JP7752371B1 - Replacement device, screen printing system, and replacement method - Google Patents

Abstract

The screen printing system includes a printing device that prints paste on a substrate using a mask, and an exchange device that supplies a mask (exchangeable part) to the printing device and retrieves the mask from the printing device. The exchange device has a storage unit that can store the mask with its main surface upright, and an exchange unit that lifts the mask stored in the storage unit and moves the upper end of the mask toward the printing device, supplying the mask to the printing device with its main surface lying down.

Description

The present disclosure relates to an exchange device, a screen printing system, and an exchange method for supplying masks to a printing device and retrieving masks from the printing device.

Screen printing systems print paste, such as solder paste, onto the surface of a circuit board using a mask with a printing pattern. In such screen printing systems, the mask is changed depending on the type of circuit board. Patent Document 1 discloses a screen printing device equipped with an exchange device that holds multiple masks horizontally and can be freely raised and lowered within a housing to perform this mask exchange automatically and continuously.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2021-062517

However, in conventional technologies including Patent Document 1, the replacement device holds large masks horizontally, which makes the replacement device large. In addition, there are problems in that in order to replace the mask, it is necessary to secure space behind or in front of the replacement device so that the mask can be inserted and removed horizontally.

The present disclosure therefore aims to provide a replacement device, screen printing system, and replacement method that enable mask replacement to be achieved in a small installation area.

The replacement device disclosed herein supplies replacement parts to a printing device that prints paste on a substrate using a mask and recovers the replacement parts from the printing device, and includes a storage unit that can store the replacement parts with their main surfaces upright, and a replacement unit that lifts the replacement parts stored in the storage unit while moving the upper end of the replacement part toward the printing device, supplying the replacement parts to the printing device with their main surfaces laid down.

The screen printing system disclosed herein is a screen printing system comprising a printing device that prints paste on a substrate using a mask, and an exchange device that supplies replacement parts to the printing device and collects the replacement parts from the printing device. The exchange device has a storage section that can store the replacement parts with their main surfaces upright, and an exchange section that lifts the replacement parts stored in the storage section while moving the upper end of the replacement parts toward the printing device, supplying the replacement parts to the printing device with their main surfaces lying down.

The replacement method disclosed herein is a method for supplying a replacement part to a printing device that prints paste on a substrate using a mask, in which the replacement part is stored with its main surface upright, and the upper end of the replacement part is moved toward the printing device while lifting the replacement part, and the replacement part is supplied to the printing device with its main surface lying down.

Another replacement method disclosed herein is a method for replacing a replacement part, in which the replacement part is recovered from a printing device that prints paste on a substrate using a mask, and the replacement part is discharged from the printing device with its main surface lying flat, and the lower end of the replacement part is pulled downward while moving the replacement part away from the printing device, and the replacement part is stored with its main surface standing up.

This disclosure allows mask replacement to be achieved in a small footprint.

1 is a perspective view of a screen printing system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 1 is a perspective side view showing a configuration of a screen printing system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 1A and 1B are perspective plan and front views showing a configuration including an exchange device of a screen printing system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 1A and 1B are perspective side views illustrating the function of an exchange device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 1A and 1B are perspective side views illustrating the function of an exchange device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a screen printing system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 5A and 5B are explanatory diagrams illustrating a process of attaching an exchange device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure to a printing device. 10A and 10B are explanatory diagrams illustrating a process of collecting a mask from a printing device into an exchange device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 10A and 10B are explanatory diagrams illustrating a process of collecting a mask from a printing device into an exchange device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 10A and 10B are explanatory diagrams illustrating a process of supplying a mask from an exchange device to a printing device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 1A and 1B are explanatory diagrams illustrating a process of removing the replacement device from the printing device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

An embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail below using the drawings. The configurations, shapes, etc. described below are examples for explanatory purposes and can be modified as appropriate depending on the specifications of the screen printing system, exchange device, printing device, etc. In the following, corresponding elements in all drawings will be given the same reference numerals, and duplicate explanations will be omitted. In FIG. 1 and in some parts described below, two axes that are orthogonal to each other in the horizontal plane are shown: the X axis in the substrate transport direction (the direction perpendicular to the paper surface in FIG. 2) and the Y axis that is orthogonal to the substrate transport direction (the left-right direction in FIG. 2). In addition, in FIG. 1 and in some parts described below, the Z axis that is orthogonal to the horizontal plane (the up-down direction in FIG. 2) is shown.

First, the configuration of the screen printing system 1 will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 3. The screen printing system 1 is configured to include a printing device 10 and an exchange device 40. The printing device 10 performs a printing operation to print a paste P, such as cream solder, on a substrate B using a mask M having a predetermined printing pattern (not shown). The exchange device 40 stores exchange parts such as the mask M, performs a supply operation to supply the exchange parts to the printing device 10, and performs a collection operation to collect the exchange parts from the printing device 10.

In Figure 1, the front of the printing device 10 is provided with an attachment opening 11 through which the replacement device 40 is inserted. Also, a storage space 12 is formed on the front side of the printing device 10 in which the replacement device 40 inserted through the attachment opening 11 is located. A right-side grip portion 14R is disposed on the right wall 13R of the storage space 12. A left-side grip portion 14L is disposed on the left wall 13L of the storage space 12.

A right-side held portion 42R corresponding to the right-side gripping portion 14R is disposed on the right side surface 41R of the exchange device 40. A left-side held portion 42L corresponding to the left-side gripping portion 14L is disposed on the left side surface 41L of the exchange device 40. The right-side gripping portion 14R has the function of gripping the right-side held portion 42R of an exchange device 40 attached to the storage space 12. The left-side gripping portion 14L has the function of gripping the left-side held portion 42L of an exchange device 40 attached to the storage space 12.

Hereinafter, when there is no need to distinguish between the right-side gripping portion 14R and the left-side gripping portion 14L, they will simply be referred to as "grip portion 14." Also, when there is no need to distinguish between the right-side held portion 42R and the left-side held portion 42L, they will simply be referred to as "held portion 42." In this way, the replacement device 40 is detachable from the printing device 10 and has a held portion 42 that is held by the printing device 10 after being attached to the printing device 10. Also, the printing device 10 has a gripping portion 14 that grips the held portion 42 of the replacement device 40 attached to the storage space 12.

In Figure 2, the printing device 10 has a substrate transport and holding unit 17 on a base 16 covered by a printing device cover 15. The substrate transport and holding unit 17 has a conveyor 17a that transports the substrate B along the X axis. The substrate transport and holding unit 17 has a multi-stage table 17b that is arranged on the base 16 below the center of the conveyor 17a in the X axis direction, and a substrate holding unit 17c that is supported by the multi-stage table 17b. The multi-stage table 17b moves the substrate holding unit 17c in the X axis direction and Y axis direction (horizontal direction), and raises and lowers the substrate holding unit 17c in the Z axis direction (up and down direction). The substrate holding unit 17c receives the substrate B transported by the conveyor 17a, and lifts and holds the received substrate B from the conveyor 17a.

In Figure 2, above the substrate transport and holding unit 17, a guide 18 is arranged that extends along the Y axis (front-to-back direction) and transports a mask M (replacement part). The mask M is configured by a screen Ms on which a predetermined printing pattern (not shown) is formed, stretched over a frame Mf. On the guide 18, the mask M moves back and forth along the Y axis with the screen Ms (main surface) of the placed mask M horizontal (with the main surface of the replacement part lying down). A mask holding unit 18a is arranged near the center of the guide 18, above the substrate holding unit 17c.

Above the guide 18, there is disposed a transport unit 19 which includes a contact member 20, an elevation cylinder 21 which raises and lowers the contact member 20 up and down (arrow a), and a forward/backward movement mechanism 22 (Figure 6) which moves the elevation cylinder 21 back and forth (arrow b) along the guide 18. The transport unit 19 brings the lowered contact member 20 into contact with the frame Mf of the mask M, and moves (transports) the mask M back and forth along the guide 18. In this way, the transport unit 19 moves the mask M (replacement member) placed on the guide 18 with its main surface lying flat along the guide 18.

In Figure 2, inside the printing device cover 15, between the front side of the base 16 and the storage space 12, a partition wall 24 is arranged to separate the storage space 12 from the printing space 23 where printing work takes place. The partition wall 24 has an opening 25 formed therein through which the mask M (replacement member) can pass between the replacement device 40 attached to the storage space 12 and the printing space 23. In this way, the printing device 10 has an opening 25 through which the mask M (replacement member) can pass between the replacement device 40 and the printing space 23.

The transport unit 19 moves the mask M between the exchange device 40 and the mask holding unit 18a via the opening 25. Once the mask M reaches the mask holding unit 18a, it is held by a holding mechanism (not shown) of the mask holding unit 18a with its main surface horizontal. Hereinafter, the surface of the mask M held by the mask holding unit 18a and in a state in which it is used for printing in the printing device 10, that contacts the guide 18, will be referred to as the "back surface Mu of the mask M" (see Figure 4(a)).

In Figure 2, the top of the replacement device 40 attached to the storage space 12 of the printing device 10 is covered by the printing device cover 15. In other words, when the replacement device 40 is attached to the printing device 10, external access to the storage section 45 of the replacement device 40 is restricted.

A shutter 27 that is raised and lowered by a shutter lifting unit 26 (Figure 6) is disposed behind the partition wall 24. When the shutter 27 rises, the opening 25 is closed, restricting access from the replacement device 40 to the printing space 23. When the shutter 27 descends, the opening 25 is opened, allowing access from the replacement device 40 to the printing space 23. In other words, the shutter 27 and the shutter lifting unit 26 constitute an opening and closing mechanism that opens and closes the opening 25. Note that the opening and closing mechanism may be configured to open and close the opening 25 by raising and lowering the shutter 27, or may be configured to open and close the opening 25 by moving the shutter 27 left and right.

2, a print head 29 is disposed above the mask holding unit 18a and is moved along the Y-axis by a print head moving mechanism 28 (Figure 6). The print head 29 extends along the X-axis and has two squeegees 29a that move up and down. With the substrate B held by the substrate holding unit 17c pressed from below against the mask M held by the mask holding unit 18a, the print head 29 lowers one of the squeegees 29a to abut on the mask M. The print head moving mechanism 28 then moves the print head 29 in the Y-axis direction, sliding one of the squeegees 29a over the mask M, thereby printing the paste P supplied onto the mask M onto the substrate B through the printing pattern (openings) formed in the mask M (see also Figure 7).

In Figure 2, a magnetic sensor 30 is disposed on the front side of the partition 24 in a position corresponding to the magnet 43 disposed on the rear side surface 41B of the exchange device 40. The magnetic sensor 30 detects the magnet 43 of the exchange device 40 attached to the storage space 12. When the magnetic sensor 30 detects the magnet 43, it is detected that the exchange device 40 has been attached to the storage space 12. Note that the detection means for detecting the exchange device 40 attached to the storage space 12 is not limited to the magnetic sensor 30, but may also be a toggle switch or an optical sensor. The detection means may also be disposed on the right wall 13R or left wall 13L of the storage space 12, for example.

A connector portion 31 is located on the front side of the partition wall 24, and connects to a connection portion 44 that protrudes rearward from the rear side surface 41B of the exchange device 40. When the exchange device 40 is attached to the storage space 12 of the printing device 10, the connection portion 44 connects to the connector portion 31, and power and compressed air are supplied to the exchange device 40 from the printing device 10 via the connection portion 44. In this way, the exchange device 40 is detachable from the printing device 10, and has a connection portion 44 that connects to the connector portion 31 provided on the printing device 10.

Next, the exchange device 40 will be described in detail with reference to Figures 1 to 5. Figures 2 to 5 show the exchange device 40 attached to the printing device 10. In Figures 1 and 2, the exchange device 40 is equipped with a storage section 45 that can store the mask M (exchangeable member) with its main surface standing upright. The storage section 45 has multiple slots S that can store the mask M with its main surface standing upright. In this example, the storage section 45 has two slots S arranged front to back along the Y-axis direction. The exchange device 40 is open at the top, and the mask M is inserted and removed from the slots S from above.

Hereinafter, the front slot S arranged in the storage section 45 will be referred to as the "front slot Sf," and the rear slot S will be referred to as the "rear slot Sb." Furthermore, the state in which the main surface of the mask M (replacement part) is upright will be referred to as the "upright state." Furthermore, the state in which the main surface of the mask M (replacement part) is laid down will be referred to as the "horizontal state." Furthermore, the directions used in the explanations of Figures 2 to 5 and 7 to 11 are the directions when the replacement device 40 is attached to the printing device 10.

1 and 2, a notch 46 is formed on the rear side 41B of the replacement device 40, allowing the mask M (replacement part) to pass through. The mask M moves between the replacement device 40 and the printing device 10 via the notch 46 and the opening 25. Wheels 47 are provided on the bottom of the replacement device 40. This allows the replacement device 40 to be moved by a worker or an automated guided vehicle (not shown) on the floor F within the floor where the printing device 10 is installed.

Figures 2 and 3 show the replacement device 40 attached to the printing device 10, with a mask M (replacement member) stored in the front slot Sf and no mask M stored in the rear slot Sb. A front replacement part 49f equipped with a gripping member 48 is disposed in the front slot Sf. A rear replacement part 49b equipped with a gripping member 48 is disposed in the rear slot Sb. The gripping member 48 holds the lower end Md of the mask M inserted in an upright position from above. Hereinafter, when there is no need to distinguish between the front replacement part 49f and the rear replacement part 49b, they will be simply referred to as the "replacement part 49."

In Figure 4, the gripping member 48 has a shape that extends along the X-axis. When holding the mask M in an upright position, the gripping member 48 is configured to include a lower portion 48d that supports the mask M from below, a front portion 48f that extends upward from the front side of the lower portion 48d, and a rear portion 48b that extends upward from the rear side of the lower portion 48d. The lower end portion Md of the mask M is held by being sandwiched between the rear surface of the front portion 48f and the front surface of the rear portion 48b while abutting against the upper surface of the lower portion 48d.

In Figures 2 and 3, the gripping member 48 has a shaft 48a that extends in the X-axis direction and protrudes from the right and left ends. The shaft 48a protruding from the right end of the gripping member 48 is rotatably supported by the right-side lifting member 50. The shaft 48a protruding from the left end of the gripping member 48 is rotatably supported by the left-side lifting member 51. This allows the gripping member 48 to rotate around the shaft 48a extending along the X-axis.

The right-side lifting member 50 and the left-side lifting member 51 are arranged so that they can be raised and lowered along a right-side slider 52 and a left-side slider 53 that extend vertically (in the Z-axis direction) and are arranged inside the storage section 45. A nut (not shown) is fixed to the right-side lifting member 50. A ball screw 54 that extends vertically is engaged with the nut. The ball screw 54 is rotated around the Z-axis by an elevator motor 55 arranged inside the storage section 45. The elevator motor 55 rotates the ball screw 54, causing the right-side lifting member 50 to rise and lower. When the right-side lifting member 50 rises and lowers, the right-side lifting member 50, gripping member 48, and left-side lifting member 51 rise and lower together.

In Figures 2 to 5, a holding cylinder 56 is disposed on the rear surface 48b1 of the rear portion 48b of the gripping member 48. The holding cylinder 56 has a piston 56a that penetrates the rear portion 48b of the gripping member 48 and protrudes toward the front portion 48f. The mask M (replacement member) is inserted into the gripping member 48 with the piston 56a of the holding cylinder 56 retracted from the rear portion 48b. The mask M is held by the gripping member 48 when the holding cylinder 56 causes the piston 56a to protrude from the rear portion 48b.

In this way, the gripping member 48 and holding cylinder 56 provided in the replacement part 49 constitute a holding part 57 that rotatably holds and lifts the mask M (replacement part). Hereinafter, the holding part 57 of the front replacement part 49f will be referred to as the "front holding part 57f," and the holding part 57 of the rear replacement part 49b will be referred to as the "rear holding part 57b."

In Figures 2 to 5, in the replacement unit 49, a flat, horizontally extending lower restriction portion 58 is located at the lowest point H1 where the holding portion 57, holding the mask M (replacement member), descends. When the lower surface 48d1 of the lower portion 48d of the lowered gripping member 48 abuts against the lower restriction portion 58, the mask M held by the gripping member 48 becomes upright. In other words, the lower restriction portion 58 restricts the rotation of the holding portion 57 so that the mask M stored in the storage unit 45 is in an upright state with its main surface upright. The height position of the lower restriction portion 58 can be changed depending on the size of the mask M (replacement member) stored in the storage unit 45.

In the replacement unit 49, a flat, horizontally extending upper restriction portion 59 is located at the highest point H2 to which the holder 57 rises while holding the mask M (replacement component). The upper restriction portion 59 is positioned so as not to interfere with the mask M held by the holder 57. In the example shown in Figure 3, two upper restriction portions 59 extending in the Y-axis direction are located on the right and left sides of the mask M held by the holder 57 in the X-axis direction when viewed from above. The mask M is inserted into and removed from the storage unit 45 of the replacement device 40 through the gap between the two upper restriction portions 59.

In Figure 5(b), when the front surface 48f1 of the front portion 48f of the gripping member 48 that has risen and rotated abuts against the upper regulating portion 59, the mask M held by the gripping member 48 assumes a horizontal position. In other words, the upper regulating portion 59 regulates the rotation of the holding portion 57 so that the mask M lifted by the holding portion 57 assumes a position in which the main surface is laid down (horizontal position).

2 to 5, in each of the front replacement unit 49f and the rear replacement unit 49b, rod-shaped upper and lower support units 60 and 61 extending along the X axis are disposed behind the mask M (replacement member) held in an upright position by the holder 57. The upper support unit 60 is positioned so that when the horizontal mask M contacts it from above, the height of the mask M matches the height of the horizontal mask M placed on the guide 18 of the printing device 10. The lower support unit 61 is positioned below and forward of the upper support unit 60. The holder 57 that holds the mask M rises from its lowest point H1 and rotates, and the back surface Mu of the mask M, whose upper end Mt is tilted toward the printing device 10, contacts the lower support unit 61 (FIG. 4(b)).

2, a lower edge detection unit 62 such as a laser sensor is disposed inside the storage unit 45. The lower edge detection unit 62 detects the lower edge Md of the mask M (replaceable part) opposite the upper edge Mt at a detection position Q (predetermined position) while the mask M (replaceable part) is being supplied to the printing device 10 in a horizontal position (with its main surface lying down) (see also FIG. 10(a)). In this example, the lower edge detection unit 62 is a laser sensor disposed on the side of the storage unit 45 that detects the frame Mf of the mask M by emitting a laser in the X-axis direction. When the lower edge detection unit 62 stops detecting the mask M while detecting the mask M moving toward the printing device 10, it is determined that the lower edge Md of the mask M has passed the detection position Q (the lower edge Md has been detected). The lower edge detection unit 62 may also be disposed in the printing device 10.

Next, with reference to Figures 4 and 5, the lifting process will be described in which the holding portion 57 moves from the lowest point H1 (Figure 4(a)) where it abuts against the lower restriction portion 58 to the highest point H2 (Figure 5(b)) where it abuts against the upper restriction portion 59. Figures 4 and 5 show a state in which the front holding portion 57f of the front replacement portion 49f holds the mask M (replacement member), and the rear holding portion 57b of the rear replacement portion 49b does not hold the mask M.

Figure 4(a) shows a state in which the holding portion 57 has descended to the lowest point H1 and the lower surface 48d1 of the gripping member 48 is in contact with the downward restricting portion 58. When the lower surface 48d1 of the gripping member 48 is in contact with the downward restricting portion 58, the mask M (replaceable member) held by the holding portion 57 is in an upright state (with its main surface upright). The mask M is attached to the holding portion 57 so that the back surface Mu of the mask M in the upright state is located on the side closer to the printing device 10 (rear side). In other words, the mask M is stored in the storage portion 45 in an upright state (upright state) so that the back surface Mu of the mask M in a state in which it is used for printing in the printing device 10 is located on the side relatively closer to the printing device 10.

Figure 4(b) shows the state in which the holding portion 57 has risen from the lowest point H1 (arrow c1) and the gripping member 48 has separated from the downward restricting portion 58. The center of gravity G1 of the holding portion 57 when it is holding a mask M (replacement member) and the center of gravity G2 when it is not holding a mask M are both designed to be behind the movement axis R along which the shaft portion 48a moves up and down. In this example, the holding cylinder 56 located on the rear portion 48b of the gripping member 48 is designed to position the centers of gravity G1 and G2 behind the movement axis R. Alternatively, the gripping member 48 may be constructed by combining different types of members with different weights so that the centers of gravity G1 and G2 are located behind the movement axis R.

In this way, the centers of gravity G1 and G2 of the holding portion 57 are located closer to the printing device 10 relative to the movement axis R that lifts the mask M. As a result, the holding portion 57, which has moved away from the downward restriction portion 58, rotates upward toward the printing device 10 (rearward) (arrow c2). As the holding portion 57 rotates rearward, the back surface Mu of the mask M held by the holding portion 57 comes into contact with the lower support portion 61.

In Figure 5(a), when the holding portion 57 is further raised (arrow c3), the holding portion 57 rotates further backward (arrow c4), and the back surface Mu of the mask M held by the holding portion 57 approaches a horizontal state while abutting against the upper support portion 60. Furthermore, the upper end portion Mt of the mask M moves toward the printing device 10 (arrow c5) as the holding portion 57 rotates backward. In other words, the upper support portion 60 and the lower support portion 61 constitute a support portion that supports, from below, at least a portion of the mask M that has tilted as the upper end portion Mt moves toward the printing device 10.

The upper support portion 60 and the lower support portion 61 also constitute a guide means 63 that guides the upper end portion Mt of the mask M (replacement member) lifted by the holder 57 so that it moves toward the printing device 10. The number of rod-shaped shafts (upper support portion 60 and lower support portion 61) that make up the guide means 63 is not limited to two, and may be three or more. The guide means 63 may also be constituted by a plate that curves forward. The guide means 63 may also be a biasing means that pushes the mask M from the front to the rear, biasing the upper end portion Mt of the mask M so that it moves toward the printing device 10.

The replacement unit 49 may also be configured so that the shaft 48a of the gripping member 48 is supported by a rotary actuator that stops at multiple points. In this case, by operating the rotary actuator according to the height of the gripping member 48 and changing the angle of the gripping member 48, the upper end Mt of the mask M (replacement member) lifted by the holding unit 57 can be guided to move toward the printing device 10. In other words, the rotary actuator constitutes a guide means. With this configuration, the lower regulating unit 58, upper regulating unit 59, upper support unit 60, and lower support unit 61 can be omitted.

Figure 5(b) shows a state in which the holding portion 57 has risen to the highest point H2 (arrow c6) and the front surface 48f1 of the gripping member 48 is in contact with the upper regulating portion 59. When the front surface 48f1 of the gripping member 48 is in contact with the upper regulating portion 59, the mask M (replacement member) held by the holding portion 57 is in a horizontal position (with its main surface lying down). In addition, a portion of the upper end Mt side of the mask M is placed on the guide 18 of the printing device 10 (arrow c7).

In this way, in the lifting process, the replacement unit 49 lifts the mask M (replacement component) stored in the storage unit 45 (FIGS. 4(b) and 5(a)), moves the upper end Mt of the mask M toward the printing device 10, and supplies the mask M to the printing device 10 with its main surface laid down (horizontal) (FIG. 5(b)). The holding cylinder 56 then retracts the piston 56a, releasing the mask M from the holding unit 57. The transport unit 19 of the printing device 10 moves the mask M released from the holding unit 57 along the guide 18 to the mask holding unit 18a (FIGS. 10(b) and 11(a)). In other words, the replacement unit 49 supplies the mask M to a position where the transport unit 19 can transport the mask M.

The lowering process, in which the holding portion 57 holds the mask M (replacement part) ejected horizontally from the printing device 10 at its highest point H2 (FIG. 5(b)) and descends to its lowest point H1 (FIG. 4(a)) where it abuts against the downward restriction portion 58, is the reverse of the lifting process. That is, in the lowering process, the mask M ejected from the printing device 10 with its main surface lying flat (horizontal) is held by the holding portion 57 (FIG. 5(b)), and the lower end Md of the mask M is lowered while moving it away from the printing device 10 (FIGS. 5(a), 4(b)), and the mask M is stored in the storage portion 45 with its main surface standing up (standing state).

Next, the configuration of the control system of the screen printing system 1 will be described with reference to Figure 6. Regarding the printing device 10, the following mainly describes the parts related to the mask replacement operation. When the replacement device 40 is attached to the printing device 10 and the connection part 44 of the replacement device 40 is connected to the connector part 31 of the printing device 10, the replacement control device 64 provided in the replacement device 40 is connected to the print control device 32 provided in the printing device 10 via a signal line 67.

The print control device 32 provided in the printing device 10 is connected to the lifting cylinder 21 and forward/backward movement mechanism 22 of the transport unit 19, the gripping unit 14, the shutter lifting unit 26, the print head movement mechanism 28, the print head 29, the magnetic sensor 30 (mounting detection unit), and the touch panel 37. The print control device 32 is equipped with a print control unit 33, a print memory unit 34, and a detection processing unit 35.

The printing memory unit 34 is realized, for example, by flash memory or an HDD (Hard Disk Drive). The printing memory unit 34 stores information about replacement parts such as the mask M supplied by the replacement device 40, and information about the substrate B on which the paste P is printed. The processing units such as the printing control unit 33 and detection processing unit 35 are realized, for example, by a memory that stores the control programs executed by each processing unit, and a processor that executes the control programs. The printing control unit 33 executes the replacement process for the mask M used in the printing operation based on various information stored in the printing memory unit 34.

In Figure 6, the exchange control device 64 provided in the exchange device 40 is connected to the lifting motor 55 of the exchange section 49 (front exchange section 49f, rear exchange section 49b), the holding cylinder 56, and the lower end detection unit 62. The exchange control device 64 is equipped with an exchange control unit 65 and an exchange memory unit 66.

The exchange memory unit 66 is realized, for example, by a flash memory or a hard disk drive (HDD). The exchange memory unit 66 stores information about exchange parts such as masks M that are supplied to and collected from the printing device 10. The exchange control unit 65 is realized, for example, by a memory that stores a control program executed by the exchange control unit 65 and a processor that executes the control program.

In FIG. 6, the detection processing unit 35 detects that the exchange device 40 has been attached to the storage space 12 of the printing device 10 based on the detection result of the magnetic sensor 30 detecting the magnet 43 arranged on the exchange device 40. That is, the magnetic sensor 30 and the detection processing unit 35 constitute an attachment detection unit 36 that detects the attachment state in which the exchange device 40 is attached to the printing device 10. When the attachment detection unit 36 detects the attachment state, the printing control unit 33 activates the gripping unit 14 to grip (hold) the held portion 42 of the exchange device 40. That is, the gripping unit 14 grips the exchange device 40 after the attachment detection unit 36 detects the attachment state in which the exchange device 40 is attached to the printing device 10.

Furthermore, when the mounting detection unit 36 detects the mounted state, the printing control unit 33 activates the shutter lifting unit 26 to lower the shutter 27 and open the opening 25. This enables the supply and collection of masks M (replacement parts) between the replacement device 40 and the printing device 10. In this way, the opening/closing mechanism (shutter 27 and shutter lifting unit 26) opens the opening 25 after the mounting detection unit 36 detects the mounted state.

In FIG. 6, the print control unit 33 activates the shutter lifting unit 26 to raise the shutter 27 and close the opening 25 before the replacement device 40 is removed from the printing device 10. In this way, the opening/closing mechanism closes the opening 25 before the replacement device 40 is removed from the printing device 10. The print control unit 33 then activates the gripping unit 14 to release the grip (hold) of the held portion 42. In other words, the gripping unit 14 releases the grip of the replacement device 40. This makes it possible for the replacement device 40 to be removed from the printing device 10.

In Figure 6, the replacement control unit 65 executes various processes, such as a supply process for supplying a mask M (replacement part) to the printing device 10 and a recovery process for recovering the mask M from the printing device 10, based on various information stored in the replacement memory unit 66.

During the supply process, when the lower end detector 62 detects that the lower end Md of the mask M (replacement member) being moved toward the interior (rear) of the printing device 10 by the transport unit 19 of the printing device 10 has passed the detection position Q (FIG. 10(b)), the replacement control unit 65 controls the lift motor 55 to lower the holding unit 57 (FIG. 11(a)). In this way, the holding unit 57 rises while holding the mask M (FIG. 10(a)), and then descends when the lower end detector 62 detects that the lower end Md of the mask M has passed the detection position Q (predetermined position).

Next, referring to Figure 7, we will explain the installation method for installing the replacement device 40 in the storage space 12 through the installation opening 11 of the printing device 10 and the control by the printing control device 32.

In Figure 7(a), the printing device 10 is performing a printing operation in which paste P is printed on a substrate B using a mask M1. The opening 25 is also closed by the shutter 27. This prevents an operator from accidentally touching moving parts such as the print head 29 through the opening 25 from the mounting opening 11, to which the replacement device 40 is not attached. Note that a mask M2 is stored in an upright position in the front slot Sf of the replacement device 40, and no mask M is stored in the rear slot Sb of the replacement device 40.

First, the exchange device 40 is inserted through the mounting opening 11 by a worker or automated guided vehicle (arrow d1 in Figure 7(a)) and pushed into the storage space 12 (mounting process) (Figure 7(b)). The magnet 43 of the exchange device 40 is detected by the magnetic sensor 30 (mounting detection unit 36) of the printing device 10 (mounting detection process). When the mounting detection unit 36 detects the mounted state, the printing control unit 33 controls the gripping unit 14 to grip the held portion 42 of the exchange device 40 (gripping process). This fixes the position of the exchange device 40 relative to the printing device 10.

The print control unit 33 then controls the shutter lifting unit 26 to lower the shutter 27 (arrow d2 in Figure 7(b)) and open the opening 25 (opening opening process). The opening opening process may be performed immediately after the gripping process, or may be performed after the printing process is completed and before the recovery process for recovering the mask M1 is started.

In Figure 7(b), when the replacement device 40 is attached to the printing device 10 and the connection portion 44 of the replacement device 40 is connected to the connector portion 31 of the printing device 10, the supply of power and compressed air from the printing device 10 to the replacement device 40 begins, and the replacement control device 64 is connected to the printing control device 32. In addition, the replacement control unit 65 controls the holding cylinder 56 to protrude the piston 56a, causing the gripping member 48 to hold the mask M2 (replacement member) attached in an upright position.

7(b) to 9, we will explain the replacement part recovery method (replacement method) for recovering a replacement part (mask M1) from the printing device 10 to the replacement device 40, as well as the control by the printing control device 32 and the replacement control device 64. Here, we will explain an example in which the rear replacement unit 49b of the replacement device 40 recovers the mask M1 that was used in printing work in the printing device 10.

First, the replacement control unit 65 controls the lift motor 55 to raise the holding portion 57 of the rear replacement unit 49b from the lowest point H1 to the highest point H2 (arrow e1 in Figure 7(b) and arrow e2 in Figure 8(a)). This causes the rotated holding portion 57 to abut against the upper restriction portion 59, enabling the holding portion 57 to hold the mask M1 in a horizontal position (recovery standby process). When the holding portion 57 is ready to recover the mask M1, the replacement control unit 65 notifies the print control unit 33 that preparations for recovery are complete.

In Figure 8(a), when the printing operation is completed, the print control unit 33 controls the print head movement mechanism 28 to retract the print head 29 backward (arrow e3) (print head retraction process). Next, the print control unit 33 controls the front-to-rear movement mechanism 22 to move the lift cylinder 21 to the rear side of the mask M1 (the side farther from the replacement device 40) (arrow e4), and controls the lift cylinder 21 to lower the abutment member 20 (arrow e5).

8(b), the printing control unit 33 then controls the forward/backward movement mechanism 22 to move the lifting cylinder 21 toward the exchange device 40 (arrow e6), moving the horizontal lower end Md of the mask M1 to a position where it can be held by the holding unit 57 (recovery movement process). When the mask M1 has moved to a position where it can be held by the holding unit 57, the printing control unit 33 notifies the exchange control unit 65 that the ejection of the mask M1 has been completed. Note that the holding unit 57 may be equipped with a sensor that detects that the mask M1 is being held. Upon receiving the notification, the exchange control unit 65 controls the holding cylinder 56 to protrude the piston 56a, causing the holding unit 57 to hold the mask M1 (exchange member holding process).

In Figures 9(a) and 9(b), the replacement control unit 65 then controls the lifting motor 55 to lower the holding unit 57, which holds the mask M1 in a horizontal position, to the lowest point H1 (arrows e7 and e8), causing the mask M1 to be stored in an upright position in the rear slot Sb of the storage unit 45 (Figure 9(b)) (pulling-down process).

In this way, in the replacement part recovery method (replacement method) disclosed herein, the replacement unit 49 moves the mask M1 (replacement part) discharged from the guide 18 provided on the printing device 10 with its main surface lying down (horizontal state) (arrow e6) in a direction (forward) away from the printing device 10 while pulling the lower end Md of the mask M1 downward and moving the lower end Md below the guide 18 (arrows e7, e8), and stores the mask M1 in the storage unit 45 with its main surface standing up (standing state).

Next, with reference to Figures 9(b) to 11(a), we will explain the replacement part supply method (replacement method) for supplying a replacement part (mask M) from the replacement device 40 to the printing device 10, as well as the control by the printing control device 32 and the replacement control device 64. Here, we will explain an example in which the front replacement section 49f of the replacement device 40 supplies the printing device 10 with a mask M2 (Figure 9(b)) stored in an upright position in the front slot Sf of the storage section 45.

First, the replacement control unit 65 controls the lift motor 55 to raise the holding unit 57, which holds the mask M2 in an upright position, from the lowest point H1 to the highest point H2 (arrow f1 in Figure 10(a)). As a result, the rotated holding unit 57 abuts against the upper restriction unit 59, and the mask M2 held by the holding unit 57 becomes horizontal (lifting process).

In Figure 10(a), the replacement control unit 65 then controls the holding cylinder 56 to retract the piston 56a, causing the holding unit 57 to release the mask M2 (holding member release process). This makes it possible to supply the mask M2 in a horizontal position to the printing device 10. Next, the printing control unit 33 controls the front-to-rear movement mechanism 22 to move the lifting cylinder 21 to the front side of the frame Mf of the upper end Mt of the mask M2 (arrow f2), and controls the lifting cylinder 21 to lower the abutment member 20 (arrow f3).

10(b) and 11(a), the printing control unit 33 then controls the front-to-rear movement mechanism 22 to move the lift cylinder 21 rearward (arrow f4), and moves the mask M2 along the guide 18 into the interior of the printing device 10. As the mask M2 moves rearward along the guide 18, when the lower end detection unit 62 detects that the lower end Md of the mask M2 has passed the detection position Q (predetermined position) (lower end detection process), the exchange control unit 65 controls the lift motor 55 to move the holding unit 57 from the highest point H2 to the lowest point H1 (arrow f5).

In Figure 11(a), the print control unit 33 then controls the lift cylinder 21 and the front-to-back movement mechanism 22 to repeatedly raise the contact member 20, move the lift cylinder 21 forward, and lower the contact member 20, ultimately moving the mask M2 to the mask holding unit 18a (arrow f6). The print control unit 33 then controls the lift cylinder 21 and the front-to-back movement mechanism 22 to retract the contact member 20 to a position where it does not interfere with the printing operation. The print control unit 33 also controls the shutter lift unit 26 to raise the shutter 27 (arrow f7) and close the opening 25 (opening closing process). This enables the printing device 10 to perform printing operations using the mask M2 (Figure 11(b)).

In this way, in the replacement part supply method (replacement method) disclosed herein, the replacement unit 49 lifts the mask M2 (replacement part) stored with its main surface in an upright position (upright position), tilts the upper end Mt of the mask M2 toward the printing device 10 so that the upper end Mt of the mask M2 rests on the guide 18 provided on the printing device 10, and moves the upper end Mt of the mask M2 toward the printing device 10, thereby supplying the mask M2 to the printing device 10 with its main surface in a laid-down position (horizontal position) (arrow f1).

Next, referring to Figure 11, we will explain the removal method by which the operator removes the replacement device 40 from the mounting opening 11 of the printing device 10 and the control by the printing control device 32.

In Figure 11 (a), the replacement device 40 is removed with the opening 25 closed by the shutter 27. If the opening 25 is open, when the touch panel 37 is operated and the print control unit 33 receives a release command, the print control unit 33 controls the shutter lifting unit 26 to raise the shutter 27 and close the opening 25 (closing process). Once the opening 25 is closed, the print control unit 33 controls the gripping unit 14 to release the grip of the held portion 42 (gripping release process). Once the grip of the held portion 42 has been released, the print control unit 33 displays on the touch panel 37 the message "Preparation to remove the replacement device is complete."

In Figure 11 (b), when preparations for removing the replacement device 40 are complete, the worker moves the replacement device 40 (arrow g1) and removes it from the mounting opening 11 of the printing device 10 (removal process). In this embodiment, even when the replacement device 40 is not mounted in the mounting opening 11, the opening 25 is covered by the shutter 27, preventing the worker from accessing the inside of the printing device 10 through the opening 25. Therefore, even when the replacement device 40 is not mounted in the mounting opening 11, printing operations can be performed safely on the printing device 10.

Note that the above description uses the mask M as an example of the replacement part stored in the replacement device 40 and supplied to the printing device 10 by the replacement device 40, but the replacement part is not limited to the mask M. For example, the replacement part may be a transport jig that transports a support member attached to the upper surface of the substrate holding portion 17c in the printing device 10 and that holds the substrate B from below, a transport jig that transports cleaning paper that wipes off paste P adhering to the mask M, a transport jig that transports the squeegee 29a, or a transport jig that transports a substrate for test printing. In other words, the replacement part only needs to have the same external shape as the frame Mf of the mask M.

In addition, the above example was described in which a new mask M2 to be used in the next printing job is stored in the front slot Sf of the replacement device 40 and the used mask M1 is collected in the rear slot Sb, but it is also possible to store a new mask M2 in the rear slot Sb and collect the used mask M1 in the front slot Sf.

Although the above describes a screen printing system 1 in which the exchange device 40 is mounted on the front side of the printing device 10, the screen printing system 1 may also be configured to mount the exchange device 40 on the rear side of the printing device 10. In this case, the mounting opening 11, storage space 12, opening 25, shutter lifting unit 26, shutter 27, magnetic sensor 30, and connector unit 31 are located on the rear side of the printing device 10. In addition, the transport unit 19 (contact member 20, lifting cylinder 21) is located on the rear side of the print head 29.

As explained above, this disclosure discloses the following technical ideas.

(Technology 1)
An exchange device (40) that supplies an exchange member (mask M) to a printing device (10) that prints a paste P on a substrate (B) using a mask M and collects the exchange member from the printing device (10),
a storage section 45 capable of storing the replacement part with the main surface of the replacement part standing upright (standing state);
The replacement device 40 includes a replacement section 49 that lifts the replacement part stored in the storage section 45, moves the upper end Mt of the replacement part toward the printing device 10, and supplies the replacement part to the printing device 10 with the main surface of the replacement part laid down (horizontal).

This allows replacement of replacement parts, including the mask M, to be achieved in a small installation area.

(Technology 2)
The replacement unit 49 supplies the replacement member (mask M) to the printing device 10 with its main surface laid down (horizontal) while tilting the upper end Mt of the replacement member toward the printing device 10 so that the upper end Mt of the replacement member rests on a guide 18 along which the replacement member is transported, which is provided in the printing device 10, as described in Technology 1.

This allows the length of the replacement device 40 in the direction in which the replacement parts are transported to be reduced, making it possible to replace replacement parts including the mask M in a small installation area.

(Technology 3)
The replacement unit 49 moves the lower end Md of the replacement member, which is opposite to the upper end Mt of the replacement member discharged from the guide 18 along which the replacement member (mask M) provided in the printing device 10 is transported, with its main surface lying down (horizontal state), downward from the guide 18, and stores the replacement member in the storage unit 45 with its main surface standing up (upright state), as described in Technology 1 or 2.

This allows the length of the replacement device 40 in the direction in which the replacement parts are transported to be reduced, making it possible to replace replacement parts including the mask M in a small installation area.

(Technology 4)
The replacement member is a mask M,
An exchange device 40 described in any one of techniques 1 to 3, in which the mask M is stored in the storage section 45 in an upright state so that the back surface Mu of the mask M in a state used for printing in the printing device 10 is located relatively close to the printing device 10.

This allows mask M to be replaced in a small installation area.

(Technology 5)
The exchange device 40 is detachable from the printing device 10,
The exchange device (40) according to any one of the first to fourth aspects further includes a held portion (42) that is held by the printing device (10) after being attached to the printing device (10).

This allows the removable replacement device 40 to be held in the printing device 10.

(Technology 6)
The exchange device 40 is detachable from the printing device 10,
The printer further includes a connection section 44 that is connected to a connector section 31 provided in the printing device 10.
The exchange device 40 according to any one of techniques 1 to 5, wherein the exchange device 40 is supplied with power from the printing device 10 via the connection unit 44.

This allows power to be supplied to the replacement device 40, which is detachable from the printing device 10.

(Technology 7)
When the exchange device 40 is attached to the printing device 10,
The exchange device 40 according to Art 6, wherein the connection portion 44 is connected to the connector portion 31.

This means that simply by attaching the exchange device 40 to the printing device 10, power can be supplied to the exchange device 40 without the need for an operator to perform any subsequent connection work.

(Technology 8)
The storage section 45 has a plurality of slots (front slots Sf, rear slots Sb) that can store the replacement member (mask M) with its main surface in an upright position (upright position), according to any one of the techniques 1 to 7.

This makes it possible to collect and supply replacement parts by attaching the replacement device 40 to the printing device 10.

(Technology 9)
a holding portion 57 that rotatably holds and lifts the replacement member (mask M);
The replacement device (40) according to any one of techniques (1) to (8) is provided with a guide (63) that guides the upper end (Mt) of the replacement member lifted by the holding portion (57) so that the upper end (Mt) moves toward the printing device (10).

This allows replacement parts that have been stored in the replacement device 40 with their main surfaces upright (upright state) to be reliably moved to the printing device 10. Furthermore, replacement parts that have been used in the printing device 10 with their main surfaces lying down (horizontal state) can be reliably stored in the replacement device 40 in an upright state.

(Technology 10)
The guide means 63 is a support part (upper support part 60, lower support part 61) that supports from below at least a part of the exchange member (mask M) whose upper end part Mt has moved toward the printing device 10 and become tilted.

This allows replacement parts that have been stored in the replacement device 40 with their main surfaces upright (upright state) to be reliably moved to the printing device 10 with a simple configuration. Furthermore, replacement parts that have been used in the printing device 10 with their main surfaces lying down (horizontal state) can be reliably stored in the replacement device 40 with a simple configuration in an upright state.

(Technology 11)
The replacement device 40 according to Technology 9, wherein the guide means 63 is a biasing means that biases the upper end Mt of the replacement member (mask M) so that the upper end Mt moves toward the printing device 10.

This allows replacement parts that have been stored in the replacement device 40 with their main surfaces upright (upright state) to be reliably moved to the printing device 10 with a simple configuration. Furthermore, replacement parts that have been used in the printing device 10 with their main surfaces lying down (horizontal state) can be reliably stored in the replacement device 40 with a simple configuration in an upright state.

(Technology 12)
The exchange device 40 according to any one of techniques 9 to 11, wherein the centers of gravity G1 and G2 of the holding unit 57 are located at positions closer to the printing device 10 relative to the movement axis R that lifts the exchange member (mask M).

This allows replacement parts that have been stored in the replacement device 40 with their main surfaces upright (upright state) to be reliably moved to the printing device 10 with a simple configuration. Furthermore, replacement parts that have been used in the printing device 10 with their main surfaces lying down (horizontal state) can be reliably stored in the replacement device 40 with a simple configuration in an upright state.

(Technology 13)
The replacement device 40 described in any one of techniques 9 to 12 further includes a downward regulating portion 58 that regulates the rotation of the holding portion 57 so that the replacement member (mask M) stored in the storage portion 45 is in an upright state (upright state) with its main surface upright.

This allows the replacement part to be stored in the replacement device 40 with its main surface in an upright position (upright state).

(Technology 14)
The replacement device 40 described in any one of techniques 9 to 13 further includes an upper regulating portion 59 that regulates the rotation of the holding portion 57 so that the replacement member (mask M) lifted by the holding portion 57 is in a state where the main surface is laid down (horizontal state).

This allows the replacement part to be supplied to the printing device 10 with its main surface lying flat (horizontal). Furthermore, the replacement part that is discharged from the printing device 10 in a horizontal position can be held in the holding section 57.

(Technology 15)
The printer further includes a lower end detecting unit 62 that detects a lower end Md, which is opposite to an upper end Mt, of the replacement member (mask M) being supplied to the printing device 10 with its main surface laid down (horizontal), at a predetermined position (detection position Q).
The exchange device 40 described in any one of techniques 9 to 14, wherein the holding unit 57 holds the exchange member and rises, and then descends when the lower end detection unit 62 detects that the lower end Md of the exchange member has passed a predetermined position.

This allows the replacement part to be supplied to the printing device 10 with its main surface lying flat (horizontal), and then the replacement device 40 can be automatically prepared for removal from the printing device 10.

(Technology 16)
A screen printing system 1 includes a printing device 10 that prints a paste P on a substrate B using a mask M, and an exchange device 40 that supplies an exchange member (mask M) to the printing device 10 and collects the exchange member from the printing device 10,
The exchange device 40 includes:
a storage section 45 capable of storing the replacement part with the main surface of the replacement part standing upright (standing state);
The screen printing system 1 has an exchange unit 49 that lifts the exchange part stored in the storage unit 45, moves the upper end Mt of the exchange part toward the printing device 10, and supplies the exchange part to the printing device 10 with the main surface of the exchange part lying down (horizontal).

This allows replacement of replacement parts, including the mask M, to be achieved in a small installation area.

(Technology 17)
The printing device 10 is
a guide 18 along which the replacement member (mask M) is transported;
a conveying unit 19 that moves the replacement member placed on the guide 18 along the guide 18;
The screen printing system 1 according to technology 16, wherein the replacement unit 49 supplies the replacement member to a position where the transport unit 19 can transport the replacement member.

This allows replacement of replacement parts, including the mask M, to be achieved in a small installation area.

(Technology 18)
The screen printing system 1 described in technology 16 or 17 has an opening 25 through which an exchange part (mask M) passes between the printing device 10 and the exchange device 40, and an opening/closing mechanism (shutter lifting unit 26, shutter 27) that opens and closes the opening 25.

This prevents an operator from inserting their hand or other object into the opening 25 through the mounting opening 11 when the replacement device 40 is not attached to the printing device 10, allowing printing operations to continue safely even when the replacement device 40 is not attached to the printing device 10.

(Technology 19)
The exchange device 40 is detachable from the printing device 10,
18. The screen printing system according to claim 17, wherein the printing device further includes an attachment detection unit that detects an attachment state in which the replacement device is attached to the printing device.

This allows the printing device 10 to detect that the replacement device 40 has been attached to the printing device 10.

(Technology 20)
20. The screen printing system according to claim 19, wherein the printing device further includes a gripping unit that grips the replacement device after the attachment detection unit detects the attachment state.

This allows the detachable replacement device 40 to be securely retained in the printing device 10.

(Technology 21)
The printing device 10 is
an opening 25 through which an exchange member (mask M) passes between the exchange device 40 and the mask exchange device 40;
an opening/closing mechanism (shutter lifting unit 26, shutter 27) for opening and closing the opening 25;
The screen printing system 1 according to technology 19 or 20, wherein the opening/closing mechanism opens the opening 25 after the installation state is detected by the installation detection unit 36.

This prevents an operator from inserting their hand or other object into the opening 25 through the mounting opening 11 when the replacement device 40 is not attached to the printing device 10, allowing printing operations to continue safely even when the replacement device 40 is not attached to the printing device 10.

(Technology 22)
A replacement member replacement method for supplying a replacement member (mask M) to a printing device 10 that prints a paste P on a substrate B using a mask M, comprising:
The stored replacement part is lifted with the main surface of the replacement part standing up (standing state), and the upper end part Mt of the replacement part is moved toward the printing device 10;
A replacement method in which the replacement part is supplied to the printing device 10 with its main surface lying down (horizontally).

This allows replacement of replacement parts, including the mask M, to be achieved in a small installation area.

(Technology 23)
A method for replacing a replacement member, which recovers a replacement member (mask M) from a printing device 10 that prints a paste P on a substrate B using a mask M,
The replacement part is discharged from the printing device 10 with its main surface lying down (horizontal), and the lower end Md of the replacement part is pulled downward while being moved in a direction away from the printing device 10;
A replacement method in which the replacement part is stored with its main surface in an upright position (standing position).

This allows replacement of replacement parts, including the mask M, to be achieved in a small installation area.

This application is based on a Japanese patent application (Patent Application No. 2024-149020) filed on August 30, 2024, the contents of which are incorporated by reference into this application.

The replacement device, screen printing system, and replacement method disclosed herein have the advantage of enabling mask replacement to be achieved in a small installation area, and are useful in the component mounting field, where components are mounted on substrates.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Screen printing system 10 Printing device 18 Guide 25 Opening 27 Shutter 31 Connector section 36 Mounting detection section 40 Replacement device 42 Held section 44 Connection section 45 Storage section 49 Replacement section 57 Holding section 58 Downward regulating section 59 Upward regulating section 60 Upper support section 61 Lower support section 62 Lower end detection section 63 Guiding means B Substrate G1, G2 Center of gravity M, M1, M2 Mask (replaceable member)
Md Lower end Mt Upper end Mu Back surface P Paste Q Detection position R Moving axis

Claims (23)

An exchange device that supplies an exchange member to a printing device that prints a paste on a substrate using a mask and collects the exchange member from the printing device,
a storage section capable of storing the replacement member in a state in which a main surface of the replacement member is upright;
an exchange unit that supplies the exchange member stored in the storage unit to the printing device while lifting the exchange member and moving an upper end of the exchange member toward the printing device so that the main surface of the exchange member is laid down,
Exchange device. the replacement unit supplies the replacement member to the printing device with the main surface of the replacement member laid down while tilting the upper end portion of the replacement member toward the printing device so that the upper end portion of the replacement member rests on a guide provided in the printing device along which the replacement member is transported;
2. The switching device of claim 1. the replacement unit moves a lower end portion of the replacement member, which is ejected with the main surface lying down from a guide provided in the printing device through which the replacement member is transported, opposite to the upper end portion, downward from the guide, and stores the replacement member in the storage unit with the main surface standing up.
2. The switching device of claim 1. the replacement member is a mask,
The mask is stored in the storage section in an upright state so that the back surface of the mask in a state in which it is used for printing in the printing device is located relatively close to the printing device.
2. The switching device of claim 1. the replacement device is detachable from the printing device;
The printer further includes a held portion that is held by the printing device after being attached to the printing device.
2. The switching device of claim 1. the replacement device is detachable from the printing device;
a connector portion that is connected to a connector portion provided in the printing device;
The exchange device is supplied with power from the printing device via the connection section.
2. The switching device of claim 1. When the replacement device is attached to the printing device,
The connection portion is connected to the connector portion.
7. The switching device according to claim 6. the storage section has a plurality of slots capable of storing the replacement member with the main surface of the replacement member standing upright.
2. The switching device of claim 1. The exchange unit is
a holding portion that rotatably holds and lifts the replacement member;
a guide means for guiding the upper end of the replacement member lifted by the holding portion so as to move toward the printing device,
9. An exchange device according to any one of claims 1 to 8. the guide means is a support portion that supports, from below, at least a portion of the replacement member whose upper end portion has moved toward the printing device and tilted.
10. The switching device according to claim 9. the guide means is a biasing means that biases the upper end portion of the replacement member so as to move toward the printing device;
10. The switching device according to claim 9. the center of gravity of the holding unit is located at a position close to the printing device relative to a movement axis that lifts the replacement member;
10. The switching device according to claim 9. a downward restricting portion that restricts rotation of the holding portion so that the replacement member stored in the storage portion is in a state where the main surface is upright,
10. The switching device according to claim 9. an upper limiting portion that limits rotation of the holding portion so that the replacement member lifted by the holding portion is in a state where the main surface is laid down;
10. The switching device according to claim 9. a lower end detecting unit configured to detect, at a predetermined position, a lower end of the replacement member opposite to the upper end of the replacement member while the replacement member is being fed to the printing device with the main surface laid down,
the holding unit moves up while holding the exchange member, and then moves down when the lower end detecting unit detects that the lower end of the exchange member has passed the predetermined position.
10. The switching device according to claim 9. A screen printing system including: a printing device that prints a paste on a substrate using a mask; and an exchange device that supplies a replacement member to the printing device and collects the replacement member from the printing device,
The exchange device
a storage section capable of storing the replacement member in a state in which a main surface of the replacement member is upright;
an exchange unit that lifts the exchange member stored in the storage unit and moves an upper end of the exchange member toward the printing device while laying the main surface of the exchange member down, and supplies the exchange member to the printing device,
Screen printing system. The printing device
a guide along which the replacement member is transported;
a transport unit that moves the replacement member placed on the guide along the guide,
the replacement unit supplies the replacement member to a position where the transport unit can transport the replacement member.
The screen printing system of claim 16. the printing device has an opening through which the replacement member passes between the printing device and the replacement device, and an opening/closing mechanism that opens and closes the opening;
The screen printing system of claim 16. the replacement device is detachable from the printing device;
the printing device further includes an attachment detection unit that detects an attachment state in which the exchange device is attached to the printing device;
The screen printing system of claim 16. the printing device further includes a gripping unit that grips the replacement device after the installation detection unit detects the installation state.
20. The screen printing system of claim 19. The printing device
an opening through which the replacement member passes between the replacement device and the replacement member;
an opening/closing mechanism that opens and closes the opening,
the opening/closing mechanism opens the opening after the wearing state is detected by the wearing detection unit.
20. The screen printing system of claim 19. 1. A method for supplying a replacement part to a printing device that prints a paste on a substrate using a mask, comprising:
lifting the stored replacement part with a main surface of the replacement part standing up, and moving an upper end of the replacement part toward the printing device;
The replacement part is supplied to the printing device with the main surface of the replacement part lying flat.
Exchange method. A method for replacing a replacement part, comprising recovering the replacement part from a printing device that prints a paste on a substrate using a mask, the method comprising:
the replacement member is discharged from the printing device with its main surface lying flat, and the lower end of the replacement member is pulled downward while being moved in a direction away from the printing device;
The replacement member is stored with the main surface thereof in an upright position.
Exchange method.