Patent Grant
11203198
The present disclosure relates to a printing apparatus and an accommodation apparatus.
Conventionally, in a printing apparatus that performs printing of a viscous fluid using a screen mask onto a print target such as a board, there is an apparatus that performs automatic exchange of the screen mask. For example, disclosed in patent literature 1 is a printing apparatus provided with a rod that protrudes downwards, and a sliding member that, by sliding the rod, slides the screen mask and pushes it to a main body frame.
However, in a printing apparatus, there are members that need to be exchanged other than a screen mask, such as a squeegee. Conventionally, exchange of such members is performed manually by an operator. This leads to a problem of troublesome exchange work for an operator.
The present disclosure solves the above problems and an object thereof is to enable automatic exchange of exchangeable members of a printing apparatus.
The present disclosure employs the following means to achieve the above object.
A printing apparatus of the present disclosure is for performing printing of a viscous fluid onto a print target using a screen mask, the printing apparatus including:
a moving section configured to perform at least one of moving an exchangeable member to an exchange position or loading and unloading of the exchangeable member, for at least two types of the exchangeable member that, out of a cartridge configured to house the viscous fluid, a squeegee, a screen mask, a cleaning member used to clean the screen mask, and a support member configured to fix the print target, include at least one out of the cartridge, the squeegee, and the cleaning member; and
an exchange control section configured to control the moving section to perform exchange processing of exchanging the exchangeable member.
The printing apparatus is provided with a moving section configured to perform, with respect to each of at least two types of exchangeable members, at least one of moving of the exchangeable member to an exchange position and loading or unloading of the exchangeable member. Further, the printing apparatus is configured to perform exchange processing of exchanging the exchangeable member using the moving section. Thus, the printing apparatus is able to perform automatic exchange of at least two types of exchangeable members. Here, an “exchange position” includes a transfer position and a receive position.
Embodiments of the present disclosure are described below with reference to the figures.
Printing apparatus 10, as shown in
Printing control section 11 is configured from a microprocessor based around a CPU, and is provided with ROM that memorizes a processing program, RAM used as working memory, an HDD that memorizes various data, and so on. Printing control section 11 performs overall control of printing apparatus 10.
Print process section 20 is provided on an upper level of printing apparatus 10 and is a unit for performing a process of printing a viscous fluid on board S using screen mask 55. As shown in
The two squeegee fixing sections 24 are configured the same except for being arranged oppositely at the front and rear, thus, descriptions are only given for the front squeegee fixing section using
Squeegee fixing section 24 is configured to perform switching of a squeegee 30 (here, first squeegee 30a) to and from a fixed state in which squeegee 30 is fixed and a released state in which squeegee 30 is not fixed. As shown in
As shown in
Conveyance rod 38 is provided in printing head 21 (
Supply section 40 is for supplying solder housed in cartridge 49 onto screen mask 55. Supply section 40 is provided with supply head 41 and supply moving section 46. Supply head 41 is for positioning and holding cartridge 49 and ejecting solder. Supply moving section 46 is for moving supply head 41 in the X-axis direction (left-right direction). As shown in
Clamp section 43 is a member for fixing cartridge 49. Clamp section 43 is rotatably supported on a lower side of rear plate section 41a, and moves (here, rotates) to and from a fixed position at which cartridge 49 is fixed and a released position at which the fixing of cartridge 49 is released, the movement being performed via driving power from rotation motor 44. The released position is a position at which clamp section 43 is in a state hanging down in the same direction in which rear plate section 41a is formed. The fixed position is a position at which clamp section 43 is in a horizontal state perpendicular to the direction in which rear plate section 41a is formed. If clamp section 43 is moved to the fixed position in a state with air supply section 42 connected to connecting section 49d of cartridge 49, clamp section 43 supports and fixes cartridge 49 from below. Clamp section 43 is formed in a round shape with a hole in the middle, and the bottom section of cartridge 49 fits into the hole.
Supply moving section 46 is provided on the front surface of printing head 23. Thus, supply head 41 is moved in the Y-axis direction by printing moving section 24, and is moved in the X-axis direction by supply moving section 46. Supply moving section 46 is provided with guide 46a, ball screw 46b, and driving motor 48. By driving motor 48 rotating ball screw 46b, supply head 41 is moved in the left and right directions along guide 46a.
Cartridge 49 includes cylindrical main body section 49a, flange sections 49b provided on the upper side and lower side of main body section 49a and formed with a diameter larger than main body section 49a, and connecting section 49d formed at a central position on the upper side of flange section 49b. A nozzle, not shown, for ejecting solder to the outside is formed at a central portion of flange section 49 on the lower side of cartridge 49. Connecting section 49d is a hole into which air supply section 42 is inserted to be connected. With cartridge 49, when air is supplied from air supply section 42 to connecting section 49d, a pressure member, not shown, inside main body section 49a is pushed such that solder inside is ejected from the nozzle.
Mask work section 50 is a unit for fixing and holding screen mask 55 and is provided between print process section 20 and board fixing section 60 in a vertical direction as shown in
Board fixing section 60 is provided below mask work section 50, and is a unit for loading board S, positioning and supporting the loaded board S, and moving the board S towards and away from screen mask 55. As shown in
Board support member 70 is arranged on support table 67 and is connected to a pressure reducing device, not shown, via a pipe and holds and fixes board S from below using suction due to negative pressure. As shown in
Cleaning section 80 is a unit for performing cleaning processing for cleaning a lower surface of screen mask 55 and is provided between mask work section 50 and board fixing section 60 in a vertical direction as shown in
Exchange module 81 is provided with first roller 81a, second roller 81b, cleaning member 82, and attachment member 83. Cleaning member 82 is a member for cleaning screen mask 55 and in the present embodiment is a wiping sheet that cleans screen mask 55 by being wiped against it. Cleaning member 82 is wound on first roller 81a. Second roller 81b is arranged forward to first roller 81a and takes up cleaning member 82 from first roller 81a. The portion of cleaning member 82 between first roller 81a and second roller 81b is used to clean screen mask 55.
Attachment member 83 is for attaching first and second rollers 81a and 81b and cleaning member 82. Attachment member 83 includes case body 83a that is a box-shaped member open at the top and bottom. Two pairs, that is, a total of four, shaft receivers 83b are provided opposite on the left and right inside sides of case body 83a. The shaft ends of first and second rollers 81a and 81b can be inserted into the pairs of shaft receivers 83b such that shaft receivers 83b rotatably support first and second rollers 81a and 81b. Shaft receiver 83b on the front right, which is not shown, is coaxially connected to gear 83c provided on the outside of case body 83a, such that second roller 81b and gear 83c rotate together. Gear 83c is arranged so as to engage with gear 86b of winding motor 86a in a non-protruding state, such that second roller 81b rotates to take up cleaning member 82 due to the driving force from winding motor 86a. Also, case body 83a includes protruding sections 83d that each protrude from attachment members 83 in the left and right directions. In the present embodiment, one protruding section 83d is provided on the right side of case body 83a, and two protruding sections 83d are provided on the left side of case body 83a. The multiple protruding sections 83d act as engaging sections that engage with protrusion holding sections 142 of cleaning member conveyance jig 140 shown in
Loading member 84 is configured as a plate member on which exchange module 81 is loaded and that supports exchange module 81 from below. Loading member 84 and attachment member 83 act as a cleaning head and are moved to the front and rear by cleaning moving section 87. Arranged on the upper surface of loading member 84 are contacting member 84a, raising and lowering device 84b, claw member 84c, and connecting section 84d. Contacting member 84a supports cleaning member 82 from below. Raising and lowering device 84b is configured from, for example, an air cylinder, and raises and lower contacting member 84a while supporting it from below. In a state with contacting member 84a raised by raising and lowering device 84b, by contacting member 84a raising up cleaning member 82, the upper surface of cleaning member 82 contacts the lower surface of screen mask 55. In this state, by cleaning moving section 87 moving loading member 84, cleaning section 80 performs cleaning operation by cleaning member 82 wiping off solder from the lower surface of screen mask 55. Claw member 84c is for preventing exchange module 81 falling from loading member 84 when loading member 84 is moving in the Y direction, a one claw member 84c each is provided on the left and right of loading member 84. Claw member 84c is roughly rectangular block with a lengthwise direction in the vertical direction. Claw member 84c includes an inclined surface on the upper end on the inside in the left-right direction (inside of attachment member 83), and a recess that engages with engaging shaft 83g of attachment member 83 is formed on the lower surface of the inclined surface. Claw member 84c is provided near the lower end and is rotatably supported around a rotation shaft along the Y direction, and is biased by a biasing member such as a spring, which is not shown, such that the upper end of claw member 84c is rotated to the inside in the left-right direction. Thus, when exchange module 81 is lowered from above loading member 84, engaging shaft 83g of attachment member 83 of exchange module 81 is guided by the inclined surface of claw member 84c, engages with the recess of claw member 84c, such that relative movement in the Y direction between attachment member 83 and loading member 84 is regulated. Note that, the biasing force of the biasing member biasing claw member 84c is adjusted such that, when exchange module 81 is attempted to be moved up from loading member 84, the engagement of engaging shaft 83g and claw member 84c is released. Connecting section 84d is for connecting to connecting section 89b of loading member moving mechanism 89, and is arranged on the rear side of loading member 84.
As shown in
Cleaning moving section 87 is provided with support member moving mechanism 88 and loading member moving mechanism 89. As shown in
Cleaning member conveyance jig 140 shown in
Reading section 97 is for reading information related to at least one type of the exchangeable members 13 and in the present embodiment is configured from a barcode reader. As shown in
Accommodation apparatus 100 is arranged at the front of printing apparatus 10, and accommodates at least one type (here, five types) of exchangeable members 13, and performs loading and unloading of at least one type (here, five types) of exchangeable members 13 to and from printing apparatus 10. Accommodation apparatus 100 is provided with housing 101, accommodation section 102, conveyance conveyor 104, conveyor raising and lowering section 105, and accommodation control section 106. Housing 101 is roughly a cuboid box and includes accommodation section 102 on the inside. Moving sections such as casters are provided on the lower surface of housing 101 such that, for example, accommodation apparatus 100 can be moved by an operator. Accommodation section 102 is a box capable of accommodating exchangeable members 13 and conveyance jigs, and is provided with multiple conveyance conveyors 104 inside thereof. Conveyance conveyors 104 are provided at multiple levels in the vertical direction, and in the present embodiment, as shown in
In the present embodiment, cartridge conveyance jig 120 is loaded on first conveyance conveyor 104a, squeegee conveyance jig 110 is loaded on second and third conveyance conveyors 104b and 104c, cleaning member conveyance jig 140 is loaded on fourth and fifth conveyance conveyors 104d and 104e, screen mask 55 is loaded on sixth and seventh conveyance conveyors 104f and 104g, and support member conveyance jig 130 is loaded on eighth and ninth conveyance conveyor jigs 104h and 104i. The gap between adjacent conveyance conveyors 104 in the vertical direction is adjusted in accordance with the height of the conveyance jig or the exchangeable member 13 attached to the conveyance jig loaded on each conveyance conveyor 104. Note that, conveyance jigs 110 to 140 and screen mask 55 have a predetermined width in the left-right direction that enables them to be loaded on the multiple conveyance conveyors 104, for example, they may all have substantially the same width in the left-right direction.
Accommodation control section 106 is configured from a microprocessor based around a CPU, and is provided with ROM that memorizes a processing program, RAM used as working memory, an HDD that memorizes various data, and so on. Accommodation control section 106 performs overall control of accommodation apparatus 100.
Operation of the above printing system 1 is described next. First, descriptions are given with regard to printing processing performed by printing apparatus 10, and reading processing for reading identification information of exchangeable members 13 accommodated in accommodation apparatus 100 that is performed in parallel with printing processing.
First, printing processing is described. The printing processing routine for performing printing processing is memorized on the HDD of printing control section 11, and is performed by printing control section 11 after instructions to perform printing processing are entered by an operator via display operation section 98, or is performed by printing control section 11 after instructions to perform printing processing are issued by management PC 150. When the printing processing routine is started, printing control section 11, first, as shown in
While printing apparatus 10 is performing printing processing, an operator may, for a case in which it is necessary to exchange at least one of the exchangeable members 13 such as due to changeover, accommodate an exchange-use exchangeable member 13 in advance in accommodation apparatus 100. For example, in a case in which it is necessary to exchange all of the five types of exchangeable members 13 during the next changeover, an operator puts the appropriate conveyance jigs and exchangeable members 13 loaded on conveyance jigs into accommodation apparatus 100 in advance as shown in
Note that, the operator may attach in advance to each conveyance jig a barcode indicating the identification information of the exchangeable member 13 attached to that conveyance jig. For example, the operator, may include information representing the type of the cartridge 49 attached to a cartridge conveyance jig 120 in the identification information included in the barcode of that cartridge conveyance jig 120. Similarly, the operator may include information representing the type of the screen mask 55 in the identification information included in the barcode 57a of that screen mask 55. Accordingly, printing control section 11, by reading the barcode of each conveyance jig and screen mask 55 using reading section 97, is able to identify which of the types of exchangeable members 13 a member for which the barcode is being read is. Also, printing control section 11, for example, is able to perform detailed identification within a given type of exchangeable member 13 such as identifying which of multiple types of cartridges 49 is the cartridge 49 attached to a cartridge conveyance jig 120. Note that, a barcode may include information representing a state of each conveyance jig (such as whether a holder is empty). For example, information of which of the multiple holders 122 of a cartridge conveyance jig 120 a cartridge 49 is attached to (which of the holders 122 is empty) may be included on the barcode 126 for a cartridge conveyance jig 120.
Reading processing is described next. The reading processing routine for performing reading processing is memorized on the HDD of printing control section 11, and is performed, for example, at a specified time interval, or after an instruction to perform reading processing is entered by an operator. When the reading processing routine is started, printing control section 11 outputs an instruction to accommodation control section 106 of accommodation apparatus 100 to sequentially move an empty conveyance jig or an exchangeable member 13 accommodated in accommodation section 102 to a position at which reading is possible by reading section 97. Accommodation control section 106 that has received this instruction, first, uses conveyor raising and lowering section 105 to raise or lower accommodation section 102 such that cartridge conveyance jig 120 on first conveyance conveyor 104a is positioned at the same height as reading section 97. Further, accommodation control section 106, as necessary, uses first conveyance conveyor 104a to move cartridge conveyance jig 120 in the Y direction, such that barcode 126 is moved to a position where reading is possible by reading section 97, and then cartridge conveyance jig 120 is returned to its original position. Here, printing control section 11 uses reading section 97 to read barcode 126 and memorizes the acquired information on the HDD. Accommodation control section 106 performs similar processing sequentially for second conveyance conveyor 104b to ninth conveyance conveyor 104i.
Note that, with regard to operation on the accommodation apparatus 100 side during reading processing, an operation routine for during reading processing may be memorized in advance on the memory section of accommodation control section 106, and printing control section 11 may issue just a starting instruction for the operation routine. Alternatively, printing control section 11 may sequentially output an individual operation command for conveyor raising and lowering section 105 and conveyance conveyor 104 to accommodation control section 106.
Described next is exchange processing for performing automatic exchange of exchangeable member 13.
Printing control section 11, upon starting the exchange processing routine, performs at least one of the following sets of processing as required: cartridge exchange processing (step S100); cleaning member exchange processing (step S110); mask unloading processing (step S120); squeegee exchange processing (step S130); board support member exchange processing (step S140); and mask loading processing (step S150). Note that, because cartridge 49 and cleaning member 82 are consumables, not limited to cases in which each type is changed, in cases in which exchange processing needs to be performed, along with performing at least one of cartridge exchange processing and cleaning member exchange processing, replenishment of consumables may be performed without changing the type of the consumable. For example, when it is necessary to exchange at least one of squeegee 30, screen mask 55, or board support member 70, at least one of cartridge 49 and cleaning member 82 may be exchanged at the same time. Also, in the present embodiment, when performing exchange of screen mask 55, squeegee 30, or board support member 70, the conveyance jig is moved using conveyance rails 53. Thus, when it is necessary to perform at least one of squeegee exchange processing and board support member exchange processing, mask unloading processing is performed that processing such that screen mask 55 is retracted from conveyance rails 53, and then mask loading processing is performed. Also, processing including mask unloading processing and mask loading processing corresponds to mask exchange processing. Note that, when it is not necessary to exchange screen mask 55, during mask loading processing, the screen mask 55 unloaded during mask unloading processing is loaded. Described below is the processing of steps S100 to S150 using an example when all five types of exchangeable members 13 are exchanged.
Described below is cartridge exchange processing of step S100.
When cartridge 49 is attached to empty holder 122 during cartridge unloading processing, printing control section 11, first, moves clamp section 43 to a release position in a state with main body section 49a inserted into opening section 124 of holder 122 (an example of a transfer position). Upon doing this, in accordance with the rotation of clamp section 43, cartridge 49 is lowered, a cartridge 49 is supported by support member 123 with flange section 49b engaged in engaging section 125. When exchange-use cartridge 49 is mounted on supply head 41 during cartridge loading processing, printing control section 11, first, rotates clamp section 43 to the fixed position (12B) with connecting section 49d of cartridge 49 positioned directly below air supply section 42 (an example of a receiving position,
Described below is cleaning member exchange processing of step S110. When cleaning member exchange processing is started, printing control section 11 performs cleaning member unloading processing of unloading exchange module 81, and cleaning member loading processing of loading exchange-use exchange module 81.
During cleaning member loading processing, printing control section 11, first, operates conveyor raising and lowering section 105 (
Described below is mask unloading processing of step S120.
Described below is squeegee exchange processing of step S130. Upon starting squeegee exchange processing, printing control section 11 performs squeegee unloading processing of unloading squeegee 30, and squeegee loading processing of loading an exchange-use squeegee 30.
During squeegee loading processing, printing control section 11 loads squeegee 30 using a reverse procedure to the squeegee unloading processing described above. In other words, printing control section 11, first, operates conveyor raising and lowering section 105 such that third conveyance conveyor 104c on which the squeegee conveyance jig 110 to which an exchange-use squeegee 30 is attached is at the same height as conveyance rails 53 (loading height). Next, printing control section 11 uses third conveyance conveyor 104c and conveyance rod 38 to load squeegee conveyance jig 110. Continuing, printing control section 11 controls printing moving section 22 and squeegee raising and lowering section 23 such that the front side squeegee fixing section 24 is moved forwards, and the squeegee 30 attached to the front side holder 112 of squeegee conveyance jig 110 is attached to the front side squeegee fixing section 24. Similarly, printing control section 11 moves rear side squeegee fixing section 24 to the rear and attaches the squeegee 30 attached to the rear side holder 112 of squeegee conveyance jig 110 to the rear side squeegee fixing section 24. Then, printing control section 11 uses conveyance rod 38 to convey the squeegee conveyance jig 110 to which squeegee 30 is attached and uses third conveyance conveyor 104c to accommodate squeegee conveyance jig 110 in accommodation section 102.
Details of transfer of squeegee 30 to holder 112 from squeegee fixing section 24, and removal of exchange-use squeegee 30 from holder 112 to squeegee fixing section 24 are described below. Details of removal of squeegee 30 are described first.
Transfer of squeegee 30 from squeegee fixing section 24 to holder 112 may be performed using a procedure the reverse of the above receiving. When transferring first squeegee 30 to the front side holder 112 of squeegee conveyance jig 110, printing control section 11, first, lowers the front side squeegee fixing section 24, and moves the squeegee fixing section 24 forwards from the rear of holder 112. By this, flange 36 is positioned directly above engaging sections 115 of empty holder 112. This position is the squeegee 30 transfer position. Next, printing control section 11 switches the squeegee fixing section 24 from the fixed state to the released state. By this, engaging sections 115 and flange section 36 engage, squeegee 30 is positioned at the attachment position, and squeegee 30 is attached to holder 112. Also, the engaging of regulating member 26 and protruding sections 34 is released. Further, printing control section 11 moves squeegee fixing section 24 to the rear. Note that, when second squeegee 30b is transferred to the rear side holder 112 of squeegee conveyance jig 110, printing control section 11 may perform the above operation and corresponding reverse operations.
Described below is board support member exchange processing of step S140. When board support member exchange processing is started, printing control section 11 performs board support member unloading processing of unloading board support member 70, and board support member loading processing of loading board support member 70.
Printing control section 11 is able to perform board support member loading processing using a reverse procedure to the above board support member unloading processing. During board support member loading processing, printing control section 11, first, operates conveyor raising and lowering section 105 such that ninth conveyance conveyor 104i on which the support member conveyance jig 130 to which an exchange-use board support member 70 is attached is at the same height as conveyance rails 53 (loading height). Next, printing control section 11 uses ninth conveyance conveyor 104i and conveyance rod 38 to load support member conveyance jig 130 and convey exchange-use board support member 70 above support table 67. Continuing, printing control section 11 raises support table 67 to raise board support member 70, thereby releasing the engaging of protruding sections 71 and 72 with the protrusion holding sections (here, third and fourth protrusion holding sections 134 and 135). The position of board support member 70 at this point is the board support member 70 receiving position. Then, printing control section 11 moves support member conveyance jig 130 forwards or backwards so as to offset the front-rear positions of protruding sections 71 and 72 and third and fourth protrusion holding sections 134 and 135, and then lowers support table 67. Next, printing control section 11 lowers board fixing section 60 overall, moves the support member conveyance jig 130 forwards using conveyance rod 38 so as to unload the support member conveyance jig 130. Also, printing control section 11 uses ninth conveyance conveyor 104i to further move support member conveyance jig 130 forwards, so as to accommodate support member conveyance jig 130 in accommodation section 102.
Described below is mask loading processing of step S150. Printing control section 11 is able to perform mask loading processing using a reverse procedure to the above mask unloading processing. During mask loading processing, printing control section 11, first, operates conveyor raising and lowering section 105 such that conveyance conveyor 104 (here, seventh conveyance conveyor 104g) is positioned at the height for loading screen mask 55 (loading height). The screen mask 55 loading height is the same as the screen mask 55 unloading height. Next, printing control section 11 uses seventh conveyance conveyor 104g and conveyance rod 38 to convey exchange-use screen mask 55 to the rear so as to load exchange-use screen mask 55. When the above steps 100 to S150 have been performed, printing control section 11 ends the exchange processing routine.
Printing apparatus 10 of the present embodiment described above, is provided with a moving section configured to perform at least one of moving an exchangeable member 13 to an exchange position or loading and unloading of the exchangeable member 13, for at least two types (in the present embodiment, five types) of exchangeable members 13 that, out of cartridge 49, squeegee 30, cleaning member 82, screen mask 55, board support member 70, include at least one of the cartridge 49, the squeegee 30, and the cleaning member 82. In more detail, the moving section is provided with: printing moving section 22 and supply moving section 46 that perform moving of cartridge 49 to the exchange position and loading and unloading of cartridge 49; printing moving section 22 and squeegee raising and lowering section 23 that move squeegee 30 to the exchange position; and printing moving section 22, conveyance rod 38, and conveyance rails 53 that perform loading and unloading of squeegee 30. Also, the moving section is provided with: cleaning moving section 87 that performs moving of cleaning member 82 to the exchange position and loading and unloading of cleaning member 82; printing moving section 22, conveyance rod 38, and conveyance rails 53 that perform loading and unloading of screen mask 55; support table raising and lowering section 65 and fixing section raising and lowering section 66 that perform moving of board support member 70 to the exchange position; and printing moving section 22, conveyance rod 38, and conveyance rails 53 that perform loading and unloading of board support member 70. Also, printing apparatus 10 is provided with printing control section 11 that performs exchange processing of controlling the moving section to perform exchanging of exchangeable members 13. Accordingly, printing apparatus 10 is able to perform automatic exchange of at least two types (in the present embodiment, five types) of exchangeable members 13.
Also, in printing apparatus 10, the moving section includes a shared moving mechanism configured to move at least two types of the exchangeable members 13. Specifically, printing moving section 22 is a shared moving mechanism for moving cartridge 49, squeegee 30, screen mask 55, and board support member 70. Conveyance rod 38 and conveyance rails 53 is a shared moving mechanism for moving squeegee 30, screen mask 55, and board support member 70. Therefore, printing apparatus 100 is able to perform automatic exchange of each of the at least two types of members among the exchangeable members 13 using the same moving mechanism. Thus, printing apparatus 10 can have a more compact configuration than, for example, a case in which a separate moving mechanism is provided for each type of exchangeable member 13.
Further, printing apparatus 10 is provided with reading section 97 shared between the at least two types of exchange members 13 for reading barcodes 57a, 116, 126, 136, and 146 affixed to at least one of the exchangeable members or the conveyance jigs of the exchangeable members (in the present embodiment, screen mask 55 and conveyance jigs 110, 120, 130, and 140). Thus, printing apparatus 10 is able to identify the exchangeable members 13 by reading the barcodes, enabling exchange processing to be performed more appropriately. Also, because printing apparatus 10 is able to read the barcode of each of the at least two types of members (in the present embodiment, all five types) using the same reading section 97, printing apparatus 10 can have a more compact configuration than, for example, a case in which a separate reading section is provided for each type of exchangeable member 13.
Further, printing apparatus 10 is configured such that loading and unloading of exchangeable members 13 is possible to and from accommodation apparatus 100 configured to accommodate the exchangeable members 13, and exchange control section 11 is configured to cause reading section 97 to read identification information of at least one type of the exchangeable members 13 accommodated in accommodation apparatus 100 during printing. Thus, printing apparatus 10 is able to read the at least one type of barcode 57a, 116, 126, 136, or 146 of the exchangeable members 13 before exchange processing. Therefore, printing apparatus 10 is able to perform exchange processing in a shorter time compared to a case of reading all the barcodes during exchange processing.
Further, printing control section 11 is configured to, when the reading section 97 reads the barcode of the at least one type of exchangeable member 13, output a command to accommodation apparatus 100 such that the exchangeable member 13 accommodated in accommodation apparatus 100 is moved to a position at which the barcode can be read by reading section 97. Accordingly, even in a case in which reading section 97 cannot read the barcode 57a, 116, 126, 136, or 146 while accommodated inside accommodation apparatus 100, printing control section 11 can move the exchangeable member 13 in accommodation apparatus 100 such that reading section 97 can read each barcode 57a, 116, 126, 136, and 146. Also, because reading of barcodes is performed during printing, even if accommodation apparatus 100 moves exchangeable member 13 for reading, there is little effect on the time required for exchange processing.
Further, as described above, accommodation apparatus 100 is provided with accommodation section 102 that accommodates exchangeable members 13, and conveyance conveyors 104 that perform loading and unloading of the at least one type of exchangeable member 13 (in the present embodiment, the three types of squeegee 30, screen mask 55, and board support member 70) to and from accommodation section 102 and printing apparatus 10. Thus, printing apparatus 10 is able to perform transfer of exchangeable members 13 to and from accommodation apparatus 100 rather than an operator, which makes it easier for printing apparatus 10 to automate exchange of exchangeable members 13. Further, printing control section 11 performs loading and unloading with a mechanism at the printing apparatus 10 side for cartridge 49 and exchange module 81 for which loading and unloading are not performed using conveyance by conveyance conveyor 104.
Also, accommodation apparatus 100 is provided with conveyor raising and lowering section 105 that raises and lowers accommodation section 102, and accommodation section 102 includes nine levels of accommodation regions 103 in the vertical direction for accommodating at least one type (in the present embodiment, all five types) of the exchangeable members 13. Accordingly, since exchangeable members 13 can be accommodated in each of the multiple accommodation regions 103a to 103i, it is easy for accommodation section 102 to accommodate at least two types of exchangeable members 13. Also, since conveyor raising and lowering section 105 is able to adjust the height of exchangeable member 13 during transfer of exchangeable member 13 to and from printing apparatus 10, accommodation apparatus 100 is able to perform transfer of exchangeable member 13 at an appropriate height for each printing apparatus 10 and each type of exchangeable member 13.
Further, accommodation section 102 accommodates the exchangeable member 13 for which the loading height to printing apparatus 10 was the highest among the exchangeable members 13 (here, cartridge 49), in the top level of the multiple accommodation regions 103. Accordingly, compared to a case in which, for example, cartridge 49 for which the loading height is the highest is accommodated in a region other than the topmost first accommodation region 103a, it is easier to make the raising and lowering range required for conveyor raising and lowering section 105 smaller.
Further, accommodation section 102 accommodates exchange module 81 including cleaning member 82 in a state attached to protrusion holding sections 142 of cleaning member conveyance jig 140, and conveyor raising and lowering section 105, by raising or lowering cleaning member conveyance jig 140 by the raising or lowering of accommodation section 102, attaches exchange module 81 received (transferred) from printing apparatus 10 to cleaning member conveyance jig 140. Also, conveyor raising and lowering section 105, by raising or lowering cleaning member conveyance jig 140 by the raising or lowering of accommodation section 102, removes the exchange module 81 attached to cleaning member conveyance jig 140 from cleaning member conveyance jig 140 and transfers it to printing apparatus 10. Thus, conveyor raising and lowering section 105 is able to also act as the mechanism for performing receiving and transfer of exchange module 81 to and from accommodation apparatus 100 and printing apparatus 10.
Meanwhile, it goes without saying that the present disclosure is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment and various embodiments may be applied within the technical scope of the present disclosure.
For example, in an embodiment above, accommodation section 102 accommodates cartridge 49 for which the loading height to printing apparatus 10 is the highest among the exchangeable members 13 in the topmost first accommodation region 103a, but the configuration is not limited to this. Also, accommodation section 102 may accommodate the exchangeable member 13 for which the loading height to the printing apparatus 10 is the lowest in the lowest of the multiple accommodation regions. For example, cleaning member 82 may be accommodated in the ninth accommodation region 103i of ninth conveyance conveyor 104i.
In an embodiment above, printing control section 11 performs reading processing during printing, but the configuration is not limited to this. For example, printing control section 11 may perform reading processing before steps S100 to S150 when performing the exchange processing of
In an embodiment above, printing apparatus 10 is provided with reading section 97, but the configuration is not limited to this, for example, accommodation apparatus 100 may be provided with reading section 97. In this case, instead of printing control section 11, accommodation control section 106 may perform the above reading processing, and output the acquired information to printing control section 11. In this case too, it is possible for accommodation control section 106 to perform reading processing without stopping printing processing by printing control section 11.
In the present embodiment above, with regard to exchangeable members 13 conveyed using a conveyance jig, a barcode is affixed to the conveyance jig, but the configuration is not limited to this, and the barcode may be affixed to the exchangeable member 13. Also, in the present embodiment above, a barcode is affixed to the conveyance jigs and screen mask 55, but the configuration is not limited to a barcode, a different type of 2D code or the like may be affixed.
In an embodiment above, printing apparatus 10 includes printing moving section 22 as a shared mechanism for moving four types of the five types of exchangeable members 13, but the configuration is not limited to this, and the moving mechanism may be shared for all five types. For example, the switching of module 81 and loading member 84 to and from a protruding state and a non-protruding state is performed by loading member moving mechanism 89, but this switching may be performed by conveyance rod 38. For example, the configuration may be such that conveyance rod 38 protrudes down to the same height as exchange module 81, and by using printing moving section 22 to move conveyance rod 38 to the front or rear, switching may be performed to and from the protruding state and the non-protruding state. In this case, printing moving section 22 is the shared moving mechanism for moving all five types of the exchangeable members 13. Also, printing apparatus 10 may include a shared moving mechanism (for example, printing moving section 22, conveyance rod 38, and conveyance rails 53) for moving at least two types of the members including squeegee 30 among squeegee 30, screen mask 55, and board support member 70. Alternatively, printing apparatus 10 may include a shared moving mechanism (for example, printing moving section 22 and conveyance rod 38) for moving at least two types of the members including at least one of squeegee 30 and cleaning member 82 among squeegee 30, screen mask 55, board support member 70, and cleaning member 82.
In an embodiment above, printing control section 11 performs mask unloading processing before performing squeegee exchange processing during the exchange processing routine, but the configuration is not limited to this. For example, in a case in which it is possible to perform transfer of squeegee 30 with squeegee conveyance jig 110 and squeegee fixing section 24 in a region in front of screen mask 55 without retracting screen mask 55, printing control section 11 does not have to perform mask unloading processing before squeegee exchange processing.
Descriptions were not given for an embodiment above, but when starting the exchange processing routine, printing control section 11 may determine whether all the required exchange-use exchangeable members 13 are accommodated in accommodation apparatus 100 based on information read during reading processing. Further, printing control section 11 may, upon determining that a required exchange-use exchangeable member 13 is not accommodated, output error information indicating that fact to at least one of display operation section 98 or management PC 150, so as to report to an operator that an exchangeable member 13 is missing. Note that, printing control section 11 may perform exchange processing of a type of exchange member 13 different to the missing type in the event of determining that a required exchange-use exchangeable member 13 is missing. For example, printing control section 11, in a case in which exchange-use cartridge 49 is not accommodated in accommodation apparatus 100, may perform exchange processing for another of the four types of exchange members 13 if exchange processing for one of those four types is required. Accordingly, while the operator prepares the missing exchangeable member 13, exchange processing can be performed for another exchangeable member 13.
In an embodiment described above, accommodation apparatus 100 is provided with accommodation control section 106, and printing control section 11 controls accommodation apparatus 100 indirectly by outputting commands to accommodation control section 106, but the configuration is not limited to this and accommodation control section 106 may be omitted. In this case, for example, printing control section 11 may directly control conveyance conveyor 104 and conveyor raising and lowering section 105 via communication.
In an embodiment above, accommodation apparatus 100 is provided with a moving section and can be moved by an operator, but the configuration is not limited to this and a moving section does not have to be provided. Also, accommodation apparatus 100 may be configured from an AGV (Automatic Guided Vehicle) that can travel autonomously and is provided with a drive mechanism for driving a moving section. In this case, accommodation apparatus 100 may move to a location at which exchange-use exchangeable member 13 is stored and may automatically accommodate exchange-use exchangeable member 13 in accommodation section 102.
In an embodiment above, descriptions were given mainly for exchange of an exchangeable member 13 during changeover, but the timing for exchange is not limited to this. For example, for consumables such as cartridge 49 and cleaning member 82, for example, printing control section 11 may perform exchange processing when a sensor that detects a remaining amount detects that a consumable has been depleted.
In an embodiment above, printing apparatus 10 performed automatic exchange with accommodation apparatus 100 for all five types of exchangeable members 13, but the configuration is not limited to this. For example, for at least one type of exchangeable member 13, printing apparatus 10 itself may have at least two holders capable of having an exchange-use exchangeable member 13 attached. In this case, an operator may attach exchange-use exchangeable member 13 to at least one holder in advance, and leave at least one holder empty in advance, such that printing apparatus 10 is able to perform automatic exchange between the holders. Thus, printing apparatus 10 is able to perform exchange processing for at least one of the exchangeable members 13 irrespective of unloading and loading.
In an embodiment above, accommodation apparatus 100 accommodated exchangeable members 13 except for screen mask 55 inside accommodation section 102 in a state attached to a conveyance jig, but they may be accommodated in a state attached to a holder. For example, accommodation apparatus 100 may accommodate at least one type of exchangeable member 13 except for screen mask 55 in a state attached to a holder that cannot be conveyed by conveyance conveyor 104. In this manner too, printing apparatus 10, if including a mechanism that performs transfer of exchangeable member 13 to and from accommodation apparatus 100, may perform automatic exchange in a similar manner to an above embodiment. For example, with accommodation apparatus 100 of an embodiment described above, for cartridge 49 and exchange module 81, accommodation apparatus 100 is able to perform automatic exchange without performing movement to the front or rear, thus, at least one of cartridge 49 and exchange module 81 may be attached to a fixed holder rather than a conveyance jig.
In an embodiment above, printing apparatus 10 is configured to be able to perform automatic exchange of all five types of exchangeable members 13, but the configuration is not limited to this and printing apparatus 10 may be configured to perform automatic exchange of only at least one type of exchange members 13 including at least one type other than screen mask 55. Also, in a case in which printing apparatus 10 is able to perform automatic exchange of two to four of the five types of exchangeable members 13, the combination of which of the five types of exchangeable members 13 are to be exchanged automatically may be selected. Further, the configuration may be such that an operator does not perform exchange of the member (that is, the member is not an exchangeable member) for at least one and up to four types of the five types of exchangeable members 13. Also, printing apparatus 10 may be configured without at least one of the five types of exchangeable members 13. For example, printing apparatus 10 may be configured without cleaning section 80 that includes cleaning member 82.
A printing apparatus and an accommodation apparatus of the present disclosure may be configured as described below.
Also, in a printing apparatus of the present disclosure, the moving section may include a shared moving mechanism configured to move at least two types of the exchangeable members. Accordingly, the printing apparatus may perform automatic exchange of each of the at least two types of members among the exchangeable members using the same moving mechanism. Thus, the printing apparatus can have a more compact configuration than, for example, a case in which a separate moving mechanism is provided for each type of exchangeable member.
A printing apparatus of the present disclosure may further include a reading section configured to read identification information provided on at least one of the members or a member conveyance jig, use of the reading section being shared for the at least two types of the members included in the exchangeable members. Thus, the printing apparatus may identify the exchangeable members by reading the identification information, enabling exchange processing to be performed more appropriately. Also, because the printing apparatus is able to read the identification information of each of the at least two types of members using the same reading section, the printing apparatus can have a more compact configuration than, for example, a case in which a separate reading section is provided for each type of exchangeable member.
In this case, the printing apparatus may be configured such that loading and unloading of the exchangeable members is possible to and from an accommodation apparatus configured to accommodate the exchangeable members, and the exchange control section may be configured to cause the reading section to read, during printing, identification information of at least one type of the exchangeable members accommodated in the accommodation apparatus. Thus, this printing apparatus may read in advance the identification information of at least one type of the exchangeable members before exchange processing. Therefore, the printing apparatus is able to perform exchange processing in a shorter time compared to a case of reading the identification information of all the exchangeable members during exchange processing.
In this case, the exchange control section may be configured to, when making the reading section read the identification information of the at least one type of exchangeable member during printing, output a command to the accommodation apparatus such that the exchangeable member accommodated in the accommodation apparatus is moved to a position at which reading by the reading device is possible. Accordingly, even in a case in which the reading section cannot read the identification information while accommodated inside the accommodation apparatus, the printing control section can move the exchangeable member in the accommodation apparatus such that the reading section can read the identification information. Also, because reading of identification information is performed during printing, even if the accommodation apparatus moves the exchangeable member for reading, there is little effect on the time required for exchange processing.
An accommodation apparatus of the disclosure includes: an accommodation section configured to accommodate exchangeable members that are used in a printing apparatus for performing printing of a viscous fluid onto a print target using a screen mask, the exchangeable members being a cartridge configured to house the viscous fluid, a squeegee, a screen mask, a cleaning member used to clean the screen mask, and a support member configured to fix the print target, and the accommodation section being configured to accommodate at least two types of the exchangeable members including at least one of the cartridge, the squeegee, and the cleaning member; and a conveyance section configured to perform loading and unloading of at least one type of the exchange members to and from the accommodation section and the printing apparatus.
The accommodation apparatus accommodates at least two types of exchangeable members and performs loading and unloading of at least one type of the exchangeable members to and from the printing apparatus. Thus, the printing apparatus is able to perform transfer of exchangeable members to and from the accommodation apparatus rather than an operator, which makes it easier for the printing apparatus to automate exchange of exchangeable members. This accommodation apparatus may perform transfer of exchangeable members to and from the printing apparatus of the disclosure according to one of the embodiments described above. Note that, in a case in which there is an exchangeable member for which the conveyance section of the accommodation apparatus does not perform conveyance, conveyance of that exchangeable member may be performed by a configuration on the printing apparatus side.
The accommodation apparatus of the disclosure may further include a raising and lowering section configured to raise and lower the accommodation section, wherein the accommodation section includes multiple levels in a vertical direction of accommodation regions configured to accommodate at least one type of the exchangeable members. Accordingly, since exchangeable members can be accommodated in each of the multiple accommodation regions, it is easy for the accommodation section to accommodate at least two types of exchangeable members. Also, since the raising and lowering section is able to adjust the height of the exchangeable member during transfer of the exchangeable member to and from the printing apparatus, the accommodation apparatus is able to perform transfer of exchangeable member at an appropriate height for each printing apparatus and each type of exchangeable member.
In this case, the accommodation section may be configured to perform at least one of, among the exchangeable members, accommodating the member for which a loading height to the printing apparatus is highest at a topmost accommodation region among the multiple levels of accommodation regions, and, among the exchangeable members, accommodating the member for which the loading height to the printing apparatus is lowest at a bottommost accommodation region among the multiple levels of accommodation regions. Accordingly, compared to a case in which, for example, a member for which the loading height is the highest is accommodated in a region other than the topmost accommodation region, it is easier to make the raising and lowering range required for the raising and lowering section smaller. Similarly, compared to a case in which, for example, a member for which the loading height is the lowest is accommodated in a region other than the bottommost accommodation region, it is easier to make the raising and lowering range required for the raising and lowering section smaller.
The accommodation apparatus of the present disclosure may further include a raising and lowering section configured to raise and lower the accommodation section, wherein the accommodation section is configured to accommodate at least one type of the member out of the exchangeable members in a state attached to a holder, and the raising and lowering section is configured to perform at least one of, by raising or lowering the holder by raising or lowering the accommodation section, attaching the exchangeable member received from the printing apparatus to the holder, and removing the exchangeable member attached to the holder from the holder and transferring the exchangeable member to the printing apparatus. Thus, raising and lowering section that raises and lowers the accommodation section is able to also act as the mechanism for performing receiving and transfer of an exchangeable member to and from the accommodation apparatus and the printing apparatus. Note that, the holder may be fixed in the accommodation section or may be configured to move. For example, an exchangeable member may be attached to a holder including a conveyance jig capable of being moved by the conveyance section.
The present disclosure may be applied to a printing apparatus that prints a viscous fluid onto a print target such as a board.
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/JP2016/086102 | 12/5/2016 | WO | 00 |
| Publishing Document | Publishing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| WO2018/105016 | 6/14/2018 | WO | A |
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| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20190337290 A1 | Nov 2019 | US |
