Nozzle information management device and nozzle supply feeder

Abstract

This nozzle information management device comprises a storage unit and a management unit. The storage unit stores feeder identification information, which is information capable of identifying a nozzle supply feeder provided with a nozzle station capable of accommodating a suction nozzle for holding a component, and station identification information, which is information capable of identifying a nozzle station provided in the nozzle supply feeder, in association with each other. The management unit maintains the association between the feeder identification information and the station identification information stored in association with each other by the storage unit when the attachment / detachment of the nozzle station to / from the nozzle supply feeder is restricted, and removes the association between the feeder identification information and the station identification information stored in association with each other by the storage unit when the attachment / detachment of the nozzle station to / from the nozzle supply feeder is not restricted.

Description

Nozzle Information Management Apparatus and Nozzle Supply Feeder

[0001] The present specification discloses a technology related to a nozzle information management apparatus and a nozzle supply feeder.

[0002] In the management system described in Patent Document 1, when a nozzle replacement unit is set in a slot of a feeder set section, a reader or a mark imaging camera reads or images the nozzle identification information recording section of each suction nozzle accommodated in a rotary nozzle station, thereby identifying the nozzle ID of each suction nozzle. Accordingly, the control device of the nozzle replacement unit or the control device of a component mounter can recognize the suction nozzle accommodated in each socket of the nozzle replacement unit.

[0003] Further, the production management computer described in Patent Document 1 monitors the replacement status of suction nozzles and the production status of each component mounter, and when an automatic nozzle replacement operation is performed in a component mounter, acquires identification information of a nozzle replacement unit whose accommodated suction nozzle has been changed and new status information of the nozzle replacement unit from the component mounter. The production management computer can also reuse nozzle replacement units (suction nozzles used in production) among a plurality of component mounters during production by moving an automatic exchange device along the arrangement of the plurality of component mounters.

[0004] International Publication No. 2018 / 185864

[0005] When a nozzle station capable of accommodating suction nozzles is attachable to and detachable from a nozzle supply feeder, there is a possibility that the correctness of the nozzle station installed in the nozzle supply feeder becomes unclear. In this case, there is also a possibility that the correctness of identification information stored in association with feeder identification information capable of identifying the nozzle supply feeder and station identification information capable of identifying the nozzle station becomes unclear. Therefore, there is a demand for appropriately managing these pieces of identification information.

[0006] Furthermore, if the nozzle station can be attached and detached when the nozzle supply feeder is not powered, it becomes difficult to recognize when the nozzle station is attached or detached, making it easy to become unsure whether the nozzle station is functioning correctly. Therefore, there is a request to restrict the attachment and detachment of the nozzle station when the nozzle supply feeder is not powered.

[0007] In view of these circumstances, this specification discloses a nozzle information management device and a nozzle information management method that can improve the manageability of a nozzle supply feeder.

[0008] This specification discloses a nozzle information management device comprising a storage unit and a management unit. The storage unit stores, in association with feeder identification information, which is information that can identify a nozzle supply feeder equipped with a nozzle station capable of housing suction nozzles for adsorbing parts, and station identification information, which is information that can identify the nozzle station equipped on the nozzle supply feeder. The management unit maintains the association between the feeder identification information and the station identification information stored in association by the storage unit when the attachment and detachment of the nozzle station to and from the nozzle supply feeder is restricted, and releases the association between the feeder identification information and the station identification information stored in association by the storage unit when the attachment and detachment of the nozzle station to and from the nozzle supply feeder is not restricted.

[0009] This specification also discloses a nozzle supply feeder comprising a nozzle station, a station drive unit, and an attachment / detachment restriction mechanism. The nozzle station is capable of accommodating suction nozzles for picking up parts. The station drive unit moves the nozzle station to a restricted position that restricts the attachment and detachment of the nozzle station, or to an attachment / detachment position that does not restrict the attachment and detachment of the nozzle station. The attachment / detachment restriction mechanism holds the nozzle station in the restricted position and restricts the attachment and detachment of the nozzle station when a drive power supply for driving the station drive unit is not supplied.

[0010] 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 "original claims"), "the nozzle information management device described in claim 2" is changed to "the nozzle information management device described in any one of claims 2 to 4". Also, this specification discloses a technical concept in which, in claim 6 of the original claims, "the nozzle information management device described in claim 1" is changed to "the nozzle information management device described in any one of claims 1 to 5".

[0011] Furthermore, this specification discloses a technical concept in which, in claim 9 of the original claims, "the nozzle information management device described in claim 6" is changed to "the nozzle information management device described in any one of claims 6 to 8." Also, this specification discloses a technical concept in which, in claim 16 of the original claims, "the nozzle supply feeder described in claim 11" is changed to "the nozzle supply feeder described in any one of claims 11 to 15."

[0012] The nozzle information management device described above allows for the proper management of feeder identification information and station identification information. Furthermore, the nozzle supply feeder described above allows for the restriction of nozzle station attachment and detachment when the nozzle supply feeder is not supplied with drive power. Thus, the nozzle information management device and nozzle supply feeder described above improve the manageability of the nozzle supply feeder.

[0013] 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 parts 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 nozzle station. This is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a nozzle information management device. This is a flowchart showing an example of a control procedure by a nozzle information management device. This is a schematic diagram showing an example of information related to suction nozzles stored in the memory unit. This is a perspective view showing an example of the internal mechanism of a maintenance unit. This is a perspective view showing an example of a transfer mechanism that can transfer suction nozzles to a nozzle station. This is a perspective view showing an example of a kitting stand. This is a perspective view showing an example of a state in which a nozzle station is equipped on a nozzle supply feeder set on a kitting stand. This is a perspective view showing an example of the internal mechanism of a maintenance unit equipped with a nozzle supply feeder. This is a schematic diagram showing an example of an instruction screen by an instruction unit. This is a schematic diagram showing another example of an instruction screen by an instruction unit. This is a side view of a nozzle supply feeder showing an example of the positional relationship between the nozzle station and the attachment / detachment restricting mechanism when the nozzle station is in the attachment / detachment position. This is a side view of a nozzle supply feeder showing an example of the positional relationship between the nozzle station and the attachment / detachment regulating mechanism when the nozzle station is located in a regulated position.

[0014] 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.

[0015] 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.

[0016] 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.

[0017] 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.

[0018] 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.

[0019] 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.

[0020] 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.

[0021] 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.

[0022] 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.

[0023] 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.

[0024] 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.

[0025] 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.

[0026] 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 member 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.

[0027] 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.

[0028] The nozzle identification member 35 is attached to the upper surface of the flange 32. The nozzle identification member 35 may, for example, use a two-dimensional code and may include unique information such as the type of suction nozzle 30 and individual information. The nozzle identification member 35 can be read by a reading device (for example, a known code reader, a 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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 target position and corrected rotation angle to mount the component 91 onto the substrate 90. The control device 16 repeats the above pick-and-place cycle to perform a mounting process in which multiple components 91 are mounted onto the substrate 90. The time during which substrate work is performed in the substrate work machine WM0 is called the cycle time.

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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 capable of accommodating the suction nozzles 30. The suction nozzles 30 can be arranged in a planar manner in the nozzle station 60. The nozzle station 60 is also detachably provided on the nozzle supply feeder 50. In this embodiment, the nozzle supply feeder 50 can be mounted in the slot 12s of the feeder holder 12a.

[0039] 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.

[0040] As shown in Figure 5, the nozzle supply feeder 50 has various components assembled to a main body 51 including side plates. The main 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 main body 51, a lifting drive unit 52, a restricting drive unit 53, and a unit control unit 54.

[0041] The nozzle station 60 is provided to be liftable at a supply position PP0 set on the top of the distal end side of the main body 51. The nozzle station 60 is only required to be capable of accommodating suction nozzles 30 arranged in a planar shape, and can take various forms. As shown in FIG. 6, for example, the nozzle station 60 includes a base body 61, a base plate 62, and a cover plate 65. The base body 61 is formed into a rectangular frame shape in plan view. The base body 61 has a height dimension larger than the length dimension on the distal end side of the flange 32 of the suction nozzle 30, and secures an accommodation space for the nozzle shaft 34 of the suction nozzle 30 inside.

[0042] The base plate 62 is arranged on a plane, and is an accommodation member provided with a plurality of accommodation portions (accommodation holes) capable of accommodating the suction nozzles 30. The base plate 62 is a rectangular plate-shaped member, and is bridged over the upper part of the base body 61. The base plate 62 is provided with a plurality of stepped accommodation holes 63 and a plurality of fitting pins 64. The plurality of stepped accommodation holes 63 are arranged at two-dimensional lattice points with substantially equal spacing, except for the outer edge portion in the longitudinal direction of the base plate 62.

[0043] The diameter of the large diameter portion at the upper part of the stepped accommodation hole 63 is larger than the diameter of the flange 32 of the suction nozzle 30. In addition, the height dimension of the large diameter portion at the upper part of the stepped accommodation 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 accommodation hole 63 is smaller than the diameter of the flange 32 and larger than the diameter of the body shaft 31. The plurality of fitting pins 64 are arranged on the outer edge portion in the longitudinal direction of the base plate 62 or the like, and stand upward.

[0044] The cover plate 65 is a regulating member that regulates the suction nozzle 30 accommodated in the stepped accommodation hole 63 from popping out except during automatic replacement. The cover plate 65 is a plate-shaped member having substantially the same shape and size as the base plate 62, and is arranged on the upper side of the base plate 62 to be slidable. The cover plate 65 is provided with a plurality of regulating holes 66 and a plurality of elongated holes 69. Each of the plurality of regulating holes 66 is respectively arranged on the upper side of the stepped accommodation hole 63.

[0045] Each of the plurality of restriction holes 66 has a shape in which a large-diameter arc portion 67 and a small-diameter arc portion 68 are arranged and connected 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. 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 shaft 31. Furthermore, even if the restriction hole 66 has a constricted portion between the large-diameter arc portion 67 and the small-diameter arc portion 68, it is only required that the opening width dimension of the constricted portion is larger than the diameter of the body shaft 31.

[0046] Each of the plurality of elongated holes 69 is formed along the longitudinal direction of the cover plate 65, and is respectively arranged corresponding to the fitting pins 64. Each of the plurality of elongated holes 69 is fitted with a gap provided so that the fitting pin 64 can move relatively. Accordingly, the cover plate 65 is slidable in the longitudinal direction relative to the base plate 62. In addition, the diameter of the fitting pin 64 is enlarged at an upper portion passing through the elongated hole 69, so that upward deviation of the cover plate 65 is suppressed.

[0047] The nozzle station 60 is operated to a replaceable state when the suction nozzle 30 is automatically replaced. In the replaceable state of the nozzle station 60, the cover plate 65 is slid, so that the large-diameter arc portion 67 of the restriction 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 stepped portion of the stepped accommodation hole 63. In addition, the flange 32 of the suction nozzle 30 to be delivered rises from the stepped portion of the stepped accommodation hole 63 through the large-diameter arc portion 67.

[0048] In contrast, during normal periods other than automatic replacement, the nozzle station 60 is operated to a restriction state that restricts popping-out of the held suction nozzle 30. In the restriction state of the nozzle station 60, the sliding movement of the cover plate 65 is returned to the original position, and the small-diameter arc portion 68 of the restriction 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 peripheral edge of the small-diameter arc portion 68, whereby popping-out of the suction nozzle 30 is suppressed.

[0049] As shown in Figure 5, the lifting drive unit 52 and the restricting drive unit 53 are located on the base side of the nozzle station 60. The lifting drive unit 52 drives the nozzle station 60 up and down between an upper attachment / detachment position P2 in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction) and a lower restricting position P1 in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction) via a known transmission mechanism. The restricting drive unit 53 controls the sliding movement of the cover plate 65 via a known transmission mechanism, switching between a replaceable state and a restricted state for the suction nozzle 30 at the nozzle station 60. The lifting drive unit 52 and the restricting drive unit 53 can use known drive sources (for example, an electromagnetic solenoid).

[0050] The lifting drive unit 52 provides a fail-safe function by holding the nozzle station 60 in the restricted position P1 when the drive power is lost. In other words, if the nozzle supply feeder 50 equipped on the component mounting machine WM3 loses power for any reason, it will not raise the nozzle station 60 to the attachment / detachment position P2, thereby suppressing interference between the nozzle station 60 and other parts. In addition, the restricting drive unit 53 provides a fail-safe function by putting the nozzle station 60 into a 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 power is lost, the ejection of the suction nozzle 30 is suppressed.

[0051] The unit control unit 54 is located at the lower base end of the main 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 communicated with 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.

[0052] The nozzle supply feeder 50, equipped in slot 12s, raises the nozzle station 60 to the attachment / detachment position P2 when the suction nozzle 30 is to be automatically replaced. This raises the nozzle station 60 to a height where the mounting head 20 can be lowered and the suction nozzle 30 can be automatically replaced. In addition, during normal operation other than when the suction nozzle 30 is to be automatically replaced, the nozzle supply feeder 50 lowers the nozzle station 60 to the restricted position P1 and puts it into standby mode. This prevents interference between the nozzle station 60 and the mounting head 20 and suction nozzle 30, which are lowered for the suction processing of the part 91.

[0053] 1-4. Example Configuration of Nozzle Information Management Device 70 When a nozzle station 60 capable of housing a suction nozzle 30 is detachable from a nozzle supply feeder 50, it may become unclear whether the nozzle station 60 equipped on the nozzle supply feeder 50 is correct or incorrect. In this case, it may also become unclear whether the identification information stored in association with the feeder identification information FID0, which can identify the nozzle supply feeder 50, and the station identification information SID0, which can identify the nozzle station 60, is correct or incorrect. Therefore, there is a need to properly manage this identification information.

[0054] Furthermore, if the nozzle station 60 is detachable when the nozzle supply feeder 50 is not powered, it becomes difficult to recognize when the nozzle station 60 is attached or detached, making it easy to become unsure whether the nozzle station 60 is functioning correctly. Therefore, there is a need to restrict the attachment and detachment of the nozzle station 60 when the nozzle supply feeder 50 is not powered.

[0055] Therefore, the production equipment is equipped with a nozzle information management device 70. The nozzle information management device 70 is also fitted with a nozzle supply feeder 50, which will be described later. The nozzle information management device 70 allows for the proper management of feeder identification information FID0 and station identification information SID0. Furthermore, the nozzle supply feeder 50, which will be described later, allows for the restriction of attaching and detaching the nozzle station 60 when the nozzle supply feeder 50 is not supplied with power.

[0056] When considered as a control block, the nozzle information management device 70 comprises a storage unit 71 and a management unit 72. The nozzle information management device 70 may also include a movement unit 73. The nozzle information management device 70 may also include an acquisition unit 74. The nozzle information management device 70 may also include an instruction unit 75. As shown in Figure 7, the nozzle information management device 70 of the embodiment comprises a storage unit 71, a management unit 72, a movement unit 73, an acquisition unit 74, and an instruction unit 75. The storage unit 71, management unit 72, movement unit 73, acquisition unit 74, and instruction unit 75 can be provided in various control devices and management devices.

[0057] For example, at least one of the memory unit 71, management unit 72, movement unit 73, acquisition unit 74, and instruction unit 75 can be provided in the control device 16 of the component mounting machine WM3. At least one of the memory unit 71, management unit 72, movement unit 73, acquisition unit 74, and instruction unit 75 can also be provided in the line management device LC0, management device HC0, work area 80 management device, etc. At least one of the memory unit 71, management unit 72, movement unit 73, acquisition unit 74, and instruction unit 75 can also be formed on the cloud. The memory unit 71, management unit 72, movement unit 73, acquisition unit 74, and instruction unit 75 can also be distributed across various control devices, management devices, work area 80 management devices, the cloud, etc.

[0058] As shown in Figure 7, in the nozzle information management device 70 of this embodiment, the storage unit 71, the management unit 72, and the instruction unit 75 are provided in the management device HC0. The movement unit 73 and the acquisition unit 74 are provided in the management device of the work area 80. Furthermore, the nozzle information management device 70 of this embodiment performs control according to the flowchart shown in Figure 8. The storage unit 71 performs the processing shown in step S13. The management unit 72 performs the judgment and processing shown in steps S14 to S16.

[0059] The acquisition unit 74 performs the judgment and processing shown in steps S11 and S12. The instruction unit 75 performs the processing shown in step S17. The movement unit 73 moves the nozzle station 60 in relation to the judgments shown in steps S11 and S14. The matters described herein can be selected and applied as appropriate. Furthermore, the matters described herein can be combined as appropriate.

[0060] 1-4-1. Storage Unit 71, Management Unit 72, Movement Unit 73, and Acquisition Unit 74 The storage unit 71 stores feeder identification information FID0 and station identification information SID0 in association (step S13 shown in Figure 8). The feeder identification information FID0 refers to information that can identify a nozzle supply feeder 50 equipped with a nozzle station 60 capable of accommodating suction nozzles 30. The station identification information SID0 refers to information that can identify a nozzle station 60 equipped on the nozzle supply feeder 50. The storage unit 71 can also store feeder identification information FID0, station identification information SID0, and nozzle identification information NID0 in association. The nozzle identification information NID0 refers to information that can identify a suction nozzle 30 housed in the nozzle station 60.

[0061] The storage unit 71 only needs to be able to store this identification information in association, and can take various forms. For example, in this embodiment, the storage unit 71 is provided in the management device HC0. The management device HC0 is provided with a storage device (for example, a database). The storage device can collect and store various production information related to the production of the product substrate 900. The storage unit 71 can store feeder identification information FID0 and station identification information SID0 in association with the storage device. The storage unit 71 can also store feeder identification information FID0, station identification information SID0, and nozzle identification information NID0 in association with the storage device. Furthermore, the storage unit 71 can store this identification information on the cloud.

[0062] Figure 9 shows an example of information related to the suction nozzle 30 stored in the memory unit 71. The figure shows that the nozzle supply feeder 50, whose feeder identification information FID0 is indicated by feeder identification information FID1, is equipped with a nozzle station 60, whose station identification information SID0 is indicated by station identification information SID1. The nozzle station 60 is equipped with n (n is a natural number, and the same applies hereinafter) housing sections (corresponding to the stepped housing holes 63 described above) capable of accommodating the suction nozzle 30, and the housing section numbers SN0 that can identify the n housing sections are indicated by housing section numbers SN11 to SN1n.

[0063] Furthermore, the housing unit number SN11 indicates that the suction nozzle 30, indicated by nozzle identification information NID11, is housed in the housing unit number SN11. The housing unit number SN12 does not house the suction nozzle 30, and therefore does not have nozzle identification information NID0. The same applies to the housing units numbered SN13 and beyond.

[0064] Furthermore, the same applies to the nozzle station 60, which is provided in the nozzle supply feeder 50, where the feeder identification information FID0 is indicated by the feeder identification information FID2, and where the station identification information SID0 is indicated by the station identification information SID2. In other words, the housing unit number SN0 of the nozzle station 60 is indicated by housing unit numbers SN21 to SN2n, and the nozzle identification information NID0 is indicated by nozzle identification information NID21 to NID2n, except for housing unit number SN22.

[0065] The memory unit 71 can also store information that includes at least one of the following: presence / absence information, type information, and maintenance information, in association with each other. The presence / absence information refers to information indicating the presence or absence of suction nozzles 30 in each storage unit capable of accommodating suction nozzles 30 in the nozzle station 60. The type information refers to information indicating the type of suction nozzle 30. The maintenance information refers to information indicating whether or not maintenance is required for the suction nozzle 30.

[0066] For example, the more times the suction nozzle 30 is used, the more likely foreign matter (such as dirt) 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 (the ratio of the number of times it was properly adsorbed to the number of trials) falls below the acceptable lower limit. In the above cases, maintenance such as cleaning and inspection of the suction nozzle 30 is necessary.

[0067] Therefore, the maintenance information should indicate that maintenance of the suction nozzle 30 is required in at least one of the following cases: when the number of uses of the suction nozzle 30 exceeds the allowable number of uses, or when the suction rate of the part 91 using the suction nozzle 30 falls below the allowable lower limit. In the example shown in Figure 9, for illustrative purposes, presence / absence information, type information, and maintenance information are indicated by other information NF0.

[0068] If the attachment and detachment of the nozzle station 60 equipped on the nozzle supply feeder 50 is restricted, then there is no change to the nozzle station 60, and there is no problem in using the feeder identification information FID0 and station identification information SID0 stored in association with the storage unit 71. However, if the attachment and detachment of the nozzle station 60 equipped on the nozzle supply feeder 50 is not restricted, then the nozzle station 60 equipped on the nozzle supply feeder 50 may have been attached, detached, and changed. In this case, if the feeder identification information FID0 and station identification information SID0 stored in association with the storage unit 71 are used, there is a possibility that the station identification information SID0 of a nozzle station 60 different from the nozzle station 60 actually equipped may be used.

[0069] Therefore, when the nozzle station 60 is restricted from being attached to or detached from the nozzle supply feeder 50, the management unit 72 maintains the association between the feeder identification information FID0 and the station identification information SID0, which are stored in association with each other by the storage unit 71. Also, when the nozzle station 60 is not restricted from being attached to or detached from the nozzle supply feeder 50, the management unit 72 releases the association between the feeder identification information FID0 and the station identification information SID0, which are stored in association with each other by the storage unit 71.

[0070] The management unit 72 can also maintain the association between the feeder identification information FID0, station identification information SID0, and nozzle identification information NID0, which are stored in association with each other by the storage unit 71, when the attachment and detachment of the nozzle station 60 to and from the nozzle supply feeder 50 is restricted. Furthermore, the management unit 72 can also release the association between the feeder identification information FID0, station identification information SID0, and nozzle identification information NID0, which are stored in association with each other by the storage unit 71, when the attachment and detachment of the nozzle station 60 to and from the nozzle supply feeder 50 is not restricted. In either case, the management unit 72 can appropriately manage the above identification information.

[0071] The management unit 72 only needs to be able to manage identification information as described above, and can take various forms. For example, the nozzle information management device 70 can include a moving unit 73 and an acquisition unit 74. The moving unit 73 drives the station drive unit SD0 to move the nozzle station 60 to a restricting position P1 that restricts the attachment and detachment of the nozzle station 60 from the nozzle supply feeder 50, and to an attachment / detachment position P2 that does not restrict the attachment and detachment of the nozzle station 60 from the nozzle supply feeder 50. The station drive unit SD0 moves the nozzle station 60 on the nozzle supply feeder 50.

[0072] As previously described, the nozzle supply feeder 50 of the embodiment is equipped with a lifting drive unit 52. As shown in Figure 5, the lifting drive unit 52 drives the nozzle station 60 up and down between an upper attachment / detachment position P2 in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction) and a lower restricting position P1 in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction). In other words, the lifting drive unit 52 corresponds to the station drive device SD0. Note that the restricting position P1 and the attachment / detachment position P2 can be set arbitrarily and are not limited to being arranged in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction). For example, the restricting position P1 and the attachment / detachment position P2 can also be arranged horizontally. In this case, the attachment / detachment position P2 is provided at the supply position PP0.

[0073] The acquisition unit 74 acquires feeder identification information FID0 and station identification information SID0 when the nozzle station 60 is moved to the restricted position P1 by the moving unit 73 (if the answer is Yes in step S11 shown in Figure 8) (step S12). The acquisition unit 74 can also acquire feeder identification information FID0, station identification information SID0 and nozzle identification information NID0 when the nozzle station 60 is moved to the restricted position P1 by the moving unit 73 (if the answer is Yes in step S11 shown in Figure 8) (step S12). The acquisition unit 74 only needs to be able to acquire the above identification information and can take various forms.

[0074] As shown in Figure 5, for example, a feeder identification member 50c is attached to the side of the nozzle supply feeder 50. Also, as shown in Figures 5 and 6, station identification members 60c are attached to the top and side surfaces of the nozzle station 60. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4, a nozzle identification member 35 is attached to the top surface of the flange 32 of the suction nozzle 30. These identification members can be known identification members such as one-dimensional codes and two-dimensional codes. The acquisition unit 74 can read these identification members using known code readers, imaging devices, etc. The feeder identification information FID0 can also be acquired by communication via a connector when the nozzle supply feeder 50 is equipped with equipment described later (maintenance unit 81, kitting stand 82, etc.).

[0075] The storage unit 71 stores the feeder identification information FID0 and station identification information SID0 acquired by the acquisition unit 74 in association (step S13 shown in Figure 8). The management unit 72 maintains the association between the feeder identification information FID0 and station identification information SID0 stored in association by the storage unit 71 when the nozzle station 60 is located at the restricted position P1 (if No in step S14) (step S15). The management unit 72 releases the association between the feeder identification information FID0 and station identification information SID0 stored in association by the storage unit 71 when the nozzle station 60 is moved from the restricted position P1 to the attachment / detachment position P2 by the movement unit 73 (if Yes in step S14) (step S16).

[0076] The storage unit 71 can also store the feeder identification information FID0, station identification information SID0, and nozzle identification information NID0 acquired by the acquisition unit 74 in association (step S13). In this case, the management unit 72 maintains the association between the feeder identification information FID0, station identification information SID0, and nozzle identification information NID0 stored in association by the storage unit 71 when the nozzle station 60 is located at the restricted position P1 (if No in step S14) (step S15). The management unit 72 releases the association between the feeder identification information FID0, station identification information SID0, and nozzle identification information NID0 stored in association by the storage unit 71 when the nozzle station 60 is moved from the restricted position P1 to the attachment / detachment position P2 by the movement unit 73 (if Yes in step S14) (step S16).

[0077] The moving unit 73 and the acquisition unit 74 can also be provided, for example, in the control device 16 of the component mounting machine WM3. However, if the above identification information is acquired and stored each time the nozzle supply feeder 50 is equipped on the component mounting machine WM3, the setup time may increase. Therefore, it is preferable that the moving unit 73 and the acquisition unit 74 be provided in a work area 80 outside the board-to-board work line WL0 where the component mounting machine WM3 is located. The work area 80 is not limited and may be an inner setup area relatively close to the board-to-board work line WL0, or an outer setup area further from the board-to-board work line WL0 than the inner setup area.

[0078] Furthermore, the work area 80 may be equipped with a maintenance unit 81. The work area 80 may also be equipped with a kitting stand 82. The work area 80 may also be equipped with a maintenance unit 81 and a kitting stand 82. The maintenance unit 81 refers to equipment capable of performing maintenance work on the suction nozzles 30 housed in the nozzle station 60. The maintenance unit 81 only needs to be capable of performing maintenance work on the suction nozzles 30 and can take various forms. Figure 10 shows an example of the internal mechanism of the maintenance unit 81.

[0079] In the figure, for the sake of explanation, the upper unit of the maintenance unit 81 is removed, and an example of the internal mechanism, such as the station housing section 81s, is shown. The station housing section 81s refers to an area capable of housing at least one nozzle station 60. In the example shown in the figure, three nozzle stations 60 are housed in the station housing section 81s. For example, an operator can remove a nozzle station 60 from the nozzle supply feeder 50 and house the removed nozzle station 60 in the station housing section 81s.

[0080] The maintenance unit 81 can transfer the suction nozzle 30, which is required by the component mounting machine WM3 for production on the substrate work line WL0, to the nozzle station 60. For example, as shown in Figure 11, the upper unit of the maintenance unit 81 is provided with a transfer section 81t. The transfer section 81t refers to a mechanism that can transfer the suction nozzle 30 to the nozzle station 60 equipped in the station housing section 81s. The transfer section 81t only needs to be able to transfer the suction nozzle 30 as described above, and can take various forms.

[0081] For example, the transfer unit 81t is equipped with a moving mechanism that can move in two orthogonal directions in the horizontal plane (X-axis and Y-axis directions) and in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction), and can move the sampling unit 81j which can collect the suction nozzles 30. The transfer unit 81t can collect the suction nozzles 30 housed in the nozzle station 60 equipped in the station housing unit 81s using the sampling unit 81j, and transfer the collected suction nozzles 30 to the pallet 81p. In addition, the transfer unit 81t can collect the suction nozzles 30 that are required for production by the parts mounting machine WM3 from the pallet 81p using the sampling unit 81j, and transfer the collected suction nozzles 30 to the nozzle station 60.

[0082] The maintenance unit 81 can perform maintenance on the suction nozzle 30 when maintenance is required, and can also transfer the suction nozzle 30 to the nozzle station 60 after the maintenance is completed. For example, the maintenance unit 81 is equipped with a cleaning unit 81f, a drying unit 81g, and an inspection unit 81h, and the suction nozzle 30 is moved to these by the transfer unit 81t and maintenance is performed. The cleaning unit 81f houses the pallet 81p on which the suction nozzle 30 is mounted and cleans the outer surface and internal flow path of the suction nozzle 30.

[0083] The drying unit 81g can blow air onto the suction nozzle 30 to remove foreign matter adhering to the suction nozzle 30 and can also dry the suction nozzle 30. The inspection unit 81h can perform various inspections of the suction nozzle 30. For example, the inspection unit 81h can perform sliding inspections, tip inspections, and flow rate inspections of the suction nozzle 30. The sliding inspection checks whether the pressure when the suction nozzle 30 is pressed against the load cell is within the permissible range. The tip inspection checks whether there is any foreign matter, chipping or damage to the suction nozzle 30, etc., by image processing of an image taken of the suction nozzle 30. The flow rate inspection checks whether the flow rate of air circulating in the internal flow path of the suction nozzle 30 is within the permissible range.

[0084] The acquisition unit 74 can acquire nozzle identification information NID0 and station identification information SID0 in the maintenance unit 81 when the suction nozzle 30 is transferred to the nozzle station 60 by the maintenance unit 81. As shown in Figure 11, for example, the transfer unit 81t is equipped with a code reader 81k. The code reader 81k can acquire nozzle identification information NID0 by reading the nozzle identification member 35 attached to the suction nozzle 30. The code reader 81k can also acquire station identification information SID0 by reading the station identification member 60c attached to the nozzle station 60. The storage unit 71 then stores the nozzle identification information NID0 and station identification information SID0 acquired by the acquisition unit 74 in association with each other.

[0085] The kitting stand 82 is a device capable of performing kitting work, which involves equipping a nozzle station 60 containing suction nozzles 30 to a nozzle supply feeder 50. The kitting stand 82 only needs to be capable of performing kitting work and can take various forms. As shown in Figure 12, for example, the kitting stand 82 comprises a main body 82a, a connecting part 82b, and an operating part 82c. The main body 82a can be equipped with various feeders such as a tape feeder 40 and a nozzle supply feeder 50.

[0086] The feeder connector is connected to the connection section 82b. When the feeder is mounted on the main unit 82a and the connector is connected to the connection section 82b, power is supplied to the feeder from the kitting stand 82 via the connection section 82b. The kitting stand 82 and the feeder can also communicate via the connection section 82b. As a result, the operator can operate the operation unit 82c to drive the feeder. For example, the operator mounts the nozzle supply feeder 50 on the main unit 82a and connects the connector of the nozzle supply feeder 50 to the connection section 82b. The operator can then mount the nozzle station 60, which houses the suction nozzles 30, to the nozzle supply feeder 50 using the maintenance unit 81.

[0087] The acquisition unit 74 acquires station identification information SID0 and feeder identification information FID0 at the kitting stand 82 when the nozzle station 60 is mounted on the nozzle supply feeder 50 by the kitting stand 82. In this case, as previously described, the acquisition unit 74 acquires feeder identification information FID0 and station identification information SID0 when the nozzle station 60 is moved to the restricted position P1 by the moving unit 73. The moving unit 73 can move the nozzle station 60 to the restricted position P1 or the attachment / detachment position P2 by driving the station drive device SD0 provided on the nozzle supply feeder 50 based on the operation of the operator.

[0088] For example, an operator can operate the operating unit 82c of the kitting stand 82 to drive the station drive unit SD0. In the example shown in Figure 5, an operator can operate the operating unit 82c to drive the lifting drive unit 52, which corresponds to the station drive unit SD0. Specifically, the operator operates the operating unit 82c to raise the plate on which the nozzle station 60 is placed, and sets the nozzle station 60, which houses the suction nozzle 30, onto the plate. Then, the operator operates the operating unit 82c to lower the plate on which the nozzle station 60 is set. As a result, the nozzle station 60 moves from the upper attachment / detachment position P2 in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction) to the lower regulating position P1 in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction).

[0089] The acquisition unit 74 acquires feeder identification information FID0 and station identification information SID0 when the nozzle station 60 is moved to the restricted position P1 by the moving unit 73. As shown in Figure 13, for example, the kitting stand 82 is equipped with a code reader 82d. The code reader 82d can read the station identification member 60c attached to the nozzle station 60 and acquire the station identification information SID0. As will be described later, the station identification member 60c is visible from the opening 50m provided on the side of the main body 51 of the nozzle supply feeder 50 when the nozzle station 60 is located at the restricted position P1, and can be read by the code reader 82d.

[0090] Furthermore, the code reader 82d can read the feeder identification member 50c attached to the nozzle supply feeder 50 and obtain the feeder identification information FID0. The feeder identification information FID0 can also be obtained by communication via a connector when the nozzle supply feeder 50 is mounted on the kitting stand 82. The storage unit 71 then stores the station identification information SID0 obtained by the acquisition unit 74 in association with the feeder identification information FID0.

[0091] The work area 80 may also include a maintenance unit 81 as shown in Figure 14. The maintenance unit 81 shown in the figure includes a feeder housing section 81a and a transfer section 81b. The feeder housing section 81a is an area capable of housing at least one nozzle supply feeder 50. In the example shown in the figure, one nozzle supply feeder 50 is housed in the feeder housing section 81a. For example, an operator can directly house the nozzle supply feeder 50 in the feeder housing section 81a without removing the nozzle station 60 from the nozzle supply feeder 50.

[0092] As shown in Figure 14, the maintenance unit 81 may also include both a station housing section 81s and a feeder housing section 81a. In the example shown in the figure, the maintenance unit 81 houses two nozzle stations 60 and one nozzle supply feeder 50. The transfer section 81b refers to a mechanism that can transfer the suction nozzle 30 to the nozzle station 60 of the nozzle supply feeder 50 equipped in the feeder housing section 81a. The transfer section 81b only needs to be able to transfer the suction nozzle 30 as described above, and can take various forms. For example, the transfer section 81b can have the same configuration as the transfer section 81t shown in Figure 11.

[0093] Similarly, in the configuration shown in Figure 14, the maintenance unit 81 can transfer the suction nozzle 30, which requires the component mounting machine WM3 for production on the substrate work line WL0, to the nozzle station 60. Also, similarly in the configuration shown in the same figure, the maintenance unit 81 can perform maintenance on the suction nozzle 30 when maintenance is required, and transfer the suction nozzle 30, after the maintenance is completed, to the nozzle station 60.

[0094] In the configuration shown in Figure 14, the nozzle station 60 is not removed from the nozzle supply feeder 50, and the entire nozzle supply feeder 50 is mounted on the maintenance unit 81. Therefore, when the suction nozzle 30 is transferred to the nozzle station 60 by the transfer unit 81b, the acquisition unit 74 can acquire the nozzle identification information NID0, the station identification information SID0, and the feeder identification information FID0 in the maintenance unit 81. In the configuration shown in Figure 14, the acquisition unit 74 also acquires this identification information when the nozzle station 60 is moved to the restricted position P1 by the movement unit 73.

[0095] Furthermore, the mobile unit 73 can move the nozzle station 60 to the restricted position P1 or the attachment / detachment position P2 by driving the station drive device SD0 provided on the nozzle supply feeder 50 based on the operator's operation. For example, the operator can drive the station drive device SD0 in the same way as in the case of the kitting stand 82 by operating the operation screen of the maintenance unit 81. The acquisition unit 74 can then acquire identification information when the nozzle station 60 has been moved to the restricted position P1 by the mobile unit 73.

[0096] For example, the code reader 81k shown in Figure 11 can read the nozzle identification member 35 attached to the suction nozzle 30 and obtain the nozzle identification information NID0. The code reader 81k can also read the station identification member 60c attached to the nozzle station 60 and obtain the station identification information SID0. Furthermore, the code reader 81k can read the feeder identification member 50c attached to the nozzle supply feeder 50 and obtain the feeder identification information FID0. The feeder identification information FID0 can also be obtained by communication via a connector when the nozzle supply feeder 50 is installed in the feeder housing 81a.

[0097] Furthermore, the storage unit 71 can store the feeder identification information FID0 and station identification information SID0 acquired by the acquisition unit 74 in association with each other. The storage unit 71 can also store the feeder identification information FID0, station identification information SID0, and nozzle identification information NID0 acquired by the acquisition unit 74 in association with each other.

[0098] 1-4-2. Instruction Unit 75 The instruction unit 75 issues a work instruction using the nozzle supply feeder 50 based on the feeder identification information FID0 and station identification information SID0 stored in association by the storage unit 71 (step S17 shown in Figure 8). The instruction unit 75 can also issue a work instruction using the nozzle supply feeder 50 based on the feeder identification information FID0, station identification information SID0 and nozzle identification information NID0 stored in association by the storage unit 71.

[0099] For example, when an operator is faced with a nozzle supply feeder 50 equipped with a nozzle station 60, it may be unclear whether the nozzle supply feeder 50 is in a pre-setup state or not. The operator reads the feeder identification member 50c attached to the nozzle supply feeder 50 or the station identification member 60c attached to the nozzle station 60 using a known code reader, imaging device, etc. As a result, the instruction unit 75 obtains the feeder identification information FID0 or the station identification information SID0. The instruction unit 75 then obtains information about the nozzle station 60 equipped with the nozzle supply feeder 50 by referring to the identification information and production plan stored in association by the storage unit 71, and can issue work instructions using the nozzle supply feeder 50.

[0100] The instruction unit 75 only needs to be able to issue the above-mentioned work instructions and can take various forms. Furthermore, the content of the work instructions is not limited. For example, the instruction unit 75 can issue work instructions using an operation screen, and the worker can operate the operation screen to report the completion of the work, etc. For example, the worker is equipped with a portable terminal. The operation screen of the portable terminal is, for example, composed of a touch panel, and the worker can obtain various information, including work instructions. The worker can also operate the operation screen to make various replies and notifications, etc.

[0101] Figure 15 shows an example of an instruction screen provided by the instruction unit 75. Specifically, the figure shows an example of a work instruction in which, when the nozzle supply feeder 50 is not yet set up, the operator prepares the nozzle supply feeder 50 and sets the prepared nozzle supply feeder 50 into the feeder magazine. The feeder magazine is a component capable of housing the nozzle supply feeder 50 and is mounted on the transport device TD0. As shown in the figure, work instructions can be given using icons along with text information. Specifically, the icon for the prepared feeder on the left side of the figure schematically represents the nozzle supply feeder 50 equipped with a nozzle station 60 that houses the suction nozzles 30. The icon for the feeder magazine on the right side of the figure schematically represents the feeder magazine in which the nozzle supply feeder 50 is stored.

[0102] Furthermore, information regarding the suction nozzles 30 to be housed in the nozzle station 60 is displayed at the bottom of the instruction screen shown in the figure. Specifically, the nozzle station 60 needs to have one M suction nozzle 30 of nozzle type NZ1, and currently one K is prepared. The above description regarding the suction nozzle 30 of nozzle type NZ1 also applies to the suction nozzles 30 of nozzle types NZ2 to NZ4. The OK icon is the completion button BT1, which notifies the completion of the work. When the operator has finished preparing the nozzle supply feeder 50, they operate the completion button BT1. This allows the control device HC0 to recognize that the operator has completed preparing the nozzle supply feeder 50.

[0103] Once the operator has completed the preparation work for the nozzle supply feeder 50, the display color of the instruction button BT2 for starting the transport device TD0 changes (for example, from gray to green), and the operator can operate the instruction button BT2. When the operator operates the instruction button BT2, the transport device TD0 starts moving toward its destination. As shown in Figure 1, for example, the nozzle supply feeder 50 can be transported from the work area 80 to the component mounting machine WM3 by the transport device TD0 and mounted on the component mounting machine WM3. The transport device TD0 only needs to be able to transport the nozzle supply feeder 50 and mount it on the component mounting machine WM3, and can take various forms.

[0104] For example, in transporting the nozzle supply feeder 50 between the work area 80 and the substrate work line WL0, the transport device TD0 can be a known automated guided vehicle (AGV), an autonomous mobile robot (AMR), or the like. Furthermore, in transporting the nozzle supply feeder 50 in the substrate work line WL0, the transport device TD0 can be a known transport device that travels along a path provided along the substrate work line WL0 and can exchange items (e.g., feeders) with the component mounting machine WM3. In addition, even in transporting the nozzle supply feeder 50 in the substrate work line WL0, the transport device TD0 can also be a known automated guided vehicle, an autonomous mobile robot, or the like.

[0105] For example, an operator may not know the destination of the prepared nozzle supply feeder 50. In such cases, the instruction unit 75 should indicate the destination of the nozzle supply feeder 50 when the nozzle station 60 to be used in production is equipped on the nozzle supply feeder 50. This improves the operator's work efficiency. In particular, when the production equipment has multiple board-to-board work lines WL0 equipped with component mounting machines WM3, operators often become unsure of which board-to-board work line WL0 to which the nozzle supply feeder 50 should be delivered.

[0106] Therefore, when the production equipment has multiple substrate work lines WL0 equipped with component mounting machines WM3, the instruction unit 75 can indicate which substrate work line WL0 to which the nozzle supply feeder 50 should be delivered. As previously described, the component mounting machine WM3 attaches components 91 to the substrate 90 using a suction nozzle 30. For example, in the instruction screen shown in Figure 15, the substrate work line WL0 to be worked on is displayed at the top of the screen. Specifically, it is indicated that line L1 is the substrate work line WL0 to which the nozzle supply feeder 50 should be delivered. Note that when there are multiple component mounting machines WM3, as in the substrate work line WL0 shown in Figure 1, the instruction unit 75 can also indicate which component mounting machine WM3 to which the nozzle supply feeder 50 should be delivered.

[0107] Furthermore, in the instruction screen shown in Figure 15, the remaining production time is displayed at the top of the screen. The remaining production time is the remaining time during which production of the product substrate 900 can be continued, and it indicates the time from the current time to the scheduled date and time of use of the equipment. The remaining production time can be displayed for the first task that the worker should perform. In the same figure, the remaining production time is shown in hours H1, minutes M1, and seconds S1. Once the worker completes one task, the control device HC0 can display the remaining production time for the next task that the worker should perform. What has been described for the instruction screen shown in Figure 15 can also be appropriately applied to the instruction screen shown in Figure 16.

[0108] Furthermore, for example, the nozzle supply feeder 50 that has been returned from the substrate work line WL0 to the work area 80 is equipped with a nozzle station 60 that was used in production, but not with a nozzle station 60 that should be used in production (corresponding to the case where the nozzle supply feeder 50 has been set up). The nozzle station 60 that was used in production needs to be removed from the nozzle supply feeder 50 and put away. Therefore, the instruction unit 75 should instruct the nozzle supply feeder 50 to perform the cleanup operation of removing the nozzle station 60 from the nozzle supply feeder 50 and putting it away when the nozzle station 60 that should be used in production is not equipped on the nozzle supply feeder 50.

[0109] Figure 16 shows another example of the instruction screen provided by the instruction unit 75. This figure shows an example of a work instruction for cleanup work. Work instructions can be given by displaying text information indicating that cleanup is possible. Work instructions can also be given using icons along with text information. Before starting the cleanup work on the nozzle supply feeder 50, the worker operates the instruction button BT2 to start the cleanup work. The cleanup work can be performed, for example, on the kitting stand 82. The worker operates the operation unit 82c to raise the plate on which the nozzle station 60 is set. This moves the nozzle station 60 from the lower regulated position P1 in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction) to the upper attachment / detachment position P2 in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction). The worker can then remove the nozzle station 60 from the nozzle supply feeder 50 and put it away.

[0110] Furthermore, the instruction unit 75 can instruct the delivery destination of nozzle supply feeders 50 equipped with nozzle stations 60 to be used in production, and can also instruct cleanup work for nozzle supply feeders 50 that are not equipped with nozzle stations 60 to be used in production. In addition, the instruction unit 75 can issue work instructions at any time. For example, if a nozzle supply feeder 50 is needed in the parts mounting machine WM3, a work instruction is necessary. If maintenance work is needed on the suction nozzles 30 housed in the nozzle station 60, a work instruction is necessary. Therefore, it is preferable for the instruction unit 75 to issue work instructions when a nozzle supply feeder 50 is needed in the parts mounting machine WM3, or when maintenance work is needed on the suction nozzles 30 housed in the nozzle station 60. The instruction unit 75 can issue work instructions by referring to the production plan and the usage status of the suction nozzles 30.

[0111] 1-5. Restriction on the attachment and detachment of the nozzle station 60 If the nozzle station 60 can be attached and detached when the nozzle supply feeder 50 is not supplied with power, it becomes difficult to recognize when the nozzle station 60 is attached or detached, making it easy to become unsure whether the nozzle station 60 is functioning correctly. Therefore, there is a need to restrict the attachment and detachment of the nozzle station 60 when the nozzle supply feeder 50 is not supplied with power.

[0112] Therefore, the nozzle supply feeder 50 comprises a nozzle station 60, a station drive unit SD0, and an attachment / detachment restricting mechanism RC0. The nozzle supply feeder 50 may also be equipped with a restricting drive unit 53. The nozzle supply feeder 50 may also be equipped with an opening 50m. As shown in Figures 13, 17, and 18, the nozzle supply feeder 50 of the embodiment comprises a nozzle station 60, a station drive unit SD0, an attachment / detachment restricting mechanism RC0, a restricting drive unit 53, and an opening 50m. As previously described, the nozzle station 60 is capable of accommodating an adsorption nozzle 30 that adsorbs a component 91. The station drive unit SD0 moves the nozzle station 60 to a restricting position P1 that restricts the attachment and detachment of the nozzle station 60, or to an attachment / detachment position P2 that does not restrict the attachment and detachment of the nozzle station 60.

[0113] The attachment / detachment restriction mechanism RC0 restricts the attachment and detachment of the nozzle station 60 by holding it in the restricted position P1 when the power supply for driving the station drive unit SD0 is not supplied. The attachment / detachment restriction mechanism RC0 only needs to be able to restrict the attachment and detachment of the nozzle station 60 as described above, and can take various forms. For example, as shown in Figures 17 and 18, the main body 51 of the nozzle station 60 or nozzle supply feeder 50 is equipped with an operating member OM0 that is operated by an operator when removing the nozzle station 60 from the nozzle supply feeder 50.

[0114] In this configuration, the attachment / detachment restriction mechanism RC0 is configured to prevent the operator from operating the operating member OM0 when the nozzle station 60 is in the restricted position P1. This allows the attachment / detachment restriction mechanism RC0 to hold the nozzle station 60 in the restricted position P1 when the power supply for driving the station drive unit SD0 is not supplied, thereby restricting the attachment and detachment of the nozzle station 60.

[0115] For example, the operating member OM0 may be a push button OM1 provided on the nozzle station 60, which the operator presses when removing the nozzle station 60. In this configuration, the attachment / detachment restricting mechanism RC0 is preferably a restricting member RC1 that restricts the pressing of the push button OM1 so that the operator cannot press the push button OM1 when the nozzle station 60 is in the restricting position P1. As shown in Figure 17, when the nozzle station 60 is in the attachment / detachment position P2, a sufficient gap is provided between the lower part of the push button OM1 and the tip of the rod-shaped restricting member RC1. Therefore, the operator can press the push button OM1 and remove the nozzle station 60.

[0116] In contrast, as shown in Figure 18, when the nozzle station 60 is in the restricted position P1, the downward movement of the nozzle station 60 results in insufficient space between the lower part of the push button OM1 and the tip of the rod-shaped restricting member RC1. Therefore, the operator cannot press the push button OM1 and cannot remove the nozzle station 60.

[0117] Furthermore, the operating member OM0 may be an operating lever OM2 provided on the main body 51 of the nozzle supply feeder 50, which is operated by the operator when removing the nozzle station 60. In this configuration, the attachment / detachment restricting mechanism RC0 is preferably a restricting member RC2 that restricts the movement of the operating lever OM2 so that the operator cannot operate the operating lever OM2 when the nozzle station 60 is in the restricted position P1. As shown in Figure 17, when the nozzle station 60 is in the attachment / detachment position P2, a sufficient gap is provided between the operating lever OM2 and the tip of the rod-shaped restricting member RC2. Therefore, the operator can operate the operating lever OM2 and remove the nozzle station 60.

[0118] In contrast, as shown in Figure 18, when the nozzle station 60 is in the restricted position P1, the descent of the nozzle station 60 leaves insufficient space between the operating lever OM2 and the tip of the rod-shaped restricting member RC2. Therefore, the operator cannot operate the operating lever OM2 and cannot remove the nozzle station 60.

[0119] The restricting drive unit 53 restricts the attachment and detachment of the suction nozzle 30 housed in the nozzle station 60 when the nozzle station 60 is in the restricted position P1. The restricting drive unit 53 only needs to be able to restrict the attachment and detachment of the suction nozzle 30 housed in the nozzle station 60 as described above, and can take various forms. As previously described, for example, the restricting drive unit 53 controls the sliding movement of the cover plate 65 and switches between a replaceable state and a restricted state for the suction nozzle 30 in the nozzle station 60. Specifically, in the restricted state of the nozzle station 60, the sliding movement of the cover plate 65 is returned to its original position, and the ejection of the suction nozzle 30 is suppressed.

[0120] The opening 50m exposes the station identification member 60c when the nozzle station 60 is in the restricted position P1, and shields the station identification member 60c when the nozzle station 60 is in the attachment / detachment position P2. As previously described, the station identification member 60c is a member provided on the nozzle station 60 that can acquire station identification information SID0, which is information that can identify the nozzle station 60. As shown in Figure 13, the opening 50m is provided, for example, on the side of the main body 51 of the nozzle supply feeder 50.

[0121] The opening 50m exposes the station identification member 60c when the nozzle station 60 is in the restricted position P1, so the acquisition unit 74 can acquire station identification information SID0 when the nozzle station 60 is moved to the restricted position P1 by the moving unit 73. On the other hand, the opening 50m shields the station identification member 60c when the nozzle station 60 is in the attachment / detachment position P2, so the acquisition unit 74 cannot acquire station identification information SID0 when the nozzle station 60 is moved to the attachment / detachment position P2 by the moving unit 73.

[0122] 2. An example of the effects of the embodiment The nozzle information management device 70 allows for the proper management of feeder identification information FID0 and station identification information SID0. Furthermore, the nozzle supply feeder 50 allows for the restriction of attaching and detaching the nozzle station 60 when power is not supplied to the nozzle supply feeder 50. Thus, the nozzle information management device 70 and the nozzle supply feeder 50 improve the manageability of the nozzle supply feeder 50.

[0123] 30: Suction nozzle, 50: Nozzle supply feeder, 50m: Opening, 51: Main body, 53: Restriction drive unit, 60: Nozzle station, 60c: Station identification member, 70: Nozzle information management device, 71: Storage unit, 72: Management unit, 73: Movement unit, 74: Acquisition unit, 75: Indicator unit, 81: Maintenance unit, 82: Kitting stand, 90: Circuit board, 91: Parts, FID0: Feeder identification information, SID0: Station identification information, SD0: Station drive unit, P1: Restriction position, P2: Attachment / detachment position, RC0: Attachment / detachment restriction mechanism, RC1, RC2: Restriction members, OM0: Operating member, OM1: Push button, OM2: Operating lever, WL0: Circuit board work line, WM3: Parts mounting machine.

Claims

1. A nozzle information management device comprising: a storage unit that stores, in association with feeder identification information, which is information that can identify a nozzle supply feeder equipped with a nozzle station capable of housing a suction nozzle for picking up parts, and station identification information, which is information that can identify the nozzle station equipped on the nozzle supply feeder; and a management unit that maintains the association between the feeder identification information and the station identification information stored in association by the storage unit when the attachment and detachment of the nozzle station to and from the nozzle supply feeder is restricted, and releases the association between the feeder identification information and the station identification information stored in association by the storage unit when the attachment and detachment of the nozzle station to and from the nozzle supply feeder is not restricted.

2. The nozzle information management device comprises: a moving unit that drives a station drive device in the nozzle supply feeder to move the nozzle station to a restricting position that restricts the attachment and detachment of the nozzle station from the nozzle supply feeder and an attachment / detachment position that does not restrict the attachment and detachment of the nozzle station from the nozzle supply feeder; and an acquisition unit that acquires the feeder identification information and the station identification information when the nozzle station has been moved to the restricting position by the moving unit, wherein the storage unit stores the feeder identification information and the station identification information acquired by the acquisition unit in association with each other.

3. The nozzle information management device according to claim 2, wherein the management unit maintains the association between the feeder identification information and the station identification information stored in association by the storage unit when the nozzle station is located in the restricted position, and releases the association between the feeder identification information and the station identification information stored in association by the storage unit when the nozzle station is moved from the restricted position to the attachment / detachment position by the moving unit.

4. The nozzle information management device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the moving unit drives the station drive device provided on the nozzle supply feeder based on an operation by an operator to move the nozzle station to the restricted position or the attachment / detachment position.

5. The nozzle information management device according to claim 2, wherein the movable part is provided on a kitting stand that performs kitting work to equip the nozzle station, which houses the suction nozzles, to the nozzle supply feeder, or on a maintenance unit that performs maintenance work on the suction nozzles housed in the nozzle station.

6. The nozzle information management device according to claim 1, further comprising an instruction unit that issues work instructions using the nozzle supply feeder based on the feeder identification information and station identification information stored in association by the storage unit.

7. The nozzle information management device according to claim 6, wherein the instruction unit instructs the delivery destination of the nozzle supply feeder when the nozzle station to be used in production is equipped on the nozzle supply feeder.

8. The nozzle information management device according to claim 7, wherein the instruction unit instructs the substrate work line to which the nozzle supply feeder should be delivered when the production equipment has multiple substrate work lines equipped with component mounting machines that mount the components onto a substrate using the suction nozzle.

9. The nozzle information management device according to claim 6, wherein the instruction unit instructs a cleanup operation to remove the nozzle station from the nozzle supply feeder and put it away when the nozzle station to be used in production is not equipped on the nozzle supply feeder.

10. The nozzle information management device according to any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein the instruction unit gives the work instruction when the nozzle supply feeder becomes necessary in a component mounting machine that mounts the component onto a substrate using the suction nozzle, or when maintenance work is required on the suction nozzle housed in the nozzle station.

11. A nozzle supply feeder comprising: a nozzle station capable of housing a suction nozzle for picking up parts; a station drive device for moving the nozzle station to a restricted position that restricts the attachment and detachment of the nozzle station or to an attachment and detachment position that does not restrict the attachment and detachment of the nozzle station; and an attachment and detachment restricting mechanism that, when a drive power supply for driving the station drive device is not supplied, holds the nozzle station in the restricted position and restricts the attachment and detachment of the nozzle station.

12. The nozzle supply feeder according to claim 11, wherein the nozzle station or the main body of the nozzle supply feeder is provided with an operating member that is operated by an operator when removing the nozzle station from the nozzle supply feeder, and the attachment / detachment restricting mechanism prevents the operator from operating the operating member when the nozzle station is in the restricted position.

13. The nozzle supply feeder according to claim 12, wherein the operating member is a push button provided on the nozzle station and pressed by the operator when removing the nozzle station, and the attachment / detachment restricting mechanism is a restricting member that restricts the pressing of the push button so that the operator cannot press the push button when the nozzle station is in the restricting position.

14. The nozzle supply feeder according to claim 12, wherein the operating member is provided on the main body of the nozzle supply feeder and is an operating lever operated by the operator when removing the nozzle station, and the attachment / detachment restricting mechanism is a restricting member that restricts the movement of the operating lever so that the operator cannot operate the operating lever when the nozzle station is in the restricted position.

15. The nozzle supply feeder according to any one of claims 11 to 14, further comprising a restricting drive unit for restricting the attachment and detachment of the suction nozzle housed in the nozzle station when the nozzle station is located in the restricting position.

16. The nozzle supply feeder according to claim 11, wherein when the nozzle station is located in the restricted position, a station identification member provided on the nozzle station is exposed, which is a member capable of acquiring station identification information that is information capable of identifying the nozzle station, and when the nozzle station is located in the attachment / detachment position, an opening is provided to shield the station identification member.

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