Printing system

Abstract

This printing system comprises: an upstream printing device; a downstream printing device; an upstream control device for controlling the upstream printing device; and a downstream control device for controlling the downstream printing device. The upstream printing device is provided with: an upstream main lane for conveying a substrate to be printed on in the upstream printing device; and an upstream sub-lane for conveying a substrate to be passed through the upstream printing device without printing processing being performed. The downstream printing device is provided with: a downstream main lane for conveying the substrate being conveyed along the upstream sub-lane as a substrate to be printed on in the downstream printing device; and a downstream sub-lane for conveying the substrate being conveyed along the upstream main lane after printing processing so as to be passed through the second printing device. The upstream control device is configured to be able to control the upstream main lane and the downstream sub-lane. The downstream control device is configured to be able to control the downstream main lane and the upstream sub-lane.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a printing system including a plurality of printing devices arranged in the conveyance direction of a substrate, and each printing device includes two lanes as conveyance lanes for the substrate.

Background Art

[0002] 2]An example of the above-described printing system is disclosed in Patent Document 1. The printing system (screen printing line) disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes two printing devices arranged in the conveyance direction of a substrate and a shuttle conveyor disposed between them.

[0003] Each printing device includes two conveyors, front and rear, and two conveyance lanes are formed by these conveyors. The front lane composed of the front conveyor is a lane for holding the substrate and performing printing processing, and the rear lane composed of the rear conveyor is a dedicated lane for conveying the substrate.

[0004] The substrate is carried into the front lane or the rear lane of the first printing device (the upstream printing device). The substrate carried into the front lane undergoes printing processing in the front lane, and then is transferred to the shuttle conveyor and transferred by the shuttle conveyor to the rear lane of the second printing device (the downstream printing device). The substrate is then carried out to the next process, that is, the mounting device, along this rear lane.

[0005] When there is a substrate in the front lane of the first printing device, the subsequent substrate is carried into the rear lane of the first printing device. The substrate carried into the rear lane is transferred to the shuttle conveyor and transferred by the shuttle conveyor to the front lane of the second printing device. The substrate undergoes printing processing in this front lane and then is carried out to the mounting device.

[0006] In the above printing system, printing processing is alternately performed on the substrate carried into the first printing device in this manner by the first printing device and the second printing device.

[0007] In such a printing system, each printing device and shuttle conveyor is controlled individually by an independent control device. Therefore, if, for example, the second printing device stops, the printed substrates cannot be transported from the first printing device to the mounting device via the second printing device (rear lane) during that time, making it difficult to continue substrate production. Similarly, if the first printing device stops, the substrates (unprocessed substrates) in the rear lane of the first printing device cannot be transferred to the shuttle conveyor during that time, making it difficult to continue substrate production. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2011-235584 [Overview of the project]

[0009] The present invention aims to provide a technology that contributes to improving the continuity of substrate production in a printing system that includes two printing devices arranged in the substrate transport direction, each printing device having two lanes for transporting substrates.

[0010] A printing system according to one aspect of the present invention includes an upstream printing device located upstream in the substrate transport direction, a downstream printing device arranged adjacent to the downstream side of the upstream printing device, an upstream control device for controlling the printing process of substrates in the upstream printing device, and a downstream control device for controlling the printing process of substrates in the downstream printing device, wherein the upstream printing device includes an upstream main lane for transporting and transporting substrates to be printed in the upstream printing device, and an upstream sub-lane for transporting substrates to pass through the upstream printing device without undergoing printing, the downstream printing device includes a downstream main lane for transporting and transporting substrates transported along the upstream sub-lane as substrates to be printed in the downstream printing device, and a downstream sub-lane for transporting printed substrates transported along the upstream main lane to pass through the second printing device, the upstream control device is configured to control the upstream main lane and the downstream sub-lane, and the downstream control device is configured to control the downstream main lane and the upstream sub-lane. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a plan view showing a printing system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a schematic side view (partially a cross-sectional view) of the main body of the first printing apparatus. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a schematic plan view of the printing system showing the substrate transport state when the second printing device is stopped. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a schematic plan view of the printing system showing the substrate transport state when the first printing device is stopped. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a plan view showing a printing system according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a schematic plan view of the printing system showing the normal control state of each lane by the first and second control devices. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a schematic plan view of the printing system showing the control state of each lane when the second printing device is stopped. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a schematic plan view of the printing system showing the control state of each lane when the first printing device is stopped. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings.

[0013] [First Embodiment] Figure 1 is a schematic plan view showing a printing system 1A according to the first embodiment. The printing system 1A is part of a system that produces component-mounted boards on which components are mounted on a substrate P such as a printed wiring board, and is a system that prints solder paste (an example of a coating material / hereinafter abbreviated as solder) onto the substrate P before the components are mounted.

[0014] The printing system 1A includes a plurality of printing devices, each performing a printing process to print solder onto the lands of the substrate P. In this example, the printing system 1A includes two printing devices (first printing device 2, second printing device 3).

[0015] The first printing apparatus 2 and the second printing apparatus 3 are connected in this order in series along the transport direction of the substrate P, and together with the component mounting apparatus and reflow apparatus (not shown in the figure), they constitute a production line for producing component-mounted substrates. The X and Y directions indicated by the indicators in the figure are mutually orthogonal directions in the horizontal plane, with the X direction being the transport direction of the substrate P. The Z direction (see Figure 2), which will be described later, is the vertical direction.

[0016] As shown by the white arrows in Figure 1, the substrate P is transported from the X1 side to the X2 side, printed in the first printing device 2 or the second printing device 3, and then transported to the component mounting device. The component mounting device is a device that mounts components onto the printed substrate P, and the reflow device is a device that performs reflow processing by heating the substrate P with the components mounted on it to melt and harden the solder.

[0017] The printing system 1A includes a first conveyance lane L1 extending in the X direction and a second conveyance lane L2 extending in the X direction parallel to the first conveyance lane L1 at a position adjacent to the Y2 side of the first conveyance lane L1. The substrate P is conveyed along these two conveyance lanes L1 and L2.

[0018] The first printing device 2 includes a device main body 2A that performs printing processing and a first control device 2B that mainly controls the device main body 2A. Similarly, the second printing device 3 includes a device main body 3A that performs printing processing and a second control device 3B that mainly controls the device main body 3A. In this example, the first printing device 2 corresponds to the "upstream printing device" of the present invention, and the first control device 2B corresponds to the "upstream control device" of the present invention. Also, the second printing device 3 corresponds to the "downstream printing device" of the present invention, and the second control device 3B corresponds to the "downstream control device" of the present invention.

[0019] FIG. 2 is a schematic side view (partial cross-sectional view) showing the device main body 2A of the first printing device 2. The device main body 2A is a so-called screen printing device. The screen printing device is a printing device that prints solder on the substrate P using a mask (screen plate) 22 described later having pattern holes (openings) corresponding to the lands of the substrate P.

[0020] The device main body 2A includes a main lane 10, a sub-lane 11, a mask holding unit 20, a substrate support unit 24, and a squeegee unit 35.

[0021] Both the main lane 10 and the sub-lane 11 have the function of conveying the substrate P. The main lane 10 constitutes a part of the first conveyance lane L1 of the printing system 1A, and the sub-lane 11 constitutes a part of the second conveyance lane L2.

[0022] In this example, both the main lane 10 and the sub-lane 11 are belt-type conveyors that support and convey both ends (both ends in the Y direction) of the substrate P. The main lane 10 and the sub-lane 11 are adjacent in the Y direction and extend parallel to each other in the X direction. Thus, a printing device provided with two lanes 10 and 11 for conveying the substrate P may be referred to as a "dual-lane type printing device".

[0023] The main lane 10 is primarily used to transport substrates P that undergo printing processing in the first printing apparatus 2. In other words, the main lane 10 is used to load and unload substrates to be printed in the first printing apparatus 2.

[0024] As shown in Figure 1, the main lane 10 includes three independent conveyors: an input conveyor 10a, a work conveyor 10b, and an output conveyor 10c. The input conveyor 10a brings the substrates P into the machine before printing. The work conveyor 10b receives the substrates P from the input conveyor 10a, places them in a predetermined printing work position, and then hands over the printed substrates P to the output conveyor 10c. The output conveyor 10c outputs the printed substrates P outside the machine.

[0025] The sub-lane 11 is located on the Y2 side of the main lane 10. The sub-lane 11 is a so-called pass lane that allows the substrate P to pass through without undergoing printing processing in the first printing device 2. The sub-lane 11 is a single conveyor extending in the X direction and does not have a divided structure like the main lane 10.

[0026] The main lane 10 and the sub-lane 11 each consist of variable-spacing conveyors whose width (the distance between the pair of conveyors) can be changed. This configuration allows for the transport of substrates P of different sizes.

[0027] The mask holding unit 20 is positioned above the work conveyor 10b in the main lane 10. The mask holding unit 20 comprises a mask 22 and a clamping member (not shown) that holds it. The mask 22 has a mask frame 21 provided around its periphery, which is clamped by the clamping member. As a result, the mask 22 is positioned parallel to the XY plane above the work conveyor 10b.

[0028] The substrate support unit 24 positions the substrate P relative to the mask 22 and is located below the mask holding unit 20. The substrate support unit 24 includes a substrate support section 25, a movable table 26, and a table drive mechanism 30.

[0029] The circuit board support section 25 is assembled to the movable table 26 together with the work conveyor 10b. The circuit board support section 25 comprises a lifting table 27 on which a plurality of backup pins 27a are erected, and a sliding support column 28 that supports the lifting table 27 so that it can move up and down relative to the movable table 26.

[0030] The lifting table 27 moves up and down relative to the movable table 26 by a driving force such as a motor. The raising and lowering of the lifting table 27 transfers the circuit board P between the work conveyor 10b and the backup pin 27a. For example, when the lifting table 27 rises from the home position, the circuit board P is lifted from the work conveyor 10b by the backup pin 27a. This transfers the circuit board P from the work conveyor 10b to the backup pin 27a.

[0031] The substrate support section 25 is equipped with a pair of clamp plates 29. The pair of clamp plates 29 are positioned above the work conveyor 10b with a gap in the Y direction and move between an approaching position and a separated position by a driving force such as an air cylinder. When the clamp plates 29 move to the approaching position, the substrate P, which has been lifted from the work conveyor 10b by the backup pins 27a, is clamped horizontally from both sides in the Y direction. At this time, the upper surface of the substrate P and the upper surfaces of each clamp plate 29 are flush.

[0032] The table drive mechanism 30 includes a Y-axis table 31 installed on the base of the device body 2A, an X-axis table 32 installed on the upper surface of the Y-axis table 31, an R-axis table 33 installed on the upper surface of the X-axis table 32, and a slide support column 34 that supports the movable table 26 so that it can be raised and lowered relative to the R-axis table 33. The Y-axis table 31, X-axis table 32, R-axis table 33, and movable table 26 each move in a predetermined direction by a driving force such as a motor. Specifically, the Y-axis table 31 moves in the Y direction relative to the base of the device body 2A, and the X-axis table 32 moves in the X direction relative to the Y-axis table 31. The R-axis table 33 also moves in the R direction (rotational direction around the axis extending in the Z direction) relative to the X-axis table 32, and the movable table 26 moves up and down relative to the R-axis table 33.

[0033] In other words, the table drive mechanism 30 moves the work conveyor 10b and the substrate support section 25, which are assembled to the movable table 26, in the X, Y, Z, and R directions, thereby bringing the substrate P supported by the substrate support section 25 (the substrate P clamped to the clamp plate 29) into contact with the lower surface of the mask 22. As a result, the substrate P is superimposed on the mask 22.

[0034] The squeegee unit 35 is positioned above the mask holding unit 20. The squeegee unit 35 comprises a squeegee head 36 and a squeegee 37 supported thereby.

[0035] The squeegee head 36 moves horizontally in the Y direction and moves up and down relative to the mask 22 by a driving force such as a motor. The squeegee 37 is a plate-shaped spatula member that extends in the X direction and is supported so as to be able to swing relative to the squeegee head 36 about an axis that extends in the X direction. The squeegee 37 swings relative to the squeegee head 36 by a driving force such as a motor. The squeegee 37 contacts the upper surface of the mask 22 at a predetermined angle (attack angle) and printing pressure (pressing pressure), and moves along the mask 22 at a predetermined speed (squeegee speed) together with the squeegee head 36. In this way, solder is printed onto the substrate P through the pattern holes while moving the solder along the upper surface of the mask 22.

[0036] In Figure 2, reference numeral 40 denotes the external cover 40, which together with the base forms the outer shell of the first printing apparatus 2. The external cover 40 mainly covers the movable parts of the apparatus body 2A. Specifically, it covers the main lane 10, sub-lane 11, mask holding unit 20, substrate support unit 24, and squeegee unit 35, thereby isolating them from the outside. The external cover 40 is formed in a box shape, and lid portions 40a are provided on both sides in the Y direction. By opening the lid portions 40a, the operator can access the inside of the external cover 40 through the openings 41 formed in the external cover 40.

[0037] Furthermore, in Figure 2, reference numeral 42 denotes a lane cover that isolates the sub-lane 11 inside the outer cover 40 by covering the sub-lane 11. The lane cover 42 is formed in a box shape, and a lid portion 42a is provided on its Y2 side. The operator can access the sub-lane 11 through an opening 43 formed in the lane cover 42 by opening the lid portion 40a on the Y2 side of the outer cover 40 and then opening the lid portion 42a of the lane cover 42.

[0038] The basic printing process in the above-mentioned main unit 2A (first printing device 2) is as follows. As previously described, the substrate P to be printed in the first printing device 2 is transported into the machine along the main lane 10. Specifically, with the lifting table 27 positioned at its lowered end, the substrate P is transported into the machine by the transport conveyor 10a and placed at the printing work position (work conveyor 10b). Next, the lifting table 27 rises, and the substrate P is transferred from the work conveyor 10b to the substrate support section 25 (backup pin 27a), and then the substrate P is clamped by the clamp plate 29.

[0039] Subsequently, the table drive mechanism 30 operates, causing the substrate P, supported by the substrate support portion 25, to be superimposed on the lower surface of the mask 22. At this time, the position of the substrate support portion 25 is adjusted in the X, Y, and R directions. This adjustment ensures that the substrate P is superimposed on the predetermined position of the mask 22.

[0040] When the substrate P is placed on top of the mask 22, the squeegee unit 35 is positioned at a predetermined starting position. At this position, the squeegee head 36 descends, causing the squeegee 37 to be pressed against the upper surface of the mask 22 at a predetermined angle (attack angle) and printing pressure (pressing pressure). In this state, the squeegee 37 moves in the Y direction at a predetermined speed (squeegee speed) along with the movement of the squeegee head 36. As this movement occurs, solder is printed onto the substrate P through the pattern holes.

[0041] When the squeegee unit 35 moves to its final position, the table drive mechanism 30 activates, resetting the substrate support 25 to its original position. This separates the substrate P from the mask 22. Subsequently, the clamp plate 29 releases the clamp on the substrate P, and the lifting table 27 descends, transferring the substrate P from the substrate support 25 (backup pins 27a) to the work conveyor 10b. The substrate P is then transported out of the machine by the transport conveyor 10c. This completes the series of printing processes in the main body 2A. After the printing process, the substrate P is transported from the first printing device 2, and then via the second printing device 3 to the component mounting device, which is the next process.

[0042] The main body 3A of the second printing device 3 is the same as the main body 2A of the first printing device 2, except that the positional relationship in the Y direction between the main lane 10 and the sub-lane 11 is reversed (see Figure 1), although a detailed diagram is omitted.

[0043] The second printing device 3 has a configuration that is rotationally symmetrical to the first printing device 2 in a plan view. In this example, the second printing device 3 is provided by rotating a printing device identical in configuration to the first printing device 2 by 180° around an axis perpendicular to the first printing device 2 and arranging it adjacent to the first printing device 2 on the downstream side (X2 side). However, for functional reasons, the main lane 10 has an input conveyor 10a on the X1 side and an output conveyor 10c on the X2 side.

[0044] In the second printing apparatus 3, as shown in Figure 1, the main lane 10 constitutes a part of the first transport lane L1 of the printing system 1A, and the sub-lane 11 constitutes a part of the second transport lane L2.

[0045] Substrates P transported along the sub-lane 11 of the first printing device 2, that is, substrates P that pass through the first printing device 2 without undergoing printing processing in the first printing device 2, are transferred to the main lane 10 (input conveyor 10a) of the second printing device 3. This allows them to be brought into the second printing device 3, where printing is performed on the substrates P. The operation of the printing process in the second printing device 3 (device body 3A) is the same as the operation of the printing process in the first printing device 2 (device body 2A). After printing, the substrates P are transported out of the machine (towards X2) via the main lane 10 (output conveyor 10c) and transported to the component mounting device, which is the next process. Meanwhile, substrates P that have undergone printing processing in the first printing device 2 are transferred from the main lane 10 of the first printing device 2 to the sub-lane 11 of the second printing device 3. The substrate P is transported along the sub-lane 11 in the second printing apparatus 3, then transported out of the machine (to the X2 side) and fed into the component mounting apparatus, which is the next process.

[0046] In other words, in this example, the main lane 10 of the first printing device 2 corresponds to the "upstream main lane" of the present invention, and the sub-lane 11 of the same device corresponds to the "upstream sub-lane" of the present invention. Similarly, the main lane 10 of the second printing device 3 corresponds to the "downstream main lane" of the present invention, and the sub-lane 11 of the same device corresponds to the "downstream sub-lane" of the present invention.

[0047] In this printing system 1A, substrates P to be printed by the first printing device 2 are transported along the first transport lane L1, and substrates P to be printed by the second printing device 3 are transported along the second transport lane L2. As shown in Figure 1, in this example, the substrates P to be printed by the first printing device 2 and the substrates P to be printed by the second printing device 3 are of different types and sizes.

[0048] As previously described, the first printing device 2 is equipped with a first control device 2B that controls its main unit 2A, and the second printing device 3 is equipped with a second control device 3B that controls its main unit 3A. The first control device 2B and the second control device 3B are connected to each other in a manner that enables data communication.

[0049] The first control unit 2B and the second control unit 3B each consist of a CPU (Central Processing Unit), ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), and peripheral circuits, and their main functional configurations include a print control unit 51 and a transport control unit 52.

[0050] The printing control unit 51 comprehensively controls the operation of the printing process on the substrate P in the main body 2A and 3A of the apparatus. Specifically, the printing control unit 51 executes the printing process on the substrate P as described above by controlling the driving of the substrate support unit 24 and the squeegee unit 35.

[0051] The transport control unit 52 controls the transport operation of the substrate P in the main body 2A and 3A of the device. Specifically, the transport control unit 52 controls the driving of the main lane 10 and the sub-lane 11 to load the substrate P into the machine, transport the substrate P inside the machine, and load the substrate P outside the machine.

[0052] By the way, in the case of the configuration of the printing system 1A described above, if the second printing device 3 on the downstream side is stopped due to setup work or maintenance, for example, and the main lane 10 and sub-lane 11 of the second printing device 3 stop, the transport of substrates P to the downstream side will be delayed, and the production line will effectively come to a standstill. In other words, the production of component-mounted substrates will be interrupted. The same applies if the first printing device 2 on the upstream side is stopped. Therefore, in order to avoid such inconveniences, the first control device 2B and the second control device 3B in this printing system 1A have the following configurations.

[0053] In other words, the transport control unit 52 of the first control device 2B controls the main lane 10 of the first printing device 2 (its own machine) and the sub-lane 11 of the second printing device 3 (another machine) (see dashed arrow in Figure 1). Similarly, the transport control unit 52 of the second control device 3B controls the main lane 10 of the second printing device 3 (its own machine) and the sub-lane 11 of the first printing device 2 (another machine) (see dashed arrow in Figure 1). In short, the transport control unit 52 of the first control device 2B does not control the sub-lane 11 of the first printing device 2 (its own machine). Similarly, the transport control unit 52 of the second control device 3B does not control the sub-lane 11 of the second printing device 3 (its own machine). This configuration avoids the aforementioned problems and allows for the continuation of component mounting board production. This point will be explained below with reference to the drawings.

[0054] Figure 3 is a schematic plan view of the printing system 1A showing the transport state of the substrate P when the second printing device 3 is stopped, and Figure 4 is a schematic plan view of the printing system 1A showing the transport state of the substrate P when the second printing device 3 is stopped.

[0055] According to the printing system 1A described above, as shown in Figure 3, even if the downstream second printing device 3 (second control device 3B) is stopped due to setup work or other reasons, the sub-lane 11 of the second printing device 3 is controlled by the first control device 2B, so the sub-lane 11 continues to operate without stopping. Therefore, printed substrates P in the first printing device 2 and substrates P passing through the second printing device 3 are transported as shown by the white arrows in Figure 3. As a result, substrate production in the first transport lane L1, that is, the printing process of substrates P by the first printing device 2, continues continuously.

[0056] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4, even if the upstream first printing device 2 (first control device 2B) is stopped, the sub-lane 11 of the first printing device 2 is controlled by the second control device 3B, so the sub-lane 11 continues to operate without stopping. Therefore, substrates P passing through the first printing device 2 and substrates P after printing in the second printing device 3 are transported as shown by the white arrows in Figure 4. As a result, substrate production in the second transport lane L2, i.e., printing by the second printing device 3, continues uninterrupted.

[0057] Thus, with the printing system 1A described above, even if either the first printing device 2 or the second printing device 3 is stopped, production of substrates P can continue in either the first transport lane L1 or the second transport lane L2. Therefore, the printing system 1A contributes to improving the continuity of substrate P production.

[0058] For example, when stopping the first printing device 2 and performing setup work, the operator opens the lid 40a of the external cover 40 and accesses the mask holding unit 20 and other components from outside the external cover 40. Therefore, if the sub-lane 11 of the first printing device 2 is operating as described above (see Figure 4), there is a concern that the operator may come into contact with the sub-lane 11. However, the sub-lane 11 of the first printing device 2 is covered by the lane cover 42, and is isolated from equipment such as the mask holding unit 20 inside the external cover 40. Therefore, it is possible to reliably prevent the operator from unintentionally coming into contact with the operating sub-lane 11 during setup work, and the operator can perform setup work safely and smoothly. The same applies when stopping the second printing device 3 and performing setup work.

[0059] [Second Embodiment] Figure 5 is a plan view showing the printing system 1B according to the second embodiment. The printing system 1B according to the second embodiment differs in configuration from the printing system 1A of the first embodiment in the following respects, while the other configurations are basically the same as the printing system 1A of the first embodiment.

[0060] In the second embodiment, each of the first control device 2B and the second control device 3B further includes a lane setting unit 53 as part of its functional configuration. The lane setting unit 53 has the function of setting the sub-lanes 11 which are mainly controlled by the transport control unit 52.

[0061] More specifically, the first control device 2B and the second control device 3B are electrically connected to both the sub-lane 11 of the first printing device 2 and the sub-lane 11 of the second printing device 3, respectively. The lane setting unit 53 has the function of setting the lane that the transport control unit 52 normally controls as the primary control target among these two sub-lanes 11. This setting is performed, for example, by the operator operating an input unit (not shown) to select the sub-lane 11 to be controlled based on a selection screen displayed on a display unit (not shown) provided in each control device 2B, 3B. The display unit may be a liquid crystal display device, and the input unit may be a keyboard or mouse. In this case, the display unit and the input unit may be integrated, such as a touch panel.

[0062] Furthermore, if one of the printing devices 2 or 3 that has a set sub-lane 11 (sometimes referred to as "set lane 11") stops, the lane setting unit 53 forcibly sets the sub-lane 11 of the stopped printing device 2 or 3 (sometimes referred to as "the other sub-lane 11") as a control target of the transport control unit 52. In other words, the control devices 2B and 3B (transport control unit 52) ​​prioritize executing the mode for controlling the set lane 11 ("main mode"), and if either of the printing devices 2 or 3 stops, they switch to a mode for controlling the other sub-lane 11 in addition to the set lane 11 ("sub-mode").

[0063] In Figure 5, the controlled objects are indicated by arrows (referred to as control lines for convenience) connecting the main lane 10 and sub-lane 11 to the lane setting unit 53. The solid arrows indicate the control lines of the sub-lane 11 (setting lane 11) that are pre-set in the lane setting unit 53, and the dashed-dot arrows indicate the control lines of the other sub-lane 11, i.e., the sub-lane 11 that is different from the setting lane 11. Specifically, in the lane setting unit 53 of the first control device 2B (first printing device 2), the sub-lane 11 of the second printing device 3 is initially set (default setting) as the main controlled object, and in the lane setting unit 53 of the second control device 3B (second printing device 3), the sub-lane 11 of the first printing device 2 is initially set (default setting) as the main controlled object.

[0064] Therefore, the transport control unit 52 of the first control device 2B normally controls the main lane 10 of the first printing device 2 (which is its own machine) and the sub-lane 11 of the second printing device 3 (which is another machine). Similarly, the transport control unit 52 of the second control device 3B normally controls the main lane 10 of the second printing device 3 (which is its own machine) and the sub-lane 11 of the first printing device 2 (which is another machine). In Figure 5, the control line for the main lane 10 is also shown with a solid arrow.

[0065] Figure 6 is a schematic plan view of the printing system 1B showing the normal control state of each lane 10 and 11 by the first control device 2B and the second control device 3B. Figure 7 is a schematic plan view of the printing system 1B showing the control state of each lane 10 and 11 by the first control device 2B and the second control device 3B when the second printing device 3 is stopped, and Figure 8 is a schematic plan view of the printing system 1B showing the control state of each lane 10 and 11 by the first control device 2B and the second control device 3B when the first printing device 2 is stopped.

[0066] In the normal state where printing is being performed in both the first printing device 2 and the second printing device 3, as shown in Figure 6, the first control device 2B (transport control unit 52) ​​controls the main lane 10 of the first printing device 2 and the sub-lane 11 of the second printing device 3. The second control device 3B (transport control unit 52) ​​controls the main lane 10 of the second printing device 3 and the sub-lane 11 of the first printing device 2. As a result, the substrate P is transported along the first transport lane L1 of the printing system 1B while printing is performed in the first printing device 2, and the substrate P is transported along the second transport lane L2 while printing is performed in the second printing device 3.

[0067] In the state shown in Figure 6, when the second printing device 3 stops printing, the first control device 2B switches the control mode of the main lane 10 and the sub-lane 11 from the main mode to the sub-mode, as shown in Figure 7. As a result, the first control device 2B starts controlling the sub-lane 11 of the first printing device 2, in addition to the main lane 10 of the first printing device 2 and the sub-lane 11 of the second printing device 3 (see solid arrow). The first control device 2B detects that the second control device 3B has stopped based on the stop signal output from the second control device 3B when it stops operation.

[0068] Even when the second printing device 3 is stopped, the sub-lane 11 of the second printing device 3 is originally controlled by the first control device 2B, so, as in the first embodiment, the sub-lane 11 continues to operate without stopping. Therefore, the printed substrates P in the first printing device 2 and the substrates P passing through the second printing device 3 are transported as shown by the white arrows in Figure 7. As a result, the production of substrates in the first transport lane L1, that is, the printing process of substrates P by the first printing device 2, continues.

[0069] Furthermore, by switching the control mode from the main mode to the sub-mode, the first control device 2B starts controlling the sub-lane 11 of the first printing device 2, and as shown by the white arrow in Figure 7, the substrate P is brought into the first printing device 2 from outside the machine. In this case, the substrate P is transported to the downstream end (the Y2 side end) of the sub-lane 11 and left waiting at this position. Therefore, when the printing stop state of the second printing device 3 is released, the substrate P waiting in the sub-lane 11 of the first printing device 2 can be quickly brought into the second printing device 3 and the printing process can be executed. This shortens the period during which the printing process of the substrate P is interrupted in the second transport lane L2. Thus, it contributes to improving the continuity of production of component-mounted substrates.

[0070] Furthermore, in the state shown in Figure 6, when the first printing device 2 stops, the second control device 3B switches the control mode of the main lane 10 and the sub-lane 11 from the main mode to the sub-mode, as shown in Figure 8. As a result, the second control device 3B controls the sub-lane 11 of the second printing device 3, in addition to the main lane 10 of the second printing device 3 and the sub-lane 11 of the first printing device 2 (see solid arrow).

[0071] Even when the first printing device 2 is stopped, the sub-lane 11 of the first printing device 2 is originally controlled by the second control device 3B, so, as in the first embodiment, the sub-lane 11 continues to operate without stopping. Therefore, the printed substrates P in the second printing device 3 and the substrates P passing through the first printing device 2 are transported as shown by the white arrows in Figure 8. As a result, the production of substrates in the second transport lane L2, that is, the printing process of substrates P by the second printing device 3, continues.

[0072] Furthermore, by switching the control mode from the main mode to the sub-mode, the second control device 3B starts controlling the sub-lane 11 of the second printing device 3. As shown by the white arrow in Figure 8, the substrate P on the sub-lane 11 of the second printing device 3 is discharged from the machine and fed into the component mounting device. Therefore, this also contributes to improving the continuity of production of component-mounted substrates.

[0073] [Differentiation] The printing systems 1A and 1B described above are examples of preferred embodiments of the printing system according to the present invention, and the specific configurations of the printing systems 1A and 1B, and the first printing apparatus 2 and second printing apparatus 3 that constitute the printing systems 1A and 1B, can be modified without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, the following configuration can also be adopted.

[0074] (1) The first control device 2B and the second control device 3B of the second embodiment described above are equipped with a lane setting unit 53, which allows the operator to set which of the two sub-lanes 11 is controlled in main mode based on the operator's instructions. However, this lane setting unit 53 may be omitted. That is, the sub-lanes 11 controlled in main mode and sub-mode may be fixed in advance. However, the configuration equipped with the lane setting unit 53 has the advantage of being able to flexibly respond to the diversification of printing systems and production lines, as it is possible to change the sub-lanes 11 controlled in main mode and sub-mode as needed. Furthermore, for example, when configuring a production line in which the first printing device 2 is used alone, the first printing device 2 can be used alone without difficulty by setting the sub-lanes 11 of the first printing device 2 as the control target of the transport control unit 52. Therefore, in this respect as well, there is the advantage of being able to flexibly respond to the diversification of production lines.

[0075] (2) In the second embodiment described above, the lane setting unit 53 of the first control device 2B (first printing device 2) is initially set (default setting) so that the sub-lane 11 of the second printing device 3 is the primary control target, and the lane setting unit 53 of the second control device 3B (second printing device 3) is initially set (default setting) so that the sub-lane 11 of the first printing device 2 is the primary control target. However, the initial settings may be reversed. That is, the lane setting unit 53 of the first control device 2B may be initially set so that the sub-lane 11 of the first printing device 2, which is its own machine, is the primary control target, and the lane setting unit 53 of the second control device 3B may be initially set so that the sub-lane 11 of the second printing device 3, which is its own machine, is the primary control target. In this case, when the control mode is switched from the main mode to the sub-mode, the first control device 2B starts controlling the sub-lane 11 of the second printing device 3 in addition to the main lane 10 and sub-lane 11 of the first printing device 2, and the second control device 3B starts controlling the sub-lane 11 of the first printing device 2 in addition to the main lane 10 and sub-lane 11 of the second printing device 3. Therefore, this configuration also ultimately allows for the same effects and advantages as the second embodiment described above.

[0076] (3) In the second embodiment, the first control device 2B and the second control device 3B are provided with a lane setting unit 53, and the lane to be controlled in main mode out of the two sub-lanes 11 is set by software. However, the lane setting unit 53 may be configured so that the lane setting is performed by physically changing the connections of the electrical circuits.

[0077] The present invention, as described above, can be summarized as follows.

[0078] The printing system according to the present invention includes an upstream printing device located upstream in the substrate transport direction, a downstream printing device arranged adjacent to the downstream side of the upstream printing device, an upstream control device for controlling the printing process of substrates in the upstream printing device, and a downstream control device for controlling the printing process of substrates in the downstream printing device. The upstream printing device includes an upstream main lane for loading and unloading substrates to be printed in the upstream printing device, and an upstream sub-lane for transporting substrates that will pass through the upstream printing device without undergoing printing. The downstream printing device includes a downstream main lane for loading and unloading substrates transported along the upstream sub-lane as substrates to be printed in the downstream printing device, and a downstream sub-lane for transporting printed substrates transported along the upstream main lane for passage through the second printing device. The upstream control device is configured to control the upstream main lane and the downstream sub-lane, and the downstream control device is configured to control the downstream main lane and the upstream sub-lane.

[0079] This printing system allows the downstream sub-lane to continue operating via the upstream control unit even if the downstream printing device is stopped due to setup work, and consequently the downstream control unit also stops. Therefore, it becomes possible to transport printed substrates from the upstream printing device (upstream main lane) and substrates passing through the downstream printing device (downstream sub-lane) to the downstream side, thereby preventing interruptions in substrate production. Furthermore, even if the upstream printing device is stopped, and consequently the upstream control unit also stops, the upstream sub-lane can be continuously operated via the downstream control unit. This allows for the transport of printed substrates from the upstream printing device (upstream sub-lane) and substrates passing through the downstream printing device (downstream sub-lane) to the downstream side, further preventing interruptions in substrate production. Consequently, this printing system contributes to improving the continuity of substrate production.

[0080] In the above printing system, the upstream control device may be configured to set whether the upstream sub-lane or the downstream sub-lane is the sub-lane to be controlled, and the downstream sub-lane may be set as the control target. Alternatively, the downstream control device may be configured to set whether the downstream sub-lane or the upstream sub-lane is the sub-lane to be controlled, and the upstream sub-lane may be set as the control target.

[0081] With this configuration, it becomes easier to adapt to the diversification of printing systems and production lines by changing the settings so that the upstream control unit controls the upstream secondary lane and the downstream control unit controls the downstream secondary lane when necessary.

[0082] In this case, the upstream control device may be configured to prioritize executing the main mode, which controls the downstream sub-lane and the upstream main lane that have been set as the control targets, and to switch to a sub-mode that further controls the upstream sub-lane in addition to the downstream sub-lane when the downstream printing device is stopped.

[0083] This configuration allows for the transport of printed substrates from the upstream printing device and substrates currently passing through the downstream printing device to the downstream side if the downstream printing device stops. In addition, subsequent substrates can be loaded into the upstream sub-lane and kept awaited. As a result, once the downstream printing device is restored to normal operation, the substrates can be quickly transferred from the upstream sub-lane to the downstream main lane, enabling printing to be performed by the downstream printing device. Therefore, the period during which printing of substrates by the downstream printing device is interrupted is shortened, contributing to improved continuity of substrate production.

[0084] Furthermore, the downstream control device may be configured to prioritize executing the main mode, which controls the upstream sub-lane and the downstream main lane that have been set as the control targets, and to switch to a sub-mode that further controls the downstream sub-lane in addition to the upstream sub-lane when the upstream printing device is stopped.

[0085] With this configuration, if the upstream printing machine stops, it becomes possible to transport substrates that are passing through the upstream printing machine and substrates that have been printed in the downstream printing machine to the downstream side. In addition, it becomes possible to remove substrates that are passing through the downstream secondary lane from the downstream printing machine. In other words, it becomes possible to remove substrates in the downstream secondary lane without delay, which contributes to improving the continuity of substrate production.

[0086] In the above printing system, the upstream control device may be configured to prioritize the execution of the main mode, which controls the upstream main lane and the upstream sub-lane, and to switch to a sub-mode that further controls the downstream sub-lane when the downstream printing device is stopped.

[0087] With this configuration, even if the downstream printing machine stops, the downstream sub-lane will operate, allowing printed substrates from the upstream printing machine and substrates passing through the downstream printing machine to be transported to the downstream side. This helps to prevent interruptions in substrate production.

[0088] Furthermore, the downstream control device may be configured to prioritize the execution of the main mode, which controls the downstream main lane and the downstream sub-lane, and to switch to a sub-mode, which further controls the upstream sub-lane, when the upstream printing device is stopped.

[0089] With this configuration, even if the upstream printing machine stops, the upstream sub-lane can operate, allowing substrates currently passing through the upstream printing machine and printed substrates in the downstream printing machine to be transported downstream. This helps to prevent interruptions in substrate production.

[0090] Furthermore, in the above printing system, the upstream printing device may be configured to include an external cover that constitutes the outer shell of the upstream printing device, and a lane cover that isolates the upstream sub-lane by covering it inside the external cover, and the downstream printing device may be configured to include an external cover that constitutes the outer shell of the downstream printing device, and a lane cover that isolates the downstream sub-lane by covering it inside the external cover.

[0091] With this configuration, the upstream and downstream secondary lanes are each covered and isolated by lane covers inside the outer cover. This prevents operators from coming into contact with the operating upstream or downstream secondary lanes even when accessing the inside of the outer cover during setup work on the upstream printing equipment.

Claims

1. An upstream printing device located on the upstream side in the substrate transport direction, A downstream printing device is located adjacent to the downstream side of the upstream printing device, An upstream control device that controls the printing process of the substrate in the upstream printing apparatus, The downstream control device includes a downstream control device that controls the printing process of the substrate in the downstream printing apparatus, The upstream printing apparatus comprises an upstream main lane for loading and unloading substrates to be printed in the upstream printing apparatus, and an upstream secondary lane for transporting substrates that will pass through the upstream printing apparatus without undergoing printing. The downstream printing apparatus comprises a downstream main lane for loading and unloading substrates transported along the upstream sub-lane as substrates to be printed in the downstream printing apparatus, and a downstream sub-lane for transporting printed substrates transported along the upstream main lane to pass through the second printing apparatus. The upstream control device is configured to control the upstream main lane and the downstream secondary lane, The printing system is characterized in that the downstream control device is configured to control the downstream main lane and the upstream secondary lane.

2. In the printing system according to claim 1, The upstream control device is configured to allow setting which of the upstream sub-lane and the downstream sub-lane is to be controlled, and the downstream sub-lane is set as the target of control. The printing system is characterized in that the downstream control device is configured to be able to set whether the downstream sub-lane or the upstream sub-lane is the sub-lane to be controlled, and the upstream sub-lane is set as the target of control.

3. In the printing system according to claim 2, The printing system is characterized in that the upstream control device prioritizes executing a main mode that controls the downstream sub-lane and the upstream main lane, which are set as the control targets, and when the downstream printing device is stopped, it switches to a sub-mode that further controls the upstream sub-lane in addition to the downstream sub-lane.

4. In the printing system according to claim 2 or 3, The printing system is characterized in that the downstream control device prioritizes executing a main mode that controls the upstream sub-lane and the downstream main lane, which are set as the control targets, and when the upstream printing device is stopped, it switches to a sub-mode that further controls the downstream sub-lane in addition to the upstream sub-lane.

5. In the printing system according to claim 1, The printing system is characterized in that the upstream control device prioritizes executing a main mode that controls the upstream main lane and the upstream secondary lane, and when the downstream printing device is stopped, it switches to a secondary mode that further controls the downstream secondary lane.

6. In the printing system according to claim 1 or 5, The printing system is characterized in that the downstream control device prioritizes executing a main mode that controls the downstream main lane and the downstream secondary lane, and when the upstream printing device is stopped, it switches to a secondary mode that further controls the upstream secondary lane.

7. In the printing system according to any one of claims 1 to 3 or 5, The upstream printing apparatus comprises an external cover that constitutes the outer shell of the upstream printing apparatus, and a lane cover that isolates the upstream sub-lane by covering it inside the external cover. The printing system is characterized in that the downstream printing apparatus comprises an external cover that constitutes the outer shell of the downstream printing apparatus, and a lane cover that isolates the downstream sub-lane by covering it inside the external cover.

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