Suction nozzle management device

Abstract

This suction nozzle management device is provided with: a stage on which a suction nozzle used in a component mounting machine is placed in a loadable and unloadable manner with respect to the outside of the device; a maintenance unit that performs maintenance of the suction nozzle; a stock part that stocks a plurality of the suction nozzles; a nozzle conveyance mechanism that conveys the suction nozzle between the stage and the stock part and between the maintenance unit and the stock part; and a control unit that controls the maintenance unit and the nozzle conveyance mechanism so as to start maintenance when the suction nozzle to be subjected to maintenance under a preset condition is stocked in the stock part.

Description

Suction nozzle management device

[0001] The present specification relates to a suction nozzle management device that manages suction nozzles used in a component mounting machine.

[0002] A technology for mass-producing finished circuit boards by performing substrate-to-substrate operations on substrates on which circuit patterns are formed is becoming widespread. A typical example of a substrate-to-substrate operation machine is a component placement machine that performs component placement operations. Many component placement machines use suction nozzles that use a supply of negative pressure air to pick up components and place them on the board. When suction nozzles are used for a long period of time, there is a risk of problems such as performance degradation. As a countermeasure, an example of technology for automatically performing maintenance (cleaning and inspection) of suction nozzles is disclosed in Patent Document 1.

[0003] The component mounting machine (surface mounter) disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes a mounting unit that mounts components on a board, and a control unit that executes multiple tasks during non-operating times of the mounting unit, executing as many tasks as possible during the non-operating time, and executing the remaining tasks during subsequent non-operating times. The embodiment describes examples of tasks, such as a nozzle shaft blow task (cleaning), a vacuum pressure check task, and a nozzle shape check task (inspection). This is said to be able to suppress delays in task execution while suppressing a decrease in the operation rate of the component mounting machine.

[0004] Patent No. 6129201

[0005] The technical example of Patent Document 1 is advantageous in that it can automatically perform maintenance on suction nozzles, thereby promoting labor savings. However, component placement machines cannot perform component placement (mounting) work in parallel with maintenance of suction nozzles. In addition, each component placement machine must be equipped with a maintenance unit to perform maintenance on the suction nozzles, which increases costs. To address these issues, a suction nozzle management device has been put into practical use, which is installed in common with multiple component placement machines and performs maintenance on multiple suction nozzles.

[0006] In a typical pickup nozzle management device, setup commands for supplying serviced pickup nozzles to component placement machines take priority over maintenance commands for performing maintenance on pickup nozzles. This can lead to maintenance that is started by a maintenance command being interrupted, or to delays or forgetting to set a maintenance command by an operator, resulting in a shortage of serviced pickup nozzles.

[0007] Therefore, an object of the present specification is to provide a suction nozzle management device that can reliably perform maintenance on suction nozzles.

[0008] This specification discloses a suction nozzle management device that includes a stage on which suction nozzles used in a component mounting machine are placed so that they can be moved in and out of the device, a maintenance unit that performs maintenance on the suction nozzles, a stock unit that stocks a plurality of the suction nozzles, a nozzle transport mechanism that transports the suction nozzles between the stage and the stock unit, and between the maintenance unit and the stock unit, and a control unit that controls the maintenance unit and the nozzle transport mechanism to start the maintenance when the suction nozzle that is the target of the maintenance is stocked in the stock unit under preset conditions.

[0009] It should be noted that in this specification, the technical idea of ​​changing "the suction nozzle management device according to claim 1" in claim 3 as originally filed to "the suction nozzle management device according to claim 1 or 2," the technical idea of ​​changing "the suction nozzle management device according to claim 1" in claim 5 as originally filed to "the suction nozzle management device according to any one of claims 1 to 4," the technical idea of ​​changing "the suction nozzle management device according to claim 1" in claim 6 as originally filed to "the suction nozzle management device according to any one of claims 1 to 5," the technical idea of ​​changing "the suction nozzle management device according to claim 1" in claim 7 as originally filed to "the suction nozzle management device according to any one of claims 1 to 4," the technical idea of ​​changing "the suction nozzle management device according to claim 1" in claim 10 as originally filed to "the suction nozzle management device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, 9," The technical idea disclosed in the original application is to change "an adsorption nozzle management device according to any one of claims 1 to 9" to "an adsorption nozzle management device according to any one of claims 1 to 9", the technical idea of ​​changing "an adsorption nozzle management device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, 9" in claim 11 at the time of filing to "an adsorption nozzle management device according to any one of claims 1 to 10", the technical idea of ​​changing "an adsorption nozzle management device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, 9" in claim 13 at the time of filing to "an adsorption nozzle management device according to any one of claims 1 to 12", and the technical idea of ​​changing "an adsorption nozzle management device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, 9" in claim 14 at the time of filing to "an adsorption nozzle management device according to any one of claims 1 to 13".

[0010] According to the disclosed suction nozzle management device, the control unit automatically starts maintenance of the suction nozzle when, for example, a suction nozzle that is to be maintained is in stock under pre-set conditions, thereby ensuring that maintenance of the suction nozzle is carried out reliably.

[0011] 9 is a plan view schematically showing an example of the configuration of a component mounting machine that uses a suction nozzle. FIG. 10 is a perspective view schematically showing the appearance of a suction nozzle. FIG. 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a suction nozzle. FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a suction nozzle management device of an embodiment. FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing the internal structure of the suction nozzle management device with the outer case removed, and includes a block diagram of the control unit. FIG. 14 is a diagram of an example of a setting screen for setting a setup command for transporting a suction nozzle from a stock unit to a nozzle tray on a stage. FIG. 15 is a diagram of an example of a setting screen for setting a maintenance command for performing maintenance on a suction nozzle. FIG. 16 is a diagram of an example of a setting screen for setting implementation conditions for performing maintenance on a suction nozzle. FIG. 17 is an operational flow diagram explaining the operation of the suction nozzle management device. FIG. 18 is a diagram of a sub-operational flow explaining the details of the "setup operation" in the operation flow of FIG. 15. FIG. 19 is an operational flow diagram explaining the operation of an applied form of the suction nozzle management device.

[0012] 1. Configuration Example of Component Mounting Machine 1 First, an example of the configuration of a component mounting machine 1 that uses a suction nozzle will be described with reference to Figure 1. The component mounting machine 1 performs a mounting operation to mount components on a board K to produce a product board. As indicated by the arrow in the upper left of Figure 1, the horizontal direction from left to right on the paper is the X-axis direction along which the board K is transported, the horizontal direction from the bottom (front) to the top (rear) of the paper is the Y-axis direction, and the vertical direction is the Z-axis direction. The component mounting machine 1 is configured by assembling a board transport device 2, a component supply device 3, a component transfer device 4, a control device 5, and the like on a base 10.

[0013] The board transport device 2 has a pair of guide rails 21 that form a transport path for the board K. The board transport device 2 transports the board K that has been carried into the carry-in end (left end in FIG. 1 ) of the guide rails 21 by a board carry-in device or an external transport device along the guide rails 21 to a predetermined work position. The board transport device 2 has a positioning mechanism 22 that pushes up the board K at the work position and clamps it between the guide rails 21. The component transfer device 4 performs a component mounting operation on the positioned board K. After the mounting operation is completed, the board transport device 2 transports the board K from the work position to the carry-out end (right end in FIG. 1 ) and removes it from the machine.

[0014] The component supply device 3 is disposed at the front in the Y-axis direction on the top surface of the base 10. The component supply device 3 is composed of a plurality of component supply units 31 arranged in a line in the X-axis direction. Each of the component supply units 31 supplies a component. In this embodiment, a tape feeder is used for the component supply unit 31. The tape feeder feeds a carrier tape on which a plurality of components are stored in a line toward a supply position at the tip end. Note that the component supply unit 31 may be a tray feeder that uses a tray in which components are stored in a plurality of storage compartments arranged in a grid pattern, or a stick feeder that stores components in a line inside a cylindrical stick.

[0015] The component transfer device 4 is composed of a Y-axis movable body 41, an X-axis movable body 42, a mounting head 43, a nozzle tool 44, a suction nozzle 60, a board camera 46, and a component camera 47. The Y-axis movable body 41 is formed of a member that is long in the X-axis direction, and is driven by a Y-axis drive mechanism (not shown) to move in the Y-axis direction. The X-axis movable body 42 is mounted on the Y-axis movable body 41, and is driven by an X-axis drive mechanism (not shown) to move in the X-axis direction. The mounting head 43 is attached to the front of the X-axis movable body 42. The mounting head 43 is driven in two horizontal directions together with the X-axis movable body 42, and moves to above the component supply device 3 and above the board K.

[0016] An axisymmetric nozzle tool 44 is rotatably mounted below the mounting head 43. The nozzle tool 44 is driven by an R-axis drive mechanism (not shown) to rotate about a vertical central axis. The nozzle tool 44 holds a plurality of suction nozzles 60 below it. The mounting head 43 and the nozzle tool 44 move between the component supply unit 31 and the board K while holding the plurality of suction nozzles 60.

[0017] In the example shown in FIG. 1 , the nozzle tool 44 has four suction nozzles 60 equidistant from a vertical center axis. The suction nozzles 60 are driven to move up and down by a not-shown lift drive mechanism and rotate around the vertical axis by a not-shown Q-axis drive mechanism. The suction nozzles 60 are also selectively supplied with negative pressure air or positive pressure air from a not-shown air supply mechanism. This allows each suction nozzle 60 to pick up a component at the supply position of the component supply unit 31 and place it at the placement position on the board K. The placement head 43 may omit the nozzle tool 44 and have multiple suction nozzles 60 arranged in a row or in a grid pattern. Instead of the nozzle tool 44 and the suction nozzles 60, the placement head 43 may be provided with a chuck that clamps and picks up a component.

[0018] A plurality of mounting heads 43, nozzle tools 44, and suction nozzles 60 are provided, and are replaced automatically or manually as needed. In this embodiment, the suction nozzles 60 are replaced automatically. More specifically, three nozzle stations 48 are provided lined up in the X-axis direction on the base 10 between the board transport device 2 and the component supply device 3. A nozzle tray 49 is placed on each of the nozzle stations 48.

[0019] The nozzle tray 49 detachably holds a plurality of suction nozzles 60. There are a variety of nozzle trays 49, each differing in the number and size of the suction nozzles 60 it holds. In the nozzle station 48, the suction nozzles 60 held by the nozzle tool 44 are automatically exchanged with the suction nozzles 60 held by the nozzle tray 49 as needed. The nozzle tray 49 is detachably attached to the nozzle station 48, and can be inserted into and removed from a suction nozzle management device 80, which will be described later.

[0020] The board camera 46 is mounted on the X-axis movable body 42 facing downward, alongside the mounting head 43. The board camera 46 captures an image of a position reference mark attached to the board K from above. The acquired image data is processed to accurately determine the position where the work is to be performed on the board K. The component camera 47 is mounted on the base 10 facing upward, between the central nozzle station 48 in the X-axis direction and the right nozzle station 48. The component camera 47 captures an image of the component held by the suction nozzle 60 from below as the mounting head 43 moves from the component supply device 3 to the board K. The acquired image data is processed to determine whether the component type is correct, and further, the position and orientation of the component relative to the suction nozzle 60 are detected and reflected in the mounting operation. Examples of the board camera 46 and the component camera 47 include digital imaging devices having imaging elements such as CCDs (Charge Coupled Devices) and CMOSs ​​(Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductors).

[0021] The component transfer device 4 performs the mounting operation by repeating a mounting cycle. To describe the mounting cycle in detail, the component transfer device 4 first moves the mounting head 43 to the component supply unit 31, where the multiple suction nozzles 60 each pick up a component. The component transfer device 4 then moves the mounting head 43 above the component camera 47. The component camera 47 then captures images of the components being held by the multiple suction nozzles 60. The component transfer device 4 then moves the mounting head 43 to the board K, where it mounts multiple components. The component transfer device 4 then moves the mounting head 43 back to the component supply unit 31. This completes one mounting cycle.

[0022] The control device 5 is mounted on the base 10, and its location is not limited. The control device 5 is configured as a computer device having a CPU and operating on software. The control device 5 stores mounting job data received from a host management device (not shown). The mounting job data is created for each type of board K (board product). The mounting job data includes shape data relating to the shapes of the board K and components, as well as coordinate data indicating the supply and mounting positions of the components. The mounting job data also includes data relating to the types and arrangement positions of the component supply units 31 and suction nozzles 60 to be used, as well as detailed procedure data for the mounting work. Based on the mounting job data, the control device 5 controls the board transport device 2, component supply device 3, and component transfer device 4 to repeat the mounting cycle and proceed with the mounting work.

[0023] 2. Detailed Configuration of the Suction Nozzle 60 Next, the detailed configuration of the suction nozzle 60 will be described with reference to Figures 2 and 3. The suction nozzle 60 is composed of a body tube 61, two latching pins 62, a flange portion 64, a suction tube 67, and a biasing spring 6D. The body tube 61 has a cylindrical shape that extends vertically when in use. The two latching pins 62 are provided at height positions near the upper end of the body tube 61, at positions 180° apart in the circumferential direction. Each of the latching pins 62 extends radially outward from the outer circumferential surface of the body tube 61 and protrudes radially inward from the inner circumferential surface of the body tube 61 (see Figure 3).

[0024] The flange portion 64 is formed of an annular plate-shaped member and is fixed to the underside of the body tube 61. The flange portion 64 protrudes circumferentially outward and inward beyond the body tube 61. A two-dimensional code 65 and a color mark 66 are attached to the upper surface of the flange portion 64. The two-dimensional code 65 contains various information, including at least individual identification information for the suction nozzle 60. Note that a code in a format different from the two-dimensional code 65, such as a barcode or a numeric string code, may be attached to the suction nozzle 60. The circular color mark 66 has a different color assigned to each type of suction nozzle 60. The color mark 66 makes it easy to visually identify the type of suction nozzle 60.

[0025] The suction tube 67 has an upright cylindrical shape with a smaller diameter than the body tube 61 and is longer than the body tube 61. The suction tube 67 is disposed inside the body tube 61 and the flange portion 64 and protrudes downward from the flange portion 64. The upper surface of the suction tube 67 forms the base end 68 of the suction nozzle 60, and the lower surface of the suction tube 67 forms the tip end 69 of the suction nozzle 60. The interior of the suction tube 67 forms an air flow path 6A. The air flow path 6A communicates from the base end 68 to an opening 6B at the tip end 69. An example of the opening shape of the opening 6B is an oval. However, the opening shape of the opening 6B is not limited to this, and may be circular, elliptical, gourd-shaped, or the like.

[0026] As shown in Figure 3, a flange 6C protruding radially outward is provided at approximately the midpoint of the outer circumferential surface of the suction tube 67. A coil-shaped biasing spring 6D is inserted in a compressed state around the suction tube 67. The biasing spring 6D is located between a latch pin 62 protruding radially inward from the body tube 61 and the flange 6C of the suction tube 67. The biasing spring 6D biases the suction tube 67 downward relative to the body tube 61. With this configuration, the suction tube 67 can be raised and lowered relative to the body tube 61 while sliding relative to it; in other words, it is extendable and retractable. Furthermore, the suction tube 67 is normally in an extended state in which the flange 6C contacts the flange 64 (the state shown in Figure 3).

[0027] When the suction nozzle 60 held by the nozzle tool 44 descends to pick up a component, the tip 69 of the suction tube 67 abuts against the component, and then the body tube 61 further descends slightly. At this time, the suction tube 67 compresses the biasing spring 6D, and changes to a contracted state in which the collar 6C is separated from the flange 64. Also, when the suction nozzle 60 descends to attach a component, the component held by the tip 69 of the suction tube 67 abuts against the circuit board K, and then the body tube 61 further descends slightly. At this time, the suction tube 67 changes from an extended state to a contracted state, as described above. Note that even if no component is present, the suction tube 67 will also change to a contracted state when it descends and abuts against some object. This configuration is applied to the sliding inspection described below.

[0028] There are multiple types of suction nozzles 60, each with a different outer diameter of the suction tube 67 (cross-sectional area of ​​the air flow path 6A) or a different shape of the opening 6B. The multiple types of suction nozzles 60 have common shapes and dimensions for the latch pin 62, flange portion 64, etc. This allows the multiple types of suction nozzles 60 to be detachably attached to the nozzle tool 44 and nozzle tray 49.

[0029] When the suction nozzle 60 is used over a long period of time, there is a risk of defects such as a decrease in performance. Specifically, the following four types of defects are expected for the suction nozzle 60. (1) A defect in which the air flow rate decreases due to the intrusion of foreign matter into the air flow path 6A or deformation of the opening 6B, and a defect in which the air flow rate increases due to an air leak caused by damage to the suction tube 67, etc. (2) A defect in which the sliding load increases when the suction tube 67 slides against the body tube 61. (3) A defect in which the suction state of the component becomes unstable due to deformation or damage to the tip 69 or opening 6B, etc. (4) A reading error due to the adhesion of dirt to the two-dimensional code 65 or partial peeling, etc. To address these defects, a suction nozzle management device 80 of this embodiment is used, which performs maintenance (cleaning, inspection, etc.) of the suction nozzle 60.

[0030] 3. Overall Configuration of the Suction Nozzle Management Device 80 The suction nozzle management device 80 of this embodiment is provided in common with multiple component mounting machines 1 and performs maintenance, stocking (storage), and inventory management of multiple suction nozzles 60. The overall configuration of the suction nozzle management device 80 will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5 . As shown in FIG. 4 , the suction nozzle management device 80 has a generally vertically elongated rectangular parallelepiped appearance. A door 82 is provided at approximately the midpoint of the front of the suction nozzle management device 80. Opening the door 82 allows the nozzle tray 49 to be inserted and removed (brought in and removed). A touch panel 86 is provided above the door 82. The touch panel 86 is connected to the control unit 160 (described later) and displays various information and allows the operator to input data. The touch panel 86 may be a different type of display / input unit, such as a combination of a display and a keyboard.

[0031] 5, the suction nozzle management device 80 is composed of a housing 90, a stage 131, a maintenance unit 70, a stock unit 92, a nozzle transport mechanism 94, a control unit 160, and the like. The housing 90 is composed of a frame unit 102 with a hollow frame structure and a beam unit 104 suspended above the frame unit 102. Two stages 131 are provided on the upper surface of the frame unit 102 near the front side. The number of stages 131 may be one or three or more. The stage 131 is placed on the nozzle tray 49 so that it can be moved in and out of the device.

[0032] The stock section 92 is provided inside the frame section 102 and is exposed on the upper surface of the frame section 102. The stock section 92 is composed of a plurality of pallet mounting shelves 106, a pallet transport section 108, and the like. The plurality of pallet mounting shelves 106 are arranged in a line in the vertical direction. A nozzle pallet 110 is stocked on each of the plurality of pallet mounting shelves 106. The nozzle pallet 110 detachably holds a plurality of suction nozzles 60. The nozzle pallet 110 may be compatible with the nozzle tray 49, or may differ from the nozzle tray 49 in terms of the number of suction nozzles 60 it holds.

[0033] The pallet transfer unit 108 transfers nozzle pallets 110 between the multiple pallet mounting shelves 106 and an operation position on the upper surface of the frame unit 102. The pallet transfer unit 108 is composed of a transfer arm and an arm drive mechanism (reference symbols omitted). The transfer arm is driven by the arm drive mechanism to move forward and backward, approaching and moving away from the pallet mounting shelves 106. The transfer arm also has the function of gripping and releasing the nozzle pallet 110 to be transferred. Furthermore, the transfer arm is driven by the arm drive mechanism to rise, thereby transferring the gripped nozzle pallet 110 to the operation position. Figure 5 shows the nozzle pallet 110 in the operation position.

[0034] The nozzle transport mechanism 94 is provided in the beam unit 104. The nozzle transport mechanism 94 has a transport head 120 and a head drive mechanism 122. The head drive mechanism 122 is an XYZ-type drive mechanism that moves the transport head 120 in the front-to-back, left-to-right, and up-and-down directions on the frame unit 102. A nozzle holder 128 that detachably holds the suction nozzle 60 is provided on the underside of the transport head 120. Furthermore, a downward-facing camera 126 and an air supply device 130 are provided on the underside of the transport head 120. The camera 126 and the air supply device 130 are used to inspect the suction nozzle 60, as will be described later. In other words, the nozzle transport mechanism 94 is responsible for part of the maintenance operations.

[0035] The nozzle transport mechanism 94 transports the suction nozzles 60 between the stage 131 and the stock unit 92, and between the maintenance unit 70 and the stock unit 92. In detail, the nozzle transport mechanism 94 transports the suction nozzles 60 between the nozzle tray 49, which is brought in from outside the apparatus and placed on the stage 131, and the nozzle pallet 110 at the operation position. The nozzle transport mechanism 94 also transports the suction nozzles 60 between a cleaning pallet 158 ​​(described later) and the nozzle pallet 110 at the operation position. Furthermore, the nozzle transport mechanism 94 operates in various situations to move the suction nozzles 60.

[0036] The maintenance unit 70 performs maintenance on the suction nozzle 60, in other words, performs at least one of cleaning and inspection of the suction nozzle 60. The maintenance unit 70 includes a first inspection unit 96, a cleaning unit 98, a drying unit 100, and a second inspection unit 170. The first inspection unit 96 is responsible for two inspection items that use sensors, namely, a sliding inspection and a flow rate inspection. The first inspection unit 96 has a load cell 142, and the air supply device 130 and joint 146 of the nozzle transport mechanism 94 are responsible for some of the inspection operations.

[0037] The load cell 142 is disposed on the upper surface of the frame portion 102. A sliding test is performed using the load cell 142 to measure the sliding load when the suction tube 67 of the suction nozzle 60 slides. More specifically, the suction nozzle 60 to be inspected has its body tube 61 held by the nozzle holding portion 128 of the transport head 120. Next, the head driving mechanism 122 lowers the transport head 120 and the suction nozzle 60, bringing the suction tube 67 into contact with the load cell 142. At this time, the load cell 142 measures the downward load acting from the tip 69 of the suction tube 67. Based on the measured load, it is determined whether the sliding condition of the suction tube 67 is good or bad.

[0038] The joint 146 is disposed on the underside of the air supply device 130, and air is supplied from the air supply device 130. A flow rate test of the suction nozzle 60 is performed using air supplied from the air supply device 130 to the joint 146. More specifically, the joint 146 is driven by the head drive mechanism 122 to move above the suction nozzle 60 placed on a cleaning pallet 158 ​​(described later), and connects to the suction nozzle 60. Next, air is supplied from the air supply device 130 to the suction nozzle 60 via the joint 146. During the air supply, the air flow rate is measured, and the quality of the air flow rate in the air flow path 6A of the suction nozzle 60 is determined. For example, positive pressure air with a known pressure is used as the air supplied for the test. Note that instead of the flow rate test, a test may be performed in which the pressure of the flowing air is measured.

[0039] The second inspection unit 170 is responsible for two inspection items that use image processing: a code reading inspection and a nozzle tip shape inspection. The second inspection unit 170 has an upward-facing camera 182 and an image processing unit (not shown), and the downward-facing camera 126 of the nozzle transport mechanism 94 is responsible for some of the inspection operations. The camera 126 captures an image of the two-dimensional code 65 of the suction nozzle 60 held by the nozzle holding unit 128 from above to obtain image data. The image processing unit reads the two-dimensional code 65 from the image data and obtains various pieces of information contained in the two-dimensional code 65. If the image processing unit cannot read the two-dimensional code 65, it determines that the code reading has failed.

[0040] The camera 182 is positioned facing upward on the top surface of the frame portion 102, next to the load cell 142. The camera 182 captures an image of the tip 69 and opening 6B of the suction nozzle 60 held by the nozzle holding portion 128 from below to obtain image data. The image processing portion processes the image data to extract the shapes of the tip 69 and opening 6B and determines whether they are within a predetermined tolerance range. If the shapes of the tip 69 and opening 6B in the image data deviate from the tolerance range, the image processing portion determines that the nozzle tip shape is defective.

[0041] The cleaning unit 98 and drying unit 100 clean the suction nozzles 60. The cleaning unit 98 is located next to the stock unit 92. The cleaning unit 98 has an exposed position (the position where the cleaning pallet 158 ​​is shown in FIG. 5 ) and is composed of a cleaning / drying mechanism 150 and a cleaning / pallet moving mechanism 152. At the exposed position, the suction nozzles 60 are transferred to the cleaning pallet 158 ​​by the nozzle transport mechanism 94. The cleaning pallet 158 ​​detachably holds multiple suction nozzles 60. The cleaning / drying mechanism 150 cleans the suction nozzles 60 transferred to the cleaning pallet 158 ​​using a liquid such as cleaning water and dries them by spraying them with a gas such as air. The cleaning / drying mechanism 150 transports the cleaning pallet 158 ​​between the exposed position and the interior of the cleaning / drying mechanism 150.

[0042] The drying unit 100 is located next to the cleaning pallet 158, which is positioned in the exposed position. The drying unit 100 performs final drying of each suction nozzle 60. Specifically, the cleaning and drying mechanism 150 dries the suction nozzle 60 while it is held on the cleaning pallet 158, which may result in insufficient drying. In particular, cleaning water may remain between the movable body tube 61 and the suction tube 67 of the suction nozzle 60, potentially affecting the sliding inspection. Therefore, the drying unit 100 alternately blows drying air into the suction nozzle 60 from the base end 68 and the tip end 69, thereby achieving sufficient final drying. The cleaning unit 98 and the drying unit 100 clean the interior of the suction nozzle 60 with liquid and may be replaced with a cleaning unit that blows gas into the interior of the suction nozzle 60.

[0043] During normal operation of the suction nozzle management device 80, the suction nozzles 60 are cleaned by the cleaning unit 98 and the drying unit 100, and then inspected by the first inspection unit 96 and the second inspection unit 170. A defective product storage unit 200 is provided on the upper surface of the front part of the frame unit 102 to store suction nozzles 60 that have been determined to be defective in any of the inspection items. The nozzle transport mechanism 94 holds the suction nozzles 60 that have been determined to be defective by the first inspection unit 96 or the second inspection unit 170 in the nozzle holding unit 128 and transports them to the defective product storage unit 200. Furthermore, the nozzle transport mechanism 94 releases the suction nozzles 60 that it is holding and drops them into the defective product storage unit 200.

[0044] On the other hand, suction nozzles 60 that have been determined to pass all inspection items are transferred by the nozzle transport mechanism 94 to the nozzle pallet 110 or the nozzle tray 49. Note that the suction nozzle management device 80 may first inspect the suction nozzles 60 in the first inspection unit 96 and the second inspection unit 170, and then clean the suction nozzles 60 that have been determined to be defective in the cleaning unit 98 and the drying unit 100. Furthermore, the suction nozzle management device 80 may not immediately store the suction nozzles 60 that have been determined to be defective in the defective product storage unit 200, but may instead re-clean the suction nozzles 60 in the cleaning unit 98 and the drying unit 100 and then re-inspect the suction nozzles 60. In addition, the number of repetitions of cleaning and re-inspection may be set to be variable.

[0045] The control unit 160 is configured using a computer equipped with a CPU, memory, etc., and its location is not limited. The control unit 160 has a calendar function and a clock function. The control unit 160 is communicatively connected to a line management device 168 that manages the operating status of the component mounting machine 1 and other substrate-related operation machines, and can also be communicatively connected to a production management system (not shown) that manages the production plan for product substrates. In other words, the control unit 160 can send and receive various types of information to and from the line management device 168 and the production management system.

[0046] The control unit 160 controls the display on the touch panel 86 and accepts input operations from the operator via the touch panel 86. The control unit 160 controls the stock unit 92, the nozzle transport mechanism 94, the first inspection unit 96, the cleaning unit 98, the drying unit 100, the air supply device 130, and the second inspection unit 170. The control unit 160 uses individual identification information contained in the two-dimensional codes 65 read by a code reader or a camera 126 appropriately disposed within the housing 90 to manage the current positions of the multiple suction nozzles 60, the status of maintenance (cleaning, inspection), and inventory status.

[0047] 4. Commands Used by the Suction Nozzle Management Device 80 Next, the commands used by the suction nozzle management device 80 will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7. There are three types of commands: setup commands, stock commands, and maintenance commands. The operator sets the commands by inputting them into the touch panel 86. Note that the maintenance commands may also be automatically set by the implementation target setting unit 162, which will be described later.

[0048] The setup command is a command to execute a setup operation to set up the nozzle tray 49 placed on the stage 131 so that it can be supplied to the component mounting machine 1. In other words, the setup command is a command to transport the required number of serviced suction nozzles 60 that have undergone maintenance and are stocked in the stock section 92 to the nozzle tray 49 on the stage 131. The setup command includes information on the type and quantity of suction nozzles 60 to be transported. The setup command is executed with priority over the stock command and the maintenance command.

[0049] The operator places an empty nozzle tray 49 that does not hold any suction nozzles 60 on the stage 131, and then sets a setup command on the setting screen shown in Fig. 6. The screen title "Setting Setup Commands" is displayed at the top of the setting screen in Fig. 6. From the first line to the twelfth line below the screen title, information about the 12 types of suction nozzles 60 stocked in the stock unit 92 is displayed in multiple columns.

[0050] Specifically, multiple fields display the color of the color mark 66 of the suction nozzle 60, the type of suction nozzle 60, the number of serviced suction nozzles 60 that have undergone maintenance (serviced number), the number of unserviced suction nozzles 60 that have not undergone maintenance (unserviced number), and the number of suction nozzles 60 to be transported to the nozzle tray 49 (required number). For example, the second row displays the color of the color mark 66 of the suction nozzle 60 as yellow (Y), the type as N02-030, the number of serviced nozzles as 21, the number of unserviced nozzles as 2, and the required number as 6. Furthermore, below the twelfth row, there is provided an input field ND for inputting the required number of suction nozzles 60 to be transported, and an execute switch SA.

[0051] The operator selects a row and inputs the required number in the input field ND. In the example of FIG. 6, the third row enclosed by a frame is selected, and when, for example, 2 is input as the required number in the input field ND, the same number, 2, is set in the required number field of the third row (see the dashed arrow). Furthermore, the second row has already been selected and the required number has already been set to 6. After setting the required number for each type of suction nozzle 60, the operator operates the execute switch SA. This completes the setting of the setup command. The control unit 160 immediately starts the set setup command.

[0052] Generally, it is not possible to set a required number greater than the serviced number, and a setting error is displayed. This is because there will be a shortage of serviced suction nozzles 60. Nevertheless, in this embodiment, it is permitted to set a required number greater than the serviced number, provided that the shortage number obtained by subtracting the serviced number from the required number does not exceed the unserviced number. In this case, even after the setup command has been set, the control unit 160 does not start the setup command, and the shortage response unit 163, described below, functions.

[0053] The stock command is a command to execute a stock operation to remove the suction nozzles 60 from the nozzle tray 49 placed on the stage 131 and transport them to the stock section 92. The stock command is executed with priority over the maintenance command. The reason for this is that the nozzle tray 49 that has been emptied by removing the suction nozzles 60 is often reused by setting a setup command.

[0054] The operator places the nozzle tray 49 removed from the component mounting machine 1 on the stage 131, then sets a stock command on the setting screen (not shown) and operates the execute switch SA. The stock command does not require detailed settings such as the type and quantity of suction nozzles 60. The control unit 160 immediately starts the set stock command. In other words, the control unit 160 stocks all suction nozzles 60 held on the nozzle tray 49 on the stage 131 in the stock unit 92, and stores the individual identification information of the suction nozzles 60 in association with their stock positions.

[0055] A maintenance command is an instruction to transport suction nozzles 60 stocked in the stock unit 92 to the maintenance unit 70 to perform maintenance. The maintenance command includes information on the type and quantity of suction nozzles 60 for which maintenance is to be performed. Maintenance commands have a lower priority than setup commands and stock commands. Therefore, if a setup command or stock command is set while maintenance is being performed, the maintenance in question is interrupted. This is because the nozzle transport mechanism 94, which is responsible for part of the maintenance operation, prioritizes transport corresponding to the setup command and stock command, and is therefore unable to perform the maintenance operation. When maintenance is interrupted, the interrupt / restart unit 164, described below, comes into operation.

[0056] The operator sets maintenance commands from the setting screen shown in Fig. 7. The screen title "Setting Maintenance Commands" is displayed at the top of the setting screen in Fig. 7. Below the screen title, from the first line to the twelfth line, information about the 12 types of suction nozzles 60 stocked in the stock unit 92 is displayed in multiple fields. Specifically, the required quantity field in the setting screen example in Fig. 6 is replaced with the number of suction nozzles 60 for which maintenance is to be performed (maintenance count), and the other fields display the same information as in Fig. 6. Furthermore, below the twelfth line, there is provided an input field NM for inputting the maintenance count for the suction nozzles 60 to be maintained, and a setting switch SS.

[0057] The operator selects a row and inputs the number of maintenance tasks in the input field NM. In the example of FIG. 7 , the framed sixth row is selected. When, for example, 36 is input as the number of maintenance tasks in the input field NM, the same number, 36, is set in the maintenance task number field of the sixth row (see the dashed arrow). The maintenance task number is set to be equal to or less than the number of unmaintained tasks. If a maintenance task number greater than the number of unmaintained tasks is input in the input field NM, the number of unmaintained tasks is set in the maintenance task number field of each row. The operator sets the number of maintenance tasks for multiple rows as necessary, and then operates the setting switch SS. This completes the setting of the maintenance command. The control unit 160 starts the set maintenance command when a preset start condition (described below) is met.

[0058] 5. Conditions for Implementing Maintenance As mentioned above, if a setup command or a stock command is set during maintenance, the maintenance may be interrupted. For this reason, it is preferable to start maintenance at a time that avoids the time periods when setup commands and stock commands are frequently set, thereby minimizing interruptions to the maintenance. The operator can set the start time of the maintenance from the setting screen shown in FIG. 8. The operator can set the maintenance content and maintenance time through input operations on the setting screen in FIG. 8.

[0059] The maintenance content setting allows for a choice between cleaning the suction nozzle 60 and then inspecting it, or inspecting the suction nozzle 60 and then cleaning it. The operator enters a check mark in one of the two check boxes to select the choice. The operator also enters the number of times cleaning and reinspection are to be repeated.

[0060] Three types of settings are possible for the maintenance time: immediate execution, specified date and time, and specified time of the week. The operator sets the time by inputting check marks into the three check boxes as appropriate. If immediate execution is set, the control unit 160 immediately starts a maintenance command when the setting switch SS in FIG. 7 is operated. If immediate execution is set, the date and time specification and the time of the week specification cannot be set. If immediate execution is not set, one or both of the date and time specification and the time of the week specification can be set.

[0061] When a date and time is specified, the operator inputs the date and start time for the maintenance. Note that multiple dates and start times may be input. When a day of the week is specified, the operator inputs the day of the week and start time for the maintenance. The input menu for the day of the week includes seven options from "Sunday" to "Saturday," as well as "weekdays," "Saturday and Sunday," and "every day." Furthermore, when specifying a date and time or a day of the week, it is possible to input and set an end time for the maintenance, although this is not a required setting item.

[0062] In the setting example of Fig. 8, the maintenance content is set to inspect the suction nozzle 60 after cleaning, and the number of repetitions is set to three. The maintenance time is set to specify the time of day, with the start time set to 10:00 on Saturday and the end time set to 16:00. The operator operates the setting end switch SF at the end of the input operation. This causes the control unit 160 to store the input setting content.

[0063] 6. Functions of the Control Unit 160 Related to Maintenance Implementation Next, the functions of the control unit 160 related to maintenance implementation will be described. The control unit 160 has four functional units mainly configured by software, in other words, a start condition setting unit 161, an implementation target setting unit 162, a shortage response unit 163, and an interruption / resumption unit 164 shown in FIG. 5 . The start condition setting unit 161 and the implementation target setting unit 162 have both a first form in which settings are made according to input operations by an operator (a form in which settings are essentially made by the operator), and a second form in which settings are made autonomously. Either the first form or the second form may be used, or they may be used together. For example, the settings made in the second form may be modified and set by the operator in the first form.

[0064] The start condition setting unit 161 sets in advance the conditions (start conditions) for starting maintenance to be performed on the suction nozzle 60. The control device 160 controls the maintenance unit 70 and the nozzle transport mechanism 94 to start maintenance when the start conditions are met and the suction nozzle 60 to be maintained is stocked in the stock unit 92. The start condition setting unit 161 in the first form sets the condition as is, based on the start time (see FIG. 8 ) input by the operator to the touch panel 86. Note that, strictly speaking, the start time includes information such as the year, month, date, and day of the week, but hereinafter will be simply referred to as the start time.

[0065] The start condition setting unit 161 of the second embodiment does not require input operations from an operator. The start condition setting unit 161 autonomously sets the maintenance start conditions based on information on the nozzle attachment / detachment timing when the suction nozzle 60 is attached to or detached from the component mounting machine 1, information on the stop time of the component mounting machine 1, information on the overall availability rate of multiple component mounting machines 1, etc. The start condition setting unit 161 can obtain this information from the line management device 168 or the production management system.

[0066] The nozzle attachment / detachment timing information can be rephrased as information about the timing at which the nozzle tray 49 is attached to or detached from the nozzle station 48. The nozzle attachment / detachment timing information is created based on the production plan for the product boards produced by the component mounting machine 1 and the mounting job data used by the control device 5 of the component mounting machine 1, and can be changed based on the subsequent progress of production, etc. The nozzle attachment / detachment timing information indicates busy time periods during which setup commands and stock commands are frequently set. The start condition setting unit 161 can set conditions for the start time of maintenance based on the nozzle attachment / detachment timing information. Regardless of whether it is the first or second embodiment, it is preferable that the start condition setting unit 161 set the start time to a time period during which the nozzle tray 49 is not being inserted or removed from the stage 131 to the outside of the apparatus.

[0067] The start condition setting unit 161 may also set the time period during which the component mounting machine 1 is stopped as the start condition for maintenance. For example, if a non-working day or a nighttime period is designated as a time period during which the component mounting machine 1 is stopped, the start condition setting unit 161 can set the non-working day or nighttime period as the start condition for maintenance (or the operator can input the time period into the touch panel 86), and the start time does not need to be limited. Alternatively, the start condition setting unit 161 can set the start time for maintenance to a non-working day or a nighttime period. This allows maintenance of the suction nozzle 60 to be performed on a non-working day or a nighttime period, eliminating interruptions due to setup commands or stock commands.

[0068] Furthermore, if the component mounting machine 1 does not have a downtime or if downtime is irregular, the start condition setting unit 161 sets the maintenance start time condition to avoid the busy time period indicated by the nozzle attachment / detachment timing information. Alternatively, the start condition setting unit 161 may set the maintenance start condition to be when the overall availability rate of multiple component mounting machines 1 drops below a predetermined value. The drop in the overall availability rate is promptly transmitted from the line management device 168 to the start condition setting unit 161 in the form of flag information, for example. Furthermore, the start condition setting unit 161 sets the maintenance end time to a time before the next busy time period or a time before the overall availability rate increases. The control unit 160 does not start maintenance that is expected to be completed in time, but postpones it to the next start time. This reduces interruptions to maintenance due to setup commands or stock commands.

[0069] The maintenance target setting unit 162 sets the suction nozzles 60 to be subjected to maintenance and creates a maintenance command. In the first embodiment, the maintenance target setting unit 162 directly sets the maintenance target (see FIG. 7 ) input by the operator to the touch panel 86. In other words, the maintenance target setting unit 162 makes settings based on an input operation by the operator specifying at least some of the unmaintained suction nozzles 60 that have not undergone maintenance and are stored in the stock unit 92.

[0070] Furthermore, the implementation target setting unit 162 of the second embodiment does not require an operator's input operation. The implementation target setting unit 162 checks the ratio of unmaintained suction nozzles 60 that have not undergone maintenance among the multiple suction nozzles 60 stocked in the stock unit 92. If the ratio of unmaintained suction nozzles 60 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the implementation target setting unit 162 sets at least some of the unmaintained suction nozzles 60 as targets for maintenance and creates a maintenance command. Furthermore, the implementation target setting unit 162 preferably sets the ratio of unmaintained suction nozzles 60 for each of multiple types of suction nozzles 60. Here, the number of suction nozzles 60 stocked in the stock unit 92 changes from time to time, and the ratio of unmaintained suction nozzles 60 often increases over time. Therefore, if a start time is set, the implementation target setting unit 162 of the second embodiment preferably functions immediately before the start time (a time a predetermined time earlier than the start time).

[0071] For example, assume that the 12 types of suction nozzles 60 shown in FIG. 7 are stocked, and the predetermined ratio of unmaintained suction nozzles 60 is set to 30%. In this case, the suction nozzles 60 in row 6 (type N06-070), which have an unmaintained ratio of 100%, and the suction nozzles 60 in row 11 (type N11-180), which have an unmaintained ratio of 43%, are set as targets for maintenance. The other types of suction nozzles 60 (rows other than row 6 and row 11) have unmaintained ratios less than the predetermined value (30%), so they are not set as targets for maintenance. Maintenance can be performed on all unmaintained suction nozzles 60, but it is not necessary to perform maintenance on all of them.

[0072] For example, the implementation target setting unit 162 of the second embodiment can set the number of suction nozzles 60 that can be placed on the cleaning pallet 158, or an integer multiple thereof, as targets for maintenance, and exclude any remaining suction nozzles 60 from the targets for maintenance. This allows the cleaning pallet 158 ​​to be filled with unmaintained suction nozzles 60, thereby improving the efficiency of cleaning. Note that the implementation target setting unit 162 of the second embodiment may set unmaintained suction nozzles 60 as targets for maintenance when the number of unmaintained suction nozzles 60 reaches a predetermined value or more (for example, four or more), instead of the ratio of unmaintained suction nozzles 60.

[0073] As described above, the start condition setting unit 161 and the implementation target setting unit 162 set the start conditions and implementation targets for maintenance of the suction nozzles 60. Therefore, maintenance is automatically started when the start conditions are met, and the number of serviced suction nozzles 60 increases. However, there may be a shortage of serviced suction nozzles 60 during periods when the overall operating rate of multiple component mounting machines 1 is high or when the frequency of setup changes to change product boards is high. In such cases, the shortage response unit 163 comes into operation.

[0074] The shortage response unit 163 functions when the number of serviced suction nozzles 60 stocked in the stock unit 92 after maintenance is performed falls short of the number required by the setup command by a shortage number. The shortage response unit 163 controls the maintenance unit 70 and the nozzle transport mechanism 94 to perform maintenance on the shortage number of unserviced suction nozzles 60 that have not been maintained and are stocked in the stock unit 92, and transport them to the nozzle tray 49 on the stage 131. In this case, there is no need to set a new maintenance command, and the system is not restricted by the set maintenance start conditions.

[0075] The shortage response unit 163 controls the nozzle transport mechanism 94 so that the suction nozzles 60 that have undergone maintenance in the maintenance unit 70 are transported directly to the nozzle tray 49 without being transported to the stock unit 92. The shortage response unit 163 also controls the nozzle transport mechanism 94 so that the suction nozzles 60 that have been serviced are transported from the stock unit 92 to the nozzle tray 49 from the beginning, either before or after the maintenance is performed. Upon completion of the transport, the nozzle tray 49 holds the required number of serviced suction nozzles 60; in other words, the nozzle tray 49 is set up to be able to supply the suction nozzles 60 to the component mounting machine 1.

[0076] As described above, the start condition setting unit 161 appropriately sets the start conditions for maintenance to prevent interruptions to maintenance. However, there may be cases where an unexpected or unexpected setup command or stock command is set during maintenance. In such cases, the interruption / resumption unit 164 comes into play.

[0077] When the interruption / resumption unit 164 receives at least one of a setup command and a stock command during a time period when the maintenance unit 70 is performing maintenance, the interruption / resumption unit 164 temporarily interrupts the maintenance and stores the interrupted state. Next, the interruption / resumption unit 164 controls the nozzle transport mechanism 94 based on at least one of the setup command and the stock command to transport the suction nozzle 60. After the operation of the nozzle transport mechanism 94 based on at least one of the setup command and the stock command is completed, the interruption / resumption unit 164 controls the maintenance unit 70 and the nozzle transport mechanism 94 to resume the maintenance from the interrupted state.

[0078] 7. Operation of the Suction Nozzle Management Device 80 Next, the operation of the suction nozzle management device 80 of this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 9 and 10. The operation flow shown in Figure 9 illustrates a case where a maintenance start time is set on the setting screen of Figure 8. This operation flow is mainly controlled by the control unit 160. In addition, the description will be given taking as an example a case where an operator inputs a maintenance target on the setting screen of Figure 7, and the target setting unit 162 of the first embodiment sets the input content as is.

[0079] In step S1 of Fig. 9, the control unit 160 sets the conditions for performing maintenance. That is, the control unit 160 sets the maintenance content exemplified in Fig. 8, and the start condition setting unit 161 of the control unit 160 sets in advance the maintenance time (start time, etc.) exemplified in Fig. 8. In the next step S2, the control unit 160 determines whether or not the touch panel 86 has accepted a command set by an operator's input operation. In step S3, if a command has been accepted, the control unit 160 branches the operation flow depending on the type of command.

[0080] In step S4, when a setup command is received, the control unit 160 performs a setup operation. Details of the setup operation in step S4 are shown in the sub-operation flow of FIG. 10. In step S21 of FIG. 10, the suspend / restart unit 164 determines whether to execute step S22 based on whether it is a time zone in which the maintenance unit 70 is performing maintenance. If maintenance is being performed, in step S22, the suspend / restart unit 164 temporarily suspends the maintenance and stores the suspended state. If maintenance is not being performed, step S22 is omitted.

[0081] In the next step S23, the shortage response unit 163 determines whether to execute step S24 based on whether the number of maintained suction nozzles 60 is less than the required number. If there is a shortage, in step S24, the shortage response unit 163 controls the maintenance unit 70 and the nozzle transport mechanism 94 to perform maintenance on the insufficient number of unmaintained suction nozzles 60. If there is no shortage, step S24 is omitted.

[0082] In step S25 after step S24 has been executed, the shortage response unit 163 controls the nozzle transport mechanism 94 to transport the deficient number of suction nozzles 60 for which maintenance has been performed by the maintenance unit 70 directly to the nozzle tray 49. Furthermore, the shortage response unit 163 controls the nozzle transport mechanism 94 to transport the suction nozzles 60 that have been serviced from the stock unit 92 to the nozzle tray 49 from the beginning. Also, in step S25 after step S24 has been omitted, the control unit 160 controls the nozzle transport mechanism 94 to transport the required number of serviced suction nozzles 60 from the stock unit 92 to the nozzle tray 49. With the completion of the transport, the nozzle tray 49 is set up so that it can be supplied to the component mounting machine 1.

[0083] In the next step S26, the suspend / restart unit 164 determines whether to execute step S27 based on whether the suspend state is stored. If the suspend state is stored, the suspend / restart unit 164 resumes the maintenance from the suspend state in step S27. If the suspend state is not stored, step S27 is omitted. This ends the sub-operation flow, and the operation flow returns to step S7 in FIG. 9.

[0084] Furthermore, if a stock command is received in step S2, the operation flow proceeds from step S3 to step S5. In step S5, the control unit 160 executes a stock operation. The details of the stock operation are similar to the sub-operation flow of FIG. 10 , which shows the details of the setup operation, in that the interruption / resumption unit 164 functions, but differ in that the shortage response unit 163 does not function. Furthermore, if a maintenance command is received in step S2, the operation flow proceeds from step S3 to step S6. In step S6, the control unit 160 stores the maintenance command and does not immediately start it. After execution of any of steps S4, S5, and S6, or if no command is received in step S2, the operation flow proceeds to step S7.

[0085] In step S7, the control unit 160 determines whether the maintenance start time has arrived (whether the start condition has been met) and branches the operation flow. If the maintenance start time has not arrived, the operation flow returns to step S2. In step S8, when the maintenance start time has arrived, the control unit 160 determines whether a maintenance command has been stored and branches the operation flow. If a maintenance command has not been stored, the operation flow returns to step S2. In step S9, when a maintenance command has been stored, the control unit 160 starts maintenance based on the maintenance command. Thereafter, the operation flow returns to step S2, and the operation flow is executed in parallel with the implementation of maintenance. Therefore, the control unit 160 may receive setup commands or stock commands while maintenance is being performed.

[0086] In the suction nozzle management device 80 of the embodiment, the control unit 160 automatically starts maintenance of the suction nozzle 60 when the suction nozzle 60 to be subjected to maintenance is in stock under preset conditions or when there is a shortage of serviced suction nozzles 60 at the time of receiving a setup command. This allows the suction nozzle management device 80 to reliably perform maintenance of the suction nozzle 60.

[0087] 8. Operation of an Applied Form of the Suction Nozzle Management Device 80 Next, the operation of an applied form of the suction nozzle management device 80 of the embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 11 . In the operation of the applied form, the implementation target setting unit 162 of the second form functions. That is, the implementation target setting unit 162 autonomously sets the maintenance implementation target and creates a maintenance command without requiring input operation from the operator.

[0088] In step S1 of Fig. 11, the control unit 160 sets the conditions for performing maintenance. In the next step S2A, the control unit 160 determines whether the touch panel 86 has received a command set by an operator's input operation. Only two types of commands are received: setup commands and stock commands. In step S3, if a command has been received, the control unit 160 branches the operation flow depending on the type of command.

[0089] If a setup command is received, the control unit 160 executes a setup operation in step S4. If a stock command is received, the control unit 160 executes a stock operation in step S5. After step S4 or step S5 is executed, or if no command is received in step S2A, the operation flow proceeds to step S7.

[0090] In step S7, the control unit 160 determines whether it is immediately before the start time of maintenance and branches the operation flow accordingly. If it is not immediately before the start time, the operation flow returns to step S2. If it is immediately before the start time, in step S8A, the implementation target setting unit 162 determines whether the ratio of unmaintained suction nozzles 60 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. If the ratio of unmaintained suction nozzles 60 is less than the predetermined value, the operation flow returns to step S2.

[0091] In step S8B, if the ratio of unmaintained suction nozzles 60 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the maintenance target setting unit 162 sets a target for maintenance and creates a maintenance command. In the next step S9, the maintenance start time arrives, and the control unit 160 starts maintenance based on the maintenance command. Thereafter, the operation flow returns to step S2, and the operation flow is executed in parallel with the maintenance. In this applied form, the suction nozzles 60 to be subjected to maintenance are automatically set, so there is no risk of the operator delaying or forgetting to set the maintenance command.

[0092] 9. Applications and Modifications of the Embodiment A modified embodiment is possible in which the nozzle transport mechanism 94 does not perform some of the maintenance operations and is only responsible for transporting the suction nozzle 60. In this modified embodiment, the nozzle transport mechanism 94 prioritizes transport of the suction nozzle 60 based on the setup command and the stock command. This causes the transport of the suction nozzle 60 based on the maintenance command to be interrupted or postponed. As a result, the execution of the maintenance command is interrupted or delayed, causing problems similar to those of the embodiment, so the four functional units of the control unit 160 of the embodiment provide a solution. The embodiment is also susceptible to various other applications and modifications.

[0093] 1: Component mounting machine 48: Nozzle station 49: Nozzle tray 60: Suction nozzle 70: Maintenance section 80: Suction nozzle management device 82: Door 86: Touch panel 92: Stock section 94: Nozzle transport mechanism 96: First inspection section 98: Cleaning section 100: Drying section 106: Pallet placement shelf 108: Pallet transport section 110: Nozzle pallet 120: Transport head 122: Head drive mechanism 128: Nozzle holding section 131: Stage 158: Cleaning pallet 160: Control section 161: Start condition setting section 162: Implementation target setting section 163: Shortage response section 164: Suspension / resumption section 170: Second inspection section 200: Defective product storage section

Claims

1. A suction nozzle management device comprising: a stage on which suction nozzles used in a component mounting machine are placed so that they can be moved in and out of the machine; a maintenance unit that performs maintenance on the suction nozzles; a stock unit that stocks a plurality of the suction nozzles; a nozzle transport mechanism that transports the suction nozzles between the stage and the stock unit, and between the maintenance unit and the stock unit; and a control unit that controls the maintenance unit and the nozzle transport mechanism to start the maintenance when the suction nozzle that is the target of the maintenance is stocked in the stock unit under preset conditions.

2. The suction nozzle management device described in claim 1, wherein the suction nozzles to be subjected to maintenance are set by an operator specifying at least a portion of the unmaintained suction nozzles that have not undergone maintenance and are stored in the stock section.

3. A suction nozzle management device as described in claim 1, which is provided with a setting unit that sets at least some of the unmaintained suction nozzles as targets for maintenance when the ratio or number of unmaintained suction nozzles for which maintenance has not been performed among the multiple suction nozzles stocked in the stock unit reaches or exceeds a predetermined value.

4. The suction nozzle management device according to claim 3, wherein the setting unit performs setting for each of a plurality of types of suction nozzles based on the ratio or number of unmaintained suction nozzles.

5. The suction nozzle management device according to claim 1, wherein the preset condition is a start time for starting the maintenance.

6. The suction nozzle management device according to claim 1, wherein the preset condition is a time period during which the suction nozzle is not moved in or out of the device from the stage.

7. The suction nozzle management device described in claim 1, wherein the control unit sets as the predetermined condition at least one of a start time for starting the maintenance and a time period during which the suction nozzle is not moved in or out of the device from the stage.

8. A suction nozzle management device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein an end time for completing the maintenance is set.

9. A suction nozzle management device comprising: a stage on which suction nozzles used in a component mounting machine are placed so that they can be moved in and out of the device; a maintenance unit that performs maintenance on the suction nozzles; a stock unit that stocks a plurality of the suction nozzles; a nozzle transport mechanism that transports the suction nozzles between the stage and the stock unit, and between the maintenance unit and the stock unit; and a control unit that controls the nozzle transport mechanism based on a setup command to transport a required number of serviced suction nozzles that have been maintained and are stocked in the stock unit after the maintenance has been performed, to the stage, and that controls the maintenance unit and the nozzle transport mechanism if the number of serviced suction nozzles is less than the required number by a shortage, so that the maintenance is performed on the unserviced nozzles that have not been maintained and are stocked in the stock unit without the maintenance being performed, and transports them to the stage.

10. A suction nozzle management device as described in any one of claims 1 to 7 and 9, wherein the stage carries a nozzle tray that detachably holds a plurality of the suction nozzles and is detachably mounted on the component mounting machine, and the nozzle transport mechanism transports the suction nozzles between the nozzle tray placed on the stage and the stock section.

11. A suction nozzle management device according to any one of claims 1 to 7 and 9, wherein the maintenance unit performs at least one of cleaning and inspecting the suction nozzles.

12. The suction nozzle management device described in claim 11, wherein the maintenance unit cleans the suction nozzles using a cleaning pallet that detachably holds multiple suction nozzles, and the nozzle transport mechanism transports the suction nozzles between the cleaning pallet and the stock unit.

13. The suction nozzle management device described in any one of claims 1 to 7 and 9, wherein the stock section has a pallet mounting shelf that stocks nozzle pallets that detachably hold a plurality of the suction nozzles, and a pallet transport section that transports the nozzle pallets between the pallet mounting shelf and an operation position, and the nozzle transport mechanism transports the suction nozzles between the stage and the nozzle pallet at the operation position, and between the maintenance section and the nozzle pallet at the operation position.

14. A suction nozzle management device as described in any one of claims 1-7 and 9, wherein the nozzle transport mechanism has a transport head that detachably holds the suction nozzle and a head drive mechanism that moves the transport head, and is responsible for part of the maintenance operations.

15. The suction nozzle management device described in claim 14, wherein, when the control unit receives at least one of a setup command to transport the suction nozzle from the stock unit to the stage and a stock command to transport the suction nozzle from the stage to the stock unit during the time period when the maintenance unit is performing the maintenance, the control unit temporarily suspends the maintenance and stores the suspended state, controls the nozzle transport mechanism based on at least one of the setup command and the stock command, and controls the maintenance unit and the nozzle transport mechanism to resume the maintenance from the suspended state after the operation of the nozzle transport mechanism based on at least one of the setup command and the stock command has ended.

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