Screen printing apparatus and replacement method

Abstract

The present invention provides a replacement unit, a screen printing apparatus, and a replacement method that enable mask replacement with a small footprint. [Solution] The screen printing apparatus 1 comprises a printing unit 10 that prints paste P onto a substrate B using a mask M, and a replacement unit 40 that supplies the mask M to the printing unit 10 and retrieves the mask M from the printing unit 10. The replacement unit 40 includes a storage unit 42 capable of storing the mask M with its main surface inclined so that the upper end of the mask M approaches the printing unit 10, and a transfer unit 50 that lifts the mask M stored in the storage unit 42 and supplies it to the printing unit 10 with the main surface of the replacement member laid flat while moving the upper end of the mask M toward the printing unit 10.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a screen printing apparatus and an exchange method for exchanging masks.

Background Art

[0002] A screen printing apparatus prints a paste such as solder paste on the surface of a substrate using a mask provided with a printing pattern. In such a screen printing apparatus, the mask is exchanged according to the type of the substrate. Patent Document 1 discloses a screen printing apparatus provided with an exchange device configured to be able to move up and down a magazine that horizontally holds a plurality of masks in a housing in order to continuously and automatically perform this mask exchange.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the prior art including Patent Document 1, since the mask exchange device horizontally holds a large mask, the mask exchange device becomes large, and in order to exchange the mask, it is necessary to secure a space where the mask can be horizontally taken in and out behind or in front of the mask exchange device.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a screen printing apparatus and an exchange method capable of realizing mask exchange with a small installation area.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The screen printing apparatus of the present disclosure comprises a printing unit that prints paste onto a substrate using a mask, and a replacement unit that supplies replacement members to the printing unit and retrieves the replacement members from the printing unit, wherein the replacement unit includes a storage unit capable of accommodating the replacement member with its main surface inclined so that the upper end of the replacement member approaches the printing unit, and a transfer unit that lifts the replacement member stored in the storage unit and moves the upper end of the replacement member toward the printing unit while laying the main surface of the replacement member flat before supplying it to the printing unit.

[0007] The replacement method of the present disclosure is a method for supplying a replacement member to a printing unit that prints paste onto a substrate using a mask, wherein the replacement member is lifted while the main surface of the replacement member is tilted so that the upper end of the replacement member approaches the printing unit, and the upper end of the replacement member is moved toward the printing unit, and the replacement member is supplied to the printing unit with the main surface of the replacement member lying flat.

[0008] Another replacement method of the present disclosure is a method for replacing a replacement member, which involves recovering the replacement member from a printing unit that prints paste onto a substrate using a mask, wherein the replacement member is discharged from the printing unit with its main surface lying flat, and the lower end of the replacement member is pulled downward while moving the replacement member away from the printing unit, and the replacement member is stored in a state inclined so that the upper end opposite to the lower end of the replacement member approaches the printing unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to this disclosure, mask replacement can be achieved with a small installation area. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] A perspective view of a screen printing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] A perspective side view showing the configuration of a screen printing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3](a) A perspective plan view showing the configuration near the front replacement section of a screen printing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, with the opening open and (b) a perspective plan view showing the opening closed. [Figure 4] A perspective front view showing the configuration near the front replacement section of a screen printing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, with the opening open. [Figure 5] (a)(b) A perspective side view illustrating the function of the front replacement section of one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] (a)(b) A perspective side view illustrating the function of the front replacement section of one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] (a)(b) A perspective side view illustrating the function of the front replacement section of one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] A block diagram showing the configuration of a screen printing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] (a)(b) An explanatory diagram of the process of storing a mask in the front replacement section of one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] (a)(b) An explanatory diagram of the process of storing a mask in the front replacement section of one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11] (a)(b) Diagram illustrating the process of retrieving a mask in the rear replacement section of one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 12] (a)(b) Diagram illustrating the process of retrieving a mask in the rear replacement section of one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 13] (a)(b)A diagram illustrating the process of supplying a mask from the front replacement section of one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 14] (a)(b)A diagram illustrating the process of supplying a mask from the front replacement section of one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 15] (a) An explanatory diagram of the process of supplying a mask from the front replacement section of one embodiment of the present disclosure. (b) An explanatory diagram of the process of removing a mask from the rear replacement section of one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 16] (a)(b) Diagram illustrating the process of removing a mask from the rear replacement section of one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The configurations, shapes, etc. described below are illustrative examples for explanation, and can be appropriately changed according to the specifications of the screen printing apparatus, the replacement unit, the printing unit, etc. In the following, the same reference numerals are given to corresponding elements in all the drawings, and duplicate explanations are omitted. In FIG. 1 and a part described later, as two axes orthogonal to each other in the horizontal plane, the X-axis in the substrate conveyance direction (the direction perpendicular to the paper surface in FIG. 2) and the Y-axis orthogonal to the substrate conveyance direction (the left-right direction in FIG. 2) are shown. Also, in FIG. 1 and a part described later, the Z-axis (the up-down direction in FIG. 2) orthogonal to the horizontal plane is shown.

[0012] First, referring to FIGS. 1 to 4, the configuration of the screen printing apparatus 1 will be described. In FIGS. 1 and 2, the screen printing apparatus 1 includes a printing unit 10, a front-side replacement unit 40f, and a rear-side replacement unit 40b. The front-side replacement unit 40f is disposed on the front side of the printing unit 10 in the Y-axis direction. The rear-side replacement unit 40b is disposed on the rear side of the printing unit 10 in the Y-axis direction. The printing unit 10 performs a printing operation of printing a paste P such as cream solder on the substrate B using a mask M provided with a predetermined printing pattern (not shown).

[0013] The front-side replacement unit 40f and the rear-side replacement unit 40b sandwich the printing unit 10 and have a configuration that is symmetric with respect to the XZ plane. The front-side replacement unit 40f and the rear-side replacement unit 40b can each store replacement members such as the mask M, perform a supply operation of supplying the replacement members to the printing unit 10, and perform a recovery operation of recovering the replacement members from the printing unit 10.

[0014] In FIG. 2, the mask M has a configuration in which a screen Ms having a predetermined printing pattern (not shown) formed on a frame body Mf is extended. In the printing operation, the screen Ms (main surface) of the mask M is held by the printing unit 10 in a horizontal state (a state in which the main surface of the replacement member is laid down) and used. Hereinafter, the lower surface of the mask M in a state of being used for printing in the printing unit 10 is referred to as the "back surface Mu of the mask M" (see FIG. 9). Also, a state in which the main surface of the mask M (replacement member) is erected is referred to as the "erected state" (see FIG. 5(b)). Also, a state in which the main surface of the mask M (replacement member) is laid down is referred to as the "horizontal state".

[0015] Next, referring to FIG. 2, the configuration of the printing unit 10 will be described. The printing unit 10 includes a substrate transfer and holding unit 13 on a base 12 covered by a printing unit cover 11. The substrate transfer and holding unit 13 has a conveyor 13a that transfers the substrate B along the X-axis. The substrate transfer and holding unit 13 includes a multi-stage table 13b disposed on the base 12 below the vicinity of the center in the X-axis direction of the conveyor 13a, and a substrate holding unit 13c supported by the multi-stage table 13b. The multi-stage table 13b moves the substrate holding unit 13c in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction (horizontal direction), and raises and lowers the substrate holding unit 13c in the Z-axis direction (vertical direction). The substrate holding unit 13c receives the substrate B conveyed by the conveyor 13a, and lifts and holds the received substrate B from the conveyor 13a.

[0016] Above the substrate transfer and holding unit 13, a guide 14 that extends along the Y-axis (front-rear direction) and on which the mask M (replacement member) is conveyed is disposed. The mask M is placed on the guide 14 such that the back surface Mu contacts the guide 14 in a state where the screen Ms (main surface) is laid down (horizontal state), and moves back and forth along the Y-axis on the guide 14. A mask holding unit 14a is disposed near the center of the guide 14 and above the substrate holding unit 13c.

[0017] In Figure 2, a print head 16 is positioned above the mask holding section 14a, which is moved along the Y-axis by a print head moving mechanism 15 (Figure 8). The print head 16 is equipped with two squeegees 16a that extend along the X-axis and move up and down. With the substrate B held by the substrate holding section 13c pressed against the mask M held by the mask holding section 14a from below, the print head 16 lowers one of the squeegees 16a to bring it into contact with the mask M. Then, the print head moving mechanism 15 moves the print head 16 in the Y-axis direction, causing one of the squeegees 16a to slide on the mask M, thereby printing the paste P supplied onto the mask M onto the substrate B through the printing pattern (opening) formed on the mask M (see also Figure 9).

[0018] In Figure 2, a front transport unit 17f is located above the guide 14, on the front side in the Y-axis direction of the print head 16, and a rear transport unit 17b is located on the rear side. The front transport unit 17f includes a contact member 18, a lifting cylinder 19 that moves the contact member 18 up and down (arrow a), and a forward / backward movement mechanism 20 (Figure 8) that moves the lifting cylinder 19 back and forth (arrow b) along the guide 14. The rear transport unit 17b includes a contact member 18, a lifting cylinder 19 that moves the contact member 18 up and down (arrow c), and a forward / backward movement mechanism 20 (Figure 8) that moves the lifting cylinder 19 back and forth (arrow d) along the guide 14.

[0019] Hereafter, unless it is necessary to distinguish between the front transport section 17f and the rear transport section 17b, they will simply be referred to as "transport section 17". The transport section 17 moves (transports) the mask M (replacement member) back and forth along the guide 14 by bringing the lowered contact member 18 into contact with the side of the frame Mf of the mask M (replacement member) which is placed on the guide 14 with its main surface lying flat (horizontal state).

[0020] Next, the configurations of the front replacement section 40f and the rear replacement section 40b will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 7. In Figures 1 and 2, a front storage section 42f capable of accommodating a mask M (replacement member) is located near the center of the housing 41f of the front replacement section 40f in the X-axis direction. A front opening 43f is formed near the center of the upper surface 41f1 and the front surface 41f2 of the housing 41f. The front opening 43f is inserted into the front storage section 42f, and the mask M removed from the front storage section 42f passes through it.

[0021] In Figures 2 to 4, the front storage section 42f is equipped with a flat plate-shaped downward restricting section 44 that rotates around a storage shaft section 45a that is aligned in the X-axis direction. The downward restricting section 44 is supported by a pair of support members 45 that are spaced apart in the X-direction, allowing it to rotate around the storage shaft section 45a. To the rear of the downward restricting section 44 in the Y-axis direction (towards the printing section 10), an inner plate 46 is positioned that extends substantially vertically while the downward restricting section 44 is supported in a horizontally spreading position. To the front of the downward restricting section 44 in the Y-axis direction (towards the printing section 10), a front plate 47 is positioned that tilts forward while the downward restricting section 44 is supported in a horizontally spreading position. An upper plate 48 extending to the rear is positioned at the upper end of the front plate 47.

[0022] The lower restricting portion 44, inner plate 46, front plate 47, and upper plate 48 of the front storage section 42f rotate together around the storage shaft portion 45a (see Figures 5 and 6). When the front storage section 42f rotates to the front (the side furthest from the printing section 10) (Figure 5), the front opening 43f opens, allowing the mask M (replacement member) to be inserted into and removed from the front storage section 42f. When the front storage section 42f rotates to the rear (towards the printing section 10) (Figure 6), the difference in height between the upper plate 48 and the upper surface 41f1 of the housing 41f, and between the front plate 47 and the front surface 41f2 disappears, creating a flat surface, and the front opening 43f is closed. In other words, the front plate 47 and the upper plate 48 constitute a closing mechanism 49 that rotates to close the front opening 43f.

[0023] Hereinafter, the state in which the lower restricting section 44 is in a horizontal position and the closing mechanism 49 is open without closing the front opening 43f will be referred to as the "open state" (Figure 5). The state in which the closing mechanism 49 is closing the front opening 43f will be referred to as the "closed state" (Figure 6).

[0024] In Figures 1 and 2, a rear storage section 42b capable of accommodating a mask M (replacement member) is located near the center of the housing 41b of the rear replacement section 40b in the X-axis direction. A rear opening 43b is formed near the center of the upper surface 41b1 and the front surface 41b2 of the housing 41b. The rear opening 43b, like the front storage section 42f, is equipped with a downward restricting section 44, an inner plate 46, a front plate 47, and an upper plate 48 that rotate together around the storage shaft 45a.

[0025] When the rear storage section 42b rotates to the rear (the side furthest from the printing section 10) (Figure 15(b)), the rear opening 43b opens, allowing the mask M (replacement member) to be inserted into and removed from the rear storage section 42b. When the rear storage section 42b rotates to the front (the side facing the printing section 10) (Figure 16(b)), the rear opening 43b is closed by the front plate 47 and the top plate 48. In other words, the front plate 47 and the top plate 48 constitute a closing mechanism 49 that rotates to close the rear opening 43b.

[0026] Hereafter, if there is no need to distinguish between the front replacement section 40f and the rear replacement section 40b, they will simply be referred to as "replacement section 40". Similarly, if there is no need to distinguish between the front storage section 42f and the rear storage section 42b, they will simply be referred to as "storage section 42". Furthermore, if there is no need to distinguish between the front opening 43f and the rear opening 43b, they will simply be referred to as "opening 43".

[0027] Thus, the screen printing apparatus 1 is equipped with two replacement sections 40 (a front replacement section 40f and a rear replacement section 40b) flanking the printing section 10. Each replacement section 40 has a storage section 42 capable of accommodating a mask M (replacement member). The replacement section 40 also has a closing mechanism 49 (front plate 47, upper plate 48) that closes the opening 43 through which the mask M inserted into or removed from the storage section 42 passes.

[0028] When the storage compartment 42 is open, the inner plate 46 stands upright, preventing the mask M inserted or removed from the opening 43 from accidentally entering the inside of the printing unit 10 (Figure 2). Furthermore, the upright inner plate 46 prevents the operator from accessing the movable parts of the printing unit 10 through the opening 43. This allows for the storage of the mask M into the storage compartment 42 and the removal of the mask M from the storage compartment 42 without interrupting the printing process. Alternatively, instead of the rotating inner plate 46, a movable shutter may be placed between the storage compartment 42 and the printing unit 10 to prevent access to the movable parts of the printing unit 10.

[0029] In Figures 2 to 4, the front replacement section 40f includes a front transfer section 50f that supplies the mask M (replacement member) stored in the front storage section 42f to the printing section 10, and receives the mask M discharged from the printing section 10 in a horizontal position and stores it in the front storage section 42f. The front transfer section 50f includes a gripping member 51 that extends along the X-axis. The gripping member 51 is positioned above the downward restricting section 44 of the front storage section 42f, between the inner plate 46 and the front plate 47.

[0030] In Figure 5, the gripping member 51 is configured to include a lower part 51d that supports the mask M from below, a front part 51f that extends upward from the front side of the lower part 51d (the side furthest from the printing area 10), and a rear part 51b that extends upward from the rear side of the lower part 51d (the side facing the printing area 10). The lower end portion Md of the mask M is held in contact with the upper surface of the lower part 51d and sandwiched between the rear surface of the front part 51f and the front surface of the rear part 51b.

[0031] In Figures 3 and 4, the gripping member 51 has gripping shaft portions 51a that extend in the X-axis direction and protrude from its right and left ends. The gripping shaft portion 51a protruding from the left end of the gripping member 51 is rotatably supported by the left-side lifting member 52. The gripping shaft portion 51a protruding from the right end of the gripping member 51 is rotatably supported by the right-side lifting member 53. As a result, the gripping member 51 rotates around the gripping shaft portion 51a that extends along the X-axis.

[0032] The left-side lifting member 52 and the right-side lifting member 53 are positioned inside the housing 41f of the front replacement section 40f and are arranged to move up and down along the left-side slider 54 and the right-side slider 55, which extend vertically (in the Z-axis direction). A nut (not shown) is fixed to the left-side lifting member 52. A ball screw 56 extending vertically is engaged with the nut. The ball screw 56 is rotated around the Z-axis by a lifting motor 57 located inside the housing 41f. The lifting motor 57 rotates the ball screw 56, causing the left-side lifting member 52 to move up and down. When the left-side lifting member 52 moves up and down, the left-side lifting member 52, the gripping member 51, and the right-side lifting member 53 move up and down together as a single unit.

[0033] In Figures 2 and 3, a holding cylinder 58 is positioned on the rear surface 51b1 of the rear portion 51b of the gripping member 51. The holding cylinder 58 has a piston 58a that penetrates the rear portion 51b of the gripping member 51 and protrudes toward the front portion 51f. The mask M (replacement member) is inserted into the gripping member 51 with the piston 58a of the holding cylinder 58 retracted from the rear portion 51b. The mask M is held by the gripping member 51 when the holding cylinder 58 extends its piston 58a from the rear portion 51b. In this way, the gripping member 51 and the holding cylinder 58 of the front transfer section 50f constitute a front holding section 59f that rotatably holds and lifts the mask M (replacement member).

[0034] In Figures 2 to 4, the rear replacement section 40b includes a rear transfer section 50b that supplies the mask M (replacement member) stored in the rear storage section 42b to the printing section 10, and receives the mask M discharged from the printing section 10 in a horizontal position and stores it in the rear storage section 42b.

[0035] The rear transfer unit 50b, like the front transfer unit 50f, is equipped with a gripping member 51, a left-side lifting member 52, a right-side lifting member 53, a left-side slider 54, a right-side slider 55, a ball screw 56, a lifting motor 57, and a holding cylinder 58 inside the housing 41b. The rear transfer unit 50b has the same configuration as the front transfer unit 50f, except that its components are arranged symmetrically with respect to the XZ plane, with respect to the printing unit 10 in between. The gripping member 51 and the holding cylinder 58 of the rear transfer unit 50b constitute a rear holding unit 59b that rotatably holds and lifts the mask M (replacement member).

[0036] Hereafter, unless it is necessary to distinguish between the front transfer section 50f and the rear transfer section 50b, they will simply be referred to as "transfer section 50". Similarly, unless it is necessary to distinguish between the front holding section 59f and the rear holding section 59b, they will simply be referred to as "holding section 59".

[0037] In Figure 5, when the storage section 42 is open and the holding section 59 descends onto the horizontally positioned downward restricting section 44, the lower surface 51d1 (Figure 6(b)) of the lower part 51d of the descended gripping member 51 comes into contact with the downward restricting section 44. When the mask M (replacement member) is held from above by the gripping member 51 which is in contact with the horizontally positioned downward restricting section 44, the mask M held by the holding section 59 will be in an upright position with its main surface facing upward (upright state) (Figure 5(b)).

[0038] In Figure 4, the gripping shaft portion 51a coincides with the storage shaft portion 45a of the storage portion 42 when the lower surface 51d1 of the gripping member 51 is in contact with the lower restricting portion 44. When the lower restricting portion 44 rotates in this state, the relative position of the gripping member 51 with respect to the lower restricting portion 44 does not change, and the gripping member 51 rotates smoothly as one unit with the lower restricting portion 44. The height position of the lower restricting portion 44 is changed according to the size of the mask M stored in the storage portion 42.

[0039] In Figure 6, when the gripping member 51 is in contact with the lower restricting part 44 and the lower restricting part 44 rotates to close the storage part 42, the mask M (replacement member) held by the holding part 59 also rotates together, and the main surface becomes inclined so that the upper end Mt approaches the printing part 10. Hereinafter, the state in which the main surface of the mask M is inclined will be referred to as the "inclined state" (Figure 6(a)). The height of the holding part 59 in this state will be referred to as the "lowest point H1". Note that when the gripping member 51 is in contact with the lower restricting part 44 and the gripping shaft part 51a is aligned with the storage shaft part 45a, the height of the holding part 59 will not change from the lowest point H1 even when the lower restricting part 44 rotates to open (Figure 5(a)).

[0040] In this manner, the downward restricting section 44 restricts the rotation of the holding section 59 so that the mask M stored in the storage section 42 is in an inclined state (inclined state) with its main surface tilted. The storage section 42 also stores the mask M in an inclined state with its main surface tilted so that the upper end portion Mt of the mask M is closer to the printing section 10. Furthermore, the mask M is stored in the storage section 42 in an inclined state so that the back surface Mu of the mask M in the state used for printing (horizontal state) in the printing section 10 is located on the side that is relatively closer to the printing section 10.

[0041] In Figures 2 to 4 and 7, a horizontally extending, flat upper restricting portion 60 is positioned at the highest point H2 where the holding portion 59 rises while holding the mask M (replacement member). The upper restricting portion 60 is positioned so as not to interfere with the mask M held by the holding portion 59. In the example shown in Figure 3, when viewed from above, two upper restricting portions 60 extending in the Y-axis direction are positioned to the right and left of the mask M held by the holding portion 59 in the X-axis direction. The mask M is inserted into and removed from the storage portion 42 through the gap between the two upper restricting portions 60.

[0042] In Figure 7(b), when the front surface 51f1 of the front part 51f of the gripping member 51, which has risen and rotated, comes into contact with the upper restricting part 60, the mask M held by the gripping member 51 becomes horizontal. In other words, the upper restricting part 60 restricts the rotation of the holding part 59 so that the mask M, which has been lifted by the holding part 59, is in a state where its main surface is laid flat (horizontal state).

[0043] In Figures 2 to 7, a rod-shaped support portion 61 extending along the X-axis is positioned behind (towards the printing section 10) the mask M (replacement member) held in an inclined state by the holding portion 59. The support portion 61 is positioned so that when the horizontally positioned mask M contacts it from above, the height of the mask M matches the height of the horizontally positioned mask M placed on the guide 14 of the printing section 10. As the holding portion 59 that holds the mask M rises and rotates from the lowest point H1 to the highest point H2, the back surface Mu of the mask M contacts the support portion 61, causing the mask M to rotate (Figures 6 and 7).

[0044] In Figure 2, a front lower end detection unit 62f, such as a laser sensor, is located inside the housing 41f of the front storage unit 42f. This unit detects the lower end Md of the mask M (replacement member) at a front detection position Qf (a predetermined position), which is on the opposite side of the upper end Mt of the mask M being supplied to the printing unit 10 in a horizontal position (with the main surface lying flat) (see also Figure 14(b)). Inside the housing 41b of the rear storage unit 42b, a rear lower end detection unit 62b is located, which detects the lower end Md of the mask M being supplied to the printing unit 10 in a horizontal position at a rear detection position Qb.

[0045] Hereafter, when it is not necessary to distinguish between the front lower end detection unit 62f and the rear lower end detection unit 62b, they will simply be referred to as "lower end detection unit 62". Also, when it is not necessary to distinguish between the front detection position Qf and the rear detection position Qb, they will simply be referred to as "detection position Q".

[0046] In the example shown in Figure 2, a laser sensor is used as the lower end detection unit 62, which is located in the storage unit 42 and detects the frame Mf of the mask M by irradiating it with a laser in the X-axis direction. When the lower end detection unit 62 stops detecting the mask M from a state where it was detecting the mask M moving toward the printing unit 10, it is determined that the lower end Md of the mask M has passed the detection position Q (the lower end Md has been detected).

[0047] Next, with reference to Figures 5 and 6(a), the storage process for storing the mask M (replacement part) in the storage section 42 will be explained. Here, the explanation will be given as an example in which the mask M is stored in the front storage section 42f of the front replacement section 40f.

[0048] First, with the front holding section 59f moved to its lowest point H1 and in contact with the lower restricting section 44, the operator rotates the closing mechanism 49 (the front plate 47 and upper plate 48 of the storage section 42) to the front (the side furthest from the printing section 10) (arrow e1 in Figure 5(a)) to open the front opening 43f (opening process). At this time, the holding cylinder 58 of the front transfer section 50f retracts the piston 58a.

[0049] Next, the worker inserts the mask M into the front storage section 42f from above, passing it through the front opening 43f (arrow e2 in Figure 5(a)). The mask M is inserted into the storage section 42 so that the back surface Mu of the mask M is on the side closer to the printing section 10 (rear side). The worker then lowers the mask M further (arrow e3 in Figure 5(b)), grasps the lower end Md of the mask M, inserts it between the front 51f and rear 51b of the member 51, and brings it into contact with the lower part 51d (replacement member insertion process).

[0050] When the mask M is inserted into the gripping member 51, the holding cylinder 58 of the front transfer section 50f extends its piston 58a to hold the mask M (replacement member holding process). Next, the operator rotates the closing mechanism 49 (front plate 47 and upper plate 48) to the rear (towards the printing section 10) (arrow e4 in Figure 6(a)) to close the front opening 43f (opening closing process). As the downward restricting part 44 of the front storage section 42f rotates, the mask M held in the front holding section 59f becomes tilted (Figure 6(a)). In this way, the mask M is stored in the front storage section 42f in an tilted state, with the main surface of the mask M tilted so that the upper end portion Mt of the mask M approaches the printing section 10.

[0051] Next, referring to Figures 6 and 7, we will describe the lifting process in which the holding portion 59 moves from its lowest point H1 (Figure 6(a)) where it contacts the lower restricting portion 44 to its highest point H2 (Figure 7(b)) where it contacts the upper restricting portion 60. Here, we will describe an example in which the front transfer portion 50f of the front exchange portion 40f moves the front holding portion 59f from its lowest point H1 to its highest point H2.

[0052] In Figure 6(a), in the front replacement section 40f, the front holding section 59f has descended to the lowest point H1, and the mask M (replacement member) held by the front holding section 59f is in an inclined state (main surface is inclined).

[0053] As the front holding portion 59f rises from its lowest point H1 (arrow f1 in Figure 6(b)), and the gripping member 51 separates from the lower restricting portion 44, the back surface Mu of the mask M rotates to the rear (towards the printing portion 10) while contacting the support portion 61 (arrow f2 in Figure 6(b)). Furthermore, as the front holding portion 59f rises (arrow f3 in Figure 7(a)), the front holding portion 59f rotates further to the rear (arrow f4 in Figure 7(a)), and the back surface Mu of the mask M held by the front holding portion 59f approaches a horizontal position while contacting the support portion 61. Also, the upper end portion Mt of the mask M moves toward the printing portion 10 as the front holding portion 59f rotates to the rear (arrow f5 in Figure 7(a)).

[0054] Furthermore, when the front holding portion 59f rises to the highest point H2 (arrow f6 in Figure 7(b)), and the front holding portion 59f rotates so that the front surface 51f1 of the gripping member 51 contacts the upper restricting portion 60, the mask M (replacement member) held by the front holding portion 59f becomes horizontal (with the main surface lying flat) (arrow f7 in Figure 7(b)). Also, a portion of the upper end Mt side of the mask M is placed on the guide 14 of the printing section 10.

[0055] Subsequently, the holding cylinder 58 of the front transfer unit 50f retracts the piston 58a, releasing the mask M from the front holding unit 59f. The front transport unit 17f of the printing unit 10 moves the mask M, which has been released from the front holding unit 59f, along the guide 14 to the mask holding unit 14a (Figures 14 and 15(a)). In this way, the transfer unit 50 supplies the mask M to a position where the transport unit 17 can transport it. That is, the transfer unit 50 moves the mask M so that its upper end Mt rests on the guide 14.

[0056] Thus, in the lifting process, the transfer unit 50 lifts the mask M (replacement member) stored in the storage unit 42 (Figures 6(b) and 7(a)), moves the upper end Mt of the mask M toward the printing unit 10, and supplies the mask M to the printing unit 10 with its main surface lying flat (horizontal) (Figure 7(b)).

[0057] Furthermore, the support portion 61 supports at least a portion of the mask M (replacement member) whose upper end portion Mt moves toward the printing portion 10 from below, and functions as a guiding means that guides the upper end portion Mt of the mask M, which is lifted by the holding portion 59, toward the printing portion 10. Note that the rod-shaped support portion 61 constituting the guiding means is not limited to one, but may be two or more. Alternatively, the guiding means may be made of a plate that is curved toward the front. Also, the guiding means may be a biasing means that pushes the mask M from the front to the rear, biasing the upper end portion Mt of the mask M toward the printing portion 10.

[0058] Alternatively, the holding section 59 may be configured to support the gripping shaft portion 51a of the gripping member 51 with a rotary actuator that stops at multiple points. In this case, by operating the rotary actuator according to the height of the gripping member 51 to change the angle of the gripping member 51, the upper end portion Mt of the mask M (replacement member) lifted by the holding section 59 can be guided to move toward the printing section 10. In other words, the rotary actuator constitutes a guidance means. In this configuration, the downward restricting section 44, the upward restricting section 60, and the support section 61 can be omitted.

[0059] The holding section 59 holds the mask M (replacement member) that is discharged from the printing section 10 in a horizontal state at its highest point H2 (Figure 7(b)), and the lowering process, in which it descends to the lowest point H1 (Figure 6(a)) where it contacts the lower restricting section 44, is the reverse operation of the lifting process described above. That is, in the lowering process, the holding section 59 holds the mask M that is discharged from the printing section 10 with its main surface lying flat (horizontal state) (Figure 7(b)), and while moving it away from the printing section 10, the lower end Md of the mask M is pulled downward (Figure 7(a), Figure 6(b)), and the mask M is stored in the storage section 42 with its main surface inclined (inclined state) so that the upper end Mt of the mask M is closer to the printing section 10 (Figure 6(a)).

[0060] In the subsequent retrieval process, the operator rotates the storage unit 42 to the front (the side furthest from the printing unit 10) (arrow j1 in Figure 15(b)) to open the opening 43, causing the mask M stored in the storage unit 42 to stand upright. Then, the holding cylinder 58 retracts the piston 58a, releasing the holding of the mask M by the holding unit 59. After that, the operator pulls the mask M out of the storage unit 42 by passing it through the opening 43 (arrow j2 in Figure 16(a)).

[0061] In this way, the storage unit 42 rotates the mask M (replacement member) so that its main surface is in an upright position (upright position) when the mask M is inserted into the storage unit 42 (storage process) or when the mask M is removed from the storage unit 42 (removal process). This allows the operator to easily store the mask M in the storage unit 42 and remove the mask M from the storage unit 42.

[0062] Next, with reference to Figure 8, the configuration of the control system of the screen printing apparatus 1 will be described. The printing unit 10 will mainly be described in terms of the parts related to the mask replacement operation. The printing control device 30 of the screen printing apparatus 1 is connected to the lifting cylinder 19 and forward / backward movement mechanism 20 of the front transport unit 17f and the rear transport unit 17b, the print head movement mechanism 15, the print head 16, the touch panel 21, the lifting motor 57 and holding cylinder 58 of the front transfer unit 50f and the rear transfer unit 50b, the front lower end detection unit 62f, and the rear lower end detection unit 62b. The printing control device 30 includes a print control unit 31 and a print storage unit 32.

[0063] The print storage unit 32 is implemented by, for example, flash memory or an HDD (Hard Disk Drive). The print storage unit 32 stores information about replaceable parts such as masks M used in the printing operation, and information about substrate B on which paste P is printed. The print control unit 31 is implemented by, for example, a memory that stores the control program executed by the print control unit 31, and a processor that executes the control program.

[0064] In Figure 8, the print control unit 31 performs a supply process to supply a mask M (replacement member) to the print unit 10, a retrieval process to retrieve the mask M from the print unit 10, and other operations based on various information stored in the print storage unit 32.

[0065] In the supply process, when the lower end detection unit 62 detects that the lower end Md of the mask M (replacement member) moving to the mask holding unit 14a has passed the detection position Q (Figure 14(b)), the printing control unit 31 controls the lifting motor 57 to lower the holding unit 59 (arrow i6 in Figure 15(a)). Thus, after the holding unit 59 has risen while holding the mask M (arrow i2 in Figure 13(a)), it lowers when the lower end detection unit 62 detects that the lower end Md of the mask M has passed the detection position Q (a predetermined position) (arrow i6).

[0066] Next, with reference to Figures 9 and 10, a storage method for storing the mask M (replacement member) in the storage section 42 and control by the printing control unit 31 will be described. Here, an example will be described in which the mask M2 is stored in the front storage section 42f of the front replacement section 40f in a screen printing apparatus 1 in which printing is being performed using the mask M1. Note that the operation of storing the mask M2 in the storage section 42 can be performed at any time, such as before the start of printing, during printing, during interruption of printing, or after the end of printing.

[0067] In Figure 9(a), the screen printing apparatus 1 has a mask M1 held in the mask holding section 14a, and is performing printing on a substrate B held in the substrate holding section 13c. The front opening 43f is closed by a closing mechanism 49 (front plate 47 and upper plate 48 of the front storage section 42f). The front holding section 59f of the front transport section 50f does not hold a mask, and the holding cylinder 58 is retracting the piston 58a. The front holding section 59f has also been lowered to its lowest point H1 and is in contact with the downward restricting section 44.

[0068] First, the operator rotates the closing mechanism 49 (front plate 47 and upper plate 48 of the front storage section 42f) to the front (the side furthest from the printing section 10) (arrow g1 in Figure 9(b)) to open the front opening 43f (opening process). Next, the operator inserts the lower end Md of the mask M2 into the gripping member 51 of the front transfer section 50f through the front opening 43f (arrow g2 in Figure 10(a)) (replacement member insertion process). Then, when the printing control unit 31 detects the insertion of the mask M2 into the gripping member 51 by a holding detection sensor (not shown), it extends the piston 58a from the holding cylinder 58 of the front transfer section 50f to hold the mask M2 (replacement member holding process).

[0069] Next, the operator rotates the closing mechanism 49 (front plate 47 and upper plate 48) to the rear (towards the printing section 10) (arrow g3 in Figure 10(b)) to close the front opening 43f (opening closing process). As a result, the mask M2 is stored in the front storage section 42f in an inclined state. Alternatively, the replacement member holding process may be performed after the opening closing process. That is, the printing control unit 31 may extend the piston 58a from the holding cylinder 58 after detecting that the front opening 43f has been closed.

[0070] Next, with reference to Figures 11 and 12, the recovery method (replacement method) for recovering the mask M (replacement member) from the printing unit 10 to the storage unit 42, and the control by the printing control unit 31 will be described. Here, an example will be described in which the mask M1 used in the printing operation is recovered from the printing unit 10 to the rear storage unit 42b of the rear replacement unit 40b in the screen printing apparatus 1. The recovery operation of the mask M1 is performed after the completion of the printing operation using the mask M1.

[0071] First, the printing control unit 31 controls the lifting motor 57 of the rear transfer unit 50b to raise the rear holding unit 59b from the lowest point H1 to the highest point H2 (arrow h1 in Figure 11(a)). As a result, the rotated rear holding unit 59b comes into contact with the upper restricting unit 60, and the rear holding unit 59b becomes capable of holding the mask M1 in a horizontal position (recovery standby process).

[0072] Next, the printing control unit 31 controls the print head movement mechanism 15 to retract the print head 16 forward (arrow h2 in Figure 11(a)) (print head retraction process). Then, the printing control unit 31 controls the forward and backward movement mechanism 20 of the rear transport unit 17b to move the lifting cylinder 19 to the front side of the mask M1 (the side furthest from the rear replacement unit 40b) (arrow h3), and controls the lifting cylinder 19 to lower the contact member 18 (arrow h4).

[0073] Next, the printing control unit 31 controls the forward and backward movement mechanism 20 of the rear transport unit 17b to move the lifting cylinder 19 toward the rear (towards the rear replacement unit 40b) (arrow h5 in Figure 11(b)). As a result, the mask M1 moves horizontally along the guide 14 to a position where the lower end Md of the mask M1 can be held by the rear holding unit 59b (recovery and movement process). Next, the printing control unit 31 causes the piston 58a to protrude from the holding cylinder 58 of the rear transport unit 50b, causing the rear holding unit 59b to hold the mask M1 (replacement member holding process).

[0074] Next, the printing control unit 31 controls the lifting motor 57 of the rear transfer unit 50b to lower the rear holding unit 59b, which holds the mask M1 in a horizontal position, from the highest point H2 to the lowest point H1 (arrows h6 in Figure 12(a) and h7 in Figure 12(b)), thereby tilting the mask M1 and storing it in the rear storage unit 42b (lowering process). While the rear holding unit 59b is lowering, the back surface Mu of the mask M1 is supported by the support unit 61, and the lower end Md of the mask M1 is pulled down, causing the mask M1 to rotate from a horizontal position to a tilted position.

[0075] Thus, in the method for recovering (replacement) a replacement member according to the present disclosure, the replacement unit 40 moves the mask M1 (replacement member), which is discharged from the guide 14 provided on the printing unit 10 with its main surface lying flat (horizontal state) (arrow h5), away from the printing unit 10 (towards the rear) while pulling down the lower end Md of the mask M1 to move the lower end Md below the guide 14 (arrows h6, h7), and stores the mask M1 in the storage unit 42 with its main surface inclined (inclined state) so that the upper end Mt of the mask M1 is closer to the printing unit 10.

[0076] Next, with reference to Figures 13, 14, and 15(a), the method for supplying replacement members (masks) from the storage unit 42 to the printing unit 10 (replacement method) and the control by the printing control unit 31 will be described. Here, an example will be given in which a mask M2, which is stored in an inclined state in the front storage unit 42f of the front replacement unit 40f, is supplied to the printing unit 10 in the screen printing apparatus 1. The supply of mask M2 is started after the retrieval of mask M1 is completed (after the lowering process is completed), or it may be started after the replacement member holding process of the retrieval is completed. In other words, the supply of mask M2 can be started when there are no obstacles to the supply of mask M2.

[0077] First, the printing control unit 31 controls the print head movement mechanism 15 to retract the print head 16 to the rear (arrow i2 in Figure 13(a)) (print head retraction process). Next, the printing control unit 31 controls the lifting motor 57 of the front transport unit 50f to raise the front holding unit 59f, which holds the mask M2 in an inclined state, from the lowest point H1 to the highest point H2 (arrow i2 in Figure 13(b)). As a result, the rotated front holding unit 59f comes into contact with the upper regulating unit 60, and the mask M2 held by the holding unit 59 becomes horizontal (lifting process). While the front holding unit 59f is rising, the mask M2 is lifted with its back surface Mu supported by the support unit 61 and rotates from an inclined state to a horizontal state.

[0078] Next, the printing control unit 31 controls the holding cylinder 58 of the front transport unit 50f to retract the piston 58a and release the mask M2 to the front holding unit 59f (holding member release process). This makes it possible to supply the mask M2 in a horizontal position to the printing unit 10. Next, the printing control unit 31 controls the forward and backward movement mechanism 20 of the front transport unit 17f to move the lifting cylinder 19 to the front of the frame Mf of the upper end Mt of the mask M2 (arrow i3 in Figure 14(a)), and controls the lifting cylinder 19 to lower the contact member 18 (arrow i4).

[0079] Next, the printing control unit 31 controls the forward and backward movement mechanism 20 of the front transport unit 17f to move the lifting cylinder 19 to the rear (arrow i5 in Figure 14(b)), and moves the mask M2 into the printing unit 10 along the guide 14. In the process of the mask M2 moving to the rear along the guide 14, when the front lower end detection unit 62f detects that the lower end Md of the mask M2 has passed the front detection position Qf (a predetermined position) (lower end detection step), the printing control unit 31 controls the lifting motor 57 of the front transport unit 50f to move the front holding unit 59f from the uppermost point H2 to the lowermost point H1 (arrow i6 in Figure 15(a)).

[0080] Next, the printing control unit 31 controls the lifting cylinder 19 and the forward / backward movement mechanism 20 of the front transport unit 17f to repeatedly raise the contact member 18, move the lifting cylinder 19 forward, and lower the contact member 18, ultimately moving the mask M2 to the mask holding unit 14a (arrow i7 in Figure 15(a)). Then, the printing control unit 31 controls the lifting cylinder 19 and the forward / backward movement mechanism 20 of the front transport unit 17f to retract the contact member 18 to a position where it does not interfere with the printing operation. As a result, the printing unit 10 becomes ready to perform printing using the mask M2 (Figure 15(b)).

[0081] Thus, in the method for supplying replacement members (replacement method) of the present disclosure, the replacement unit 40 lifts the mask M2 (replacement member) which is stored in a state inclined (inclined state) with the main surface of the mask M2 inclined so that the upper end Mt of the mask M2 approaches the printing unit 10, and moves the upper end Mt of the mask M2 toward the printing unit 10 while inclining the upper end Mt of the mask M2 toward the printing unit 10 so that the upper end Mt of the mask M2 rests on the guide 14 provided on the printing unit 10, and supplies the mask M2 to the printing unit 10 with the main surface of the mask M2 lying flat (horizontal state) (arrow i2).

[0082] Next, with reference to Figures 15(b) and 16, the method for removing the mask M (replacement member) from the storage unit 42 and the control by the printing control unit 31 will be explained. Here, an example will be given in which the mask M1 used in the printing operation is removed from the rear storage unit 42b of the rear replacement unit 40b in the screen printing apparatus 1. Note that the operation of removing the mask M1 from the storage unit 42 can be performed at any time, such as before the start of the printing operation, during the printing operation, during the interruption of the printing operation, or after the completion of the printing operation.

[0083] First, the operator rotates the closing mechanism 49 (front plate 47 and upper plate 48 of the rear storage section 42b) to the rear (the side furthest from the printing section 10) (arrow j1 in Figure 15(b)) to open the rear opening 43b (opening process). Next, when the printing control unit 31 detects that the rear opening 43b has been opened by an opening detection sensor (not shown), it causes the piston 58a of the holding cylinder 58 of the rear transfer section 50b to retract and release the mask M1 (replacement member release process). The replacement member release process may be performed before the opening process. That is, the printing control unit 31 may cause the piston 58a of the holding cylinder 58 to retract after receiving a command to open the rear opening 43b.

[0084] Next, the worker removes the mask M1 that had been collected in the rear storage section 42b through the rear opening 43b (arrow j2 in Figure 16(a)) (replacement part removal process). Then, the worker rotates the closing mechanism 49 (front plate 47 and upper plate 48) to the front (printing section 10 side) (arrow j3 in Figure 16(b)) to close the rear opening 43b (opening closing process).

[0085] Although the above explanation used a mask M as an example of a replacement component stored in the storage unit 42 and supplied to the printing unit 10 by the transport unit 50, the replacement component is not limited to a mask M. For example, the replacement component may be a transport jig that transports a lower support member that is attached to the upper surface of the substrate holding unit 13c in the printing unit 10 to hold the substrate B from below, a transport jig that transports cleaning paper to wipe off paste P adhering to the mask M, a transport jig that transports a squeegee 16a, or a transport jig that transports a substrate for test printing. In other words, the replacement component only needs to have the same external shape as the frame Mf of the mask M.

[0086] Furthermore, although the above description was based on an example where a new mask M2 to be used in the next printing operation is stored in the front storage section 42f of the front replacement section 40f, and the used mask M1 is collected in the rear storage section 42b of the rear replacement section 40b, the new mask M2 may be stored in the rear storage section 42b, and the used mask M1 may be collected in the front storage section 42f. In addition, in a screen printing apparatus 1 equipped with one replacement section 40, the used mask M1 may be collected in the storage section 42, and then the new mask M2 may be stored in the storage section 42, and the mask M2 may be supplied to the printing section 10 by the transfer section 50.

[0087] As explained above, this disclosure discloses the following technical concepts.

[0088] (Technology 1) A printing unit 10 prints paste P onto substrate B using a mask M, The system includes a replacement unit 40 that supplies a replacement member (mask M) to the printing unit 10 and retrieves the replacement member from the printing unit 10, The replacement part 40 is A storage section 42 capable of storing the replacement member in a state where the main surface of the replacement member is inclined (inclined state) so that the upper end Mt of the replacement member approaches the printing section 10, A screen printing apparatus 1 includes a transfer unit 50 that lifts a replacement member stored in a storage unit 42, moves the upper end Mt of the replacement member toward the printing unit 10, and supplies the replacement member to the printing unit 10 with the main surface of the replacement member laid flat (horizontal).

[0089] This allows for the replacement of replacement components, including the mask M, with a small installation area.

[0090] (Technology 2) The printing unit 10 is Guide 14 on which the replacement part (mask M) is transported, It has a transport unit 17 that moves the replacement member placed on the guide 14 along the guide 14, The transfer unit 50 supplies the replacement member to a position where the transport unit 17 can transport the replacement member, as described in Technical Reference 1.

[0091] This allows for the replacement of replacement components, including the mask M, with a small installation area.

[0092] (Technology 3) The printing unit 10 is It has a guide 14 through which the replacement part (mask M) is transported. The transfer unit 50 moves the replacement member so that the upper end portion Mt of the replacement member rests on the guide 14, in the screen printing apparatus 1 according to Technology 1 or 2.

[0093] This allows for the replacement of replacement components, including the mask M, with a small installation area.

[0094] (Technology 4) The printing unit 10 is It has a guide 14 through which the replacement part (mask M) is transported. The transfer unit 50 moves the lower end Md opposite to the upper end Mt of the replacement member, which has been discharged from the guide 14 with its main surface lying flat (horizontal), downward from the guide 14, thereby storing the replacement member in the storage unit 42 in an inclined state (inclined state), as described in any of the technologies 1 to 3.

[0095] This reduces the length of the replacement unit 40 in the direction of transporting the replacement components, allowing the replacement of the replacement components, including the mask M, to be performed in a small installation area.

[0096] (Technology 5) The replacement part is the mask M. A screen printing apparatus 1 according to any one of the technologies 1 to 4, wherein the mask M is stored in the storage unit 42 in an inclined state (inclined state) such that the back surface Mu of the mask used for printing is located on the side relatively closer to the printing unit 10 in the printing unit 10.

[0097] This allows for the replacement of mask M with a small installation area.

[0098] (Technology 6) The transfer unit 50 is A holding part 59 that rotatably holds and lifts the replacement member (mask M), A screen printing apparatus 1 according to any one of the technologies 1 to 5, comprising a guiding means (support part 61) for guiding the upper end Mt of a replacement member, which is lifted by a holding part 59, to move toward the printing part 10.

[0099] This ensures that replacement members, which were stored in the replacement section 40 with their main surface inclined (inclined state), can be reliably moved to the printing section 10. Furthermore, replacement members, which were used in the printing section 10 with their main surface lying flat (horizontal state), can be reliably stored in the replacement section 40 in an inclined state.

[0100] (Technology 7) The screen printing apparatus 1 according to Technical Reference 6, wherein the guiding means is a support portion 61 that supports from below at least a portion of the replaceable member (mask M) whose upper end portion Mt moves toward the printing portion 10.

[0101] This allows replacement members, which were previously stored in the replacement section 40 with their main surface inclined (inclined), to be reliably moved to the printing section 10 with a simple configuration. Furthermore, replacement members, which were previously used in the printing section 10 with their main surface lying flat (horizontal), can now be reliably stored in the replacement section 40 in an inclined state with a simple configuration.

[0102] (Technology 8) The screen printing apparatus 1 according to Technical Reference 6, wherein the guiding means is a biasing means that biases the upper end portion Mt of the replacement member (mask M) to move toward the printing section 10.

[0103] This allows replacement members, which were previously stored in the replacement section 40 with their main surface inclined (inclined), to be reliably moved to the printing section 10 with a simple configuration. Furthermore, replacement members, which were previously used in the printing section 10 with their main surface lying flat (horizontal), can now be reliably stored in the replacement section 40 in an inclined state with a simple configuration.

[0104] (Technology 9) The screen printing apparatus 1 according to any one of the technologies 6 to 8, further comprising a downward restricting part 44 that restricts the rotation of the holding part 59 so that the replacement member (mask M) stored in the storage part 42 is in a state with its main surface inclined (inclined state).

[0105] This allows the replacement member to be stored in the replacement section 40 with its main surface in an inclined state (inclined state), reducing the length of the replacement section 40 in the direction of transporting the replacement member, and enabling the replacement of the replacement member, including the mask M, with a small installation area.

[0106] (Technology 10) The screen printing apparatus 1 according to any one of the technologies 6 to 9, further comprising an upper restricting part 60 that restricts the rotation of the holding part 59 so that the replacement member (mask M) lifted by the holding part 59 is in a state where the main surface is laid flat (horizontal state).

[0107] This allows the replacement member to be supplied to the printing unit 10 with its main surface lying flat (horizontal). Furthermore, the replacement member discharged from the printing unit 10 in a horizontal position can be held by the holding unit 59.

[0108] (Technology 11) The system further includes a lower end detection unit 62 that detects the lower end Md of the replacement member (mask M) on the opposite side of the upper end Mt of the mask M being supplied to the printing unit 10 with the main surface lying flat (horizontal), at a predetermined position (detection position Q). The screen printing apparatus 1 according to any one of the techniques 6 to 10, wherein the holding part 59 holds the replacement member and rises, and then descends when the lower end detection part 62 detects that the lower end Md of the replacement member has passed a predetermined position.

[0109] This allows the replacement member to be supplied to the printing unit 10 with its main surface lying flat (horizontal), and then the preparation for storing the next replacement member to be used in the storage unit 42 can be performed automatically.

[0110] (Technology 12) The screen printing apparatus 1 according to any one of the technologies 1 to 11, wherein the storage section 42 rotates the replacement member (mask M) so that its main surface is raised (upright state) when the replacement member is inserted into the storage section 42 or when the replacement member is removed from the storage section 42.

[0111] This makes it easy to insert and remove replacement parts from the storage section 42.

[0112] (Technology 13) The screen printing apparatus 1 according to any one of the technologies 1 to 12, wherein the replacement section 40 has a closing mechanism 49 (front plate 47, upper plate 48) that closes the opening 43 through which the replacement member inserted into the storage section 42 or the replacement member removed from the storage section 42 passes when the storage section 42 rotates and stores the replacement member in a state where the main surface of the replacement member (mask M) is inclined (inclined state).

[0113] This prevents workers from inserting their hands or other objects into the printing unit 10 through the opening 43, allowing printing operations to continue safely in the printing unit 10.

[0114] (Technology 14) A screen printing apparatus 1 according to any one of the technologies 1 to 13, comprising a printing unit 10 flanked by two exchange units 40.

[0115] This allows for the automated collection and supply of replacement parts.

[0116] (Technology 15) A method for replacing a replacement member, comprising supplying a replacement member (mask M) to a printing unit 10 that prints paste P onto a substrate B using a mask M, With the main surface of the replacement member tilted (tilted state) so that the upper end Mt of the replacement member approaches the printing section 10, the stored replacement member is lifted and the upper end Mt of the replacement member is moved toward the printing section 10. A replacement method in which the main surface of the replacement part is laid flat (horizontal) and supplied to the printing unit 10.

[0117] This allows for the replacement of replacement components, including the mask M, with a small installation area.

[0118] (Technology 16) A method for replacing a replacement member, comprising recovering the replacement member (mask M) from a printing unit 10 that prints paste P onto a substrate B using a mask M, The replacement part, which is discharged from the printing unit 10 with its main surface lying flat (horizontal), is moved away from the printing unit 10 while the lower end Md of the replacement part is pulled downward. A replacement method in which the main surface of the replacement member is tilted (tilted state) and stored so that the upper end Mt opposite to the lower end Md of the replacement member is closer to the printing section 10.

[0119] This allows for the replacement of replacement components, including the mask M, with a small installation area. [Industrial applicability]

[0120] The screen printing apparatus and replacement method of this disclosure have the advantage of enabling mask replacement with a small installation area, and are useful in the field of component mounting where components are mounted on a substrate. [Explanation of symbols]

[0121] 1. Screen printing device 10 Printing Department 14 Guide 17 Conveying Section 40 Exchange part 42 Storage compartment 44 Downward Regulation Section 49 Closing mechanism 50 Transfer section 59 Holding part 60 Upper regulatory section 61 Support part 62 Lower end detection unit B substrate M, M1, M2 Masks (Replacement Parts) Md lower end Mt upper end Mu (backside) P Paste Q Detection location

Claims

1. A printing unit that prints paste onto a substrate using a mask, The system includes a replacement unit that supplies replacement members to the printing unit and retrieves the replacement members from the printing unit, The aforementioned replacement part is A storage section capable of accommodating the replacement member with the main surface of the replacement member inclined such that the upper end of the replacement member approaches the printed portion, A screen printing apparatus comprising: a transfer unit that lifts the replacement member stored in the storage unit, moves the upper end of the replacement member toward the printing unit, and supplies the replacement member to the printing unit with the main surface of the replacement member laid flat.

2. The aforementioned printing unit is A guide through which the replacement member is transported, It has a transport unit that moves the replacement member placed on the guide along the guide, The screen printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the transfer unit supplies the replacement member to a position where the transport unit can transport the replacement member.

3. The aforementioned printing unit is The replacement member has a guide through which it is transported. The screen printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the transfer unit moves the replacement member so that the upper end of the replacement member rests on the guide.

4. The aforementioned printing unit is The replacement member has a guide through which it is transported. The screen printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the transfer unit moves the lower end of the replacement member, opposite to the upper end of the replacement member that has been discharged from the guide with its main surface lying flat, downward from the guide, and stores the replacement member in the storage unit in an inclined state.

5. The aforementioned replacement member is a mask. The screen printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the mask is stored in the storage section in an inclined state such that the back surface of the mask used for printing is located relatively closer to the printing section in the printing section.

6. The transfer unit is A holding part that rotatably holds and lifts the aforementioned replacement member, The screen printing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a guiding means for guiding the upper end of the replacement member, which is lifted by the holding portion, to move toward the printing portion.

7. The screen printing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the guiding means is a support portion that supports from below at least a portion of the replacement member whose upper end moves toward the printing portion.

8. The screen printing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the guiding means is a biasing means that biases the upper end of the replacement member to move toward the printing section.

9. The screen printing apparatus according to claim 6, further comprising a downward restricting portion that restricts the rotation of the holding portion so that the replacement member stored in the storage portion is inclined toward the main surface.

10. The screen printing apparatus according to claim 6, further comprising an upward restricting portion that restricts the rotation of the holding portion so that the replacement member, lifted by the holding portion, has its main surface laid flat.

11. The system further includes a lower end detection unit that detects the lower end opposite to the upper end of the replacement member, which is being supplied to the printing section with the main surface laid flat, at a predetermined position. The screen printing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the holding portion holds the replacement member and rises, and then descends when the lower end detection portion detects that the lower end of the replacement member has passed the predetermined position.

12. The screen printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the storage section rotates the replacement member so that the main surface of the replacement member is raised when the replacement member is inserted into the storage section or when the replacement member is removed from the storage section.

13. The screen printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the replacement section has a closing mechanism that closes the opening through which the replacement member inserted into the storage section or the replacement member removed from the storage section passes when the storage section rotates to store the replacement member with the main surface of the replacement member inclined.

14. A screen printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 13, comprising two of the aforementioned replacement parts flanking the aforementioned printing part.

15. A method for replacing a replacement member, comprising supplying a replacement member to a printing unit that prints paste onto a substrate using a mask, With the main surface of the replacement member tilted so that the upper end of the replacement member approaches the printing area, the replacement member is lifted while the upper end of the replacement member is moved toward the printing area. A replacement method comprising supplying the replacement member to the printing section with its main surface laid flat.

16. A method for replacing a replacement member, comprising recovering the replacement member from a printing unit that prints paste onto a substrate using a mask, As the replacement member is discharged from the printing unit with its main surface lying flat, move it away from the printing unit while pulling down the lower end of the replacement member. A replacement method in which the main surface of the replacement member is tilted and stored so that the upper end of the replacement member opposite to the lower end of the replacement member approaches the printed portion.

Images