Nozzle supply feeder and nozzle supply system

Abstract

This nozzle supply feeder can be disposed on a feeder holding base so as to be interchangeable with a tape feeder in a component mounting machine that mounts components to a substrate, and a suction nozzle for suctioning components is supplied by the nozzle supply feeder to the component mounting machine. The nozzle supply feeder comprises a nozzle station in which suction nozzles can be arranged and accommodated in a planar shape. A plurality of types of suction nozzles for use in a plurality of types of mounting heads that can be mounted to the component mounting machine are supplied by the nozzle supply feeder from the nozzle station.

Description

Nozzle Supply Feeder and Nozzle Supply System

[0001] This specification discloses technologies related to a nozzle supply feeder and a nozzle supply system.

[0002] The nozzle exchange unit described in Patent Document 1 is set in the empty slot of the feeder set part of the component mounter. Also, a nozzle station loading part is provided in the cassette case of the nozzle exchange unit, and a disk-shaped rotary nozzle station is loaded in an exchangeable manner. Further, a nozzle exchange port is formed at a position corresponding to the uppermost end of the rotary nozzle station on the upper end surface of the cassette case, and the suction nozzle can be exchanged between the rotary nozzle station and the mounting head of the component mounter through the nozzle exchange port.

[0003] A plurality of mounting holes are provided in the base plate of the tray used in the nozzle management machine described in Patent Document 2. Specifically, the base plate is provided with a mounting hole for mounting a nozzle with a relatively large size and a mounting hole for mounting a nozzle with a relatively small size, and two types of nozzles with different sizes can be mounted on the tray used in the nozzle management machine.

[0004] The component mounting system described in Patent Document 3 includes a plurality of component mounters, a nozzle stock unit for nozzles, and a first loader for nozzles. The plurality of component mounters are arranged along a substrate transfer path for transferring a circuit board, and components are adsorbed by suction nozzles that are supported on the head in an exchangeable manner and mounted on the circuit board. The nozzle stock unit for nozzles is installed on the substrate transfer path and stores the suction nozzles. The first loader for nozzles supplies the suction nozzles stored in the nozzle stock unit to the plurality of component mounters.

[0005] International Publication No. 2018 / 185864, International Publication No. 2014 / 068673, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2023 - 144865

[0006] However, the nozzle replacement unit described in Patent Document 1 sequentially supplies suction nozzles using a disc-shaped rotating nozzle station, making it difficult to supply multiple types of suction nozzles. Furthermore, if the nozzle station of the nozzle supply feeder can only accommodate suction nozzles used for one type of mounting head, then a nozzle supply feeder is required for each type of mounting head.

[0007] Therefore, as the number of types of mounting heads increases, the number of nozzle supply feeders required also increases, potentially making the preparation work for the nozzle supply feeders more complicated. In addition, nozzle supply feeders are wider than tape feeders, and when transporting nozzle supply feeders and tape feeders together to the production line using automated guided vehicles (AGVs), the number of tape feeders that can be transported at one time may decrease.

[0008] In view of these circumstances, this specification discloses a nozzle supply feeder and a nozzle supply system capable of supplying multiple types of suction nozzles used in multiple types of mounting heads that can be mounted on a component mounting machine.

[0009] This specification discloses a nozzle supply feeder that can be positioned on a feeder holder in a manner interchangeable with a tape feeder in a component mounting machine for mounting components onto a substrate, and that supplies suction nozzles for picking up components to the component mounting machine. The nozzle supply feeder includes a nozzle station capable of accommodating the suction nozzles arranged in a planar manner, and supplies from the nozzle station multiple types of suction nozzles to be used with multiple types of mounting heads that can be mounted on the component mounting machine.

[0010] Furthermore, this specification discloses a nozzle supply system comprising the above-described nozzle supply feeder, a transport device for transporting the nozzle supply feeder from one component mounting machine to another in a substrate work line where a plurality of component mounting machines are arranged side by side, and a control device for controlling the supply of the suction nozzles. The control device includes a replacement unit that, when the nozzle supply feeder is transported by the transport device to a predetermined component mounting machine and equipped, takes in the suction nozzles to be supplied to the component mounting machine from the nozzle station of the nozzle supply feeder into the machine using the mounting head provided on the component mounting machine, and uses the mounting head to store the suction nozzles that are no longer needed in the machine into the nozzle station of the nozzle supply feeder.

[0011] Furthermore, this specification discloses a technical concept in which, in claim 5 of the claims initially attached to the application (hereinafter referred to as the initial claims), "the nozzle supply feeder described in claim 1" is changed to "the nozzle supply feeder described in any one of claims 1 to 4." Also, this specification discloses a technical concept in which, in claim 6 of the initial claims, "the nozzle supply feeder described in claim 1" is changed to "the nozzle supply feeder described in any one of claims 1 to 5." Furthermore, this specification discloses a technical concept in which, in claim 7 of the initial claims, "the nozzle supply feeder described in claim 1" is changed to "the nozzle supply feeder described in any one of claims 1 to 6."

[0012] Furthermore, this specification discloses a technical concept in which, in claim 10 of the original claims, "the nozzle supply system described in claim 8" is changed to "the nozzle supply system described in claim 8 or claim 9". Furthermore, this specification discloses a technical concept in which, in claim 11 of the original claims, "the nozzle supply system described in claim 8" is changed to "the nozzle supply system described in any one of claims 8 to 10".

[0013] According to the nozzle supply feeder described above, it is equipped with a nozzle station capable of accommodating suction nozzles arranged in a planar configuration, and can supply multiple types of suction nozzles used in multiple types of mounting heads that can be mounted on a component mounting machine from the nozzle station. What is described above regarding the nozzle supply feeder also applies to a nozzle supply system equipped with a nozzle supply feeder.

[0014] This is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of production equipment. This is a plan view showing an example of the configuration of a component mounting machine. This is a side view showing an example of the configuration of a tape feeder. This is a perspective view showing an example of a suction nozzle. This is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of a nozzle supply feeder. This is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of a conventional nozzle station. This is a plan view showing an example of the configuration of a nozzle station. This is a side view of a nozzle supply feeder equipped with the nozzle station shown in Figure 7. This is a plan view showing an example of the configuration of one type of nozzle station. This is a plan view showing an example of the configuration of another type of nozzle station. This is a side view of a nozzle supply feeder equipped with the nozzle stations shown in Figures 9 to 11. This is a schematic diagram showing an example of the arrangement of a substrate, a component camera, and a nozzle supply feeder nozzle station. This is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a nozzle supply system. This is a flowchart showing an example of a control procedure by a nozzle supply system.

[0015] 1. Embodiment 1-1. Example of the configuration of the substrate processing line WL0 The production equipment includes at least one substrate processing line WL0. In the substrate processing line WL0, a substrate processing machine WM0 performs predetermined substrate processing on the substrate 90 to produce a product substrate 900. The type and number of substrate processing machines WM0 that constitute the substrate processing line WL0 are not limited. As shown in Figure 1, the substrate processing line WL0 of the embodiment includes a plurality of substrate processing machines WM0, which are a printing machine WM1, a printing inspection machine WM2, a component mounting machine WM3, a reflow oven WM4, and a visual inspection machine WM5, and the substrate 90 is transported in the above order by a substrate transport device.

[0016] The printing press WM1 prints solder onto the mounting positions of the components 91 on the circuit board 90. The printing inspection machine WM2 inspects the printing condition of the solder printed by the printing press WM1. As shown in Figure 2, the component mounting machine WM3 mounts the components 91 onto the circuit board 90 on which the solder has been printed by the printing press WM1. There may be one component mounting machine WM3 or multiple component mounting machines. As shown in Figure 1, if multiple component mounting machines WM3 (three in this figure) are provided, the multiple component mounting machines WM3 can share the task of mounting the components 91.

[0017] The reflow oven WM4 heats the substrate 90 on which the components 91 have been mounted by the component mounting machine WM3, melts the solder, and performs soldering. The visual inspection machine WM5 inspects the mounting condition of the components 91 mounted by the component mounting machine WM3. In this way, the substrate processing line WL0 can transport the substrate 90 sequentially using multiple substrate processing machines WM0 and produce product substrates 900 by executing production processes including inspection. The substrate processing line WL0 may also be equipped with substrate processing machines WM0 as needed, such as a functional inspection machine, buffer device, substrate supply device, substrate inversion device, shield mounting device, adhesive coating device, and ultraviolet irradiation device.

[0018] Multiple board-to-board work machines WM0 and line management device LC0, which constitute the board-to-board work line WL0, are communicated via a communication unit. Furthermore, line management device LC0 and management device HC0 are communicated via a communication unit. Additionally, management device HC0 and the work area 80 are communicated via a communication unit. The communication unit can connect these components via wired or wireless means, and various communication methods are possible.

[0019] In this embodiment, a wireless local area network (LAN) is formed by multiple board-handling machines WM0, a line management device LC0, a management device HC0, and a work area 80. Therefore, the multiple board-handling machines WM0 can communicate wirelessly with each other via a communication unit. Furthermore, the multiple board-handling machines WM0 can communicate wirelessly with the line management device LC0 via a communication unit. In addition, the line management device LC0, the management device HC0, and the work area 80 can communicate wirelessly with each other via a communication unit.

[0020] The line management device LC0 controls multiple board-to-board work machines WM0 that constitute the board-to-board work line WL0 and monitors the operating status of the board-to-board work line WL0. The line management device LC0 stores various control data for controlling the multiple board-to-board work machines WM0. The line management device LC0 transmits control data to each of the multiple board-to-board work machines WM0. In addition, each of the multiple board-to-board work machines WM0 transmits its operating status and production status to the line management device LC0.

[0021] The control device HC0 manages at least one line control device LC0. For example, the operating status and production status of the substrate processing machine WM0 acquired by the line control device LC0 are transmitted to the control device HC0 as needed. The control device HC0 is equipped with a storage device (e.g., a database). The storage device can store various acquired data acquired by the substrate processing machine WM0. For example, various image data captured by the substrate processing machine WM0 are included in the acquired data. Records of operating status (log data) acquired by the substrate processing machine WM0 are also included in the acquired data. The storage device can collect and store various production information related to the production of such product substrates 900.

[0022] 1-2. Example Configuration of Component Mounting Machine WM3 The component mounting machine WM3 mounts components 91 onto a substrate 90. As shown in Figure 2, the component mounting machine WM3 is equipped with a substrate transport device 11, a component supply device 12, a component transfer device 13, a component camera 14, a substrate camera 15, a control device 16, a display device 17, and a nozzle station 18.

[0023] The substrate transport device 11 is composed of, for example, a belt conveyor and transports the substrate 90 in the transport direction (X-axis direction). The substrate 90 is a circuit board on which various circuits such as electronic circuits, electrical circuits, and magnetic circuits are formed. The substrate transport device 11 carries the substrate 90 into the component mounting machine WM3 and positions the substrate 90 at a predetermined position inside the machine. After the component mounting process of the component mounting machine WM3 is completed, the substrate transport device 11 transports the substrate 90 out of the component mounting machine WM3.

[0024] The component supply device 12 supplies components 91 to be mounted on the substrate 90. Specifically, the component supply device 12 is equipped with a tape feeder 40 that can be attached and detached along the transport direction (X-axis direction) of the substrate 90. As shown in Figure 3, for example, the tape feeder 40 comprises a feeder body 41, a reel 42, a tape feeding mechanism 43, and a feeder control unit 44. The feeder body 41 is formed in a flat box shape and can be mounted in a slot 12s of a feeder holder 12a capable of holding various feeders.

[0025] The reel 42 is rotatably supported relative to the feeder body 41. A carrier tape containing the components 91 is wound around the reel 42. The tape feeding mechanism 43 feeds the carrier tape in a pitch manner to supply the components 91 in a pickable manner at the supply position PP0 located on the leading edge of the tape feeder 40. The feeder control unit 44 drives and controls the sprocket that feeds the carrier tape in a pitch manner. The component supply device 12 may also be equipped with a tray unit. The tray unit can supply relatively large electronic components (for example, leaded components) compared to chip components, etc., in a state where they are arranged on a tray.

[0026] The component transfer device 13 comprises a head drive device 13a and a movable table 13b. The head drive device 13a is configured to move the movable table 13b in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction (directions perpendicular to the X-axis direction in the horizontal plane) by a linear motion mechanism. A mounting head 20 is detachably (replaceable) attached to the movable table 13b by a clamping member. The mounting head 20 uses at least one suction nozzle 30 to suction and hold the component 91 supplied by the component supply device 12, and mounts the component 91 onto the substrate 90 positioned by the substrate transport device 11.

[0027] The suction nozzle 30 only needs to be able to adsorb and hold the part 91, and can take various forms. As shown in Figure 4, for example, the suction nozzle 30 comprises a body shaft 31, a flange 32, a nozzle shaft 34, and a nozzle identification code 35. The body shaft 31 is formed in a cylindrical shape. The flange 32 is formed in a disc shape with a larger diameter than the body shaft 31 and is coupled to one end of the body shaft 31 in the axial direction (the lower side of the paper in Figure 4). A recess 33 is formed in a part of the outer edge of the flange 32, recessed toward the center. The recess 33 fixes the rotation angle around the axis when the suction nozzle 30 is held by the mounting head 20. The recess 33 is also used when detecting the rotation angle around the axis when the suction nozzle 30 is held by the mounting head 20.

[0028] The nozzle shaft 34 is formed in the shape of a cylindrical tube that extends axially from the body shaft 31. The nozzle shaft 34 can attract the part 91 by contacting the opening at its tip. The nozzle shaft 34 is configured to move axially back and forth relative to the body shaft 31. Specifically, the nozzle shaft 34 is biased by an elastic member in the direction of advancing from the body shaft 31. When a load is applied to the tip of the nozzle shaft 34 toward the body shaft 31, the nozzle shaft 34 retracts into the body shaft 31 against the elastic force of the elastic member. This reduces the impact or load acting on the part 91 from the suction nozzle 30 during the part 91 suction or mounting process.

[0029] The nozzle identification code 35 is attached to the upper surface of the flange 32. The nozzle identification code 35 may be a two-dimensional code, for example, and may include unique information such as the type of suction nozzle 30 and individual information. The nozzle identification code 35 can be read by a reading device (for example, a known code reader, substrate camera 15, etc.). Note that there are multiple types of suction nozzles 30, depending on the size, shape, etc., of the part 91 to be suctioned.

[0030] For example, the suction nozzle 30 is designed so that the nozzle shaft 34 has a larger diameter and the opening at the tip is larger as the size of the object 91 to be suctioned increases. Multiple types of suction nozzles 30 have the same diameter and thickness of at least the flange 32, and are interchangeable for mounting. Furthermore, the nozzle shaft 34 is not limited to a cylindrical shape, and the opening at the tip is not limited to a circular shape. For example, the opening at the tip may be elliptical, and the nozzle shaft 34 may be formed in a tubular shape with a non-circular cross-section to accommodate a non-circular opening. In addition, an insulating material such as rubber may be provided at the tip of the nozzle shaft 34.

[0031] The component camera 14 and the substrate camera 15 can use known imaging devices. The component camera 14 is fixed to the base of the component mounting machine WM3 so that its optical axis is upward in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction perpendicular to the X-axis and Y-axis directions). The component camera 14 can image the component 91 held by the suction nozzle 30 from below. The substrate camera 15 is mounted on the movable table 13b of the component transfer device 13 so that its optical axis is downward in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction). The substrate camera 15 can image the substrate 90 and the like from above. The component camera 14 and the substrate camera 15 perform imaging based on control signals sent from the control device 16. Image data of the images captured by the component camera 14 and the substrate camera 15 is transmitted to the control device 16.

[0032] The control device 16 is equipped with a known arithmetic unit and memory device, and a control circuit is configured within it. The control device 16 receives information, image data, and other data output from various sensors provided on the component mounting machine WM3. Based on a control program and predetermined mounting conditions set in advance, the control device 16 sends control signals to each device.

[0033] For example, the control device 16 causes the substrate camera 15 to image the substrate 90 positioned by the substrate transport device 11. The control device 16 processes the image captured by the substrate camera 15 to recognize the positioning state of the substrate 90. The control device 16 also causes the component 91 supplied by the component supply device 12 to be picked up and held by the suction nozzle 30, and causes the component camera 14 to image the component 91 held by the suction nozzle 30. The control device 16 processes the image captured by the component camera 14 to recognize the holding posture of the component 91.

[0034] The control device 16 moves the suction nozzle 30 upwards towards the planned mounting position, which is predetermined by a control program or the like. The control device 16 also corrects the planned mounting position based on the positioning state of the substrate 90, the holding posture of the component 91, etc., to set the actual mounting position for mounting the component 91. The planned mounting position and the mounting position include not only the position (X-axis coordinate and Y-axis coordinate) but also the rotation angle.

[0035] The control device 16 corrects the target position (X-axis coordinates and Y-axis coordinates) and rotation angle of the suction nozzle 30 to match the mounting position. The control device 16 lowers the suction nozzle 30 at the corrected rotation angle at the corrected target position and mounts the component 91 onto the substrate 90. The control device 16 repeats the above pick-and-place cycle to perform a mounting process that mounts multiple components 91 onto the substrate 90. The time it takes for the substrate work to be performed on one substrate 90 in the substrate work machine WM0 is called the cycle time.

[0036] The display device 17 can display various types of information. The display device 17 only needs to be able to display various types of information, and any known display device can be used. Specifically, the display device 17 is equipped with a display unit that displays various data in a way that is easily visible to the operator. Furthermore, for example, the display unit may be configured as a touch panel and function as an input device that accepts various operations from the operator.

[0037] The nozzle station 18 accommodates multiple suction nozzles 30 in an automatically replaceable manner. Specifically, the nozzle station 18 is detachably mounted on a base in the area between the substrate transport device 11 and the component supply device 12, and adjacent to the component camera 14. The mounting head 20 can move to the nozzle station 18 and exchange the suction nozzle 30 it is holding with the suction nozzle 30 housed in the nozzle station 18. By automatically exchanging the suction nozzles 30, the mounting head 20 can increase the types and number of usable suction nozzles 30, enabling the mounting of multiple types of components 91 with different sizes and other characteristics.

[0038] 1-3. Example of Nozzle Supply Feeder 50 Configuration As previously described, the nozzle station 18 is fixed to the base of the component mounting machine WM3, and the attachment and detachment of the nozzle station 18 is performed by an operator when the component mounting machine WM3 is not in operation. Therefore, it may be difficult for the nozzle station 18 to flexibly supply multiple types of suction nozzles 30 in accordance with changes in the type of product substrate 900 being produced.

[0039] Therefore, the parts supply device 12 can be equipped with a nozzle supply feeder 50. The nozzle supply feeder 50 can be positioned on the feeder holder 12a in the parts mounting machine WM3 in a manner interchangeable with the tape feeder 40, and supplies suction nozzles 30 to the parts mounting machine WM3. The nozzle supply feeder 50 also includes a nozzle station 60 in which the suction nozzles 30 are arranged in a planar manner and can be accommodated. The nozzle station 60 can be detachably attached to the nozzle supply feeder 50. The nozzle supply feeder 50 can also be mounted in a slot 12s of the feeder holder 12a.

[0040] Specifically, the nozzle supply feeder 50 has an external shape that is generally the same as the tape feeder 40, except for the width dimension (the dimension in the transport direction (X-axis direction) of the substrate 90), and is compatible with the tape feeder 40 in terms of mounting. Therefore, the nozzle supply feeder 50 can be detachably mounted in one or more slots 12s of the feeder holder 12a. When the nozzle supply feeder 50 is mounted in a slot 12s, the mounting head 20 can exchange the suction nozzle 30 with the nozzle station 60, similar to the nozzle station 18.

[0041] As shown in Figure 5, the nozzle supply feeder 50 has various components assembled to a unit body 51 including side plates. The unit body 51 is formed in a box shape that is flattened in the width direction (X-axis direction) and can be mounted in a slot 12s of the feeder holding base 12a. Specifically, the nozzle supply feeder 50 comprises a nozzle station 60, a unit body 51, a lifting drive unit 52, a restricting drive unit 53, and a unit control unit 54.

[0042] The nozzle station 60 is provided so as to be able to move up and down at the supply position PP0 set on the upper tip side of the unit body 51. The nozzle station 60 can take various forms as long as it is able to accommodate the suction nozzles 30 arranged in a planar manner. As shown in Figure 6, for example, the nozzle station 60 comprises a base body 61, a base plate 62, and a cover plate 65. The base body 61 is formed in the shape of a rectangular frame in plan view. The base body 61 has a height dimension that is greater than the length dimension of the tip side of the flange 32 of the suction nozzle 30, and secures space inside for housing the nozzle shaft 34 of the suction nozzle 30.

[0043] The base plate 62 is a storage member arranged on a plane and having multiple storage sections (storage holes) capable of accommodating the suction nozzle 30. The base plate 62 is a rectangular plate-shaped member and is placed over the top of the base body 61. The base plate 62 has multiple stepped storage holes 63 and multiple fitting pins 64. The multiple stepped storage holes 63 are arranged at two-dimensional grid points that are approximately equal in spacing, except for the outer edge in the longitudinal direction of the base plate 62.

[0044] The diameter of the large-diameter portion at the upper part of the stepped receiving hole 63 is larger than the diameter of the flange 32 of the suction nozzle 30. Also, the height dimension of the large-diameter portion at the upper part of the stepped receiving hole 63 is slightly larger than the thickness of the flange 32. The diameter of the small-diameter portion at the lower part of the stepped receiving hole 63 is smaller than the diameter of the flange 32 and larger than the diameter of the body axis 31. The plurality of fitting pins 64 are arranged on the outer edge portion in the longitudinal direction of the base plate 62 and stand upright upward.

[0045] The cover plate 65 is a regulating member that regulates the suction nozzle 30 housed in the stepped receiving hole 63 from popping out except during automatic replacement. The cover plate 65 is a plate-like member having substantially the same shape and size as the base plate 62, and is disposed slidably above the base plate 62. The cover plate 65 includes a plurality of regulating holes 66 and a plurality of long holes 69. Each of the plurality of regulating holes 66 is disposed above the stepped receiving hole 63, respectively.

[0046] Each of the plurality of regulating holes 66 has a shape in which a large-diameter arc portion 67 and a small-diameter arc portion 68 are arranged side by side in the longitudinal direction of the cover plate 65. The diameter of the large-diameter arc portion 67 is larger than the diameter of the flange 32. Also, the diameter of the small-diameter arc portion 68 is smaller than the diameter of the flange 32 and larger than the diameter of the body axis 31. Further, even if the regulating hole 66 has a constricted portion between the large-diameter arc portion 67 and the small-diameter arc portion 68, it is sufficient that the opening width dimension of the constricted portion is larger than the diameter of the body axis 31.

[0047] Each of the plurality of long holes 69 is formed along the longitudinal direction of the cover plate 65 and is respectively disposed on the fitting pins 64. Each of the plurality of long holes 69 is fitted with a gap provided so that the fitting pins 64 can move relatively. Thereby, the cover plate 65 is slidable in the longitudinal direction with respect to the base plate 62. Also, the fitting pins 64 are expanded in diameter above passing through the long holes 69, and the deviation of the cover plate 65 upward is suppressed.

[0048] When automatically exchanging the suction nozzle 30, the nozzle station 60 is operated to be in an exchangeable state. In the exchangeable state of the nozzle station 60, the cover plate 65 is slid, and the large-diameter arc portion 67 of the regulation hole 66 and the stepped accommodation hole 63 overlap vertically. Then, the flange 32 of the suction nozzle 30 to be received descends through the large-diameter arc portion 67 and is placed on the step portion of the stepped accommodation hole 63. Also, the flange 32 of the suction nozzle 30 to be delivered ascends from the step portion of the stepped accommodation hole 63 through the large-diameter arc portion 67.

[0049] In contrast, when the nozzle station 60 is in its normal state other than during automatic exchange, it is operated to be in a regulation state that restricts the protrusion of the held suction nozzle 30. In the regulation state of the nozzle station 60, the slide movement of the cover plate 65 is returned to the original position, and the small-diameter arc portion 68 of the regulation hole 66 and the stepped accommodation hole 63 overlap vertically. Then, the flange 32 is sandwiched and accommodated between the small-diameter portion of the stepped accommodation hole 63 and the periphery of the small-diameter arc portion 68, thereby suppressing the protrusion of the suction nozzle 30.

[0050] As shown in FIG. 5, the lifting drive unit 52 and the regulation drive unit 53 are provided on the base end side of the nozzle station 60. The lifting drive unit 52 drives the nozzle station 60 to move up and down between an upper exchange position in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction) and a lower standby position in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction) via a known transmission mechanism. The regulation drive unit 53 controls the slide movement of the cover plate 65 via a known transmission mechanism, and switches between the exchangeable state and the regulation state of the suction nozzle 30 in the nozzle station 60. The lifting drive unit 52 and the regulation drive unit 53 can use a known drive source (for example, an electromagnetic solenoid, etc.).

[0051] The lifting drive unit 52 maintains the nozzle station 60 in the standby position when the drive power is lost. In other words, if the nozzle supply feeder 50 equipped on the component mounting machine WM3 is not supplied with drive power for any reason, it will not raise the nozzle station 60 to the replacement position, thus suppressing interference between the nozzle station 60 and the operation of other parts. In addition, the restricting drive unit 53 maintains the nozzle station 60 in the restricted state when the drive power is lost. In other words, even if the nozzle supply feeder 50 is removed from the slot 12s and the drive power is not supplied, the ejection of the suction nozzle 30 is suppressed.

[0052] The unit control unit 54 is located at the lower base end of the unit body 51. The unit control unit 54 controls the lifting drive unit 52 and the restricting drive unit 53 and monitors the state of the locking mechanism. The unit control unit 54 is communicatively connected to the control device 16 of the component mounting machine WM3 via a connector and performs control according to commands from the control device 16. When the nozzle supply feeder 50 is installed in slot 12s, the supply position PP0 of the suction nozzle 30 is the same as the supply position PP0 of the tape feeder 40 installed in slot 12s. The mounting head 20 can move to the supply position PP0 of the nozzle supply feeder 50 and automatically replace the suction nozzle 30.

[0053] The nozzle supply feeder 50, equipped in slot 12s, raises the nozzle station 60 to the replacement position when the suction nozzle 30 is automatically replaced. This raises the nozzle station 60 to a height where the mounting head 20 can descend and the suction nozzle 30 can be automatically replaced. In addition, the nozzle supply feeder 50 lowers the nozzle station 60 to the standby position and keeps it on standby during normal operation, other than when the suction nozzle 30 is automatically replaced. This prevents interference between the nozzle station 60 and the mounting head 20 and suction nozzle 30, which descend for the suction processing of the part 91.

[0054] 1-4. Example Configuration of Nozzle Station 60 As shown in Figure 1, the board-to-board work line WL0 is equipped with, for example, multiple (three) component mounting machines WM3. This allows, for example, relatively small components 91 to be mounted in the upstream component mounting machine WM3 of the board-to-board work line WL0, relatively medium-sized components 91 to be mounted in the central component mounting machine WM3, and relatively large components 91 to be mounted in the downstream component mounting machine WM3. The above is not limited to the size of the component 91, but can also be allocated based on the shape of the component 91, etc.

[0055] Thus, if the type of component 91 to be attached differs, the type of suction nozzle 30 that can be suctioned will differ, and the type of mounting head 20 that can hold the suction nozzle 30 may also differ. Therefore, multiple (three) component mounting machines WM3 may be equipped with multiple types of mounting heads 20 (up to three types in the above example) that can hold different types of suction nozzles 30. In this case, the nozzle supply feeder 50 needs to supply multiple types of suction nozzles 30 to be used with the multiple types of mounting heads 20.

[0056] However, if the nozzle station 60 of the nozzle supply feeder 50 can only accommodate one type of suction nozzle 30 used with one type of mounting head 20, then a nozzle supply feeder 50 will be required for each type of mounting head 20 (up to three in the above example). Therefore, as the number of types of mounting heads 20 increases, the number of required nozzle supply feeders 50 will also increase, potentially making the preparation work for the nozzle supply feeders 50 more complicated. For example, the work required to set the nozzle station 60 into the nozzle supply feeder 50 may increase.

[0057] Furthermore, as previously described, the nozzle supply feeder 50 is wider than the tape feeder 40, and when the nozzle supply feeder 50 and the tape feeder 40 are transported together to the substrate work line WL0 using an automated guided vehicle or the like, the number of tape feeders 40 that can be transported at one time may decrease. Therefore, the nozzle supply feeder 50 of this embodiment includes a nozzle station 60 in which suction nozzles 30 are arranged in a planar manner and can be accommodated, and multiple types of suction nozzles 30 used by multiple types of mounting heads 20 that can be mounted on the component mounting machine WM3 are supplied from the nozzle station 60.

[0058] For example, as shown in Figures 7 and 8, one nozzle station 60 can accommodate multiple types of suction nozzles 30, and multiple types of suction nozzles 30 may be arranged in one nozzle station 60. In this configuration, multiple types of suction nozzles 30 can be accommodated together in one nozzle station 60. Figure 7 is a plan view showing an example configuration of a nozzle station 60, where multiple types (three types in this figure) of suction nozzles 30 are schematically represented by circles of different diameters.

[0059] Specifically, the suction nozzle 30 with the smallest external dimensions is represented by the suction nozzle 30a, which is a circle with the smallest diameter. The suction nozzle 30 with the next largest external dimensions after 30a is represented by the suction nozzle 30b, which is a circle with the next largest diameter after 30a. Furthermore, the suction nozzle 30 with the largest external dimensions is represented by the suction nozzle 30c, which is a circle with the largest diameter.

[0060] Figure 8 is a side view of a nozzle supply feeder 50 equipped with the nozzle station 60 shown in Figure 7, schematically showing a state in which one nozzle station 60 is provided on the upper surface 50u of the nozzle supply feeder 50. As will be described later, when the nozzle supply feeder 50 is mounted on the feeder holder 12a, the mounting head 20 can pick up a predetermined type of suction nozzle 30 from among multiple types (three types) of suction nozzles 30 arranged at one nozzle station 60, from above in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction). The method of illustration in Figures 7 and 8 can also be applied to the drawings described later.

[0061] As shown in Figures 9 to 12, one nozzle station 60 can accommodate suction nozzles 30 of the same type, and multiple nozzle stations 60 may have multiple types of suction nozzles 30 arranged in them. In this configuration, the number of types of nozzle stations 60 can be easily increased or decreased as needed. Figure 9 is a plan view showing an example configuration of one type of nozzle station 60, schematically showing a nozzle station 60a capable of accommodating the suction nozzles 30a described above.

[0062] Similarly, Figure 10 is a plan view showing an example configuration of another type of nozzle station 60, schematically illustrating a nozzle station 60b capable of accommodating the previously described suction nozzle 30b. Also, Figure 11 is a plan view showing an example configuration of another type of nozzle station 60, schematically illustrating a nozzle station 60c capable of accommodating the previously described suction nozzle 30c.

[0063] Figure 12 is a side view of a nozzle supply feeder 50 equipped with nozzle stations 60 as shown in Figures 9 to 11, schematically showing a state in which multiple (three) nozzle stations 60a, 60b, and 60c are provided on the upper surface 50u of the nozzle supply feeder 50. As will be described later, when the nozzle supply feeder 50 is mounted on the feeder holder 12a, the mounting head 20 can pick up a predetermined type of suction nozzle 30 from among multiple (three) types of suction nozzles 30 arranged in the multiple (three) nozzle stations 60 from above in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction).

[0064] Furthermore, if multiple types (three types) of suction nozzles 30 are distributed and arranged across multiple (three) nozzle stations 60, the lifting mechanism of the nozzle stations 60 may become complicated. Therefore, as shown in Figure 12, the nozzle supply feeder 50 can be equipped with a base plate 55 capable of holding multiple (three in this figure) nozzle stations 60 at once.

[0065] The base plate 55 is not limited to any particular type, as long as it can hold multiple (three) nozzle stations 60 together. For example, the base plate 55 may be formed in a plate shape and capable of holding multiple (three) nozzle stations 60 on its upper surface. In this case, the lifting drive unit 52 shown in Figure 5, as previously described, can raise and lower the base plate 55 in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction), and the multiple (three) nozzle stations 60 can be raised and lowered simultaneously as the base plate 55 is raised and lowered.

[0066] Furthermore, as will be described later, the storage operation of placing the suction nozzles 30 required for production into the nozzle station 60 of the nozzle supply feeder 50 can be carried out using equipment capable of transferring the suction nozzles 30, such as a maintenance unit 81 capable of performing maintenance on the suction nozzles 30. In this case, if the nozzle station 60 is detachable from the nozzle supply feeder 50, only the nozzle station 60 can be transported to the maintenance unit 81, and the existing maintenance unit 81 can be used as is.

[0067] Therefore, it is preferable that the nozzle station 60 be detachably provided. In this embodiment, the nozzle station 60 can be attached to and detached from the unit body 51. Also, if multiple (for example, three) nozzle stations 60 are held together by the base plate 55, the movement of the multiple (three) nozzle stations 60 becomes easier by attaching and detaching the base plate 55 together.

[0068] Furthermore, the nozzle station 60 only needs to be able to supply multiple types of suction nozzles 30 used with multiple types of mounting heads 20 that can be mounted on the component mounting machine WM3, and the arrangement of the suction nozzles 30 in the nozzle station 60 is not limited in any of the embodiments described above. However, for example, during the production of the product substrate 900, the suction rate of the component 91 (the ratio of the number of times it was successfully suctioned to the number of trials) may fall below an acceptable lower limit. In this case, the suction nozzle 30 whose suction rate has decreased during the production of the product substrate 900 may be replaced with a normal suction nozzle 30 housed in the nozzle station 60 of the nozzle supply feeder 50.

[0069] When replacing the suction nozzle 30, the longer the travel distance of the mounting head 20, the more likely production efficiency is to decrease. Also, the more numerous a type of suction nozzle 30 is arranged in the nozzle station 60, the more frequently the suction nozzle 30 needs to be replaced, and the longer the cumulative travel distance of the mounting head 20 tends to be. Therefore, when the nozzle supply feeder 50 is placed on the feeder holding base 12a, it is preferable that the suction nozzles 30 of the type that are arranged in the most numerous among the multiple types of suction nozzles 30 be arranged closer to the mounting head 20.

[0070] Furthermore, for example, the number of suction nozzles 30 with smaller external dimensions that can pick up relatively small chip components such as chip resistors and chip capacitors tends to increase in the nozzle station 60. Therefore, when the nozzle supply feeder 50 is placed on the feeder holder 12a, it is desirable that the suction nozzles 30 with smaller external dimensions be arranged closer to the mounting head 20 among the multiple types of suction nozzles 30. Figure 13 schematically shows an example of the arrangement of the substrate 90, component camera 14, and nozzle supply feeder 50 at the nozzle station 60.

[0071] The substrate 90 shown in the figure is positioned by the substrate transport device 11 and corresponds to the mounting area for the components 91. As previously described, the components 91 that are picked up and held by the suction nozzle 30 of the mounting head 20 are imaged by the component camera 14 so that their holding posture and other characteristics are recognized. Furthermore, the nozzle supply feeder 50 is positioned on the feeder holding base 12a in the component mounting machine WM3 so as to be interchangeable with the tape feeder 40. Therefore, the arrangement of the substrate 90, component camera 14, and nozzle station 60 of the nozzle supply feeder 50 can be as shown in the figure.

[0072] As shown in the figure, the side closer to the mounting head 20 can be said to be the side closer to the mounting area of ​​the component 91. Also, the side closer to the mounting head 20 can be said to be the side closer to the component camera 14. The suction nozzle 30a is the suction nozzle 30 with the smallest external dimensions among several types (three types) of suction nozzles 30. Therefore, as shown in Figure 13, the suction nozzle 30a is arranged on the side closest to the mounting head 20 in all of the configurations shown in Figures 7 to 8 and Figures 9 to 12.

[0073] In contrast, the suction nozzle 30c is the suction nozzle 30 with the largest external dimensions among the multiple types (three types) of suction nozzles 30. Therefore, as shown in Figure 13, the suction nozzle 30c is positioned on the side furthest from the mounting head 20 in all configurations shown in Figures 7 to 8 and Figures 9 to 12. The external dimensions of the suction nozzle 30b are intermediate between the external dimensions of the suction nozzle 30a and the suction nozzle 30c. Therefore, the suction nozzle 30b is positioned in the region intermediate between the suction nozzles 30a and 30c in all configurations shown in Figures 7 to 8 and Figures 9 to 12.

[0074] For illustrative purposes, the number of suction nozzles 30a and suction nozzles 30b arranged are shown to be the same. However, since suction nozzles 30a have smaller external dimensions than suction nozzles 30b, the actual number of suction nozzles 30a arranged tends to be greater than that of suction nozzles 30b. In other words, the suction nozzles 30a, which are arranged in the largest number, are arranged on the side closest to the mounting head 20 in both the configurations shown in Figures 7-8 and Figures 9-12.

[0075] In contrast, the suction nozzles 30c, which are arranged in the smallest number, are arranged on the side furthest from the mounting head 20 in both the configurations shown in Figures 7-8 and Figures 9-12. The suction nozzles 30b, which are arranged in an intermediate number, are arranged in the region between the suction nozzles 30a and 30c in both the configurations shown in Figures 7-8 and Figures 9-12.

[0076] 1-5. Example Configuration of Nozzle Supply System 70 As shown in Figure 14, the nozzle supply system 70 comprises a nozzle supply feeder 50, a transport device TD0, and a control device CD0. The nozzle supply feeder 50 may be any of the previously described forms. The transport device TD0 transports the nozzle supply feeder 50 from one component mounting machine WM3 to another component mounting machine WM3 in a substrate work line WL0 where multiple component mounting machines WM3 are arranged side by side. The transport device TD0 only needs to be able to transport the nozzle supply feeder 50 as described above, and can take various forms.

[0077] As shown in Figure 1, for example, the transport device TD0 can use a known transport device that travels along a travel path provided along the substrate work line WL0 and can exchange items (e.g., feeders, etc.) with the component mounting machine WM3. Alternatively, the transport device TD0 can also use a known automated guided vehicle (AGV), an autonomous mobile robot (AMR), or the like.

[0078] The control device CD0 controls the supply of the suction nozzles 30. The control device CD0 only needs to be able to control the supply of the suction nozzles 30 and can take various forms. When considered as a control block, the control device CD0 includes a replacement unit 71. The control device CD0 may also include a housing unit 72. The control device CD0 may also include a guide unit 73. As shown in Figure 14, the nozzle supply system 70 of the embodiment includes a replacement unit 71, a housing unit 72, and a guide unit 73.

[0079] The exchange unit 71, the storage unit 72, and the guide unit 73 can be provided in various control devices and management devices. For example, at least one of the exchange unit 71, the storage unit 72, and the guide unit 73 can be provided in the control device 16 of the parts mounting machine WM3. At least one of the exchange unit 71, the storage unit 72, and the guide unit 73 can also be provided in the line management device LC0, the management device HC0, the work area 80, etc. At least one of the exchange unit 71, the storage unit 72, and the guide unit 73 can also be formed on the cloud. The exchange unit 71, the storage unit 72, and the guide unit 73 can also be distributed and located on various control devices, management devices, the work area 80, the cloud, etc.

[0080] Furthermore, the nozzle supply system 70 of the embodiment performs control according to the flowchart shown in Figure 15. The replacement unit 71 performs the process shown in step S12. The storage unit 72 performs the process shown in step S11. The guide unit 73 performs the process shown in step S13. Note that the matters described in this specification, including those described for the nozzle supply feeder 50 and the nozzle station 60, can be appropriately selected and applied. Also, the matters described in this specification can be appropriately combined.

[0081] When the nozzle supply feeder 50 is transported to a predetermined component mounting machine WM3 by the transport device TD0 and equipped, the replacement unit 71 uses the mounting head 20 provided on the component mounting machine WM3 to take in the suction nozzles 30 to be supplied to the component mounting machine WM3 from the nozzle station 60 of the nozzle supply feeder 50 into the machine. The replacement unit 71 also uses the mounting head 20 to store the suction nozzles 30 that are no longer needed in the machine into the nozzle station 60 of the nozzle supply feeder 50 (step S12 shown in Figure 15).

[0082] As shown in Figure 1, the substrate work line WL0 includes, for example, multiple (three) component mounting machines WM3. For example, let's assume that the suction nozzle 30 used in the mounting head 20 provided in the upstream component mounting machine WM3 of the substrate work line WL0 is of the type indicated by suction nozzle 30a. Let's also assume that the suction nozzle 30 used in the mounting head 20 provided in the central component mounting machine WM3 is of the type indicated by suction nozzle 30b. Furthermore, let's assume that the suction nozzle 30 used in the mounting head 20 provided in the downstream component mounting machine WM3 is of the type indicated by suction nozzle 30c.

[0083] In the above example, when the nozzle supply feeder 50 is transported by the transport device TD0 to the upstream component mounting machine WM3 and mounted on the feeder holding base 12a, the replacement unit 71 uses the mounting head 20 provided on the component mounting machine WM3 to take in the suction nozzles 30a to be supplied to the component mounting machine WM3 from the nozzle station 60 of the nozzle supply feeder 50 into the machine. The replacement unit 71 also uses the mounting head 20 to store the suction nozzles 30 that are no longer needed in the machine into the nozzle station 60 of the nozzle supply feeder 50.

[0084] For example, in the configuration shown in Figures 7 and 8, the replacement unit 71 uses a mounting head 20 provided on the upstream component mounting machine WM3 to pick up a suction nozzle 30a from among several types (three types) of suction nozzles 30 arranged in a single nozzle station 60, from above in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction), and bring it into the machine. The suction nozzle 30a brought into the machine can also be transferred to the nozzle station 18. Similarly, the replacement unit 71 uses a mounting head 20 provided on the upstream component mounting machine WM3 to store suction nozzles 30 that are no longer needed in the machine into the nozzle station 60 of the nozzle supply feeder 50.

[0085] In the configurations shown in Figures 9 to 12, the replacement unit 71 uses a mounting head 20 provided on the upstream component mounting machine WM3 to collect suction nozzles 30a from among the multiple types (three types) of suction nozzles 30 arranged in the multiple (three) nozzle stations 60 from above in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction) and bring them into the machine. The suction nozzles 30a brought into the machine can also be transferred to the nozzle station 18. Similarly, the replacement unit 71 uses a mounting head 20 provided on the upstream component mounting machine WM3 to store suction nozzles 30 that are no longer needed in the machine into the nozzle station 60 of the nozzle supply feeder 50.

[0086] The same applies when the nozzle supply feeder 50 is transported by the transport device TD0 to the central component mounting machine WM3 and mounted on the feeder holding base 12a, but it differs in that the type of suction nozzle 30 taken into the machine is a suction nozzle 30b. Similarly, the same applies when the nozzle supply feeder 50 is transported by the transport device TD0 to the downstream component mounting machine WM3 and mounted on the feeder holding base 12a, but it differs in that the type of suction nozzle 30 taken into the machine is a suction nozzle 30c.

[0087] Furthermore, in any of the above configurations, the replacement unit 71 can house the suction nozzle 30 that requires maintenance using the mounting head 20 in the nozzle station 60 of the nozzle supply feeder 50. For example, the more times the suction nozzle 30 is used, the more likely foreign matter (e.g., dust) is to adhere to the opening of the nozzle shaft 34. Also, the more times the suction nozzle 30 is used, the more likely the elastic member of the nozzle shaft 34 is to deteriorate. The same applies when the suction rate of the part 91 falls below the allowable lower limit.

[0088] Therefore, the replacement unit 71 can determine that maintenance work is required for at least one of the suction nozzles 30 that has exceeded the allowable number of uses, and the suction nozzle 30 whose suction rate of the component 91 has fallen below the allowable lower limit. The replacement unit 71 can then use the mounting head 20 to house the suction nozzle 30 that requires maintenance work in the nozzle station 60 of the nozzle supply feeder 50.

[0089] Furthermore, if an operator is required to store the suction nozzles 30 necessary for production in the nozzle station 60 of the nozzle supply feeder 50, the operator's work becomes complicated and errors may occur. Therefore, the storage operation of the suction nozzles 30 necessary for production in the nozzle station 60 of the nozzle supply feeder 50 can be carried out using equipment capable of transferring the suction nozzles 30, such as a maintenance unit 81 capable of performing maintenance work on the suction nozzles 30.

[0090] The storage unit 72 uses a maintenance unit 81 capable of performing maintenance work on the suction nozzles 30 to store the suction nozzles 30 required for production in the nozzle station 60 of the nozzle supply feeder 50 (step S11 shown in Figure 15). Specifically, the maintenance unit 81 is equipped with a transfer mechanism capable of transferring the suction nozzles 30. When the nozzle station 60 is brought into the maintenance unit 81, the storage unit 72 drives and controls the transfer mechanism to store the suction nozzles 30 required for production in the nozzle station 60 of the nozzle supply feeder 50.

[0091] Furthermore, the storage unit 72 uses a maintenance unit 81 to perform maintenance on suction nozzles 30 that require maintenance, and stores the suction nozzles 30 after maintenance is completed in the nozzle station 60 of the nozzle supply feeder 50. For example, the maintenance unit 81 can perform cleaning of the suction nozzles 30, inspection of the suction nozzles 30, and so on.

[0092] Furthermore, when an operator performs maintenance on the suction nozzles 30, it is difficult for the operator to recognize which suction nozzles 30 require maintenance. Therefore, the guide unit 73 guides the operator to the suction nozzles 30 that require maintenance when the operator performs maintenance on the suction nozzles 30 (step S13 shown in Figure 15). The guide unit 73 only needs to be able to guide the operator to the suction nozzles 30 that require maintenance, and can take various forms.

[0093] For example, the guide unit 73 can guide the operator with information such as the location of the suction nozzle 30 requiring maintenance, the type of maintenance, and the method of maintenance. The guide unit 73 can also display the above information on an operation screen or the like for the operator to use. For example, in the nozzle station 60, the storage areas that can accommodate the suction nozzles 30 are assigned sequential identification numbers. The guide unit 73 can display the identification number of the storage area in the nozzle station 60 where the suction nozzle 30 requiring maintenance is stored on an operation screen or the like for the operator to use.

[0094] 2. An example of the effects of the embodiment The nozzle supply feeder 50 is equipped with a nozzle station 60 in which suction nozzles 30 are arranged in a planar manner and can be housed, and multiple types of suction nozzles 30 used with multiple types of mounting heads 20 that can be mounted on the component mounting machine WM3 can be supplied from the nozzle station 60. The above-mentioned aspects of the nozzle supply feeder 50 also apply to the nozzle supply system 70 equipped with the nozzle supply feeder 50.

[0095] 12a: Feeder holder, 20: Mounting head, 30: Suction nozzle, 40: Tape feeder, 50: Nozzle supply feeder, 55: Base plate, 60: Nozzle station, 70: Nozzle supply system, 71: Replacement section, 72: Storage section, 73: Guide section, 81: Maintenance unit, 90: Circuit board, 91: Parts, TD0: Conveying device, CD0: Control device, WL0: Circuit board work line, WM3: Parts mounting machine.

Claims

1. A nozzle supply feeder for a component mounting machine that mounts components onto a circuit board, which can be positioned on a feeder holder in a manner interchangeable with a tape feeder, and which supplies suction nozzles for picking up components to the component mounting machine, comprising a nozzle station capable of accommodating the suction nozzles arranged in a planar manner, and which supplies from the nozzle station multiple types of suction nozzles used in multiple types of mounting heads that can be mounted on the component mounting machine.

2. The nozzle supply feeder according to claim 1, wherein one nozzle station is capable of accommodating multiple types of suction nozzles, and multiple types of suction nozzles are arranged in one nozzle station.

3. The nozzle supply feeder according to claim 1, wherein one nozzle station is capable of accommodating the same type of suction nozzle, and multiple types of suction nozzles are arranged in multiple nozzle stations.

4. The nozzle supply feeder according to claim 3, further comprising a base plate capable of holding a plurality of nozzle stations collectively.

5. The nozzle supply feeder according to claim 1, wherein the nozzle station is detachably provided.

6. The nozzle supply feeder according to claim 1, wherein when the nozzle supply feeder is placed on the feeder holding base, the nozzles of the multiple types of suction nozzles are arranged closer to the mounting head, starting with the suction nozzles of the type with the smallest external dimensions.

7. The nozzle supply feeder according to claim 1, wherein, when the nozzle supply feeder is placed on the feeder holding base, the nozzles of the type that are arranged in the largest number among the plurality of types of suction nozzles are arranged closer to the mounting head.

8. A nozzle supply system comprising: a nozzle supply feeder according to any one of claims 1 to 7; a transport device for transporting the nozzle supply feeder from one of the component mounting machines to another in a substrate work line in which a plurality of the component mounting machines are arranged side by side; and a control device for controlling the supply of the suction nozzles, wherein the control device includes a replacement unit that, when the nozzle supply feeder is transported by the transport device to a predetermined component mounting machine and equipped, takes in the suction nozzles to be supplied to the component mounting machine from the nozzle station of the nozzle supply feeder into the machine using the mounting head provided on the component mounting machine, and uses the mounting head to store the suction nozzles that are no longer needed in the machine into the nozzle station of the nozzle supply feeder.

9. The nozzle supply system according to claim 8, wherein the replacement unit houses the suction nozzle that requires maintenance work using the mounting head in the nozzle station of the nozzle supply feeder.

10. The nozzle supply system according to claim 8, wherein the control device comprises a storage unit that houses the suction nozzles required for production in the nozzle station of the nozzle supply feeder, using a maintenance unit capable of performing maintenance work on the suction nozzles.

11. The nozzle supply system according to claim 8, wherein the control device is further provided with a guide unit that guides the worker to the suction nozzle that requires maintenance when the worker performs maintenance work on the suction nozzle.

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