Replacement device, screen printing system, and replacement method

Abstract

The screen printing system includes a printing device that prints paste on a substrate using a mask, and an exchange device that supplies a mask (exchangeable member) to the printing device and collects the mask from the printing device. The exchange device has a storage unit that can store the mask with its main surface upright, and an exchange unit that lifts the mask stored in the storage unit and moves the upper end of the mask toward the printing device while supplying the mask with its main surface lying down to the printing device.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an exchange device, a screen printing system, and an exchange method that supply a mask to a printing device and collect the mask from the printing device. [Background technology]

[0002] A screen printing system prints a paste such as solder paste onto the surface of a substrate using a mask having a printing pattern. In such a screen printing system, the mask is changed depending on the type of substrate. Patent Document 1 discloses a screen printing apparatus equipped with an exchange device that holds a magazine holding multiple masks horizontally and that can be raised and lowered within a housing to automatically and continuously exchange the masks. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

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

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

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a replacement device, a screen printing system, and a replacement method that can achieve mask replacement with a small installation area. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The replacement device disclosed herein is an replacement device that supplies replacement parts to a printing device that prints paste on a substrate using a mask and recovers the replacement parts from the printing device, and includes: a storage unit that can store the replacement parts with their main surfaces upright; and a replacement unit that lifts the replacement parts stored in the storage unit while moving the upper end of the replacement parts toward the printing device, supplying the replacement parts to the printing device with their main surfaces laid down.

[0007] The screen printing system disclosed herein is a screen printing system including a printing device that prints paste on a substrate using a mask, and an exchange device that supplies replacement parts to the printing device and collects the replacement parts from the printing device, wherein the exchange device has a storage section that can store the replacement parts with their main surfaces upright, and an exchange section that lifts the replacement parts stored in the storage section while moving the upper end of the replacement parts toward the printing device, supplying the replacement parts to the printing device with their main surfaces lying down.

[0008] The replacement method disclosed herein is a method for supplying a replacement part to a printing device that prints paste on a substrate using a mask, in which the replacement part is stored with its main surface upright, and the upper end of the replacement part is moved toward the printing device while lifting the replacement part, and the replacement part is supplied to the printing device with its main surface lying down.

[0009] Another replacement method disclosed herein is a method for replacing a replacement part, in which the replacement part is recovered from a printing device that prints paste on a substrate using a mask, and the replacement part is discharged from the printing device with its main surface lying flat, and the replacement part is moved in a direction away from the printing device while pulling down the lower end of the replacement part, and is stored with its main surface standing up. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present disclosure, mask replacement can be achieved with a small installation area. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of a screen printing system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; [Figure 2] 1 is a perspective side view showing a configuration of a screen printing system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] 1A and 1B are perspective plan and front views showing a configuration including an exchange device of a screen printing system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; [Figure 4] 1A and 1B are perspective side views illustrating the function of an exchange device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] 1A and 1B are perspective side views illustrating the function of an exchange device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a screen printing system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] 5A and 5B are explanatory diagrams illustrating a process of attaching an exchange device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure to a printing device. [Figure 8] 10A and 10B are explanatory diagrams illustrating a process of collecting a mask from a printing device using an exchange device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] 10A and 10B are explanatory diagrams illustrating a process of collecting a mask from a printing device using an exchange device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] 10A and 10B are explanatory diagrams of a process of supplying a mask from an exchange device to a printing device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11] 1A and 1B are explanatory diagrams illustrating a process of removing the replacement device from the printing device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] An embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. The configurations, shapes, etc. described below are examples for explanation purposes and can be modified as appropriate depending on the specifications of the screen printing system, exchange device, printing device, 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 vertical direction in FIG. 2) is shown.

[0013] First, the configuration of a screen printing system 1 will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 3. The screen printing system 1 is configured to include a printing device 10 and an exchange device 40. The printing device 10 performs a printing operation to print a paste P such as cream solder on a substrate B using a mask M having a predetermined printing pattern (not shown). The exchange device 40 stores exchange parts such as the mask M, performs a supply operation to supply the exchange parts to the printing device 10, and performs a collection operation to collect the exchange parts from the printing device 10.

[0014] 1, a mounting opening 11 into which the replacement device 40 is inserted is provided on the front surface of the printing device 10. Also, a storage space 12 is formed on the front side of the printing device 10 in which the replacement device 40 inserted through the mounting opening 11 is located. A right-side grip portion 14R is disposed on a right wall 13R of the storage space 12. A left-side grip portion 14L is disposed on a left wall 13L of the storage space 12.

[0015] A right-side held portion 42R corresponding to the right-side gripping portion 14R is disposed on the right side surface 41R of the exchange device 40. A left-side held portion 42L corresponding to the left-side gripping portion 14L is disposed on the left side surface 41L of the exchange device 40. The right-side gripping portion 14R has a function of gripping the right-side held portion 42R of the exchange device 40 attached to the storage space 12. The left-side gripping portion 14L has a function of gripping the left-side held portion 42L of the exchange device 40 attached to the storage space 12.

[0016] Hereinafter, when there is no need to distinguish between the right grip portion 14R and the left grip portion 14L, they will simply be referred to as the "grip portion 14." Also, when there is no need to distinguish between the right held portion 42R and the left held portion 42L, they will simply be referred to as the "held portion 42." In this way, the exchange device 40 is detachable from the printing device 10 and has a held portion 42 that is held by the printing device 10 after being attached to the printing device 10. Also, the printing device 10 has a grip portion 14 that grips the held portion 42 of the exchange device 40 attached to the storage space 12.

[0017] In FIG. 2, the printing apparatus 10 includes a substrate transport and holding unit 17 on a base 16 covered by a printing apparatus cover 15. The substrate transport and holding unit 17 includes a conveyor 17a that transports the substrate B along the X axis. The substrate transport and holding unit 17 includes a multi-stage table 17b that is disposed on the base 16 below the center of the conveyor 17a in the X axis direction, and a substrate holding unit 17c that is supported by the multi-stage table 17b. The multi-stage table 17b moves the substrate holding unit 17c in the X axis direction and the Y axis direction (horizontal direction), and raises and lowers the substrate holding unit 17c in the Z axis direction (up and down direction). The substrate holding unit 17c receives the substrate B transported by the conveyor 17a, and lifts and holds the received substrate B from the conveyor 17a.

[0018] In Figure 2, above the substrate transport and holding unit 17, a guide 18 is arranged that extends along the Y axis (front-rear direction) and transports a mask M (replacement member). The mask M is configured by extending a screen Ms on which a predetermined print pattern (not shown) is formed on a frame Mf. On the guide 18, the mask M moves back and forth along the Y axis with the screen Ms (main surface) of the placed mask M horizontal (with the main surface of the replacement member lying down). A mask holding unit 18a is arranged near the center of the guide 18 and above the substrate holding unit 17c.

[0019] Above the guide 18, there is disposed a transport unit 19 including a contact member 20, an elevation cylinder 21 that raises and lowers the contact member 20 up and down (arrow a), and a forward / backward movement mechanism 22 (FIG. 6) that moves the elevation cylinder 21 back and forth (arrow b) along the guide 18. The transport unit 19 brings the lowered contact member 20 into contact with the frame Mf of the mask M, and moves (transports) the mask M back and forth along the guide 18. In this way, the transport unit 19 moves the mask M (replacement member) placed on the guide 18 with its main surface lying down, along the guide 18.

[0020] 2, a partition wall 24 is disposed inside the printing device cover 15, between the front side of the base 16 and the storage space 12, to separate the storage space 12 from a printing space 23 where printing work is performed. The partition wall 24 has an opening 25 formed therein through which a mask M (replacement member) can pass between the replacement device 40 attached to the storage space 12 and the printing space 23. In this way, the printing device 10 has the opening 25 through which the mask M (replacement member) passes between the replacement device 40 and the printing device 10.

[0021] The transport unit 19 moves the mask M between the exchange device 40 and the mask holding unit 18a via the opening 25. The mask M that has moved to the mask holding unit 18a is held by a holding mechanism (not shown) of the mask holding unit 18a with the main surface of the mask M horizontal. Hereinafter, the surface of the mask M that is held by the mask holding unit 18a and is in a state of being used for printing in the printing device 10 and that contacts the guide 18 will be referred to as the "back surface Mu of the mask M" (see FIG. 4(a)).

[0022] 2, the exchange device 40 attached to the storage space 12 of the printing device 10 is covered from above by the printing device cover 15. In other words, when the exchange device 40 is attached to the printing device 10, external access to the storage section 45 of the exchange device 40 is restricted.

[0023] A shutter 27 that is raised and lowered by a shutter lifting unit 26 (FIG. 6) is disposed on the rear side of the partition wall 24. When the shutter 27 is raised, the opening 25 is closed, restricting access from the exchange device 40 to the printing space 23. When the shutter 27 is lowered, the opening 25 is opened, allowing access from the exchange device 40 to the printing space 23. In other words, the shutter 27 and the shutter lifting unit 26 constitute an opening and closing mechanism that opens and closes the opening 25. Note that the opening and closing mechanism may be configured to open and close the opening 25 by moving the shutter 27 left and right, in addition to being configured to open and close the opening 25 by raising and lowering the shutter 27.

[0024] In FIG. 2, a print head 29 is disposed above the mask holding unit 18a and is moved along the Y-axis by a print head moving mechanism 28 (FIG. 6). The print head 29 extends along the X-axis and includes two squeegees 29a that move up and down. With the substrate B held by the substrate holding unit 17c pressed from below against the mask M held by the mask holding unit 18a, the print head 29 lowers one of the squeegees 29a to abut on the mask M. The print head moving mechanism 28 then moves the print head 29 in the Y-axis direction and slides one of the squeegees 29a over the mask M, thereby printing the 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).

[0025] 2, a magnetic sensor 30 is disposed on the front side of the partition wall 24 at a position corresponding to the magnet 43 disposed on the rear side surface 41B of the exchange device 40. The magnetic sensor 30 detects the magnet 43 of the exchange device 40 attached to the storage space 12. When the magnetic sensor 30 detects the magnet 43, it is detected that the exchange device 40 has been attached to the storage space 12. Note that the detection means for detecting the exchange device 40 attached to the storage space 12 is not limited to the magnetic sensor 30, and may be a toggle switch or an optical sensor. Furthermore, the detection means may be disposed on the right wall 13R or left wall 13L of the storage space 12, etc.

[0026] A connector portion 31 is disposed on the front side of the partition wall 24, and is connected to a connection portion 44 that protrudes rearward from the rear side surface 41B of the exchange device 40. When the exchange device 40 is attached to the storage space 12 of the printing device 10, the connection portion 44 is connected to the connector portion 31, and power and compressed air are supplied to the exchange device 40 from the printing device 10 via the connection portion 44. In this way, the exchange device 40 is detachable from the printing device 10, and is provided with the connection portion 44 that is connected to the connector portion 31 provided on the printing device 10.

[0027] Next, the exchange device 40 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5. FIGS. 2 to 5 show the exchange device 40 attached to the printing device 10. In FIGS. 1 and 2, the exchange device 40 includes a storage section 45 that can store the mask M (exchange member) with its main surface standing upright. The storage section 45 has a plurality of slots S that can store the mask M with its main surface standing upright. In this example, the storage section 45 has two slots S arranged in a row in the front-to-back direction along the Y-axis direction. The exchange device 40 is open at the top, and the mask M is inserted into and removed from the slots S from above.

[0028] Hereinafter, the front slot S arranged in the storage section 45 will be referred to as the "front slot Sf," and the rear slot S will be referred to as the "rear slot Sb." Furthermore, the state in which the main surface of the mask M (replacement member) is upright will be referred to as the "upright state." Furthermore, the state in which the main surface of the mask M (replacement member) is laid down will be referred to as the "horizontal state." Furthermore, the directions used in the explanations of Figures 2 to 5 and 7 to 11 are the directions when the replacement device 40 is attached to the printing device 10.

[0029] 1 and 2, a notch 46 is formed in the rear side surface 41B of the exchange device 40, allowing the mask M (exchange member) to pass through. The mask M moves between the exchange device 40 and the printing device 10 via the notch 46 and the opening 25. Wheels 47 are provided on the bottom of the exchange device 40. This allows the exchange device 40 to be moved by a worker or an automatic guided vehicle (not shown) on the floor F within the floor on which the printing device 10 is installed.

[0030] 2 and 3 show the replacement device 40 attached to the printing device 10, with the mask M (replacement member) stored in the front slot Sf and no mask M stored in the rear slot Sb. A front replacement part 49f equipped with a gripping member 48 is disposed in the front slot Sf. A rear replacement part 49b equipped with a gripping member 48 is disposed in the rear slot Sb. The gripping member 48 holds the lower end Md of the mask M inserted in an upright position from above. Hereinafter, when there is no need to distinguish between the front replacement part 49f and the rear replacement part 49b, they will be simply referred to as the "replacement part 49."

[0031] 4, the gripping member 48 has a shape that extends along the X-axis. When holding the mask M in an upright position, the gripping member 48 is configured to include a lower portion 48d that supports the mask M from below, a front portion 48f that extends upward from the front side of the lower portion 48d, and a rear portion 48b that extends upward from the rear side of the lower portion 48d. The lower end portion Md of the mask M is held so as to be sandwiched between the rear surface of the front portion 48f and the front surface of the rear portion 48b while abutting against the upper surface of the lower portion 48d.

[0032] 2 and 3, gripping member 48 has shaft portions 48a that extend in the X-axis direction and protrude from the right and left ends. The shaft portion 48a protruding from the right end of gripping member 48 is rotatably supported by a right-side lifting member 50. The shaft portion 48a protruding from the left end of gripping member 48 is rotatably supported by a left-side lifting member 51. This allows gripping member 48 to rotate about shaft portion 48a extending along the X-axis.

[0033] The right-side lifting member 50 and the left-side lifting member 51 are arranged so as to be able to move up and down along a right-side slider 52 and a left-side slider 53 that are arranged inside the storage section 45 and extend vertically (in the Z-axis direction). A nut (not shown) is fixed to the right-side lifting member 50. A ball screw 54 that extends vertically is engaged with the nut. The ball screw 54 is rotated around the Z-axis by an elevator motor 55 arranged inside the storage section 45. The elevator motor 55 rotates the ball screw 54, causing the right-side lifting member 50 to move up and down. When the right-side lifting member 50 moves up and down, the right-side lifting member 50, the gripping member 48, and the left-side lifting member 51 move up and down as a unit.

[0034] 2 to 5, a holding cylinder 56 is disposed on the rear surface 48b1 of the rear portion 48b of the gripping member 48. The holding cylinder 56 has a piston 56a that penetrates the rear portion 48b of the gripping member 48 and protrudes toward the front portion 48f. The mask M (replacement member) is inserted into the gripping member 48 with the piston 56a of the holding cylinder 56 retracted from the rear portion 48b. The holding cylinder 56 causes the piston 56a to protrude from the rear portion 48b, thereby holding the mask M in the gripping member 48.

[0035] In this way, the gripping member 48 and the holding cylinder 56 provided in the replacement part 49 constitute a holding part 57 that rotatably holds and lifts the mask M (replacement part). Hereinafter, the holding part 57 of the front replacement part 49f will be referred to as the "front holding part 57f," and the holding part 57 of the rear replacement part 49b will be referred to as the "rear holding part 57b."

[0036] 2 to 5, in the replacement unit 49, a flat, horizontally extending downward restricting portion 58 is disposed at the lowest point H1 where the holding portion 57, holding the mask M (replacement member), descends. When the lower surface 48d1 of the lower portion 48d of the descending gripping member 48 abuts against the downward restricting portion 58, the mask M held by the gripping member 48 becomes upright. In other words, the downward restricting portion 58 restricts the rotation of the holding portion 57 so that the mask M stored in the storage unit 45 becomes upright with its main surface upright. The height position of the downward restricting portion 58 is changed depending on the size of the mask M (replacement member) stored in the storage unit 45.

[0037] In the replacement unit 49, a flat upper restriction portion 59 extending in the horizontal direction is disposed at the highest point H2 to which the holder 57 holds and rises while holding the mask M (replacement member). The upper restriction portion 59 is disposed at a position where it does not interfere with the mask M held by the holder 57. In the example shown in FIG. 3, two upper restriction portions 59 extending in the Y-axis direction are disposed on the right and left sides in the X-axis direction of the mask M held by the holder 57 when viewed from above. The mask M is inserted into and removed from the storage unit 45 of the replacement device 40 through the gap between the two upper restriction portions 59.

[0038] 5(b), when the front surface 48f1 of the front portion 48f of the gripping member 48 that has risen and rotated abuts against the upper restricting portion 59, the mask M held by the gripping member 48 becomes horizontal. That is, the upper restricting portion 59 restricts the rotation of the holding portion 57 so that the mask M lifted by the holding portion 57 becomes in a state in which the main surface is laid down (horizontal state).

[0039] 2 to 5, in each of the front replacement unit 49f and the rear replacement unit 49b, a rod-shaped upper support unit 60 and a lower support unit 61 extending along the X axis are disposed behind the mask M (replacement member) held in an upright position by the holder 57. The upper support unit 60 is disposed at a position such that when the horizontal mask M contacts the upper support unit 60 from above, the height of the mask M matches the height of the horizontal mask M placed on the guide 18 of the printing device 10. The lower support unit 61 is disposed at a position below and in front of the upper support unit 60. The holder 57 that holds the mask M rises from its lowest point H1 and rotates, and the back surface Mu of the mask M, whose upper end Mt is tilted toward the printing device 10, contacts the lower support unit 61 (FIG. 4(b)).

[0040] 2, a lower edge detection unit 62 such as a laser sensor is disposed inside the storage unit 45. The lower edge detection unit 62 detects the lower edge Md of the mask M (replaceable part) at a detection position Q (predetermined position) opposite the upper edge Mt of the mask M (replaceable part) while the mask M is being supplied to the printing device 10 in a horizontal position (with the main surface lying down) (see also FIG. 10(a)). In this example, the lower edge detection unit 62 is a laser sensor disposed on the side of the storage unit 45 that detects the frame Mf of the mask M by emitting a laser in the X-axis direction. When the lower edge detection unit 62 stops detecting the mask M while detecting the mask M moving toward the printing device 10, it is determined that the lower edge Md of the mask M has passed the detection position Q (the lower edge Md has been detected). The lower edge detection unit 62 may also be disposed in the printing device 10.

[0041] 4 and 5, a description will be given of a lifting process in which the holding portion 57 moves from the lowest point H1 (FIG. 4(a)) where it abuts against the downward restricting portion 58 to the highest point H2 (FIG. 5(b)) where it abuts against the upper restricting portion 59. In FIGS. 4 and 5, the front holding portion 57f of the front replacement portion 49f holds the mask M (replacement member), and the rear holding portion 57b of the rear replacement portion 49b does not hold the mask M.

[0042] 4(a) shows a state in which the holding portion 57 has descended to the lowest point H1 and the lower surface 48d1 of the gripping member 48 is in contact with the downward restricting portion 58. When the lower surface 48d1 of the gripping member 48 is in contact with the downward restricting portion 58, the mask M (replaceable member) held by the holding portion 57 is in an upright state (a state in which the main surface is upright). The mask M is attached to the holding portion 57 so that the back surface Mu of the mask M in the upright state is located on the side (rear side) closer to the printing device 10. In other words, the mask M is stored in the storage portion 45 in an upright state (upright state) so that the back surface Mu of the mask M in a state in which it is used for printing in the printing device 10 is located on the side relatively closer to the printing device 10.

[0043] 4(b) shows a state in which the holding portion 57 has risen from the lowest point H1 (arrow c1) and the gripping member 48 has separated from the downward restricting portion 58. The center of gravity G1 of the holding portion 57 when it holds the mask M (replacement member) and the center of gravity G2 when it does not hold the mask M are both designed to be behind the movement axis R along which the shaft portion 48a moves up and down. In this example, the holding cylinder 56 disposed on the rear portion 48b of the gripping member 48 is designed to position the centers of gravity G1 and G2 behind the movement axis R. Alternatively, the gripping member 48 may be configured by combining different members with different weights, so that the centers of gravity G1 and G2 are positioned behind the movement axis R.

[0044] In this way, the centers of gravity G1, G2 of the holding portion 57 are located at positions closer to the printing device 10 relative to the movement axis R that lifts the mask M. As a result, the upper part of the holding portion 57, which has moved away from the downward restricting portion 58, rotates toward the printing device 10 (rear side) (arrow c2). As the holding portion 57 rotates rearward, the back surface Mu of the mask M held by the holding portion 57 comes into contact with the lower support portion 61.

[0045] 5(a), when the holding unit 57 further rises (arrow c3), the holding unit 57 further rotates rearward (arrow c4), and the back surface Mu of the mask M held by the holding unit 57 approaches a horizontal state while abutting against the upper support unit 60. Furthermore, the upper end Mt of the mask M moves toward the printing device 10 (arrow c5) as the holding unit 57 rotates rearward. In other words, the upper support unit 60 and the lower support unit 61 constitute a support unit that supports, from below, at least a portion of the mask M that has tilted as the upper end Mt moves toward the printing device 10.

[0046] Furthermore, the upper support part 60 and the lower support part 61 constitute a guide means 63 that guides the upper end part Mt of the mask M (replacement part) lifted by the holding part 57 so that it moves toward the printing device 10. The number of rod-shaped shafts (upper support part 60 and lower support part 61) that constitute the guide means 63 is not limited to two, and may be three or more. The guide means 63 may also be constituted by a plate that curves forward. The guide means 63 may also be a biasing means that pushes the mask M from the front side to the rear side, biasing the upper end part Mt of the mask M so that it moves toward the printing device 10.

[0047] The replacement unit 49 may also be configured such that the shaft 48a of the gripping member 48 is supported by a rotary actuator that stops at multiple points. In this case, by operating the rotary actuator to change the angle of the gripping member 48 according to the height of the gripping member 48, the upper end Mt of the mask M (replacement member) lifted by the holding unit 57 can be guided to move toward the printing device 10. In other words, the rotary actuator constitutes a guide means. In this configuration, the lower restriction unit 58, the upper restriction unit 59, the upper support unit 60, and the lower support unit 61 can be omitted.

[0048] 5(b) shows a state in which the holding portion 57 has risen to the highest point H2 (arrow c6) and the front surface 48f1 of the gripping member 48 is in contact with the upper restricting portion 59. When the front surface 48f1 of the gripping member 48 is in contact with the upper restricting portion 59, the mask M (replacement member) held by the holding portion 57 is in a horizontal state (with the main surface lying down). In addition, a portion of the upper end portion Mt side of the mask M is placed on the guide 18 of the printing device 10 (arrow c7).

[0049] Thus, in the lifting process, the replacement unit 49 lifts the mask M (replacement member) stored in the storage unit 45 (FIGS. 4(b) and 5(a)), moves the upper end Mt of the mask M toward the printing device 10, and supplies the mask M to the printing device 10 with its main surface laid down (horizontal) (FIG. 5(b)). Thereafter, the holding cylinder 56 retracts the piston 56a, thereby releasing the mask M from the holding unit 57. The transport unit 19 of the printing device 10 moves the mask M released from the holding unit 57 along the guide 18 to the mask holding unit 18a (FIGS. 10(b) and 11(a)). That is, the replacement unit 49 supplies the mask M to a position where the transport unit 19 can transport the mask M.

[0050] The lowering process, in which the holding unit 57 holds the mask M (replacement part) discharged from the printing device 10 in a horizontal state at the highest point H2 (FIG. 5(b)), and descends to the lowest point H1 (FIG. 4(a)) where it abuts against the downward restriction unit 58, is the reverse of the lifting process. That is, in the lowering process, the mask M discharged from the printing device 10 with its main surface lying flat (horizontal state) is held by the holding unit 57 (FIG. 5(b)), and the lower end Md of the mask M is pulled downward while moving it away from the printing device 10 (FIGS. 5(a) and 4(b)), and the mask M is stored in the storage unit 45 with its main surface standing up (standing state).

[0051] Next, the configuration of the control system of the screen printing system 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Note that the description will focus mainly on the portions of the printing device 10 that are related to the mask replacement operation. When the replacement device 40 is attached to the printing device 10 and the connection unit 44 of the replacement device 40 is connected to the connector unit 31 of the printing device 10, the replacement control device 64 included in the replacement device 40 is connected to the print control device 32 included in the printing device 10 via a signal line 67.

[0052] The print control device 32 provided in the printer 10 is connected to the lifting cylinder 21 and front-rear movement mechanism 22 of the transport unit 19, the gripper 14, the shutter lifting unit 26, the print head movement mechanism 28, the print head 29, a magnetic sensor 30 (mounting detection unit), and a touch panel 37. The print control device 32 is equipped with a print control unit 33, a print memory unit 34, and a detection processing unit 35.

[0053] The print storage unit 34 is realized by, for example, a flash memory or an HDD (Hard Disk Drive). The print storage unit 34 stores information about replacement parts such as the mask M supplied by the replacement device 40, information about the substrate B on which the paste P is printed, and the like. The print control unit 33, detection processing unit 35, and other processing units are realized by, for example, a memory that stores control programs executed by each processing unit, and a processor that executes the control programs. The print control unit 33 executes a replacement process for the mask M used in the printing operation based on the various information stored in the print storage unit 34.

[0054] 6, an exchange control device 64 provided in the exchange device 40 is connected to the lifting motors 55 of the exchange units 49 (front exchange unit 49f, rear exchange unit 49b), the holding cylinders 56, and the lower end detection unit 62. The exchange control device 64 is provided with an exchange control unit 65 and an exchange memory unit 66.

[0055] The exchange storage unit 66 is realized by, for example, a flash memory or an HDD (Hard Disk Drive). The exchange storage unit 66 stores information about exchange parts such as the mask M that are supplied to and collected from the printing device 10. The exchange control unit 65 is realized by, for example, a memory that stores a control program executed by the exchange control unit 65, and a processor that executes the control program.

[0056] 6, the detection processing unit 35 detects that the exchange device 40 has been attached to the storage space 12 of the printing device 10 based on the detection result of the magnetic sensor 30 detecting the magnet 43 arranged in the exchange device 40. That is, the magnetic sensor 30 and the detection processing unit 35 constitute an attachment detection unit 36 ​​that detects the attachment state in which the exchange device 40 is attached to the printing device 10. When the attachment detection unit 36 ​​detects the attachment state, the printing control unit 33 activates the gripping unit 14 to grip (hold) the held portion 42 of the exchange device 40. That is, the gripping unit 14 grips the exchange device 40 after the attachment detection unit 36 ​​detects the attachment state in which the exchange device 40 is attached to the printing device 10.

[0057] Furthermore, when the mounting detection unit 36 ​​detects the mounted state, the print control unit 33 activates the shutter lifting unit 26 to lower the shutter 27 and open the opening 25. This enables supply and collection of the mask M (replacement member) between the exchange device 40 and the printing device 10. In this way, the opening / closing mechanism (the shutter 27 and the shutter lifting unit 26) opens the opening 25 after the mounting detection unit 36 ​​detects the mounted state.

[0058] 6, before the exchange device 40 is removed from the printing device 10, the printing control unit 33 activates the shutter lifting unit 26 to raise the shutter 27 and close the opening 25. In this way, the opening / closing mechanism closes the opening 25 before the exchange device 40 is removed from the printing device 10. Thereafter, the printing control unit 33 activates the gripping unit 14 to release the grip (hold) of the held portion 42. In other words, the gripping unit 14 releases the grip of the exchange device 40. This makes it possible for the exchange device 40 to be removed from the printing device 10.

[0059] In Figure 6, the replacement control unit 65 executes various processes, such as a supply process for supplying a mask M (replacement part) to the printing device 10 and a recovery process for recovering the mask M from the printing device 10, based on various information stored in the replacement memory unit 66.

[0060] In the supply process, when the lower end detector 62 detects that the lower end Md of the mask M (replacement member) being moved toward the interior (rear side) of the printing device 10 by the transport unit 19 of the printing device 10 has passed the detection position Q (FIG. 10(b)), the replacement control unit 65 controls the lift motor 55 to lower the holding unit 57 (FIG. 11(a)). In this way, the holding unit 57 rises while holding the mask M (FIG. 10(a)), and then descends when the lower end detector 62 detects that the lower end Md of the mask M has passed the detection position Q (predetermined position).

[0061] Next, with reference to FIG. 7, a mounting method for mounting the replacement device 40 in the storage space 12 through the mounting opening 11 of the printing device 10 and control by the printing control device 32 will be described.

[0062] 7(a), the printing device 10 is performing a printing operation in which a paste P is printed on a substrate B using a mask M1. The opening 25 is closed by the shutter 27. This prevents an operator from accidentally touching moving parts such as the print head 29 through the opening 25 from the mounting opening 11, to which the exchange device 40 is not attached. Note that a mask M2 is stored in an upright position in the front slot Sf of the exchange device 40, and no mask M is stored in the rear slot Sb of the exchange device 40.

[0063] First, the exchange device 40 is inserted through the mounting opening 11 by an operator or an automated guided vehicle (arrow d1 in FIG. 7(a)) and pushed into the storage space 12 (mounting step) (FIG. 7(b)). The magnet 43 of the exchange device 40 is detected by the magnetic sensor 30 (mounting detection unit 36) of the printing device 10 (mounting detection step). When the mounting detection unit 36 ​​detects the mounted state, the printing control unit 33 controls the gripping unit 14 to grip the held portion 42 of the exchange device 40 (gripping step). This fixes the position of the exchange device 40 relative to the printing device 10.

[0064] Next, the print control unit 33 controls the shutter lifting unit 26 to lower the shutter 27 (arrow d2 in FIG. 7(b)) and open the opening 25 (opening opening step). The opening opening step may be performed immediately after the gripping step, or may be performed after the printing work is completed and before the recovery work of recovering the mask M1 is started.

[0065] 7(b), when the exchange device 40 is attached to the printing device 10 and the connection portion 44 of the exchange device 40 is connected to the connector portion 31 of the printing device 10, the supply of power and compressed air from the printing device 10 to the exchange device 40 begins, and the exchange control device 64 is connected to the print control device 32. In addition, the exchange control portion 65 controls the holding cylinder 56 to protrude the piston 56a, causing the gripping member 48 to hold the mask M2 (exchange member) that was attached in an upright state.

[0066] 7(b) to 9, a description will be given of a method for recovering a replacement part (mask M1) from the printing apparatus 10 to the replacement device 40 (replacement method) and the control by the printing control device 32 and the replacement control device 64. Here, an example will be described in which the rear replacement unit 49b of the replacement device 40 recovers the mask M1 that was used in a printing operation in the printing apparatus 10.

[0067] First, the replacement control unit 65 controls the lift motor 55 to raise the holding unit 57 of the rear replacement unit 49b from the lowest point H1 to the highest point H2 (arrow e1 in FIG. 7(b) and arrow e2 in FIG. 8(a)). As a result, the rotated holding unit 57 abuts against the upper restriction unit 59, and the holding unit 57 becomes able to hold the mask M1 in a horizontal position (recovery standby process). When the holding unit 57 is ready to collect the mask M1, the replacement control unit 65 notifies the print control unit 33 that preparations for collection are complete.

[0068] 8(a), when the printing operation is completed, the print control unit 33 controls the print head moving mechanism 28 to retract the print head 29 backward (arrow e3) (print head retraction step). Next, the print control unit 33 controls the front-rear movement mechanism 22 to move the lift cylinder 21 to the rear side of the mask M1 (the side farther from the exchange device 40) (arrow e4), and controls the lift cylinder 21 to lower the contact member 20 (arrow e5).

[0069] 8(b), the print control unit 33 then controls the front-rear movement mechanism 22 to move the lift cylinder 21 toward the exchange device 40 (arrow e6), moving the horizontal lower end Md of the mask M1 to a position where the holder 57 can hold it (recovery movement process). When the mask M1 has moved to a position where the holder 57 can hold it, the print control unit 33 notifies the exchange control unit 65 that the discharge of the mask M1 has been completed. Note that the holder 57 may be equipped with a sensor that detects that the mask M1 is being held. Upon receiving the notification, the exchange control unit 65 controls the holding cylinder 56 to protrude the piston 56a, causing the holder 57 to hold the mask M1 (exchange member holding process).

[0070] 9(a) and 9(b), the replacement control unit 65 then controls the lifting motor 55 to lower the holding unit 57, which holds the mask M1 in a horizontal position, to the lowest point H1 (arrows e7 and e8), and stores the mask M1 in an upright position in the rear slot Sb of the storage unit 45 (FIG. 9(b)) (lowering process).

[0071] Thus, in the replacement part recovery method (replacement method) of the present disclosure, the replacement unit 49 moves the mask M1 (replacement part) discharged from the guide 18 provided on the printing device 10 with its main surface lying down (horizontal state) (arrow e6) in a direction (forward) away from the printing device 10 while pulling down the lower end Md of the mask M1 and moving the lower end Md below the guide 18 (arrows e7, e8), and stores the mask M1 in the storage unit 45 with its main surface standing up (standing state).

[0072] 9(b) to 11(a), a description will be given of a replacement part supply method (replacement method) for supplying a replacement part (mask M) from the replacement device 40 to the printing device 10, as well as control by the printing control device 32 and the replacement control device 64. Here, an example will be described in which the front replacement unit 49f of the replacement device 40 supplies the printing device 10 with a mask M2 (FIG. 9(b)) stored in an upright state in the front slot Sf of the storage unit 45.

[0073] First, the replacement control unit 65 controls the lift motor 55 to raise the holder 57, which holds the mask M2 in an upright position, from the lowest point H1 to the highest point H2 (arrow f1 in FIG. 10(a)). As a result, the rotated holder 57 abuts against the upper restriction portion 59, and the mask M2 held by the holder 57 becomes horizontal (lifting process).

[0074] 10(a), the exchange control unit 65 then controls the holding cylinder 56 to retract the piston 56a, causing the holding unit 57 to release the mask M2 (holding member releasing step). This makes it possible to supply the mask M2 in a horizontal state to the printing device 10. Next, the print control unit 33 controls the front-rear movement mechanism 22 to move the lifting cylinder 21 to the front side of the frame body Mf of the upper end Mt of the mask M2 (arrow f2), and controls the lifting cylinder 21 to lower the abutting member 20 (arrow f3).

[0075] 10(b) and 11(a), the printing control unit 33 then controls the front-rear movement mechanism 22 to move the lift cylinder 21 rearward (arrow f4), and moves the mask M2 along the guide 18 into the interior of the printing device 10. In the process of the mask M2 moving rearward along the guide 18, when the bottom end detection unit 62 detects that the bottom end Md of the mask M2 has passed the detection position Q (predetermined position) (bottom end detection process), the exchange control unit 65 controls the lift motor 55 to move the holder 57 from the highest point H2 to the lowest point H1 (arrow f5).

[0076] In FIG. 11(a), the print control unit 33 then controls the lift cylinder 21 and the front-rear movement mechanism 22 to repeatedly raise the contact member 20, move the lift cylinder 21 forward, and lower the contact member 20, ultimately moving the mask M2 to the mask holder 18a (arrow f6). The print control unit 33 then controls the lift cylinder 21 and the front-rear movement mechanism 22 to retract the contact member 20 to a position where it does not interfere with the printing operation. The print control unit 33 also controls the shutter lift unit 26 to raise the shutter 27 (arrow f7) and close the opening 25 (opening closing step). This enables the printing device 10 to perform printing using the mask M2 (FIG. 11(b)).

[0077] Thus, in the replacement part supply method (replacement method) disclosed herein, the replacement unit 49 lifts the mask M2 (replacement part) stored with its main surface in an upright position (upright position), tilts the upper end Mt of the mask M2 toward the printing device 10 so that the upper end Mt of the mask M2 rests on the guide 18 provided on the printing device 10, and moves the upper end Mt of the mask M2 toward the printing device 10, placing the main surface of the mask M2 in a lying position (horizontal position) (arrow f1), and supplies it to the printing device 10.

[0078] Next, a method for the operator to remove the replacement device 40 from the mounting opening 11 of the printing device 10 and control by the printing control device 32 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0079] 11(a), the replacement device 40 is removed with the opening 25 closed by the shutter 27. If the opening 25 is open, and the touch panel 37 is operated and the print control unit 33 receives a release command, the print control unit 33 controls the shutter lifting / lowering unit 26 to raise the shutter 27 and close the opening 25 (closing step). Once the opening 25 is closed, the print control unit 33 controls the gripping unit 14 to release the grip of the held portion 42 (gripping release step). Once the grip of the held portion 42 has been released, the print control unit 33 displays on the touch panel 37 the message "Preparation to remove the replacement device is complete."

[0080] 11(b), when preparations for removing the replacement device 40 are complete, the worker moves the replacement device 40 (arrow g1) and removes it from the mounting opening 11 of the printing device 10 (removal process). In the replacement device 40 of this embodiment, even when the replacement device 40 is not mounted in the mounting opening 11, the opening 25 is covered by the shutter 27, so the worker cannot access the inside of the printing device 10 from the opening 25. Therefore, even when the replacement device 40 is not mounted in the mounting opening 11, printing operations can be performed safely in the printing device 10.

[0081] Note that the above description has been given using the mask M as an example of the replacement member stored in the replacement device 40 and supplied to the printing apparatus 10 by the replacement device 40, but the replacement member is not limited to the mask M. For example, the replacement member may be a transport jig that transports a lower support member that is attached to the upper surface of the substrate holding portion 17c in the printing apparatus 10 and holds the substrate B from below, a transport jig that transports cleaning paper that wipes off the paste P adhering to the mask M, a transport jig that transports the squeegee 29a, or a transport jig that transports a substrate for test printing. In other words, the replacement member only needs to have the same external shape as the frame Mf of the mask M.

[0082] In addition, the above example was described in which a new mask M2 to be used in the next printing job is stored in the front slot Sf of the replacement device 40 and the used mask M1 is collected in the rear slot Sb, but it is also possible to store a new mask M2 in the rear slot Sb and collect the used mask M1 in the front slot Sf.

[0083] Furthermore, although the above has described the screen printing system 1 in which the exchange device 40 is mounted on the front side of the printing device 10, the screen printing system 1 may also be configured in such a way that the exchange device 40 is mounted on the rear side of the printing device 10. In this case, the mounting opening 11, storage space 12, opening 25, shutter lifting unit 26, shutter 27, magnetic sensor 30, and connector unit 31 are disposed on the rear side of the printing device 10. Furthermore, the transport unit 19 (contact member 20, lifting cylinder 21) is disposed on the rear side of the print head 29.

[0084] As described above, the present disclosure discloses the following technical ideas.

[0085] (Technology 1) An exchange device 40 that supplies an exchange member (mask M) to a printing device 10 that prints a paste P on a substrate B using a mask M and collects the exchange member from the printing device 10, a storage section 45 capable of storing the replacement member with the main surface of the replacement member standing upright (standing state); The replacement device 40 includes a replacement section 49 that lifts the replacement part stored in the storage section 45, moves the upper end Mt of the replacement part toward the printing device 10, and supplies the replacement part to the printing device 10 with the main surface of the replacement part lying down (horizontal).

[0086] This allows replacement of replacement members including the mask M to be achieved in a small installation area.

[0087] (Technology 2) The replacement unit 49 supplies the replacement member (mask M) to the printing device 10 with its main surface laid down (horizontal) while tilting the upper end Mt of the replacement member toward the printing device 10 so that the upper end Mt of the replacement member rests on a guide 18 along which the replacement member is transported, which is provided in the printing device 10, as described in Technology 1.

[0088] This allows the length of the replacement device 40 in the direction in which the replacement members are transported to be reduced, and replacement of replacement members including the mask M can be achieved in a small installation area.

[0089] (Technology 3) The replacement unit 49 moves the lower end Md of the replacement member, which is opposite to the upper end Mt of the replacement member discharged from the guide 18 through which the replacement member (mask M) provided in the printing device 10 is transported, with its main surface lying down (horizontal state), downward from the guide 18, and stores the replacement member in the storage unit 45 with its main surface in an upright state (upright state), as described in Technology 1 or 2.

[0090] This allows the length of the replacement device 40 in the direction in which the replacement members are transported to be reduced, and replacement of replacement members including the mask M can be achieved in a small installation area.

[0091] (Technology 4) The replacement member is a mask M, An exchange device 40 described in any one of techniques 1 to 3, in which the mask M is stored in the storage section 45 in an upright state so that the back surface Mu of the mask M in a state used for printing in the printing device 10 is located relatively closer to the printing device 10.

[0092] This allows replacement of the mask M to be achieved in a small installation area.

[0093] (Technology 5) The exchange device 40 is detachable from the printing device 10, The exchange device (40) according to any one of the first to fourth aspects further comprises a held portion (42) that is held by the printing device (10) after being attached to the printing device (10).

[0094] This allows the exchange device 40, which is detachable from the printing device 10, to be held by the printing device 10.

[0095] (Technology 6) The exchange device 40 is detachable from the printing device 10, The printer further includes a connector 44 that is connected to a connector 31 provided in the printer 10. The exchange device (40) according to any one of the first to fifth aspects of the present invention is supplied with power from the printing device (10) via a connection section (44).

[0096] This allows power to be supplied to the exchange device 40 that is detachable from the printing device 10.

[0097] (Technology 7) When the exchange device 40 is attached to the printing device 10, The exchange device 40 according to Art 6, wherein the connection portion 44 is connected to the connector portion 31.

[0098] As a result, by simply attaching the exchange device 40 to the printing device 10, power can be supplied to the exchange device 40 without the need for a worker to perform any subsequent connection work.

[0099] (Technology 8) The storage section 45 is an exchange device 40 described in any one of techniques 1 to 7, having a plurality of slots (front slots Sf, rear slots Sb) that can store the exchange member (mask M) with its main surface in an upright position (upright position).

[0100] As a result, by attaching the replacement device 40 to the printing device 10, it is possible to realize collection and supply of replacement parts.

[0101] (Technology 9) a holding portion 57 that rotatably holds and lifts the replacement member (mask M); The exchange device (40) according to any one of techniques (1) to (8) is provided with a guide means (63) that guides the upper end (Mt) of the exchange member lifted by the holding portion (57) so that the upper end (Mt) moves toward the printing device (10).

[0102] This allows replacement components that have been stored in the replacement device 40 with their main surfaces standing up (standing state) to be reliably moved to the printing device 10. Also, replacement components that have been used in the printing device 10 with their main surfaces lying down (horizontal state) can be reliably stored in the replacement device 40 in an upright state.

[0103] (Technology 10) The guide means 63 is a support part (upper support part 60, lower support part 61) that supports from below at least a part of the exchange member (mask M) whose upper end part Mt has moved toward the printing device 10 and become tilted, in the exchange device 40 described in Technology 9.

[0104] This allows replacement components that have been stored in the replacement device 40 with their main surfaces upright (upright state) to be reliably moved to the printing device 10 with a simple configuration. Also, replacement components that have been used in the printing device 10 with their main surfaces lying down (horizontal state) can be reliably stored in the replacement device 40 with a simple configuration in an upright state.

[0105] (Technology 11) The exchange device 40 according to the ninth aspect of the present invention, wherein the guiding means 63 is a biasing means that biases the upper end Mt of the exchange member (mask M) so that the upper end Mt moves toward the printing device 10.

[0106] This allows replacement components that have been stored in the replacement device 40 with their main surfaces upright (upright state) to be reliably moved to the printing device 10 with a simple configuration. Also, replacement components that have been used in the printing device 10 with their main surfaces lying down (horizontal state) can be reliably stored in the replacement device 40 with a simple configuration in an upright state.

[0107] (Technology 12) The exchange device 40 according to any one of techniques 9 to 11, wherein the centers of gravity G1 and G2 of the holding unit 57 are located at positions closer to the printing device 10 relative to the movement axis R that lifts the exchange member (mask M).

[0108] This allows replacement components that have been stored in the replacement device 40 with their main surfaces upright (upright state) to be reliably moved to the printing device 10 with a simple configuration. Also, replacement components that have been used in the printing device 10 with their main surfaces lying down (horizontal state) can be reliably stored in the replacement device 40 with a simple configuration in an upright state.

[0109] (Technology 13) The replacement device 40 described in any one of techniques 9 to 12 further includes a downward regulating portion 58 that regulates the rotation of the holding portion 57 so that the replacement member (mask M) stored in the storage portion 45 is in an upright position (upright state) with its main surface upright.

[0110] This allows the replacement member to be stored in the replacement device 40 with the main surface of the replacement member standing upright (standing state).

[0111] (Technology 14) An exchange device 40 described in any one of techniques 9 to 13, further comprising an upper regulating portion 59 that regulates the rotation of the holding portion 57 so that the exchange member (mask M) lifted by the holding portion 57 is in a state where the main surface is laid down (horizontal state).

[0112] This allows the replacement part to be supplied to the printing device 10 with its main surface lying down (horizontal). Also, the replacement part that is discharged from the printing device 10 in a horizontal position can be held by the holding part 57.

[0113] (Technology 15) The printer further includes a lower end detecting unit 62 that detects a lower end Md, which is opposite to an upper end Mt, of the replacement member (mask M) being supplied to the printer 10 with its main surface laid down (horizontal), at a predetermined position (detection position Q). An exchange device 40 according to any one of techniques 9 to 14, wherein the holding unit 57 holds the exchange member and rises, and then descends when the lower end detection unit 62 detects that the lower end Md of the exchange member has passed a predetermined position.

[0114] This allows the replacement part to be supplied to the printing device 10 with its main surface lying down (horizontal), and then the preparation for removing the replacement device 40 from the printing device 10 can be automatically performed.

[0115] (Technology 16) A screen printing system 1 includes a printing device 10 that prints a paste P on a substrate B using a mask M, and an exchange device 40 that supplies an exchange member (mask M) to the printing device 10 and collects the exchange member from the printing device 10, The switching device 40 includes: a storage section 45 capable of storing the replacement member with the main surface of the replacement member standing upright (standing state); The screen printing system 1 has an exchange unit 49 that lifts the exchange part stored in the storage unit 45, moves the upper end Mt of the exchange part toward the printing device 10, and supplies the exchange part to the printing device 10 with the main surface of the exchange part lying down (horizontal).

[0116] This allows replacement of replacement members including the mask M to be achieved in a small installation area.

[0117] (Technology 17) The printing device 10 includes: a guide 18 along which the replacement member (mask M) is conveyed; a conveying unit (19) that moves the replacement member placed on the guide (18) along the guide (18); The screen printing system (1) according to technology (16), wherein the replacement unit (49) supplies the replacement member to a position where the transport unit (19) can transport the replacement member.

[0118] This allows replacement of replacement members including the mask M to be achieved in a small installation area.

[0119] (Technology 18) The screen printing system 1 described in Technology 16 or 17 has an opening 25 through which an exchange part (mask M) passes between the printing device 10 and the exchange device 40, and an opening / closing mechanism (shutter lifting unit 26, shutter 27) for opening and closing the opening 25.

[0120] This prevents an operator from inserting his / her hand into the opening 25 through the mounting opening 11 when the replacement device 40 is not attached to the printing device 10, and allows printing work to be continued safely even when the replacement device 40 is not attached to the printing device 10.

[0121] (Technology 19) The exchange device 40 is detachable from the printing device 10, The screen printing system 1 according to technology 16 or 17, wherein the printing device 10 further includes an attachment detection unit 36 ​​that detects an attachment state in which the replacement device 40 is attached to the printing device 10.

[0122] This allows the printing device 10 to detect that the exchange device 40 has been attached to the printing device 10.

[0123] (Technology 20) The screen printing system (1) according to technology (19) further includes a gripping unit (14) that grips the replacement device (40) after the attachment detection unit (36) detects the attachment state.

[0124] This allows the exchange device 40, which is detachable from the printing device 10, to be reliably held in the printing device 10.

[0125] (Technology 21) The printing device 10 includes: an opening 25 through which an exchange member (mask M) passes between the exchange device 40 and the mask; an opening / closing mechanism (shutter lifting unit 26, shutter 27) for opening and closing the opening 25; The screen printing system (1) according to technique (19) or (20), wherein the opening / closing mechanism opens the opening (25) after the attachment detection unit (36) detects the attachment state.

[0126] This prevents an operator from inserting his / her hand into the opening 25 through the mounting opening 11 when the replacement device 40 is not attached to the printing device 10, and allows printing work to be continued safely even when the replacement device 40 is not attached to the printing device 10.

[0127] (Technology 22) A replacement member replacement method for supplying a replacement member (mask M) to a printing device 10 that prints a paste P on a substrate B using a mask M, comprising: The stored replacement part is lifted with the main surface of the replacement part standing up (standing state), and the upper end part Mt of the replacement part is moved toward the printing device 10, A replacement method in which the replacement part is supplied to the printing device 10 with its main surface lying down (horizontally).

[0128] This allows replacement of replacement members including the mask M to be achieved in a small installation area.

[0129] (Technology 23) A method for replacing a replacement member, which recovers a replacement member (mask M) from a printing device 10 that prints a paste P on a substrate B using a mask M, The replacement part is discharged from the printing device 10 with its main surface lying down (horizontal), and while moving the replacement part in a direction away from the printing device 10, the lower end part Md of the replacement part is pulled downward; A replacement method in which the replacement part is stored with its main surface in an upright position (standing position).

[0130] This allows replacement of replacement members including the mask M to be achieved in a small installation area.

[0131] This application is based on a Japanese patent application (Patent Application No. 2024-149020) filed on August 30, 2024, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. [Industrial Applicability]

[0132] The replacement device, screen printing system, and replacement method of the present disclosure have the effect of enabling mask replacement to be achieved in a small installation area, and are useful in the field of component mounting where components are mounted on a board. [Explanation of symbols]

[0133] 1. Screen printing system 10 Printing device 18 Guide 25 Opening 27 Shutter 31 Connector part 36 Wearing detection unit 40 Exchange device 42 Holding part 44 Connection 45 Storage area 49 Exchange section 57 Holding part 58 Downward Regulation Department 59 Upper restriction part 60 Upper support part 61 Lower support part 62 Lower end detection unit 63 Guidance means B board G1, G2 center of gravity M, M1, M2 masks (replacement parts) Md lower end Mt upper end Mu back side P Paste Q Detection position R moving axis

Claims

1. An exchange device that supplies an exchange member to a printing device that prints a paste on a substrate using a mask and collects the exchange member from the printing device, a storage section capable of storing the replacement member in a state in which a main surface of the replacement member is upright; an exchange unit that supplies the exchange member stored in the storage unit to the printing device while lifting the exchange member and moving an upper end of the exchange member toward the printing device so that the main surface of the exchange member is laid down, Exchange device.

2. the replacement unit supplies the replacement member to the printing device with the main surface of the replacement member laid down while tilting the upper end portion of the replacement member toward the printing device so that the upper end portion of the replacement member rests on a guide provided in the printing device along which the replacement member is transported; 2. The switching device of claim 1.

3. the replacement unit moves a lower end portion of the replacement member, which is ejected with the main surface lying down from a guide provided in the printing device through which the replacement member is transported, opposite to the upper end portion, downward from the guide, and stores the replacement member in the storage unit with the main surface standing up.

2. The switching device of claim 1.

4. the replacement member is a mask, The mask is stored in the storage section in an upright state so that the back surface of the mask in a state in which it is used for printing in the printing device is located relatively close to the printing device.

2. The switching device of claim 1.

5. the replacement device is detachable from the printing device; The printer further includes a held portion that is held by the printing device after being attached to the printing device.

2. The switching device of claim 1.

6. the replacement device is detachable from the printing device; a connector portion that is connected to a connector portion provided in the printing device; The exchange device is supplied with power from the printing device via the connection section.

2. The switching device of claim 1.

7. When the replacement device is attached to the printing device, The connection portion is connected to the connector portion.

7. The switching device according to claim 6.

8. the storage section has a plurality of slots capable of storing the replacement member with the main surface of the replacement member standing upright.

2. The switching device of claim 1.

9. The exchange unit is a holding portion that rotatably holds and lifts the replacement member; a guide means for guiding the upper end of the replacement member lifted by the holding portion so as to move toward the printing device, 9. An exchange device according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. the guide means is a support portion that supports, from below, at least a portion of the replacement member whose upper end portion has moved toward the printing device and tilted.

10. The switching device according to claim 9.

11. the guide means is a biasing means that biases the upper end portion of the replacement member so as to move toward the printing device; 10. The switching device according to claim 9.

12. the center of gravity of the holding unit is located at a position close to the printing device relative to a movement axis that lifts the replacement member; 10. The switching device according to claim 9.

13. a downward restricting portion that restricts rotation of the holding portion so that the replacement member stored in the storage portion is in a state where the main surface is upright, 10. The switching device according to claim 9.

14. an upper limiting portion that limits rotation of the holding portion so that the replacement member lifted by the holding portion is in a state where the main surface is laid down; 10. The switching device according to claim 9.

15. a lower end detecting unit configured to detect, at a predetermined position, a lower end of the replacement member opposite to the upper end of the replacement member while the replacement member is being fed to the printing device with the main surface laid down, the holding unit moves up while holding the exchange member, and then moves down when the lower end detecting unit detects that the lower end of the exchange member has passed the predetermined position.

10. The switching device according to claim 9.

16. A screen printing system including: a printing device that prints a paste on a substrate using a mask; and an exchange device that supplies a replacement member to the printing device and collects the replacement member from the printing device, The exchange device a storage section capable of storing the replacement member in a state in which a main surface of the replacement member is upright; an exchange unit that lifts the exchange member stored in the storage unit and moves an upper end of the exchange member toward the printing device while laying the main surface of the exchange member down, and supplies the exchange member to the printing device, Screen printing system.

17. The printing device a guide along which the replacement member is transported; a transport unit that moves the replacement member placed on the guide along the guide, the replacement unit supplies the replacement member to a position where the transport unit can transport the replacement member. The screen printing system of claim 16.

18. the printing device has an opening through which the replacement member passes between the printing device and the replacement device, and an opening / closing mechanism that opens and closes the opening; The screen printing system of claim 16.

19. the replacement device is detachable from the printing device; the printing device further includes an attachment detection unit that detects an attachment state in which the exchange device is attached to the printing device; The screen printing system of claim 16.

20. the printing device further includes a gripping unit that grips the replacement device after the installation detection unit detects the installation state.

20. The screen printing system of claim 19.

21. The printing device an opening through which the replacement member passes between the replacement device and the replacement member; an opening / closing mechanism that opens and closes the opening, the opening / closing mechanism opens the opening after the wearing state is detected by the wearing detection unit.

20. The screen printing system of claim 19.

22. 1. A method for supplying a replacement part to a printing device that prints a paste on a substrate using a mask, the method comprising: lifting the stored replacement member with a main surface of the replacement member standing upright, and moving an upper end of the replacement member toward the printing device; The replacement part is supplied to the printing device with the main surface of the replacement part lying flat. Exchange method.

23. A method for replacing a replacement part, comprising recovering the replacement part from a printing device that prints a paste on a substrate using a mask, the method comprising: the replacement member is discharged from the printing device with its main surface lying flat, and the lower end of the replacement member is pulled downward while being moved in a direction away from the printing device; The replacement member is stored with the main surface thereof in an upright position. Exchange method.