Cleaning jig

Abstract

This cleaning jig is provided with: a pair of support rails that support two opposing sides of a mask frame that fixes a screen mask; and a mask movement unit that moves the mask frame on the pair of support rails between a first position and a second position. The cleaning jig cleans the pair of support rails of a printing machine that prints a viscous fluid on an object using the screen mask positioned at the first position. The cleaning jig comprises: a frame member that has a size that can be supported by the pair of support rails; and a cleaning member which is provided on at least one of two sides that are supported by the pair of support rails of the four sides of the frame member, and which abuts against at least one support rail of the pair of support rails when the frame member is moved between the first position and the second position by the mask movement unit, thereby cleaning an upper portion of the support rail.

Description

Cleaning tool

[0001] Disclosed herein is a cleaning tool.

[0002] Conventionally, there has been known a printing machine that prints solder on a substrate using a screen mask fixed to a mask frame. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a printing machine that has a pair of support rails that can support a mask frame, and that moves the mask frame on the pair of support rails to feed the mask frame into the machine or remove the mask frame from the machine.

[0003] International Publication No. 2022 / 234649

[0004] However, in the printing press described above, the mask frame and the support rails slide against each other, which makes it easy for dirt and grime to adhere to the support rails. If the mask frame moves on the pair of support rails in this state, the mask frame may ride up on the dirt and grime and not be supported in a horizontal position, which may result in printing defects.

[0005] The main objective of the present disclosure is to reduce the occurrence of printing defects.

[0006] The present disclosure has adopted the following means to achieve the above-mentioned main object.

[0007] A first cleaning jig of the present disclosure is a cleaning jig for cleaning the pair of support rails of a printing press that prints a viscous fluid on an object using a screen mask positioned at the first position, the cleaning jig comprising: a pair of support rails that support two opposing sides of a mask frame that fixes a screen mask; and a mask moving unit that moves the mask frame on the pair of support rails between a first position and a second position, the cleaning jig comprising: a frame member of a size that can be supported by the pair of support rails; and a cleaning member that is provided on at least one of the two sides of the frame member that are supported by the pair of support rails, and that abuts against at least one of the pair of support rails when the frame member is moved between the first position and the second position by the mask moving unit, thereby cleaning the support rail.

[0008] The first cleaning jig cleans dirt from the support rails when the frame moving unit moves the first cleaning jig between the first and second positions, which makes it easier for the mask frame to be supported horizontally on the support rails, thereby reducing the occurrence of printing defects.

[0009] A second cleaning jig of the present disclosure is a cleaning jig for cleaning a rotating member of a printing system having: a printing machine that prints a viscous fluid on an object using a screen mask fixed to a mask frame; a storage rack that is provided with a shelf that can store the mask frame, that is arranged facing the printing machine and allows the mask frame to move between the printing machine and the shelf, and that has an opening on a side that is parallel to the movement direction of the mask frame and a vertical direction; and a frame moving device that enters the storage rack through the opening and moves the mask frame between the printing machine and the storage rack by abutting a rotating member against a side of the mask frame stored in the shelf and driving it to rotate, and the cleaning jig comprises: a frame member of a size that can be stored in the shelf; and a cleaning member that is provided on one of four sides of the frame member that the rotating member abuts against, and that abuts against the rotating member to clean the rotating member when the frame member is moved between the printing machine and the storage rack by the rotating member.

[0010] This second cleaning tool cleans the rotating member when it is moved from the printing press to the storage rack, thereby preventing dirt caused by friction between the rotating member and the mask frame from being brought into the interior of the printing press.

[0011] 8 is a schematic configuration diagram of the printing system 1. It is a plan view of the printing press 10 and the storage rack 60. It is a perspective view of the mask frame 70. It is a perspective view of the transport rail 40. It is a perspective view of the sending-out device 90. It is a top view of the sending-out device 90. It is a perspective view of the storage rack 60. It is a perspective view of the storage rack 60. It is a block diagram showing the electrical connection relationship of the printing system 1. It is a plan view of the cleaning frame 140. It is a cross-sectional view taken along A-A in FIG. 8. It is a cross-sectional view taken along B-B in FIG. 8. It is a cross-sectional view taken along B-B in FIG. 8. It is a flowchart showing an example of a cleaning process (cleaning process of the drive roll 96). It is a flowchart showing an example of a cleaning process (cleaning process of the transport surface 41). It is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the cleaning frame 140 is carried into the printing press 10. It is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the cleaning agent application pad 157 is protruding from the frame member 141 ... 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which a cleaning agent is applied to the drive roll 96. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which a dry wiping pad 163 is housed in the housing space A2. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which a cleaning frame 140 is carried into the printing press 10. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which a cleaning agent application roll 142 is pressed down against a frame member 141. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which a cleaning agent application roll 142 is pressed up against a frame member 141 and a scraper 149 is pressed down. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which dirt on the conveying surface 41 is scraped off.

[0012] Next, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0013] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the printing system 1. FIG. 2 is a side view of the printing machine 10 and the storage rack 60. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the mask frame 70. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the transport rail 40. FIG. 5A is a perspective view of the sending device 90. FIG. 5B is a top view of the sending device 90. FIGS. 6A and 6B are perspective views of the storage rack 60. FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the electrical connection relationships of the printing system 1. In FIGS. 1 to 6, the left-right direction (the direction perpendicular to the paper surface in FIG. 2) is the X-axis, the front-rear direction is the Y-axis, and the up-down direction (the direction perpendicular to the paper surface in FIG. 5B) is the Z-axis.

[0014] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the printing system 1 includes a printing machine 10, an exchange device 50, a storage rack 60, and a management computer 110 (see FIG. 7) that controls the entire printing system 1.

[0015] The printer 10 uses a squeegee 22 to press solder paste on a screen mask M into pattern holes formed in the screen mask M, thereby printing the solder paste onto a substrate S below through the pattern holes. As shown in FIG. 3 , the screen mask M is a thin metal plate, stretched and fixed to the underside of a rectangular mask frame 70 with adhesive tape. The screen mask M is stored in a storage rack 60, and is removed from the storage rack 60 by an exchange device 50 and set in the printer 10. The printer 10 includes a printer main body 11, a housing 12 that houses the printer main body 11, a pair of left and right transport rails 40 that support the screen mask M (mask frame 70), and a print control device 80 (see FIG. 7 ) that controls the entire printer. The printer main body 11 includes a head device 20, a substrate transport device 30, and a recognition unit 35. The printer 10 is combined with a component mounter that mounts electronic components on the substrate S on which solder has been printed to form a production line.

[0016] The head device 20 is installed in the upper section of the printing machine main body 11. As shown in FIG. 1 , the head device 20 includes a head main body 21 and a head moving unit 26 that moves the head main body 21 in the front-to-rear direction (Y-axis direction), which is the printing direction. The head moving unit 26 includes a guide rail 28 extending in the front-to-rear direction, a Y-axis slider 27 that moves along the guide rail 28, and a motor 29 (see FIG. 7 ) that drives the Y-axis slider 27. As shown in FIG. 2 , the head main body 21 includes a pair of front and rear squeegees 22, a squeegee lifting unit 23, e.g., an air cylinder, that lifts and lowers the corresponding squeegee 22, a pusher 24, and a pusher lifting unit 25, e.g., an air cylinder, that lifts and lowers the pusher 24. The pair of squeegees 22 are plate-shaped members that extend in the left-to-right direction (X-axis direction) perpendicular to the printing direction and are inclined so as to move apart from each other as they extend downward when viewed from the left-to-right direction. A pair of left and right transport rails 40 extending back and forth are installed in the middle section of the printing machine body 11, and the pusher 24, while lowered by the pusher lifting section 25, is moved back and forth by the head moving section 26, thereby pushing and moving the mask frame 70 on the transport rails 40 back and forth. As shown in Figure 2, the mask frame 70 moves in and out of the housing 12 through a passage opening 36 provided in the middle section of the front face of the housing 12. The passage opening 36 is provided with a detection sensor 37 that detects the passage of the mask frame 70.

[0017] The substrate transport device 30 is installed in the lower section of the printing machine main body 11. The substrate transport device 30 loads and positions the substrate S, and also brings the substrate S into contact with and separates it from the screen mask M (rear surface). As shown in FIG. 2 , the substrate transport device 30 includes a substrate transport section 31 that transports the substrate S in the left-right direction (X-axis direction), a substrate support member 32 that serves as a backup member that supports the substrate S from below, and a substrate support member lifting section 33 that lifts and lowers the substrate support member 32. The substrate support member 32 is replaced with one of a size appropriate for supporting the substrate S depending on the type of substrate S.

[0018] The recognition unit 35 recognizes the substrate S. The recognition unit 35 reads a mark affixed to the upper surface of the substrate S that has been transported and positioned by the substrate transport device 30, recognizes the position of the substrate S, and outputs a read signal to the print control device 80 (see FIG. 7).

[0019] As shown in Fig. 2, the transport rails 40 are a pair of left and right long rails that are installed at approximately the same height as the passage opening 36 in the middle section of the printing machine body 11 and extend in the front-to-rear direction (Y-axis direction). As shown in Fig. 4, the pair of left and right transport rails 40 have a pair of left and right transport surfaces 41 that support the left and right edges of the mask frame 70 (screen mask M) from below. The mask frame 70 (screen mask M) is transported back and forth by sliding on the pair of left and right transport surfaces 41.

[0020] 7 , the print control device 80 is a computer having a CPU 81, ROM 82, RAM 83, and storage (e.g., HDD or SSD) 84. The print control device 80 outputs control signals to the squeegee lifting / lowering unit 23, the pusher lifting / lowering unit 25, the head moving unit 26 (motor 29), the substrate transport unit 31, the substrate support member lifting / lowering unit 33, etc. The print control device 80 also receives inputs of detection signals from the detection sensor 37, reading signals from the recognition unit 35, etc.

[0021] The replacement device 50 receives a storage rack 60 that stores screen masks M (mask frames 70) used in the printing press body 11, and replaces the mask frames 70 between the storage rack 60 and the printing press body 11. As shown in FIG. 1 , the replacement device 50 includes a left unit 51 a installed on the left side of the front of the printing press body 11, a right unit 51 b installed on the right side of the front of the printing press body 11, and a replacement control device 100 (see FIG. 7 ) that controls the entire replacement device 50.

[0022] The left unit 51a and the right unit 51b each have a rack support member 52 that receives the storage rack 60 and supports its underside from both the left and right sides, and a rack lifting unit 53 that raises and lowers the rack support member 52. The rack lifting unit 53 is configured, for example, by a combination of a ball screw mechanism and a motor, or a linear motor. The storage rack 60 supported by the rack support member 52 is raised and lowered together with the rack support member 52 by the rack lifting unit 53. Furthermore, the left unit 51a has a feeder device 90 that feeds the mask frames 70 in the storage rack 60 back and forth.

[0023] The sending device 90 is used to exchange the mask frame 70 between the storage rack 60 and the printing machine 10. As shown in FIG. 5A , the sending device 90 has a feed unit 91 and an air cylinder 92. The feed unit 91 has a drive unit 94, a belt 97, and a plurality of drive rolls 96 (two in FIG. 5A ). The drive unit 94 is configured as, for example, a servo motor. The belt 97 transmits the power of the drive unit 94 to the drive roll 96 via a plurality of pulleys 95. As shown in FIG. 5B , the drive roll 96 rotates while abutting against the mask frame 70, thereby moving the mask frame 70 in the front-to-rear direction (front-to-rear direction).

[0024] The exchange control device 100 is a computer having a CPU 101, a ROM 102, a RAM 103, a storage 104, etc. The exchange control device 100 is connected to the print control device 80 so as to be able to communicate with it.

[0025] The storage rack 60 can store multiple screen masks M (mask frames 70). As shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B , the storage rack 60 has multiple shelves 61 (four in this embodiment), a passage 62, and multiple openings 63. The shelves 61 are arranged vertically at a predetermined interval so that the mask frames 70 can be placed vertically. The shelves 61 are provided on the left and right sides of the storage rack 60 so that the ends of the mask frames 70 can be inserted and supported. The passage 62 allows the mask frames 70 to pass through and move in the front-to-rear direction (Y-axis direction). The opening 63 allows the feed unit 91 of the feed device 90 (see FIG. 5A ) to move in and out of the storage rack 60. The opening 63 is a groove formed on the left side of the storage rack 60 and extending in the front-to-rear direction.

[0026] The management computer 110 is a computer mainly composed of a CPU, ROM, RAM, storage, etc. The management computer 110 is connected to the print control device 80 so as to be able to communicate with it.

[0027] Next, the operation of the printing system 1 configured as described above will be described. First, the printing process for printing solder on the substrate S will be described. The printing process is executed by the CPU 81 of the print control device 80 after an operator inputs a production start instruction via an input device (not shown). When this process starts, the CPU 81 first controls the substrate transport unit 31 to transport the substrate S into the machine. Next, the CPU 81 controls the substrate support member lifting unit 33 to support the substrate S from below with the substrate support member 32. Next, the CPU 81 controls the solder supply device (not shown) to supply solder onto the screen mask M positioned and fixed at the work position. Here, the work position is the position of the screen mask M when the printer 10 uses the screen mask M to print solder paste on the substrate S, and is a position above the substrate S supported by the substrate support member 32. Next, the CPU 81 controls the squeegee lifting unit 23 to lower the squeegee 22 so that it abuts against the upper surface of the screen mask M. Next, the CPU 81 controls the motor 29 to move the squeegee 22 in the front-to-rear direction, thereby printing solder on the board S. After printing the solder, the CPU 81 controls the board support member lifting / lowering unit 33 to release the support of the board S by the board support member 32. The CPU 81 then controls the board transport unit 31 to transport the board S downstream. The CPU 81 repeatedly executes these processes until solder has been printed on a predetermined number of boards S.

[0028] Next, the replacement process for replacing the screen mask M will be described. This process is executed by the CPU 81 of the printing control device 80 when the type of substrate S to be produced is changed. When this process starts, the CPU 81 first controls the pusher lifting unit 25 and the head moving unit 26 (motor 29) to push the mask frame 70 on the transport rail 40 (transport surface 41) with the pusher 24, moving the screen mask M to the transfer position. Here, the transfer position is a position where the screen mask M (mask frame 70) is transferred from the printing press main body 11 to the storage rack 60, and is a position where both the pusher 24 and the drive roll 96 can abut against the mask frame 70 to move the mask frame 70. Next, the CPU 81 outputs an instruction to the replacement control device 100 to start replacing the mask frame 70. When the instruction is input, the CPU 101 of the exchange control device 100 controls the air cylinder 92 to insert the drive roll 96 of the sending device 90 into the storage rack 60 through the opening 63, and abuts the drive roll 96 against the side of the mask frame 70. Then, the CPU 101 controls the drive unit 94 to drive the drive roll 96 in reverse rotation. As a result, the mask frame 70 (screen mask M) at the delivery position is stored in the storage rack 60. Next, the CPU 101 controls the air cylinder 92 to pull the drive roll 96 out of the storage rack 60. Next, the CPU 101 controls the rack lifting unit 53 to raise and lower the shelf unit 61 on which the new screen mask M (mask frame 70) is stored to the height of the passage opening 36. Next, the CPU 101 controls the air cylinder 92 to insert the drive roll 96 of the sending device 90 into the storage rack 60 through the opening 63, and abuts the drive roll 96 against the side of the opposing mask frame 70. Next, the CPU 101 controls the drive unit 94 to drive the drive roll 96 to rotate in the forward direction, thereby transferring the new screen mask M (mask frame 70) from the storage rack 60 to the printing machine main body 11. After sending the mask frame 70 to the transfer position, the CPU 101 outputs an instruction to the printing control device 80 to retract the mask frame 70 into the machine.When an instruction is input, the CPU 81 of the printing control device 80 controls the pusher lifting unit 25 and the head moving unit 26 to push the mask frame 70 at the delivery position with the pusher 24 and move it on the conveying surface 41, thereby conveying the mask frame 70 (new screen mask M) to the working position.

[0029] In this embodiment, the mask frame 70 slides on the conveying surfaces 41 of the pair of left and right conveying rails 40 while moving on the conveying surfaces 41, and the drive roll 96 moves between the printer main body 11 and the storage rack 60 while in contact with the conveying surfaces 41. Therefore, wear particles may be generated at the contact points and adhere to or contaminate the conveying surfaces 41 of the conveying rails 40. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the screen mask M is attached to the mask frame 70 with adhesive tape, and there is a risk that a portion of the adhesive tape may adhere to the conveying surfaces 41. If this condition is left unattended, the mask frame 70 may run over the wear particles or contaminants when the mask frame 70 is carried into the printer main body 11, potentially causing the mask frame 70 to lose its horizontal support. Furthermore, when solder is printed on the substrate S using the screen mask M fixed to the mask frame 70, there is a risk of printing defects occurring. Therefore, in this embodiment, a cleaning process is performed to clean the drive roll 96 and the conveying surfaces 41 prior to the printing process. The cleaning process is described below. First, the cleaning frame 140 used in the cleaning process will be described, and then the cleaning process will be described.

[0030] Prior to describing the cleaning process, the cleaning frame 140 used in the cleaning process will now be described. As shown in FIGS. 8 to 10 , the cleaning frame 140 includes a frame member 141, a pair of left and right cleaning agent application rolls 142, 142, a first locking mechanism L1, a pair of left and right scrapers 149, 149, a second locking mechanism L2, a cleaning agent application pad 157, a third locking mechanism L3, a dry wiping pad 163, and a fourth locking mechanism L4. Like the mask frame 70, the cleaning frame 140 can be housed in the storage rack 60 and placed on the transport rail 40. Like the mask frame 70, the cleaning frame 140 can be moved between the storage rack 60 and the printing press 10 by the drive roll 96 of the delivery device 90 and the pusher 24 of the head device 20.

[0031] The frame member 141 has a width in the left-right direction (X-axis direction) that allows it to be placed on the transport surface 41 of the transport rail 40 and the shelf portion 61 of the storage rack 60. The lower surfaces of the left and right sides of the frame member 141 are supported by the transport surface 41 and the shelf portion 61. The lower surface of the rear side of the frame member 141 is formed one step higher than the lower surfaces of the other sides, as shown in FIG.

[0032] The cleaning agent applicator roll 142 applies a cleaning agent (e.g., an alcohol-based solvent) to the conveying surface 41 when the cleaning frame 140 is moved from the storage rack 60 to the printing press 10. As shown in FIG. 9 , the cleaning agent applicator roll 142 is held by a first holder 143. The first holder 143 is a rod-shaped member extending in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction). The cleaning agent applicator roll 142 is attached to the lower end of the first holder 143. The first holder 143 is provided on the front side of the left and right sides of the frame member 141 and is inserted into a hole H1 that penetrates the frame member 141 in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction) so as to be movable up and down relative to the frame member 141. The first holder 143 has an engagement groove 143a on its front surface. The first holder 143 is biased upward relative to the frame member 141 by the elastic force of a compression spring E1. The first holder 143 provided on the left side of the frame member 141 and the first holder 143 provided on the right side are connected at their upper ends by a first connecting member 144 .

[0033] The first locking mechanism L1 locks the cleaning agent application roll 142 (first holder 143) in position when the cleaning agent application roll 142 is pressed down against the elastic force of the compression spring E1. The first locking mechanism L1 includes a plunger 145, a pair of left and right levers 147, and a lever connecting member 148 connecting the left and right levers 147 to each other. The plunger 145 includes a plunger pin 145a, a compression spring 145b inserted through the plunger pin 145a to urge the plunger pin 145a rearward, and a spring retainer 145c that restricts the amount of protrusion of the plunger pin 145a. The plunger 145 is attached to the front of the first holder 143 inside the frame member 141. An engagement pin 145d is formed at the base end of the plunger pin 145a, and the engagement pin 145d engages with an elongated hole 147a formed at the base end of the lever 147. Lever 147 is a crank-shaped lever that swings along the YZ plane around a shaft 146 provided at the center as a fulcrum. As described above, the base end of lever 147 is engaged with engagement pin 145d formed at the base end of plunger pin 145a via elongated hole 147a, and lever 147 converts the up and down movement received from pusher 24 into forward and backward movement and transmits it to plunger pin 145a.

[0034] When the first connecting member 144 is pressed down, the left and right first holders 143, 143 connected by the first connecting member 144 are pressed down in unison against the elastic force of the compression spring E1. Then, the tip of the plunger pin 145a of the plunger 145 fits into the engagement groove 143a due to the elastic force of the compression spring 145b. As a result, the plunger 145 locks the cleaning agent application roll 142 (first holder 143) at a position where the cleaning agent application roll 142 abuts against the conveyor rail 40 (conveyor surface 41). When the lever connecting member 148 of the first locking mechanism L1 is pressed down from this state, the left and right levers 147, 147 connected by the lever connecting member 148 are swung counterclockwise in FIG. 9 in unison. As a result, the lever 147 pulls the plunger pin 145a forward. The tip of the plunger pin 145a comes out of the engagement groove 143a, and the first locking mechanism L1 unlocks the cleaning agent application roll 142 (first holder 143). The first holders 143, 143 connected by the first connecting member 144 rise relative to the frame member 141 in unison on the left and right due to the elastic force of the compression spring E1.

[0035] The scraper 149 scrapes off dirt (e.g., wear powder) from the conveying surface 41 along with the cleaning agent applied to the conveying surface 41 when the cleaning frame 140 is moved from the printing press 10 side to the storage rack 60 side. As shown in FIG. 9 , the scraper 149 is attached to the lower end of a second holder 150 similar to the first holder 143. The second holders 150 are provided on the left and right sides of the frame member 141, rearward of the first holder 143, and are inserted into holes H2 that penetrate the frame member 141 in the up-down direction (Z-axis direction). The second holder 150 also has an engagement groove 150a on its rear surface. Furthermore, the second holders 150 are connected on the left and right sides via second connecting members 151.

[0036] The second locking mechanism L2 locks the scraper 149 in position when the scraper 149 (second holder 150) is pressed down against the elastic force of the compression spring E1. The second locking mechanism L2 has a configuration similar to that of the first locking mechanism L1 and is attached to the rear of the second holder 150 in the opposite direction to the first locking mechanism L1 (so that the plunger pin 145a of the first locking mechanism L1 faces the plunger pin 145a of the second locking mechanism L2). When the scraper 149 (second holder 150) is pressed down, the second locking mechanism L2 locks the scraper 149 by operating in the same manner as the first locking mechanism L1. The second locking mechanism L2 also unlocks the scraper 149 by operating in the same manner as the first locking mechanism L1.

[0037] The first holder 143 and the second holder 150 are connected to both ends of a holder connecting member 155 that can swing about an axis 154 along the YZ plane. An elongated hole 155a and an elongated hole 155b are formed at the front and rear ends of the holder connecting member 155, respectively, in the extension direction of the holder connecting member 155. The first holder 143 is connected to the holder connecting member 155 via a connecting pin 156a inserted into the elongated hole 155a. The second holder 150 is connected to the holder connecting member 155 via a connecting pin 156b inserted into the elongated hole 155b. Furthermore, because the first holder 143 and the second holder 150 are connected to the holder connecting member 155 with play, the vertical movement of one holder is converted into a swinging movement of the holder connecting member 155, and the swinging movement of the holder connecting member 155 is converted into a vertical movement of the other holder. This allows the first holder 143 and the second holder 150 to be raised and lowered alternately.

[0038] The cleaning agent application pad 157 contacts the drive roll 96 to apply cleaning agent when the cleaning frame 140 is sent from the storage rack 60 to the printing press 10 by the sending device 90. As shown in FIG. 10A , the cleaning agent application pad 157 is accommodated in a storage space A1 formed on the left side of the frame member 141 and is movable left and right while being guided by a first guide G1 and a second guide G2. A support pin 161 extending in the front-rear direction (Y-axis direction) is attached to the right side of the storage space A1. The length of the cleaning agent application pad 157 in the front-rear direction (Y-axis direction) is longer than the circumferential length of the drive roll 96 (in this embodiment, the total length of the circumferential lengths of the two drive rolls 96). The cleaning agent application pad 157 is connected to the lower end of the left third holder 158 of a pair of left and right third holders 158 via a pad connecting member 159 arranged to straddle the support pin 161 from above. An engagement groove 158a is formed on the rear surface of the third holder 158. The base end of the pad connecting member 159 is connected to the lower end of the third holder 158 so as to be swingable along the XZ plane around a shaft 160a. The tip end of the pad connecting member 159 is connected to the cleaning agent application pad 157 so as to be swingable along the XZ plane around a shaft 160b. The third holder 158 is provided on the front sides of the left and right sides of the frame member 141 and is inserted into a hole H3 that penetrates the frame member 141 in the up-down direction (Z-axis direction) so as to be vertically movable relative to the frame member 141. The third holder 158 is biased upward relative to the frame member 141 by the elastic force of a compression spring E2. The third holder 158 provided on the left side of the frame member 141 and the third holder 158 provided on the right side are connected at their upper ends by a third connecting member 162.

[0039] The pad connecting member 159 converts the up and down movement of the left-side third holder 158 into left and right movement and transmits it to the cleaning agent application pad 157. That is, one end of the pad connecting member 159 is swingably connected to the lower end of the third holder 158 via a shaft 160a, and the other end of the pad connecting member 159 is swingably connected to the cleaning agent application pad 157 via a shaft 160b. Furthermore, the third holder 158 is guided so as to be able to move up and down, and the cleaning agent application pad 157 is guided so as to be able to move left and right. Therefore, when the left-side third holder 158 is pressed down against the elastic force of the compression spring E2, the cleaning agent application pad 157 moves to the left of the frame member 141 while being guided by the first guide G1 and the second guide G2 and against the elastic force of the tension spring E3. When the third holder 158 is pushed down until the pad connecting member 159 abuts against the support pin 161, the cleaning agent application pad 157 protrudes to the left relative to the frame member 141 as shown in FIG. 10B.

[0040] The third locking mechanism L3 locks the cleaning agent application pad 157 (third holder 158) in position when the third holder 158 is pressed down against the elastic force of the compression spring E2 and the cleaning agent application pad 157 protrudes relative to the frame member 141. The third locking mechanism L3 has a configuration similar to that of the first locking mechanism L1. The third locking mechanism L3 is provided behind the third holder 158. When the cleaning agent application pad 157 protrudes to the left relative to the frame member 141, the plunger pin 145a of the plunger 145 fits into the engagement groove 158a of the third holder 158, thereby locking the cleaning agent application pad 157. When the lever connecting member 148 of the third locking mechanism L3 is pressed down from this state, the plunger pin 145a of the plunger 145 in the third locking mechanism L3 comes out of the engagement groove 158a of the third holder 158, the lock is released, and the elastic force of the compression spring E2 causes the third holder 158 to rise relative to the frame member 141. In addition, the elastic force of the tension spring E3 causes the cleaning agent application pad 157 to be accommodated in the accommodation space A1.

[0041] The dry wiping pad 163 contacts the drive roll 96 and wipes away dirt from the drive roll 96 together with the applied cleaning agent when the cleaning frame 140 is retracted from the printing press 10 into the storage rack 60 by the delivery device 90. The dry wiping pad 163 operates in the same manner as the cleaning agent application pad 157, protruding to the left side of the frame member 141 or being accommodated in the storage space A2. The dry wiping pad 163 is attached to the lower end of a fourth holder 164, similar to the third holder 158, and is accommodated in the storage space A2 formed in front of the storage space A1. The fourth holder 164 is provided on the left and right sides of the frame member 141 in front of the third holder 158, and is inserted into holes H4 that penetrate the frame member 141 in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction) so as to be movable up and down relative to the frame member 141. The fourth holder 164 also has an engagement groove (not shown) on its front surface. Furthermore, the fourth holder 164 is connected on the left and right sides by a fourth connecting member 165 .

[0042] The fourth locking mechanism L4 locks the dry wiping pad 163 (fourth holder 164) in position when the fourth holder 164 is pressed down against the elastic force of the compression spring E2 and the dry wiping pad 163 protrudes from the frame member 141. The fourth locking mechanism L4 has a configuration similar to that of the third locking mechanism L3. The fourth locking mechanism L4 is attached to the front of the fourth holder 164 in the opposite direction to that of the third locking mechanism L3 (so that the plunger pin 145a of the third locking mechanism L3 faces the plunger pin 145a of the fourth locking mechanism L4). The fourth locking mechanism L4 locks the dry wiping pad 163 in position when the dry wiping pad 163 protrudes to the left from the frame member 141 by operating in the same manner as the third locking mechanism L3. The fourth locking mechanism L4 also unlocks the dry wiping pad 163 by operating in the same manner as the third locking mechanism L3.

[0043] Similar to the first holder 143 and the second holder 150, the third holder 158 and the fourth holder 164 are connected with play at both ends of a holder connecting member 155 that can swing along the YZ plane around an axis 154. This allows the third holder 158 and the fourth holder 164 to be raised and lowered alternately.

[0044] Next, the cleaning process will be described. This process is executed by the CPU 81 of the print control device 80 after an operator inputs a replacement instruction via an input device (not shown). Figures 11A and 11B are flowcharts showing an example of the cleaning process. It should be noted that, when this process is executed, the cleaning frame 140 is stored in the storage rack 60 with the cleaning agent application pad 157 and the dry wiping pad 163 stored in the storage spaces A1 and A2, respectively, and the cleaning agent application roll 142 (first holder 143) and the scraper 149 (second holder 150) raised relative to the frame member 141 (see Figures 12A and 13A).

[0045] When this process starts, the CPU 81 first cleans the drive roll 96 using the cleaning frame 140 (cleaning agent application pad 157 and dry wiping pad 163) as shown in FIG. 11A.

[0046] That is, the CPU 81 instructs the exchange control device 100 to remove the cleaning frame 140 from the storage rack 60 (S100). Upon inputting the instruction, the CPU 101 of the exchange control device 100 controls the rack lifting unit 53 to raise or lower the shelf unit 61 housing the cleaning frame 140 to the height of the passage opening 36. Next, the CPU 101 controls the air cylinder 92 to insert the drive roll 96 of the sending device 90 into the storage rack 60 through the opening 63, and bring the drive roll 96 into contact with the cleaning frame 140. Then, the CPU 101 controls the drive unit 94 to drive the drive roll 96 in the forward direction. As a result, the cleaning frame 140 is sent out from the storage rack 60 to the printing press 10 (see FIG. 12B ).

[0047] After issuing an instruction to remove the cleaning frame 140, the CPU 81 of the print control device 80 waits until the cleaning frame 140 is transported to the delivery position (S102). Specifically, the CPU 81 waits until a predetermined timing after receiving a detection signal from the detection sensor 37. After transporting the cleaning frame 140 to the delivery position, the CPU 101 of the replacement control device 100 controls the drive unit 94 to stop the rotation of the drive roll 96. Once the cleaning frame 140 has been transported to the delivery position, the CPU 81 of the print control device 80 causes the pusher 24 to protrude the cleaning agent application pad 157 to the left side of the frame member 141 (S104). Specifically, the CPU 81 controls the pusher lift unit 25 to push down the third connecting member 162. Then, the third holder 158 is pushed down in conjunction with the third connecting member 162, and the cleaning agent application pad 157 connected to the third holder 158 via the pad connecting member 159 moves to the left while being guided by the first guide G1 and the second guide G2. When the third holder 158 is pushed down until the pad connecting member 159 abuts against the support pin 161, the cleaning agent application pad 157 protrudes to the left relative to the frame member 141 (see FIG. 12C ). At this time, the plunger pin 145a of the plunger 145 in the third locking mechanism L3 fits into the engagement groove 158a of the third holder 158 due to the elastic force of the compression spring 145b. This locks the cleaning agent application pad 157 (third holder 158) in a state where it protrudes to the left relative to the frame member 141. The CPU 81 then instructs the exchange control device 100 to store the cleaning frame 140 in the storage rack 60 (S106). When the instruction is input, the CPU 101 of the replacement control device 100 drives the drive unit 94 to rotate in the reverse direction. The drive roll 96 then comes into contact with the cleaning agent application pad 157 (see FIG. 12C ). In this state, if the cleaning frame 140 is further retracted toward the storage rack 60, the cleaning agent is applied to the entire circumference of the drive roll 96. This is because the circumferential length of the cleaning agent application pad 157 is longer than that of the drive roll 96.

[0048] Next, the CPU 81 of the printing control device 80 waits until the cleaning frame 140 has been accommodated in the storage rack 60 (S108). Specifically, the CPU 81 waits until a predetermined timing after the detection signal is no longer input from the detection sensor 37. Next, the CPU 81 instructs the exchange control device 100 to remove the cleaning frame 140 from the storage rack 60 (S110). Upon inputting the instruction, the CPU 101 of the exchange control device 100 controls the drive unit 94 to drive the drive roll 96 to rotate forward. As a result, the cleaning frame 140 is sent out from the storage rack 60 to the printing press 10. The drive roll 96 then comes into contact with the cleaning agent application pad 157. In this state, when the cleaning frame 140 is further sent out toward the printing press 10, the drive roll 96 comes into contact with the cleaning agent application pad 157 (see FIG. 12C ), and cleaning agent is applied all around the drive roll 96. Then, the CPU 81 of the printing control device 80 waits until the cleaning frame 140 is transported to the delivery position (S112), as in S102. After the cleaning frame 140 has been transported to the delivery position, the CPU 101 of the replacement control device 100 controls the drive unit 94 to stop the rotation of the drive roll 96.

[0049] In this way, the cleaning agent application pad 157 is protruded from the side of the cleaning frame 140 outside the storage rack 60, and in this state the cleaning frame 140 is moved back and forth between the delivery position and the storage rack 60 by the drive roll 96, thereby applying the cleaning agent to the drive roll 96.

[0050] Next, the CPU 81 of the print control device 80 unlocks the cleaning agent application pad 157 with the pusher 24 (S114). Specifically, the CPU 81 controls the pusher lift unit 25 to press down the lever connecting member 148 of the third locking mechanism L3. This causes the plunger pin 145a of the plunger 145 in the third locking mechanism L3 to come out of the engagement groove 158a of the third holder 158. This causes the third holder 158 to rise to a position where the elastic force of the compression spring E2 that urges the third holder 158 upward relative to the frame member 141 balances with the elastic force of the compression spring E2 that urges the fourth holder 164 upward. This is because the third holder 158 and the fourth holder 164 are connected by the holder connecting member 155, which can swing along the YZ plane around the axis 154. Accordingly, the cleaning agent application pad 157 is accommodated in the accommodation space A1 by the elastic force of the tension spring E3.

[0051] Next, the CPU 81 causes the pusher 24 to protrude the dry wiping pad 163 to the left of the frame member 141 (S116). Specifically, the CPU 81 controls the pusher lift unit 25 to push down the fourth connecting member 165. When the fourth holder 164 is pushed down in conjunction with the fourth connecting member 165, the dry wiping pad 163 connected to the fourth holder 164 via the pad connecting member 159 moves to the left while being guided by the first guide G1 and the second guide G2. When the fourth holder 164 is pushed down until the pad connecting member 159 abuts against the support pin 161, the dry wiping pad 163 protrudes to the left relative to the frame member 141 (see FIG. 12D ). At this time, the plunger pin 145a of the plunger 145 in the fourth lock mechanism L4 is fitted into the engagement groove of the fourth holder 164 by the elastic force of the compression spring 145b. As a result, the dry wiping pad 163 (fourth holder 164) is locked in a position protruding to the left side relative to the frame member 141. The CPU 81 then instructs the exchange control device 100 to store the cleaning frame 140 in the storage rack 60 (S118). Upon receiving the instruction, the CPU 101 of the exchange control device 100 drives the drive unit 94 to rotate in the reverse direction. The drive roll 96 then contacts the dry wiping pad 163 (see FIG. 12E). In this state, if the cleaning frame 140 is further retracted toward the storage rack 60, dirt is wiped off along the entire circumference of the drive roll 96, as well as the cleaning agent. This is because the circumferential length of the dry wiping pad 163 is longer than that of the drive roll 96. The CPU 81 of the print control device 80 then waits until the cleaning frame 140 has been stored in the storage rack 60 (S120), as in S108.

[0052] Next, the CPU 81 instructs the exchange control device 100 to remove the cleaning frame 140 from the storage rack 60 (S122). Upon receiving the instruction, the CPU 101 of the exchange control device 100 controls the drive unit 94 to drive the drive roll 96 in the forward direction. This causes the cleaning frame 140 to be sent out from the storage rack 60 toward the printing press 10. The drive roll 96 then contacts the dry wiping pad 163. In this state, as the cleaning frame 140 is further sent out toward the printing press 10, the drive roll 96 contacts the dry wiping pad 163 (see FIG. 12E). Next, the CPU 81 waits until the cleaning frame 140 is transported to the delivery position, as in S102 and S112 (S124). The CPU 101 of the exchange control device 100 then controls the drive unit 94 to stop the rotation of the drive roll 96 and controls the air cylinder 92 to pull the drive roll 96 out of the storage rack. Then, the CPU 81 of the print control device 80 unlocks the dry wiping pad 163 with the pusher 24 (S126). Specifically, the CPU 81 controls the pusher lifting unit 25 to press down the lever connecting member 148 of the fourth locking mechanism L4. This causes the plunger pin 145a of the plunger 145 in the fourth locking mechanism L4 to come out of the engagement groove of the fourth holder 164. This causes the fourth holder 164 to rise to a position where the elastic force of the compression spring E2 that urges the fourth holder 164 upward relative to the frame member 141 balances with the elastic force of the compression spring E2 that urges the third holder 158 upward. This is because the third holder 158 and the fourth holder 164 are connected by the holder connecting member 155, which can swing along the YZ plane around the axis 154. Accordingly, the dry wiping pad 163 is accommodated in the accommodation space A2 by the elastic force of the tension spring E3 (see FIG. 12F).

[0053] In this way, the dry wiping pad 163 is protruded from the side surface of the cleaning frame 140 outside the storage rack 60, and in this state the cleaning frame 140 is reciprocated by the drive roll 96 between the delivery position and the storage rack 60, thereby wiping off dirt together with the cleaning agent from the drive roll 96.

[0054] Next, as shown in FIG. 11B, the CPU 81 cleans the conveying surface of the conveying rail 40 using the cleaning frame 140 (cleaning agent application roll 142 and scraper 149).

[0055] That is, the CPU 81 first uses the pusher 24 to push down the cleaning agent applicator roll 142 (S128). Specifically, the CPU 81 controls the pusher lifting unit 25 to push down the first connecting member 144. Then, the left and right cleaning agent applicator rolls 142 are pushed down together with the first holder 143 in conjunction with the first connecting member 144 (see FIG. 13B). Then, the plunger pin 145a of the plunger 145 in the first locking mechanism L1 fits into the engagement groove 143a of the first holder 143, and the cleaning agent applicator roll 142 (first holder 143) is locked by the first locking mechanism L1 while abutting against the conveyance surface 41. The CPU 81 then uses the pusher 24 to push the cleaning frame 140, and the head device 20 is translated to convey the cleaning frame 142 to the working position (S130). Specifically, the CPU 81 controls the pusher lifting unit 25 to hook the pusher 24 onto the cleaning frame 140, and in this state controls the motor 29 to move the head device 20 backward. At this time, the cleaning frame 140 is transported to the working position with the cleaning agent application roll 142 pressed down at the delivery position (see FIG. 13C ). As a result, the cleaning frame 140 applies cleaning agent to each transport surface 41 with the cleaning agent application roll 142. The CPU 81 then waits until the cleaning frame 140 has been transported to the working position (S132).

[0056] Next, the CPU 81 unlocks the cleaning agent application roll 142 with the pusher 24 (S134). Specifically, the CPU 81 controls the pusher elevating unit 25 to push down the lever connecting member 148 of the first locking mechanism L1. This causes the plunger pin 145a of the plunger 145 in the first locking mechanism L1 to come out of the engagement groove 143a of the first holder 143. This causes the cleaning agent application roll 142 (first holder 143) to rise to a position where the elastic force of the compression spring E1 that urges the first holder 143 upward relative to the frame member 141 and the elastic force of the compression spring E1 that urges the second holder 150 upward relative to the frame member 141 are balanced. This is because the first holder 143 and the second holder 150 are connected by the holder connecting member 155 that can swing along the YZ plane around the shaft 154. When the pusher 24 releases the lever connecting member 148 of the first locking mechanism L1 from being pressed down, the plunger pin 145a of the plunger 145 in the first locking mechanism L1 is urged forward by the elastic force of the compression spring 145b and comes into contact with the outer circumferential surface of the first holder 143. Next, the CPU 81 causes the pusher 24 to press down the scraper 149 (S136). Specifically, the CPU 81 controls the pusher elevating unit 25 to press down the second connecting member 151. Then, the left and right scrapers 149 are pressed down together with the second holder 150 in conjunction with the second connecting member 151. Then, the plunger pin 145a of the plunger 145 in the second locking mechanism L2 fits into the engagement groove 150a of the second holder 150, and the scraper 149 (second holder 150) is locked by the second locking mechanism L2 while abutting against the conveying surface 41. The CPU 81 then pushes the cleaning frame 140 with the pusher 24, causing the head unit 20 to move in parallel to the transfer position (S138). Specifically, the CPU 81 controls the pusher lifting unit 25 to hook the pusher 24 onto the cleaning frame 140, and then controls the motor 29 to move the head unit 20 forward. At this time, the cleaning frame 140 is transferred to the transfer position with the scraper 149 pressed down at the working position (see FIG. 13D). As a result, the cleaning frame 140 scrapes off dirt on each conveying surface 41 with the scraper 149 along with the cleaning agent.

[0057] Next, the CPU 81 waits until the cleaning frame 140 is transported to the delivery position (S140), as in S102, S112, and S124. Subsequently, the CPU 81 unlocks the scraper 149 with the pusher 24 (S142). Specifically, the CPU 81 controls the pusher lifting unit 25 to press down the lever connecting member 148 of the second locking mechanism L2. This causes the plunger pin 145a of the plunger 145 in the second locking mechanism L2 to come out of the engagement groove 150a of the second holder 150. This causes the scraper 149 (second holder 150) to rise to a position where the elastic force of the compression spring E1 that urges the first holder 143 upward relative to the frame member 141 and the elastic force of the compression spring E1 that urges the second holder 150 upward relative to the frame member 141 are balanced (see FIG. 13E). This is because the first holder 143 and the second holder 150 are connected by a holder connecting member 155 that can swing along the YZ plane around an axis 154. When the pusher 24 releases the lever connecting member 148 of the second locking mechanism L2 from being pressed down, the plunger pin 145a of the plunger 145 in the second locking mechanism L2 is urged forward by the elastic force of the compression spring 145b and comes into contact with the outer circumferential surface of the second holder 150. The CPU 81 then instructs the exchange control device 100 to store the cleaning frame 140 in the storage rack 60 (S144), and ends this process.

[0058] When the instruction is input, the CPU 101 of the exchange control device 100 controls the air cylinder 92 to insert the drive roll 96 of the sending device 90 into the storage rack 60 through the opening 63 and bring the drive roll 96 into contact with the cleaning frame 140. Next, the CPU 101 controls the drive unit 94 to drive the drive roll 96 to rotate in the reverse direction. This causes the cleaning frame 140 to be drawn into the storage rack 60. Then, after the CPU 101 has finished accommodating the cleaning frame 140 in the storage rack 60, it controls the drive unit 94 to stop the rotation of the drive roll 96 and controls the air cylinder 92 to pull the drive roll 96 out of the storage rack 60, thereby completing the process.

[0059] This cleaning frame 140 applies a cleaning agent to the conveying surface 41 when it is moved from the storage rack 60 side to the printing press 10 side, and scrapes it off together with the cleaning agent with a scraper 149 on the conveying surface 41 when it is moved from the printing press 10 side to the storage rack 60 side. Therefore, the conveying surface 41 can be cleaned with a relatively simple operation.

[0060] Furthermore, when the cleaning frame 140 is moved from the storage rack 60 side to the printing press 10 side, the cleaning agent application pad 157 applies cleaning agent to the drive roll 96, and when the cleaning frame 140 is moved from the printing press 10 side to the storage rack 60 side, the dry wiping pad 163 wipes away dirt on the drive roll 96 together with the cleaning agent. Therefore, the drive roll 96 can be cleaned with a relatively simple operation.

[0061] Furthermore, since the length of the cleaning agent application pad 157 and the dry wiping pad 163 in the front-to-back direction (Y-axis direction) is longer than the circumferential length of the drive roll 96, cleaning agent can be applied to the entire circumference of the drive roll 96 and dirt can be wiped off along with the cleaning agent all around the circumference of the drive roll 96.

[0062] Here, the correspondence between the components of this embodiment and the components of the present disclosure will be clarified. The cleaning frame 140 of this embodiment corresponds to the first and second cleaning jigs of the present disclosure, the frame member 141 corresponds to the frame in the first and second cleaning jigs, and the cleaning agent application roll 142 and scraper 149 correspond to the cleaning members in the first cleaning jig. The cleaning agent application roll 142 corresponds to the application member in the first cleaning jig, and the scraper 149 corresponds to the scraping member in the first cleaning jig. The cleaning agent application pad 157 and dry wiping pad 163 correspond to the cleaning members in the second cleaning jig. The cleaning agent application pad 157 corresponds to the application member in the second cleaning member, and the dry wiping pad 163 corresponds to the wiping member in the second cleaning member.

[0063] It goes without saying that the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be embodied in various forms as long as they fall within the technical scope of the present disclosure.

[0064] For example, in the above-described embodiment, the cleaning frame 140 has the cleaning agent application roll 142 and the scraper 149 on the right and left sides of the frame member 141. However, the cleaning frame 140 may have the cleaning agent application roll 142 and the scraper 149 on either the right or left side of the frame member 141.

[0065] In the above-described embodiment, the cleaning frame 140 includes the cleaning agent application roll 142 and the scraper 149, as well as the cleaning agent application pad 157 and the dry wiping pad 163. However, the cleaning frame 140 may include only the cleaning agent application roll 142 and the scraper 149. Alternatively, the cleaning frame 140 may include only the cleaning agent application pad 157 and the dry wiping pad 163.

[0066] In the above-described embodiment, the cleaning agent application roll 142 and the scraper 149 are attached so as to be movable up and down relative to the frame member 141. However, at least one of the cleaning agent application roll 142 and the scraper 149 may be attached so as not to be movable up and down relative to the frame member 141. In this case, the cleaning agent application roll 142 and the scraper 149 may be in contact with the conveying surface 41 at all times.

[0067] In the above-described embodiment, the cleaning agent application pad 157 and the dry wiping pad 163 are attached so as to be movable in the left-right direction relative to the frame member 141. However, the cleaning agent application pad 157 and the dry wiping pad 163 may also be attached so as not to be movable in the left-right direction relative to the frame member 141.

[0068] In the above-described embodiment, the cleaning frame 140 includes the cleaning agent application roll 142 and the scraper 149 as cleaning members in the first cleaning tool of the present disclosure. However, the cleaning frame 140 may include a single cleaning member. In this case, the cleaning member may be, for example, a woven fabric impregnated with a cleaning agent.

[0069] In the above-described embodiment, the cleaning frame 140 includes the cleaning agent application pad 157 and the dry wiping pad 163 as cleaning members in the second cleaning tool of the present disclosure. However, the cleaning frame 140 may include only one cleaning member. In this case, the cleaning member may be, for example, a woven fabric impregnated with a cleaning agent.

[0070] In the embodiment described above, the cleaning frame 140 applies a cleaning agent to the drive roll 96 by making one reciprocating movement between the storage rack 60 and the printing press 10 (transfer position), and then wipes dirt from the drive roll 96 together with the cleaning agent by making one reciprocating movement between the storage rack 60 and the printing press 10. However, the cleaning agent may be applied to the drive roll 96 by making multiple reciprocating movements between the storage rack 60 and the printing press 10 (working position), or the dirt may be wiped off from the drive roll 96 together with the cleaning agent by making multiple reciprocating movements between the storage rack 60 and the printing press 10 (working position). Alternatively, the cleaning agent may be applied to the drive roll 96 on the outward path between the storage rack 60 and the printing press 10 (working position), and the dirt may be wiped off from the drive roll 96 together with the cleaning agent on the return path. In this case, the storage rack 60 may be provided with a member capable of pressing down the third connecting member 162 and the fourth connecting member 165.

[0071] In the embodiment described above, the CPU 81 performs the cleaning process on the drive roll 96 and then the cleaning process on the transport surface 41. However, the CPU 81 may apply a cleaning agent to the drive roll 96, then perform the cleaning process on the transport surface 41, and wipe off dirt from the drive roll 96 together with the cleaning agent. Alternatively, the CPU 81 may perform the cleaning process on the transport surface 41 and then the cleaning process on the drive roll 96.

[0072] In the embodiment described above, when the cleaning frame 140 makes one round trip between the storage rack 60 and the printing press 10 (work position), the cleaning agent application roll 142 applies cleaning agent to the conveying surface 41 on the outward path, and the scraper 149 scrapes off dirt along with the cleaning agent from the conveying surface 41 on the return path. However, the cleaning frame 140 may make multiple round trips between the storage rack 60 and the printing press 10 (work position).

[0073] The first cleaning jig of the present disclosure described above cleans dirt from the support rails when moved between the first and second positions by the frame moving unit, which makes it easier for the mask frame to be supported horizontally on the support rails and reduces the occurrence of printing defects.

[0074] Furthermore, in the first cleaning jig of the present disclosure, the cleaning member may include an applicator member that is provided on at least one of the two of the four sides of the frame member that are supported by the pair of support rails and that abuts against the at least one support rail and applies a cleaning agent when the frame member is moved from the second position to the first position by the mask moving unit, and a scraper member or wiping member that is provided on the side of the frame member on which the applicator member is provided and is closer to the first position than the applicator member and abuts against the at least one support rail and scrapes off dirt on the support rail together with the cleaning agent when the frame member is moved from the first position to the second position by the mask frame moving unit. This allows at least one support rail to be cleaned more reliably.

[0075] In the first cleaning jig of the present disclosure, the frame member may have a contact portion disposed above the pair of support rails, a moving portion that moves the contact portion along the extension direction of the pair of support rails, and a lifting portion that raises and lowers the contact portion relative to the moving portion, and the applicator member and the cleaning member may be moved downward relative to the frame member by being pressed down by the contact portion lowered by the lifting portion. By bringing the applicator member into contact with the support rails only when it is desired to apply cleaning agent, it is possible to prevent more cleaning agent than necessary from being consumed.

[0076] Furthermore, the second cleaning tool of the present disclosure cleans the rotating member when it is moved from the printing press to the storage rack, thereby preventing dirt caused by friction between the rotating member and the mask frame from being brought into the interior of the printing press.

[0077] Furthermore, in the second cleaning jig of the present disclosure, the cleaning member may include an applicator member that is provided on one of the four sides of the frame member with which the rotating member abuts and that abuts against the rotating member to apply a cleaning agent when the frame member is moved from the storage rack to the printing press by the rotating member, and a scraper member that is provided on the printing press side of the applicator member on the one of the four sides of the frame member with which the rotating member abuts and that abuts against the rotating member when the frame member is moved from the printing press to the storage rack by the rotating member to scrape off dirt on the rotating member together with the cleaning agent, or a wiping member that wipes off dirt on the rotating member together with the cleaning agent. This allows the rotating member to be cleaned more reliably.

[0078] In the second cleaning jig of the present disclosure, the length of the cleaning member in the movement direction of the frame member may be longer than the circumferential length of the rotating member, thereby enabling cleaning of the entire periphery of the rotating member.

[0079] The present disclosure is applicable to the printing machine manufacturing industry and the like.

[0080] 1 Printing system, 10 Printing machine, 11 Printing machine main body, 12 Housing, 20 Head device, 21 Head main body, 22 Squeegee, 23 Squeegee lifting unit, 24 Pusher, 25 Pusher lifting unit, 26 Head moving unit, 27 Y-axis slider, 28 Guide rail, 29 Motor, 30 Substrate transport device, 31 Substrate transport unit, 32 Substrate support member, 33 Substrate support member lifting unit, 35 Recognition unit, 36 Passage opening, 37 Detection sensor, 40 Transport rail, 41 Transport surface, 50 Exchange device, 51a Left unit, 51b Right unit, 52 Rack support member, 53 Rack lifting unit, 60 Storage rack, 61 Shelf unit, 62 Passage unit, 63 Opening, 70 Mask frame, 80 Printing control device, 81 CPU, 82 ROM, 83 RAM, 90 1. Feed device, 91: Feed section, 92: Air cylinder, 94: Drive section, 95: Pulley, 96: Drive roll, 97: Belt, 100: Exchange control device, 101: CPU, 102: ROM, 103: RAM, 104: Storage, 110: Management computer, 140: Cleaning frame, 141: Frame member, 142: Cleaning agent application roll, 143: First holder, 144: First connecting member, 145: Plunger, 145a: Plunger pin, 145b: Compression spring, 145c: Spring holder, 145d: Engagement pin, 146: Shaft, 147: Lever, 147a: Slot, 148: Lever connecting member, 148a: Engagement groove, 149: Scraper, 150: Second holder, 150a: Engagement groove, 151: Second connecting member, 153a: Engagement groove, 154: Shaft, 155 Holder connecting member, 155a oblong hole, 155b oblong hole, 156a pin, 156b pin, 157 cleaning agent application pad, 157a shaft, 158 third holder, 158a engagement groove, 159 pad connecting member, 160a shaft, 160b shaft, 161 support pin, 162 third connecting member, 163 dry wiping pad, 164 fourth holder, 165 fourth connecting member, A1 storage space, A2 storage space, E1, E2 compression spring, E3 tension spring, G1 first guide, G2 second guide, H1 to H4 holes, L1 first locking mechanism, L2 second locking mechanism, L3 third locking mechanism, L4 fourth locking mechanism, M screen mask, S substrate.

Claims

1. A cleaning tool for cleaning the pair of support rails of a printing machine which includes a pair of support rails supporting two opposing sides of a mask frame which fixes a screen mask, and a mask moving unit which moves the mask frame on the pair of support rails between a first position and a second position, and which prints a viscous fluid on an object using a screen mask positioned at the first position, comprising: a frame member of a size which can be supported by the pair of support rails; and a cleaning member which is provided on at least one of the two sides out of four sides of the frame member which are supported by the pair of support rails, and which abuts against at least one of the pair of support rails when the frame member is moved between the first position and the second position by the mask moving unit, thereby cleaning the support rail.

2. A cleaning jig as described in claim 1, wherein the cleaning member comprises an applicator member provided on at least one of the two of the four sides of the frame member that are supported by the pair of support rails, and that abuts against the at least one support rail when the frame member is moved from the second position to the first position by the mask moving section, to apply a cleaning agent; and a scraper member provided on the side of the frame member on which the applicator member is provided, closer to the first position than the applicator member, and abuts against the at least one support rail when the frame member is moved from the first position to the second position by the mask frame moving section, to scrape off dirt on the support rail together with the cleaning agent, or a wiping member that wipes off dirt on the support rail together with the cleaning agent.

3. A cleaning jig as described in claim 2, wherein the frame member has an abutment portion arranged above the pair of support rails, a moving portion which moves the contact portion along the extension direction of the pair of support rails, and a lifting portion which raises and lowers the contact portion relative to the moving portion, and the applying member and the scraping member or wiping member can be moved downward relative to the frame member by being pushed down by the abutment portion lowered by the lifting portion.

4. A cleaning tool for cleaning a rotating member of a printing system having: a printing machine which prints a viscous fluid on an object using a screen mask fixed to a mask frame; a storage rack which is provided with a shelf portion capable of accommodating the mask frame, and which faces the printing machine and allows the mask frame to move between the printing machine and the shelf portion while facing the printing machine and has an opening on a side parallel to the movement direction and vertical direction of the mask frame; and a frame moving device which enters the storage rack from the opening and moves the mask frame between the printing machine and the storage rack by abutting a rotating member against a side of the mask frame accommodated in the shelf portion and driving it to rotate, the cleaning tool comprising: a frame member of a size which can be accommodated in the shelf portion; and a cleaning member which is provided on one of the four sides of the frame member against which the rotating member abuts, and which abuts against the rotating member to clean the rotating member when the frame member is moved between the printing machine and the storage rack by the rotating member.

5. A cleaning jig as described in claim 4, wherein the cleaning member comprises an application member which is provided on one of the four sides of the frame member against which the rotating member abuts, and which abuts against the rotating member to apply a cleaning agent when the frame member is moved from the storage rack to the printing press by the rotating member, and a wiping member which is provided on the printing press side of the application member on the one of the four sides of the frame member against which the rotating member abuts, and which abuts against the rotating member when the frame member is moved from the printing press to the storage rack by the rotating member, and which wipes away dirt on the rotating member together with the cleaning agent.

6. A cleaning jig as claimed in claim 4 or 5, wherein the length of the cleaning member in the movement direction of the frame member is longer than the circumferential length of the rotating member.

Images