Replacement frame, printing device, printing system, and method for controlling printing device

Abstract

This replacement frame is used in a printing device that performs printing processing for viscous fluid by setting a screen mask at a printing position with respect to a substrate, the replacement frame including: a frame body that supports the screen mask; and a fixing part that fixes the screen mask to an eccentric position close to one side of the outer periphery of the frame body.

Description

Exchange frame, printing device, printing system, and printing device control method

[0001] Disclosed herein are an exchange frame, a printing device, a printing system, and a method for controlling a printing device.

[0002] Conventionally, in mounting-related devices such as a printing device that performs a printing process of a viscous fluid on a substrate using a screen mask, a device has been proposed that includes a receiving unit that receives a storage rack having multiple shelves that house frames that can support replaceable components related to the printing process performed in the printing unit (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In this printing device, replaceable components can be automatically replaced, further reducing the burden on the worker.

[0003] International Publication No. 2022 / 168145

[0004] In the printing apparatus described above, the screen mask may be replaced using, for example, an exchange frame to which the screen mask is fixed. Screen masks come in a variety of sizes, and with a relatively small screen mask, fixing the screen mask to the center of the exchange frame can leave a large margin. When such a screen mask is used, for example, in a printing apparatus having multiple substrate processing units that transport and fix substrates, the screen mask may not reach the substrate processing unit at the back, preventing printing processing.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of such problems, and its main purpose is to provide an exchange frame, a printing device, a printing system, and a control method for a printing device that can more reliably execute printing processes when replacing a screen mask.

[0006] The exchange frame, printing device, printing system, and printing device control method disclosed in this specification employ the following means to achieve the above-mentioned main object.

[0007] The replacement frame disclosed herein is a replacement frame used in a printing device that places a screen mask at a printing position relative to a substrate and performs a printing process on a viscous fluid, and includes a frame body that supports the screen mask, and a fixing part that fixes the screen mask at an eccentric position close to one side of the outer periphery of the frame body.

[0008] In this replacement frame, the screen mask is fixed at an eccentric position toward one side of the outer periphery of the frame, and there is no blank space on the screen mask, so the screen mask can be positioned more reliably on the substrate. In this way, with this replacement frame, printing processes can be more reliably performed in printing devices that replace screen masks.

[0009] 1 is a schematic explanatory diagram showing an example of a mounting system 10 and a printing device 11. An explanatory diagram showing an example of a printing device 11 and a storage rack 43. An explanatory diagram showing an example of information stored in a memory unit 22. A schematic explanatory diagram of an exchange frame 161 that fixes a screen mask M to the center. A schematic explanatory diagram of an exchange frame 61 that fixes a screen mask M to an eccentric position. A flowchart showing an example of an exchange processing routine. A flowchart showing an example of a manual placement processing routine. An explanatory diagram for detecting frame widths L1 and L2 of an exchange frame. An explanatory diagram of an example of an exchange processing for an exchange frame 62. An explanatory diagram of an example of an exchange processing for a small-sized exchange frame 62. An explanatory diagram of an example of an exchange processing for an exchange frame 161 using a fixing unit 65. An explanatory diagram of an example of a dual-lane exchange processing with an exchange frame 161. An explanatory diagram of an example of a dual-lane exchange processing with an exchange frame 61. An explanatory diagram of an example of a dual-lane exchange processing with various exchange frames.

[0010] This embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a mounting system 10 and a printing device 11 according to the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the printing device 11 and a storage rack 43. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of print job information 22a and replacement condition information 22b stored in the storage unit 22. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating an exchange frame 161 that fixes the screen mask M at the center. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating an exchange frame 61 that fixes the screen mask M at an eccentric position. In this embodiment, the left-right direction (X-axis), the front-back direction (Y-axis), and the up-down direction (Z-axis) are as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 . For ease of explanation, the printing devices 11a and 11b will also be simply referred to as the printing devices 11, and the exchange frames 60, 61, 62, and 161 will also be simply referred to as the exchange frames.

[0011] The mounting system 10 includes a printing device 11, a print inspection device 12, a storage device 13, an automated guided vehicle 14, a mounting device 15, a mounting inspection device 16, a loader 18, a reflow device (not shown), and a management computer (PC) 19. The mounting system 10 is configured, for example, as a production line in which mounting devices 15 that mount components P on a substrate S (a processing target) are arranged downstream of the printing device 11 in the transport direction of the substrate S. In the mounting system 10, mounting-related devices related to the mounting process include, in addition to the printing device 11, a transport device that transports the substrate S, the printing device 11, the print inspection device 12, the storage device 13, the mounting device 15, the mounting inspection device 16, the loader 18, the reflow device, and the like. The mounting system 10 is configured including a printing system 10a that includes a printing device 11a and a printing device 11b. The printing device 11 included in the printing system 10a has two transport paths for transporting the substrate S, and is configured to be able to operate in such a way that, for example, printing device 11a performs printing on the first transport path and printing device 11b performs printing on the second transport path.

[0012] The print inspection device 12 inspects the condition of a viscous fluid, such as solder paste, printed on the board S by the printing device 11. The storage device 13 is a temporary storage location for feeders holding components P. The automated guided vehicle 14 automatically transports feeders between a preparation warehouse (not shown) and the storage device 13. The mounting device 15 performs a mounting process to place components P on the board S. The mounting inspection device 16 inspects the condition of components P mounted on the board S. The loader 18 is configured as a mobile work device that moves left and right along the X-axis rail 17 in front of the mounting device 15 and automatically attaches, detaches, collects, and replenishes mounting-related components, such as feeders, used in the mounting device 15. The reflow device reflows boards on which solder has been printed and components P have been mounted. The management PC 19 manages information about each device in the mounting system 10. This management PC 19 manages the progress of each device on the production line that performs the mounting process.

[0013] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , the printing device 11 uses a squeegee 26 to push solder on a screen mask M into pattern holes formed in the screen mask M, thereby applying (printing) the solder as a viscous fluid onto a substrate S serving as a processing object below through the pattern holes. Here, examples of the "processing object" include a substrate S on which components P are mounted and a three-dimensional base material. Examples of the "viscous fluid" include solder paste, conductive paste, and adhesive. The following description uses the substrate S and solder paste as examples. The screen mask M is fixed inside a replacement frame. The replacement frames 60-62, 161 can hold replacement components such as screen masks M of various sizes and are sized to fit in the storage section 44 of the storage rack 43. As shown in FIG. 2 , the printing device 11 includes a control device 20, a printing section 23, a mask operation section 27, a substrate processing section 30, a cleaning section 37, a fluid supply section 38, an operation panel 39, a replacement unit 40, and a storage rack 43.

[0014] The control device 20 is configured as a microprocessor centered around the print control unit 21 and controls the entire printing apparatus 11. The control device 20 outputs signals to the printing unit 23, masking unit 27, substrate processing unit 30, cleaning unit 37, fluid supply unit 38, operation panel 39, and replacement unit 40, as well as to the management PC 19, which serves as an external device. The control device 20 also receives signals from the printing unit 23, masking unit 27, substrate processing unit 30, cleaning unit 37, fluid supply unit 38, operation panel 39, and replacement unit 40, as well as from the management PC 19, which serves as an external device. The control device 20 includes a memory unit 22. As shown in FIG. 3 , the memory unit 22 stores print job information 22a including printing execution conditions and replacement condition information 22b including a reference destination for the placement and collection position, which is determined for each replacement frame. The memory unit 22 also stores replacement frame information that associates the position of the screen mask M fixed to the replacement frame with the identification information (ID) of the replacement frame, information on the substrate S to be printed, a printing processing program that performs the printing processing on the substrate S, and a replacement processing program that executes the replacement processing of replacement parts by the replacement unit 28.

[0015] The printing unit 23 is located on the upper level of the printing device 11 and is a unit that prints a viscous fluid onto a substrate S using a screen mask M. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , the printing unit 23 includes a print head 24, a print movement unit 25, a squeegee lifting unit (not shown), and a squeegee 26. The print movement unit 25 moves the print head 24 in a predetermined printing direction (here, the front-to-rear direction) and includes a guide formed in the front-to-rear direction, a slider that moves along the guide, and a motor that drives the slider. The print head 24 moves within a predetermined range of motion A (see FIGS. 11 to 13 , etc., described below). The squeegee 26 is located on the underside of the print head 24 and is raised and lowered by the squeegee lifting unit. The printing unit 23 has two squeegees 26, one for the front and one for the rear. The print head 24 is equipped with a replacement unit 28 and a measurement unit 47. The replacement unit 28 is a unit used when replacing replacement frames 60-62 and 161. The measuring unit 47 is a unit that detects the height of an object below the print head 24, and can measure, for example, the width of the frame body 63 of the replacement frame.

[0016] As shown in FIG. 2 , the mask working unit 27 is disposed between the printing unit 23 and the substrate processing unit 30 in the vertical direction and is a unit that fixes and holds the screen mask M. The mask working unit 27 is composed of an exchange unit 28 and a mask fixing unit 29. The exchange unit 28 moves an exchange frame, to which the screen mask M is fixed, between the mask working unit 27 side as a printing position and a passage opening 45 as a carry-in / out unit. The exchange unit 28 is used to pull the exchange frame from the storage rack 43 into the housing of the printing device 11 and to push the exchange frame from the housing of the printing device 11 to the storage rack 43. The exchange unit 28 is a transport rod provided on the print head 24 and is raised and lowered by an air cylinder (not shown) between an abutment position (dotted line) where it abuts against the screen mask M and a standby position (solid line). The print head 24 and the exchange unit 28 engage with the exchange frame between a shelf at a predetermined height of the storage rack 43 and the printing unit 23 to move the exchange frame. The mask fixing unit 29 positions the screen mask M and supports and fixes it in a horizontal position. The screen mask M is pushed by the replacement unit 28, moved back and forth along the guides of the mask working unit 27, and fixed by the mask fixing unit 29. The replacement frame moves inside and outside the housing of the printing device 11 through a passage 45 provided in the middle of the front of the housing (see FIG. 2). Also, an imaging unit 48 is disposed in the center of the front of the housing of the printing device 11, which reads identification information 66 provided on the replacement frame housed in the housing unit 44. Furthermore, a mask stopper 49 is disposed at the rear end of the movable range A of the mask working unit 27, restricting movement of the replacement frame (see FIGS. 11 to 13, etc., described below).

[0017] The substrate processing unit 30 is disposed below the mask working unit 27 and is a unit that loads the substrate S, positions and supports the loaded substrate S, and brings the substrate S into contact with and separates it from the screen mask M. The substrate processing unit 30 includes a first unit 31 serving as a first transport path for transporting the substrate S, and a second unit 32 serving as a second transport path for transporting the substrate S. The first unit 31 is a first substrate processing unit disposed on the side of a passage opening 45 that serves as a loading / unloading section for the screen mask M, and includes a substrate transport unit 33, an elevator unit 34, and a support block 50. The second unit 32 is a second substrate processing unit disposed on the back side of the loading / unloading section, and includes a substrate transport unit 35, an elevator unit 34, and a support block 50. The substrate transport units 33 and 35 are units that transport and fix the substrate S in the left-right direction. The elevator units 34 and 36 raise and lower the entire substrate processing unit 30 and the support block 50. The support block 50 is a backup block that supports the substrate S from below.

[0018] The cleaning unit 37 is disposed between the mask work unit 27 and the substrate processing unit 30 in the vertical direction and is a unit that cleans the back surface of the screen mask M. The cleaning unit 37 has a cleaning member that comes into contact with the screen mask M to clean it. The fluid supply unit 38 is a unit that supplies solder contained in a cartridge onto the screen mask M. The fluid supply unit 38 is disposed in front of the print head 24. The fluid supply unit 38 applies pressure to the cartridge to eject the solder from the cartridge. The cleaning member and cartridge are consumables and are replaceable parts that are replaced as needed. The operation panel 39 is a unit that accepts input from the operator W and presents information to the operator W. The operation panel 39 includes a display unit and an operation unit that is a touch panel type and has buttons.

[0019] The replacement unit 40 is a unit that automatically replaces replacement parts by moving a storage rack 43 that stores replacement parts used in the printing device 11 between a standby position and a replacement position. This replacement unit 40 is provided on the left and right sides of the housing of the printing device 11. The replacement unit 40 includes a rack moving unit 41 and a frame moving unit 42. The rack moving unit 41 supports the side of the storage rack 43 and moves it between a standby position inside the housing and a replacement position where the replacement frame faces the passage opening 45. The frame moving unit 42 includes a belt drive device that is inserted into through grooves formed on the left and right sides of the storage section 44 of the storage rack 43 and abuts against the side of the replacement frame to move it.

[0020] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the storage rack 43 is a movable storage and transport device that stores replacement frames 60-62, 161, etc. in a shelf-like manner. The storage rack 43 only stores replacement frames and does not have a power source such as a drive unit for moving the replacement frames or a drive unit for raising and lowering the replacement frames. This storage rack 43 can have a simpler configuration. The storage rack 43 can be moved by the worker W holding the handle, and the automated guided vehicle 14 can also move by entering the central space below.

[0021] The replacement frames 60-62, 161 are frames that support replacement components used in the printing apparatus 11 and are stored in the storage rack 43 to form shelves. The screen mask M, which serves as a replacement component, is fixed to the replacement frame 60 and then to the mask working unit 27 for use in the printing process. Depending on the size of the screen mask M, replacement frames include those that directly fix the screen mask M (replacement frames 60, 62) and those that fix the screen mask M via a holding unit 64 serving as an attachment (replacement frames 61, 161). As shown in FIG. 1 , the replacement frame 60 is a dual-mask fixing frame that performs the printing process by bringing the screen mask M into contact with both the substrate S fixed to the first transport path and the substrate S fixed to the second transport path. As shown in FIG. 1 , the replacement frame 62 is a single-mask fixing frame that performs the printing process by bringing one substrate S and one screen mask M into contact with each other.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 4 , the replacement frame 161 is a single mask that abuts a single substrate S with a screen mask M. The screen mask M is small in size, and uses a holding portion 64, which is a frame body that serves as an attachment. The replacement frame 161 includes a frame body 63, a holding portion 64, a fixing portion 65, and identification information 66. The frame body 63 is a member that supports the screen mask M. The frame body 63 may be a member disposed on the outermost periphery of the replacement frame 61. The holding portion 64 is a frame body that serves as an attachment that fixes the small-sized screen mask M. The holding portion 64 fixes the screen mask M to its center. The fixing portion 65 is a member that fixes the holding portion 64 to the frame body 63 at a predetermined position. In addition to being fixed by the fixing portion 65, the holding portion 64 is supported by a plurality of support members 67 disposed on its outer periphery. The fixing portion 65 is a flat-plate-shaped member. In the replacement frame 161, in consideration of the stability of the screen mask M, the holding portion 64 is fixed to the center of the frame body 63 by a fixing portion 65. The identification information 66 indicates information unique to the replacement frame 161, and is disposed on the surface at the front side in the carry-in direction D when the replacement frame 161 is moved from the storage rack 43 to the mask working section 27.

[0023] As shown in FIG. 5 , the replacement frame 61 is a single mask that abuts a screen mask M against one substrate S. The screen mask M is small in size, and uses a holding portion 64, which is a frame body that serves as an attachment. The replacement frame 61 includes a frame body 63, a holding portion 64, a fixing portion 65, and identification information 66. The frame body 63 is a member that supports the screen mask M. The frame body 63 may be a member disposed on the outermost periphery of the replacement frame 61. The holding portion 64 is a frame body that serves as an attachment that fixes the small-sized screen mask M. The holding portion 64 fixes the screen mask M to its center. The fixing portion 65 is a member that fixes the holding portion 64 to the frame body 63 at a predetermined position. The fixing portion 65 is a flat member formed in a T-shape or an L-shape. In the replacement frame 61, taking into consideration the usability of the screen mask M in the second transport path, the holding portion 64 is fixed by a fixing portion 65 at an eccentric position close to one side of the outer periphery of the frame body 63. In the replacement frame 61, the holding portion 64 is fixed at the eccentric position close to the surface on the leading side in the carry-in direction D when the replacement frame 61 moves from the storage rack 43 to the mask working section 27. In addition to being fixed by the fixing portion 65, the holding portion 64 is supported by a plurality of support members 67 disposed on its outer periphery. The identification information 66 indicates information unique to the replacement frame 61, and is disposed on the surface on the leading side in the carry-in direction D when the replacement frame 61 moves from the storage rack 43 to the mask working section 27.

[0024] Next, an overview of the printing process of the printing device 11 configured as described above will be described. When performing the printing process, the operator W stores the replacement frame in the storage rack 43, moves the storage rack 43 to the replacement unit 40, and has the replacement unit 40 accept the replacement frame. After the replacement unit 40 accepts the storage rack 43, the operator W inputs a command to execute the printing process from the operation panel 39. When the operator W inputs a command to execute the printing process, the printing control unit 21 of the control device 20 starts a printing process routine. The printing control unit 21 replaces the screen mask M as necessary and transports and fixes the substrate S using the substrate processing unit 30. Next, the printing control unit 21 adjusts the position of the screen mask M using the mask work unit 27 to align the pattern holes with the substrate S. Next, the printing control unit 21 ejects solder from the cartridge onto the screen mask M, moves the print head 24, and lowers the squeegee 26 to abut the top surface of the screen mask M, and moves it back and forth to print the solder on the substrate S.

[0025] Next, a replacement process for replacing the screen mask M will be described. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a replacement process routine executed by the print control unit 21. This routine is stored in the storage unit 22 and executed after the printing apparatus 11 is started. When this routine is executed, the print control unit 21 determines whether it is time to replace the screen mask M (S100). Examples of the replacement timing include the end of production of the current substrate S and the start of production of the next substrate S. When it is time to replace the screen mask M, the print control unit 21 reads from the storage unit 22 stored information including the position at which the screen mask M was placed in the previous printing process (S110). Then, based on the position stored in the stored information, the print control unit 21 executes a collection process for the replacement frame to which the screen mask M is fixed (S120). In the collection process, the print control unit 21 abuts the replacement unit 28 against the end of the replacement frame 60 and moves the replacement frame toward the storage rack 43.

[0026] Next, the print control unit 21 reads and acquires the print job information 22a from the storage unit 22 (S130), and determines whether the screen mask M is to be placed by the replacement unit 40 based on the information stored in the print job information 22a (S140). If the screen mask M is not to be placed by the replacement unit 40, the print control unit 21 executes a manual placement process (S150). In the manual placement process, for example, the operator W inserts the replacement frame to which the screen mask M is fixed through the passage opening 45 into the mask work unit 27. In this manual placement process, after the operator W moves the replacement frame into the apparatus, the print control unit 21 controls the replacement unit 28 to move the replacement frame to an appropriate position in the mask work unit 27.

[0027] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a manual placement processing routine executed by the print control unit 21. This routine is stored in the memory unit 22 and executed in S150 of the replacement processing routine. When executing this routine, the print control unit 21 first acquires the identification information 66 attached to the replacement frame carried in through the passage opening 45 by the imaging unit 48 (S300). Next, the print control unit 21 determines whether the placement target is a frame using a dual mask, a single mask, or a holder 64 based on the acquired identification information (S310). If the placement target is a dual-mask replacement frame 60, the print control unit 21 moves the screen mask M to a position based on the print job information 22a (S320) and terminates this routine. On the other hand, if the placement target is a replacement frame 61, 161 using a holder 64, the print control unit 21 moves the screen mask M to a position based on the frame width detection result by the measurement unit 47 (S330) and terminates this routine. On the other hand, if the placement target is a single mask, the print control unit 21 moves the screen mask M to the printing position based on the print job information 22a (S340), and ends this routine.

[0028] When manually positioning a replacement frame, the print control unit 21 cannot read the identification information 66 using the imaging unit 48. Therefore, when the replacement frame is a dual mask or single mask, the print control unit 21 executes the replacement frame positioning process based on the information included in the print job information 22a. Furthermore, for replacement frames using the holding unit 64, it may be unclear where the screen mask M is fixed. Therefore, the print control unit 21 executes a replacement frame frame width detection process using the measurement unit 47 to identify the replacement frame. Figures 8A and 8B are explanatory diagrams for detecting the frame widths L1 and L2 of the replacement frame. FIG. 8A is an explanatory diagram of a replacement frame 161, and FIG. 8B is an explanatory diagram of a replacement frame 61. The print control unit 21 can identify the replacement frame using the replacement frame information by detecting the width L1 of the frame 63 and the width L2 of the holding unit 64 from the measurement results of the measurement unit 47. This allows the print control unit 21 to position the screen mask M at the printing position.

[0029] Returning to the replacement process routine, if the current process is a placement process using the replacement unit 40 in S140, the replacement frame to be placed is determined based on the print job information 22a (S160). If the placement target is a dual-mask replacement frame 60, the print control unit 21 controls the replacement unit 28 to move the screen mask M to the printing position based on the print job information 22a (S170). If the placement target is a replacement frame 161, 61 using a holder 64, the print control unit 21 controls the replacement unit 28 to move the screen mask M to the printing position based on the replacement frame's identification information (S180). For replacement frames 161, 61 with various fixed positions for the holder 64, the print control unit 21 can acquire the replacement frame's identification information 66 using the imaging unit 48 available in the replacement unit 40 and identify the replacement frame. If the placement target is a single-mask replacement frame 62, the print control unit 21 controls the replacement unit 28 to move the screen mask M to the printing position based on the print job information 22a (S190).

[0030] After S170, S180, and S190, the print control unit 21 stores information about the placement position and the placed replacement frame as storage information in the storage unit 22 (S200). The storage information is used when collecting the replacement frame in S120. After S200, or if it is not time to replace the screen mask M in S100, the print control unit 21 determines whether the printing process is complete (S210). If the printing process is not complete, the print control unit 21 executes the processes from S100 onward. On the other hand, if the printing process is completed in S210, this routine ends.

[0031] Here, the use of the exchange frames 60 to 62 and 161 will be described. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram of an example of the exchange process of the exchange frame 62, where FIG. 9A shows the initial position of the exchange frame 62, FIG. 9B shows the exchange frame 62 being sent out, and FIG. 9C shows the exchange frame 62 being moved by the exchange unit 28. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of an example of the exchange process of a small-sized exchange frame 62, where FIG. 10A shows the initial position of the exchange frame 62 and FIG. 10B shows the exchange frame 62 being sent out. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of an example of the exchange process of the exchange frame 161 using the holding unit 64 and the fixing unit 65, where FIG. 11A shows the initial position of the exchange frame 161, FIG. 11B shows the exchange frame 161 being sent out, and FIG. 11C shows the exchange frame 161 being moved by the exchange unit 28. FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram of an example of the exchange process of the exchange frame 161 in a dual lane, where FIG. 12A shows the exchange frame 161 being sent out, and FIG. 12B shows the exchange frame 62 being moved by the exchange unit 28. Fig. 13 is an explanatory diagram of an example of dual-lane replacement processing with a replacement frame 61, with Fig. 13A showing the replacement frame 61 being sent out and Fig. 13B showing the replacement frame 61 being moved by the replacement unit 28. Fig. 14 is an explanatory diagram of an example of dual-lane replacement processing with various replacement frames, with Fig. 14A showing the replacement frame 60 being sent out and Fig. 14B showing the replacement frame 60 being placed at the printing position. Fig. 14C is a diagram of the replacement frame 161 being sent out and Fig. 14D is a diagram of the replacement frame 161 being placed at the printing position on the first transport path. Fig. 14E is a diagram of the replacement frame 61 being sent out and Fig. 14F is a diagram of the replacement frame 61 being placed at the printing position on the second transport path.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 9 , when a single-mask replacement frame 62 is used, in which the screen mask M is of a normal size, the printing control unit 21 can move the replacement frame 62 to the printing position using the frame moving unit 42 and the replacement unit 28. However, when a small-sized screen mask M is fixed to a small-sized frame 63, as shown in FIG. 10 , the frame does not reach the movable range A of the print head 24 and cannot be moved. For this reason, a replacement frame 161 is used for the small-sized screen mask M, which is fixed to the holding unit 64 and fixed at the center for stability. With a single mask, as shown in FIG. 11 , the small-sized screen mask M can be moved to the printing position. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 12 , when attempting to place the replacement frame 161 on the second transport path, even if the replacement frame 161 is moved to the mask stopper 49, the screen mask M may not be able to be moved to the printing position on the substrate S. When a system such as the printing system 10a is configured such that printing is performed by the first unit 31 on the first transport path in the printing device 11a and printing is performed by the second unit 32 on the second transport path in the printing device 11b, it is sometimes desirable to appropriately position the screen mask M on the second unit 32 side. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 13 , by using an exchange frame 61 having a holding portion 64 fixed to the leading end side in the carry-in direction D, the printing device 11 is able to perform printing by the first unit 31 and the second unit 32. In this exchange frame 61, the fixing portion 65 that fixes the holding portion 64 is in a position that prevents printing with respect to the substrate S when using an exchange frame 161 in which the screen mask M is fixed to the center of the frame body 63. However, by fixing the screen mask M at an eccentric position, it can be said that the screen mask M can be fixed in a position where it is to be placed on the substrate S. Alternatively, in the replacement frame 61, the fixing portion 65 that fixes the holding portion 64 is such that, in the replacement frame 161 in which the screen mask M is fixed at the center of the frame body 63, the replacement portion 28 cannot move the screen mask M onto the substrate S, whereas by fixing the screen mask M at an eccentric position, the replacement portion 28 can be fixed at a position where it can move the screen mask M onto the substrate S.

[0033] Here, the correspondence between the components of this embodiment and the components of the present disclosure will be clarified. The replacement frame 61 of this embodiment corresponds to an example of a replacement frame of the present disclosure, the frame body 63 corresponds to an example of a frame body, the fixing unit 65 corresponds to an example of a fixing unit, the substrate processing unit 30 corresponds to an example of a substrate processing unit, the printing unit 23 corresponds to an example of a printing unit, the replacement unit 28 corresponds to an example of a replacement unit, and the printing control unit 21 corresponds to an example of a control unit. Furthermore, the printing system 10a corresponds to an example of a printing system, the printing device 11a corresponds to an example of a first printing device, and the printing device 11b corresponds to an example of a second printing device.

[0034] The replacement frame 61 of the present embodiment described above is used in the printing device 11 in which the screen mask M is positioned at a printing position relative to the substrate S to perform a viscous fluid printing process. The replacement frame 61 includes a frame 63 that supports the screen mask M and a fixing portion 65 that fixes the screen mask M at an eccentric position toward one side of the outer periphery of the frame 63. In this replacement frame 61, the screen mask M is fixed at an eccentric position toward one side of the outer periphery of the frame 63. Because the replacement frame 61 fixes the screen mask M at an eccentric position toward the outer periphery of the frame 63, there is no margin of the screen mask M, allowing the screen mask M to be more reliably positioned on the substrate S. Thus, the replacement frame 61 allows the printing process to be more reliably performed in the printing device 11 in which the screen mask M is replaced. Furthermore, when the screen mask M is fixed at the center of the frame 63, the fixing portion 65 fixes the screen mask M at a position where printing is not possible with respect to the substrate S. However, when the screen mask M is fixed at the eccentric position, the fixing portion 65 fixes the screen mask M at a position where the screen mask M can be positioned on the substrate S. With this replacement frame 61, the printing process can be more reliably performed compared to when the screen mask M is fixed at the center. Furthermore, the printing device 11 is equipped with an exchange unit 28 that moves an exchange frame 61, to which the screen mask M is fixed, between a printing position in a movable range A within the movement range and a passage opening 45 that serves as an inlet / outlet section, and the fixing unit 65 fixes the screen mask M to a position where the exchange unit 28 cannot move the screen mask M onto the substrate S when the screen mask M is fixed at the center of the frame body 63, but where the screen mask M is fixed at an eccentric position, the exchange unit 28 can move the screen mask M onto the substrate S. With this exchange frame 61, the printing process can be executed more reliably than when the screen mask M is fixed at the center.

[0035] The printing apparatus 11 also includes a substrate processing unit 30 including at least a first unit 31 serving as a first substrate processing unit, disposed on the side of a passage opening 45, which is the loading / unloading portion for the screen mask M, and transporting and fixing the substrate S; and a second unit 32 serving as a second substrate processing unit, disposed behind the loading / unloading portion and transporting and fixing the substrate S; a printing unit 23 that positions the screen mask M at a printing position for the substrate S and performs a viscous fluid printing process; an exchange unit 28 that moves an exchange frame 61 to which the screen mask M is fixed between the printing position and the loading / unloading portion; and a printing control unit 21 that controls the exchange unit 28 to move the exchange frame 61 toward the second unit 32 serving as the second substrate processing unit. In this printing apparatus 11, even in the second unit 32, where fixing the screen mask M at a center may prevent the screen mask M from being placed on the substrate S, the screen mask M can be placed on the substrate S by using the exchange frame 61 fixed at an eccentric position. This allows the printing apparatus 11 to more reliably perform the printing process. Furthermore, the print control unit 21 moves the replacement frame 61 to the second unit 32 based on one or more of the replacement frame's identification information, the frame body 63's measurement information, and information included in the print job information 22a for executing the printing process. This printing device 11 can identify a replacement frame using identification information, measurement information, print job information, etc., and by arranging the replacement frame according to the identified information, the printing process can be executed more reliably. Furthermore, the print control unit 21 recognizes the replacement frame based on the storage information stored in the storage unit 22 when the replacement frame is brought in, and controls the replacement unit 28 to remove the replacement frame from the device. This printing device 11 can identify a replacement frame using the information stored in the storage unit 22, and by removing the replacement frame according to the identified information, the printing process can be executed more reliably.

[0036] The printing system 10a also includes a plurality of printing devices 11, and includes a substrate processing section 30 including a first unit 31 as a first substrate processing section disposed on the carry-in / out side of the screen mask M and transporting and fixing the substrate S, and a second unit 32 as a second substrate processing section disposed on the back side of the carry-in / out side and transporting and fixing the substrate S; a first printing device 11a including a printing section 23 that places the screen mask M at a printing position relative to the substrate S and performs a printing process with a viscous fluid; and a first unit 31 as a first substrate processing section disposed on the carry-in / out side of the screen mask M and transporting and fixing the substrate S. The printing system 10a includes a substrate processing unit 30 including a first unit 31 and a second unit 32 disposed behind the loading / unloading unit for transporting and fixing the substrate S, and a second printing apparatus 11b including a printing unit 23 for positioning a screen mask M at a printing position on the substrate S and performing a viscous fluid printing process. The first unit 31 of the first printing apparatus 11a is provided with an exchange frame 161 as a central fixing frame including a frame 63 for supporting the screen mask M and a fixing portion 65 for fixing the screen mask M at a central position of the frame 63, and the second unit 32 is provided with an exchange frame 61. In this printing system 10a, even in the second printing apparatus 11B, where fixing the screen mask M at a central position would make it impossible to place the screen mask on the substrate, the screen mask can be placed on the substrate by using an exchange frame fixed at an eccentric position. This printing system allows printing to be more reliably performed on the substrate transport path of the first substrate processing unit and on the substrate transport path of the second substrate processing unit.

[0037] It goes without saying that the replacement frame, printing device, printing system, and printing device control method of the present disclosure are in no way limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be implemented in various forms as long as they fall within the technical scope of the present disclosure.

[0038] For example, in the above-described embodiment, the replacement frame 61 is moved to the second unit 32 side and fixed therein, but this is not particularly limited to this, and there is no problem even if the replacement frame 61 is used on the first unit 31 side.

[0039] In the above-described embodiment, the replacement frame 61 uses a holding portion 64, but this is not particularly limited, and the holding portion 64 may be omitted as long as the screen mask M is fixed to an eccentric position.

[0040] In the above-described embodiment, the printing control unit 21 uses the identification information 66 of the replacement frame and the print job information 22a when placing the replacement frame 61 in the second unit 32, but this is not limited to this and may also be based on the identification information of the screen mask M, the identification information of the frame body 63, measurement information of the frame body 63, etc.

[0041] In the above-described embodiment, the print control unit 21 arranges the screen mask M and collects the replacement frame based on the print job information 22a, the identification information 66, and the storage information stored in the storage unit 22. However, this is not a limitation. For example, the print control unit 21 may execute each process based on a command from the management PC 19.

[0042] In the embodiment described above, the printing device 11 is equipped with the replacement unit 40 and the storage rack 43, but this is not particularly limited, and the printing device 11 may not be equipped with the replacement unit 40 or the storage rack 43. In this case, the worker W simply inserts the replacement frame 61 into the mask work section 27 through the passage opening 45 and removes the replacement frame 61 from inside the device. While this printing device 11 is not fully automated, it can reduce the workload of the worker W compared to a system in which the replacement frame 61 is manually placed in the printing position of the mask work section 27.

[0043] In the above-described embodiment, the present disclosure has been described in the form of a printing device 11 and a replacement frame 61, but is not limited to this. For example, the present disclosure may be a printing system 10a, a control method for a printing device, or a program thereof.

[0044] The present disclosure may be configured as follows: For example, a control method for a printing device according to the present disclosure is a control method for a printing device including a substrate processing section including at least a first substrate processing section disposed on the carry-in / out side of a screen mask and transporting and fixing a substrate, and a second substrate processing section disposed on the back side of the carry-in / out side and transporting and fixing a substrate, a printing section that positions the screen mask at a printing position for printing a viscous fluid on the substrate, and an exchange section that moves an exchange frame having a screen mask fixed thereto between the printing position and the carry-in / out part, the control method including the step of controlling the exchange section to move the exchange frame according to any one of claims 1 to 3 to the second substrate processing section.

[0045] In this control method for a printing apparatus, even in the second substrate processing unit where the screen mask cannot be placed on the substrate if it is fixed in the center, as in the above-described printing apparatus, the replacement frame that is fixed in an eccentric position allows the screen mask to be placed on the substrate. Therefore, this control method for a printing apparatus can more reliably execute the printing process. Note that this control method for a printing apparatus may include various aspects of the replacement frame and printing apparatus described above, and various steps executed by the above-described printing apparatus may be added.

[0046] This specification also discloses the technical idea behind changing "the replacement frame described in claim 1" to "the replacement frame described in claim 1 or 2" in claim 3 as originally filed, and the technical idea behind changing "the printing device described in claim 4" to "the printing device described in claim 4 or 5" in claim 6 as originally filed.

[0047] The present disclosure is applicable to the technical field related to an apparatus for mounting components.

[0048] 10 Mounting system, 10a Printing system, 11, 11a, 11b Printing device, 12 Printing inspection device, 13 Storage device, 14 Automatic guided vehicle, 15 Mounting device, 16 Mounting inspection device, 17 X-axis rail, 18 Loader, 19 Management PC, 20 Control device, 21 Printing control unit, 22 Memory unit 22a Print job information, 22b Replacement condition information, 23 Printing unit, 24 Print head, 25 Printing movement unit, 26 Squeegee, 27 Mask work unit, 28 Replacement unit, 29 Mask fixing unit, 30 Substrate processing unit, 31 First unit, 32 Second unit, 33 Substrate transport unit, 34 Lifting unit, 35 Substrate transport unit, 36 Lifting unit, 37 Cleaning unit, 38 Fluid supply unit, 39 Operation panel, 40 Replacement unit, 41 Rack movement unit, 42 Frame movement unit, 43 Storage rack, 44 Storage section, 45 Passage opening, 47 Measuring section, 48 Imaging section, 49 Mask stopper, 50 Support block, 60, 61, 62, 161 Replacement frame, 63 Frame body, 64 Holding section, 65 Fixing section, 66 Identification information, 67 Support member, A Movable range, D Carrying-in direction, M Screen mask, S Board, P Part, W Worker.

Claims

1. An exchange frame used in a printing apparatus for performing a printing process of a viscous fluid by disposing a screen mask at a printing position with respect to a substrate, the exchange frame comprising: a frame body for supporting the screen mask; and a fixing portion for fixing the screen mask at an eccentric position shifted toward one side on the outer periphery of the frame body.

2. The fixing portion is a position where printing cannot be performed on the substrate when the screen mask is fixed at the center of the frame body, while the fixing portion fixes the screen mask at a position where the screen mask is disposed on the substrate when the screen mask is fixed at the eccentric position. The exchange frame according to claim 1.

3. The printing apparatus includes an exchange unit that moves an exchange frame having a screen mask fixed thereto between the printing position within a moving range and a loading / unloading unit. The fixing portion is a position where the exchange unit cannot move the screen mask onto the substrate when the screen mask is fixed at the center of the frame body, while the fixing portion fixes the screen mask at a position where the exchange unit can move the screen mask onto the substrate when the screen mask is fixed at the eccentric position. The exchange frame according to claim 1.

4. A substrate processing unit including at least a first substrate processing unit disposed on the loading / unloading unit side of the screen mask for transporting and fixing a substrate and a second substrate processing unit disposed deeper than the loading / unloading unit side for transporting and fixing a substrate; a printing unit for performing a printing process of a viscous fluid by disposing a screen mask at a printing position with respect to the substrate; an exchange unit for moving an exchange frame having a screen mask fixed thereto between the printing position and the loading / unloading unit; and a control unit for controlling the exchange unit to move the exchange frame according to any one of claims 1 to 3 to the second substrate processing unit. A printing apparatus comprising the above components.

5. The control unit moves the exchange frame to the second substrate processing unit based on one or more of the identification information of the exchange frame, the identification information of the screen mask, the measurement information of the frame body, and the printing job information for executing a printing process. The printing apparatus according to claim 4.

6. The control unit recognizes the exchange frame based on the information stored in the storage unit when the exchange frame is loaded, and controls the exchange unit to carry out the exchange frame out of the apparatus. The printing apparatus according to claim 4.

7. A printing system including a plurality of printing apparatuses, the system comprising: a substrate processing unit including a first substrate processing unit disposed on the carry-in / carry-out unit side of a screen mask for conveying and fixing a substrate and a second substrate processing unit disposed deeper than the carry-in / carry-out unit side for conveying and fixing a substrate; a printing unit for performing a printing process of a viscous fluid by disposing the screen mask at a printing position with respect to the substrate; a first printing apparatus including these components; a substrate processing unit including a first substrate processing unit disposed on the carry-in / carry-out unit side of a screen mask for conveying and fixing a substrate and a second substrate processing unit disposed deeper than the carry-in / carry-out unit side for conveying and fixing a substrate; a printing unit for performing a printing process of a viscous fluid by disposing the screen mask at a printing position with respect to the substrate; a second printing apparatus including these components; wherein a central fixing frame including a frame body for supporting the screen mask and a fixing unit for fixing the screen mask at a central position of the frame body is disposed in the first substrate processing unit of the first printing apparatus; and an exchange frame according to any one of claims 1 to 3 is disposed in the second substrate processing unit of the second printing apparatus. A printing system.

8. A control method for a printing apparatus, the apparatus comprising at least: a substrate processing unit including a first substrate processing unit disposed on the carry-in / carry-out unit side of a screen mask for conveying and fixing a substrate and a second substrate processing unit disposed deeper than the carry-in / carry-out unit side for conveying and fixing a substrate; a printing unit for performing a printing process of a viscous fluid by disposing the screen mask at a printing position with respect to the substrate; and an exchange unit for moving an exchange frame having the screen mask fixed therebetween between the printing position and the carry-in / carry-out unit, the control method including: controlling the exchange unit to move the exchange frame according to any one of claims 1 to 3 to the second substrate processing unit. A control method for a printing apparatus.

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