WO2025173132A1 - Automatic feeder replacement system and automatic feeder replacement method - Google Patents

Abstract

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

Description

Automatic feeder exchange system and automatic feeder exchange method

The technology disclosed in this specification relates to an automatic feeder replacement system and an automatic feeder replacement method.

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

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

As a result, a component (e.g., a feeder specifically for model X) collected from a certain model of component mounting machine (e.g., model X machine) may be combined with a different model of component mounting machine (e.g., model Y machine) during the next allocation. In this case, the incorrect feeder type is discovered just before the component is to be used, requiring re-kitting, which creates the problem of waiting time in production due to the re-kitting.

This specification therefore provides technology that can avoid the waiting time caused by re-kitting parts just before they are used.

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

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

1 is a schematic diagram showing an automatic feeder changing system according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view showing the component mounter. FIG. 2 is a front view showing the feeder storage shelf. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the feeder automatic exchange system. 10 is a table for explaining a method for determining the type of feeder.

(Mode 1) In the feeder automatic exchange system disclosed in this specification, the identification information of the collected feeder and the identification information of the components loaded on the feeder may be associated with each other. The comparison/determination unit may determine the feeder type of the collected feeder based on the identification information of the feeder, and may determine the feeder type of the feeder that is compatible with the model of the component mounter to which the components are allocated based on the allocation information of the components loaded on the feeder, and compare these two feeder types to determine whether the two feeder types are the same or different. With this configuration, it is possible to determine whether the components loaded on the collected feeder are compatible with the model of the component mounter to which the components are allocated.
(Mode 2) In the automatic feeder exchange system disclosed in this specification, the recovery unit may include an automatic feeder exchange device that removes and recovers feeders from a feeder attachment/detachment unit of a component mounter. The comparison/determination unit and the notification unit may be provided in a storage device on which the feeders recovered by the automatic feeder exchange device are loaded. According to this configuration, the automatic feeder exchange device recovers feeders from the component mounter, and the recovered feeders are loaded into the storage device. The storage device includes a comparison/determination unit and a notification unit, and can notify the operator of the results of the similarity/difference determination.
(Mode 3) In the feeder automatic exchange system disclosed in this specification, the notification unit may have a light emitting means that notifies the result of the comparison/determination unit's similarity/difference determination by lighting up. With this configuration, the result of the similarity/difference determination can be visually communicated to the operator.
(Mode 4) In the feeder automatic exchange system disclosed in this specification, the storage device may have multiple holding units that each hold multiple feeders. The notification unit may have light-emitting means for each of the multiple holding units that notifies the result of the difference/identity determination by the comparison/determination unit by lighting up. With this configuration, the operator can recognize the result of the movement determination for each feeder held in the multiple holding units.

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

Upstream of each component mounter 21 are arranged a solder printer (not shown), a print inspection machine (not shown), and a temporary storage area 11. The solder printer prints a solder pattern on the board 1 and transports the board 1 after the solder pattern has been printed to the print inspection machine. The print inspection machine inspects the solder pattern printed on the board 1 and transports the board 1 after the solder pattern has been inspected to each component mounter 21. The temporary storage area 11 is capable of temporarily storing multiple feeders 30. Downstream of each component mounter 21 are arranged a reflow oven and a board visual inspection machine (neither of which are shown). The reflow oven reflows the board 1 transported from each component mounter 21. That is, the reflow oven heats the board 1 that has been transported in to melt the solder and solder the components 2 to the board 1. The board visual inspection machine inspects the board 1 after component mounting (component-mounted board 3) transported from the reflow oven. That is, the board visual inspection machine inspects whether or not components 2 are properly mounted on the board 1. If components 2 are properly mounted on the board 1, the board visual inspection machine transports the board 1 out of the automatic feeder exchange system 10. Note that components 2 may include semiconductor packages such as QFP (Quad Flat Package) and BGA (Ball Grid Array), as well as chip components such as chip resistors and chip capacitors.

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

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

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

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

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

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

The parts camera 61 is located between the feeder attachment/detachment section 22 and the board transport device 42, below the movement path of the head unit 51. The parts camera 61 captures images of the components 2 picked up by the head unit 51 from below. The parts camera 61 is also configured using an imaging element such as a CCD or CMOS.

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

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

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

As shown in FIG. 4, the component mounter 21 that constitutes the feeder automatic exchange system 10 is equipped with a communication I/F 72 and a control device 71. The communication I/F 72 is connected to a management computer 81 via a network 82.

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

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

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

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

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

As shown in FIG. 4, the management computer 81 is composed of a CPU, memory (both not shown), etc. The management computer 81 executes control related to the feeder automatic exchange system 10.

Next, we will explain the method for automatically replacing feeders using the automatic feeder replacement system 10.

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

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

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

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

Here, we will explain how to replace the feeder 30. First, the control device 92 of the loader 90 determines whether it has received an instruction to replace the feeder 30 from the management computer 81. Then, if it determines that an instruction to replace the feeder 30 has been received, the control device 92 moves the loader 90 to a position facing the feeder 30 to be replaced.

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

Then, the control device 92 moves the loader 90 to a position facing the temporary storage area 11. Furthermore, the control device 92 controls the attachment of the feeder 30 to the temporary storage area 11. Specifically, the control device 92 clamps the feeder 30 housed in the loader 90, moves the clamped feeder 30 in the direction approaching the temporary storage area 11 (Y direction), and inserts the feeder 30 into a slot (not shown). The control device 92 then releases the clamped state of the feeder 30, allowing the feeder 30 to be attached to the slot.

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

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

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

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

The above describes one embodiment, but the specific aspects are not limited to the above embodiment. In the above embodiment, when the feeder type of the feeder 30 in a specified slot 110 of the feeder storage shelf 100 is the same as the feeder type compatible with the component mounter 21 to which it is allocated, the LED 111 is lit blue, and when the two feeder types are different, the LED 111 is lit red. However, this configuration is not limited to this. For example, in other embodiments, the LED 111 may be lit in a color different from that in the above embodiment when at least one of the two feeder types is the same and the two feeders are different. Furthermore, when either the two feeder types are the same or the two feeders are different, the LED 111 may be made to blink or its lighting time may be changed. Furthermore, the LED 111 may be lit when either the two feeder types are the same or the two feeders are different.

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

In the above embodiment, the result of the feeder type similarity/difference determination (determination of whether re-kitting is required) was notified by lighting up the LED 111 (light-emitting means), but this configuration is not limited to this. For example, in other embodiments, the result of the similarity/difference determination may be notified by lighting up another light-emitting means such as a lamp. The result of the similarity/difference determination may also be notified by displaying a sentence (e.g., a sentence such as "Re-kitting is required") on the display device, or by outputting a sound (e.g., a sound such as "Re-kitting is required") from an audio output means such as a speaker.

In the above embodiment, the feeder storage shelf 100 was used as the storage device, but this configuration is not limited to this. For example, in other embodiments, a feeder storage box or feeder storage table on which the feeder 30 is mounted may also be used as the storage device.

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

In the above embodiment, the automatic feeder exchange system 10 has one component mounting line 20, but it may also have two or more component mounting lines 20.

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

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

Claims (6)

A system for automatically replacing feeders used in a plurality of component mounters in one or more component mounting lines that includes a plurality of different models of component mounters and supplies components to the component mounters using feeders of different types that can be used for each model of the plurality of component mounters,
a recovery unit that recovers the feeder from the component mounter;
a comparison and determination unit that compares the feeder type of the collected feeder with the feeder type of the feeder that is usable for the model of the component mounter that is the destination for the components loaded on the feeder, and determines whether the two feeder types are the same or different;
a notification unit that notifies the result of the similarity/difference determination made by the comparison/determination unit. Identification information of the collected feeder and identification information of the components loaded on the feeder are associated with each other,
2. The feeder automatic exchange system according to claim 1, wherein the comparison and determination unit determines the feeder type of the collected feeder based on the identification information of the feeder, and determines the feeder type of the feeder that is compatible with the model of the component mounting machine to which the components are allocated based on allocation information of the components loaded on the feeder, and compares these two feeder types to determine whether the two feeder types are different or the same. The recovery unit has an automatic feeder exchange device that removes and recovers the feeder from the feeder attachment/detachment unit of the component mounter,
3. The automatic feeder exchange system according to claim 2, wherein the comparison/determination unit and the notification unit are provided in a storage device on which the feeders collected by the automatic feeder exchange device are loaded. The feeder automatic exchange system of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the notification unit has a light-emitting means that lights up to notify the result of the comparison/determination unit's similarity/difference determination. the storage device has a plurality of holding units that respectively mount a plurality of the feeders;
The feeder automatic exchange system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the notification unit has a light-emitting means for each of the plurality of holding units that notifies the result of the difference/sameness determination by the comparison/determination unit by lighting up. A method for automatically replacing feeders used in a plurality of component mounters in one or more component mounting lines that includes a plurality of different models of component mounters and supplies components to the component mounters using feeders of different types that can be used for each model of the plurality of component mounters, comprising:
a recovery step of recovering the feeder from the component mounter;
a comparison and determination step of comparing the feeder type of the collected feeder with the feeder type of the feeder that is usable for the model of the component mounter to which the components loaded on the feeder are allocated, and determining whether the two feeder types are the same or different;
a notification step of notifying a result of the difference/sameness determination by the comparison determination step;
A feeder automatic exchange method including: