Parts exchange device

Abstract

A component replacement device that supplies a replacement component to a printing device that prints a paste on a substrate has a storage section that stores the replacement component, a holding section that rotatably holds the replacement component and lifts it to a predetermined height, and a swinging section that swings the replacement component lifted to the predetermined height toward the printing device and puts a part of the replacement component into the printing device. When a part of the replacement component enters the printing device, the holding section descends while holding the replacement component, and supplies the replacement component to the printing device with the main surface of the replacement component in a horizontal state.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a member replacement device that supplies or collects a replacement member to a printing device that prints a paste on a substrate. [Background technology]

[0002] A printing device prints a paste such as solder on the surface of a board using a mask with pattern openings. In such a printing device, not only the mask but also the support that supports the board from below is replaced depending on the type of board. Patent Document 1 discloses a printing device equipped with a mask replacement device in which a magazine that holds multiple masks horizontally can be raised and lowered within a housing in order to perform this mask replacement continuously and automatically. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2021-062517 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Unlike the above-mentioned mask, the replacement of the lower support is generally performed manually by an operator, but it is also possible to automatically replace the lower support by holding the lower support in a jig consisting of a frame having the same shape as the mask (i.e., a mask-shaped jig) and transporting this to the installation position of the mask in the same manner as the mask. When adopting such a configuration, the members consisting of the lower support and the jig that holds it can be handled as replacement members in the same way as the mask, so that the replacement members can also be conveniently stored in a magazine in the same way as the mask.

[0005] However, in the conventional techniques including Patent Document 1, the mask exchange device (component exchange device) holds a large mask horizontally, which increases the size of the device, and in order to exchange the mask, there is a problem that additional space needs to be secured behind the component exchange device so that the mask can be inserted and removed horizontally.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a component replacement device that can be realized with a small installation area. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The component replacement device of the present disclosure is adapted for a printing device that prints paste on a substrate. A support that supports the board from below A member exchange device for supplying the member A lower support and a jig for holding the lower support; A storage section for storing the jig a holding part that rotatably holds the device and lifts it to a predetermined height; jig toward the printing device, jig and a swinging part for inserting a part of the holding part into the printing device. jig When a portion of the jig While holding the above, jig The main surface of the sheet is placed horizontally on the printing device. jig supplies.

[0008] In addition, the component replacement device of the present disclosure is a printing device that prints paste on a substrate. A jig that holds a support that supports the board from below. A component replacement device for recovering the jig At the position where the printing device is discharged, jig The above-mentioned is rotatably held. jig Lift the to a specified height and jig A holding unit for collecting the jig and a storage section capable of storing the jig The above jig The main surface of the container is lowered in a vertical state and stored in the storage section. Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to the present disclosure, it can be realized with a small installation area. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a partially perspective view showing a member replacement device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure together with a printing device; [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a perspective side view showing a member replacement device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure together with a printing device; [Diagram 3] 1A is a perspective plan view showing a configuration of a main part of a component exchange device to which a component storage device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is attached; FIG. 1B is a perspective rear view showing the configuration of the main part of the component exchange device to which a component storage device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is attached; [Figure 4] FIG. 1A is a perspective plan view illustrating a function of a component replacement device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; [Diagram 5] 1A and 1B are enlarged plan views illustrating a configuration of a clamper of a holding unit provided in a component replacement device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a printing device and a member replacement device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a mask used in a printing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure together with a guide rail. [Figure 8] 1A and 1B are explanatory diagrams illustrating a process of mounting a component storage device on a component replacement device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] 1A and 1B are explanatory diagrams illustrating a process of recovering a mask from a printing device by a member replacement device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] FIG. 1A is an explanatory diagram of a process of recovering a mask from a printing device by a member replacement device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 1B is an explanatory diagram of a process of supplying a mask to a printing device; [Figure 11] 1A and 1B are explanatory diagrams of a process of supplying a mask to a printing device by a member replacement device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; [Figure 12]FIG. 1A is an explanatory diagram of a process of supplying a mask to a printing device by a component replacement device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 1B is an explanatory diagram of a process of removing a component storage device from a component replacement device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; [Figure 13] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional side view of a storage unit included in a printing device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 14] FIG. 1 is a side view of a main portion of a printing device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 15] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a replacement member used in a printing device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure together with a guide rail. [Figure 16] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a jig included in a printing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 17] 1A and 1B are side views showing a part of a jig according to an embodiment of the present disclosure together with a lower support body held by the jig; [Figure 18] 1A and 1B are explanatory diagrams illustrating a process of supplying a replacement part to a printing device by a part replacement device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 19] 1A, 1B, and 1C are side views illustrating an operation of a jig transferring a lower support to a support table of a printing device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 20] (a) and (b) are side views of a portion of a jig according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 21] 1A and 1B are side views illustrating the operation of a jig after a lower support is held on a support table of a printing device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 22] FIG. 11 is a side view illustrating a state in which the printing device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure clamps the substrate with a clamper. [Figure 23] FIG. 1 is a side view showing a state in which a printing device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is applying paste to a substrate; [Figure 24] 1A, 1B, and 1C are diagrams illustrating an operation of a jig receiving a support body from a support stand of a printing device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings as appropriate, an embodiment specifically disclosing a member replacement device according to the present disclosure will be described in detail. However, more detailed description than necessary may be omitted. For example, detailed description of already well-known matters and duplicated description of substantially the same configuration may be omitted. This is to avoid the following description becoming unnecessarily redundant and to facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art. Note that the attached drawings and the following description are provided to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the subject matter described in the claims.

[0012] FIG. 1 is a partially transparent perspective view showing a member replacement device 30 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure together with a printing device 10. FIG. 2 is a transparent side view showing the member replacement device 30 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure together with the printing device 10. FIGS. 1 and 2 show the printing device 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The printing device 10 carries in and positions a substrate B, prints a paste P such as solder on an electrode pattern (not shown) provided on the upper surface of the substrate B, and carries the substrate B out. In this embodiment, for the sake of convenience, the direction in which the substrate B is transported is defined as the X direction. In addition, the direction perpendicular to the X direction in the horizontal plane is defined as the Y direction, and the up-down direction is defined as the Z direction.

[0013] 1 and 2, a member exchanging device 30 is disposed at the upper rear side of the printing device 10, which supplies a mask M to the printing device 10 and collects the mask M from the printing device 10. A member storage device 70 for storing the mask M is detachably attached to the member exchanging device 30. Details of the member exchanging device 30 and the member storage device 70 will be described later. The mask M is configured such that the outer periphery of a screen Ms in which pattern openings are formed is supported by a frame Mf.

[0014] 2, the printing device 10 includes a substrate transport and holding unit 13 on a base 12 covered by a printing unit cover 11. The substrate transport and holding unit 13 includes a conveyor 13a that transports the substrate B along the X direction. The substrate transport and holding unit 13 includes a multi-stage table 13b that is disposed on the base 12 below near the center of the conveyor 13a in the X direction, and a substrate holding unit 13c that is supported by the multi-stage table 13b.

[0015] Multistage table 13b moves substrate holding portion 13c in the X and Y directions (horizontal directions) and raises and lowers substrate holding portion 13c in the Z direction (up and down direction). Substrate holding portion 13c receives substrate B transported by conveyor 13a, and lifts and holds the received substrate B from conveyor 13a.

[0016] 2, a pair of guide rails 14 extending in the Y direction (front-rear direction) facing each other in the X direction are disposed above the substrate transport and holding unit 13. Of the four sides of the frame body Mf of the mask M, two sides facing each other in the X direction are supported by the pair of guide rails 14. With the two sides facing each other in the X direction supported by the pair of guide rails 14 in this manner, the mask M can move (slide) in the front-rear direction along the Y direction on the pair of guide rails 14.

[0017] A mask installation position 14a is set in front of the guide rail 14 and above the substrate holding section 13c, and the mask M is installed at the mask installation position 14a. Above the guide rail 14, there is disposed a mask moving section 15 including a contact member 16, a lifting cylinder 17 that lifts and lowers the contact member 16 up and down (arrow a), and a forward / backward movement mechanism 18 (FIG. 6) that moves the lifting cylinder 17 forward and backward (arrow b) along the guide rail 14.

[0018] The mask moving unit 15 brings the lowered contact member 16 into contact with the frame body Mf of the mask M, and moves the mask M back and forth along the guide rails 14. A rear opening 19 is formed on the rear side of the printing unit cover 11. A front opening 32 (see also FIG. 3(b)) is formed on the front side of the housing 31 of the component replacing device 30.

[0019] The mask moving unit 15 moves the mask M between the component exchange device 30 and the mask installation position 14a through the rear opening 19 and the front opening 32. The mask M that has been moved to the mask installation position 14a is positioned at the mask installation position 14a with the main surface of the mask M horizontal (FIG. 7).

[0020] FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the mask M used in the printing device 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure together with the guide rails 14. In FIG. 7, a plurality of (four in this example) fixed cylinders 14S are provided near the mask installation position 14a. Each fixed cylinder 14S can protrude a piston rod 14R downward. When the fixed cylinders 14S protrude the piston rod 14R downward in a state where the mask M is positioned at the mask installation position 14a, the lower end of each piston rod 14R abuts against the upper surface of the frame body Mf of the mask M, and two sides of the frame body Mf facing each other in the X direction are pressed from above against the pair of guide rails 14. As a result, the mask M positioned at the mask installation position 14a is fixed on the pair of guide rails 14 (FIG. 7).

[0021] 2, a print head 20 that moves along the Y direction is disposed above the mask installation position 14a. The print head 20 is equipped with two squeegees 20a disposed opposite each other in the Y direction. The squeegees 20a are made of spatula-shaped members that extend in the X direction, and each can move independently in the Z direction.

[0022] With the substrate B held by the substrate holding portion 13c in contact with the lower surface of the mask M, the print head 20 lowers one of the two squeegees 20a to abut on the mask M, and moves in the Y direction in this state to slide the squeegee 20a over the mask M. As a result, the paste P supplied onto the mask M is scraped up on the mask M, and the paste P is applied to the substrate B through the pattern openings MK (FIG. 7) formed in the mask M (see also FIGS. 8(a) and 8(b)).

[0023] Next, the details of the component exchange device 30 and the component storage device 70 will be described with reference to Figs. 1 to 5. Fig. 3(a) is a perspective plan view showing the configuration of the main part of the component exchange device 30 to which the component storage device 70 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is attached. Fig. 3(b) is a perspective back view showing the configuration of the main part of the component exchange device 30 to which the component storage device 70 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is attached. Fig. 4(a) is a perspective plan view explaining the function of the component exchange device 30 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 4(b) is a perspective back view explaining the function of the component exchange device 30 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figs. 5(a) and 5(b) are enlarged plan views explaining the configuration of the clampers 40, 41 of the holding unit 39 provided in the component exchange device 30 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] An attachment opening 33 into which the component storage device 70 is attached is provided at the rear side of the component exchange device 30. The component storage device 70 includes a storage section 73 having a plurality of bottomed collection slots 71 and a supply slot 72 for storing the masks M. Here, the collection slot 71 refers to a slot located on the front side of the storage section 73 when the component storage device 70 is attached to the component exchange device 30, and the supply slot 72 refers to a slot located on the rear side of the storage section 73 when the component storage device 70 is attached to the component exchange device 30.

[0025] The mask M is stored in the collection slot 71 and the supply slot 72 with the main surface of the mask M vertical. The depth L1 of the collection slot 71 and the supply slot 72 is shallower than the length L2 (FIG. 2) of the main surface of the mask M. As a result, the mask M stored in the collection slot 71 and the supply slot 72 is in a state where a part of the mask M protrudes from the upper part of the collection slot 71 and the supply slot 72.

[0026] 1, a back panel 74 is disposed at the rear of the storage section 73, the back panel 74 being large enough to extend at least above and beyond the left and right sides of the storage section 73. A docking section 75 is disposed at the front of the storage section 73, protruding from the storage section 73. In this example, the material storage device 70 is provided with two docking sections 75 on the left and right. Wheels 76 are provided at the bottom of the storage section 73. This allows the material storage device 70 to be moved around the floor on which the printing device 10 is installed by a worker or an unmanned guided vehicle (not shown), etc.

[0027] The component exchange device 30 is provided with two docking openings 34 corresponding to the positions of the docking parts 75. In addition, in the component exchange device 30, a locking mechanism 35 (FIG. 6) that grips the docking part 75 of the component storage device 70 is disposed inside the docking opening 34. When the component storage device 70 is attached to the attachment opening 33 of the component exchange device 30, the docking part 75 is inserted into the docking opening 34. When the locking mechanism 35 operates in this state, the component storage device 70 is held relative to the component exchange device 30. In addition, when the component storage device 70 is to be removed from the component exchange device 30, the locking mechanism 35 is released and then the component storage device 70 is pulled out from the attachment opening 33.

[0028] In FIG. 1, a touch panel 36 connected to the exchange control device 60 (FIG. 6) is disposed on the rear side of the component exchange device 30. The locking mechanism 35 is controlled by an exchange control unit 61 (FIG. 6) provided in the exchange control device 60. An operator operates the touch panel 36 to command the locking and unlocking of the locking mechanism 35. Specifically, after mounting the component storage device 70 on the component exchange device 30, the operator operates the touch panel 36 to activate the locking mechanism 35 to hold (lock) the component storage device 70. In addition, the operator operates the touch panel 36 to release the locking mechanism 35, and then removes the component storage device 70. In this manner, the component storage device 70 is provided with a docking unit 75 that is docked with the component exchange device 30.

[0029] When the component storage device 70 is held by the component exchange device 30, the area indicated by diagonal hatching on the back plate 74 of the component storage device 70 abuts against the area indicated by diagonal hatching on the rear surface 31a of the housing 31 of the component exchange device 30. This causes the mounting opening 33 of the component exchange device 30 to be closed by the back plate 74. In this way, when the back plate 74 is docked to the component exchange device 30, it becomes a cover that covers the gap with the component exchange device 30. This prevents an operator from accidentally touching a moving mechanism and getting injured while the component exchange device 30 is in operation, ensuring safety.

[0030] The mechanism for holding the component storage device 70 on the component exchange device 30 is not limited to the combination of the docking section 75 and the locking mechanism 35, but may be any mechanism that fixes the component storage device 70 to the component exchange device 30. For example, the docking opening 34 and the locking mechanism 35 may be disposed in the printing apparatus 10. When the automated guided vehicle transports the component storage device 70 and attaches / detaches it to / from the component exchange device 30, commands to activate and release the locking mechanism 35 are communicated between the automated guided vehicle and the exchange control device 60 of the component exchange device 30 by wireless communication or the like.

[0031] In this manner, the component storage device 70 has a storage section 73 that stores the mask M with its main surface vertical, and is detachable from the component replacement device 30. By storing the mask M vertically, the component storage device 70 can be realized with a small installation area.

[0032] 2, a shutter 38 that is raised and lowered by a shutter lifting unit 37 (FIG. 6) is disposed on the front side (printing apparatus 10 side) of the component replacement device 30. The shutter lifting unit 37 is controlled by an replacement control unit 61. When the shutter 38 is lowered, the front opening 32 is closed, restricting access from the component replacement device 30 to the inside of the printing apparatus 10. When the shutter 38 is raised, the front opening 32 is opened, allowing access from the component replacement device 30 to the inside of the printing apparatus 10.

[0033] When the replacement control unit 61 receives a lock command and the lock mechanism 35 holds the member storage device 70, it raises the shutter 38 to open the front opening 32. When the replacement control unit 61 receives a command to release the lock, it lowers the shutter 38 to close the front opening 32, and then releases the lock of the lock mechanism 35.

[0034] 2 and 3, a holder 39 is disposed inside the housing 31 of the component exchange device 30, which rotatably holds the mask M stored in the collection slot 71 or supply slot 72 of the storage section 73 of the component storage device 70 attached to the component exchange device 30 and lifts it up to a predetermined position. The holder 39 has multiple pairs of clampers 40, 41 that grip both side surfaces of the frame Mf of the mask M corresponding to the multiple collection slots 71 and supply slots 72.

[0035] Hereinafter, the clamper 40 corresponding to the collection slot 71 on the front side (the printing device 10 side) will be referred to as the "collection clamper 40," and the clamper 41 corresponding to the supply slot 72 on the rear side will be referred to as the "supply clamper 41." In addition, in the explanation of Figures 2 to 5, the storage section 73 of the component storage device 70 attached to the component replacement device 30 may be simply referred to as the storage section 73.

[0036] 3 and 4, the collection clamper 40 and the supply clamper 41 are arranged in a line up front and back along the Y direction and are fixed to a lift plate 42. The lift plate 42 is provided so as to be movable up and down along a linear guide 43 that extends up and down (Z direction) and is fixed to the housing 31. A nut 44 is fixed to the lift plate 42. A ball screw 45 that extends up and down is meshed with the nut 44. The ball screw 45 is rotated about an axis along the Z direction (Z axis) by a lift motor 46 fixed to the housing 31. The lift motor 46 is controlled by the exchange control unit 61. The lift plate 42 is raised and lowered by the lift motor 46 rotating the ball screw 45 (arrow f in FIG. 4).

[0037] Here, the detailed configuration and function of the collection clamper 40 and the supply clamper 41 will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5(a) is an enlarged view of the collection clamper 40 and the supply clamper 41 on one side (left side) shown by circle D in Fig. 3(a). Fig. 5(b) is an enlarged view of the collection clamper 40 and the supply clamper 41 on one side (left side) shown by circle E in Fig. 4(a). Fig. 4 shows a state in which a pair of supply clampers 41 holds and lifts up the mask M stored in the supply slot 72 of the storage section 73. The collection clamper 40 and the supply clamper 41 on the other side (right side) have the same configuration as the collection clamper 40 and the supply clamper 41 on the other side (left side) except that the components are arranged symmetrically with respect to the collection slot 71 and the supply slot 72, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0038] 5, the recovery clamper 40 is provided with a recovery cylinder 47 having a piston connected to a joint 49 at its tip that can be extended and retracted in the direction of a recovery slot 71. The supply clamper 41 is provided with a supply cylinder 48 having a piston 48a connected to a joint 49 at its tip that can be extended and retracted in the direction of a supply slot 72. A shaft 50 extending along the X direction is attached to each joint 49 so as to be rotatable about an axis (X axis) along the X direction. A locking portion 50a provided at the end of the shaft 50 is held in an internal space 49a of the joint 49 so as to be movable within a range of a play G.

[0039] The shaft 50 is held by a rotary bearing 51 so as to be rotatable about the X-axis and movable back and forth along the X-direction. A pad 52 that abuts against the frame body Mf of the mask M is connected to the end of the shaft 50 opposite the locking portion 50a side. A compression spring 53, which is an elastic body, is inserted into the shaft 50 and disposed between the rotary bearing 51 and the pad 52. The elastic force of the compression spring 53 biases the shaft 50 toward the collection slot 71 or the supply slot 72. The collection cylinder 47 and the supply cylinder 48 are controlled by an exchange control unit 61.

[0040] 4 and 5(b), when the supply cylinders 48 of the pair of supply clampers 41 protrude their pistons 48a, the shafts 50 pressed by the joints 49 move toward the supply slots 72, and the pads 52 of the shafts 50 come into contact with both side surfaces of the mask M stored in the supply slots 72. As a result, both side surfaces of the mask M are gripped by the pair of supply clampers 41. The mask M is stably gripped by the elastic force of the compression springs 53 of the supply clampers 41.

[0041] It is preferable that the spring constant of one of the compression springs 53 of the pair of supply clampers 41 is made larger than that of the other. This makes it possible to prevent the position of the mask M from fluctuating or vibrating due to the left and right supply clampers 41 pushing against each other. The same applies to the compression springs 53 of the pair of recovery clampers 40. Alternatively, the play G of one of the joints 49 may be set to zero to fix the position of the pad 52.

[0042] When the mask M held by the pair of supply clampers 41 lands on the supply slot 72, the pistons 48a of the supply cylinders 48 retract, and the pair of pads 52 move away from both sides of the mask M, releasing the mask M. As a result, the mask M is stored in the supply slot 72.

[0043] In Figure 4 (b), while a pair of supply clampers 41 are holding the mask M, the lift motor 46 is operated to raise and lower the lift plate 42 (arrow f), so that the mask M is removed from the supply slot 72, raised and lowered within the housing 31, and stored in the supply slot 72.

[0044] Similarly, when the pistons of the recovery cylinders 47 of the pair of recovery clampers 40 are extended while the mask M is stored in the recovery slot 71, both end surfaces of the mask M are gripped by the pair of recovery clampers 40. When the mask M held by the recovery clampers 40 lands on the recovery slot 71 and each of the recovery cylinders 47 retracts its piston, the pair of pads 52 move away from both side surfaces of the mask M, releasing the mask M. When the pair of recovery clampers 40 are gripping the mask M, the lift motor 46 is operated to lift and lower the lift plate 42, whereby the mask M is taken out of the recovery slot 71, lifted and lowered within the housing 31, and stored in the recovery slot 71.

[0045] 2 and 3, a swinging unit 54 is disposed inside the housing 31 of the component replacement device 30, which swings the mask M lifted to a predetermined position toward the printing device 10 and places a part of the mask M into the printing device 10 (see also FIGS. 11(a) and 11(b)). The swinging unit 54 has a swinging motor 56. The swinging motor 56 is disposed on a fixed plate 55 fixed to the housing 31, with a rotation shaft 56a facing in the X direction. A crank-shaped pusher 57 is connected to the rotation shaft 56a of the swinging motor 56. The swinging motor 56 is controlled by the replacement control unit 61. When the swinging motor 56 is operated, the pusher 57 rotates (arrow c in FIG. 2).

[0046] The fixed plate 55 of the swinging unit 54 and the swinging motor 56 are disposed at positions where they do not interfere with the lifting plate 42 of the holding unit 39, which rises and falls. The pusher 57 is also shaped so that it does not interfere with the lifting plate 42 of the holding unit 39, which rises and falls, when it rotates to the retracted position (see FIG. 3(a)). The pusher 57 also extends along the X direction to a position where its tip abuts against the back surface of the mask M stored in the storage unit 73. When the pair of collection clampers 40 or supply clampers 41 grips the mask M and lifts it up to a predetermined position, the swinging motor 56 swings the pusher 57 from the retracted position toward the printing device 10, and the pusher 57 abuts against the back surface of the mask M to swing the mask M toward the printing device 10.

[0047] 3, a label C such as a barcode or a two-dimensional code indicating information for identifying the mask M is attached to the side of the frame body Mf of the mask M. The mask M is stored in the collection slot 71 or the supply slot 72 with the label C facing upward. An information reading unit 58, which is a reader that reads the label C attached to the mask M, is disposed on the ceiling inside the housing 31 of the member replacement device 30 in a position corresponding to the position of the label C. The information reading unit 58 recognizes the label C attached to the mask M and reads the information attached to the mask M. The replacement control device 60 transmits the read information attached to the mask M to the print control device 21 (FIG. 6) of the printing device 10.

[0048] Next, referring to FIG. 6, the configuration of the control system of the printing device 10 and the member exchange device 30 will be described. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the printing device and the member exchange device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In addition, the printing device 10 will be described mainly in terms of a portion related to the mask exchange operation. The lifting cylinder 17 and the front-rear movement mechanism 18 of the mask moving unit 15 are connected to the printing control device 21 provided in the printing device 10. The printing control device 21 includes a printing control unit 22 and a printing storage unit 23. The printing storage unit 23 is a storage device, and stores a control program for controlling the mask moving unit 15, information attached to the mask M read by the member exchange device 30, and the like. The printing control unit 22 executes an exchange process of the mask M used in the printing work based on the control program stored in the printing storage unit 23, information on the mask M, and the like.

[0049] 6, the exchange control device 60 provided in the component exchange device 30 is connected to the lock mechanism 35, the touch panel 36, the shutter lifting section 37, the lifting motor 46 of the holding section 39, the recovery cylinder 47, the supply cylinder 48, the swing motor 56 of the swinging section 54, and an information reading section 58. The exchange control device 60 includes an exchange control section 61 and an exchange memory section 62. The exchange control device 60 transmits and receives data to and from the print control device 21 via a signal line 59.

[0050] The exchange storage unit 62 is a storage device that stores control programs and the like that execute various processes such as a lock process for holding the material storage device 70, an release process for opening the material storage device 70, a recovery process for recovering the mask M from the printing device 10, and a supply process for supplying the mask M to the printing device 10. The exchange control unit 61 executes the lock process, the release process, the recovery process, and the supply process based on the control programs and the like stored in the exchange storage unit 62.

[0051] Next, with reference to Figures 8(a) and 8(b), a method for mounting the component storage device 70 to the mounting opening 33 of the component replacement device 30 will be described. Figures 8(a) and 8(b) are explanatory views of the process of mounting the component storage device 70 to the component replacement device 30 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0052] 8(a), a replacement mask M2 to be used for printing solder paste P on a board B of the next board type is stored with its main surface vertical in a supply slot 72 of the component storage device 70. In the printing device 10, a printing operation is being performed to print solder paste P on the board B using the mask M1. The component storage device 70 is transported by an operator or an automated guided vehicle to the rear of the component replacement device 30 (arrow h1) (component storage device transport process).

[0053] In Fig. 8(b), the component storage device 70 is then attached to the component exchange device 30 while inserting the docking unit 75 into the docking opening 34 (arrow h2) (component storage device attachment process). Next, when the touch panel 36 is operated and the exchange control unit 61 receives a lock command, the exchange control unit 61 causes the lock mechanism 35 to execute a lock process to hold the docking unit 75 (lock process). Next, the exchange control unit 61 causes the shutter lifting unit 37 to lift the shutter 38 to open the front opening 32 (arrow h3) (opening process). This completes preparations for the component exchange device 30 to execute the collection process and the supply process.

[0054] Next, a mask recovery method for recovering the mask M1 from the printing device 10 to the member replacement device 30 will be described with reference to FIG. 9(a), FIG. 9(b), and FIG. 10(a). FIG. 9(a) and FIG. 9(b) are explanatory diagrams of a process of recovering the mask M1 from the printing device 10 by the member replacement device 30 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 10(a) is an explanatory diagram of a process of recovering the mask M1 from the printing device 10 by the member replacement device 30 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. It is assumed that the pair of recovery clampers 40 have moved to a height H1 at which the frame body Mf of the mask M1 discharged from the rear opening 19 of the printing device 10 along the guide rail 14 is located. The recovery process and the supply process described later are performed by the printing control unit 22 and the replacement control unit 61 in cooperation with each other.

[0055] 9(a), when the printing operation using the mask M1 is completed in the printing device 10, the print control unit 22 causes the fixed cylinder 14S to release the mask M1. Next, the print control unit 22 causes the front-rear movement mechanism 18 to move the lift cylinder 17 to the front side of the mask M1 (the side farther from the member replacement device 30), and causes the lift cylinder 17 to lower the contact member 16 (arrow i1).

[0056] Next, the print control unit 22 moves the lift cylinder 17 toward the component replacement device 30 using the front-rear movement mechanism 18, causing the contact member 16 to press the front side of the mask M1 (arrow i2). The print control unit 22 moves the rear side of the mask M1 into the housing 31 through the rear opening 19 and the front opening 32, and moves the rear frame body Mf to the position of the pads 52 of the pair of recovery clampers 40 (mask discharging process).

[0057] 9(a), the exchange control unit 61 then causes the recovery cylinder 47 to protrude a piston, causing both end surfaces of the mask M1 to be gripped by a pair of pads 52 (recovery clamper gripping step). In Figs. 9(a), 9(b), 10(a), 10(b), 11(a) and 11(b), the states in which the pads 52 of the recovery clamper 40 or the supply clamper 41 are gripping both end surfaces of the mask M1 or mask M2 are indicated by black circles.

[0058] 9(b), the exchange control unit 61 then operates the lift motor 46 to raise the recovery clamper 40 (arrow i3). As the recovery clamper 40 holding the mask M1 rises, the mask M1, which was carried out of the printing device 10 with its main surface horizontal, rotates so that its main surface becomes vertical. The exchange control unit 61 raises the recovery clamper 40 to a height H2 at which the main surface of the mask M1 becomes vertical (recovery clamper raising step).

[0059] 10(a), when the recovery clamper 40 rises to height H2 and the main surface of the mask M1 is in a vertical state, the exchange control unit 61 operates the lift motor 46 to lower the recovery clamper 40 (arrow i4). The exchange control unit 61 lowers the recovery clamper 40 to height H3 at which the mask M1 lands on the recovery slot 71 (recovery clamper lowering step). Next, the exchange control unit 61 plunges the piston into the recovery cylinder 47 to move the pair of pads 52 away from both end surfaces of the mask M1. This releases the mask M1 from the recovery clamper 40, and the mask M1 is recovered into the recovery slot 71 (recovery clamper releasing step).

[0060] As described above, the component exchange device 30 of the present embodiment includes the holding unit 39, and in a state where the component storage device 70 including the storage unit 73 is attached, the holding unit 39 rotatably holds the mask M1 at a position where the mask M1 is carried out from the printing device 10 with the main surface of the mask M1 horizontal (collection clamper gripping step), lifts the mask M1 to a predetermined height H2 (collection clamper lifting step), lowers the held and lifted mask M1 with the main surface of the mask M1 vertical (collection clamper lowering step), and recovers the mask M1 in the recovery slot 71 of the storage unit 73 capable of storing the mask M1 with the main surface of the mask M1 vertical (collection clamper releasing step). In this way, by recovering the mask M1 with the main surface vertical, the component exchange device 30 can be realized in a small area.

[0061] Next, a mask supply method for supplying a mask M2 from the member exchanging device 30 to the printing device 10 will be described with reference to Figs. 10(b), 11(a), 11(b), 12(a), and 12(b). Fig. 10(b) is an explanatory diagram of a process of supplying a mask M2 to the printing device 10 by the member exchanging device 30 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figs. 11(a) and 11(b) are explanatory diagrams of a process of supplying a mask M2 to the printing device 10 by the member exchanging device 30 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 12(a) is an explanatory diagram of a process of supplying a mask M2 to the printing device 10 by the member exchanging device 30 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 12(b) is an explanatory diagram of a process of removing a member storage device 70 from the member exchanging device 30 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0062] 10(b), when the recovery clamper 40 finishes recovering the mask M1 into the recovery slot 71, the exchange control unit 61 operates the lift motor 46 to move the supply clamper 41 to a height H4 at which the frame Mf of the mask M2 stored in the supply slot 72 is located (arrow j1). In this example, the height H4 is the same as the height H1 at which the frame Mf of the mask M1 discharged from the printing device 10 is located. Next, the exchange control unit 61 protrudes the piston 48a in the supply cylinder 48 to grip both end surfaces of the mask M2 with the pair of pads 52 (supply clamper gripping step).

[0063] 11(a), the exchange control unit 61 then operates the lift motor 46 to lift the supply clamper 41 (arrow j2). When the mask M2 held by the supply clamper 41 rotates, the exchange control unit 61 lifts the supply clamper 41 to a height H5 at which the lower end of the mask M2 enters the inside of the rear opening 19 of the printing device 10 (supply clamper lifting step). Next, the exchange control unit 61 causes the information reading unit 58 to read information from the label C attached to the mask M2 (information reading step). The exchange control unit 61 transmits the read information of the mask M2 to the print control device 21. The print control unit 22 causes the received information of the mask M2 to be stored in the print memory unit 23.

[0064] Next, the exchange control unit 61 controls the swing motor 56 to move the pusher 57 in the direction of the mask M2 (arrow j3) and bring the pusher 57 into contact with the back surface of the mask M2. In addition, the print control unit 22 controls the front-rear movement mechanism 18 to move the lift cylinder 17 to a position where the movement of the mask M2 starts (arrow j4).

[0065] 11(b), the exchange control unit 61 then operates the lift motor 46 to lower the supply clamper 41 (arrow j5), while causing the swing motor 56 of the swing unit 54 to move the pusher 57 toward the printing device 10 (arrow j6), swinging the lower end of the mask M2 toward the printing device 10 to place a part of the mask M2 inside the printing device 10 (swinging process). After moving the pusher 57 to the retreat position, the exchange control unit 61 lowers the supply clamper 41 to a height H1 at which the main surface of the mask M2 is horizontal (supply clamper lowering process). When the main surface of the mask M2 is horizontal, the print control unit 22 causes the lift cylinder 17 to lower the contact member 16 (arrow j7), causing the contact member 16 to abut against the rear side of the front frame body Mf of the mask M2.

[0066] 12(a), the exchange control unit 61 then plunges the piston 48a into the supply cylinder 48 to move the pair of pads 52 away from both end surfaces of the mask M2. This releases the mask M2 from the supply clamper 41 (supply clamper releasing step). When the mask M2 is released from the supply clamper 41, the print control unit 22 moves the lift cylinder 17 toward the mask installation position 14a using the front-rear movement mechanism 18, and causes the contact member 16 to press the front side of the mask M2 (arrow j8).

[0067] 12(b), the print control unit 22 raises the contact member 16, moves the lift cylinder 17 rearward, and lowers the contact member 16, and finally causes the contact member 16 to push the rear side of the frame body Mf at the rear of the mask M2, moving the mask M2 to the mask installation position 14a (arrow j9). Next, the print control unit 22 causes the fixed cylinder 14S to hold the mask M1 (mask loading process). This makes the printing device 10 ready for printing using the mask M2.

[0068] As described above, the component replacement device 30 of this embodiment includes the holding unit 39 and the swinging unit 54, and in a state in which the component storage device 70 including the storage unit 73 is attached, the holding unit 39 rotatably holds the mask M2 stored in the supply slot 72 of the storage unit 73 with the main surface of the mask M2 vertical (supply clamper gripping step), and lifts it up to a predetermined height H5 (supply clamper lifting step). The swinging unit 54 swings the mask M2 lifted up to the predetermined height H5 toward the printing device 10, and puts a part of the mask M2 into the printing device 10 (swinging step).

[0069] Then, when a part of the mask M2 enters the printing device 10, the holding unit 39 descends while holding the mask M2 (supply clamper descending process), and supplies the mask M2 to the printing device 10 with the main surface of the mask M2 in a horizontal state (supply clamper releasing process). In this way, by supplying the mask M2, which is stored with its main surface vertical, with its main surface in a horizontal state, the member replacing device 30 can be realized in a small area.

[0070] Next, a method for removing the component storage device 70 from the mounting opening 33 of the component exchange device 30 will be described with reference to Figs. 12(a) and 12(b).

[0071] 12(a), when the touch panel 36 is operated and the exchange control unit 61 receives a command to release the lock, the exchange control unit 61 causes the shutter lifting unit 37 to lower the shutter 38 to close the front opening 32 (arrow k1) (closing process). When the front opening 32 is closed, the exchange control unit 61 causes a release process to be executed to release the docking unit 75 from the locking mechanism 35 (releasing process). When the release process is completed, the exchange control unit 61 causes the touch panel 36 to display the message "Preparation to remove the component storage device 70 is complete."

[0072] 12(b), when preparations for removing the component storage device 70 are complete, the worker or the automated guided vehicle moves the component storage device 70 backward (arrow k2) and removes the component storage device 70 from the mounting opening 33 of the component replacement device 30 (component storage device removal process). This completes the removal process of the component storage device 70, in which the used mask M1 is stored in the storage section 73, from the component replacement device 30.

[0073] In the above description, an example was shown in which only the mask M was stored in the storage section 73 of the component storage device 70 provided in the component replacement device 30. In this embodiment, the component storage device 70 can store not only the mask M, but also the replacement member KB consisting of the lower support 80 constituting a part of the substrate holder 13c and the mask-shaped jig JG for transporting the lower support 80, and the jig JG alone (FIG. 13). FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional side view of the storage section 73 provided in the printing device 10 in one embodiment of the present disclosure. Thus, in addition to the above-mentioned installation and removal work (replacement work) of the mask M at the mask installation position 14a, the component replacement device 30 also performs the replacement work of the lower support 80 (replacement work of the replacement member KB) by moving the replacement member KB and the jig JG to the mask installation position 14a and moving them from the mask installation position 14a to the storage section 73.

[0074] First, the lower support 80 will be described. FIG. 14 is a side view of a main part of the printing device 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The lower support 80 is a member that supports (receives) the substrate B from below when supported by the support base 83. In FIG. 14, the substrate conveying and holding unit 13 of the printing device 10 includes, in addition to the conveyor 13a described above, a lifting base 81, a lifter 82, a support base 83, the above-mentioned lower support 80, and a pair of substrate clampers 84. The lifting base 81 is made of a plate-shaped member and is supported in a horizontal position by the above-mentioned multi-stage table 13b. The lifter 82 is attached to the lifting base 81 and moves the support base 83 in the Z direction relative to the lifting base 81. The support base 83 is made of a block-shaped member and supports the lower support 80 from below. In this embodiment, the support base 83 is provided with a vacuum chuck mechanism on the upper surface, and the lower surface of the lower support 80 is detachably supported (held) by the vacuum chuck mechanism.

[0075] The lower support 80 is made of a block-shaped member and is provided with a vacuum chuck mechanism (not shown) on its upper surface. The lower support 80 is located below and between the pair of conveyors 13a, and contacts the lower surface of the substrate B positioned by the pair of conveyors 13a from below, and supports the substrate B by vacuum-adhering the lower surface of the substrate B with the vacuum chuck mechanism. When the lifter 82 moves the support base 83 in the Z direction, the lower support 80 held by the support base 83 (and the substrate B if the substrate B is supported by the lower support 80) rises and falls.

[0076] The pair of substrate clampers 84 are disposed facing each other in the Y direction. The pair of substrate clampers 84 are supported by the lower support body 80, and clamp the substrate B lifted by the lifter 82 from the Y direction. The multi-stage table 13b moves the lift base 81 in the horizontal plane (XY plane) and in the Z direction, thereby moving the entire substrate transport and holding unit 13 in the X, Y and Z directions.

[0077] Here, the mask-type jig JG will be described. The jig JG has the function of transferring the held lower support body 80 to the support table 83 of the substrate transport and holding unit 13, and also of holding and receiving the lower support body 80 supported by the support table 83, and includes a frame 91 and a lifting body 92, as shown in Figs.

[0078] Fig. 15 is a perspective view showing a replacement part KB used in the printing device 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure together with a guide rail 14. Fig. 16 is a perspective view of a jig provided in the printing device 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In Figs. 15 and 16, the frame 91 includes two (left and right) vertical frame members 91a extending in the Y direction and facing each other in the X direction, and two (front and rear) horizontal frame members 91b extending in the X direction and facing each other in the Y direction. The frame 91 has an overall rectangular frame shape by connecting adjacent ends of the two vertical frame members 91a and the two horizontal frame members 91b.

[0079] The X-direction dimension LGJ (FIG. 15) of the frame 91 is approximately the same as the X-direction dimension LGM (FIG. 7) of the frame body Mf of the mask M. Therefore, like the mask M, the jig JG can slide in the Y direction on the pair of guide rails 14 with two sides facing each other in the X direction supported by the pair of guide rails 14.

[0080] 17(a) and 17(b) are side views showing a part of a jig according to an embodiment of the present disclosure together with a lower support 80 held by the jig. In FIG. 16, FIG. 17(a) and FIG. 17(b), the two vertical frame members 91a each have a shape that opens to the side. In detail, the vertical frame member 91a has a groove shape with a web 93 extending in the vertical direction and upper and lower flanges (upper flange 94 and lower flange 95) that extend from both upper and lower ends of the web 93 toward the inside in the horizontal direction (the side where the two vertical frame members 91a face each other). Between the upper flange 94 and the lower flange 95, a guide pillar 96 extending in the vertical direction (Z direction) is provided.

[0081] In Fig. 16, a plurality of guide pillars 96 are arranged side by side in a direction (Y direction) along the vertical frame member 91a. As shown in Figs. 17(a) and 17(b), a biasing spring 97 is inserted into each guide pillar 96, and the upper flange 94 is provided with a notched through groove 98 penetrating in the thickness direction (Z direction) (see also Fig. 16). The through groove 98 extends in the Y direction along the upper flange 94. A stopper 99 is provided on the upper surface of the lower flange 95.

[0082] As with the mask M, a label C such as a barcode or two-dimensional code indicating information for identifying the replaceable member KB (or more directly, the jig JG) is attached to the side of the frame 91 (FIGS. 15 and 16). The replaceable member KB is stored in the collection slot 71 or the supply slot 72 with the label C facing upward, and the information reading unit 58 described above recognizes the label C attached to the replaceable member KB and reads the information attached to the replaceable member KB. The replacement control device 60 then transmits the read information attached to the replaceable member KB to the print control device 21 of the printer 10.

[0083] 15 and 16, the lifting body 92 is made of a plate-like member having an overall rectangular shape, and each of its two ends in the X direction is provided with a plurality of insertion holes 92H aligned in the Y direction. The aforementioned guide pillars 96 are inserted into each of the insertion holes 92H (FIGS. 17(a) and 17(b)), and both ends of the lifting body 92 are biased upward by the aforementioned biasing springs 97 inserted into each of the guide pillars 96. For this reason, when the lifting body 92 is not pressed down by the fixed cylinder 14S as described below, it is located in a position (referred to as the "initial position") where both ends in the X direction abut against the lower surface of the upper flange 94 from below.

[0084] 16, 17(a), and 17(b), the end of the lifting body 92 in the X direction is located below the through groove 98. In addition, when the jig JG is located at the mask installation position 14a, each fixed cylinder 14S is located above the through groove 98.

[0085] 15 and 16, a plate-shaped lower support body holding part 92a is provided on the lower surface of the lifting body 92 (FIGS. 17(a) and 17(b)). The lower support body holding part 92a has approximately the same size and shape as the upper surface of the lower support body 80, and a magnet 101 is provided on its outer periphery. Meanwhile, a magnetic member 102 is provided on the outer periphery of the lower support body 80 (FIGS. 17(a) and 17(b)). Therefore, the lower support body 80 is held by the lower support body holding part 92a (i.e., by the lifting body 92) as the magnetic member 102 possessed by the lower support body 80 attracts the magnet 101 provided on the lower support body holding part 92a by magnetic force.

[0086] Next, a description will be given of the installation operation of the lower support body 80 by the member replacement device 30. The installation operation of the lower support body 80 is performed in a state in which the lower support body 80 is removed from the support base 83 and in a state in which the mask M is not on the guide rail 14.

[0087] When the component replacement device 30 sets the lower support body 80 on the support stand 83, first, a replacement component KB equipped with a type of lower support body 80 corresponding to the type of mask M to be used is taken out from the storage section 73 of the component storage device 70, and positioned at the mask setting position 14a in the same manner as the above-mentioned mask M is positioned at the mask setting position 14a. At this time, similar to when the mask M is set at the mask setting position 14a, when a part of the replacement component KB enters the printing device 10, the holding section 39 descends while holding the replacement component KB, and supplies the replacement component KB to the printing device 10 with the main surface of the replacement component KB (the surface corresponding to the main surface of the mask M in the jig JG) in a horizontal state.

[0088] 18(a) and 18(b) are explanatory diagrams of a process in which a replacement part KB is supplied to the printing device 10 by the part replacement device 30 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figures 19(a), 19(b), and 19(c) are side views illustrating an operation in which the jig JG according to an embodiment of the present disclosure delivers the lower support 80 to the support table 83 of the printing device 10.

[0089] In detail, the holding unit 39 of the member replacement device 30 rotatably holds the replacement member KB stored in the supply slot 72 of the storage unit 73 with the main surface of the replacement member KB vertical (supply clamper gripping process), and lifts it up to the above-mentioned predetermined height H5 (FIG. 18(a) supply clamper lifting process). Then, after the information reading unit 58 reads the information of the replacement member KB (information of the lower support body 80) included in the label C attached to the jig JG (information reading process), the swinging unit 54 swings the replacement member KB lifted up to the predetermined height H5 toward the printing device 10 by the pusher 57, and puts a part of the replacement member KB into the printing device 10 (FIG. 18(b) swinging process). Then, when a part of the replacement member KB enters the printing device 10, the holding unit 39 descends while holding the replacement member KB (supply clamper lowering process), and supplies the replacement member KB to the printing device 10 with the main surface of the replacement member KB horizontal (supply clamper releasing process).

[0090] When the jig JG is positioned at the mask installation position 14a, and the lower support body 80 held by the jig JG is positioned above the support table 83 (FIG. 19(a)), the print control device 21 causes the lifter 82 to raise the support table 83 (arrow D1 shown in FIG. 19(b)). Then, when the upper surface 83M of the support table 83 reaches the target height HT (FIGS. 19(a) and 19(b)), the lifting of the support table 83 is stopped (FIG. 19(b)). Here, the target height HT refers to the height at which the lower surface 80M of the lower support body 80 held by the lifting body 92 is positioned when the lifting body 92 is pressed down against the frame 91 (FIGS. 19(a), 19(b), and 19(c)).

[0091] 20(a) and 20(b) are side views of a part of the jig JG in one embodiment of the present disclosure. When the exchange control device 60 stops the lifting of the support base 83, it protrudes the piston rod 14R of each fixed cylinder 14S downward. As a result, the lower end of each piston rod 14R descends through the through groove 98 provided in the vertical frame member 91a and pushes down the end of the lifting body 92 in the X direction against the biasing force of the biasing spring 97, so that the lifting body 92 moves downward together with the lower support body 80 (FIG. 20(a) → FIG. 20(b)). Then, the lifting body 92 stops at the point where it is pressed against the stopper 99 (FIG. 20(b)), and the lower surface 80M of the lower support body 80 contacts the upper surface 83M of the support base 83 from above (FIG. 19(c)).

[0092] 21(a) and 21(b) are side views showing the operation of the jig JG after the lower support 80 is held on the support stand 83 of the printing device 10 in one embodiment of the present disclosure. When the lower surface 80M of the lower support 80 comes into contact with the upper surface 83M of the support stand 83, the exchange control device 60 causes the support stand 83 to adsorb the lower support 80. Then, the lifter 82 lowers the support stand 83 (arrow D2 shown in FIG. 21(a)), and the lower support 80 is separated from the lifting body 92 (i.e., from the jig JG) (FIG. 21(a)). This results in the lower support 80 being supported by the support stand 83. In order for the lower support 80 to be supported by the support stand 83 through such a procedure, it is necessary to adjust the adsorption force so that the force with which the support stand 83 adsorbs the lower support 80 is greater than the force (magnetic force) with which the magnet 101 attracts the magnetic member 102.

[0093] Once the lower support body 80 is supported by the support base 83 as described above, the piston rods 14R of each fixed cylinder 14S are raised. As a result, the lifting body 92 moves upward by the biasing force of the biasing spring 97 and returns to its initial position (arrow D3 shown in FIG. 21(b)). Once the lifting body 92 has returned to its initial position, the exchange control device 60 operates the mask moving unit 15 to move the jig JG located at the mask installation position 14a to the rear side (toward the component storage device 70). Once the jig JG has moved to the rear side, the exchange control device 60 operates the component exchange device 30 to return the jig JG (empty jig JG) to the storage section 73 of the component storage device 70 in the same manner as returning the mask M to the storage section 73 described above.

[0094] When the empty jig JG returns to the storage unit 73, the exchange control device 60 operates the member exchange device 30 and the mask moving unit 15 so that a mask M of the type specified in the work execution program is taken out of the storage unit 73 and positioned at the mask installation position 14a. When the mask M is positioned at the mask installation position 14a, the exchange control device 60 operates the fixing cylinder 14S to press and fix the mask M against the guide rail 14 (FIG. 7).

[0095] 22 is a side view showing a state in which the printing apparatus 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure clamps the substrate B with a clamper. Once the mask M is fixed to the mask installation position 14a, the printing control device 21 causes the substrate B sent from the outside to be carried onto the conveyor 13a and positioned. Once the substrate B is positioned, the lower support body 80 is raised by the lifter 82 (directly, the support base 83 is raised), and the substrate B is adsorbed to the lower support body 80 for support (support from below). Once the lower support body 80 has supported the substrate B from below, the lower support body 80 (and therefore the substrate B) is raised by the lifter 82 (arrow D4 shown in FIG. 22), and the raising of the lower support body 80 is stopped when the upper surface of the substrate B becomes the same height as the upper surface of the substrate clamper 84.

[0096] 23 is a side view showing a state in which the printing device 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is applying paste P to the substrate B. After the print control device 21 stops the lifting of the substrate B, it causes the substrate clamper 84 to clamp both ends of the substrate B (arrow D5 shown in FIG. 22). Then, after the substrate B is clamped, the entire substrate conveying and holding unit 13 is raised by the multi-stage table 13b, and the upper surface of the substrate B is brought into contact with the lower surface of the mask M (arrow D6 shown in FIG. 23). After the substrate B comes into contact with the mask M, the paste P is scraped up on the mask M by the squeegee 20a in the manner described above (arrow D7 shown in FIG. 23), and the paste P is applied to the substrate B through the mask M.

[0097] 24(a), 24(b), and 24(c) are diagrams for explaining the operation of the jig JG receiving the lower support body 80 from the support table 83 of the printing apparatus 10 in one embodiment of the present disclosure. When a model change is made to change the type of substrate B to be produced by performing such a coating operation on a predetermined number of substrates B, the exchange control device 60 first releases the fixation of the mask M by the fixed cylinder 14S, and operates the mask moving unit 15 and the component exchange device 30 to return the used mask M to the component storage device 70. Next, in order to remove the lower support body 80 supported by the support table 83, the exchange control device 60 pulls out the jig JG not holding the lower support body 80 (empty jig JG) from the storage unit 73 and positions it at the mask installation position 14a. Then, when the empty jig JG is positioned at the mask installation position 14a, the lifter 82 raises the support table 83 (arrow D8 shown in FIG. 24(a)). Then, when the upper surface 83M of the support table 83 reaches the above-mentioned target height HT, the raising of the support table 83 is stopped (FIG. 24(a)).

[0098] After stopping the lifting of the support base 83, the exchange control device 60 operates the fixed cylinder 14S to lower the lifting body 92 (FIG. 24(b)). When the lower support body holding part 92a held by the lifting body 92 comes into contact with the upper surface of the lower support body 80, the support base 83 releases the attachment of the lower support body 80, and the lifter 82 lowers the support base 83 (FIG. 24(b)→FIG. 24(c)). When the lower support body holding part 92a comes into contact with the upper surface of the lower support body 80, the magnet 101 on the lower support body holding part 92a side (i.e., the jig JG side) and the magnetic member 102 on the lower support body 80 side attract each other by magnetic force, so that when the support base 83 which has released the attachment of the lower support body 80 descends, the lower support body 80 remains on the lower support body holding part 92a side, and the lower support body 80 is separated from the support base 83.

[0099] Once the lower support body 80 has been separated from the support base 83, the piston rod 14R of the fixed cylinder 14S is raised, and the lifting body 92 is returned to its initial position by the biasing force of the biasing spring 97. Then, once the lifting body 92 has returned to its initial position, the exchange control device 60 operates the mask moving unit 15 and the component exchange device 30 to store the jig JG (i.e., the replacement component KB) holding the lower support body 80 in the storage unit 73 of the component storage device 70 in the reverse procedure of removing the jig JG from the storage unit 73 and installing it at the mask installation position 14a.

[0100] In detail, the component replacement device 30 protrudes a piston into the collection cylinder 47 to grip both end faces of the replacement component KB with a pair of pads 52 (recovery clamper gripping step), and then raises the collection clamper 40 so that the replacement component KB, which has been conveyed out of the printing device 10 with its main surface horizontal, rotates so that its main surface becomes vertical, and raises the collection clamper 40 to a height H2 at which the main surface of the replacement component KB becomes vertical (recovery clamper raising step). Then, when the collection clamper 40 has risen to the height H2 and the main surface of the replacement component KB becomes vertical, the collection clamper 40 is lowered to a height H3 at which the replacement component KB lands in the collection slot 71 (recovery clamper lowering step). Next, the piston is inserted into the recovery cylinder 47, and the pair of pads 52 are moved away from both end faces of the replacement part KB, thereby releasing the replacement part KB from the recovery clamper 40 and allowing the replacement part KB to be recovered into the recovery slot 71 (recovery clamper release process).

[0101] After the replacement member KB has been stored in the storage section 73 as described above, the jig JG (i.e., the replacement member KB) holding the lower support body 80 corresponding to the board B after the model change is removed from the storage section 73 according to the procedure described above, and the replacement member KB is then positioned at the mask installation position 14a by the member replacement device 30 and the mask moving unit 15. Then, after the lower support body 80 of the replacement member KB positioned at the mask installation position 14a is supported by the support base 83 in the manner described above, the jig JG from which the lower support body 80 has been removed (empty jig JG) is returned to the storage section 73 of the member storage device 70 by the mask moving unit 15 and the member replacement device 30.

[0102] When the empty jig JG returns to the storage section 73, the mask M corresponding to the board B after the model change is placed at the mask placement position 14a, and the mask M is placed at the mask placement position 14a. This results in the lower receiver 80 and mask M corresponding to the new model being placed, respectively, and the replacement of the lower receiver 80 and the mask M is completed. When the replacement of the lower receiver 80 and the mask M is completed, the application operation of the paste P to the board B after the model change is performed.

[0103] As described above, the component replacement device 30 in this embodiment rotatably holds the replacement component KB stored in the supply slot 72 of the storage unit 73 with the main surface of the replacement component KB vertical (supply clamper gripping process), and lifts it to a predetermined height H5 (supply clamper lifting process). The swinging unit 54 swings the replacement component KB lifted to the predetermined height H5 toward the printing device 10 by the pusher 57, and puts a part of the replacement component KB into the printing device 10 (swinging process). Then, when a part of the replacement component KB enters the printing device 10, the holding unit 39 descends while holding the replacement component KB (supply clamper lowering process), and supplies the replacement component KB to the printing device 10 with the main surface of the replacement component KB in a horizontal state (supply clamper releasing process). Therefore, according to the component replacement device 30 in this embodiment, the replacement component KB stored with the main surface vertical can be supplied with the main surface in a horizontal state, so that the component replacement device 30 can be realized in a small area.

[0104] In addition, in the component exchange device 30 of this embodiment, when the component storage device 70 having the storage section 73 is attached, the holding section 39 rotatably holds the exchange member KB at a position where the exchange member KB was transported from the printing device 10 with the main surface of the exchange member KB horizontal (collection clamper gripping step), lifts the exchange member KB to a predetermined height H2 (collection clamper lifting step), lowers the held and lifted exchange member KB with the main surface of the exchange member KB vertical (collection clamper lowering step), and collects the exchange member KB in the collection slot 71 of the storage section 73 that can store the exchange member KB with the main surface of the exchange member KB vertical (collection clamper releasing step). Thus, according to the component exchange device 30 of this embodiment, the exchange member KB can be collected with the main surface vertical, so that the component exchange device 30 can be realized in a small area.

[0105] Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described so far, the present disclosure is not limited to the above, and various modifications, etc. are possible. For example, the holding unit 39 in the above embodiment is only required to be able to rotatably hold the replacement part KB and lift it to a predetermined height when the replacement part KB is supplied, and when a part of the replacement part KB enters the printing device 10, to lower the replacement part KB while holding it, and to supply the replacement part KB to the printing device 10 with the main surface of the replacement part KB in a horizontal state, and to rotatably hold the replacement part KB at the position where the replacement part KB was carried out from the printing device 10, to lift the replacement part KB to a predetermined height, and to lower the replacement part KB with the main surface of the replacement part KB in a vertical state, and to store the replacement part KB in the storage unit when the replacement part KB is collected, and the configuration is not limited to that shown in the above embodiment.

[0106] Furthermore, the swinging portion 54 only needs to be able to swing the replacement part KB, which has been lifted to a predetermined height by the holding portion 39, toward the printing device 10 so as to insert a portion of the replacement part KB into the printing device 10, and its configuration is not limited to that shown in the above-described embodiment.

[0107] Although various embodiments have been described above with reference to the drawings, it goes without saying that the present disclosure is not limited to such examples. It is clear that a person skilled in the art can conceive of various modifications, corrections, substitutions, additions, deletions, and equivalents within the scope of the claims, and it is understood that these also naturally belong to the technical scope of the present disclosure. In addition, the components in the various embodiments described above may be arbitrarily combined within the scope of the invention.

[0108] This application is based on a Japanese patent application (Patent Application No. 2024-046718) filed on March 22, 2024, the contents of which are incorporated by reference into this application. [Industrial Applicability]

[0109] To provide a member replacement device that can be realized with a small installation area. [Explanation of symbols]

[0110] 10 Printing device 30 Parts exchange device 39 Holding part 40 Recovery clamper (clamper) 41 Supply clamper (clamper) 54 Swinging part 57 Pusher 58 Information reading unit 71 Recovery Slot (Slot) 72 Supply Slots (Slots) 73 Storage area 80 Lower support body KB Replacement Parts JG Jig P Paste B Substrate

Claims

1. A member replacement device that supplies a support body that supports a substrate from below to a printing device that prints a paste on the substrate, a storage section that stores the lower support and a jig that holds the lower support; A holding part that rotatably holds the jig and lifts it to a predetermined height; a swinging unit that swings the jig that has been raised to the predetermined height toward the printing device and places a part of the jig inside the printing device; When a part of the jig enters the printing device, the holding unit descends while holding the jig, and supplies the jig to the printing device with a main surface of the jig in a horizontal state. Parts exchange device.

2. The storage section has a plurality of slots for storing the jig. The component replacement device according to claim 1 .

3. The holding portion has a clamper that grips both side surfaces of the jig. The component replacement device according to claim 1 .

4. The holding portion has a plurality of clampers that grip both side surfaces of the jig corresponding to the plurality of slots. The component replacement device according to claim 2.

5. The swinging portion has a pusher that abuts against the back surface of the jig to swing the jig. The component replacement device according to claim 1 .

6. An information reading unit that reads information provided to the jig; The component replacement device according to claim 1 .

7. The jig is a mask-type jig having a frame body having the same shape as a mask used when printing a paste on a substrate. The member replacement device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. A member replacement device that recovers a jig that holds a support body that supports a substrate from below, from a printing device that prints a paste on the substrate, comprising: a holding unit that rotatably holds the jig at a position where the jig is carried out from the printing device and lifts the jig to a predetermined height to retrieve the jig; A storage section capable of storing the jig, The holding unit lowers the jig that has been held and lifted up with the main surface of the jig vertical, and stores the jig in the storage unit. Parts exchange device.

9. The storage section has a plurality of slots for storing the jig. The component replacement device according to claim 8.

10. The holding portion has a clamper that grips both side surfaces of the jig. The component replacement device according to claim 8.

11. The holding portion has a plurality of clampers that grip both side surfaces of the jig corresponding to the plurality of slots. The component replacement device according to claim 9.

12. The jig is a mask-type jig having a frame body having the same shape as a mask used when printing a paste on a substrate. The component replacement device according to any one of claims 8 to 11.

Images