Work line apparatus

Abstract

This work line apparatus comprises: a first work device including a first element and a second element that carry out predetermined operations on a workpiece; a second work device including a third element and a fourth element that carry out predetermined operations on the workpiece having passed through the first work device; a first controller that controls the first element and the third element; and a second controller that controls the second element and the fourth element. If an error is detected in the third element, the first controller issues a first instruction to the second controller to actuate the fourth element so that an operation for restoring the third element is enabled.

Description

Work Line Equipment

[0001] The present invention relates to a work line apparatus including a first work device and a second work device connected in tandem.

[0002] A work line in which multiple work devices are connected in tandem is used in the production of various products. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a work line in which work devices such as a screen printing device, an adhesive application device, and a component mounting device are connected in tandem as a production line for circuit boards on which electronic components are mounted. The production line in Patent Document 1 has two board transport lanes, one of which is used simply as a pass-through lane for transporting boards.

[0003] In a work line such as the one described above, the controller of a first work apparatus located upstream of the line may be responsible for controlling some of the work elements included in a second work apparatus located downstream. For example, in a work line in which a first work apparatus performs a predetermined operation and transports the workpiece to a pass-through conveyor of a second work apparatus, the controller of the first work apparatus may control the operation of the pass-through conveyor. In this case, if a transport error occurs on the pass-through conveyor, it may be necessary to stop the entire second work apparatus for error recovery work, even though other work elements included in the second work apparatus are healthy and capable of performing production operations. Furthermore, the fact that the controller of the second work apparatus does not have the authority to control the pass-through conveyor may also hinder the recovery work.

[0004] Patent No. 6272346

[0005] An object of the present invention is to enable recovery work to be carried out in a timely manner when an error occurs, without reducing productivity of the work line as much as possible, in a work line device including a first work device and a second work device connected in tandem.

[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a work line apparatus including a first work device including a first element and a second element that perform a predetermined operation on a workpiece, a second work device including a third element and a fourth element that perform a predetermined operation on a workpiece that has passed through the first work device, a first controller that controls the first element and the third element, and a second controller that controls the second element and the fourth element. When an error is detected in the third element, the first controller issues a first instruction to the second controller to operate the fourth element so as to enable recovery work on the third element.

[0007] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a print line device according to an embodiment of the production line device of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a simplified plan view illustrating the internal configuration of the print line device. FIG. 3 is a simplified cross-sectional view taken along line III-III in FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is a plan view of the print line device, illustrating the control ranges of the first and second controllers. FIG. 5 is a tabular diagram illustrating the relationship between the open / closed states of the covers provided in the print line device and the stoppage of the control ranges of the first and second controllers. FIGS. 6A to 6D are diagrams illustrating the procedure for placing the printing device in a standby state in which the operator can access the pass-through conveyor. FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating the control configuration of the print line device. FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the print line device for handling transport errors of the pass-through conveyor. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment using an offline server. FIG. 10A is a diagram illustrating an example of a display on a display unit, and FIG. 10B is a diagram illustrating an example of a display on a mobile device. FIGS. 11A and 11B are time charts illustrating an example of control of the first and second controllers. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment in which the timing for transitioning to the standby state is set by a mobile device. Fig. 13 is a diagram showing an embodiment in which the time it takes for an operator to reach a printing line device is taken into consideration, and Fig. 14 is a diagram showing an embodiment in which a warning is displayed to other operators.

[0008] An embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. A work line apparatus according to the present invention includes a first work device and a second work device connected in tandem. The first work device includes a first element and a second element that perform a predetermined operation on a workpiece. The second work device includes a third element and a fourth element that perform a predetermined operation on the workpiece that has passed through the first work device. As long as the present invention has such a configuration, the present invention can be applied to various work line apparatuses, and there are no limitations on the type of workpiece. Furthermore, there are no limitations on the operations performed by the first to fourth elements, and these operations include mechanical processing, heating, welding, component mounting, printing, coating, and even simple workpiece transportation. In the following embodiment, a printing line apparatus will be described as an example, in which the workpiece is a circuit board on which electronic components are mounted, and the first and second work devices are printing devices that screen-print solder on the circuit board.

[0009] [Configuration of Printing Line Apparatus] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a printing line apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the work line apparatus of the present invention. The printing line apparatus 1 includes a first printing apparatus 11 as a first work apparatus, a second printing apparatus 12 as a second work apparatus, and a traverse conveyor unit 13. The first printing apparatus 11 and the second printing apparatus 12 are screen printing apparatuses that cover a substrate PB introduced into the printing line apparatus 1 with a mask having a printing opening and screen-print solder paste on the substrate PB. The first printing apparatus 11 is located upstream in the substrate transport direction F, and the substrate PB that has passed through the first printing apparatus 11 is introduced into the second printing apparatus 12 on the downstream side. The traverse conveyor unit 13 transports the substrate PB that has passed through the second printing apparatus 12 toward a further downstream device, such as a component mounting device. Note that the printing line apparatus 1 may also omit the traverse conveyor unit 13.

[0010] The first printing device 11 has an exterior structure including a first housing 111, a first cover 112, and a second cover 113. The first housing 111 houses various working sections of the first printing device 11. The first cover 112 and the second cover 113 are arranged as a pair at the upper corners of the first housing 111 in the front-to-rear direction perpendicular to the substrate transport direction F and are attached to the first housing 111 so as to be freely opened and closed. As shown in FIG. 1 , opening the first cover 112 exposes the working sections of the first printing device 11. The same applies to the second cover 113. The first cover 112 and the second cover 113 are closed during operation of the printing line apparatus 1 but can be opened in the event of an operational error or the like. The second printing device 12 also includes a similar second housing 121 and a third and fourth covers 122 and 123. By opening the third cover 122 or the fourth cover 123, the working section of the second printing device 12 can be exposed.

[0011] The traverse conveyor unit 13 includes a traverse CV housing 131, a first traverse CV cover 132, and a second traverse CV cover 133. The traverse CV housing 131 is a housing that houses the conveyor device provided in the traverse conveyor unit 13. The first traverse CV cover 132 and the second traverse CV cover 133 are attached to the traverse CV housing 131 so as to be able to open and close freely. As noted in Fig. 1 , the conveying space inside the traverse conveyor unit 13 can be exposed by opening the traverse CV covers 132 and 133.

[0012] Fig. 2 is a plan view showing a simplified internal configuration of the printing line apparatus 1, and Fig. 3 is a simplified cross-sectional view taken along line III-III in Fig. 2. The printing line apparatus 1 is a dual-lane apparatus capable of independently printing two substrates PB in parallel, and includes a first lane R1 and a second lane R2 arranged in parallel. Screen printing is performed on each of the substrates PB transported along the first lane R1 and the second lane R2. A first printing device 11 performs screen printing on the substrate PB transported along the first lane R1. A second printing device 12 performs screen printing on the substrate PB transported along the second lane R2.

[0013] The first printing device 11 includes a first printing table 21 (first element) as a first working unit, a first path CV 22 (second element), and an entrance conveyor 23. Note that "path CV" is an abbreviation for pass-through conveyor. The first printing table 21 has a first printing transport path 21R (first transport path) for transporting the substrate PB. The first printing transport path 21R is composed of a pair of conveyor units arranged in parallel. This also applies to the other transport paths described below. The first path CV 22 has a first path transport path 22R (second transport path), and the entrance conveyor 23 has an entrance transport path 23R for transporting the substrate PB. In addition to the above, the first printing device 11 also includes a mask 31 and a camera unit 32, as shown in FIG. 3. The first cover 112 shown in FIG. 1 is a cover that is opened when accessing the first printing table 21. The second cover 113 is a cover that is opened when accessing the first path CV 22.

[0014] The second printing device 12 includes a second printing table 24 (fourth element) as a second working unit, a second path CV 25 (third element), and an exit conveyor 26. The second printing table 24 has a second printing transport path 24R (fourth transport path) for transporting the substrate PB. The second path CV 25 has a second path transport path 25R (third transport path), and the exit conveyor 26 has an exit transport path 26R, both for transporting the substrate PB. In addition to the above, the second printing device 12 also includes a mask 31 and a camera unit 32, similar to the first printing device 11. The third cover 122 shown in FIG. 1 is a cover that is opened when accessing the second path CV 25. The fourth cover 123 is a cover that is opened when accessing the second printing device 12.

[0015] The traverse conveyor unit 13 includes a first traverse CV 27 and a second traverse CV 28. The first traverse CV 27 has a first traverse transport path 27R, and the second traverse CV 28 has a second traverse transport path 28R, each for transporting the substrate PB. The first traverse CV 27 and the second traverse CV 28 have transport spaces that are independent of each other. By opening the first traverse CV cover 132, only the first traverse CV 27 can be accessed. By opening the second traverse CV cover 133, only the second traverse CV 28 can be accessed.

[0016] The first lane R1 is composed of, in order from upstream in the substrate transport direction F, an entrance conveyor 23, a first printing table 21, a second path CV 25, and a first traverse CV 27 arranged in series. The substrate transport path in the first lane R1 is composed of, in order from upstream in the substrate transport direction F, an entrance transport path 23R, a first printing transport path 21R, a second path transport path 25R, and a first traverse transport path 27R. The second lane R2 is composed of, in order from upstream in the substrate transport direction F, a first path CV 22, a second printing table 24, an exit conveyor 26, and a second traverse CV 28 arranged in series. The substrate transport path in the second lane R2 is composed of, in order from upstream in the substrate transport direction F, a first path transport path 22R, a second printing transport path 24R, an exit transport path 26R, and a second traverse transport path 28R.

[0017] The first printing table 21 and the second printing table 24 are printing stages for performing screen printing on the substrate PB. The first printing table 21 and the second printing table 24 support the substrate PB and perform plate alignment by overlapping the underside of the substrate PB with the mask 31. The first printing table 21 and the second printing table 24 horizontally support the substrate PB that has been carried into the machine, and are capable of displacing it in the X-axis direction, Y-axis direction, Z-axis direction, and R direction (around the Z axis).

[0018] The mask 31 is positioned above the substrate PB introduced onto the first printing table 21 (or the second printing table 24). The mask 31 is a plate-like member made of, for example, stainless steel, in which a mask opening, which is an opening for printing, is formed. The mask 31 is aligned with the substrate PB introduced onto the first printing table 21, and solder paste is applied to the substrate PB through the mask opening. A squeegee unit (not shown) that performs the application operation is disposed above the mask 31. The camera unit 32 takes images of the substrate PB on the first printing table 21 and the mask 31, etc. Based on the images acquired by the camera unit 32, the positions of the substrate PB and the mask 31 are recognized and any dirt on the mask 31 is determined.

[0019] The first path CV22 and the second path CV25 are conveyor units that transport the substrate PB through. Through transport means that the substrate PB is simply transported in the substrate transport direction F at a predetermined timing without any special processing being performed on the substrate PB. The first path CV22 transports the unprinted substrate PB through the interior of the first printing device 11 and introduces it to the second printing table 24. The second path CV25 transports the substrate PB that has completed screen printing on the first printing table 21 through the interior of the second printing device 12 and sends it out to the first traverse CV27.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 2 , the second path CV 25 includes a path CV housing 251 and a path CV cover 252 as housing structures covering the second path transport path 25R. The path CV housing 251 is a rectangular parallelepiped housing that houses the second path transport path 25R, which is composed of a pair of conveyor units. The substrate PB transported along the second path transport path 25R passes through the internal space of the path CV housing 251. The path CV cover 252 covers the top opening of the path CV housing 251 and is detachable from the path CV housing 251. Removing the path CV cover 252 exposes the second path transport path 25R within the path CV housing 251. For example, if a substrate PB transport error occurs in the second path CV 25, the operator opens the third cover 122 and then removes the path CV cover 252 to perform recovery work. The same applies to the first path CV 22.

[0021] The entrance conveyor 23 is a conveyor that carries the unprinted board PB into the first printing device 11 in the first lane R1. The board PB carried in by the entrance conveyor 23 is introduced into the first printing table 21. The exit conveyor 26 is a conveyor that carries the printed board PB out of the second printing device 12 in the second lane R2. The board PB carried out by the exit conveyor 26 is introduced into the traverse conveyor unit 13.

[0022] The first traverse CV 27 and the second traverse CV 28 are conveyors that are capable of sliding movement in a direction perpendicular to the board transport direction F. The dual lane spacing, which is the spacing between the first lane R1 and the second lane R2 in the printing line device 1, may differ from the dual lane spacing in a working device downstream of the printing line device 1, such as a component mounting device. When the dual lane spacing differs, the traverse CVs 27 and 28 receive the board PB from the second path CV 25 or the second printing device 12, and then slide to send the board PB to the lane of the downstream working device.

[0023] [Control Range of Controllers] As shown in Fig. 4, the printing line apparatus 1 includes a first controller 4 and a second controller 5 as control devices. The first controller 4 and the second controller 5 are communicatively connected by a harness HA. Fig. 4 shows a first control range 4S controlled by the first controller 4 and a second control range 5S controlled by the second controller 5. The first control range 4S and the second control range 5S span the first printing apparatus 11 and the second printing apparatus 12, respectively.

[0024] The first controller 4, as a default setting, controls the operations of the entrance conveyor 23, first printing table 21 (first element), second path CV 25 (third element), and first traverse CV 27. The second controller 5, as a default setting, controls the operations of the first path CV 22 (second element), second printing table 24 (fourth element), exit conveyor 26, and second traverse CV 28. In other words, the first controller 4 controls the printing operation on the board PB transported on the first lane R1, and the second controller 5 controls the printing operation on the board PB transported on the second lane R2.

[0025] As will be described in detail below, when a transport error of the substrate PB is detected in the second path CV 25, an instruction signal (first instruction) to move at least the second printing table 24 is sent directly from the first controller 4 to the second controller 5 through the harness HA so as to enable recovery work for the second path CV 25. Furthermore, when a transport error of the substrate PB is detected in the first path CV 22, an instruction signal (second instruction) to move at least the first printing table 21 is sent directly from the second controller 5 to the first controller 4 through the harness HA so as to enable recovery work for the first path CV 22.

[0026] 5 is a table showing the relationship between the open / closed state of the cover of the printing line apparatus 1 and the stoppage of the control range of the first controller 4 and the second controller 5. When the cover of the printing line apparatus 1 is opened, the operation is stopped to prevent the operator from accessing the working unit in operation.

[0027] As shown in the top row of the table in FIG. 5 , when the first cover 112 for access to the first printing device 11 is opened, operation of the first control range 4S of the first controller 4 is stopped. That is, operation of the entrance conveyor 23 of the first lane R1, the first printing table 21, the second path CV 25, and the first traverse CV 27 is stopped. This is because opening the first cover 112 would allow an operator to access the first printing table 21. On the other hand, the first path CV 22 under the control of the second controller 5 in the first printing device 11 is not stopped. That is, operation of the second lane R2 controlled by the second controller 5 is not stopped, and screen printing on the substrate PB continues. This is because the first path CV 22 is covered by the path CV housing 251, so there is no risk of an operator accessing the substrate PB passing through the first path CV 22. The same applies when the first traverse CV cover 132 corresponding to the first traverse CV 27 is opened.

[0028] 5, when the fourth cover 123 for access to the second printing apparatus 12 is opened, operation of the second control range 5S of the second controller 5 is stopped. On the other hand, the second path CV 25 under the control of the first controller 4 in the second printing apparatus 12 is not stopped. In other words, operation of the first lane R1 controlled by the first controller 4 is not stopped, and screen printing on the substrate PB continues. The same is true when the second traverse CV cover 133 corresponding to the second traverse CV 28 is opened.

[0029] In contrast to the above, as shown in rows 5 to 7 of the table in Figure 5, when at least one of the path CV covers 252 of the first path CV 22 or the second path CV 25 is opened, operation in both the first control range 4S of the first controller 4 and the second control range 5S of the second controller 5 is stopped. Note that opening the path CV cover 252 of the first path CV 22 or the second path CV 25 requires opening the second cover 113 or the third cover 122. Opening the covers 113 and 122 enables access to the printing tables 21 and 24, and opening the path CV cover 252 enables access to the substrate PB passing through the first path CV 22 or the second path CV 25. Therefore, it is necessary to stop operation in both the first control range 4S and the second control range 5S. 5, there may be a case where the covers 112, 123 of the printing devices 11, 12 are closed, but the path CV cover 252 is left open due to forgetting to close it, etc. In this case, the operation of both the first control range 4S and the second control range 5S is stopped.

[0030] 6A to 6D are diagrams showing the operation when a transport error occurs in the first path CV 22 of the first printing apparatus 11 for the substrate PB. In other words, they are diagrams showing the procedure for making the first path CV 22 accessible to the operator OP (hereinafter referred to as "standby state"). Although explanation will be omitted, the same applies to the second path CV 25 of the second printing apparatus 12.

[0031] 6(A) shows the state also shown in FIG. 3 , in which the first printing table 21, mask 31, and camera unit 32 provided in the first printing device 11 are each positioned at the printing position. The printing position is the position of each device when screen printing is performed in the first printing device 11. In this printing position, the first printing device 11 performs screen printing on the substrate PB. In the printing position, the camera unit 32 is positioned above the first pass CV 22. Therefore, in the printing position, the operator OP cannot access the first pass CV 22. To enter the standby state, the following operation is performed in the first printing device 11.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 6(B), the printing cycle for the substrate PB is stopped and then the first printing table 21 is lowered, ensuring space between the first printing table 21 and the mask 31. Note that if the first printing table 21 is performing screen printing on the substrate PB, the first printing table 21 is lowered after the printing operation on the substrate PB is completed. Next, as shown in FIG. 6(C), the camera unit 32 is moved to between the first printing table 21 and the mask 31. This ensures that no obstacles are present above the first pass CV 22. By executing the error drive mode sequence described above, which includes stopping the printing cycle, lowering the first printing table 21, and moving the camera unit 32, a standby state is created in which access to the first pass CV 22 is possible.

[0033] As shown in Figure 6 (D), in the standby state, the operator OP opens the second cover 113 and accesses the first path CV 22. The operator OP then opens the path CV cover 252 and performs the necessary work to recover from the transport error. For example, the operator OP may remove the substrate PB that has become jammed in the first path CV 22. After the recovery work, the operator OP closes the path CV cover 252 and then closes the second cover 113. Thereafter, production of the substrate PB is resumed.

[0034] If the above operations, particularly the error drive mode operations, are manually performed by an operator OP, the work becomes cumbersome. In the case of an inexperienced operator OP, manual operation may result in defective products or prolonged downtime of the printing line apparatus 1. Therefore, it is desirable to provide an operation button, such as a mechanical push button or a software button displayed on a monitor, on the first printing device 11 and the second printing device 12 that executes the above error drive mode operations with a single push. This embodiment goes a step further, and automatically establishes a state in which the operation button is operated, i.e., a standby state, through communication between the first controller 4 and the second controller 5. This embodiment will be described below.

[0035] [Control Configuration of Printing Line Apparatus] Figure 7 is a block diagram showing the control configuration of the printing line apparatus 1 according to this embodiment. In addition to the components described above, the printing line apparatus 1 includes a first printing unit 331, a second printing unit 332, a display unit 34, a cover sensor 35, operation buttons 36, and a portable terminal 6. The first printing unit 331 is a part that executes printing operations in the first printing apparatus 11, and includes the first printing table 21 and mask 31 of the first printing apparatus 11, as well as a squeegee unit and a solder supply device. Similarly, the second printing unit 332 includes the second printing table 24, mask 31, squeegee unit, and solder supply device of the second printing apparatus 12.

[0036] The display unit 34 is made up of a monitor device and displays various information related to the first printing device 11 or the second printing device 12. Display modes on the display unit 34 will be exemplified in the embodiment described below. The cover sensor 35 detects the opening and closing of the first cover 112, the second cover 113, the third cover 122, the fourth cover 123, the first traverse CV cover 132, the second traverse CV cover 133, and the path CV cover 252. In practice, a sensor is attached to each of these covers. An opening / closing detection signal from the cover sensor 35 is input to the first controller 4 and the second controller 5.

[0037] The operation button 36 is a button for putting the first printing device 11 or the second printing device 12 into a standby state. When the operator OP presses the operation button 36, the first printing device 11 or the second printing device 12 executes the operation of the error drive mode previously shown in Figures 6(A) to 6(C). In this embodiment, even if the operation button 36 is not pressed, the first printing device 11 or the second printing device 12 can be caused to execute the operation of the error drive mode described above by mutual instructions between the first controller 4 and the second controller 5.

[0038] The portable terminal 6 is a smartphone or tablet terminal carried by the operator OP. The portable terminal 6 can communicate directly with the first controller 4 and the second controller 5, or can communicate via an offline server device or the like. The portable terminal 6 has a display unit that can display and select and input predetermined information.

[0039] The first controller 4 controls the screen printing operation on the substrate PB in the first lane R1 by controlling the operations of the first printing unit 331 including the first printing table 21, the entrance conveyor 23, the second path CV 25, the first traverse CV 27, and the camera unit 32. The second controller 5 controls the screen printing operation on the substrate PB in the second lane R2 by controlling the operations of the second printing unit 332 including the second printing table 24, the first path CV 22, the exit conveyor 26, the second traverse CV 28, and the camera unit 32.

[0040] As described above, the first controller 4 and the second controller 5 are connected by a harness HA and can communicate with each other. An instruction signal is exchanged between the first controller 4 and the second controller 5 to place a printing device in which a transport error has occurred into a standby state. For example, suppose a transport error is detected in the second path transport path 25R (third transport path) of the second path CV 25. In this case, the first controller 4 issues a first instruction to the second controller 5 to operate the second printing table 24 (second working unit) so that recovery work for the second path transport path 25R can be performed. Upon receiving the first instruction, the second controller 5 executes an error drive mode, including lowering the second printing table 24, and places the second printing device 12 into a standby state.

[0041] Meanwhile, suppose a transport error is detected in the first path transport path 22R (second transport path) of the first path CV 22. In this case, the second controller 5 issues a second instruction to the first controller 4 to operate the first printing table 21 (first working unit) so that recovery work for the first path transport path 22R can be performed. Upon receiving the second instruction, the first controller 4 executes the error drive mode, which includes lowering the first printing table 21, and places the first printing device 11 in a standby state.

[0042] The first controller 4 and the second controller 5 are composed of a processor or the like that operates by a program, and functionally include a transport control unit 41, a printing control unit 42, an imaging control unit 43, a unit drive control unit 44, a display control unit 45, and an error processing control unit 46.

[0043] The transport control unit 41 controls the board transport operation, including transport and temporary stopping of the board PB. The transport control unit 41 of the first controller 4 controls the conveyor drive motors arranged on each of the board transport paths of the first lane R1. Specifically, the conveyor drive motors are arranged on the entrance transport path 23R of the entrance conveyor 23, the first printing transport path 21R of the first printing table 21, the second path transport path 25R of the second path CV 25, and the first traverse transport path 27R of the first traverse CV 27. The transport control unit 41 of the second controller 5 controls the conveyor drive motors arranged on each of the board transport paths of the second lane R2. Specifically, the conveyor drive motors are arranged on the first path transport path 22R of the first path CV 22, the second printing transport path 24R of the second printing table 24, the exit transport path 26R of the exit conveyor 26, and the two-traverse transport path 28R of the second traverse CV 28.

[0044] The printing control unit 42 controls each unit of the first printing unit 331 or the second printing unit 332. The printing control unit 42 of the first controller 4 controls a series of screen printing operations by the first printing unit 331, such as plate alignment between the first printing table 21 to which the substrate PB has been introduced and the mask 31, printing of solder paste by a squeegee unit (not shown), and plate separation between the mask 31 and the substrate PB after printing. Similarly, the printing control unit 42 of the second printing unit 332 controls a series of screen printing operations by the second printing unit 332, including plate alignment between the second printing table 24 and the mask 31.

[0045] The imaging control unit 43 controls the imaging operation of the camera unit 32. The imaging control unit 43 sets the exposure time, shutter speed, etc. of the camera unit 32, and causes the camera unit 32 to capture an image of the substrate PB on the printing tables 21, 24 or the back surface of the mask 31 at a predetermined timing.

[0046] The unit drive control unit 44 controls the drive axes that move the printing tables 21, 24, mask 31, and camera unit 32 in the XY directions and also raise and lower them. When a transport error occurs and the first instruction is given from the first controller 4 to the second controller 5, the unit drive control unit 44 of the second controller 5 executes the error drive mode described above. That is, the unit drive control unit 44 executes the lowering of the second printing table 24 and the retraction of the camera unit 32 from above the second pass CV 25. Furthermore, when the second instruction is given from the second controller 5 to the first controller 4, the unit drive control unit 44 of the first controller 4 executes the lowering of the first printing table 21 and the retraction of the camera unit 32 from above the first pass CV 22. Furthermore, the unit drive control unit 44 also executes the error drive mode when the operator OP presses the operation button 36.

[0047] The display control unit 45 controls the display operation of the display unit 34. The error processing control unit 46 acquires error occurrence information transmitted from each unit of the first printing device 11 and the second printing device 12 and executes predetermined error recovery operations. If a transport error occurs in the substrate PB in the first path CV 22 or the second path CV 25, the error processing control unit 46 causes the unit drive control unit 44 to execute an error drive mode operation upon receiving the first instruction or the second instruction from the other device. Furthermore, the error processing control unit 46 switches between operation and non-operation in the first control range 4S and the second control range 5S, as illustrated in FIG. 5, based on the detection result of the cover sensor 35.

[0048] 8 is a flowchart showing the transport error processing operation for the first path CV22 or the second path CV25 in the printing line apparatus 1. The error processing control unit 46 monitors whether or not a transport error has occurred for the substrate PB in the first path CV22 or the second path CV25 (step S1). If a transport error has occurred, it is determined whether or not the transport error is an error that requires the substrate PB to be removed from the first path CV22 or the second path CV25 (step S2).

[0049] In the case of a transport error in the first path CV 22 of the second lane R2, which is the second control range 5S of the second controller 5, the second controller 5 issues an error processing request to the first controller 4 so that recovery work for the first path CV 22 can be performed (step S3). This error processing request corresponds to the second instruction described above. Upon receiving the error processing request in step S3, the unit drive control unit 44 of the first controller 4 executes the error drive mode. That is, the unit drive control unit 44 lowers the first printing table 21 and retracts the camera unit 32 from above the first path CV 22. When the error drive mode is completed, the first path CV 22 of the first printing device 11 enters a standby state (step S5).

[0050] The error processing control unit 46 determines whether the error recovery work for the first path CV 22 has been completed (step S6). For example, the determination in step S6 can be made based on pressing the restart button or detection by the cover sensor 35 of the second cover 113 and the path CV cover 252 being closed. If the error processing is incomplete (NO in step S6), the error processing control unit 46 maintains the standby state. If the error processing is completed (YES in step S6), the error processing control unit 46 transitions the first printing device 11 and the second printing device 12 to a normal mode in which they perform screen printing (step S11).

[0051] In step S2, if a transport error occurs in the second path CV 25 of the first lane R1, which is the first control range 4S of the first controller 4, an error processing request is sent from the first controller 4 to the second controller 5 so that recovery work for the second path CV 25 can be performed (step S7). This error processing request corresponds to the first instruction described above. Upon receiving the error processing request in step S7, the unit drive control unit 44 of the second controller 5 executes the error drive mode. That is, the unit drive control unit 44 lowers the second printing table 24 and retracts the camera unit 32 from above the second path CV 25. When the error drive mode is completed, the second path CV 25 of the second printing device 12 enters a standby state (step S9).

[0052] The error processing control unit 46 determines whether the error recovery work for the second path CV 25 has been completed (step S10). If the error processing is incomplete (NO in step S10), the error processing control unit 46 maintains the standby state. If the error processing is completed (YES in step S10), the error processing control unit 46 transitions the first printing device 11 and the second printing device 12 to a normal mode in which they perform screen printing (step S11).

[0053] According to the above-described transport error processing, when a transport error occurs in the first path CV 22 under the control of the second controller 5 in the first printing apparatus 11, the first controller 4, upon receiving the error processing request in step S3, executes the error drive mode. Also, when a transport error occurs in the second path CV 25 under the control of the first controller 4 in the second printing apparatus 12, the second controller 5, upon receiving the error processing request in step S7, executes the error drive mode. Therefore, the operator OP can timely perform recovery work for the first path CV 22, which is not under the control of the first controller 4, or recovery work for the second path CV 25, which is not under the control of the second controller 5.

[0054] Furthermore, by appropriately selecting the timing of execution of the error drive mode in step S4, it is possible to continue screen printing using the first printing table 21 of the first printing device 11, i.e., board production using the first lane R1. Similarly, by appropriately selecting the timing of execution of the error drive mode in step S8, it is possible to continue screen printing using the second printing table 24 of the second printing device 12, i.e., board production using the second lane R2. Therefore, a decrease in productivity of the printing line apparatus 1 can be suppressed.

[0055] In this embodiment, when a transport error occurs, the operator OP can also press the operation button 36 to place the first printing device 11 and the second printing device 12 in a standby state. However, if the operator OP presses the operation button 36 immediately after screen printing on the substrate PB has begun on the first printing table 21 or the second printing table 24, a wait time occurs until the printing cycle is stopped. That is, once screen printing begins, the operation continues until screen printing on the substrate PB is completed to prevent defective substrates. Therefore, depending on when the operation button 36 is pressed, a relatively long wait time may occur before error recovery work can begin. However, in this embodiment, an error processing request signal is exchanged between the first controller 4 and the second controller 5. This allows the controllers 4 and 5 to select the optimal timing for establishing a standby state. This reduces the operator OP's wait time.

[0056] In the above embodiment, an example was shown in which the first controller 4 directly provides the first instruction to the second controller 5, and the second controller 5 directly provides the second instruction to the first controller 4, via the harness HA. This aspect has the advantage of ensuring reliable communication between the first controller 4 and the second controller 5. As a variation of the above embodiment, communication between the first controller 4 and the second controller 5 may be performed via some kind of device, or wirelessly.

[0057] 9 is a diagram showing the configuration of a printing line apparatus 1 according to a modified example. In this modified example, an offline server 7 (server device) is used. The offline server 7 is capable of wireless communication with the first controller 4 and the second controller 5. When a transport error occurs in the first path CV 22, the second controller 5 transmits an error processing request (second instruction) to the offline server 7, as an alternative to step S3 in FIG. 8. In response to this, the offline server 7 transmits an instruction to the first controller 4 to execute an error drive mode that places the first path CV 22 in a standby state.

[0058] 8 , when a transport error occurs in the second path CV 25, the first controller 4 transmits an error processing request (first instruction) to the offline server 7. In response to this, the offline server 7 transmits an instruction to the second controller 5 to execute the error drive mode, which places the second path CV 25 in a standby state. As described above, the first controller 4 and the second controller 5 communicate via the offline server 7. According to this modification, the offline server 7 can comprehensively control the first controller 4 and the second controller 5.

[0059] In the above embodiment, the first controller 4 and the second controller 5 that have received an error processing request immediately and automatically execute the error drive mode to establish a standby state. Alternatively, before executing the error drive mode, the operator OP may be asked whether or not to establish a standby state.

[0060] Fig. 10(A) is a diagram showing an example of a display on the display unit 34 equipped in the first printing device 11 and the second printing device 12. The display unit 34 displays a selection pop-up 341 that notifies the user of a transport error and prompts the user to select whether or not to enter standby mode (YES / NO). Fig. 10(B) is a diagram showing an example of a display on the portable terminal 6. The same selection pop-up 61 as in Fig. 10(A) is displayed on the screen of the portable terminal 6.

[0061] When the operator OP sees the selection pop-ups 341 and 61, he or she can choose whether to immediately enter standby mode or maintain the current state for a while. In other words, the operator OP can set the timing for the first controller 4 or the second controller 5 to execute the error drive mode. For example, if a transport error occurs in the second path CV 25, screen printing cannot be performed in the first lane R1, but screen printing can continue in the second lane R2. By displaying the selection pop-ups 341 and 61, for example, it becomes possible to continue production operations in the second lane R2 until a convenient stopping point, and then establish a standby state in which both lanes R1 and R2 are stopped.

[0062] [Example of shortening the standby state period] When the first printing device 11 or the second printing device 12 is placed in standby state, screen printing in both the first lane R1 and the second lane R2, i.e., production of the substrate PB, is stopped. If either one of the lanes is functioning properly, it is desirable to shorten the standby state period as much as possible in order to avoid reducing the productivity of the printing line apparatus 1.

[0063] 11A and 11B are time charts showing examples of control by the first controller 4 and the second controller 5. Here, it is assumed that a transport error occurs in the second path CV 25 under the control of the first controller 4. FIG. 11A shows an example in which a standby state is immediately established when a transport error occurs. Before time t0, the first printing table 21 (first lane R1) of the first printing device 11 under the control of the first controller 4 and the second printing table 24 (second lane R2) of the second printing device 12 under the control of the second controller 5 are both in "production" mode, in which screen printing is being performed.

[0064] Assume that a transport error occurs in the second pass CV 25 at time t0. As a result, the first lane R1 controlled by the first controller 4 enters a "stopped" state, meaning that screen printing is stopped. The second lane R2 controlled by the second controller 5 enters a "standby state" at time t1, immediately after the transport error is detected, based on an error processing request from the first controller 4. In other words, production at the second printing table 24 of the second printing device 12 is stopped.

[0065] Thereafter, at time t2, the operator OP begins recovery work on the second path CV25, and the recovery work is completed at time t3. From time t3 onward, both the first lane R1 controlled by the first controller 4 and the second lane R2 controlled by the second controller 5 enter "in production." In the control shown in FIG. 11A, the relatively long period from time t1 to t2 constitutes a standby state. If the period between time t1, when a request for handling the transport error is issued, and time t2, when the operator OP is ready to perform recovery work, is long, the standby state period will also be long. Therefore, the productivity of the printing line apparatus 1 will decrease.

[0066] The control shown in FIG. 11B is an example of improving the productivity of the printing line apparatus 1. In this control, the printing line apparatus 1 does not immediately enter a "standby state" at time t1 when the first controller 4 issues an error processing request, but instead continues to operate in a "production" state. The second controller 5 enters a "standby state" at time t1A, just before time t2, when recovery work for the second path CV 25 begins. Recovery work is performed between times t2 and t3, and from time t3, both the first lane R1 controlled by the first controller 4 and the second lane R2 controlled by the second controller 5 enter a "production" state. According to the control shown in FIG. 11B, even after an error is reported, production can continue in the second lane R2 from time t1 to t1A, thereby shortening the production downtime due to the "standby state."

[0067] This shows a specific example in which the "standby state" is entered at time t1A immediately before the start of recovery work, rather than at time t1 when the error processing request arrives. FIG. 12 shows an example in which the operator OP sets the timing of transition to the standby state using the portable terminal 6. When the error processing request is transmitted from the first controller 4 at time t1, the error processing request is notified to the portable terminal 6 from, for example, the offline server 7 illustrated in FIG. 9 . The portable terminal 6 that receives the error processing request displays a selection display section 61 on its display screen. Of course, if wireless communication is possible between the portable terminal 6 and the controllers 4 and 5, the offline server 7 need not be used.

[0068] The selection display section 61 accepts from the operator OP a selection of "YES" meaning to transition to the "standby state" or "NO" meaning to cancel the transition to the "standby state". When selecting to transition to the "standby state", the operator OP can decide for himself or herself the timing of pressing the option "YES".

[0069] For example, suppose the operator OP is currently located far away from the second printing apparatus 12 equipped with the second path CV 25 requiring recovery work. In this case, the operator OP simply presses "YES" at time t1A when the operator OP has approached the second printing apparatus 12 sufficiently to perform recovery work in the near future. This allows production to continue in the healthy second lane R2 while the operator OP approaches the second printing apparatus 12. Alternatively, the operator OP can observe the production status in the second lane R2 and appropriately select the timing to press "YES." Through the above operations, the "standby state" period of the second lane R2 controlled by the second controller 5 can be shortened as much as possible.

[0070] If the portable terminal 6 carried by the operator OP is capable of transmitting the location information of the operator OP, the time it will take for the operator OP to reach the printing apparatus 11, 12 where a transport error has occurred may be predicted and the "standby state" may be automatically set. Figure 13 is a diagram showing an embodiment that takes into consideration the time it will take for the operator OP to reach the printing line apparatus 1. In the example of Figure 13, the first controller 4 and second controller 5 are able to communicate with the portable terminal 6 through the offline server 7.

[0071] The offline server 7 can acquire location information of the portable terminal 6 at a predetermined sampling period. The offline server 7 functionally has an arrival time calculation unit 71 that calculates the time it takes for the operator OP to arrive at the printing devices 11 and 12 based on the location information. That is, the arrival time to the printing devices 11 and 12 that require recovery work is calculated depending on which of positions P1, P2, and P3 the operator OP carrying the portable terminal 6 is located at.

[0072] Assume that a transport error occurs in the second pass CV25 of the second printing apparatus 12. In this case, an error processing request is sent from the first controller 4 to the offline server 7. The arrival time calculation unit 71 of the offline server 7 calculates the arrival time at which the operator OP will arrive at the second printing apparatus 12, based on the distance between the current position P1, P2, or P3 of the operator OP and the second printing apparatus 12 that requires recovery work. Furthermore, the offline server 7 instructs the second controller 5 to execute operation in the error drive mode at an instruction time that is a predetermined time earlier than the arrival time, for example, at time t1A.

[0073] In this embodiment, the second controller 5 may refer to the preparation time required for the second printing device 12 to enter a standby state after receiving an instruction to execute the error drive mode. For example, assume that the arrival time is 25 seconds when the operator OP is at position P1, 1 minute 15 seconds when the operator OP is at position P2, and 2 minutes when the operator OP is at position P3, requiring 30 seconds for the preparation time. In this case, when the offline server 7 acquires position information for position P1, it immediately instructs the second controller 5 to execute the error drive mode. On the other hand, when the offline server 7 acquires position information for position P2 or P3, it instructs the second printing device 12 to continue production for the period of "arrival time - preparation time." According to this embodiment, it is possible to continue work by the first printing device 11 or the second printing device 12 until the operator OP arrives, thereby shortening the production downtime of the board PB.

[0074] 14 is a diagram showing an embodiment in which a warning is displayed to other operators who are unaware of the situation in which recovery work for a transport error is required. Here, it is assumed that an error processing request has been sent from the second controller 5 to the first controller 4 but the recovery work has not been completed, or that an error processing request has been sent from the first controller 4 to the second controller 5 but the recovery work has not been completed.

[0075] Assume now that a transport error has occurred in the second path CV 25 of the second printing apparatus 12, and the first operator OP1 is on his way to perform recovery work. The second printing apparatus 12 is in standby mode. It is possible that the second operator OP2, unaware of the situation, may attempt to resume the second printing apparatus 12 before the first operator OP1 arrives. Anticipating such a scenario, a warning pop-up 342 is displayed on the display unit 34. The warning pop-up 342 functions as a warning display unit that notifies the second path CV 25 of the second printing apparatus 12 of the operator OP1's access forecast. The warning pop-up 342 illustrated in FIG. 14 displays a warning message stating, "The path CV of the first lane is in standby mode. Do you really want to start production?" along with "YES" and "NO" selection buttons. This embodiment prevents the second operator OP2, who is unaware of the situation, from making unnecessary interventions in the first printing apparatus 11 or the second printing apparatus 12.

[0076] [Inventions Included in the Above-Described Embodiments] The above-described embodiments include the following inventions.

[0077] A work line device according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a first work device including a first element and a second element that perform a predetermined task on a workpiece, a second work device including a third element and a fourth element that perform a predetermined task on a workpiece that has passed through the first work device, a first controller that controls the first element and the third element, and a second controller that controls the second element and the fourth element, wherein when an error is detected in the third element, a first instruction is given from the first controller to the second controller to operate the fourth element so as to enable recovery work on the third element.

[0078] According to this aspect, when an error is detected in the third element of the second working device under the control of the first controller, the second controller receives a first instruction from the first controller. Upon receiving the first instruction, the second controller operates the fourth element to enable recovery work on the third element. This allows the operator to perform recovery work on the third element, which is not under the control of the second controller, in a timely manner. Furthermore, by appropriately selecting the timing of execution of the first instruction, work by the fourth element of the second working device can be continued, thereby suppressing a decrease in productivity on the work line.

[0079] In the above-described work line device, a further aspect may be such that, when an error is detected in the second element, the second controller issues a second instruction to the first controller to operate the first element so as to enable recovery work on the second element.

[0080] According to this aspect, when an error is detected in the second element of the first working device under the control of the second controller, the first controller receives a second instruction from the second controller. Upon receiving the second instruction, the first controller operates the first element to enable recovery work on the second element. This allows the operator to perform recovery work on the second element, which is not under the control of the first controller, in a timely manner. Furthermore, by appropriately selecting the timing of execution of the second instruction, work by the first element of the first working device can be continued, thereby suppressing a decrease in productivity on the work line.

[0081] In the above-described work line apparatus, the first work device includes, as the first element, a first transport path for transporting workpieces and a first working unit that performs a predetermined operation on workpieces passing through the first transport path, and, as the second element, a second transport path for transporting workpieces; the second work device includes, as the third element, a third transport path for transporting workpieces, and, as the fourth element, a fourth transport path for transporting workpieces and a second working unit that performs a predetermined operation on workpieces passing through the fourth transport path; the third transport path is connected downstream of the first transport path, and the fourth transport path is connected downstream of the second transport path; The first controller may be capable of controlling the operation of the first working unit and the operation of the third transport path, and the second controller may be capable of controlling the operation of the second working unit and the operation of the second transport path, and when an error is detected in the third transport path, a first instruction is given from the first controller to the second controller to operate the second working unit so as to enable recovery work on the third transport path, and when an error is detected in the second transport path, a second instruction is given from the second controller to the first controller to operate the first working unit so as to enable recovery work on the second transport path.

[0082] According to this aspect, when an error is detected on the third or second transport path for transporting workpieces, a first instruction or a second instruction is exchanged between the first controller and the second controller. Based on the first or second instruction, the third or second transport path is placed in a state in which recovery work can be performed. Therefore, when a workpiece transport error or the like occurs on the third or second transport path, an operator can be made to perform recovery work in a timely manner. Furthermore, by appropriately selecting the timing of execution of the first or second instruction, work can be continued by the first element of the first work device or the fourth element of the second work device, thereby suppressing a decrease in productivity on the work line.

[0083] The above-mentioned work line device may further include a harness connecting the first controller and the second controller, and the first controller may directly give the first instruction to the second controller and the second controller may directly give the second instruction to the first controller through the harness.

[0084] According to this aspect, the first controller and the second controller are connected by a harness, so that communication between the two can be reliably performed.

[0085] The above-described work line device may further include a server device capable of communicating with the first controller and the second controller, wherein the first controller transmits the first instruction and the second controller transmits the second instruction to the server device, and the first controller receives the second instruction and the second controller receives the first instruction from the server device.

[0086] According to this aspect, the first controller and the second controller communicate with each other via the server device, and therefore the server device can comprehensively control the first controller and the second controller.

[0087] In the above-mentioned work line device, it is desirable to further provide a display unit that displays that the first instruction or the second instruction has been issued after the first instruction has been given and before the fourth element is operated, or after the second instruction has been given and before the first element is operated.

[0088] According to this aspect, the operator can set the timing for operating the fourth element or the first element so that the operator can check the display unit and perform recovery work, thereby preventing the predetermined work by the fourth element or the first element from being stopped any longer than necessary.

[0089] In the above-mentioned work line device, it is desirable that the device further comprises a portable terminal carried by an operator and including a selection display unit that accepts a selection of whether to execute the first instruction or the second instruction, and when the server device receives the first instruction or the second instruction, it notifies the portable terminal of the receipt of the first instruction or the second instruction, and the portable terminal that receives the notification displays a screen on the selection display unit that accepts a selection of whether to execute or cancel the first instruction or the second instruction.

[0090] According to this aspect, an operator away from the work line can be notified of the receipt of the first instruction or the second instruction via a mobile device. Furthermore, the operator can select whether to execute or cancel the first instruction or the second instruction on the mobile device. Therefore, the operator can remotely execute the first instruction or the second instruction in anticipation of a time when he or she will be able to head to the work line to perform recovery work, or can cancel the execution of the first instruction or the second instruction, by remote control using the mobile device.

[0091] The above-described work line apparatus may further include a portable terminal carried by an operator and capable of transmitting position information of the operator, and when the server device receives the first instruction or the second instruction, the server device acquires the position information from the portable terminal, calculates an arrival time at which the operator will arrive at the first work apparatus or the second work apparatus from their current position based on the position information, and transmits the second instruction to the first controller or the first instruction to the second controller at an instruction time that is a predetermined time earlier than the arrival time.

[0092] According to this aspect, the arrival time of an operator away from the work line at the recovery site can be predicted based on the location information from the mobile device, making it possible to continue work by the first work device or the second work device until the operator arrives, thereby shortening the production downtime.

[0093] In the above-mentioned work line device, an aspect may be adopted in which a warning display unit is further provided that notifies an operator of a forecast of access to the third element or the second element when the second controller has executed the first instruction but the recovery work for the third element has not been completed, or when the first controller has executed the second instruction but the recovery work for the second element has not been completed.

[0094] According to this aspect, an operator who is unaware of the need for recovery work can be warned of access by an operator who is expected to perform the recovery work, thereby restricting an operator who is unaware of the situation from making unnecessary interventions into the third element or the second element.

[0095] In the above-described work line device, the workpiece may be a circuit board on which electronic components are mounted, the first work device and the second work device may be printing devices that screen-print solder on the circuit board, the first work unit and the second work unit may include a printing table, a mask, and a camera that captures images of the printing table and the mask, the second transport path and the third transport path may be pass-through conveyors that transport the circuit boards, the position of the camera during the printing operation may be set above the pass-through conveyor, and when the first instruction or the second instruction is given, the second controller or the first controller may retract the camera from above the pass-through conveyor.

[0096] According to this aspect, in a production line for electronic component mounting boards in which multiple printing machines are arranged in tandem, when a malfunction occurs in the pass-through conveyor, the operator can carry out recovery work in a timely manner while suppressing a decrease in productivity of the boards.

[0097] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Printing line device (working line device) 11 First printing device (first working device) 12 Second printing device (second working device) 21 First printing table (first element / first working unit) 21R First printing transport path (first transport path) 22 First path CV (second element / pass-through conveyor) 22R First path transport path (second transport path) 24 Second printing table (fourth element / second working unit) 24R Second printing transport path (fourth transport path) 25 Second path CV (third element / pass-through conveyor) 25R Second path transport path (third transport path) 32 Camera unit (camera) 34 Display unit 4 First controller 5 Second controller 6 Portable terminal 7 Offline server (server device) PB Board (work) HA Harness OP Operator

Claims

1. A work line device comprising: a first work device including a first element and a second element that perform a predetermined task on a workpiece; a second work device including a third element and a fourth element that perform a predetermined task on a workpiece that has passed through the first work device; a first controller that controls the first element and the third element; and a second controller that controls the second element and the fourth element, wherein when an error is detected in the third element, a first instruction is given from the first controller to the second controller to operate the fourth element so as to enable recovery work on the third element.

2. A work line device according to claim 1, wherein, when an error is detected in the second element, the second controller issues a second instruction to the first controller to operate the first element so as to enable recovery work on the second element.

3. A work line device according to claim 2, wherein the first work device includes, as the first element, a first transport path for transporting workpieces and a first working unit that performs predetermined work on workpieces passing through the first transport path, and, as the second element, a second transport path for transporting workpieces; the second work device includes, as the third element, a third transport path for transporting workpieces, and, as the fourth element, a fourth transport path for transporting workpieces and a second working unit that performs predetermined work on workpieces passing through the fourth transport path, the third transport path being connected downstream of the first transport path, and the fourth transport path being connected downstream of the second transport path; the first controller is capable of controlling the operation of the first working unit and the operation of the third transport path; the second controller is capable of controlling the operation of the second working unit and the operation of the second transport path; and when an error is detected in the third transport path, a first instruction is given from the first controller to the second controller to operate the second working unit so as to enable recovery work on the third transport path; When an error is detected in the second transport path, a second instruction is given from the second controller to the first controller to operate the first working unit so as to enable recovery work on the second transport path.

4. A work line device according to claim 2 or 3, further comprising a harness connecting the first controller and the second controller, wherein the first controller directly gives the first instruction to the second controller, and the second controller directly gives the second instruction to the first controller, via the harness.

5. A production line apparatus according to claim 2 or 3, further comprising a server device capable of communicating with the first controller and the second controller, wherein the first controller transmits the first instruction and the second controller transmits the second instruction to the server device, and the first controller receives the second instruction and the second controller receives the first instruction from the server device.

6. A work line device according to claim 2 or 3, further comprising a display unit that displays, after the first instruction is given but before the fourth element is operated, or after the second instruction is given but before the first element is operated, that the first instruction or the second instruction has been issued.

7. A work line device according to claim 5, further comprising a portable terminal carried by an operator and including a selection display unit that accepts a selection of whether to execute the first instruction or the second instruction, wherein when the server device receives the first instruction or the second instruction, it notifies the portable terminal of the receipt of the first instruction or the second instruction, and the portable terminal that has received the notification displays a screen on the selection display unit that accepts a selection of whether to execute or cancel the first instruction or the second instruction.

8. A work line device according to claim 5, further comprising a portable terminal carried by an operator and capable of transmitting position information of the operator, wherein the server device, upon receiving the first instruction or the second instruction, acquires the position information from the portable terminal, calculates an arrival time for the operator to arrive at the first work device or the second work device from his / her current position based on the position information, and transmits the second instruction to the first controller or the first instruction to the second controller at an instruction time that is a predetermined time earlier than the arrival time.

9. A work line device according to claim 2 or 3, further comprising a warning display unit that notifies an operator of a predicted access to the third element or the second element when the second controller has executed the first instruction but the recovery work for the third element has not been completed, or when the first controller has executed the second instruction but the recovery work for the second element has not been completed.

10. A work line device according to claim 3, wherein the workpiece is a circuit board on which electronic components are mounted, the first work device and the second work device are printing devices that screen-print solder on the circuit board, the first work unit and the second work unit include a printing table, a mask, and a camera that captures images of the printing table and the mask, the second transport path and the third transport path are pass-through conveyors that transport the circuit boards through, the position of the camera during printing work is set above the pass-through conveyor, and when the first instruction or the second instruction is given, the second controller or the first controller retracts the camera from above the pass-through conveyor.

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