Method and device for changing a template

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a stencil printer, comprising: a stencil holder, a first stroke and a second stroke being defined along a transverse direction thereof; a print head, disposed above the stencil holder and configured to move back and forth along the stencil holder; a stencil, movably mounted on the stencil holder; a tray, disposed at a tail end position of the stencil holder and configured to move on the stencil holder; and a tray driving mechanism, driving the tray to move within the first stroke and driving the tray to move within the second stroke by the movement of the print head. The tray is used to receive the viscous material dropped from the squeegee when the stencil is replaced, so the present disclosure does not need to remove the squeegee when the stencil is replaced. Moreover, by driving the tray to move within the second stroke by the movement of the print head, the size of the tray driving mechanism can be reduced and the structure thereof can be simplified, so that the tray driving mechanism is easier to be installed into an existing stencil printer or the improvement of the structure of the stencil printer is smaller.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure generally relates to methods and apparatus for printing an adhesive material onto a substrate, such as solder paste, and the substrate may be a printed circuit board. More specifically, this disclosure relates to methods and apparatus for changing stencils. Background Technology

[0002] In a typical surface-mount circuit board (SUP) manufacturing process, a stencil printer is used to print solder paste onto the printed circuit board (PCB). The PCB, broadly known as an electronic substrate, has a pattern of pads or other conductive surfaces on which solder paste can be deposited. The PCB is fed into the stencil printer. Small holes or marks on the PCB, called reference points, are used to align the PCB with the stencil or screen of the stencil printer before solder paste is printed onto it. These reference points serve as reference points during PCB and stencil alignment. Once the PCB is aligned with the stencil, it is lifted and secured relative to the stencil by a substrate support, such as a platform with pins or other supports. Solder paste is then dispensed by moving a squeegee or blade across the stencil, allowing it to pass through the holes in the stencil and onto the PCB. As the squeegee moves across the stencil, the solder paste rolls in front of the blade, causing it to mix and shear to achieve the desired viscosity, thus helping to fill the holes in the stencil or screen. Solder paste is typically dispensed onto the stencil from a standard solder paste supply cartridge. After the printing operation is completed, the circuit board is released, lowered and detached from the template, and then transported to another location within the printed circuit board production line.

[0003] The pattern on the circuit board matches the pattern formed by the mesh openings on the stencil, allowing solder paste to be printed from the mesh openings to the desired locations on the circuit board, ensuring correct solder paste printing. When a new circuit board with a different pattern is installed, a new matching stencil needs to be replaced and installed accordingly. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In existing technology, the doctor blade on the print head needs to be removed when changing the printhead to prevent sticky substances on the doctor blade from dripping onto the printing press and compromising the cleanliness of the printing environment, thereby increasing the product defect rate. However, separately removing and installing the doctor blade when changing the printhead makes the process more complex and time-consuming. During this time, the printing press is not operating, resulting in reduced production efficiency.

[0005] To avoid removing the squeegee when changing the stencil, this disclosure provides a tray in the stencil printing machine to catch the sticky material dripping from the squeegee when changing the stencil.

[0006] According to a first aspect of this disclosure, a stencil printing machine is provided, comprising: a stencil frame having a first stroke and a second stroke defined laterally thereon; a printing head disposed above the stencil frame and configured to move back and forth along the stencil frame; and a stencil movably mounted on the stencil frame. The stencil printing machine further comprises: a tray disposed at the tail end of the stencil frame and configured to move on the stencil frame; and a tray drive mechanism, wherein the tray is moved by the tray drive mechanism during the first stroke, and the tray is moved by the movement of the printing head during the second stroke.

[0007] According to the first aspect mentioned above, the template moves on the template holder by moving the printing head.

[0008] According to the first aspect above, the pallet and template move along the same plane.

[0009] According to the first aspect mentioned above, the template printing machine further includes: a printhead drive mechanism, wherein the printhead is driven to move by the printhead drive mechanism.

[0010] According to the first aspect above, the template frame has a template frame head position and a template frame tail position; the template is installed onto the template frame from the template frame head position, or the template is removed from the template frame from the template frame head position; the starting position of the first stroke is located at or near the template frame tail position, and the pallet is placed at the template frame tail position when the pallet is installed in place; the ending position of the second stroke is located at or near the template frame head position; and the junction of the first stroke and the second stroke is located between the template frame head position and the template frame tail position.

[0011] According to the first aspect above, the template frame has a template frame head position and a template frame tail position; the pallet is installed onto the template frame from the template frame head position, or the pallet is removed from the template frame from the template frame head position; the starting position of the first stroke is located at or near the template frame tail position, and the pallet is placed at the template frame tail position when the pallet is installed; the ending position of the second stroke is located at or near the template frame head position; and the junction of the first stroke and the second stroke is located between the template frame head position and the template frame tail position.

[0012] According to the first aspect mentioned above, during the template disassembly operation, the tray drive mechanism drives the tray to move on the template holder to below the printing head.

[0013] According to the first aspect mentioned above, during the template disassembly operation, the print head drive mechanism drives the print head to move from above the template to above the tray, so that the template and the print head are misaligned, and the tray and the print head are aligned to receive the sticky material dripping from the print head.

[0014] According to the first aspect above, in the template installation operation, the template is moved to the initial installation position; wherein, the print head drive mechanism drives the print head so that the print head is above the template, so that the template can receive the sticky substance dripping from the print head.

[0015] According to the first aspect mentioned above, a gripping mechanism is provided on the printing head, which is configured to grip the template and the tray; by gripping the template on the printing head through the gripping mechanism on the printing head, the movement of the printing head can drive the template to move on the template frame; and by gripping the tray on the printing head through the gripping mechanism on the printing head, the movement of the printing head can drive the tray to move on the template frame.

[0016] According to the first aspect mentioned above, a scraper and a printing nozzle are installed on the printing head.

[0017] According to the first aspect mentioned above, the template printing machine also includes a control device; wherein the print head drive mechanism, the tray drive mechanism, and the gripping mechanism are controlled by the control device.

[0018] According to the first aspect above, the template printing machine is used to perform the following method.

[0019] According to a second aspect of this disclosure, this disclosure provides a method for removing a template from a template printing machine, the template printing machine including a template frame having a first stroke and a second stroke defined laterally thereon, the first stroke and the second stroke defining an intersection position of the first stroke and the second stroke, characterized in that the method includes: (1) moving a tray on the template frame from a starting position of the first stroke along a first direction to the intersection position of the first stroke and the second stroke by a tray drive mechanism, the tray being adjacent to the edge of the template during the removal process at the intersection position of the first stroke and the second stroke; (2) moving a print head located above the template along a second direction opposite to the first direction by a print head drive mechanism, such that the print head is located above the tray; and (3) removing the template from the template frame along the first direction.

[0020] According to the second aspect above, the method further includes: after step (2) and before step (3), at the junction position, gripping the tray by a gripping mechanism on the print head; and after step (3), moving the print head above the tray along a first direction by a print head drive mechanism, while simultaneously moving the gripped tray on the template frame from the junction position along the first direction to the end position of the second stroke.

[0021] According to the second aspect mentioned above, sensors are used to detect the gripping mechanism's grasping of the pallet.

[0022] According to the second aspect above, the pallet drive mechanism includes a cylinder with a piston, and step (1) includes: the piston of the cylinder extending to move the pallet from the beginning position of the first stroke along a first direction to abut against the edge of the template.

[0023] According to the second aspect above, a doctor blade and a printing nozzle are installed on the print head; the print head being above the template includes: the doctor blade being above the template so that the template can receive viscous material dripping from the doctor blade, or the doctor blade and the printing nozzle being above the template so that the template can receive viscous material dripping from the doctor blade and the printing nozzle; and the print head being above the tray includes: the doctor blade being above the tray so that the tray can receive viscous material dripping from the doctor blade, or the doctor blade and the printing nozzle being above the tray so that the tray can receive viscous material dripping from the doctor blade and the printing nozzle.

[0024] According to the second aspect above, the operation of the printhead drive mechanism is controlled by a control device to move the printhead to the desired position.

[0025] According to a third aspect of this disclosure, a method for mounting a template into a template printing machine is provided, the template printing machine including a template frame having a first stroke and a second stroke defined transversely therebetween, the first stroke and the second stroke defining an intersection position of the first stroke and the second stroke, characterized in that the method includes: (1) inserting a template into an initial mounting position on the template frame, wherein in the initial mounting position, the template is adjacent to the edge of a tray located at the end position of the second stroke, wherein the tray is placed on the template frame and located below a print head; (2) moving the print head from above the tray along a first direction to above the template by a print head drive mechanism; (3) gripping the template by a gripping mechanism on the print head; and (4) moving the print head along a second direction opposite to the first direction by the print head drive mechanism and driving the gripped template along the second direction on the template frame to the mounting position, while the edge of the template pushes the tray along the second direction on the template frame from the end position of the second stroke to the intersection position of the first stroke and the second stroke.

[0026] According to the third aspect above, before step (1): the gripping mechanism on the print head grips the tray located below the print head; and the print head is moved along the first direction by the print head drive mechanism, and the gripped tray is moved along the first direction on the template frame to the end position of the second stroke.

[0027] According to the third aspect above, after step (1) and before step (2), the gripping mechanism on the print head releases its grip on the tray.

[0028] According to the third aspect above, the method further includes: (5) after step (4), moving the pallet on the template frame from the junction of the first stroke and the second stroke along the second direction to the beginning position of the first stroke by means of the pallet drive mechanism.

[0029] According to the third aspect above, a doctor blade and a printing nozzle are installed on the print head; the tray being located below the print head includes: the tray being located below the doctor blade so that the tray can receive viscous material dripping from the doctor blade, or the tray being located below the doctor blade and the printing nozzle so that the tray can receive viscous material dripping from the doctor blade and the printing nozzle; and the print head being located above the stencil includes: the doctor blade being located above the stencil so that the stencil can receive viscous material dripping from the doctor blade, or the doctor blade and the printing nozzle being located above the stencil so that the stencil can receive viscous material dripping from the doctor blade and the printing nozzle.

[0030] According to a fourth aspect of this disclosure, a method for removing a tray from a stencil printing machine is provided, the stencil printing machine including a stencil frame having a first stroke and a second stroke defined laterally thereon, the first stroke and the second stroke defining an intersection position of the first stroke and the second stroke, characterized in that the method includes: (1) moving a tray on the stencil frame from a starting position of the first stroke along a first direction to the intersection position of the first stroke and the second stroke by a tray drive mechanism; (2) moving a printhead above the tray along a second direction opposite to the first direction by a printhead drive mechanism; (3) gripping the tray by a gripping mechanism on the printhead; (4) moving the printhead along the first direction by the printhead drive mechanism and causing the gripped tray to move along the first direction from the intersection position of the first stroke and the second stroke on the stencil frame to the end position of the second stroke; and (5) removing the tray from the stencil frame along the first direction, wherein no scraper is installed on the printhead.

[0031] According to a fifth aspect of this disclosure, a method for mounting a tray into a stencil printing machine is provided, the stencil printing machine including a stencil frame having a first stroke and a second stroke defined laterally thereon, the first stroke and the second stroke defining an intersection position of the first stroke and the second stroke, characterized in that the method includes: (1) inserting the tray into the end position of the second stroke on the stencil frame; (2) moving a printhead above the tray in a first direction by a printhead drive mechanism; (3) gripping the tray by a gripping mechanism on the printhead; (4) moving the printhead in a second direction opposite to the first direction by the printhead drive mechanism and moving the gripped tray on the stencil frame from the end position of the second stroke along the second direction to the intersection position of the first stroke and the second stroke; and (5) moving the tray on the stencil frame from the intersection position of the first stroke and the second stroke along the second direction to the beginning position of the first stroke by the tray drive mechanism, wherein no scraper is mounted on the printhead. Attached Figure Description

[0032] The accompanying drawings are not 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 every drawing. In the drawings:

[0033] Figure 1A A perspective structural diagram of one embodiment of the template printing machine 10 according to the present disclosure is shown;

[0034] Figure 1B A perspective structural diagram of an embodiment of the internal components of a template printing machine 10 according to the present disclosure is shown;

[0035] Figure 1C It shows Figure 1B A three-dimensional structural diagram of the template printing machine 10 from another angle;

[0036] Figure 2A It shows Figure 1B A perspective structural diagram of one embodiment of the template 13, tray 19, template frame 14, template fixing mechanism 22, and tray driving mechanism 20;

[0037] Figure 2B -C respectively show Figure 2A The perspective view and top view of template 13 in the image;

[0038] Figure 2D -E respectively show Figure 2A A perspective view and a top view of tray 19 in the image;

[0039] Figure 2F -H respectively show Figure 2A The perspective view, front view and bottom view of the template frame 14 and the template fixing mechanism 22 in the middle;

[0040] Figure 3A -B shows Figure 1B A perspective view and a front view of one embodiment of the pallet drive mechanism 20 (adjacent to the end of the template frame 14);

[0041] Figure 4A -B respectively show Figure 1B A perspective view and a front view of one embodiment of the gripping mechanism 16;

[0042] Figure 4C It shows Figure 4A A schematic diagram of an embodiment of the gripping mechanism 16 in which the piston 1602 grips the template 13;

[0043] Figure 4D It shows Figure 4AA schematic diagram of an embodiment of the gripping mechanism 16 in which the piston 1602 grips the tray 19;

[0044] Figure 4E It shows Figure 4A A schematic diagram of another embodiment of the gripping mechanism 16 in which the piston 1602 grips the tray 19;

[0045] Figure 5A A schematic diagram showing the movement and position of the print head 12, print head 13, and tray 19 in one embodiment of the disassembly operation of the template 13 is shown.

[0046] Figure 5B A schematic diagram showing the movement and position of the print head 12, the print head 13, and the tray 19 is shown in one embodiment of the installation operation of the template 13;

[0047] Figure 5C A schematic diagram showing the movement and position of the print head 12, template 13 and tray 19 in one embodiment of the disassembly operation of tray 19 is shown;

[0048] Figure 5D A schematic diagram showing the movement and position of the printhead 12, template 13 and tray 19 in one embodiment of the installation operation of tray 19 is shown;

[0049] Figure 6 A flowchart illustrating one embodiment of a method for removing a template 13 from a template printing machine 10 is shown.

[0050] Figure 7 A flowchart illustrating one embodiment of a method for mounting template 13 into template printing machine 10 is shown;

[0051] Figure 8 A flowchart illustrating one embodiment of a method for removing tray 19 from stencil printing machine 10 is shown;

[0052] Figure 9 A flowchart illustrating one embodiment of a method for mounting a tray 19 into a template printing machine 10 is shown;

[0053] Figure 10 A schematic diagram showing the connection of components in the template printing machine 10 is shown; and

[0054] Figure 11 It shows according to Figure 10 The block diagram of the control device 24 shown. Detailed Implementation

[0055] Various specific embodiments of this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, which form part of this specification. It should be understood that although directional terms such as "front," "rear," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "inner," and "outer" are used in this application to describe various exemplary structural parts and elements, their use is merely for illustrative purposes and is based on the exemplary orientations shown in the drawings. Since the embodiments disclosed in this application can be arranged in different orientations, these directional terms are for illustrative purposes only and should not be considered limiting. Where possible, the same or similar reference numerals used in this application refer to the same parts.

[0056] For illustrative purposes, embodiments of this disclosure will be described in relation to a stencil printing machine for printing solder paste onto a printed circuit board. However, those skilled in the art will understand that the embodiments of this disclosure are not limited to stencil printing machines for printing solder paste, but may also include printing other substances, such as adhesives, epoxy resins, primers, and sealants. Similarly, the terms stencil and die may be used interchangeably herein to describe the apparatus in the printing machine.

[0057] Figure 1A A perspective structural diagram of one embodiment of the template printing machine 10 according to the present disclosure is shown. Figure 1B A perspective structural diagram of an embodiment of the internal components of a template printing machine 10 according to the present disclosure is shown. Figure 1C It shows Figure 1B A three-dimensional structural diagram of the template printing machine 10 from another angle.

[0058] like Figure 1A As shown in -C, the components of the stencil printing machine 10 may partially include a frame 11, a print head 12, a stencil 13, a stencil holder 14, and a print head drive mechanism 15. For example... Figure 1AAs shown, the stencil printer 10 includes a left side portion 101, a right side portion, a front portion 102, a rear portion, a top portion 103, and a bottom portion. The left side portion 101, front portion 102, and top portion 103 are visible in the figure. Orientations described below, such as left, right, front, rear, up, and down, are defined with reference to the orientation of the stencil printer 10 here. A printhead 12 is movably mounted on a printhead holder 17, which is mounted on a frame 11. A printhead drive mechanism 15 is connected to the printhead 12 and drives the printhead 12 to move along the X, Y, and Z axes on the printhead holder 17. The printhead 12 can be positioned above a stencil 13 and is configured to apply an adhesive substance (e.g., solder paste) to the stencil 13. The stencil 13 is movably mounted on a stencil holder 14, which is mounted on the frame 11. During the printing operation, the print head drive mechanism 15 drives the print head 12 to descend in the Z-axis direction, causing the squeegee 21 mounted on the print head 12 to descend until it contacts the template 13. Then, the print head drive mechanism 15 drives the print head 12 to move in the Y-axis direction, causing the squeegee 21 to move past the template 13 to print solder paste onto the circuit board below the template 13. In one embodiment, the print head 12 is configured to obtain solder from a source such as a dispenser (e.g., a solder paste cartridge) and supply solder paste to the print head 12 during the printing operation. Figure 1C As shown, the print head 12 is equipped with a print nozzle 18 for dispensing solder paste, which is connected to the solder paste cartridge. Other methods of dispensing solder paste can also be used instead of the solder paste cartridge. For example, solder paste can be manually deposited onto the squeegee 21, or the solder paste can be sourced from an external source.

[0059] Template 13 spans across two parallel and oppositely placed template frame plates 1401 and 1402 (see template frame 14). Figure 2A and Figure 2F The template 13 is movable between -H) and on the template holder 14. The template holder 14 has a template holder head position and a template holder tail position. In one embodiment, the template holder head position is the leftmost position of the template holder 14, and the template holder tail position is the rightmost position of the template holder 14. The template 13 is installed onto and removed from the template holder 14 from the left side of the template holder head position. The template 13 can be installed onto and removed from the template holder 14 manually, semi-automatically, or fully automatically. In one embodiment, the template 13 is moved on the template holder 14 by moving the print head 12 along the Y-axis. The movement can be achieved by the gripping mechanism 16 on the print head 12 (see...). Figure 4AThe printing head 12 grips the template 13, causing the gripped template 13 to be moved by the printing head 12. In other embodiments, the operator can manually insert and remove the template 13 from the template holder 14. During printing, the template 13 is mounted on the template holder 14 at a position between the front and rear positions of the template holder. In other embodiments, the front and rear positions of the template holder are in other locations, such as the rightmost and leftmost positions of the template holder 14, respectively, or, from other angles, the frontmost and rearmost positions of the template holder 14, or the rearmost and frontmost positions of the template holder 14.

[0060] The stencil printing machine 10 of this disclosure is further provided with a tray 19 for catching viscous material dripping from the squeegee 21 on the print head 12 when changing the stencil 13, thereby eliminating the need to remove the squeegee 21 when changing the stencil 13. Like the stencil 13, the tray 19 spans between two parallel and oppositely placed stencil frame plates 1401 and 1402 on the stencil frame 14 and moves back and forth on the stencil frame 14. This arrangement ensures that the longitudinal (X-axis) dimension of the tray 19 is approximately the same as that of the stencil 13, thus allowing the tray 19 to accommodate all sizes of squeegees 21 corresponding to the stencil 13. Since those skilled in the art know that the longitudinal dimension of the squeegee 21 that works with the stencil 13 will not exceed the longitudinal dimension of the stencil 13, and the tray 19 in the above arrangement has a longitudinal dimension approximately the same as that of the stencil 13, the tray 19 can accommodate all sizes of squeegees 21 corresponding to the stencil 13 when the longitudinal dimension of the stencil 13 remains unchanged.

[0061] The tray 19 is elongated, and its lateral (Y-axis direction) dimension is set to exceed the lateral dimension of the scraper 21 (e.g., Figure 4BThe tray 19 is designed to receive viscous material dripping from the squeegee 21 in the lateral direction. The smaller lateral dimensions of the tray 19 help reduce its interference with the normal operation of the template 13 on the template holder 14. Furthermore, the tray 19 is positioned at the far right (tail position) of the template holder 14, while the template 13, during printing, is positioned between the head and tail positions of the template holder, not reaching the tail position of the template holder 14. Therefore, placing the tray 19 on the template holder 14 does not affect the normal operation of the template 13. This arrangement of the tray 19 utilizes the existing structure of the template printing machine 10, eliminating the need for further modifications to the structure of the template printing machine 10, such as adding new structures, to install and place the tray 19. Similar to the template 13, the tray 19 is installed onto and removed from the template holder 14 from the left side at the head position. The tray 19 is configured to move on the template holder 14 on the same horizontal plane as the template 13. In other embodiments, the tray 19 may be positioned on other components of the stencil printing machine 10 such that the tray 19 can be moved below the printhead 12 to catch viscous material dripping from the scraper 21 on the printhead 12. For example, the tray 19 may be configured to move on a different horizontal plane from the stencil 13 and be able to move below the printhead 12.

[0062] In other embodiments, the tray 19 may be sized laterally (in the Y-axis direction) to simultaneously cover the printing nozzle 18 and the squeegee 21 on the print head 12, so that the tray 19 can simultaneously receive solder paste dripping from the printing nozzle 18 and the squeegee 21.

[0063] As previously described, tray 19 is configured to move on template holder 14. In one embodiment, when changing template 13, as print head 12 moves along the Y-axis (laterally along template holder 14), tray 19 can move to (or be positioned) below print head 12 and move accordingly on template holder 14 to receive viscous material dripping from scraper 21 on print head 12, so that even when print head 12 moves above template holder 14, viscous material will not drip onto template printing press 10. When removing and installing tray 19, the movement of print head 12 can move tray 19 on template holder 14 to the desired position.

[0064] In this disclosure, the template holder 14 is defined with a first stroke and a second stroke along its transverse direction. During the first stroke, the tray 19 is moved on the template holder 14 by the tray drive mechanism 20. During the second stroke, the tray 19 is moved on the template holder 14 by the movement of the print head 12 (see [link to relevant documentation]). Figure 5A-D). The first stroke has a start position and an end position, the second stroke has a start position and an end position, and the boundary between the first stroke and the second stroke is located at the end position of the first stroke and the start position of the second stroke. In one embodiment, such as Figure 1A As shown in Figure -C, the starting position of the first stroke is located at or near the tail position of the template frame (the rightmost position), and the ending position of the second stroke is located at or near the head position of the template frame (the leftmost position). The junction of the first and second strokes (the junction position) is located between the head and tail positions of the template frame. In other embodiments, other suitable first and second strokes can be set.

[0065] By moving the tray 19 within a portion of the travel of the template frame 14 driven by the print head 12, the travel of the tray drive mechanism 20 on the template frame 14 that drives the tray 19 can be shortened. This can, for example, reduce the size of the tray drive mechanism 20, simplify its structure, and make it easier to install the tray drive mechanism 20 into the existing template printing machine 10, or to install the tray drive mechanism 20 with minor modifications to the structure of the template printing machine 10.

[0066] Furthermore, as previously mentioned, the tray 19 is positioned at the far right (tail position) of the template frame 14 so that placing the tray 19 on the template frame 14 does not affect the normal operation of the template 13. However, due to structural limitations, the print head 12 typically does not reach above the tail position of the template frame. Therefore, this disclosure arranges for the tray 19 to be moved by the tray drive mechanism 20 during the first stroke of the template frame 14, thereby enabling the tray 19 to move below the print head 12 to catch the sticky material dripping from the squeegee 21, preventing the sticky material from dripping from the squeegee 21 onto the internal components of the template printing machine 10 when the template 13 is disassembled.

[0067] During the second stroke, the tray 19 can be gripped by the gripping mechanism 16 on the print head 12, causing the gripped tray 19 to move under the influence of the print head 12. In one embodiment, the gripping can be performed when the tray 19 is aligned with the print head 12 to receive viscous material dripping from the squeegee 21, thereby ensuring that the gripped tray 19 is continuously receiving viscous material dripping from the squeegee 21 while being moved under the influence of the print head 12. In other embodiments, the tray 19 can be gripped by other structures, causing the print head 12 to move and thus move the tray 19 on the template holder 14.

[0068] As previously described, the stencil printing machine 10 of this disclosure eliminates the need to remove the scraper 21 when changing the stencil 13. In one embodiment, during the removal of the stencil 13, the tray 19 can be moved on the stencil holder 14 below the print head 12 by the tray drive mechanism 20 to catch the sticky material dripping from the scraper 21. Alternatively, the print head 12 can be moved from above the stencil 13 to above the tray 19 by the print head drive mechanism 15, causing the stencil 13 and print head 12 to be misaligned and the tray 19 to be aligned with the print head 12 to catch the sticky material dripping from the scraper 21.

[0069] During the installation of template 13, template 13 is moved to its initial installation position. Then, printhead drive mechanism 15 drives printhead 12, positioning it above template 13 so that template 13 can receive the viscous material dripping from scraper 21. In one embodiment, template 13 is gripped by gripping mechanism 16 on printhead 12, which moves laterally along template holder 14 to move template 13 to the installation position on template holder 14. In other embodiments, other suitable gripping mechanisms can be used to grip template 13.

[0070] The template fixing mechanism 22 is configured to secure the template 13 to the template holder 14 to prevent the template 13 from moving during the printing process. Figure 1A As shown in Figure -B, the template fixing mechanism 22 is installed above the template frame 14. Before disassembling the template 13, the template fixing mechanism 22 loosens the fixation on the template, allowing the template 13 to move freely on the template frame 14. When the template 13 is installed in the installation position (or printing position), the template fixing mechanism 22 fixes the template 13 to the template frame 14 to prevent the template 13 from moving.

[0071] like Figure 1AAs shown, the stencil printing machine 10 also includes an input device 26, a control device 24, a display device 25, several detection devices 23 (not shown), and a printing press cover 27. The detection devices 23 may include sensors for detecting the state of components to be detected within the stencil printing machine 10. The input device 26 is used to receive user input, such as a keyboard and / or mouse. In other embodiments, the input device 26 may include other suitable input devices. The control device 24 is configured to control or adjust relevant operations of the stencil printing machine 10 based on user input received from the input device 26. The control device 24 is also configured to control the operation of the printhead drive mechanism 15, the tray drive mechanism 20, the gripping mechanism 16, and the stencil fixing mechanism 22 based on status signals received from the detection devices 23 and / or according to an internal program to implement various operations of the stencil printing machine 10. The display device 25 provides an interface for the operator to view and operate. In other embodiments, the control device 24 and the display device 25 are also configured to perform other suitable operations, such as alignment of the stencil 13 and the printed circuit board, etc. The printing press cover 27 is used to cover the internal components of the stencil printing press 10, and when the printing press cover 27 is opened, portions of the internal components of the stencil printing press 10 are exposed for access by the operator or other equipment. When closed, the printing press cover 27 is located on the left side 101 and top 103 of the stencil printing press 10. In other embodiments, the printing press cover 27 may be located in other positions on the stencil printing press 10. For operational safety reasons, the printing press cover 27 needs to be closed when the stencil printing press 10 (e.g., its internal components) is in operation.

[0072] Figure 2A It shows Figure 1B A perspective structural diagram of one embodiment of the template 13, tray 19, template frame 14, template fixing mechanism 22, and tray driving mechanism 20. Figure 2B -C respectively show Figure 2A The 3D and top views of template 13 in the image. Figure 2D -E respectively show Figure 2A The perspective view and top view of tray 19 in the middle. Figure 2F -H respectively show Figure 2A The three-dimensional view, front view and bottom view of the template frame 14 and the template fixing mechanism 22.

[0073] like Figure 2A As shown, the template frame 14 and the template fixing mechanism 22 are mounted on a portion 1100 of the frame 11 (e.g., a crossbeam). The template 13 and the tray 19 are placed on the template frame 14 and configured to move laterally on the template frame 14. The template fixing mechanism 22 is configured to fix the template 13 to the template frame 14 to prevent the template 13 from being moved during the printing process.

[0074] like Figure 2B As shown in Figure -C, the template 13 includes a generally plate-shaped mesh portion 1301, an inner frame 1302, and an outer frame 1303. The inner frame 1302 surrounds and fixes the mesh portion 1301, and the outer frame 1303 surrounds the inner frame 1302. The outer frame 1303 consists of a left frame portion 1304, a right frame portion 1305, a front frame portion 1306, and a rear frame portion 1307, all of which are elongated, generally rectangular structures. The mesh portion 1301 includes mesh openings. When a squeegee passes through the mesh openings on the template 13, it presses solder paste into and through the mesh openings, thereby applying the solder paste to the circuit board below. When installed in the template printer 10, the left frame portion 1304 and the right frame portion 1305 are positioned along the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction) of the template holder 14, and the front frame portion 1306 and the rear frame portion 1307 are positioned along the transverse direction (Y-axis direction) of the template holder 14. In other embodiments, the template 13 includes other suitable shapes and structures.

[0075] like Figure 2D As shown in Figure -E, tray 19 includes a main body plate 1901, a left wing 1902, a right wing 1903, a front wing 1904, and a rear wing 1905, which can be integrally formed. In other embodiments, the various components of tray 19 can be formed in other suitable ways. The individual wings 1902-1905 are arranged substantially perpendicular to the main body plate 1901. When installed in the template printing machine 10, the left wing 1902 and right wing 1903 are positioned along the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction) of the template frame 14, and the front wing 1904 and rear wing 1905 are positioned along the transverse direction (Y-axis direction) of the template frame 14. In other embodiments, tray 19 includes other suitable shapes and structures.

[0076] like Figure 2A and 2F As shown in Figure -H, the template frame 14 includes two parallel and oppositely placed template frame plates 1401 and 1402. The template frame plates 1401 and 1402 have roughly the same structure; only template frame plate 1401 is shown in the figure. Template frame plate 1401 consists of two roughly perpendicular elongated plates 1403 and 1404, which are connected along their long sides and are L-shaped. Elongated plate 1403 is placed vertically and is mounted on the inner side of portion 1100 of the frame 11 by several fasteners 2205. Elongated plate 1404 is placed horizontally and is used to support the template 13 and the tray 19. Template frame plate 1402 (not shown) includes a vertical elongated plate and a horizontal elongated plate that are roughly the same as those of elongated plates 1403 and 1404. Template 13 and pallet 19 span between template frame plates 1401 and 1402, and are supported by a horizontal elongated plate 1404 of template frame plate 1401 and a horizontal elongated plate of template frame plate 1402. In other embodiments, template frame 14 may include other suitable structures and arrangements.

[0077] like Figure 2FAs shown in Figure -H, the template fixing mechanism 22 includes a support plate 2201 and a cylinder 2202, which is mounted above the support plate 2201 by fasteners 2203. The support plate 2201 is mounted on the upper surface of a portion 1100 of the frame 11, and a portion of the support plate 2201 protrudes above the horizontal elongated plate 1404 of the template frame plate 1401. The cylinder 2202 is mounted on this protruding portion of the support plate 2201 and has a piston 2204 disposed toward the horizontal elongated plate 1404. Corresponding to the template frame plate 1401, a template fixing mechanism 22 is also provided at a corresponding position on the template frame plate 1402. The pistons 2204 above the horizontal elongated plates 1404 of the template frame plate 1401 and the horizontal elongated plates of the template frame plate 1402 are configured to extend downward to abut and press against the rear frame 1306 and the front frame 1305 of the template 13, respectively, thereby fixing the template 13 to the template frame 14. The piston 2204 is also configured to retract upwards to disengage from the template 13, thereby releasing the fixation on the template 13. At this point, the template 13 can move back and forth on the template holder 14, and the tray 19 can also move freely on the template holder 14. In other embodiments, the template fixing mechanism 22 includes other suitable mechanisms or devices, or includes other arrangements.

[0078] As previously described, the tray 19 and the template 13 move on the same horizontal plane on the template frame 14. Therefore, when the template fixing mechanism 22 fixes the template 13 to the template frame 14, it restricts the movement of the tray 19 on the template frame 14 or fixes the tray 19. Thus, in one embodiment, when the template 13 and the tray 19 move on the template frame 14, the template fixing mechanism 22 releases the fixation on the module (or including the tray 19). When both the template 13 and the tray 19 are installed in place, for example, the template 13 is installed in the installation position and the tray 19 is installed at the rear position of the template frame (the rightmost position), the template fixing mechanism 22 fixes the module (or including the tray 19).

[0079] Figure 3A -B shows Figure 1B A perspective view and a front view of one embodiment of the tray drive mechanism 20 (adjacent to the end of the template frame 14).

[0080] like Figure 3AAs shown in Figure -B, the pallet drive mechanism 20 is mounted to portion 1100 via connector 2007, adjacent to the end (e.g., the right end) of template frame 14 (e.g., template frame plate 1401) and overlapping the end portion of template frame 14 in the extending direction. The pallet drive mechanism 20 includes a cylinder 2001 and a gripper 2002. The cylinder 2001 includes a piston 2003, and the gripper 2002 includes a rod 2004 and a head 2005. The piston 2003 of the cylinder 2001 and the rod 2004 of the gripper 2002 are connected by threads. For example, the end of the piston 2003 has external threads, and the rod 2004 has internal threads, which engage with each other. A fastener 2006 is provided on the rod 2004 to secure the connection between the rod 2004 and the piston 2003, preventing the piston 2003 from disengaging from the rod 2004 due to reciprocating movement (i.e., the cylinder 2001 and the gripper 2002 disengaging). The connector 2007 includes mutually perpendicular and connected plates 2008 and 2009. Plate 2009 is mounted on the inner wall of portion 1100 by fastener 2011, and cylinder 2001 is mounted to plate 2008 by fastener 2010, thereby connecting cylinder 2007 to portion 1100. The head 2005 of the gripper 2002 is made of a magnetic material for adsorbing tray 19 (e.g., the edge of tray 19). In one embodiment, tray 19 is made of aluminum. In other embodiments, tray 19 may be made of other suitable materials. The extension and retraction of the piston 2003 of cylinder 2001 will cause the gripping component 2002 to extend and retract, thereby causing the gripped tray 19 to move back and forth.

[0081] Similar to template frame 1401, a pallet drive mechanism 20 is also provided at a corresponding position on template frame 1402. The pallet drive mechanisms 20 corresponding to template frame 1401 and 1402 are symmetrically arranged along the transverse axis of symmetry of template frame 14. The pallet drive mechanisms 20 are placed parallel to template frames 1401 and 1402, and the piston 2003 and gripper 2002 of the pallet drive mechanism 20 are configured to move laterally along template frame 14. Control device 24 controls the two pallet drive mechanisms 20 to operate synchronously so that the pallet 19 moves within a first stroke of template frame 14. In other embodiments, the pallet drive mechanism 20 may include other suitable mechanisms or devices.

[0082] As previously described, during the first stroke of the template frame 14, the tray 19 is moved back and forth by the tray drive mechanism 20. When the tray 19 is mounted at the rear position of the template frame 14 (the beginning position of the first stroke), the piston 2003 of the cylinder 2001 retracts. When the piston 2003 of the cylinder 2001 extends to the left, it drives the gripper 2002 to move to the left, thereby driving the adsorbed tray 19 to move to the left on the template frame 14 to the end position of the first stroke (or the boundary position between the first and second strokes). When the piston 2003 of the cylinder 2001 retracts to the right, it drives the gripper 2002 to move to the right, thereby driving the adsorbed tray 19 to move to the right on the template frame 14 to the beginning position of the first stroke.

[0083] Figure 4A -B respectively show Figure 1B A perspective view and a front view of one embodiment of the gripping mechanism 16 are shown. Figure 4C It shows Figure 4A A schematic diagram of an embodiment of the gripping mechanism 16 in which the piston 1602 grips the template 13. Figure 4D It shows Figure 4A A schematic diagram of an embodiment of the gripping mechanism 16 in which the piston 1602 grips the tray 19. Figure 4E It shows Figure 4A A schematic diagram of another embodiment of the gripping mechanism 16 in which the piston 1602 grips the tray 19.

[0084] like Figure 4A As shown in Figure -B, the gripping mechanism 16 is mounted on the printhead 12 (a portion is shown) and located on the right side of the printhead 12, and is also located to the right of the scraper 21. The gripping mechanism 16 is mounted at both ends longitudinally of the horizontal crossbar 1201 of the printhead 12. For example, an existing crossbar can be extended longitudinally (in the X-axis direction) to allow the gripping mechanism 16 to be mounted on the extended portion. The gripping mechanism 16 includes a cylinder 1601 mounted perpendicular to the crossbar 1201, and the cylinder 1601 includes a downwardly oriented piston 1602. The piston 1602 of the cylinder 1601 extends downward to grip the tray 19 or template 13, and retracts upward to release the grip on the tray 19 or template 13. In other embodiments, the gripping mechanism 16 may be mounted at other suitable locations on the printhead 12. The gripping mechanism 16 may also include other suitable mechanisms or devices. Figure 4A -B also shows a structural arrangement of one embodiment of the gripping mechanism 16 "grabbing" the tray 19 below the printhead 12.

[0085] As mentioned above, the template 13 can be gripped by the gripping mechanism 16 on the print head 12, so that the gripped template 13 is moved by the print head 12. In one embodiment, the print head 12 moves laterally along the template frame 14 by gripping the template 13 by the gripping mechanism 16 on the print head 12, thereby moving the template 13 on the template frame 14 to the installation position.

[0086] In operation, in one embodiment, the template 13 is inserted from the left side into the initial installation position on the template holder 14 (left side position of the template holder 14) (see...). Figure 1A -C), then move the printing head 12 above the template 13 to align it with the template 13, such as Figure 4C As shown, the piston 1602 of the cylinder 1601 of the gripping mechanism 16 on the print head 12 extends downward to approach or contact the left side of the right frame portion 1305 of the template 13 and overlaps with a portion of the right frame portion 1305 in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction), thereby the piston 1602 "grips" the template 13. At this time, when the print head 12 is moved to the right, the piston 1602 extending from the print head 12 will contact and drag the right frame portion 1305 of the template 13 to the right on the template holder 14, that is, drive the template 13 to move to the right on the template holder 14. In the above-mentioned aligned position of the print head 12 and the template 13, the template 13 is located below the squeegee 21 on the print head 12 to receive the solder paste dripping from the squeegee 21.

[0087] Furthermore, the gripping mechanism 16 on the print head 12 is also used to grip the tray 19. As mentioned above, during the second stroke of the template frame 14, the gripping mechanism 16 on the print head 12 grips the tray 19, and the lateral movement of the print head 12 along the template frame 14 can drive the gripped tray 19 to move laterally on the template frame 14.

[0088] In one embodiment, when the tray 19 is located at the junction of the first and second strokes, such as Figure 4A As shown in -B and 4E, the print head 12 moves above the tray 19 to an aligned position with the tray 19, such that the piston 1602 of the cylinder 1601 of the gripping mechanism 16 on the print head 12 extends downward to be adjacent to or contact the right side of the right wing 1903 of the tray 19 and partially or completely overlaps with the right wing 1903 in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction), thereby the piston 1602 "grips" the tray 19. At this time, when the print head 12 is moved to the left, the piston 1602 extending from the print head 12 contacts and drags the right wing 1903 of the tray 19 to the left on the stencil holder 14, that is, it causes the tray 19 to move to the left on the stencil holder 14, for example, to the end position of the second stroke. In the above-mentioned aligned position of the print head 12 and the tray 19, the tray 19 is located below the squeegee 21 on the print head 12 to receive the solder paste dripping from the squeegee 21.

[0089] In another embodiment, when installing the tray 19, the tray 19 is moved from the left side to the initial installation position (the end position of the second stroke) on the template holder 14, and the print head 12 is moved above the tray 19 to align with it, as shown below. Figure 4D As shown, the piston 1602 of the cylinder 1601 of the gripping mechanism 16 on the print head 12 extends downward to be adjacent to or contact the left side of the right wing 1903 of the tray 19 and overlaps with a portion of the right wing 1903 in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction), thereby the piston 1602 "grips" the tray 19. At this time, when the print head 12 is moved to the right, the piston 1602 extending from the print head 12 will contact and drag the right wing 1903 of the tray 19 to the right on the stencil holder 14, that is, drive the tray 19 to move to the right on the stencil holder 14. In the above-mentioned aligned position of the print head 12 and the tray 19, the tray 19 is located below the squeegee 21 on the print head 12 to receive the solder paste dripping from the squeegee 21.

[0090] Figure 4A The exemplary embodiment shows that the gripping mechanism 16 includes two cylinders 1601; in other embodiments, other suitable numbers of cylinders may be provided. In other embodiments, the gripping mechanism 16 may also include other suitable mechanisms or devices. The gripping mechanism 16 may also be provided on other components of the stencil printing machine 10. Using the same gripping mechanism 16 to grip the stencil 13 and the tray 19 simplifies the structure of the stencil printing machine 10. In other embodiments, different gripping mechanisms may be used to grip the stencil 13 and the tray 19 separately.

[0091] Figure 5A The diagram illustrates the movement and positioning of the print head 12, print head 13, and tray 19 in one embodiment of the disassembly operation of the print head 13. Figure 5B The diagram illustrates the movement and positioning of the print head 12, print head 13, and tray 19 in one embodiment of the installation operation of the print head 13. Figure 5C The diagram illustrates the movement and positioning of the print head 12, template 13, and tray 19 in one embodiment of the disassembly operation of tray 19. Figure 5D A schematic diagram showing the movement and position of the printhead 12, template 13, and tray 19 in one embodiment of the installation operation of tray 19 is shown.

[0092] As previously described, the template frame 14 has a first stroke and a second stroke defined laterally. During the first stroke, the tray 19 is moved by the tray drive mechanism 20. During the second stroke, the tray 19 is moved by the movement of the print head 12. Figure 1BAs shown in -C, the starting position of the first stroke is located at or near the tail position of the template frame (e.g., the rightmost position), the ending position of the second stroke is located at or near the head position of the template frame (e.g., the leftmost position), and the junction of the first and second strokes (junction position) is located between the head and tail positions of the template frame. Figure 5A -D describes the movement and position of the print head 12, the template 13, and the tray 19 in the first and second strokes of the template frame 14.

[0093] like Figure 5A As shown, during the disassembly operation of the stencil 13, before the operation begins, the tray 19 is located at the tail end of the stencil holder (the beginning position of the first stroke), the stencil 13 is in the installed position, and the print head 12 is located above the stencil 13 and aligned with it. At this time, the stencil 13 can receive the sticky material (such as solder paste) dripping from the scraper 21 on the print head 12. Then, the disassembly operation of the stencil 13 begins, proceeding to operation 1-1.

[0094] In operation 1-1, the tray 19 is moved on the template holder 14 from the tail position of the template holder (the beginning position of the first stroke) along a first direction (to the left as indicated by the arrow) to the junction position of the first and second strokes by the tray drive mechanism 20, at which the tray 19 is close to the edge of the template 13. At this time, the print head 12 is always aligned with the template 13 so that the template 13 can receive the sticky material (e.g., solder paste) dripping from the squeegee 21 on the print head 12. Then, the operation proceeds from operation 1-1 to operation 1-2.

[0095] In operation 1-2, the print head 12, located above the stencil 13, is moved in a second direction (to the right, as indicated by the arrow) opposite to the first direction by the print head drive mechanism 15, so that the print head 12 is positioned above and aligned with the tray 19 (at the junction position), at which point the tray 19 can receive the viscous material (e.g., solder paste) dripping from the squeegee 21 on the print head 12. Then, the operation transitions from operation 1-2 to operation 1-3.

[0096] In operation 1-3, the stencil 13 is removed from the stencil holder 14 in the first direction (to the left as indicated by the arrow), while the print head 12 remains aligned with the tray 19, which is capable of catching the sticky material (e.g., solder paste) dripping from the squeegee 21 on the print head 12. Then, the operation proceeds from operation 1-3 to operation 1-4.

[0097] In operations 1-4, the print head 12 is moved along a first direction (as indicated by the arrow, to the left) by the print head drive mechanism 15, causing the tray 19 to move from the junction position along the first direction (as indicated by the arrow, to the left) on the template holder 14 to the end position of the second stroke. In one embodiment, the tray 19 is gripped by the gripping mechanism 16 on the print head 12, so that the movement of the print head 12 can drive the movement of the tray 19. At this time, the print head 12 is always aligned with the tray 19, and the tray 19 can receive the sticky material (e.g., solder paste) dripping from the squeegee 21 on the print head 12.

[0098] Figure 5B A schematic diagram showing the movement and position of the print head 12, print head 13, and tray 19 is shown in one embodiment of the installation operation of the template 13.

[0099] During the installation of template 13, the operator can directly insert template 13 into the installation position without needing to perform the aforementioned operations 1-4 when disassembling template 13. However, this can lead to the operator not inserting template 13 correctly, resulting in the inability to perform the printing operation on template 13 properly, which is particularly serious for inexperienced operators. In one embodiment of this disclosure, template 13 is first inserted into the initial installation position on template holder 14, and then the control device 24 controls the printing head drive mechanism 15 to drive the printing head 12 to move, thereby moving template 13 on template holder 14 to the installation position. For example, the control device 24 controls the printing head 12 to move the required distance to move template 13 to the installation position. Therefore, the control device 24 can better ensure that template 13 is installed in place and can be installed easily. Inserting template 13 into the initial installation position on template holder 14 can be performed by an operator or a suitable automated device such as a robot.

[0100] like Figure 5B As shown, during the installation operation of the template 13, before the operation begins, the tray 19 is at the end position of the second stroke, and the print head 12 is positioned above and aligned with the tray 19. At this time, the tray 19 can receive the sticky material (e.g., solder paste) dripping from the scraper 21 on the print head 12. In one embodiment, it is possible to... Figure 5A After steps 1-4, begin the installation of template 13. Then, proceed to step 2-1 to begin the installation of template 13.

[0101] In operation 2-1, the stencil 13 (as indicated by the arrow, from left to right) is inserted into the initial installation position on the stencil holder 14, where the stencil 13 is adjacent to the edge of the tray 19 located at the end of the second stroke. The tray 19 is positioned below and aligned with the printhead 12, allowing it to receive viscous material (e.g., solder paste) dripping from the squeegee 21 on the printhead 12. Then, the process proceeds to operation 2-2.

[0102] In operation 2-2, the print head 12 is moved from above the tray 19 along a first direction (as indicated by the arrow, to the left) to above the stencil 13 and aligned with it by the print head drive mechanism 15. At this point, the stencil 13 can receive the viscous material (e.g., solder paste) dripping from the scraper 21 on the print head 12. Then, the process transitions from operation 2-2 to operation 2-3.

[0103] In operation 2-3, the print head 12 is moved along a second direction (to the right, as indicated by the arrow) opposite to the first direction by the print head drive mechanism 15, driving the template 13 to move along the second direction (to the right) to the mounting position on the template holder 14. Simultaneously, the edge of the template 13 pushes the adjacent tray 19 on the template holder 14 from the end position of the second stroke along the second direction (to the right) to the junction position of the first and second strokes. Then, operation 2-3 is switched to operation 2-4. In one embodiment, the template 13 is gripped by the gripping mechanism 16 on the print head 12, so that the movement of the print head 12 can drive the template 13 to move. The print head 12 is always aligned with the template 13 so that the template 13 can receive viscous material (e.g., solder paste) dripping from the scraper 21 on the print head 12.

[0104] In operation 2-4, the tray 19 is moved on the template holder 14 from the junction of the first and second strokes along the second direction (to the right) to the beginning position of the first stroke by the tray drive mechanism 20. During this time, the print head 12 is always aligned with the template 13 so that the template 13 can receive the sticky material (e.g., solder paste) dripping from the squeegee 21 on the print head 12. Then, the operation proceeds from operation 2-4 to operation 2-5.

[0105] In operations 2-5, the print head 12 is moved along the first direction (to the left as indicated by the arrow) to an initial position above the stencil 13 by the print head drive mechanism 15, still aligned with the stencil 13 so that the stencil 13 can receive the sticky material (e.g., solder paste) dripping from the scraper 21 on the print head 12.

[0106] In other embodiments, the installation of template 13 may also be completed after operations 2-4.

[0107] exist Figure 5CDuring the removal and installation of tray 19 of the -D circuit, the squeegee 21 on the printhead 12 has been removed before the removal and installation operation begins. In one embodiment, when the circuit board is replaced, it is sometimes necessary to replace the squeegee 21 accordingly, in which case the old squeegee needs to be removed and a new squeegee installed. Figure 5C -D indicates the removal and installation of tray 19 in this embodiment. In other embodiments, tray 19 can be removed and installed using other methods and procedures.

[0108] like Figure 5C As shown, before the disassembly operation of tray 19 begins, tray 19 is located at the tail end of the template holder (the beginning position of the first stroke), and the print head 12 is in the initial position. Then, the disassembly operation of tray 19 begins, proceeding to operation 3-1.

[0109] In operation 3-1, the pallet 19 is moved on the template frame 14 from the starting position of the first stroke along the first direction (to the left) to the junction position of the first stroke and the second stroke by the pallet drive mechanism 20, and then the operation 3-1 is switched to operation 3-2.

[0110] In operation 3-2, the print head 12 is moved to the right along a second direction opposite to the first direction by the print head drive mechanism 15 to be above the tray 19 and aligned with the tray 19, and then the operation 3-2 is switched to operation 3-3.

[0111] In operation 3-3, the print head 12 is moved along the first direction (to the left) by the print head drive mechanism 15, causing the tray 19 to move along the first direction (to the left) on the template frame 14 from the junction of the first and second strokes to the end position of the second stroke. Then, operation 3-3 is switched to operation 3-4. In one embodiment, the tray 19 is gripped by the gripping mechanism 16 on the print head 12, so that the movement of the print head 12 can drive the movement of the tray 19.

[0112] In operation 3-4, the tray 19 is removed from the template frame 14 in the first direction (to the left) (from the head position of the template frame).

[0113] like Figure 5D As shown, the printhead 12 is in the initial position before the installation operation of tray 19 begins. Then, the installation operation of tray 19 begins, proceeding to operation 4-1.

[0114] In operation 4-1, the tray 19 is inserted into the initial installation position (end position of the second stroke) on the template frame 14 in a second direction (to the right) opposite to the first direction (from the head position of the template frame), and then the operation 4-1 is switched to operation 4-2.

[0115] In operation 4-2, the print head 12 is moved along the first direction (to the left) to a position above the tray 19 and aligned with the tray 19 by the print head drive mechanism 15, and then the operation 4-2 is switched to operation 4-3.

[0116] In operation 4-3, the print head 12 is moved along the second direction (to the right) by the print head drive mechanism 15, causing the tray 19 to move on the template frame 14 from the end position of the second stroke along the second direction (to the right) to the junction position of the first stroke and the second stroke. Then, operation 4-3 is switched to operation 4-4. In one embodiment, the tray 19 is gripped by the gripping mechanism 16 on the print head 12, so that the movement of the print head 12 can drive the movement of the tray 19.

[0117] In operation 4-4, the pallet 19 is moved on the template frame 14 from the junction of the first and second strokes along the second direction (to the right) to the beginning position of the first stroke by the pallet drive mechanism 20.

[0118] Compared to Figure 5A The end position of the second stroke in -B Figure 5C In -D, the end position of the second stroke is closer to the beginning of the template frame (the leftmost position), for example, Figure 5A The second stroke in -B ends near the head of the template frame. Figure 5C The end position of the second stroke in -D is located at the head of the template frame. Figure 5A The starting position of the first stroke in -D is the same. In other embodiments, Figure 5A -B and Figure 5C The end position of the second stroke in -D can be any other suitable position.

[0119] Figure 6 A flowchart illustrating one embodiment of a method for removing a template 13 from a template printing machine 10 is shown. Figure 5A A detailed flowchart of the disassembly operation for the middle template 13. (See attached diagram.) Figure 6 As shown, at step 601, the method of removing the stencil 13 from the stencil printer 10 begins. Before this method begins, the tray 19 is located at the end of the stencil holder (e.g., the rightmost position) corresponding to the storage position, the stencil 13 is in the mounting position, and the print head 12 is positioned above and aligned with the stencil 13, at which point the stencil 13 can receive the sticky material (e.g., solder paste) dripping from the scraper 21 on the print head 12. Then, the process proceeds from step 601 to step 602.

[0120] At step 602, the template fixing mechanism 22 releases its fixation on the template 13. In one embodiment, the piston 2204 of the cylinder 2202 of the template fixing mechanism 22 (see...) Figure 2F-H) retracts upward to detach from template 13, thereby releasing the fixation on template 13. At this time, template 13 can move back and forth on template frame 14, and tray 19 can also move freely on template frame 14. Then, proceed from step 602 to step 603.

[0121] At step 603, the tray 19 is moved on the template holder 14 from the storage position (the beginning position of the first stroke) along the first direction (to the left) to the junction position of the first and second strokes by the tray drive mechanism 20, at which the tray 19 is adjacent to the edge of the template 13 during disassembly. At this time, the print head 12 remains aligned with the template 13, allowing the template 13 to receive viscous material (e.g., solder paste) dripping from the scraper 21 on the print head 12. In one embodiment, the piston 2003 of the cylinder 2001 of the tray drive mechanism 20 extends to the left to move the gripper 2002 to the left (see...). Figure 3A -B), thereby moving the tray 19, which is attracted to the gripper 2002, from the storage position (the start position of the first stroke) to the target position (the junction of the first and second strokes) to abut against the right edge of the template 13 located in the installation position. The first stroke of the tray 19 on the template frame 14 is from the storage position to the target position. The length of this first stroke is less than the rated stroke of the piston 2003 of the cylinder 2001, so that when the piston 2003 extends to the left, pressure can be applied to make the tray 19 abut against the edge of the template 13. The applied pressure is set so that the tray 19 abuts against the edge of the template 13 without pushing the template 13 to the left. Then, the process proceeds from step 603 to step 604.

[0122] At step 604, the print head 12, located above the stencil 13, is moved in a second direction (to the right) opposite to the first direction by the print head drive mechanism 15, so that the print head 12 is positioned above the tray 19. In one embodiment, the print head drive mechanism 15 drives the print head 12 to move to the right along the Y-axis direction until it is above the tray 19 at the target position and aligned with the tray 19. In this aligned position, the tray 19 is positioned below the squeegee 21 on the print head 12 to receive the solder paste dripping from it. Then, the process proceeds from step 604 to step 605.

[0123] At step 605, the tray 19 is gripped by the gripping mechanism 16. In one embodiment, the movement of the print head 12 at step 604 causes the piston 1602 of the cylinder 1601 of the gripping mechanism 16 on the print head 12 to extend downward to be adjacent to or contact the right side of the right wing 1903 of the tray 19 and to partially or completely overlap with the right wing 1903 in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction), thereby the piston "grips" the tray 19 (see...). Figure 4A -B and Figure 4EAt this point, when the print head 12 is moved to the left, the piston 1602 extending from the print head 12 will contact and drag the right wing 1903 of the tray 19 to the left on the template frame 14, that is, drive the tray 19 to move to the left on the template frame 14. Then, proceed from step 605 to step 606.

[0124] At step 606, the printing press cover 27 is opened. Then, the process proceeds from step 606 to step 607.

[0125] At step 607, template 13 is removed from template holder 14 in the first direction (to the left). Template 13 can be removed by an operator or an automated device. Then, proceed from step 607 to step 608.

[0126] At step 608, the printing press cover 27 is closed. Then, the process proceeds from step 608 to step 609.

[0127] At step 609, the print head 12 is moved along the first direction (to the left) by the print head drive mechanism 15, causing the gripped tray 19 to move from the junction position along the first direction (to the left) on the template frame 14 to the end position of the second stroke (e.g., near the leftmost position of the template frame). When the tray 19 is gripped by the gripping mechanism 16 on the print head 12 at step 605, the leftward movement of the print head 12 can cause the tray 19 to move to the left.

[0128] Then, proceed from step 609 to step 610 to finish removing the template 13 from the template printing machine 10.

[0129] In steps 603 and 604, the tray 19 is moved to the edge of the stencil 13 adjacent to the mounting position, and then the print head 12 is moved to a position offset from the stencil 13 and aligned with the tray 19 adjacent to the stencil 13. This allows the tray 19 to be quickly aligned with the print head 12 over the shortest distance to catch solder paste dripping from the squeegee 21. This operation is simple to control and reliably ensures that the tray 19 is immediately and consistently aligned with the print head 12 when the print head 12 is offset from the stencil 13, preventing solder paste from dripping onto the stencil printer 10.

[0130] As described below, after the above-mentioned disassembly of template 13, the installation of template 13 can be performed. As mentioned earlier, in this disclosure, when installing template 13, template 13 is first inserted into the initial installation position, and then the control device 24 controls the movement of the printing head 12 to move template 13 to the installation position, thereby better ensuring that template 13 is installed in place and that installation is simple.

[0131] Figure 7 A flowchart illustrating one embodiment of a method for mounting template 13 into template printing machine 10 is shown. Figure 5BA detailed flowchart of the installation process for Template 13. Figure 7 As shown, at step 701, the method of mounting the stencil 13 into the stencil printer 10 begins. Before this method begins, the tray 19 is at the end of the second stroke (e.g., near the leftmost position of the stencil holder), and the print head 12 is positioned above and aligned with the tray 19, at which point the tray 19 is able to receive the sticky material (e.g., solder paste) dripping from the scraper 21 on the print head 12. In one embodiment, it is possible to... Figure 6 After step 609 of disassembling template 13, the installation operation of template 13 begins. Then, the installation operation of template 13 begins, and the process proceeds from step 701 to step 702.

[0132] At step 702, the printing press cover 27 is opened. Then, the process proceeds from step 702 to step 703.

[0133] At step 703, the template 13 is inserted into the initial installation position on the template holder 14 in a second direction (to the right) opposite to the first direction. In this initial installation position, the template 13 is adjacent to the edge of the tray 19, which is located below and aligned with the print head 12. In one embodiment, the template 13 is inserted from the left side adjacent to the edge of the tray 19, at which point the tray 19 is at the end of the second stroke and is gripped by the gripping mechanism 16 on the print head 12 (see step 605). As described in step 605, the piston 1602 on the print head 12 extends downward to the right side of the tray 19 (see step 605). Figure 4A -B and Figure 4E The gripping mechanism 16 blocks ("grabs") the tray 19 from the right, causing the print head 12 to move to the left, which in turn moves the tray 19 to the left. In one embodiment, through this gripping, at step 703, when the operator pushes the template 13 from left to right into the template holder 14 against the tray 19, if the operator cannot push the template 13 forcefully, it can be determined that the template 13 is adjacent to the edge of the tray 19. Furthermore, when the tray 19 is at the beginning of the first stroke, the operator can observe the tray 19 and therefore visually determine whether the template 13 is adjacent to the edge of the tray 19. Thus, the operator can easily determine whether the template 13 is inserted into place (adjacent to the edge of the tray 19) through touch and sight. When the template 13 is inserted into place, the process proceeds from step 703 to step 704.

[0134] At step 704, the printing press cover 27 is closed. Then, the process proceeds from step 704 to step 705.

[0135] At step 705, the gripping mechanism 16 on the print head 12 releases its grip on the tray 19. In one embodiment, the piston 1602 of the cylinder 1601 of the gripping mechanism 16 on the print head 12 retracts upward to release the piston 1602 from its obstruction of the tray 19 (see...). Figure 4A At this point, the tray 19 can move freely on the template frame 14. Then, proceed from step 705 to step 706.

[0136] At step 706, the print head 12 is moved from above the tray 19 along a first direction (to the left) to above the template 13 by the print head drive mechanism 15 to align with the template 13, at which point the template 13 can receive the viscous material (e.g., solder paste) dripping from the scraper 21 on the print head 12. Then, the process proceeds from step 706 to step 707.

[0137] At step 707, the template 13 is gripped by the gripping mechanism 16 on the print head 12. This gripping action causes the print head 12 to move, thus moving the gripped template 13. At step 706, the print head 12 moves above the template 13 to an aligned position, causing the piston 1602 of the cylinder 1601 of the gripping mechanism 16 on the print head 12 to extend downwards to approach or contact the left side of the right frame portion 1305 of the template 13 and overlap a portion of the right frame portion 1305 in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction), thereby "gripping" the template 13 (see...). Figure 4C At this point, when the print head 12 is moved to the right, the piston 1602 extending from the print head 12 will contact and drag the right frame 1305 of the template 13 to the right on the template frame 14, that is, drive the template 13 to move to the right on the template frame 14. Then, proceed from step 707 to step 708.

[0138] In step 708, the print head 12 is moved along a second direction (to the right) opposite to the first direction by the print head drive mechanism 15, causing the gripped template 13 to move along the second direction (to the right) on the template holder 14 to the installation position. Simultaneously, the edge of the template 13 pushes the adjacent tray 19 on the template holder 14 from the end position of the second stroke along the second direction (to the right) to the junction position of the first and second strokes. Through the operation of the piston 1602 of cylinder 1601 in step 707, when the print head 12 is moved laterally to the right along the template holder 14 in step 708, the piston 1602 of cylinder 1601 drives the template 13 to move to the right on the template holder 14. In one embodiment, the control device 24 controls the distance the print head 12 moves to move the template 13 to the installation position, at which point the edge of the template 13 pushes the tray 19 to the junction position. Then, the process proceeds from step 708 to step 709.

[0139] At step 709, the pallet 19 is moved on the template frame 14 from the junction of the first and second strokes along the second direction (to the right) to the beginning position of the first stroke via the pallet drive mechanism 20. In one embodiment, such as Figure 3A As shown in step -B, the piston 2003 of cylinder 2001 of the tray drive mechanism 20 extends to the left and drives the gripper 2002 to move to the left to contact (e.g., abut) the tray 19, at which point the tray 19 is attracted to the gripper 2002. Then, the piston 2003 of cylinder 2001 retracts to the right to move the attracted tray 19 to the right to the storage position (the beginning position of the first stroke). Then, the process proceeds from step 709 to step 710.

[0140] In step 710, the template 13 is fixed to the template frame 14 by the template fixing mechanism 22. In one embodiment, the piston 2204 of the cylinder 2202 of the template fixing mechanism 22 extends downward to fix the template 13 to the template frame 14 (see...). Figure 2F -G). After step 709, template 13 is in the installation position and pallet 19 is in the storage position. Template 13 and pallet 19 are installed in place and do not need to be moved. At this time, template fixing mechanism 22 can be activated at step 710 to fix template 13. Then, proceed from step 710 to step 711.

[0141] In step 711, the print head 12 is moved to its initial position along the first direction (to the left) by the print head drive mechanism 15. Resetting the print head 12 to its initial position facilitates control of subsequent printing operations and can also, for example, reduce movement errors.

[0142] Then, proceed from step 711 to step 712 to complete the installation of template 13 into template printing machine 10.

[0143] Before installing the new template 13, the operator inputs relevant parameters, including the dimensions and specifications of the circuit board and template 13, through the input interface on the display device 25. Then, the control device 24 processes these parameters to adjust (or maintain) the control of various components (e.g., printhead drive mechanism 15, tray drive mechanism 20, gripping mechanism 16) to accommodate the installation operation of the new template 13.

[0144] Figure 8 A flowchart illustrating one embodiment of a method for removing tray 19 from stencil printing machine 10 is shown. Figure 5C Detailed flowchart of the disassembly operation of the middle tray 19.

[0145] At step 801, the method of removing tray 19 from the template printing machine 10 begins. Before this method begins, tray 19 is located in the rightmost storage position of the template frame 14 (the starting position of the first stroke). Then, the process proceeds from step 801 to step 802.

[0146] At step 802, the template frame 14 is released by the template fixing mechanism 22. In one embodiment, as... Figure 2F As shown in step -H, the piston 2204 of the cylinder 2202 of the template fixing mechanism 22 retracts upward to release the template frame 14, allowing the tray 19 to move freely on the template frame 14 without being blocked by the extended piston 2204. Then, the process proceeds from step 802 to step 803.

[0147] At step 803, the pallet 19 is moved on the template frame 14 from the storage position (the start position of the first stroke) along the first direction (to the left) to the target position (the intersection of the first and second strokes) by the pallet drive mechanism 20. In one embodiment, such as Figure 3A As shown in -B, the piston 2003 of the cylinder 2001 of the tray drive mechanism 20 extends to the left to move the gripper 2002 to the left, thereby driving the tray 19 adsorbed on the gripper 2002 to move from the storage position (the beginning position of the first stroke) to the target position (the junction position of the first stroke and the second stroke). Then, the process proceeds from step 803 to step 804.

[0148] At step 804, the print head 12 is moved above the tray 19 in a second direction (to the right) opposite to the first direction by the print head drive mechanism 15. In one embodiment, such as Figure 1C As shown, the print head drive mechanism 15 drives the print head 12 to move laterally to the right along the template frame 14 above the tray 19. Then, the process proceeds from step 804 to step 805.

[0149] At step 805, the tray 19 is gripped by the gripping mechanism 16 on the print head 12. In one embodiment, the print head 12 moves at step 804 such that at step 805, the piston 1602 of the cylinder 1601 of the gripping mechanism 16 on the print head 12 extends downward to be adjacent to or contact the right side of the right wing 1903 of the tray 19 and overlaps part or all of the right wing 1903 in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction), thereby the piston 1602 "grips" the tray 19 (see...). Figure 4A -B and Figure 4E At this point, when the print head 12 is moved to the left, the piston 1602 extending from the print head 12 will contact and drag the right wing 1903 of the tray 19 to the left on the template frame 14, that is, drive the tray 19 to move to the left on the template frame 14. Then, proceed from step 805 to step 806.

[0150] In step 806, the print head 12 is moved along the first direction (to the left) by the print head drive mechanism 15, causing the gripped tray 19 to move from the target position (the intersection of the first and second strokes) along the first direction (to the left) to the end position of the second stroke (e.g., the leftmost position of the template frame) on the template frame 14. Through the operation of the piston 1602 of cylinder 1601 in step 805, when the print head 12 is moved laterally to the left along the template frame 14 in step 806, the piston 1602 of cylinder 1601 causes the template 13 to move to the left on the template frame 14. Then, the process proceeds from step 806 to step 807.

[0151] At step 807, the printing press cover 27 is opened. Then, the process proceeds from step 807 to step 808.

[0152] At step 808, the tray 19 is removed from the template holder 14 in the first direction (to the left). Then, the process proceeds from step 808 to step 809.

[0153] At step 809, the printing press cover 27 is closed. Then, the process proceeds from step 809 to step 810.

[0154] At step 810, the print head 12 is moved to its initial position in the second direction (to the right) by the print head drive mechanism 15. In one embodiment, such as Figure 1C As shown, the print head drive mechanism 15 drives the print head 12 to move laterally to the right along the template frame 14 to the initial position.

[0155] Then, proceed from step 810 to step 811 to finish removing tray 19 from template printing machine 10.

[0156] Figure 9 A flowchart illustrating one embodiment of a method for mounting a tray 19 into a template printing machine 10 is shown. Figure 5D Detailed flowchart of the installation operation of the middle tray 19.

[0157] At step 901, the method of mounting the tray 19 into the template printing machine 10 begins. Before this method begins, the print head 12 is reset to its initial position. Then, the process proceeds from step 901 to step 902.

[0158] At step 902, the printing press cover 27 is opened. Then, the process proceeds from step 902 to step 903.

[0159] At step 903, the tray 19 is inserted into the leftmost initial installation position (end position of the second stroke) of the template frame 14 in a second direction (to the right) opposite to the first direction. Then, the process proceeds from step 903 to step 904.

[0160] At step 904, the printing press cover 27 is closed. Then, the process proceeds from step 904 to step 905.

[0161] At step 905, the print head 12 is moved above the tray 19 in the first direction (to the left) by the print head drive mechanism 15. In one embodiment, such as Figure 1C As shown, the printhead drive mechanism 15 moves the printhead 12 laterally to the left along the template frame 14 above the tray 19. Then, the process proceeds from step 905 to step 906.

[0162] At step 906, the tray 19 is gripped by the gripping mechanism 16 on the printhead 12. In one embodiment, the movement of the printhead 12 at step 905 causes the piston 1602 of the cylinder 1601 of the gripping mechanism 16 on the printhead 12 to extend downward to be adjacent to or contact the left side of the right wing 1903 of the tray 19 at step 906 and to overlap with a portion of the right wing 1903 in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction), thereby the piston 1602 "grips" the tray 19 (see...). Figure 4D At this point, when the print head 12 is moved to the right, the piston 1602 extending from the print head 12 will contact and drag the right wing 1903 of the tray 19 to the right on the template frame 14, that is, drive the tray 19 to move to the right on the template frame 14. Then, proceed from step 906 to step 907.

[0163] In step 907, the print head 12 is moved along a second direction (to the right) opposite to the first direction by the print head drive mechanism 15, causing the gripped tray 19 to move from the initial installation position (the end position of the second stroke) along the second direction (to the right) to the target position (the intersection of the first and second strokes) on the template frame 14. In one embodiment, by operating the piston 1602 of the cylinder 1601 in step 906, when the print head 12 is moved laterally to the right along the template frame 14 in step 907, the piston 1602 of the cylinder 1601 will drive the template 13 to move to the right on the template frame 14. Then, the process proceeds from step 907 to step 908.

[0164] At step 908, the gripping mechanism 16 on the print head 12 releases its grip on the tray 19. In one embodiment, such as Figure 4A As shown, the piston 1602 of the cylinder 1601 of the gripping mechanism 16 on the printing head 12 retracts upward to release the grip on the tray 19, at which point the tray 19 can move freely on the template frame 14. Then, the process proceeds from step 908 to step 909.

[0165] At step 909, the pallet 19 is moved on the template frame 14 from the target position (the intersection of the first and second strokes) along the second direction (to the right) to the storage position (the beginning of the first stroke) (e.g., the rightmost position of the template frame) by the pallet drive mechanism 20. In one embodiment, such as Figure 3A As shown in step -B, the piston 2003 of cylinder 2001 in the tray drive mechanism 20 extends to the left and drives the gripper 2002 to move to the left to contact (e.g., abut) the tray 19, at which point the tray 19 is attracted to the gripper 2002. Then, the piston 2003 of cylinder 2001 retracts to the right to move the attracted tray 19 to the right to the storage position (the beginning position of the first stroke). Then, the process proceeds from step 909 to step 910.

[0166] In step 910, the print head 12 is moved to the initial position along the first direction (to the left) by the print head drive mechanism 15.

[0167] Then, proceed from step 910 to step 911 to complete the installation of tray 19 into template printing machine 10.

[0168] Controlled by control device 24 Figure 6-9 The execution of the above-described method makes it possible to easily replace the loading template 13 and the tray 19. In one embodiment, Figure 6-9 The removal / insertion of stencil 13 and tray 19 is performed by the operator, which also allows the operator to easily replace stencil 13 and tray 19. After removing tray 19, the solder paste on tray 19 can be easily removed, and then the cleaned tray 19 can be installed in the printing press for reuse.

[0169] Figure 10 A schematic diagram showing the connections of some components in the template printing machine 10 is provided. Figure 10As shown, input device 26 is connected to control device 24 to receive user input and provide the input to control device 24. Display device 25 is connected to control device 24 to receive output from control device 24 for user viewing. Detection device 23 is connected to the component to be detected in stencil printing machine 10 to detect the status of the component and generate a status signal. Control device 24 is connected to detection device 23 to receive the detected status signal from detection device 23. Control device 24 is also connected to printhead drive mechanism 15, tray drive mechanism 20, gripping mechanism 16, and stencil fixing mechanism 22 to control the operation of printhead drive mechanism 15, tray drive mechanism 20, gripping mechanism 16, and stencil fixing mechanism 22 according to the status signal received from detection device 23 and / or according to the program inside control device 24, to implement various operations of stencil printing machine 10. The control device 24 is also configured to control or adjust relevant operations of the stencil printing machine 10 based on user input received from the input device 26, such as controlling or adjusting the operation of the printhead drive mechanism 15, the tray drive mechanism 20, the gripping mechanism 16, and the stencil fixing mechanism 22. The printhead drive mechanism 15 is connected to the printhead 12 and is used to drive the printhead 12 to move in the X, Y, and Z axis directions based on the control of the control device 24. The tray drive mechanism 20 is connected to the tray 19 and is used to drive the tray 19 to move on the stencil holder 14 based on the control of the control device 24. The gripping mechanism 16 is mounted on the printhead 12 and is used to grip the tray 19 or the stencil 13 so that the movement of the printhead 12 causes the tray 19 or the stencil 13 to move on the stencil holder 14. The stencil fixing mechanism 22 is connected to the stencil 13 and is used to control the fixing and loosening of the stencil 13. In other embodiments, the above-described components in the stencil printing machine 10 are also configured to perform other suitable operations.

[0170] Figure 11 It shows according to Figure 10 The block diagram of the control device 24 shown is illustrated. Figure 11 As shown, the control device 24 includes a bus 1101, a processor 1102, a memory 1103, an input interface 1104, and an output interface 1105. The processor 1102, memory 1103, input interface 1104, and output interface 1105 are connected to the bus 1101. The processor 1102 can read programs (or instructions) from the memory 1103 and execute them to process data or signals and control the template printing machine 10; the processor 1102 can also write data or programs (or instructions) into the memory 1103. The memory 1103 can store programs (instructions) or data. By executing the instructions in the memory 1103, the processor 1102 can control the memory 1103, the input interface 1104, and the output interface 1105.

[0171] Input interface 1104 is configured to receive user input signals from input device 26 via connection line 1106 and detection signals from detection device 23 via connection line 1107, and convert these signals into signals recognizable by processor 1102. Processor 1102 is configured to process the signals received from input interface 1104 and send control signals to output interface 1105. Output interface 1105 is configured to receive control signals from processor 1102, convert the control signals into control signals suitable for stencil printing machine 10, and send control signals to printhead drive mechanism 15, tray drive mechanism 20, gripping mechanism 16, and stencil fixing mechanism 22 via connection lines 1108, 1109, 1110, and 1111, respectively, to control the operation of printhead drive mechanism 15, tray drive mechanism 20, gripping mechanism 16, and stencil fixing mechanism 22, thereby driving printhead 12, tray 19, and / or stencil 13 to move to perform related operations.

[0172] Although this disclosure has been described in conjunction with examples of the embodiments outlined above, various alternatives, modifications, variations, improvements, and / or substantially equivalents, whether known or currently or soon to be foreseen, will likely be apparent to those skilled in the art. Furthermore, the technical effects and / or technical problems described herein are exemplary and not limiting; therefore, the disclosures herein may be used to solve other technical problems and have other technical effects and / or can solve other technical problems. Accordingly, the examples of embodiments of this disclosure as set forth above are intended to be illustrative and not limiting. Various changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of this disclosure. Therefore, this disclosure is intended to include all known or previously developed alternatives, modifications, variations, improvements, and / or substantially equivalents.

[0173] The methods, systems, and apparatuses discussed above are examples. Various configurations can omit, substitute, or add processes or components as needed. For example, in alternative configurations, the method may be performed in a different order than described, and / or stages may be added, omitted, and / or combined. Furthermore, features described for certain configurations can be combined in various other configurations. Different aspects and elements of a configuration can be combined in a similar manner.

Claims

1. A template printing machine (10), comprising: Template frame (14), the template frame (14) having a first stroke and a second stroke defined in its transverse direction; A printing head (12) is disposed above the template frame (14) and configured to move back and forth along the template frame (14); and Template (13), which is movably mounted on template frame (14), The template printing machine (10) is characterized in that it further includes: A tray (19), said tray (19) being positioned at the tail end of the template frame (14) and configured to move on the template frame (14); and Pallet drive mechanism (20). During the first stroke, the pallet (19) is moved by the pallet drive mechanism (20). During the second stroke, the tray (19) is moved by the movement of the printing head (12).

2. The template printing machine (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The movement of the printing head (12) causes the template (13) to move on the template frame (14).

3. The template printing machine (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The tray (19) and the template (13) move along the same plane.

4. The template printing machine (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The template printing machine (10) also includes: Print head drive mechanism (15). The printing head (12) is driven to move by the printing head drive mechanism (15).

5. The template printing machine (10) according to claim 4, characterized in that: The template frame (14) has a template frame head position and a template frame tail position; The template (13) is installed onto the template frame (14) from the head position of the template frame, or the template (13) is removed from the template frame (14) from the head position of the template frame; The starting position of the first stroke is located at or near the tail position of the template frame. When the tray (19) is installed in place, the tray (19) is placed at the tail position of the template frame. The end position of the second stroke is located at or near the head position of the template frame; and The junction of the first stroke and the second stroke is located between the head position and the tail position of the template frame.

6. The template printing machine (10) according to claim 4, characterized in that: The template frame (14) has a template frame head position and a template frame tail position; The tray (19) is installed onto the template frame (14) from the head position of the template frame, or the tray (19) is removed from the template frame (14) from the head position of the template frame; The starting position of the first stroke is located at or near the tail position of the template frame. When the tray (19) is installed in place, the tray (19) is placed at the tail position of the template frame. The end position of the second stroke is located at or near the head position of the template frame; and The junction of the first stroke and the second stroke is located between the head position and the tail position of the template frame.

7. The template printing machine (10) according to claim 4, characterized in that, During the disassembly operation of the template (13): The tray drive mechanism (20) drives the tray (19) to move on the template frame (14) to below the printing head (12).

8. The template printing machine (10) according to claim 4, characterized in that, During the disassembly operation of the template (13): The printhead drive mechanism (15) drives the printhead (12) to move from above the template (13) to above the tray (19), so that the template (13) and the printhead (12) are misaligned, and the tray (19) and the printhead (12) are aligned to receive the sticky substance dripping from the printhead (12).

9. The template printing machine (10) according to claim 4, characterized in that, During the installation of the template (13): The template (13) is moved to the initial installation position; The printing head drive mechanism (15) drives the printing head (12) so that the printing head (12) is positioned above the template (13), thereby enabling the template (13) to receive the viscous substance dripping from the printing head (12).

10. The template printing machine (10) according to claim 4, characterized in that: The printing head (12) is provided with a gripping mechanism (16), which is configured to grip the template (13) and the tray (19). The template (13) is gripped by the gripping mechanism (16) on the printing head (12), and the movement of the printing head (12) can drive the template (13) to move on the template frame (14); and The pallet (19) is gripped by the gripping mechanism (16) on the printing head (12), and the movement of the printing head (12) can drive the pallet (19) to move on the template frame (14).

11. The template printing machine (10) according to claim 10, characterized in that, The print head (12) is equipped with a scraper (21) and a print nozzle (18).

12. The template printing machine (10) according to claim 10, characterized in that, The template printing machine (10) also includes: Control device (24); The printhead drive mechanism (15), the tray drive mechanism (20), and the gripping mechanism (16) are controlled by the control device (24).

13. A method for removing a template (13) from a template printing machine (10), the template printing machine (10) comprising a template frame (14), the template frame (14) having a first stroke and a second stroke defined transversely thereon, the first stroke and the second stroke defining the junction position of the first stroke and the second stroke, characterized in that, The method includes: (1) The pallet (19) is moved along the first direction on the template frame (14) from the starting position of the first stroke to the junction position of the first stroke and the second stroke by the pallet drive mechanism (20). At the junction position of the first stroke and the second stroke, the pallet (19) is close to the edge of the template (13) during the disassembly process. (2) The printing head (12) located above the template (13) is moved in a second direction opposite to the first direction by the printing head drive mechanism (15), so that the printing head (12) is located above the tray (19); and (3) Remove the template (13) from the template holder (14) along the first direction.

14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that, The method further includes: After step (2) and before step (3), at the junction position, the tray (19) is gripped by the gripping mechanism (16) on the printing head (12), and After step (3), the printing head (12) located above the tray (19) is moved along the first direction by the printing head drive mechanism (15), while the gripped tray (19) is moved along the first direction from the junction position to the end position of the second stroke on the template frame (14).

15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that, The gripping mechanism (16) grips the tray (19) by means of a detection device (23).

16. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that, The pallet drive mechanism (20) includes a cylinder (2001) with a piston (2003), and step (1) includes: The piston (2003) of the cylinder (2001) extends to move the tray (19) from the beginning position of the first stroke along the first direction to abut against the edge of the template (13).

17. The method according to any one of claims 13-16, characterized in that: The printing head (12) is equipped with a scraper (21) and a printing nozzle (18). The printing head (12) being positioned above the template (13) includes: the squeegee (21) being positioned above the template (13) to allow the template (13) to receive viscous material dripping from the squeegee (21); or the squeegee (21) and the printing nozzle (18) being positioned above the template (13) to allow the template (13) to receive viscous material dripping from the squeegee (21) and the printing nozzle (18), and The printing head (12) being located above the tray (19) includes: the squeegee (21) being located above the tray (19) to enable the tray (19) to receive viscous material dripping from the squeegee (21), or the squeegee (21) and the printing nozzle (18) being located above the tray (19) to enable the tray (19) to receive the viscous material dripping from the squeegee (21) and the printing nozzle (18).

18. The method according to any one of claims 13-16, characterized in that, The operation of the printhead drive mechanism (15) is controlled by the control device (24) so ​​that the printhead (12) moves to the desired position.

19. A method for mounting a template (13) into a template printing machine (10), the template printing machine (10) comprising a template frame (14), the template frame (14) having a first stroke and a second stroke defined transversely therein, the first stroke and the second stroke defining the junction position of the first stroke and the second stroke, characterized in that, The method includes: (1) Insert the template (13) into the initial installation position on the template holder (14), wherein the template (13) is adjacent to the edge of the tray (19) located at the end position of the second stroke, wherein the tray (19) is placed on the template holder (14) and located below the print head (12). (2) The printing head (12) is moved from above the tray (19) along a first direction to above the template (13) by the printing head drive mechanism (15). (3) The template (13) is gripped by the gripping mechanism (16) on the printing head (12), and (4) The printing head (12) is moved along a second direction opposite to the first direction by the printing head drive mechanism (15) and the gripped template (13) is moved along the second direction to the installation position on the template frame (14). At the same time, the edge of the template (13) pushes the tray (19) on the template frame (14) from the end position of the second stroke to the intersection position of the first stroke and the second stroke along the second direction.

20. The method according to claim 19, characterized in that, Before step (1): The gripping mechanism (16) on the print head (12) grips the tray (19) located below the print head (12), and The printing head (12) is moved along the first direction by the printing head drive mechanism (15), and the gripped tray (19) is moved along the first direction on the template frame (14) to the end position of the second stroke.

21. The method according to claim 20, characterized in that, After step (1) and before step (2), the gripping mechanism (16) on the printing head (12) releases its grip on the tray (19).

22. The method according to claim 19, characterized in that, The method further includes: (5) After step (4), the pallet (19) is moved on the template frame (14) from the intersection of the first stroke and the second stroke along the second direction to the beginning position of the first stroke by the pallet drive mechanism (20).

23. The method according to any one of claims 19-22, characterized in that: The printing head (12) is equipped with a scraper (21) and a printing nozzle (18). The tray (19) being located below the print head (12) includes: the tray (19) being located below the doctor blade (21) so that the tray (19) can receive viscous material dripping from the doctor blade (21), or the tray (19) being located below the doctor blade (21) and the print nozzle (18) so that the tray (19) can receive viscous material dripping from the doctor blade (21) and the print nozzle (18), and The printing head (12) being located above the template (13) includes: the squeegee (21) being located above the template (13) so that the template (13) can receive the viscous material dripping from the squeegee (21), or the squeegee (21) and the printing nozzle (18) being located above the template (13) so that the template (13) can receive the viscous material dripping from the squeegee (21) and the printing nozzle (18).

24. A method for removing a tray (19) from a stencil printing machine (10), the stencil printing machine (10) comprising a stencil frame (14), the stencil frame (14) having a first stroke and a second stroke defined transversely thereon, the first stroke and the second stroke defining the junction position of the first stroke and the second stroke, characterized in that, The method includes: (1) The pallet (19) is moved on the template frame (14) from the starting position of the first stroke along the first direction to the junction position of the first stroke and the second stroke by the pallet drive mechanism (20). (2) The printing head (12) is moved above the tray (19) in a second direction opposite to the first direction by the printing head drive mechanism (15). (3) The tray (19) is gripped by the gripping mechanism (16) on the printing head (12). (4) The printing head (12) is moved along the first direction by the printing head drive mechanism (15), and the gripped tray (19) is moved along the first direction from the junction of the first stroke and the second stroke to the end position of the second stroke on the template frame (14). (5) Remove the tray (19) from the template frame (14) along the first direction. The printing head (12) is not equipped with a scraper (21).

25. A method for mounting a tray (19) into a stencil printing machine (10), the stencil printing machine (10) comprising a stencil frame (14), the stencil frame (14) having a first stroke and a second stroke defined transversely thereto, the first stroke and the second stroke defining the junction position of the first stroke and the second stroke, characterized in that, The method includes: (1) Insert the tray (19) into the end position of the second stroke on the template frame (14). (2) The printing head (12) is moved along the first direction to above the tray (19) by the printing head drive mechanism (15). (3) The tray (19) is gripped by the gripping mechanism (16) on the printing head (12). (4) The printing head (12) is moved along a second direction opposite to the first direction by the printing head drive mechanism (15), and the gripped tray (19) is moved along the second direction from the end position of the second stroke to the junction position of the first stroke and the second stroke on the template frame (14), and (5) The pallet (19) is moved on the template frame (14) from the junction of the first stroke and the second stroke along the second direction to the beginning position of the first stroke by the pallet drive mechanism (20). The printing head (12) is not equipped with a scraper (21).

26. The template printing machine (10) according to claim 12, characterized in that, The template printing machine (10) is used to perform the method according to any one of claims 13-25.

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