Squeegee unit and printer

Abstract

This squeegee unit includes a drive mechanism capable of changing a squeegee angle which is an angle of a squeegee with respect to a stencil. The drive mechanism can be attached to and detached from a printer together with the squeegee.

Description

Squeegee units and printing machines

[0001] This specification discloses a technique relating to a squeegee unit and a printing machine.

[0002] In the screen printing device described in Patent Document 1, a desired squeegee angle is input from a numeric keypad on a control panel. This activates a pulse motor for adjusting the squeegee angle, and its rotational force is transmitted to a worm gear, a wheel, and a shaft. As a result, the left squeegee holder is set to the desired angle.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 07-164614

[0004] In a printing machine that does not have a function for changing the squeegee angle, which is the angle of the squeegee relative to the stencil, there is a demand for a simple method for changing the squeegee angle.

[0005] In view of the above circumstances, the present specification discloses a squeegee unit and a printing press that are provided with a drive mechanism that can change the squeegee angle.

[0006] This specification discloses a squeegee unit including a drive mechanism capable of changing the squeegee angle, which is the angle of the squeegee relative to a stencil, and the drive mechanism is detachable from a printing press together with the squeegee. This specification also discloses a printing press including the above-mentioned squeegee unit and a printing press-side communication control device that can instruct the squeegee unit to change the squeegee angle via wireless communication.

[0007] This specification discloses the technical idea of ​​changing "the squeegee unit according to claim 1" to "the squeegee unit according to claim 1 or claim 2" in claim 3 of the claims originally attached to the application (hereinafter referred to as the "original claims"). This specification also discloses the technical idea of ​​changing "the squeegee unit according to claim 1" to "the squeegee unit according to any one of claims 1 to 3" in claim 4 of the original claims. This specification also discloses the technical idea of ​​changing "the squeegee unit according to claim 6" to "the squeegee unit according to claim 6 or claim 7" in claim 8 of the original claims.

[0008] This specification also discloses the technical idea of ​​changing "the squeegee unit according to claim 5" to "the squeegee unit according to any one of claims 5 to 8" in claim 9 originally claimed. Furthermore, this specification also discloses the technical idea of ​​changing "the printing press according to claim 11" to "the printing press according to claim 11 or 12" in claim 13 originally claimed. Furthermore, this specification also discloses the technical idea of ​​changing "the printing press according to claim 11" to "the printing press according to any one of claims 11 to 13" in claim 14 originally claimed. Furthermore, this specification also discloses the technical idea of ​​changing "the printing press according to claim 11" to "the printing press according to any one of claims 11 to 13" in claim 15 originally claimed.

[0009] According to the above-described squeegee unit, the drive mechanism can be attached to and detached from the printing press together with the squeegee, so the unit can be easily installed in a printing press that does not have a function for changing the squeegee angle, and the squeegee angle can be easily changed. What has been said above about the squeegee unit can also be said of a printing press that includes a squeegee unit.

[0010] FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram showing an example of the configuration of a substrate-related work line. FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional view showing an example of the configuration of a printing press. FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing an example of a squeegee unit. FIG. 7 is a side view of the squeegee unit shown in FIG. 3. FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing an example of detection when a first state of a light-transmitting state is detected by a photoelectric sensor. FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing an example of detection when a second state of a light-blocking state is detected by a photoelectric sensor. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of detection when a first state of a light-blocking state is detected by a photoelectric sensor. FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing an example of detection when a second state of a light-transmitting state is detected by a photoelectric sensor. FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram showing an example of detection when reflected light is detected by a photoelectric sensor. FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing an example of detection at a first recessed portion. FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram showing an example of detection at a second recessed portion. FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing an example of a printing press-side communication control device, a squeegee unit-side communication control device, and a change unit.

[0011] 1. Embodiment 1-1. Configuration Example of Substrate-Related Work Line WML In the substrate-related work line WML, a substrate-related work machine WM0 performs a predetermined substrate-related work on a substrate 90 to produce a product substrate 900. The substrate-related work line WML of the embodiment only needs to include a printer WM1, and the type and number of substrate-related work machines WM0 that make up the substrate-related work line WML are not limited. As shown in Figure 1, the substrate-related work line WML of the embodiment includes multiple (five) substrate-related work machines WM0: a printer WM1, a print inspection machine WM2, a component placement machine WM3, a reflow oven WM4, and a visual inspection machine WM5, and the substrate 90 is transported in this order by a substrate transport device.

[0012] The printer WM1 prints solder 80 at the mounting positions of multiple components on the board 90. The print inspection machine WM2 inspects the printing condition of the solder 80 printed by the printer WM1. The component mounting machine WM3 mounts multiple components on the board 90 on which the solder 80 has been printed by the printer WM1. There may be one or more component mounting machines WM3. When multiple component mounting machines WM3 are provided, the multiple component mounting machines WM3 can share the mounting work of multiple components.

[0013] The reflow furnace WM4 heats the board 90 on which multiple components have been mounted by the component mounting machine WM3, melting the solder 80 and performing soldering. The visual inspection machine WM5 inspects the mounting state of the multiple components mounted by the component mounting machine WM3. In this way, the board-related work line WML uses multiple (five) board-related work machines WM0 to sequentially transport the boards 90 and perform production processes including inspection processes to produce the product board 900. Note that the board-related work line WML can also be equipped with other board-related work machines WM0 as needed, such as a function inspection machine, a buffer device, a board supply device, a board inverting device, a shield mounting device, an adhesive application device, and an ultraviolet irradiation device.

[0014] The plurality (five) of substrate-related performing machines WM0 and the control device WMC that make up the substrate-related performing line WML are communicatively connected by a communication unit LC0. The communication unit LC0 may perform communication via a wired connection or wirelessly. Various communication methods are possible. In this embodiment, the plurality (five) of substrate-related performing machines WM0 and the control device WMC form a local area network (LAN). This allows the plurality (five) of substrate-related performing machines WM0 to communicate with each other via the communication unit LC0. Furthermore, the plurality (five) of substrate-related performing machines WM0 can communicate with the control device WMC via the communication unit LC0.

[0015] The management device WMC controls the plurality (five) of substrate-related performing machines WM0 that make up the substrate-related performing line WML and monitors the operating status of the substrate-related performing line WML. The management device WMC stores various control data for controlling the plurality (five) substrate-related performing machines WM0. The management device WMC transmits the control data to each of the plurality (five) substrate-related performing machines WM0. Furthermore, each of the plurality (five) substrate-related performing machines WM0 transmits its operating status and production status to the management device WMC.

[0016] The management device WMC may be provided with a data server DSV. The data server DSV may store, for example, acquired data acquired by the substrate-related performing machine WM0 regarding substrate-related performing operations. For example, the acquired data may include various image data captured by the substrate-related performing machine WM0. The acquired data may also include records (log data) of the operating status acquired by the substrate-related performing machine WM0.

[0017] The data server DSV can also store various production information related to the production of the board 90. For example, component data such as information on the shape of each component type, information on electrical characteristics, and information on how to handle the components are included in the production information. Furthermore, the inspection results obtained by inspection machines such as the print inspection machine WM2 and the appearance inspection machine WM5 are included in the acquired data as well as in the production information.

[0018] 1-2. Configuration Example of Printer WM1 In the printer WM1 of this embodiment, the squeegee 34 slides over the stencil 70 to print solder 80 onto the substrate 90 through the openings 71 in the stencil 70. As shown in FIG. 2 , the printer WM1 of this embodiment includes a substrate transport device 10, a stencil support device 20, a squeegee moving device 30, a control device 40, and a display device 41. In this specification, the transport direction of the substrate 90 (the direction perpendicular to the paper surface of FIG. 2 ) is defined as the X-axis direction. Furthermore, the direction perpendicular to the X-axis direction in the horizontal plane (XY plane) (the front-to-rear direction of the printer WM1, the left-to-right direction on the paper surface of FIG. 2 ) is defined as the Y-axis direction. Furthermore, the vertical direction perpendicular to the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction (the up-to-down direction on the paper surface of FIG. 2 ) is defined as the Z-axis direction.

[0019] The board transfer device 10 transfers a board 90 to be printed. The board 90 is a circuit board on which various circuits such as electronic circuits, electric circuits, and magnetic circuits are formed. The board transfer device 10 is provided on a base BS1 of the printing machine WM1. The board transfer device 10 transfers the board 90, for example, by a belt conveyor extending in the X-axis direction.

[0020] The substrate transport device 10 includes a substrate holding unit 11 that holds the substrate 90 that has been carried into the printing machine WM1. The substrate holding unit 11 is provided below the stencil 70 and is configured to be able to move up and down in the Z-axis direction by, for example, a linear motion mechanism such as a feed screw mechanism. Specifically, the substrate holding unit 11 is lowered when the substrate 90 is transported, and when the substrate 90 is transported to a predetermined position, it rises together with the substrate 90 and holds the substrate 90 with the upper surface of the substrate 90 in close contact with the lower surface of the stencil 70.

[0021] The stencil support device 20 is provided above the substrate transfer device 10. The stencil support device 20 supports the stencil 70 using a pair of support tables. The pair of support tables are arranged on the left side (the far side of the paper in FIG. 2 and shown in the figure) and the right side (the near side of the paper in FIG. 2 and not shown in the figure) of the printing machine WM1 when viewed from the front, and are formed to extend along the Y-axis direction.

[0022] 2 is a partial cross-sectional view of the printer WM1 taken along the Y-axis direction, and schematically shows the interior of the printer WM1 as viewed from the side, as well as cross sections of the stencil 70 and the substrate 90. The stencil 70 has openings 71 formed therethrough at predetermined positions on the wiring pattern of the substrate 90. The stencil 70 is supported by the stencil support device 20, for example, via a frame member provided on the outer periphery.

[0023] The squeegee moving device 30 raises and lowers the squeegee 34 in a direction perpendicular to the stencil 70 (Z-axis direction), and moves the squeegee 34 in the Y-axis direction on the top surface of the stencil 70. The squeegee moving device 30 includes a head driving device 31, a squeegee head 32, a pair of lifting devices 33, 33, and a pair of squeegees 34, 34. The head driving device 31 is disposed on the upper side of the printing machine WM1. The head driving device 31 can move the squeegee head 32 in the Y-axis direction by, for example, a linear motion mechanism such as a feed screw mechanism.

[0024] The squeegee head 32 is clamped and fixed to a moving body that constitutes the linear motion mechanism of the head drive device 31. The squeegee head 32 holds a pair of lifting devices 33, 33. Each of the pair of lifting devices 33, 33 holds a squeegee 34 and can be driven independently of each other. Each of the pair of lifting devices 33, 33 drives an actuator such as an air cylinder to raise and lower the squeegee 34 that it holds.

[0025] The squeegee 34 slides over the upper surface of the stencil 70, moving the solder 80 supplied to the upper surface of the stencil 70 along the stencil 70. Cream solder (solder paste) can be used as the solder 80. The solder 80 is imprinted onto the substrate 90 through the openings 71 in the stencil 70, and the solder 80 is printed on the substrate 90 arranged on the lower surface side of the stencil 70. In this embodiment, each of the pair of squeegees 34, 34 is a plate-like member formed to extend along a width direction (X-axis direction) perpendicular to the printing direction (Y-axis direction) in a horizontal plane (XY plane).

[0026] The front squeegee 34 (on the left side of FIG. 2 ) of the pair of squeegees 34 is used in a printing process that moves the solder 80 from the front side to the rear side, with the direction from the front side to the rear side of the printer WM1 being the traveling direction. The rear squeegee 34 (on the right side of FIG. 2 ) of the pair of squeegees 34 is used in a printing process that moves the solder 80 from the rear side to the front side, with the direction from the rear side to the front side of the printer WM1 being the traveling direction. Furthermore, for both squeegees 34, the direction opposite to the traveling direction is the retreating direction.

[0027] Each of the pair of squeegees 34, 34 is held by the lifting device 33 at an inclination such that the front portion located on the traveling direction side faces downward. In other words, each of the pair of squeegees 34, 34 is held by the lifting device 33 at an inclination such that the back portion located on the retreating direction side faces upward. The squeegee angle A0 of each of the pair of squeegees 34, 34 can be changed by the squeegee unit 50, which will be described later.

[0028] The control device 40 includes a known arithmetic unit and storage device, and forms a control circuit. The control device 40 is communicably connected to the management device WMC via the communication unit LC0 shown in FIG. 1, and can send and receive various data. The control device 40 can drive and control the substrate transport device 10, stencil support device 20, squeegee moving device 30, and display device 41 based on the production program, detection results of various sensors, etc.

[0029] The control device 40 is provided with a storage device SD0. The storage device SD0 can be, for example, a magnetic storage device such as a hard disk drive, or a storage device using semiconductor elements such as flash memory. The storage device SD0 stores production programs for driving the printing press WM1, etc. The control device 40 acquires various information stored in the storage device SD0 and detection results from various sensors provided on the printing press WM1.

[0030] The control device 40, for example, drives and controls the squeegee moving device 30. The control device 40 sends a control signal to the squeegee moving device 30 based on the above-mentioned various information and detection results, etc. This controls the Y-axis position, Z-axis position (height), and movement speed of the pair of squeegees 34, 34 held by the squeegee head 32. Then, as described above, the pair of squeegees 34, 34 are driven and controlled, and solder 80 is printed on the substrate 90 arranged on the underside of the stencil 70.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 2 , the printing press WM1 is provided with a display device 41. The display device 41 can display the operating status of the printing press WM1. The display device 41 is also configured as a touch panel and also functions as an input device that accepts various operations by the operator. The operator can learn the operating status of the printing press WM1 via the display device 41. The operator can also set up the printing press WM1 and give instructions to the printing press WM1 via the display device 41.

[0032] 2, there is a demand for a simple method for changing the squeegee angle A0, which is the angle of the squeegee 34 relative to the stencil 70, in a printing press WM1 that does not have a function for changing the squeegee angle A0. Therefore, the printing press WM1 is provided with a squeegee unit 50. With the squeegee unit 50, the drive mechanism 35 that can change the squeegee angle A0 is detachable from the printing press WM1 along with the squeegee 34. Therefore, the squeegee unit 50 can be easily installed in a printing press WM1 that does not have a function for changing the squeegee angle A0, and the squeegee angle A0 can be easily changed.

[0033] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3 , the squeegee unit 50 includes a squeegee 34 and a drive mechanism 35. The squeegee unit 50 may also include a confirmation unit 36. The squeegee unit 50 may also include a squeegee unit side communication control device CD2. The squeegee unit 50 of this embodiment includes the squeegee 34, the drive mechanism 35, the confirmation unit 36, and the squeegee unit side communication control device CD2. The squeegee 34 slides on the top surface of the stencil 70, moving the solder 80 supplied to the top surface of the stencil 70 along the stencil 70. The drive mechanism 35 changes the squeegee angle A0.

[0034] The drive mechanism 35 may take various forms as long as it can change the squeegee angle A0. As shown in Figures 3 and 4, for example, the drive mechanism 35 may include a motor 35a, a support portion 35b, and a reduction gear 35c. The support portion 35b supports the squeegee 34 so that it can rotate by the driving force of the motor 35a. The reduction gear 35c is provided between the motor 35a and the support portion 35b. The drive mechanism 35 is also provided at at least one of both ends of the squeegee 34 in the longitudinal direction (the direction of the arrow LD0). As shown in Figure 3, the drive mechanism 35 in this embodiment is provided at both ends of the squeegee 34 in the longitudinal direction (the direction of the arrow LD0).

[0035] The motor 35a may be any of various motors as long as it can rotate the support portion 35b that supports the squeegee 34. For example, the motor 35a may be a known motor such as a servo motor or a stepping motor. The support portion 35b may take various forms as long as it can rotatably support the squeegee 34. The support portion 35b in the embodiment can grip the end of the squeegee 34 in the longitudinal direction (the direction of the arrow LD0) and can rotate the gripped squeegee 34 by the driving force of the motor 35a.

[0036] The reduction gear 35c may have any number of gear teeth, gear stages, etc., as long as it can reduce the rotational speed (number of rotations) of the motor 35a and obtain the torque required to rotate the support portion 35b that supports the squeegee 34. For example, the reduction gear 35c in this embodiment includes a motor-side gear 35c1 and a support portion-side gear 35c2. The motor-side gear 35c1 is connected to the output shaft (shaft) of the motor 35a. The support portion-side gear 35c2 is connected to the rotation shaft (shaft) of the support portion 35b.

[0037] The torque for rotating the support portion 35b can be expressed as N2 / N1×T1, where N1 is the number of teeth of the motor-side gear 35c1, N2 is the number of teeth of the support portion-side gear 35c2, and T1 is the output torque of the motor 35a. Note that FIGS. 3 and 4 mainly illustrate the portion of the support portion-side gear 35c2 that meshes with the motor-side gear 35c1. The squeegee unit 50 is detachably connected to the tip of the lifting device 33 by a connecting portion 50a. The connecting portion 50a may take various forms as long as it is detachable from the lifting device 33. For example, the squeegee unit 50 can be connected to the lifting device 33 by a bolt or the like.

[0038] There is a possibility that an operator may touch the squeegee unit 50. As a result, the squeegee angle A0 changed by the drive mechanism 35 may fluctuate. Therefore, the squeegee unit 50 may be provided with a confirmation unit 36. The confirmation unit 36 ​​confirms the squeegee angle A0 changed by the drive mechanism 35. The confirmation unit 36 ​​may take various forms as long as it can confirm the squeegee angle A0. For example, the confirmation unit 36 ​​may confirm the squeegee angle A0 using a photoelectric sensor PS0.

[0039] When the squeegee angle A0 is set to a predetermined angle, the detection light emitted from the photoelectric sensor PS0 is placed in a first state, which is one of a light-transmitting state and a light-blocking state, by the detector 35d provided in the drive mechanism 35. Furthermore, when the squeegee angle A0 is not set to the predetermined angle, the detection light emitted from the photoelectric sensor PS0 is placed in a second state, which is the other of the light-transmitting state and the light-blocking state, by the detector 35d. Therefore, when the photoelectric sensor PS0 detects the first state, the confirmation unit 36 ​​can determine that the squeegee angle A0 is set to the predetermined angle, and when the photoelectric sensor PS0 detects the second state, the confirmation unit 36 ​​can determine that the squeegee angle A0 is not set to the predetermined angle.

[0040] 5 to 7, the confirmation unit 36 ​​can include a plunger 36a which is a detection body 35d, and a recess 36b into which the plunger 36a can enter when the squeegee angle A0 is set to a predetermined angle. The photoelectric sensor PS0 includes a light-emitter PS1 which emits detection light, and a light-receiver PS2 which receives the detection light emitted horizontally from the light-emitter PS1.

[0041] Furthermore, the plunger 36a may be any known plunger as long as it can be positioned when the squeegee angle A0 is set to a predetermined angle. For example, the plunger 36a may be a ball plunger with a ball at the tip or a spring plunger with a pin at the tip. These plungers incorporate a spring, and the ball or pin at the tip moves forward and backward under load. Figures 5 to 7 schematically show how the tip of the plunger 36a moves forward and backward.

[0042] As shown in Fig. 5, when the squeegee angle A0 is set to a predetermined angle, the photoelectric sensor PS0 detects a first light-passing state in which the plunger 36a enters the recess 36b and the detection light is not blocked by the plunger 36a. Also, as shown in Fig. 6, when the squeegee angle A0 is not set to a predetermined angle (for example, when the angle is smaller than the predetermined angle shown in Fig. 5), the photoelectric sensor PS0 detects a second light-blocking state in which the plunger 36a does not enter the recess 36b and the detection light is blocked by the plunger 36a.

[0043] As shown in Fig. 7, when the squeegee angle A0 is set to a predetermined angle (for example, when the angle is smaller than the angle shown in Fig. 6 and different from the angle shown in Fig. 5), the photoelectric sensor PS0 can also detect a first light-passing state in which the plunger 36a enters the recess 36b and the detection light is not blocked by the plunger 36a. In this way, when the photoelectric sensor PS0 detects the first light-passing state, the confirmation unit 36 ​​can determine that the squeegee angle A0 is set to the predetermined angle, and when the photoelectric sensor PS0 detects the second light-blocking state, the confirmation unit 36 ​​can determine that the squeegee angle A0 is not set to the predetermined angle.

[0044] The confirmation unit 36 ​​can also distinguish between multiple predetermined angles. For example, the recess 36b into which the plunger 36a enters shown in FIG. 5 and the recess 36b into which the plunger 36a enters shown in FIG. 7 can be formed to different depths. This causes the amount of movement of the plunger 36a when entering the multiple recesses 36b to vary. The photoelectric sensor PS0 can be provided so as to be able to detect differences in the amount of movement of the plunger 36a. For example, the photoelectric sensor PS0 can be provided with multiple pairs (two pairs in this case) of light emitters PS1 and light receivers PS2 arranged along the vertical direction.

[0045] 8 and 9, the confirmation unit 36 ​​may also include a protrusion 36c, which is a detection body 35d that can be detected when the squeegee angle A0 is set to a predetermined angle. In this embodiment, the photoelectric sensor PS0 also includes a light-emitter PS1 that emits detection light and a light-receiver PS2 that receives the detection light emitted horizontally from the light-emitter PS1. The protrusion 36c may be formed in any shape as long as it can be detected when the squeegee angle A0 is set to a predetermined angle.

[0046] As shown in Fig. 8, photoelectric sensor PS0 detects a first light-blocking state in which the detection light is blocked by the convex portion 36c when the squeegee angle A0 is set to a predetermined angle. Also, as shown in Fig. 9, photoelectric sensor PS0 detects a second light-passing state in which the detection light is not blocked by the convex portion 36c when the squeegee angle A0 is not set to a predetermined angle. Furthermore, photoelectric sensor PS0 can also detect the first light-blocking state in which the detection light is blocked by the convex portion 36c when the squeegee angle A0 is set to a predetermined angle (for example, an angle different from the predetermined angle shown in Fig. 8 that is smaller than the angle shown in Fig. 9).

[0047] In this way, the confirmation unit 36 ​​can determine that the squeegee angle A0 is set to the predetermined angle when the photoelectric sensor PS0 detects the first light-blocking state, and can determine that the squeegee angle A0 is not set to the predetermined angle when the photoelectric sensor PS0 detects the second light-transmitting state. The confirmation unit 36 ​​can also identify multiple predetermined angles. For example, the light-blocking convex portion 36c in FIG. 8 and the light-blocking convex portion 36c at a different predetermined angle from the predetermined angle shown in FIG. 8 that is smaller than the angle shown in FIG. 9 can be formed at different heights. The photoelectric sensor PS0 can be configured to detect the difference in height between the convex portions 36c. For example, the photoelectric sensor PS0 can be configured with multiple pairs (two pairs in this case) of light emitters PS1 and light receivers PS2 arranged vertically.

[0048] Furthermore, the detection light emitted from the photoelectric sensor PS0 and reflected by the detection body 35d provided in the drive mechanism 35 can be reflected at a predetermined first angle A1 when the squeegee angle A0 is set to a predetermined angle. Furthermore, the detection light emitted from the photoelectric sensor PS0 and reflected by the detection body 35d provided in the drive mechanism 35 can be reflected at a second angle A2 different from the first angle A1 when the squeegee angle A0 is not set to a predetermined angle.

[0049] In this embodiment, the photoelectric sensor PS0 may include, for example, a light emitter / receiver PS3 that emits detection light vertically downward and receives light reflected by the detection body 35d. For example, the confirmation unit 36 ​​may include the recess 36b shown in FIGS. 5 to 7, which is the detection body 35d, and the outer periphery of the support-side gear 35c2 other than the recess 36b. In the recess 36b shown in FIGS. 5 to 7, the squeegee angle A0 is set to a predetermined angle, and reflected light is formed at a predetermined first angle A1. In the outer periphery of the support-side gear 35c2 other than the recess 36b, the squeegee angle A0 is not set to a predetermined angle, and reflected light is formed at a second angle A2 different from the first angle A1.

[0050] Therefore, the confirmation unit 36 ​​can determine that the squeegee angle A0 is set to the predetermined angle when the photoelectric sensor PS0 detects reflected light reflected at the first angle A1. Furthermore, the confirmation unit 36 ​​can determine that the squeegee angle A0 is not set to the predetermined angle when the photoelectric sensor PS0 detects reflected light reflected at the second angle A2.

[0051] 10 to 12, the confirmation unit 36 ​​may also include multiple types of recesses 36d with different depths, which are detection bodies 35d. The recesses 36d include a first recess 36d1 and a second recess 36d2. The first recess 36d1 is a detection body 35d that can be detected when the squeegee angle A0 is set to a predetermined angle, and is formed so that the detection light can be reflected at a first angle A1. The second recess 36d2 is a detection body 35d that can be detected when the squeegee angle A0 is not set to a predetermined angle, and is formed so that the detection light can be reflected at a second angle A2.

[0052] 10 to 12, the depth of the first recess 36d1 is set deeper than the second recess 36d2. Furthermore, the bottom of the first recess 36d1 is inclined relative to the bottom of the second recess 36d2 at the location where the detection light is projected, allowing the detection light to be reflected at a first angle A1. As a result, the detection light projected from the photoelectric sensor PS0 and reflected by the first recess 36d1 is reflected at the first angle A1. Furthermore, the detection light projected from the photoelectric sensor PS0 and reflected by the second recess 36d2 is reflected at a second angle A2, which is different from the first angle A1.

[0053] Therefore, when the photoelectric sensor PS0 detects reflected light at the first angle A1, the confirmation unit 36 ​​can determine that the squeegee angle A0 is set to the predetermined angle. When the photoelectric sensor PS0 detects reflected light at the second angle A2, the confirmation unit 36 ​​can determine that the squeegee angle A0 is not set to the predetermined angle. The confirmation unit 36 ​​can also identify multiple predetermined angles. For example, in FIG. 10 , the first recess 36d1 to which the detection light is projected at a predetermined angle smaller than that of the first recess 36d1 to which the detection light is projected can have its bottom inclination angle set so that the detection light can be reflected at an angle different from the first angle A1 and the second angle A2.

[0054] 1-4. Example of configuration of printing press WM1 equipped with squeegee unit 50 As already described, in the squeegee unit 50, the drive mechanism 35 changes the squeegee angle A0. Therefore, it is necessary to instruct the squeegee unit 50 to change the squeegee angle A0. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 13, the printing press WM1 may be equipped with a squeegee unit 50 and a printing press communication control device CD1. The squeegee unit 50 may be in any of the forms already described.

[0055] The printing press communication control device CD1 is a communication control device capable of instructing the squeegee unit 50 about the squeegee angle A0 via wireless communication. In this embodiment, the squeegee unit 50 preferably includes a squeegee unit communication control device CD2 capable of wireless communication with the printing press communication control device CD1. The type of wireless communication is not limited as long as the printing press communication control device CD1 can instruct the squeegee unit communication control device CD2 to change the squeegee angle A0 via wireless communication. For example, infrared communication makes it easy to reduce power consumption and make the device more compact. Infrared communication also provides high communication stability. Furthermore, the instruction to change the squeegee angle A0 requires only one-way communication. Therefore, infrared communication can be used for wireless communication.

[0056] Furthermore, an instruction to change the squeegee angle A0 can be given, for example, by an operator. In this case, the printing machine WM1 may be provided with a change unit 60 that allows the operator to change the squeegee angle A0. The change unit 60 can accept an instruction to change the squeegee angle A0 from the operator, for example, on the display device 41. Specifically, the display device 41 is configured with a touch panel and also functions as an input device that accepts various operations by the operator. The operator can give an instruction to change the squeegee angle A0 via the display device 41.

[0057] The change unit 60 can accept an instruction to change the squeegee angle A0 from the worker using, for example, various icons on the display device 41. For example, the change unit 60 can accept an instruction to increase the squeegee angle A0 as the worker operates an icon with an arrow pointing vertically upward. Conversely, the change unit 60 can accept an instruction to decrease the squeegee angle A0 as the worker operates an icon with an arrow pointing vertically downward. Furthermore, for example, when the worker operates an icon indicating a numerical value, the change unit 60 can accept an instruction to change the squeegee angle A0 by setting the numerical value (angle) represented by the icon as the squeegee angle A0.

[0058] The instruction to change the squeegee angle A0 can also be automatically issued by the printer WM1. In this case, the printer WM1 should preferably be equipped with a change unit 60 that can change the squeegee angle A0 to match the printing conditions when printing solder on the board. For example, by changing the squeegee angle A0 to a value smaller than the current value, the printing pressure when printing solder 80 on the board 90 can be set higher than the current value. Conversely, by changing the squeegee angle A0 to a value larger than the current value, the printing pressure when printing solder 80 on the board 90 can be set lower than the current value. The printing conditions can be acquired, for example, from the management device WMC.

[0059] The matters described in this specification can be selected and applied as appropriate. Furthermore, the matters described in this specification can be combined as appropriate. For example, the matters already described regarding the squeegee unit 50 can also be applied to the printing machine WM1 equipped with the squeegee unit 50. Furthermore, the confirmation unit 36 ​​can also confirm the squeegee angle A0 by combining multiple confirmation means for confirming the squeegee angle A0 described above.

[0060] 2. Example of Effect of the Embodiment According to the squeegee unit 50, the drive mechanism 35 is detachable from the printing press WM1 together with the squeegee 34. Therefore, the squeegee unit 50 can be easily installed in a printing press WM1 that does not have a function for changing the squeegee angle A0, and the squeegee angle A0 can be easily changed. What has been described above about the squeegee unit 50 can also be said of a printing press WM1 that is equipped with the squeegee unit 50.

[0061] 34: Squeegee, 35: Drive mechanism, 35a: Motor, 35b: Support portion, 35c: Reduction gear, 35d: Detection body, 36: Confirmation portion, 36a: Plunger, 36b: Recess, 36c: Convex portion, 36d: Recess, 36d1: First recess, 36d2: Second recess, 50: Squeegee unit, 60: Change portion, 70: Stencil, PS0: Photoelectric sensor, A0: Squeegee angle, A1: First angle, A2: Second angle, CD1: Printing press side communication control device, CD2: Squeegee unit side communication control device, WM1: Printing press, Direction of arrow LD0: Longitudinal direction of squeegee 34.

Claims

1. A squeegee unit having a drive mechanism that can change the squeegee angle, which is the angle of the squeegee relative to the stencil, wherein the drive mechanism is detachable from the printing press together with the squeegee.

2. A squeegee unit as described in claim 1, wherein the drive mechanism comprises: a motor; a support portion that supports the squeegee so that it can rotate by the driving force of the motor; and a reduction gear provided between the motor and the support portion.

3. The squeegee unit according to claim 1, wherein the drive mechanism is provided at at least one of both longitudinal ends of the squeegee.

4. The squeegee unit according to claim 1, further comprising a confirmation unit that confirms the squeegee angle changed by the drive mechanism.

5. The squeegee unit according to claim 4, wherein the confirmation section confirms the squeegee angle by a photoelectric sensor.

6. A squeegee unit as described in claim 5, wherein the detection light emitted from the photoelectric sensor is put into a first state, which is one of a light-transmitting state and a light-blocking state, by a detecting body provided in the drive mechanism when the squeegee angle is set to a predetermined angle, and is put into a second state, which is the other of the light-transmitting state and the light-blocking state, by the detecting body when the squeegee angle is not set to the predetermined angle, and wherein the confirmation unit determines that the squeegee angle is set to the predetermined angle when the first state is detected by the photoelectric sensor, and determines that the squeegee angle is not set to the predetermined angle when the photoelectric sensor detects the second state.

7. A squeegee unit as described in claim 6, wherein the confirmation section comprises a plunger as the detection body and a recess into which the plunger can enter when the squeegee angle is set to the predetermined angle, and the photoelectric sensor detects the first light-transmitting state in which the plunger enters the recess and the detection light is not blocked by the plunger when the squeegee angle is set to the predetermined angle, and detects the second light-blocking state in which the plunger does not enter the recess and the detection light is blocked by the plunger when the squeegee angle is not set to the predetermined angle.

8. A squeegee unit as described in claim 6, wherein the confirmation section includes a convex portion that is the detection body that can be detected when the squeegee angle is set to the predetermined angle, and the photoelectric sensor detects the first state of the light-blocking state in which the detection light is blocked by the convex portion when the squeegee angle is set to the predetermined angle, and detects the second state of the light-passing state in which the detection light is not blocked by the convex portion when the squeegee angle is not set to the predetermined angle.

9. A squeegee unit as described in claim 5, wherein the detection light emitted from the photoelectric sensor is reflected by a detection body provided in the drive mechanism at a predetermined first angle when the squeegee angle is set to a predetermined angle, and is reflected at a second angle different from the first angle when the squeegee angle is not set to the predetermined angle, and the confirmation unit determines that the squeegee angle is set to the predetermined angle when the photoelectric sensor detects the reflected light reflected at the first angle, and determines that the squeegee angle is not set to the predetermined angle when the photoelectric sensor detects the reflected light reflected at the second angle.

10. A squeegee unit as described in claim 9, wherein the confirmation section has a plurality of types of recesses of different depths that are the detection bodies, and the recesses comprise: a first recess that is the detection body that can be detected when the squeegee angle is set to the predetermined angle and is formed so that the detection light can be reflected at the first angle; and a second recess that is the detection body that can be detected when the squeegee angle is not set to the predetermined angle and is formed so that the detection light can be reflected at the second angle.

11. A printing press comprising: a squeegee unit according to any one of claims 1 to 10; and a printing press communication control device capable of instructing the squeegee unit to set the squeegee angle via wireless communication.

12. The printing press according to claim 11, wherein the squeegee unit is provided with a squeegee unit side communication control device capable of wireless communication with the printing press side communication control device.

13. The printing machine according to claim 11, wherein the wireless communication is infrared communication.

14. The printing machine according to claim 11, further comprising a change unit that allows an operator to change the squeegee angle.

15. The printer according to claim 11, further comprising a changer that can change the squeegee angle in accordance with the printing conditions when printing solder on a substrate.

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