Printing device
The printing apparatus uses a weight detection unit to verify squeegee attachment and type, simplifying the attachment process and preventing defects by ensuring correct squeegee usage, thus reducing operator complexity and improving print quality.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- YAMAHA MOTOR CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2024-12-12
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-18
AI Technical Summary
Existing printing devices for applying solder on substrates require operators to manually read barcodes to ensure the correct squeegee is attached, complicating the attachment process and increasing the risk of errors.
A printing apparatus that uses a weight detection unit to determine if the squeegee is properly attached and of the correct type by measuring the weight acting on the squeegee holder, with a control unit issuing warnings or stopping operations if the squeegee is improperly attached or of the wrong type.
Simplifies the attachment process by eliminating the need for barcode reading, reduces the risk of errors, and prevents printing defects by ensuring the squeegee is correctly attached and sized for the substrate.
Smart Images
Figure JP2024043993_18062026_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
Printing device
[0001] The present invention relates to a printing device, and particularly to a printing device for printing solder on a substrate.
[0002] Conventionally, a printing device for printing solder on a substrate is known. Such a printing device is disclosed, for example, in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-108569.
[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-108569 discloses a printing device provided with a squeegee that moves in a predetermined direction and prints the solder supplied to a mask on a substrate. Further, in the printing device of Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-108569, a squeegee to be used is set according to the type of substrate on which solder is printed. And this printing device includes a correctness determination unit that reads a barcode attached to each squeegee and determines whether or not the correct type of squeegee corresponding to the type of substrate is attached.
[0004] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-108569
[0005] However, in the printing device of Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-108569, a barcode attached to each squeegee is read, and it is determined whether or not the correct type of squeegee corresponding to the type of substrate is attached. For this reason, it is necessary for an operator to make the printing device read the barcode attached to the squeegee, and the work when attaching the squeegee is complicated. Therefore, it is desired to be able to suppress the complication of the operator's work and to be able to easily recognize whether or not the squeegee is normally attached.
[0006] This invention has been made to solve the above problems, and one object of this invention is to be able to suppress the complication of the operator's work and to provide a printing device capable of easily recognizing whether or not the squeegee is normally attached.
[0007] To achieve the above objective, a printing apparatus in one aspect of this invention comprises a squeegee that contacts the upper surface of a mask having an opening and moves in a predetermined direction to print solder supplied to the mask onto a substrate; a squeegee holder that holds the squeegee so that it can move vertically and can be attached and detached; a weight detection unit that detects the weight acting on the squeegee holder; and a control unit that determines whether the squeegee is properly attached to the squeegee holder based on the detection result by the weight detection unit.
[0008] In a printing apparatus according to one aspect of this invention, a control unit is provided that determines whether or not the squeegee is properly attached to the squeegee holder based on the detection result from a weight detection unit that detects the weight acting on the squeegee holder, as described above. This allows the control unit to determine whether or not the squeegee is properly attached to the squeegee holder by utilizing the fact that the weight acting on the squeegee holder differs depending on whether or not the squeegee is properly attached. As a result, a warning can be issued if the squeegee is not properly attached, allowing the operator to easily recognize whether or not the squeegee is properly attached. Furthermore, since the operator does not need to perform tasks such as reading barcodes, the complexity of the operator's work when attaching or replacing the squeegee can be reduced. As a result, the complexity of the operator's work can be reduced, and it is possible to easily recognize whether or not the squeegee is properly attached.
[0009] In the printing apparatus according to the first aspect described above, preferably, the control unit determines, based on the detection result by the weight detection unit, at least one of the following: whether or not a squeegee is attached to the squeegee holder, and whether or not the squeegee attached to the squeegee holder is of the correct type. With this configuration, by determining whether or not a squeegee is attached to the squeegee holder, it is possible to prevent the printing operation from starting when there is no squeegee. In addition, even if the squeegee is not properly attached, such as by falling, the operator can immediately recognize this. Furthermore, by determining whether or not the squeegee attached to the squeegee holder is of the correct type, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of solder residue and printing defects caused by using a squeegee that is larger than usual, which can result in interference between the squeegee and other components, or by being unable to apply the appropriate pressure corresponding to the squeegee size. Furthermore, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of solder residue by the squeegee or unprinted solder on the outside of the squeegee caused by using a squeegee that is smaller than usual, thus preventing printing defects. In addition, it is possible to prevent printing defects caused by using a squeegee made of a material different from the usual (metal, resin, etc.).
[0010] In the printing apparatus according to the first aspect described above, preferably, the weight detection unit includes at least one of a force detection unit that detects the vertical force acting on the squeegee, and a power detection unit that detects the amount of power used to drive the drive unit that moves the squeegee vertically. With this configuration, when the force detection unit detects the weight acting on the squeegee holder, the force detection unit can directly detect the weight as a force. Also, when the power detection unit detects the weight acting on the squeegee holder, the weight acting on the squeegee holder can be easily detected by detecting changes in power.
[0011] In this case, preferably, the force sensing unit has a load cell that detects the pressing force of the squeegee against the mask for printing. With this configuration, the weight required to determine whether the squeegee is properly attached to the squeegee holder can be detected using the load cell that detects the pressing force for printing, without the need for a dedicated component to determine whether the squeegee is properly attached to the squeegee holder. As a result, an increase in the number of parts can be suppressed, and the complexity of the device configuration can be suppressed.
[0012] In a printing apparatus configured to determine at least one of the following: whether a squeegee is attached to the squeegee holder, and whether the squeegee attached to the squeegee holder is of the correct type, preferably, the control unit, based on the detection result by the weight detection unit, stops operation and issues a warning if it determines that a squeegee is not attached to the squeegee holder. With this configuration, the operator can easily recognize through the warning that a squeegee is not attached to the squeegee holder. In addition, since the operation stops if the squeegee is not properly attached, such as by falling, it is possible to prevent malfunctions from occurring due to interference between other components and the fallen squeegee.
[0013] In a printing apparatus configured to determine at least one of the following: whether a squeegee is attached to the squeegee holder, and whether the squeegee attached to the squeegee holder is of the correct type, preferably, if the control unit determines, based on the detection result by the weight detection unit, that the squeegee attached to the squeegee holder is not of the correct type, it moves the squeegee holder to a position where the squeegee can be replaced and issues a warning. With this configuration, the operator can easily recognize through the warning that the squeegee attached to the squeegee holder is not of the correct type. In addition, since the squeegee holder is moved to a position where the squeegee can be replaced, the operator can easily replace it with the correct type of squeegee.
[0014] In the printing apparatus according to the first aspect described above, preferably, the control unit compares the set value for each type of squeegee with the value based on the detection result by the weight detection unit to determine whether the squeegee is properly attached to the squeegee holder. With this configuration, it is easy to determine whether the squeegee is properly attached to the squeegee holder based on the set value for each type of squeegee.
[0015] In this case, preferably, the control unit determines that the squeegee is properly attached to the squeegee holder if the value based on the detection result by the weight detection unit is within the range of the set value, and determines that the squeegee is not properly attached to the squeegee holder if the value based on the detection result by the weight detection unit is outside the range of the set value. With this configuration, it is possible to more easily determine whether or not the squeegee is properly attached to the squeegee holder based on whether or not it is within or outside the range of the set value set for each type of squeegee.
[0016] In the printing apparatus according to the first aspect described above, preferably, the control unit determines, before starting the printing operation, whether the squeegee is properly attached to the squeegee holder based on the detection result by the weight detection unit, and starts the printing operation if the squeegee is properly attached to the squeegee holder. With this configuration, the printing operation can be started with the squeegee properly attached to the squeegee holder, so interference between the squeegee and other components and printing defects can be effectively suppressed.
[0017] According to the present invention, as described above, it is possible to suppress the complexity of the worker's work and to easily recognize whether or not the squeegee is properly attached.
[0018] This is a front view showing the overall configuration of a printing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention. This is a side view of the area near the squeegee unit of a printing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention. This is a block diagram showing the control configuration of a printing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention. This is a diagram showing an example of squeegee information for a printing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention. This is a flowchart for explaining the solder printing process of a printing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention.
[0019] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
[0020] The structure of a printing apparatus 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 4.
[0021] The printing apparatus 100 according to this embodiment has the function of printing solder onto the surface of a substrate 200 in a predetermined pattern of openings formed in a mask 300. As shown in Figure 1, the printing apparatus 100 comprises a base 1, a substrate table 2 provided on the base 1 for holding the substrate 200 and aligning it with the mask 300, and a squeegee unit 3 provided above the mask 300 which is positioned above the substrate table 2. This printing apparatus 100 has the function of printing on the substrate 200 that is brought in by the input conveyor 4a, and then unloading the printed substrate 200 by the output conveyor 4b.
[0022] The substrate table 2 mainly consists of a pair of conveyors 22, an X-axis movement mechanism 23, a Y-axis movement mechanism 24, an R-axis movement mechanism 25, a Z-axis movement mechanism 26, and a substrate lifting and lowering support mechanism 27.
[0023] The X-axis movement mechanism 23 includes an X-axis drive unit 231 (see Figure 3), an X-axis table 232, and an X-axis rail 233. The Y-axis movement mechanism 24 includes a Y-axis drive unit 241 (see Figure 3), a Y-axis table 242, and a Y-axis rail 243. The R-axis movement mechanism 25 includes an R-axis drive unit 251 (see Figure 3) and an R-axis table 252. The Z-axis movement mechanism 26 includes a Z-axis drive unit 261 (see Figure 3) and a Z-axis table 262. The substrate lifting support mechanism 27 includes a backup axis drive unit 271 (see Figure 3) and a substrate lifting support member (multiple backup pins) 272.
[0024] The substrate table 2 holds the transported substrate 200 in a predetermined position on the conveyor 22. Subsequently, the position of the substrate 200 relative to the substrate table 2 is recognized by a substrate camera (not shown). The position of the mask 300 is also recognized in advance by a mask camera (not shown). The substrate table 2 is configured to move the substrate 200 using the X-axis movement mechanism 23, the Y-axis movement mechanism 24, and the R-axis movement mechanism 25 to position the substrate 200 relative to the mask 300, and then raise the substrate 200 to a predetermined position where it is in close contact with the lower surface of the mask 300 using the Z-axis movement mechanism 26. The substrate camera and the mask camera are configured to move into the space between the substrate table 2 and the mask 300 by the camera axis drive unit 11 (see Figure 3) when imaging the substrate mark (not shown) and the mask mark (not shown), respectively.
[0025] As shown in Figure 1, the pair of conveyors 22 are provided to extend along the transport direction of the substrate 200. The pair of conveyors 22 are also arranged parallel to each other at a predetermined distance apart in the front-to-back direction (Y direction). Furthermore, the pair of conveyors 22 are configured to allow adjustment of the distance between them in the Y direction to correspond to the width of the substrate 200 being transported. Specifically, the distance (width) between the pair of conveyors 22 is adjusted by driving the substrate width axis drive unit 28 (see Figure 3).
[0026] Furthermore, the pair of conveyors 22 are configured to transport the substrate 200 in the X direction by the drive of the substrate transport axis drive unit 29 (see Figure 3). The pair of conveyors 22 are also supported from below by a Z-axis table 262 and are configured to be movable in the vertical direction (Z direction) by a Z-axis movement mechanism 26. The pair of conveyors 22 also have the function of receiving the substrate 200 before printing from the input conveyor 4a and transporting the printed substrate 200 to the output conveyor 4b.
[0027] Furthermore, the substrate table 2 is provided with a substrate lifting support member 272 including a plurality of backup pins on the upper side (Z1 direction side) of the Z-axis table 262. The plurality of backup pins are configured to support the substrate 200 from below. Specifically, the substrate 200 conveyed by the pair of conveyors 22 is moved upward by a predetermined height away from the pair of conveyors 22 by the plurality of backup pins. Once the substrate 200 has been raised to a predetermined height relative to the pair of conveyors 22, it is clamped by a substrate clamp 221 (see Figure 3). In this state, as described above, the substrate 200 is aligned with the mask 300 and raised to make close contact with the lower surface of the mask 300, and the substrate 200 is held at a predetermined printing position on the lower surface of the mask 300.
[0028] The mask 300 has openings formed in a predetermined pattern. The mask 300 also has a rectangular shape in plan view, and a frame 301 is attached to its outer circumference. As shown in Figure 1, the mask 300 is fixedly held above the substrate table 2 by the frame 301 being clamped by the mask clamp portion 5.
[0029] As shown in Figure 1, the squeegee unit 3 is positioned above the mask 300. The squeegee unit 3 has the function of spreading the solder supplied onto the upper surface of the mask 300 by reciprocating in the front-back direction (Y direction). As a result, solder is printed onto the surface of the substrate 200 through the openings in the mask 300. Specifically, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, the squeegee unit 3 includes a print head section 31 and a squeegee Z-axis motor 32 that drives the print head section 31 up and down. Alternatively, instead of the squeegee Z-axis motor 32, a cylinder that drives the print head section 31 up and down using pneumatic pressure may be provided.
[0030] As shown in Figure 1, the print head unit 31 is supported by a pair of rails 6 so as to be movable in the front-rear direction (Y direction). Specifically, the print head unit 31 is configured to move in the Y direction by driving the squeegee Y-axis motor 3a (see Figure 3). In other words, the squeegee Y-axis motor 3a moves the squeegee 311 in a predetermined direction (Y direction). The print head unit 31 is also configured to be able to move up and down in the up-down direction (Z direction). Specifically, the print head unit 31 is configured to move in the Z direction by driving the squeegee Z-axis motor 32 (see Figure 3). Note that the squeegee Z-axis motor 32 is an example of a "drive unit" within the scope of the claim.
[0031] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3, the squeegee unit 3 is provided with a power detection unit 32a that detects the driving power of the squeegee Z-axis motor 32 that moves the squeegee 311 in the vertical direction. Note that the power detection unit 32a is an example of the "weight detection unit" in the claims.
[0032] As shown in Figure 2, the print head unit 31 also includes a squeegee holding unit 31a and a squeegee support plate 313. The squeegee holding unit 31a mainly consists of a squeegee 311, a squeegee rotation motor 312, a pair of guide units 314, a pair of compression coil springs 315, and a squeegee support bracket 316. The squeegee holding unit 31a holds the squeegee 311 so that it can move vertically (in the Z direction) and can be attached and detached.
[0033] As shown in Figure 1, the squeegee 311 is formed to extend in the X direction. The squeegee 311 is configured to contact the upper surface of the mask 300, which has an opening, and move in a predetermined direction (Y direction) to print the solder supplied to the mask 300 onto the substrate 200 through the opening in the mask 300. As shown in Figure 2, the squeegee 311 is rotatably mounted to the squeegee support bracket 316 with a support shaft 317 extending in the X direction as the pivot point. Specifically, the squeegee 311 is configured to rotate around the support shaft 317 by the drive of the squeegee rotation motor 312.
[0034] Furthermore, the squeegee 311 has a scraping surface 311a for scraping off solder, and is configured to scrape off solder from the upper surface of the mask 300 by sliding it in the front-rear direction (Y direction) relative to the upper surface of the mask 300. In addition, the squeegee 311 uses the same scraping surface 311a for both the forward printing (printing from rear to front (Y1 direction)) and the return printing (printing from front to rear (Y2 direction)).
[0035] Furthermore, a corresponding squeegee 311 is set for each substrate 200 on which solder is printed. That is, a narrow squeegee 311 is set for a narrow substrate 200, and a wide squeegee 311 is set for a wide substrate 200. In addition, the material of the squeegee 311 is set according to the mask 300 and the substrate 200. For example, the material of the squeegee 311 is set to metal or urethane depending on the mask 300 and the substrate 200.
[0036] The squeegee support plate 313 is configured to support the squeegee holding portion 31a. Specifically, the squeegee support plate 313 is configured to support the squeegee holding portion 31a, which includes the guide portion 314, the squeegee support bracket 316 connected below the guide portion 314 (in the Z2 direction), the squeegee 311 and squeegee rotation motor 312 provided on the squeegee support bracket 316 respectively, and the pair of compression coil springs 315 supported by the squeegee support bracket 316, by contacting the stoppers 314a of the pair of guide portions 314. Furthermore, the squeegee support plate 313 is engaged (screwed) with the ball screw shaft 322 and is configured to move in the vertical direction (Z direction) as the ball screw shaft 322 rotates.
[0037] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3, the squeegee unit 3 is provided with a solder supply unit 33. The solder supply unit 33 is configured to automatically supply solder onto the mask 300.
[0038] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3, the squeegee unit 3 is provided with a load cell 34. The load cell 34 detects the pressing force of the squeegee 311 for printing on the mask 300. In other words, the load cell 34 detects the pressing force in order to control the pressing force of the squeegee 311 on the mask 300 so that it becomes a desired pressure. Based on the pressing force detection result of the load cell 34, the force pressing the squeegee 311 downwards is feedback controlled so that it becomes the desired pressure. Specifically, the drive of the squeegee Z-axis motor 32 is controlled so that the pressing force of the squeegee 311 for printing becomes a desired pressure. Note that the load cell 34 is an example of the "force detection unit" and "weight detection unit" in the claims.
[0039] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3, the printing device 100 is equipped with a control unit 7 that controls the printing device 100. The control unit 7 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and has the function of controlling each part based on the printing program stored in the storage unit 10. The control unit 7 is also configured to control the squeegee unit, the conveyor unit, and the camera unit. Specifically, the control unit 7 controls the driving of the squeegee Y-axis motor 3a, the squeegee Z-axis motor 32, and the squeegee rotation motor 312, so that the squeegee 311 moves in the Y and Z directions and rotates around the support shaft 317. In other words, the control unit 7 controls the movement of the squeegee 311 by the squeegee Y-axis motor 3a, the squeegee Z-axis motor 32, and the squeegee rotation motor 312.
[0040] Furthermore, the control unit 7 controls the operation of the solder supply unit 33 to supply solder onto the mask 300. Specifically, the control unit 7 controls the supply of solder onto the mask 300 at predetermined intervals. The control unit 7 also acquires the amount of solder on the mask 300 using a sensor (not shown) or a camera (not shown), and when it determines that the amount of solder has fallen below a predetermined amount, it controls the solder supply unit 33 to supply solder onto the mask 300.
[0041] Further, the control unit 7 acquires the force detected by the load cell 34. Further, the control unit 7 acquires the power value detected by the power detection unit 32a.
[0042] Further, the control unit 7 controls the driving of the X-axis driving unit 231, the Y-axis driving unit 241, the R-axis driving unit 251, and the Z-axis driving unit 261, so that the substrate 200 clamped by the substrate clamp 221 of the conveyor unit is moved in the X direction, Y direction, and Z direction. Further, the control unit 7 controls the driving of the R-axis driving unit 251, so that the substrate 200 clamped by the substrate clamp 221 of the conveyor unit is rotated in the R-axis direction about the Z-axis direction as the rotation center. Further, the control unit 7 controls the driving of the backup shaft driving unit 271, so that the substrate lifting support member 272 (backup pin) is moved in the vertical direction (Z direction). Further, the control unit 7 controls the driving of the camera axis driving unit 11 of the camera unit, so that a mask camera (not shown) for recognizing the position and orientation of the mask 300 is moved.
[0043] Further, the control unit 7 controls the driving of the substrate width axis driving unit 28, so that the interval (width) in the Y direction of the conveyor 22 is adjusted. Further, the control unit 7 controls the driving of the substrate transfer axis driving unit 29, so that the substrate 200 is transferred in the X direction by the conveyor 22. Further, the control unit controls the air driving of the substrate clamp 221, so that the on / off of the clamping of the substrate 200 is controlled. Further, the control unit controls the driving of the camera axis driving unit 11 of the camera unit, so that a substrate camera (not shown) for recognizing the position and orientation of the substrate 200 is moved.
[0044] Note that an upward mask camera and a downward substrate camera are mounted on the camera unit. Further, the substrate clamp 221 sandwiches the substrate 200 from both sides in the Y direction of the substrate 200, and in the state where the substrate 200 is clamped, the upper surface of the substrate clamp 221 is made to coincide with the upper surface of the substrate 200 in the height position (Z-direction position), and it is configured to be able to support the load from the squeegee 311 via the mask 300 in the same manner as the substrate 200.
[0045] Further, the control unit 7 is configured to cause the display unit 8 to display the operating state of the printing apparatus 100. Further, the control unit 7 is configured to receive various information input by an operator via the input unit 9.
[0046] Here, in the present embodiment, the weight acting on the squeegee holding unit 31a is detected by at least one of a load cell 34 that detects the vertical force acting on the squeegee 311 and a power detection unit 32a that detects the drive power amount of the squeegee Z-axis motor 32 that moves the squeegee 311 in the vertical direction.
[0047] When detecting the weight acting on the squeegee holding unit 31a based on the detection result of the load cell 34, the control unit 7 acquires the detection result of the load cell 34 when the squeegee holding unit 31a is stationary, and detects the weight acting on the squeegee holding unit 31a. Further, when detecting the weight acting on the squeegee holding unit 31a based on the detection result of the power detection unit 32a, the control unit 7 causes the power detection unit 32a to detect the drive power amount of the squeegee Z-axis motor 32 when the squeegee holding unit 31a moves upward, and based on a predetermined table or relational expression, converts the drive power amount into a weight and acquires it.
[0048] For example, the control unit 7 performs both the detection of the force by the load cell 34 and the detection of the power amount by the power detection unit 32a, or performs either one of them to acquire the weight acting on the squeegee holding unit 31a. When performing both the detection of the force by the load cell 34 and the detection of the power amount by the power detection unit 32a to acquire the weight acting on the squeegee holding unit 31a, the control unit 7 may acquire the weight acting on the squeegee holding unit 31a by taking the larger value, the smaller value, or the average of both of the detection result of the load cell 34 and the detection result of the power detection unit 32a.
[0049] In this embodiment, the control unit 7 determines whether the squeegee 311 is properly attached to the squeegee holder 31a based on the detection results from the power detection unit 32a or load cell 34, which detect the weight acting on the squeegee holder 31a. The control unit 7 also determines whether the squeegee 311 is properly attached to the squeegee holder 31a based on the detection results from the power detection unit 32a or load cell 34 before the start of the printing operation.
[0050] Specifically, the control unit 7 determines, based on the detection result from the power detection unit 32a or the load cell 34, at least one of the following: whether or not a squeegee 311 is attached to the squeegee holding unit 31a, and whether or not the squeegee 311 attached to the squeegee holding unit 31a is the correct type of squeegee 311.
[0051] Furthermore, the control unit 7 compares the set value for each type of squeegee 311 with the value based on the detection result by the power detection unit 32a or the load cell 34 to determine whether the squeegee 311 is properly attached to the squeegee holder 31a. Specifically, the control unit 7 determines that the squeegee 311 is properly attached to the squeegee holder 31a if the value based on the detection result by the power detection unit 32a or the load cell 34 is within the range of the set value, and determines that the squeegee 311 is not properly attached to the squeegee holder 31a if the value based on the detection result by the power detection unit 32a or the load cell 34 is outside the range of the set value.
[0052] Furthermore, the control unit 7 obtains the squeegee 311 to be used, as set in the substrate production program, from the substrate data 10a in the storage unit 10. Then, the control unit 7 obtains data (mass data) related to the weight of the squeegee 311 to be used from the squeegee data 10b in the storage unit 10. Based on the obtained data (mass data) related to the weight of the squeegee 311 to be used, the control unit 7 obtains the setting values for each type of squeegee 311. For example, as shown in Figure 4, the control unit 7 obtains the size and material of the squeegee 311 to be used from the substrate data 10a. In the example shown in Figure 4, the size of the squeegee 311 to be used is "L350" and the material of the squeegee 311 to be used is "metal". Then, the control unit 7 obtains data (mass data) related to the weight of the squeegee to be used from the squeegee data 10b. In the example shown in Figure 4, the mass data of the squeegee 311 to be used is M3. Note that the mass is converted to weight by multiplying it by the gravitational acceleration g. Furthermore, the squeegee data 10b may include a range of weights for the squeegee 311 to determine the type of squeegee 311.
[0053] When determining whether a squeegee 311 is attached to the squeegee holder 31a, the control unit 7 determines that the squeegee 311 is not attached if the weight acting on the squeegee holder 31a is close to zero, based on the case where the squeegee 311 is not attached. The control unit 7 also determines that the squeegee 311 is attached if the weight acting on the squeegee holder 31a is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, based on the case where the squeegee 311 is not attached. The predetermined value is set to a value close to the weight of the lightest squeegee used.
[0054] When determining whether the squeegee 311 attached to the squeegee holder 31a is the correct type of squeegee 311, the control unit 7 determines that the squeegee 311 is the correct type of squeegee 311 if the weight acting on the squeegee holder 31a is within the range based on the weight of the squeegee 311 being used, with the case where the squeegee 311 is not attached as the baseline. Conversely, the control unit 7 determines that the squeegee 311 is not the correct type of squeegee 311 (it is a different type of squeegee 311) if the weight acting on the squeegee holder 31a is outside the range based on the weight of the squeegee 311 being used, with the case where the squeegee 311 is not attached as the baseline. The range based on the weight of the squeegee 311 is a range with a vertical width above and below the design value weight of the squeegee 311.
[0055] In this embodiment, if the control unit 7 determines, based on the detection result from the power detection unit 32a or the load cell 34, that the squeegee 311 is not attached to the squeegee holding unit 31a, it stops operation and issues a warning. Specifically, if the control unit 7 determines that the squeegee 311 is not attached to the squeegee holding unit 31a, it stops driving the squeegee unit 3 and the conveyor unit. The control unit 7 also issues a warning by displaying on the display unit 8 that the squeegee 311 is not attached and prompting the squeegee 311 to be attached. The control unit 7 also issues a warning using a warning light and a buzzer. The control unit 7 may also transmit warning information to a higher-level server or control device. The warning may also be notified to a higher-level control device or to a mobile terminal held by an operator connected to a network.
[0056] Furthermore, if the control unit 7 determines, based on the detection results from the power detection unit 32a or the load cell 34, that the squeegee 311 attached to the squeegee holder 31a is not the correct type of squeegee 311, it will move the squeegee holder 31a to a position where the squeegee 311 can be replaced and will issue a warning. Specifically, if the control unit 7 determines that the squeegee 311 attached to the squeegee holder 31a is not the correct type of squeegee 311, it will drive the squeegee unit 3 to move the squeegee holder 31a forward (in the Y1 direction) of the printing device 100. This will allow the operator to easily access the squeegee holder 31a by opening the door. The control unit 7 will also issue a warning by displaying on the display unit 8 that the type of squeegee 311 is incorrect and prompting the operator to replace the squeegee 311. The control unit 7 will also issue a warning using a warning light and a buzzer. The control unit 7 may also transmit warning information to a higher-level server or control device. Additionally, a warning may be sent to a higher-level control device or to a mobile terminal held by an operator connected to the network.
[0057] Furthermore, the control unit 7 starts the printing operation based on the detection result from the power detection unit 32a or the load cell 34, if the squeegee 311 is properly attached to the squeegee holder 31a.
[0058] Next, with reference to Figure 5, the squeegee correctness determination process by the control unit 7 will be explained.
[0059] In step S1 of Figure 5, substrate data 10a and squeegee data 10b are acquired from the storage unit 10. That is, data (mass data) of the squeegee 311 corresponding to the substrate 200 on which solder is printed is acquired. Then, the setting value for the correct type of squeegee 311 is acquired. In step S2, the weight acting on the squeegee holder 31a is detected.
[0060] In step S3, it is determined whether or not the squeegee 311 is attached to the squeegee holder 31a. That is, it is determined whether or not the weight acting on the squeegee holder 31a is greater than a value near zero, based on the case where the squeegee 311 is not attached. If the squeegee 311 is attached to the squeegee holder 31a, the process proceeds to step S4; if the squeegee 311 is not attached to the squeegee holder 31a, the process proceeds to step S6.
[0061] In step S4, it is determined whether the squeegee 311 attached to the squeegee holder 31a is of the correct type. That is, the set value for each type of squeegee 311 is compared with the value based on the detection result by the power detection unit 32a or the load cell 34 to determine whether it is within the range of the set value. If the correct type of squeegee 311 is attached to the squeegee holder 31a, the process proceeds to step S5. If the correct type of squeegee 311 is not attached to the squeegee holder 31a (i.e., a different type of squeegee 311 is attached), the process proceeds to step S7.
[0062] If the correct type of squeegee 311 is attached to the squeegee holder 31a, the printing operation will start in step S5.
[0063] If the squeegee 311 is not attached to the squeegee holder 31a, the operation of the squeegee unit 3 is stopped in step S6. A warning is also issued indicating that the squeegee 311 is not attached. The process then proceeds to step S8.
[0064] If the correct type of squeegee 311 is not attached to the squeegee holder 31a, in step S7, the squeegee unit 3 (squeegee holder 31a) is moved to a position where the squeegee 311 can be replaced. A warning is also issued indicating that the correct squeegee 311 is not attached. The process then proceeds to step S8.
[0065] In step S8, it is determined whether the squeegee 311 has been checked and replaced. Specifically, it is determined whether the predetermined operation has been performed after the worker's work. The process in step S8 is repeated until the squeegee 311 has been checked and replaced. Once the squeegee 311 has been checked and replaced, the process returns to step S2. Then, the processes in steps S2 to S8 are repeated to determine whether the replaced squeegee 311 is appropriate or not.
[0066] In this embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.
[0067] In this embodiment, as described above, a control unit 7 is provided that determines whether the squeegee 311 is properly attached to the squeegee holder 31a based on the detection result by a power detection unit 32a or a load cell 34 that detects the weight acting on the squeegee holder 31a. This makes it possible to determine whether the squeegee 311 is properly attached to the squeegee holder 31a by utilizing the fact that the weight acting on the squeegee holder 31a is different when the squeegee 311 is properly attached to the squeegee holder 31a compared to when it is not. As a result, if the squeegee 311 is not properly attached, a warning can be issued, allowing the operator to easily recognize whether the squeegee 311 is properly attached or not. Furthermore, since the operator does not need to perform tasks such as reading barcodes, the complexity of the operator's work when attaching or replacing the squeegee 311 can be suppressed. As a result, the complexity of the operator's work can be suppressed, and it is possible to easily recognize whether the squeegee 311 is properly attached or not.
[0068] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as described above, the control unit 7 determines, based on the detection result from the power detection unit 32a or the load cell 34, at least one of the following: whether or not a squeegee 311 is attached to the squeegee holding unit 31a, and whether or not the squeegee 311 attached to the squeegee holding unit 31a is the correct type of squeegee 311. By determining whether or not a squeegee 311 is attached to the squeegee holding unit 31a, it is possible to prevent the printing operation from starting when there is no squeegee 311. Also, even if the squeegee 311 is not properly attached, such as by falling off, the operator can immediately recognize this. In addition, by determining whether or not the squeegee 311 attached to the squeegee holding unit 31a is the correct type of squeegee 311, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of solder residue and printing defects caused by interference between the squeegee 311 and other components, or by the inability to apply appropriate pressure corresponding to the squeegee size, which can result from using a squeegee 311 that is larger than usual. Furthermore, by using a squeegee 311 that is smaller than usual, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of solder residue left behind by the squeegee 311 or unprinted solder on the outside of the squeegee 311, thereby suppressing the occurrence of printing defects. In addition, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of printing defects caused by using a squeegee 311 made of a different material than usual (metal, urethane, etc.).
[0069] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as described above, the weight acting on the squeegee holding part 31a is detected by at least one of the following: a load cell 34 that detects the vertical force acting on the squeegee 311, and a power detection unit 32a that detects the amount of power driving the squeegee Z-axis motor 32 that moves the squeegee 311 vertically. As a result, when the weight acting on the squeegee holding part 31a is detected by the load cell 34, the weight can be directly detected as a force by the load cell 34. Also, when the weight acting on the squeegee holding part 31a is detected by the power detection unit 32a, the weight acting on the squeegee holding part 31a can be easily detected by detecting changes in power.
[0070] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as described above, the load cell 34, which detects the pressing force of the squeegee 311 for printing on the mask, detects the weight acting on the squeegee holder 31a. This makes it possible to detect the weight needed to determine whether the squeegee 311 is properly attached to the squeegee holder 31a using the load cell 34 that detects the pressing force for printing, without needing to provide a dedicated component for determining whether the squeegee 311 is properly attached to the squeegee holder 31a. As a result, it is possible to suppress an increase in the number of parts and to suppress a complicated device configuration.
[0071] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as described above, if the control unit 7 determines, based on the detection result from the power detection unit 32a or the load cell 34, that the squeegee 311 is not attached to the squeegee holding unit 31a, it stops the operation and issues a warning. This allows the operator to easily recognize, through the warning, that the squeegee 311 is not attached to the squeegee holding unit 31a. In addition, since the operation stops if the squeegee 311 is not properly attached, such as by falling, it is possible to prevent malfunctions from occurring due to interference between the fallen squeegee 311 and other components.
[0072] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as described above, if the control unit 7 determines, based on the detection result from the power detection unit 32a or the load cell 34, that the squeegee 311 attached to the squeegee holder 31a is not the correct type of squeegee 311, it moves the squeegee holder 31a to a position where the squeegee 311 can be replaced and issues a warning. This allows the operator to easily recognize through the warning that the squeegee 311 attached to the squeegee holder 31a is not the correct type of squeegee 311. Also, since the squeegee holder 31a is moved to a position where the squeegee 311 can be replaced, the operator can easily replace it with the correct type of squeegee 311.
[0073] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as described above, the control unit 7 compares the set value for each type of squeegee 311 with the value based on the detection result by the power detection unit 32a or the load cell 34 to determine whether the squeegee 311 is properly attached to the squeegee holder 31a. This makes it easy to determine whether the squeegee 311 is properly attached to the squeegee holder 31a based on the set value for each type of squeegee 311.
[0074] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as described above, the control unit 7 determines that the squeegee 311 is properly attached to the squeegee holder 31a if the value based on the detection result by the power detection unit 32a or the load cell 34 is within the range of the set value, and determines that the squeegee 311 is not properly attached to the squeegee holder 31a if the value based on the detection result by the power detection unit 32a or the load cell 34 is outside the range of the set value. This makes it easier to determine whether the squeegee 311 is properly attached to the squeegee holder 31a based on whether it is within or outside the range of the set value set for each type of squeegee 311.
[0075] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as described above, before starting the printing operation, the control unit 7 determines whether the squeegee 311 is properly attached to the squeegee holder 31a based on the detection result from the power detection unit 32a or the load cell 34, and starts the printing operation if the squeegee 311 is properly attached to the squeegee holder 31a. As a result, the printing operation can be started with the squeegee 311 properly attached to the squeegee holder 31a, so interference between the squeegee 311 and other components and printing defects can be effectively suppressed.
[0076] (Modifications) It should be noted that the embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative and not restrictive in all respects. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims rather than the description of the embodiments above, and all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims are further included.
[0077] For example, the above embodiment shows an example of a configuration in which printing is performed by moving one squeegee in both the forward and backward directions (Y direction), but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, there may be a configuration in which two squeegees are provided, one squeegee that is moved in the forward direction for printing and another squeegee that is moved in the backward direction for printing.
[0078] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an example of a printing apparatus is shown in which the weight detection unit includes both a load cell (force detection unit) that detects the vertical force acting on the squeegee and a power detection unit that detects the amount of power used to drive the drive unit that moves the squeegee vertically. However, the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the weight detection unit only needs to include at least one of the force detection unit and the power detection unit. Also, even if the printing apparatus includes both the force detection unit and the power detection unit, only one of them may be used to detect the force acting on the squeegee holding unit. In addition, if a load cell is not provided to detect the pressing force of the squeegee for printing on the mask, the pressing force may be controlled by detecting the lowered position of the squeegee.
[0079] Furthermore, although the above embodiment shows an example of a configuration in which printing operation is not started if the correct type of squeegee is not attached to the squeegee holder, the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, even if the correct type of squeegee is not attached to the squeegee holder, the printing device may perform printing using a different type of squeegee after confirmation by the operator and when the operation to start printing is performed.
[0080] Furthermore, although the above embodiment shows an example of printing solder onto a substrate using a contact printing method in which the substrate and mask are in close contact during printing, the present invention is not limited thereto. In the present invention, a cap printing (off-contact printing) method may be applied, in which a gap (air space) is provided between the substrate and the mask, and the processes of printing (squeegeeing) and stencil release are performed simultaneously, to print solder onto the substrate.
[0081] Furthermore, although the above embodiment shows an example of a single-lane printing apparatus in which one lane for transporting substrates in the front-to-back direction (Y direction) is provided, the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the printing apparatus may also be a multi-lane configuration in which multiple lanes for transporting substrates are provided in the front-to-back direction (Y direction).
[0082] 7 Control unit 31a Squeegee holding unit 32 Squeegee Z-axis motor (drive unit) 32a Power detection unit (weight detection unit) 34 Load cell (force detection unit, weight detection unit) 100 Printing device 200 Substrate 300 Mask 311 Squeegee
Claims
1. A printing apparatus comprising: a squeegee that contacts the upper surface of a mask having an opening and moves in a predetermined direction to print solder supplied to the mask onto a substrate; a squeegee holding unit that holds the squeegee so that it can move vertically and can be attached and detached; a weight detection unit that detects the weight acting on the squeegee holding unit; and a control unit that determines whether the squeegee is properly attached to the squeegee holding unit based on the detection result by the weight detection unit.
2. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit determines, based on the detection result by the weight detection unit, at least one of the following: whether or not the squeegee is attached to the squeegee holding unit, and whether or not the squeegee attached to the squeegee holding unit is the correct type of squeegee.
3. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the weight detection unit includes at least one of a force detection unit that detects a vertical force acting on the squeegee and a power detection unit that detects the amount of power used to drive a drive unit that moves the squeegee in the vertical direction.
4. The printing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the force sensing unit has a load cell for sensing the pressing force of the squeegee for printing on the mask.
5. The printing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the control unit, based on the detection result by the weight detection unit, determines that the squeegee is not attached to the squeegee holding unit, and stops operation and issues a warning.
6. The printing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the control unit, based on the detection result by the weight detection unit, determines that the squeegee attached to the squeegee holder is not of the correct type, moves the squeegee holder to a position where the squeegee can be replaced and issues a warning.
7. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit compares a set value for each type of squeegee with a value based on the detection result by the weight detection unit to determine whether the squeegee is properly attached to the squeegee holder.
8. The printing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the control unit determines that the squeegee is properly attached to the squeegee holder if the value based on the detection result by the weight detection unit is within the range of the set value, and determines that the squeegee is not properly attached to the squeegee holder if the value based on the detection result by the weight detection unit is outside the range of the set value.
9. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit determines, before the start of the printing operation, whether the squeegee is properly attached to the squeegee holder based on the detection result by the weight detection unit, and if the squeegee is properly attached to the squeegee holder, the printing operation is started.