Patent Description:
Conventionally, in a printing device for performing a print process of a viscous fluid such as solder on a printing target such as a substrate using a screen mask, a device including a solder supply device for supplying the solder has been proposed (refer to Patent Literature <NUM>, for example). In this printing device, a standby space portion where a container exchange section of the solder supply device on which a solder container is installed in a replaceable manner can enter includes a body cover that is partially formed with an opening/closing door, and thus, the solder container can be replaced without stopping driving of the device while securing security.

<CIT> and <CIT> disclose a supply unit used in a printing device for performing a print process of a viscous fluid on a printing target to supply the viscous fluid.

However, in the above-described printing device, a structure such as a wall surface and a bottom surface for restricting an operator's access to the inside of the device is provided on a body cover on a main body side, it is necessary to specially provide a standby space portion on the main body side, and thus, there is a problem that the configuration of the body cover or the like is complicated.

The present disclosure has been made in view of such problems, and a main object of the present disclosure is to provide a supply unit, a printing device, and a control method for a printing device capable of securing security and suppressing interruption of processing while further simplifying a configuration when exchanging a cartridge of a viscous fluid.

A supply unit, a printing device, and a control method for a printing device disclosed in the present specification adopt the following means in order to achieve the main object described above.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a supply unit used in a printing device for performing a print process of a viscous fluid on a printing target to supply the viscous fluid, the supply unit including: an attachment section to and from which a cartridge accommodating the viscous fluid is attachable or detachable; a restricting wall section configured to cover the cartridge and restrict access to an inside of the printing device; and a driving section configured to move the cartridge attached to the attachment section and the restricting wall section in a supply operation direction.

In this supply unit, both the attachment section to and from which the cartridge accommodating the viscous fluid is attachable or detachable and the restricting wall section configured to cover the cartridge and restrict the access to the inside of the printing device are moved in the supply operation direction. Generally, in a case where the restricting wall section for restricting the access to the inside of the printing device is disposed on a main body side of the printing device, the cartridge may move in various directions with respect to the main body of the printing device, and thus, it is necessary to provide a space for accommodating the cartridge or the like in the restricting wall section, the configuration is complicated. In the supply unit of the present disclosure, since the restricting wall section moves together with the cartridge, the restricting wall section always exists in the vicinity of the cartridge even when the cartridge is exchanged, and a special space for accommodating the cartridge is not required. Accordingly, in this supply unit, when exchanging the cartridge of the viscous fluid, security can be secured and interruption of the process can be further suppressed while simplifying the configuration. Here, the expression "access to the inside of the printing device" means that an operator inserts his/her hands into the inside of a device having an operating configuration. Moreover, examples of the "printing target" include a substrate, a three-dimensional object, or the like on which components are to be mounted. In addition, examples of the "viscous fluid" include solder paste, conductive paste, and adhesive. Moreover, the expression "suppressing the interruption of the process" means suppressing the interruption of the process related to printing, and includes, for example, the conveyance-in and conveyance-out process of the printing target, a positioning processing between the screen mask and the printing target, a cleaning process of the screen mask M, or the like in addition to the print process itself.

The present embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. <FIG> is a schematic explanatory view illustrating an example of mounting system <NUM> including printing device <NUM> which is an example of the present disclosure. <FIG> is an explanatory view of supply unit <NUM>. <FIG> is an explanatory view of closing mechanism <NUM> and fixing mechanism <NUM> when door member <NUM> is opened. <FIG> is an explanatory view of closing mechanism <NUM> and fixing mechanism <NUM> when door member <NUM> is closed. <FIG> is an explanatory view of printing section <NUM>, mask section <NUM>, imaging section <NUM>, and supply unit <NUM>. <FIG> is an explanatory view of coupling section <NUM> in a coupling state in which fixing rod <NUM> is at a moving section coupling position. <FIG> is an explanatory view of coupling section <NUM> in a fixed state in which fixing rod <NUM> is at a main body fixing position. <FIG> is an explanatory view of cartridge <NUM>. <FIG> is a block diagram illustrating an electrical connection relationship of printing device <NUM>. Mounting system <NUM> is, for example, a system for mounting a component on substrate S. Mounting system <NUM> includes printing device <NUM>, mounting device <NUM>, and management computer (PC) <NUM>. Mounting system <NUM> is configured as a mounting line in which multiple mounting devices <NUM> that mount components on substrate S are disposed on a downstream side of printing device <NUM>. In the present embodiment, a left-right direction (X-axis), a front-rear direction (Y-axis), and an up-down direction (Z-axis) are as illustrated in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>.

Mounting device <NUM> is a device that mounts a component on substrate S, on which a viscous fluid such as solder paste is printed by printing device <NUM>. Management PC <NUM> is a device for managing information of each device of mounting system <NUM>. Management PC <NUM> manages a progress state of each device on the mounting line. Each device of mounting system <NUM> exchanges information with management PC <NUM> to obtain information such as progress states of other devices.

Printing device <NUM> is a device configured to apply (print) a solder paste as a viscous fluid to substrate S which is a printing target below via a pattern hole formed in screen mask M by pushing the solder paste on screen mask M into a pattern hole formed in screen mask M using squeegee <NUM>. Examples of the "printing target" include substrate S, a three-dimensional object, or the like on which a component is mounted. Examples of the "viscous fluid" include solder paste, conductive paste, and adhesive. Here, substrate S and the solder paste will be described below as examples. Printing device <NUM> includes control section <NUM> (refer to <FIG>), printing section <NUM>, mask section <NUM>, substrate processing section <NUM>, cleaning section <NUM>, imaging section <NUM>, and supply unit <NUM> serving as a supply section. Control section <NUM> is configured as a microprocessor mainly including CPU <NUM>, and controls entire printing device <NUM>. Although described in detail later, control section <NUM> unlocks door member <NUM> in a state where print moving section <NUM> and supply unit <NUM> are disconnected and when cartridge <NUM> of supply unit <NUM> is at a standby position. In addition, control section <NUM> executes a supply process of the viscous fluid after door member <NUM> is closed by closing mechanism <NUM> in a state where print moving section <NUM> and supply unit <NUM> are connected to each other.

As illustrated in <FIG>, door member <NUM> that opens and closes opening portion <NUM> and is lockable in a closed state is disposed in main body <NUM> of printing device <NUM>. Opening portion <NUM> is an area through which cartridge <NUM> passes when cartridge <NUM> moves to the outside or the inside by replacement or the like when supply unit <NUM> is in a standby area (refer to <FIG>) and cartridge <NUM> is at the standby position (refer to <FIG>). Door member <NUM> is a cartridge exchange dedicated door member opened only when cartridge <NUM> is exchanged. Door member <NUM> is disposed on a front right side of main body <NUM> of the printing device so as to open or close opening portion <NUM> provided on an extension line in a movement direction (front-rear direction) of supply unit <NUM>. An open position of door member <NUM> is a standby position (initial position) of cartridge <NUM>. Door member <NUM> is configured as a sliding window that slides in the left-right direction. As illustrated in <FIG>, closing mechanism <NUM> is disposed in printing device <NUM>. Closing mechanism <NUM> is a mechanism for causing door member <NUM> to be in a closed state by inserting joint member <NUM> fixed to door member <NUM> into insertion hole <NUM> formed in a housing of closing mechanism <NUM>. A hole portion is provided at a distal end of joint member <NUM>, and a lock pin provided in an inside of closing mechanism <NUM> is inserted into the hole portion to lock door member <NUM>. Closing mechanism <NUM> includes a solenoid for driving the lock pin. In addition, a closure sensor (not illustrated) is disposed in closing mechanism <NUM>, and thus, the insertion and locking states of joint member <NUM> can be detected. Control section <NUM> can detect that door member <NUM> is closed by an output signal of the closure sensor.

Printing section <NUM> is disposed in an upper stage of printing device <NUM>, and is a unit configured to perform printing process of the viscous fluid on substrate S using screen mask M. Printing section <NUM> includes printing head <NUM>, print moving section <NUM>, a squeegee lifting and lowering section, and squeegee <NUM>. Print moving section <NUM> moves printing head <NUM> in a predetermined printing direction (here, the front-rear direction), and includes a slider that moves along a guide formed in the front-rear direction and a motor that drives the slider. Squeegee <NUM> is disposed on a lower surface side of printing head <NUM> and is lifted or lowered by a squeegee raising/lowering section. Printing section <NUM> has two squeegees <NUM> used in the front-rear direction. Printing section <NUM> can be connected to and disconnected from supply unit <NUM>, and print moving section <NUM> moves supply unit <NUM> together with printing head <NUM>. Although supply unit <NUM> does not have a moving section such as a motor, supply unit <NUM> is coupled to printing section <NUM> by coupling section <NUM>, and moves in the front-rear direction between the supply area and the standby area by print moving section <NUM> (refer to <FIG>). Engagement member <NUM> is a member coupled to supply unit <NUM> by coupling section <NUM> provided in supply unit <NUM> (refer to <FIG>). Engagement member <NUM> includes an insertion hole into which fixing rod <NUM> is inserted.

Mask section <NUM> is disposed between printing section <NUM> and substrate processing section <NUM> in the up-down direction, and is a unit that fixedly holds screen mask M. Mask section <NUM> includes mask fixing section <NUM>. Mask fixing section <NUM> positions screen mask M and supports and fixes screen mask M in a horizontal posture. Substrate processing section <NUM> is a unit that is disposed below mask section <NUM>, conveys in substrate S, positions and supports carried-in substrate S, and brings substrate S into contact with screen mask M or separates substrate S from screen mask M. Substrate processing section <NUM> includes substrate conveyance section <NUM> that conveys substrate S in the left-right direction, a substrate supporting member that supports substrate S from below, and support raising/lowering section that lifts or lowers entire substrate processing section <NUM> and the substrate supporting member. Cleaning section <NUM> is disposed between mask section <NUM> and substrate processing section <NUM> in the up-down direction, and is a unit that performs a cleaning process for cleaning a rear surface of screen mask M by cleaning member <NUM>. Examples of cleaning member <NUM> include cleaning paper. Imaging section <NUM> includes camera <NUM> that captures images of substrate S and screen mask M. Control section <NUM> performs, for example, position alignment between screen mask M and substrate S based on the captured image.

Supply unit <NUM> is a unit that is movably disposed above mask section <NUM> and at the same height as that of printing section <NUM>, and supplies the solder paste accommodated in cartridge <NUM> onto screen mask M. Supply unit <NUM> is disposed in front of printing head <NUM> (refer to <FIG>). Supply unit <NUM> applies pressure to cartridge <NUM> to discharge the solder paste from cartridge <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG>, supply unit <NUM> includes attachment section <NUM>, restricting wall section <NUM>, driving section <NUM>, cover member <NUM>, and fixing stay <NUM>. Attachment section <NUM> attaches and detaches cartridge <NUM> accommodating the solder paste. Attachment section <NUM> is provided on a left surface side of restricting wall section <NUM>. A snap lock having a hook and a pivoting lever is disposed on cartridge <NUM>, and cartridge <NUM> is attached and fixed to attachment section <NUM> by the snap lock. Attachment section <NUM> is disposed below driving section <NUM>, and moves together with restricting wall section <NUM> in a supply operation direction (the left-right direction) by driving section <NUM>.

Restricting wall section <NUM> is a wall member that covers cartridge <NUM> and restricts access to the inside of printing device <NUM>. It should be noted that the expression "access to the inside of printing device <NUM>" means that an operator inserts a part of a body such as a hand or some other member into the inside of a device having an operating configuration. Restricting wall section <NUM> is formed on a side surface, a lower surface, and a rear surface of cartridge <NUM>. Restricting wall section <NUM> is formed along an opening edge of opening portion <NUM> through which cartridge <NUM> can pass at the standby position where cartridge <NUM> is placed in standby, and restricts access to the inside of printing device <NUM>. In supply unit <NUM>, restricting wall section <NUM> is always present in the vicinity of cartridge <NUM> not only when cartridge <NUM> is exchanged but also when the solder paste is supplied to screen mask M.

Driving section <NUM> moves cartridge <NUM> attached to attachment section <NUM> in the supply operation direction together with restricting wall section <NUM>. Driving section <NUM> includes a driving roller to which a motor is connected and disposed on a right end side of the unit, a driven roller disposed on a left end side of the unit, and a belt bridged between the driving roller and the driven roller in the left-right direction. Attachment section <NUM> and restricting wall section <NUM> are fixed to the belt, and attachment section <NUM> and restricting wall section <NUM> move in the supply operation direction by driving of the belt. Cover member <NUM> is a member that covers a front portion and an upper portion of supply unit <NUM>, and is a member that protects driving section <NUM> and the like. Cover member <NUM> includes a cutout at a standby position of cartridge <NUM> so as not to interfere with the replacement movement of cartridge <NUM>.

Fixing stay <NUM> is fixed to an area ahead of attachment section <NUM>. Fixing stay <NUM> is an upright plate-shaped member formed from a lower portion to a front portion of cover member <NUM>. Fixing stay <NUM> constitutes a portion of fixing mechanism <NUM>, and fixes cartridge <NUM> at the standby position. Fixing mechanism <NUM> is a mechanism for restricting movements of attachment section <NUM> and restricting wall section <NUM> in the supply operation direction when cartridge <NUM> is at the standby position and door member <NUM> is in the open state and allows movements of attachment section <NUM> and restricting wall section <NUM> in the supply operation direction when door member <NUM> is in the closed state. As illustrated in <FIG>, fixing mechanism <NUM> includes fixing stay <NUM>, hook member <NUM>, biasing member <NUM>, releasing pin <NUM>, and releasing stay <NUM>. Hook member <NUM> is a member in which a groove section into which an upper end of fixing stay <NUM> is inserted is formed, and pivots between a fixing position (<FIG>) and a releasing position (<FIG>) about a support shaft supported by a support member fixed to a window frame. Biasing member <NUM> is an elastic body such as a spring, and biases hook member <NUM> toward the fixing position. Releasing pin <NUM> is a member that moves hook member <NUM> to the releasing position when releasing pin <NUM> is pushed against releasing stay <NUM> disposed in door member <NUM>. In fixing mechanism <NUM>, hook member <NUM> is placed at the releasing position when door member <NUM> is in the closed state, attachment section <NUM> and restricting wall section <NUM> are movable (<FIG>), whereas in the open state of door member <NUM>, hook member <NUM> engages fixing stay <NUM> at the fixing position, and thus, attachment section <NUM> and restricting wall section <NUM> are fixed at the standby position. As described above, fixing mechanism <NUM> is a mechanism that physically restricts and cancels the movement of cartridge <NUM> in accordance with the position of door member <NUM>.

Coupling section <NUM> connects and disconnects supply unit <NUM> and printing section <NUM> (print moving section <NUM>). Moreover, coupling section <NUM> also serves as a fixing section for fixing supply unit <NUM> to main body <NUM>. That is, coupling section <NUM> fixes supply unit <NUM> to main body <NUM> of printing device <NUM> in the standby area and releases the connection with print moving section <NUM>, while connecting supply unit <NUM> and print moving section <NUM> to each other and releasing the fixing to main body <NUM>. Coupling section <NUM> is disposed at a left end portion and a right end portion of supply unit <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, coupling section <NUM> includes fixing rod <NUM> and air cylinder <NUM> (driving section). Fixing rod <NUM> is a rod-like member inserted into air cylinder <NUM>, and is driven by air cylinder <NUM>. Fixing rod <NUM> moves between a moving section coupling position (<FIG>) for connecting supply unit <NUM> and print moving section <NUM> and releasing the fixing to main body <NUM>, and a main body fixing position (<FIG>) for fixing supply unit <NUM> to main body <NUM> and releasing the connection to print moving section <NUM>. L-shaped engagement member <NUM> having an insertion hole formed in a horizontal plane is fixed to printing section <NUM>. In addition, L-shaped fixing member <NUM> having an insertion hole formed in a horizontal plane in a column member is fixed to main body <NUM>. Fixing rod <NUM> is inserted only into engagement member <NUM> at the moving section coupling position, and is inserted only into fixing member <NUM> at main body fixing position. Pressurized air (not illustrated) is supplied to air cylinder <NUM>, and thus, fixing rod <NUM> is driven up and down by switching of a supply path. In addition, fixed detection sensor <NUM> is disposed on fixing member <NUM>. Fixed detection sensor <NUM> is a sensor that outputs a signal when a plate-like member disposed in supply unit <NUM> is inserted. Control section <NUM> can detect that supply unit <NUM> is present in the standby area based on the output signal of fixed detection sensor <NUM>. In addition, a coupling sensor (not illustrated) is disposed in printing section <NUM>, and thus, it is possible to confirm whether supply unit <NUM> is appropriately coupled. In addition, a position sensor (not illustrated) is disposed on coupling section <NUM>, and thus, a position of fixing rod <NUM> can be detected. Control section <NUM> cuts off a driving force of driving section <NUM> when cartridge <NUM> is at a predetermined standby position (refer to <FIG>) and coupling section <NUM> disconnects print moving section <NUM> and supply unit <NUM> from each other. In addition, since cartridge <NUM> is fixed by fixing mechanism <NUM> at the standby position, cartridge <NUM> is prevented from erroneously moving at the time of replacement or the like.

As illustrated in <FIG>, cartridge <NUM> has cylindrical main body portion <NUM> and flange portion <NUM> formed to have a larger diameter than that of main body portion <NUM>. Cartridge <NUM> includes accommodation container <NUM>, lid member <NUM>, nozzle <NUM>, and connecting section <NUM>. Accommodation container <NUM> is a cup-shaped container in which a solder paste is accommodated and one end portion is open. Lid member <NUM> is a member fitted into and inserted into an opening of accommodation container <NUM>. Nozzle <NUM> for discharging the solder paste to the outside is formed at the center of lid member <NUM>. Connecting section <NUM> is a hole through which air supply section <NUM> is inserted and connected, and is formed at the center of flange portion <NUM>. Air supply section <NUM> is inserted into connecting section <NUM>, and thus, air is supplied to the inside of main body portion <NUM> via pipe <NUM>. Cartridge <NUM> discharges the solder paste from nozzle <NUM> by relatively moving accommodation container <NUM> and lid member <NUM> by the air supplied from connecting section <NUM> and pushing lid member <NUM> into the interior of accommodation container <NUM>. In cartridge <NUM>, accommodation container <NUM> constitutes a piston, and when the solder paste is discharged, a bottom surface of accommodation container <NUM> is pressed by air to move accommodation container <NUM> downward. In cartridge <NUM>, a remaining amount detection sensor is disposed, and thus, a used amount and a remaining amount of the solder paste can be detected in accordance with a position of accommodation container <NUM>.

Next, an operation of printing device <NUM> configured as described above, first, an operation of a print process will be described. <FIG> is a flowchart illustrating an example of a printing process routine executed by CPU <NUM> of control section <NUM>. This routine is stored in a storage section of control section <NUM> and executed in accordance with an input of the operator to initiate the print process. When this routine is executed, CPU <NUM> causes substrate processing section <NUM> to convey and fix substrate S (S100), causes imaging section <NUM> to read reference marks of substrate S and screen mask M, to perform the position alignment between substrate S and screen mask M (S110), and causes printing section <NUM> to execute the print process (S120). In the print process, printing head <NUM> is moved, and the solder paste is supplied onto substrate S disposed on a lower surface of screen mask M by squeegee <NUM>. <FIG> is an explanatory view of the print process by printing section <NUM>.

Next, CPU <NUM> determines whether it is a supply timing for the solder paste (S130), and when it is the supply timing for the solder paste, CPU <NUM> couples printing section <NUM> to supply unit <NUM> (S140), and causes supply unit <NUM> to supply the solder paste on screen mask M (S150). The determination of the supply timing for the solder paste may be made by detecting an amount of solder paste used or by predicting the amount of solder paste based on a printing time. In S140, CPU <NUM> causes printing section <NUM> to move to the vicinity of supply unit <NUM> being placed in standby in the standby area, fixing rod <NUM> of coupling section <NUM> to move to the moving section coupling position so that print moving section <NUM> and supply unit <NUM> are coupled with each other, and releases the fixing to main body <NUM>. <FIG> is an explanatory view of supply process by supply unit <NUM>. In S150, CPU <NUM> causes supply unit <NUM> to move above screen mask M, so that the solder paste is discharged from nozzle <NUM> while cartridge <NUM> moves in the supply operation direction (left-right) above a solder roll. When the supply process is finished, CPU <NUM> causes print moving section <NUM> to move supply unit <NUM> to the standby area, fixing rod <NUM> to move to the main body fixing position, releases coupling with printing section <NUM>, and fixes supply unit <NUM> (S160).

After S160 or when it is not the supply timing for the solder paste in S130, CPU <NUM> determines whether it is a cleaning timing for screen mask M (S170). This determination can be made based on whether the print process time has elapsed a predetermined cleaning time. When it is the cleaning timing for screen mask M, cleaning section <NUM> performs the cleaning process of screen mask M (S180). After S180 or when it is not the cleaning timing for screen mask M in S170, CPU <NUM> determines whether a production process of substrate S is completed (S190), and executes processes after S100 when the production process of substrate S is not completed. Meanwhile, when the production process of substrate S is completed in S190, the routine is finished.

Next, an operation performed when cartridge <NUM> of supply unit <NUM> is exchanged will be described. <FIG> is a flowchart illustrating an example of a cartridge exchange process routine executed by CPU <NUM> of control section <NUM>. This routine is stored in the storage section of control section <NUM>, and is repeatedly executed at predetermined intervals in parallel with the printing process routine. When this routine is executed, CPU <NUM> determines whether it is an exchange timing for cartridge <NUM> based on the position of accommodation container <NUM> detected by the remaining amount detection sensor (S200). When it is not the exchange timing for cartridge <NUM>, CPU <NUM> terminates this routine as it is. Meanwhile, when it is the exchange timing for cartridge <NUM> in S200, CPU <NUM> determines whether supply unit <NUM> is in the standby area, cartridge <NUM> is at the standby position, and the coupling with print moving section <NUM> is released (S210). When either supply unit <NUM> is not in the standby area, cartridge <NUM> is not at the standby position, or supply unit <NUM> is coupled to print moving section <NUM>, after waiting until the process currently performed is finished, supply unit <NUM> is moved to the standby area, cartridge <NUM> is moved to the standby position, and the coupling with print moving section <NUM> is released (S220). <FIG> is an explanatory view of the decoupling and main body fixing process of coupling section <NUM>.

After S220 or when cartridge <NUM> is at the standby position and the coupling with print moving section <NUM> is released in S210, CPU <NUM> cuts off the power source of driving section <NUM> (S230), drives closing mechanism <NUM>, and releases the closed state of door member <NUM> (S240). Subsequently, in S250, CPU <NUM> causes a display section of an operation panel to display an exchange instruction of cartridge <NUM>. The operator confirms a display content of the display section, opens door member <NUM>, detaches cartridge <NUM>, and takes cartridge <NUM> to the outside. When door member <NUM> is opened, hook member <NUM> of fixing mechanism <NUM> engages with fixing stay <NUM>, and thus, attachment section <NUM> and restricting wall section <NUM> are fixed (refer to <FIG>). The operator detaches cartridge <NUM> after use, attaches new cartridge <NUM>, and closes door member <NUM>. At this time, the operator may prepare another cartridge <NUM> to which new accommodation container <NUM> is attached in advance, and replace cartridge <NUM> after use. When door member <NUM> is closed, hook member <NUM> of fixing mechanism <NUM> is pushed up, and thus, attachment section <NUM> and restricting wall section <NUM> are allowed to move (refer to <FIG>).

After S250, CPU <NUM> determines whether an exchange completion input inputted by the operator is acquired from the operation panel (S260), and waits as it is when the exchange completion is not inputted. Meanwhile, when the exchange completion is inputted in S260, CPU <NUM> connects the power source of driving section <NUM> to enable cartridge <NUM> to move (S270), and terminates this routine. In printing device <NUM>, even if door member <NUM> is opened when cartridge <NUM> is exchanged, the access to the inside of the device is prevented by restricting wall section <NUM>. Therefore, in printing device <NUM>, the printing process routine and the cartridge exchange process routine can be executed in parallel, and thus, cartridge <NUM> can be exchanged without stopping the print process at all.

Here, correspondence relationships between constituent elements of the present embodiment and constituent elements of the present disclosure will be clarified. Screen mask M of the present embodiment corresponds to a screen mask, substrate S corresponds to a printing target, the solder paste corresponds to a viscous fluid, cartridge <NUM> corresponds to a cartridge, attachment section <NUM> corresponds to an attachment section, restricting wall section <NUM> corresponds to a restricting wall section, and driving section <NUM> corresponds to a driving section. In addition, print moving section <NUM> corresponds to a moving section, opening portion <NUM> corresponds to an opening portion, door member <NUM> corresponds to a door member, closing mechanism <NUM> corresponds to a closing mechanism, control section <NUM> corresponds to a control section, fixing mechanism <NUM> corresponds to a fixing mechanism, and printing section <NUM> corresponds to a printing section. The supply unit of the present disclosure and the control method for the printing device of the present disclosure will be described according to the descriptions of printing device <NUM> in the present embodiment.

Supply unit <NUM> of the present embodiment described above includes attachment section <NUM> to and from which cartridge <NUM> accommodating the solder paste as the viscous fluid is attachable or detachable, restricting wall section <NUM> that covers cartridge <NUM> and restricts the access to the inside of printing device <NUM>, and driving section <NUM> that moves cartridge <NUM> attached to attachment section <NUM> in the supply operation direction together with restricting wall section <NUM>. In supply unit <NUM>, attachment section <NUM> to which cartridge <NUM> is attached and restricting wall section <NUM> are moved together in the supply operation direction. Generally, in a case where a restricting wall section for restricting access to the inside of printing device <NUM> is disposed on the main body side of printing device <NUM>, cartridge <NUM> may move in various directions with respect to the main body of printing device <NUM>, and thus, since it is necessary to provide a space for accommodating the cartridge or the like in the restricting wall section, the configuration is complicated. In supply unit <NUM> of the present embodiment, since restricting wall section <NUM> moves together with cartridge <NUM>, restricting wall section <NUM> always exists in the vicinity cartridge <NUM> even when cartridge <NUM> is exchanged, and a special space for accommodating cartridge <NUM> is not required. Accordingly, in supply unit <NUM>, when exchanging cartridge <NUM> of the viscous fluid, security can be secured and interruption of the process can be further suppressed while simplifying the configuration.

Moreover, attachment section <NUM> is located below driving section <NUM>, and restricting wall section <NUM> is formed on the side surface, the lower surface, and the rear surface of cartridge <NUM>. In this supply unit, it is possible to restrict access to the inside of the printing device from the side surface, the lower surface, and the rear surface of the cartridge. In addition, printing device <NUM> has opening portion <NUM> through which cartridge <NUM> of supply unit <NUM> can pass at the standby position where cartridge <NUM> is placed in standby, and restricting wall section <NUM> is formed along an opening edge of opening portion <NUM> to restrict access to the inside of printing device <NUM>. In supply unit <NUM>, the security can be further enhanced by restricting wall section <NUM> formed along the opening edge, and consequently, the interruption of the process can be further suppressed.

Furthermore, printing device <NUM> includes print moving section <NUM> serving as a moving section for moving supply unit <NUM> between a standby area where supply unit <NUM> is placed in standby and a supply area where the supply unit <NUM> supplies the viscous fluid, door member <NUM> that opens and closes opening portion <NUM> through which cartridge <NUM> can pass at the standby position where cartridge <NUM> is placed in standby and is lockable in the closed state, and control section <NUM> for controlling driving section <NUM> and print moving section <NUM> and unlocking door member <NUM> when cartridge <NUM> is at the standby position. In printing device <NUM>, supply unit <NUM> is moved between the standby area in which supply unit <NUM> is placed in standby and the supply area in which the supply unit supplies the viscous fluid, and thus, door member <NUM> is unlocked when cartridge <NUM> is at the standby position where cartridge <NUM> is placed in standby. In printing device <NUM>, since cartridge <NUM> can be exchanged from opening portion <NUM> when cartridge <NUM> is at the standby position, and since restricting wall section <NUM> that restricts the access to the inside of printing device <NUM> is present so as to cover cartridge <NUM> even at the standby position, security can be secured and the interruption of the processing can be further suppressed. In addition, unlike a case where restricting wall section <NUM> is provided on the main body side of printing device <NUM>, a space is not required, and thus, the configuration can be further simplified.

In addition, print moving section <NUM> can be connected to and disconnected from supply unit <NUM>, and control section <NUM> cuts off the driving force of driving section <NUM> when cartridge <NUM> is at the standby position and print moving section <NUM> and supply unit <NUM> are disconnected from each other. In printing device <NUM>, since the moving power of cartridge <NUM> is cut off when cartridge <NUM> is at the standby position, door member <NUM> can be opened more safely. Furthermore, printing device <NUM> includes fixing mechanism <NUM> that restricts the movements of attachment section <NUM> and restricting wall section <NUM> in the supply operation direction when cartridge <NUM> is at the standby position and door member <NUM> is in the open state and allows the movements of attachment section <NUM> and restricting wall section <NUM> in the supply operation direction when door member <NUM> is in the closed state. In printing device <NUM>, since the movement of cartridge <NUM> is restricted by fixing mechanism <NUM> when cartridge <NUM> is at the standby position and door member <NUM> is opened, it is possible to further secure security. Print moving section <NUM> moves printing head <NUM> having squeegee <NUM> for performing the print process and supply unit <NUM>. In printing device <NUM>, since the moving section of supply unit <NUM> also serves as the moving section of printing head <NUM>, the configuration can be further simplified.

It should be noted that the supply unit, the printing device, and the control method for the printing device of the present disclosure are not limited to any of the above embodiments, and may be implemented in various manners as long as they fall within a technical scope of the present disclosure.

For example, in the above embodiment, attachment section <NUM> is located below driving section <NUM>, and restricting wall section <NUM> is formed on the side surface and the lower surface of cartridge <NUM>; however, the configuration is not limited to this. For example, attachment section <NUM> may be located on a front surface of driving section <NUM>, and restricting wall section <NUM> may also be formed on an upper surface of driving section. In addition, attachment section <NUM> may be disposed on a rear surface side of cartridge <NUM>, and restricting wall section <NUM> may not be formed on the rear surface of cartridge <NUM>. Restricting wall section <NUM> may be formed on a side which restricts access to the inside of the device.

In the above embodiment, the driving force (power source) of driving section <NUM> is cut off when cartridge <NUM> is at the standby position and print moving section <NUM> and supply unit <NUM> are disconnected; however, the configuration is not limited to this, and this process may be omitted. From the viewpoint of enhancing the security, it is preferable to cut off the driving force of driving section <NUM>.

In the above embodiment, attachment section <NUM> and restricting wall section <NUM> are fixed by fixing mechanism <NUM> configured by hook member <NUM> and fixing stay <NUM>; however, the configuration is not limited to this. For example, a configuration other than hook member <NUM> and fixing stay <NUM> may be used to restrict the movements of attachment section <NUM> and restricting wall section <NUM>.

In the above embodiment, coupling section <NUM> has fixing rod <NUM> and air cylinder <NUM> that switch the coupling between supply unit <NUM> and print moving section <NUM> and the fixing of supply unit <NUM> to main body <NUM>; however, the configuration is not limited to this, and a member that couples supply unit <NUM> and print moving section <NUM> and a member that fixes supply unit <NUM> to main body <NUM> may be separate members. Although the number of members increases even in printing device <NUM>, it is possible to further suppress the interruption of the process related to the printing while securing security when exchanging cartridge <NUM>.

In the above embodiment, door member <NUM> is locked by closing mechanism <NUM> and joint member <NUM>; however, the configuration is not limited to this, a well-known locking mechanism can be used as long as door member <NUM> is locked.

In the above embodiment, door member <NUM> is provided in opening portion <NUM> provided on the extension line in the movement direction (the printing direction, the front-rear direction) of supply unit <NUM> so that cartridge <NUM> is exchanged from opening portion <NUM>; however, the configuration is not limited to this. For example, a door member may be disposed in an opening portion provided in a direction different from the movement direction of supply unit <NUM> so that cartridge <NUM> may be exchanged from the opening portion. The direction in which cartridge <NUM> is removed may be arbitrary.

In the above embodiment, door member <NUM> is a sliding window, but the opening operation of door member <NUM> is not particularly limited to this, and may be arbitrary as long as door member <NUM> can be opened. For example, the door member may be pivoted toward the front-down direction, or may be pivoted toward the front-up direction to open opening portion <NUM>. It should be noted that the sliding window is more preferable in view of a space saving of the device.

In the above embodiment, print moving section <NUM> moves printing section <NUM> and supply unit <NUM>; however, the configuration is not limited to this, and supply unit <NUM> may be moved by a moving section different from print moving section <NUM>. Although the number of moving sections increases even in this printing device, it is possible to further suppress the interruption of the process related to the printing while securing security when exchanging cartridge <NUM>.

In the above embodiment, door member <NUM> is disposed on the main body side, and fixing rod <NUM> is inserted into fixing member <NUM> disposed on main body <NUM>. That is, door member <NUM> and fixing rod <NUM> are fixed to the main body side, and examples of the member on the main body side include a housing, a fixing member, a cover member, and a column member disposed in the main body as long as it is not a member that frequently moves or operates such as cleaning section <NUM>.

In the above embodiment, the present disclosure has been described as printing device <NUM> including supply unit <NUM>; however, the present disclosure is not limited to this, and may be only supply unit <NUM> or may be the control method for printing device <NUM>.

The supply unit, the printing device, and the control method for the printing device of the present disclosure may be configured as follows. For example, in the supply unit of the present disclosure, the attachment section may be located below the driving section, and the restricting wall section may be formed on a side surface and a lower surface of the cartridge. In this supply unit, the access to the inside of the printing device from the side surface or the lower surface of the cartridge can be restricted. It should be noted that a restricting wall section for restricting the access to the inside of the printing device may also be formed on the rear surface of the cartridge. Alternatively, the attachment section for restricting the access to the inside of the printing device may be formed on the rear surface of the cartridge.

In the supply unit of the present disclosure, the printing device may have the opening portion through which the cartridge can pass at a standby position where the supply unit is placed in standby, and the restricting wall section may be formed along the opening edge of the opening portion to restrict the access to the inside of the printing device. In this supply unit, the security can be further enhanced by the restricting wall section formed along the opening edge, and consequently, the interruption of the process can be further suppressed.

The printing device of the present disclosure includes any of the above-described supply unit, a moving section configured to move the supply unit between a standby area in which the supply unit is placed in standby and a supply area in which the supply unit supplies the viscous fluid, a door member configured to open and close an opening portion through which the cartridge can pass at a standby position where the cartridge is placed in standby in the standby area and be lockable in a closed state, and a control section configured to control the driving section and the moving section and unlock the door member when the cartridge is at the standby position.

In this printing device, the supply unit is moved between the standby area in which the supply unit is placed in standby and the supply area in which the supply unit supplies the viscous fluid, and thus, when the cartridge is at the standby position where the cartridge is placed in standby, the door member that opens and closes the opening portion through which the cartridge can pass is unlocked. In this printing device, the cartridge can be exchanged from the opening portion when the cartridge is at the standby position and the restricting wall section that restricts the access to the inside of the printing device is present so as to cover the cartridge even at this standby position, and thus, security can be secured and the interruption of the process can be further suppressed. In addition, unlike a case where the restricting wall section is provided on a main body side of the printing device, a space is not required, and thus, the configuration can be further simplified.

In the printing device of the present disclosure, the moving section may be connectable to and disconnectable from the supply unit, and the control section may cut off a driving force of the driving section when the cartridge is at the standby position and the moving section and the supply unit are disconnected from each other. In this printing device, since the power for moving the cartridge is entirely cut off when the cartridge is at the standby position, the door member can be opened more safely. In the printing device, there may be provided a fixing mechanism configured to restrict movements of the attachment section and the restricting wall section in the supply operation direction when the cartridge is at the standby position and the door member is in an open state and allows the movements of the attachment section and the restricting wall section in the supply operation direction when the door member is in the closed state. In this printing device, since the movement of the cartridge is restricted when the cartridge is at the standby position and the door member is opened, it is possible to further secure security.

In the printing device of the present disclosure, the door member may be disposed on the main body side of the printing device so as to open and close an opening portion provided on an extension line in the movement direction along which the moving section moves the supply unit. It should be noted that the "main body side" does not mean a member that frequently moves or operates such as a cleaning section, but includes a housing that is a main body, a fixing member, a cover member, a column member, and the like disposed in the main body.

In the printing device of the present disclosure, the moving section may be a printing head having a squeegee configured to move the viscous fluid on a screen mask to perform the print process. In this printing device, since the moving section of the supply unit also serves as the printing head, the configuration can be further simplified.

A control method for a printing device of the present disclosure including a supply unit having an attachment section to and from which a cartridge accommodating a viscous fluid is attachable or detachable, a restricting wall section configured to cover the cartridge and restrict access to an inside of the printing device, and a driving section configured to move the cartridge attached to the attachment section and the restricting wall section in a supply operation direction, a moving section configured to move the supply unit between a standby area in which the supply unit is placed in standby and a supply area in which the supply unit supplies the viscous fluid, and a door member configured to open and close an opening portion through which the cartridge passes at a standby position in the standby area in which the cartridge is placed in standby and be lockable in a closed state, to perform a print process of the viscous fluid on a printing target, the method including: (a) controlling the driving section and the moving section to move the cartridge to the standby position; and (b) unlocking the door member when the cartridge is at the standby position.

In the control method for the printing device, similarly to the printing device described above, the cartridge can be exchanged from the opening portion when the cartridge is at the standby position and the restricting wall section that restricts the access to the inside of the printing device is present so as to cover the cartridge at this standby position, and thus, security can be secured and the interruption of the process can be further suppressed. In addition, unlike a case where the restricting wall section is provided on a main body side of the printing device, a space is not required, and thus, the configuration can be further simplified. Moreover, in the control method for the printing device, various aspects of the supply unit and the printing device described above may be employed, or steps for realizing each function of the printing device described above may be added.

The present disclosure can be used in a technical field of a device for printing a viscous fluid on a printing target.

Claim 1:
A supply unit (<NUM>) used in a printing device (<NUM>) for performing a print process of a viscous fluid on a printing target (S) to supply the viscous fluid in a supply operation direction, the supply unit (<NUM>) comprising:
an attachment section (<NUM>) to and from which a cartridge (<NUM>) accommodating the viscous fluid is attachable or detachable;
a driving section (<NUM>) configured to move the cartridge (<NUM>) attached to the attachment section (<NUM>) in the supply operation direction,
characterized in that
the supply unit (<NUM>) comprises a restricting wall section (<NUM>) configured to cover the cartridge (<NUM>) and restrict access of an operator's hands into an inside of the printing device (<NUM>), and
the driving section (<NUM>) is configured to move the cartridge (<NUM>) and the restricting wall section (<NUM>) in the supply operation direction.