Automatic wire threading method and system

Abstract

Automatic wire threading method and system The present invention relates to a wire threading method for automatically inserting a joining wire into a wire joining device, the method comprising: a step of supplying a certain length of the joining wire from a wire spool to an air passage device; a step of applying tension to the joining wire with an airflow generated in the air passage device and simultaneously guiding the wire tail of the joining wire to an operating position with a wire guide device; a step of grasping the wire tail at the operating position and straightening it with a wire manipulating device; a step of transferring the straightened wire tail to a threading position with the wire manipulating device; and a step of inserting the straightened wire tail through a joining tool of the wire joining device with a wire threading device.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention generally relates to a wire joining device, and in particular to an automatic wire threading method and system for a wire joining device. Background Technology

[0002] Wire bonding is a key process in semiconductor packaging that establishes an electrical connection between an integrated circuit (IC) chip and a package via conductive bonding wires (typically made of gold, aluminum, or copper). In ultrasonic wire bonding, bonding wires fed from a spool are inserted into the capillary of an ultrasonic transducer, and ultrasonic energy and force are applied to the capillary tip to weld the bonding wires to the bonding pads.

[0003] The wire threading process must be performed whenever the bonding wire spool is replaced or whenever the bonding wire exits the capillary. During this process, the bonding wire must be reinserted from the spool through intermediate equipment into the capillary. Conventional wire threading processes require significant manual labor and skilled workers because the bonding wire must be handled delicately. Although several automated wire threading methods have been proposed in existing technology, they often have limitations in terms of reliability or complexity.

[0004] Therefore, it would be beneficial to provide an improved automatic wire threading method for wire splicing devices. The problem to be solved

[0005] Therefore, the objective of the present invention is to provide an automatic wire threading method and system that improves the efficiency and reliability of the wire threading process while minimizing manual intervention. means of solving the problem

[0006] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a wire threading method for automatically inserting a wire into a wire joining device is provided. The method comprises the steps of: supplying a certain length of the joining wire from a wire spool to an air passage device; applying tension to the joining wire with an airflow generated in the air passage device and simultaneously guiding the wire tail of the joining wire to an operating position; grasping the wire tail at the operating position and straightening it using a wire manipulating device; transferring the straightened wire tail to a threading position using the wire manipulating device; and inserting the straightened wire tail through a joining tool of the wire joining device using a wire threading device.

[0007] By using a wire guide device that automatically guides the wire tail of the above-mentioned joining wire to an operating position below an air passage device, then straightening the wire tail using a wire manipulating device at the operating position, and then transferring the straightened wire tail to a threading position, a more efficient and stable automatic wire threading process can be implemented in the wire joining device compared to the conventional wire threading method.

[0008] In some embodiments, the bonding wire can be automatically fed or sent to an air passage device by a robotic arm or a movable wire feeding mechanism.

[0009] In some embodiments, the step of guiding the wire tail may include the step of guiding the wire tail to the operating position while moving the wire guide device between a first position far from the operating position and a second position adjacent to the operating position, and as the wire guide device moves from the first position to the second position, the wire tail is guided to the operating position.

[0010] In some embodiments, the wire guide element may be coupled to the air passage device. The guide element may be in the form of a pivot-type guide rod / finger that can rotate around a pivot. The guide element has two ends facing each other. The first end is rotatably connected to a pivot installed in the air passage device, and the second end is a free end that can move between a first position far from the operating position and a second position adjacent to the operating position depending on the rotation of the first end.

[0011] In some embodiments, the air passage device includes an air flow generator that generates airflow to apply tension to a bonding wire, and a wire stopper that restrains the bonding wire within the air passage device or prevents the bonding wire from escaping the air passage device. The wire stopper may include a mesh structure or one or more individual block-shaped structures or components.

[0012] In some embodiments, the method may further include the step of removing a portion of the wire tail of the bonded wire to form a straight and rigid wire tip portion before transferring it to a threading position for inserting the straightened wire tail. This can facilitate a subsequent wire threading process. In some embodiments, the removal step may be performed simultaneously with the wire manipulation device straightening the wire tail.

[0013] In some embodiments, the method may further include the step of forming a weakened portion of the wire tail before removing the portion of the wire tail with a wire manipulating device. This can reduce the force required to form the wire tip portion by removing the portion of the wire tail. This reduces the force required to remove the portion of the wire tail, making it easier to form a straight and rigid wire tip portion.

[0014] In some embodiments, the wire manipulating device comprises first and second movable wire manipulators, and the step of grasping the wire tail comprises grasping a first portion of the wire tail with the first wire manipulator at a first position of the operating position and grasping a second portion of the wire tail with the second wire manipulator at a second position of the operating position, wherein the first position is closer to the air passage device than the second position and the second portion is closer to the free end of the wire tail than the first portion.

[0015] In some embodiments, before the wire manipulating device straightens the wire tail held by the first and second wire manipulators, the first and second wire manipulators may hold the wire tail in place solely by an internally generated airflow. This allows the free end of the joining wire to be adjusted and positioned relative to the second wire manipulator in a predetermined position through actions such as rewinding the wire spool.

[0016] In some embodiments, the step of forming a weakened portion of the wire tail includes the step of forming a weakened portion of the second portion of the wire tail using a second wire manipulator. The second wire manipulator may include a cutting mechanism configured to form a weakened portion by applying force to a specific point of the second portion of the wire tail while the second portion of the wire tail is held by the second wire manipulator.

[0017] In some embodiments, the step of straightening the wire tail includes moving the first wire manipulator away from the second wire manipulator to straighten the wire tail and simultaneously break the wire tail at the weakened portion, thereby removing the portion of the wire tail from the joining wire and gripping it by the second wire manipulator. This configuration simplifies the operation of the wire manipulator device, thereby improving the efficiency and accuracy of the wire threading process.

[0018] In some embodiments, the method further comprises the step of automatically transferring a portion of the wire tail removed from the bonding wire to a container using a vacuum suction mechanism, wherein the vacuum mechanism comprises a suction nozzle connected to a second wire manipulator to receive the portion of the removed wire tail, and a pipe connecting the suction nozzle to the container to transfer the portion of the removed wire tail to the container. This allows for the efficient collection of the removed bonding wire without human intervention.

[0019] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a wire threading system is provided for automatically inserting a joining wire into a wire joining device. The wire threading system comprises a wire supply device, an air passage device, a wire guide device, a wire manipulation device, and a wire threading device. The wire supply device is configured to supply a certain length of the joining wire from a wire spool to the air passage device. The air passage device is configured to apply tension to the joining wire by means of an airflow. The wire guide device is configured to guide the wire tail of the joining wire to an operating position when the air passage device applies tension to the joining wire. The wire manipulation device is configured to grasp the wire tail at the operating position, straighten it, and transfer the straightened wire tail to a threading position. The wire threading device is configured to receive the straightened wire tail and to insert the straightened wire tail through a joining tool of the wire joining device.

[0020] These features, aspects, and advantages will be better understood by referring to the description, the attached claims, and the attached drawings. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0021] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described illustratively with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 schematically illustrates the main components of a wire threading system for automatic wire threading of a wire joining device according to some embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an air passage device of a wire threading system illustrated in FIG. 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3a shows a perspective view of a first wire manipulator of a wire manipulation device of a wire threading system illustrated in FIG. 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3b and FIG. 3c show a perspective view and a cross-sectional view, respectively, of a first wire manipulation assembly. FIG. 4a shows a perspective view of a second wire manipulator of a wire manipulator of a wire manipulating device shown in FIG. 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4b and FIG. 4c show a perspective view and a cross-sectional view, respectively, of a second wire manipulating assembly. FIG. 4d shows a perspective view of a vacuum suction mechanism connected to the second wire manipulator to receive a portion of the wire tail removed from the joining wire according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 5a to 5i illustrate the main steps performed by the wire threading system illustrated in FIG. 1 when inserting a bonded wire through a wire bonding device according to some embodiments of the present invention. In drawings, identical parts are indicated by the same reference number. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0022] Before describing embodiments of the present invention in more detail, an overview is provided first. Some embodiments of the present invention provide an automatic wire threading method and system to improve the reliability and efficiency of the wire threading process of a wire splicing device. In the automatic wire threading method, a length of splicing wire from a wire spool is fed to an air passage device, where the splicing wire is tensioned by an airflow. At the same time, the wire tail or a portion of the wire tail of the splicing wire is guided by a wire guide device to an operating position below the air passage device. In the operating position, the wire tail is grasped and straightened by a wire manipulation device, and then transferred to a threading position for the next wire threading process. The wire threading method and system will be described in more detail below according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0023] FIG. 1 schematically illustrates the main components of a wire threading system (100) for automatic insertion of a wire joining device according to some embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 1, the wire joining device includes a wire spool (11), an air tensioner (12), a first wire clamp (13), a second wire clamp (14), a capillary-shaped joining tool (15), and a wire threading system (100). The wire threading system (100) is configured to automatically insert a joining wire (50) from the wire spool (11) through the air tensioner (12), the first wire clamp (13), the second wire clamp (14), and the capillary (15). The wire threading system (100) includes an air passage device (10), a wire supply device, a wire guide device (20), a wire manipulation device (30), and a wire threading device (40).

[0024] The air passage device (10) is configured to receive the length of the joining wire (50) from the wire spool (11) and to apply tension to the joining wire (50) with the airflow generated therein. The length of the joining wire (50) is supplied or sent to the air passage device (10) by a wire supply device (not shown). The wire supply device may include a robotic arm or other types of wire supply mechanisms.

[0025] The wire guide device (20) is configured to guide a portion of the wire tail or the wire tail (51) of the bonding wire (50) to an operating position below the air passage device (10) as tension is applied to the bonding wire (50) by the air passage device (10). The wire guide device (20) may be in the form of a rotatable guide element movably connected to the air passage device (10). As illustrated in FIG. 1, the wire guide device (20) has a first end (20a) and a second end (20b). The first end (20a) is rotatably connected to a pivot installed in the air passage device (10), and the second end (20b) is a free end movable between a first position (P1) far from the operating position and a second position (P2) adjacent to the operating position. The wire guide device (20) is designed to guide the wire tail (51) to a predetermined operating position in conjunction with the air passage device (10).

[0026] The wire manipulation device (30) is configured to move to an operating position, grasp the wire tail (51), and straighten it, and then transfer the straightened wire tail (51) to a threading position located directly above the air tensioner (12) of the wire joining device.

[0027] In this embodiment, the wire manipulation device (30) may be further configured to form a weakened portion of the wire tail (51) and to remove a portion of the wire tail (51) from the weakened portion before transferring the straightened wire tail (51) to the threading position to form a straight and solid wire tip portion.

[0028] Referring to FIG. 1, the wire manipulator device (30) may include two movable wire manipulators, namely a first wire manipulator (30a) and a second wire manipulator (30b). The first wire manipulator (30a) is configured to move to a first position at an operating position adjacent to the air passage device (10) to grasp a first portion of the wire tail (51) at the first position, and the second wire manipulator (30b) is configured to move to a second position at an operating position far from the air passage device (10) to grasp a second portion of the wire tail (51) at the second position. The second portion of the wire tail (51) grasped by the second wire manipulator (30b) is closer to the free end of the joining wire (50) than the first portion. The first wire manipulator (30a) is also configured to move upward away from the second wire manipulator (30b) to straighten a portion of the wire tail (51) between the first and second wire manipulators (30a and 30b). The second wire manipulator (30b) may be further configured to form a weakened portion of the wire tail (51) when the first wire manipulator (30a) moves to straighten the wire tail (51), and to remove a portion or segment of the wire tail (51) from the weakened portion to the free end of the joining wire (50). This removal step is performed to form a wire tip portion suitable for a subsequent threading process.

[0029] To automatically receive the portion of the wire tail (51) removed from the joining wire (50), the wire manipulating device (30) may further include a vacuum suction mechanism configured to automatically push the removed wire toward the container (30c). The vacuum suction mechanism includes a suction nozzle connected to a second wire manipulator (30b) and a pipe (30d) connecting the suction nozzle to the container (30c).

[0030] In this embodiment, the wire threading device (40) may be in the form of a movable E-block located below the air tensioner (12) of the wire joining device. The E-block is configured to receive a wire tail (51) straightened through the air tensioner (12) and to insert the wire tail (51) straightened through the first wire clamp (13) and the second wire clamp (14) through the joining tool (15). The structure and function of the E-block are not described in detail below. The wire threading device (40) may take the form of any E-block or other type of wire threading device suitable for the wire threading process.

[0031] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of an air passage device (10) according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 2, the air passage device (10) includes a main body (10a) and an air flow generator (not shown) that generates air flow to apply tension to a bonding wire (50) within the air passage device (10). The main body (10a) may include a pair of wire passage plates (B1 and B2) joined at a distance from each other, through which air flow can guide the bonding wire (50) into the space. Each wire passage plate may be in the form of a flat rectangular panel. The main body (10a) has an inlet channel (C1) so that a bonding wire tail (51) can enter the air passage device (10). The air passage device (10) also includes a wire stopper (10b) configured to confine the length of the bonding wire (50) within the air passage device (10). That is, it prevents the bonding wire (50) from coming out of the air passage device (10) when tension is applied to the bonding wire (50) by the air flow. The wire stopper (10b) may be located on at least one wire passage plate near the opposite opening of the inlet channel (C1). The wire stopper (10b) illustrated in FIG. 2 includes two individual stop bars, but this is for illustrative purposes only and should not be interpreted as limiting the scope of the invention. The wire stopper (10b) may have any structure or component as long as it fulfills the purpose of confining the bonding wire (50) within the air passage device (10) during operation. For example, the wire stopper (10b) may have a mesh structure.

[0032] Referring to FIG. 2, the air passage device (10) may further include a wire inlet guide (10c) located near the inlet channel (C1). The wire inlet guide (10c) is configured to restrict the movement of the joining wire (50) so that the joining wire (50) flows smoothly into the space between the wire passage plates (B1 and B2) through the airflow.

[0033] The wire inlet guide (10c) may include two guide elements attached to a pair of wire passage plates (B1 and B2), respectively. The two guide elements form an opening that narrows toward the inlet channel (C1) to receive and guide the joining wire (50). Each guide element may be an angular, elongated structure with one end firmly attached to the corresponding wire passage plate. That is, the two guide elements serve to guide the joining wire (50) so that it flows smoothly through the inlet channel (C1) into the space between the two wire passage plates (B1 and B2).

[0034] FIG. 3a illustrates a perspective view of a first wire manipulator (30a) according to an embodiment of the present invention. The first wire manipulator (30a) is configured to search for a wire tail (51) at an operating position, grasp the wire tail (51), straighten it, and transfer the wire tail (51) to a threading position for a subsequent wire threading process. The first wire manipulator includes a first wire manipulator assembly (31a) configured to detachably grasp a first portion of the wire tail (51), and a first actuator assembly (32a) configured to move the first wire manipulator assembly (31a) to search for, straighten, and transfer the wire tail (51) during the wire threading process.

[0035] Specifically, the first actuator assembly (32a) is connected to the first wire manipulation assembly (31a) and is configured to move the first wire manipulation assembly (31a) from a standby position to a first position so that the first portion of the wire tail (51) can be releasedly grasped after the wire tail (51) is placed in the operating position. Additionally, the first actuator assembly (32a) moves the first wire manipulation assembly (31a) relative to the second wire manipulator (30b) to straighten the portion of the wire tail (51) between the first and second wire manipulators (30a and 30b). Furthermore, the first actuator assembly (32a) is configured to transfer the straightened wire tail (51) to a threading position for a subsequent threading process.

[0036] Referring to FIG. 3a, the first actuator assembly (32a) may include a first actuator (321a) configured to move the first wire manipulation assembly (31a) along a first motion rail (322a), and a second actuator (323a) configured to move the first wire manipulation assembly (31a) along a second motion rail (324a). The first motion rail (322a) may be aligned with a wire threading direction such as the Z-axis or a vertical direction, and the second motion rail (324a) may be positioned at an acute angle to the wire threading direction. The ability to move in both directions (both vertical and angular directions) helps to improve the overall performance of the bonding process by enabling the first wire manipulation assembly (31a) to position the bonding wire (50) more accurately in a predetermined position or in a confined space.

[0037] FIGS. 3b and FIGS. 3c respectively show a perspective view and a cross-sectional view of a first wire manipulation assembly (31a) according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIGS. 3b and FIGS. 3c, the first wire manipulation assembly (31a) includes a first manipulation mechanism (311a) configured to releaseably fix a first portion of a wire tail (51). The first manipulation mechanism (311a) may include two clamping elements and a motor configured to move at least one of the two clamping elements to releaseably fix the first portion of the wire tail (51).

[0038] Additionally, the first wire operation assembly (31a) may include a first entry guide (312a) that is attached to or extends from the first operation mechanism (311a) and guides the wire tail (51) to a position where it can be restrained and gripped by the first operation mechanism (311a). Specifically, the first entry guide (312a) may include two guide elements that are respectively attached to or extend from the two clamping elements of the first operation mechanism, thereby forming a funnel-shaped space that facilitates the entry of the joining wire (50).

[0039] The first wire manipulation assembly (31a) may further include a first pneumatic fixing mechanism (313a) configured to generate airflow to fix a first portion of the wire tail (51). This first pneumatic fixing mechanism (313a) includes a plurality of first airflow channels or vacuum slots (314a) connected to an airflow generator (not shown). Additionally, the first pneumatic fixing mechanism (313a) is further configured to use the airflow to adjust the position of the first portion of the wire tail (51) so as to be aligned with a reference line (D1).

[0040] The first wire manipulation assembly (31a) may be additionally configured to secure the wire tail (51) using only the airflow generated by the first pneumatic fixing mechanism (313a). This configuration allows the length of the joining wire (50) to be precisely adjusted so that the free end of the joining wire (50) is positioned at a predetermined location by operating the wire spool (11).

[0041] FIG. 4a also illustrates a perspective view of a second wire manipulator (30b) according to an embodiment of the present invention. The second wire manipulator (30b) is configured to search for a wire tail (51) in an operating position and to grasp a second portion of the wire tail (51) in a second position of the operating position. This includes a second wire manipulator assembly (31b) configured to grasp a second portion of the wire tail (51) in a releaseable manner, and a second actuator assembly (32b) configured to move the second wire manipulator assembly (31b) between a second position and a standby position.

[0042] Specifically, the second actuator assembly (32b) is connected to the second wire operation assembly (31b) and is configured to move the second wire operation assembly (31b) from the standby position to the second position after the wire tail (51) is placed in the operating position, thereby enabling the second portion of the wire tail (51) to be releasedly grasped. Additionally, the portion of the wire tail (51) between the first and second wire manipulators (30a and 30b) is straightened and the second wire operation assembly (31b) releases the straightened portion of the wire tail (51), after which the second wire operation assembly (31b) is moved back to the standby position.

[0043] Referring to FIG. 4a, the second actuator assembly (32b) may include a third actuator (321b) configured to move the second wire manipulator (30b) along the third motion rail (322b). The third motion rail (322b) may be positioned at an acute angle with respect to the wire threading direction. That is, the third actuator (321b) operates to move the second wire manipulator assembly (31b) in an inclined direction with respect to the Z-axis direction or the vertical direction.

[0044] FIGS. 4b and FIGS. 4c respectively show a perspective view and a cross-sectional view of a second wire manipulator assembly (31b) according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIGS. 4b and FIGS. 4c, the second wire manipulator assembly (31b) includes a second manipulator mechanism (311b) configured to releaseably grip a second portion of a wire tail (51). The second manipulator mechanism (311b) may include two clamping elements and a motor configured to releaseably grip the second portion of the wire tail (51) by moving at least one of the two clamping elements relative to the other.

[0045] The second wire operation assembly (31b) may also further include a second entry guide (312b) that is attached to or extends from the second operation mechanism (311b) and guides the wire tail (51) to a position where it can be gripped by the second operation mechanism (311b). Specifically, the second entry guide (312b) may include two guide elements that are each attached to or extend from the two clamping elements of the first operation mechanism, thereby forming a funnel-shaped space that facilitates the entry of the joining wire (50).

[0046] The second wire manipulation assembly (31b) may further include a second pneumatic fixing mechanism (313b) configured to generate airflow to fix a second portion of the wire tail (51). This second pneumatic fixing mechanism (313b) includes a plurality of second airflow channels or vacuum slots (314b) connected to an airflow generator (not shown). Additionally, the second pneumatic fixing mechanism (313b) is further configured to adjust the position of the second portion of the wire tail (51) using airflow so as to be aligned with a reference line (D2).

[0047] The second wire manipulation assembly (31b) may be additionally configured to secure the wire tail (51) using only the airflow generated by the second pneumatic fixing mechanism (313b). This configuration allows the length of the joining wire (50) to be precisely adjusted by operating the wire spool (11) to position the free end of the joining wire (50) at a predetermined position.

[0048] The second wire manipulation assembly (31b) may further include a cutting mechanism (315b) configured to form a weakened portion in the second part of the wire tail (51) when gripped by the second wire manipulator (30b). As illustrated in FIG. 4c, the cutting mechanism (315b) may take the form of a blade located near the clamping element of the second manipulation mechanism (311b). This blade is configured to form a weakened portion, such as a stress concentration line, in the second part of the wire tail (51) when gripped by the second manipulation mechanism (311b) to facilitate the subsequent breaking or separation of the joining wire (50). Consequently, when the first wire manipulator (30a) moves along the wire threading direction to straighten the wire tail (51), the wire tail (51) is broken at the weakened portion to form a straight and rigid wire tail.

[0049] The wire manipulation device (30) may further include a vacuum suction mechanism that automatically receives the removed wire. FIG. 4d shows a perspective view of a vacuum suction mechanism coupled to a second wire manipulator (30b) to collect a portion of the wire tail (51) removed from a bonded wire (50) according to one embodiment of the present invention. The vacuum suction mechanism may include a suction nozzle (30e) connected to the second wire manipulator (30b) to receive the portion of the removed wire tail (51), and a pipe (30d) connecting the suction nozzle (30e) to a container (30c). The suction nozzle (30e) is connected to the second wire manipulator (30b) to receive the removed wire and transfer it to the container (30c) through the pipe (30d).

[0050] FIGS. 5a to 5i illustrate the main steps performed by the wire threading system (100) when inserting a bonded wire (50) through a wire bonding device according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0051] In FIG. 5a, a wire spool (11) on which a bonding wire (50) is wound is mounted on a wire spool holder (9), so that a portion of the bonding wire (50) hangs freely from the wire spool (11). An air passage device (10) is located below the wire spool holder (9), and a wire guide device (20) is located at a first position (P1) away from the operating position of the wire threading system (100). Meanwhile, the first and second wire manipulators (30a, 30b) of the wire manipulation device (30) are set to a standby position.

[0052] In FIG. 5b, a portion of the bonding wire (50) is sent to the air passage device (10) by a wire supply device, and the air passage device (10) generates an airflow to apply tension to the bonding wire (50), while simultaneously the wire guide device (20) moves from a first position (P1) to a second position (P2) to guide the wire tail (51) of the bonding wire (50) to an operating position below the air passage device (10). When the bonding wire (50) is tensioned by the airflow, it is trapped or stopped within the air passage device (10) by a wire stopper (10b). The wire supply device may include a robot arm or other types of wire supply mechanisms.

[0053] In FIG. 5c, the first wire manipulator (30a) moves from a standby position to an operating position to locate the wire tail (51), and at the first position of the operating position, it grasps the first part of the wire tail (51).

[0054] In FIG. 5d, the second wire manipulator (30b) moves from the standby position to the operating position to locate and find the wire tail (51), and then grasps the second portion of the wire tail (51) at the second position of the operating position. Then, the first wire manipulator (30a) generates a first airflow to firmly secure the first portion of the wire tail (51) and align it with the reference line (D1), and the second wire manipulator (30b) generates a second airflow to firmly secure the second portion of the wire tail (51) and align it with the reference line (D2) to ensure accurate positioning. After the first wire manipulator (30a) grasps the wire tail (51), the wire guide device (20) can return to the first position (P1).

[0055] In FIG. 5e, the first and second wire manipulators (30a, 30b) operate to secure the wire tail (51) using only the first and second airflows. Then, the wire spool (11) is operated to adjust the position of the free end of the joining wire (50) so that the free end of the joining wire (50) is accurately positioned at a predetermined position relative to the second wire manipulator (30b). As shown in FIG. 5e, the free end is located near the bottom of the second wire manipulator (30b).

[0056] In FIG. 5f, the second wire manipulator (30b) holds the wire tail (51) and uses a cutting mechanism (315b) (which may include a blade) to generate stress concentration, thereby forming a weakened portion in the second portion. The first wire manipulator (30a) holds the wire tail (51) and moves upward away from the second wire manipulator (30b) to straighten the portion of the wire tail (51) between the first and second wire manipulators (30a, 30b) and cut the wire tail (51) at the weakened portion to form a straight wire tip portion (51a). The formation of the wire tip portion (51a) can facilitate a subsequent threading process.

[0057] In FIG. 5g, the second wire manipulator (30b) grasps the removed wire and returns to a standby position, then transfers the removed wire through the pipe (30d) to a container (30c). At the same time, the wire threading device (40) moves to an operating position between the air tensioner (12) and the joining tool (15) of the wire joining device and aligns with them.

[0058] In FIG. 5h, the first wire manipulator (30a) moves along the wire threading direction to transfer the straightened wire tail (51) from the operating position to the threading position on the air tensioner (12). When it reaches the correct position, the air tensioner (12) and the wire threading device (40) operate to receive the wire tail (51) and insert it through the joining tool (15), thereby ensuring proper alignment and efficient threading.

[0059] In FIG. 5i, after the wire tail (51) is successfully inserted through the joining tool (15), the first wire manipulator (30a) and the wire threading device (40) return to their respective standby positions.

[0060] As described above, an embodiment of the present invention provides a wire threading system and method for automatically inserting a bonding wire through a bonding tool of a wire bonding device. In the proposed method and system, the bonding wire is sent to an air passage device, is tensile by the airflow generated therein, and is confined within the air passage device by a wire stopper installed within the air passage device. At the same time, the wire tail of the bonding wire is guided to an operating position below the air passage device by a wire guide device movably connected to the air passage device. The wire manipulator moves to the operating position to locate, position, grasp, and straighten the wire tail, and transfers it to a threading position for a subsequent threading process. Thus, the accuracy and efficiency of the wire threading process can be significantly improved.

[0061] The wire manipulator includes two wire manipulators integrated with an airflow generating mechanism that helps locate, position, and securely fix and grip the bonding wire at the operating position. Additionally, the airflow generating mechanism can improve the positional accuracy of the bonding wire by adjusting the position of the free end of the bonding wire. Furthermore, the wire manipulators can programmatically and controllably apply a gripping force to the bonding wire, causing the wire tip to straighten before it breaks, thereby effectively forming a wire tail.

[0062] Although the present invention has been described in considerable detail with reference to specific embodiments, other embodiments are possible. For example, air passage devices may have various shapes and structures, and wire guide devices may be designed with guide elements having various shapes and configurations. Likewise, wire manipulators may be arranged in various ways, including actuators used for control. Accordingly, the spirit and scope of the appended claims should not be limited to the description of the embodiments included herein.

Claims

Claim 1 A wire threading method for automatically inserting a joining wire into a wire joining device, the method comprising: a step of supplying a certain length of the joining wire from a wire spool to an air passage device; a step of applying tension to the joining wire with an airflow generated in the air passage device and simultaneously guiding the wire tail of the joining wire to an operating position with a wire guide device; a step of grasping the wire tail at the operating position and straightening it with a wire manipulating device; a step of transferring the straightened wire tail to a threading position with the wire manipulating device; and a step of inserting the straightened wire tail through a joining tool of the wire joining device with a wire threading device. Claim 2 A wire threading method according to claim 1, wherein the step of supplying a certain length of the bonding wire to the air passage device includes the step of transferring a certain length of the bonding wire to the air passage device using a robotic arm or a movable wire supply mechanism. Claim 3 A wire threading method according to claim 1, wherein the step of guiding the wire tail includes the step of guiding the wire tail to the operating position so that the wire guide device can move between a first position far from the operating position and a second position adjacent to the operating position, and as the wire guide device moves from the first position to the second position, the wire tail is guided to the operating position. Claim 4 A wire threading method according to paragraph 3, wherein the wire guide device comprises a rotatable guide element coupled to the air passage device, the guide element having a first end rotatably coupled to a pivot installed in the air passage device and a second end movable between the first position and the second position. Claim 5 A wire threading method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of removing a portion of the wire tail using the wire manipulating device to transfer the straightened wire tail to the threading position to form the wire tip portion before performing threading. Claim 6 A wire threading method according to claim 5, further comprising the step of forming a weakened portion of the wire tail with the wire manipulating device before removing the portion of the wire tail. Claim 7 A wire threading method according to claim 6, wherein the wire manipulating device performs the step of straightening the wire tail while simultaneously removing a portion of the wire tail. Claim 8 A wire threading method according to claim 1, wherein the air passage device comprises an air flow generator that generates air flow to generate tension on the bonding wire within the air passage device, and a wire stopper configured to restrain the bonding wire within the air passage device. Claim 9 In claim 8, the wire stopper has a mesh structure, a wire threading method. Claim 10 A wire threading method according to claim 1, wherein the wire manipulating device comprises first and second movable wire manipulators, and the step of grasping the wire tail comprises grasping a first portion of the wire tail with the first wire manipulator at a first position of the operating position and grasping a second portion of the wire tail with the second wire manipulator at a second position of the operating position, wherein the first position is closer to the air passage device than the second position. Claim 11 A wire threading method according to claim 10, further comprising the step of operating the wire spool to restrain the wire tail with an airflow generated inside the first and second wire manipulators, thereby positioning the free end of the joining wire at a predetermined position relative to the second wire manipulator. Claim 12 A wire threading method according to claim 10, further comprising the step of forming a weakened portion in the second portion of the wire tail using the second wire manipulator. Claim 13 A wire threading method according to claim 12, wherein the second wire manipulator comprises a cutting mechanism configured to form the weakened portion by applying force to a point of the second portion of the wire tail while the second portion of the wire tail is held by the second wire manipulator. Claim 14 A wire threading method according to claim 12, wherein the step of straightening the wire tail further comprises the step of moving the first wire manipulator away from the second wire manipulator to straighten the wire tail, and simultaneously breaking the wire tail at the weakened portion so that the portion of the wire tail is removed from the joining wire and held by the second wire manipulator. Claim 15 A wire threading method according to claim 14, further comprising the step of automatically transferring a portion of the wire tail removed from the joining wire to a container by means of a vacuum suction mechanism, wherein the vacuum suction mechanism comprises a suction nozzle connected to the second wire manipulator to receive the portion of the removed wire tail, and a pipe connecting the suction nozzle to the container to transfer the portion of the removed wire tail to the container. Claim 16 A wire threading system for automatically inserting a joining wire into a wire joining device, wherein the system comprises a wire supply device, an air passage device, a wire guide device, a wire manipulation device, and a wire threading device; wherein the wire supply device is configured to supply a certain length of the joining wire from a wire spool to the air passage device; wherein the air passage device is configured to apply tension to the joining wire by means of an air flow; wherein the wire guide device is configured to guide the wire tail of the joining wire to an operating position when the air passage device applies tension to the joining wire; wherein the wire manipulation device is configured to grasp the wire tail at the operating position and straighten it, and to transfer the straightened wire tail to a threading position; and wherein the wire threading device is configured to receive the straightened wire tail and to insert the straightened wire tail through a joining tool of the wire joining device. Claim 17 A wire threading system according to claim 16, wherein the wire guide device comprises a rotatable guide element having a first end rotatably coupled to a pivot installed in the air passage device and a second end movable between a first position far from the operating position and a second position adjacent to the operating position. Claim 18 In claim 16, the wire manipulating device comprises a first and a second wire manipulator, wherein the first wire manipulator is configured to releaseably grip a first portion of the wire at a first position of the operating position, and the second wire manipulator is configured to releaseably grip a second portion of the wire at a second position of the operating position, and the first position is closer to the air passage device than the second position, a wire threading system. Claim 19 A wire threading system according to claim 18, wherein the first and second wire manipulators are configured to restrain the joining wire with an internally generated airflow so that the free end of the joining wire is positioned at a predetermined position relative to the second wire manipulator by operating the wire spool. Claim 20 A wire threading system according to claim 18, wherein the first wire manipulator is configured to move upward relative to the second wire manipulator to straighten the portion of the wire tail between the first and second wire manipulators and to remove the portion of the wire tail from the joining wire to form a wire tip portion. Claim 21 A wire threading system according to claim 18, wherein the second wire manipulator comprises a cutting mechanism configured to apply force to a point on a second portion of the wire tail when the wire tail is grasped by the second wire manipulator to form a weakened portion on the wire tail. Claim 22 A wire threading system according to claim 16, wherein the air passage device comprises an air flow generator configured to generate the air flow for applying tension to the bonding wire, and a wire stopper configured to restrain the bonding wire within the air passage device. Claim 23 A wire threading system according to claim 18, wherein the wire manipulating device further comprises a vacuum suction mechanism including a suction nozzle connected to the second wire manipulator to receive a portion of the wire tail removed from the joining wire, and a pipe connecting the suction nozzle to the container to automatically transfer the portion of the removed wire tail to the container. Claim 24 In paragraph 16, the wire threading system comprises a wire supply device including a wire inlet guide fixedly attached to the air passage device.

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