Print process assistance system

Abstract

The invention provides a printing process support system capable of contributing to improvement of printing quality. The printing process assistance system includes: a printing unit that performs a printing process of printing a coating material on a substrate through an opening formed in a mask and a cleaning process of cleaning a lower surface of the mask at predetermined cleaning intervals and a number of times; a control unit that controls the actions of the printing process and the cleaning process; an inspection unit that inspects the bleeding state of the coating material on the printed substrate; and an information output unit that outputs auxiliary information for improving bleeding to at least one of the control unit and a notification unit capable of notifying an operator when bleeding occurs continuously as a result of the inspection. The information output unit outputs, as the auxiliary information, information for improving the frequency of the cleaning process.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a printing process assisting system for assisting improvement of the quality of a printing process for printing a coating material such as solder on a substrate such as a printed wiring board. Background Art

[0002] As a printing device for printing a coating material such as solder paste on a substrate such as a printed wiring board, a screen printing device is known. The screen printing device includes a mask overlapping the substrate and a scraper (scraper member) sliding along the upper surface of the mask, and the coating material supplied to the upper surface of the mask is moved by the scraper, thereby printing the coating material on the substrate through the pattern holes (openings) formed in the mask.

[0003] In screen printing devices (hereinafter referred to as "printing devices"), there is a problem of "bleeding" as one of the printing quality issues. "Bleeding" refers to the phenomenon that the coating material intrudes from the pattern holes between the mask and the substrate and is printed on the surrounding area of ​​the welding area. "Bleeding" tends to be more likely to occur as the number of printing processes (number of sheets) increases. Depending on the level of bleeding, it becomes a cause of a bridging phenomenon in which the coating material crosses adjacent welding areas and electrically shorts the two welding areas.

[0004] Therefore, in order to suppress the occurrence of bleeding, a printing device equipped with a cleaning mechanism that regularly cleans the lower surface of the mask has been developed. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a printing device that can selectively perform dry cleaning (cleaning without using a solvent) and wet cleaning (cleaning using a solvent). In this printing device, dry cleaning is usually performed, and when no quality improvement is found, the cleaning process is switched to wet cleaning.

[0005] According to the printing device, the mask can be cleaned more reliably, that is, the accuracy of one cleaning can be improved. However, in the case where bleeding continues to occur, it is sometimes difficult to suppress or eliminate the bleeding only by improving the accuracy of one cleaning. Therefore, there is room for improvement in this regard.

[0006] Prior art literature

[0007] Patent Literature

[0008] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2012-162042 Summary of the invention

[0009] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a printing process support system that can contribute to improving printing quality by more highly suppressing the occurrence of bleeding in a screen printing process.

[0010] Furthermore, a printing process auxiliary system involved in one aspect of the present invention is characterized in that it comprises: a printing unit that performs a printing process and a cleaning process, wherein the printing process is a process of printing the coating material on the substrate through an opening formed in the mask by moving the coating material on the mask using a scraper in a state where a mask is overlapped on a substrate supported by a plurality of support pins, and the cleaning process is a process of cleaning the lower surface of the mask at a predetermined cleaning interval and number of times; a control unit that controls the actions of the printing process and the cleaning process; an inspection unit that inspects the bleeding state of the coating material in the substrate after the printing process; and an information output unit that outputs auxiliary information for improving the bleeding to an object unit when a result of the inspection is that bleeding continues to occur, the object unit being at least one of the control unit and a notification unit that can notify an operator of information, and the information output unit outputs information on increasing the frequency of the cleaning process as the auxiliary information to the object unit. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] Figure 1 This is a block diagram showing an example of a substrate production system.

[0012] Figure 2 This is a block diagram showing an example of a printing device in the substrate production system.

[0013] Figure 3 It is a schematic side view showing the main body of the printing device.

[0014] Figure 4 This is a block diagram showing an example of a management device in the substrate production system.

[0015] Figure 5 This is a flowchart showing a first embodiment of the printing auxiliary process.

[0016] Figure 6 It is a schematic diagram showing the positional relationship between the printing area of ​​the substrate and the support pins.

[0017] Figure 7 This is a graph showing the relationship between the tendency of bleeding and the cleaning process.

[0018] Figure 8 This is a flowchart showing a second embodiment of the printing auxiliary process.

[0019] Fig. 9 This is a graph showing the relationship between the tendency of bleeding and the cleaning process. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0021] [Structure of substrate production system]

[0022] Figure 1 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a substrate production system including the printing process auxiliary system of the present invention. The substrate production system 1 is a system for producing a component mounting substrate in which components are mounted on a substrate such as a printed wiring substrate. The substrate production system 1 includes a printing device 2, a printing inspection device 3, a component mounting device 4, a reflow device 5, and a management device 6 for collectively managing them.

[0023] The printing device 2 is a device that performs a printing process of printing solder paste (an example of a coating material / hereinafter referred to as solder) on a soldering area of ​​a substrate. The printing inspection device 3 is a device that performs an inspection process of inspecting the solder printing state of a substrate that has been subjected to the printing process. The component mounting device 4 is a device that performs a mounting process of mounting (mounting) components on a printed substrate. The reflow soldering device 5 is a device that performs a reflow soldering process of melting and solidifying solder by heating a substrate on which components are mounted.

[0024] The printing device 2, the printing inspection device 3, the component mounting device 4, and the reflow soldering device 5 are sequentially connected in a row along the conveying direction of the substrate, thereby forming a production line. The substrate is conveyed in this order while receiving the above-mentioned processing in each device 2 to 5. The printing device 2, the printing inspection device 3, the component mounting device 4, and the reflow soldering device 5 are connected to the management device 6 in a manner that allows data communication.

[0025] Figure 2 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the printing device 2. The printing device 2 includes a device body 2A, a print control unit 2B, a print communication unit 30, a storage device 31, a display unit 40, and an operation unit 41.

[0026] The device body 2A performs a printing process of printing solder on the substrate P. The printing communication unit 30 is an interface for performing data communication with the management device 6, and has a function of inputting and outputting various data and information to and from the management device 6. The printing control unit 2B controls operations such as printing processing in the device body 2A, and controls data communication of the printing communication unit 30.

[0027] Figure 3 2A is a schematic side view showing the device body 2A. Figure 3 In order to clarify the direction relationship, the XYZ rectangular coordinates are shown with the horizontal direction being the X direction and the Y direction and the vertical direction being the Z direction. The X direction is the conveyance direction of the substrate P.

[0028] The device body 2A is a screen printing device. The screen printing device is a printing device that prints solder on the substrate P using a mask (screen plate) having pattern holes (openings) corresponding to the soldering area of ​​the substrate P. The device body 2A includes a substrate conveying unit 10, a mask holding unit 11, a substrate supporting unit 12, a scraper unit 16, a cleaning unit 17, a camera unit 18, and a pin replacement unit 19.

[0029] The substrate transport unit 10 has a function of transporting the substrate P in the device body 2A. In this example, the substrate transport unit 10 is a pair of belt transporters that support both ends of the substrate P and transport the substrate P. The substrate transport unit 10 includes three transporters (in the embodiment of FIG. 1 ), an operating transporter 10a, and an unloading transporter, which are independent of each other. Figure 3 In the figure, only the working transporter 10a is shown). The loading transporter loads the substrate P before printing into the machine. The working transporter 10a receives the substrate P from the loading transporter and arranges it at a predetermined printing operation position, and delivers the substrate P after printing to the unloading transporter. The unloading transporter carries the substrate P after printing out of the machine (printing inspection device 3).

[0030] The mask holding unit 11 is arranged above the substrate conveying unit 10. The mask holding unit 11 includes a mask 113 and a clamping member 111 for holding the mask. The mask 113 is clamped by the clamping member 111 via a frame 112 provided at the periphery thereof and is arranged parallel to the XY plane.

[0031] The substrate support unit 12 is a unit for positioning the substrate P with respect to the mask 113, and is disposed below the mask holding unit 11. The substrate support unit 12 includes a substrate support portion 13, a movable stage 14, and a stage driving mechanism 15.

[0032] The substrate support 13 is assembled to the movable table 14 together with the work transporter 10a. The substrate support 13 includes a lifting table 131 having a plurality of support pins 133 erected thereon and slide struts 132 that support the lifting table 131 to be movable relative to the movable table 14.

[0033] The lifting table 131 is lifted and lowered relative to the movable table 14 by a driving force of a motor or the like. The lifting and lowering of the lifting table 131 transfers the substrate P between the work handling machine 10a and the support pins 133. For example, when the lifting table 131 rises from the starting position, the substrate P is lifted from the work handling machine 10a by the support pins 133. Thus, the substrate P is transferred from the work handling machine 10a to the support pins 133.

[0034] The substrate support 13 includes a pair of clamping plates 134. The pair of clamping plates 134 are arranged above the work transporter 10a at a distance in the Y direction, and are moved to a close position and a separated position by a driving force of a cylinder or the like. As the clamping plates 134 move to the close position, the substrate P lifted from the work transporter 10a by the support pins 133 is clamped horizontally from both sides in the Y direction. At this time, the upper surface of the substrate P is flush with the upper surface of each clamping plate 134.

[0035] The table driving mechanism 15 includes: a Y-axis table 151, which is provided on the base of the device body 2A; an X-axis table 152, which is provided on the upper surface of the Y-axis table 151; an R-axis table 153, which is provided on the upper surface of the X-axis table 152; and a sliding support 154, which supports the movable table 14 so that it can be raised and lowered relative to the R-axis table 153. The Y-axis table 151, the X-axis table 152, the R-axis table 153 and the movable table 14 are respectively moved in a predetermined direction by a driving force of a motor or the like. Specifically, the Y-axis table 151 moves in the Y direction relative to the base of the device body 2A, and the X-axis table 152 moves in the X direction relative to the Y-axis table 151. In addition, the R-axis table 153 moves in the R direction (rotation direction centered on an axis parallel to the Z direction) relative to the X-axis table 152, and the movable table 14 is raised and lowered relative to the R-axis table 153.

[0036] That is, the table driving mechanism 15 moves the work carrier 10a and the substrate support 13 assembled on the movable table 14 in the X, Y, Z, and R directions, thereby bringing the substrate P supported by the substrate support 13 (the substrate P clamped by the clamping plate 134) into contact with the lower surface of the mask 113. As a result, the substrate P and the mask 113 overlap.

[0037] The squeegee unit 16 is disposed above the mask holding unit 11. The squeegee unit 16 includes a squeegee head 161 and a squeegee 162 supported by the squeegee head 161.

[0038] The scraper head 161 is moved horizontally in the Y direction by a driving force of a motor or the like, and is raised and lowered relative to the mask 113 (mask holding unit 11). The scraper 162 is a plate-shaped scraper member extending in the X direction, and is supported so as to be able to swing relative to the scraper head 161 with an axis extending in the X direction as the center. The scraper 162 is swung relative to the scraper head 161 by a driving force of a motor or the like. The scraper 162 abuts against the upper surface of the mask 113 at a predetermined angle (attack angle) and printing pressure (pressing pressure), and moves along the mask 113 at a predetermined speed (scraper speed) together with the scraper head 161. Thus, the solder S is printed on the substrate P through the pattern holes while the solder S is moved along the upper surface of the mask 113.

[0039] The cleaning unit 17 , the camera unit 18 , and the pin replacement unit 19 are arranged below the mask 113 .

[0040] The cleaning unit 17 moves in the Y direction along the lower surface of the mask 113 by a driving force of a motor or the like. The cleaning unit 17 has a cleaning head 171, and moves while pressing a gauze provided by the cleaning head 171 against the lower surface of the mask 113. Thus, the mask 113 is cleaned. The cleaning unit 17 can selectively perform wet cleaning in which the mask 113 is cleaned by impregnating the gauze with a solvent, and dry cleaning in which the mask 113 is cleaned without being impregnated with a solvent.

[0041] The camera unit 18 is a unit that captures marks marked on the upper surface of the substrate P supported by the support pins 133 and the lower surface of the mask 113. Based on these mark images, the positions of the mask 113 and the substrate P are recognized. The camera unit 18 has cameras on both upper and lower sides. The camera unit 18 moves in the X and Y directions between the substrate P and the lower surface of the mask 113 before overlapping with the mask 113 by a driving force of a motor or the like. Each mark is captured thereby.

[0042] The pin replacement unit 19 is similar to the camera unit 18, and moves in the X and Y directions under the mask 113 by the driving force of a motor or the like. The pin replacement unit 19 is a unit that changes the arrangement of the support pins 133 erected on the elevating table 131 by transporting the support pins 133 between the elevating table 131 and the pin storage 191. A plurality of pin holes in which the support pins 133 can be erected are provided in a matrix on the elevating table 131. The support pins 133 are inserted into the pin holes at positions suitable for supporting the substrate P among the plurality of pin holes.

[0043] The basic printing process in the above-mentioned device body 2A (printing device 2) is as follows. First, when the lifting table 131 is arranged at the lowered end position, the substrate P is carried into the machine by the substrate conveying unit 10 and arranged at the printing operation position. Then, the lifting table 131 rises, and the substrate P is transferred from the substrate conveying unit 10 (operation conveyor 10a) to the substrate support part 13 (support pin 133), and then the substrate P is clamped by the clamping plate 134.

[0044] When the substrate P is clamped, the camera unit 18 moves from a predetermined retracted position to between the mask 113 and the substrate P, and images the respective marks of the mask 113 and the substrate P. Based on these mark images, the positions of the mask 113 and the substrate P are recognized.

[0045] After that, the camera unit 18 is reset to the retreat position, and the substrate P supported by the substrate support 13 overlaps with the lower surface of the mask 113 by the operation of the stage driving mechanism 15. At this time, the position of the substrate support 13 is adjusted in the X, Y, and R directions based on the above-mentioned position recognition results of the mask 113 and the substrate P. Through this adjustment, the substrate P overlaps with the predetermined position of the mask 113 without deviation.

[0046] When the substrate P overlaps with the mask 113, the scraper unit 16 is arranged at a predetermined movement start position. By lowering the scraper head 161 at this position, the scraper 162 is pressed against the upper surface of the mask 113 at a predetermined angle (attack angle) and printing pressure (pressing pressure). In this state, the scraper 162 moves along the Y direction at a predetermined moving speed (scraper speed) together with the movement of the scraper head 161. With this movement, the solder S is printed on the substrate P through the pattern holes.

[0047] When the scraper unit 16 moves to the end position of the movement, the substrate support 13 is reset to the original position by the operation of the table driving mechanism 15. As a result, the substrate P is separated from the mask 113. Then, the clamping plate 134 releases the clamping of the substrate P, and the lifting table 131 descends, thereby the substrate P is transferred from the substrate support 13 (support pin 133) to the substrate transport unit 10 (operating transporter 10a). Then, the substrate transport unit 10 carries the substrate P out of the machine, thereby completing a series of printing processes in the device body 2A.

[0048] In addition, when the printing process is performed on a preset number of substrates P, at the timing when the substrate P leaves the mask 113, the cleaning unit 17 is moved from the starting position ( Figure 3 The mask 113 is reciprocated along the lower surface of the mask 113 (shown in the figure). Thus, the cleaning process of the mask 113 is performed.

[0049] return Figure 2 The display unit 40 is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal display, and displays various information related to the printing process and cleaning process of the device body 2A. The display operation of the display unit 40 is controlled by the display control unit 26 described later. The operation unit 41 is composed of a keyboard, a mouse, or a touch panel provided on the display unit 40. The operation unit 41 receives input operations of various instructions to the printing control unit 2B by the operator.

[0050] The printing control unit 2B is composed of a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory) storing a control program, a RAM (Random Access Memory) used as a work area of ​​the CPU, etc. The printing control unit 2B controls the operation of each component of the apparatus body 2A and controls the data communication operation of the printing communication unit 30 by the CPU executing the control program stored in the ROM.

[0051] The printing control unit 2B includes, as main functional components, a calculation processing unit 20, a printing process control unit 21, a cleaning control unit 22, a photographing control unit 23, a pin replacement control unit 24, a communication control unit 25, and a display control unit 26. That is, by executing the control program, the control units 20 to 26 function.

[0052] The calculation processing unit 20 performs various calculation processing and determination processing related to the printing processing and cleaning processing of the device body 2A. The printing processing control unit 21 controls a series of printing processing operations in the device body 2A. The cleaning control unit 22 controls the cleaning processing operation of the cleaning unit 17. The shooting control unit 23 controls the camera unit 18 to shoot the mark. The pin replacement control unit 24 controls the pin replacement unit 19 to replace the support pin 133. The communication control unit 25 controls the data communication between the printing device 2 and the management device 6 by controlling the printing communication unit 30. The display control unit 26 controls the display of the display unit 40 to display various information and images related to the printing processing and cleaning processing of the device body 2A.

[0053] Various information referred to when controlling each unit in the apparatus body 2A is stored in the storage device 31. The various information includes substrate data D11, printing condition data D12, cleaning condition data D13, and management data D14.

[0054] The substrate data D11 is information related to the substrate P (substrate for mounting components) to be produced, including information such as the type (ID) of the substrate P to be produced, the printing position (coordinates of pads and welding areas) in each type of substrate P, and the type (ID) of the mask 113 used for printing. In addition, the substrate data D11 includes data such as the type of components to be mounted by the component mounting device 4 and mounting (mounting) coordinates.

[0055] The printing condition data D12 includes information related to the conditions (reference values) of the printing process, such as the impact angle, printing pressure, and moving speed (scraper speed) of the scraper 162 during the printing process, and the configuration of the support pins 133. The information such as the impact angle, printing pressure, and moving speed is stored in association with the type (ID) of the solder, and the configuration of the support pins 133 is stored in association with the type (ID) of the substrate P.

[0056] The cleaning condition data D13 includes information (reference value) related to the conditions of the cleaning process, such as the treatment content of the cleaning process (dry type and wet type), and the cleaning frequency. The cleaning frequency includes “cleaning interval” and “number of cleaning times”.

[0057] The cleaning interval is determined by the number of printing processes (the number of processed sheets of the substrate P). For example, in this example, the reference value (default value) is set to "10". That is, it is set to execute 10 printing processes as one cycle. In addition, the number of cleaning times is determined by the number of reciprocating times of the cleaning head 171 in one cleaning process (one cycle). For example, in this example, the reference value (default value) is set to "1". That is, it is set to execute the cleaning head 171 from the initial position ( Figure 3 The mask 113 is moved back and forth once along the lower surface of the mask 113 (as shown in the figure).

[0058] The management data D14 is a history of the printing process for each substrate, including the result of the printing process, the type of solder used in the printing process, the type of mask, the production conditions (printing conditions and cleaning conditions), etc. The management data D14 is cumulatively stored in the storage device 31, and is sequentially transmitted to the management device 6 via the printing communication unit 30. As described later, the production conditions (printing conditions and cleaning conditions) may be changed based on the inspection results of the printing inspection device 3. In this case, the changed conditions are stored as the management data D14.

[0059] Next, the configuration of the management device 6 will be described. The management device 6 is composed of, for example, a personal computer connected to the printing device 2, the print inspection device 3, the component mounting device 4, and the reflow device 5 so as to be data communicable. Figure 4 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the management device 6. The management device 6 includes a management control unit 60, a management storage unit 61, a management communication unit 62, a display unit 63, and an operation unit 64.

[0060] The management communication unit 62 is an interface for data communication with each device 2 to 5. In addition to acquiring the aforementioned management data D14 input from the printing device 2, the management communication unit 62 also acquires management data respectively input from the printing inspection device 3, the component mounting device 4, and the reflow soldering device 5. For example, the management storage unit 61 acquires the inspection results of each substrate P by the printing inspection device 3, the results of the component mounting process of each substrate P by the component mounting device 4, and the results of the reflow soldering process of each substrate P by the reflow soldering device 5 as management data.

[0061] The management storage unit 61 stores production plan data D21 and production history data D22. The production plan data D21 includes data such as the number of production of substrates P and the production sequence. The production history data D22 is production history data for each substrate and includes management data input from each device 2 to 5.

[0062] The management control unit 60 is composed of a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, etc. The management control unit 60 executes various processes for managing the actions of the devices 2 to 5 of the substrate production system 1 by the CPU executing the control program stored in the ROM, and controls the data communication between the devices 2 to 5 and the management device 6 by controlling the management communication unit 62.

[0063] In this example, the management control unit 60 performs a printing auxiliary process as one of the various processes for managing the above-mentioned actions. The printing auxiliary process is a process for assisting in improving the printing quality in the printing device 2. Specifically, it is a process for assisting in improving the bleeding in the substrate P. "Bleeding" refers to a phenomenon in which solder intrudes from the pattern hole between the mask 113 and the substrate P during the printing process, and the solder is printed to the peripheral area of ​​the welding area. The printing auxiliary process will be described in detail later.

[0064] The display unit 63 displays information of each data D21, 22 stored in the management storage unit 61. The display operation of the display unit 63 is controlled by the management control unit 60. The operation unit 64 is composed of a keyboard, a mouse, or a touch panel provided on the display unit 63.

[0065] [First Embodiment of Printing Auxiliary Processing]

[0066] Figure 5 This is a flowchart showing the control of the printing auxiliary process (first embodiment) performed by the management control unit 60. The printing auxiliary process starts before the printing process of the printing device 2 on the substrate P starts. When this process starts, the management control unit 60 determines whether the substrate P of the production object has been produced in the past by referring to the production plan data D21 and the production history data D22 of the management storage unit 61 (step S1).

[0067] Here, if the determination is "No", the management control unit 60 obtains the printing condition data D12 and the cleaning condition data D13 from the printing device 2 via the management communication unit 62, and sets new production conditions for the substrate P based on these data D12 and D13 (steps S3 and S5). In this case, the management control unit 60 sets the reference values ​​of the printing conditions (punch angle, printing pressure, pin arrangement) determined by the printing condition data D12 and the reference values ​​of the cleaning conditions (treatment content, cleaning interval, number of cleaning times) determined by the cleaning condition data D13 as initial values ​​of the production conditions.

[0068] In this case, the management control unit 60 may further acquire the substrate data D11 from the printing device 2 and set the initial values ​​of the production conditions by executing a predetermined simulation process based on the pattern layout of the production target substrate.

[0069] On the other hand, if it is determined to be yes in the process of step S1, that is, if it is determined that the substrate P to be produced is the same as the substrate produced in the past, the management control unit 60 sets the production conditions based on the production history data D22. Specifically, the production conditions recorded in the past management data D14 of the substrate P, such as the most recent management data D14, are set as initial values.

[0070] In this case, the management control unit 60 may set the initial values ​​of the production conditions by executing a predetermined simulation process based on the past management data D14.

[0071] After setting the production conditions, the management control unit 60 transmits the production condition data to the printing device 2 via the management communication unit 62 (step S7 ). The printing device 2 (printing control unit 2B) obtains the production condition data via the printing communication unit 30 and starts printing the substrate P based on the production condition data.

[0072] The management control unit 60 waits for the execution of the printing process (Yes in step S9), and when the printing process is executed, determines whether the printing process of the predetermined number (all) of substrates P is completed (step S11). Here, if the determination is No, the management control unit 60 obtains the printing result of the substrate P from the printing inspection device 3 via the management communication unit 62 (step S13).

[0073] The printing inspection device 3 is equipped with a camera unit, which takes a picture of the printed substrate P when viewed from above, and checks the printing state of the solder based on the image data, and sends the result as management data to the management device 6. The inspection items include "inspection of bleeding state". Bleeding can be evaluated by the ratio R (%) of the actual printing area to the reference printing area of ​​the solder (= the area of ​​the welding area). In the inspection of the bleeding state, when the area ratio R (hereinafter referred to as the area ratio R) exceeds the preset upper limit value Rn, it is determined to be a poor print. The management data sent to the management device 6 also includes the image data and the data of the area ratio R.

[0074] When the inspection result is obtained in the process of step S13, the management control unit 60 determines whether the bleeding is in an increasing trend (an example of a state where the bleeding continues to occur) based on the inspection result obtained (step S15). For example, the management control unit 60 compares the area ratio R of the inspection result obtained this time with the area ratio R of the inspection result obtained last time (the inspection result of the previous substrate), and performs the determination process of step S15 based on the difference. In this case, the management control unit 60 may also perform the determination process of step S15 based on the inspection results (area ratios R) of the previous continuous multiple times including the printing result obtained this time.

[0075] When it is determined in the process of step S15 that there is no increasing tendency of bleeding (No in step S15), the management control unit 60 transfers the process to step S9. On the other hand, when it is determined that bleeding is on an increasing trend (Yes in step S15), the management control unit 60 determines whether the inspection result obtained in the process of step S13 is an inspection result immediately before or near the cleaning process (hereinafter, for convenience, referred to as the inspection result immediately before the cleaning process) (step S17). In this example, the management control unit 60 determines whether it is the inspection result of the printing process before the cleaning process twice. Specifically, when the cleaning condition is set to the aforementioned reference value, that is, when the cleaning process is performed with 10 printing processes as one cycle, it is determined whether it is the ninth inspection result (ninth sheet).

[0076] If the inspection result is not the inspection result immediately before the cleaning process is performed ("No" in step S17), the management control unit 60 transfers the processing to step S9. On the other hand, if the inspection result is the inspection result immediately before the cleaning process is performed ("Yes" in step S17), the management control unit 60 determines whether the cleaning interval in the cleaning condition is long, that is, whether the cleaning interval is appropriate (step S19). Specifically, it is determined whether the value of the area ratio R in the inspection result obtained in the process of step S13 is above the preset warning value Rw and below the upper limit value Rn. It should be noted that the range above the warning value Rw and below the upper limit value Rn is the limit level of permissible seepage.

[0077] When it is determined that the cleaning interval is long (inappropriate) (YES in step S19), the management control unit 60 shifts the process to step S21, as described later, and changes the production conditions set in the processes of steps S5 and S6.

[0078] On the other hand, when it is determined that the cleaning interval is not long (appropriate) ("No" in step S19), the management control unit 60 determines the area in the printing area of ​​the substrate P where the bleeding tends to increase (hereinafter referred to as the bleeding increase area) based on the image data of the inspection result, and determines whether the support pin 133 is arranged in the bleeding increase area (step S27). That is, the suitability of the pin arrangement in the printing condition is determined.

[0079] For example, Figure 6 As shown, the management control unit 60 determines the increased bleeding area based on the area ratio R of each of the areas Ar1 to Ar4, and further determines whether the support pin 133 is arranged in the determined increased bleeding area based on the pin arrangement of the printing condition.

[0080] When it is determined that the support pin 133 is not arranged in the bleeding increase region (No in step S27 ), the management control unit 60 shifts the process to step S21 and changes the production conditions as described later.

[0081] In the case where it is determined as "yes" in the processing of step S27, that is, in the case where it is determined that the support pin 133 is configured in the seepage increase area, the management control unit 60 determines whether the inspection result obtained in step S13 is the inspection result after the configuration of the support pin 133 is changed (after the support pin 133 is added) (step S29). Here, in the case where it is determined as "no", the management control unit 60 transfers the processing to step S21, and changes the production conditions as described later. In short, in the case where the support pin 133 was originally (from the beginning) configured in the seepage increase area determined in the processing of step S27, the management device 6 determines as "no" in the processing of step S29.

[0082] On the other hand, when it is determined that the inspection result obtained in step S13 is the inspection result after the configuration of the support pin 133 is changed ("Yes" in step S29), the management device 6 determines whether the tendency of bleeding in the bleeding increase area is improved (step S31). For example, the management control unit 60 compares the current inspection result in the bleeding increase area with the previous inspection result (the inspection result of the previous substrate P), and when the area ratio R is the same or reduced, it is determined that the tendency of bleeding is improved.

[0083] If it is determined in the process of step S31 that the tendency of bleeding has been improved ("Yes" in step S31), the management control unit 60 transfers the process to step S9. On the other hand, if it is determined that the tendency of bleeding has not been improved ("No" in the process of step S31), the management control unit 60 transfers the process to step S21 and changes the production conditions as described later.

[0084] In the process of step S21, the management device 6 updates and changes the production conditions set in the process of step S5 or S6. In this case, the conditions to be changed differ as described below depending on which process of step S19, S27, S29, or S31 is passed.

[0085] First, when it is determined as "yes" in the process of step S19, that is, when it is determined that the cleaning interval is long (inappropriate), the management control unit 60 shortens the cleaning interval of the cleaning condition. For example, the management device 6 shortens the cleaning interval by the number of printing processes that is preset. In this case, the shortened number of printing processes can also be determined based on the specific tendency of the increase in bleeding (the rate of increase in the area ratio R). The main reason for the increase in bleeding is mostly due to insufficient cleaning of the mask 113. Therefore, when the area ratio R is above the warning value Rw and below the upper limit value Rn before the cleaning process is about to be performed, the cleaning interval is shortened.

[0086] Next, when it is determined as "No" in the processing of step S27, that is, when it is determined that the support pin 133 is not configured in the bleeding increased area, the management control unit 60 changes the pin configuration of the printing conditions by adding the support pin 133 in the bleeding increased area and / or its surroundings.

[0087] When the cleaning interval is appropriate (not too long), the cause of the increase in bleeding is the deflection of the substrate P caused by insufficient support force of the support pins 133. Therefore, when the bleeding tends to increase and it can be determined that the cleaning interval is appropriate, additional support pins 133 are added to the bleeding increase area and / or its surroundings. For example, Figure 6 When the area Ar4 is an area where the seepage increases, a support pin 133 is added to the area Ar4 and / or its periphery.

[0088] Next, when it is determined as "No" in the processing of step S29, that is, when it is determined that the inspection result is not the inspection result after the configuration of the support pin 133 is changed, the management control unit 60 changes the conditions other than the pin configuration in the printing conditions (the attack angle and / or the printing pressure). In short, in the case where the support pin 133 is originally (from the beginning) configured in the bleeding increase area determined by the processing of step S27, the management control unit 60 changes the attack angle and / or the printing pressure of the scraper 162 in a manner that can reduce the bleeding. For example, the management device 6 increases the attack angle by a preset adjustment amount and / or reduces the printing pressure. In this case, the specific adjustment amount of the attack angle and / or the printing pressure can also be determined according to the specific tendency of the increase in bleeding (the increase rate of the area ratio R).

[0089] Next, when it is determined as "No" in the process of step S31, that is, when it is determined that the tendency of bleeding has not been improved, the management control unit 60 changes the conditions (attack angle and / or printing pressure) other than the pin arrangement in the printing conditions. Specifically, the change of the printing conditions (attack angle and / or printing pressure) is the same as the change of the printing conditions (attack angle and / or printing pressure) when it is determined as "No" in the process of step S29.

[0090] In short, the case where the determination result is "No" in the processing of steps S29 and S31 means that it can be determined that the cleaning interval is appropriate and the pin configuration is also appropriate. As the cause of the increase in bleeding in this case, printing conditions other than the pin configuration are considered. Therefore, when the determination result is "No" in the processing of steps S29 and S31, the management control unit 60 changes the printing conditions other than the pin configuration (attack angle and / or printing pressure).

[0091] When the production conditions are changed in the process of step S21 , the management control unit 60 transmits the changed production condition data to the printing device 2 via the management communication unit 62 .

[0092] The changed production condition data thus sent from the management control unit 60 to the printing device 2 is equivalent to the "auxiliary information" of the present invention. In more detail, the production condition data in which the cleaning interval is changed (shortened) is equivalent to the "first auxiliary information" of the present invention, and the production condition data in which the configuration of the support pin 133 is changed is equivalent to the "second auxiliary information" of the present invention. In addition, the production condition data in which the printing condition (other than the pin configuration) is changed and the changed production condition data is determined as "No" in the processing of step S29 is also equivalent to the "second auxiliary information" of the present invention. Furthermore, the production condition data in which the printing condition (other than the pin configuration) is changed and the changed production condition data is determined as "No" in the processing of step S31 is equivalent to the "third printing information" of the present invention.

[0093] The printing control unit 2B updates the production conditions based on the production condition data acquired via the printing communication unit 30. In this case, if the acquired production condition data involves a change in the pin arrangement, the printing control unit 2B controls the pin replacement unit 19 to perform processing to add support pins 133 to the lifting table 131.

[0094] Next, the management control unit 60 determines whether the change of the production conditions in the printing device 2 is completed based on the presence or absence of the input of the completion signal from the printing device 2 (step S25). Here, if the determination is "yes", the management control unit 60 transfers the processing to step S9. Then, if the final determination in the processing of step S11 is "yes", that is, if it is determined that the printing process of the predetermined number (all) of substrates P is completed, the management control unit 60 ends the printing auxiliary process.

[0095] Here, use Figure 7 The relationship between the above-mentioned printing auxiliary processing and the operation of changing the cleaning interval in the printing device 2 will be described.

[0096] Figure 7 This is a graph showing the relationship between the tendency of bleeding and the cleaning process. The vertical axis shows the inspection result (area ratio R) of the printing inspection device 3, and the horizontal axis shows the number of processing times of the printing process (the number of substrates). In this figure, the solid line shows the change in the area ratio R (the tendency of bleeding) when the cleaning condition is set to the reference value, that is, 10 printing processes are set as one cycle and the one cycle is set as the cleaning interval Iv1 (CL represents the cleaning process). (1) to (4) in the figure represent the numbers for distinguishing the cycles of the printing process.

[0097] like Figure 7As shown, the bleeding is the least immediately after the cleaning process is performed, and there is a tendency to gradually increase as the number of printing processes increases. In the above-mentioned printing auxiliary process, when the bleeding is in such an increasing trend, it is determined whether the cleaning interval Iv1 is appropriate based on the tendency of the bleeding immediately before the cleaning process is performed. Specifically, as described above, it is determined whether the cleaning interval Iv1 is appropriate based on the inspection result of the ninth (ninth) printing process (steps S17, S19).

[0098] For example, as shown by the double-dashed line in the figure, in the case where the area ratio R of the ninth printing process becomes greater than the warning value Rw and less than the upper limit value Rn, the cleaning interval after the fourth cycle is shortened from Iv1 to Iv2. In the example shown in the figure, the interval Iv1, which is 10 printing processes as one cycle, is shortened to the interval Iv2, which is 7 printing processes as one cycle. By shortening the cleaning interval in this way, the increase of subsequent bleeding can be suppressed.

[0099] It should be noted that, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the printing device 2 is equivalent to the "printing unit" of the present invention, and the printing inspection device 3 is equivalent to the "inspection unit" of the present invention. In addition, the management control unit 60 (management device 6) is equivalent to the "information output unit" of the present invention, and the printing control unit 2B is equivalent to the "control unit (object unit)" of the present invention. Therefore, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the printing device 2, the printing inspection device 3 and the management control unit 60 (management device 6) are equivalent to the "printing process auxiliary system" of the present invention. In addition, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the management storage unit 61 is equivalent to the "storage unit" of the present invention, and the management control unit 60 is equivalent to the "production condition determination unit" of the present invention.

[0100] [Effects, etc.]

[0101] As described above, in the substrate production system (printing process auxiliary system), after the printing process is performed by the printing device 2, the bleeding state is inspected by the printing inspection device 3. Moreover, when it is determined based on the inspection result that the bleeding is on the increase trend ("Yes" in step S15) and the cleaning interval is long ("Yes" in step S19), the production conditions are changed in a manner to shorten the cleaning interval, and the production condition data (first auxiliary information) is sent to the printing device 2. As a result, the cleaning interval is shortened. Therefore, in the case where the long (inappropriate) cleaning interval is the main cause of bleeding, the occurrence of the bleeding is suppressed by shortening the cleaning interval, and as a result, the printing quality is improved.

[0102] In addition, when it is determined that the cleaning interval is not long (appropriate) ("No" in step S19), the increased area of ​​​​blurring in the substrate P is further determined, and it is determined whether there is a support pin 133 in the increased bleeding area. And, when it is determined that there is no support pin 133 ("No" in step S27), the production conditions are changed in such a way that the support pin 133 is arranged in the increased bleeding area and / or around it, and the production condition data (second auxiliary information) is sent to the printing device 2. As a result, the support pin 133 is added to the printing device 2 to eliminate the insufficient support force of the substrate P. Therefore, in the case where the insufficient support force of the substrate P is the main cause of bleeding, the occurrence of the bleeding is suppressed by adding the support pin 133, and as a result, the printing quality is improved.

[0103] Furthermore, when it is determined that the support pin 133 originally (from the beginning) exists in the region where the bleeding increases ("No" in step S29), the printing conditions such as the attack angle and printing pressure of the scraper 162 are changed, and the production condition data (second auxiliary information) is sent to the printing device 2. Similarly, when it is determined that the printing quality is not improved despite the addition of the support pin 133 ("No" in step S31), the printing conditions such as the attack angle and printing pressure of the scraper 162 are changed, and the production condition data (third auxiliary information) is sent to the printing device 2. As a result, the attack angle and printing pressure of the scraper 162 in the printing device 2 are changed. Therefore, when the attack angle and printing pressure of the scraper 162 are the main causes of the bleeding, the occurrence of the bleeding can be suppressed by changing the attack angle and printing pressure, and as a result, the printing quality is improved.

[0104] In addition, in the substrate production system (printing processing auxiliary system), when the substrate P to be produced is the same as a substrate produced in the past, the past production conditions of the substrate P stored in the production history data D22 are set as initial values. Then, the printing process of the printing device 2 is started based on the production conditions. Therefore, for the substrate P that has the production experience in the past, the occurrence of bleeding can be suppressed from the beginning of the printing process.

[0105] It should be noted that in the above-mentioned printing auxiliary processing, the management control unit 60 determines whether the cleaning interval is appropriate or not based on the inspection result immediately before or near the cleaning processing ( Figure 5 Specifically, the appropriateness of the cleaning interval is determined based on the inspection results of the printing process twice before the cleaning process (the ninth printing process in one cycle). However, the determination may be made based on the tendency of bleeding (area ratio R) of the printing process performed after approximately the middle of the cleaning interval. Specifically, the determination may be made based on the inspection results of multiple printing processes after the fifth in one cycle.

[0106] In the above-mentioned printing auxiliary processing, as a determination of the adequacy of the frequency of the cleaning processing, the adequacy of the cleaning interval is determined ( Figure 5 In step S19, if it is determined to be inappropriate, the production condition data (first auxiliary information) changed in a manner to shorten the cleaning interval is sent to the printing device 2 (steps S21 and S23).

[0107] However, as a determination of whether the frequency of the cleaning process is appropriate or not, the appropriateness of the number of cleaning times may also be determined. If it is determined to be inappropriate, the production condition data changed in such a way that the number of cleaning times is increased is sent to the printing device 2. Specifically, the production condition data in which the number of cleaning times is changed from one reciprocating stroke to two reciprocating strokes or more may also be sent. In this case, whether the number of cleaning times is appropriate may be determined instead of whether the cleaning interval is appropriate, or whether the number of cleaning times is appropriate may be determined based on whether the cleaning interval is appropriate.

[0108] [Second Embodiment of Printing Auxiliary Process Control]

[0109] Figure 8 1 is a flowchart showing a second embodiment of the printing auxiliary processing control of the management control unit 60. The processing contents of steps S41 to S53 of this figure are the same as those of the first embodiment ( Figure 5 ) have the same processing contents as steps S1 to S13, and detailed descriptions are omitted here to avoid repeated descriptions. The following mainly describes the processing after step S53.

[0110] When the inspection result is obtained in the process of step S53, the management control unit 60 determines whether irregular (sudden) bleeding has occurred based on the obtained inspection result (step S55). For example, when the area ratio R of the inspection result obtained in step S53 increases by a certain value or more relative to the area ratio R of the inspection result obtained last time and exceeds the warning value Rw (equivalent to the "threshold value" of the present invention), the management control unit 60 determines that irregular bleeding has occurred.

[0111] If the determination result in step S55 is "No", the management control unit 60 transfers the process to step S49. On the other hand, if the determination result is "Yes", the management control unit 60 increments (+1) the counter value n for counting the occurrence of irregular bleeding, and transmits an execution command for forcibly executing cleaning to the printing device 2 via the management communication unit 62 (step S59).

[0112] The printing control unit 2B obtains the execution command via the printing communication unit 30. The printing control unit 2B that has obtained the execution command performs the cleaning process after the ongoing printing process is completed and before the subsequent printing process of the substrate P is started. It should be noted that when the timing of the mandatory cleaning process overlaps with the timing of the normal cleaning process based on the cleaning conditions, the printing control unit 2B only performs the cleaning process of either side. In addition, the mandatory cleaning process is performed based on the cleaning conditions (conditions other than the cleaning interval) set in the production conditions.

[0113] After sending the aforementioned execution command, the management control unit 60 determines whether the number of occurrences of irregular bleeding has reached a set value N (for example, N=2) (step S61). Here, if the determination is "yes", the management control unit 60 shortens the cleaning interval of the cleaning condition (step S63). For example, the management device 6 shortens the cleaning interval by the number of printing processes that are preset. In addition, if the determination is "no" in the process of step S61, the management control unit 60 transfers the process to step S49.

[0114] When the cleaning interval is changed in the process of step S63 , the management control unit 60 transmits the changed production condition data (corresponding to “auxiliary information” of the present invention) to the printing device 2 via the management communication unit 62 (step S65 ).

[0115] Then, based on whether or not a completion signal is input from the printing device 2, it is determined whether the setting change of the cleaning condition in the printing device 2 is completed (step S67). Here, when it is determined to be "yes", the management control unit 60 resets the value of the counter to 0 (step S69) and transfers the process to step S49. In this way, when it is finally determined to be "yes" in the process of step S51, that is, when it is determined that the printing process of the predetermined number (all) of substrates P is completed, the management control unit 60 ends the printing auxiliary process.

[0116] Here, use Fig. 9 The relationship between the printing auxiliary processing of the second embodiment described above and the operation of the printing device 2 (forced cleaning and change of the cleaning interval) will be described.

[0117] Fig. 9 and Figure 7 Likewise, is a graph showing the relationship between the tendency of bleeding and the cleaning process. Fig. 9 , it is shown that irregular bleeding occurs in the fourth (fourth sheet) printing process of the first cycle of the printing process and the third (third sheet) printing process of the fourth cycle. In the case where there is such a tendency of bleeding, a mandatory cleaning process (indicated by the symbol FCL) is performed after the fourth printing process of the first cycle and after the third printing process of the fourth cycle.

[0118] Furthermore, in the case of the above setting value N = 2 ( Figure 8 In step S61, the cleaning interval after the fourth cycle is shortened from Iv1 to Iv3. In the example shown in the figure, the cleaning interval is shortened from the interval Iv1 of 10 printing processes as one cycle to the interval Iv3 of 7 printing processes as one cycle. By shortening the cleaning interval in this way, it is possible to suppress irregular bleeding in the future.

[0119] Furthermore, since the forced cleaning process is executed immediately after the occurrence of irregular blurring, the occurrence of irregular blurring is used as a trigger to suppress the continuous (continuous) occurrence of blurring exceeding the warning value Rw in the subsequent printing process.

[0120] [Modifications, etc.]

[0121] The substrate production system 1 described above is an example of a preferred embodiment of a substrate production system including the printing process support system of the present invention, and the specific structure of the substrate production system 1 and the specific structure of the printing process support system can be appropriately changed without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0122] For example, in the embodiment, the changed production condition data (equivalent to the "auxiliary information" of the present invention) is sent from the management control unit 60 to the printing device 2, and based on the production condition data, the printing control unit 2B changes the setting of the production condition. However, the changed production conditions can also be displayed on the display unit 40 through the control of the printing control unit 2B (display control unit 26), and the operator who has confirmed the display can manually change the setting by operating the operating unit 41. Regarding the change of the pin configuration, the operator can also add the support pin 133 through manual operation. In this structure, the display control unit 26 and the display unit 40 are equivalent to the "notification unit" of the present invention.

[0123] That is, the operator may finally judge whether the changed production conditions are acceptable, and change the settings as needed. According to this structure, the settings of the production conditions can be changed while taking advantage of the operator's experience. In this case, the changed production condition data may be sent from the management device 6 to a portable terminal (report unit) such as a tablet computer and displayed, and based on the display, the operator may change the production conditions by operating the operating unit 41 of the printing device 2 or operating the portable terminal.

[0124] In addition, in the embodiment, the management control unit 60 of the management device 6 that centrally manages the substrate production system 1 (printing device 2, printing inspection device 3, component mounting device 4, and reflow soldering device 5) performs printing auxiliary processing. That is, as described above, the management control unit 60 is equivalent to the information output unit of the present invention. However, the information output unit may also be composed of an independent dedicated device different from the management device 6 (management control unit 60).

[0125] [Inventions included in the above-mentioned embodiments]

[0126] The printing process auxiliary system involved in one aspect of the present invention includes: a printing unit, which performs a printing process and a cleaning process, wherein the printing process is a process of printing the coating material on the substrate through an opening formed in the mask by moving the coating material on the mask using a scraper in a state where a mask is overlapped on a substrate supported by a plurality of support pins, and the cleaning process is a process of cleaning the lower surface of the mask at a predetermined cleaning interval and number of times; a control unit, which controls the actions of the printing process and the cleaning process; an inspection unit, which inspects the bleeding state of the coating material in the substrate after the printing process; and an information output unit, which outputs auxiliary information for improving the bleeding to an object unit when the result of the inspection is that the bleeding continues to occur, the object unit being at least one of the control unit and a notification unit capable of notifying an operator of information, and the information output unit outputs information on increasing the frequency of the cleaning process as the auxiliary information to the object unit.

[0127] In the printing process auxiliary system, after the printing process is performed by the printing unit, the inspection unit performs an inspection for bleeding. Based on the result, in the case where the bleeding continues to occur, auxiliary information for improving the bleeding is output from the information output unit to the target unit (control unit and / or notification unit). Specifically, information for increasing the frequency of the cleaning process is output to the target unit. The information for increasing the frequency of the cleaning process is, for example, information for shortening the cleaning interval and information for increasing the number of cleanings in one cleaning process. Based on this information, the frequency of the cleaning process is increased in the printing unit. Alternatively, based on the notification information from the notification unit, the operator operates the printing unit to increase the frequency of the cleaning process. Therefore, the occurrence of bleeding in the subsequent printing process can be more highly suppressed, resulting in improved printing quality.

[0128] In this case, the information output unit determines whether the frequency of the cleaning process is appropriate based on the tendency of bleeding, and outputs the auxiliary information to the target unit when it is determined that the frequency is inappropriate.

[0129] According to this configuration, the appropriateness of the cleaning frequency is determined based on the tendency of bleeding, and if it is determined to be inappropriate, auxiliary information is output to the target portion. Therefore, the frequency of the cleaning process can be reasonably increased according to the tendency of bleeding.

[0130] For example, the information output unit outputs the auxiliary information to the target unit when bleeding at a level exceeding a preset threshold value occurs multiple times within a predetermined number of cleaning cycles.

[0131] According to this configuration, the frequency of the cleaning process can be increased by taking the occurrence of irregular (sudden) bleeding as an opportunity, which is effective in suppressing the subsequent occurrence of irregular (sudden) bleeding.

[0132] In this case, when bleeding of a level exceeding the threshold value occurs, the information output unit outputs information for forcibly executing the cleaning process to the target unit.

[0133] According to this configuration, when irregular (sudden) bleeding occurs, the cleaning process is forcibly executed in the printing unit, so that it is possible to suppress or prevent the bleeding from continuing to occur in the subsequent printing process due to the irregular bleeding.

[0134] Furthermore, when the auxiliary information is defined as first auxiliary information, the information output unit outputs second auxiliary information for improving blurring and changing the conditions of the printing process to the target unit when determining that the frequency of the cleaning process is appropriate.

[0135] According to this configuration, the occurrence of blurring caused by inappropriate printing conditions can be suppressed or even eliminated, thereby improving the subsequent printing quality.

[0136] In this case, when the information output unit determines that the frequency of the cleaning process is appropriate, it further determines the presence or absence of the support pin in the area where the seepage in the substrate tends to increase. If the support pin is not in the area, it outputs information on setting the support pin in the area and / or around the area as the second auxiliary information to the object unit.

[0137] According to this configuration, it is possible to suppress or even eliminate the occurrence of bleeding caused by insufficient supporting force of the support pins on the substrate, that is, inappropriate arrangement of the support pins (one of the printing conditions).

[0138] In this case, when the information output unit determines that the support pin is present in the region where the bleeding tends to increase, the information output unit outputs information for changing the printing process conditions other than the installation of the support pin to the target unit as the second auxiliary information.

[0139] According to this configuration, it is possible to suppress or even eliminate the occurrence of blurring when the cause of blurring is due to printing conditions other than the arrangement of the support pins.

[0140] In addition, it can also be configured that the information output unit determines whether the increasing tendency of bleeding is improved in the result of the inspection after the support pin is set based on the second auxiliary information, and if it is determined that it is not improved, the third auxiliary information that changes the conditions of the printing process other than the setting of the support pin is output to the object.

[0141] According to this structure, it is temporarily verified whether the cause of the blurring is the configuration of the support pins, and if the configuration of the support pins is not the cause, information (third auxiliary information) for changing the printing process conditions other than the support pins is provided to the object. Therefore, the occurrence of blurring can be more highly suppressed or even eliminated.

[0142] In addition, in each of the above-mentioned printing process auxiliary systems, the information output unit may determine the appropriateness of the frequency of the cleaning process based on the tendency of bleeding in the printing process performed immediately before or near the cleaning process. In addition, the information output unit may determine the appropriateness of the frequency of the cleaning process based on the tendency of bleeding in the printing process performed after approximately the middle of the cleaning interval.

[0143] According to these configurations, the appropriateness of the cleaning interval can be determined relatively easily and appropriately.

[0144] In addition, each of the above-mentioned printing process auxiliary systems can also be constructed to further include: a storage unit that cumulatively stores production conditions of substrates produced in the past, the production conditions including various conditions of the printing process and the cleaning process; and a production condition determination unit that determines the production conditions of the production object substrate based on the production conditions of the substrate that is stored in the storage unit and is the same as the production object substrate before the printing process of the production object substrate starts, and the printing unit starts the printing process of the production object substrate based on the production conditions determined by the production condition determination unit.

[0145] According to this configuration, the production conditions of the production target substrate are determined based on the production conditions of the same substrate produced in the past. Therefore, the occurrence of bleeding can be effectively suppressed from the beginning of the printing process of the production target substrate.

[0146] In addition, in each of the above-mentioned printing process auxiliary systems, it can also be constructed to also include a production condition determination unit, which determines production conditions including various conditions of the printing process and the cleaning process based on the design information of the substrate before the production of the production object substrate starts, and the printing unit starts the printing process of the production object substrate based on the production conditions determined by the production condition determination unit.

[0147] According to this configuration, the occurrence of bleeding can be effectively suppressed from the beginning of the printing process on a new substrate.

Claims

1. A printing process auxiliary system, characterized in that: Include: a printing unit that performs a printing process and a cleaning process, wherein the printing process is a process of printing the coating material on the substrate through an opening formed in the mask by moving the coating material on the mask using a scraper in a state where the mask is overlapped on the substrate supported by a plurality of support pins, and the cleaning process is a process of cleaning the lower surface of the mask at a predetermined cleaning interval and frequency; A control unit, controlling the printing process and the cleaning process; An inspection unit inspects the seepage state of the coating material in the substrate after the printing process; as well as an information output unit, which outputs auxiliary information for improving the bleeding to a target unit when the result of the inspection is that the bleeding continues to occur, and the target unit is at least one of the control unit and a notification unit capable of notifying the operator of the information, The information output unit outputs information for increasing the frequency of the cleaning process to the target unit as the auxiliary information.

2. The printing process auxiliary system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The information output unit determines whether the frequency of the cleaning process is appropriate based on the tendency of bleeding, and outputs the auxiliary information to the target unit when it is determined that the frequency is inappropriate.

3. The printing process auxiliary system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The information output unit outputs the auxiliary information to the target unit when bleeding at a level exceeding a preset threshold value occurs a plurality of times within a predetermined number of cleaning cycles.

4. The printing process auxiliary system according to claim 3, characterized in that: When the bleeding at a level exceeding the threshold value occurs, the information output unit outputs information for forcibly executing the cleaning process to the target unit.

5. The printing process auxiliary system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: When the auxiliary information is defined as first auxiliary information, The information output unit outputs second auxiliary information for improving blurring and changing conditions of the printing process to the target unit when determining that the frequency of the cleaning process is appropriate.

6. The printing process auxiliary system according to claim 5, characterized in that: When the information output unit determines that the frequency of the cleaning process is appropriate, it further determines the presence or absence of the support pin in the area where the seepage in the substrate tends to increase. When the support pin is not present in the area, it outputs information on arranging the support pin in the area and / or around the area to the object unit as the second auxiliary information.

7. The printing process auxiliary system according to claim 6, characterized in that: The information output unit outputs information for changing the conditions of the printing process other than the installation of the support pin to the target unit as the second auxiliary information when it is determined that the support pin is present in the region where the bleeding tends to increase.

8. The printing process auxiliary system according to claim 6, characterized in that: The information output unit determines whether the increasing tendency of bleeding is improved in the inspection result after the support pin is set based on the second auxiliary information. If it is determined that it is not improved, the third auxiliary information that changes the conditions of the printing process other than the setting of the support pin is output to the object.

9. The printing process auxiliary system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that: The information output unit determines whether the frequency of the cleaning process is appropriate based on a tendency of blurring in the printing process performed immediately before or near the cleaning process.

10. The printing process auxiliary system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that: The information output unit determines whether the frequency of the cleaning process is appropriate based on a tendency of bleeding in a printing process executed after substantially the middle of the cleaning interval.

11. The printing process auxiliary system according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that: Also includes: A storage unit that cumulatively stores production conditions of substrates produced in the past, the production conditions including conditions of the printing process and the cleaning process; and a production condition determination unit that determines the production condition of the production target substrate based on the production condition of the substrate that is the same as the production target substrate and stored in the storage unit before the printing process of the production target substrate starts, The printing unit starts the printing process of the production target substrate based on the production condition determined by the production condition determination unit.

12. The printing process auxiliary system according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that: The method further comprises a production condition determination unit that determines production conditions including conditions of the printing process and the cleaning process before production of the production target substrate starts based on design information of the substrate. The printing unit starts the printing process of the production target substrate based on the production condition determined by the production condition determination unit.

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