Carry-in / out method, storage device, and printing method

Abstract

The invention provides a carrying-in and carrying-out method, a storage device, and a printing method, the carrying-in and carrying-out method is used for carrying a replacement object from an automatic guided vehicle to the storage device or from the storage device to the automatic guided vehicle, and the carrying-in and carrying-out method comprises the following steps: a stopping step, a stopping means for stopping the automated guided vehicle on which the object to be replaced is placed in front of the storage device; a moving step of moving a gripping member provided in the storage device to a gripping position; a gripping step in which the gripping member moved to the gripping position grips the replacement object placed on the automated guided vehicle; and a carrying-in step of carrying the object to be replaced, which is held by the holding member, into the interior of the storage device.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the application filed on May 25, 2018, with application number 201880093643.1 and entitled "Storage Device and Printing System". Technical Field

[0002] This specification discloses the storage device and the printing system. Background Technology

[0003] Conventionally, in printing apparatuses that use screen masks to print viscous fluids onto substrates or other printing objects, devices for automatically changing the screen mask are known. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a printing apparatus that includes a downwardly protruding rod and a sliding element that moves the rod to slide the screen mask and pick it up and place it onto a main frame.

[0004] Existing technical documents

[0005] Patent documents

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 04-107146 Summary of the Invention

[0007] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0008] However, although the printing apparatus described above is equipped with multiple storage racks for holding screen masks, it also has conveyor belts for picking up and putting in screen masks from each storage rack, resulting in a cumbersome structure.

[0009] This disclosure was made in view of such a problem, and its main purpose is to provide a storage device and printing system that can further simplify the structure when moving and storing replacement objects used in printing apparatus.

[0010] Technical solutions for solving the problem

[0011] The storage device and printing system disclosed in this specification adopt the following solutions to achieve the above-mentioned main objectives.

[0012] The storage device disclosed herein is used in a printing apparatus having a printing section, which uses a replacement object including a screen mask to perform viscous fluid printing on a printing object. The storage device comprises: a storage section having a transfer platform for moving the replacement object in and out between the printing section and the printing section, and a plurality of mounting sections for storing the replacement object; a mounting section moving section for moving one of the mounting sections toward the transfer platform; and an object moving section disposed on the transfer platform, moving between a retraction position through which the mounting section passes and an contact position where it contacts the replacement object on the mounting section, and contacting the replacement object at the contact position to move the replacement object in the moving-out and moving-in direction.

[0013] In this storage device, an object moving part is disposed at a transfer platform for moving replacement objects in and out between the printing unit and the printing unit. The object moving part retracts to a retracted position, causing a specific mounting part to move towards the transfer platform, and then to a contact position to contact the replacement object, thereby moving the replacement object in the moving-out direction. Thus, in this storage device, it is not necessary to have object moving parts on all mounting parts, thereby simplifying the structure when moving and storing replacement objects for the printing apparatus. Here, "replacement objects" can include, in addition to screen masks, boxes for containing viscous fluids, squeegees, cleaning components for cleaning screen masks, and support components for fixing printing objects. "Printing objects" can include, for example, substrates for mounting components and three-dimensional objects. Furthermore, "viscous fluids" can include solder paste, conductive paste, and adhesives. In this storage device, the object moving part can also be disposed only at the transfer platform. Furthermore, the "transfer platform" can be a single layer or multiple layers, but a single layer simplifies the structure and is therefore preferred. This storage device achieves the simplest possible structure. Additionally, in this storage device, the aforementioned mounting section moving part moves the mounting section vertically, and the aforementioned object moving part moves the replacement object horizontally, which is the direction of movement in and out. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of an installation system 10 including a printing apparatus 11.

[0015] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the storage device 40 and the printing device 11.

[0016] Figure 3 This is an explanatory diagram of the object moving part 44 and the mounting part 50.

[0017] Figure 4 This is a block diagram showing the electrical connections of the installation system 10.

[0018] Figure 5 This is an explanatory diagram of the process of moving the screen mask M into the storage device 40.

[0019] Figure 6 This is an explanatory diagram of the process of feeding the screen mask M into the printing apparatus 11.

[0020] Figure 7 This is an explanatory diagram of the process of removing the screen mask M from the printing device 11.

[0021] Figure 8 This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the moving part 44B of other objects.

[0022] Figure 9 This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the moving part 44C of other objects.

[0023] Figure 10 This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of another moving-out and moving-in section 47B. Detailed Implementation

[0024] The following description of this embodiment is based on the accompanying drawings. Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a printing apparatus 11 and an installation system 10 that includes an example of the present disclosure. Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the storage device 40 and the printing device 11. Figure 3 This is an explanatory diagram of the object moving part 44 and the mounting part 50. Figure 3 (A) is a top view. Figure 3 (B) is the front view. Figure 4 This is a block diagram showing the electrical connections of the mounting system 10. The mounting system 10 is, for example, a system for mounting components onto a substrate S. The mounting system 10 includes: a printing system 12 having a printing apparatus 11 and a storage device 40, a mounting device 13, an automated guided vehicle 14, a management computer (PC) 18, and the storage device 40. The mounting system 10 is configured as a mounting line with multiple mounting devices 13 for mounting components onto the substrate S arranged downstream of the printing apparatus 11. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the left-right direction (X-axis), the front-back direction (Y-axis), and the up-down direction (Z-axis) are as follows... Figures 1-3 , Figures 5-10 As shown.

[0025] The mounting device 13 is a device for mounting components onto a substrate S printed with a viscous fluid such as solder paste by the printing device 11. The automated guided vehicle 14 moves between a storage facility for storing components related to the mounting process and the mounting line, automatically transporting components such as screen masks M. A storage device 40 is connected to the printing device 11, and the automated guided vehicle 14 temporarily stores the transported components in the storage device 40. The management PC 18 is a device for managing information about each device in the mounting system 10. The management PC 18 manages the progress status of each device on the mounting line, the components being transported by the automated guided vehicle 14, their current positions, etc. Each device in the mounting system 10 exchanges information with the management PC 18 and obtains information such as the progress status of other devices.

[0026] like Figures 1-4 As shown, the printing apparatus 11 is an apparatus that uses a squeegee 25 to press solder from a screen mask M into patterned holes formed in the screen mask M, thereby coating (printing) the substrate S, which is the object to be printed, with solder as a viscous fluid through these patterned holes. Examples of "printed objects" include, for example, a substrate S on which components are mounted, or a three-dimensional object. Examples of "viscous fluids" include solder paste, conductive paste, and adhesives. Here, the substrate S and solder will be described as an example. The printing apparatus 11 includes a control unit 21 (see reference 21). Figure 4 The printing apparatus 11 includes a printing unit 22, a mask processing unit 26, a substrate processing unit 30, a cleaning unit 32, and a supply unit 34. The control unit 21 is configured as a microprocessor centered on a CPU and controls the entire printing apparatus 11.

[0027] The printing unit 22 is a unit disposed on the upper layer of the printing apparatus 11 and uses a screen mask M to print viscous fluid onto the substrate S. For example... Figure 1 , Figure 4 As shown, the printing unit 22 includes a printing head 23, a printing moving part 24, a squeegee lifting part, and a squeegee 25. The printing moving part 24 moves the printing head 23 in a predetermined printing direction (here, the front-to-back direction), and includes a guide formed in the front-to-back direction, a slider that moves along the guide, and a motor that drives the slider. The squeegee 25 is disposed on the lower surface side of the printing head 23 and is raised and lowered by the squeegee lifting part. The printing unit 22 has two squeegees 25, each used in the front-to-back direction. Figure 2 As shown, the mask processing unit 26 is a unit disposed vertically between the printing unit 22 and the substrate processing unit 30, which fixes and holds the screen mask M. Figure 4As shown, the mask working unit 26 includes a mask moving part 27 and a mask fixing part 28. The mask moving part 27 is a transport rod provided on the print head 23, and descends to a position abutting against the screen mask M via a cylinder (not shown). The mask fixing part 28 positions and supports the screen mask M in a horizontal position. The screen mask M is pressed by the mask moving part 27 and moves back and forth along the guide of the mask working unit 26, and is fixed by the mask fixing part 28. Figure 2 As shown, the substrate processing unit 30 is disposed below the mask processing unit 26, and is responsible for transporting the substrate S, positioning and supporting the transported substrate S so that the substrate S contacts and moves away from the screen mask M. The substrate processing unit 30 includes: a substrate transport unit 31 for transporting the substrate S in the left-right direction; a substrate support member for supporting the substrate S from below; and a substrate lifting unit for raising and lowering the entire substrate processing unit 30 and the substrate support member. Figure 2 As shown, the cleaning unit 32 is a unit disposed vertically between the mask processing unit 26 and the substrate processing unit 30, and performs cleaning processing on the back side of the screen mask M. The cleaning unit 32 has a cleaning component 33, which cleans the screen mask M. The supply unit 34 is a unit that supplies solder contained in a cartridge 35 onto the screen mask M. The supply unit 34 is disposed in front of the print head 23. The supply unit 34 applies pressure to the cartridge 35 to discharge the solder. The cleaning component 33 and the cartridge 35 are consumables and are replaced as needed.

[0028] A storage device 40 is disposed in front of the printing apparatus 11. The storage device 40 stores replacement objects used in the printing apparatus 11, including the screen mask M, and moves these replacement objects between the printing apparatus 11 and the automated guided vehicle 14. Here, "replacement objects" can include, in addition to the screen mask M, a container 35 for holding viscous fluids, a scraper 25, a cleaning component 33 used for cleaning the screen mask M, and a support component (substrate support component) for fixing the printed object. Here, the screen mask M will be the primary focus of the description.

[0029] The storage device 40 includes a control unit 41, a storage unit 42, a mounting unit moving part 43, an object moving part 44, a transfer / in part 47, a mounting part 50, and a door part 53. The mounting part 50 is a frame for mounting the screen mask M. Figure 3 As shown, the mounting section 50 includes a support roller 51 and a plate 52. The support roller 51 supports the screen mask M without being connected to the drive section, and is disposed at two locations near the end of a support shaft that is supported on the sidewall and is capable of rotation. The support roller 51 is disposed at multiple locations (six locations) in the mounting section 50. The support roller 51 is disposed in the area of ​​the screen mask M other than the printing area, such that it supports at least the end region E (frame portion) of the screen mask M (see reference). Figure 3(B) The plate 52 is a plate-shaped component disposed below the printing area of ​​the screen mask M, which is mounted on the support roller 51. The plate 52 is fixed in such a way that it can be removed from the housing of the mounting part 50. In the storage device 40, the mounting part 50 is housed in a plurality of (e.g., five) storage parts 42.

[0030] The control unit 41 is configured as a microprocessor centered on a CPU, controlling the driving of each drive unit (motor, cylinder) and the overall storage device 40. The storage unit 42 is formed inside the housing of the storage device 40 and has a transfer platform 58 for moving the screen mask M between the storage unit 42 and the printing unit 22. It also houses multiple mounting units 50 and stores the screen mask M. An opening 16 for the screen mask M to pass through is formed on the transfer platform 58 on the printing unit 11 side of the storage unit 42. Furthermore, a transfer inlet 17 for the screen mask M to pass through is formed on the transfer platform 58 on the unmanned transport vehicle 14 side of the storage unit 42 (see reference). Figure 1 , Figure 2 The mounting unit moving unit 43 performs a process to move a certain mounting unit 50 towards the transfer table 58. For example... Figure 2 As shown, the mounting section moving section 43 has a plurality of support sections that support the mounting section 50 at predetermined intervals, and the mounting section 50 is raised and lowered in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction) by a linear drive section formed in the vertical direction.

[0031] The object moving part 44 is a unit that abuts against the screen mask M and moves it in the conveying direction (Y-axis direction, front-back direction). For example... Figure 3 As shown, the object moving part 44 is disposed on the transfer table 58, and moves between a retracted position (dashed line in the figure) where the mounting part 50 passes through, and an abutting position (solid line in the figure) where it abuts against the screen mask M on the mounting part 50. Furthermore, Figure 3The object moving part 44 at the left contact position is omitted. When the mounting part 50 is raised or lowered, the object moving part 44 moves to a retracted position to avoid contact with the mounting part 50. This object moving part 44 includes a clamping member 45, a transport roller 46, a driven roller, a retraction drive part 56, and a transport drive part 57. The object moving part 44 has at least one pair of clamping members 45 and at least one pair of transport rollers 46 on both sides. Only one pair of object moving parts 44 is disposed on the transfer table 58. The clamping member 45 is a component that moves between the retracted position and the contact position and is used to clamp the end of the screen mask M. The clamping member 45 is disposed on the side of the screen mask M. The clamping member 45 is a belt that is suspended between the transport roller 46 and the driven roller, driven by the transport roller 46, and directly abuts against the screen mask M. That is, the object moving part 44 is configured as a pair of left and right conveyor belts. The contact surface of the belt abutting against the screen mask M is arranged vertically. The belt abuts against the side of the frame located on the outer periphery of the screen mask M. The transport roller 46 moves together with the clamping member 45 between a retracted position and an contact position, and moves the screen mask M in the conveying / in direction by conveying the clamping member 45. Furthermore, although omitted in the figure, one or more support rollers supporting the clamping member 45 may be provided between the transport roller 46 and the driven roller. The retraction drive 56 moves the clamping member 45 and the transport roller 46 between the retracted position and the contact position. The retraction drive 56 is connected to the central axis of the transport roller 46, and moves the clamping member 45 in a horizontal direction (X-axis direction) orthogonal to the conveying / in direction via this central axis. The retraction drive 56 is fixed to the housing of the receiving device 40 and supports the clamping member 45 and the transport roller 46 in a downward-hanging position (see reference). Figure 2 , Figure 3 (B)). The retraction drive unit 56 can be a cylinder or a linear motor. The transport drive unit 57 is a motor that drives the transport roller 46 to rotate, and is disposed above the transport roller 46. The retraction drive unit 56 and the transport drive unit 57 are fixed at positions offset from the lifting area of ​​the transport unit 50 in a manner that does not obstruct the lifting of the mounting unit 50 (see reference). Figure 3 (A)).

[0032] The move-in / out unit 47 is a unit that moves in and out replacement objects such as the screen mask M between itself and the automated guided vehicle 14. For example... Figure 2As shown, the transfer-in / extraction unit 47 is housed within the storage unit 42 and disposed on the transfer table 58. This transfer-in / extraction unit 47 protrudes outward from the storage unit 42, thereby performing the process of pulling the screen mask M into or out of the storage unit 42. The automated guided vehicle 14 may lack a device for externally extruding the screen mask M. In the storage device 40, the screen mask M is exchanged with the automated guided vehicle 14 via the outwardly protruding transfer-in / extraction unit 47. The transfer-in / extraction unit 47 includes a gripping member 48, a transfer-in / extraction roller 49, a movement drive unit, and a rotation drive unit. The gripping member 48 is a member used to grip the end of the replacement object disposed outside the storage device 40. The transfer-in / extraction roller 49 moves together with the gripping member 48 and directly abuts against the screen mask M in the transfer-in / extraction direction. The feed roller 49 is disposed at the front end of the holding member 48. The movement drive unit is a motor that rotates the feed roller 49 and is disposed at the front end of the holding member 48 together with the feed roller 49. The rotation drive unit is a rotary actuator that rotates the holding member 48 between a holding position and a releasing position. This rotation drive unit is connected to the rotation shaft of the holding member 48. The feed section 47 has at least one pair of holding members 48, at least one pair of feed rollers 49, at least one pair of movement drive units, and at least one pair of rotation drive units, and grips and moves the screen mask M from both sides. The holding members 48 and the rotation drive units are supported and fixed from below the transfer table 58 to avoid interference with the object moving part 44.

[0033] Gate 53 is a gate unit that restricts the outward movement of the screen mask M. Gate 53 is located near the opening 16 (see reference). Figure 1 The door is located at two positions near the loading / unloading entrance 17. Furthermore, the illustration of the door 53 located at the loading / unloading entrance 17 is omitted here. Figure 1 , Figure 4 As shown, the door portion 53 has a baffle plate 54 and an opening / closing drive unit 55. The baffle plate 54 is in a limiting position that restricts the movement of the screen mask M of the transfer table 58 in the loading / unloading direction. Figure 1 (solid line) and an open position that allows the screen mask M to move in the loading and unloading direction ( Figure 1 The gate portion 53 moves between the dotted lines. The baffle 54 of the gate portion 53 moves in a direction orthogonal to the direction of the screen mask M's movement (vertical direction). The opening and closing drive unit 55 is an actuator that moves the baffle 54 between a restricted position and an open position. The mounting portion 50 has a freely rotating support roller 51, which facilitates the smooth movement of the screen mask M. The gate portion 53 is fixed in the restricted position except when the screen mask M is being moved in or out, thus restricting undesirable outward movement of the screen mask M.

[0034] Next, the operation of the storage device 40 configured in this way will be explained. First, the process of moving the screen mask M, which is the object to be replaced, from the unmanned transport vehicle 14 into the storage device 40 will be explained. Figure 5 This is an explanatory diagram of the process of moving the screen mask M into the storage device 40. Figure 5 (A) is a diagram showing the transfer-out / transfer-in unit 47 in the released position. Figure 5 (B) is a diagram of the screen mask M held by the infeed / outfeed unit 47. Figure 5 (C) is a diagram showing the loading of the screen mask M. The automated guided vehicle 14 places the screen mask M at the height of the transfer platform 58. First, the control unit 41 receives the loading command for the screen mask M, which is transported by the automated guided vehicle 14, from the management PC 18. The control unit 41 moves the barrier 54 of the door 53 to the open position and opens the loading / unloading inlet 17, and secures the loading / unloading section 47 to the released position. Figure 5 (A)). The unmanned transport vehicle 14 stops in front of the storage device 40. Next, the control unit 41 drives the rotation drive unit to rotate and move the holding member 48 to the holding position, whereby the holding member 48 holds the screen mask M ( Figure 5 (B)). Next, the control unit 41 drives the movement drive unit and rotates the feed roller 49 that abuts against the side of the screen mask M, thereby moving the screen mask M in the feed direction. Figure 5 (C) If the screen mask M enters the storage section 42, the control section 41 uses the retraction drive section 56 to make the clamping member 45 abut against the side of the screen mask M, and uses the transport drive section 57 to drive the transport roller 46 and move the screen mask M to the center region of the placement section 50. Furthermore, the control section 41 moves the baffle 54 of the door section 53 to a restricted position to restrict the outward movement of the screen mask M. In this way, the storage device 40 can store the screen mask M in the storage section 42 using the transfer-in / extraction section 47.

[0035] Next, the process of moving the screen mask M from the storage device 40 to the printing device 11 will be explained. Figure 6 This is an explanatory diagram of the process of feeding the screen mask M into the printing apparatus 11. Figure 6 (A) is a diagram of the ready state. Figure 6 (B) is a diagram based on the movement of the object moving part 44. Figure 6(C) is a diagram based on the loading of the screen mask moving unit 27. The transfer platform 58 of the mounting unit 50 is at the same height as the screen mask working unit 26, and the screen mask M moves horizontally. First, the control unit 41 and the control unit 21 receive the loading command of the screen mask M to the printing device 11 from the management PC 18. The control unit 41 moves the baffle 54 of the door 53 to the open position and opens the opening 16. In addition, the control unit 41 moves the clamping member 45 to the abutment position by means of the retraction drive unit 56, and uses the clamping member 45 to clamp the side of the screen mask M ( Figure 6 (A)). Next, the control unit 41 drives the transport drive unit 57 to rotate the transport roller 46, and moves the screen mask M in the transport direction via the clamping member 45. Figure 6 (B)). The control unit 21 moves the printing head 23 to a position where the screen mask M can be moved by the mask moving unit 27. Additionally, the control unit 21 lowers the transport rod of the mask moving unit 27. Next, if the screen mask M is moved out of the storage unit 42, the control unit 41 moves the clamping member 45 to the retraction position via the retraction drive unit 56, and moves the baffle plate 54 to the restriction position via the opening / closing drive unit 55. Furthermore, the control unit 21 causes the transport rod of the mask moving unit 27 to abut against the frame of the screen mask M, and moves the screen mask M together with the printing head 23. Figure 6 (C)). In this way, the storage device 40 can deliver the screen mask M to the printing device 11 by means of the object moving part 44.

[0036] Next, the process of moving the screen mask M from the printing device 11 to the storage device 40 will be explained. Figure 7 This is an explanatory diagram of the process of removing the screen mask M from the printing device 11. Figure 7 (A) is a diagram of the ready state. Figure 7 (B) is a diagram based on the movement of the mask moving part 27. Figure 7 (C) is a diagram based on the loading of the object moving part 44. First, the control unit 41 and control unit 21 receive the loading command from the management PC 18 for the screen mask M to be moved to the storage device 40. The control unit 41 moves the cover plate 54 of the door 53 to the open position and opens the opening 16. Figure 7 (A)). Additionally, the control unit 21 moves the printing head 23 to the position of the moving screen mask M, causing the transport rod to descend and abut against the frame of the screen mask M. Next, the control unit 21 moves the printing head 23 in a manner that presses against the frame of the screen mask M, and moves the screen mask M in the transport direction (A). Figure 7(B)). Next, the control unit 41 moves the clamping member 45 to the contact position via the retraction drive unit 56, and clamps the side of the screen mask M using the clamping member 45. Next, the control unit 41 drives the transport drive unit 57 to rotate the transport roller 46, and moves the screen mask M in the transport direction using the clamping member 45. Next, if the screen mask M is housed inside the storage unit 42, the control unit 41 moves the clamping member 45 to the retraction position via the retraction drive unit 56, and moves the baffle plate 54 to the restriction position via the opening and closing drive unit 55. Alternatively, the control unit 41 can move the mounting unit 50, on which the used screen mask M is mounted, to a layer different from the transfer table 58 via the mounting unit moving unit 43. Figure 7 (C)). In this way, the storage device 40 can recycle the wire mesh mask M using the object moving part 44.

[0037] Here, the correspondence between the constituent elements of this embodiment and the constituent elements of this disclosure is clearly defined. In this embodiment, the storage section 42 corresponds to the storage section, the placement section moving section 43 corresponds to the placement section moving section, the object moving section 44 corresponds to the object moving section, the transfer-out and transfer-in section 47 corresponds to the transfer-out and transfer-in section, and the door section 53 corresponds to the door section.

[0038] In the storage device 40 of this embodiment described above, the object moving part 44 is disposed at the transfer table 58 between the printing unit 22 and the transfer table 58 for moving the screen mask M, which is a replacement object, in and out. It retracts to a retracted position, causing one of the mounting parts 50 to move toward the transfer table 58, and then to an abutting position to abut against the replacement object, moving it in the transfer direction. Thus, in this storage device 40, it is not necessary to provide the object moving part 44 on all mounting parts 50, thereby simplifying the structure when moving and storing replacement objects for the printing device 11. Furthermore, the object moving part 44 has at least one pair of clamping members 45 and at least one pair of transport rollers 46. The clamping members 45 move between the retracted position and the abutting position to clamp the end of the replacement object, and the transport rollers 46 move together with the clamping members 45 to move the replacement object in the transfer direction. In this storage device 40, the replacement object can be clamped by the clamping member 45 and moved in the transport direction by the transport roller 46. The clamping member 45 is a belt attached to and driven by the transport roller 46 and in contact with the replacement object. In this storage device 40, a conveyor belt can be used to more reliably clamp and transport the replacement object. Furthermore, since the clamping member 45 is disposed on the side of the replacement object, the replacement object can be moved in the transport direction by clamping it from the side. Additionally, in this storage device 40, the object moving part 44 retracts to the side, i.e., in the horizontal direction, so when the mounting part 50 moves in the vertical direction, it is less likely to obstruct the movement of the mounting part 50.

[0039] Furthermore, the mounting section 50 is equipped with multiple support rollers 51 that support at least the end of the object to be replaced. In this storage device 40, the object to be replaced can be moved more smoothly due to the support rollers 51. In addition, the mounting section 50 is equipped with support rollers 51 that do not have a drive unit, thus simplifying the structure. Moreover, the support rollers 51 of the mounting section 50 are located in the area of ​​the screen mask M other than the printing area (the frame area). Sometimes, viscous fluid adheres to the back of the screen mask M. Since the support rollers 51 are not located in the printing area, it is possible to prevent the support rollers 51 from getting dirty. Furthermore, the mounting section 50 has a plate 52 that can be removed from below the printing area of ​​the mounted screen mask M. In this storage device 40, even if viscous fluid falls from the screen mask M, it can be caught by the plate 52, making it easy to remove the plate 52 for cleaning.

[0040] Furthermore, the storage device 40 includes a door 53, which moves between a restrictive position that limits the movement of the replacement object on the transfer table 58 in the transfer-out and transfer-in directions and an open position that allows the replacement object to move in the transfer-out and transfer-in directions. In this storage device 40, the door 53 prevents the replacement object from accidentally moving out of the device. The door 53 moves in a direction orthogonal to the direction of movement of the object moving part 44. For example, if the object moving part 44 moves horizontally, the door 53 moves vertically. In this storage device 40, it is preferable that the movement of the object moving part 44 and the movement of the door 53 do not easily interfere with each other.

[0041] Furthermore, the storage device 40 includes a transfer / in section 47, which is housed in the storage section 42 and disposed on the transfer table 58, and protrudes outward from the storage section 42. This allows for the pulling of a replacement item into or from the storage section 42. In this storage device 40, the protruding transfer / in section 47 facilitates the easy pulling of a replacement item into and from the storage section 42. Additionally, the transfer / in section 47 has at least one pair of gripping members 48 and at least one pair of transfer / in rollers 49. The gripping members 48 grip the ends of replacement items disposed outside the storage device 40, and the transfer / in rollers 49 move together with the gripping members 48, moving the replacement item in the transfer / in direction. In this storage device 40, the object to be replaced is held by the holding member 48, so that the object to be replaced can be pulled into or sent out of the storage section 42 by the transfer roller 49.

[0042] Furthermore, the printing system 12 includes: the aforementioned storage device 40; and a printing apparatus including a printing section 22, which uses a replacement object sent from the storage device 40 to perform a viscous fluid printing process on the substrate S, which is the printing object. In this printing system 12, similar to the aforementioned storage device 40, the structure can be further simplified when moving and storing replacement objects for the printing apparatus 11.

[0043] Furthermore, the storage device and printing system disclosed herein are not limited to the above embodiments in any way, and it goes without saying that they can be implemented in various ways as long as they fall within the technical scope of this disclosure.

[0044] For example, in the above embodiment, the case where the storage device 40 has only one layer of transfer platform 58 has been described, but it is not particularly limited to this and may have two or more layers. In this case, if the number of transfer platforms 58 is less than the number of placement units 50, the object moving parts 44 can be reduced, and the structure can be further simplified. In addition, the object moving parts 44 can be provided in the transfer platform 58, and if the structure can be simplified, they may also exist in other layers.

[0045] In the above embodiment, the conveyor belt, i.e. the object moving part 44, which has a clamping member 45 as a belt and a conveying roller 46 as a drive belt, has been described, but it is not particularly limited thereto. Figure 8 This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the object moving part 44B. In this object moving part 44B, the clamping member 45B is a support member that supports the transfer roller 46B. The transfer roller 46B is disposed on the clamping member 45B and directly abuts against the replacement object, causing the replacement object to move in the transfer-out and transfer-in direction. In this storage device 40B, the transfer roller 46B is moved between a retracted position and an abutting position by the clamping member 45B, which serves as a support member, allowing the transfer roller 46B to directly abut against and move the replacement object.

[0046] Alternatively, the object moving part that moves the object to be replaced may have a clamping member 45 and a conveying roller 46, which is not limited to this. Figure 9 This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of another object moving part 44C. This object moving part 44C has at least one pair of clamping members 45C and at least one pair of direct drive units 46C. The clamping members 45C move between a retracted position and an abutting position to clamp the end of the replacement object, and the direct drive units 46C move the replacement object together with the clamping members 45C in a transfer-in direction. In this storage device 40C, the replacement object can be clamped by the clamping members 45C, and the replacement object can be moved in the transfer-in direction by the direct drive units 46C. The direct drive unit 46C can be, for example, a cylinder or a linear motor. Alternatively, the direct drive unit 46C can also move the clamping members 45C, supported by an extended support member, to the outside of the storage part 42 (see reference). Figure 9 (The double-dotted line). In this storage device 40C, the object moving part 44C can also serve as the loading and unloading part 47. In addition, Figure 9 It may have only one pair of clamping parts 45C, but it may also have two or more pairs of clamping parts 45C.

[0047] In the above-described embodiment, the storage device 40 has a transfer and loading section 47 having a holding member 48 and a transfer and loading roller 49, but it is not particularly limited to this if it protrudes to the outside and exchanges or replaces objects. Figure 10This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of another transfer-out / transfer-in section 47B. This transfer-out / transfer-in section 47B includes: a hook member 48B, supported by a shaft 60 and hooking the end of a replacement object disposed outside the storage device 40, thereby moving the replacement object in the transfer-out / transfer-in direction; a guide member 59, guiding the hook member 48B between a protruding position protruding outwards from the storage device 40 and a pull-in position inside the storage device 40; and a drive unit 49B, causing the hook member 48B to move along the guidance of the guide member 59. The shaft 60 is inserted into a guide hole of the guide member 59 and moves along the guide hole. A limiting plate is provided in the guide hole to guide the shaft 60 in one direction. The limiting plate opens the guide hole when pressed from below. This limiting plate moves the shaft 60 from the pull-in position to the hook position in the front-back direction; if the shaft 60 enters from below, the limiting plate opens, allowing the shaft 60 to move to the pull-in position. In the transfer-out / transfer-in section 47B, the object to be replaced is hooked by the hanging member 48B. The drive unit 49B moves the hanging member 48B along the guide member 59, thereby allowing the object to be transferred into or out of the storage section 42. Furthermore, when the loading section 50 is raised or lowered, the entire transfer-out / transfer-in section 47B moves from a horizontal position (…). Figure 10 It jumps up to a vertical position so as not to hinder the movement of the mounting part 50.

[0048] Alternatively, the transfer / in section, which is not limited to pulling in and sending out replacement objects, may include a gripping member 48 and a transfer / in roller 49. For example, the transfer / in section may have at least one pair of gripping members and at least one pair of direct drive units. The gripping members are used to grip the end of the replacement object disposed outside the storage device 40, and the direct drive units move the replacement object together with the gripping members in the transfer / in direction (see reference). Figure 9 In this storage device, the object to be replaced can be held by a gripping member, and the object to be replaced can be pulled into or sent out of the storage section by a direct drive unit. The storage device 40 can also be as follows... Figure 9 In that case, the object moving part and the loading / unloading part can be made into shared components, or they can be set up separately.

[0049] In the above embodiment, the printing apparatus 11 has a mask moving part 27, but it may also lack a mask moving part 27. In this case, the storage device 40 can simply have a transfer-in part 47 on the side of the printing apparatus 11. Alternatively, the unmanned transport vehicle 14 may not have a structure for pulling in and sending out replacement objects, but it may also have such a structure. In this case, the storage device 40 may omit the transfer-in part 47.

[0050] In the above embodiments, the object to be replaced is the screen mask M, but it is not limited to this as long as it is any component that needs to be replaced. In addition to the screen mask M, it can also be a box 35 for containing viscous fluid, a scraper 25, a cleaning component 33 used for cleaning the screen mask M, and a support component for fixing the printing object, etc. Furthermore, the printing object is a substrate S, but it is not particularly limited to a structure that prints viscous fluid; it can also be a three-dimensional object, etc. Additionally, the viscous fluid is solder paste, but it can also be conductive paste, adhesive, etc.

[0051] In the above embodiment, a structure in which the object moving part 44 is disposed on the side of the object to be replaced and clamps the side to move it has been described, but it is not particularly limited thereto. For example, the object moving part 44 may also clamp the upper and lower surfaces of the object to be replaced and move it.

[0052] In the above embodiment, the support roller 51 is only disposed in the end region of the screen mask M, and serves as a support shaft in other regions, but is not particularly limited thereto; the support roller may also be formed integrally on the support shaft. Additionally, the mounting portion 50 includes the support roller 51 and the plate 52, but is not particularly limited thereto; either of these may be omitted. The mounting portion 50 has a mounting surface and is also capable of moving the screen mask M.

[0053] In the above embodiment, a door portion 53 is provided where the baffle 54 can move up and down, but it is not particularly limited to this; the baffle 54 can also move left and right. Furthermore, although the storage device 40 includes a door portion 53, the door portion 53 can be omitted. If the door portion 53 is omitted, the storage device 40 may also have a locking mechanism provided on the support roller 51, or the support roller 51 itself may be omitted.

[0054] Industrial applicability

[0055] This disclosure can be utilized in the field of apparatus for mounting components.

[0056] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0057] 10...Installation System 11...Printing Unit 12...Printing System 13...Installation Device 14...Automatic Transport Vehicle 16...Opening 17...Transfer Inlet / Outlet 18...Management PC 21...Control Unit 22...Printing Unit 23...Print Head 24...Printing Movement Unit 25...Scraper 26...Mask Operation Unit 27...Mask Movement Unit 28...Mask Fixing Unit 30...Substrate Processing Unit 31...Substrate Transport Unit 32...Cleaning Unit 33...Cleaning Components 34...Supply Unit 35...Boxes 40, 40B, 40C...Storage Device 41...Control Unit 42...Storage Unit 43...Loading Unit Movement Unit 44, 44B, 44C...Object Movement Unit 45, 45B, 45 C...Clamping components 46, 46B...Transfer rollers 46C...Direct drive units 47, 47B...Transfer-out / transfer-in units 48...Holding components 48B...Hanging components 49...Transfer-out / transfer-in rollers 49B...Drive unit 50...Loading unit 51...Support roller 52...Plate 53...Door section 54...Blinding plate 55...Opening / closing drive unit 56...Retreat drive unit 57...Transfer drive unit 58...Transfer station 59...Guide component 60...Shaft E...End area M...Screen mask S...Substrate

Claims

1. A method for moving in and out, comprising moving replacement objects used in a printing apparatus from an automated guided vehicle (AGV) to a storage device or from the storage device to the AGV, the method comprising: The process is stopped so that the unmanned transport vehicle carrying the replacement object stops in front of the storage device; The moving process moves the gripping component of the storage device toward the gripping position; The holding process involves holding the replacement object placed on the unmanned transport vehicle by moving the holding component to the holding position; and The loading process involves loading the replacement object, held by the gripping component, into the storage device.

2. The method for moving in and out according to claim 1, wherein, During the stopping process, the unmanned transport vehicle carrying the object to be replaced is brought to a stop in front of the storage device. In the holding process, the replacement object housed in the storage device is held by the holding member. The moving-in and moving-out method includes the following moving-out process: moving the replacement object held by the holding component from inside the storage device to the unmanned transport vehicle.

3. The method for moving in and out according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The printing apparatus prints the viscous fluid onto a printing object below by pressing a viscous fluid on a screen mask into patterned holes formed in the screen mask.

4. The method for moving in and out according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The replacement object is one or more of the following: a screen mask with patterned holes for printing viscous fluid onto the printing object; a box for containing viscous fluid; a scraper for pressing viscous fluid into the patterned holes; a cleaning component used for cleaning the screen mask; and a support component for fixing the printing object.

5. A storage device for use in a printing apparatus having a printing section, wherein the printing section performs printing of a viscous fluid onto a printing object using a replacement object. The storage device includes: The storage section houses multiple mounting sections that hold the replacement object; A gripping component protrudes outward from the storage section and grips the replacement object placed on the automated guided vehicle in a gripping position; and The control unit causes the gripping component to perform a process of pulling the replacement object into the storage section or sending the replacement object out of the storage section.

6. The storage device according to claim 5, wherein, The storage device includes: The infeed roller moves together with the holding component and comes into direct contact with the object to be replaced, causing the object to be replaced to move in the infeed / outfeed direction; and The rotating drive unit causes the gripping member to rotate between a gripping position that grips the object to be replaced and a release position that releases the grip.

7. The storage device according to claim 5 or 6, wherein, The printing apparatus prints the viscous fluid onto a printing object below by pressing a viscous fluid on a screen mask into patterned holes formed in the screen mask.

8. The storage device according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein, The replacement object is one or more of the following: a screen mask with patterned holes for printing viscous fluid onto the printing object; a box for containing viscous fluid; a scraper for pressing viscous fluid into the patterned holes; a cleaning component used for cleaning the screen mask; and a support component for fixing the printing object.

9. A printing method, performed by a printing apparatus, said printing apparatus comprising a mask working section for fixing and holding a screen mask, wherein a printing object including said screen mask is used to perform printing processing on a printing object containing a viscous fluid. The printing method includes the following steps: Instructions to bring in the replacement object, which will be transported by an automated guided vehicle; The unmanned transport vehicle raises the replacement object, which it has transported from the storage room where the replacement object is stored, to the height of the mask operation unit; and The replacement object, which has risen to the height of the mask working section, is moved toward the printing device. The process of instructing the movement of the replacement object carried by the automated guided vehicle is the process of instructing the movement of the replacement object from the automated guided vehicle to the storage device for the replacement object, which is moved between the automated guided vehicle and the printing unit.

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