Mask replacing device

Abstract

A mask replacement device for supplying a mask to a printing device includes: a housing unit that houses the mask in a state where a main surface of the mask is perpendicular; a holding unit that holds the mask so as to be rotatable and lifts the mask to a predetermined height; and a swing unit that swings the mask raised to the predetermined height toward the printing device and puts a portion of the mask into the printing device. When a part of the mask enters the printing device, the holding part descends in a state of holding the mask, so that the main surface of the mask is in a horizontal state, and the mask is supplied to the printing device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a mask replacing device for supplying a mask to a printing device and collecting the mask from the printing device. Background Art

[0002] Printing devices use masks with printed patterns to print pastes such as solder paste onto the surface of substrates. In such printing devices, the mask is replaced according to the type of substrate. Patent Document 1 discloses a printing device equipped with a mask replacement device to automatically and continuously replace the mask. The mask replacement device is configured to allow a magazine that holds multiple masks horizontally and can be raised and lowered freely within a housing.

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2021-062517 Summary of the Invention

[0006] However, in the prior art including Patent Document 1, the mask changing device has the following problems: in order to keep the large mask horizontal, the mask changing device becomes larger, and in order to change the mask, it is necessary to further ensure a space behind the mask changing device for horizontally taking and placing the mask.

[0007] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a mask changing device that can be realized with a small installation area.

[0008] The mask changing device of the present invention supplies a mask with a specified printing pattern to a printing device, and the printing device uses the mask to print solder paste on a substrate, wherein the mask changing device has: a storage portion, which stores the mask in a state in which the main surface of the mask is vertical; a holding portion, which holds the mask so as to be rotatable and lifts the mask to a specified height; and a swing portion, which swings the mask lifted to the specified height toward the printing device and places a part of the mask into the printing device. When the part of the mask enters the printing device, the holding portion descends while holding the mask so that the main surface of the mask is horizontal, and supplies the mask to the printing device.

[0009] Another mask replacement device of the present invention recovers a mask provided with a prescribed printing pattern from a printing device, and the printing device uses the mask to print solder paste on a substrate, wherein the mask replacement device comprises: a holding portion, which holds the mask in a rotatable manner at a position where the mask is moved out of the printing device with the main surface of the mask horizontal, and lifts the mask to a prescribed height to recover the mask; and a storage portion, which can store the mask with the main surface of the mask vertical, and the holding portion lowers the held and lifted mask with the main surface of the mask vertical, and stores it into the storage portion.

[0010] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a mask replacing apparatus that can be implemented with a small installation area. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a printing device and a mask storage device equipped with a mask changing device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0012] Figure 2 This is a perspective side view showing the configuration of main parts of a mask replacing device and a printing device equipped with a mask storage device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0013] Figure 3 (a) is a perspective plan view showing the structure of the main part of a mask replacing apparatus equipped with a mask storage apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 (b) is the perspective rear view.

[0014] Figure 4 (a) is a perspective top view illustrating the function of the mask replacement device according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 (b) is the perspective rear view.

[0015] Figure 5 (a) and (b) are enlarged plan views illustrating the structure of a clamper of a holding portion included in the mask replacing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] Figure 6 This is a block diagram showing the configuration of a printing apparatus and a mask replacing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 7 (a) and (b) are explanatory views of a process of attaching a mask storage device to a mask replacement device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 8 (a) and (b) are explanatory views of a process of collecting a mask from a printing device using the mask replacing device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 9 (a) is an explanatory diagram of a process of collecting a mask from a printing device using a mask replacing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 9 (b) is an explanatory diagram of the process of supplying a mask to a printing device.

[0020] Figure 10 (a) and (b) are explanatory views of a process of supplying a mask to a printing device using the mask replacing device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 11 (a) is an explanatory diagram of a process of supplying a mask to a printing device using a mask replacing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 11 (b) is an explanatory diagram of a process of removing the mask storage device from the mask replacement device according to one embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] An embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below using the accompanying drawings. The structures, shapes, etc. described below are examples for explanation and can be appropriately changed according to the specifications of the printing device, mask changing device, mask storage device, etc. In the following, the same reference numerals are marked on the corresponding elements in all the drawings, and repeated descriptions are omitted. Figure 1 In the following part, the X-axis ( Figure 2 The Y axis is perpendicular to the paper surface and is perpendicular to the substrate conveying direction. Figure 2 In addition, Figure 1 In the following part, the Z axis ( Figure 2 up and down directions).

[0023] First, refer to Figure 1 、 Figure 2 The structure of the printing device 10 will be described. A mask replacement device 30 is disposed on the upper rear side of the printing device 10. This mask replacement device 30 supplies a mask M to the printing device 10 and collects the mask M from the printing device 10. A mask storage device 70 for storing the mask M is attached and detached from the mask replacement device 30. Details of the mask replacement device 30 and the mask storage device 70 will be described later. The mask M has a structure in which a filter Ms having a predetermined printing pattern (not shown) is stretched over a frame Mf. The printing device 10 has the function of printing solder paste P on a substrate B using the mask M having the predetermined printing pattern.

[0024] exist Figure 2In the printing device 10, a substrate transport and holding unit 13 is provided on a base 12 covered by a printing unit cover 11. The substrate transport and holding unit 13 includes a conveyor 13a for transporting substrates B along the X-axis. The substrate transport and holding unit 13 includes a multi-stage worktable 13b, which is arranged on the base 12 below the center of the conveyor 13a in the X-axis direction, and a substrate holding unit 13c, which is supported by the multi-stage worktable 13b. The multi-stage worktable 13b moves the substrate holding unit 13c in the X-axis and Y-axis directions (horizontally) and raises and lowers the substrate holding unit 13c in the Z-axis direction (vertically). The substrate holding unit 13c receives the substrate B transported by the conveyor 13a, lifts the received substrate B from the conveyor 13a, and holds it.

[0025] exist Figure 2 In the figure, a mask guide 14 extending in the Y-axis direction (front-back direction) is arranged above the substrate transport holding portion 13. On the mask guide 14, the mask M, which is placed in a horizontal state on the filter Ms stretched on the frame Mf, is moved back and forth along the Y-axis. A mask holding portion 14a is arranged on the front side of the mask guide 14 and above the substrate holding portion 13c. A mask moving portion 15 is arranged above the mask guide 14, and the mask moving portion 15 includes: an abutment member 16; a lifting hydraulic cylinder 17 that lifts the abutment member 16 up and down (arrow a); and a front-back moving mechanism 18 ( Figure 6 ).

[0026] The mask moving unit 15 makes the descending contact member 16 contact the frame Mf of the mask M and moves the mask M forward and backward along the mask guide 14. A rear opening 19 is formed on the rear side of the printing unit cover 11. A front opening 32 is formed on the front side of the housing 31 of the mask changing device 30 (see also FIG. Figure 3 (b) The mask moving unit 15 moves the mask M between the mask changing device 30 and the mask holding unit 14a via the rear opening 19 and the front opening 32. The mask M moved to the mask holding unit 14a is held by a holding mechanism (not shown) of the mask holding unit 14a with the main surface of the mask M horizontal.

[0027] exist Figure 2In the figure, a printing head 20 that moves along the Y-axis is arranged above the mask holding portion 14a. The printing head 20 has two scrapers 20a that extend along the X-axis and move up and down. The printing head 20 lowers the scrapers 20a and abuts against the mask M while pressing the substrate B held by the substrate holding portion 13c from below against the mask M held by the mask holding portion 14a. In addition, the printing head 20 moves in the Y-axis direction to slide one of the scrapers 20a on the mask M, so that the solder paste P supplied to the mask M is printed on the substrate B through the printing pattern (opening) formed on the mask M (see also Figure 7 ).

[0028] Next, refer to Figures 1 to 5 , the mask replacement device 30 and the mask storage device 70 are described in detail. An assembly opening 33 for assembling the mask storage device 70 is provided on the rear side of the mask replacement device 30. The mask storage device 70 includes a storage portion 73, which has a plurality of bottomed slots 71 to 72 for accommodating the mask M. The mask M is accommodated in the slots 71 to 72 in a state where the main surface of the mask M is vertical. The depth L1 of the slots 71 to 72 is greater than the length L2 of the main surface of the mask M ( Figure 2 As a result, the mask M stored in the slots 71 and 72 is partially protruded from the upper portion of the slots 71 and 72.

[0029] exist Figure 1 In the example, a back panel 74 is disposed on the rear side of the storage section 73, extending at least from the top and left and right of the storage section 73. A docking portion 75 is disposed on the front side of the storage section 73, protruding from the storage section 73. In this example, the mask storage device 70 is provided with two docking portions 75 on the left and right. Wheels 76 are provided at the bottom of the storage section 73. This allows the mask storage device 70 to be moved within the floor where the printing apparatus 10 is installed, using, for example, an operator or an automated guided vehicle (AGV) (not shown).

[0030] The mask exchanger 30 is provided with two docking openings 34 corresponding to the positions of the docking portions 75. In addition, a locking mechanism 35 ( Figure 6 When the mask storage device 70 is mounted on the mounting opening 33 of the mask changer 30, the docking portion 75 is inserted into the docking opening 34. When the locking mechanism 35 is activated in this state, the mask storage device 70 is held relative to the mask changer 30. Furthermore, when removing the mask storage device 70 from the mask changer 30, the locking mechanism 35 is released, and the mask storage device 70 is then pulled out of the mounting opening 33.

[0031] exist Figure 1In the embodiment, a mask replacement device 30 is provided at the rear side thereof with a mask replacement control device 60 ( Figure 6 ) touch panel 36. The locking mechanism 35 is provided by a replacement control unit 61 ( Figure 6 ) control. The operator operates the touch panel 36 to instruct the locking and unlocking of the locking mechanism 35. Specifically, after attaching the mask storage device 70 to the mask changing device 30, the operator operates the touch panel 36 to activate the locking mechanism 35, thereby holding (locking) the mask storage device 70. Furthermore, after the operator operates the touch panel 36 to unlock the locking mechanism 35, the operator removes the mask storage device 70. Thus, the mask storage device 70 includes a docking portion 75 for docking with the mask changing device 30.

[0032] When the mask storage device 70 is held in the mask changer 30, the hatched area of ​​the back panel 74 of the mask storage device 70 abuts the hatched area of ​​the rear surface 31a of the housing 31 of the mask changer 30. As a result, the back panel 74 closes the mounting opening 33 of the mask changer 30. Thus, when docked with the mask changer 30, the back panel 74 acts as a cover, covering the gap between the back panel 74 and the mask changer 30. This ensures safety while the mask changer 30 is in operation, preventing operators from accidentally touching moving mechanisms and potentially getting injured.

[0033] It should be noted that the mechanism for retaining the mask storage device 70 on the mask changer 30 is not limited to the combination of the docking portion 75 and the locking mechanism 35; any mechanism that secures the mask storage device 70 relative to the mask changer 30 may be used. For example, the docking opening 34 and the locking mechanism 35 may be disposed in the printing device 10. It should be noted that when an automated transport vehicle transports the mask storage device 70 and loads and unloads the mask storage device 70 relative to the mask changer 30, commands for engaging and disengaging the locking mechanism 35 are communicated wirelessly or otherwise between the automated transport vehicle and the mask changer control device 60 of the mask changer 30.

[0034] Thus, the mask storage device 70 includes a storage portion 73 for storing the mask M with its main surface vertically oriented, and is freely attachable to and detachable from the mask exchanger 30. Since the mask M is stored vertically, the mask storage device 70 can be implemented with a small installation area. Hereinafter, when the mask storage device 70 is attached to the mask exchanger 30, the front slot 71 of the storage portion 73 is referred to as the "recovery slot 71," and the rear slot 72 is referred to as the "supply slot 72."

[0035] exist Figure 2 In the embodiment, a shutter lifting unit 37 ( Figure 6) The shutter 38 is raised and lowered. The shutter lifting unit 37 is controlled by the replacement control unit 61. When the shutter 38 is lowered, it closes the front opening 32, restricting access from the mask changer 30 to the interior of the printing apparatus 10. When the shutter 38 is raised, the front opening 32 is opened, allowing access from the mask changer 30 to the interior of the printing apparatus 10.

[0036] When the replacement control unit 61 receives a lock command and the locking mechanism 35 holds the mask storage device 70, it raises the shutter 38 to open the front opening 32. Furthermore, when the replacement control unit 61 receives a lock release command, it lowers the shutter 38 to close the front opening 32 and then releases the lock mechanism 35.

[0037] exist Figure 2 、 Figure 3 In the present invention, a holding unit 39 is disposed within the housing 31 of the mask changing apparatus 30. This holding unit 39 rotatably holds the mask M stored in the recovery slot 71 or supply slot 72 of the storage unit 73 of the mask storage device 70 mounted on the mask changing apparatus 30, and lifts the mask M to a predetermined position. The holding unit 39 includes multiple pairs of grippers 40-41 corresponding to the multiple slots 71-72, which grip the two side surfaces of the frame Mf of the mask M.

[0038] Hereinafter, the gripper 40 corresponding to the collection slot 71 on the front side (printing device 10 side) is referred to as the "collection gripper 40", and the gripper 41 corresponding to the supply slot 72 on the rear side is referred to as the "supply gripper 41". Figures 2 to 5 In the description of FIG. 1 , the storage portion 73 of the mask storage device 70 attached to the mask replacement device 30 may be simply referred to as the storage portion 73 .

[0039] exist Figure 3 、 Figure 4 In the embodiment, the recovery clamp 40 and the supply clamp 41 are arranged to be fixed to the lifting plate 42 in a front-to-back arrangement along the Y axis. The lifting plate 42 is freely raised and lowered along a linear guide 43, which extends up and down (in the Z-axis direction) and is fixed to the housing 31. A nut 44 is fixed to the lifting plate 42. A ball screw 45 extending up and down is screwed into the nut 44. The ball screw 45 is rotated around the Z axis by a lifting motor 46 fixed to the housing 31. The lifting motor 46 is controlled by the replacement control unit 61. The lifting motor 46 rotates the ball screw 45, thereby raising and lowering the lifting plate 42 ( Figure 4 arrow f).

[0040] Here, refer to Figure 5 The detailed structures and functions of the recovery gripper 40 and the supply gripper 41 will be described. Figure 5 (a) is in Figure 3FIG. 1 is an enlarged view of the vicinity of the recovery gripper 40 and the supply gripper 41 on one side (left side) indicated by circle D in FIG. 1 , (a). Figure 5 (b) is in Figure 4 FIG. 1 is an enlarged view of the vicinity of the recovery gripper 40 and the supply gripper 41 on one side (left side) indicated by circle E in FIG. 1 , (a). Figure 4 The figure shows a state in which a pair of supply grippers 41 hold and lift the mask M stored in the supply slot 72 of the storage portion 73. The recovery gripper 40 and supply gripper 41 on the other side (right side) have the same structure as the recovery gripper 40 and supply gripper 41 on the one side (left side), except that the components are arranged symmetrically with respect to the recovery slot 71 and the supply slot 72, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

[0041] exist Figure 5 In the embodiment, the recovery gripper 40 includes a recovery hydraulic cylinder 47 that allows a piston, connected to a joint 49 at its front end, to extend and retract in the direction of the recovery slot 71. The supply gripper 41 includes a supply hydraulic cylinder 48 that allows a piston 48a, connected to a joint 49 at its front end, to extend and retract in the direction of the supply slot 72. A shaft 50 extending along the X-axis is attached to each joint 49 and is rotatable about the X-axis. A locking portion 50a provided at the end of the shaft 50 is retained within the internal space 49a of the joint 49 so as to be movable within the range of the clearance G.

[0042] The shaft 50 is held by a rotary bearing 51 so that it can rotate about the X-axis and move forward and backward along the X-axis. Furthermore, a pad 52 is connected to the end of the shaft 50 opposite the locking portion 50a, which contacts the frame Mf of the mask M. A compression spring 53, serving as an elastic body, is disposed between the rotary bearing 51 and the pad 52, and the shaft 50 is inserted into the compression spring 53. The elastic force of the compression spring 53 biases the shaft 50 toward the recovery slot 71 or the supply slot 72. The recovery hydraulic cylinder 47 and the supply hydraulic cylinder 48 are controlled by the replacement control unit 61.

[0043] exist Figure 4 、 Figure 5 In (b), when the supply hydraulic cylinders 48 of the pair of supply grippers 41 each extend their pistons 48a, the shafts 50, pressed by the joints 49, move toward the supply slots 72, and the pads 52 of each shaft 50 contact both side surfaces of the mask M housed in the supply slots 72. As a result, both side surfaces of the mask M are gripped by the pair of supply grippers 41. The mask M is stably gripped by the elastic force of the compression springs 53 of the supply grippers 41.

[0044] It should be noted that the compression springs 53 of the pair of supply clamps 41 preferably have a spring constant greater on one side than on the other. This prevents the position of the mask M from shifting or vibrating due to the left and right supply clamps 41 pressing against each other. The same applies to the compression springs 53 of the pair of recovery clamps 40. Alternatively, the clearance G of one joint 49 can be set to zero to fix the position of the gasket 52.

[0045] When the mask M held by the pair of supply grippers 41 falls into the supply slot 72 , the supply cylinders 48 contract their pistons 48 a , and the pair of spacers 52 separate from both side surfaces of the mask M, releasing the mask M. As a result, the mask M is stored in the supply slot 72 .

[0046] exist Figure 4 In (b), the lifting motor 46 is operated to lift the lifting plate 42 (arrow f) while the pair of supply grippers 41 grip the mask M. The mask M is removed from the supply slot 72 , lifted in the housing 31 , and stored in the supply slot 72 .

[0047] Similarly, when the recovery cylinders 47 of the pair of recovery grippers 40 extend their pistons while the mask M is stored in the recovery slot 71, both end surfaces of the mask M are gripped by the pair of recovery grippers 40. Furthermore, when the pistons of the recovery cylinders 47 retract while the mask M, gripped by the recovery grippers 40, falls into the recovery slot 71, the pair of spacers 52 separate from the side surfaces of the mask M, releasing the mask M. Furthermore, by operating the lift motor 46 while the pair of recovery grippers 40 grip the mask M, the lift plate 42 is raised and lowered (arrow f), thereby removing the mask M from the recovery slot 71, lifting it within the housing 31, and storing it in the recovery slot 71.

[0048] exist Figure 2 、 Figure 3 In the embodiment, a swinging portion 54 is disposed inside the housing 31 of the mask changing device 30. The swinging portion 54 swings the mask M lifted to a predetermined position toward the printing device 10 and places a portion of the mask M into the printing device 10 (see also FIG. Figure 10 The swing unit 54 includes a swing motor 56. The swing motor 56 is arranged on a fixed plate 55 fixed to the housing 31 so that the rotation axis 56a faces the X-axis direction. A crankshaft-shaped pusher 57 is connected to the rotation axis 56a of the swing motor 56. The swing motor 56 is controlled by the replacement control unit 61. When the swing motor 56 is operated, the pusher 57 rotates ( Figure 2 Arrow c).

[0049] The fixed plate 55 and the swing motor 56 of the swing part 54 are arranged at positions that do not interfere with the lifting plate 42 of the lifting holding part 39. In addition, the pusher 57 is set to a shape that does not interfere with the lifting plate 42 of the lifting holding part 39 when it is rotated to the retreat position (see Figure 3 (a)). Furthermore, the front end of the pusher 57 extends along the X-axis to a position where it contacts the back surface of the mask M stored in the storage portion 73. When the pair of recovery grippers 40 or the supply gripper 41 grips the mask M and lifts it to a predetermined position, and the swing motor 56 swings the pusher 57 from the retracted position toward the printing device 10, the pusher 57 contacts the back surface of the mask M, causing the mask M to swing toward the printing device 10.

[0050] exist Figure 3 In the embodiment, a label C such as a barcode or a QR code indicating information identifying the mask M is attached to the side of the frame Mf of the mask M. The mask M is stored in the recovery slot 71 or the supply slot 72 with the label C facing upward. At the top of the interior of the housing 31 of the mask replacement device 30, a reader, namely an information reading unit 58, which reads the label C attached to the mask M is arranged corresponding to the position of the label C. The information reading unit 58 recognizes the label C attached to the mask M and reads the information assigned to the mask M. The replacement control device 60 transmits the read information attached to the mask M to the printing control device 21 ( Figure 6 )send.

[0051] Next, refer to Figure 6 , the structure of the control system of the printing device 10 and the mask changing device 30 is explained. It should be noted that the description will mainly focus on the part of the printing device 10 related to the mask changing operation. The lifting hydraulic cylinder 17 and the front-back moving mechanism 18 of the mask moving unit 15 are connected to the printing control device 21 of the printing device 10. The printing control device 21 includes a printing control unit 22 and a printing storage unit 23. The printing storage unit 23 is a storage device that stores a control program for controlling the mask moving unit 15, information attached to the mask M read in the mask changing device 30, and the like. The printing control unit 22 performs the replacement process of the mask M used in the printing operation based on the control program stored in the printing storage unit 23 and the information related to the mask M.

[0052] exist Figure 6 In the present invention, the replacement control device 60 included in the mask replacement device 30 is connected to the locking mechanism 35, the touch panel 36, the shutter lifting unit 37, the lifting motor 46 of the holding unit 39, the recovery hydraulic cylinder 47, the supply hydraulic cylinder 48, the swing motor 56 of the swing unit 54, and the information reading unit 58. The replacement control device 60 includes a replacement control unit 61 and a replacement storage unit 62. The replacement control device 60 exchanges data with the printing control device 21 via a signal line 59.

[0053] The replacement storage unit 62 is a storage device that stores control programs and the like for executing various processes, such as a lock process for holding the mask storage device 70, a release process for releasing the mask storage device 70, a recovery process for recovering the mask M from the printing device 10, and a supply process for supplying the mask M to the printing device 10. The replacement control unit 61 executes the lock process, the release process, the recovery process, and the supply process based on the control programs and the like stored in the replacement storage unit 62.

[0054] Next, refer to Figure 7 , a mask storage device assembly method of assembling the mask storage device 70 to the assembly opening 33 of the mask replacement device 30 is described. Figure 7 In (a), a replacement mask M2 is stored in the supply slot 72 of the mask storage device 70 with its main surface vertically oriented. This replacement mask M2 is used to print solder paste P on the next substrate type, substrate B. In the printing device 10, solder paste P is printed on substrate B using mask M1. The mask storage device 70 is transported (arrow h1) to the rear side of the mask changing device 30 by an operator or an automated transport vehicle (mask storage device transport process).

[0055] exist Figure 7 In (b), the mask storage device 70 is then assembled to the mask changing device 30 while inserting the docking portion 75 into the docking opening 34 (arrow h2) (mask storage device assembly step). Next, when the touch panel 36 is operated and the replacement control unit 61 receives a lock command, the replacement control unit 61 executes a lock process to cause the locking mechanism 35 to hold the docking portion 75 (locking step). The replacement control unit 61 then causes the shutter lifting unit 37 to raise the shutter 38, opening the front opening 32 (arrow h3) (opening step). This completes the preparations for the mask changing device 30 to perform the collection and supply processes.

[0056] Next, refer to Figure 8 、 Figure 9 (a) describes a mask recovery method for recovering the mask M1 from the printing device 10 to the mask changing device 30. The pair of recovery grippers 40 moves to a height H1 where the frame Mf of the mask M1, discharged from the rear opening 19 of the printing device 10 along the mask guide 14, is located. The printing control unit 22 and the replacement control unit 61 jointly perform the recovery process and the supply process described below.

[0057] exist Figure 8In (a), when the printing job using mask M1 in the printing apparatus 10 is completed, the printing control unit 22 causes the holding mechanism of the mask holding unit 14a to release mask M1. The printing control unit 22 then uses the forward and backward movement mechanism 18 to move the lift cylinder 17 to the front side of mask M1 (away from the mask changing device 30) and causes the lift cylinder 17 to lower the contact member 16 (arrow i1).

[0058] Next, the print control unit 22 uses the forward and backward movement mechanism 18 to move the lift cylinder 17 toward the mask exchanger 30, causing the contact member 16 to press the front side of the mask M1 (arrow i2). The print control unit 22 moves the rear side of the mask M1 through the rear opening 19 and the front opening 32 into the housing 31, and the rear frame Mf moves to the position of the pads 52 of the pair of recovery grippers 40 (mask ejection process).

[0059] exist Figure 8 In (a), the replacement control unit 61 then protrudes the piston of the recovery hydraulic cylinder 47 to grip both end surfaces of the mask M1 with the pair of pads 52 (recovery clamp gripping step). Figures 8 to 10 In FIG. 1 , the state in which the pads 52 of the recovery gripper 40 or the supply gripper 41 grip both end surfaces of the mask M1 or the mask M2 is shown as black circles.

[0060] exist Figure 8 In step (b), the replacement control unit 61 then activates the lifting motor 46 to raise the recovery gripper 40 (arrow i3). As the recovery gripper 40, holding the mask M1, rises, the mask M1, which has been unloaded from the printing device 10 with its main surface horizontal, rotates and becomes vertical. The replacement control unit 61 raises the recovery gripper 40 to a height H2 at which the main surface of the mask M1 becomes vertical (recovery gripper raising step).

[0061] exist Figure 9 In (a), when the recovery gripper 40 rises to a height H2 and the main surface of the mask M1 becomes vertical, the replacement control unit 61 activates the lifting motor 46 to lower the recovery gripper 40 (arrow i4). The replacement control unit 61 lowers the recovery gripper 40 to a height H3, where the mask M1 lands in the recovery slot 71 (recovery gripper lowering step). The replacement control unit 61 then retracts the piston of the recovery hydraulic cylinder 47, separating the pair of pads 52 from the end surfaces of the mask M1. This releases the mask M1 from the recovery gripper 40 and allows it to be recovered in the recovery slot 71 (recovery gripper releasing step).

[0062] As described above, the mask changing apparatus 30 of this embodiment includes a holding unit 39. When the mask storage apparatus 70 having the storage unit 73 is installed, the holding unit 39 performs the following steps: holding the mask M1 rotatably at the position where the mask M1 was removed from the printing apparatus 10 with its main surface horizontal (a recovery clamper holding step); raising the mask M1 to a predetermined height H2 (a recovery clamper raising step); lowering the held and raised mask M1 with its main surface vertical (a recovery clamper lowering step); and recovering the mask M1 from the recovery slot 71 of the storage unit 73, which can accommodate the mask M1 with its main surface vertical (a recovery clamper releasing step). By recovering the mask M1 with its main surface vertical in this manner, the mask changing apparatus 30 can be implemented with a compact footprint.

[0063] Next, refer to Figure 9 (b) Figure 10 、 Figure 11 , a mask supply method for supplying the mask M2 from the mask changing device 30 to the printing device 10 will be described.

[0064] exist Figure 9 In (b), when the recovery gripper 40 completes the recovery of the mask M1 into the recovery slot 71, the replacement control unit 61 activates the lift motor 46 to move the supply gripper 41 to a height H4 (arrow j1) where the frame Mf of the mask M2 stored in the supply slot 72 is located. Note that in this example, the height H4 is the same as the height H1 where the frame Mf of the mask M1 discharged from the printing device 10 is located. The replacement control unit 61 then causes the supply hydraulic cylinder 48 to extend the piston 48a, thereby gripping both end surfaces of the mask M2 with the pair of pads 52 (supply gripper gripping step).

[0065] exist Figure 10 In (a), the replacement control unit 61 then activates the lifting motor 46 to raise the supply gripper 41 (arrow j2). The replacement control unit 61 raises the supply gripper 41 to a height H5 at which the lower end of the mask M2, held by the supply gripper 41, enters the rear opening 19 of the printing device 10 when the mask M2 rotates (supply gripper raising step). The replacement control unit 61 then uses the information reader 58 to read information from the label C attached to the mask M2 (information reading step). The replacement control unit 61 transmits the read information about the mask M2 to the print control unit 21. The print control unit 22 stores the received information about the mask M2 in the print storage unit 23.

[0066] Next, the replacement control unit 61 controls the swing motor 56 to move the pusher 57 toward the mask M2 (arrow j3), causing the pusher 57 to contact the back surface of the mask M2. Furthermore, the print control unit 22 uses the forward and backward movement mechanism 18 to move the lift cylinder 17 to a position where the mask M2 begins to move (arrow j4).

[0067] exist Figure 10 In (b), the replacement control unit 61 then operates the lift motor 46 to lower the supply gripper 41 (arrow j5) while simultaneously instructing the swing motor 56 of the swing unit 54 to move the pusher 57 toward the printing device 10 (arrow j6), swinging the lower end of the mask M2 toward the printing device 10 and placing a portion of the mask M2 into the printing device 10 (swinging step). After moving the pusher 57 to the retracted position, the replacement control unit 61 lowers the supply gripper 41 to a height H1 at which the main surface of the mask M2 is horizontal (supply gripper lowering step). When the main surface of the mask M2 is horizontal, the printing control unit 22 controls the lift hydraulic cylinder 17 to lower the contact member 16 (arrow j7), causing the contact member 16 to contact the rear side of the frame Mf on the front side of the mask M2.

[0068] exist Figure 11 In step (a), the replacement control unit 61 then retracts the piston 48a into the supply cylinder 48, separating the pair of spacers 52 from both end surfaces of the mask M2. This releases the mask M2 from the supply clamp 41 (supply clamp release step). Once the mask M2 is released from the supply clamp 41, the printing control unit 22 uses the forward and backward movement mechanism 18 to move the lift cylinder 17 toward the mask holder 14a, causing the contact member 16 to press against the front side of the mask M2 (arrow j8).

[0069] exist Figure 11 In step (b), the print control unit 22 raises the contact member 16, moves the lift cylinder 17 rearward, and lowers the contact member 16. Ultimately, the contact member 16 presses against the rear side of the frame Mf behind the mask M2, moving the mask M2 to the mask holder 14a (arrow j9). The print control unit 22 then causes the mask holder 14a's holding mechanism to hold the mask M1 (mask loading step). This completes the printing process in the printing apparatus 10, enabling printing using the mask M2.

[0070] As described above, the mask replacing apparatus 30 of this embodiment includes the holding portion 39 and the swinging portion 54. When the mask storage device 70 having the storage portion 73 is mounted, the holding portion 39 rotatably holds the mask M2 stored in the supply slot 72 of the storage portion 73 with its main surface vertical (a supply holder holding step) and then lifts the mask M2 to a predetermined height H5 (a supply holder raising step). The swinging portion 54 swings the mask M2, raised to the predetermined height H5, toward the printing apparatus 10, and partially inserts the mask M2 into the printing apparatus 10 (a swinging step).

[0071] When a portion of the mask M2 enters the printing device 10, the holding unit 39 descends while holding the mask M2 (a supply clamp lowering step), and the mask M2 is supplied to the printing device 10 with its main surface horizontal (a supply clamp releasing step). In this way, by supplying the mask M2, which has been stored with its main surface vertical, with its main surface horizontal, the mask replacement device 30 can be implemented with a compact footprint.

[0072] Next, refer to Figure 11 Next, a method for removing the mask storage device 70 from the mounting opening 33 of the mask replacement device 30 will be described.

[0073] exist Figure 11 In (a), when the replacement control unit 61 receives a lock release command by operating the touch panel 36, the replacement control unit 61 causes the shutter lift unit 37 to lower the shutter 38, sealing the front opening 32 (arrow k1) (sealing step). Once the front opening 32 is sealed, the replacement control unit 61 executes a release process to release the docking portion 75 from the locking mechanism 35 (releasing step). When the release process is complete, the replacement control unit 61 displays a message on the touch panel 36 stating "Preparation for removing the mask storage device 70 is complete."

[0074] exist Figure 11 In step (b), when preparations for removing the mask storage device 70 are complete, the operator or the automated transport vehicle moves the mask storage device 70 backward (arrow k2) and removes the mask storage device 70 from the mounting opening 33 of the mask changing apparatus 30 (mask storage device removal step). This completes the operation of removing the mask storage device 70, which has stored the used masks M1 in the storage portion 73, from the mask changing apparatus 30.

[0075] Industrial applicability

[0076] The mask replacing device of the present invention has the effect of being able to be realized with a small installation area, and is useful in the field of component mounting for mounting components on substrates.

[0077] Description of Reference Numerals

[0078] 10 Printing device

[0079] 30 Mask changing device

[0080] 39 Maintenance

[0081] 40 Recycling Gripper (Gripper)

[0082] 41 Supply gripper (gripper)

[0083] 54 Swinging part

[0084] 57 Pusher

[0085] 58 Information reading unit

[0086] 71 Recycling Slots (Slots)

[0087] 72 supply slots (slots)

[0088] 73 Storage Department

[0089] B substrate

[0090] H2, H5 height

[0091] M, M1, M2 masks

[0092] P solder paste.

Claims

1. A mask replacement device that supplies a mask having a predetermined printing pattern to a printing device, wherein the printing device prints solder paste on a substrate using the mask, The mask replacement device comprises: a storage portion for storing the mask with the main surface of the mask vertical; a holding portion that holds the mask so as to be rotatable and lifts the mask to a predetermined height; as well as a swinging portion that swings the mask raised to the predetermined height toward the printing device and places a portion of the mask into the printing device; When a portion of the mask enters the printing device, the holding portion descends while holding the mask so that the main surface of the mask becomes horizontal, and the mask is supplied to the printing device.

2. The mask replacement device according to claim 1, wherein: The storage portion has a plurality of slots for storing the mask.

3. The mask replacement device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The holding portion includes clamps for gripping both side surfaces of the mask.

4. The mask changing device according to claim 2, wherein: The holding portion includes a plurality of clampers corresponding to the plurality of slots and configured to hold both side surfaces of the mask.

5. The mask changing device according to claim 1, wherein: The swing portion includes a pusher that abuts against a back surface of the mask and swings the mask. The mask changing device according to claim 1 , wherein: The mask replacing device further includes an information reading unit that reads information given to the mask.

7. A mask replacement device that recovers a mask having a predetermined printing pattern from a printing device, wherein the printing device uses the mask to print solder paste on a substrate, The mask replacement device comprises: a holding portion that rotatably holds the mask at a position where the mask is carried out of the printing device with the main surface of the mask horizontal, and lifts the mask to a predetermined height to recover the mask; as well as a storage portion capable of storing the mask in a state where the main surface of the mask is vertical, The holding portion lowers the held and lifted mask with the main surface of the mask vertical, and stores the mask in the storage portion.

8. The mask changing device according to claim 7, wherein: The storage portion has a plurality of slots for storing the mask.

9. The mask changing device according to claim 7 or 8, wherein: The holding portion includes clamps for gripping both side surfaces of the mask.

10. The mask changing device according to claim 8, wherein: The holding portion includes a plurality of clampers corresponding to the plurality of slots and configured to hold both side surfaces of the mask.

Images