Printing apparatus and control method

Abstract

To achieve further compactness when automatically exchanging an exchangeable component used in a printing device.SOLUTION: An exchange unit is an exchange unit used in a printing device provided with a printing section that performs a printing process of a viscous fluid on a processing target using a screen mask, and comprises: a receiving section that accommodates a storage rack having a plurality of shelf parts for housing frames capable of supporting exchangeable components used in the printing device; a lifting section that lifts and lowers the storage rack between an exchange position where the exchangeable component is exchanged and a liftable position below the exchange position; and a moving section that moves the storage rack between the liftable position in which the storage rack can be lifted and lowered by the lifting section, and a storage position in which the storage rack enters an interior of a housing of the printing device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present specification discloses an exchange unit and a printing apparatus.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, for example, in a printing apparatus that performs printing processing of a viscous fluid on a printing target such as a substrate using a screen mask, an apparatus that automatically replaces replaceable members including the screen mask used in the printing apparatus is known. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a printing apparatus in which a storage device is installed in front of the printing apparatus, and the replaceable members are automatically exchanged between the printing apparatus and the storage device.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the above-described printing apparatus, since the storage device that stores the screen mask and moves up and down to the exchange position is disposed in front of the printing apparatus, it is difficult for an operator to perform work on the front surface of the printing apparatus.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in view of such problems, and a main object of the present disclosure is to provide an exchange unit and a printing apparatus that can achieve further compactness when automatically exchanging replaceable members used in the printing apparatus.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The exchange unit and the printing apparatus disclosed in the present specification adopt the following means in order to achieve the above main object.

[0007] The exchange unit of the present disclosure is: A replacement unit used in a printing apparatus equipped with a printing unit that performs a viscous fluid printing process on an object to be processed using a screen mask, A receiving section that receives a storage rack having multiple shelf sections that house frames capable of supporting replaceable components used in a printing apparatus, A lifting mechanism for raising and lowering the storage rack between a replacement position for replacing the replaceable member and a liftable position below the replacement position, A moving part moves the storage rack between the liftable position in which the storage rack can be raised and lowered by the lifting part and the storage position in which the storage rack is inserted into the housing of the printing device, It is something that is provided.

[0008] This replacement unit raises and lowers the entire storage rack containing the replaceable components, eliminating the need for a lifting mechanism inside the storage rack and allowing the storage rack itself to be made more compact. Furthermore, when replacement is not being performed using the storage rack, the replacement unit can be retracted into the housing of the printing device, allowing the printing device itself to be made more compact. In this way, this replacement unit makes it possible to achieve greater compactness when automatically replacing replaceable components used in a printing device. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] A schematic diagram showing an example of the implementation system 10 and the printing device 11. [Figure 2] A schematic diagram of storage rack 70. [Figure 3] An explanatory diagram showing an example of the lifting section 43 and the forward / backward movement section 46. [Figure 4] An explanatory diagram showing an example of a printing device 11, a replacement unit 40, and a storage rack 70. [Figure 5] An explanatory diagram showing an example of the clamp portion 60a of the fixing portion 60. [Figure 6] An explanatory diagram showing an example of the stopper portion 60b of the fixed portion 60. [Figure 7]A block diagram showing the electrical connections of the printing device 11. [Figure 8] An explanatory diagram showing worker W moving storage rack 70 to replacement unit 40. [Figure 9] A flowchart illustrating an example of a component replacement processing routine. [Figure 10] A diagram illustrating the positional relationships of each component when moving the storage rack 70. [Figure 11] A perspective view of the printing device 11 when the storage rack 70 is in the storage position. [Figure 12] A perspective view of the printing device 11 when the storage rack 70 is in a position where it can be raised. [Figure 13] A perspective view of the printing apparatus 11 with the storage rack 70 being raised. [Figure 14] A perspective view of the printing device 11 when the storage rack 70 is in the replacement position. [Figure 15] An explanatory diagram showing how the automated guided vehicle 18 moves the storage rack 70 to the replacement unit 40. [Figure 16] An explanatory diagram showing an example of another storage rack 70B. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] This embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic explanatory view showing an example of a mounting system 10 including a printing apparatus 11 which is an example of the present disclosure, and an example of the printing apparatus 11. FIG. 2 is a schematic explanatory view of a storage rack 70. FIG. 3 is an explanatory view showing an example of an elevating unit 43 and a forward-backward moving unit 46. FIG. 4 is an explanatory view showing an example of the printing apparatus 11, a replacement unit 40, and the storage rack 70. FIG. 5 is an explanatory view showing an example of a clamp portion 60a of a fixing portion 60. FIG. 6 is an explanatory view showing an example of a stopper portion 60b of the fixing portion 60, where FIG. 6A is a perspective view including a partial cross section of an insertion pin 65 and the like, and FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional view seen from above. FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the electrical connection relationship of the printing apparatus 11. This mounting system 10 includes the printing apparatus 11, a print inspection apparatus 12, a mounting apparatus 13, a mounting inspection apparatus 14, a reflow apparatus not shown, and a management computer (PC) 80. The mounting system 10 is configured as a mounting line in which a plurality of mounting apparatuses 13 for mounting components on a substrate S are arranged on the downstream side of the printing apparatus 11. In the present embodiment, the left-right direction (X-axis), the front-rear direction (Y-axis), and the up-down direction (Z-axis) are as shown in FIGS. 1, 3, and 4.

[0011] The print inspection apparatus 12 is an apparatus that inspects the state of a viscous fluid such as solder paste printed on the substrate S by the printing apparatus 11. The mounting apparatus 13 is an apparatus that mounts components on the substrate S on which the viscous fluid has been printed by the printing apparatus 11. The mounting inspection apparatus 14 is an apparatus that inspects the state of the components mounted on the substrate S and the like. The reflow apparatus is an apparatus that heats and melts the printed viscous fluid to fix it on the substrate S. The management PC 80 is an apparatus that manages information of each apparatus of the mounting system 10. This management PC 80 manages the progress status and the like of each apparatus of the production line that performs mounting processing.

[0012] As shown in Figures 1 to 7, the printing device 11 is an apparatus that uses a squeegee 25 to push the solder on the screen mask M into the pattern holes formed in the screen mask M, thereby applying (printing) the solder as a viscous fluid onto the substrate S as the processing target object below through the pattern holes. Here, examples of the "processing target object" include the substrate S on which components are mounted and base materials that are three-dimensional objects. Examples of the "viscous fluid" include solder paste, conductive paste, adhesives and the like. Hereinafter, description will be given taking the substrate S and the solder paste as an example. The screen mask M is fixed to the inner side of a frame 29. The frame 29 can fix screen masks M of several sizes, and has a size that allows it to be stored in a shelf portion 71 of a storage rack 70 (see Figure 1). As shown in Figure 3, the printing device 11 includes a printing control unit 21, a printing unit 22, a mask working unit 26, a substrate processing unit 30, a cleaning unit 33, a supply unit 35, a detection unit 37, an operation panel 38, and an exchange unit 40.

[0013] The printing control unit 21 is configured as a microprocessor centered on a CPU, and controls the entire printing device 11. The printing control unit 21 outputs signals to the printing unit 22, the mask working unit 26, the substrate processing unit 30, the cleaning unit 33, the supply unit 35, the operation panel 38, the exchange unit 40, as well as to a management PC 80 as an external device. In addition, the printing control unit 21 receives signals from the printing unit 22, the mask working unit 26, the substrate processing unit 30, the cleaning unit 33, the supply unit 35, the detection unit 37, the operation panel 38, the exchange unit 40, as well as from the management PC 80 as an external device. The printing control unit 21 has a storage unit that stores information on the substrate S to be subjected to printing processing, a printing processing program for performing printing processing on the substrate S, a member exchange processing program for executing exchange processing of the frame 29 by an exchange unit 27, and the like.

[0014] The printing unit 22 is located on the upper level of the printing apparatus 11 and is a unit that prints a viscous fluid onto the substrate S using a screen mask M. As shown in Figures 1, 4, and 7, the printing unit 22 includes a print head 23, a print moving unit 24, a squeegee lifting unit (not shown), and a squeegee 25. The print moving unit 24 moves the print head 23 in a predetermined printing direction (in this case, the front-to-back direction) and includes a guide formed in the front-to-back direction, a slider that moves along the guide, and a motor that drives the slider. The squeegee 25 is located on the lower side of the print head 23 and is raised and lowered by the squeegee lifting unit. The printing unit 22 has two squeegees 25, one for use in the front-to-back direction. As shown in Figure 4, the mask work unit 26 is located between the printing unit 22 and the substrate processing unit 30 in the vertical direction and is a unit that fixes and holds the screen mask M. As shown in Figure 7, the mask work unit 26 includes a replacement unit 27 and a mask fixing unit 28. The replacement unit 27 is a transport rod provided on the print head 23. It is lowered by an air cylinder (not shown) to a position where it contacts the screen mask M, and by rotating, the contact portion that contacts the frame 29 also moves in the front-rear direction (see dotted line in Figure 4). The print head 23 and the replacement unit 27 engage with the frame 29 between the shelf portion 71 of the storage rack 70 at a predetermined height and the printing unit 22, thereby moving the frame 29. The mask fixing unit 28 positions the screen mask M and supports and fixes it in a horizontal position. The screen mask M is pushed by the replacement unit 27 and moves back and forth along the guide of the mask work unit 26, and is fixed by the mask fixing unit 28. As shown in Figure 4, the substrate processing unit 30 is located below the mask work unit 26 and is a unit that loads the substrate S, positions and supports the loaded substrate S, and brings it into contact with and separates it from the screen mask M. The substrate processing unit 30 includes a substrate transport unit 31 that transports the substrate S in the left-right direction, a support member 32 that supports the substrate S from below, and a substrate lifting unit that raises and lowers the entire substrate processing unit 30 and the support member 32. The cleaning unit 33 is disposed between the mask work unit 26 and the substrate processing unit 30 in the vertical direction and is a unit that performs cleaning processing to clean the back surface of the screen mask M. The cleaning unit 33 has a cleaning member 34, which contacts and cleans the screen mask M.The supply unit 35 is a unit that supplies solder contained in the cartridge 36 onto the screen mask M. The supply unit 35 is located in front of the print head 23. The supply unit 35 applies pressure to the cartridge 36 to discharge solder from it. The cleaning member 34 and the cartridge 36 are consumables and are replaced as needed. The detection unit 37 is a sensor that detects whether or not a storage rack 70 exists inside the front of the printing device 11. The operation panel 38 is a unit that receives input from the operator W and presents information to the operator W. This operation panel 38 includes a display unit and an operation unit with a touch panel and buttons.

[0015] The storage rack 70 is a housing that houses a frame 29 capable of supporting a screen mask M, which is a replaceable component related to the printing process performed in the printing unit 22. As shown in Figures 1, 2, and 7, the storage rack 70 has a rack body 70a, a handle 73, a caster part 74, and a support fixing member 75. The rack body 70a has a plurality of shelf parts 71 and one opening 72. The shelf parts 71 are arranged at predetermined intervals in the vertical direction so that the frame 29 supporting the screen mask M can be placed vertically. The opening 72 communicates with the outside, such as the printing unit 22, and the frame 29 is loaded and unloaded through this opening 72. This storage rack 70 only houses the frame 29 and does not have a drive unit to move the frame 29 or a drive unit to raise and lower the frame 29. This storage rack 70 allows for a simpler configuration. The shelf parts 71 have sizes corresponding to the frame sizes of various replaceable components. That is, the shelf section 71 is formed to a size that can accommodate the largest frame 29. This storage rack 70 may have shelf sections 71 corresponding to the frame sizes of various interchangeable components, or it may have multiple shelf sections 71 of the same size in a single storage rack 70. In the latter case, multiple storage racks 70 of the same external size may be prepared, and the shelf section 71 of each storage rack 70 may correspond to one of the frame sizes of various interchangeable components. In this case, the number of types of storage racks 70 increases, but even if the frame sizes of the corresponding interchangeable components are different, the external size of the storage racks 70 is the same, so each storage rack 70 can share the receiving section 42. The handle 73 is fixed to the top of the rack body 70a. The handle 73 consists of a rod-shaped body that the worker W grasps and a support member that fixes the rod-shaped body. The caster section 74 is located at the bottom of the rack body 70a. This caster section 74 consists of a structure with a space in the center and a caster with wheels positioned on the underside of the structure. The worker W moves the storage rack 70 by holding this handle 73 (see Figure 8 below).

[0016] The support fixing member 75 is a plate-shaped member fixed to the left and right ends of the front lower surface of the rack body 70a. This support fixing member 75 is used when connecting to the replacement unit 40. As shown in Figure 2, the support fixing member 75 has a block portion 76, a receiving portion 77, a locking hole 78, and an insertion hole 79. The block portion 76 is the member to which the hook portion 47 of the replacement unit 40 is connected, and has a space between the two blocks into which the hook portion 47 is inserted. The receiving portion 77 is the part that receives the cam follower 44a disposed on the lifting member 44 of the replacement unit 40, and has an arc-shaped cutout portion. The locking hole 78 is a through hole into which the clamp lever 61 of the fixing portion 60 disposed on the lifting member 44 of the replacement unit 40 is inserted. The insertion hole 79 is a through hole into which the insertion pin 65 of the fixing portion 60 disposed on the lifting member 44 of the replacement unit 40 is inserted.

[0017] The replacement unit 40 is used in a printing apparatus 11 equipped with a printing unit 22 that performs a viscous fluid printing process on an object to be processed using a screen mask M. The replacement unit 40 is configured as a device that receives a storage rack 70 containing replaceable components such as a screen mask M fixed to a frame 29, and raises and lowers the storage rack 70. The replacement unit 40 has a left unit 41 and a right unit 51, which serve as the lifting and moving parts of this disclosure. The left unit 41 is located on the front left side of the housing of the printing apparatus 11. The right unit 51 is located on the front right side of the housing of the printing apparatus 11. As shown in Figure 4, the length A of the left unit 41 and the right unit 51 along the direction of movement of the frame 29 is shorter than the length B of the storage rack 70. The replacement unit 40 has a lifting space 49 in the center between the left unit 41 and the right unit 51 through which the storage rack 70 moves up and down. As shown in Figure 4, when the storage rack 70 is in the storage position, the replacement unit 40 houses the storage rack 70 on the same surface as the front of the main body of the replacement unit 40 or inward from the front of the main body. When the storage rack 70 is in the replacement position, the replacement unit 40 supports the storage rack 70 at a position that protrudes from the front of the main body of the replacement unit 40. The right-side unit 51 has the same configuration as the left-side unit 41 except that it faces the left-side unit 41, so a detailed description of it is omitted. The right-side unit 51 includes a receiving section, a lifting section, a lifting member, a cam follower, a lifting drive section, a forward / backward movement section, a hook section, and a forward / backward drive section.

[0018] The left unit 41 comprises a receiving section 42, a lifting section 43, a forward / backward movement section 46, and a fixing section 60. The receiving section 42 receives a storage rack 70 having a plurality of shelf sections 71 that house a frame 29 capable of supporting replaceable components used in the printing device 11, and supports this storage rack 70 from below, allowing it to move up and down. The lifting section 43 moves the storage rack 70 up and down between a replacement position for replacing replaceable components and a liftable position below this replacement position. As shown in Figure 3, this lifting section 43 comprises a lifting member 44 and a lifting drive unit 45. The lifting member 44 is a plate-shaped member provided on the surface of the left unit 41 facing the right unit 51. This lifting member 44 moves up and down along the inner surface of the housing of the left unit 41 by the lifting drive unit 45. Cam followers 44a are provided at the front and rear ends of the lifting member 44. The cam follower 44a supports the support fixing member 75 disposed on the storage rack 70 from below, and moves the storage rack 70 up and down in conjunction with the up and down movement of the lifting member 44. The lifting drive unit 45 may, for example, have a ball screw with a lifting shaft and a drive motor to move the lifting member 44 up and down, or it may use a linear motor to move the lifting member 44 up and down. The lifting unit 43 also has a fixing part 60 that restricts the horizontal movement and / or falling of the storage rack 70 when the storage rack 70 has moved to a position where it can be lifted and is in a lifting state.

[0019] The forward / backward movement unit 46 moves the storage rack 70 between a position where the storage rack 70 can be raised and lowered by the lifting unit 43 and a storage position where the storage rack 70 is inside the housing of the printing device 11. The forward / backward movement unit 46 moves the storage rack 70 in the horizontal direction. This forward / backward movement unit 46 comprises a hook unit 47 and a forward / backward drive unit 48. The hook unit 47 is disposed on the shaft of the forward / backward drive unit 48 so as to be able to move up and down, and is a member that rises relative to a block unit 76 provided on the storage rack 70 and engages with this block unit 76. The forward / backward drive unit 48 moves the hook unit 47 between the storage position and the raiseable position. The forward / backward drive unit 48 may have a ball screw and a drive motor to move the hook unit 47 back and forth, or it may use a linear motor to move the hook unit 47 back and forth.

[0020] The replacement unit 40 has a replacement control unit 59. The replacement control unit 59 is configured as a microprocessor centered on a CPU and controls the entire replacement unit 40. The replacement control unit 59 outputs signals to the lifting drive unit 45, the forward / backward drive unit 48, and the printing control unit 21. The replacement control unit 59 also receives signals from the printing control unit 21. When the replacement control unit 59 receives a signal that the storage rack 70 has been received by the receiving unit 42, it raises the hook unit 47 and engages the hook unit 47 with the block unit 76. When a replaceable component is replaced, the replacement control unit 59 moves the storage rack 70 from the storage position to the liftable position using the forward / backward movement unit 46, and then raises the storage rack 70 from the liftable position to the replacement position using the lifting unit 43. When the replacement of the replaceable component is completed, the replacement control unit 59 lowers the storage rack 70 from the replacement position to the liftable position using the lifting unit 43, and then moves it from the liftable position to the storage position using the forward / backward movement unit 46.

[0021] The fixing section 60 is a safety mechanism that prevents unintended movement or falling of the storage rack 70 when the storage rack 70 is raised or lowered by the lifting section 43. The fixing section 60 includes a clamp section 60a and a stopper section 60b. As shown in Figure 5, the clamp section 60a has a clamp lever 61 that is inserted into a locking hole 78 formed in the support fixing member 75 of the storage rack 70, and is a mechanism that restricts the horizontal movement of the storage rack 70. The clamp section 60a is disposed on the lifting member 44 and moves up and down together with the lifting member 44. This clamp section 60a includes a clamp lever 61, a lever rotating section 62, and an air cylinder 63. The clamp lever 61 has a lever that is inserted into the locking hole 78, a rotating shaft that is fixed to the lifting member 44 and rotates the lever, and an elliptical hole into which the pin of the lever rotating section 62 is inserted. The lever rotation part 62 is a component that is directly connected to and moves linearly with respect to the rod of the air cylinder 63. A pin is provided at the tip of the lever rotation part 62, which is inserted into an elliptical hole. The air cylinder 63 is a drive unit that moves the rod up and down using compressed air supplied from an air supply device (not shown). When the rod of the air cylinder 63 rises, the clamp lever 61 of the clamp part 60a rotates around the rotation axis, and the lever is inserted into the locking hole 78. Conversely, when the rod of the air cylinder 63 descends, the clamp lever 61 of the clamp part 60a rotates around the rotation axis, and the lever is released from the locking hole 78.

[0022] As shown in Figure 6, the stopper section 60b has an insertion pin 65 that is inserted into an insertion hole 79 formed in the support fixing member 75 of the storage rack 70. When the storage rack 70 rises, the insertion pin 65 is inserted into the insertion hole 79, preventing the storage rack 70 from falling. The stopper section 60b has an insertion pin 65 and a pin drive unit 66. The pin drive unit 66 inserts the insertion pin 65 into the insertion hole 79 when the storage rack 70 rises from the position where it can be raised, and pulls in the insertion pin 65 and releases it from the insertion hole 79 when the storage rack 70 is in the position where it can be raised. The pin drive unit 66 is composed of a spring 64, a cam follower 67, a guide member 68, and an air cylinder 69. The insertion pin 65, spring 64, and cam follower 67 are arranged on the lifting member 44 and move up and down together with the lifting member 44. On the other hand, the guide member 68 and the air cylinder 69 are positioned in an upward-movable position on the housing side of the replacement unit 40 and do not move up or down. The spring 64 is a member that constantly biases the insertion pin 65 toward the insertion hole 79. The insertion pin 65 is a member that is inserted into the insertion hole 79 and is a cylindrical member with a space inside. The spring 64 is disposed in the internal space of the insertion pin 65. The cam follower 67 is disposed at the rear end of the insertion pin 65. This cam follower 67 abuts against the wall of the guide member 68 and moves up and down together with the lifting member 44, guided by the guide member 68. The guide member 68 is a member with a shape in which two L-shaped members with a cross-section with the longitudinal direction as the vertical direction are facing each other. The L-shaped wall portion of this guide member 68 is formed in the vertical direction, and the cam follower 67 moves along this wall portion. The guide member 68 is fixed to the rod of the air cylinder 69. The air cylinder 69 is a drive unit that drives the rod horizontally using compressed air supplied from an air supply device (not shown). When the lifting member 44 is in a position where it can be raised, the rod of the air cylinder 69 is pushed out, causing the insertion pin 65, biased by the spring 64, to protrude from the lifting member 44 (see Figure 6A). Also, when the lifting member 44 is in a position where it can be raised, the rod of the air cylinder 69 is retracted, causing the insertion pin 65 to be retracted via the guide member 68 and cam follower 67, preventing it from protruding from the lifting member 44 (see Figure 6B).Furthermore, when the lifting member 44 rises from its liftable position, the stopper portion 60b releases the contact of the cam follower 67 with the guide member 68, and the insertion pin 65 remains constantly inserted into the insertion hole 79 due to the biasing force of the spring 64.

[0023] Next, the printing process of the printing apparatus 11 configured in this way will be described. When performing the printing process, the operator W performs the task of attaching the storage rack 70 to the exchange unit 40. Figure 8 is an explanatory diagram showing the operator W moving the storage rack 70 to the exchange unit 40. After attaching the storage rack 70 to the exchange unit 40, the operator W inputs the execution of the printing process from the operation panel 38. The printing process routine for performing the printing process is stored in the memory of the printing control unit 21, and the printing control unit 21 executes it after receiving the command to execute the printing process from the operator W. When the printing process routine is started, the CPU of the printing control unit 21 first transports the substrate S with the substrate processing unit 30, fixes it, and raises it to bring the substrate S into contact with the screen mask M. At this time, the CPU adjusts the position of the screen mask M with the mask processing unit 26 to align the pattern holes with the substrate S. Next, the CPU moves the cartridge 36 onto the screen mask M and dispenses solder into it. Next, the CPU moves the print head 23 and lowers the squeegee 25 to bring it into contact with the upper surface of the screen mask M, and moves it in the back-and-forth direction to print solder onto the substrate S. In this way, the print control unit 21 performs printing processes, including substrate transport and fixing, solder supply, and squeegee movement, to print on the substrate S. The CPU repeats this printing process, changing the screen mask M, until the production process for all types of substrate S in the manufacturing plan is completed.

[0024] Next, the operation of the replacement unit 40 for replacing the frame 29 will be described. Figure 9 is a flowchart of an example of a component replacement processing routine executed by the replacement control unit 59 of the replacement unit 40. Figure 10 is an explanatory diagram of the positional relationship of each component, such as the lifting member 44 and the support fixing member 75, when the storage rack 70 is moved. Figure 10A shows the storage rack 70 in the storage position, Figure 10B shows the storage rack 70 connected to the front-rear movement unit 46, Figure 10C shows the storage rack 70 moved to the liftable position, and Figure 10D shows the storage rack 70 fixed to the lifting member 44 and raised. Figure 11 is a perspective view of the printing device 11 when the storage rack 70 is in the storage position. Figure 12 is a perspective view of the printing device 11 when the storage rack 70 is in the liftable position. Figure 13 is a perspective view of the printing device 11 when the storage rack 70 is being raised. Figure 14 is a perspective view of the printing device 11 when the storage rack 70 is in the replacement position.

[0025] The component replacement processing routine is stored in the memory unit of the replacement control unit 59 and executed after the replacement unit 40 is started. When this routine is executed, the CPU of the replacement control unit 59 determines whether or not the storage rack 70 is in the storage position based on the detection signal from the detection unit 37 (S100). If the storage rack 70 is in the storage position (Figure 11), the CPU raises the hook unit 47 and connects it to the block unit 76 (S110, Figure 10B). Once the hook unit 47 is inserted into the block unit 76, the forward / backward movement unit 46 becomes able to move the storage rack 70 forward and backward. On the other hand, if the storage rack 70 is not in the storage position in S100, the CPU waits until the storage rack 70 is in the storage position.

[0026] After S110, the CPU of the replacement control unit 59 determines whether it is time to replace the screen mask M, which is a replaceable component (S120). The timing for replacing the screen mask M is, for example, after the production of a predetermined type of substrate S is finished and before the production of the next type of substrate S is started. When it is time to replace the replaceable component, the CPU moves the hook portion 47 to the liftable position using the forward / backward movement portion 46 (S130, Figure 10C). Then, as shown in Figure 12, the storage rack 70 is pulled out and becomes liftable. Next, the CPU raises the lifting member 44 and connects it to the support fixing member 75 of the storage rack 70 (S140). When the lifting member 44 is raised to the liftable position, the cam follower 44a enters the receiving portion 77 and the storage rack 70 is connected to the lifting member 44 (Figure 10D). Next, the CPU drives the air cylinder 63 to perform the clamping process of the clamp section 60a, and drives the air cylinder 69 to perform the insertion process of the insertion pin 65 of the stopper section 60b (S150). In the fixing section 60, the clamp lever 61 is inserted into the locking hole 78, and the insertion pin 65 is inserted into the insertion hole 79, fixing the storage rack 70 to the lifting member 44 (Figure 10D).

[0027] Next, the CPU of the exchange control unit 59 raises the lifting member 44 to the exchange position (S160, Figures 13, 14). At the exchange position, the storage rack 70 is positioned so that its opening 72 faces the exchange door 39 through which the screen mask M can be exchanged (Figure 14). Next, a signal is output to the print control unit 21 indicating that the loading and unloading of the screen mask M, which is an exchangeable component, can be performed (S170). Upon receiving this, the print control unit 21 uses the exchange unit 27 to move the screen mask M to the shelf 71. At this time, the CPU of the exchange control unit 59 moves the storage rack 70 to a height where an empty shelf 71 is the exchange position, and then moves the storage rack 70 to a height where the shelf 71 containing the next screen mask M to be used is the exchange position.

[0028] When the loading and unloading process of the screen mask M is completed, the CPU of the replacement control unit 59 lowers the lifting member 44 to the position where it can be raised (S180, Figure 12), releases the clamp of the clamp part 60a, and releases the insertion pin 65 of the stopper part 60b (S190). Then, the CPU moves the hook part 47 to the storage position (S200). As a result, the storage rack 70 moves to the storage position (Figure 11). After S200, or if it is not the timing to perform replacement of the replaceable parts in S120, the CPU determines whether or not the operator W has input to disconnect the storage rack 70 via the operation panel 38 (S210). If the operator has input to disconnect the storage rack 70, the CPU lowers the hook part 47 and disconnects it from the block part 76 (S220). On the other hand, if the operator has not input to disconnect the storage rack 70 in S210, the CPU executes the processes from S120 onwards. After S220, the CPU determines whether all processing is complete (S230). If not all processing is complete, it executes the processes from S100 onward. On the other hand, if all processing is complete in S230, the CPU terminates this routine.

[0029] Here, the correspondence between the components of this embodiment and the components of the present disclosure will be clarified. The receiving portion 42 of this embodiment corresponds to the receiving portion of the present disclosure, the lifting portion 43 corresponds to the lifting portion, the forward and backward moving portion 46 corresponds to the moving portion, and the printing portion 22 corresponds to the printing portion. Also, the block portion 76 corresponds to the block portion, the hook portion 47 corresponds to the hook portion, and the exchange control portion 59 corresponds to the engagement control portion and the movement control portion. Furthermore, the fixing portion 60 corresponds to the fixing portion, the clamp portion 60a corresponds to the clamp portion, the clamp lever 61 corresponds to the clamp lever, the locking hole 78 corresponds to the locking hole, the stopper portion 60b corresponds to the stopper portion, the insertion pin 65 corresponds to the insertion pin, and the insertion hole 79 corresponds to the insertion hole.

[0030] In the replacement unit 40 of this embodiment described above, the entire storage rack 70, which houses the screen masks M as replaceable components in multiple shelf sections 71, is raised and lowered. Therefore, a lifting mechanism is not required inside the storage rack 70, and the storage rack itself can be made more compact. Furthermore, when replacement is not performed in the storage rack 70, the replacement unit 40 can be retracted into the housing of the printing device 11, thus making the printing device 11 itself more compact. In this way, the replacement unit 40 makes it possible to make the printing device 11 more compact when automatically replacing replaceable components used in the printing device 11.

[0031] Furthermore, the forward / backward movement unit 46 has a hook portion 47 that is arranged to be vertically movable and rises to engage with a block portion 76 provided on the storage rack 70, and a forward / backward drive unit 48 that moves the hook portion 47 between the storage position and the vertically movable position. In this exchange unit 40, the storage rack 70 can be moved by the engagement of the block portion 76 by the rising of the hook portion 47. Also, for example, in the exchange unit 40, when the storage rack 70 moves horizontally and is received by the receiving portion 42, engagement with the forward / backward movement unit 46 can be easily performed in the received state. Moreover, when the exchange control unit 59 receives a signal that the storage rack 70 has been received by the receiving portion 42, the exchange unit 40 raises the hook portion 47 and engages the hook portion 47 with the block portion 76. In this exchange unit 40, the exchange control unit 59 can automatically engage the storage rack 70 with the forward / backward movement unit 46. Furthermore, the forward / backward movement section 46 moves the storage rack 70 horizontally, and the lifting / lowering section 43 has a fixing section 60 that restricts the horizontal movement of the storage rack 70 once it has moved to a position where it can be lifted and is in a lifting / lowering state. In this replacement unit 40, since the storage rack 70 is fixed to the lifting / lowering section 43 by the fixing section 60, it is possible to prevent the storage rack 70 from moving horizontally or falling after it has been raised.

[0032] Furthermore, the fixing part 60 has one or more of the following: a clamp part 60a having a clamp lever 61 that is inserted into a locking hole 78 formed in the storage rack 70 and restricting the horizontal movement of the storage rack 70; and a stopper part 60b having an insertion pin 65 that is inserted into an insertion hole 79 formed in the storage rack 70 and preventing the storage rack 70 from falling when the storage rack 70 rises. In this replacement unit 40, the clamp part 60a can prevent the horizontal movement of the storage rack 70, and the stopper part 60b can prevent the storage rack 70 from falling. Moreover, since the length A along the direction of movement of the frame 29 of the replacement unit 40 is shorter than the length B of the storage rack 70, the size of the device can be made more compact in this replacement unit 40 when the storage rack 70 is not in use. Furthermore, when the storage rack 70 is in the storage position, the replacement unit 40 houses the storage rack 70 on the same surface as the front of the main body of the replacement unit 40 or inward from the front of the main body. When the storage rack 70 is in the replacement position, the replacement unit 40 supports the storage rack 70 in a position that protrudes from the front of the main body of the replacement unit 40. With this replacement unit 40, when the storage rack 70 is in use, the storage rack 70 protrudes from the front of the main body, but when the storage rack 70 is in the storage position, the size of the device can be made more compact in particular.

[0033] Furthermore, the replacement unit 40 consists of a left unit 41 located on the left side of the housing of the printing device 11 and a right unit 51 located on the right side of the housing, and has a lifting space 49 between the left unit 41 and the right unit 51 through which the storage rack 70 moves up and down. With this replacement unit 40, the storage rack 70 can be replaced by inserting it into the lifting space 49 formed between the left unit 41 and the right unit 42, making the replacement of the storage rack 70 easier. Moreover, since the storage rack 70 does not have a power source to move the replaceable components, this replacement unit 40 allows for a more compact design of the storage rack 70. Furthermore, since the printing device 11 is equipped with the above-described replacement unit 40, it can be made more compact when automatically replacing the replaceable components used in the printing device 11, similar to the above-described replacement unit 40.

[0034] It goes without saying that the exchange unit 40, printing apparatus 11, and mounting system 10 of this disclosure are not limited in any way to the embodiments described above, and can be implemented in various forms as long as they fall within the technical scope of this disclosure.

[0035] For example, in the above-described embodiment, the replacement unit 40 is equipped with a hook portion 47 that engages with the block portion 76 of the storage rack 70, but it is not limited to this, and it may be connected to the storage rack 70 by a mechanism other than the hook portion 47. Also, in the above-described embodiment, there is a replacement control unit 59 that raises and lowers the hook portion 47, but this may be omitted.

[0036] In the embodiment described above, the replacement unit 40 is provided with a clamp portion 60a and a stopper portion 60b as the fixing portion 60, but it is not limited to this, and either one may be omitted. Alternatively, fixing portions other than the clamp portion 60a and the stopper portion 60b may be used. Or, although the replacement unit 40 is provided with a fixing portion 60, this may be omitted.

[0037] In the embodiment described above, the replacement unit 40 comprises a left unit 41 and a right unit 51, with the main bodies of the replacement unit 40 arranged on the left and right sides of the housing of the printing device 11, respectively. However, it is not limited to this configuration, and the replacement unit 40 may be an integrated structure as long as there is space to accommodate the storage rack 70. Furthermore, although the replacement unit 40 is shown as being arranged in front of the printing device 11, it is not limited to this configuration and may be arranged in the rear or to the side.

[0038] In the above-described embodiment, the receiving unit supports the left and right ends of the storage rack 70 from the bottom to receive the storage rack 70. However, it is not limited to this, as long as it is possible to receive the storage rack 70. For example, it may support the entire bottom surface of the storage rack 70, or it may support and receive the storage rack 70 from its sides or top. Also, in the above-described embodiment, the exchange unit 40 receives the storage rack 70 by lifting it upwards. However, it is not limited to this, as long as it is possible to receive the storage rack 70.

[0039] In the embodiment described above, the storage rack 70 is moved by the worker W, but the invention is not limited to this, and for example, the storage rack 70 may be moved by an automated guided vehicle 18. Figure 15 is an explanatory diagram of an example in which the automated guided vehicle 18 moves the storage rack 70 to the exchange unit 40. The automated guided vehicle 18 may, for example, enter the space in the center of the caster section 74 and move the storage rack 70. Note that when the automated guided vehicle 18 moves the storage rack 70, the handle 73 may be omitted.

[0040] In the above-described embodiment, the replacement unit 27 is a rod structure having a contact portion disposed on the print head 23, but it is not limited to this and may be an independent mechanism disposed elsewhere than the print head 23. Also, in the above-described embodiment, the replacement unit 27 is a rod mechanism that engages with the frame 29, but it may be, for example, a conveyor mechanism on which the frame 29 including the replaceable member is placed and moved.

[0041] In the embodiment described above, the storage rack 70 is provided with shelf sections 71 on which the frames 29 are placed, but it is not limited to this as long as it can accommodate multiple frames 29. Figure 16 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of another storage rack 70B. This storage rack 70B has shelf sections 71B on both sides into which the ends of the frames 29 are inserted and supported. In this storage rack 70B, the shelf sections 71 can be further simplified. Also, in the embodiment described above, the storage rack 70 is provided with caster sections 74, but it is not limited to this, and the caster sections 74 may be omitted, or the caster sections 74 may be configured to be removable.

[0042] In the embodiments described above, the storage rack 70 was described as not having a drive unit for moving the frame 29, but it is not limited to this, and the storage rack 70 may have a drive unit for moving the frame 29.

[0043] In the embodiments described above, the replaceable component was described as a screen mask M, but it is not limited to this as long as it is a component that needs to be replaced. In addition to the screen mask M, it may be one or more of the following: a cartridge 36 for containing viscous fluid, a squeegee 25, a cleaning member 34 used for cleaning the screen mask M, and a support member 32 for supporting the substrate S as the object to be processed. Furthermore, although the object to be processed was described as a substrate S, it is not limited to this as long as it is used to print viscous fluid, and may be a three-dimensional object, etc. Also, although the viscous fluid was described as solder paste, it may be a conductive paste or an adhesive, etc.

[0044] In the embodiments described above, the present disclosure is provided as a printing apparatus 11 equipped with a replacement unit 40, but the disclosure is not limited thereto, and the present disclosure may also be provided as a replacement unit 40. By distributing the replacement unit 40 and connecting it to the printing apparatus 11, the same effects as in the embodiments described above can be achieved. [Industrial applicability]

[0045] This disclosure is applicable to the technical field of equipment for mounting components. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0046] 10 Assembly system, 11 Printing device, 12 Printing inspection device, 13 Assembly device, 14 Assembly inspection device, 18 Automated guided vehicle, 21 Printing control unit, 22 Printing unit, 23 Printing head, 24 Printing movement unit, 25 Squeegee, 26 Mask work unit, 27 Replacement unit, 28 Mask fixing unit, 29 Frame, 30 Substrate processing unit, 31 Substrate transport unit, 32 Support member, 33 Cleaning unit, 34 Cleaning member, 35 Supply unit, 36 Cartridge, 37 Detection unit, 38 Operation panel, 39 Replacement door, 40 Replacement unit, 41 Left unit, 42 Receiving unit, 43 Lifting unit, 44 Lifting member, 44a Cam follower, 45 Lifting drive unit, 46 Forward / backward movement unit, 47 Hook unit, 48 Forward / backward drive unit, 49 Lifting space, 51 Right unit, 59 Replacement control unit, 60 fixing part, 60a clamp part, 60b stopper part, 61 clamp lever, 62 lever rotation part, 63 air cylinder, 64 spring, 65 insertion pin, 66 pin drive part, 67 cam follower, 68 guide member, 69 air cylinder, 70, 70B storage rack, 70a rack body, 71, 71B shelf part, 72 opening, 73 handle, 74 caster part, 75 support fixing member, 76 block part, 77 receiving part, 78 locking hole, 79 insertion hole, 80 management PC, A, B length, M screen mask, S substrate, W worker.

Claims

1. A printing apparatus that performs a viscous fluid printing process on an object to be processed using a screen mask, A replacement unit that receives a storage rack having multiple shelf sections that house a frame capable of supporting replaceable components used in the printing apparatus, A detection unit for detecting whether or not the storage rack has been accepted into the exchange unit, When the storage rack detects a signal received by the exchange unit from the detection unit, the exchange control unit performs a process to engage the exchange unit with the storage rack. A printing device equipped with a printer.

2. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the exchange control unit performs a process of engaging the exchange unit with the storage rack by moving a member provided on the exchange unit with a member provided on the storage rack.

3. A printing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, A lifting mechanism for raising and lowering the storage rack between a replacement position for replacing the replaceable member and a liftable position below the replacement position, A moving part moves the storage rack between the liftable position in which the storage rack can be raised and lowered by the lifting part and the storage position in which the storage rack is inserted into the housing of the printing device, A printing device equipped with a printer.

4. The aforementioned movable part is A hook portion, provided as a component of the replacement unit, is arranged to be vertically movable and rises to engage with a block portion, which is a component of the storage rack, The printing apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising a forward and backward drive unit for moving the hook portion between the storage position and the liftable position.

5. The moving part moves the storage rack horizontally, The printing apparatus according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the lifting mechanism has a fixing mechanism provided in the replacement unit that restricts the horizontal movement of the storage rack when the storage rack moves to the liftable position and becomes liftable.

6. A control method for a printing apparatus controlled by a computer, comprising: an exchange unit for receiving a storage rack having a plurality of shelf sections for housing a frame capable of supporting replaceable members used in the printing apparatus; and a detection unit for detecting whether or not the storage rack has been received by the exchange unit, wherein the printing apparatus performs a viscous fluid printing process on an object to be processed using a screen mask, When the storage rack detects a signal received by the exchange unit from the detection unit, the step of engaging the exchange unit with the storage rack, A control method including

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