Printing apparatus and printing system

Abstract

To more efficiently replace a replaceable member used in a printer.SOLUTION: A printing device includes a printing part for performing printing processing of a viscous fluid by using a screen mask to a processing object, and a receiving part for receiving a housing rack having a plurality of shelf parts for housing a frame capable of supporting a replaceable member related to the printing processing performed in the printing part.EFFECT: Since the entire housing rack that houses the plurality of replaceable members can be replaced, the replaceable members can be replaced more efficiently.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] Disclosed herein are a printing device, a printing system, and a frame change unit. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, for example, in a printing device that performs a printing process of a viscous fluid on a printing target such as a substrate using a screen mask, there has been known a device that automatically replaces replaceable members including the screen mask used in the printing device. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a printing device in which a printing device is installed in front of the printing device and replaceable members are automatically replaced between the printing devices. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2018 / 105016 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the above-mentioned printing device, for example, when an automatic guided vehicle transports an exchangeable part such as a screen mask and the exchangeable part is replaced in the printing device, at least two spaces are required: one where the exchangeable part is completely separated from the automatic guided vehicle and one where the exchangeable part is completely separated from the storage device, and the exchange requires adjusting the vertical position, which means that the exchange takes a long time.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of such problems, and its main object is to provide a printing device, a printing system, and a frame replacement unit that enable more efficient replacement of replaceable parts used in the printing device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The printing apparatus, printing system, and frame replacement unit disclosed in this specification employ the following means to achieve the above-mentioned main object.

[0007] The printing device of the present disclosure includes: a printing unit that performs a printing process of a viscous fluid on a processing object using a screen mask; a receiving section for receiving a storage rack having a plurality of shelves for accommodating frames capable of supporting replaceable members related to the printing process performed in the printing section; It is equipped with the following.

[0008] This printing device receives a storage rack having multiple shelves that house frames capable of supporting replaceable components related to the printing process performed in the printing unit. In this printing device, the storage rack that houses the multiple replaceable components can be replaced as a whole, making it possible to more efficiently replace the replaceable components. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic explanatory diagram showing an example of a mounting system 10 and a printing system 12. [Figure 2] 2 is a schematic explanatory diagram of a printing device 11, a frame replacement unit 40, and a storage rack 50. FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical connections of the mounting system 10. [Figure 4] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a member replacement processing routine. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the frame exchange unit 40 receiving the storage rack 50. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of replacing the screen mask M. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of another accommodation rack 50B. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a printing device 110 equipped with a storage device 140. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] This embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a mounting system 10 and a printing system 12 including a printing device 11 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating the printing device 11, a frame replacement unit 40, and a storage rack 50. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating the electrical connections of the mounting system 10. The mounting system 10 is a system that mounts components, for example, on a substrate S as a processing target. The mounting system 10 includes the printing device 11, a mounting device 13, an automated guided vehicle 18, and a management computer (PC) 60. The mounting system 10 is configured as a mounting line in which multiple mounting devices 13 that mount components on the substrate S are arranged downstream of the printing device 11. The printing system 12 is configured with the printing device 11 and a management PC 60 whose main function is to manage the printing device 11. In this embodiment, the left-right direction (X-axis), the front-back direction (Y-axis), and the up-down direction (Z-axis) are as shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 5, and 6.

[0011] The storage area 15 is an area where replaceable components (hereinafter simply referred to as components) used in the mounting system 10 are prepared. For example, components used in the mounting system 10 include, in the printing device 11, a screen mask M, a support member 32 for fixing the processing target, a squeegee 25 for applying solder paste as a viscous fluid in the printing process, a cartridge 36 for storing the viscous fluid, and a cleaning member 34 for cleaning the screen mask M. The storage area 15 is provided with an arm robot 16 and a preparation table 17. The arm robot 16 performs the task of loading a storage rack 50 prepared for the next use from the preparation table 17 onto an automated guided vehicle 18, and the task of moving a used storage rack 50 collected by the automated guided vehicle 18 to the preparation table 17. The preparation table 17 is a work table on which new storage racks 50 and used storage racks 50 are placed. The arm robot 16 is controlled by a control PC (not shown). This control PC receives replacement commands from the management PC 60 via a network line and outputs information such as the work status of the arm robot 16 to the management PC 60. Note that in the warehouse area 15, the movement and preparation of the storage racks 50 may be performed by a worker.

[0012] The mounting device 13 is a device that mounts components onto the board S on which a viscous fluid such as solder paste has been printed by the printing device 11.

[0013] The automated guided vehicle 18 moves between the mounting line and a warehouse area 15, where materials related to the mounting process are stored and prepared for use. It automatically transports storage racks 50 containing materials such as screen masks M. A frame exchange unit 40 that accepts the storage racks 50 is connected to the printing apparatus 11, and the automated guided vehicle 18 delivers the transported storage racks 50 to the frame exchange unit 40. The automated guided vehicle 18 may be an AGV that moves along a line formed on the floor or an AMR that travels autonomously based on signals obtained from a sensor or camera. The automated guided vehicle 18 includes a controller, a drive unit, a communication unit, and a mounting unit. The controller controls the entire apparatus. The drive unit is a motor that rotates the wheels and is controlled by the controller. The communication unit is a wireless interface that communicates with external devices such as the printing apparatus 11 and the management PC 60. The automated guided vehicle 18 transmits and receives commands and signals to and from the management PC 60 and the printing apparatus 11 via the communication unit. The automated guided vehicle 18 has a loading section on its upper surface on which components such as storage racks 50 are placed. The automated guided vehicle 18 enters a lifting space 48 formed in the center of the frame exchange unit 40, and receives and transfers the storage racks 50 between the automated guided vehicle 18 and the frame exchange unit 40.

[0014] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the printing device 11 uses a squeegee 25 to push solder on a screen mask M into pattern holes formed in the screen mask M, thereby applying (printing) the solder as a viscous fluid onto a substrate S serving as a processing target below through the pattern holes. Examples of the "processing target" include a substrate S on which components are mounted and a three-dimensional base material. Examples of the "viscous fluid" include solder paste, conductive paste, and adhesive. The following description uses the substrate S and solder as examples. The screen mask M is fixed inside a frame 29. The frame 29 can hold screen masks M of various sizes and is sized to fit on a shelf 51 of a storage rack 50 (see FIG. 1). As shown in FIG. 3, the printing device 11 includes a print control unit 21, a printing unit 22, a mask operation unit 26, a substrate processing unit 30, a cleaning unit 33, a supply unit 35, and a frame replacement unit 40.

[0015] The print control unit 21 is configured as a microprocessor centered on a CPU and controls the entire printing apparatus 11. The print control unit 21 outputs signals to and receives signals from the printing unit 22, mask operation unit 26, substrate processing unit 30, cleaning unit 33, supply unit 35, and frame replacement unit 40, as well as the management PC 60 (an external device). For example, the print control unit 21 outputs request information to the management PC 60 (a management device) requesting the movement of the storage rack 50 in accordance with the usage status of replaceable components in the printing unit 22. The print control unit 21 also receives an acceptance signal from the automated guided vehicle 18 indicating that the storage rack 50 has been attached to the frame replacement unit 40. The print control unit 21 also controls the replacement unit 27 to replace the screen mask M between the storage rack 50 and the printing unit 22. The print control unit 21 has a memory unit that stores information about the substrate S to be printed, a printing processing program for performing the printing processing on the substrate S, and a component replacement processing program for executing the frame 29 replacement process by the replacement unit 27.

[0016] The printing unit 22 is disposed on the upper level of the printing apparatus 11 and is a unit that prints a viscous fluid onto a substrate S using a screen mask M. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, the printing unit 22 includes a print head 23, a print moving unit 24, a squeegee lifting unit, and a squeegee 25. The print moving unit 24 moves the print head 23 in a predetermined printing direction (here, the front-to-rear direction) and includes a guide formed in the front-to-rear direction, a slider that moves along the guide, and a motor that drives the slider. The squeegee 25 is disposed below the print head 23 and is raised and lowered by the squeegee lifting unit. The printing unit 22 has two squeegees 25, one for the front and one for the rear. The mask working unit 26 is disposed between the printing unit 22 and the substrate processing unit 30 in the vertical direction as shown in FIG. 2 and is a unit that fixes and holds the screen mask M. As shown in FIG. 3, the mask working unit 26 includes an exchange unit 27 and a mask fixing unit 28. The replacement unit 27 is a transport rod attached to the print head 23. It is lowered by an air cylinder (not shown) to a position where it contacts the screen mask M, and by rotating, the contact portion that contacts the frame 29 also moves back and forth (see dotted line in Figure 2). The print head 23 and replacement unit 27 engage with the frame 29 between the shelf 51 at a predetermined height of the storage rack 50 and the printing unit 22, moving the frame 29. The mask fixing unit 28 positions the screen mask M and supports and fixes it in a horizontal position. The screen mask M is pushed by the replacement unit 27 and moved back and forth along the guide of the mask working unit 26, and is fixed by the mask fixing unit 28. The substrate processing unit 30, as shown in Figure 2, is disposed below the mask working unit 26 and is a unit that loads the substrate S, positions and supports the loaded substrate S, and brings it into contact with and away from the screen mask M. The substrate processing unit 30 includes a substrate transport unit 31 that transports the substrate S in the left-right direction, a support member 32 that supports the substrate S from below, and a substrate lifting unit that lifts and lowers the entire substrate processing unit 30 and the support member 32. The cleaning unit 33 is disposed between the mask working unit 26 and the substrate processing unit 30 in the vertical direction, and is a unit that performs cleaning processing to clean the back surface of the screen mask M. The cleaning unit 33 has a cleaning member 34, and cleans the screen mask M with this cleaning member 34.The supply unit 35 is a unit that supplies solder contained in a cartridge 36 onto the screen mask M. The supply unit 35 is disposed in front of the print head 23. The supply unit 35 applies pressure to the cartridge 36 to cause the solder to be discharged from the cartridge 36. The cleaning member 34 and the cartridge 36 are consumables and are replaced as necessary.

[0017] The frame replacement unit 40 is configured as a device for receiving a storage rack 50 containing replaceable members such as a screen mask M fixed to a frame 29 and for raising and lowering the storage rack 50. The frame replacement unit 40 has a left unit 41 and a right unit 45, which function as the lifting unit of the present disclosure. The left unit 41 and the right unit 45 also have receiving units 42, 46 for receiving the storage rack 50. The left unit 41 is disposed on the front left side of the housing of the printing device 11. The right unit 45 is disposed on the front right side of the housing of the printing device 11. The left unit 41 and the right unit 45 are formed such that a length A along the movement direction of the frame 29 is shorter than a length B of the storage rack 50 (see FIG. 2). The frame replacement unit 40 has a lifting space 48 between the left unit 41 and the right unit 45, through which the storage rack 50 rises and falls. The left unit 41 includes a receiving unit 42 and a drive unit 43. The right unit 45 includes a receiving unit 46 and a drive unit 47. The receiving unit 42 receives a storage rack 50 that houses a frame 29 that supports the screen mask M, and supports the storage rack 50 from the underside. The receiving unit 42 may, for example, be configured to fix the storage rack 50 by magnetic force or the like. The drive unit 43 raises and lowers the receiving unit 42, thereby raising and lowering the storage rack 50. The drive unit 43 may, for example, include a ball screw with an elevating shaft and a drive motor, or may be a linear motor. The receiving unit 46 and the drive unit 47 are similar to the receiving unit 42 and the drive unit 43, and therefore their description will be omitted.

[0018] The storage rack 50 is a container that houses frames 29 that can support screen masks M as replaceable components for printing processes performed in the printing unit 22. The storage rack 50 has multiple shelves 51 and one opening 52. The shelves 51 are vertically arranged at predetermined intervals so that the frames 29 supporting the screen masks M can be placed vertically. The openings 52 communicate with the outside, such as the printing unit 22, and the frames 29 are loaded and unloaded through these openings 52. The storage rack 50 does not have a drive unit that moves the frames 29. This storage rack 50 can further simplify its configuration. The shelves 51 have sizes that correspond to the frame sizes of various replaceable components. That is, the shelves 51 are formed to a size that can accommodate the largest frames 29. This storage rack 50 may have shelves 51 corresponding to the frame sizes of various replaceable components, or one storage rack 50 may have multiple shelves 51 all of the same size. In the latter case, multiple storage racks 50 with the same external size may be prepared, and the shelf 51 of each storage rack 50 may correspond to one of the frame sizes of various replaceable components. In this case, the number of types of storage racks 50 increases, but since the external size of the storage racks 50 is the same, each storage rack 50 can share the receiving sections 42, 46 even if the frame sizes of the corresponding replaceable components are different.

[0019] The management PC 60 manages information about each device in the mounting system 10. The management PC 60 includes a management control unit 61, a memory unit 62, and a communication unit 63. The management control unit 61 is configured as a microprocessor centered on a CPU and controls the entire device. When the management control unit 61 receives request information from the printing device 11 requesting the movement of the storage rack 50, it outputs a command to the control PC in the warehouse area 15 and the automated guided vehicle 18 to move the storage rack 50. The memory unit 62 is a large-capacity storage medium such as a hard disk drive or flash memory, and manages the progress of each device on the mounting line, the components being transported by the automated guided vehicle 18, and its current location. The communication unit 63 is an interface used for communicating with external devices. Each device in the mounting system 10 exchanges information with the management PC 60 via the communication unit 63.

[0020] First, the printing process of the printer 11 configured as described above will be described. The printing process routine for performing the printing process is stored in the memory of the printing control unit 21 and is executed after the printing control unit 21 receives a command to execute the printing process from an operator. When the printing process routine starts, the CPU of the printing control unit 21 first transports, fixes, and raises the substrate S using the substrate processing unit 30, thereby bringing the substrate S into contact with the screen mask M. At this time, the CPU adjusts the position of the screen mask M using the mask working unit 26 to align the pattern holes with the substrate S. Next, the CPU moves the cartridge 36 over the screen mask M and dispenses solder onto it. Next, the CPU moves the print head 23 and lowers the squeegee 25 to bring the squeegee 25 into contact with the upper surface of the screen mask M and moves it back and forth to print solder onto the substrate S. In this way, the printing control unit 21 performs the printing process, including the substrate transport and fixation process, the solder supply process, and the squeegee movement process, to print on the substrate S. The CPU repeats this printing process while replacing the screen mask M until the production process for all types of substrates S in the manufacturing plan is completed.

[0021] Next, the operation of the printing device 11 with respect to the frame replacement unit 40 will be described. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of a component replacement processing routine executed by the printing control unit 21 of the printing device 11. This routine is stored in the memory of the printing control unit 21 and is executed after the printing device 11 is started. When this routine is executed, the CPU of the printing control unit 21 determines whether it is time to move the storage rack 50 (S100). The CPU determines that it is time to move the storage rack 50 when the storage rack 50 is to be moved from the warehouse area 15 to the frame replacement unit 40, for example, when the storage rack 50 is not attached to the frame replacement unit 40, or when the storage rack 50 is to be moved from the frame replacement unit 40 to the warehouse area 15, for example, when all of the screen masks M stored in the storage rack 50 have been used. If it is determined that it is time to move the storage rack 50, the CPU outputs request information requesting the movement of the storage rack 50 to the management PC 60 (S110). The management PC 60, which has acquired the request information, sends a command to the control PC in the warehouse area 15 and the automated guided vehicle 18 to move the storage rack 50. The automated guided vehicle 18 moves the storage rack 50 between the storage rack 50 and the warehouse area 15 in response to the request.

[0022] After S110, or if it is determined in S100 that it is not time to move the storage rack 50, the CPU determines whether or not the frame exchange unit 40 will execute a receiving process to receive the storage rack 50 from the automated guided vehicle 18 (S120). The CPU determines that the receiving process will be executed when there is no storage rack 50 in the frame exchange unit 40 and after outputting the request information. On the other hand, the CPU determines that the receiving process will not be executed when there is a storage rack 50 in the frame exchange unit 40. When the receiving process is executed, the CPU drives the drive units 43 and 47 to move the receiving sections 42 and 46 to the lowest position (S130). When the automated guided vehicle 18 places the storage rack 50 on the frame exchange unit 40 and moves to the front of the frame exchange unit 40, it inserts the storage rack 50 into the lifting space 48 and sends a receiving signal to the print control unit 21. When the CPU receives the receiving signal from the automated guided vehicle 18, it determines that the storage rack 50 is at the receiving position of the frame exchange unit 40, and raises the receiving sections 42, 46 to receive the storage rack 50 into the frame exchange unit 40 (S140). For example, the CPU may read an identifier attached to the storage rack 50 using a reading section (not shown) and identify the storage rack 50 received by the frame exchange unit 40.

[0023] 5A is an explanatory diagram of an example of the frame exchange unit 40 receiving a storage rack 50, with FIG. 5A showing the storage rack 50 waiting to be received (S130), FIG. 5B showing the storage rack 50 inserted into the lift space 48, and FIG. 5C showing the storage rack 50 received (S140). The printing device 11 moves the receiving sections 42, 46 of the frame exchange unit 40 to the lowest position (FIG. 5A), and when the automated guided vehicle 18 inserts the storage rack 50 into the lift space 48 (FIG. 5B), the receiving sections 42, 46 are raised to receive the storage rack 50 (FIG. 5C). In this manner, the printing device 11 receives the storage rack 50.

[0024] After S140, or after it is determined in S120 that the receiving process will not be executed, the CPU determines whether or not to execute a delivery process in which the frame exchanging unit 40 hands over the storage rack 50 to the automated guided vehicle 18 (S150). The CPU determines to execute the delivery process when the frame exchanging unit 40 has a storage rack 50 that stores only used screen masks M. On the other hand, the CPU determines not to execute the delivery process when the storage rack 50 in the frame exchanging unit 40 has a frame 29 to be used next, or when the frame exchanging unit 40 does not have a storage rack 50. When executing the delivery process, the CPU waits until it receives a delivery signal from the automated guided vehicle 18, and upon receiving the delivery signal, it determines that the automated guided vehicle 18 has arrived at the lifting space 48, drives the drive units 43 and 47 to move the receiving units 42 and 46 to the lowest position, and hands over the storage rack 50 from the frame exchanging unit 40 to the automated guided vehicle 18 (S160). The automated guided vehicle 18 places the storage rack 50 on it and moves it to the warehouse area 15. In the delivery process, as shown in FIG. 5, the printing device 11 waits for the automated guided vehicle 18 to arrive (FIG. 5C), and when the automated guided vehicle 18 enters the lift space 48 (FIG. 5B), the printing device 11 moves the receiving sections 42, 46 of the frame exchange unit 40 to the lowest position (FIG. 5A), and delivers the storage rack 50 to the automated guided vehicle 18.

[0025] After S160 or after it is determined in S150 that the transfer process will not be executed, the CPU determines whether it is time to replace the screen mask M as a replaceable member (S170). The CPU determines that it is time to replace the screen mask M when the use of the screen mask M in the printing unit 22 has been completed. If it is determined that it is time to replace the screen mask M, the CPU executes a member replacement process. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of replacing the screen mask M between the printing unit 22 and the storage rack 50. FIG. 6A illustrates the removal of the frame 29 from the shelf 51, FIG. 6B illustrates the insertion of the frame 29 into the shelf 51, and FIG. 6C illustrates the insertion of the frame 29 from the shelf 51. In the replacement process, the CPU first drives the drive units 43 and 47 to raise or lower the storage rack 50 so that the empty shelf 51 is at a replacement position at a predetermined height (S180). Next, the CPU executes a removal process to move the screen mask M in the printing unit 22 to the empty shelf 51 (S190). In the carry-out process, the CPU lowers the contact portion of the replacement unit 27 so that it abuts against the edge of the frame 29, moves the print head 23 forward using the printing shifting unit 24 ( FIG. 6A ), and moves the frame 29 to the shelf unit 51 by rotating the replacement unit 27, etc. ( FIG. 6B ). Next, the CPU drives the drive units 43 and 47 to raise and lower the storage rack 50 so that the shelf unit 51 on which the next screen mask M to be used is placed is at a replacement position at a predetermined height (S200). Then, the CPU executes a carry-in process to move the screen mask M on the shelf unit 51 to the printing unit 22 (S210). In the carry-in process, the CPU lowers and rotates the contact portion of the replacement unit 27 so that it engages with the edge of the frame 29, moves the print head 23 backward using the printing shifting unit 24, and moves the frame 29 to the printing unit 22 by rotating the replacement unit 27, etc. ( FIG. 6C ). The CPU may, for example, read the identifier attached to the frame 29 using a reading unit (not shown) to identify the screen mask M carried into the printing unit 22.

[0026] After S210, or if it is determined in S170 that it is not time to replace a component, the CPU determines whether all printing processes of the printer 11 have been completed (S220), and if the printing processes have not been completed, executes the processes from S100 onward. On the other hand, if the printing processes have been completed in S220, this routine ends.

[0027] Here, the correspondence between the components of this embodiment and the components of the present disclosure will be clarified. In this embodiment, the printing unit 22 corresponds to the printing unit, the receiving units 42 and 46 correspond to the receiving unit, the left unit 41 and the right unit 45 correspond to the lifting unit, the replacement unit 27 corresponds to the replacement unit, and the print control unit 21 corresponds to the print control unit. Also, the printing system 12 corresponds to the printing system, the frame replacement unit 40 corresponds to the frame replacement unit, the management PC 60 corresponds to the management device, and the management control unit 61 corresponds to the management control unit.

[0028] The printing apparatus 11 of the present embodiment described above includes a printing unit 22 that performs a printing process of solder paste as a viscous fluid on a substrate S as a processing target using a screen mask M as an exchangeable member for the printing process performed in the printing unit 22, and receiving units 42, 46 that receive a storage rack 50 having multiple shelves 51 that store frames 29 that can support the screen mask M. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a printing apparatus 110 that includes a storage device 140. The printing apparatus 110 stores multiple exchangeable members in the storage device 140, and is configured to transport the frames 29 to which the exchangeable members are fixed into and out of the storage device 140 from the automated guided vehicle 18 or the printing unit 22. The storage device 140 includes a moving mechanism that moves the frame 29 and an elevating mechanism that moves each shelf 51 up and down. In this printing device 110, when the automated guided vehicle 18 transports a replaceable component and replaces it in the printing unit 22, at least two spaces are required: one for the frame 29 to be completely separated from the automated guided vehicle 18, and the other for the frame 29 to be completely separated from the storage device 140, resulting in poor space efficiency. Furthermore, the printing device 110 has issues with the time required for replacement because the storage device 140 must be adjusted vertically for replacement. In contrast, the printing device 11 can replace the entire storage rack 50, which stores multiple replaceable components, thereby further reducing the space required for replacement and improving space efficiency. Furthermore, the printing device 11 eliminates the need to replace the frames 29 one by one, resulting in improved replacement time efficiency. In this way, the printing device 11 can more efficiently replace replaceable components.

[0029] Furthermore, the printing device 11 includes a left unit 41 and a right unit 45 as lifting units that raise and lower the storage rack 50, allowing the storage rack 50 to be raised and lowered together to replace replaceable components. Furthermore, in the printing device 11, the length A of the lifting unit along the movement direction is shorter than the length B of the storage rack 50. With this printing device 11, the device size can be made more compact when the storage rack 50 is detached. Furthermore, the printing device 11 has a lifting unit composed of a left unit 41 disposed on the left side of the housing of the printing device 11 and a right unit 45 disposed on the right side of the housing, and a lifting space 48 in the center of the lifting unit through which the storage rack 50 rises and falls is provided. With this printing device 11, the storage rack 50 can be replaced by inserting it into the lifting space 48 formed between the lifting units, making it easier to replace the storage rack 50.

[0030] The printing device 11 also includes an exchange unit 27 that moves the frame 29 between the shelf 51 at a predetermined height of the storage rack 50 and the printing unit 22. In this printing device 11, the exchangeable parts can be replaced by the exchange unit 27. In the printing device 11, the exchange unit 27 is a mechanism that engages with the frame 29 and moves the exchangeable parts, so that the configuration of the exchange unit 27 can be relatively simple.

[0031] The printing device 11 also includes an exchange unit 27 that moves the frame 29 between the shelf 51 at a predetermined height of the storage rack 50 and the printing unit 22, and a print control unit 21 that controls the printing unit 22 and the exchange unit 27. In this printing device 11, the exchange unit 27 can be used by the print control unit 21 to automatically exchange replaceable parts. The printing device 11 also includes an elevator unit that raises and lowers the storage rack 50 and the exchange unit 27 that moves the frame 29. When a frame 29 holding a used screen mask M is present in the printing unit 22, the print control unit 21 raises and lowers the storage rack 50, moves the frame 29 holding the used screen mask M to an empty shelf 51 of the storage rack 50, and controls the elevator unit and the exchange unit 27 to move the frame 29 holding the next screen mask M to the printing unit 22. In this printing device 11, replaceable parts can be replaced more reliably. Furthermore, in the printing device 11, the printing control unit 21 outputs request information requesting the movement of the storage rack 50 in accordance with the usage status of replaceable parts in the printing unit 22 to the management PC 60, which serves as a management device that manages the printing device 11. In the printing device 11, the storage rack 50 can be replaced more smoothly via the management PC 60.

[0032] The storage rack 50 has multiple shelves 51 on which frames 29 supporting replaceable members can be placed in the vertical direction, and has an opening 52 that communicates with the printing unit 22. In this printing device 11, by receiving a storage rack containing replaceable members on the vertical shelves 51, the replaceable members can be replaced more efficiently through the opening 52. Furthermore, because the storage rack 50 does not have a drive unit, the configuration can be further simplified. In this printing device 11, the storage rack 50 has shelves 51 that correspond to the frame sizes of various replaceable members, so by using a unified storage rack 50, it is possible to accommodate a wide variety of replaceable members while further reducing the number of types of storage rack 50.

[0033] The printing system 12 also includes the above-described printing device 11 and a management PC 60 serving as a management device equipped with a management control unit 61 that manages information related to the printing device 11. In this printing system 12, like the above-described printing device 11, the storage rack 50 that stores multiple replaceable parts can be replaced as a whole, allowing for more efficient replacement of replaceable parts. Furthermore, when the management control unit 61 receives request information from the printing device 11 requesting the movement of the storage rack 50, it outputs a command to move the storage rack 50 to an automated guided vehicle 18 that transports the storage rack 50 to and from the printing device 11. In this printing system 12, the storage rack 50 can be moved to the printing device 11 by the automated guided vehicle 18, allowing for smoother replacement of replaceable parts.

[0034] The frame replacement unit 40 is provided in a printing device 11 having a printing section 22 that performs a printing process of a viscous fluid on a substrate S as a processing target using a screen mask M, and includes a lifting section that raises and lowers a storage rack 50 having a plurality of shelves 51 that house frames 29 that can support replaceable members used in the printing device 11. In the frame replacement unit 40, the storage rack 50 can be raised and lowered by the lifting section to replace the replaceable members, allowing for more efficient replacement of the replaceable members.

[0035] It goes without saying that the storage device and printing system of the present disclosure are not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be implemented in various forms as long as they fall within the technical scope of the present disclosure.

[0036] For example, in the above-described embodiment, the printing device 11 is provided with a frame replacement unit 40 having a lifting / lowering section, but if there is a receiving section for receiving the storage rack 50, the printing device 11 does not need to have a lifting / lowering section. Also, in the above-described embodiment, the printing device 11 is provided with the replacement section 27, but this may be omitted. Also, in the above-described embodiment, the printing control section 21 is provided, but this may be omitted.

[0037] In the above-described embodiment, the frame replacement unit 40 is formed so that the length A along the movement direction of the frame 29 is shorter than the length B of the storage rack 50, but this is not particularly limited. Note that the frame replacement unit 40 can perform printing processing even when the storage rack 50 is removed, so it is preferable that the length A is shorter than the length B, as this makes the device more compact.

[0038] In the above-described embodiment, the frame replacement unit 40 includes a left unit 41 and a right unit 45, and the main bodies of the frame replacement unit 40 are disposed on the left and right sides of the housing of the printing device 11, respectively, but this is not particularly limited to this, and the frame replacement unit 40 may have an integrated structure as long as there is space to accommodate the storage rack 50. Furthermore, although the frame replacement unit 40 is disposed in front of the printing device 11, this is not particularly limited, and it may be disposed at the rear or side.

[0039] In the above-described embodiment, the receiving units 42, 46 receive the storage rack 50 by supporting the left and right ends of the storage rack 50 from the underside. However, this is not a limitation as long as the storage rack 50 can be received. For example, the entire underside of the storage rack 50 may be supported, or the storage rack 50 may be supported from the side or top of the storage rack 50. Also, in the above-described embodiment, the frame exchange unit 40 receives the storage rack 50 from the automated guided vehicle 18 by lifting the storage rack 50 upward and delivers the storage rack 50 to the automated guided vehicle 18 by lowering the storage rack 50 downward. However, this is not a limitation as long as the storage rack 50 can be received and delivered. Also, the automated guided vehicle 18 enters the lifting space 48 to receive and deliver the storage rack 50. However, this is not a limitation. For example, a conveyor or the like may be provided on the placement unit or receiving units 42, 46 of the automated guided vehicle 18, and the automated guided vehicle 18 may stop in front of the frame exchange unit 40 to receive and deliver the storage rack 50.

[0040] In the above-described embodiment, the replacement unit 27 has a rod structure with an abutment portion disposed on the print head 23, but this is not particularly limited to this and the replacement unit 27 may be an independent mechanism disposed outside the print head 23. Also, in the above-described embodiment, the replacement unit 27 is a rod mechanism that engages with the frame 29, but it may also be a conveyor mechanism that moves the frame 29 containing the replaceable parts, for example.

[0041] In the above-described embodiment, the print control unit 21 outputs the request information to the management PC 60, but this is not limited thereto, and this process may be omitted. Furthermore, when the management control unit 61 acquires the request information, it outputs a command to move the storage rack 50 to the warehouse area 15 or the automated guided vehicle 18, but this process may be omitted. At this time, the management control unit 61 may display and output the movement command to the control PC in the warehouse area 15. Furthermore, while the mounting system 10 includes the automated guided vehicle 18, this is not particularly limited thereto, and the automated guided vehicle 18 may be omitted, and the worker may transport the storage rack 50. Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the warehouse area 15 includes the arm robot 16 and the control PC, but either of these may be omitted.

[0042] In the above-described embodiment, the storage rack 50 is provided with shelf portions 51 on which the frames 29 are placed, but is not limited to this as long as it is capable of storing multiple frames 29. Fig. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of another storage rack 50B. This storage rack 50B is provided with shelf portions 51B on the left and right into which the ends of the frames 29 are inserted and supported. In this storage rack 50B, the shelf portions 51 can be further simplified.

[0043] In the above-described embodiment, the storage rack 50 is described as not having a drive unit for moving the frame 29, but this is not particularly limited to this, and the storage rack 50 may also have a drive unit for moving the frame 29.

[0044] In the above-described embodiment, the replaceable member is described as the screen mask M, but is not limited to this as long as it requires replacement. In addition to the screen mask M, the replaceable member may be one or more of a cartridge 36 that stores a viscous fluid, a squeegee 25, a cleaning member 34 used to clean the screen mask M, and a support member 32 that supports a substrate S as a processing target. Also, while the processing target is the substrate S, it is not particularly limited to this and may be a three-dimensional object as long as the viscous fluid is printed on it. Also, while the viscous fluid is described as solder paste, it may be a conductive paste, adhesive, or the like.

[0045] In the above-described embodiment, the printing device 11 is equipped with the frame replacement unit 40, but this is not particularly limited, and the frame replacement unit 40 may be used. If the frame replacement unit 40 is distributed and connected to the printing device 11, the same effects as those of the above-described embodiment can be achieved. [Industrial Applicability]

[0046] The present disclosure is applicable to the technical field of devices for mounting components. [Explanation of symbols]

[0047] 10 Mounting system, 11 Printing device, 12 Printing system, 13 Mounting device, 15 Warehouse area, 16 Arm robot, 17 Preparation table, 18 Automatic guided vehicle, 21 Printing control unit, 22 Printing unit, 23 Print head, 24 Printing movement unit, 25 Squeegee, 26 Mask work unit, 27 Replacement unit, 28 Mask fixing unit, 29 Frame, 30 Substrate processing unit, 31 Substrate transport unit, 32 Support member, 33 Cleaning unit, 34 Cleaning member, 35 Supply unit, 36 Cartridge, 40 Frame replacement unit, 41 Left unit (lifting unit), 42 Receiving unit, 43 Drive unit, 45 Right unit (lifting unit), 46 Receiving unit, 47 Drive unit, 48 Lifting space, 50 Storage rack, 51 Shelf unit, 52 Opening, 60 Management PC, 61 Management control unit, 62 Memory unit, 63 communication unit, 140 storage device, A, B length, M screen mask, S substrate.

Claims

1. a printing unit that performs a printing process of a viscous fluid on a processing object using a screen mask; a receiving section for receiving a storage rack having a plurality of shelves for accommodating frames capable of supporting replaceable members related to the printing process performed in the printing section; A printing device comprising:

2. 2. The printing device according to claim 1, A printing device comprising an elevator that raises and lowers the storage rack.

3. The printing device according to claim 2 , wherein the lifting section is formed so that its length along the movement direction of the frame is shorter than the size of the storage rack.

4. 4. The printing device according to claim 2, wherein the lifting section is configured as the receiving section by a left unit arranged on the left side of the housing of the printing device and a right unit arranged on the right side of the housing, and a lifting space in the center of the lifting section is provided in which the storage rack is raised and lowered.

5. The printing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, a replacement unit that moves the frame between a shelf unit at a predetermined height of the storage rack and the printing unit;

6. The printing device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, A printing device including a print control unit that controls the printing unit.

7. 7. The printing device according to claim 6, an exchange unit that moves the frame between a shelf unit at a predetermined height of the storage rack and the printing unit, The printing control unit controls the replacement unit.

8. 8. The printing device according to claim 6 or 7, a lifting unit that lifts and lowers the storage rack; an exchange unit that moves the frame between a shelf unit at a predetermined height of the storage rack and the printing unit, the printing control unit, when there is a frame supporting a used screen mask as the replaceable member in the printing unit, controls the lifting unit and the replacement unit to raise and lower the storage rack, move the frame supporting the used screen mask to an empty shelf in the storage rack, and move a frame supporting the next screen mask to be used to the printing unit.

9. A printing device according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the printing control unit outputs request information to a management device that manages the printing device, requesting the movement of the storage rack depending on the usage status of the replaceable parts in the printing unit.

10. the plurality of shelves of the storage rack are capable of vertically placing frames supporting the replaceable members; The printing device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the storage rack has an opening communicating with the printing unit.

11. A printing device according to any one of claims 1 to 10; a management device including a management control unit that manages information about the printing device; A printing system comprising:

12. The printing system according to claim 11, wherein when the management control unit acquires request information from the printing device requesting the movement of the storage rack, it outputs a command to move the storage rack to an automated guided vehicle that transports the storage rack between the printing device and the storage rack.

13. The printing device is provided with a printing unit that performs a printing process of a viscous fluid on a processing object using a screen mask, a lifting unit that raises and lowers a storage rack having a plurality of shelves that accommodate frames capable of supporting replaceable components used in the printing device; A frame exchange unit equipped with

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