Printing system, printing method, and mask state management method

Abstract

In the present invention, when returning a used mask to a mask storage device, a printing device notifies a management device that the mask has been used, and when returning a cleaned mask to the mask storage device, a cleaning device notifies the management device that the mask has been cleaned. The management device determines that the mask is in a cleaned state if in receipt of a cleaned notification following a used notification, and determines that the mask is in an uncleaned state if in receipt of the used notification following the cleaned notification. The printing device inquires about the state of the mask to the management device, and carries-in the mask if in receipt of an answer from the management device that the mask is in the cleaned state.

Description

Printing system, printing method, and mask state management method

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a printing system, a printing method, and a mask state management method for printing a paste on a substrate using a mask.

[0002] Conventionally, there has been known a printing system that includes a printing device that performs a printing operation by printing paste on a substrate using a mask, and a mask storage device that stores a plurality of masks that are changed depending on the type (model) of substrate to be printed (for example, see Patent Document 1 listed below). In such a printing system, the printing device loads and sets a mask corresponding to the type of substrate to be printed from the mask storage device, and after the printing operation is completed, the used mask that is soiled with paste is returned to the mask storage device. The used mask returned to the mask storage device is typically removed by an operator, manually cleaned, and returned to the mask storage device.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 5-299812

[0004] However, when an operator manually cleans a used mask and returns it to the mask storage device as in the conventional method described above, there is a possibility that an operator's mistake may result in an uncleaned mask being returned to the mask storage device, resulting in the mask still being contaminated with paste being reused in the printing device.

[0005] Therefore, the present disclosure aims to provide a printing system, a printing method, and a mask status management method that can prevent a situation in which a used mask that has not been cleaned is reused in a printing device.

[0006] The printing system disclosed herein includes: a mask storage device in which masks are stored; a printing device that carries in a mask from the mask storage device, sets it in a predetermined position, performs a printing operation in which the set mask is used to print paste on a substrate, and then returns the used mask to the mask storage device; a cleaning device that carries in the used mask returned to the mask storage device by the printing device, performs a cleaning operation on the mask, and returns the cleaned mask to the mask storage device after the cleaning operation is completed; and a management device that is capable of communicating with the printing device and the cleaning device, wherein the printing device carries in a mask from the mask storage device to perform a printing operation, and when returning the used mask to the mask storage device after the printing operation is completed, notifies the management device that the mask has become used, and the cleaning device returns the cleaned mask to the mask storage device. When returning the mask to the mask storage device, the management device is notified that the mask has been cleaned, and the management device performs a mask state determination to determine that the mask is in a cleaned state if the management device receives a notification from the printing device that the mask has been used and then receives a notification from the cleaning device that the mask has been cleaned, and that the mask is in an uncleaned state if the management device receives a notification from the printing device that the mask has been used and then receives a notification from the cleaning device that the mask has been cleaned, and when the printing device attempts to load a mask, the printing device inquires of the management device whether the mask is in a cleaned state, and the management device replies to the printing device with the result of the mask state determination in response to the inquiry from the printing device, and the printing device loads the mask when the management device receives a reply that the mask is in a cleaned state.

[0007] The printing method disclosed herein is a printing method using a printing system including: a mask storage device in which masks are stored; a printing device that carries in a mask from the mask storage device, sets it in a predetermined position, performs a printing operation in which the set mask is used to print paste on a substrate, and then returns the used mask to the mask storage device; a cleaning device that carries in the used mask returned to the mask storage device by the printing device, performs a cleaning operation on the mask, and returns the cleaned mask to the mask storage device after the cleaning operation is completed; and a management device that is capable of communicating with the printing device and the cleaning device, and the printing device carries out a printing operation in which the printing device carries in a mask from the mask storage device, performs a printing operation in which the used mask is returned to the mask storage device after the printing operation is completed, and the printing method includes a used notification step of notifying the management device that the mask has become used, and a mask status determination step of determining that the mask is in a cleaned state if the cleaned notification step occurs after the used notification step, or that the mask is in an uncleaned state if the used notification step occurs after the cleaned notification step; a pre-carry-in inquiry step of inquiring of the management device whether the mask is in a cleaned state when the printing device is about to carry in a mask; a pre-carry-in reply step of the management device replying to the inquiry in the pre-carry-in inquiry step with the result determined in the mask status determination step; and a mask carrying-in step of the printing device carrying in the mask when the management device replies in the pre-carry-in reply step that the mask is in a cleaned state.

[0008] The mask state management method disclosed herein is a mask state management method for a printing system including a mask storage device that stores masks, a printing device that carries in a mask from the mask storage device and sets it at a predetermined position, performs a printing operation in which the set mask is used to print paste on a substrate, and then returns the used mask to the mask storage device, a cleaning device that carries in the used mask that has been returned to the mask storage device by the printing device and performs a cleaning operation on the mask, and returns the cleaned mask to the mask storage device after the cleaning operation is completed, and a management device that is capable of communicating with the printing device and the cleaning device, and a mask status determination step for determining that the mask is in a cleaned state when the cleaning device returns the mask cleaned by the cleaning device to the mask storage device after the mask has been used, if the cleaning device receives the mask from the mask storage device to perform a printing operation and returns the used mask to the mask storage device after the printing operation is completed.

[0009] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to prevent a situation in which a used mask that has not been cleaned is reused in a printing device.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a printing system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a magazine provided in a mask storage device of the printing system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure and a portion of the masks stored in the magazine; FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a state in which paste is being printed on a substrate by a print head provided in a printing device of the printing system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a mask state management table stored in a management device of the printing system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the flow of printing work and mask cleaning work performed by the printing system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0011] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 shows a printing system 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The printing system 1 is a system that uses a mask MK to print a paste Pst such as solder paste on the top surface of a substrate KB, and as shown in Fig. 1, includes a mask storage device 2, a printing device 3, a cleaning device 4, and a management device 5.

[0012] The mask storage device 2 is a device that stores the masks MK, and the printing device 3 is a device that carries in the masks MK from the mask storage device 2, sets them at a predetermined position (mask setting position), performs a printing operation in which the set masks MK are used to print paste Pst on the substrate KB, and then returns the used masks MK to the mask storage device 2. The cleaning device 4 is a device that carries in the used masks MK that have been returned to the mask storage device 2 by the printing device 3, performs a cleaning operation on the masks MK, and returns the cleaned masks MK after the cleaning operation is completed to the mask storage device 2. The management device 5 is provided so as to be able to communicate with the printing device 3 and the cleaning device 4.

[0013] First, we will explain the mask storage device 2. The mask storage device 2 includes a magazine 11 that can store multiple masks MK in the vertical direction, and an automated guided vehicle 12. The automated guided vehicle 12 includes a magazine lifting unit 13, and by operating the magazine lifting unit 13 at the location where the automated guided vehicle 12 has moved, the magazine 11 can be raised and lowered.

[0014] The magazine 11 stores a plurality of types of masks MK corresponding to the type (model) of board KB to be printed by the printing system 1. A plurality of slots 11S are formed in the magazine 11 and arranged in a vertical direction, and the masks MK are stored horizontally one by one in the slots 11S. The magazine 11 has openings on both the front and rear sides of the automated guided vehicle 12, and the masks MK are inserted into the slots 11S from the opening at the rear of the automated guided vehicle 12 (to the right in FIG. 1 ) and pulled out from the opening at the front (to the left in FIG. 1 ).

[0015] 1, a mask storage device control unit 14, which is a control unit of the mask storage device 2, is provided inside the automatic guided vehicle 12. The mask storage device control unit 14 receives a command signal transmitted wirelessly from an external base station (not shown) via an antenna 15 provided on the automatic guided vehicle 12, and causes the automatic guided vehicle 12 to travel on the floor surface FL and activates the magazine lifting unit 13 (i.e., lifts and lowers the magazine 11) in accordance with the received command signal. The mask storage device control unit 14 also transmits a current position signal indicating the current position of the automatic guided vehicle 12 and the acquired information to the outside (base station) via the antenna 15.

[0016] The mask MK is made of a rectangular metal plate and is supported by a rectangular mask frame MW. A plurality of pattern openings (not shown) are provided in the center of the mask MK, arranged in accordance with the arrangement of the electrode patterns (not shown) formed on the surface of the substrate KB. The orientation of the mask MK is determined, and as shown in FIG. 2 , when the mask is stored in the slot 11S of the magazine 11, one of the four faces of the mask frame MW, designated as the front face ZM, faces the front of the magazine 11. An individual identifier KS, which records individual identification information for the mask MK, is attached to the front face ZM of the mask frame MW ( FIG. 2 ). The individual identifier KS may be, for example, a QR code (registered trademark) or the like.

[0017] Next, the printing device 3 will be described. In FIG. 1 , the printing device 3 includes a pair of conveyors 21 that carry in the board KB sent from outside, and a board lifting unit 22 that holds and elevates the board KB carried in by the conveyors 21. For ease of explanation in this embodiment, the horizontal direction (left-right direction as seen from the worker OP) in which the conveyors 21 move the board KB is referred to as the X direction, and the direction perpendicular to the X direction in the horizontal plane (front-rear direction as seen from the worker OP) is referred to as the Y direction. The up-down direction is referred to as the Z direction. Furthermore, the side of the Y direction (front-rear direction) facing the worker OP is referred to as the front, and the side moving away from the worker OP is referred to as the rear.

[0018] 1, a pair of mask guides 23 are provided above the substrate lifting unit 22, facing each other in the X direction. The mask guides 23 are made of L-shaped cross-section members extending in the Y direction. The mask MK is carried in from the rear of the printing device 3 along the mask guides 23, and placed at a predetermined mask placement position determined on the mask guides 23.

[0019] A print head 24 is provided above the mask guide 23. The print head 24 is equipped with two squeegees 25, each consisting of a spatula-shaped member extending in the X direction. The two squeegees 25 are arranged opposite each other in the Y direction and can be raised and lowered individually by a squeegee lifting unit 26, consisting of two cylinders or the like, provided on the print head 24. The print head 24 can be moved in the Y direction by a print head moving mechanism 27, consisting of a ball screw mechanism or the like.

[0020] A mask carry-in / carry-out unit 28 is provided at a position behind the mask guide 23. The mask carry-in / carry-out unit 28 carries the mask MK stored in the mask storage device 2 into the printing device 3 by moving the mask frame MW of the mask MK stored in the mask storage device 2 forward, and places the mask MK at the mask placement position. The mask carry-in / carry-out unit 28 also carries the mask MK (used mask MK) placed at the mask placement position backward, and places the mask MK out of the printing device 3 and returns it to the mask storage device 2. In this way, the printing device 3 is configured to automatically replace the mask MK to be used.

[0021] 1, a first identifier reader 29 is provided on the rear wall of the printing device 3. The first identifier reader 29 has an imaging field of view facing rearward, and reads the individual identifiers KS of each mask MK stored in the magazine 11 of the mask storage device 2 located close to the rear wall of the printing device 3 (FIG. 2).

[0022] When the first identifier reader 29 reads the individual identifier KS of each mask MK in the magazine 11, the mask storage device 2, which is located close to the rear wall of the printing device 3, operates the magazine elevator 13 to raise and lower the magazine 11. As a result, the individual identifier KS of each of the multiple masks MK stored in the magazine 11 passes in the Z direction (up and down) within the imaging field of the first identifier reader 29, and the first identifier reader 29 sequentially reads the individual identifier KS of each mask MK in accordance with this. The individual identifier KS read by the first identifier reader 29 is linked to an address in the magazine 11 (the position of the slot 11S) and stored in the printing device control unit 30 ( FIG. 1 ), which is the control unit of the printing device 3.

[0023] The operation of each of the components of the printing device 3, such as the conveyor 21, substrate lifting unit 22, squeegee lifting unit 26, print head moving mechanism 27, and mask carry-in / out unit 28, is controlled by a printing device control unit 30. The printing device control unit 30 stores a printing operation program in storage means (not shown), and executes the printing operation and the mask MK replacement operation by operating the components described above in accordance with the printing operation program.

[0024] When performing a printing operation, the printer 3 first loads the substrate KB using the conveyor 21. After the substrate KB is loaded, the substrate lifting unit 22 raises the substrate KB so that its upper surface contacts the lower surface of the mask MK placed at the mask placement position. Once the upper surface of the substrate KB contacts the lower surface of the mask MK, the squeegee lifting unit 26 lowers one of the squeegees 25 so that its lower end contacts the upper surface of the mask MK ( FIG. 3A ). The print head moving mechanism 27 then moves the print head 24 in the Y direction, and the squeegee 25 scrapes the paste Pst supplied to the mask MK ( FIG. 3A → FIG. 3B ). This causes the paste Pst on the mask MK to fill the aforementioned pattern openings (not shown) formed in the mask MK, and the paste Pst is transferred to the electrode pattern on the substrate KB.

[0025] Once the paste Pst has been transferred to the electrode pattern on the substrate KB, the printing device 3 lowers the substrate lifting unit 22 to separate the substrate KB from the mask MK, thereby performing what is known as plate separation. Once plate separation is complete, the conveyor 21 transports the substrate KB to the outside. This completes the printing operation for one substrate KB, and by performing this printing operation continuously on multiple substrates KB, the printing work for one model is completed.

[0026] When the printing operation for one model is completed as described above, the mask MK is replaced. The mask MK replacement operation is carried out by the mask carry-in / out unit 28 in the manner described above.

[0027] Next, the cleaning device 4 will be described. As shown in Fig. 1, the cleaning device 4 includes a mask mounting section 31 on which the mask MK is mounted, and cleaning means 32 that cleans the mask MK mounted on the mask mounting section 31. The cleaning means 32 is, for example, made up of cleaning liquid spraying means that sprays cleaning liquid at high pressure, and by spraying cleaning liquid at high pressure from above the mask MK mounted on the mask mounting section 31 by the cleaning means 32, it is possible to clean the paste Pst that has adhered to the mask MK after use in the printing device 3.

[0028] A mask moving unit 33 is provided at a position behind the cleaning device 4. The mask storage device 2, which has been moved by the automatic guided vehicle 12, can be positioned close to the rear wall of the cleaning device 4, and the cleaning device 4 can use the mask moving unit 33 to pull out the masks MK stored in the mask storage device 2 positioned close to the rear wall one by one and place them on the mask placing unit 31, and can also pull out the masks MK placed on the mask placing unit 31 from the cleaning device 4 and return them to the mask storage device 2. In this way, the cleaning device 4 is configured to automatically replace the mask MK to be cleaned.

[0029] 1, a second identifier reader 34 is provided on the rear wall outside the cleaning device 4. The second identifier reader 34 has an imaging field of view facing rearward, and reads the individual identifiers KS of each mask MK stored in the magazine 11 of the mask storage device 2 located close to the rear wall side of the cleaning device 4 (FIG. 2).

[0030] When the second identifier reader 34 reads the individual identifier KS of each mask MK in the magazine 11, the mask storage device 2, which is located close to the rear wall of the cleaning device 4, operates the magazine elevator 13 to raise and lower the magazine 11. As a result, the individual identifier KS of each of the multiple masks MK stored in the magazine 11 passes in the Z direction (up and down) within the imaging field of the second identifier reader 34, and the second identifier reader 34 sequentially reads the individual identifier KS of each mask MK in accordance with this. The individual identifier KS read by the second identifier reader 34 is linked to an address in the magazine 11 (the position of the slot 11S) and stored in the cleaning device control unit 35 ( FIG. 1 ), which is the control unit of the cleaning device 4.

[0031] The operation of the magazine lifting unit 13 (lifting and lowering operation of the magazine 11) included in the cleaning device 4 is controlled by a cleaning device control unit 35. The cleaning device control unit 35 stores a cleaning operation program in a storage means (not shown), and controls the operation of the magazine lifting unit 13 in accordance with the cleaning operation program, thereby performing the replacement operation and cleaning operation of the mask MK.

[0032] 1, the management device 5 includes a storage unit 41 and a determination unit 42. The management device 5 stores information about each mask MK moved between the printing device 3 and the cleaning device 4 in chronological order in the storage unit 41, thereby centrally managing information such as whether each mask MK is located in the printing device 3, the cleaning device 4, or the mask storage device 2, as well as information such as whether each mask MK is in a used state (uncleaned state) contaminated with paste Pst after being used in the printing device 3, or in a cleaned state after being cleaned in the cleaning device 4.

[0033] The storage unit 41 of the management device 5 stores a mask status management table MT shown in Fig. 4. The mask status management table MT records the status of each of the multiple masks MK used in the printing system 1, i.e., information on whether each mask MK is in an uncleaned state or a cleaned state. As shown in Fig. 4, the mask status management table MT includes an individual identifier KS attached to each mask MK used in the printing system 1, and an "uncleaned" column and a "cleaned" column corresponding to that individual identifier KS, and is configured so that a flag can be set in either the "uncleaned" column or the "cleaned" column (this is represented by the symbol "o" in Fig. 4).

[0034] When the management device 5 receives information about the mask MK (information about the individual identifier KS) read by the first identifier reader 29 provided in the printing device 3 when the mask MK is returned to the mask storage device 2 from the printing device 3, the management device 5 regards the information as having received notification that the mask MK is in a used state (uncleaned state) and sets a flag in a predetermined column of the mask status management table MT (the "uncleaned" column for the target mask MK). Also, when the management device receives information about the mask MK (information about the individual identifier KS) read by the second identifier reader 34 provided in the cleaning device 4 when the mask MK is returned to the mask storage device 2 from the cleaning device 4, the management device regards the information as having received notification that the mask MK has been cleaned and sets a flag in a predetermined column of the mask status management table MT (the "cleaned" column for the target mask MK).

[0035] When the management device 5 receives a notification that the mask MK (same individual identifier KS) has been cleaned (hereinafter referred to as a "cleaned notification") after receiving a used notification, the management device 5 determines that the mask MK is in a cleaned state at that time. Also, when the management device 5 receives a used notification for the same mask MK without receiving a cleaned notification, or receives a used notification after receiving a cleaned notification, the management device 5 determines that the mask MK is in a used state at that time.

[0036] Next, the flow of printing work (printing method) by the printing system 1 will be explained using the flowchart shown in Figure 5. When the printing system 1 performs printing work, first, the printing device 3 reads the individual identifiers KS of the multiple masks MK stored in the magazine 11 of the mask storage device 2 using the first identifier reader 29 in the manner described above, and reads which masks MK (masks MK with which individual identifiers KS) are stored in the magazine 11.

[0037] The printing device 3 uses the first identifier reader 29 to read the individual identifier KS of each of the multiple masks MK stored in the magazine 11 of the mask storage device 2, thereby determining which masks MK are stored in the magazine 11, and then, in accordance with the printing work program, pulls out and loads in the mask MK corresponding to the model for which printing work is to be performed from the mask storage device 2 (step ST1). At this time, the printing device 3 uses the first identifier reader 29 to read again the individual identifier KS attached to the mask MK to be loaded, and obtains the individual identification information of that mask MK.

[0038] After loading the mask MK into the printing device 3 in step ST1, the printing device 3 places the loaded mask MK in the mask placement position using the mask loading / unloading unit 28, and then executes the printing work for one model in the manner described above (step ST2). Then, when the printing work for one model is completed (step ST3), the printing device 3 returns the used mask MK to the mask storage device 2 using the mask loading / unloading unit 28 (step ST4). At this time, the printing device 3 notifies the management device 5 that the mask MK has been used by transmitting the individual identification information of the mask MK acquired in step ST1 to the management device 5 (step ST5, used notification process).

[0039] In this embodiment, when the printing work is completed and the used mask MK is returned to the mask storage device 2, the printing device 3 notifies the management device 5 that the mask MK has been used by sending the individual identification information of the mask MK (executing the used notification process).

[0040] As described above, once the printing device 3 transmits the individual identification information of the used mask MK to the management device 5 (the management device 5 issues a used notification), the management device 5 receives the transmitted individual identification information as a used notification. Then, the management device 5 sets a flag in the used (uncleaned) column for that mask MK in the mask status management table MT, and updates the contents of the mask status management table MT (step ST6).

[0041] The mask storage device 2, which is located on the rear wall side of the printing device 3 and has been supplying and receiving masks MK to the printing device 3, moves to the rear wall side of the cleaning device 4 by the travel of the automatic guided vehicle 12 when a certain number of masks MK have been returned from the printing device 3. When the cleaning device 4 detects that the mask storage device 2 has moved to the rear wall side, it reads the individual identifiers KS of each of the multiple masks MK stored in the magazine 11 of the mask storage device 2 by the second identifier reader 34 in the manner described above, and reads which masks MK (masks MK with which individual identifiers KS) are stored in the magazine 11 (step ST7).

[0042] After the cleaning device 4 reads the individual identifier KS of each of the multiple masks MK stored in the magazine 11 of the mask storage device 2 using the second identifier reader 34, it transmits the information of the read individual identifier KS of each mask MK to the management device 5, thereby inquiring about the mask status of each mask MK, i.e., whether the mask MK is in a used state (uncleaned state) or not (step ST8: cleaning status inquiring process).

[0043] In response to this inquiry from the cleaning device 4 (inquiry as to whether each mask MK is uncleaned or not), the determination unit 42 of the management device 5 determines the mask state based on the mask state management table MT (step ST9, mask state determination step).As a result of this determination, the determination unit 42 replies that the mask MK with a flag in the used (uncleaned) column is in a used state, and that the mask MK with a flag in the cleaned column is in a cleaned state (step ST10, cleaning state response step).

[0044] When the cleaning device 4 receives a response to the inquiry about the cleaning status from the management device 5, it sequentially carries in only the used (uncleaned) masks MK, cleans them, and returns them to the mask storage device 2 (step ST11, mask cleaning process).The cleaning device 4 then transmits individual identification information about the cleaned masks MK to the management device 5, thereby notifying the management device 5 that the masks MK have been cleaned (step ST12, cleaned notification process).

[0045] In this embodiment, when the cleaning device 4 returns the mask MK that has been cleaned to the mask storage device 2 after cleaning is completed, it notifies the management device 5 that the mask MK has been cleaned by transmitting the individual identification information of the mask MK (executing the cleaned notification process).

[0046] As described above, once the cleaning device 4 transmits the individual identification information of the cleaned mask MK to the management device 5 (the cleaning completion notification has been sent), the management device 5 receives the transmission of the individual identification information as a cleaning completion notification, and then sets a flag in the cleaned column for that mask MK in the mask status management table MT, updating the contents of the mask status management table MT (step ST13).

[0047] After returning the used mask MK to the mask storage device 2 in step ST4, when the printing device 3 is about to perform printing work on the next (post-change) board KB, it loads the mask MK corresponding to the post-change board KB from the mask storage device 2 and sets it at the mask installation position. In this case, the printing device 3 waits until the mask storage device 2 is positioned on the rear wall side of the printing device 3, and then inquires of the management device 5 whether the mask MK to be loaded has been cleaned (step ST14, pre-loading inquiry process).

[0048] In response to this inquiry from the printing device 3 (inquiry as to whether the mask MK to be brought in has been cleaned), the judgment unit 42 of the management device 5 judges the mask status based on the mask status management table MT (step ST15, mask status judgment process).As a result of this judgment, a reply is made to the effect that the mask MK with a flag in the cleaned column is in a cleaned state, and a reply is made to the effect that the mask MK with a flag in the used (uncleaned) column is in a used (uncleaned) state (step ST16, pre-carry-in reply process).

[0049] When the printing device 3 receives a response to the inquiry about the cleaning status from the management device 5, it determines whether or not the mask MK to be brought in can be brought in (step ST17). In this determination, if the result of the inquiry to the management device 5 is "cleaned," it determines that it is OK to bring in the mask MK, and brings in the mask (step ST1: mask bringing-in process). On the other hand, if the result of the inquiry is "uncleaned," it determines that it is not OK to bring in the mask MK, and thereafter it repeatedly executes the inquiry of step ST14 to the management device 5 until it receives a response from the management device 5 that it has "cleaned."

[0050] As described above, when a certain number of masks MK have been returned from the printing device 3, the mask storage device 2 moves to the rear wall side of the cleaning device 4 by traveling automatic guided vehicle 12 and cleans the masks MK. Therefore, even if the mask MK to be loaded has not been cleaned and the mask MK cannot be loaded at that time, a response of "cleaned" can be obtained from the management device 5 at some point, and the printing work can be performed on the board KB after the model change.

[0051] As described above, the printing system 1 (printing method) in this embodiment includes the mask storage device 2, the printing device 3, the cleaning device 4, and the management device 5. The printing device 3 carries in the mask MK from the mask storage device 2 and performs the printing work, and when the printing work is completed and the used mask MK is returned to the mask storage device 2, the printing device 3 notifies the management device 5 that the mask MK has become used (used notification step of step ST5). Furthermore, the cleaning device 4 carries in the mask MK from the mask storage device 2 and performs the cleaning work on the mask MK, and when the cleaning work is completed and the cleaned mask MK is returned to the mask storage device 2, the cleaning device 4 notifies the management device 5 that the mask MK has become cleaned (cleaned notification step of step ST12).

[0052] The management device 5 is configured to perform a mask status determination process in which it determines that the mask MK is in a cleaned state if it receives a notification from the printing device 3 that the mask MK has been used (used notification) and then a notification from the cleaning device 4 that the mask MK has been cleaned (cleaned notification), and that it determines that the mask MK is in an uncleaned state if it receives a notification from the cleaning device 4 that the mask MK has been cleaned (cleaned notification) and then a notification from the printing device 3 that the mask MK has been used (used notification) (mask status determination process in steps ST9 and ST15).

[0053] When the printing device 3 is to carry in a mask MK to perform printing work, it inquires of the management device 5 whether the mask MK has been cleaned (pre-carry-in inquiry step of step ST14), and the management device 5 responds to the inquiry from the printing device by sending the result of the mask state determination to the printing device 3 (pre-carry-in reply step of step ST16).The printing device 3 then carries in the mask MK when it receives a reply from the management device 5 that the mask MK has been cleaned (mask carrying-in step of step ST1).

[0054] As described above, in the printing system 1 (printing method) of this embodiment, the mask MK is cleaned by the cleaning device 4 (i.e., automatically, without manual operation by the operator OP). In addition, the management device 5 stores the fact that the cleaning device 4 has cleaned the mask MK, and before the printing device 3 carries in the mask MK, it inquires of the management device 5 whether the mask MK to be carried in has already been cleaned. Then, only when the management device 5 responds that the mask MK to be carried in has already been cleaned, is the mask MK carried in and printing work is performed. This makes it possible to prevent an uncleaned mask MK from being carried in to the printing device 3, resulting in the reuse of the mask MK while still soiled with the paste Pst.

[0055] Furthermore, in this embodiment, before cleaning the mask MK returned to the mask storage device 2 by the printing device 3, the cleaning device 4 inquires of the management device 5 whether the mask MK is in a used state based on the individual identification information obtained by reading the individual identifier KS attached to the mask MK (cleaning status inquiry process in step ST8), and the management device 5 responds to the cleaning device 4 whether the mask MK inquired about by the cleaning device 4 is in a used state (cleaning status response process in step ST10), and when the cleaning device 4 receives a response from the management device 5 that the mask MK to be cleaned is in a used state, it cleans the mask MK (mask cleaning process in step ST11).

[0056] As described above, in the printing system 1 (printing method) of this embodiment, the cleaning device 4 does not clean all of the masks MK stored in the mask storage device 2, but rather checks whether each of the masks MK stored in the mask storage device 2 is in a used state (uncleaned state), and cleans only the masks MK that have been used (uncleaned). This eliminates waste, and makes it possible to quickly return the masks MK that have been cleaned to the printing device 3.

[0057] In this embodiment, the used notification step (step ST5), the cleaned notification step (step ST12), and the mask status determination step (steps ST9 and ST15), which are part of the printing method in the above-described printing system 1, are methods for managing the status of the mask MK (mask status management method). According to this mask status management method, the printing device 3 can load a mask MK and perform printing work only if it receives a response from the management device 5 that the mask MK it is about to load has been cleaned. This prevents the loading of a used (uncleaned) mask MK from the mask storage device 2, and can achieve the same effects as the above-described printing system 1 and printing method.

[0058] As described above, in the printing system 1 (printing method, mask state management method) of this embodiment, the mask MK is cleaned by the cleaning device 4 (i.e., automatically, without manual operation by the operator OP), and the management device 5 stores the fact that the cleaning device 4 has cleaned the mask MK. Before the printing device 3 carries in the mask MK, the management device 5 inquires of the management device 5 whether the mask MK to be carried in has already been cleaned. Therefore, the printing device 3 can carry in the mask MK and perform printing work only if the management device 5 responds that the mask MK to be carried in has already been cleaned. This makes it possible to prevent the occurrence of a situation in which an uncleaned mask MK is carried in to the printing device 3, resulting in the reuse of a mask MK that is still contaminated with the paste Pst.

[0059] Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, the present disclosure is not limited to the above and various modifications are possible. For example, in the above-described embodiment, when the printing operation is completed and the used mask MK is returned to the mask storage device 2, the printing device 3 notifies the management device 5 that the mask MK has been used by transmitting the individual identification information of the mask MK to the management device 5 (executes the used notification step). However, the printing device 3 may obtain the individual identification information of the mask MK by another method and notify the management device 5 that the mask MK has been used.

[0060] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, when the cleaning device 4 returns the mask MK that has been cleaned to the mask storage device 2 after cleaning, it notifies the management device 5 that the mask MK has been cleaned by transmitting the individual identification information of the mask MK to the management device 5 (executing the cleaned notification process), but the cleaning device 4 may also obtain the individual identification information of the mask MK by another method and notify the management device 5 that the mask MK has been cleaned.

[0061] In the above-described embodiment, the periphery of the mask MK is supported by the mask frame MW, but this is merely an example, and the mask may be configured not to be supported by a mask frame. In this case, the mask may be made of a sheet-like material, as shown in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2021-062513, and the periphery of the mask may be pulled outward in the plane direction of the mask by a frame (sheet holder) provided in the printing device.

[0062] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the mask storage device 2 is moved between the printing device 3 and the cleaning device 4 by the automated guided vehicle 12, but this is just one example, and the operator OP may manually move the mask storage device 2 without using the automated guided vehicle 12. Furthermore, the configuration may be such that the printing device 3 can carry in the mask MK from the mask storage device 2, perform printing work, and then return the mask MK to the mask storage device 2, without moving the mask storage device 2, and the cleaning device 4 can carry in the mask MK from the mask storage device 2, perform cleaning, and then return the mask MK to the mask storage device 2, without moving the mask storage device 2.

[0063] Although the embodiments have been described above with reference to the drawings, it goes without saying that the present disclosure is not limited to such examples. It is clear that a person skilled in the art can conceive of various modifications or alterations within the scope of the claims, and it is understood that these also naturally fall within the technical scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the components of the above-described embodiments may be combined in any manner without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0064] This application is based on a Japanese patent application (Patent Application No. 2023-192552) filed on November 10, 2023, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0065] To provide a printing system, a printing method, and a mask state management method capable of preventing a situation in which a used mask that has not been cleaned is reused in a printing device.

[0066] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Printing system 2 Mask storage device 3 Printing device 4 Cleaning device 5 Management device 11 Magazine 12 Automatic guided vehicle 24 Print head 29 First identifier reader 34 Second identifier reader 41 Memory unit 42 Determination unit MK Mask KS Individual identifier MT Mask state management table Pst Paste KB Substrate

Claims

1. A printing system comprising: a mask storage device for storing masks; a printing device for receiving masks from the mask storage device, placing them in a predetermined position, performing a printing operation to print paste onto a substrate using the placed masks, and then returning the used masks to the mask storage device; a washing device for receiving the used masks returned to the mask storage device by the printing device, performing a washing operation on the masks, and returning the washed masks to the mask storage device after the washing operation is completed; and a management device provided to communicate with the printing device and the washing device, The printing device receives masks from the mask storage device and performs the printing operation, and when the printing operation is completed and the used masks are returned to the mask storage device, it notifies the management device that the masks have been used. When the washing device returns the washed mask to the mask storage device, it notifies the management device that the mask has been washed. The management device performs a mask status determination, determining that the mask is in a cleaned state if it receives notification from the washing device that the mask has been washed after receiving notification from the printing device that the mask has been washed, and that the mask is in an unwashed state if it receives notification from the printing device that the mask has been washed after receiving notification from the washing device that the mask has been washed. When the printing device is about to load a mask, it inquires with the management device whether or not the mask has been washed. The management device responds to the inquiry from the printing device by providing the printing device with the result of the mask state determination. The printing device is a printing system that receives a response from the management device indicating that the masks have been cleaned.

2. The printing system according to claim 1, wherein when the printing device returns a used mask to the mask storage device after the printing work is completed, it notifies the management device that the mask has been used by transmitting the individual identification information of the mask to the management device.

3. The printing system according to claim 1, wherein when the washing device returns a washed mask to the mask storage device after washing is complete, it transmits the individual identification information of the mask to the management device to notify the management device that the mask has been washed.

4. The printing system according to claim 1, wherein the washing device acquires individual identification information of a mask before washing the mask that has been returned to the mask storage device by the printing device, and based on the acquired individual identification information, it queries the management device to determine whether the mask is used or not, the management device replies to the washing device whether the mask inquired about by the washing device is used or not, and the washing device washes the mask if it receives a reply from the management device that the mask to be washed is used or not.

5. A printing method using a printing system comprising: a mask storage device for storing masks; a printing device for receiving masks from the mask storage device, placing them in a predetermined position, performing a printing operation to print paste onto a substrate using the placed masks, and then returning the used masks to the mask storage device; a washing device for receiving the used masks returned to the mask storage device by the printing device, performing a washing operation on the masks, and returning the washed masks to the mask storage device after the washing operation is completed; and a management device provided to communicate with the printing device and the washing device, wherein The printing device receives masks from the mask storage device and performs the printing operation, and when the printing operation is completed and the used masks are returned to the mask storage device, a used mask notification step is performed to notify the management device that the masks have been used. When the washing device returns the washed mask to the mask storage device, a washing completion notification step is performed to notify the management device that the mask has been washed. A mask status determination step determines that if the washed notification step occurs after the used notification step, the mask is in a washed state, and if the used notification step occurs after the washed notification step, the mask is in an unwashed state. When the printing apparatus is about to load a mask, a pre-loading inquiry step is performed to inquire with the management device whether or not the mask has been washed. In response to the inquiry in the pre-delivery inquiry process, the management device provides the printing device with the result determined in the mask state determination process, in a pre-delivery response process. If the management device responds in the pre-delivery response process that the masks have been washed, the printing device delivers the masks in a mask delivery process, A printing method that includes [something].

6. The printing method according to claim 5, wherein when the printing device returns a used mask to the mask storage device after the printing work is completed, it performs the used mask notification step by transmitting the individual identification information of the mask to the management device.

7. The printing method according to claim 5, wherein when the washing device returns the washed masks to the mask storage device after washing is complete, it performs the washing notification step by transmitting the individual identification information of the masks to the management device.

8. The printing method according to claim 5, comprising: a washing state inquiry step in which the washing device acquires individual identification information of a mask before washing the mask that has been returned to the mask storage device by the printing device, and based on the acquired individual identification information, inquires with the management device whether or not the mask is in a used state; and a washing state response step in which the management device responds to the washing device whether or not the mask inquired about in the washing state inquiry step is in a used state, wherein the washing device washes the mask if it receives a response from the management device in the washing state response step indicating that the mask to be washed is in a used state.

9. A method for managing the state of a mask in a printing system comprising: a mask storage device for storing masks; a printing device that receives masks from the mask storage device, places them in a predetermined position, performs a printing operation to print paste onto a substrate using the placed masks, and then returns the used masks to the mask storage device; a washing device that receives the used masks returned to the mask storage device by the printing device, performs a washing operation on the masks, and returns the washed masks to the mask storage device after the washing operation is completed; and a management device provided to communicate with the printing device and the washing device, wherein The printing device receives masks from the mask storage device and performs the printing operation, and when the printing operation is completed and the used masks are returned to the mask storage device, a used mask notification step is performed to notify the management device that the masks have been used. When the washing device returns the washed mask to the mask storage device, a washing completion notification step is performed to notify the management device that the mask has been washed. A mask status determination step determines that if the washed notification step occurs after the used notification step, the mask is in a washed state, and if the used notification step occurs after the washed notification step, the mask is in an unwashed state. A method for managing the condition of a mask.