Cover cap of stencil printing machine

Abstract

A stencil printer includes a frame, a stencil, a support assembly, and a printhead, and a printhead assembly supported by a printhead gantry in a manner such that the printhead assembly is configured to traverse the stencil during a printing stroke. The support assembly supports the electronic substrate at a printing position below the stencil. The printhead assembly includes a printhead, a doctor blade assembly configured to apply solder paste in a rolling manner along a stencil. The stencil printer further includes a cover connected to the frame to enclose operating components of the stencil printer, the operating components including a stencil, a support assembly, a printhead gantry, and a printhead assembly. The cover includes an elongated opening formed therein and a movable door configured to selectively close the elongated opening. The elongated opening is sized such that a stencil and / or tool tray can pass therethrough.

Description

Background of the Invention 1. Technical Field

[0002] The present application relates generally to stencil printers and related methods for printing viscous materials (eg, solder paste) on electronic substrates (eg, printed circuit boards (PCBs)), and more particularly to systems and methods for replacing items in a stencil printer. 2. Background technology

[0003] When manufacturing surface mounted printed circuit boards, a stencil printer may be used to print solder paste onto the circuit board. Typically, a circuit board having a pad pattern or some other conductive surface on which the solder paste is to be deposited is automatically fed into the stencil printer; and one or more small holes or marks on the circuit board (called "fiducials") are used to properly align the circuit board with the stencil or screen of the stencil printer before the solder paste is printed onto the circuit board. In some systems, an optical alignment system implemented as a vision system is used to align the circuit board with the stencil.

[0004] Once the circuit board has been properly aligned with the stencil in the printer, the circuit board is raised to the stencil, solder paste is dispensed onto the stencil, and a wiper blade (or scraper) traverses the stencil to force the solder paste through the apertures in the stencil and onto the circuit board. As the scraper moves across the stencil, the solder paste tends to roll in front of the blade, which desirably causes mixing and shearing of the solder paste to achieve the desired viscosity to facilitate filling of the apertures in the screen or stencil. Solder paste is typically dispensed onto the stencil from a standard box. The stencil is then separated from the circuit board, and adhesion between the circuit board and the solder paste leaves most of the material on the circuit board. Before printing additional circuit boards, the material left on the surface of the stencil is removed during the cleaning process.

[0005] Another process in circuit board printing includes inspecting the circuit board after solder paste has been deposited on the surface of the circuit board. Inspecting the circuit board is important to determine that a clean electrical connection can be made. Excess solder paste may cause a short circuit, while too little solder paste in the proper location may prevent electrical contact. Typically, vision inspection systems are further employed to provide two-dimensional or three-dimensional inspection of the solder paste on the circuit board.

[0006] Today's stencil printers require manual intervention to perform routine operations. For example, during changeover, the operator must perform many manual tasks, such as changing stencils, changing solder paste boxes, changing scraper blades, and changing support tools. Each of these tasks requires the operator to manually perform the task. For example, in most stencil printers, the operator must unlock the stencil, remove the stencil, correctly insert the replacement stencil, and lock the replacement stencil in place. The changeover operation may take up to 30 minutes, during which the stencil printer is not working, which may cause the PCB production line to be out of work. Summary of the invention

[0007] One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a stencil printer for printing assembly materials on electronic substrates. In one embodiment, the stencil printer includes a frame, a stencil coupled to the frame, a support assembly coupled to the frame, a printhead gantry coupled to the frame, and a printhead assembly, the printhead assembly being supported by the printhead gantry in a manner such that the printhead assembly is configured to traverse the stencil during a printing stroke. The stencil has a hole formed therein. The support assembly is configured to support the electronic substrate in a printing position below the stencil. The printhead assembly includes a printhead having a scraper blade assembly configured to roll and apply solder paste along the stencil. The stencil printer further includes a cover, the cover being coupled to the frame to enclose operating components of the stencil printer, the operating components including the stencil, the support assembly, the printhead gantry, and the printhead assembly. The cover includes an elongated opening formed therein and a movable door configured to selectively close the elongated opening. The elongated opening is sized so that the stencil and / or a tool tray can pass therethrough.

[0008] Embodiments of the stencil printer may further include hingedly mounting a cover to a frame of the stencil printer, the cover being movable between a closed position and an open position. The cover may include a cover frame and at least one panel fixed to the cover frame. The movable door may be slidably coupled to the cover frame so that the movable door can move relative to the cover between a closed position and an open position. The movable door may include a movable door frame and at least one panel fixed to the movable door frame. The cover may include a linear slide mounted on the cover frame of the cover. The movable door may include a mounting bracket fixed to the movable door frame of the movable door. The cover may include a first linear slide fixed to the cover frame of the cover on one side of the movable door and a second linear slide fixed to the cover frame of the cover on the other side of the movable door. The movable door may include at least one first mounting bracket fixed to the movable door frame of the movable door on one side of the movable door and at least one second mounting bracket fixed to the movable door frame of the movable door on the other side of the movable door. The cover may include a pneumatic interlock assembly to fix the position of the movable door in a closed position. The pneumatic interlock assembly may include an interlocking buckle disposed on one of the movable door and the cover and an interlocking cylinder disposed on the other of the movable door and the cover. The interlocking cylinder may be configured to releasably fix the interlocking buckle to fix the movable door in a closed position. The pneumatic interlock assembly may include a safety switch transmitter disposed on one of the movable door and the cover and a safety switch receiver disposed on the other of the movable door and the cover to ensure that the movable door is in a closed position before the stencil printing machine works. The movable door may be configured to be moved by at least one lifting bracket associated with the movable pulley. The movable door may be an access panel hingedly mounted to the frame of the movable door. The access panel may be configured to be manually manipulated between an open position and a closed position.

[0009] Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a cover for a stencil printer for printing assembly materials on electronic substrates. In one embodiment, the cover includes a cover frame and a panel fixed to the cover frame. The cover includes an elongated opening formed therein and a movable door configured to selectively close the elongated opening. The elongated opening is sized to allow a stencil and / or a tool tray to pass therethrough.

[0010] Embodiments of the cover may also include hingedly mounting the cover to a frame of the stencil printer, the cover being movable between a closed position and an open position. The movable door may be slidably coupled to the cover frame so that the movable door can move relative to the cover between a closed position and an open position. The movable door may include a movable door frame and at least one panel fixed to the movable door frame. The cover may include a linear slide mounted on a cover frame of the cover. The movable door may include a mounting bracket fixed to the movable door frame of the movable door. The cover may include a first linear slide fixed to the cover frame of the cover on one side of the movable door and a second linear slide fixed to the cover frame of the cover on the other side of the movable door. The movable door may include at least one first mounting bracket fixed to the movable door frame of the movable door on one side of the movable door and at least one second mounting bracket fixed to the movable door frame of the movable door on the other side of the movable door. The cover may include a pneumatic interlock assembly to fix the position of the movable door in a closed position. The cover of claim 21, wherein the pneumatic interlock assembly includes an interlocking catch disposed on one of the movable door and the cover and an interlocking cylinder disposed on the other of the movable door and the cover, the interlocking cylinder being configured to releasably secure the interlocking catch to secure the movable door in a closed position. The pneumatic interlock assembly may include a safety switch transmitter disposed on one of the movable door and the cover and a safety switch receiver disposed on the other of the movable door and the cover to ensure that the movable door is in a closed position before the stencil printer operates. The movable door may be configured to be moved by at least one lifting bracket associated with the movable trolley. The movable door may include an access panel hingedly mounted to a frame of the movable door. The access panel may be configured to be manually manipulated between an open position and a closed position.

[0011] Yet another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method of delivering a stencil or article within a stencil printer. In one embodiment, the method includes inserting a stencil and / or a tool tray into an elongated opening provided in a cover of the stencil printer.

[0012] Embodiments of the method may further include moving a movable door configured to close the elongated opening via a lifting bracket of the movable trolley. The method may further include manually moving an access panel of the movable door to an open position to enable insertion of a stencil and / or tool tray into the elongated opening. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] The drawings are not intended to be drawn to scale. In the drawings, each identical or nearly identical component shown in various figures is represented by the same reference numeral. For the purpose of clarity, not every component may be labeled in every figure. In the drawings:

[0014] Figure 1 It is a front view of the stencil printing machine;

[0015] Figure 2 It is a front perspective view of a stencil printing machine;

[0016] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A plan view of the stencil printing press shown in , with some parts removed;

[0017] Figure 4 is a perspective view of a portion of a cover of a stencil printer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the cover having a movable door configured to close a slot, the movable door being shown in an open position;

[0018] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 a perspective view of a portion of a cover of a stencil printing machine as shown with an operator delivering an article to the stencil printing machine;

[0019] Figure 6 is a perspective view of a portion of a cover of a stencil printing machine, wherein a movable door is shown in a closed position;

[0020] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 a perspective view of a portion of a hood of a stencil printing machine shown with an operator standing in front of a movable door;

[0021] Figure 8 It is a three-dimensional view of the stencil press and the movable carriage;

[0022] Fig. 9 yes Figure 8 a cross-sectional view of the stencil printing press and movable carriage shown;

[0023] Fig.10 It is a three-dimensional picture of a stencil printing machine;

[0024] Fig.11 is a perspective view of a cover of an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0025] Fig.12 yes Fig.11 a perspective view of the movable door of the illustrated cover;

[0026] Fig.13 is an enlarged perspective view of an interlock assembly of a movable door, wherein the movable door is shown in an open position;

[0027] Fig.14 is an enlarged perspective view of an interlock assembly of a movable door, wherein the movable door is shown in a closed position;

[0028] Fig.15 is a perspective view of a movable trolley of an embodiment of the present disclosure, the movable trolley having a bracket configured to interact with a movable door of a cover;

[0029] Fig.16 is a perspective view of a portion of a movable door of a stencil printing machine cover;

[0030] Fig.17 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of a movable door of the cover, wherein the movable door is shown in an open position;

[0031] Fig.18 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of a movable door of the cover, wherein the movable door is shown in a closed position;

[0032] Fig.19 is a perspective view of a movable door, showing a handle provided on the movable door;

[0033] Fig. 20 is a perspective view of a movable door of another embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the movable door is shown in a closed position;

[0034] Fig.21 yes Fig. 20 A perspective view of a movable door of , wherein the movable door is shown in an open position; and

[0035] Fig. 22 Viewed from the opposite side of the removable door Fig. 20 and Fig. 22 Another perspective view of a movable door of , wherein the movable door is shown in an open position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] The present disclosure generally relates to material application machines (referred to herein as "stencil printers," "screen printers," "printing machines," or "printers") and other equipment used in surface mount technology (SMT) production lines and configured to apply assembly materials (e.g., solder paste, conductive ink, or packaging materials) to substrates (e.g., printed circuit boards, referred to herein as "electronic substrates," "circuit boards," "boards," "PCBs," "PCB substrates," "substrates," or "PCB boards") or to perform other operations such as inspection, rework, or placement of electronic components on substrates. Specifically, embodiments of the present disclosure are described below with reference to stencil printers used to produce printed circuit boards.

[0037] For the purpose of illustration only and not to limit the generality, the present disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The present disclosure does not limit its application to the details of the construction and arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or shown in the accompanying drawings. The principles set forth in the present disclosure can be used in other embodiments and can be practiced or executed in various ways. Similarly, the words and terms used herein are for the purpose of description and should not be considered as limiting. Any reference to the examples, embodiments, components, elements or actions of the systems and methods cited in the singular form herein may also cover embodiments including plural numbers, and any reference to the plural form of any embodiment, component, element or action herein may also include embodiments including only the singular number. References in the singular or plural form are not intended to limit the currently disclosed systems or methods, their components, actions or elements. The use of "including", "comprising", "having", "containing", "involving" and their variants herein is intended to cover the items listed thereafter and their equivalents and additional items. References to "or" may be interpreted as inclusive, so that any item described using "or" may indicate any of a single item, multiple items, and all items in the described items. In addition, in the event of inconsistencies in the usage of terms between this document and documents incorporated herein by reference, the usage of terms in the incorporated reference documents supplements the usage of terms in this document; for contradictory inconsistencies, the usage of terms in this document shall prevail.

[0038] For purposes of illustration, embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to a stencil printer for printing assembly materials (such as solder paste) onto a circuit board. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to stencil printers for printing solder paste onto a circuit board, but may be used for other applications requiring the dispensing of other viscous assembly materials such as glue and encapsulants. For example, the apparatus may be used to print epoxy resin for use as a bottom filler for chip level packages. Further, stencil printers according to embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to those printers for printing assembly materials on circuit boards, but include those printers for printing other materials on a variety of substrates such as semiconductor wafers. In addition, the terms "silk screen" and "stencil" may be used interchangeably herein to describe a device in a printer that defines a pattern to be printed onto a substrate. In some embodiments, a stencil printer may include a printer supplied by ITW Electronic Assembly Equipment of Hopkinton, Massachusetts. or Edison TM A series of stencil printing machine platforms. An exemplary stencil printing machine is generally used Figure 1In this embodiment, the stencil printer 5 is supplied by ITW Electronics Assembly Equipment Company of Hopkinton, Massachusetts. Series of stencil printing machine platforms.

[0039] refer to Figure 2 , a stencil printer of an embodiment of the present disclosure is generally indicated at 10. As shown, the stencil printer 10 includes a frame 12 that supports components of the stencil printer. The components of the stencil printer may include, in part, a controller 14, a display 16, a stencil 18, and a print head or print head assembly generally indicated at 20 that is configured to apply solder paste in a manner described in more detail below.

[0040] like Figure 2 As shown and described below, the stencil and printhead assembly may be suitably coupled or otherwise connected to the frame 12. In one embodiment, the printhead assembly 20 may be mounted on a printhead assembly gantry 22, which may be mounted on the frame 12. The printhead assembly gantry 22 enables the printhead assembly 20 to move in the y-axis direction under the control of the controller 14 and applies pressure to the printhead assembly when the printhead assembly engages the stencil 18. In one embodiment, the printhead assembly 20 may be disposed above the stencil 18 and may be lowered in the z-axis direction to contact and sealingly engage the stencil.

[0041] The stencil printer 10 may also include a conveyor system having a track (not shown) for transporting printed circuit boards (sometimes referred to herein as "printed wiring boards," "substrates," or "electronic substrates") to a printing position in the stencil printer. The track may sometimes be referred to herein as a "tractor feed mechanism" that is configured to feed, load, or otherwise deliver circuit boards to a working area of ​​the stencil printer (which may be referred to herein as a "printing nest") and unload circuit boards from the printing nest.

[0042] Additional references Figure 3 , the stencil printer 10 has a support assembly 28 for supporting a circuit board 29 (shown in phantom), which elevates and secures the circuit board so that the circuit board remains stable during the printing operation. In some embodiments, the substrate support assembly 28 may further include a specific substrate support system, such as a firm support, a plurality of pins, or a flexible tool, which is located under the circuit board when the circuit board is in the printing position. The substrate support system can be used in part to support the inner area of ​​the circuit board to prevent the circuit board from flexing or warping during the printing operation.

[0043] In one embodiment, print head assembly 20 can be configured to receive solder paste from a source (such as a dispenser, such as a solder paste box) that provides solder paste to the print head assembly during a printing operation. Other methods of supplying solder paste can be used instead of a box. For example, solder paste can be manually deposited between the blades or deposited from an external source. In addition, in one embodiment, controller 14 can be configured to use a computer with a suitable operating system (such as Microsoft Windows provided by Microsoft Corporation). The controller 14 may be a personal computer (eg, a POSIX operating system) having application specific software to control the operation of the stencil printer 10. The controller 14 may be networked with a main controller used to control a production line for manufacturing circuit boards.

[0044] In one configuration, the stencil printer 10 operates as follows. A circuit board 29 is loaded into the stencil printer 10 using a conveyor track. A support assembly 28 raises and secures the circuit board 29 in a printing position. The print head assembly 20 is then lowered in the z-axis direction until the blade of the print head assembly contacts the stencil 18 with a desired pressure. The print head assembly 20 is then moved across the stencil 18 in the y-axis direction by the print head assembly gantry 22. The print head assembly 20 deposits solder paste onto the circuit board 29 through the aperture in the stencil 18. Once the print head assembly has completely traversed the aperture of the stencil 18, the print head assembly is lifted off the stencil and the circuit board 29 is lowered back onto the conveyor track. The circuit board 29 is released from the stencil printer 10 and conveyed away so that a second circuit board can be loaded into the stencil printer. To print on the second circuit board 29, the print head assembly is lowered in the z-axis direction to contact the stencil and moved across the stencil 18 in the opposite direction to that used for the first circuit board.

[0045] An imaging system 30 may be provided for the purpose of aligning the stencil 18 with the circuit board 29 before printing and inspecting the circuit board after printing. In one embodiment, the imaging system 30 may be provided between the stencil 18 and the support assembly 28 on which the circuit board is supported. The imaging system 30 is coupled to an imaging gantry 32 to move the imaging system. In one embodiment, the imaging gantry 32 may be coupled to the frame 12 and include a beam extending between the side rails of the frame 12 to provide the imaging system 30 to move back and forth above the circuit board 29 in the y-axis direction. The imaging gantry 32 may further include a carriage device that accommodates the imaging system 30 and is configured to move in the x-axis direction along the length of the beam. The construction of the imaging gantry 32 for moving the imaging system 30 is well known in the field of solder paste printing. This arrangement allows the imaging system 30 to be located at any position below the stencil 18 and above the circuit board 29 to capture images of predefined areas of the circuit board or stencil, respectively.

[0046] After applying solder paste to the circuit board one or more times, excess solder paste may accumulate at the bottom of the stencil 18, and a stencil wiper assembly (generally indicated at 34) may be moved under the stencil to remove the excess solder paste. In other embodiments, the stencil 18 may be moved over the stencil wiper assembly.

[0047] As described above, stencil printers require human intervention to perform replacement and / or replenishment operations of certain parts. For example, a typical stencil needs to be replaced after a certain period of time (e.g., four hours). Moreover, the stencil needs to be replaced for individual production runs. In addition, the solder paste box that supplies temperature-controlled solder paste to the stencil printer needs to be replaced over time (e.g., within four hours or less). Individual production runs may require different solder paste materials. Another item that needs to be replaced regularly is the scraper blade that is subject to wear during use. And finally, the tool used to support the substrate in the printing position is replaced when changing from one production product to another.

[0048] In one embodiment, a method for replacing a stencil and / or article placed on a tool tray may include: when a request for a new stencil and / or article on a tool tray is issued for a new production run or because an existing stencil and / or article is worn, a clean stencil and / or article is provided on a movable pulley. In the production line, a "dirty" or used stencil and / or article is removed from a stencil printer, and a "clean" or new stencil and / or article is inserted from the movable pulley into the stencil printer and fixed for use. The dirty stencil and / or article can then be transported to a cleaning station, where the stencil and / or article is cleaned and ready for reuse. Once cleaned, the stencil and / or article can be transported back to the stencil printer or a warehouse, where the stencil and / or article can be reused during the same or different production runs.

[0049] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a delivery system that is configured to automate the conversion process of a stencil printing machine and implement one or more of the methods described herein. In one embodiment, the delivery system includes a movable pulley that is configured to engage the stencil printing machine to supply and receive replacement and supplementary parts and materials to the stencil printing machine. For example, the stencil printing machine may include a docking station configured to receive the movable pulley. The docking station may include an interface that enables the movable pulley to communicate with the stencil printing machine. A single movable pulley may be configured to include conversion stencils and / or replacement stencils. During conversion, for example, the stencil printing machine must be reconfigured to produce different items. Therefore, new stencils can be used in the stencil printing machine to produce different products.

[0050] The conversion process described herein can be achieved by a single movable pulley configured to replace and / or replenish each item. In other embodiments, more than one movable pulley can be provided. For example, for stencil conversion, the movable pulley is configured to support a predetermined number of stencils. The movable pulley and / or the stencil printer can be configured to identify stencils, store stencils, transport stencils to and from the stencil printer, inspect stencils, and interface with the stencil printer. The movable pulley can also be configured to remove used parts, such as stencils, from the stencil printer.

[0051] Embodiments of the present disclosure further relate to a delivery system configured to automate the replenishment process of a stencil printer. In one embodiment, the delivery system includes a movable trolley configured to engage the stencil printer to supply and receive replacement and replenishment parts and materials to the stencil printer. For example, the stencil printer may include a docking station configured to receive the movable trolley. The docking station may include an interface that enables the movable trolley to communicate with the stencil printer. A single movable trolley may be configured to include a conversion stencil and a replacement stencil.

[0052] refer to Figure 4 Unless otherwise described, the stencil printer, generally indicated at 100, is substantially identical to the stencil printer 10 described above. The stencil printer 100 includes a cover, generally indicated at 102, hingedly secured to a frame of the stencil printer to move from an open position, in which the interior of the stencil printer is accessible, to a closed position shown, in which the operating components of the stencil printer described above are enclosed. In a particular embodiment, the cover 102 of the stencil printer 100 is made of a metal frame 104 having panels that are shown as see-through material (e.g., plexiglass, each indicated at 106) to enable an operator to observe the working components of the stencil printer 100 during operation.

[0053] As shown, the cover 102 includes an elongated slot 108 that enables stencils and items positioned in the tool tray to be inserted into and removed from the stencil printer 100. The cover 102 further includes a movable door, generally indicated at 110, slidably mounted along two opposing edges of the elongated slot 108 and sized to close the elongated slot when in a closed position. The movable door 110 is configured to move up and down relative to the cover. In one embodiment, the movable door 110 includes an access panel 111 that is hingedly attached to the frame 104 of the cover so that an operator can manually insert and retrieve items from the stencil printer 100 through the elongated slot 108.

[0054] Figure 4An access panel 111 of the movable door 110 is shown in an open position to enable stencils or items on a tool tray, such as scraper blades and tools, to be inserted into and removed from the stencil printer. Specifically, when the access panel 111 of the movable door 110 is in the open position, the elongated slot 108 serves as a delivery slot to enable partially automated replacement of items, including stencils, scraper blades, and tools. An operator can deliver a stencil and / or tool tray to the elongated slot, and an end effector or tool loading / unloading mechanism associated with the print head of the stencil printer 100 retrieves and returns the stencil and / or tool tray to the operator. Figure 5 An operator is shown delivering an article to the stencil printer 100 through the elongated slot 108, with the access panel 111 shown in an open position.

[0055] During product changeover, software associated with the controller of the stencil printer 100 prompts the operator to load or replace the required items, guiding the operator step by step through the process. Once loaded and ready to resume production, the stencil printer 100 scans each newly added item to verify that the correct item for the print job has been loaded before continuing.

[0056] Figure 6 An access panel 111 of a movable door 110 is shown, which is shown in a closed position to enclose the working components of the stencil printer. As will be described in more detail below, the movable door 110 of the cover 102 can be configured to be lifted by a movable trolley (described below) to enable the movable trolley to interface with the stencil printer 100 in a manner that enables the stencil printer to place or remove printed circuit board (PCB) support tools, squeegee blades, and / or stencils while keeping the stencil printer inaccessible from any operator interface to the interior of the stencil printer. Figure 7 An operator is shown standing in front of the movable door 110, with the access panel 111 and the movable door shown in a closed position.

[0057] refer to Figure 8 and Fig. 9, a movable trolley, generally indicated at 200, is shown in a docked position relative to a stencil printing press 100. As will be described in more detail below, the movable trolley 200 includes a lifting bracket at the front of the movable trolley to lift the movable door 110 of the cover 102 of the stencil printing press 100 to open the movable door. The movable trolley 200 is docked to the stencil printing press 100, and the lifting bracket on the front of the movable trolley is configured to engage the underside of the movable door 110 of the cover 102. At this time, the movable trolley 200 is powered on, and the door interlock assembly associated with the movable door 110 is disabled. For example, based on adding or removing items to or from the stencil printing press 100, the controller of the stencil printing press determines which shelf in the movable trolley 200 will be aligned with a stencil shelf in the stencil printing press. The movable trolley 200 passively raises the movable door 110 to the desired height in the z-axis direction, and once in position, the movable trolley is prompted to be ready to receive one or more items being loaded or unloaded to or from the stencil printer 100. If prompted to unload (e.g., a stencil), the stencil is unloaded from the stencil printer 100 directly on the y-axis to the movable trolley 200, and the movable trolley stores the stencil and then directly indexes on the z-axis to load or unload the next item. The next item can be another stencil and / or item (such as a tool and / or a scraper blade on a tool tray), or an empty tool tray.

[0058] Fig.10 The movable door 110 of the cover 102 of the stencil printer 100 is shown in a maximum or fully open position. In this position, the elongated slot 108 can accommodate up to four shelves of the movable trolley 200. Depending on the needs of the stencil printer, stencils and / or tool trays can be loaded or unloaded from the stencil printer 100 to the movable trolley 200 or from the movable trolley to the stencil printer in the y-axis direction. The movable trolley 200 can be configured to index the shelves of the movable trolley in the z-axis direction to perform the next required operation until the conversion sequence is completed. Once completed, the movable trolley 200 is configured to move the shelves supporting the stencils and / or tool trays to the home position in the y-axis direction. Next, the movable trolley 200 is configured to move the shelves along the z-axis direction to the home position to enable the stencil printer 100 to resume production. At this point, the movable door 110 of the cover 102 of the stencil printer 100 is interlocked for operator safety.

[0059] The movable trolley 200 may remain docked to the stencil printer 100 or may be removed once loading or unloading is complete.

[0060] refer to Fig.11 and Fig.12, the cover 102 of the stencil printer 100 is shown removed from the stencil printer 100. As described above and shown, the cover 102 includes an L-shaped frame 104 having an edge that is hingedly attached to the frame of the stencil printer 100 by a hinge 112. A portion of the L-shaped frame 104 has a first solid panel 106a, and another portion of the L-shaped frame has a second transparent panel 106b that extends vertically when the cover 102 is in a closed position. In one embodiment, the hinge 112 is mounted to a top rear portion of the frame of the stencil printer 100 that is attached to a cross member of the frame 104 of the cover 102.

[0061] refer to Fig.12 , the movable door 110 is configured to move up and down inside the cover 102. In one embodiment, the movable door 110 includes a rectangular frame 110a having a perspective panel 110b and an access panel 111. As described above, the access panel 111 is hingedly connected to the frame 110a along the bottom edge of the access panel. The cover 102 includes two linear slides, each indicated at 114, one of which is attached to the frame 104 of the cover 102 on the inner left side of the cover, and the other slide is attached to the frame of the cover on the inner right side of the cover. The linear slide 114 is attached to the movable door 110 using four mounting brackets (each indicated at 116), which allow the movable door to move vertically up and down inside the cover 102. Specifically, two mounting brackets 116 are fixed to the frame 110b of the movable door on one side of the frame, and two mounting brackets are fixed to the frame of the movable door on the other side of the frame. The mounting brackets 116 are each configured to slide along the linear slide 114 to enable the movable door 110 to move up and down relative to the frame 104 of the cover.

[0062] refer to Fig.13 and Fig.14 , the cover 102 includes a pneumatic interlock assembly to fix the position of the movable door 110. As shown, the pneumatic interlock assembly includes an interlock buckle 120 disposed on the movable door 110 and an interlock cylinder 122 disposed on the cover 102. The interlock cylinder 122 is configured to releasably fix the interlock buckle 120 to fix the movable door 110 in a closed position. The pneumatic interlock assembly further includes a safety switch transmitter 124 disposed on the movable door 110 and a safety switch receiver 126 disposed on the cover 102. The safety switch transmitter and receiver 124, 126 are provided to ensure that the movable door 110 is in a closed position before the working parts of the stencil printing machine 100 work. In another embodiment, the pneumatic interlock assembly includes a safety switch, which is configured to detect that the door 110 is in a closed position. In one example, the safety switch can be a plunger-type switch.

[0063] refer to Fig.15 and Fig.16 As previously mentioned, the movable trolley 200 includes two lifting brackets, each indicated at 130, located on the front of the movable trolley and configured to engage the underside of the movable door 110 of the cover 102. Although disposed at the front of the movable trolley 200, the two lifting brackets 130 may be positioned and / or arranged relative to the movable trolley in any desired manner that facilitates lifting the movable door 110. Once the movable trolley 200 is docked relative to the stencil printer 100, the two lifting brackets 130 are positioned to slide under the bottom lip 132 of the frame 110a of the movable door 110, as shown in FIG. Fig.16 Once the movable trolley 110 is initialized and begins moving the vertical shelves on the movable trolley to align with the stencil shelves in the stencil printer 100, two brackets 130 passively lift the movable door 110 so that the appropriate stencils and / or tool trays can be loaded into the stencil printer or unloaded from the stencil printer to the movable trolley, as the case may be.

[0064] refer to Fig.17 and Fig.18 , the access panel 111 of the movable door 110 is Fig.17 is shown as open and in Fig.18 10 is shown closed. A hinge 134 is provided to allow the access panel 111 of the movable door to move between an open position and a closed position. The hinge 134 is fixed to the frame 110a of the movable door 110 and the access panel 111. A similar hinge is provided on the opposite side of the access panel. Further shown are the operating components of the movable door 110, including the interlock catch 120 and the interlock cylinder 122, as well as the safety switch transmitter 124 and the safety switch receiver 126.

[0065] refer to Fig.19 , the operator can open and close the access panel 111 of the movable door 110 by using the handle 136 provided on the outer surface of the access panel. Manual operation of the access panel 111 of the movable door 110 can only occur when the conversion has been started and the pneumatic interlock assembly is disengaged. Once this task is performed, the access panel 111 of the movable door 110 can be opened, which disconnects the connection with the safety switch. When the access panel 111 of the movable door 110 is open, the stencil printing machine 100 is substantially inoperable until the safety switch is closed.

[0066] refer to Figure 20 to Figure 22 In another embodiment, the cover 150 includes an elongated slot 152 and a movable door 154 that is slidably attached to the cover and can be moved in an open position ( Fig. 20 ) and closed position ( Fig.21) Fig. 22 The other side of the movable door 154 is shown, wherein the movable door is shown in an open position. The structure of the cover 150 and the movable door 154 is similar to the assembly of the cover 102 and the movable door 110 described above. The movable door 154 is configured to be automatically moved up and down by an operator or a controller of the stencil printer.

[0067] like Fig. 22 As shown, the movable door 154 is fixed to the cover 150 by a first set of fixed brackets fixed to the cover, wherein one fixed bracket 156 is fixed to the cover on one side of the elongated slot 152, and the other fixed bracket 158 ​​is fixed to the cover on the opposite side of the elongated slot. Each bracket 156, 158 in the first set of fixed brackets includes a vertically mounted column 162, 164, respectively. Each column 162, 164 is guided by a vertically mounted door guide or retainer 166, 168, respectively. A second set of brackets is attached to the movable door 154 and attached to the corresponding column shafts of the columns 162, 164 to drive the up and down movement of the movable door, wherein one bracket 170 is fixed to the movable door on one side of the movable door, and the other bracket 172 is fixed to the movable door on the opposite side of the movable door.

[0068] The movable door 154 further includes a rack and pinion and a damped rotation assembly 180 so that when the door is lifted, the door safely returns to the home (closed) position. In other words, the movable door moves freely in the upward or opening direction, and when moving in the downward or closing direction, the rack and pinion and the damped rotation assembly 180 provide resistance to the downward movement of the movable door to prevent the movable door from slamming shut.

[0069] To open the movable door 154, the operator (or software associated with the controller of the stencil printer) issues a command to open the movable door. In one embodiment, the operator may enter the command on a graphical user interface (GUI) associated with a display of the stencil printer. Once completed, the stencil printer will be disabled when the security level sensor / switch 174 is disengaged from the movable door 154. The movable door 154 is secured in the closed position to close access to the elongated slot 152 by the interlock assembly 176 and the sensor / switch 174.

[0070]

[0013] Embodiments of the present disclosure may further include a method for facilitating automated loading and / or replacement of desired process-related components in a machine while interfacing with an automated trolley.

[0071] In one embodiment, a complete stencil printer replacement of replaceable items requires removing the stencil and unloading the scraper blade and tools from the stencil printer, then loading a new scraper blade and tools, and inserting the new stencil into the printer. In one example, the sequence of replacing an item in a stencil printer includes the following sequential steps. The existing stencil is removed from the stencil printer. Next, an empty tool tray is inserted into the stencil printer using the print head and print head gantry of the stencil printer. The empty tool tray can be delivered by an operator or by a movable trolley. The position of the tool tray is verified by using visual registration verification software associated with a controller. As described above, an imaging system can be used to capture an image of the empty tool tray and send the image to the controller for verification.

[0072] After determining the location of the tool tray, the front and rear scraper blades are removed and placed into the tool tray. Next, the tools are picked up and placed into the tool tray by using the tool pins associated with the print head and print head gantry. Once the scraper blades and tools are placed in the tool tray, the tool tray is removed from the stencil printer.

[0073] Next, the loaded tool tray is inserted into the stencil printer using the print head and print head gantry of the stencil printer. Again, the loaded tool tray can be delivered to the stencil printer by an operator or by a movable trolley. Specifically, the loaded tool tray includes new front and rear scraper blades and new tools, which are intended to replace used scraper blades and used tools previously removed from the stencil printer. Next, the tool tray is positioned within the stencil printer using stencil printer vision registration verification software associated with the controller. As with positioning an empty tool tray, an imaging system can be used to capture an image of the loaded tool tray and send the image to the controller for verification.

[0074] Next, the new tool is placed on the stencil printer work holder table (e.g., support assembly 28) using tool pins associated with the stencil printer's print head and print head gantry. Next, the new front and rear scraper blades are picked up and installed on the print head. After the new tool and scraper blades are installed, the tool tray is removed from the stencil printer. Finally, the new stencil is inserted into the stencil printer. At this point, the sequential steps of replacing items in the stencil printer have been completed.

[0075] In some embodiments, a print head assembly (e.g., print head assembly 20) of a stencil printer includes an end effector that can be configured to pick up and release items from a tool tray. As previously described, with stencil printer 10, print head assembly 20 is mounted on print head assembly gantry 22, which moves the print head assembly in the y-axis direction under the control of controller 14. Print head assembly 20 is configured to move in the z-axis direction as described above.

[0076] In one embodiment, the end effector can be configured to, for example, pick up and release a scraper blade. The end effector is configured for tool-less engagement and disengagement of the scraper blade to attach and remove the scraper blade from the print head assembly 20. In one embodiment, the tool tray can be configured with a spring-loaded locking mechanism to secure the scraper blade holder of the scraper blade to the end effector of the print head assembly 20. The end effector can perform a method of passively picking up and dropping off the scraper blade without the need for additional shafts or actuators.

[0077] In one embodiment, the end effector includes a rectangular body that is secured to the print head assembly by a pair of connecting rods. The end effector can further be configured with a pair of downwardly extending pins that are configured to releasably secure the scraper blade. The pins can also be used to manipulate the stencil and / or tool tray by moving the stencil and / or tool tray laterally within the stencil printer.

[0078] In one embodiment, the movable pulley includes a frame or housing configured to support replacement and / or replenishment of articles. The frame can be generally rectangular and can be supported on wheels or casters. In one embodiment, the movable pulley is configured to be manually moved by the operator pushing the housing of the movable pulley. In this embodiment, the movable pulley can be configured to have a push rod or a handle. In another embodiment, the movable pulley is configured to automatically move by remote control or by an automated control associated with the movable pulley, stencil printing machine, production line and / or some other special control parts. In this embodiment, the movable pulley can include a wheel driven by a suitable motor and transmission system, and the control associated with the movable pulley, stencil printing machine, production line and / or some other special control parts are configured to control the movable pulley. The movable pulley can also include one or more sensors and / or a visual system (e.g., a camera) to guide the movable pulley from, for example, a storehouse to the stencil printing machine.

[0079] As discussed, the movable trolley is configured with one or more shelves to store items for the stencil printing machine. For example, the shelves can be specifically designed to support new and used stencils and / or other items, such as new and expended / used paste boxes, new and used scraper blades, and new and used tools. One or more shelves can be configured to move vertically and index within the housing to achieve a height suitable for operation with the stencil printing machine. Some shelves can be designated as "clean shelves" to support clean or new items ready for use in the stencil printing machine. Some shelves can be designated as "dirty shelves" to support used items to be removed from the stencil printing machine. The shelves can be spaced apart specific distances from each other to receive various items. For example, the shelves can be spaced apart from each other by 3 / 8 inch to 1 / 8 inch. 1 / 2" to accommodate template frame thickness and / or tool tray thickness.

[0080] It should be understood that although the shelf is shown as being oriented horizontally, the shelf can be arranged in a vertical orientation so that the templates are inserted into and removed from the shelf slots in a vertical plane.

[0081] The movable trolley may be configured with one or more devices for transporting items from the movable trolley to the stencil printer and from the stencil printer 10 to the movable trolley. For example, the device may include a gripper or transport arm to assist in removing and inserting items, such as stencils, from the movable trolley.

[0082] The movable trolley can be configured with an interface designed to dock in a docking station provided on a stencil printer. In one embodiment, the movable trolley includes an interface configured to dock in a docking station of a stencil printer from both a mechanical interface and an electronic communication interface. In a specific embodiment, the movable trolley can be configured to have a unique mechanical interface that cooperates with a unique mechanical interface of the stencil printer. The unique mechanical interface can include geometric features. In another embodiment, the movable trolley can be configured with pins that are received in guides associated with the stencil printer to align the movable trolley with the stencil printer before fully docking the movable trolley. Other types of guides can be used, such as electrical / magnetic guides, visual guides, sensors, latches, etc. When docked in the docking station of the stencil printer, the movable trolley can physically engage the stencil printer or be spaced apart from the stencil printer.

[0083] In some embodiments, the movable pulley includes a controller adapted to control the operation of the movable pulley based on operating parameters obtained by the controller. The controller may be configured to communicate with a controller of a stencil printing machine and / or a controller associated with a production line. In an embodiment with a plurality of movable pulleys, the controller may be implemented as a plurality of controllers disposed in each movable pulley, the plurality of controllers communicating with each other via a controller area network (CAN) bus or other types of networks. In other embodiments, a master controller may be provided to control the operation of the controllers of the movable pulleys. Each movable pulley may be provided with a display operably coupled to the controller. The display may be adapted to display operating parameters of the movable pulley, such as but not limited to the number of clean and used stencils or articles disposed on a tool tray. A suitable monitor may be provided to obtain such information. In addition to or in lieu of the aforementioned embodiments, the operating parameters may be displayed on a display disposed in the stencil printing machine and / or a display associated with a production line.

[0084] In other embodiments, the movable trolley may be controlled by a controller of the stencil printer and / or a controller associated with the production line.The controller may be a controller dedicated to one or more movable trolleys.

[0085] In some embodiments, the material identification for the items on the movable trolley may include a device for manipulating the items and a scanner for scanning and identifying the items. In one embodiment, a barcode for identifying the items may be implemented. For example, the barcode may include a 1D scanner for a UPC code, a 2D scanner for a QRC code, a printed mark applied to the item, or a laser etched mark etched on the item. In another embodiment, an RFID system for identifying the items may be implemented. For example, the RFID system may include an RFID tag applied to the item and an RFID reader associated with the movable trolley. In the RFID system, unimpeded transmission between the reader and the item is not required. In addition, scanning is not required to identify all items in the movable trolley. In another embodiment, an imaging or visual system for identifying the items may be implemented. The visual system may be an imaging system similar to the imaging system 30 associated with the stencil printer 10, and may be associated with the stencil printer, outside the stencil printer, or on the movable trolley.

[0086] In some embodiments, a database is provided to keep track of items stored on the movable trolley. In one embodiment, the database may include an open application (App) architecture and be configured to push data to the stencil printer. The movable trolley may be configured to communicate with the stencil printer to push / pull data to the stencil printer and / or the production line, or be configured to communicate directly with the production line. The database may include job information or material information. The database may also communicate with a manufacturing execution system (MES) associated with the production line, the stencil printer, or both. The MES system may be configured to know which materials are needed for a certain production run. The movable trolley may be configured to communicate with the MES system to coordinate the delivery of items to the stencil printer.

[0087] The database may further be configured to retrieve information about the item based on an identification (e.g., a bar code number). In one embodiment, a central management system may be provided wherein the stencil printer and / or the movable trolley is programmed to accept material from the movable trolley. The movable trolley is programmed to update the database to identify the material on the movable trolley, load information into the database associated with the movable trolley and / or the stencil printer from a network that is linked to the MES system.

[0088] The database may further be configured to store additional information, such as usage and consumption. The database may be configured to store information locally or remotely, and may be configured to store data associated with one or more production runs. For example, the database may be configured to obtain and store data including, but not limited to, traceability of templates and / or tool trays.

[0089] The database can be configured to share predictive data when replacement / replenishment is needed. For example, the database can be configured to perform one or more operations with respect to storing information related to stencils and / or tool trays. The database can be configured to share predictive data for other replaceable / consumable items, such as predictive data for stencils and / or tool trays.

[0090] The database may be configured to store data associated with batch traceability. Additionally, RFID or mechanical keying of the stencil frames of the plates or stencils is provided to ensure proper alignment / orientation / direction / front-to-back / up-and-down configuration of these items when inserted into the stencil printer. This information may be used to verify proper orientation and / or assembly prior to delivery of the items from the warehouse and / or prior to installation of the items in the stencil printer. Low cost readers may perform this function.

[0091] In some embodiments, the movable trolley can be configured to store material. The movable trolley can be configured to flexibly adapt to the location where the material comes from and the material goes to. In addition, the movable trolley can be configured to identify the location where a specific material is located on the movable trolley. In certain embodiments, whether by automatic delivery or by manual delivery, the location is remote, local, on the movable trolley and / or on the stencil printing machine.

[0092] In some embodiments, the mobile trolley can be configured to perform inventory control. Specifically, the mobile trolley can be configured to identify where the material is located, how much material is used, how the material is used, when the material is used, connect the material and information about the material to a customer inventory control system, and track the type of material consumed per board or many boards.

[0093] In some embodiments, the movable pulley can be configured to sort the items stored on the movable pulley. As described above, in one embodiment, a movable pulley can be provided to store, transport and deliver multiple resources, including but not limited to stencils and / or tool trays. In another embodiment, the movable pulley can be configured to store, transport and deliver a single resource or item to a stencil printer. For example, the movable pulley can be configured to store multiple stencils and / or tool trays. The movable pulley can be configured to provide services for multiple production lines. In another embodiment, the movable pulley can be configured to provide services for a stencil printer.

[0094] In some embodiments, the movable pulley can be configured to transport items from the movable pulley to the stencil printer and from the stencil printer to the movable pulley, and the height difference between the movable pulley and the stencil printer can be taken into account. The transportation can be automated or manual. In one embodiment, the movable pulley can be moved or remotely controlled by an automatic guided vehicle (AVG) technology associated with the movable pulley. In another embodiment, the movable pulley can be configured to move autonomously. In another embodiment, the movable pulley can be configured to move manually. In yet another embodiment, the movable pulley can be configured to automatically and / or manually move items stored on the movable pulley. For example, the movable pulley can be configured to automatically move items, and can provide interruption of pre-planned activities in which items are manually moved.

[0095] In some embodiments, the times associated with performing the transport functions of the movable pulleys can be programmed to take into account shift changes (e.g., personnel rotations), scheduled maintenance, on-demand activities (e.g., recipe changes), and predicted events (timely replacements). The times can be programmed to meet multiple line balancing control requirements with one or more movable pulleys, as well as meet real-time on-demand material supply requirements on the production line.

[0096] In some embodiments, the movable trolley is configured to perform inspections. For example, the movable trolley can inspect items on and off the trolley, including templates and / or tool trays. In one embodiment, a vision system associated with the movable trolley can be configured to obtain images of the items. The vision system in conjunction with the controller can be configured to inspect cleanliness, damage, wear, and identification reliability, for example, whether a barcode label is worn, dirty, or torn. The vision system can be implemented as any type of 2D, 3D, or color camera.

[0097] In some embodiments, the movable trolley is configured to interface with the stencil printer from both a mechanical interface and an electronic communication interface. In one embodiment, the movable trolley can be configured with a unique mechanical interface that cooperates with the unique mechanical interface of the stencil printer. The unique mechanical interface can be a geometric feature. In another embodiment, the movable trolley can be configured with pins that are received in guides associated with the stencil printer to align the movable trolley with the stencil printer before fully docking the movable trolley. The pins and guides can be arranged in reverse, wherein the pins are arranged on the stencil printer and the guides are arranged in the movable trolley. Other types of guides can be used, such as electric / magnetic guides, visual guides, sensors, latches, etc.

[0098] In some embodiments, the interface and docking station may be configured with a clamping system to hold the movable trolley in position relative to the stencil printer. For example, a magnetic clamping system may be employed.

[0099] In some embodiments, the stencil printer can be configured with a plurality of docking stations, for example, five docking stations. The docking station can be arranged at the front of the stencil printer or at the rear of the stencil printer.

[0100] The movable trolley and / or the stencil printer may be configured to verify whether the movable trolley can dock and interface with the stencil printer. In one embodiment, a verification may be provided to confirm that the movable trolley is in position and ready to interface with the stencil printer. This verification process may further determine whether the correct material is on the movable trolley and whether the movable trolley material information can be received from the MES system or identified locally. If not, the movable trolley may be configured to activate an alarm and / or alert the operator if the wrong or damaged material is on the movable trolley.

[0101] In some embodiments, the movable trolley may be configured with an actuating device or actuator to move items onto and off the movable trolley once the movable trolley is docked to the stencil printer. Embodiments of the actuator may be implemented on the movable trolley, the stencil printer. In another embodiment, the items may be manually loaded and unloaded from the movable trolley.

[0102] In some embodiments, the movable trolley can be configured to interface with a production line. Through this embodiment, an operator of the production line can confirm the correct position and respond to receiving the movable trolley on the stencil printer.

[0103] In some embodiments, the mobile trolley can be configured to communicate with a stencil printer, a production line, and / or select machines within a production line via an open platform. The communication system can include a wired system, a wireless system (via a public network, mesh, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Zigbee, WAN, node, Li-Fi, etc.), a combination of wired and wireless systems, and an infrared (IR) system.

[0104] In some embodiments, the movable trolley can be configured with a dedicated power source. In one embodiment, the movable trolley includes a battery configured to power automated components disposed in the movable trolley (e.g., a mechanism for moving stencils and / or tool trays into and out of the movable trolley). In other embodiments, the movable trolley can be configured with an uninterruptible power supply. The power source can be configured to support actuation when "docked" (high voltage from the stencil printer when docked, otherwise low voltage when not docked). The power source can be configured to be recharged for autonomous operation, for example, recharging the battery with power provided by the stencil printer.

[0105] In some embodiments, the movable trolley can be configured to function in conjunction with the stencil printer. For example, the movable trolley can be configured to provide a handshake function with the stencil printer 10 before delivering an item, such as "Please give me stencil #1234". The movable trolley and stencil printer can be configured with a communication protocol and / or a library reference as to which are available for consumption. The movable trolley can be configured to determine whether the movable trolley has the correct item. The handshake function can be configured to ensure the correct delivery of the item, such as "This is stencil #1234", and / or the subsequent delivery of the item, such as "I now have stencil #1234". In one embodiment, the mobile device can be configured to scan and identify the items in the movable trolley and determine, for example, whether the items are ready for use, whether they need cleaning, etc.

[0106] In some embodiments, the movable trolley can be configured to respond to errors associated with handling and recovering items in the movable trolley. For example, the movable trolley can be configured to detect incomplete movement of a party, incomplete transfer of an item (e.g., a stuck or jammed item), dropped transfers (e.g., "I sent you template #1234, didn't you receive it?"), and human intervention or hand control (e.g., "Here, let me help you"). In one embodiment, a controller associated with the movable trolley can be configured to perform static discharge control, data recovery, and / or security.

[0107] In some embodiments, the mobile trolley may be configured with a higher level of capability. In addition to indexing all equipment to the correct height, the mobile trolley will need to pull in / out all equipment of the machine gantry for attachment.

[0108] In some embodiments, the existing machine gantry, tracks, and print head of a stencil printer may be configured to shuttle articles in and out.

[0109] In some embodiments, the mobile cart may be configured to communicate with the stencil printer, the production line, and a warehouse associated with the production line.

[0110] In some embodiments, the movable trolley may be configured with an electrical / pneumatic interface.

[0111] In some embodiments, the mobile cart may be configured to track new and used consumables (eg, stencils and / or tool trays) on the mobile cart including location, temperature, and other data.

[0112] In some embodiments, the movable cart may be configured to store and supply stencils and / or items on a tooling tray for the duration of a production run.

[0113] In some embodiments, the movable cart may be configured to scan all consumables with a suitable scanning device, such as a barcode reader or RFID reader.

[0114] In some embodiments, the movable cart may be configured with an indexing mechanism to properly position the consumables.

[0115] In some embodiments, the movable cart may be configured with a bypass switch to disconnect the movable cart from the stencil printer 10 in the event of a problem with the movable cart.

[0116] In some embodiments, the movable trolley may be configured to be moved manually or by an automated guided vehicle (AGV).

[0117] In some embodiments, the movable cart may be configured to dock and interface with a stencil printer.

[0118] In some embodiments, the movable cart may be configured to service multiple stencil printers.

[0119] In some embodiments, the removable cart may be configured to be dedicated to one consumable item (eg, a stencil) or multiple consumable / convertible items.

[0120] In some embodiments, the movable cart may be configured to transport and deliver consumables to be cleaned at a remote station.

[0121] In some embodiments, the movable cart may be configured to be reloaded at a stockroom associated with the warehouse.

[0122] In some embodiments, the movable trolley may be configured to be actively or passively climate controlled.

[0123] In some embodiments, the movable trolley may be configured to be controlled by an application (App) capable of smartphone integration.

[0124] As used herein, "automatic" or "fully automated" changeover describes the replacement or replenishment of items without human intervention.

[0125] As used herein, a "partially automated" changeover describes the replacement or replenishment of items with some or limited human intervention.

[0126] As used herein, "conveying" or "in conveyance" describes moving items from one location to another, either manually or by machine.

[0127] As used herein, "installation" or "in installation" describes the process of placing an item in a position ready for use.

[0128] As mentioned above, the movable trolley can be used to replace other items in the stencil printing machine. For example, the stencil wiper assembly includes consumables such as paper and solvent that can be automatically replaced by the movable trolley.

[0129] The concepts disclosed herein can be used for other types of equipment used to manufacture electronic substrates, including dispensers, pick and place machines, reflow ovens, wave soldering machines, selective soldering machines, inspection stations, and cleaning stations. For example, the concept of changing paste boxes can be used for dispensers used to dispense viscous materials. In another example, the concept of changing tools can be used for dispensers and pick and place machines used to mount electronic components on electronic substrates. In another example, the concept of changing items can be used to change solder in wave soldering machines and selective soldering machines and to clean products in cleaning stations.

[0130] Thus, having described several aspects of at least one embodiment, it will be appreciated that various changes, modifications and improvements will readily occur to those skilled in the art. Such changes, modifications and improvements are intended to be a part of the present disclosure and are intended to fall within the scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the previous description and drawings are intended only as examples.

[0131] Claims.

Claims

1. A stencil printer for printing assembly materials on an electronic substrate, the stencil printer comprising: frame; a template coupled to the frame, the template having apertures formed therein; a support assembly coupled to the frame, the support assembly being configured to support the electronic substrate in a printing position beneath the stencil; a print head gantry coupled to the frame; a print head assembly supported by the print head gantry in a manner such that the print head assembly is configured to traverse the stencil during a printing stroke, the print head assembly comprising a print head having a squeegee blade assembly configured to roll-apply solder paste along the stencil; as well as A cover is coupled to the frame to enclose operating components of the stencil printer, the operating components including the stencil, the support assembly, the print head gantry, and the print head assembly, the cover including an elongated opening formed therein and a movable door configured to selectively close the elongated opening, the elongated opening being sized to enable the stencil and / or tool tray to pass therethrough.

2. The stencil printing machine according to claim 1, wherein: The cover is hingedly mounted to a frame of the stencil printer and is movable between a closed position and an open position.

3. The stencil printer according to claim 1, wherein: The cover further includes a cover frame and at least one panel fixed to the cover frame.

4. The stencil printer according to claim 3, wherein: The movable door is slidably coupled to the cover frame such that the movable door is movable relative to the cover between a closed position and an open position.

5. The stencil printer according to claim 4, wherein: The movable door includes a movable door frame and at least one panel fastened to the movable door frame.

6. The stencil printer according to claim 5, wherein: The cover further comprises a linear slide mounted on a cover frame of the cover, and wherein the movable door further comprises a mounting bracket secured to a movable door frame of the movable door.

7. The stencil printer according to claim 5, wherein: The cover further includes a first linear slide fixed to a cover frame of the cover on one side of the movable door and a second linear slide fixed to the cover frame of the cover on another side of the movable door.

8. The stencil printer according to claim 7, wherein: The movable door further includes at least one first mounting bracket fixed to the movable door frame of the movable door on one side of the movable door and at least one second mounting bracket fixed to the movable door frame of the movable door on the other side of the movable door.

9. The stencil printer according to claim 5, wherein: The cover further includes a pneumatic interlock assembly to secure the position of the movable door in the closed position.

10. The stencil printer according to claim 9, wherein: The pneumatic interlock assembly includes an interlocking catch disposed on one of the movable door and the cover and an interlocking cylinder disposed on the other of the movable door and the cover, the interlocking cylinder being configured to releasably secure the interlocking catch to secure the movable door in the closed position.

11. The stencil printer according to claim 9, wherein: The pneumatic interlock assembly includes a safety switch to ensure that the movable door is in a closed position before operation of the stencil printing machine.

12. The stencil printer of claim 1, wherein: The movable door is configured to be moved by at least one lifting bracket associated with a movable trolley.

13. The stencil printer of claim 1, wherein: The movable door includes an access panel hingedly mounted to a frame of the movable door, the access panel being configured to be manually manipulated between an open position and a closed position.

14. The stencil printer of claim 1, wherein: The movable door includes a component configured to provide resistance to downward movement of the movable door.

15. A cover for a stencil printer for printing assembly materials on an electronic substrate, the cover comprising: Cover frame; as well as a panel fixed to the cover frame, Wherein, the cover includes an elongated opening formed therein and a movable door, wherein the movable door is configured to selectively close the elongated opening, and the size of the elongated opening is determined to enable the template and / or tool tray to pass therethrough.

16. The cover of claim 15, wherein: The cover is hingedly mounted to a frame of the stencil printer and is movable between a closed position and an open position.

17. The cover of claim 15, wherein: The movable door is slidably coupled to the cover frame such that the movable door is movable relative to the cover between a closed position and an open position.

18. The cover of claim 17, wherein: The movable door includes a movable door frame and at least one panel fastened to the movable door frame.

19. The cover of claim 18, wherein: The cover further comprises a linear slide mounted on a cover frame of the cover, and wherein the movable door further comprises a mounting bracket secured to a movable door frame of the movable door.

20. The cover of claim 18, wherein: The cover further includes a first linear slide fixed to a cover frame of the cover on one side of the movable door and a second linear slide fixed to the cover frame of the cover on another side of the movable door.

21. The cover of claim 20, wherein: The movable door further includes at least one first mounting bracket fixed to the movable door frame of the movable door on one side of the movable door and at least one second mounting bracket fixed to the movable door frame of the movable door on the other side of the movable door.

22. The cover of claim 18, wherein: The cover further includes a pneumatic interlock assembly to secure the position of the movable door in the closed position.

23. The cover of claim 22, wherein: The pneumatic interlock assembly includes an interlocking catch disposed on one of the movable door and the cover and an interlocking cylinder disposed on the other of the movable door and the cover, the interlocking cylinder being configured to releasably secure the interlocking catch to secure the movable door in the closed position.

24. The cover of claim 22, wherein: The pneumatic interlock assembly includes a safety switch to ensure that the movable door is in a closed position before operation of the stencil printing machine.

25. The cover of claim 15, wherein: The movable door is configured to be moved by at least one lifting bracket associated with a movable trolley.

26. The cover of claim 15, wherein: The movable door includes an access panel hingedly mounted to a frame of the movable door, the access panel being configured to be manually manipulated between an open position and a closed position.

27. The cover of claim 15, wherein: The movable door includes a component configured to provide resistance to downward movement of the movable door.

28. A method of delivering a stencil or article in a stencil printer, the method comprising: The stencil and / or tool tray is inserted into an elongated opening provided in a cover of the stencil printer.

29. The method of claim 28, further comprising: A movable door is moved, the movable door being configured to close the elongated opening by the lifting bracket of the movable trolley.

30. The method of claim 29, further comprising: The access panel of the movable door is manually moved to an open position to enable the stencil and / or tool tray to be inserted into the elongated opening.

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