Member replacement device

Abstract

This member replacement device for supplying a replacement member to a printing device for printing a paste on a substrate includes: a storage part for storing the replacement member; a holding part for rotatably holding the replacement member and lifting the replacement member to a predetermined height; and a swing part for swinging the replacement member lifted to the predetermined height toward the printing device and putting a part of the replacement member into the printing device. When said part of the replacement member enters the printing device, the holding part descends while holding the replacement member, and supplies the replacement member to the printing device with the main surface of the replacement member in a horizontal state.

Description

Parts exchange device

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a component replacement device that supplies or retrieves a replacement component to a printing device that prints paste on a substrate.

[0002] Printing devices print solder paste or other paste on the surface of a substrate using a mask with patterned openings. In such printing devices, not only the mask but also the support that supports the substrate is replaced depending on the type of substrate. Patent Document 1 discloses a printing device that includes a mask replacement device that holds a magazine holding multiple masks horizontally and is configured to be freely raised and lowered within a housing in order to perform this mask replacement continuously and automatically.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2021-062517

[0004] Unlike the above-mentioned mask, replacement of the lower receiver is generally performed manually by an operator, but automatic replacement of the lower receiver is also possible by holding the lower receiver in a jig consisting of a frame of the same shape as the mask (i.e., a mask-shaped jig) and transporting this to the installation position of the mask in the same manner as the mask. When such a configuration is adopted, the members consisting of the lower receiver and the jig that holds it can be handled as replacement members in the same way as the mask, and therefore the replacement members can also be stored in a magazine in the same way as the mask, which is convenient.

[0005] However, in the prior art including Patent Document 1, the mask exchange device (component exchange device) holds a large mask horizontally, which increases the size of the device, and in order to exchange the mask, there is a problem in that it is necessary to secure additional space behind the component exchange device so that the mask can be inserted and removed horizontally.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a component replacement device that can be realized with a small installation area.

[0007] The component replacement device disclosed herein is a component replacement device that supplies replacement components to a printing device that prints paste on a substrate, and includes a storage section that stores the replacement components, a holding section that rotatably holds the replacement components and lifts them to a predetermined height, and a swinging section that swings the replacement components that have been lifted to the predetermined height toward the printing device and places a portion of the replacement components into the printing device, and when a portion of the replacement components enters the printing device, the holding section descends while holding the replacement components, and supplies the replacement components to the printing device with the main surface of the replacement components in a horizontal position.

[0008] Furthermore, the component replacement device disclosed herein is a component replacement device that recovers a replacement component from a printing device that prints paste on a substrate, and includes a holding section that rotatably holds the replacement component at a position where the replacement component is transported out of the printing device and lifts the replacement component to a predetermined height to recover the replacement component, and a storage section that can store the replacement component, and the holding section lowers the replacement component that it has held and lifted with its main surface vertical, and stores it in the storage section.

[0009] According to the present disclosure, it can be realized with a small installation area.

[0010]

[0011] Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings as appropriate, a detailed description of an embodiment specifically disclosing a component replacement device according to the present disclosure will be provided. However, more detailed description than necessary may be omitted. For example, detailed descriptions of well-known matters and redundant descriptions of substantially identical configurations may be omitted. This is to avoid unnecessary redundancy in the following description and to facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art. Note that the accompanying drawings and the following description are provided to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the subject matter recited in the claims.

[0012] FIG. 1 is a partial perspective view showing a member replacement device 30 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure together with a printing device 10. FIG. 2 is a perspective side view showing the member replacement device 30 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure together with the printing device 10. FIGS. 1 and 2 show the printing device 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The printing device 10 carries in and positions a substrate B, prints a paste P such as solder on an electrode pattern (not shown) provided on the upper surface of the substrate B, and then carries the substrate B out. In this embodiment, for convenience of explanation, the direction in which the substrate B is transported is referred to as the X direction. Furthermore, the direction perpendicular to the X direction in a horizontal plane is referred to as the Y direction, and the up-down direction is referred to as the Z direction.

[0013] 1 and 2, a member exchange device 30 is disposed above the rear side of the printing apparatus 10, supplying a mask M to the printing apparatus 10 and collecting the mask M from the printing apparatus 10. A member storage device 70 for storing the mask M is detachably attached to the member exchange device 30. Details of the member exchange device 30 and the member storage device 70 will be described later. The mask M is configured such that the outer periphery of a screen Ms, in which pattern openings are formed, is supported by a frame Mf.

[0014] 2, the printing device 10 includes a substrate transport and holding unit 13 on a base 12 covered by a printing unit cover 11. The substrate transport and holding unit 13 has a conveyor 13a that transports the substrate B in the X direction. The substrate transport and holding unit 13 includes a multi-stage table 13b that is arranged on the base 12 below and near the center of the conveyor 13a in the X direction, and a substrate holding unit 13c that is supported by the multi-stage table 13b.

[0015] The multi-stage table 13b moves the substrate holding unit 13c in the X and Y directions (horizontal directions) and raises and lowers the substrate holding unit 13c in the Z direction (up and down direction). The substrate holding unit 13c receives the substrate B transported by the conveyor 13a, and lifts and holds the received substrate B from the conveyor 13a.

[0016] 2, a pair of guide rails 14 are arranged above the substrate transport and holding unit 13, extending in the Y direction (front-rear direction) and facing each other in the X direction. Of the four sides of the frame Mf of the mask M, two sides facing each other in the X direction are supported by the pair of guide rails 14. With the two sides facing each other in the X direction supported by the pair of guide rails 14, the mask M can move (slide) in the front-rear direction along the Y direction on the pair of guide rails 14.

[0017] A mask installation position 14a is set in front of the guide rail 14 and above the substrate holding portion 13c, and the mask M is installed at the mask installation position 14a. A mask moving unit 15 is arranged above the guide rail 14. The mask moving unit 15 includes a contact member 16, an elevating cylinder 17 that raises and lowers the contact member 16 up and down (arrow a), and a forward / backward moving mechanism 18 ( FIG. 6 ) that moves the elevating cylinder 17 forward and backward (arrow b) along the guide rail 14.

[0018] The mask moving unit 15 moves the mask M back and forth along the guide rails 14 by bringing the lowered contact member 16 into contact with the frame Mf of the mask M. A rear opening 19 is formed on the rear side of the printing unit cover 11. A front opening 32 (see also FIG. 3B) is formed on the front side of the housing 31 of the member replacing device 30.

[0019] The mask moving unit 15 moves the mask M between the component exchange device 30 and the mask installation position 14a via the rear opening 19 and the front opening 32. The mask M that has been moved to the mask installation position 14a is positioned at the mask installation position 14a with the main surface of the mask M horizontal (FIG. 7).

[0020] FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the mask M used in the printing apparatus 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, along with the guide rails 14. In FIG. 7, multiple (four in this example) fixed cylinders 14S are provided near the mask installation position 14a. Each fixed cylinder 14S can extend its piston rod 14R downward. When the fixed cylinders 14S extend their piston rods 14R downward while the mask M is positioned at the mask installation position 14a, the lower ends of the piston rods 14R abut against the upper surface of the frame Mf of the mask M, and two sides of the frame Mf facing in the X direction are pressed from above against the pair of guide rails 14. As a result, the mask M positioned at the mask installation position 14a is fixed on the pair of guide rails 14 ( FIG. 7 ).

[0021] 2, a print head 20 that moves along the Y direction is disposed above the mask installation position 14a. The print head 20 is equipped with two squeegees 20a that are disposed opposite each other in the Y direction. The squeegees 20a are made of spatula-shaped members that extend in the X direction, and each can move independently in the Z direction.

[0022] With the substrate B held by the substrate holding unit 13c in contact with the underside of the mask M, the print head 20 lowers one of the two squeegees 20a to abut on the mask M, and moves in the Y direction in this state, causing the squeegee 20a to slide over the mask M. As a result, the paste P supplied onto the mask M is scraped up on the mask M, and the paste P is applied to the substrate B through the pattern openings MK (FIG. 7) formed in the mask M (see also FIGS. 8(a) and 8(b)).

[0023] Next, the component replacement device 30 and the component storage device 70 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5 . FIG. 3( a) is a perspective plan view showing the configuration of a main part of the component replacement device 30 to which the component storage device 70 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is attached. FIG. 3( b) is a perspective rear view showing the configuration of a main part of the component replacement device 30 to which the component storage device 70 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is attached. FIG. 4( a) is a perspective plan view explaining the function of the component replacement device 30 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 4( b) is a perspective rear view explaining the function of the component replacement device 30 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIGS. 5( a) and 5( b) are enlarged plan views explaining the configuration of the clampers 40, 41 of the holding unit 39 provided in the component replacement device 30 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] An attachment opening 33 into which a component storage device 70 is attached is provided on the rear side of the component exchange device 30. The component storage device 70 includes a storage section 73 having a plurality of bottomed collection slots 71 and supply slots 72 for storing masks M. Here, the collection slots 71 refer to slots located on the front side of the storage section 73 when the component storage device 70 is attached to the component exchange device 30, and the supply slots 72 refer to slots located on the rear side of the storage section 73 when the component storage device 70 is attached to the component exchange device 30.

[0025] The mask M is stored in the collection slot 71 and the supply slot 72 with its main surface oriented vertically. The depth L1 of the collection slot 71 and the supply slot 72 is shallower than the length L2 ( FIG. 2 ) of the main surface of the mask M. As a result, a portion of the mask M stored in the collection slot 71 and the supply slot 72 protrudes from the top of the collection slot 71 and the supply slot 72.

[0026] 1 , a back panel 74 is disposed at the rear of the storage section 73, and is large enough to extend at least above and beyond the left and right sides of the storage section 73. A docking section 75 is disposed at the front of the storage section 73, and protrudes from the storage section 73. In this example, the material storage device 70 is provided with two docking sections 75, one on the left and one on the right. Wheels 76 are provided on the bottom of the storage section 73. This allows the material storage device 70 to be moved around the floor on which the printing device 10 is installed by a worker or an automated guided vehicle (not shown).

[0027] The component exchange device 30 is provided with two docking openings 34 corresponding to the positions of the docking sections 75. Furthermore, in the component exchange device 30, a locking mechanism 35 ( FIG. 6 ) that grips the docking section 75 of the component storage device 70 is arranged inside the docking opening 34. When the component storage device 70 is attached to the attachment opening 33 of the component exchange device 30, the docking section 75 is inserted into the docking opening 34. When the locking mechanism 35 is activated in this state, the component storage device 70 is held relative to the component exchange device 30. Furthermore, when the component storage device 70 is to be removed from the component exchange device 30, the locking mechanism 35 is released and then the component storage device 70 is pulled out of the attachment opening 33.

[0028] In FIG. 1 , a touch panel 36 connected to the replacement control device 60 ( FIG. 6 ) is disposed on the rear side of the component exchange device 30. The locking mechanism 35 is controlled by an exchange control unit 61 ( FIG. 6 ) provided in the exchange control device 60. An operator operates the touch panel 36 to issue a command to lock or unlock the locking mechanism 35. Specifically, after attaching the component storage device 70 to the component exchange device 30, the operator operates the touch panel 36 to activate the locking mechanism 35 to hold (lock) the component storage device 70. The operator also operates the touch panel 36 to release the locking mechanism 35, and then removes the component storage device 70. As described above, the component storage device 70 is provided with a docking unit 75 that is docked with the component exchange device 30.

[0029] When the component storage device 70 is held by the component exchange device 30, the area indicated by diagonal hatching on the back plate 74 of the component storage device 70 abuts against the area indicated by diagonal hatching on the rear surface 31a of the housing 31 of the component exchange device 30. This causes the mounting opening 33 of the component exchange device 30 to be closed by the back plate 74. In this way, when the back plate 74 is docked to the component exchange device 30, it serves as a cover that covers the gap between the component exchange device 30. This prevents an operator from accidentally touching a moving mechanism and getting injured while the component exchange device 30 is in operation, thereby ensuring safety.

[0030] The mechanism for holding the component storage device 70 on the component exchange device 30 is not limited to the combination of the docking section 75 and the locking mechanism 35, but may be any mechanism that secures the component storage device 70 to the component exchange device 30. For example, the docking opening 34 and the locking mechanism 35 may be disposed in the printing apparatus 10. When the automated guided vehicle transports the component storage device 70 and attaches or detaches it to or from the component exchange device 30, commands to activate and release the locking mechanism 35 are communicated wirelessly or otherwise between the automated guided vehicle and the exchange control device 60 of the component exchange device 30.

[0031] In this way, the material storage device 70 has a storage section 73 that stores the mask M with the main surface of the mask M vertical, and is detachable from the material replacement device 30. By storing the mask M vertically, the material storage device 70 can be realized with a small installation area.

[0032] 2, a shutter 38 that is raised and lowered by a shutter lifting unit 37 (FIG. 6) is disposed on the front side (printing apparatus 10 side) of the component replacement device 30. The shutter lifting unit 37 is controlled by a replacement control unit 61. When the shutter 38 is lowered, the front opening 32 is closed, restricting access from the component replacement device 30 to the interior of the printing apparatus 10. When the shutter 38 is raised, the front opening 32 is opened, allowing access from the component replacement device 30 to the interior of the printing apparatus 10.

[0033] When the exchange control unit 61 receives a lock command and the lock mechanism 35 holds the member storage device 70, it raises the shutter 38 to open the front opening 32. When the exchange control unit 61 receives a command to release the lock, it lowers the shutter 38 to close the front opening 32, and then releases the lock of the lock mechanism 35.

[0034] 2 and 3 , a holder 39 is disposed inside the housing 31 of the component exchange device 30. The holder 39 rotatably holds and lifts to a predetermined position a mask M stored in a collection slot 71 or a supply slot 72 of a storage section 73 of a component storage device 70 attached to the component exchange device 30. The holder 39 has a plurality of pairs of clampers 40, 41 that grip both side surfaces of a frame Mf of the mask M, corresponding to the plurality of collection slots 71 and supply slots 72.

[0035] Hereinafter, the clamper 40 corresponding to the collection slot 71 on the front side (the printing device 10 side) will be referred to as the "collection clamper 40," and the clamper 41 corresponding to the supply slot 72 on the rear side will be referred to as the "supply clamper 41." In addition, in the description of Figures 2 to 5, the storage section 73 of the component storage device 70 attached to the component replacement device 30 may be simply referred to as the storage section 73.

[0036] 3 and 4 , the collection clamper 40 and the supply clamper 41 are arranged side by side in the Y direction and fixed to a lift plate 42. The lift plate 42 is provided so as to be able to move up and down along a linear guide 43 that extends vertically (in the Z direction) and is fixed to the housing 31. A nut 44 is fixed to the lift plate 42. A ball screw 45 that extends vertically is meshed with the nut 44. The ball screw 45 is rotated about an axis along the Z direction (Z axis) by a lift motor 46 that is fixed to the housing 31. The lift motor 46 is controlled by the exchange control unit 61. The lift plate 42 moves up and down as the lift motor 46 rotates the ball screw 45 (arrow f in FIG. 4 ).

[0037] Here, the detailed configuration and function of the collection clamper 40 and the supply clamper 41 will be described with reference to FIG. 5. FIG. 5(a) is an enlarged view of the vicinity of one (left) collection clamper 40 and supply clamper 41 indicated by circle D in FIG. 3(a). FIG. 5(b) is an enlarged view of the vicinity of one (left) collection clamper 40 and supply clamper 41 indicated by circle E in FIG. 4(a). FIG. 4 shows a state in which a pair of supply clampers 41 holds and lifts up a mask M stored in a supply slot 72 of a storage unit 73. The other (right) collection clamper 40 and supply clamper 41 have the same configuration as the one (left) collection clamper 40 and supply clamper 41 except that the components are arranged symmetrically with respect to the collection slot 71 and supply slot 72, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0038] 5, the recovery clamper 40 includes a recovery cylinder 47 having a piston connected to a joint 49 at its tip that can be extended and retracted toward a recovery slot 71. The supply clamper 41 includes a supply cylinder 48 having a piston 48a connected to a joint 49 at its tip that can be extended and retracted toward a supply slot 72. A shaft 50 extending along the X direction is attached to each joint 49 so as to be rotatable about an axis (X axis) along the X direction. A locking portion 50a provided at the end of the shaft 50 is held in an internal space 49a of the joint 49 so as to be movable within a play G.

[0039] The shaft 50 is held by a rotary bearing 51 so as to be rotatable about the X axis and movable back and forth along the X direction. A pad 52 that abuts against the frame Mf of the mask M is connected to the end of the shaft 50 opposite the locking portion 50a side. A compression spring 53, which is an elastic body, is inserted into the shaft 50 and disposed between the rotary bearing 51 and the pad 52. The elastic force of the compression spring 53 urges the shaft 50 toward the collection slot 71 or the supply slot 72. The collection cylinder 47 and the supply cylinder 48 are controlled by an exchange control unit 61.

[0040] 4 and 5(b), when the supply cylinder 48 of each of the pair of supply clampers 41 protrudes its piston 48a, the shaft 50 is pushed by the joint 49 and moves toward the supply slot 72, and the pads 52 of each shaft 50 come into contact with both side surfaces of the mask M stored in the supply slot 72. As a result, both side surfaces of the mask M are gripped by the pair of supply clampers 41. The mask M is stably gripped by the elastic force of the compression springs 53 of the supply clampers 41.

[0041] It is desirable that the spring constant of one of the compression springs 53 of the pair of supply clampers 41 be greater than that of the other. This prevents the position of the mask M from fluctuating or vibrating due to the left and right supply clampers 41 pushing against each other. The same applies to the compression springs 53 of the pair of recovery clampers 40. Alternatively, the play G of one of the joints 49 may be set to zero to fix the position of the pad 52.

[0042] When the mask M held by the pair of supply clampers 41 lands in the supply slot 72, the pistons 48 a of the supply cylinders 48 retract, causing the pair of pads 52 to move away from both sides of the mask M, thereby releasing the mask M. As a result, the mask M is stored in the supply slot 72.

[0043] In Figure 4 (b), while a pair of supply clampers 41 are holding the mask M, the lifting motor 46 is operated to raise and lower the lifting plate 42 (arrow f), so that the mask M is removed from the supply slot 72, raised and lowered within the housing 31, and stored in the supply slot 72.

[0044] Similarly, when the pistons of the recovery cylinders 47 of the pair of recovery clampers 40 are extended while the mask M is stored in the recovery slot 71, both end surfaces of the mask M are gripped by the pair of recovery clampers 40. Furthermore, when the mask M held by the recovery clampers 40 lands in the recovery slot 71 and each recovery cylinder 47 retracts its piston, the pair of pads 52 move away from both side surfaces of the mask M, releasing the mask M. Furthermore, when the pair of recovery clampers 40 are gripping the mask M, the lift motor 46 is operated to raise and lower the lift plate 42, whereby the mask M is removed from the recovery slot 71, raised and lowered within the housing 31, and stored in the recovery slot 71.

[0045] 2 and 3, a swinging unit 54 is disposed inside the housing 31 of the component replacement device 30. The swinging unit 54 swings the mask M, which has been lifted to a predetermined position, toward the printing device 10, and places a portion of the mask M inside the printing device 10 (see also FIGS. 11(a) and 11(b)). The swinging unit 54 has a swinging motor 56. The swinging motor 56 is disposed on a fixed plate 55 fixed to the housing 31, with its rotation shaft 56a facing in the X direction. A crank-shaped pusher 57 is connected to the rotation shaft 56a of the swinging motor 56. The swinging motor 56 is controlled by the replacement control unit 61. When the swinging motor 56 is activated, the pusher 57 rotates (arrow c in FIG. 2).

[0046] The fixed plate 55 and the swing motor 56 of the swing unit 54 are positioned so as not to interfere with the lift plate 42 of the holding unit 39, which moves up and down. Furthermore, the pusher 57 is shaped so as not to interfere with the lift plate 42 of the holding unit 39, which moves up and down, when it rotates to the retracted position (see FIG. 3A). Furthermore, the pusher 57 extends in the X direction to a position where its tip contacts the back surface of the mask M stored in the storage unit 73. When the pair of recovery clampers 40 or supply clampers 41 grips the mask M and lifts it up to a predetermined position, the swing motor 56 swings the pusher 57 from the retracted position toward the printing device 10, whereupon the pusher 57 contacts the back surface of the mask M and swings the mask M toward the printing device 10.

[0047] 3, a label C such as a barcode or two-dimensional code indicating information identifying the mask M is attached to the side of the frame Mf of the mask M. The mask M is stored in the collection slot 71 or the supply slot 72 with the label C facing upward. An information reading unit 58, which is a reader that reads the label C attached to the mask M, is disposed on the ceiling inside the housing 31 of the member replacement device 30, corresponding to the position of the label C. The information reading unit 58 recognizes the label C attached to the mask M and reads the information attached to the mask M. The replacement control device 60 transmits the read information attached to the mask M to the print control device 21 (FIG. 6) of the printing device 10.

[0048] Next, the configuration of the control systems of the printing apparatus 10 and the member replacement device 30 will be described with reference to FIG. 6 . FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the printing apparatus and the member replacement device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Regarding the printing apparatus 10, the following mainly describes the portions related to the mask replacement operation. The lifting cylinder 17 and the front-rear movement mechanism 18 of the mask moving unit 15 are connected to a printing control device 21 provided in the printing apparatus 10. The printing control device 21 includes a printing control unit 22 and a printing memory unit 23. The printing memory unit 23 is a storage device that stores a control program for controlling the mask moving unit 15, information attached to the mask M read by the member replacement device 30, and the like. The printing control unit 22 executes a replacement process for the mask M used in the printing operation based on the control program, information related to the mask M, and the like stored in the printing memory unit 23.

[0049] 6 , the lock mechanism 35, touch panel 36, shutter lifting unit 37, lifting motor 46 of holding unit 39, recovery cylinder 47, supply cylinder 48, swing motor 56 of swinging unit 54, and information reading unit 58 are connected to an exchange control device 60 provided in the component exchange device 30. The exchange control device 60 includes an exchange control unit 61 and an exchange memory unit 62. The exchange control device 60 transmits and receives data to and from the print control device 21 via a signal line 59.

[0050] The exchange storage unit 62 is a storage device that stores control programs and the like that execute various processes such as a lock process for holding the material storage device 70, an release process for releasing the material storage device 70, a recovery process for recovering the mask M from the printing device 10, and a supply process for supplying the mask M to the printing device 10. The exchange control unit 61 executes the lock process, the release process, the recovery process, and the supply process based on the control programs and the like stored in the exchange storage unit 62.

[0051] Next, with reference to Figures 8(a) and 8(b), a description will be given of a method for mounting a component storage device 70 to the mounting opening 33 of the component exchange device 30. Figures 8(a) and 8(b) are explanatory views of the process of mounting the component storage device 70 to the component exchange device 30 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0052] 8( a), a replacement mask M2 to be used for printing solder paste P on a substrate B of the next substrate type is stored with its main surface vertical in a supply slot 72 of the component storage device 70. In the printing device 10, a printing operation is being performed to print solder paste P on the substrate B using a mask M1. The component storage device 70 is transported by an operator or an automated guided vehicle to the rear side of the component replacement device 30 (arrow h1) (component storage device transport process).

[0053] 8(b), the component storage device 70 is then attached to the component exchange device 30 while inserting the docking unit 75 into the docking opening 34 (arrow h2) (component storage device attachment step). Next, when the touch panel 36 is operated and the exchange control unit 61 receives a lock command, the exchange control unit 61 causes the lock mechanism 35 to execute a locking process to hold the docking unit 75 (locking step). Next, the exchange control unit 61 causes the shutter lifting unit 37 to lift the shutter 38 to open the front opening 32 (arrow h3) (opening step). This completes preparations for the component exchange device 30 to execute the collection process and the supply process.

[0054] Next, a mask recovery method for recovering the mask M1 from the printing apparatus 10 to the member replacement device 30 will be described with reference to FIGS. 9( a), 9(b), and 10(a). FIGS. 9(a) and 9(b) are explanatory diagrams of the process of recovering the mask M1 from the printing apparatus 10 by the member replacement device 30 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 10(a) is an explanatory diagram of the process of recovering the mask M1 from the printing apparatus 10 by the member replacement device 30 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. It is assumed that the pair of recovery clampers 40 have moved to a height H1 at which the frame Mf of the mask M1, which is discharged from the rear opening 19 of the printing apparatus 10 along the guide rails 14, is located. The recovery process and a supply process, which will be described later, are performed jointly by the print control unit 22 and the replacement control unit 61.

[0055] 9A, when a printing operation using the mask M1 is completed in the printing device 10, the print control unit 22 causes the fixed cylinder 14S to release the mask M1. Next, the print control unit 22 causes the front-rear movement mechanism 18 to move the lift cylinder 17 to the front side of the mask M1 (the side farther from the member replacement device 30), and causes the lift cylinder 17 to lower the contact member 16 (arrow i1).

[0056] Next, the printing control unit 22 moves the lifting cylinder 17 toward the member replacing device 30 using the forward / backward movement mechanism 18, causing the contact member 16 to push the front side of the mask M1 (arrow i2). The printing control unit 22 moves the rear side of the mask M1 into the housing 31 through the rear opening 19 and the front opening 32, and moves the rear frame body Mf to the position of the pads 52 of the pair of recovery clampers 40 (mask ejection process).

[0057] 9(a), the exchange control unit 61 then causes the piston of the recovery cylinder 47 to protrude, causing both end surfaces of the mask M1 to be gripped by the pair of pads 52 (recovery clamper gripping step). In Figures 9(a), 9(b), 10(a), 10(b), 11(a), and 11(b), the states in which the pads 52 of the recovery clamper 40 or the supply clamper 41 are gripping both end surfaces of the mask M1 or the mask M2 are indicated by black circles.

[0058] 9(b), the exchange control unit 61 then activates the lift motor 46 to raise the recovery clamper 40 (arrow i3). As the recovery clamper 40 gripping the mask M1 rises, the mask M1, which was transported out of the printing device 10 with its main surface horizontal, rotates to a vertical state. The exchange control unit 61 raises the recovery clamper 40 to a height H2 at which the main surface of the mask M1 becomes vertical (recovery clamper raising step).

[0059] 10A, when the recovery clamper 40 is raised to height H2 and the main surface of the mask M1 is in a vertical position, the exchange control unit 61 activates the lift motor 46 to lower the recovery clamper 40 (arrow i4). The exchange control unit 61 lowers the recovery clamper 40 to height H3, at which the mask M1 lands in the recovery slot 71 (recovery clamper lowering step). Next, the exchange control unit 61 retracts the piston in the recovery cylinder 47 to separate the pair of pads 52 from both end surfaces of the mask M1. This releases the mask M1 from the recovery clamper 40, and the mask M1 is recovered in the recovery slot 71 (recovery clamper releasing step).

[0060] As described above, the component replacement device 30 of this embodiment includes the holding unit 39. When the component storage device 70 including the storage unit 73 is attached, the holding unit 39 rotatably holds the mask M1 at a position where the mask M1 was carried out of the printing device 10 with its main surface horizontal (collection clamper gripping step), lifts the mask M1 to a predetermined height H2 (collection clamper raising step), lowers the held and lifted mask M1 with its main surface vertical (collection clamper lowering step), and recovers the mask M1 into the recovery slot 71 of the storage unit 73 that can store the mask M1 with its main surface vertical (collection clamper releasing step). By recovering the mask M1 with its main surface vertical in this way, the component replacement device 30 can be realized in a small area.

[0061] Next, a mask supply method for supplying a mask M2 from the member exchanging device 30 to the printing apparatus 10 will be described with reference to FIGS. 10(b), 11(a), 11(b), 12(a), and 12(b). FIG. 10(b) is an explanatory diagram of a process of supplying a mask M2 to the printing apparatus 10 by the member exchanging device 30 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIGS. 11(a) and 11(b) are explanatory diagrams of a process of supplying a mask M2 to the printing apparatus 10 by the member exchanging device 30 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 12(a) is an explanatory diagram of a process of supplying a mask M2 to the printing apparatus 10 by the member exchanging device 30 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 12(b) is an explanatory diagram of a process of detaching a member storage device 70 from the member exchanging device 30 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0062] 10B, when the recovery clamper 40 has finished recovering the mask M1 into the recovery slot 71, the exchange control unit 61 actuates the lift motor 46 to move the supply clamper 41 to height H4 (arrow j1), at which the frame Mf of the mask M2 stored in the supply slot 72 is located. Note that in this example, height H4 is the same as height H1, at which the frame Mf of the mask M1 ejected from the printing device 10 is located. Next, the exchange control unit 61 protrudes the piston 48a of the supply cylinder 48, causing both end surfaces of the mask M2 to be gripped by the pair of pads 52 (supply clamper gripping step).

[0063] 11A, the replacement control unit 61 then activates the lift motor 46 to raise the supply clamper 41 (arrow j2). When the mask M2 held by the supply clamper 41 rotates, the replacement control unit 61 raises the supply clamper 41 to a height H5 at which the bottom end of the mask M2 enters the rear opening 19 of the printing device 10 (supply clamper raising process). Next, the replacement control unit 61 causes the information reading unit 58 to read information from the label C attached to the mask M2 (information reading process). The replacement control unit 61 transmits the read information about the mask M2 to the printing control device 21. The printing control unit 22 stores the received information about the mask M2 in the printing memory unit 23.

[0064] Next, the exchange control unit 61 controls the swing motor 56 to move the pusher 57 toward the mask M2 (arrow j3) and bring the pusher 57 into contact with the back surface of the mask M2. The print control unit 22 also controls the front-rear movement mechanism 18 to move the lift cylinder 17 to a position where the movement of the mask M2 starts (arrow j4).

[0065] 11B, the replacement control unit 61 then activates the lift motor 46 to lower the supply clamper 41 (arrow j5), while causing the swing motor 56 of the swing unit 54 to move the pusher 57 toward the printing device 10 (arrow j6), swinging the lower end of the mask M2 toward the printing device 10 and inserting a portion of the mask M2 into the printing device 10 (swinging process). After moving the pusher 57 to the retracted position, the replacement control unit 61 lowers the supply clamper 41 to a height H1 where the main surface of the mask M2 is horizontal (supply clamper lowering process). Once the main surface of the mask M2 is horizontal, the printing control unit 22 causes the lift cylinder 17 to lower the abutment member 16 (arrow j7), bringing the abutment member 16 into contact with the rear side of the front frame Mf of the mask M2.

[0066] 12A, the exchange control unit 61 then retracts the piston 48a into the supply cylinder 48, moving the pair of pads 52 away from both end surfaces of the mask M2. This releases the mask M2 from the supply clamper 41 (supply clamper release process). Once the mask M2 has been released from the supply clamper 41, the print control unit 22 causes the front-rear movement mechanism 18 to move the lift cylinder 17 toward the mask installation position 14a, causing the abutment member 16 to press the front side of the mask M2 (arrow j8).

[0067] 12(b), the print control unit 22 raises the contact member 16, moves the lift cylinder 17 rearward, and lowers the contact member 16. Finally, the contact member 16 pushes the rear side of the frame Mf behind the mask M2, moving the mask M2 to the mask installation position 14a (arrow j9). Next, the print control unit 22 holds the mask M1 on the fixed cylinder 14S (mask loading process). This enables the printing device 10 to perform printing using the mask M2.

[0068] As described above, the component replacement device 30 of this embodiment includes the holding unit 39 and the swinging unit 54. When the component storage device 70 including the storage unit 73 is attached, the holding unit 39 rotatably holds the mask M2 stored in the supply slot 72 of the storage unit 73 with the main surface of the mask M2 vertical (supply clamper gripping step), and lifts the mask M2 to a predetermined height H5 (supply clamper lifting step). The swinging unit 54 swings the mask M2 that has been lifted to the predetermined height H5 toward the printing device 10, and inserts a portion of the mask M2 into the printing device 10 (swinging step).

[0069] Then, when a portion of the mask M2 enters the printing device 10, the holding unit 39 descends while holding the mask M2 (supply clamper descending step), and supplies the mask M2 to the printing device 10 with its main surface in a horizontal state (supply clamper releasing step). In this way, by supplying the mask M2, which is stored with its main surface in a vertical state, with its main surface in a horizontal state, the member replacement device 30 can be realized in a small area.

[0070] Next, a method for removing the component storage device 70 from the mounting opening 33 of the component exchange device 30 will be described with reference to FIGS. 12(a) and 12(b).

[0071] 12(a), when the touch panel 36 is operated and the replacement control unit 61 receives a command to release the lock, the replacement control unit 61 causes the shutter lifting unit 37 to lower the shutter 38 to close the front opening 32 (arrow k1) (closing process). Once the front opening 32 is closed, the replacement control unit 61 causes the locking mechanism 35 to release the docking unit 75 (releasing process). Once the release process is complete, the replacement control unit 61 displays on the touch panel 36 a message stating "Preparation for removal of the component storage device 70 is complete."

[0072] 12(b), when preparations for removing the material storage device 70 are complete, the worker or the automated guided vehicle moves the material storage device 70 backward (arrow k2) and removes the material storage device 70 from the mounting opening 33 of the material exchange device 30 (material storage device removal step). This completes the removal process of the material storage device 70, with the used mask M1 stored in the storage section 73, from the material exchange device 30.

[0073] In the above description, an example was shown in which only the mask M is stored in the storage section 73 of the component storage device 70 provided in the component replacement device 30. However, in this embodiment, the component storage device 70 can store not only the mask M but also a replacement component KB consisting of a lower receiver 80 constituting part of the substrate holder 13c and a mask-shaped jig JG for transporting the lower receiver 80, as well as the jig JG alone ( FIG. 13 ). FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional side view of the storage section 73 provided in the printing apparatus 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Thus, the component replacement device 30 is capable of not only installing and removing the mask M at the mask installation position 14a (replacement work), but also replacing the lower receiver 80 by moving the replacement component KB and the jig JG to the mask installation position 14a and from the mask installation position 14a to the storage section 73 (replacement work of the replacement component KB).

[0074] First, the lower support body 80 will be described. FIG. 14 is a side view of a main portion of a printing apparatus 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The lower support body 80 is a member that supports (receives) the substrate B from below while supported by a support base 83. In FIG. 14, the substrate transport and holding unit 13 of the printing apparatus 10 includes, in addition to the conveyor 13a described above, a lifting base 81, a lifter 82, a support base 83, the lower support body 80 described above, and a pair of substrate clampers 84. The lifting base 81 is made of a plate-shaped member and is supported in a horizontal position by the multi-stage table 13b described above. The lifter 82 is attached to the lifting base 81 and moves the support base 83 in the Z direction relative to the lifting base 81. The support base 83 is made of a block-shaped member and supports the lower support body 80 from below. In this embodiment, the support base 83 is provided with a vacuum chuck mechanism on its upper surface, which detachably supports (holds) the lower surface of the lower support body 80.

[0075] The lower support 80 is made of a block-shaped member and is provided with a vacuum chuck mechanism (not shown) on its upper surface. The lower support 80 is located below and between the pair of conveyors 13a, and contacts the underside of the substrate B positioned by the pair of conveyors 13a from below, supporting the substrate B by vacuum suction using the vacuum chuck mechanism. When the lifter 82 moves the support base 83 in the Z direction, the lower support 80 held by the support base 83 (and the substrate B if it is supported by the lower support 80) moves up and down.

[0076] The pair of substrate clampers 84 are arranged opposite each other in the Y direction. The pair of substrate clampers 84 are supported by the lower supports 80 and clamp the substrate B lifted by the lifter 82 from the Y direction. The multi-stage table 13b moves the lift base 81 in the horizontal plane (XY plane) and in the Z direction, thereby moving the entire substrate transport and holding unit 13 in the X, Y, and Z directions.

[0077] Here, the mask-type jig JG will be described. The jig JG has the function of transferring the lower support body 80 it holds to the support table 83 of the substrate transport and holding unit 13, and also of holding and receiving the lower support body 80 supported by the support table 83. As shown in Figures 15 and 16, the jig JG includes a frame 91 and an elevator body 92.

[0078] Fig. 15 is a perspective view showing the replacement part KB used in the printing device 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, together with the guide rail 14. Fig. 16 is a perspective view of a jig included in the printing device 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In Figs. 15 and 16, the frame 91 includes two (left and right) vertical frame members 91a that extend in the Y direction and face each other in the X direction, and two (front and rear) horizontal frame members 91b that extend in the X direction and face each other in the Y direction. The frame 91 has an overall rectangular frame shape by connecting the adjacent ends of the two vertical frame members 91a and the two horizontal frame members 91b.

[0079] The X-direction dimension LGJ (FIG. 15) of the frame 91 is substantially the same as the X-direction dimension LGM (FIG. 7) of the frame body Mf of the mask M. Therefore, like the mask M, the jig JG can slide in the Y-direction on the pair of guide rails 14 with two sides facing each other in the X-direction supported by the pair of guide rails 14.

[0080] 17(a) and 17(b) are side views showing a portion of a jig according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, along with a lower support body 80 held by the jig. In FIGS. 16, 17(a), and 17(b), two vertical frame members 91a each have a shape that opens to the side. Specifically, the vertical frame member 91a has a channel shape including a web 93 extending in the vertical direction and upper and lower flanges (upper flange 94 and lower flange 95) that extend laterally inward from the upper and lower ends of the web 93 (toward the sides where the two vertical frame members 91a face each other). A guide post 96 extending in the vertical direction (Z direction) is provided between the upper flange 94 and the lower flange 95.

[0081] In Fig. 16, a plurality of guide pillars 96 are arranged in a line in the direction (Y direction) along the vertical frame member 91a. As shown in Figs. 17(a) and 17(b), a biasing spring 97 is inserted through each guide pillar 96, and the upper flange 94 is provided with a notched through groove 98 that penetrates in the thickness direction (Z direction) (see also Fig. 16). The through groove 98 extends in the Y direction along the upper flange 94. A stopper 99 is provided on the upper surface of the lower flange 95.

[0082] As with the mask M, a label C such as a barcode or two-dimensional code indicating information identifying the replaceable member KB (or more directly, the jig JG) is attached to the side of the frame 91 ( FIGS. 15 and 16 ). The replaceable member KB is stored in the collection slot 71 or the supply slot 72 with the label C facing upward, and the information reading unit 58 recognizes the label C attached to the replaceable member KB and reads the information attached to the replaceable member KB. The replacement control device 60 then transmits the read information attached to the replaceable member KB to the print control device 21 of the printing device 10.

[0083] 15 and 16, the lifting body 92 is made of a plate-like member having an overall rectangular shape, and each of its two ends in the X direction has a plurality of insertion holes 92H aligned in the Y direction. The aforementioned guide pillars 96 are inserted into each of the insertion holes 92H (FIGS. 17(a) and 17(b)), and both ends of the lifting body 92 are biased upward by the aforementioned biasing springs 97 inserted into the guide pillars 96. Therefore, when the lifting body 92 is not pressed down by the fixed cylinder 14S as described below, it is located in a position (referred to as the "initial position") where both ends in the X direction abut against the lower surface of the upper flange 94 from below.

[0084] 16, 17(a), and 17(b), the end of the lifting body 92 in the X direction is located below the through groove 98. When the jig JG is located at the mask installation position 14a, each fixed cylinder 14S is located above the through groove 98.

[0085] 15 and 16, a plate-shaped lower support body holder 92a is provided on the underside of the lifting body 92 (FIGS. 17(a) and 17(b)). The lower support body holder 92a has approximately the same size and shape as the upper surface of the lower support body 80, and magnets 101 are provided on its outer periphery. Meanwhile, a magnetic member 102 is provided on the outer periphery of the lower support body 80 (FIGS. 17(a) and 17(b)). Therefore, the magnetic member 102 of the lower support body 80 attracts the magnet 101 provided on the lower support body holder 92a through magnetic attraction, so that the lower support body 80 is held by the lower support body holder 92a (i.e., by the lifting body 92).

[0086] Next, a description will be given of the operation of installing the lower support body 80 by the member replacement device 30. The operation of installing the lower support body 80 is performed in a state where the lower support body 80 is removed from the support base 83 and where there is no mask M on the guide rail 14.

[0087] When the member replacement device 30 installs the lower support body 80 on the support base 83, first, a replacement member KB equipped with a lower support body 80 of a type corresponding to the type of mask M to be used is removed from the storage section 73 of the member storage device 70, and is positioned at the mask installation position 14a in the same manner as the above-mentioned mask M is positioned at the mask installation position 14a. At this time, just as when installing the mask M at the mask installation position 14a, the holding section 39 descends while holding the replacement member KB once part of the replacement member KB has entered the printing device 10, and supplies the replacement member KB to the printing device 10 with the main surface of the replacement member KB (the surface corresponding to the main surface of the mask M in the jig JG) in a horizontal position.

[0088] 18(a) and 18(b) are explanatory diagrams of a process of supplying a replacement part KB to the printing device 10 by the part replacement device 30 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figures 19(a), 19(b), and 19(c) are side views illustrating the operation of the jig JG according to an embodiment of the present disclosure transferring the lower support body 80 to the support table 83 of the printing device 10.

[0089] In detail, the holding unit 39 of the member replacement device 30 rotatably holds the replacement member KB stored in the supply slot 72 of the storage unit 73 with the main surface of the replacement member KB vertical (supply clamper gripping step), and lifts it up to the aforementioned predetermined height H5 ( FIG. 18( a) , supply clamper lifting step). Then, after the information reading unit 58 reads the information about the replacement member KB (information about the lower support body 80) included on the label C attached to the jig JG (information reading step), the swinging unit 54 swings the replacement member KB, which has been lifted up to the predetermined height H5, toward the printing device 10 using the pusher 57, and inserts a part of the replacement member KB into the printing device 10 ( FIG. 18( b) , swinging step). Then, when a portion of the replacement part KB enters the printing device 10, the holding section 39 descends while holding the replacement part KB (supply clamper descending process), and supplies the replacement part KB to the printing device 10 with the main surface of the replacement part KB in a horizontal position (supply clamper releasing process).

[0090] When the jig JG is positioned at the mask installation position 14a, and the lower support body 80 held by the jig JG is positioned above the support table 83 (FIG. 19(a)), the printing control device 21 causes the lifter 82 to raise the support table 83 (arrow D1 shown in FIG. 19(b)). Then, when the upper surface 83M of the support table 83 reaches the target height HT (FIGS. 19(a) and 19(b)), the lifting of the support table 83 is stopped (FIG. 19(b)). Here, the target height HT refers to the height at which the lower surface 80M of the lower support body 80 held by the lifting body 92 is positioned when the lifting body 92 is pressed down against the frame 91 (FIGS. 19(a), 19(b), and 19(c)).

[0091] 20(a) and 20(b) are side views of a portion of the jig JG according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. After the replacement control device 60 stops the lifting of the support base 83, it causes the piston rods 14R of each fixed cylinder 14S to extend downward. As a result, the lower ends of the piston rods 14R descend through the through-grooves 98 formed in the vertical frame members 91a and press down the X-direction ends of the lifting bodies 92 against the biasing force of the biasing springs 97, causing the lifting bodies 92 to move downward together with the lower support bodies 80 (FIG. 20(a) → FIG. 20(b)). The lifting bodies 92 then stop when pressed against the stoppers 99 (FIG. 20(b)), and the lower surface 80M of the lower support bodies 80 contacts the upper surface 83M of the support base 83 from above (FIG. 19(c)).

[0092] 21(a) and 21(b) are side views illustrating the operation of the jig JG after the support base 83 of the printing device 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure has held the lower support 80. When the lower surface 80M of the lower support 80 contacts the upper surface 83M of the support base 83, the exchange control device 60 causes the support base 83 to attract the lower support 80. The lifter 82 then lowers the support base 83 (arrow D2 in FIG. 21(a)), separating the lower support 80 from the lifting body 92 (i.e., from the jig JG) (FIG. 21(a)). This results in the lower support 80 being supported by the support base 83. Note that, in order for the lower support 80 to be supported by the support base 83 through this procedure, the attraction force of the support base 83 to attract the lower support 80 must be adjusted so that the force with which the support base 83 attracts the lower support 80 is greater than the force (magnetic force) with which the magnet 101 attracts the magnetic member 102.

[0093] Once the lower support body 80 is supported by the support base 83 as described above, the piston rods 14R of each fixed cylinder 14S are raised. This causes the lifting body 92 to move upward by the biasing force of the biasing spring 97 and return to its initial position (arrow D3 shown in FIG. 21(b)). Once the lifting body 92 has returned to its initial position, the replacement control device 60 activates the mask moving unit 15 to move the jig JG located at the mask installation position 14a to the rear side (toward the component storage device 70). Once the jig JG has moved to the rear side, the replacement control device 60 activates the component replacement device 30 to return the jig JG (empty jig JG) to the storage section 73 of the component storage device 70 in the same manner as returning the mask M to the storage section 73 described above.

[0094] When the empty jig JG returns to the storage section 73, the replacement control device 60 operates the member replacement device 30 and the mask moving unit 15 so that a mask M of the type specified in the work execution program is taken out of the storage section 73 and placed at the mask placement position 14a. When the mask M is placed at the mask placement position 14a, the replacement control device 60 operates the fixing cylinder 14S to press and fix the mask M against the guide rail 14 (FIG. 7).

[0095] 22 is a side view showing a state in which the printing apparatus 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure has clamped the substrate B with a clamper. Once the mask M is fixed at the mask installation position 14a, the printing control device 21 causes the conveyor 13a to carry the substrate B, which has been sent from outside, and positions it. Once the substrate B is positioned, the lifter 82 raises the lower support body 80 (directly raising the support base 83), and the lower support body 80 supports (receives) the substrate B by suction. Once the lower support body 80 receives the substrate B, the lifter 82 raises the lower support body 80 (and therefore the substrate B) (arrow D4 shown in FIG. 22 ), and the raising of the lower support body 80 is stopped when the upper surface of the substrate B is flush with the upper surface of the substrate clamper 84.

[0096] 23 is a side view showing a state in which the printing device 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is applying paste P to a substrate B. After stopping the lifting of the substrate B, the print control device 21 causes the substrate clamper 84 to clamp both ends of the substrate B (arrow D5 shown in FIG. 22). Then, once the substrate B is clamped, the entire substrate transport and holding unit 13 is raised by the multi-stage table 13b, bringing the upper surface of the substrate B into contact with the lower surface of the mask M (arrow D6 shown in FIG. 23). Once the substrate B has contacted the mask M, the squeegee 20a scrapes the paste P over the mask M (arrow D7 shown in FIG. 23) in the manner described above, and the paste P is applied to the substrate B through the mask M.

[0097] 24(a), 24(b), and 24(c) are diagrams illustrating the operation of the jig JG receiving the lower support body 80 from the support base 83 of the printing apparatus 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. When a model change is required to change the type of substrates B being produced by performing this coating operation on a predetermined number of substrates B, the replacement control device 60 first releases the mask M from the fixed cylinder 14S and activates the mask moving unit 15 and the component replacement device 30 to return the used mask M to the component storage device 70. Next, to remove the lower support body 80 supported by the support base 83, the replacement control device 60 pulls out the jig JG not holding the lower support body 80 (an empty jig JG) from the storage unit 73 and positions it at the mask installation position 14a. Once the empty jig JG is positioned at the mask installation position 14a, the lifter 82 raises the support base 83 (arrow D8 shown in FIG. 24(a)). Then, when the upper surface 83M of the support table 83 reaches the target height HT, the lifting of the support table 83 is stopped (FIG. 24(a)).

[0098] After stopping the lifting of the support base 83, the exchange control device 60 actuates the fixed cylinder 14S to lower the lifting body 92 ( FIG. 24( b) ). As a result, when the lower support body holding portion 92a held by the lifting body 92 comes into contact with the upper surface of the lower support body 80, the support base 83 releases the attachment of the lower support body 80, and the lifter 82 lowers the support base 83 ( FIG. 24( b) → FIG. 24( c) ). When the lower support body holding portion 92a comes into contact with the upper surface of the lower support body 80, the magnet 101 on the lower support body holding portion 92a side (i.e., the jig JG side) and the magnetic member 102 on the lower support body 80 side attract each other by magnetic force. Therefore, when the support base 83, which has released the attachment of the lower support body 80, is lowered, the lower support body 80 remains on the lower support body holding portion 92a side, and the lower support body 80 is separated from the support base 83.

[0099] Once the lower support body 80 has been separated from the support base 83, the piston rod 14R of the fixed cylinder 14S is raised, and the lifting body 92 is returned to its initial position by the biasing force of the biasing spring 97. Then, once the lifting body 92 has returned to its initial position, the replacement control device 60 operates the mask moving unit 15 and the component replacement device 30 to store the jig JG (i.e., the replacement component KB) holding the lower support body 80 into the storage unit 73 of the component storage device 70 in the reverse order of the procedure of removing the jig JG from the storage unit 73 and setting it at the mask setting position 14a.

[0100] In detail, the component replacement device 30 causes the piston of the recovery cylinder 47 to protrude, causing both end faces of the replacement component KB to be gripped by the pair of pads 52 (recovery clamper gripping process), and then raises the recovery clamper 40, thereby rotating the replacement component KB that was transported from the printing device 10 with its main surface horizontal so that its main surface becomes vertical, and raising the recovery clamper 40 to a height H2 at which the main surface of the replacement component KB becomes vertical (recovery clamper raising process). Then, after the recovery clamper 40 has risen to the height H2 and the main surface of the replacement component KB becomes vertical, the recovery clamper 40 is lowered to a height H3 at which the replacement component KB lands in the recovery slot 71 (recovery clamper lowering process). Next, the piston is inserted into the recovery cylinder 47, and the pair of pads 52 are moved away from both end faces of the replacement member KB, thereby releasing the replacement member KB from the recovery clamper 40 and allowing the replacement member KB to be recovered into the recovery slot 71 (recovery clamper release process).

[0101] After the replacement member KB has been stored in the storage section 73 as described above, the jig JG (i.e., the replacement member KB) holding the lower support body 80 corresponding to the board B after the model change is removed from the storage section 73 according to the procedure described above, and the replacement member KB is then positioned at the mask installation position 14a by the member replacement device 30 and the mask moving unit 15. Then, the lower support body 80 of the replacement member KB positioned at the mask installation position 14a is supported on the support base 83 in the manner described above, and the jig JG with the lower support body 80 removed (empty jig JG) is returned to the storage section 73 of the member storage device 70 by the mask moving unit 15 and the member replacement device 30.

[0102] When the empty jig JG returns to the storage section 73, the mask M corresponding to the board B after the model change is placed at the mask placement position 14a, and the mask M is placed at the mask placement position 14a. This results in the lower receiver 80 and mask M corresponding to the new model being placed, and the exchange of the lower receiver 80 and mask M is completed. Once the exchange of the lower receiver 80 and mask M is completed, the operation of applying paste P to the board B after the model change is performed.

[0103] As described above, the component replacement device 30 of this embodiment rotatably holds the replacement component KB stored in the supply slot 72 of the storage unit 73 with its main surface vertical (supply clamper gripping process) and lifts it to a predetermined height H5 (supply clamper lifting process). The swinging unit 54 swings the replacement component KB lifted to the predetermined height H5 toward the printing device 10 using the pusher 57, inserting part of the replacement component KB into the printing device 10 (swinging process). Then, once part of the replacement component KB has entered the printing device 10, the holding unit 39 descends while holding the replacement component KB (supply clamper lowering process) and supplies the replacement component KB to the printing device 10 with its main surface horizontal (supply clamper releasing process). Therefore, according to the component replacement device 30 of this embodiment, the replacement component KB stored with its main surface vertical can be supplied with its main surface horizontal, allowing the component replacement device 30 to be realized in a small footprint.

[0104] Furthermore, in the component replacement device 30 of the present embodiment, when the component storage device 70 including the storage unit 73 is attached, the holding unit 39 rotatably holds the replacement component KB at a position where the replacement component KB was transported from the printing device 10 with the main surface of the replacement component KB horizontal (recovery clamper gripping step), lifts the replacement component KB to a predetermined height H2 (recovery clamper lifting step), lowers the held and lifted replacement component KB with the main surface of the replacement component KB vertical (recovery clamper lowering step), and recovers the replacement component KB into the recovery slot 71 of the storage unit 73 that can store the replacement component KB with the main surface of the replacement component KB vertical (recovery clamper releasing step). Thus, according to the component replacement device 30 of the present embodiment, the replacement component KB can be recovered with the main surface vertical, so that the component replacement device 30 can be realized in a small area.

[0105] Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, the present disclosure is not limited to the above and various modifications are possible. For example, the holding unit 39 in the above-described embodiment may be configured as follows: when supplying the replacement part KB, the holding unit 39 rotatably holds the replacement part KB and lifts it to a predetermined height, and when a portion of the replacement part KB enters the printing device 10, the holding unit 39 descends while holding the replacement part KB so that the main surface of the replacement part KB is horizontal and the replacement part KB can be supplied to the printing device 10; and when retrieving the replacement part KB, the holding unit 39 rotatably holds the replacement part KB at the position where the replacement part KB was transported out of the printing device 10, lifts the replacement part KB to a predetermined height, and then lowers the replacement part KB with the main surface of the replacement part KB vertical and stored in the storage unit; and the configuration is not limited to that shown in the above-described embodiment.

[0106] Furthermore, the swinging unit 54 only needs to be able to swing the replacement part KB, which has been lifted to a predetermined height by the holding unit 39, toward the printing device 10 so that a portion of the replacement part KB can be inserted into the printing device 10, and its configuration is not limited to that shown in the above-described embodiment.

[0107] Although various embodiments have been described above with reference to the drawings, it goes without saying that the present disclosure is not limited to such examples. It is clear that a person skilled in the art can conceive of various modifications, alterations, substitutions, additions, deletions, and equivalents within the scope of the claims, and it is understood that these also naturally fall within the technical scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the components of the various embodiments described above may be combined in any manner without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0108] This application is based on a Japanese patent application (Patent Application No. 2024-046718) filed on March 22, 2024, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0109] To provide a member replacement device that can be realized with a small installation area.

[0110] 10 Printing device 30 Component exchange device 39 Holding unit 40 Recovery clamper (clamper) 41 Supply clamper (clamper) 54 Swinging unit 57 Pusher 58 Information reading unit 71 Recovery slot (slot) 72 Supply slot (slot) 73 Storage unit 80 Lower support KB Exchange component JG Jig P Paste B Substrate

Claims

1. A component replacement device that supplies a replacement component to a printing device that prints paste on a substrate, comprising: a storage unit that stores the replacement component; a holding unit that rotatably holds the replacement component and lifts it to a predetermined height; and a swinging unit that swings the replacement component that has been lifted to the predetermined height toward the printing device and places a portion of the replacement component into the printing device, wherein, when a portion of the replacement component enters the printing device, the holding unit descends while holding the replacement component, and supplies the replacement component to the printing device with its main surface in a horizontal position.

2. The component replacement device according to claim 1, wherein the storage section has a plurality of slots for storing the replacement components.

3. The component replacement device according to claim 1, wherein the holding section has a clamper that grips both side surfaces of the replacement component.

4. The component replacement device according to claim 2, wherein the holding section has a plurality of clampers for gripping both side surfaces of the replacement component, the clampers corresponding to the plurality of slots.

5. The component replacement device according to claim 1, wherein the swinging portion has a pusher that abuts against the back surface of the replacement component to swing the replacement component.

6. The component replacement device according to claim 1, further comprising an information reading unit that reads information attached to the replacement component.

7. A component replacement device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the replacement component comprises a lower support that supports the substrate from below and a mask-type jig that holds the lower support.

8. A component replacement device that recovers a replacement component from a printing device that prints paste on a substrate, the component replacement device having: a holding section that rotatably holds the replacement component at a position where the replacement component is carried out from the printing device and lifts the replacement component to a predetermined height to recover the replacement component; and a storage section that can store the replacement component, wherein the holding section lowers the replacement component that it has held and lifted with its main surface vertical, and stores it in the storage section.

9. The component replacement device according to claim 8, wherein the storage section has a plurality of slots for storing the replacement components.

10. The component replacement device according to claim 8, wherein the holding section has clampers that grip both side surfaces of the replacement component.

11. The component replacement device according to claim 9, wherein the holding section has a plurality of clampers for gripping both side surfaces of the replacement component, the clampers corresponding to the plurality of slots.

12. A component replacement device according to any one of claims 8 to 11, wherein the replacement component comprises a lower support that supports the substrate from below and a mask-type jig that holds the lower support.

Images