Exchange Unit Rack Layout for Compact Automatic Screen Printing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing printing devices face challenges in achieving a compact configuration for automatic exchange of exchangeable members due to the storage device being positioned in front, making it difficult for operators to work on the front surface.
Innovation Solution
An exchanging unit and printing device that includes a receiving section for accommodating racks, a lifting and lowering section to lift and lower the racks between exchange and liftable positions, and a moving section to move the racks within the device housing, eliminating the need for internal lifting mechanisms and allowing the racks to be compact in size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If the storage device is disposed in front of the printing device for automatic exchange of exchangeable members, then the exchange function is achieved, but the operator has difficulty in working at the front surface and the device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The accommodation rack is moved from a front-positioned storage device to an interior position within the housing, utilizing the vertical and depth dimensions of the device structure. This repositioning allows the rack to be integrated into the housing's internal space, eliminating the need for front-surface operation while maintaining automatic exchange functionality through the lifting and lowering mechanism
2Adaptability or versatility
If the accommodation rack includes internal lifting and lowering mechanisms, then the rack can be lifted independently, but the rack size and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting and lowering mechanism is merged from the accommodation rack structure to the housing structure. The housing now provides the lifting and lowering functionality that previously resided within the rack, combining these functions into a single integrated system. This eliminates the need for separate internal mechanisms in the rack while maintaining the ability to lift and lower the rack for exchange operations
3Ease of operation
If the accommodation rack is positioned outside the housing, then exchange operations are accessible, but the printing device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The accommodation rack is nested within the housing of the printing device, similar to a nested doll structure. The rack can be lifted to an exchange position where it becomes accessible for operations, then lowered back into the housing for compact storage. This nesting approach allows the rack to be integrated into the housing volume while maintaining accessibility during exchange operations
Data Source
AI summary
An exchanging unit for use in a printing device including a printing section to execute a printing process of printing a viscous fluid on a processing target object using a screen mask, and includes a receiving section configured to receive an accommodation rack having multiple shelf sections each configured to accommodate a frame that is capable of supporting an exchangeable member for use in the printing device, a lifting and lowering section configure to lift and lower the accommodation rack between an exchange position where to exchange the exchangeable member and a liftable position situated further downwards than the exchange position, and a moving section configured to move the accommodation rack between the liftable position where the accommodation rack can be lifted up by the lifting and lowering section and an accommodation position where the accommodation rack enters an interior of a housing of the printing device.