Automatic feeder replacement system and automatic feeder replacement method

Abstract

This automatic feeder replacement system includes a plurality of component mounting machines of different models, and automatically replaces feeders used in the plurality of component mounting machines in one or more component mounting lines for supplying components to the component mounting machines by using different types of feeders that can be used in accordance with the models of the plurality of component mounting machines. The automatic feeder replacement system includes: a recovery unit; a comparison determination unit; and a notification unit. The recovery unit recovers a feeder from a component mounting machine. The comparison determination unit compares the feeder type of the recovered feeder with the feeder type of a feeder that can be used for the model of a component mounting machine to be the destination of a component mounted on the recovered feeder, and determines the difference between the two feeder types. The notification unit issues notification about the result of the difference determination by the comparison determination unit.

Description

Automatic feeder exchange system and automatic feeder exchange method

[0001] The technology disclosed in this specification relates to an automatic feeder changing system and an automatic feeder changing method.

[0002] Component mounting lines that mount components on boards are known. A component mounting line may be configured to include multiple component mounters of different models. Each component mounter typically supports a different type of feeder, and components are supplied using a feeder appropriate for the model. A system has been proposed for such component mounting lines that allows for the exchange of feeders used by each component mounter (see, for example, Patent Document 1 (JP 2003-110296 A)).

[0003] Incidentally, there are cases where the same component mounting line includes two types of component mounting machines, for example, an X model machine and a Y model machine. In such cases, a feeder dedicated to the X model is used for the X model machine, and a feeder dedicated to the Y model is used for the Y model machine. Larger components are allocated to the feeder dedicated to the Y model, for example, and smaller components are allocated to the feeder dedicated to the X model, for example, but there are also components of a size that can be allocated to the feeder for either model.

[0004] For this reason, a component (for example, a feeder dedicated to model X) collected from a certain model of component mounter (for example, model X machine) may be combined with a different model of component mounter (for example, model Y machine) in the next allocation. In this case, the wrong feeder type is discovered just before the component is to be used, requiring re-kitting, which causes a problem of waiting time in production due to the re-kitting.

[0005] Therefore, this specification provides a technique that can avoid the occurrence of waiting time due to re-kitting just before using parts.

[0006] This specification discloses an automatic feeder exchange system. The automatic feeder exchange system automatically exchanges feeders used by multiple mounters in one or more component mounting lines. The component mounting line includes multiple mounters of different models, and components are supplied to the mounters using different types of feeders that can be used for each model. The automatic feeder exchange system includes a collection unit, a comparison / determination unit, and a notification unit. The collection unit collects feeders from the mounters. The comparison / determination unit compares the feeder type of the collected feeder with the feeder type of a feeder that can be used for the model of the mounter to which the components loaded on the feeder are allocated, and determines whether the two feeder types are the same or different. The notification unit notifies the user of the result of the comparison / determination unit's determination. Therefore, the above-described configuration can avoid waiting time due to re-kitting immediately before use of components.

[0007] This specification also discloses an automatic feeder replacement method. The automatic feeder replacement method is a method for automatically replacing feeders used by multiple mounters in one or more component mounting lines. The component mounting line includes multiple mounters of different models, and components are supplied to the mounters using feeders of different types that can be used for each model. The automatic feeder replacement method includes a collection step, a comparison and determination step, and a notification step. In the collection step, a feeder is collected from the mounter. In the comparison and determination step, the feeder type of the collected feeder is compared with the feeder type of a feeder that can be used for the model of the mounter to which the components loaded on the feeder are allocated, and a determination is made as to whether the two feeder types are the same or different. In the notification step, the result of the comparison and determination step is notified.

[0008] It is a schematic diagram showing an automatic feeder exchange system of an embodiment. It is a schematic plan view showing a component mounter. It is a front view showing a feeder storage shelf. It is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the automatic feeder exchange system. It is a table for explaining a method of determining a feeder type.

[0009] (Mode 1) In the feeder automatic exchange system disclosed herein, the identification information of the collected feeder and the identification information of the components loaded on the feeder may be associated with each other. The comparison / determination unit may determine the feeder type of the collected feeder based on the identification information of the feeder, and may determine the feeder type of the feeder compatible with the model of the component mounting machine to which the components are allocated based on the allocation information of the components loaded on the feeder, and compare these two feeder types to determine whether the two feeder types are the same or different. This configuration makes it possible to determine whether the components loaded on the collected feeder are compatible with the model of the component mounting machine to which the components are allocated. (Mode 2) In the feeder automatic exchange system disclosed herein, the collection unit may include an automatic feeder exchange device that removes and collects the feeder from the feeder attachment / detachment unit of the component mounting machine. The comparison / determination unit and the notification unit may be provided in a storage device to which the feeders collected by the automatic feeder exchange device are stored. According to this configuration, the automatic feeder exchange device retrieves the feeders from the component mounters and loads the retrieved feeders into the storage device. The storage device includes a comparison / determination unit and a notification unit, and can notify the worker of the results of the similarity / difference determination. (Mode 3) In the automatic feeder exchange system disclosed in this specification, the notification unit may have a light-emitting means that notifies the worker of the results of the similarity / difference determination by the comparison / determination unit by lighting up. According to this configuration, the results of the similarity / difference determination can be visually communicated to the worker. (Mode 4) In the automatic feeder exchange system disclosed in this specification, the storage device may have multiple holding units that individually load multiple feeders. The notification unit may have a light-emitting means for each of the multiple holding units that notifies the worker of the results of the similarity / difference determination by the comparison / determination unit by lighting up. According to this configuration, the worker can recognize the results of the movement determination for each feeder held in the multiple holding units.

[0010] (Example) An automatic feeder exchange system 10 according to this example will now be described with reference to the drawings. As shown in FIG. 1 , the automatic feeder exchange system 10 is a system that automatically exchanges feeders 30 used by multiple mounters 21 installed on a component mounting line 20. The component mounting line 20 includes multiple mounters 21 of different models, which are arranged along the conveyance direction (X direction) of the board 1. In this example, the component mounting line 20 includes two types of mounters 21, an X-model mounter 21a and a Y-model mounter 21b. The component mounting line 20 supplies components 2 (see FIG. 2 ) to the mounters 21 using feeders 30 of different types that can be used for each model of the mounter 21. In this example, the X-model mounter 21a can use an X-model-specific feeder 30a, and the Y-model mounter 21b can use a Y-model-specific feeder 30b.

[0011] A solder printer (not shown), a print inspection machine (not shown), and a temporary storage area 11 are arranged upstream of each component mounter 21. The solder printer prints a solder pattern on the board 1 and delivers the board 1 after the solder pattern has been printed to the print inspection machine. The print inspection machine inspects the solder pattern printed on the board 1 and delivers the board 1 after the solder pattern has been inspected to each component mounter 21. The temporary storage area 11 can temporarily store multiple feeders 30. A reflow oven and a board visual inspection machine (neither of which are shown) are arranged downstream of each component mounter 21. The reflow oven reflows the board 1 delivered from each component mounter 21. That is, the reflow oven heats the delivered board 1 to melt the solder and solder the components 2 to the board 1. The board visual inspection machine inspects the board 1 (component-mounted board 3) after component mounting that has been delivered from the reflow oven. That is, the board visual inspection machine inspects whether or not components 2 are properly mounted on the board 1. If components 2 are properly mounted on the board 1, the board visual inspection machine carries the board 1 out of the automatic feeder exchange system 10. Note that examples of components 2 include semiconductor packages such as QFPs (Quad Flat Packages) and BGAs (Ball Grid Arrays), and chip components such as chip resistors and chip capacitors.

[0012] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the component mounter 21 is a device for mounting components 2 on a board 1. The component mounter 21 also has a feeder attachment / detachment unit 22 (see Figure 2) that detachably holds multiple feeders 30. Each feeder 30 is for supplying components 2 for mounting on the board. In this embodiment, the feeders 30 are tape-type feeders that store multiple components 2 on a tape. The component mounter 21 takes out components 2 from each feeder 30 attached to the feeder attachment / detachment unit 22 and mounts them on the board 1.

[0013] The mounter 21 also includes an XY robot 41, a board transport device 42, a head unit 51, a parts camera 61, and a control device 71. The XY robot 41 moves the head unit 51 in the X and Y directions to move the head unit 51 between above the feeder 30 and above the board 1. The XY robot 41 is composed of guide rails that guide the head unit 51, a movement mechanism that moves the head unit 51 along the guide rails, a motor that drives the movement mechanism, and the like. The XY robot 41 is housed inside the housing of the mounter 21 and is positioned above the board 1. The head unit 51 moves through the space from above the feeder 30 to above the board 1 by the XY robot 41.

[0014] The board transport device 42 is a device that performs the operations of transporting the board 1 to the work position P1 within the component mounter 21, positioning the board 1 at the work position P1 before component mounting, and transporting the board 1 from the work position P1 after component mounting. The board transport device 42 in this embodiment can be configured, for example, with a pair of belt conveyors, a support device (not shown) that is attached to the belt conveyors and supports the board 1 from below, and a drive device (not shown) that drives the belt conveyors. The board 1 is transported from the upstream side (left side in FIG. 1 ) to the downstream side (right side in FIG. 1 ) of the feeder automatic exchange system 10.

[0015] The head unit 51 is a movable unit that mounts components 2 on the board 1. The head unit 51 includes a component mounting head 52 and a mark camera 54. The component mounting head 52 is attached to the underside of the head unit 51 and includes a plurality of suction nozzles 53. Each suction nozzle 53 is detachably supported by the component mounting head 52. Each suction nozzle 53 is configured to be raised and lowered in the vertical direction (Z direction) by an actuator (not shown) housed in the component mounting head 52 and to be able to pick up components 2.

[0016] To mount the component 2 on the board 1 using the head unit 51, first, the suction nozzle 53 is moved downward until the suction surface of the suction nozzle 53 abuts against the component 2 stored in the feeder 30. Next, the suction nozzle 53 picks up the component 2, and then the suction nozzle 53 is moved upward. Once the process of picking up the component 2 onto the suction nozzle 53 is complete, the XY robot 41 is driven to position the head unit 51 relative to the board 1. Then, the suction nozzle 53 is lowered toward the board 1, thereby mounting the component 2 on the board 1.

[0017] The mark camera 54 is mounted in the head unit 51 near the component mounting head 52 and is configured to be movable together with the component mounting head 52. The mark camera 54 moves above the board 1 that has been carried into the work position P1 by the board transport device 42, and captures an image of a mark (not shown) affixed to the board 1. The mark camera 54 is configured using an imaging element such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) or a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor), for example.

[0018] Parts camera 61 is provided between feeder attaching / detaching section 22 and substrate transport device 42, below the movement path of head unit 51. Parts camera 61 captures images of components 2 picked up by head unit 51 from below. Parts camera 61 is also configured using an imaging element such as a CCD or CMOS, for example.

[0019] 1, the automatic feeder exchange system 10 includes a management computer 81. The management computer 81 receives and manages various signals from each device (component mounter 21, solder printer, print inspection machine, reflow oven, and board visual inspection machine) to monitor the operation and movement position of each device. The automatic feeder exchange system 10 also includes a loader 90 (recovery unit) that removes and recovers feeders 30 from the feeder attachment / detachment unit 22 of the component mounter 21, and a feeder storage shelf 100 (storage device) on which the feeders 30 recovered by the loader 90 are placed.

[0020] The loader 90 of this embodiment is an automatic feeder exchange device that automatically exchanges feeders 30 between the temporary storage area 11 and each component mounter 21. The loader 90 is capable of carrying a plurality of feeders 30. The loader 90 moves along the direction in which the temporary storage area 11 and each component mounter 21 are lined up (X direction), and also moves in a direction in which it approaches or moves away from the temporary storage area 11 and each component mounter 21 (Y direction).

[0021] As shown in Figure 3, the feeder storage shelf 100 has four shelves 101, 102, 103, and 104. A control device 106 is provided on an upper surface 105 of the first shelf 101. Four wheels 108 are rotatably attached to a lower surface 107 of the shelf 101. Furthermore, a plurality of slots 110 (retaining portions) for individually mounting a plurality of feeders 30 are provided on upper surfaces 109 of the second and third shelf plates 102 and 103. Furthermore, LEDs 111 (light-emitting means) are provided for each of the plurality of slots 110 on the third and fourth shelf plates 103 and 104.

[0022] 4, the mounter 21 constituting the feeder automatic exchange system 10 includes a communication I / F 72 and a control device 71. The communication I / F 72 is connected to a management computer 81 via a network 82.

[0023] The control device 71 is a computer including a CPU (not shown), a memory 73, etc. The control device 71 is connected to the XY robot 41, the board transport device 42, the head unit 51, the mark camera 54, and the part camera 61 via a bus so that they can communicate with each other. A management computer 81 is also connected to the control device 71 so that they can communicate with each other via a communication I / F 72 and a network 82. The control device 71 of each component mounter 21 controls the operation of each unit (the XY robot 41, the board transport device 42, the head unit 51, the mark camera 54, the part camera 61, etc.) based on a production program stored in the management computer 81. Through this control, each control device 71 executes a mounting process for mounting a plurality of components 2 on a board 1, etc.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 4 , the feeder 30 includes a control device 31 that controls the operation of the feeder 30. The control device 31 is a computer that includes a CPU (not shown), a memory 32, and other components. The control device 31 executes control related to the feeder 30 in accordance with a predetermined program stored in the memory 32. For example, the control device 31 controls the rotation of a motor (not shown) that feeds the tape stored in the feeder 30 to a component suction position. The memory 32 also stores identification information (feeder identification information) for identifying the feeder 30 and allocation information for the components 2 loaded on the feeder 30. The feeder identification information is associated with identification information (component identification information) for identifying the components 2 loaded on the feeder 30. In this embodiment, an ID code (feeder ID) is used as the feeder identification information, and an ID code (component ID) is used as the component identification information. The feeder identification information and the component identification information may be a barcode (one-dimensional code), a two-dimensional code such as a QR code (a registered trademark of Denso Wave Inc.), or letters, numbers, symbols, pictures, etc.

[0025] When the feeder 30 is attached to the feeder attachment / detachment unit 22 of the component mounter 21, the connector 33 of the feeder 30 is connected to the connector 34 of the component mounter 21 (see FIG. 4). Then, when the connectors 33 and 34 are connected to each other, the control device 71 of the component mounter 21 acquires the identification information (feeder identification information and component identification information) stored in the memory 32 of the feeder 30.

[0026] 4, the loader 90 includes a communication I / F 91 and a control device 92. The communication I / F 91 is connected to the management computer 81 via the network 82. The control device 92 is a computer including a CPU (not shown), a memory 93, etc. The control device 92 is communicably connected to the management computer 81 via the communication I / F 91 and the network 82. The control device 92 executes control related to the loader 90 based on a predetermined program stored in the memory 93.

[0027] The feeder storage shelf 100 also includes a communication I / F 112 and a control device 106. The communication I / F 112 is connected to the management computer 81 via the network 82. The control device 106 is a computer that includes a CPU (not shown), a memory 113, etc. The control device 106 is communicatively connected to the management computer 81 via the communication I / F 112 and the network 82. The control device 106 executes control related to the feeder storage shelf 100 based on a predetermined program stored in the memory 113. For example, the control device 106 controls the lighting of an LED 111.

[0028] 4, the control computer 81 is configured with a CPU, a memory (both not shown), etc. The control computer 81 executes control related to the feeder automatic exchange system 10.

[0029] Next, a method for automatically exchanging feeders using the automatic feeder exchanging system 10 will be described.

[0030] First, management computer 81 determines a plurality of production jobs in accordance with a production plan for producing component mounting boards 3. Next, management computer 81 determines one production job from the plurality of production jobs based on the type of component mounting board 3 to be produced this time, and outputs the determined job to control device 71 of each mounter 21.

[0031] Based on the determined production job, the control device 71 performs a process of suctioning components 2 supplied from the feeder 30 and mounting them on the board 1. Specifically, the control device 71 first drives the board transport device 42 to carry the board 1 into the work position P1 in the component mounter 21. Next, the control device 71 drives the XY robot 41 to move the head unit 51 to above the feeder 30, and there, the suction nozzle 53 of the head unit 51 picks up the components 2. Thereafter, the control device 71 moves the head unit 51 to the board 1.

[0032] Next, the control device 71 drives the mark camera 54 to capture an image of a mark (not shown) attached to the board 1, and recognizes the position where the component 2 should be mounted based on the image data. Once the position where the component 2 should be mounted has been recognized, the control device 71 lowers the suction nozzle 53 and releases the component 2 that was being picked up. This operation mounts the component 2 on the board 1, and a component-mounted board 3 is produced. The operation of picking up the component 2 and mounting it on the board 1 is repeated until the production number of component-mounted boards 3 specified in the production job is reached.

[0033] When the number of produced component mounting boards 3 reaches the production quantity of component mounting boards 3 indicated by the production job, management computer 81 instructs to replace feeder 30. Furthermore, even if the number of components stored in feeder 30 becomes "0," management computer 81 instructs to replace feeder 30.

[0034] Here, a method for replacing the feeder 30 will be described. First, the control device 92 of the loader 90 determines whether or not it has received an instruction to replace the feeder 30 from the management computer 81. If it is determined that an instruction to replace the feeder 30 has been received, the control device 92 moves the loader 90 to a position facing the feeder 30 to be replaced.

[0035] Next, the control device 92 performs control to recover the feeder 30 from the component mounter 21 (an example of a recovery step). Specifically, the control device 92 performs control to clamp the feeder 30 attached to the feeder attachment / detachment unit 22 located opposite the loader 90, and move the clamped feeder 30 in a direction (Y direction) away from the component mounter 21. As a result, the feeder 30 is removed from the feeder attachment / detachment unit 22 and recovered into the loader 90.

[0036] Then, the control device 92 moves the loader 90 to a position facing the temporary storage area 11. Furthermore, the control device 92 performs control to attach the feeder 30 to the temporary storage area 11. Specifically, the control device 92 clamps the feeder 30 housed in the loader 90, moves the clamped feeder 30 in a direction (Y direction) approaching the temporary storage area 11, and inserts the feeder 30 into a slot (not shown). The control device 92 then releases the clamped state of the feeder 30, thereby attaching the feeder 30 to the slot.

[0037] Thereafter, the worker loads the feeder 30 temporarily placed in the temporary storage area 11 into the slot 110 of the feeder storage shelf 100 (see the path indicated by arrow A1 in FIG. 1 ). At this time, the allocation information for the components 2 loaded on the feeder 30, which is stored in the memory 32 of the feeder 30, is updated. When the feeder 30 is loaded into the slot 110 of the feeder storage shelf 100, the control device 106 of the feeder storage shelf 100 performs a comparison determination step, in which the feeder type of the loaded feeder 30 (the feeder 30 recovered from the component mounter 21) is compared with the feeder type of the feeder 30 that is usable for the model of the component mounter 21 to which the components 2 loaded on the feeder 30 are allocated, and determines whether the two feeder types are the same or different. For example, when a feeder 30 is temporarily placed in a specific slot 110 among the multiple slots 110 in the feeder storage shelf 100, the control device 106 reads the feeder identification information (feeder ID) and allocation information of the temporarily placed feeder 30. The control device 106 then determines the feeder type of the feeder 30 based on the read feeder ID of the feeder 30. The control device 106 also determines the feeder type of the feeder 30 to which the component 2 is to be allocated based on the component identification information (component ID) associated with the feeder ID and the allocation information of the component 2 loaded in the feeder 30 in the specific slot 110. The control device 106 then compares these two feeder types to determine whether they are the same or different (see FIG. 5 ). That is, the control device 106 functions as a comparison / determination unit.

[0038] In the subsequent notification step, the control device 106 performs processing to notify the result of the comparison / determination step. In this embodiment, the control device 106 notifies the result of the comparison / determination step by lighting up the LED 111. That is, the control device 106 functions as a notification unit. For example, if the feeder type of the feeder 30 in the specified slot 110 on the feeder storage shelf 100 is the same as the feeder type of the allocated feeder 30 (see [2] in FIG. 5), the control device 106 controls the LED 111 to light up blue. This notifies the worker that re-kitting is not necessary. On the other hand, if the feeder type of the feeder 30 in the specified slot 110 is different from the feeder type of the allocated feeder 30 (see [1] in FIG. 5), the control device 106 controls the LED 111 to light up red. This notifies the worker that re-kitting is necessary.

[0039] As described above, in the feeder automatic exchange system 10 of this embodiment, the feeder storage shelf 100 compares the feeder type of the feeder 30 collected from the component mounter 21 with the feeder type of the feeder 30 that can be used for the model of the component mounter 21 to which the components 2 loaded on that feeder 30 are allocated, determines whether the two feeder types are the same, and notifies the operator of the results of this determination. Therefore, when the feeder 30 is loaded on the feeder storage shelf 100, the operator can know whether the kitting work for the feeder 30 in preparation for the next schedule has been properly performed. This prevents waiting time due to re-kitting just before the components 2 are used.

[0040] In the automatic feeder exchange system 10 of this embodiment, the control device 106 controls to turn on the LED 111 whether the feeder type of the collected feeder 30 is the same as the feeder type of the component mounter 21 to which the components 2 are allocated, or whether the feeder types are different. That is, in this embodiment, the LED 111 always turns on when a feeder type is determined to be the same or different. Therefore, by checking whether the LED 111 is lit, the worker can confirm whether the feeder 30 attached to the slot 110 corresponding to that LED 111 is the one that has been determined to be the same or different.

[0041] Although one embodiment has been described above, the specific configuration is not limited to the above embodiment. In the above embodiment, when the feeder type of the feeder 30 in a predetermined slot 110 of the feeder storage shelf 100 is the same as the feeder type compatible with the component mounter 21 to which the feeder 30 is allocated, the LED 111 is lit blue, and when the feeder types are different, the LED 111 is lit red. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, in other embodiments, the LED 111 may be lit in a color different from that of the above embodiment when at least one of the feeder types is the same and the feeder types is different. Furthermore, the LED 111 may be flashed or its illumination time may be changed when either the feeder types are the same or the feeder types are different. Furthermore, the LED 111 may be lit when either the feeder types are the same or the feeder types are different.

[0042] In the above embodiment, the notification unit such as the LED 111 is provided on the feeder storage shelf 100 on which the feeders 30 collected by the loader 90 are loaded, but this configuration is not limiting. For example, in other embodiments, a notification unit such as the LED 111 may be provided for each slot of the temporary storage area 11, or for each slot of the loader 90.

[0043] In the above embodiment, the result of the feeder type determination (determination of whether re-kitting is necessary) is notified by lighting up the LED 111 (light-emitting means), but this configuration is not limited to this. For example, in other embodiments, the result of the feeder type determination may be notified by lighting up other light-emitting means such as a lamp. Furthermore, the result of the feeder type determination may be notified by displaying a sentence (e.g., a sentence such as "Re-kitting is necessary") on the display device, or by outputting a sound (e.g., a sound such as "Re-kitting is necessary") from a sound output means such as a speaker.

[0044] In the above embodiment, the feeder storage shelf 100 is used as the storage device, but this is not limiting. For example, in other embodiments, a feeder storage box or a feeder storage table on which the feeders 30 are mounted may be used as the storage device.

[0045] In the above embodiment, the feeders 30 temporarily placed in the temporary storage area 11 are loaded into the slots 110 of the feeder storage shelf 100 by an operator, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, in another embodiment, the feeders 30 temporarily placed in the temporary storage area 11 may be automatically loaded into the slots 110 by an automated guided vehicle (AGV).

[0046] In the above embodiment, the automatic feeder change system 10 includes one component mounting line 20, but may include two or more component mounting lines 20.

[0047] Although specific examples of the present invention have been described in detail above, these are merely examples and do not limit the scope of the claims. The claimed technology includes various modifications and variations of the specific examples exemplified above. The technical elements described in this specification or drawings exhibit technical utility alone or in various combinations, and are not limited to the combinations described in the claims at the time of filing. Furthermore, the technology exemplified in this specification or drawings can achieve multiple objectives simultaneously, and achieving one of these objectives alone is technically useful.

[0048] 2: Component 10: Automatic feeder exchange system 20: Component mounting line 21: Component mounter 22: Feeder attachment / detachment section 30: Feeder 90: Loader as collection section and automatic feeder exchange device 100: Feeder storage shelf as storage device 106: Control device as comparison / determination section and notification section 110: Slot as holding section 111: LED as light-emitting means

Claims

1. A system for automatically exchanging feeders used by multiple mounters in one or more component mounting lines that include multiple mounters of different models and that supply components to the mounters using feeders of different types that can be used for each model of the multiple mounters, the system comprising: a recovery unit that recovers feeders from the mounters; a comparison and judgment unit that compares the feeder type of the recovered feeder with the feeder type of the mounter that is the destination for the components loaded on the feeder, and judges whether the two feeder types are different; and a notification unit that notifies the results of the comparison and judgment unit's judgment.

2. The automatic feeder exchange system of claim 1, wherein the identification information of the collected feeder and the identification information of the component loaded on the feeder are associated with each other, and the comparison and determination unit determines the feeder type of the collected feeder based on the identification information of the feeder, and determines the feeder type of the feeder that is compatible with the model of the component mounting machine to which the component is to be allocated based on the allocation information of the component loaded on the feeder, and compares these two feeder types to determine whether the two feeder types are different or the same.

3. The automatic feeder exchange system according to claim 2, wherein the recovery unit has an automatic feeder exchange device that removes and recovers the feeder from the feeder attachment / detachment unit of the component mounting machine, and the comparison / judgment unit and the notification unit are provided in a storage device on which the feeder recovered by the automatic feeder exchange device is loaded.

4. A feeder automatic exchange system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the notification unit has a light emitting means for notifying the result of the similarity / difference determination by the comparison / determination unit by lighting up.

5. An automatic feeder exchange system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the storage device has a plurality of holding units that individually carry a plurality of the feeders, and the notification unit has light-emitting means for each of the plurality of holding units that light up to notify the result of the similarity / difference determination made by the comparison / determination unit.

6. A method for automatically replacing feeders used in a plurality of component mounting machines in one or more component mounting lines that include a plurality of different models of component mounting machines and that supply components to the component mounting machines using feeders of different types that can be used for each model of the component mounting machines, the method comprising: a recovery step of recovering feeders from the component mounting machines; a comparison and determination step of comparing the feeder type of the recovered feeder with the feeder type of the feeder that is usable for the model of the component mounting machine to which the components loaded on the feeder are allocated, and determining whether the two feeder types are different; and a notification step of notifying the result of the difference determination made in the comparison and determination step.

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