Replacement unit and printing device

Abstract

This replacement unit is used in a printing device that performs printing processing of a viscous fluid on an object using a screen mask, and comprises at least one of: a storage member replacement device including a storage member placement portion that is disposed on an upper part of a rack unit adjacent to a housing of the printing device and on which a storage member storing the viscous fluid is placed, and a storage member movement portion that moves the storage member between the storage member placement portion and a storage member opening portion of the printing device; and a cleaning member replacement device including a cleaning member placement portion that is disposed on an upper part of the rack unit adjacent to the housing of the printing device and on which a cleaning member for cleaning the screen mask is placed, and a cleaning member movement portion that moves the cleaning member between the cleaning member placement portion and a cleaning member opening portion of the printing device.

Description

Replacement unit and printing device

[0001] A replacement unit and a printing device are disclosed herein.

[0002] In a conventional printing device that performs a printing process of a viscous fluid on a printing target such as a substrate using a screen mask, a device has been proposed that automatically replaces the screen mask by raising and lowering a storage rack that stores the screen mask between a replacement position and a liftable position (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In this printing device, the storage rack can be retracted into the space below the housing, which is the liftable position, thereby making it possible to make the device more compact.

[0003] International Publication No. 2022 / 224430

[0004] However, the above-mentioned printing apparatus has not fully considered automatic replacement of consumable parts other than the screen mask, such as a solder paste container or a cleaning part for cleaning the screen mask. In a printing apparatus, delays in replacement of consumable parts can reduce the work efficiency of the printing process. Furthermore, the printing apparatus also requires space for storing consumable parts. Thus, improving work efficiency and space efficiency when replacing consumable parts in a printing apparatus has been an issue.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of such problems, and its main purpose is to provide a replacement unit and a printing device that can further improve work efficiency and space efficiency when replacing components used in the printing device.

[0006] The replaceable unit and printing device disclosed in this specification employ the following means to achieve the above-mentioned main object.

[0007] The replacement unit disclosed herein is a replacement unit used in a printing device that performs a printing process of a viscous fluid on an object using a screen mask, and includes at least one of: a storage member replacement device that is arranged on top of a rack unit adjacent to the housing of the printing device and includes: a storage member mounting section for mounting a storage member that accommodates the viscous fluid, and a storage member moving section for moving the storage member between the storage member mounting section and a storage member opening of the printing device; and a cleaning member replacement device that is arranged on top of a rack unit adjacent to the housing of the printing device and includes: a cleaning member mounting section for mounting a cleaning member that cleans the screen mask, and a cleaning member moving section for moving the cleaning member between the cleaning member mounting section and the cleaning member opening of the printing device.

[0008] This replacement unit can use a rack unit adjacent to the housing to place a storage member that contains a viscous fluid. The replacement unit can automatically replace the placed storage member using a storage member moving unit. Similarly, the replacement unit can use a rack unit adjacent to the housing to place a cleaning member that cleans the screen mask. The replacement unit can automatically replace the placed cleaning member using a cleaning member moving unit. Therefore, this replacement unit can further improve work efficiency and space efficiency when replacing components used in a printing device.

[0009] 1 is a schematic explanatory diagram showing an example of a mounting system 10 and a printing device 11. A schematic explanatory diagram of the printing device 11, a replacement unit 50, and a storage rack 90. ​​An explanatory diagram showing an example of the replacement unit 50 and an automatic guided vehicle 16. A block diagram showing an outline of the configuration of the replacement unit 50. A plan view showing an example of the replacement unit 50 and a housing 18. An explanatory diagram showing an example of a cleaning unit 36. A flowchart showing an example of a printing processing routine. An explanatory diagram of an example of replacing consumables using the replacement unit 50. An explanatory diagram of receiving a storage rack 90 and moving it between a storage position and a replacement position.

[0010] This embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic explanatory diagram showing an example of a mounting system 10 and a printing device 11 according to the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a schematic explanatory diagram of the printing device 11, a replacement unit 50, and a storage rack 90. ​​FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the replacement unit 50 and an automated guided vehicle 16. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an outline of the configuration of the replacement unit 50. FIG. 5 is a plan view showing an example of the replacement unit 50 and a housing 18. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a cleaning unit 36.

[0011] This mounting system 10 includes a printing device 11, a print inspection device 12, a mounting device 13, a mounting inspection device 14, a management device 15, automated guided vehicles 16 and 17, and a reflow device (not shown). The mounting system 10 is configured, for example, as a production line in which mounting devices 13 that mount components P on a substrate S (a processing target) are arranged downstream of the printing device 11 in the transport direction of the substrate S. The print inspection device 12 is a device that inspects the state of a viscous fluid, such as solder paste, printed on the substrate S by the printing device 11. The mounting device 13 is a device that attaches components P to the substrate S on which a viscous fluid, such as solder paste, has been printed by the printing device 11. The mounting inspection device 14 is a device that inspects the state of the components P mounted on the substrate S. The reflow device is a device that reflows the substrate on which solder has been printed and on which the components P have been mounted. The management device 15 is a device that manages information about each device in the mounting system 10. This management device 15 manages the progress status of each device on the production line that performs the mounting process. In this embodiment, the left-right direction (X axis), front-back direction (Y axis), and up-down direction (Z axis) are as shown in Figures 1 to 3, 5 to 6, 8, and 9.

[0012] As shown in FIG. 3 , the automated guided vehicle 16 transports components used in the mounting system 10, such as printing-related components used by the printing device 11 and mounting-related components used by the mounting device 13. The automated guided vehicle 16 has one or more mounting sections and moves components placed on the mounting sections. The automated guided vehicle 16 automatically transports, for example, printing-related components and mounting-related components between a warehouse (not shown) and the printing device 11. The automated guided vehicle 16 may be an automatic guided vehicle (AGV) that travels along a predetermined path, or an autonomous mobile robot (AMR) that senses its surroundings and travels to its destination along a free route. The automated guided vehicle 17 is a transport vehicle that travels on a storage rack 90, as shown in FIG. 9 (described later). When moving the storage rack 90, the automated guided vehicle 17 moves the storage rack 90 by, for example, entering the central space of the caster unit 94 and lifting a loading section (not shown) arranged on the top surface to move the storage rack 90. In the mounting system 10, each component such as consumables may be moved by the automatic guided vehicles 16 and 17, or may be moved by the worker W.

[0013] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 6 , the printing device 11 uses a squeegee 25 to push solder on a screen mask M into pattern holes formed in the screen mask M, thereby applying the solder as a viscous fluid to a substrate S serving as a processing object below through the pattern holes. Here, examples of the "processing object" include a substrate S on which components P are mounted and a three-dimensional base material. Examples of the "viscous fluid" include solder paste, conductive paste, and adhesive. The following description uses the substrate S and solder paste as examples. The screen mask M is fixed inside a frame 29. The frame 29 can hold screen masks M of several sizes and is sized to fit on a shelf 92 of a storage rack 90 (see FIG. 1 ). As shown in FIG. 2 , the printing device 11 includes a print control unit 20, a printing unit 22, a mask operation unit 26, a substrate processing unit 30, a supply unit 32, a cleaning unit 36, an operation panel 19, and a replacement unit 50. The printing device 11 also has an access door 49 on the front side of the housing 18 that is opened and closed when the worker W accesses the inside of the device.

[0014] The print control unit 20 is configured as a microprocessor centered on a CPU 21 and controls the entire printing apparatus 11. The print control unit 20 outputs signals to the printing unit 22, masking unit 26, substrate processing unit 30, supply unit 32, cleaning unit 36, operation panel 19, and replacement unit 50, as well as to the management device 15, which serves as an external device. The print control unit 20 also inputs signals from the printing unit 22, masking unit 26, substrate processing unit 30, cleaning unit 36, supply unit 32, operation panel 19, and replacement unit 50, as well as from the management device 15, which serves as an external device. The print control unit 20 includes a memory unit for storing information. The memory unit stores, for example, information on the substrate S to be printed, a printing processing program for printing on the substrate S, and a component replacement processing program for executing the replacement process of the screen mask M, the housing member 35, and the cleaning case 41 using the replacement unit 50.

[0015] The operation panel 19 is a unit that receives input from the worker W and presents information to the worker W. The operation panel 19 is disposed on the front of the printing device 11 and includes a display unit and an operation unit that is a touch panel type and has buttons.

[0016] The printing unit 22 is disposed on the upper level of the printing device 11 and is a unit that prints a viscous fluid onto a substrate S using a screen mask M. As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 4, the printing unit 22 includes a print head 23, a print movement unit 24, a squeegee lifting unit (not shown), and a squeegee 25. The print movement unit 24 moves the print head 23 in a predetermined printing direction (here, the front-to-rear direction) and includes a guide formed in the front-to-rear direction, a slider that moves along the guide, and a motor that drives the slider. The squeegee 25 is disposed on the underside of the print head 23 and is raised and lowered by the squeegee lifting unit. The printing unit 22 has two squeegees 25, one for the front and one for the rear. The print head 23 is also provided with a mask replacement unit 27. The replacement unit 27 is a transport rod attached to the print head 23. It is lowered by an air cylinder (not shown) to a position where it contacts the screen mask M, and by rotating, the contact portion that contacts the frame 29 also moves back and forth (see dotted lines in Figure 2 ). The print head 23 and replacement unit 27 engage with the frame 29 between the shelf 92 at a predetermined height of the storage rack 90 and the printing unit 22, moving the frame 29. As shown in Figure 2 , the mask working unit 26 is disposed between the printing unit 22 and the substrate processing unit 30 in the vertical direction and is a unit that fixes and holds the screen mask M. The mask working unit 26 includes a mask fixing unit 28. The mask fixing unit 28 positions the screen mask M and supports and fixes it in a horizontal position. The screen mask M is pushed by the replacement unit 27, moved back and forth along the guides of the mask working unit 26, and fixed by the mask fixing unit 28. The substrate processing unit 30 is disposed below the mask working unit 26 and is a unit that loads the substrate S, positions and supports the loaded substrate S, and brings the substrate S into contact with and away from the screen mask M. The substrate processing unit 30 includes a substrate transport unit 31 that transports the substrate S along the X-axis direction, a support unit that supports the substrate S from below, and a substrate lifting unit that lifts and lowers the entire substrate processing unit 30 and the support unit.

[0017] The supply unit 32 is a unit that supplies solder contained in the accommodating member 35 onto the screen mask M. The supply unit 32 is disposed in front of the print head 23. The supply unit 32 applies pressure to the accommodating member 35 to eject the solder from the accommodating member 35. As shown in FIG. 2 , the supply unit 32 includes a supply mounting unit 33 and a supply moving unit 34. The supply mounting unit 33 is a portion that detachably mounts the accommodating member 35. After the accommodating member 35 is mounted in the supply mounting unit 33, the pressure supply unit disposed above the supply mounting unit 33 rotates and abuts against the top of the accommodating member 35, fixing the accommodating member 35 and making it usable. The supply moving unit 34 moves the accommodating member 35 back and forth along the Y-axis direction. Here, the supply moving unit 34 is configured as a mechanism that connects and disconnects to the print head 23, and moves the accommodating member 35 in conjunction with the movement of the print head 23.

[0018] The cleaning unit 36 ​​is disposed between the mask working unit 26 and the substrate processing unit 30 in the vertical direction and is a unit that performs a cleaning process to clean the back surface of the screen mask M. The cleaning unit 36 ​​has a cleaning member 37 that contacts and cleans the screen mask M. Examples of the cleaning member 37 include cleaning paper. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 6 , the cleaning unit 36 ​​includes the cleaning member 37, a cleaning attachment unit 38, a cleaning head 39, a winding motor 40, a cleaning case 41, a cleaning lifting unit, and a cleaning movement unit. As shown in FIG. 6 , the cleaning attachment unit 38 is a portion of the main body of the cleaning unit 36 ​​to which the cleaning case 41 containing the cleaning member 37 is detachably attached. The cleaning head 39 brings the cleaning member 37, which cleans the screen mask M, into contact with the screen mask M. The cleaning head 39 is raised and lowered by a cleaning lifting unit (not shown) disposed on the main body side of the cleaning unit 36, and is inserted into a passage opening provided on the underside of the cleaning case 41 to abut against the underside of the cleaning member 37. The winding motor 40 is a drive unit that rotates the winding shaft of the cleaning member 37 to wind up the cleaning member 37. The winding motor 40 transmits its driving force to the winding shaft of the cleaning member 37 through engagement with a gear mechanism (not shown). The cleaning case 41 is a rectangular parallelepiped member that houses the cleaning member 37 so that it can rotate about its axis. A passage opening is formed on the underside of the cleaning case 41 through which the cleaning head 39 is inserted. In the cleaning unit 36, the cleaning member 37 is replaced along with the cleaning case 41. The cleaning lifting unit is disposed on the main body side of the cleaning unit 36 ​​and is a drive unit that raises and lowers the cleaning head 39. The cleaning movement unit moves the cleaning unit 36 ​​back and forth along the Y-axis direction, and includes a guide formed in the back and forth direction, a slider that moves along the guide, and a motor that drives the slider. The cleaning member 37 and the storage member 35 are consumables and are replaced as needed.

[0019] The storage rack 90 is a container that houses frames 29 that can support screen masks M, which are printing-related members used in the printing unit 22. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , the storage rack 90 has a rack main body 91, shelf portions 92, a handle 93, caster portions 94, and a connection portion 95. The rack main body 91 has multiple shelf portions 92 and one opening 96. The shelf portions 92 are arranged vertically at predetermined intervals so that frames 29 supporting screen masks M can be placed vertically. The opening 96 communicates with the outside, such as the printing unit 22, and the frames 29 are loaded and unloaded through this opening 96. The storage rack 90 has an insertion opening on its side through which the mask transport unit 54, 74 is inserted. The mask transport unit 54, 74 is inserted into this insertion opening to load and unload the frames 29. This storage rack 90 does not have a power source, such as a drive unit for moving the frame 29 or a drive unit for raising and lowering the frame 29, which allows for a simpler configuration. A handle 93 is fixed to the top of the rack body 91. The handle 93 is composed of a rod-shaped body and a support member that secures the rod-shaped body. The worker W can also move the storage rack 90 by holding this handle 93. A caster unit 94 is disposed at the bottom of the rack body 91. This caster unit 94 is composed of a structure having a space in the center and casters with wheels disposed on the underside of the structure. The connection unit 95 is connected to the rack moving units 53, 73 of the replacement unit 50.

[0020] 2 and 3 , the printing apparatus 11 is provided, at the center of its front surface, with a mask opening 42, a door 45 closing the mask opening 42, a storage member opening 43, doors 46 and 47 closing the storage member opening 43, a cleaning member opening 44, and a door 48 closing the cleaning member opening 44. The mask opening 42 is an opening through which the screen mask M passes when replacing the screen mask M. The door 45 is opened and closed when replacing the screen mask M. The storage member opening 43 is an opening through which the storage member 35 passes when replacing the storage member 35. As shown in FIG. 3 , the door 46 is provided on the first unit 51 side with a size that allows the storage member 35 to pass through, and is opened and closed when replacing the storage member 35 in the first unit 51. The door 47 is provided on the second unit 52 side with a size that allows the storage member 35 to pass through, and is opened and closed when replacing the storage member 35 in the second unit 52. The cleaning member opening 44 is an opening through which the cleaning case 41 passes when replacing the cleaning member 37. The door 48 is opened and closed when replacing the cleaning member 37. In the printing device 11, the storage member opening 43 is disposed above the mask opening 42, and the cleaning member opening 44 is disposed below the mask opening 42.

[0021] The replacement unit 50 is used in a printing apparatus 11 including a printing section 22 that performs a printing process of a viscous fluid on a processing target using a screen mask M, and is a unit that automatically replaces printing-related components used in the printing apparatus 11 between the printing apparatus 11 and the printing apparatus 11. The replacement unit 50 is configured as a rack unit 70 having a first unit 51 disposed at one end of the housing 18 of the printing apparatus 11 and a second unit 52 disposed at the other end of the housing 18. The first unit 51 is disposed on the front left side of the housing 18 of the printing apparatus 11, and the second unit 52 is disposed on the front right side of the housing 18 of the printing apparatus 11. The replacement unit 50 includes a mask replacement device 97 that automatically replaces the screen mask M, a storage member replacement device 98 that automatically replaces the storage member 35, and a cleaning member replacement device 99 that automatically replaces the cleaning member 37. The rack unit 70 is configured as a device that receives a storage rack 90 that stores screen masks M fixed to a frame 29 and moves the storage rack 90 up and down. This replacement unit 50 has a lifting space in which the storage rack 90 moves up and down, centered between the first unit 51 and the second unit 52. When the storage rack 90 is in the storage position, this replacement unit 50 stores the storage rack 90 on the same surface as the front surface of the main body of this replacement unit 50 or inside this front surface of the main body (see solid line in Figure 2), and when the storage rack 90 is in the replacement position, it supports the storage rack 90 in a position protruding from the front surface of the main body of this replacement unit 50 (see dotted line in Figure 2). Note that the second unit 52 has the same configuration as the first unit 51 except that it faces the first unit 51, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0022] The mask exchange device 97 is composed of a first mask exchange device 71 disposed in the first unit 51 and a second mask exchange device 72 disposed in the second unit 52. The first mask exchange device 71 includes a rack moving unit 53 and a mask transport unit 54. The second mask exchange device 72 includes a rack moving unit 73 and a mask transport unit 74. The rack moving unit 53 raises and lowers the storage rack 90 and moves it back and forth between an exchange position where the screen mask M is exchanged, a liftable position below the exchange position, and a storage position where the storage rack 90 enters the housing of the printing apparatus 11. The rack moving unit 53 supports the left and right ends of the storage rack 90 from below to receive the storage rack 90. ​​The mask transport unit 54 is a drive mechanism that is inserted into a passage opening formed in the side of the storage rack 90 and abuts against the side of the frame 29, moving the frame 29 back and forth. The mask transport unit 54 may have a structure in which a drive belt is stretched between a drive roller and a driven roller, and this drive belt may be in contact with the frame 29 .

[0023] The storage member exchanging device 98 is composed of a first storage member exchanging device 55 arranged in the first unit 51 and a second storage member exchanging device 75 arranged in the second unit 52. The storage member placing section is composed of a first storage member placing section 56 arranged in the first unit 51 and a second storage member placing section 76 arranged in the second unit 52. The first storage member placing section 56 may be configured to place unused storage members 35 thereon, and the second storage member placing section 76 may be configured to place used storage members 35 thereon. Alternatively, the first storage member placing section 56 may be configured to place used storage members 35 thereon, and the second storage member placing section 76 may be configured to place unused storage members 35 thereon. The storage member moving section is composed of a first storage member moving section 58 arranged in the first unit 51 and a second storage member moving section 78 arranged in the second unit 52. The first storage member replacement device 55 includes a first storage member placement unit 56 and a first storage member movement unit 58. The first storage member placement unit 56 is disposed above the rack unit 70 adjacent to the housing 18 of the printing device 11 and is configured to place a storage member 35 containing a viscous fluid thereon. The first storage member placement unit 56 includes a placement roller 57. The placement roller 57 moves the storage member 35 along the supply / recovery direction A along the Y-axis direction. The placement roller 57 may be rotationally driven or may rotate freely without a driving force. The first storage member placement unit 56 may also include a belt or the like on the placement roller 57. The first storage member placement unit 56 is disposed above the first cleaning member placement unit 63. The first storage member movement unit 58 moves the storage member 35 between the first storage member placement unit 56 and the storage member opening 43 of the printing device 11. The first storage member moving unit 58 includes a storage member replacement arm 59, a collection unit 60, and a drive unit 61. The storage member replacement arm 59 is a member that rotates between the first storage member mounting unit 56 and the storage member opening 43 while the storage member 35 has been collected. The storage member replacement arm 59 is formed with a length that allows the storage member 35 to be attached to the supply attachment unit 33. The collection unit 60 collects the storage member 35 and may, for example, grip a specific portion of the storage member 35 or may be attracted by an electromagnet, negative pressure, or the like.The drive unit 61 is a drive motor that rotates the storage member replacement arm 59. The second storage member replacement device 75 includes a second storage member placement unit 76 and a second storage member movement unit 78. The second storage member placement unit 76 includes a placement roller 77. The second storage member movement unit 78 includes a storage member replacement arm 79, a collection unit 80, and a drive unit 81.

[0024] The cleaning element replacement device 99 is composed of a first cleaning element replacement device 62 disposed in the first unit 51 and a second cleaning element replacement device 82 disposed in the second unit 52. The cleaning element placement section is composed of a first cleaning element placement section 63 disposed in the first unit 51 and a second cleaning element placement section 83 disposed in the second unit 52. The first cleaning element placement section 63 may be configured to place unused cleaning elements 37, and the second cleaning element placement section 83 may be configured to place used cleaning elements 37. Alternatively, the first cleaning element placement section 63 may be configured to place used cleaning elements 37, and the second cleaning element placement section 83 may be configured to place unused storage elements 35. The cleaning element movement section is composed of a first cleaning element movement section 65 disposed in the first unit 51 and a second cleaning element movement section 85 disposed in the second unit 52. The first cleaning member replacement device 62 includes a first cleaning member placement unit 63 and a first cleaning member moving unit 65. The first cleaning member placement unit 63 is disposed above the rack unit 70 adjacent to the housing 18 of the printing device 11 and is configured to place the cleaning members 37 used to clean the screen mask M. The first cleaning member placement unit 63 includes a placement roller 64. The placement roller 64 moves the cleaning members 37 along the supply / recovery direction A. The placement roller 64 may be rotationally driven or may rotate freely without a driving force. The first cleaning member placement unit 63 may also include a belt or the like on the placement roller 64. The first cleaning member placement unit 63 is disposed below the mask transport unit 54. The first cleaning member moving unit 65 moves the cleaning members 37 between the first cleaning member placement unit 63 and the cleaning member opening 44 of the printing device 11. The first cleaning member moving unit 65 includes a cleaning member replacement arm 66, a collection unit 67, and a drive unit 68. The cleaning member replacement arm 66 is a member that rotates between the first cleaning member mounting unit 63 and the cleaning member opening 44 while changing the position of the cleaning member 37 after collecting the cleaning member 37. The cleaning member replacement arm 66 is formed with a length that allows the cleaning case 41 to be attached to the cleaning attachment unit 38. The collection unit 67 collects the cleaning case 41 containing the cleaning member 37, and may be configured to grip a specific portion of the cleaning case 41, or to attract the cleaning member 37 using an electromagnet, negative pressure, or the like, for example.The drive unit 68 is a drive motor that rotates the cleaning element replacement arm 66. The second cleaning element replacement device 82 includes a second cleaning element placement unit 83 and a second cleaning element moving unit 85. The second cleaning element placement unit 83 includes a placement roller 84. The second cleaning element moving unit 85 includes a cleaning element replacement arm 86, a collection unit 87, and a drive unit 88.

[0025] The replacement control unit 69 is configured as a microprocessor centered on a CPU, and controls the entire replacement unit 50. The replacement control unit 69 inputs and outputs control signals between the mask replacement device, the containing member replacement device, and the cleaning member replacement device.

[0026] Next, the printing process of the printing device 11 configured as described above will be described. When performing the printing process, the automated guided vehicle 17 transports the storage rack 90 to the replacement unit 50 (first stage in FIG. 9 , described later) and performs the installation work (second stage in FIG. 9 ). The automated guided vehicle 16 also moves a new spare storage member 35 to the first storage member mounting section 56 and moves the cleaning case 41 containing the new spare cleaning member 37 to the first cleaning member mounting section 63. After the replacement unit 50 receives the storage rack 90 via the automated guided vehicle 17, the operator W inputs execution of the printing process from the operation panel 19. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of a printing process routine executed by the CPU 21 of the printing control unit 20. This routine is stored in the memory section of the printing control unit 20 and is executed when the operator W inputs a command to start the printing process. When the printing process routine is started, the CPU 21 of the printing control unit 20 first transports and fixes the substrate S using the substrate processing section 30 (S100). Next, the CPU 21 raises the substrate processing unit 30, adjusts the position of the screen mask M using the mask working unit 26, aligns the pattern holes with the substrate S, and performs a process of bringing the substrate S into contact with the screen mask M (S110). Next, the CPU 21 executes a printing process (S120). At this time, the CPU 21 moves the containing member 35 over the screen mask M as necessary and ejects solder onto it. The CPU also moves the print head 23 and lowers the squeegee 25 to bring the squeegee 25 into contact with the upper surface of the screen mask M and moves it back and forth to print the solder onto the substrate S.

[0027] Next, the CPU 21 determines whether it is time to replace consumables, including solder and cleaning members 37 (S130). The CPU 21 accumulates the amount of solder and cleaning members 37 used, which are viscous fluids, and determines that it is time to replace them when the amount of use reaches a predetermined replenishment reference value. If it is time to replace the consumables, the CPU 21 determines whether the consumable is a viscous fluid or the cleaning member 37 (S140). If the consumable that needs to be replaced is a viscous fluid, the CPU 21 ejects the used container 35 from the housing 18 of the printing device 11 (S150). Figure 8 is an explanatory diagram of an example of replacing consumables using a replacement unit 50. As shown in FIGS. 3 , 5 , 8 , etc., the CPU 21, for example, moves the storage member 35 attached to the supply unit 32 to the front of the right-side door 47 using the supply moving unit 34, opens the door 47, and then causes the second storage member moving unit 78 to remove the storage member 35 from the supply mounting unit 33 and move it to the second storage member placement unit 76. Next, the CPU 21 collects a new storage member 35 and places it in the supply unit 32 (S160). For example, the CPU 21 moves the storage member 35 attached to the supply unit 32 to the front of the left-side door 46 using the supply moving unit 34, opens the door 46, and then causes the first storage member moving unit 58 to collect the new storage member 35 placed on the first storage member placement unit 56. The CPU 21 also places the collected storage member 35 in the supply mounting unit 33 using the first storage member moving unit 58. In this manner, the CPU 21 automatically replaces the storage member 35.

[0028] On the other hand, if the consumable item requiring replacement is the cleaning element 37 in S140, the CPU 21 ejects the cleaning case 41 containing the used cleaning element 37 from the housing 18 of the printing device 11 (S170). For example, the CPU 21 moves the cleaning case 41 attached to the cleaning unit 36 ​​to the front of the door 48, opens the door 48, and then causes the second cleaning element moving unit 85 to remove the cleaning element 37 from the cleaning element mounting unit 38 and move it to the second cleaning element mounting unit 83. Next, the CPU 21 retrieves a cleaning case 41 containing a new cleaning element 37 and mounts it on the cleaning unit 36 ​​(S180). For example, the CPU 21 causes the first cleaning element moving unit 65 to retrieve the new cleaning case 41 mounted on the first cleaning element mounting unit 63. The CPU 21 also causes the first cleaning element moving unit 65 to mount the retrieved cleaning case 41 on the cleaning element mounting unit 38. In this way, the CPU 21 automatically replaces the cleaning member 37 .

[0029] After S180 or S160, the CPU 21 outputs information that the consumables have been replaced (S190). The CPU 21 may output this information to the management device 15, or may display and output this information on the operation panel 19. The management device 15, upon receiving this information, may instruct the automated guided vehicle 16 to move the unused storage members 35 and cleaning members 37 to the replacement unit 50, or may instruct the automated guided vehicle 16 to collect the used storage members 35 and cleaning members 37. Furthermore, upon confirming this information, the worker W may bring the unused consumables to the replacement unit 50, or may collect the used consumables from 50.

[0030] After S190, or if S130 indicates that it is not time to replace the consumables, the CPU 21 determines whether it is time to supply viscous fluid (S200). The CPU 21 makes this determination based on whether the duration of the printing process, the number of printed sheets on the substrate S, etc. have reached predetermined values. If it is time to supply viscous fluid, the CPU 21 executes a viscous fluid supply process (S210). In this supply process, the CPU 21 moves the supply unit 32 above the screen mask M, moves the supply unit 32 along the X-axis, and supplies positive pressure to the accommodating member 35, thereby discharging the viscous fluid from the accommodating member 35.

[0031] After S210, or if it is not the timing to supply viscous fluid in S200, the CPU 21 determines whether it is the timing to clean the mask (S220). The CPU 21 makes this determination based on whether the duration of the printing process, the number of printed sheets of the substrate S, etc. have reached predetermined values. If it is the timing to clean the screen mask M, the CPU 21 executes a cleaning process for the screen mask M (S230). In this cleaning process, the CPU 21 moves the cleaning unit 36 ​​below the screen mask M, presses the cleaning head 39 against the screen mask M, moves the cleaning unit 36 ​​along the Y axis, and executes a process of wiping the underside of the screen mask M with the cleaning member 37.

[0032] After S230, or if S220 indicates that it is not the time to clean the screen mask, the CPU 21 determines whether it is time to replace the screen mask M (S240). The CPU 21 makes this determination based on whether the number of printed substrates S has reached a predetermined value specified in the print job. If it is time to replace the screen mask M, the CPU 21 executes a screen mask M replacement process (S250). FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing how the storage rack 90 is received and moved between the storage position and the replacement position. The CPU 21 pulls the storage rack 90 out from inside the housing of the printing apparatus 11 (third stage in FIG. 9 ) and raises the storage rack 90 to the replacement position (fourth stage in FIG. 9 ). The CPU 21 then replaces the screen mask M using the replacement unit 27, the mask transport unit 54, etc., and, once the replacement is complete, moves the storage rack 90 to the storage position using the rack movement units 53 and 73 (second stage in FIG. 9 ). The CPU 21 repeats the printing process while replacing the screen mask M until the production process for all types of substrates S in the manufacturing plan is completed.

[0033] After S250, or if it is not time to replace the screen mask M in S240, the CPU 21 determines whether or not the production of all the substrates S has been completed (S260), and if the production of the substrates S has not been completed, the CPU 21 executes the processing from S100 onwards. On the other hand, if the production of the substrates S has been completed in S260, this routine ends.

[0034] Here, the correspondence between the components of this embodiment and the components of the present disclosure will be clarified. In this embodiment, the printing unit 22 corresponds to an example of a printing unit, the replacement unit 50 corresponds to an example of a replacement unit, the first storage member replacement device 55 and the second storage member replacement device 75 correspond to an example of a storage member replacement device, the first storage member mounting unit 56 and the second storage member mounting unit 76 correspond to an example of a storage member mounting unit, the first storage member moving unit 58 and the second storage member moving unit 78 correspond to an example of a storage member moving unit, the first cleaning member replacement device 62 and the second cleaning member replacement device 82 correspond to an example of a cleaning member replacement device, the first cleaning member mounting unit 63 and the second cleaning member mounting unit 83 correspond to an example of a cleaning member mounting unit, and the first cleaning member moving unit 65 and the second cleaning member moving unit 85 correspond to an example of a cleaning member moving unit. Note that in this embodiment, the operation of the replacement unit 50 is described to clarify an example of a printing device of the present disclosure.

[0035] The replacement unit 50 of the present embodiment described above is used in a printing device 11 that uses a screen mask M to perform a printing process of solder, which is a viscous fluid, on a substrate S as an object. The replacement unit 50 includes: a accommodating member replacement device 98 that is arranged on top of the rack unit 70 adjacent to the housing 18 of the printing device 11 and includes: an accommodating member mounting section for mounting an accommodating member 35 that accommodates a viscous fluid; and an accommodating member moving section that moves the accommodating member 35 between the accommodating member mounting section and the accommodating member opening 43 of the printing device 11; and a cleaning member replacement device 99 that is arranged on top of the rack unit 70 adjacent to the housing 18 of the printing device 11 and includes: a cleaning member mounting section for mounting a cleaning member 37 that cleans the screen mask M; and a cleaning member moving section that moves the cleaning member 37 between the cleaning member mounting section and the cleaning member opening 44 of the printing device 11.

[0036] The replacement unit 50 can use a rack unit 70 adjacent to the housing 18 to place a storage member 35 that stores a viscous fluid. The replacement unit 50 can automatically replace the placed storage member 35 using a storage member moving section. Similarly, the replacement unit 50 can use the rack unit 70 adjacent to the housing 18 to place a cleaning member 37 that cleans the screen mask M. The replacement unit 50 can automatically replace the placed cleaning member 37 using a cleaning member moving section. Therefore, the replacement unit 50 can further improve work efficiency and space efficiency when replacing components used in the printing device 11.

[0037] The replacement unit 50 also includes a storage member replacement device 98, and the storage member moving section includes storage member replacement arms 59, 79 that rotate between the storage member placement section and the storage member opening after collecting the storage member 35, and drive units 61, 81 that rotate the storage member replacement arms 59, 79. In this replacement unit 50, the storage members 35 can be automatically replaced by rotating the replacement arms using the drive units 61, 81. The replacement unit 50 also includes a storage member replacement device, and the storage member placement section is provided with loading rollers 57, 77 that move the storage members 35 along a predetermined supply / recovery direction. In this replacement unit 50, the loading rollers 57, 77 can move the storage members 35 along the supply / recovery direction A, making it easy to supply and collect the storage members 35 using an automated guided vehicle 16 or the like. Furthermore, in the replacement unit 50, the rack unit 70 is composed of a first unit 51 arranged at one end of the housing 18 of the printing device 11 and a second unit 52 arranged at the other end of the housing 18, and in the storage member replacement device, the storage member placement section includes a first storage member placement section 56 arranged on the first unit 51 side and a second storage member placement section 76 arranged on the second unit 52 side, and the storage member movement section includes a first storage member movement section 58 arranged on the first unit 51 side and a second storage member movement section 78 arranged on the second unit 52 side. Since this replacement unit 50 has a plurality of storage member placement sections and storage member movement sections, the supply storage member 35 and the recovery storage member 35 can be automatically exchanged, further improving work efficiency.

[0038] The replacement unit 50 also includes a cleaning element replacement device, and the cleaning element moving unit includes cleaning element replacement arms 66, 86 that rotate while changing the position of the cleaning elements 37 between the cleaning element placement unit and the cleaning element opening 44 after picking up the cleaning elements, and drive units 68, 88 that rotate the cleaning element replacement arms 66, 86. In this replacement unit 50, the cleaning elements 37 can be automatically replaced by rotating the cleaning element replacement arms 66, 86 using the drive units 68, 88. The replacement unit 50 also includes a cleaning element replacement device, and the cleaning element placement unit is provided with mounting rollers 64, 84 that move the cleaning elements 37 along a predetermined supply and recovery direction A. In this replacement unit 50, the mounting rollers 64, 84 can move the cleaning elements 37 along the supply and recovery direction A, making it easy to supply and recover the cleaning elements 37 using an automated guided vehicle 16 or the like. Furthermore, the rack unit 70 may be composed of a first unit 51 disposed at one end of the housing 18 of the printing device 11 and a second unit 52 disposed at the other end of the housing 18. In the cleaning element replacement device, the cleaning element placement section may include a first cleaning element placement section 63 disposed on the first unit 51 side and a second cleaning element placement section 83 disposed on the second unit 52 side, and the cleaning element movement section may include a first cleaning element movement section 65 disposed on the first unit 51 side and a second cleaning element movement section 85 disposed on the second unit 52 side. Since this replacement unit 50 has multiple cleaning element placement sections and cleaning element movement sections, it is possible to automatically replace the supply cleaning elements 37 and the collection cleaning elements 37, further improving work efficiency. Furthermore, in the replacement unit 50, the storage element placement section is disposed above the cleaning element placement section. Generally, the storage member 35 is attached above the screen mask M, and the cleaning member 37 is attached below the screen mask M, and the height of the cleaning member 37 is relatively low. Therefore, in this replacement unit 50, the placement position can be optimized, and the space provided in the rack unit 70 can be used efficiently.

[0039] The printing apparatus 11 also includes a printing section 22 that performs a printing process of a viscous fluid on a substrate S as a target object using a screen mask M, and the replacement unit 50 described above. Because the printing apparatus 11 includes the replacement unit 50 described above, it is possible to further improve work efficiency and space efficiency when replacing components used in the printing apparatus 11. Furthermore, in the printing apparatus 11, the rack unit 70 in which the replacement unit 50 is disposed includes a mask replacement device that stores the screen mask M and replaces the screen mask M between the rack unit 70 and the mask opening 42 of the printing apparatus 11. The printing apparatus 11 has a storage member opening 43 disposed above the mask opening 42 and a cleaning member opening 44 disposed below the mask opening 42. Because the rack unit 70 also includes the mask replacement device, it is possible to further improve work efficiency and space efficiency when replacing components used in the printing apparatus 11. Furthermore, the storage members 35 are generally attached to the top of the screen mask M, and the cleaning members 37 are attached to the bottom of the screen mask M, with the cleaning members 37 being relatively low in height. This allows the printer 11 to optimize the positioning of each component. The rack unit 70 in the printer 11 is composed of a first unit 51 disposed at one end of the housing 18 of the printer 11 and a second unit 2 disposed at the other end of the housing 18. Unused storage members 35 and / or cleaning members 37 are placed on one of the first unit 51 and the second unit 52, and used storage members 35 and / or cleaning members 37 are placed on the other of the first unit 51 and the second unit 52. The printer 11 has multiple placement sections for the storage members 35 and cleaning members 37, multiple transfer sections for the storage members 35 and cleaning members 37, and so can automatically exchange supplying members with collecting members, further improving work efficiency.

[0040] It goes without saying that the replacement unit 50 and printing device 11 of the present disclosure are not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be implemented in various forms as long as they fall within the technical scope of the present disclosure.

[0041] For example, in the above-described embodiment, the replacement unit 50 includes a storage member replacement device and a cleaning member replacement device, but this is not limited to this, and either the storage member replacement device or the cleaning member replacement device may be omitted. Furthermore, while the replacement unit 50 has the function of replacing the screen mask M using the mask replacement device, this function may be omitted. Even in a replacement unit 50 that omits one or more functions, providing at least one of a storage member replacement device and a cleaning member replacement device can further improve work efficiency and space efficiency when replacing members used in the printing apparatus 11. Incidentally, it is preferable to provide the storage member replacement device and the cleaning member replacement device in the rack unit 70 that functions as a mask replacement device, as this omits configuration and makes the replacement unit more compact.

[0042] In the above-described embodiment, the replacement unit 50 includes the first unit 51 and the second unit 52, but may be a single unit. In this case, the storage member replacement device includes the first storage member replacement device 55 and the second storage member replacement device 75, but may be a single unit. Furthermore, the cleaning member replacement device includes the first cleaning member replacement device 62 and the second cleaning member replacement device 82, but may be a single unit. Furthermore, the mask replacement device includes the first mask replacement device 71 and the second mask replacement device 72, but may be a single unit. When supplying and recovering members, it is preferable for each device to have two units so that the members can be placed thereon.

[0043] In the above-described embodiment, the storage member placing unit of the storage member replacing device includes the placing rollers 57, 77. However, this is not limited to rollers, and any other member may be used as long as the storage member 35 is movable, and the placing rollers 57, 77 may be omitted. Furthermore, the storage member moving unit includes the storage member replacing arms 59, 79, but this is not limited to arm-like members as long as the storage member 35 can be attached to the supply mounting unit 33. Similarly, the cleaning member replacing device includes the cleaning member placing unit includes the placing rollers 64, 84, but this is not limited to rollers, and any other member may be used as long as the cleaning member 37 is movable, and the placing rollers 64, 84 may be omitted. Furthermore, the cleaning member moving unit includes the cleaning member replacing arms 66, 86, but this is not limited to arm-like members as long as the cleaning member 37 can be attached to the cleaning mounting unit 38.

[0044] In the above-described embodiment, the replacement unit 50 includes the rack moving unit 53 and is configured to support the left and right ends of the storage rack 90 from the underside to receive the storage rack 90. ​​However, this is not particularly limited as long as the replacement unit 50 is capable of receiving the storage rack 90. ​​For example, the rack moving unit 53 may support the entire underside of the storage rack 90, or may support and receive the storage rack 90 from the side or top of the storage rack 90. ​​In this case, the storage rack 90 has been described as not having a drive unit for moving the frame 29. However, this is not particularly limited, and the storage rack 90 may have a drive unit for moving the frame 29. Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the replacement unit 50 receives the storage rack 90 by lifting the storage rack 90 upward. However, this is not particularly limited as long as the replacement unit 50 is capable of receiving the storage rack 90. ​​In the above-described embodiment, the replacement unit 50 includes the mask transport unit 54, and the frame 29 stored in the storage rack 90 is moved by the mask transport units 54 and 74. However, this is not particularly limited, and the mask transport units 54 and 74 may be omitted.

[0045] In the above-described embodiment, the replacement unit 27 has a rod structure with an abutment portion disposed on the print head 23, but this is not particularly limited to this and the replacement unit 27 may be an independent mechanism disposed outside the print head 23. Also, in the above-described embodiment, the replacement unit 27 is a rod mechanism that engages with the frame 29, but it may also be a conveyor mechanism that moves the frame 29 containing printing-related components.

[0046] In the above-described embodiment, the storage rack 90 includes a shelf 92 on which the frame 29 is placed, but is not limited to this as long as it can accommodate a plurality of frames 29. The storage rack 90 may include, for example, shelf portions on the left and right into which the ends of the frame 29 are inserted to support the frame 29. In this storage rack 90, the shelf portion 92 can be further simplified. Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the storage rack 90 includes caster portions 94, but is not limited to this, and the caster portions 94 may be omitted, or the caster portions 94 may be configured to be removable. Furthermore, the storage rack 90 includes a handle 93, but this may be omitted.

[0047] This specification also discloses the technical idea of ​​changing "the replacement unit according to claim 1 or 2" to "the replacement unit according to any one of claims 1 to 3" in claim 4 as originally filed, the technical idea of ​​changing "the replacement unit according to claim 1" to "the replacement unit according to any one of claims 1 to 4" in claim 5 as originally filed, the technical idea of ​​changing "the replacement unit according to claim 1 or 5" to "the replacement unit according to any one of claims 1 to 5" in claim 6 as originally filed, the technical idea of ​​changing "the replacement unit according to claim 1 or 5" to "the replacement unit according to any one of claims 1 to 6" in claim 7 as originally filed, the technical idea of ​​changing "the replacement unit according to claim 1 or 2" to "the replacement unit according to any one of claims 1 to 7" in claim 8 as originally filed, and the technical idea of ​​changing "the replacement unit according to claim 1" to "the replacement unit according to any one of claims 1 to 8" in claim 9 as originally filed.

[0048] The present disclosure is applicable to the technical field of devices for mounting components.

[0049] 10 Mounting system, 11 Printing device, 12 Printing inspection device, 13 Mounting device, 14 Mounting inspection device, 16, 17 Automatic guided vehicle, 18 Housing, 19 Operation panel, 20 Printing control unit, 21 CPU, 22 Printing unit, 23 Print head, 24 Printing movement unit, 25 Squeegee, 26 Mask work unit, 27 Replacement unit, 28 Mask fixing unit, 29 Frame, 30 Substrate processing unit, 31 Substrate transport unit, 32 Supply unit, 33 Supply mounting unit, 34 Supply moving unit, 35 Storage member, 36 Cleaning unit, 37 Cleaning member, 38 Cleaning mounting unit, 39 Cleaning head, 40 Winding motor, 41 Cleaning case, 42 Mask opening, 43 Storage member opening, 44 Cleaning member opening, 45 to 48 Door, 49 Work door, 50 Replacement unit, 51 First rack unit, 52 Second rack unit, 53 Rack moving section, 54 Mask transport section, 55 First accommodating member exchange device, 56 First accommodating member placement section, 57 Placement roller, 58 First accommodating member movement section, 59 Accommodating member exchange arm, 60 Sampling section, 61 Drive section, 62 First cleaning member exchange device, 63 First cleaning member placement section, 64 Placement roller, 65 First cleaning member movement section, 66 Cleaning member exchange arm, 67 Sampling section, 68 Drive section, 69 Exchange control section, 70 Mask exchange device, 71 First mask exchange device, 72 Second mask exchange device, 73 Rack moving section, 74 Mask transport section, 75 Second accommodating member exchange device, 76 Second accommodating member placement section, 77 Placement roller, 78 Second accommodating member movement section, 79 Accommodating member exchange arm, 80 Sampling section, 81 Drive section, 82 Second cleaning member exchange device, 83 Second cleaning member placing section, 84 placing roller, 85 second cleaning member moving section, 86 cleaning member replacement arm, 87 collection section, 88 drive section, 90 storage rack, 91 rack body, 92 shelf section, 93 handle, 94 caster section, 95 connection section, 96 opening, 97 mask replacement device, 98 storage member replacement device, 99 cleaning member replacement device, A supply / recovery direction, M screen mask, S substrate, W operator.

Claims

1. A replacement unit used in a printing device that performs a printing process of a viscous fluid on an object using a screen mask, comprising at least one of: a storage member replacement device that is arranged on an upper part of a rack unit adjacent to a housing of the printing device and includes: a storage member mounting part for mounting a storage member containing the viscous fluid, and a storage member moving part for moving the storage member between the storage member mounting part and a storage member opening of the printing device; and a cleaning member replacement device that is arranged on an upper part of a rack unit adjacent to a housing of the printing device and includes: a cleaning member mounting part for mounting a cleaning member that cleans the screen mask, and a cleaning member moving part for moving the cleaning member between the cleaning member mounting part and the cleaning member opening of the printing device.

2. The replacement unit according to claim 1, further comprising: the storage member replacement device; and the storage member moving section further comprising: a storage member replacement arm that rotates between the storage member placement section and the storage member opening when the storage member has been collected; and a drive section that rotates the storage member replacement arm.

3. The replacement unit according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising the storage member replacement device, and the storage member placement section is provided with a placement roller for moving the storage member along a predetermined supply / recovery direction.

4. The replacement unit according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the replacement unit is composed of a first unit arranged on one end side of a housing of the printing device and a second unit arranged on the other end side of the housing, and in the storage member replacement device, the storage member mounting section includes a first storage member mounting section arranged on the first unit side and a second storage member mounting section arranged on the second unit side, and the storage member moving section includes a first storage member moving section arranged on the first unit side and a second storage member moving section arranged on the second unit side.

5. The replacement unit according to claim 1, wherein the replacement unit comprises the cleaning member replacement device, and the cleaning member moving section comprises: a cleaning member replacement arm that rotates while changing the posture of the cleaning member between the cleaning member placement section and the cleaning member opening after the cleaning member has been collected, and a drive section that rotates the cleaning member replacement arm.

6. The replacement unit according to claim 1 or 5, further comprising the cleaning member replacement device, and the cleaning member placement section is provided with a placement roller for moving the cleaning member along a predetermined supply / recovery direction.

7. The replacement unit described in claim 1 or 5, wherein the rack unit is composed of a first unit arranged on one end side of a housing of the printing device and a second unit arranged on the other end side of the housing, and in the cleaning member replacement device, the cleaning member mounting section includes a first cleaning member mounting section arranged on the first unit side and a second cleaning member mounting section arranged on the second unit side, and the cleaning member moving section includes a first cleaning member moving section arranged on the first unit side and a second cleaning member moving section arranged on the second unit side.

8. The replacement unit according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the storage member mounting portion is disposed above the cleaning member mounting portion.

9. A printing device comprising: a printing section that performs a printing process of a viscous fluid on an object using a screen mask; and the replacement unit according to claim 1.

10. The printing device described in claim 9, wherein the rack unit is provided with a mask exchange device that stores the screen mask and exchanges the screen mask between the rack unit and a mask opening of the printing device, and the printing device has an opening for the storage member arranged above the opening for the mask and an opening for the cleaning member arranged below the opening for the mask.

11. A printing device as described in claim 9 or 10, wherein the rack unit is composed of a first unit arranged at one end of a housing of the printing device and a second unit arranged at the other end of the housing, and the storage member and / or cleaning member before use are placed on one of the first unit and the second unit, and the storage member and / or cleaning member after use are placed on the other of the first unit and the second unit.

Images