Control device, printing device, and control method

Abstract

A control device according to the present invention comprises a controller that acquires type information for a printing-related member that is held by a frame body from identification information acquired for the frame body, acquires individual information for the printing-related member from identification information acquired for the printing-related member, causes the frame body to be moved into a printing device in accordance with a predetermined slot order, and causes automatic replacement with the printing-related member.

Description

Control Device, Printing Device, and Control Method

[0001] This specification discloses a control device, a printing device, and a control method.

[0002] Conventionally, for example, as a printing device that performs printing processing of a viscous fluid on an object such as a substrate using a screen mask, there has been proposed a device including a moving unit that moves an exchangeable member including a screen mask and a support member that supports the object to an exchange position and carries in and out the exchangeable member, and a control unit that controls the moving unit to exchange the exchangeable member (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In this printing device, automatic exchange of the exchangeable member of the printing device can be enabled.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2024-040319

[0004] However, in the above-described printing device, there are certain restrictions on the storage rack that houses the screen mask and the support member, and there are cases where the storage rack cannot be fully utilized.

[0005] This disclosure has been made in view of such problems, and the main object is to provide a control device, a printing device, and a control method that can further improve work efficiency when replacing members used in the printing device.

[0006] The control device, printing device, and control method disclosed in this specification have adopted the following means to achieve the above main object.

[0007] The control device of this disclosure is a control device used in a printing apparatus comprising: a printing unit that performs a viscous fluid printing process on an object using a screen mask; a frame information acquisition unit that acquires identification information of a frame holding printing-related components used in the printing apparatus; a component information acquisition unit that acquires identification information of the printing-related components; and a replacement unit that automatically replaces the printing-related components between a storage rack having a plurality of slots for accommodating the frame holding the printing-related components and the printing apparatus, the control device comprising: an acquisition of type information of the printing-related components held in the frame from the acquired frame identification information; an acquisition of solid information of the printing-related components from the acquired printing-related component identification information; and a control unit that moves the frame into the printing apparatus according to a predetermined order of the slots and automatically replaces the printing-related components.

[0008] This control device moves the frame holding the printing-related components in a predetermined order. Therefore, if the operator places the frame into the slots of the storage rack in that order, the replacement unit can automatically replace the printing-related components with minimal wasted time. Consequently, this control device significantly improves work efficiency when replacing components used in a printing device.

[0009] A schematic diagram showing an example of the implementation system 10 and the printing device 11. A schematic diagram showing the printing device 11, the exchange unit 50 and the storage rack 60. An explanatory diagram showing an example of the mask frame 70. An explanatory diagram showing an example of the support frame 75. An explanatory diagram showing an example of the storage rack 60 and the storage section 63. An explanatory diagram showing an example of the information stored in the storage unit 22. A flowchart showing an example of the identification information corresponding processing routine. An explanatory diagram showing an example of the information display screen 80. An explanatory diagram showing an example of the corresponding information input screen 85. A flowchart showing an example of the printing processing routine. An explanatory diagram showing an example of the operation of the storage rack 60. An explanatory diagram of the operation of the storage rack 60 in the exchange process. A flowchart showing an example of the mask setup change processing routine. A flowchart showing an example of the support block setup change processing routine. An explanatory diagram showing an example of the slot information display screen 90. An explanatory diagram showing an example of setup change processing with two masks and two types of support blocks. An explanatory diagram showing an example of setup change processing with four masks and support pins. An explanatory diagram showing an example of setup change processing with three masks and one type of support block.

[0010] This embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the implementation system 10 and printing device 11 of this disclosure. Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing the printing device 11, the exchange unit 50 and the storage rack 60. Figure 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the mask frame 70. Figure 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the support frame 75. Figure 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the storage rack 60 and the storage section 63. Figure 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the print job information 22a and corresponding information 22b stored in the storage unit 22. In this embodiment, the left-right direction (X-axis), front-back direction (Y-axis) and up-down direction (Z-axis) are as shown in Figures 1 to 5. Also, for the sake of convenience of explanation, the screen mask M will be simply referred to as the mask, the support block 36 and support pin 38 will be referred to as the support member 35, and the mask frame 70 and support frame 75 will be collectively referred to simply as the frame.

[0011] The mounting system 10 includes a printing device 11, a printing 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 device 19. The mounting system 10 is configured as a production line in which, for example, a mounting device 15 for mounting components P onto a substrate S (the target object) is arranged downstream of the printing device 11 in the direction of transport of the substrate S. In the mounting system 10, mounting-related equipment related to the mounting process includes, for example, a transport device for transporting the substrate S, the printing device 11, the printing inspection device 12, the storage device 13, the mounting device 15, the mounting inspection device 16, the loader 18, and the reflow device.

[0012] The print inspection device 12 is a device that inspects the state of viscous fluids such as solder paste printed on the substrate 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 is a device that automatically transports storage racks 60 containing feeders as mounting-related components and screen masks M and support members 35 as printing-related components between a preparation warehouse (not shown) and the mounting system 10. The mounting device 15 is a device that performs the mounting process of placing components P on the substrate S. The mounting inspection device 16 is a device that inspects the state of components P mounted on the substrate S. The loader 18 is configured as a mobile work device and moves left and right along the X-axis rail 17 on the front side of the mounting device 15, and is a device that automatically attaches, detaches, collects and replenishes mounting-related components used in the mounting device 15, such as feeders. The reflow device is a device that reflows substrates on which solder has been printed and components P have been mounted. The management device 19 is a device that manages information on each device of the mounting system 10. This control device 19 manages the progress status of each device in the production line that performs the mounting process.

[0013] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the printing apparatus 11 is a device that uses a squeegee 26 to press solder on a screen mask M into pattern holes formed in the screen mask M, thereby applying (printing) the solder, which is a viscous fluid, onto a substrate S, which is an object below, through the pattern holes. Here, "object" can refer to, for example, a substrate S on which components P are mounted, or a three-dimensional base material. "Viscous fluid" can refer to solder paste, conductive paste, adhesive, etc. Here, the substrate S and solder paste will be described as examples. The screen mask M is a thin, plate-shaped metal member with pattern holes formed on it. The screen mask M is fixed inside the mask frame 70. The screen mask M and support block 36 are included in the printing-related components. Here, first, the frame that holds the printing-related components and is housed in the storage rack 60 will be described.

[0014] As shown in Figure 3, the mask frame 70 is a printing-related component used in the printing apparatus 11 that holds the screen mask M and is housed in the storage rack 60 to form a shelf. The mask frame 70 is a fixing frame for a dual mask that performs printing by bringing the screen mask M into contact with the substrate S fixed to the first substrate section 31 and the substrate S fixed to the second substrate section 32. The mask frame 70 may also hold a single mask. The mask frame 70 comprises a main body 71, a support frame 72, and identification information 73. The main body 71 is a component disposed on the outermost periphery of the mask frame 70, and the support frame 72, which holds the screen mask M, is disposed on its inner periphery. The support frame 72 fixes the screen mask M in its center. The identification information 73 indicates the unique information of the mask frame 70 and may include type information of the printing-related component it holds and unique information of the frame (e.g., a number). The identification information 73 is located on the leading side of the loading direction D when moving from the storage rack 60 to the mask work section 27. The identification information 73 is read by the identification information acquisition unit 58 located on the housing of the printing device 11 when the storage rack 60 is raised or lowered. The screen mask M has identification information 74 located on it. The identification information 74 indicates the unique information of the screen mask M, and by reading it, the screen mask M can be identified.

[0015] As shown in Figure 4, the support frame 75 is a printing-related component used in the printing apparatus 11 that holds the support block 36 and is housed in the storage rack 60 to form a shelf. The support frame 75 comprises a main body 76, a holding part 77, and identification information 78. The main body 76 has a structure in which columnar members are assembled on all four sides, with the center serving as a holding space. The holding part 77 is disposed inside the main body 76 and is a component that holds the support block in a manner that allows it to be released. Figure 5 shows an example of a support frame that holds two support blocks 36. When this holding part 77 is pushed down from above by the pusher 57 of the transfer part 55, it moves the support block 36 downwards and releases its hold. Also, when a support block 36 is inserted from below while the holding part 77 is empty, it rotates and is pushed upwards so that the support block 36 passes through, and then wraps around to the bottom of the support block 36 to hold it. The identification information 78 indicates the unique information of the support frame 75 and may include type information of the printing-related components it holds and unique information of the frame (e.g., a number). The identification information 78 is located on the front side in the loading direction D. The identification information 78 is read by the identification information acquisition unit 58 located in the housing of the printing device 11 when the storage rack 60 is raised or lowered. The support block 36 is provided with identification information 37. The identification information 37 indicates the unique information of the support block 36, and by reading it, the support block 36 can be identified. In Figures 3 and 4, the identification information 73, 74, identification information 37, and identification information 78 are exemplified as barcodes, but are not limited to this and may be two-dimensional codes, etc.

[0016] As shown in Figure 2, the printing apparatus 11 includes a control device 20, a printing unit 23, a masking unit 27, a substrate processing unit 30, a work unit 40, a replacement unit 50, an operation panel 54, a transfer unit 55, identification information acquisition units 58 and 59, and a standby unit 68.

[0017] The control device 20 is configured as a microprocessor centered on the control unit 21 and controls the entire printing device 11. The control device 20 exchanges information with the printing unit 23, the masking unit 27, the substrate processing unit 30, the work unit 40, the replacement unit 50, the operation panel 54, the replacement unit 50, the transfer unit 55, the identification information acquisition units 58 and 59, and the management device 19 as an external device. The control unit 21, as will be described in detail later, moves the frame into the printing device 11 according to the predetermined order of the slots 61 of the storage rack 60 and executes the process of automatically replacing printing-related components such as the support block 36 and the screen mask M. This control device 20 is equipped with a storage unit 22. As shown in Figure 6, the storage unit 22 stores print job information 22a including the conditions for executing printing, and correspondence information 22b which associates the identification information 78 of the support frame 75 housed in the storage rack 60 with the identification information 37 of the support block 36. In addition, the memory unit 22 stores information about the substrate S to be printed, a printing program to perform printing on the substrate S, and a replacement program to perform the replacement of printing-related components by the frame movement unit 28. As shown in Figure 6, the printing job information 22a associates the printing job ID with the identification information 74 of the screen mask M to be used, information about the support member 35 to be used, the identification information (ID) of the squeegee 26 to be used, the operation mode during setup change, and the number of substrates S to be manufactured. The information about the support member 35 includes, for example, the identification information and type of the support member 35 to be used. The operation modes for setup change include a reading mode for the mask frame 70, an ID link mode for the support frame 75, and an identification information confirmation mode. The reading mode is a mode in which, for example, the identification information 73 of the mask frame 70 is acquired to identify the screen mask M to be used, and the process of acquiring the identification information 74 is omitted. The reading mode is also a mode in which the identification information 78 of the support frame 75 is acquired. The ID link mode is a mode in which the identification information 78 of the support frame 75 is acquired, the support block 36 is identified using the corresponding information 22b, and the process of acquiring the identification information 37 of the support block 36 is omitted. The confirmation mode is a mode in which the identification information of the screen mask M and the support block 36 is directly confirmed without acquiring the identification information of the frame.The verification mode involves individual verification of identification information, which may take some processing time, but it allows for more reliable verification of printing-related components. Corresponding information 22b associates information such as the identification information 78 of the support frame 75, the identification information 37 of the support block 36, and the type of support member 35 with the corresponding ID.

[0018] The printing unit 23 is located on the upper part of the printing apparatus 11 and is a unit that prints a viscous fluid onto the substrate S using a screen mask M. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the printing unit 23 includes a print head 24, a printing movement unit 25, a squeegee lifting unit (not shown), and a squeegee 26. The printing movement unit 25 moves the print head 24 in a predetermined printing direction (in this case, the front-to-back direction) and includes a guide formed in the front-to-back direction, a slider that moves along the guide, and a motor that drives the slider. The squeegee 26 is located on the lower side 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 use in the front-to-back direction. The print head 24 is equipped with a frame movement unit 28 and a transfer unit 55. The frame movement unit 28 is a unit used when replacing the mask frame 70 or the support frame 75. The transfer unit 55 is a unit used to move the support block 36 between the substrate processing unit 30 and the support frame 75 inside the printing housing.

[0019] As shown in Figure 2, the mask work unit 27 is positioned vertically between the printing unit 23 and the substrate processing unit 30 and is a unit that fixes and holds the screen mask M. The mask work unit 27 is composed of a frame movement unit 28 and a mask fixing unit 29. The frame movement unit 28 is used to pull frames such as the mask frame 70 and the support frame 75 from the storage rack 60 into the housing of the printing device 11, and to push the frames out of the housing of the printing device 11 into the storage rack 60. The frame movement unit 28 is a transport rod provided on the printing head 24 and is raised and lowered between a contact position (dotted line) and a standby position (solid line) where it contacts the frame by an air cylinder (not shown). The printing head 24 and the frame movement unit 28 engage with the mask frame 70 between a slot 61 of a predetermined height in the storage rack 60 and the printing unit 23 to move the mask frame 70. The mask fixing section 29 positions the screen mask M and supports and fixes it in a horizontal position. The screen mask M is pushed by the frame moving section 28 and moves back and forth along the guide of the mask working section 27, and is fixed by the mask fixing section 29. The frame holding the printing-related components moves inside and outside the housing of the printing device 11 through a passage opening 49 provided in the middle of the front of the housing (see Figure 2).

[0020] The substrate processing unit 30 is located below the mask work unit 27 and is a unit that receives the substrate S, positions and supports the received substrate S, and brings it into contact with and separates it from the screen mask M. The substrate processing unit 30 has a first substrate section 31 as a first transport path for transporting the substrate S, and a second substrate section 32 as a second transport path for transporting the substrate S. The first substrate section 31 has a substrate transport section 33, a lifting section 34, and a support member 35 including a support block 36 and a support pin 38. The second substrate section 32 has a substrate transport section similar to the first substrate section 31, a lifting section, and a support member 35. The substrate transport section 33 is a unit that transports and fixes the substrate S in the left-right direction. The lifting section 34 lifts and lowers the entire substrate processing unit 30, as well as the support base 39 to which the support block 36, which supports the substrate S from below, and the support pin 38, which supports the substrate S, are fixed.

[0021] The support member 35 includes a support block 36 and a support pin 38. The support block 36 is a flat plate-shaped support that is mounted on a vertically movable support base 39 located in the lifting section 34 of the substrate processing unit 30 and supports the substrate S from below. The support pin 38 is a columnar support that is directly fixed to the support base 39 and supports the substrate S from below. The support pin 38 is a support that allows for the free support of substrate S according to the shape of multiple types of substrate S, and is housed in a standby section 68 so that it can support various types of substrate S. The support pin 38 moves between the support base 39 and the standby section 68 by the placement section 46 of the work unit 40. A locking portion is formed on the upper part of the support pin 38 that can be locked and unlocked by the picking section 47 of the placement section 46. This locking portion may be, for example, a locking pin. In addition, an adsorption portion such as a magnet is provided on the lower surface of the support pin 38, and it is fixed to the support base 39 in a lockable and unlockable manner by this adsorption portion.

[0022] The work unit 40 is positioned vertically between the mask work unit 27 and the substrate processing unit 30, and is a unit that performs work on the substrate S, the substrate processing unit 30, the screen mask M, etc. The work unit 40 has a unit movement unit 41, a cleaning unit 42, an imaging unit 43, and a placement unit 46. The unit movement unit 41 moves the cleaning unit 42, the imaging unit 43, and the placement unit 46 as an integrated unit, or individually, along the direction of movement. The unit movement unit 41 may be a linear motion mechanism such as a ball screw mechanism or a linear motor, for example, to move the unit along the Y axis. The cleaning unit 42 is a unit that cleans the back surface of the screen mask M. The cleaning unit 42 has a cleaning member, which contacts and cleans the screen mask M. The imaging unit 43 is a unit that images the mask work unit 27 side and / or the substrate processing unit 30 side. The imaging unit 43 includes an upper imaging unit 44 that images the mask work unit 27 side and a lower imaging unit 45 that images the substrate processing unit 30 side. The upper imaging unit 44 can image, for example, a screen mask M fixed to a mask frame 70 or a support block 36 held in a support frame 75. The lower imaging unit 45 can image, for example, a substrate S fixed to the substrate processing unit 30 or a support block 36 placed on a support base 39. The control device 20 positions the screen mask M and the substrate S based on a reference position included in the image captured by the imaging unit 43. The placement unit 46 is a unit that moves the support pins 38 between the support base 39 and the standby unit 68 and places the support pins 38 on the support base 39. The placement unit 46 includes a collection unit 47 that can collect and release the support pins 38, and a lifting unit 48 that raises and lowers the collection unit 47. The sampling unit 47 has a fitting portion, such as a groove that fits into the support pin 38 locking portion, and the support pin 38 is collected by locking the locking portion into this fitting portion.

[0023] The control panel 54 is a unit that receives input from the worker W and notifies the worker W of information. This control panel 54 includes a display unit which is a display for notification purposes, and an operation unit which has both a touch panel and buttons.

[0024] The exchange unit 50 is a unit that moves a storage rack 60 containing printing-related components used in the printing device 11 between a standby position and an exchange position, and automatically exchanges the printing-related components between the storage rack 60 and the printing device 11. This exchange unit 50 is provided on the left and right sides of the housing of the printing device 11 and consists of a first exchange section 51 and a second exchange section 52. The first exchange section 51 includes a rack moving section 53 that moves the storage rack 60 between the standby position and the exchange position, and a frame moving section (not shown). The second exchange section 52 includes a rack moving section and a frame moving section similar to those of the first exchange section 51. The rack moving section 53 supports the side of the storage rack 60 and moves between a standby position inside the housing and an exchange position where the exchange frame faces the passage opening 49 (see Figure 14, described later). The frame movement unit is equipped with a belt drive device. This belt drive device is inserted into through grooves formed on the left and right sides of the housing section 63 of the housing rack 60, and contacts the side surface of the mask frame 70 or the support frame 75, moving it along the direction of movement (Y-axis direction).

[0025] As shown in Figures 1, 2, and 5, the storage rack 60 is a movable storage and transport device that houses mask frames 70 and support frames 75, which hold printing-related components such as screen masks M and support blocks 36, in a shelf-like manner. The storage rack 60 only houses the frames and does not have a drive unit to move the frames or a drive unit to raise and lower the frames, nor a power source to drive the drive unit. This storage rack 60 allows for a simpler configuration. The storage rack 60 comprises slots 61, a replaceable door 62, and a storage section 63. The storage rack 60 can be moved by an operator W using a handle, and an automated guided vehicle 14 can also move it by entering the central space at the bottom. The storage rack 60 has multiple slots 61 inside the storage section 63. In this storage rack 60, a configuration with four slots 61 is used as an example, but it is not limited to this, and there may be five or more slots, or fewer than four slots. As shown in Figure 5, the replacement door 62 is a plate-shaped member that opens and closes the rear (front in Figure 5) of the housing section 63. The lower end of the replacement door 62 is hinged, and the upper end swings downward to open the opening (see Figure 3). When the replacement door 62 is opened, the worker W can replace the frame housing in the housing section 63. This housing rack 60 may, for example, be configured such that, as a usage arrangement, when the printing device 11 has a mask frame 70 that holds a screen mask M, all slots except one empty slot are occupied, and when the printing device 11 does not have a mask frame 70, all slots are occupied with frame housings. Alternatively, the housing rack 60 may be configured such that a mask frame 70 that holds a screen mask M for a printing job using support pins 38 is housed in slot 61 instead of a support frame 75 that holds a support block 36.

[0026] The transfer unit 55 is a unit that moves the support block 36, held by the support frame 75, to the substrate processing unit 30, and is located behind the print head 24. As shown in Figure 2, the transfer unit 55 has a lifting unit 56 and a pusher 57. The lifting unit 56 raises and lowers the pusher 57 of the transfer unit 55. The pusher 57 is a member that pushes down the holding part 77 of the support frame 75 from above, and has a roller at its tip. The roller is the part that contacts the holding part 77 and is located at both ends of the pusher 57. Automatic replacement of the support block 36 may be performed, for example, by the frame moving unit 28 and the transfer unit 55 when the mask frame 70 is not placed in the mask work unit 27.

[0027] The identification information acquisition units 58 and 59 are units that acquire identification information. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the identification information acquisition unit 58 is located on the front of the housing of the printing device 11, between the first exchange unit 51 and the second exchange unit 52. The identification information acquisition unit 58 is, for example, a barcode reader that reads the identification information 73 of the mask frame 70 and the identification information 78 of the support frame 75. The identification information acquisition unit 58 reads the identification information of the frames placed in the slots 61 when the storage rack 60 moves up and down between the standby position and the exchange position. The identification information acquisition unit 59 is a barcode reader that reads identification information, similar to the identification information acquisition unit 58, and is configured as a hand scanner used by the worker W, for example, as shown in Figure 1. The identification information acquisition unit 59 may, for example, read the identification information 37 of the support block 36 and the identification information 78 of the support frame 75 and acquire that information. Furthermore, the identification information acquisition units 58 and 59 are not particularly limited as long as they can acquire identification information, and may be, for example, tag readers or cameras, or other devices that are not barcode readers.

[0028] Next, we will explain the processing of the printing apparatus 11 configured in this way, starting with the process of associating the identification information 37 of the support block 36 with the identification information 78 of the support frame 75. This process is also called the ID link process, and the corresponding information 22b is also called the ID link. Figure 7 is a flowchart showing an example of an identification information correspondence processing routine executed by the control unit 21 of the control device 20. This routine is stored in the storage unit 22 and executed by the operator W via input on the operation panel 54 after the printing apparatus 11 is started. This routine may also be executed by a management device located in the management device 19 or a warehouse (not shown) where printing-related materials are stored. When the printing processing routine described later is executed in the printing apparatus 11, the printing-related materials are automatically exchanged by moving the mask frame 70 and the support frame 75 using the exchange unit 50 or the like. At this time, the operator W prepares the mask frame 70 with the screen mask M to be used next fixed, and the support frame 75 with the support block 36 held in the holding unit 77. The worker W may, in front of the storage rack 60 or elsewhere, have the next support block 36 to be used held by the next support frame 75, and register the corresponding information 22b, which associates the identification information of these blocks, in the storage unit 22. At this time, the control unit 21 executes this identification information corresponding processing routine. When this routine is executed, the control unit 21 displays a screen indicating that the identification information 78 of the next support frame 75 to be used should be entered (S100).

[0029] Figure 8 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the information display screen 80. Figure 9 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the corresponding information input screen 85. When the printing device 11 is started, the control unit 21 displays the information display screen 80 on the display unit of the operation panel 54. The information display screen 80 is a screen that shows the current status of the printing device 11. The information display screen 80 includes a cursor 81, an information display field 82, corresponding information input keys 83, and a frame replacement key 84. The cursor 81 is used to move when selecting the input position of characters or items, and the selected item is confirmed by pressing a confirmation key (not shown). The information display field 82 is a field that displays information about the current state of the printing device 11, and the corresponding information input keys 83 and frame replacement keys 84 are located there. The corresponding information input keys 83 are icons selected when associating the identification information 78 of the support frame 75 with the identification information 37 of the support block 36. The frame replacement key 84 is an icon selected when replacing a frame housed in the storage rack 60. In the printing device 11, when the corresponding information input key 83 is selected and confirmed, the corresponding information input screen 85 is displayed on the operation panel 54. The corresponding information input screen 85 is the screen displayed when new corresponding information 22b is entered. The corresponding information input screen 85 includes a corresponding information display field 86 and an identification information display field 87. The corresponding information display field 86 displays information about the associated identification information 78 and identification information 37, and the identification information display field 87 displays the input fields for them.

[0030] After S100, the control unit 21 determines whether or not the identification information 78 for the support frame 75 has been entered (S110). If the identification information 78 has not been entered, the process of S100 is executed. The operator W checks the corresponding information input screen 85 and, for example, uses the identification information acquisition unit 59 to input the identification information 78. Alternatively, the operator W may directly input the identification information 78 into the identification information display field 87. On the other hand, if the identification information 78 has been entered in S110, the control unit 21 displays a screen on the operation panel 54 indicating that the identification information 37 for the support block 36 should be entered (S120). Next, the control unit 21 determines whether or not the identification information 37 for the support block 36 has been entered (S130). If the identification information 37 has not been entered, the process of S120 is executed. The operator W checks the corresponding information input screen 85 and, for example, uses the identification information acquisition unit 59 to input the identification information 37. On the other hand, when identification information 37 is input in S130, the control unit 21 determines whether all inputs have been completed, for example, based on the operation of the completion key displayed on the corresponding information input screen 85 (S140). If all inputs have not been completed, the control unit 21 repeatedly executes the processes from S100 onward. On the other hand, when all inputs have been completed in S140, the control unit 21 stores the input information in the corresponding information 22b (S150) and terminates this routine. During the execution of this routine, the worker W, for example, uses the identification information acquisition unit 59 to read the identification information 78 of the support frame 75, then reads the identification information 37 of the support block 36, and has the support block 36 held in the frame's holding unit 77. The control unit 21 displays the reading status in the identification information display field 87 and stores the identification information 78 and identification information 37 in the corresponding information 22b. Operator W is required to perform the above tasks, but if the control unit 21 finds that identification information is registered in the corresponding information 22b, it can obtain the identification information 37 by obtaining the identification information 78, making it easier to identify the support block 36 and simplifying the processing in the printing unit 23.

[0031] Next, an overview of the printing process performed by the printing device 11 will be described. Figure 10 is a flowchart of an example of a printing process routine. This routine is stored in the storage unit 22 and is executed by operator W inputting it on the operation panel 54 after the printing device 11 is started. When executing the printing process, operator W places the mask frame 70 and support frame 75 into the storage rack 60 according to the print job information 22a, moves the storage rack 60 to the exchange unit 50, and has the exchange unit 50 accept it. After the exchange unit 50 accepts the storage rack 60, operator W inputs the execution of the printing process from the operation panel 54. When the command to execute the printing process is input from operator W, the control unit 21 of the control device 20 starts the printing process routine.

[0032] Here, in order to shorten the processing time in the printing process of the printing device 11, there may be a predetermined arrangement for storing the frames in the storage rack 60. As a rule for arranging the mask frames 70, for example, the mask frames 70 shall be arranged in ascending order of the slots 61. "Ascending order" means that the top row is slot number 1 and the numbers increase as you go down the rows, so that they are arranged in numerical order from 1, that is, from the top row to the bottom row. Similarly, "descending order" means that the slots are arranged from the largest to the smallest, from the bottom row to the top row. The following explanation assumes that the storage section 63 has four slots 61. In addition, in the printing device 11, if the setting is to execute a reading mode that assumes the acquisition of identification information of the frames by the identification information acquisition unit 58 in the print job information 22a, the frames and screen masks M can be identified, so the mask frames 70 may be arranged in no particular order. The rules for retrieving the mask frame 70 may include, for example, retrieving it from slot 61 where the display screen of the operation panel 54 shows "Recovery Mask Available". The rules for arranging the support frames 75 are that the number of support frames 75 that can be placed in the storage rack 60 should be between 0 and 2. When using the numerous support pins 38 available in the device, one support frame 75 is not required for each print job. When all print jobs utilize the support pins 38, no support frames 75 are needed, and all four slots can accommodate mask frames 70. Furthermore, since the screen mask M must be replaced, a maximum of two support frames 75 are required for two mask frames 70. The next arrangement rule is to place the support frames 75 in slot 61 in descending order from the largest slot number. Additionally, the support blocks 36 should be held in the order of setup changes, starting from the slots with the smallest slot numbers. Furthermore, in print jobs executing ID link mode, it is possible to determine the position of each support block 36, allowing the support frame 75 and support blocks 36 to be placed in any order. Also, in ID link mode, if support blocks 36 are placed in multiple slots 61, ID link mode is executed in all slots.As for the rules for retrieving the support blocks 36, for example, they may be retrieved from slot 61 that displays "Recovery block available" on the display screen of the operation panel 54.

[0033] Figure 11 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the operation of the storage rack 60. As shown in Figure 11, in the conventional operation where the mask frame 70 is fixed for retrieval, there is one mask frame 70, one empty slot for retrieval, and one support frame 75. On the other hand, if a flexible arrangement is adopted in which the mask frame 70 is placed in the empty slot when the support pin 38 is used, then when there is no frame in the mask work section 27 of the printing device 11, such as when the device is started up, up to four mask frames 70 can be placed in the storage section 63. Furthermore, in the flexible arrangement, when there is a frame in the mask work section 27, three or fewer mask frames 70 can be placed, by reducing the number of retrieval slots by one. This disclosure will mainly describe this flexible arrangement.

[0034] When this printing process routine is started, the control unit 21 first reads and obtains print job information 22a from the storage unit 22 (S200), and based on the print job information 22a, determines whether the support member 35 to be used is a support pin 38 (S210). When using a support pin 38, the control unit 21 uses the placement unit 46 of the work unit 40 to pick up the support pin 38, move it from the standby unit 68, and place it on the support base 39 (S220). In this case, since the support member 35 called a support pin 38 is provided in the substrate processing unit 30, the support block setup change processing routine (Figure 14), which will be described later, can be omitted. After S220, or if the support pin 38 is not used in S210, the control unit 21 executes the setup change processing (S230). In the setup change processing, as will be described in detail later, the process of automatically exchanging the screen mask M and support member 35 according to the print job between the printing device 11 and the storage rack 60 is executed. Next, the control unit 21 has the substrate S transported by the substrate processing unit 30 and raises the support member 35 to fix the substrate S (S240). Next, the control unit 21 uses the imaging unit 43 to image the screen mask M and the substrate S and aligns the pattern holes of the screen mask M with the substrate S (S250). Next, the control unit 21 dispenses solder onto the screen mask M as needed, moves the print head 24 and lowers the squeegee 26 to contact the upper surface of the screen mask M, and moves it in the front-back direction to print the solder onto the substrate S (S260). Subsequently, the control unit 21 determines whether the current print job is finished or not (S270), and if the current print job is not finished, it repeats the process from S240 onwards. On the other hand, if the current print job is finished in S270, the control unit 21 retrieves the support pins 38 to the standby unit 68 as needed (S280) and determines whether the printing process for all print jobs has been completed or not (S290). If not all print jobs are complete, the control unit 21 executes the processing from S200 onwards. That is, the control unit 21 obtains the next print job information 22a, uses the support pin 38 as necessary to perform setup change processing, and then performs the printing process. On the other hand, when all print jobs are completed in S290, this routine is terminated.

[0035] Figure 12 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the storage rack 60 in the automatic replacement process of printing-related components. When performing the printing process, the operator W or the automated guided vehicle 14 places the frame into the storage rack 60 (first stage in Figure 12) and receives it into the replacement unit 50. Once the storage rack 60 is received, the replacement unit 50 moves the storage rack 60 to a standby position (second stage in Figure 12). Subsequently, when replacing printing-related components, the replacement unit 50 pulls out the storage rack 60 (third stage in Figure 12) and moves the storage rack 60 to the upper replacement position opposite the frame at the passage opening 49 (fourth stage in Figure 12). In this state, the frame is moved and the printing-related components are replaced, and after the replacement is complete, the storage rack 60 is moved to the standby position. The operator W opens the replacement door 62 of the storage rack 60 as needed to replace the frame, etc.

[0036] Next, the setup change process will be explained. For the sake of explanation, the screen mask M replacement process and the support member 35 replacement process will be explained separately. Figure 13 is a flowchart of an example of a mask setup change process routine executed by the control unit 21 of the control device 20. Figure 14 is a flowchart of an example of a support block setup change process routine executed by the control unit 21 of the control device 20. These routines are stored in the storage unit 22 and executed in S210 of the printing process routine. When the mask setup change process routine is started, the control unit 21 moves the storage rack 60 to the replacement position (S300), and when the storage rack 60 is raised or lowered, the identification information acquisition unit 58 performs the process of acquiring identification information of the frame (S310). From the identification information 73, 78 of the frame, the control unit 21 can acquire not only the solid information of the frame but also the type information of the printing-related members held in the frame. Therefore, the control unit 21 can understand which type and solid frame is placed in which slot 61 of the storage unit 63. Next, the control unit 21 determines whether or not there is a data check error (S320). A data check error is a process that checks, for example, whether an incorrect operation has been performed for the operation of the predetermined storage rack 60 described above. The control unit 21 performs the data error check in S320 in the following order of priority: The control unit 21 determines an error when the number of frames that hold the support blocks 36, which are printing-related members that support the substrate S, exceeds a predetermined allowable number and are stored in the storage rack 60. The control unit 21 also determines an error when the frames are not filled to the bottom of the storage rack 60, that is, when there are empty slots in descending order from the largest slot number. Furthermore, the control unit 21 determines an error when there are no empty slots in the storage rack 60 for retrieving the mask frame 70 to which the screen mask M is fixed. Furthermore, the control unit 21 determines an error when the printing-related members scheduled to be used in the print job are not stored in the storage rack 60. Finally, the control unit 21 determines an error when the support frame 75 for retrieving the support blocks 36 that support the substrate S is not stored in the storage rack 60.Furthermore, the control unit 21 determines an error when the support frame 75, which holds the support block 36 as a printing-related component supporting the substrate S, is housed in the storage rack 60, and the identification information 78 of the support frame 75 is associated with the identification information 37 of the support block 36, and the support block 36 cannot be retrieved.

[0037] If there are no data check errors in S320, the control unit 21 determines whether or not there are mask frames 70 to be retrieved in the printing device 11 (S330). When the device is started, there are no mask frames 70 in the printing device 11, and when a print job is completed, there are mask frames 70 in the printing device 11. If there are mask frames 70 to be retrieved, the control unit 21 retrieves the mask frames 70 in ascending order to the upper empty slots (S340). After S340, or if there are no mask frames 70 to be retrieved in S330, the control unit 21 determines whether or not the current print job is in an operation mode that uses the identification information acquisition unit 58 (S350). If the operation mode uses the identification information acquisition unit 58, i.e., it is the reading mode, the control unit 21 can identify the frame placed in slot 61, and therefore moves the corresponding mask frame 70 into the device (S360). The control unit 21 raises and lowers the corresponding frame using the exchange unit 50 to a position facing the passage opening 49, and controls the frame movement unit 28 and other components to fix the mask frame 70 to the mask work unit 27. Then, the control unit 21 moves the storage rack 60 to the standby position (S440), and this routine ends.

[0038] On the other hand, in S350, when the operation mode is one in which the identification information acquisition unit 58 is not used, i.e., the confirmation mode, the control unit 21 moves the mask frame 70 into the device in ascending order (S370). The control unit 21 moves the mask frame 70 into the printing device 11, prioritizing the slot 61 above the storage unit 63. Because the control unit 21 moves the frames into the device in ascending order in accordance with the arrangement rules for the mask frame 70, unnecessary confirmation processing can be further reduced. Next, the control unit 21 acquires the identification information 74 of the screen mask M based on the image captured by the imaging unit 43 (S380), and determines whether the delivered screen mask M is correct or not based on the print job (S390). If the screen mask M is incorrect, i.e., if the screen mask M is not to be used in this print job, the control unit 21 determines whether there is another screen mask M to be moved to the printing device 11, based on the slot number of the storage rack 60 (S400). If there is another screen mask M, the control unit 21 executes the processing from S370 onwards. Specifically, the control unit 21 retrieves the mask frame 70 inside the device into the storage rack 60 (S410), moves the next mask frame 70 into the device in S370, and verifies the correctness of the screen mask M in S390.

[0039] On the other hand, if there is no screen mask M in S400, or if there is a data check error in S320, the control unit 21 stops the operation of the printing device 11 and performs notification processing that an error has occurred (S420). In the notification processing, the control unit 21 displays the message of the error in the display unit of the operation panel 54. After confirming this, the operator W performs error resolution work, such as replacing the frame with the correct one, and inputs to the operation panel 54 that the error has been resolved. The control unit 21 determines whether the error has been resolved based on the input from the operation panel 54 (S430), and if the error has not been resolved, it performs the processing in S420 and waits. On the other hand, if the error is resolved in S430, the control unit 21 performs the processing from S330 onwards. Then, in this confirmation mode, if it is determined in S390 that the screen mask M is correct, the storage rack 60 is moved to the waiting position in S440 and this routine ends.

[0040] Next, the setup change process for the support member 35 will be described. The support member setup change process routine shown in Figure 14 is stored in the storage unit 22 and executed by operator W inputting via the operation panel 54 after the printing device 11 is started. In this routine, the same steps as the setup change process for the screen mask M are given the same step numbers and their detailed explanations are omitted. When this routine is executed, the control unit 21 moves the storage rack 60 to the replacement position and obtains the identification information of the frame in the slot 61, similar to S300 and 310. Next, the control unit 21 determines whether or not to execute the operation mode using the correspondence information 22b, i.e., the ID link mode (S520). When using the correspondence information 22b, i.e., executing the ID link mode, the control unit 21 uses the correspondence information 22b to obtain the identification information 37 of the support block 36 associated with the identification information 74 of the screen mask M (S530). If the operation mode does not use corresponding information 22b after S530, or in S520, then in S320, it is determined whether or not there is a data check error. If there is no data check error, the control unit 21 determines whether or not there is a support block 36 to be retrieved (S550).

[0041] When the support block 36 to be retrieved is in the substrate processing unit 30, the control unit 21 performs the retrieval movement of the support frame 75 in the following order of priority (S560). When the control unit 21 has a support frame 75 registered in the correspondence information 22b (ID linked), it moves the support frame 75 that is not registered in the correspondence information 22b (ID linked) into the device in order. Also, when there is no ID link, and the housing unit 63 has a mask frame 70 and an empty slot, and the remaining slot 61 is a support frame 75, the control unit 21 moves the support frame 75 into the device in ascending order. Furthermore, when only support frame 75 that is not registered in the correspondence information 22b (ID linked) is housed in the housing unit 63, the control unit 21 moves the support frame 75 into the device in descending order. Moving the support frames 75 into the device in this order allows empty recovery support frames 75 to be moved into the device earlier, further reducing unnecessary processing.

[0042] Next, the control unit 21 uses the imaging unit 43 to image the upper surface of the support frame 75 that has moved into the device and determines whether or not there is a support block 36 in this support frame 75 (S570). In the case of a support frame 75 that is not ID-linked, it is possible that a support block 36 is mistakenly already being held. If there is no support block 36 in the support frame 75, the control unit 21 has the transfer unit 55 retrieve the support block 36 located in the substrate processing unit 30 and place it in this support frame 75 (S600). On the other hand, if there is already a support block 36 in the support frame 75 in S570, the control unit 21 determines whether or not there is another support frame 75 to move into the device (S580). If there is another support frame 75, the control unit 21 has the support frame 75 that has moved into the device retrieved into the storage rack 60, moves the next support frame 75 into the device (S590), and executes the processing from S570 onwards. Specifically, the control unit 21 confirms that the support block 36 is held in the support frame 75, and if the support block 36 is not held, it retrieves the support block 36 into the support frame 75 in S600.

[0043] After S600 or when there is no support block 36 to be collected in the apparatus at S550, the control unit 21 determines whether the operation mode of this print job is the ID link mode that uses the correspondence information 22b (S610). When it is the ID link mode, the control unit 21 uses the correspondence information 22b to move the support frame 75 associated with the identification information 37 of the support block 36 to be used into the apparatus, and moves the support block 36 onto the support base 39 of the substrate processing unit 30 by the transfer unit 55 (S680). Then, the control unit 21 moves the storage rack 60 to the standby position at S440 and ends this routine.

[0044] On the other hand, when the operation mode is not the ID link mode that uses the correspondence information 22b at S610, that is, when it is the confirmation mode, the control unit 21 executes the arrangement movement of the support block 36 from the support frame 75 in the priority order listed below, for example (S620). First, when there is a mask frame 70 and an empty slot in the storage unit 63 and the remaining slots 61 are support frames 75 in the case of no ID link, the control unit 21 moves the support frames 75 into the apparatus in descending order. Also, when only the support frames 75 not registered in the correspondence information 22b (no ID link) are stored in the storage unit 63, the control unit 21 moves the support frames 75 into the apparatus in ascending order. By moving the support frames 75 into the apparatus in such an order, the target support frames 75 can be moved into the apparatus earlier, and unnecessary processing can be further reduced.

[0045] Next, the control unit 21 images the upper surface side of the support frame 75 moved into the apparatus with the imaging unit 43 and acquires the identification information 37 of the support block 36 held by this support frame 75 (S630). Next, the control unit 21 determines whether this support block 36 is the correct support block 36 to be used in this print job based on the acquired identification information 37 (S640). When it is the correct support block 36, the support block 36 is moved from this support frame 75 to the substrate processing unit 30 at S680, the storage rack 60 is moved to the standby position at S440, and this routine is ended.

[0046] On the other hand, at S640, when it is determined that the confirmed support block 36 is incorrect, the control unit 21 determines whether there is a next support frame 75 (S650). When there is a next support frame 75, the control unit 21 causes this support frame 75 to be retrieved into the storage rack 60 and executes the processes after S620. When the processes after S650 are executed and the support block 36 is correct at S640, the control unit 21 executes the processes after S680 and ends this routine.

[0047] On the other hand, at S650, when there is no next support frame 75, or at S580, when there is no next support frame 75, or when there is a data check error at S320, the control unit 21 stops the operation of the printing device 11 at S420 and executes a notification process indicating that an error has occurred. In the notification process, the control unit 21 causes an error message corresponding thereto to be displayed on the display unit of the operation panel 54. The operator W who has confirmed this performs an error resolution operation, for example, replaces the incorrect frame with a correct one, and inputs to the operation panel 54 that the error has been resolved. FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the slot information display screen 90. The slot information display screen 90 displays information such as the support frame 75 accommodated in the storage rack 60. This slot information display screen 90 includes a cursor 91 and a slot information display column 92. The slot information display column 92 displays the number of each slot 61, the identification information 78 of the support frame 75, and the state of that slot 61. The operator W checks the slot information display screen 90 and performs an operation to change an incorrect support frame 75 to a correct one. Subsequently, at S430, the control unit 21 determines whether the error has been resolved based on the input from the operation panel 54. When the error has not been resolved, the process of S420 is executed and the control unit waits. On the other hand, when the error has been resolved at S430, the control unit 21 executes the processes after S310. And in this confirmation mode, when it is determined at S640 that the support frame 75 is correct, the control unit 21 executes the processes after S680 and ends this routine.

[0048] Here, we will explain the specific processing in a flexible arrangement in which the mask frame 70 and support frame 75 are housed in the storage rack 60. Figure 16 is an explanatory diagram of an example of setup change processing with two screen masks M and two types of support blocks 36 in the storage rack 60, with Figure 16A being the start of printing, Figure 16B being after the first setup change, and Figure 16C being after the second setup change. With two masks and two types of support blocks, a maximum of two automatic setup change processes can be performed. First, the control unit 21 moves the mask (A) and support block (a) into the device (Figure 16B) and executes the printing process. At this time, based on the arrangement rules, if the identification information acquisition unit 58 is not used, the control unit 21 moves the mask frame 70 from the storage rack 60 in ascending order, and if the ID link is not used, it moves the support frame 75 from the storage rack 60 in ascending order. When this print job is completed, the control unit 21 retrieves the mask (A) and support block (a) from the device into the storage rack 60, moves the mask (B) and support block (a) from the storage rack 60 into the device, and executes the printing process. At this time, based on the retrieval rules, the control unit 21 retrieves the mask frames 70 in order from the top of the empty slots, pulls out the support frames 75 from the storage rack 60 in descending order, and retrieves the support blocks 36. Then, based on the placement rules, the control unit 21 moves the mask frames 70 from the storage rack 60 in ascending order, and moves the support frames 75 from the storage rack 60 in ascending order. By performing these operations, the screen mask M and support blocks 36 to be used can be moved to the correct position more quickly.

[0049] Figure 17 is an explanatory diagram of an example of the setup change process for a print job with four screen masks M and four types of support pins 38 in the storage rack 60. Figure 17A shows the start of printing, Figure 17B shows the setup after the first change, Figure 17C shows the setup after the second change, Figure 17D shows the setup after the third change, and Figure 17E shows the setup after the fourth change. With four masks and four types of support pins 38, a maximum of four automatic setup changes can be performed. First, the control unit 21 moves the mask (A) into the device (Figure 17B), places the support pins (1) on the support base 39, and executes the printing process. At this time, based on the arrangement rules, if the identification information acquisition unit 58 is not used, the control unit 21 moves the mask frame 70 from the storage rack 60 in ascending order. When this print job is completed, the control unit 21 retrieves the mask (A) from the device into the storage rack 60, retrieves the support pins (1) and places the support pins (2), then moves the mask (B) from the storage rack 60 into the device and performs the printing process (Figure 17C). At this time, the control unit 21 retrieves the mask frames 70 in order from the top of the empty slots based on the retrieval rules, and moves the mask frames 70 from the storage rack 60 in ascending order based on the placement rules. By performing these operations thereafter, the screen mask M to be used can be moved to the correct position more quickly.

[0050] Figure 18 is an explanatory diagram of an example of a print job setup change process with three screen masks M, one type of support block 36, and two types of support pins 38 in the storage rack 60. Figure 18A is an explanatory diagram of the start of printing, Figure 18B is an explanatory diagram of the first setup change, Figure 18C is an explanatory diagram of the second setup change, and Figure 18D is an explanatory diagram of the third setup change. With three masks, one type of support block 36, and two types of support pins 38, a maximum of three automatic setup changes can be performed. First, the control unit 21 moves the mask (A) into the device (Figure 18B), places the support pin (1) on the support base 39, and executes the printing process. At this time, based on the arrangement rules, if the identification information acquisition unit 58 is not used, the control unit 21 moves the mask frame 70 from the storage rack 60 in ascending order. When this print job is completed, the control unit 21 retrieves the mask (A) from the device into the storage rack 60, retrieves the support pin (1), then moves the mask (B) and support block (a) from the storage rack 60 into the device and executes the printing process (Figure 18C). At this time, the control unit 21 retrieves the mask frames 70 in order from the top of the empty slots according to the retrieval rules, and moves the mask frames 70 from the storage rack 60 in ascending order according to the placement rules. The control unit 21 also moves the support frames 75 from the storage rack 60 in ascending order according to the placement rules. When this print job is completed, the control unit 21 retrieves the mask (B) from the device into the storage rack 60, retrieves the support block (a) into the storage rack 60, then moves the mask (C) and support pin (3) from the storage rack 60 into the device and executes the printing process (Figure 18D). At this time, the control unit 21 retrieves the mask frames 70 in order from the top of the empty slots based on the retrieval rules, and moves the mask frames 70 from the storage rack 60 in ascending order based on the placement rules. The control unit 21 also moves the support frames 75 from the storage rack 60 in descending order based on the retrieval rules. By continuing these operations, the screen masks M and support blocks 36 to be used can be moved to the correct positions more quickly.

[0051] Here, the correspondence between the components of this embodiment and the components of the present disclosure will be clarified. The control device 20 of this embodiment is an example of the control device of the present disclosure, the control unit 21 is an example of the control unit, the storage unit 22 is an example of the storage unit, the printing device 11 is an example of the printing device, the printing unit 23 is an example of the printing unit, the screen mask M and the support member 35, support block 36, and support pin 38 are examples of printing-related components, and the support member 35, support block 36, and support pin 38 are examples of support members. Furthermore, the identification information acquisition unit 58 is an example of a frame information acquisition unit, the imaging unit 43 and the identification information acquisition unit 59 are examples of component information acquisition units, the mask frame 70 and the support frame 75 are examples of frames, the replacement unit 50 is an example of a replacement unit, the storage rack 60 is an example of a storage rack, the slot 61 is an example of a slot, the support base 39 is an example of a support base, the arrangement unit 46 is an example of an arrangement unit, the operation panel 54 is an example of a notification unit, the identification information 37, identification information 73, identification information 74, and identification information 78 are examples of identification information, the substrate S is an example of an object, and the solder is an example of a viscous fluid. In addition, in this embodiment, an example of a control method of the present disclosure is also revealed by describing the operation of the printing apparatus 11.

[0052] The control device 20 of this embodiment, as described above, is used in a printing apparatus 11 that includes a printing unit 23 that performs a viscous fluid printing process on a substrate S as an object using a screen mask M, an identification information acquisition unit 58 as a frame information acquisition unit that acquires identification information 73, 78 of a frame that holds printing-related members used in the printing apparatus 11, an imaging unit 43 as a member information acquisition unit that acquires identification information 37, 74 of printing-related members, and a replacement unit 50 that automatically replaces printing-related members between a storage rack 60 having a plurality of slots 61 for accommodating frame bodies that hold printing-related members and the printing apparatus 11. The control device 20 acquires type information of printing-related members held in a frame from the identification information 73, 78 of a mask frame 70 and a support frame 75 as acquired frame bodies, acquires solid information of the printing-related members from the acquired identification information 37, 74 of the printing-related members, moves the frame into the printing apparatus according to a predetermined order of slots 61 and automatically replaces the printing-related members. In this control device 20, the frame holding the printing-related components is moved in a predetermined order. Therefore, if the operator W places the frame into the slot 61 of the storage rack 60 in that order, the replacement unit 50 can automatically replace the printing-related components with as little wasted time as possible. Consequently, this control device 20 can further improve work efficiency when replacing components used in the printing device 11.

[0053] Furthermore, the storage rack 60 accommodates either a mask frame 70 for holding a screen mask M as a printing-related component, or a support frame 75 for holding a support block 36 as a support member 35 for supporting a substrate S. When the printing device 11 has a mask frame 70 holding a screen mask M, all slots except one empty slot are occupied. When the printing device 11 does not have a mask frame 70, all slots are occupied by the frame. In this printing device 11, the efficiency of automatic replacement can be further improved by increasing the degree of freedom of the printing-related components stored in the storage rack 60. Moreover, the printing device 11 has support pins 38 for supporting the substrate S and an arrangement section 46 for arranging the support pins 38 on a support base 39. The storage rack 60 accommodates either a mask frame 70 or a support frame 75, and the mask frame 70 for printing jobs that use the support pins 38 is stored in slot 61 instead of the support frame 75. In this printing apparatus 11, the screen mask M and the support block 36 are sometimes used in pairs, but if the support block 36 is not used, more screen masks M can be accommodated in the storage rack 60.

[0054] Furthermore, the storage rack 60 houses either the mask frame 70 or the support frame 75, and the control unit 21 moves the mask frame 70 in ascending order and the support frame 75 in descending order from the storage rack 60 into the printing device 11 according to a predetermined order of slots 61. This control device 20 can further improve work efficiency by storing the frames in the storage rack 60 in an order that is easy for the operator W to understand. In addition, the storage rack 60 houses either the mask frame 70 or the support frame 75, and the control unit 21 automatically replaces the printing-related components under one or more of the conditions (1) to (4). This control device 20 can improve the work efficiency of automatic replacement by using a predetermined priority in the placement and retrieval of the screen mask M and the placement and retrieval of the support block 36. (1) When the mask frame 70 is placed and the identification information acquisition unit 58 is not used, the imaging unit 43 obtains identification information 74 of the screen mask M in ascending order and automatically replaces it when it is the correct screen mask, while retrieving the mask frame 70 when it is an incorrect screen mask M. (2) When retrieving the mask frame 70, the mask frame 70 is retrieved in ascending order into an empty slot of the storage rack 60. (3) When arranging the support block 36, and the identification information 78 of the support frame 75 and the identification information 37 of the support block 36 are not associated, if there is an empty slot and a mask frame 70 in the storage rack 60, the support frame 75 is pulled out in descending order and the support block 36 is arranged. If there is no empty slot in the storage rack 60, the support frame 75 is pulled out in ascending order and the identification information 37 of the support block 36 is obtained by the imaging unit 43 and the correct support block 36 is automatically replaced. If the support block 36 is incorrect, the support frame 75 is retrieved and the next support frame 75 is used to retry.(4) When retrieving the support block 36, and the identification information 78 of the support frame 75 and the identification information 37 of the support block 36 are not associated, if there is an empty slot and a mask frame 70 in the storage rack 60, the support frame 75 is pulled out in ascending order to retrieve the support block 36, and if there is no empty slot in the storage rack 60, the support frame 75 is pulled out in descending order, and if there is a support block 36 in this frame, this support frame 75 is retrieved and the process is retried with the next support frame 75.

[0055] Furthermore, the storage rack 60 houses either a mask frame 70 or a support frame 75. When the identification information 78 of the support frame 75 is associated with the identification information 37 of the support block 36, the control unit 21 omits the acquisition of the identification information 37 by the imaging unit 43 and automatically replaces the support block 36 using the identification information 78 of the support frame 75. In this control device 20, since the identification information 37 and 78 of the support block 36 and the support frame 75 are linked, the process of acquiring the identification information 37 can be omitted, thereby increasing work efficiency. Moreover, the control device 20 is equipped with an operation panel 54 as a notification unit that notifies the worker of information. The control unit 21 notifies the operation panel 54 by displaying information about the printing-related components stored in the storage rack 60 on the slot information display screen 90. With this control device 20, the worker W can recognize the state in which components are stored in the storage rack 60. Furthermore, the control unit 21 causes the operation panel 54 to notify the operator W of one or more of the information from (5) to (10). With this control device 20, the operator W can confirm the information when the frame is not set up according to various arrangements regarding the storage rack 60. Furthermore, the control unit 21 stores correspondence information 22b in the storage unit 22, which associates the identification information 78 of the support frame 75 with the identification information 37 of the support block 36. With this control device 20, by using correspondence information 22b, the process of acquiring the identification information 37 can be omitted. (5) The number of support frames 75 stored in the storage rack 60 exceeds a predetermined allowable number. (6) The frame is not filled to the bottom of the storage rack 60. (7) There is no empty slot in the storage rack 60 for retrieving the mask frame 70. (8) The printing-related components scheduled to be used in the print job are not stored in the storage rack 60. (9) The support frame 75 for placement or retrieval used in the print job is not stored in the storage rack 60. (10) The support frame 75 is housed in the storage rack 60, but the identification information 78 of the support frame 75 is associated with the identification information 37 of the support block 36, so the support block 36 cannot be retrieved.

[0056] The printing apparatus 11 is equipped with the control device 20 described above. Because this printing apparatus 11 is equipped with the control device 20 described above, work efficiency can be further improved when replacing components used in the printing apparatus 11.

[0057] It goes without saying that the control device, printing apparatus, and control method of this disclosure are not limited in any way to the embodiments described above, and can be implemented in various forms as long as they fall within the technical scope of this disclosure.

[0058] For example, in the embodiment described above, the control unit 21 automatically replaces the printing-related components under one or more of the conditions (1) to (4), but it is not limited to this, and one or more of these may be omitted, or other conditions may be used in addition to or instead of these.

[0059] In the embodiments described above, the device is configured to perform operations in a reading mode, ID link mode, and confirmation mode. However, it is not limited to these modes, and one or more of these modes may be omitted, or other operation modes may be used in addition to or instead of these modes. Furthermore, the printing device 11 may be configured to operate with fixed operation modes such as reading mode, ID link mode, and confirmation mode.

[0060] In the embodiment described above, the control unit 21 causes the notification unit to notify the notification unit of information regarding the printing-related components stored in the storage rack 60, but the system is not limited to this, and this notification process may be omitted. Also, the control unit 21 causes the notification unit to notify the notification unit of one or more of the information from (5) to (10), but the system is not limited to this, and one or more of these may be omitted, or other conditions may be used in addition to or instead of these.

[0061] In the embodiment described above, the control unit 21 stores correspondence information 22b in the storage unit 22, which associates the identification information 78 of the support frame 75 with the identification information 37 of the support block 36. However, it is not limited to this, and for example, the storage unit 22 may store correspondence information 22b in the storage unit 22, which associates the identification information 73 of the mask frame 70 with the identification information 74 of the screen mask M. Alternatively, the control unit 21 may omit the process of associating the identification information of the correspondence information 22b. This control device 20 also allows for increased work efficiency when replacing components used in the printing device 11.

[0062] In the embodiment described above, it was assumed that there are predetermined placement and retrieval rules when the worker W inserts and removes the frame from the storage rack 60. However, as long as the exchange order of the slots predetermined by the control device 20 is followed, the system is not limited to this, and the ascending or descending order can be changed as appropriate.

[0063] In the embodiment described above, the storage rack 60 was described as having four rows of slots 61, but it is not limited to this, and may have five or more rows of slots 61. Also, the storage rack 60 may have fewer than four rows of slots 61, but if the number of items to be stored is small, the efficiency of automatic exchange will decrease, so it is preferable to have four or more rows.

[0064] In the embodiment described above, the mask frame 70 comprises a main body 71 disposed on the outermost periphery and a support frame 72 disposed on the inner side of the main body 71 to which the screen mask M is fixed. However, it is not limited to this, and the mask frame 70 may not have a support frame 72, and the main body 71 may integrally fix the screen mask M. In this case, since the screen mask M is integrally fixed to the main body 71, it is sufficient that the identification information 73 indicating the unique information of the mask frame 70 is also provided on the screen mask M as the identification information 74 of the screen mask M.

[0065] In the embodiments described above, the disclosure was explained in the form of a control device 20, a printing device 11, and an implementation system 10, but it is not limited to these, and for example, the disclosure may also be a control method for the printing device 11 or a program thereof.

[0066] The present disclosure may be configured as follows. For example, the control method of the present disclosure is a control method executed by a computer of a printing apparatus comprising: a printing unit that performs a viscous fluid printing process on an object using a screen mask; a frame information acquisition unit that acquires identification information of a frame holding printing-related components used in the printing apparatus; a component information acquisition unit that acquires identification information of the printing-related components; and a replacement unit that automatically replaces the printing-related components between a storage rack having a plurality of slots for accommodating the frame holding the printing-related components and the printing apparatus, the method comprising the steps of: acquiring type information of the printing-related components held in the frame from the acquired frame identification information; acquiring solid information of the printing-related components from the acquired printing-related component identification information; moving the frame into the printing apparatus according to a predetermined order of the slots; and automatically replacing the printing-related components.

[0067] In this control method, similar to the control device described above, the frame holding the printing-related components is moved in a predetermined order, allowing the replacement unit to automatically replace the printing-related components with minimal wasted time, thereby increasing work efficiency when replacing components used in a printing device. In this control method, various embodiments of the control device described above may be adopted, and steps to implement each of the functions of the control device described above may be added.

[0068] This specification describes the technical concept in which, in the original claim 4, "the control device described in claim 1 or 2" was changed to "the control device described in any one of claims 1 to 3", the technical concept in which, in the original claim 5, "the control device described in claim 1 or 2" was changed to "the control device described in any one of claims 1 to 4", the technical concept in which, in the original claim 6, "the control device described in claim 1 or 2" was changed to "the control device described in any one of claims 1 to 5", the technical concept in the original claim 7, "the control device described in claim 1 or 2" was changed to "the control device described in any one of claims 1 to 6", and the technical concept in the original claim 9, "the control device described in claim 1 or 2" was changed to "the control device described in any one of claims 1 to 8".、 The technical concept is also disclosed in which the "control device described in claim 1 or 2" in the original claim 10 of the application was changed to "the control device described in any one of claims 1 to 9".

[0069] This disclosure is applicable to the technical field of equipment for mounting components.

[0070] 10 Assembly system, 11 Printing device, 12 Print inspection device, 13 Storage device, 14 Automated guided vehicle, 15 Assembly device, 16 Assembly inspection device, 17 X-axis rail, 18 Loader, 19 Management PC, 20 Control device, 21 Control unit, 22 Storage unit, 22a Print job information, 22b Corresponding information, 23 Printing unit, 24 Print head, 25 Printing movement unit, 26 Squeegee, 27 Mask work unit, 28 Frame movement unit, 29 Mask fixing unit, 30 Substrate processing unit, 31 First substrate unit, 32 Second substrate unit, 33 Substrate transport unit, 34 Lifting unit, 35 Support member, 36 Support block, 37 Identification information, 38 Support pin, 39 Support base, 40 Work unit, 41 Unit movement unit, 42 Cleaning unit, 43 Imaging unit, 44 Upward imaging unit, 45 46 Downward imaging unit, 47 Placement unit, 47 Sampling unit, 48 Lifting unit, 49 Pass-through opening, 50 Replacement unit, 51 First replacement unit, 52 Second replacement unit, 53 Rack movement unit, 54 Operation panel, 55 Transfer unit, 56 Lifting unit, 57 Pusher, 58 Identification information acquisition unit, 59 Identification information acquisition unit, 60 Storage rack, 61 Slot, 62 Replacement door, 63 Storage unit, 68 Standby unit, 70 Mask frame, 71 Main unit, 72 Support frame, 73 Identification information, 74 Identification information, 75 Support frame, 76 Main unit, 77 Holding unit, 78 Identification information, 80 Information display screen, 81 Cursor, 82 Information display field, 83 Corresponding information input key, 84 Frame replacement key, 85 Corresponding information input screen, 86 Corresponding information display field, 87 Identification information display field, 90 Slot information display screen, 91 cursor, 92 slot information display field, M screen mask, S circuit board, W worker.

Claims

1. A control device used in a printing apparatus comprising: a printing unit that performs a viscous fluid printing process on an object using a screen mask; a frame information acquisition unit that acquires identification information of a frame holding printing-related components used in the printing apparatus; a component information acquisition unit that acquires identification information of the printing-related components; and a replacement unit that automatically replaces the printing-related components between a storage rack having a plurality of slots for accommodating the frame holding the printing-related components and the printing apparatus, the control device comprising: an acquisition of type information of the printing-related components held in the frame from the acquired frame identification information; an acquisition of solid information of the printing-related components from the acquired printing-related component identification information; and a control unit that moves the frame into the printing apparatus according to a predetermined order of the slots and automatically replaces the printing-related components.

2. The control device according to claim 1, wherein the storage rack accommodates either the frame for holding the screen mask as a printing-related component, or the frame for holding the support member as a printing-related component for supporting the object, and when the printing device has the frame for holding the screen mask, all slots except one empty slot are occupied, and when the printing device does not have the frame, all slots are occupied by the frame.

3. The control device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the printing apparatus has support pins for supporting the object and an arrangement section for arranging the support pins on a support base, and the storage rack houses either the frame for holding the screen mask as a printing-related component or the frame for holding the support member as a printing-related component for supporting the object, and the frame for holding the screen mask for a printing job using the support pins is housed in the slot instead of the frame for holding the support member.

4. The control device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the storage rack accommodates either the frame for holding the screen mask as a printing-related component, or the frame for holding a support member as a printing-related component for supporting an object, and the control unit moves the frame for holding the screen mask in ascending order and the frame for holding the support member in descending order from the storage rack into the printing apparatus according to the predetermined order of the slots.

5. The control device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the storage rack accommodates either the frame for holding the screen mask as a printing-related component, or the frame for holding a support member as a printing-related component for supporting the object, and the control unit causes the printing-related component to be automatically replaced under any one or more of the conditions (1) to (4). (1) When the frame for holding the screen mask is placed and the frame information acquisition unit is not used, the component information acquisition unit obtains identification information of the screen mask in ascending order and automatically replaces it when it is the correct screen mask, while recovering the frame when it is the incorrect screen mask. (2) When recovering the frame for holding the screen mask, the frame is recovered in ascending order into an empty slot of the storage rack. (3) When arranging the support member, and the identification information of the frame body and the identification information of the support member are not associated, if there is an empty slot and a frame body holding the screen mask in the storage rack, the frame body for the support member is pulled out in descending order and the support member is arranged. If there is no empty slot in the storage rack, the frame body for the support member is pulled out in ascending order, the identification information of the support member is obtained by the member information acquisition unit, and if it is the correct support member, it is automatically replaced. If it is the incorrect support member, the frame body is retrieved and the process is retried with the next frame body. (4) When retrieving the support member, and the identification information of the frame body and the identification information of the support member are not associated, if there is an empty slot and a frame body holding the screen mask in the storage rack, the frame body for the support member is pulled out in ascending order and the support member is retrieved. If there is no empty slot in the storage rack, the frame body for the support member is pulled out in descending order, and if there is a support member in the frame body, the frame body is retrieved and the process is retried with the next frame body.

6. The control device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the storage rack accommodates either the frame for holding the screen mask as a printing-related component, or the frame for holding the support member as a printing-related component for supporting the object, and the control unit, when the identification information of the frame and the identification information of the support member are associated, omits the acquisition of the identification information of the support member by the component information acquisition unit and automatically replaces the support member using the identification information of the frame.

7. A control device according to claim 1 or 2, comprising a notification unit for notifying an operator of information, wherein the control unit causes the notification unit to notify the information of the printing-related components housed in the storage rack.

8. The control device according to claim 7, wherein the control unit causes the notification unit to notify one or more of the information from (5) to (10). (5) The frame holding the support member as a printing-related component that supports the object is housed in the storage rack in a number exceeding a predetermined allowable number. (6) The frame is not filled to the bottom of the storage rack. (7) There is no empty slot in the storage rack for retrieving the frame holding the screen mask as a printing-related component. (8) The printing-related component scheduled for use, which is set for the print job, is not housed in the storage rack. (9) The frame for retrieving the support member as a printing-related component that supports the object is not housed in the storage rack. (10) The frame holding the support member as a printing-related component that supports the object is housed in the storage rack, but the identification information of the frame and the identification information of the support member are associated, and the support member cannot be retrieved.

9. The control device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control unit stores in a storage unit correspondence information that associates the identification information of the frame with the identification information of the printing-related member.

10. A printing apparatus comprising: a printing unit that performs a viscous fluid printing process on an object using a screen mask; a frame information acquisition unit that acquires identification information of a frame holding printing-related components used in the printing apparatus; a component information acquisition unit that acquires identification information of the printing-related components; an exchange unit that automatically exchanges the printing-related components between a storage rack having a plurality of slots for accommodating the frame holding the printing-related components and the printing apparatus; and the control device according to claim 1 or 2.

11. A control method executed by a computer of a printing apparatus comprising: a printing unit that performs a viscous fluid printing process on an object using a screen mask; a frame information acquisition unit that acquires identification information of a frame holding printing-related components used in the printing apparatus; a component information acquisition unit that acquires identification information of the printing-related components; and a replacement unit that automatically replaces the printing-related components between a storage rack having a plurality of slots for accommodating the frame holding the printing-related components and the printing apparatus, the control method comprising the steps of: acquiring type information of the printing-related components held in the frame from the acquired frame identification information; acquiring solid information of the printing-related components from the acquired printing-related component identification information; moving the frame into the printing apparatus according to a predetermined order of the slots; and automatically replacing the printing-related components.

Images