Mask changing device

Abstract

To provide a mask replacing device that can be realized requiring only a small area for installation.SOLUTION: A mask replacing device 30 for supplying a mask M2 to a printing device comprises: a storage unit 73 that stores the mask with a main surface thereof being vertical; a holding unit 39 that rotatably holds the mask and lifts the mask to a predetermined height; and a swinging unit 54 that swings the mask, lifted to the predetermined height, toward the printing device and places a portion of the mask into the printing device. When the portion of the mask enters the printing device, the holding unit descends while continuing to hold the mask, brings the main surface of the mask into a horizontal state, and supplies the mask to the printing device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a mask exchange device that supplies a mask to a printing device and collects a mask from the printing device. [Background technology]

[0002] Printing devices print paste such as solder paste onto the surface of a circuit board using a mask with a print pattern. In such printing devices, the mask is changed depending on the type of circuit board. Patent Document 1 discloses a printing device equipped with a mask changer that holds multiple masks horizontally and can be moved up and down within a housing to automatically and continuously change the masks. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-062517 Summary of the Invention

[0004] However, in the prior art including Patent Document 1, the mask exchange device holds a large mask horizontally, which makes the mask exchange device large, and there are problems in that in order to exchange the mask, it is necessary to secure additional space behind the mask exchange device so that the mask can be inserted and removed horizontally.

[0005] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a mask exchange device that can be realized with a small installation area.

[0006] The mask exchanging device of the present invention is a mask exchanging device that supplies a mask to a printing device that prints solder paste on a substrate using a mask with a predetermined printing pattern, and has: a storage section that stores the mask with its upper surface facing the printing device; a holding section that holds the upper part of the mask stored in the storage section and lifts it out of the storage section; and a swinging section that rotates the mask held in the holding section to place the lower part of the mask into the printing device, and when the lower part of the mask enters the printing device, the holding section descends while holding the mask, and supplies the mask to the printing device with the upper surface of the mask in a horizontal position.

[0007] Another mask exchanging device of the present invention is a mask exchanging device that recovers a mask from a printing device that prints solder paste on a substrate using a mask with a predetermined printing pattern, and includes: a holding unit that holds the portion of the mask that is carried out from the printing device and lifts and rotates the mask so that its top surface faces the printing device; and a storage unit that is located below the position where the holding unit holds the mask and is able to store the mask with its top surface facing the printing device by the holding unit, and the holding unit lowers the mask that it has held and lifted, and stores it in the storage unit.

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a mask exchange device that can be realized with a small installation area. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of a printing device and a mask storage device to which a mask exchange device according to an embodiment of the present invention is attached; [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a perspective side view showing the configuration of a mask exchange device and a printing device to which a mask storage device is attached according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] 1A and 1B are perspective plan and rear views showing the configuration of a main part of a mask exchange device to which a mask storage device according to an embodiment of the present invention is attached. [Figure 4]1A is a perspective plan view illustrating the function of a mask changing device according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 1B is a perspective rear view illustrating the function of a mask changing device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 5] 1A and 1B are enlarged plan views illustrating the configuration of a clamper of a holding unit provided in a mask exchange apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a printing device and a mask changing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] (a)(b) is an explanatory diagram of a process for attaching a mask storage device to a mask exchange device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] (a) and (b) are explanatory diagrams illustrating a process of recovering a mask from a printing device using a mask exchange device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 1A is an explanatory diagram of a process of recovering a mask from a printing device by a mask exchange device according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 1B is an explanatory diagram of a process of supplying a mask to a printing device; [Figure 10] (a) and (b) are explanatory diagrams illustrating a process of supplying a mask to a printing device by a mask changing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] FIG. 1A is an explanatory diagram of a process of supplying a mask to a printing device by a mask exchange device according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 1B is an explanatory diagram of a process of removing a mask storage device from a mask exchange device according to an embodiment of the present invention; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] An embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. The configurations, shapes, etc. described below are examples for explanatory purposes and can be modified as appropriate depending on the specifications of the printing apparatus, mask exchange apparatus, mask storage apparatus, etc. In the following, corresponding elements in all drawings will be given the same reference numerals, and duplicated explanations will be omitted. In FIG. 1 and in some parts described below, two axes that are orthogonal to each other in a horizontal plane are shown: an X axis in the substrate transport direction (a direction perpendicular to the paper surface in FIG. 2) and a Y axis that is orthogonal to the substrate transport direction (a left-right direction in FIG. 2). In addition, in FIG. 1 and in some parts described below, a Z axis that is orthogonal to the horizontal plane (a up-down direction in FIG. 2) is shown.

[0011] First, the configuration of the printing apparatus 10 will be described with reference to Figures 1 and 2. A mask exchange device 30 is disposed above the rear of the printing apparatus 10, supplying a mask M to the printing apparatus 10 and collecting the mask M from the printing apparatus 10. A mask storage device 70 that stores the mask M is detachably attached to the mask exchange device 30. Details of the mask exchange device 30 and the mask storage device 70 will be described later. The mask M is configured such that a screen Ms on which a predetermined printing pattern (not shown) is formed is stretched over a frame Mf. The printing apparatus 10 has a function of printing solder paste P on a substrate B using the mask M on which the predetermined printing pattern is formed.

[0012] In FIG. 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 a substrate B along the X axis. The substrate transport and holding unit 13 includes a multi-stage table 13b that is disposed on the base 12 below the center of the conveyor 13a in the X axis direction, and a substrate holding unit 13c that is 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 (up and down direction). The substrate holding unit 13c receives the substrate B transported by the conveyor 13a, and lifts and holds the received substrate B from the conveyor 13a.

[0013] 2, a mask guide 14 extending in the Y-axis direction (front-rear direction) is disposed above the substrate transport and holding unit 13. On the mask guide 14, the mask M, which is placed with the screen Ms stretched across a frame Mf and positioned horizontally, moves back and forth along the Y-axis. A mask holding unit 14a is disposed in front of the mask guide 14 and above the substrate holding unit 13c. Above the mask guide 14, a mask moving unit 15 is disposed, which includes a contact member 16, an elevating cylinder 17 that raises and lowers the contact member 16 up and down (arrow a), and a front-rear moving mechanism 18 (FIG. 6) that moves the elevating cylinder 17 back and forth (arrow b) along the mask guide 14.

[0014] The mask moving unit 15 moves the mask M back and forth along the mask guide 14 by bringing the lowered contact member 16 into contact with the frame body Mf of the mask M. 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 mask changing device 30. The mask moving unit 15 moves the mask M between the mask changing device 30 and the mask holding unit 14a via the rear opening 19 and the front opening 32. The mask M that has moved to the mask holding unit 14a is held by a holding mechanism (not shown) of the mask holding unit 14a with the main surface of the mask M horizontal.

[0015] In FIG. 2, a print head 20 that moves along the Y axis is disposed above the mask holding unit 14a. The print head 20 extends along the X axis and includes two squeegees 20a that move up and down. The print head 20 presses the substrate B held by the substrate holding unit 13c against the mask M held by the mask holding unit 14a from below, and then lowers the squeegee 20a to abut on the mask M. The print head 20 then moves in the Y axis direction and slides one of the squeegees 20a over the mask M, thereby printing the solder paste P supplied onto the mask M onto the substrate B via the printing pattern (openings) formed in the mask M (see also FIG. 7).

[0016] Next, the mask exchanging device 30 and the mask storage device 70 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5. A mounting opening 33 into which the mask storage device 70 is mounted is provided at the rear side of the mask exchanging device 30. The mask storage device 70 has a storage section 73 having a plurality of bottomed slots 71 to 72 for storing masks M. The masks M are stored in the slots 71 to 72 with their main surfaces vertical. The depth L1 of the slots 71 to 72 is shallower than the length L2 (FIG. 2) of the main surface of the mask M. As a result, the masks M stored in the slots 71 to 72 are partially protruding from the top of the slots 71 to 72.

[0017] 1, a back panel 74 is disposed at the rear of the storage section 73, the back panel 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 mask storage device 70 is provided with two docking sections 75, one on the left and one on the right. Wheels 76 are provided at the bottom of the storage section 73. This allows the mask storage device 70 to be moved around the floor on which the printing apparatus 10 is installed by an operator or an automated guided vehicle (not shown).

[0018] The mask exchanging device 30 is provided with two docking openings 34 corresponding to the positions of the docking parts 75. In addition, in the mask exchanging device 30, a locking mechanism 35 (FIG. 6) that grips the docking part 75 of the mask storage device 70 is disposed inside the docking opening 34. When the mask storage device 70 is attached to the attachment opening 33 of the mask exchanging device 30, the docking part 75 is inserted into the docking opening 34. When the locking mechanism 35 is actuated in this state, the mask storage device 70 is held relative to the mask exchanging device 30. In addition, when the mask storage device 70 is to be removed from the mask exchanging device 30, the locking mechanism 35 is released and then the mask storage device 70 is pulled out of the attachment opening 33.

[0019] In FIG. 1, a touch panel 36 connected to an exchange control device 60 (FIG. 6) is disposed on the rear side of the mask 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 issue a command to lock or unlock the locking mechanism 35. Specifically, after attaching the mask storage device 70 to the mask exchange device 30, the operator operates the touch panel 36 to activate the locking mechanism 35 to hold (lock) the mask storage device 70. Furthermore, the operator operates the touch panel 36 to release the locking mechanism 35, and then removes the mask storage device 70. As described above, the mask storage device 70 includes a docking unit 75 that is docked with the mask exchange device 30.

[0020] When the mask storage device 70 is held by the mask changing device 30, the area indicated by diagonal hatching on the rear plate 74 of the mask storage device 70 abuts against the area indicated by diagonal hatching on the rear surface 31a of the housing 31 of the mask changing device 30. This causes the mounting opening 33 of the mask changing device 30 to be closed by the rear plate 74. In this way, when the rear plate 74 is docked to the mask changing device 30, it serves as a cover that covers the gap between the mask changing device 30. This prevents an operator from accidentally touching a moving mechanism and getting injured while the mask changing device 30 is in operation, thereby ensuring safety.

[0021] The mechanism for holding the mask storage device 70 on the mask 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 secures the mask storage device 70 to the mask 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 mask storage device 70 and attaches or detaches it to or from the mask exchange device 30, commands to activate and release the locking mechanism 35 are communicated wirelessly or otherwise between the automated guided vehicle and the exchange control device 60 of the mask exchange device 30.

[0022] In this way, the mask storage device 70 has a storage section 73 that stores the mask M with its main surface vertical, and is detachable from the mask exchanging device 30. By storing the mask M vertically, the mask storage device 70 can be realized with a small installation area. Hereinafter, when the mask storage device 70 is attached to the mask exchanging device 30, the front slot 71 of the storage section 73 will be referred to as the "collection slot 71," and the rear slot 72 will be referred to as the "supply slot 72."

[0023] 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 mask exchange device 30. The shutter lifting unit 37 is controlled by an exchange control unit 61. When the shutter 38 descends, the front opening 32 is closed, restricting access from the mask exchange device 30 to the interior of the printing apparatus 10. When the shutter 38 ascends, the front opening 32 is opened, allowing access from the mask exchange device 30 to the interior of the printing apparatus 10.

[0024] When the replacement control unit 61 receives a lock command and the lock mechanism 35 holds the mask 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.

[0025] 2 and 3, a holder 39 is disposed inside the housing 31 of the mask exchanging device 30. The holder 39 rotatably holds the mask M stored in the recovery slot 71 or the supply slot 72 of the storage section 73 of the mask storage device 70 attached to the mask exchanging device 30 and lifts it to a predetermined position. The holder 39 has a plurality of pairs of clampers 40-41 that grip both side surfaces of the frame Mf of the mask M corresponding to the plurality of slots 71-72.

[0026] 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 mask storage device 70 attached to the mask exchange device 30 may be simply referred to as the storage section 73.

[0027] 3 and 4, the collection clamper 40 and the supply clamper 41 are arranged side by side along the Y axis and are fixed to a lifting plate 42. The lifting plate 42 is provided so as to be able to move up and down along a linear guide 43 that extends vertically (in the Z-axis direction) and is fixed to the housing 31. A nut 44 is fixed to the lifting plate 42. A ball screw 45 that extends vertically is meshed with the nut 44. The ball screw 45 is rotated around the Z axis by a lifting motor 46 that is fixed to the housing 31. The lifting motor 46 is controlled by the exchange control unit 61. The lifting plate 42 moves up and down as the lifting motor 46 rotates the ball screw 45 (arrow f in FIG. 4).

[0028] Here, the detailed configuration and function of the collection clamper 40 and supply clamper 41 will be described with reference to FIG. 5. FIG. 5(a) is an enlarged view of the vicinity of one (left) collection clamper 40 and supply clamper 41 indicated by circle D in FIG. 3(a). FIG. 5(b) is an enlarged view of the vicinity of one (left) collection clamper 40 and supply clamper 41 indicated by circle E in FIG. 4(a). FIG. 4 shows a state in which a pair of supply clampers 41 holds and lifts up a mask M stored in a supply slot 72 of a storage unit 73. The other (right) collection clamper 40 and supply clamper 41 have the same configuration as the one (left) collection clamper 40 and supply clamper 41 except that the components are arranged symmetrically with respect to the collection slot 71 and supply slot 72, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0029] 5, the recovery clamper 40 is equipped with a recovery cylinder 47 having a piston connected to a joint 49 at its tip that can be extended and retracted toward a recovery slot 71. The supply clamper 41 is equipped with a supply cylinder 48 having a piston 48a connected to a joint 49 at its tip that can be extended and retracted toward a supply slot 72. A shaft 50 extending along the X-axis is attached to each joint 49 so as to be rotatable about the X-axis. 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 play G.

[0030] 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-axis. A pad 52 that abuts against the frame 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 urges 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.

[0031] 4 and 5(b), when the supply cylinder 48 of each of the pair of supply clampers 41 protrudes the piston 48a, the shaft 50 is pushed by the joint 49 and moves toward the supply slot 72, and the pads 52 of each shaft 50 come into contact with both side surfaces of the mask M stored in the supply slot 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.

[0032] It is desirable that the spring constant of one of the compression springs 53 of the pair of supply clampers 41 be greater than that of the other. This prevents 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.

[0033] When the mask M held by the pair of supply clampers 41 lands in the supply slot 72, the pistons 48a of the supply cylinders 48 are retracted, 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.

[0034] In Figure 4(b), while a pair of supply clampers 41 are holding the mask M, the lifting motor 46 is operated to raise and lower the lifting plate 42 (arrow f), whereby the mask M is removed from the supply slot 72, raised and lowered within the housing 31, and stored in the supply slot 72.

[0035] 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. Furthermore, when the mask M held by the recovery clampers 40 lands in the recovery slot 71 and each recovery cylinder 47 retracts its piston, the pair of pads 52 move away from both side surfaces of the mask M, releasing the mask M. Furthermore, when the pair of recovery clampers 40 are gripping the mask M, the lift motor 46 is operated to raise and lower the lift plate 42, whereby the mask M is removed from the recovery slot 71, raised and lowered within the housing 31, and stored in the recovery slot 71.

[0036] 2 and 3, a swinging unit 54 is disposed inside the housing 31 of the mask exchange device 30. The swinging unit 54 swings the mask M, which has been lifted to a predetermined position, toward the printing device 10, and places a portion of the mask M inside the printing device 10 (see also FIG. 10). 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 its rotation shaft 56a facing the X-axis 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 exchange control unit 61. When the swinging motor 56 is activated, the pusher 57 rotates (arrow c in FIG. 2).

[0037] The fixed plate 55 of the swinging unit 54 and the swing motor 56 are positioned so as not to interfere with the lifting plate 42 of the holding unit 39, which moves up and down. Furthermore, the pusher 57 is shaped so as not to interfere with the lifting plate 42 of the holding unit 39, which moves up and down, when it rotates to the retracted position (see FIG. 3(a)). Furthermore, the pusher 57 extends along the X-axis 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 recovery clampers 40 or supply clampers 41 grips the mask M and lifts it up to a predetermined position, the swing motor 56 swings the pusher 57 from the retracted position toward the printing device 10, whereupon the pusher 57 abuts against the back surface of the mask M and swings the mask M toward the printing device 10.

[0038] 3, a label C such as a barcode or two-dimensional code indicating information identifying the mask M is attached to the side of the frame Mf of the mask M. The mask M is stored in the 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 mask exchange device 30, 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 exchange 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.

[0039] Next, the configuration of the control systems of the printing apparatus 10 and the mask changing device 30 will be described with reference to FIG. 6. Regarding the printing apparatus 10, the following mainly describes the portions related to the mask changing 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 apparatus 10. The printing control device 21 includes a printing control unit 22 and a printing memory unit 23. The printing memory unit 23 is a storage device that stores a control program for controlling the mask moving unit 15, information attached to the mask M read by the mask changing device 30, and the like. The printing control unit 22 executes the process of changing the mask M used in the printing operation based on the control program, information related to the mask M, and the like stored in the printing memory unit 23.

[0040] 6, the exchange control device 60 provided in the mask exchange device 30 is connected to the locking mechanism 35, touch panel 36, shutter lifting unit 37, lifting motor 46 of the holding unit 39, collection cylinder 47, supply cylinder 48, swing motor 56 of the swinging unit 54, and information reading unit 58. The exchange control device 60 is equipped with an exchange control unit 61 and an exchange memory unit 62. The exchange control device 60 transmits and receives data to and from the print control device 21 via a signal line 59.

[0041] 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 mask storage device 70, an release process for releasing the mask storage device 70, a recovery process for recovering the mask M from the printing device 10, and a supply process for supplying the mask M to the printing device 10. The exchange control unit 61 executes the lock process, release process, recovery process, and supply process based on the control programs and the like stored in the exchange storage unit 62.

[0042] Next, a method for mounting the mask storage device 70 in the mounting opening 33 of the mask exchanging device 30 will be described with reference to Fig. 7. In Fig. 7(a), a replacement mask M2 to be used for printing solder paste P on a substrate B of the next substrate type is stored with its main surface vertical in the supply slot 72 of the mask storage device 70. In the printing device 10, a printing operation is being performed in which the solder paste P is printed on the substrate B using the mask M1. The mask storage device 70 is transported to the rear side of the mask exchanging device 30 by an operator or an automated guided vehicle (arrow h1) (mask storage device transport process).

[0043] 7(b), the mask storage device 70 is then attached to the mask exchange device 30 while inserting the docking unit 75 into the docking opening 34 (arrow h2) (mask storage device attachment step). 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 step). 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 step). This completes preparations for the mask exchange device 30 to execute the collection process and the supply process.

[0044] 8 and 9(a), a mask recovery method for recovering the mask M1 from the printing apparatus 10 to the mask exchange apparatus 30 will be described. It is assumed that the pair of recovery clampers 40 has moved to a height H1 at which the frame Mf of the mask M1, which is discharged from the rear opening 19 of the printing apparatus 10 along the mask guide 14, is located. The recovery process and the supply process, which will be described later, are executed jointly by the printing control unit 22 and the exchange control unit 61.

[0045] 8(a), when a printing job using mask M1 is completed in printing device 10, print control unit 22 causes the holding mechanism of mask holding unit 14a to release mask M1. Next, print control unit 22 causes forward / backward movement mechanism 18 to move lift cylinder 17 to the front side of mask M1 (the side farther from mask exchange device 30), and causes lift cylinder 17 to lower contact member 16 (arrow i1).

[0046] Next, the print control unit 22 moves the lift cylinder 17 toward the mask exchange device 30 using the front-rear movement mechanism 18, causing the abutting member 16 to push 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 ejection process).

[0047] 8(a), the exchange control unit 61 then causes the piston of the collection cylinder 47 to protrude, causing both end surfaces of the mask M1 to be gripped by the pair of pads 52 (collection clamper gripping step). In FIGS. 8 to 10, the states in which the pads 52 of the collection clamper 40 or the supply clamper 41 grip both end surfaces of the mask M1 or the mask M2 are indicated by black circles.

[0048] 8(b), the exchange control unit 61 then activates the lift motor 46 to raise the collection clamper 40 (arrow i3). As the collection clamper 40 gripping the mask M1 rises, the mask M1, which was carried out of the printing device 10 with its main surface horizontal, rotates to a position where its main surface is vertical. The exchange control unit 61 raises the collection clamper 40 to a height H2 where the main surface of the mask M1 becomes vertical (collection clamper raising step).

[0049] 9(a), when the collection clamper 40 is raised to height H2 and the main surface of the mask M1 is in a vertical state, the exchange control unit 61 activates the lift motor 46 to lower the collection clamper 40 (arrow i4). The exchange control unit 61 lowers the collection clamper 40 to height H3 at which the mask M1 lands in the collection slot 71 (collection clamper lowering step). Next, the exchange control unit 61 retracts the piston in the collection cylinder 47 to separate the pair of pads 52 from both end surfaces of the mask M1. This releases the mask M1 from the collection clamper 40, and the mask M1 is collected in the collection slot 71 (collection clamper releasing step).

[0050] As described above, the mask exchanging device 30 of this embodiment includes the holder 39. When the mask storage device 70 including the storage unit 73 is attached, the holder 39 rotatably holds the mask M1 at the position where the mask M1 was carried out of the printing device 10 with its main surface horizontal (collection clamper gripping step), lifts the mask M1 to a predetermined height H2 (collection clamper raising step), lowers the held and lifted mask M1 with its main surface vertical (collection clamper lowering step), and recovers the mask M1 into the recovery slot 71 of the storage unit 73 that can store the mask M1 with its main surface vertical (collection clamper releasing step). In this way, by recovering the mask M1 with its main surface vertical, the mask exchanging device 30 can be realized in a small area.

[0051] Next, a mask supply method for supplying the mask M2 from the mask changing device 30 to the printing device 10 will be described with reference to FIGS. 9(b), 10, and 11. FIG.

[0052] 9(b), when the recovery clamper 40 has finished recovering the mask M1 into the recovery slot 71, the exchange control unit 61 actuates the lift motor 46 to move the supply clamper 41 to height H4 (arrow j1) at which the frame Mf of the mask M2 stored in the supply slot 72 is located. Note that in this example, height H4 is the same as height H1 at which the frame Mf of the mask M1 ejected from the printing device 10 is located. Next, the exchange control unit 61 protrudes the piston 48a of the supply cylinder 48, causing both end surfaces of the mask M2 to be gripped by the pair of pads 52 (supply clamper gripping step).

[0053] 10(a), the replacement control unit 61 then activates the lift motor 46 to raise the supply clamper 41 (arrow j2). When the mask M2 held by the supply clamper 41 rotates, the replacement control unit 61 raises the supply clamper 41 to a height H5 at which the lower end of the mask M2 enters the rear opening 19 of the printing device 10 (supply clamper raising step). Next, the replacement 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 replacement control unit 61 transmits the read information about the mask M2 to the print control device 21. The print control unit 22 stores the received information about the mask M2 in the print memory unit 23.

[0054] Next, the exchange control unit 61 controls the swing motor 56 to move the pusher 57 toward the mask M2 (arrow j3) and bring the pusher 57 into contact with the back surface of the mask M2. The print control unit 22 also 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).

[0055] 10(b), the replacement control unit 61 then activates 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 and placing a portion of the mask M2 inside the printing device 10 (swinging step). After moving the pusher 57 to the retracted position, the replacement 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 step). Once the main surface of the mask M2 is horizontal, the printing control unit 22 causes the lift cylinder 17 to lower the abutting member 16 (arrow j7), bringing the abutting member 16 into contact with the rear side of the front frame Mf of the mask M2.

[0056] 11(a), the exchange control unit 61 then retracts the piston 48a into the supply cylinder 48, moving 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). Once the mask M2 has been released from the supply clamper 41, the print control unit 22 causes the front-rear movement mechanism 18 to move the lift cylinder 17 toward the mask holding unit 14a, causing the abutment member 16 to press the front side of the mask M2 (arrow j8).

[0057] 11(b), the print control unit 22 raises the contact member 16, moves the lift cylinder 17 rearward, and lowers the contact member 16. Finally, the print control unit 22 causes the contact member 16 to push against the rear side of the frame body Mf at the rear of the mask M2, moving the mask M2 to the mask holding unit 14a (arrow j9). Next, the print control unit 22 causes the holding mechanism of the mask holding unit 14a to hold the mask M1 (mask loading process). This enables the printing device 10 to perform printing operations using the mask M2.

[0058] As described above, the mask changing device 30 of this embodiment includes the holding unit 39 and the swinging unit 54. When the mask 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 holding step), and lifts the mask M2 to a predetermined height H5 (supply clamper lifting step). The swinging unit 54 swings the mask M2 that has been lifted to the predetermined height H5 toward the printing device 10, and places a portion of the mask M2 into the printing device 10 (swinging step).

[0059] Then, when a portion of the mask M2 enters the printing device 10, the holding unit 39 descends while holding the mask M2 (supply clamper descending step), and supplies the mask M2 to the printing device 10 with its main surface in a horizontal state (supply clamper releasing step). In this way, by supplying the mask M2, which is stored with its main surface in a vertical state, with its main surface in a horizontal state, the mask exchanging device 30 can be realized in a small area.

[0060] Next, a method for removing the mask storage device 70 from the mounting opening 33 of the mask exchange device 30 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0061] 11(a), when the touch panel 36 is operated and the replacement control unit 61 receives a command to release the lock, the replacement control unit 61 causes the shutter lifting unit 37 to lower the shutter 38 to close the front opening 32 (arrow k1) (closing process). Once the front opening 32 is closed, the replacement control unit 61 causes a release process to be executed to release the docking unit 75 from the locking mechanism 35 (releasing process). Once the release process is complete, the replacement control unit 61 causes the touch panel 36 to display a message that "Preparation for removing the mask storage device 70 is complete."

[0062] 11(b), when preparations for removing the mask storage device 70 are complete, the worker or the automated guided vehicle moves the mask storage device 70 backward (arrow k2) and removes the mask storage device 70 from the mounting opening 33 of the mask exchange device 30 (mask storage device removal process). This completes the removal process of the mask storage device 70, with the used mask M1 stored in the storage section 73, from the mask exchange device 30. [Industrial Applicability]

[0063] The mask changing device of the present invention has the advantage that it can be realized with a small installation area, and is useful in the field of component mounting where components are mounted on a substrate. [Explanation of symbols]

[0064] 10 Printing device 30 Mask changing 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 B board H2, H5 height M, M1, M2 Masks P solder paste

Claims

1. 1. A mask changing device that supplies a mask having a predetermined print pattern to a printing device that prints solder paste on a substrate using the mask, a storage unit that stores the mask with the upper surface of the mask facing the printing device; a holding part that holds an upper part of the mask stored in the storage part and lifts it out of the storage part; a swinging unit that rotates the mask held by the holding unit to place a lower portion of the mask into the printing device, The mask exchange device has a holding unit that, when the lower part of the mask enters the printing device, lowers while holding the mask, and supplies the mask to the printing device with the upper surface of the mask in a horizontal state.

2. 2. The mask changing device according to claim 1, The storage section has a plurality of slots for storing the masks.

3. 3. The mask changing device according to claim 1, The holding unit is a mask exchange device having a clamper that grips both sides of the mask.

4. 3. The mask changing device according to claim 2, The mask exchange device includes a holding unit having a plurality of clampers for gripping both side surfaces of the mask, the clampers corresponding to the plurality of slots.

5. 2. The mask changing device according to claim 1, The swinging unit has a pusher that comes into contact with the back surface of the mask to swing the mask.

6. 10. The mask changing device according to claim 1, further comprising: A mask changing device having an information reading unit that reads the information attached to the mask.

7. 1. A mask exchange device that recovers a mask from a printing device that prints solder paste on a substrate using a mask having a predetermined print pattern, a holding unit that holds the portion of the mask carried out from the printing device and rotates the mask while lifting it so that the upper surface faces the printing device; a storage section that is provided below the position where the holding section holds the mask and that can store the mask with its upper surface facing the printing device by the holding section; The mask changing device includes a holding unit that lowers the mask that it has held and lifted, and stores the mask in the storage unit.

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

9. 9. The mask changing device according to claim 7 or 8, The holding unit is a mask exchange device having a clamper that grips both sides of the mask.

10. 9. The mask changing device according to claim 8, The mask exchange device includes a holding unit having a plurality of clampers for gripping both side surfaces of the mask, the clampers corresponding to the plurality of slots.

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