JP7728862B2 - Replacement unit, printing device, storage rack and printing system - Google Patents

Description

The present disclosure discloses a replacement unit, a printing device, a storage rack, and a printing system.

Conventionally, for example, in printing devices that use a screen mask to perform a viscous fluid printing process on a printing target such as a substrate, automatic replacement of replaceable parts, including the screen mask used in the printing device, is known. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a printing system in which a storage device is placed in front of the printing device and replaceable parts are automatically replaced between the storage device and the printing device.

International Publication No. 2019/225002

However, the storage device in the printing system described above has multiple vertically arranged placement sections on which replaceable parts are placed, and is equipped with a lifting unit for moving the placement sections to the vertical replacement position, and an object moving unit for grasping the replaceable parts at the replacement position and automatically replacing them with the printing device. This makes the storage device itself large. When such a storage device is placed in front of the printing device, it is difficult for workers to work in front of the printing device.

This disclosure has been made in consideration of these issues, and its primary purpose is to provide an exchange unit, printing device, storage rack, and printing system that can make the storage rack more compact when automatically replacing replaceable parts used in the printing device.

The replacement unit of the present disclosure comprises:
A replacement unit provided in a printing device having a printing unit that performs a printing process of a viscous fluid on a processing object using a screen mask,
a receiving section for receiving a storage rack having a plurality of shelves for accommodating a frame for supporting replaceable members including the screen mask;
an exchange unit that exchanges the exchangeable member by contacting and driving the frame between the shelf at a predetermined height of the storage rack arranged in the receiving unit and the printing device;
a lifting unit that moves the storage rack up and down;
It is equipped with the following.

This replacement unit includes an exchange unit that replaces replaceable parts by contacting and driving a frame between the printing device and a shelf at a predetermined height on a storage rack placed in the receiving unit, and an elevator unit that moves the storage rack up and down. Therefore, there is no need to provide the exchange unit or elevator unit on the storage rack. This allows the storage rack to be made more compact when automatically replacing replaceable parts used in the printing device.

FIG. 1 is a schematic explanatory diagram showing an example of a mounting system 10 and a printing system 12. FIG. 2 is a schematic explanatory diagram of a printing device 11, a replacement unit 40, and a storage rack 90. FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of part A in FIG. 2 . FIG. 4 is a schematic explanatory diagram of an exchange unit 44. FIG. 2 is a schematic explanatory diagram of a storage rack 90. FIG. 2 is a schematic explanatory diagram of a storage rack 90. FIG. 2 is a schematic explanatory diagram of the replacement unit 40 and the storage rack 90. FIG. 2 is a schematic explanatory diagram of a storage rack 90. FIG. 2 is a schematic explanatory diagram of a storage rack 90. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical connections of the printing system 12. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a member replacement processing routine. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the state in which the storage rack 90 pulls in the frame 29. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the height relationship between the frame 29 and the shelf portion 91 at the replacement position. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the state in which the storage rack 90 pulls in the frame 29. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the state in which the storage rack 90 sends out the frame 29. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the height relationship between the frame 29 and the shelf portion 91 at the replacement position. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the state in which the storage rack 90 sends out the frame 29.

This embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a mounting system 10 and a printing system 12 including a printing device 11, which is an example of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the printing device 11, a replacement unit 40, and a storage rack 90. FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of portion A in FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of the replacement unit 44. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of the storage rack 90. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of the storage rack 90. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of the replacement unit 44 and the storage rack 90. FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of the storage rack 90. FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of the storage rack 90. FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the electrical connections of the printing system 12. The mounting system 10 is a system that mounts components, for example, on a substrate S to be processed. This mounting system 10 includes a printing device 11, a mounting device 13, an automated guided vehicle 18, and a management computer (PC) 60. The mounting system 10 is configured as a mounting line in which a plurality of mounting devices 13 that mount components on a board S are arranged downstream of a printing device 11. The printing system 12 is configured from the printing device 11, a replacement unit 40, a storage rack 90, and a management PC 80 whose main function is to manage the printing device 11. In this embodiment, the left-right direction (X-axis), front-back direction (Y-axis), and up-down direction (Z-axis) are as shown in Figures 1 to 9.

The warehouse area 15 is an area where replaceable components (hereinafter simply referred to as components) used in the mounting system 10 are prepared. Components used in the mounting system 10 include, for example, the screen mask M, a support member 32 for fixing the processing target, a squeegee 25 for applying solder paste as a viscous fluid during the printing process, a cartridge 36 for containing the viscous fluid, and a cleaning member 34 for cleaning the screen mask M in the printing device 11. The warehouse area 15 is equipped with an arm robot 16 and a preparation table 17. The arm robot 16 loads the next storage rack 90 prepared for use from the preparation table 17 onto the automated guided vehicle 18 and moves used storage racks 90 collected by the automated guided vehicle 18 to the preparation table 17. The preparation table 17 is a workbench on which new and used storage racks 90 are placed. The arm robot 16 is controlled by a control PC (not shown). This control PC receives replacement commands from the management PC 80 via a network line and outputs information such as the work status of the arm robot 16 to the management PC 80. Note that in the warehouse area 15, the movement and preparation of the storage racks 90 may be performed by an operator.

The mounting device 13 is a device that attaches components to a substrate S on which a viscous fluid such as solder paste has been printed by the printing device 11.

The automated guided vehicle 18 moves between the mounting line and the warehouse area 15, where materials related to the mounting process are stored and prepared for use. It automatically transports storage racks 90 containing materials such as screen masks M. The printing device 11 is connected to an exchange unit 40 that accepts the storage racks 90, and the automated guided vehicle 18 delivers the transported storage racks 90 to the exchange unit 40. The automated guided vehicle 18 may be an AGV that moves along a line formed on the floor or an AMR that travels autonomously based on signals obtained from sensors, cameras, etc. The automated guided vehicle 18 is equipped with a controller, a drive unit, a communication unit, and a mounting unit. The controller controls the entire device. The drive unit is a motor that rotates the wheels and is controlled by the controller. The communication unit is a wireless interface that communicates with external devices such as the printing device 11 and the management PC 80. The automated guided vehicle 18 sends and receives commands and signals to and from the management PC 80 and the printing device 11 via this communication unit. The automated guided vehicle 18 has a loading section on its upper surface for loading components such as the storage rack 90. The automated guided vehicle 18 enters the lifting space 50 formed in the center of the replacement unit 40, and receives and transfers the storage rack 90 between the automated guided vehicle 18 and the replacement unit 40.

As shown in Figures 1, 2, and 10, the printing device 11 uses a squeegee 25 to press solder on a screen mask M into pattern holes formed in the screen mask M, thereby applying (printing) the solder as a viscous fluid onto a substrate S serving as a processing target below through the pattern holes. Examples of the "processing target" include a substrate S on which components are mounted and a three-dimensional substrate. Examples of the "viscous fluid" include solder paste, conductive paste, and adhesive. The following description uses the substrate S and solder as examples. The screen mask M is fixed inside a frame 29. The frame 29 can hold screen masks M of several sizes and is sized to fit on the shelf 91 of a storage rack 90 (see Figure 1). As shown in Figure 10, the printing device 11 includes a printing control unit 21, a printing unit 22, a masking unit 26, a substrate processing unit 30, a cleaning unit 33, and a supply unit 35.

The print control unit 21 is configured as a microprocessor centered on a CPU and controls the entire printing device 11. The print control unit 21 outputs signals to and receives signals from the printing unit 22, mask operation unit 26, substrate processing unit 30, cleaning unit 33, supply unit 35, and replacement unit 40, as well as the management PC 80, which serves as an external device. For example, the print control unit 21 outputs request information to the management PC 80, which serves as a management device, requesting the movement of the storage rack 90 based on the usage status of replaceable components in the printing unit 22. The print control unit 21 also receives an acceptance signal from the automated guided vehicle 18 indicating that the storage rack 90 has been attached to the replacement unit 40. The print control unit 21 also controls the replacement unit 27 to replace the screen mask M between the storage rack 90 and the printing unit 22. The print control unit 21 has a memory unit that stores information on the substrate S to be printed, a printing processing program that performs printing on the substrate S, and a component replacement processing program that executes the frame 29 replacement process by the replacement unit 27.

The printing unit 22 is located on the upper level of the printing device 11 and is a unit that prints a viscous fluid onto a substrate S using a screen mask M. As shown in Figures 1 and 4, the printing unit 22 includes a print head 23, a print movement unit 24, a squeegee lifting unit, a squeegee 25, and a passage opening 19. The print movement unit 24 moves the print head 23 in a predetermined printing direction (here, the front-to-rear direction), and includes a guide formed in the front-to-rear direction, a slider that moves along the guide, and a motor that drives the slider. The squeegee 25 is located on the underside of the print head 23 and is raised and lowered by the squeegee lifting unit. The printing unit 22 has two squeegees 25, one for the front and one for the rear. A passage opening 19 is provided in the front wall of the housing of the printing device 11, allowing a frame 29 to pass through. As shown in FIG. 3 , the passage opening 19 has tapered portions 19a formed along guides 26a of the mask working unit 26 to guide the frame 29 to a rear fixing position where the frame 29 is fixed. The tapered portions 19a have tapered surfaces that narrow the passage of the frame 29 toward the fixing position, and are disposed on both sides of the passage opening 19. As shown in FIG. 2 , the mask working unit 26 is disposed between the printing unit 22 and the substrate processing unit 30 in the vertical direction and is a unit that fixes and holds the screen mask M. As shown in FIG. 10 , the mask working unit 26 includes an exchange unit 27 and a mask fixing unit 28. The exchange unit 27 is a transport rod provided on the printing head 23. It is lowered by an air cylinder (not shown) to a position where it abuts against the screen mask M, and by rotating, the abutting portion that abuts against the frame 29 also moves forward and backward (see dotted line in FIG. 2 ). The print head 23 and the replacement unit 27 engage with a frame 29 between a shelf 91 at a predetermined height of the storage rack 90 and the printing unit 22 to move the frame 29. The mask fixing unit 28 positions the screen mask M and supports and fixes it in a horizontal position. The screen mask M is pushed by the replacement unit 27 and moved back and forth along a guide in the mask working unit 26, and is fixed by the mask fixing unit 28. As shown in FIG. 2 , the substrate processing unit 30 is disposed below the mask working unit 26 and is a unit that loads the substrate S, positions and supports the loaded substrate S, and brings it into contact with and separates it from the screen mask M. The substrate processing unit 30 includes a substrate transport unit 31 that transports the substrate S in the left-right direction, a support member 32 that supports the substrate S from below, and a substrate lifting unit that lifts and lowers the entire substrate processing unit 30 and the support member 32. The cleaning unit 33 is disposed between the mask working unit 26 and the substrate processing unit 30 in the vertical direction and is a unit that performs a cleaning process to clean the back surface of the screen mask M. The cleaning unit 33 has a cleaning member 34, which cleans the screen mask M. The supply unit 35 is a unit that supplies solder contained in a cartridge 36 onto the screen mask M. The supply unit 35 is disposed in front of the print head 23. The supply unit 35 applies pressure to the cartridge 36 to cause the solder to be discharged from the cartridge 36. The cleaning member 34 and cartridge 36 are consumables and are replaced as necessary.

The replacement unit 40 is configured as a device that receives a storage rack 90 containing replaceable members such as a screen mask M fixed to a frame 29 and raises and lowers the storage rack 90. The replacement unit 40 has a pair of left and right units, a left unit 41 and a right unit 61, which serve as the lifting section of the present disclosure, and a replacement control section 70. This replacement unit 40 has a lifting space 50 in the center between the left unit 41 and the right unit 61, in which the storage rack 90 rises and falls.

The left-side unit 41 is disposed on the front left side of the housing of the printing device 11. The left-side unit 41 includes a receiving unit 42, a driving unit 43, and an exchange unit 44. The receiving unit 42 receives a storage rack 90 that houses a frame 29 that supports the screen mask M, and supports the storage rack 90 from its underside. The receiving unit 42 may, for example, fix the storage rack 90 using magnetic force. The driving unit 43 raises and lowers the storage rack 90 by raising and lowering the receiving unit 42. The driving unit 43 may, for example, include a ball screw with an elevating shaft and a drive motor, or may be a linear motor. The exchange unit 44 exchanges the frame 29 between the storage rack 90 and the printing unit 22 by contacting and driving the frame 29. The exchange unit 44 includes a sending unit 45 and a moving unit 46. The sending unit 45 includes a belt 47 that moves the frame 29 toward the printing device 11 or the storage rack 90 by the frictional force of a surface 47a, and a drive unit 48 that rotates the belt 47. The drive unit 48 is configured as, for example, a servo motor. As shown in FIG. 4 , the sending unit 45 is configured so that the power of the drive unit 48 is transmitted to the belt 47 via a plurality of pulleys 49. The movement unit 46 is used to move the sending unit 45 in a direction (here, the left-right direction) toward or away from the frame 29 stored in the storage rack 90, and is configured as, for example, an air cylinder or a linear motor.

The right-side unit 61 has a receiving section 62. The right-side unit 61 is arranged on the front right side of the housing of the printing device 11. The right-side unit 61 has a receiving section 62 and a drive section 63. Note that the receiving section 62 and drive section 63 are similar to the receiving section 42 and drive section 43, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

The replacement control unit 70 is configured as a microprocessor centered on a CPU, and controls the entire replacement unit 40. The replacement control unit 70 outputs signals to the drive units 43, 63 and the print control unit 21. The replacement control unit 70 also inputs signals from the print control unit 21. The replacement control unit 70 performs a process to move the storage rack 90 from the liftable position to the replacement position using the drive unit 43. Once the replacement of the replaceable parts is complete, the replacement control unit 70 also causes the drive unit 43 to lower the storage rack 90 from the replacement position to the liftable position (the position where the receiving units 42, 62 are lowest).

The storage rack 90 is a housing that houses frames 29 capable of supporting screen masks M as replaceable components for the printing process performed in the printing unit 22. As shown in Figures 2, 5-8, the storage rack 90 has a rack main body 90a, an opening 92, multiple shelves 91, and a cover member 93. As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the rack main body 90a has an insertion space 95 for inserting the sender 45 of the replacement unit 44 when replacing replaceable components between the storage rack 90 and the printing device 11. The insertion space 95 is a groove-shaped space formed at the position of each shelf 91 on the side surface facing the left unit 41. This insertion space 95 is formed on one side surface of the rack main body 90a. The opening 92 communicates with the outside, such as the passage port 19 of the printing unit 22, and the frames 29 are loaded and unloaded through this opening 92. The shelf 91 stores the frames 29 in a predetermined storage position. The rack body 90a has left and right shelf portions 91 on which the ends of the frame 29 are inserted to support the frame. The shelf portions 91 are arranged vertically at a predetermined interval so that the frame 29 supporting the screen mask M can be placed vertically. The shelf portions 91 are members having a generally L-shaped cross section. The left shelf portion 91 has a support surface that supports the frame 29, to which a follower portion 94 is attached. The follower portion 94 supports the frame 29 in response to the movement of the frame 29. The right shelf portion 91 has a support surface and a side surface that are attached with a follower portion 94. The follower portion 94 is configured as, for example, a ball caster. The follower portion 94 may also be a conveying roller. Between the left and right shelf portions 91, a passage 91a is formed, through which the frame 29 can move back and forth. The passage 91a communicates with an opening 92. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 8 , the passage 91a has a tapered portion 91b that narrows to guide the frame 29 from the printing unit 22 to the designated storage position. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6 , the tapered portion 91b is provided on the tip 91c and side 91d of the shelf 91. The cover member 93 is attached to the top surface of the rack body 90a. As shown in FIG. 9 , the cover member 93 is intended to close the gap G between the rack body 90a and the passage opening 19 when replacing the frame 29 between the storage rack 90 and the printing device 11. The cover member 93 is thick enough to prevent an operator's fingers from getting caught in the gap G when replacing replaceable parts between the top shelf 91 of the storage rack 90 and the printing device 11 at the replacement position, for example, so that the gap G is 5 mm or less. This storage rack 90 does not have a drive unit or lift unit for moving the frame 29. This storage rack 90 can further simplify its configuration. The shelf 91 has a size corresponding to the frame size of various replaceable components. That is, the shelf 91 is formed to a size capable of accommodating the largest frame 29. This storage rack 90 may have shelf 91 corresponding to the frame size of various replaceable components, or a single storage rack 90 may have multiple shelf 91 of the same size. In the latter case, multiple storage racks 90 with the same external size may be prepared, and the shelf 91 of each storage rack 90 may correspond to one of the frame sizes of various replaceable components. In this case, although the number of types of storage rack 90 increases, since the external size of the storage rack 90 is the same, each storage rack 90 can share the receiving sections 42, 62 even if the frame sizes of the corresponding replaceable components are different.

The management PC 80 manages information about each device in the mounting system 10. It includes a management control unit 81, a memory unit 82, and a communication unit 83. The management control unit 81 is configured as a microprocessor centered on a CPU and controls the entire device. When the management control unit 81 receives request information from the printing device 11 requesting the movement of a storage rack 90, it outputs a command to the control PC in the warehouse area 15 and the automated guided vehicle 18 to move the storage rack 90. The memory unit 82 is a high-capacity storage medium such as an HDD or flash memory, and manages the progress of each device on the mounting line, the components being transported by the automated guided vehicle 18, and its current location. The communication unit 83 is an interface used for communicating with external devices. Each device in the mounting system 10 exchanges information with the management PC 80 via the communication unit 83.

First, the printing process of the printing device 11 configured as described above will be described. The printing process routine for performing the printing process is stored in the memory of the printing control unit 21 and is executed by the printing control unit 21 after the operator inputs a command to execute the printing process. When the printing process routine begins, the CPU of the printing control unit 21 first transports, fixes, and raises the substrate S using the substrate processing unit 30, thereby bringing the substrate S into contact with the screen mask M. At this time, the CPU adjusts the position of the screen mask M using the mask working unit 26 to align the pattern holes with the substrate S. Next, the CPU moves the cartridge 36 over the screen mask M and dispenses solder onto it. Next, the CPU moves the print head 23 and lowers the squeegee 25 to bring the squeegee 25 into contact with the upper surface of the screen mask M and moves it back and forth to print solder onto the substrate S. In this way, the printing control unit 21 performs the printing process, including the substrate transport and fixation process, the solder supply process, and the squeegee movement process, to print on the substrate S. The CPU repeats this printing process while replacing the screen mask M until the production process for all types of substrates S in the manufacturing plan is completed.

Next, the operation of the replacement unit 40 will be described using Figures 11 to 17. Here, the replacement of the screen mask M by the replacement unit 40 will be described. Note that the storage rack 90 has one or more empty shelves 91, and the topmost shelf 91 stores a frame 29 that holds the screen mask M used in the printing device 11. Figure 11 is a flowchart showing an example of a component replacement processing routine executed by the replacement control unit 70 of the replacement unit 40. Figure 12 is an explanatory diagram showing the storage rack 90 pulling in the frame 29, and Figure 13 is an explanatory diagram showing the height relationship between the frame 29 and the shelf 91 at the replacement position. Figure 14 is an explanatory diagram showing the storage rack 90 pulling in the frame 29. Figure 15 is an explanatory diagram showing the storage rack 90 sending out the frame 29. Figure 16 is an explanatory diagram showing the height relationship between the frame 29 and the shelf 91 at the replacement position. Figure 17 is an explanatory diagram showing the storage rack 90 sending out the frame 29. The component replacement processing routine is stored in the memory of the replacement control unit 70 and is executed after a frame replacement command is input from the print control unit. When this routine starts, the CPU of the replacement control unit 70 first drives the drive units 43 and 63 to raise and lower the storage rack 90 so that the empty shelf unit 91 is at a replacement position at a predetermined lower height, as shown in FIG. 12A (S100). Specifically, as shown in FIG. 13, when pulling the frame 29 into the empty shelf unit 91, the CPU of the replacement control unit 70 controls the drive units 43 and 63 to raise and lower the storage rack 90 so that the height of the empty shelf unit 91 is lower than the passing plane 20 through which the frame 29 passes.

Next, the CPU outputs a transport command to the printing device 11. When the CPU of the print control unit 21 inputs the send command, it controls various components to transport the frame 29 to a predetermined position. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 12B, the CPU of the print control unit 21 lowers the replacement unit 27 so that the replacement unit 27 abuts against the frame 29 holding the screen mask M. Next, the CPU of the print control unit 21 controls the print moving unit 24 to transport the frame 29 together with the print head 23. Next, when the CPU of the print control unit 21 inputs a signal from a sensor (not shown) indicating that the frame 29 has been transported to a predetermined position and has entered the shelf portion 91 of the storage rack 90, it controls the print moving unit 24 to stop the print head 23. Then, the CPU of the print control unit 21 outputs a pull-in command to the replacement control unit 70.

Next, the CPU of the exchange control unit 70 inputs the insertion command output by the print control unit 21 (S120) and executes the insertion process for the frame 29 (S130). Specifically, as shown in FIG. 14A, the CPU controls the moving unit 46 to insert the output unit 45 into the insertion space 95 provided in the rack main body 90a, abutting the surface 47a of the belt 47 against the frame 29 and pressing the frame 29 against the driven unit 94 provided on the side of the right shelf 91. The CPU then controls the driving unit 48 to rotate the belt 47 in a direction that pulls the frame 29 into an empty storage rack 90. The frictional force of the surface 47a of the belt 47 then pulls the frame 29 into the storage rack 90, and the frame 29 is stored on the shelf 91, as shown in FIGS. 12C and 14B. The CPU then controls the moving unit 46 to pull the output unit 45 out of the insertion space 95, as shown in FIG. 14C.

15A, the CPU controls the drive units 43, 63 so that the shelf unit 91 housing the frame 29 that holds the screen mask M used in the printing device 11 is at a replacement position at a predetermined upper height (S140). Specifically, as shown in FIG. 16, when sending out a frame 29 from the storage rack 90, the CPU of the replacement control unit 70 controls the drive units 43, 63 to raise or lower the storage rack 90 so that the height of the shelf unit 91 housing the next frame 29 to be used is higher than the passing plane 20 through which the frame 29 passes.

Next, the CPU executes a member sending process (S150). Specifically, as shown in FIG. 17A, the CPU controls the moving unit 46 to insert the sending unit 45 into the insertion space 95 provided in the rack body 90a, bringing the surface 47a of the belt 47 into contact with the frame 29 and pressing the frame 29 against the driven unit 94 provided on the side of the right shelf 91. The CPU then controls the drive unit 48 to rotate the belt 47 in a direction that sends the frame 29 to the printing device 11. As a result, the frictional force of the surface 47a of the belt 47 sends the frame 29 to the printing device 11, as shown in FIG. 17B. The CPU then determines whether the frame 29 has been transported to the predetermined position based on the amount of movement of the drive unit 48 up to the present time since the drive unit 48 started sending the frame to the printing device 11. When the frame 29 has been transported to the predetermined position, the CPU controls the drive unit 48 to stop the rotation of the belt 47. Then, the CPU controls the moving unit 46 to pull out the delivery unit 45 from the insertion space 95 as shown in FIG. 17C.

The CPU then outputs a send command to the printing device 11 (S160). Upon inputting the send command, the CPU of the printing control unit 21 controls various components so that the frame 29 holding the screen mask M is transported to a fixed position. Specifically, the CPU of the printing control unit 21 controls the replacement unit 27 to bring the replacement unit 27 and the frame 29 into contact. Next, the CPU of the printing control unit 21 controls the printing movement unit 24 to transport the frame 29 together with the print head 23. Then, once the frame 29 has been transported to the fixed position, the CPU of the printing control unit 21 controls the printing movement unit 24 to stop the print head 23. After S160, the CPU of the replacement control unit 70 ends this routine.

Here, we clarify the correspondence between the components of this embodiment and the components of this disclosure. In this embodiment, the replacement unit 40 corresponds to the replacement unit, the printing unit 22 corresponds to the printing unit, the printing device 11 corresponds to the printing device, the receiving units 42 and 62 correspond to the receiving unit, the storage rack 90 corresponds to the storage rack, the replacement unit 44 corresponds to the replacement unit, and the left unit 41 and right unit 61 correspond to the lifting unit. Furthermore, the printing system 12 corresponds to the printing system.

The replacement unit 40 of this embodiment described above includes an exchange unit 44 that replaces replaceable parts by abutting and driving the frame 29 between the printing device 11 and a shelf portion 91 of a predetermined height of the storage rack 90 arranged in the receiving unit 42, 62, and the storage rack 90, and an elevator unit that moves the storage rack 90 up and down. Therefore, there is no need to provide the exchange unit 44 or drive units 43, 63 on the storage rack 90. Therefore, the storage rack 90 can be made compact when automatically replacing replaceable parts used in the printing device 11.

The replacement unit 40 also has a pair of left and right units, a left unit 41 and a right unit 61. The replacement unit 44 provided in the left unit 41 includes a sending unit 45 having a belt 47 that moves the frame 29 toward the printing device 11 or the storage rack 90 by the frictional force of the surface 47a, a drive unit 48 that rotates the belt 47, and a movement unit 46 that moves the sending unit 45 so that the surface 47a of the belt 47 of the sending unit 45 approaches or moves away from the frame 29. This allows the replacement unit 40 to have a relatively simple configuration. An insertion space 95 into which the sending unit 45 of the replacement unit 44 is inserted is provided on the side of the storage rack 90. The sending unit 45 of the replacement unit 44 is inserted into the insertion space 95 to replace replaceable parts. Therefore, the frame 29 can be replaced in the replacement unit 40 by inserting the sending unit 45 into the insertion space 95, abutting the belt 47 against the frame 29, and driving the drive unit 48. Therefore, in the replacement unit 40, the replaceable members can be replaced relatively easily.

The replacement unit 40 also includes a replacement control unit 70 that controls the replacement unit 44 to pull the frame 29 into the shelf section 91 when it receives a pull-in command from the printing device 11 after the frame 29 sent from the printing device 11 has entered the shelf section 91. Therefore, the replacement unit 40 can smoothly exchange replaceable parts between the printing device 11 and the storage rack 90.

The replacement unit 40 also includes a replacement control unit 70 that controls the replacement unit 44 to send the frame 29 to the printing device 11 and then outputs a sending command to the printing device 11. Therefore, the replacement unit 40 can smoothly exchange replaceable parts between the printing device 11 and the storage rack 90.

The replacement unit 40 also includes a replacement control unit 70 that controls the drive units 43, 63 to move the shelf unit 91 to a position higher than the passage surface 20 of the printing device 11 when sending out the frame 29 from the storage rack 90, and to move the shelf unit 91 to a position lower than the passage surface 20 when pulling the frame 29 into the printing device 11. Therefore, the replacement unit 40 makes it less likely for the frame 29 to get caught on the printing device 11 or the shelf unit 91 when replacing the frame 29 between the storage rack 90 and the printing device 11.

The printing device 11 is also provided with a replacement unit 40, and the passage 19 through which the frame 29 passes when moving it between the storage rack 90 is provided with a tapered portion 19a that guides the frame 29 to a fixed position where it is fixed when the frame 29 is subjected to printing processing in the printing unit 22. Therefore, in the printing device 11, the frame 29 is less likely to get caught on the printing device 11 when it is transported from the storage rack 90 to the printing device 11.

The storage rack 90 is a storage rack that is received by the replacement unit 40 disposed in a printing device 11 that includes a printing section 22 that performs a viscous fluid printing process on a processing target using a screen mask M. The storage rack 90 includes a rack main body 90a formed with an opening 92 through which the frame 29 passes when the frame supporting the replaceable member, including the screen mask M, is exchanged between the printing device 11 and the storage rack 90; multiple shelves 91 disposed inside the rack main body 90a that accommodate the frame 29; and tapered portions 91b formed in the openings 92 that narrow the passage 91a to guide the frame 29 to the storage position on the shelves 91. Therefore, in the printing device 11, the frame 29 is less likely to get caught on the storage rack 90 when being transported to the storage rack 90.

Furthermore, in the storage rack 90, the tapered portion 91b may be formed on both the side surface 91d of the shelf portion 91 and the tip 91c of the shelf portion 91. Therefore, in the storage rack 90, when the frame 29 is transported from the printing device 11 to the storage rack 90, the frame 29 is less likely to get caught on the storage rack 90.

In the storage rack 90, the replacement unit 40 is composed of a pair of left and right units 41 and 61. The left unit 41 includes an exchange unit 44 having a belt 47 that moves the frame 29 toward the printing device 11 or the storage rack 90 using the frictional force of its surface 47a, a feeder 45 with a drive unit 48 that drives the belt 47, and a moving unit 46 that moves the feeder 45 so that the surface 47a of the belt 47 of the feeder 45 approaches or moves away from the frame 29. The rack body 90a also includes an insertion space 95 into which the feeder 45 of the replacement unit 44 is inserted, and the shelf 91 includes a driven unit 94 that follows the movement of the frame 29 when the feeder 45 contacts the frame 29. The driven unit 94 is configured, for example, as a ball cast. Therefore, in the storage rack 90, friction between the frame 29 and the shelf portion 91 can be reduced when the frame 29 is sent out by the sending portion 45 or when the frame 29 is pulled into the shelf portion 91. Therefore, in the storage rack 90, the frame 29 can be replaced smoothly.

The printing system 12 also includes a replacement unit 40, a printing device 11, and a storage rack 90. Because the printing system 12 includes the replacement unit 40, the storage rack 90 can be made more compact when automatically replacing replaceable parts used in the printing device 11, just like the replacement unit 40.

It goes without saying that the storage device and printing system disclosed herein are in no way limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be implemented in various forms as long as they fall within the technical scope of the present disclosure.

For example, in the above-described embodiment, the replacement unit 44 is provided in the left unit 41, but this is not limited to this. The replacement unit 44 may also be provided in the right unit 61. Furthermore, in the replacement unit 40, the replacement unit 44 may be provided in both the left unit 41 and the right unit 61. In this case, the storage rack 90 may omit the follower parts 94 on the sides and have insertion spaces 95 on both sides. In this replacement unit 40, the configuration of the storage rack 90 can be simplified while the frame 29 can be pulled in and sent out.

In the above-described embodiment, the replacement unit 40 comprises a left unit 41 and a right unit 61, with the main body of the replacement unit 40 disposed on the left and right sides of the housing of the printing device 11, respectively. However, this is not particularly limited to this, and the replacement unit 40 may have an integrated structure if there is space to accommodate the storage rack 90. Furthermore, while the replacement unit 40 is disposed in front of the printing device 11, this is not particularly limited, and it may be disposed at the rear or side.

In the above-described embodiment, the exchange unit 44 is configured to transmit the power of the drive unit 48 to the belt 47 via multiple pulleys 49, and by driving the drive unit 48 to rotate the belt 47 while the surface 47a of the belt 47 is in contact with the frame 29, the frame 29 is sent out from the storage rack 90 or pulled into the storage rack 90. However, this is not particularly limited. For example, the exchange unit 44 may be configured with a rubber roller and a drive unit 48 connected to the rubber roller and rotating the rubber roller, and by driving the drive unit 48 to rotate the rubber roller while the surface of the rubber roller is in contact with the frame 29, the frame 29 may be sent out from the storage rack 90 or pulled into the storage rack 90.

In the above-described embodiment, the passage opening 19 is provided with a tapered portion 19a, which is a member having a tapered surface. However, this may be omitted and the guide 26a may be the tapered portion. That is, the guide 26a may have a tapered surface. This printing device 11 also allows for smooth movement of the frame 29. Alternatively, the printing device 11 may not have a tapered portion 19a. This printing device 11 also allows for the use of an exchange unit 44 to simplify the configuration of the storage rack 90. Note that it is preferable for the printing device 11 to have a tapered portion 19a, as this allows for smoother movement of the frame 29.

In the above-described embodiment, the storage rack 90 has a tapered portion 91b at the opening 92 of the shelf portion 91, but this is not particularly limited, and the tapered portion 91b may be omitted. Even with this storage rack 90, the configuration of the storage rack 90 can be simplified by using the replacement part 44. Note that it is preferable for the storage rack 90 to have a tapered portion 91b, as this allows for smoother movement of the frame 29.

In the above-described embodiment, the insertion spaces 95 are groove-shaped spaces formed at the positions of the shelves 91 on the side of the rack body 90a facing the left unit 41, but this is not particularly limited. For example, the insertion spaces 95 may be spaces shaped such that two or more groove-shaped insertion spaces 95 are connected in the vertical direction.

In the above-described embodiment, the printing device 11 outputs a pull-in command and the replacement unit 40 outputs a send-out command, but this is not limited to this, and one or more of these commands may be omitted. For example, these commands can be omitted by providing a detection sensor that detects the frame 29 in the printing device 11, or by providing a detection sensor that detects the frame 29 in the replacement unit 40. Note that not providing a detection sensor in the printing system 12 can simplify the configuration.

In the embodiment described above, the replacement unit 40 in the printing system 12 has a replacement section 44 equipped with a drive section 48, a movement section 46, and a feed section 45, but this is not particularly limited to this, and any other unit may be used as long as it is capable of moving the frame 29. Note that this printing system 12 also has tapered sections 19a and 91b. The presence of these tapered sections in this printing system 12 allows for smoother movement of the frame 29.

In the above-described embodiment, the receiving units 42, 62 receive the storage rack 90 by supporting the left and right ends of the storage rack 90 from the underside. However, this is not a limitation as long as the storage rack 90 can be received. For example, the entire underside of the storage rack 90 may be supported, or the storage rack 90 may be supported from the side or top of the storage rack 90. In addition, in the above-described embodiment, the replacement unit 40 receives the storage rack 90 from the automated guided vehicle 18 by lifting it up and delivers it to the automated guided vehicle 18 by lowering it down. However, this is not a limitation as long as the storage rack 90 can be received and delivered. Furthermore, while the automated guided vehicle 18 receives and delivers the storage rack 90 by entering the lifting space 50, this is not a limitation. For example, a conveyor or the like may be provided on the placement unit or receiving units 42, 62 of the automated guided vehicle 18, and the automated guided vehicle 18 may stop in front of the replacement unit 40 to receive and deliver the storage rack 90.

In the above-described embodiment, the replacement unit 27 has a rod structure with an abutment portion disposed on the print head 23, but this is not limited to this and may be an independent mechanism disposed outside the print head 23. Also, in the above-described embodiment, the replacement unit 27 is a rod mechanism that engages with the frame 29, but it may also be, for example, a conveyor mechanism that places and moves the frame 29 containing the replaceable parts.

In the above-described embodiment, the replaceable member is described as a screen mask M, but is not limited to this as long as it requires replacement. It may be one or more of the following: a screen mask M, a cartridge 36 containing a viscous fluid, a squeegee 25, a cleaning member 34 used to clean the screen mask M, and a support member 32 supporting a substrate S as a processing target. Furthermore, while the processing target is a substrate S, it is not particularly limited to this and may be a three-dimensional object, etc., as long as the viscous fluid is printed on it. Furthermore, while the viscous fluid is described as solder paste, it may also be a conductive paste, adhesive, etc.

In the above-described embodiment, a printing system 12 is described as having a printing device 11, a replacement unit 40, and a storage rack 90, but the present disclosure may also be one or more of the printing device 11, the replacement unit 40, and the storage rack 90.

The present disclosure may be configured as follows:

The storage rack of the present disclosure comprises:
A storage rack that is received in an exchange unit disposed in a printing device that has a printing unit that performs a printing process of a viscous fluid on a processing object using a screen mask,
a main body portion having an opening formed therein through which a frame supporting an exchangeable member including the screen mask passes when the frame is exchanged between the main body portion and the printing device;
a plurality of shelves disposed within the main body and configured to accommodate the frame;
a tapered portion formed in the opening such that a passage narrows to guide the frame to a storage position on the shelf;
It is equipped with the following.

This storage rack has a tapered opening that narrows the path to guide the frame to the storage position on the shelf. This makes it less likely that the frame will get caught on the storage rack when being transported from the printing device to the storage rack.

This disclosure is applicable to the technical field of devices for mounting and processing components.

10 Mounting system, 11 Printing device, 12 Printing system, 13 Mounting device, 15 Warehouse area, 16 Arm robot, 17 Preparation table, 18 Automatic guided vehicle, 19 Passing opening, 19a Tapered portion, 20 Passing surface, 21 Printing control unit, 22 Printing unit, 23 Print head, 24 Printing movement unit, 25 Squeegee, 26 Mask working unit, 26a Guide, 27 Replacement unit, 28 Mask fixing unit, 29 Frame, 30 Substrate processing unit, 31 Substrate transport unit, 32 Support member, 33 Cleaning unit, 34 Cleaning member, 35 Supply unit, 36 Cartridge, 40 Replacement unit, 41 Left unit, 42 Receiving unit, 43 Drive unit, 44 Replacement unit, 45 Sending unit, 46 Movement unit, 47 Belt, 47a Surface, 48 Drive unit, 49 Pulley, 50 Lifting space, 61 right side unit, 62 receiving section, 63 drive section, 70 exchange control section, 80 management PC, 81 management control section, 82 memory section, 83 communication section, 90 storage rack, 90a rack body, 91 shelf section, 91a aisle, 91b tapered section, 91c tip, 91d side, 92 opening, 93 cover member, 94 follower section, 95 insertion space, G gap, M screen mask, S substrate.

Claims (12)

A replacement unit provided in a printing device having a printing unit that performs a printing process of a viscous fluid on a processing object using a screen mask,
a receiving section for receiving a storage rack having a plurality of shelves for accommodating a frame for supporting replaceable members including the screen mask;
an exchange unit that exchanges the exchangeable member by contacting and driving the frame between the shelf at a predetermined height of the storage rack arranged in the receiving unit and the printing device;
a lifting unit that moves the storage rack up and down;
Equipped with
The replacement unit has a pair of unit components,
The exchange unit is provided in one of the pair of unit components, and includes a sending unit having a belt that moves the frame toward the printing device or the storage rack by surface friction and a drive unit that rotates the belt, and a moving unit that moves the sending unit so that the surface of the belt of the sending unit approaches or moves away from the frame.
Replacement unit. an insertion space into which the sending unit of the exchange unit is inserted is provided on a side surface of the storage rack;
The replacement unit according to claim 1 , wherein the replacement part replaces the replaceable member by inserting the delivery part into the insertion space. The replacement unit according to any one of claims 1 to 2 ,
an exchange control unit that controls the exchange unit to pull the frame into the shelf section when a pull-in command is received from the printing device after the frame sent from the printing device has entered the shelf section; The replacement unit according to any one of claims 1 to 3 ,
an exchange control unit that controls the exchange unit to send out a frame to the printing device and then outputs a sending command to the printing device; The replacement unit according to any one of claims 1 to 4 ,
An exchange unit equipped with an exchange control unit that controls the lifting unit to move the shelf unit to a position higher than the passing surface of the printing device when sending the frame out of the storage rack, and to move the shelf unit to a position lower than the passing surface when pulling the frame in from the printing device. A printing device in which the replaceable unit according to any one of claims 1 to 5 is provided,
A printing device comprising a tapered portion provided at a passage opening through which the frame passes when moving the frame between the replacement unit and the printing device, the tapered portion guiding the frame to a fixed position where the frame is fixed when the frame is subjected to printing processing in the printing unit. A printing device including a printing unit that performs a printing process of a viscous fluid on a processing object using a screen mask,
The printing device is provided with an exchange unit including: a receiving section that receives a storage rack having a plurality of shelves that accommodate frames that support exchangeable members including the screen mask; an exchange section that exchanges the exchangeable members by abutting against and driving the frames between the shelf at a predetermined height of the storage rack arranged in the receiving section and the printing device; and an elevating section that moves the storage rack up and down;
The printing device is provided with a tapered portion that is provided at a passage through which the frame passes when moving the frame between the printing device and the replacement unit, and that guides the frame to a fixed position where the frame is fixed when the frame is subjected to printing processing in the printing unit. A storage rack that is received in an exchange unit disposed in a printing device that has a printing unit that performs a printing process of a viscous fluid on a processing object using a screen mask,
a main body portion having an opening formed therein through which a frame supporting an exchangeable member including the screen mask passes when the frame is exchanged between the main body portion and the printing device;
a plurality of shelves disposed within the main body and configured to accommodate the frame;
a tapered portion formed in the opening such that a passage narrows to guide the frame to a storage position on the shelf;
A storage rack equipped with: The storage rack according to claim 8, wherein the tapered portion is formed on one or more of the side surface of the shelf portion and the tip of the shelf portion. The replacement unit is comprised of a pair of unit components, and includes an exchange unit having a sending unit provided on one of the unit components and including a belt that moves the frame toward the printing device or the storage rack by surface friction and a drive unit that drives the belt, and a movement unit that moves the sending unit so that the surface of the belt of the sending unit approaches or moves away from the frame,
an insertion space into which the delivery portion of the replacement portion is inserted is formed in the main body portion;
The storage rack according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the shelf portion is provided with a follower portion that follows the movement of the frame when the feeder portion abuts against the frame. A replacement unit according to any one of claims 1 to 5 ;
A printing device according to any one of claims 6 to 7;
The storage rack according to any one of claims 8 to 10,
A printing system comprising: a printing device including a printing unit that performs a printing process of a viscous fluid on a processing object using a screen mask;
a replacement unit provided in the printing device, the replacement unit including: a receiving section that receives a storage rack having a plurality of shelf sections that accommodate frames that support replaceable members including the screen mask; a replacement section that replaces the replaceable members by abutting and driving the frames between the shelf sections at a predetermined height of the storage rack arranged in the receiving section and the printing device; and a lifting section that moves the storage rack up and down;
The storage rack according to any one of claims 8 to 10,
A printing system comprising: