a, 106b are formed as elongated slots in the second frame member, wherein fork teeth 102a have a relatively small diameter so that the fork teeth can be positioned at any location along the length of the opening.

[0033] refer to Figure 4CThe diagram shows connector 102. It should be understood that connectors 100 and 102 are constructed identically, and therefore the description of connector 102 applies to connector 100. To secure connector 102 in place, a spring-loaded locking assembly (generally indicated as 108) is provided. The spring-loaded locking assembly 108 includes a locking pin 108a configured to enter an opening formed in one side of the second frame member 54 to secure connector 102 to the second frame member. When a tool member is secured to the third frame member 56 to move the third frame member, the spring-loaded locking assembly 108 moves laterally via the tool member. Specifically, the spring-loaded locking assembly 108 includes a member 108b coupled to the locking pin 108a to allow the locking pin to move in an inward direction relative to the second frame member 54.

[0034] This arrangement allows the third frame member 56 to be positioned relative to the first frame member 52 and the second frame member 54 at a location other than the midpoint of the first and second frame members shown. For example, the third frame member 56 can be positioned towards one side 48 or one side 50 of the peripheral frame 42. The lengths of the elongated openings 104a, 104b and elongated openings 106a, 106b allow the forks 100, 102 to slide within their respective openings, thereby allowing the position of the third frame member 56 to vary relative to the first frame member 52 and the second frame member 54.

[0035] When released by the tool component, the spring-loaded latches of the latch assembly engage their respective openings to secure the third frame component 56 in place relative to the first frame component 52 and the second frame component 54. The purpose of the movement of the third frame component 56 relative to the first frame component 52 and the second frame component 54 will be described in the subsequent description of the tool tray 40.

[0036] refer to Figure 5 Tool tray 40 is shown as a support. Figure 4 The new tool 96 and the used scraper blades (scraper blades 36a, 36b) are shown below. Figure 9 In more detail, the tooling component disposed on the printhead assembly 20 is used to lift the used tool 98 from the support assembly 28 of the stencil printing press 10. The manner in which the used tool 98 is fixed and raised relative to the support assembly 28 will be described in more detail below.

[0037] As shown, each tool (e.g., tool 98) includes a rectangular tool plate 110 configured to support an electronic substrate during a printing operation. Tool 98 further includes two outwardly extending support tabs 112, 114 disposed at opposite edges of the tool plate. Each support tab 112, 114 includes a corresponding opening, sometimes referred to herein as a receiving feature, sized to receive a corresponding tool member therein for releasable attachment of the tool member to the support tab.

[0038] refer to Figure 6 The tool components are configured to engage support tabs 112, 114 to lift the used tool 98 from the support assembly 28 of the stencil printing machine 10 and place the tool on the supports 66, 68 of the tool tray 40. As shown, there is a space 120 between the upper edge of the used tool 98 and the lower edge of the first track 56a of the third frame member 56 and the scraper blade support structure 58.

[0039] refer to Figure 7 When it is desired to engage and lift a new or clean tool 96 from the tool tray 40, the third frame member 56 interferes with or hinders the downward movement of the new tool via the tool member. This interference is indicated by the elliptical portion 122. As described above, the third frame member 56 is configured to move to create additional space for removing the new tool 96 from the tool tray 40. Specifically, the third frame member 56 can move downward toward one side 48 of the peripheral frame 42 of the tool tray 40 to occupy... Figure 6 The space shown is 120.

[0040] refer to Figure 8 The third frame member 56 is picked up by the tool member and moved toward the used tool 98 as indicated by arrow A, such that the lower edge of the first track 56a of the third frame member and the scraper blade support structure 58 are adjacent to the upper edge of the used tool provided on the supports 66, 68 of the tool tray 40. As shown, the third frame member 56 is arranged on the first frame member 52 and the second frame member 54, just below the center line of the length of the first and second frame members. The space created by the movement of the third frame member 56 toward the used tool 98 allows the tool member to lift the new tool 96 from the tool tray 40 and place the new tool on the support assembly 28 of the stencil printing machine 10. Once the tool member has placed the new tool on the support assembly 28, the tool member can be used to reposition the third frame member 56 on the first frame member 52 and the second frame member 54 to its central position.

[0041] refer to Figure 9The support tool moving mechanism, generally designated 130, is configured to move a tool (e.g., tool 96 or 98) from the tool tray 40 to the stencil printing press 10. The support tool moving mechanism 130 is further configured to move a third frame member 56 relative to the first frame member 52 and the second frame member 54, and to position the third frame member in a desired location, e.g., between a central position and an offset or off-center position.

[0042] As shown, the support tool moving mechanism 130 includes a plate 132 mounted on the printhead assembly 20. The plate 132 has four linear bearings, designated 134a, 134b, 136a, and 136b, wherein a first set of linear bearings 134a and 134b are arranged one above the other on one side of the plate, and a second set of linear bearings 136a and 136b are arranged one above the other on the other side of the plate. As shown, the moving mechanism 130 further includes a tool member 138 mounted on the first set of linear bearings 134a and 134b and a second tool member 140 mounted on the second set of linear bearings 136a and 136b. The tool members 138 and 140 are configured to move laterally relative to each other on their respective linear bearings. Any suitable drive mechanism can be used to move the tool members 138 and 140. For example, a ball screw drive assembly can be provided to move the tool members 138 or 140 along their respective linear bearings. In one embodiment, the mechanism may be powered by a drive assembly that powers the up-and-down movement of the printhead assembly 20 in the z-axis direction. Furthermore, each tool member 138, 140 includes downwardly extending pins 142, 144, each having a head configured to be received within a receiving feature associated with the scraper blade, tool, and third frame member 56 of the tool tray 40.

[0043] Specifically, as referenced above. Figure 4C As shown, the third frame member 56 includes a member 108b of a spring-loaded latch assembly 108, which is configured to engage with the head of a pin (pin 142 or pin 144) of a tool member (tool member 138 or tool member 140). The spring-loaded latch assemblies serve as receiving features associated with the third frame member 56, each spring-loaded latch assembly being configured to secure the head of the pin of the tool member, enabling the tool member to engage, secure, and lift the third frame member 56. Similarly, tool support tabs 112, 114 are configured to engage with the head of a pin of the tool member.

[0044] In one embodiment, when the tool (e.g., tool 96) is moved, the pins 142, 144 of the tool members 138, 140 may extend to a width wider than the spring-loaded latch assembly 108 of the third frame member 56, and move toward each other to capture the third frame member between the pins via the spring-loaded latch assembly. Similarly, when the tool (e.g., tool 96) is moved, the pins 142, 144 of the tool members 138, 140 may extend to a width wider than the support tabs 112, 114 of the tool, and move toward each other to capture the tool between the pins via the support tabs. This arrangement allows the printhead assembly 20 to rise in the z-axis direction to pick up the third frame member 56 or tool 96 or 98. The mechanism for picking up and placing the third frame member 56 or tool 96 or 98 may be configured to engage and secure the third frame member or tool, and may include magnets to facilitate attachment and disengagement of the third frame member or tool from the tool members.

[0045] Various controllers, such as controller 14, can perform the various operations discussed above. Using data stored in associated memory and / or storage devices, controller 14 also executes one or more instructions stored on one or more non-transitory computer-readable media, controller 14 may include one or more non-transitory computer-readable media and / or be coupled to one or more non-transitory computer-readable media, wherein the one or more instructions may cause manipulation of data. In some examples, controller 14 may include one or more processors or other types of controllers. In one example, controller 14 is or includes at least one processor. In another example, controller 14 uses an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) to perform at least a portion of the operations discussed above, the ASIC being customized to perform specific operations in addition to or in place of a general-purpose processor. As these examples show, examples of this disclosure may use many specific combinations of hardware and software to perform the operations described herein, and this disclosure is not limited to any specific combination of hardware and software components. Examples of this disclosure may include computer program products configured to perform the methods, processes, and / or operations discussed above. Computer program products may be or include one or more controllers and / or processors configured to execute instructions to perform the methods, processes, and / or operations discussed above.

[0046] As used in this article, “transporting” or “in transit” describes the manual or machine-assisted movement of items from one location to another.

[0047] As used in this article, "installing" or "in installation" describes the process of placing an item in a location ready for use.

[0048] The concepts disclosed herein can be applied to other types of equipment used in the manufacture of electronic substrates, including dispensers, pick-and-place machines, reflow ovens, wave soldering machines, selective soldering machines, and inspection stations. For example, the concept of replacing solder paste cartridges can be used in dispensers for dispensing viscous materials. In another example, the concept of replacing tools can be used in dispensers and pick-and-place machines used to mount electronic components onto electronic substrates. In yet another example, the concept of replacing items can be used for changing solder in wave soldering machines and selective soldering machines, and for cleaning products in cleaning stations.

[0049] Therefore, having described several aspects of at least one embodiment, it should be understood that various changes, modifications, and improvements will readily occur to those skilled in the art. Such changes, modifications, and improvements are intended to be part of and fall within the scope of this disclosure. Thus, the foregoing description and drawings are merely examples.

[0050] Claims.

Claims

1. A tool tray for a stencil printer, the tool tray comprising: a perimeter frame having four sides; a first frame member spaced apart from a first side of the perimeter frame; a second frame member spaced apart from a second side of the perimeter frame, the first and second sides of the perimeter frame being parallel to each other; and a third frame member extending between and secured to the first and second frame members, the third frame member configured to support at least one squeegee blade, wherein the third frame member is configured to be moved from a first position at the first and second frame members and installed on the first and second frame members at a second position spaced apart from the first position. the first position of the third frame member is disposed along a midpoint of the first and second frame members.

2. The tool tray of claim 1, wherein, the second position of the third frame member is spaced apart from the first position toward one of a third side and a fourth side of the perimeter frame.

3. The tool tray of claim 2, wherein, the third frame member includes opposing ends, each end having a connector configured to mate with its respective first and second frame members.

4. The tool tray of claim 1, wherein, each connector includes at least one downwardly extending prong configured to be received in an opening of its respective first or second frame member to dispose the third frame member relative to the first and second frame members.

5. The tool tray of claim 4, wherein, each connector includes a spring-loaded detent assembly configured to releasably secure the connector to its respective first or second frame member.

6. The tool tray of claim 1, wherein, the third frame member includes at least one squeegee blade support structure.

7. The tool tray of claim 1, wherein, the third frame member further includes a drip pan secured to a bottom surface of the third frame member.

8. The tool tray of claim 7, wherein, 9. The tool tray of claim 1, further comprising: a first support secured to the first frame member and a second support secured to the second frame member, the first and second supports together configured to support a tool plate, and a third support secured to the first frame member and a fourth support secured to the second frame member, the third and fourth supports together configured to support a tool plate. the first and second supports are disposed adjacent to a third side of the perimeter frame and the third and fourth supports are disposed adjacent to a fourth side of the perimeter frame.

10. The tool tray of claim 9, wherein, the first and second supports are spaced apart from each other a predetermined distance sufficient to support the tool plate.

11. The tool tray of claim 10, wherein, the third and fourth supports are spaced apart from each other a predetermined distance sufficient to support the tool plate.

12. The tool tray of claim 11, wherein, ​ 13. The tool tray of claim 9, wherein, The first support, the second support, the third support, and the fourth support each include a feature configured to engage a mating feature associated with the tool plate to support the tool plate.

14. The tool tray of claim 13, wherein, The feature is a pin and the mating feature is an opening sized to receive the pin.

15. A method for changing an article in a stencil printer, the method comprising: providing a tool tray comprising a perimeter frame having four sides, a first frame member spaced apart from a first side of the perimeter frame, a second frame member spaced apart from a second side of the perimeter frame, the first and second sides of the perimeter frame being parallel to each other, and a third frame member extending between and secured to the first and second frame members, the third frame member being configured to support at least one squeegee blade, the third frame member being configured to move from a first position, in which the third frame member is located at a midpoint of the first and second frame members, to a second position spaced apart from the first position, the tool tray further comprising a first tool support, a second tool support, and a squeegee blade support; providing a new tool plate on the first tool support of the tool tray; removing a used tool plate from a support assembly of a stencil printer; arranging the used tool plate on the second tool support of the tool tray; moving the third frame member from the first position to the second position; removing the new tool plate from the tool tray; and installing the new tool plate on the support assembly of the stencil printer.

16. The method of claim 15, further comprising: Once the new tool plate is installed on the support assembly of the stencil printer, moving the third frame member from the second position to the first position.

17. The method of claim 15, wherein, The third frame member includes opposing ends each having a connector configured to mate with its respective first and second frame members.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein, Each connector includes at least one downwardly extending tine configured to be received in an opening of its respective first or second frame member, and wherein the method further comprises arranging the third frame member relative to the first and second frame members.

19. The method of claim 17, wherein, Each connector includes a spring-loaded detent assembly configured to releasably secure the connector to its respective first or second frame member, and wherein the method further comprises releasably securing the third frame member to the first and second frame members.

20. The method of claim 17, wherein, Movement of the third frame members between the first and second positions is effected by tool members of a print head assembly of the stencil printer, the tool members each comprising a pin having a head configured to releasably engage the connector of the third frame members.

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