Information management method and information management apparatus

Abstract

To provide an information management method that functions properly for automatic and manual replacement of a parts supply device and can properly manage the types of parts held in the parts supply device.SOLUTION: An information management method includes a correspondence registration step of registering correspondence data that associates individual identification information of a parts supply device that is attached to a parts mounting machine and supplies parts with the type of parts loaded into the parts supply device, and a correspondence discarding step of discarding the correspondence data when a predetermined condition is satisfied after the parts supply device is removed from the parts mounting machine, and maintains the correspondence data when the parts supply device is removed from a storage device by an automatic exchange device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This specification relates to a component type management device that manages the types of components held in a component supply device attached to a component mounting machine.

Background Art

[0002] Techniques for mass-producing substrate products by performing substrate work on a substrate with printed wiring are widespread. As a typical example of a substrate working machine that performs substrate work, there is a component mounting machine that performs component mounting work. Generally, component supply devices such as feeders attached to component mounting machines are managed with individual identification information assigned. Further, the types of components held in the component supply device are managed in association with the individual identification information of the component supply device. One technical example of managing the individual identification information of the component supply device and the information on the types of components held is disclosed in Patent Document 1.

[0003] The component remaining quantity management method of the component mounting machine disclosed in Patent Document 1 stores in association a feeder ID (individual identification information) for identifying a feeder, a component ID for identifying the type of component to be supplied, and the remaining quantity of components. Then, when attaching a feeder to a component mounting machine, if the combination of the feeder ID and the component ID of the feeder is not stored, that combination is stored, and if that combination is stored, the information on the remaining quantity of components is used. According to this, it is said that the remaining quantity of components in each feeder can be easily managed.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Incidentally, in a component mounter, a plurality of feeders each loaded with a reel are arranged and attached side by side. Then, in the setup change operation when changing the type of substrate product to be produced, there is a first case where the feeder is temporarily removed and its arrangement position is changed. Also, there is a second case where the reel is replaced after the feeder is removed and the type of the held component is changed.

[0006] Here, the control unit that associates the feeder ID and the component ID in Patent Document 1 needs to maintain the association in the first case and discard the association in the second case. As a simple method for discriminating between the first case and the second case, a discrimination method using the duration of the removed state is used. That is, since the duration of the removed state is short in the first case and long in the second case, the two cases can be discriminated.

[0007] In recent years, in response to the demands for labor saving and automation in production, an automatic exchange device for automatically exchanging feeders has been put into practical use. However, it is difficult to achieve complete automation, and sometimes manual exchange is also used in combination. Also, there is a line configuration in which a new type of component mounter corresponding to the automatic exchange device and an old type of component mounter that depends on manual exchange are used in combination. Here, the automatic exchange device manages the feeder removed from the component mounter and does not allow the reel to be exchanged. For this reason, it is not necessary to discard the association between the feeder ID and the component ID within the range to which the automatic exchange device is applied.

[0008] In other words, the conventional technologies such as Patent Document 1 do not function properly with respect to the automatic exchange of feeders. That is, even if the feeder is automatically removed by the automatic exchange device, if the duration of the removed state becomes long, the association is discarded. As a result, when the automatic exchange device reinstalls the feeder device onto the component mounter, the operator needs to re-register the association, which is a waste of effort. Furthermore, if the operator neglects to re-register, an error will occur.

[0009] In this specification, it is an issue to be solved to provide an information management method and a component type management device that function properly for both automatic and manual replacement of a component supply device and can properly manage the types of components held by the component supply device.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0010] This specification discloses an information management method including a correlation registration step of registering correlation data associating the individual identification information of a component supply device attached to a component mounting machine and supplying components with the types of the components held by the component supply device, and a correlation deletion step of deleting the correlation data when a predetermined condition is satisfied after the component supply device is removed from the component mounting machine. This specification discloses a component type management device including a correlation registration unit that registers correlation data associating the individual identification information of a component supply device attached to a component mounting machine and supplying components with the types of the components held by the component supply device, a correlation deletion unit that deletes the correlation data when a predetermined condition is satisfied after the component supply device is removed from the component mounting machine, a removal determination unit that determines whether the component supply device has been removed by an automatic replacement device, and a correlation maintenance unit that invalidates the function of the correlation deletion unit and maintains the correlation data before the predetermined condition is satisfied when it is determined that the component supply device has been removed by the automatic replacement device.

Advantages of the Invention

[0011] In the component type management device disclosed in this specification, the removal determination unit determines whether the component supply device has been removed by the automatic exchange device. When the component supply device has been automatically removed, the association maintenance unit functions to maintain the association data. Therefore, it is not necessary for the operator to re-register the association data, and there is no risk of errors. Also, when the component supply device has been manually removed, the association deletion unit functions to delete the association data when a predetermined condition is satisfied. Therefore, there is no risk of continuing to maintain the association data and causing an error due to the possibility that the type of component held in the component supply device has been changed. Thus, the component type management device functions properly for both automatic and manual exchanges of the component supply device, and can properly manage the type of component held in the component supply device. The same effect as described above also occurs in the disclosed information management method.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0012]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0013] 1. Configuration Example of Component Mounting System 9 First, a configuration example of a component mounting system 9 in which a component type management device 5 (see FIG. 2) of an embodiment is incorporated will be described. The component mounting system 9 mounts components on a substrate to produce a substrate product. As shown in FIG. 1, the front, rear, left, and right of the component mounting system 9 are defined for convenience. The component mounting system 9 is configured by arranging a plurality of substrate working machines in a row in the left-right direction. That is, a solder printer 91, a printing inspection machine 92, a first component mounting machine 93, a second component mounting machine 94, a third component mounting machine 95, a substrate appearance inspection machine (not shown), and a reflow machine (not shown) are arranged in a row from the left side to the right side.

[0014] Each substrate working machine performs a predetermined operation on the substrate, that is, a substrate-related operation. Specifically, the solder printer 91 prints paste-like solder on the substrate in a defined pattern shape. The printing inspection machine 92 images and inspects the solder printing state of the substrate. The first component mounting machine 93, the second component mounting machine 94, and the third component mounting machine 95 collect components from the component supply unit 9A and mount them on the solder on the substrate. The substrate appearance inspection machine images the components mounted on the substrate and inspects the appearance state. The reflow machine heats and cools the solder to ensure reliable soldering of the components. The substrate-related operation is not limited to the above-described operation contents and also includes various accompanying operations. For example, the loading and unloading operations of the substrate, the positioning operation, and the confirmation operation of imaging the substrate and components to detect their positions and postures are also included in the substrate-related operation.

[0015] The first component mounting machine 93, the second component mounting machine 94, and the third component mounting machine 95 have the same structure as each other. The component mounting machines (93, 94, 95) include a component supply unit 9A, a spare feeder storage unit 9B, a substrate transfer device not visible in FIG. 1, and a component transfer device.

[0016] The component supply unit 9A is arranged at a substantially intermediate height on the front side of the machine base 99. The component supply unit 9A has a plurality of slots that extend in the front-rear direction and are formed parallel to each other at a predetermined pitch. Each slot of the component supply unit 9A has a feeder 8 inserted and attached thereto. That is, the plurality of feeders 8 are arranged side by side in the left-right direction of FIG. 1. The feeder 8 is an example of a component supply device.

[0017] The spare feeder storage unit 9B is disposed below the component supply unit 9A on the front side of the machine base 99. The spare feeder storage unit 9B also has a plurality of slots formed to extend in the front-rear direction and parallel to each other at a predetermined pitch. In the slots of the spare feeder storage unit 9B, spare feeders 8 that have completed setup work and used-up feeders 8 are arranged and temporarily stored. The substrate transfer device performs substrate loading, positioning, and unloading. The component transfer device picks up components from the component supply unit 9A using component mounting tools such as suction nozzles and mounts them on the substrate.

[0018] The feeder 8 is detachably attached to the component supply unit 9A and the spare feeder storage unit 9B. The feeder 8 is interchangeably used in the first component mounting machine 93, the second component mounting machine 94, and the third component mounting machine 95. The feeder 8 is further used in other component mounting systems (not shown). The left-right direction in FIG. 1 is the arrangement direction in which a plurality of feeders 8 are arranged, and the front-rear direction in FIG. 1 is the attachment / detachment direction of the feeder 8.

[0019] The feeder 8 is managed with individual identification information assigned thereto. The individual identification information is displayed by a label printed with a barcode or the like. Further, the schematic control unit of the feeder 8 holds the individual identification information and has a function of transmitting the individual identification information using communication. The feeder 8 is loaded with a reel around which a carrier tape is wound in a replaceable manner. The carrier tape stores and holds components in cavity portions provided side by side in the length direction. Information on the types of components held on the reel is displayed by a label printed with a barcode being affixed to the reel. Note that the individual identification information and the information on the types of components may be assigned by display locations and display methods other than the above.

[0020] The component mounting system 9 is provided with a feeder storage device 96, a line management device 97, and an automatic exchange device 1. The feeder storage device 96 is arranged adjacent to the left side of the solder printer 91 and at the same height as the component supply section 9A of the component mounters (93, 94, 95). The feeder storage device 96 has a plurality of slots that extend in the front-rear direction and are formed parallel to each other at a predetermined pitch, similar to the component supply section 9A. In the slots of the feeder storage device 96, the feeders 8 that have completed the setup work and the feeders 8 that have been used up are attached and stored. The line management device 97 is arranged adjacent to the left side of the feeder storage device 96.

[0021] The automatic exchange device 1 automatically exchanges the feeders 8. Specifically, the automatic exchange device 1 exchanges the feeder 8 between the component supply section 9A of the component mounters (93, 94, 95) and the spare feeder storage section 9B. Also, the automatic exchange device 1 moves between the component mounters (93, 94, 95) and the feeder storage device 96, and transports and exchanges the feeder 8.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 1, the automatic exchange device 1 is composed of an array direction moving section 2, an array direction driving device 20, an exchange section 3, etc. The array direction moving section 2 is provided so as to be movable in the array direction with respect to the component mounters (93, 94, 95). The array direction moving section 2 is a vertically long box-shaped member with an open rear side. The array direction driving device 20 moves the array direction moving section 2 in the array direction. The array direction driving device 20 is composed of a track section provided on the non-moving side, an engaging section provided on the moving side and engageable with the track section so as to be movable, a driving source that generates power for movement, etc.

[0023] The middle rail 21 and the lower rail 22 corresponding to the rail part are respectively provided on the front surface of the machine bases 99 of a plurality of substrate processing machines and on the front surface of the feeder storage device 96. The middle rail 21 and the lower rail 22 extend in the arrangement direction. The height position of the middle rail 21 is unified in the middle of the component supply unit 9A and the spare feeder storage unit 9B. The height position of the lower rail 22 is unified below the spare feeder storage unit 9B. Thus, the plurality of middle rails 21 and the plurality of lower rails 22 form two rail parts extending from the feeder storage device 96 to the third component mounting machine 95 and parallel to each other.

[0024] The middle traveling part 23 and the lower traveling part 24 corresponding to the engaging part are respectively arranged on the left and right sides behind the arrangement direction moving part 2. The middle traveling part 23 is engageable with the middle rail 21 so as to be able to travel, and the lower traveling part 24 is engageable with the lower rail 22 so as to be able to travel. The middle traveling part 23 further includes a drive source that generates driving power for traveling. Thus, the arrangement direction moving part 2 is mounted on the middle rail 21 and the lower rail 22 and travels and moves in the arrangement direction.

[0025] Furthermore, the arrangement direction moving part 2 includes a non-contact power receiving part 25 at a height position between the middle traveling part 23 and the lower traveling part 24 and at a height position that does not hinder the replacement of the feeder 8. The non-contact power receiving part 25 receives power non-contact from a non-contact power transmission part provided at the corresponding height of a plurality of substrate processing machines. Thus, power supply to the arrangement direction drive device 20, the replacement part 3, etc. is performed. As the coupling method between the non-contact power receiving part 25 and the non-contact power transmission part, an electromagnetic coupling method, an electrostatic coupling method, etc. are appropriately adopted.

[0026] The arrangement direction moving part 2 has an elevating drive part 26 and a replacement part 3 inside a box shape. The elevating drive part 26 drives the replacement part 3 to elevate from the height of the component supply unit 9A to the height of the spare feeder storage unit 9B. As the elevating drive part 26, a ball screw feed mechanism can be exemplified, but it is not limited thereto. The replacement part 3 includes a feeder gripping part (not shown) at the rear side and automatically performs the attachment, detachment, and replacement of the feeder 8.

[0027] 2. Configuration of Control of Component Mounting System 9 Next, the configuration of the control of the component mounting system 9 will be described. As shown in FIG. 2, the line management device 97 is configured using a computer device having a memory 57, a wired communication function, and a wireless communication function. The line management device 97 is connected to the schematic control units of a plurality of substrate work machines using wired communication. Further, the line management device 97 is connected to the schematic control unit of the automatic changer 1 using wireless communication.

[0028] In addition, the line management device 97 has a barcode reader 58 operated by an operator. The barcode reader 58 reads the barcode displayed on the feeder 8 and acquires the individual identification information of the feeder 8. Further, the barcode reader 58 reads the barcode displayed on the reel and acquires the information on the type of component. The information acquired by the barcode reader 58 is stored in the memory 57. Note that when the display methods of the individual identification information of the feeder 8 and the information on the type of component are different from the barcode, a device other than the barcode reader 58 is used corresponding to the display method.

[0029] The line management device 97 manages job data describing the work content of the substrate work for each type of substrate product. The line management device 97 sends the respective job data to a plurality of substrate work machines based on the production plan. Thereby, each of the substrate work machines performs the substrate work according to the job data. Further, the line management device 97 monitors the operating status of the plurality of substrate work machines.

[0030] In addition, when a component shortage occurs in the feeder 8 during the mounting work of the component mounters (93, 94, 95) and the mounting work progresses, the line management device 97 issues an exchange command to the automatic changer 1. The automatic changer 1 first removes the feeder 8 that has run out of components from the component supply unit 9A according to the exchange command. As a result, an empty slot is created in the component supply unit 9A. Next, the automatic changer 1 transfers another feeder 8 holding the same type of component that has run out of components from the spare feeder storage unit 9B or the feeder storage device 96 and attaches it to the empty slot in the component supply unit 9A.

[0031] Furthermore, when changing the type of substrate product to be produced, the line management device 97 issues a setup change command to the automatic changer 1. The automatic changer 1 performs an automatic replacement operation of the feeder 8 of the component mounters (93, 94, 95) according to the setup change command. For many setup change commands, the feeders 8 of a plurality of component mounters (93, 94, 95) are automatically replaced.

[0032] Note that prior to the exchange command or the setup change command, the line management device 97 designates the types of components required based on the production plan, and requests a setup operation of loading the reels onto the feeder 8 outside the component mounters (93, 94, 95). The operator performs the setup operation in advance in response to the request, and sets the feeder 8 that has completed the setup operation in the spare feeder storage unit 9B or the feeder storage device 96. Thereby, the operation interruption time of the component mounters (93, 94, 95) when a component shortage occurs is shortened.

[0033] The control unit of the component mounters (93, 94, 95) communicates with the control unit of the feeder 8 attached to the component supply unit 9A or the spare feeder storage unit 9B to acquire the individual identification information of the feeder 8. Also, the control unit of the component mounters (93, 94, 95) recognizes that the feeder 8 has been attached and removed from management (attachment / detachment information) based on the availability of communication with the feeder 8. The acquired individual identification information of the feeder 8 and the recognized attachment / detachment information are transmitted to the line management device 97 and shared.

[0034] Also, the control unit of the automatic changer 1 communicates with the control unit of the feeder 8 held by the exchange unit 3 and the feeder storage device 96 to acquire the individual identification information of the feeder 8. Also, the control unit of the automatic changer 1 recognizes that the feeder 8 has been held and removed from management (attachment / detachment information) based on the availability of communication with the feeder 8. The acquired individual identification information of the feeder 8 and the recognized attachment / detachment information are transmitted to the line management device 97 and shared.

[0035] The control units of the component mounting machines (93, 94, 95) manage the attached feeders 8. With the feeder 8 attached to the component mounting machines (93, 94, 95), it is impossible to perform the reel replacement operation. Also, the control unit of the automatic replacement device 1 manages the feeder 8 held in the replacement unit 3 or the feeder storage device 96. With the feeder 8 held in the replacement unit 3 or the feeder storage device 96, it is impossible to perform the reel replacement operation. Therefore, when the operator performs the reel replacement operation, it is necessary to manually remove the feeder 8 from the component mounting machines (93, 94, 95) or the feeder storage device 96.

[0036] 3. Configuration of the component type management device 5 of the embodiment Next, the configuration of the component type management device 5 of the embodiment will be described. As shown in FIG. 2, the component type management device 5 is realized by the software of the line management device 97. The component type management device 5 includes an association registration unit 51, an association deletion unit 52, a removal determination unit 53, and an association maintenance unit 54.

[0037] The association registration unit 51 registers association data 55 in which the individual identification information of the feeder 8 and the information on the type of component held by the feeder 8 are associated, in the memory 57. The association between the individual of the feeder 8 and the type of component is performed by operating the barcode reader 58. That is, when the operator operates the barcode reader 58 to read the individual identification information of the feeder 8 and the information on the type of component displayed on the reel, the association data 55 is created. After that, the operator loads the said reel into the said feeder 8.

[0038] When a predetermined condition is satisfied after the feeder 8 is removed from the component mounting machines (93, 94, 95), the association deletion unit 52 deletes the association data 55. Similarly, when a predetermined condition is satisfied after the feeder 8 is removed from the feeder storage device 96, the association deletion unit 52 deletes the association data 55. The predetermined condition determines whether there is a possibility that the type (reel) of the component held by the feeder 8 is changed. In the present embodiment, the predetermined condition is defined as the elapse of a predetermined time T0 (see FIG. 3).

[0039] That is, while the elapsed time TX (see FIG. 3) after the feeder 8 is removed from the component mounting machines (93, 94, 95) or the feeder storage device 96 is less than the predetermined time T0, it is difficult to complete the reel replacement operation, and there is no possibility that the type of the component is changed. Also, when the elapsed time TX becomes equal to or more than the predetermined time T0, there is a possibility of the reel replacement operation, and there is a possibility that the type of the component is changed. The predetermined time T0 is practically set to about several tens of seconds. Note that the predetermined condition may be a condition other than the elapse of the predetermined time T0. For example, when the feeder 8 is separated from the component mounting system 9 by a distance exceeding a predetermined distance, it may be determined that the predetermined condition is satisfied.

[0040] The removal determination unit 53 determines whether the feeder 8 has been removed by the automatic changer 1. More specifically, the removal determination unit 53 acquires the attachment / detachment information that the feeder 8 has been removed from the control unit of the component mounting machines (93, 94, 95), and further acquires the individual identification information of the removed feeder 8. Next, the removal determination unit 53 acquires, from the control unit of the automatic changer 1, the attachment / detachment information as to whether the exchange unit 3 has held the feeder 8, and the individual identification information of the held feeder 8.

[0041] When the exchange unit 3 does not hold the feeder 8, the removal determination unit 53 determines that the feeder 8 has not been removed by the automatic exchange device 1, in other words, the feeder 8 has been manually removed. Further, when the individual identification information of the feeder 8 held by the exchange unit 3 is different from the individual identification information of the feeder 8 removed from the component mounters (93, 94, 95), the removal determination unit 53 determines that it is a manual removal. Further, the removal determination unit 53 acquires the attachment / detachment information that the feeder 8 has been manually removed from the feeder storage device 96 from the control unit of the automatic exchange device 1.

[0042] When it is determined that the feeder 8 has been removed by the automatic exchange device 1, the association maintenance unit 54 invalidates the function of the association destruction unit 52 before a predetermined condition is satisfied and maintains the association data 55. For example, the association maintenance unit 54 may stop the association destruction unit 52, or may control so that the function of the association destruction unit 52 is ignored. Further, the association maintenance unit 54 continues to invalidate the function of the association destruction unit 52 while the feeder 8 is under the management of the automatic exchange device 1. Further, the association maintenance unit 54 restores the function of the association destruction unit 52 when the feeder 8 is removed from the management of the automatic exchange device 1, in other words, when the feeder 8 is manually removed from the feeder storage device 96.

[0043] 4. Operations and Functions of the Component Type Management Device 5 of the Embodiment Next, the operations and functions of the component type management device 5 of the embodiment will be described. The operation flow shown in FIG. 3 is started when the component mounting system 9 starts producing a substrate product or when the type of the substrate product is changed, and is repeatedly executed during production. This operation flow is advanced by the joint control of the component type management device 5 and the control units of the component mounters (93, 94, 95), and part of it is advanced by the operator's setup work.

[0044] In step S1 of FIG. 3, the operator performs a setup operation for the types of components required for the substrate product to be produced. That is, the operator loads the required reels into the feeder 8. At this time, by the operation of the barcode reader 58 described above, the individual identification information of the feeder 8 and the information on the types of components held in the feeder 8 are associated, and the association data 55 is created. The association registration unit 51 registers the association data 55 in the memory 57. When all the reels of all the required component types are loaded into the feeder 8 and all the association data 55 is registered, the operation flow proceeds to step S2.

[0045] In step S2, the operator attaches the setup feeder 8 to the component mounters (93, 94, 95). Thereby, the setup change operation is completed. In the next step S3, the component mounters (93, 94, 95) start the mounting operation. The operation flow after step S4 and subsequent steps proceeds in parallel with the mounting operation. As the mounting operation progresses, in step S4, it is determined whether the feeder 8 needs to be replaced. In other words, it is determined whether there is a feeder 8 in which component depletion has occurred or a feeder 8 for which component supply is no longer required.

[0046] In step S5 when the feeder 8 needs to be replaced, the automatic replacement device 1 automatically replaces the feeder 8. After that, the automatic replacement device 1 manages the removed feeder 8. At this time, the removal determination unit 53 can determine that the feeder 8 has been removed by the automatic replacement device 1. Therefore, the association maintenance unit 54 immediately invalidates the function of the association deletion unit 52. Thereby, the association data 55 of the removed feeder 8 is maintained.

[0047] If the replacement of the feeder 8 is not required in step S4 and after the completion of step S5, the operation flow merges in step S6. In step S6, the removal determination unit 53 determines whether or not the feeder 8 has been manually removed. Manual removal may occur at three locations: the component supply unit 9A, the spare feeder storage unit 9B, and the feeder storage device 96. In step S7 when manual removal has been performed, the association deletion unit 52 starts a timer to start measuring the elapsed time TX after removal.

[0048] If manual removal has not been performed in step S6 and after the completion of step S7, the operation flow merges in step S8. In step S8, the association deletion unit 52 determines whether or not the elapsed time TX has reached the predetermined time T0. In the first execution of step S8, the elapsed time TX has not reached the predetermined time T0, and the execution of the operation flow proceeds to step S9.

[0049] In step S9, the association deletion unit 52 determines whether or not the feeder 8 has been manually attached. If manual attachment has not been performed, with the timer operating, the execution of the operation flow is returned to step S4. Thereafter, the loop from step S4 to step S9 is repeatedly executed.

[0050] During the repetition of the loop, if the feeder 8 is manually attached, the execution of the operation flow proceeds from step S9 to step S10. In step S10, the association deletion unit 52 resets and stops the timer and returns the execution of the operation flow to step S4. This means that even if manual removal of the feeder 8 has occurred, reattachment has been performed within a short time within the predetermined time T0, so the association data 55 has been maintained.

[0051] Also, within the loop iteration, when the elapsed time TX reaches the predetermined time T0, the execution of the operation flow branches from step S8 to step S21. In step S21, the association deletion unit 52 deletes the association data 55 of the removed feeder 8. In the next step S22, the association deletion unit 52 resets and stops the timer, and returns the execution of the operation flow to step S1. This means that after a predetermined time T0 has elapsed after the manual removal of the feeder 8, the type of component (reel) may have been changed, so the association data 55 has been deleted.

[0052] Regarding the feeder 8 for which the association data 55 has been deleted, regardless of whether the type of component (reel) has actually been changed, after the association registration unit 51 re-registers the association data 55 in step S1, reattachment is performed in step S2. Also, it is possible that a plurality of feeders 8 are manually removed. In this case, a timer is provided individually for each removed feeder 8, and the association data 55 is managed using individual elapsed times TX.

[0053] In the component type management device 5 of the embodiment, the removal determination unit 53 determines whether the feeder 8 has been removed by the automatic changer 1. When the feeder 8 is automatically removed, the association maintenance unit 54 functions to maintain the association data 55. For this reason, there is no need for the operator to re-register the association data 55, and there is no risk of errors occurring. Also, when the feeder 8 is manually removed, the association deletion unit 52 functions to delete the association data 55 when the predetermined time T0 has elapsed. For this reason, there is no risk of continuing to maintain the association data 55 and causing an error due to the possibility that the type of component (reel) held by the feeder 8 has been changed. Therefore, the component type management device 5 functions properly for both automatic and manual replacement of the feeder 8, and can properly manage the type of component held by the feeder 8.

[0054] 5. Application and Modification of the Embodiment Note that the component type management device 5 may be implemented using a computer device other than the line management device 97. Also, one of the spare feeder storage unit 9B and the feeder storage device 96 described in the embodiment may be omitted. Further, the component mounting system 9 may be used in combination with an old-type component mounter that can only manually replace the feeder 8.

[0055] Furthermore, the component type management device 5 and the automatic exchange device 1 may be commonly provided for a plurality of component mounting systems 9. For example, the automatic exchange device 1 can adopt a configuration including a track leading from the feeder storage device 96 to a plurality of component mounting systems 9 and an unmanned carrier that places the feeder 8 and travels along the track. And the component type management device 5 can manage all the feeders 8 used in the plurality of component mounting systems 9. This embodiment can have various other applications and modifications.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0056] 1: Automatic exchange device 2: Array direction moving part 3: Exchange part 5: Component type management device 51: Association registration part 52: Association deletion part 53: Removal determination part 54: Association maintenance part 55: Association data 58: Barcode reader 8: Feeder 9: Component mounting system 93: First component mounter 94: Second component mounter 95: Third component mounter 96: Feeder storage device 97: Line management device 9A: Component supply part 9B: Spare feeder storage part T0: Predetermined time TX: Elapsed time

Claims

1. a correspondence registration step of registering correspondence data that associates individual identification information of a component supplying device that is attached to a component mounting machine and supplies components with the type of the component loaded on the component supplying device; and a correlation discarding step of discarding the correlation data when a predetermined condition is satisfied after the component supply device is removed from a storage device that stores the component supply device, maintaining the association data when the part supply device is removed from the storage device by an automatic replacement device; Information management method.

2. a correspondence registration unit that registers correspondence data that associates individual identification information of a component supplying device that is attached to a component mounting machine and supplies components with the type of the component loaded on the component supplying device; an association discarding unit that discards the association data when a predetermined condition is satisfied after the component supply device is removed from a storage device that stores the component supply device; an association maintaining unit that maintains the association data when the part supplying device is removed from the storage device by an automatic exchange device; An information management device comprising:

Images