Carrier and transport tray for small-sized and lightweight electronic components

Abstract

Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to a housing and transport tray for small-sized and lightweight electronic components. A tray for housing electronic components is formed from a carrier that is substantially planar and has a first side and a second side. A first support structure extends from the first side of the carrier, and a second support structure extends from the second side of the carrier. Each second support structure is aligned with a corresponding first support structure in a vertical direction perpendicular to the first and second sides of the carrier. Each first support structure is formed by a first protrusion, and the first protrusions are spaced apart from each other by a first interval and arranged along a first closed line. Each second support structure is formed by a second protrusion, and the second protrusions are spaced apart from each other by a second interval and arranged along a second closed line. Each second protrusion is aligned with the first interval in a direction parallel to the vertical direction, and each first protrusion is aligned with the second interval in a direction parallel to the vertical direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a tray for accommodating and transporting small-sized and lightweight electronic components. Background Art

[0002] As is well known, when dealing with electronic components to be subjected to various processing steps (production, assembly, testing) or supplied to customers, trays having a plurality of seats, also referred to as "pockets", are generally used, which are usually aligned in a matrix.

[0003] Electronic components (referring to both singulated die and packaged chips) are generally arranged one in each pocket, and the electronic components are oriented in a desired manner so that the electronic components can be picked up by a processing machine (also referred to as a "pick and place" machine) through a clamping element having a cylindrical shape (referred to as a "barrel"). These individual or mutually aligned clamping elements are connected to a vacuum source, so that the components can be sucked out from the corresponding pockets and the components can be held in the correct orientation, and the components are placed on a carrier (such as a tape reel) for further processing steps or for sale.

[0004] Generally, during transportation, the trays are stacked on top of each other so that the trays can be transported or stored together. In this case, each tray also forms a top wall for accommodating the components in the pockets of the corresponding bottom tray to prevent the components from coming out, moving or rotating, which will make it difficult or impossible for the processing machine to correctly grasp and correctly place the electronic components.

[0005] However, current devices (such as wearable devices, mobile phones, drones, etc.) all require continuous reduction in the size, thickness and weight of the components used. In particular, the land grid array (LGA) or ball grid array (BGA) devices currently developed for these applications have extremely small sizes, having an area of, for example, 2×2 mm 2 and a height of less than 1 mm (for example, 0.55 mm). Due to these small sizes, the components are also very light, with a weight of only a few milligrams.

[0006] However, the reduction in the size and weight of the electronic components is problematic for current trays, and even if the sizes are appropriate, these trays do not always effectively support the components and ensure the required position and orientation.

[0007] In fact, these components cannot be assembled on the corresponding seats to allow for their simple grasping without any risk of damage and be supported in the pockets with a certain clearance.

[0008] In addition, due to the light weight of the components, even a reduced air flow, e.g., due to the Venturi effect, is sufficient to move the components from the desired position and "fly" away when the trays are separated from each other, because the gravity is very low and the components are only weakly supported at the bottom of the pockets.

[0009] This means that in an increasing number of cases, during the transportation or disassembly of the trays, the components rotate axially by 90° or more, invert, fall out of the pockets and accumulate in the corners of the trays, or even slide into small gaps in the pockets due to the existing geometry. In some cases, it even becomes difficult to extract the components, and in any case, the picking up of the components cannot be performed by an automatic pick-and-place machine. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The present disclosure provides a tray that overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art and allows safe support of components during both transportation and handling operations of the tray.

[0011] According to the present disclosure, there is provided a tray for accommodating and transporting electronic components. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] To better understand the present disclosure, embodiments thereof will now be described only by way of non-limiting examples and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0013] Figure 1 is a top view of the present tray.

[0014] Figure 2A is Figure 1 a top perspective view of a part of the tray of

[0015] Figure 2B is related to the first part of the seat for integrating components. Figure 2A is a bottom perspective view of the same tray part as

[0016] Figure 3 is Figure 2A a top view of the first seat part of

[0017] Figure 4 is Figure 2B a bottom view of the second seat part of

[0018] Figure 5 is Figure 2A and 2B an enlarged side view of the tray part of

[0019] Figure 6 is Figure 1 a cross-section of a plurality of trays of

[0020] Figure 6a shows Figure 6 the enlarged details of.

[0021] Figure 7 is Figure 3 a top view of the enlarged details of.

[0022] Figure 8 is Figure 1 a top view of different embodiments of the first seat portion of the tray of.

[0023] Figure 9 is Figure 1 a bottom view of different embodiments of the second seat portion of the tray of.

[0024] Figure 10 is Figure 1 a top view of yet another embodiment of the first seat portion of the tray of.

[0025] Figure 11 is Figure 1 a top view of the alignment structure of the tray of.

[0026] Figure 12 is Figure 11 a perspective view of the alignment structure of.

[0027] Figure 13 is Figure 1 a perspective view of the clamping portion of the tray of.

[0028] Figure 14 and 15 show two layout variants of the clamping portion of the tray of Figure 13 in two different embodiments. Detailed Description

[0029] Figure 1 shows a tray 1 for accommodating and transporting electronic components, referring to singulated die and packaged chips, for further processing, testing or transportation for sale. Specifically, the tray 1 is particularly suitable for electronic components that are very small in size (e.g., 2×2 mm 2 or 2×2.5 mm 2 ), low in height (e.g., 0.55 mm) and thus light in weight (a few milligrams), but the present disclosure can be applied to electronic components of any shape and size by appropriately adjusting the size of the tray 1. Thus, although the following description refers for simplicity to components having a parallelepiped shape with a square base, with minor size and shape variations, the following description and what is shown in the figures of the present disclosure apply to components having a rectangular base, such as frustum-shaped components (e.g., in UV sensors).

[0030] The tray 1 is typically made of molded plastic and is formed by a substantially rectangular carrier 2 having a first face 2A and a second face 2B( Figure 5 ), and the tray 1 is provided with a frame 3. Here, the frame 3 extends circumferentially to the carrier 2, for example, the frame 3 extends around the carrier 2. Here, the first face 2A is opposite to the second face 2B.

[0031] Reference Figure 6 , the frame 3 is thicker than the rest of the carrier 2 and projects laterally with respect to the first face 2A of the bearing body 2 and with respect to the second face 2B.

[0032] The tray 1 is stackable, and the frames 3 of the trays 1 are stacked in contact with each other. In particular, in order to allow a plurality of trays 1 to be correctly aligned with each other, the frame 3 may have engaging means 5, which may alternatively refer to an engaging structure or some similar structure such as the reference engaging means 5, etc.

[0033] For example, the frame 3 may have a top edge 6 and a bottom edge 7 of opposite shapes to each other, here having the shape of corresponding steps. In the illustrated embodiment, the top edge 6 extends in a part that projects with respect to the first face 2A of the carrier 2 on the inner periphery of the frame 3. The bottom edge 7 extends in a part that projects with respect to the second face 2B of the carrier 2 on the outer periphery of the frame 3.

[0034] The frame 3 and the edges 6, 7 may have dimensions and arrangements that couple with the trays 1 with small interference, alignment, and mutual cooperation in an overlapping manner. In other words, Figure 6 the top edge 6 of the bottom tray 1B and Figure 6 the bottom edge 7 of the top tray 1A abut based on Figure 6 the orientation shown.

[0035] In any case, as Figure 6 shown, the frame 3 (including the edges 6, 7) projects an average height with respect to the first face 2A and the second face 2B of the carrier 2 so as to define the distance d between the carriers 2 that carry the stacked trays 1.

[0036] Reference Figures 1 - 7 , the tray 1 has a first support structure 10 that projects laterally from the first face 2A of the carrier 2 and a second support structure 11 that projects laterally from the second face 2B of the carrier 2. The first support structure 10 and the second support structure 11 are arranged such that each first support structure 10 on the first face 2A of the carrier 2 is vertically aligned with the second support structure 11 along an axis perpendicular to or lateral to the faces 2A, 2B of the carrier 2, as specifically shown in Figure 5 , 6 .

[0037] In addition, as described in more detail below and Figure 6As shown, the shapes and dimensions of the first support structure 10 and the second support structure 11 are such that the second support structure 11 of the tray 1 arranged at the top (represented by 1A in Figure 6 ) is assembled in the first support structure 10 of the tray 1 arranged at the bottom (represented by 1B in Figure 6 ).

[0038] Specifically, referring to Figure 2A and Figure 3 , each first support structure 10 includes a first protrusion 15 and four first projections 16. Here, the first protrusion 15 has a square shape in a plane, and the first projections 16 are arranged at intervals along the perimeter of the square-shaped first protrusion 15, particularly at the corners of the first protrusion 15.

[0039] In practice, the first protrusion 15 is arranged between the first projections 16 and is defined by the first projections 16. In other words, the first projections 16 are spaced apart around the first protrusion 15.

[0040] The first projection 16 has a first height H1 ( Figure 5 ), and the first protrusion 15 has a second height H2, and the second height H2 is less than the first height H1.

[0041] Each first projection 16 has a generally frustum shape, defined by two first inner surfaces 17 (facing the first protrusion 15) and two first outer surfaces 18, which are interconnected by rounded corners here. Each first projection 16 has a first base surface 20, and the first base surface 20 is away from the first surface 2A of the carrier 2 and is generally transverse to the first inner surface 17 and the first outer surface 18. The first base surface 20 is connected to the first inner surface 17 by an inclined surface 21, and each inclined surface 21 extends transversely to the first base surface 20 and the corresponding first inner surface 17 and is intended to facilitate the insertion (shown in dashed lines in Figure 2A , Figure 3 and Figure 6 ) and stacking of the component 50. The first base surface 20 can be referred to as the secondary base surface or end surface of the first projection 16.

[0042] Each first projection 16 also has a notch 25 along each corner formed by the corresponding first inner surface 17 (see also the enlarged detail in Figure 7 ). As can be seen in Figure 3 , the notches 25 of all the first projections 16 of each first support structure 10 are opposite to the corner shape of the corresponding first protrusion 15 to keep the component 50 with clearance.

[0043] Each first raised portion 15 has four transverse sides 22, each of which extends between a pair of adjacent first protrusions 16 and a first flat surface 23.

[0044] The first flat surface 23 of each first raised portion 15 is substantially parallel to the first face 2A of the carrier 2 and is thus transverse to the first protrusions 16.

[0045] Furthermore, the first flat surface 23 of each first raised portion 15 has a first groove 24, here in the shape of a cross, whose ends terminate at the transverse sides 22 of the respective first raised portion 15. In this way, any air (shown in dashed lines in Figure 2A , Figure 3 and Figure 6 ) that is trapped below the component 50 and abuts against the first flat surface 23 can overflow laterally and will not form a cushion that could cause the component 50 to become detached.

[0046] Reference Figure 2B and Figure 4 , each second support structure 11 includes a second raised portion 35 and four second protrusions 36. Here, the second raised portion 35 has a square shape in a plane, and the second protrusions 36 are arranged at intervals along the sides of the second raised portion 35.

[0047] In practice, the second raised portion 35 is arranged between the second protrusions 36 and is defined by the second protrusions 36. In other words, the four second protrusions 36 are spaced around the second raised portion 35.

[0048] From Figure 3 and Figure 4 it can be seen from a comparative observation that the second protrusions 36 are arranged rotated 45° relative to the first protrusions 16, but the second raised portion 35 coincides angularly with the first raised portion 15.

[0049] In practice, the first raised portion 15 and the second raised portion 35 overlap each other and are vertically aligned with respect to a vertical axis perpendicular to the first face 2A and the second face 2B of the carrier 2, and the spacing between the second protrusions 36 and the first protrusions 16 is vertically aligned.

[0050] The second protrusions 36 have a third height H3 ( Figure 5 ), and the second raised portion 35 has a fourth height H4, and the fourth height H4 is less than the third height H3.

[0051] Each second protrusion 36 here has a generally inclined frustum shape, with a square base and a vertical axis that is not perpendicular to the second face 2B of the carrier 2, as can be specifically seen in Figure 5 .

[0052] In addition, each second protrusion 36 is defined by a second inner surface 37 (facing the corresponding second protrusion 35) and three second outer surfaces 38. The second inner surfaces 37 of the second protrusions 36 of the same second support structure 11 extend in a mutually approaching manner starting from the second face 2B of the carrier 2 ( Figure 5 ).

[0053] Each second protrusion 36 has a second base surface 40 which is remote from the second face 2B of the carrier 2 and is substantially transverse to the second inner surface 37 and the second outer surfaces 38. The second base surface 40 is connected to the second inner surface 37 by one or more inclined surfaces 41 which extend transversely to the second base surface 40 and the second inner surface 37. This arrangement is intended to facilitate the lateral accommodation of the component 50 without damaging it, as will be explained in detail below. The second base surface 40 may be referred to as the secondary base surface or end surface of the second protrusion 36.

[0054] This shape and arrangement of the second protrusions 36 thus, together with the shape and arrangement of the first protrusions 16, contribute to the self-alignment and mating of the first support structure 10 and the second support structure 11.

[0055] Each second protrusion 35 has a second flat surface 43 which is generally parallel to the second face 2B of the carrier 2 and is thus transverse to the second protrusions 36.

[0056] In the Figure 2B and Figures 4 - 6 embodiments, the second flat surface 43 of each second protrusion 35 has a cross-shaped second groove 44. The second groove 44 is rotated, for example, 45° relative to the first groove 24; thus, the second groove 44 has ends which terminate at the corners of the second flat surface 43 and are located between the second inner surfaces 37 of pairs of adjacent second protrusions 36. The second groove 44 also allows air to flow out laterally when stacking the trays 1 and prevents indentation and the Venturi effect when removing the trays 1 from the stack, as described below.

[0057] As described below, the dimensions of the first protrusions 16 and the second protrusions 36 are selected to allow the first protrusions 16 and the second protrusions 36 to mate with each other and form an accommodation cavity.

[0058] In particular, as Figure 6 shown, the heights H1 and H3 are designed such that when stacking the trays 1, as Figure 6 shown, the second protrusions 36 of the top tray 1A are inserted between the first protrusions 16 of the bottom tray 1B.

[0059] In other words, as Figure 6As shown, the sum of the heights H1 and H3 of the first protrusion 16 and the second protrusion 36 is greater than the distance d:

[0060] (H1 + H3) > d (1)

[0061] Furthermore, the width of the second protrusion 36 of the top tray 1A (the distance between two non - adjacent outer surfaces 38 belonging to the same second protrusion 36) is selected such that when stacking trays 1A and 1B ( Figure 6 ), there is at least one horizontal section (parallel to the first face 2A and the second face 2B of the carrier 2) on which this width is approximately equal to or slightly greater than the distance between the first protrusions 16 of the bottom tray 1B on the same horizontal section, and vice versa.

[0062] Furthermore, the mutual dimensional ratios are designed such that after stacking, the gap between the first raised portion 15 of the bottom tray 1B and the second raised portion 35 of the top tray 1A is slightly greater than the thickness of the component 50 (however, and less than the side dimension of the component 50 to prevent the component 50 from flipping).

[0063] As a result, the sum of the heights H2 and H4 of the first raised portion 15 and the second raised portion 35 is less than the distance d between the two trays 1A, 1B:

[0064] (H2 + H4) < d (2)

[0065] Furthermore, let L be one side of the component 50, and the following relationship applies:

[0066] (H2 + H4 + L) > d, (3)

[0067] So that the free space above the component 50 does not allow the component 50 to flip under any circumstances, while allowing the component 50 to move a certain amount in the height direction.

[0068] Furthermore, the areas of the first raised portion 15 and the second raised portion 35 are selected according to the component to be transported.

[0069] In particular, the side lengths of the flat surfaces 23, 33 of the first raised portion 15 and the second raised portion 35 are selected to be slightly greater than the side L of the component 50. In particular, as Figure 3 shown, these dimensions are selected such that the component 50 can rotate by an angle α of up to 5° relative to the position where it is perfectly aligned with the side of the flat surface 23.

[0070] In this way, in the gap between the flat surfaces 23, 43, each component 50 is held with a small clearance without falling out or tipping over.

[0071] In use, the pick-and-place machine inserts each component 50 into the corresponding first support structure 10 to rest against the corresponding first flat surface 23. The flared shape of the first protrusion 16 and the second protrusion 36 and the dimensions of the first surface 23 facilitate the correct insertion of the component 50.

[0072] During stacking, as already noted, the second protrusion 36 of the top tray 1A is inserted into the space between the first protrusions 16 of the bottom tray 1B, which is facilitated by the flared shape of the protrusions 16, 36. In this step, as described, the protrusions 16, 36 may slightly snap together, thereby creating a force coupling.

[0073] In this way, each first support structure 10 of the top tray 1A and the corresponding second support structure 11 of the bottom tray 1B form a chamber 45, which is surrounded by the corresponding flat surfaces 23, 33 and the corresponding first protrusion 16 and second protrusion 36.

[0074] As described above, each chamber 45 receives the corresponding component 50 with a clearance, such that the placement and picking up of the component 50 are both simple and without any risk of damage, incorrect insertion / picking up or loss of the component.

[0075] Furthermore, especially when stacking and thus closing the chamber 45, the grooves 24, 44 allow air to flow out / into, avoiding an increase in local pressure that complicates the introduction in the first case and a depression of the force on the component 50 that may cause the component 50 to "jump out" of the assembly 50 in the second case. In other words, the grooves 22, 44 allow air to escape without causing the component 50 to "jump off" or "fly away".

[0076] However, due to the open shape of the chamber 45, the presence of the two grooves 24, 44 is not necessary, and / or the grooves 24, 44 may have different shapes.

[0077] For example, Figure 8 An embodiment is shown in which the first support structure, denoted herein as 10', has a first groove denoted as 24', which is rotated by 45° with respect to Figure 2A and Figure 3 the first groove 24. Thus, the ends of the first groove 24' terminate at the corners of the first flat surface 23 between the notches 25.

[0078] In this case, in a manner not shown, the second support structure 11 may also have a second groove 44 that is rotated by 45°, and thus is similar to Figure 2A and Figure 3 the first groove 24, or may have no groove at all, as Figure 9 shown.

[0079] In Figure 9 , the second support structure, indicated herein as 11', has no grooves. This solution is applicable when the first grooves 24, 24'( Figure 3 , 8 ) allow air to flow out / in sufficiently and rapidly during the stacking / removal of the tray 1.

[0080] Figure 10 Different embodiments of the first support structure are shown, the first support structure, indicated herein as 10″, having a recess 28 in the center of the first flat surface 23. The second support structure 11 can also adopt the same solution, in a manner not shown.

[0081] The tray 1 can be provided with an alignment structure, using a mold and a solution similar to the support structure.

[0082] For example, Figure 11 and Figure 12 show possible alignment structures 60 formed on the first face 2A of the carrier 2.

[0083] In the embodiment shown, the alignment structure 60 includes a truncated pyramid 61 and a frustum 62 having bases with different sizes and diameters. In fact, pick-and-place machines have different recognition capabilities, and the diversity of shapes can match the different characteristics of these machines. In addition, by arranging the alignment structure 60 differently, not only can the position of the alignment structure and thus the position of the tray 1 be identified, but also its angular position can be evaluated.

[0084] As Figures 13 - 15 shown, the tray 1 can also be provided with a clamping portion. Specifically, in Figure 13 and 14 , the clamping portion includes walls 65 extending along the sides of a closed line (here the perimeter of a rectangle) on the first face 2A of the carrier 2. In the embodiment of Figure 15 , a plurality of walls 65 are arranged on the tray 1, with four walls 65 arranged near the corners of the carrier 2. In both cases, the walls 65 can surround one or more support structures 10 and have a greater height relative to the support structures 10.

[0085] The clamping portion allows the tray 1 to be lifted and automatically aligned. In particular, when handling the tray 1, in order to place the tray 1 on a tray stack or remove the tray 1 from the stack, the pads of the pick-and-place machine can be arranged above the walls 65 and create a vacuum in the spaces defined by each wall 64.

[0086] The position of the pads can be automatically controlled by the alignment structure 60, which can be recognized by a camera system. The alignment can be carried out in two steps: the first step is to identify the relevant area, and the second step is to more precisely position and align the pick-and-place machine to the tray 1 arranged on top.

[0087] In this way, the tray can be lifted and transported. In the case where the walls 65 surround the support structure 10, these walls are suitably empty and do not accommodate the components 50.

[0088] The tray described herein has many advantages, as emphasized in the previous description.

[0089] In particular, it is to be emphasized here that the tray is particularly suitable for accommodating small and very small, lightweight electronic components without damaging them, because the shape of the support structures 10, 11 allows their insertion and removal without effort or the risk of the electronic components 50 being stuck, while allowing limited movement and rotation, which prevents the electronic components 50 from tipping over or disengaging from the chamber 45.

[0090] The shape of the support structures 10, 11 (here a truncated pyramid) allows the self - alignment and self - accommodation of the electronic components 50.

[0091] Furthermore, the shape of the support structures 10, 11 makes the tray 1 easy to mold and remove from the mold.

[0092] The electronic components 50 are easy to place and hold; and are safely supported within the respective chambers 45.

[0093] The presence of the clamping portions facilitates the handling of the tray 1; the presence of the alignment structure 60 facilitates the correct placement and orientation with respect to the pick - and - place machine.

[0094] Finally, it is clear that the trays described and illustrated herein can be modified and varied without thereby departing from the scope of the present disclosure as defined in the appended claims.

[0095] For example, the exact shape of the first protrusion 16 and the second protrusion 36, as well as the shape of the grooves 24, 44, can vary and may also be absent.

[0096] Similarly, the exact shape of the first flat surface 23 and the second flat surface 43 of the raised portions 15, 35 may be different from that shown; for example, the first flat surface 23 and the second flat surface 43 can be the same as or different from each other, and / or the same as or different from the shape of the component 50.

[0097] The raised portions 15, 35 can be absent or the raised portions can be provided only on the first face 2A or only on the second face 2B of the carrier 2.

[0098] Furthermore, although in the illustrated embodiment, the first protrusion 16 extends at the corner of the first face 23 and the second protrusion 36 extends along the side of the second flat surface 43, this arrangement can be reversed, i.e., the first protrusion 16 extends along the side of the first face 23 and the second protrusion 36 extends at the corner of the second flat surface 43.

[0099] A tray (1) for accommodating electronic components, which can be generally summarized as including a carrier (2), the carrier (2) being substantially planar and having a first surface and a second surface (2A, 2B); a first support structure (10) extending from the first surface (2A) of the carrier (2); a second support structure (11) extending from the second surface (2B) of the carrier (2), each second support structure (11) being aligned with a corresponding first support structure (10) in a vertical direction perpendicular to the first surface (2A) and the second surface (2B) of the carrier (2). Wherein, each first support structure (10) includes a first protrusion 16, and the first protrusions (16) are spaced apart from each other by a first interval and arranged along a first closed line. Each second support structure (11) includes a second protrusion (36), and the second protrusions (36) are spaced apart from each other by a second interval and arranged along a second closed line. Each second protrusion (36) is aligned with the first interval parallel to the vertical direction, and each first protrusion (16) is aligned with the second interval parallel to the vertical direction.

[0100] The first protrusions (16) of each first support structure (10) may have corresponding first side surfaces (17) facing the first interval, and the second protrusions (36) may have second side surfaces (38) facing the second interval. The first side surfaces (17) of a pair of adjacent first protrusions (16) facing each other may be inclined away from each other starting from the first surface (2A) of the carrier (2). The second side surfaces (38) of each second protrusion (36) facing each other may be inclined towards each other starting from the second surface (2B) of the carrier (2).

[0101] The distance between at least two points of the first side surfaces (17) of a pair of adjacent first protrusions (16) facing each other may be equal to or less than the width of the protrusion (36), where the two points belong to a first plane parallel to the first surface (2A) of the carrier (2); in at least one second plane parallel to the second surface (2B) of the carrier (2), the width of the second protrusion (36) is measured between the second side surfaces (37) of each second protrusion (36) facing each other.

[0102] The first protrusions (16) and the second protrusions (36) may be frustum-shaped, and the first protrusions (16) and the second protrusions (36) have corresponding main base surfaces adjacent to the first surface (2A) and the second surface (2B) of the carrier (2), and secondary base surfaces (20, 40) opposite to the corresponding main base surfaces.

[0103] The first side surfaces (17) and the second side surfaces (38) may have inlet slopes (21, 41) adjacent to the corresponding secondary base surfaces (20, 40).

[0104] The first support structure (10) may have a first protrusion (15) protruding relative to the first surface (2A) of the carrier (2). The first protrusion (15) is surrounded by a first protrusion portion (16), and the first protrusion (15) has a first flat surface (23) substantially parallel to the first surface (2A) of the carrier (2). The first flat surface (23) has a polygonal shape in a plan view and is a placement surface for the electronic component (50).

[0105] The second support structure (11) may have a second protrusion (35) protruding relative to the second surface (2B) of the carrier (2). The second protrusion (35) is surrounded by a second protrusion portion (36), and the second protrusion (35) has a second flat surface (43) substantially parallel to the second surface (2B) of the carrier (2). The second flat surface (43) has a polygonal shape in a plan view and is the top closing surface of the receiving cavity (45) for the electronic component (50).

[0106] The polygonal first flat surface (23) may have a plurality of corners, the first protrusion portion (16) extends along the sides of the corners of the first flat surface (23), the polygonal second flat surface (43) may have a plurality of sides, and the second protrusion portion (36) extends along the sides of the polygonal second flat surface (43).

[0107] Each first protrusion portion (16) may have a notch (25), and the notch (25) extends between the first side surfaces (17) and is transverse to the first surface (23) of the carrier (2).

[0108] The first flat surface (23) of each first support structure (10) may have a first groove (24), and the first groove (24) extends between opposite sides or corners of the corresponding first flat surface (23).

[0109] The second flat surface (43) of each second support structure (11) may have a second groove (44), and the second groove (44) extends between opposite sides or corners of the corresponding second flat surface (43).

[0110] The tray may further include an alignment structure 60 protruding from the first surface (2A) of the carrier (2).

[0111] The tray may further include at least one wall-shaped gripper (65), the wall-shaped gripper (65) extends along the side of the closing line from the first surface (2A) of the carrier (2), and the wall-shaped gripper (65) has a greater height than the first protrusion portion (16).

[0112] A tray stack may include a first tray (1B) and a second tray (1A), wherein the second tray (1A) may be configured to stack on top of the first tray (1B). The first protrusion (16) of the first support structure (10) of the first tray (1B) extends into a second space between the second protrusions (36) of the second support structure (11) of the second tray (1A).

[0113] The first tray (1A) and the second tray (1A) may be manufactured, wherein the first protrusion (16) of the first support structure (10) of the first tray (1B) may be fitted into a second space (16) between the second protrusions (36) of the second mounting structure (11) of the second tray (1A), and the first protrusion (16) surrounds a receiving cavity (45) for an electronic component (50).

[0114] The various embodiments described above may be combined to provide more embodiments. Aspects of the embodiments may be modified as necessary to practice the various patent, application, and published concepts to provide more embodiments.

[0115] These and other changes may be made to the embodiments in accordance with the description detailed above. Generally, in the appended claims, the terms used should not be construed to limit the claims to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification and claims, but should be construed to include all possible embodiments and the full scope of equivalent meanings to which such claims are entitled. Thus, the claims are not limited by the disclosure.

Claims

1. A tray, comprising: A carrier having a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface; One or more first support structures extending from the first surface of the carrier; One or more second support structures extending from the second surface of the carrier, each second support structure of the one or more second support structures being aligned with one first support structure of the one or more first support structures in a first direction, the first direction being transverse to the first surface and the second surface of the carrier; And Wherein each first support structure of the one or more first support structures includes a plurality of first protrusions spaced apart from each other by a plurality of first intervals, each first support structure of the one or more first support structures includes a first raised portion extending from the first surface, the first raised portion includes a plurality of first side walls and a plurality of first corners, each corresponding first interval of the plurality of first intervals is at a corresponding first side wall of the plurality of first side walls, and each corresponding first protrusion of the plurality of first protrusions is at a corresponding first corner of the plurality of first corners, and Each second support structure of the one or more second support structures includes a plurality of second protrusions spaced apart from each other by a plurality of second intervals, each second protrusion of the plurality of second protrusions is aligned with the first interval, and each first protrusion is aligned with the second interval parallel to the first direction, each second support structure of the one or more second support structures includes a second raised portion extending from the second surface, the second raised portion includes a plurality of second side walls and a plurality of second corners, each corresponding second interval of the plurality of second intervals is at a corresponding second corner of the plurality of second corners, and each corresponding second protrusion of the plurality of second protrusions is at a corresponding second side wall of the plurality of second side walls.

2. The tray according to claim 1, wherein: Each first protrusion of the plurality of first protrusions includes a first side surface facing the first interval, and each second protrusion of the plurality of second protrusions includes a second side surface facing the second interval; The first side surfaces of a pair of adjacent first protrusions of the plurality of first protrusions face each other and are inclined with respect to each other as the pair of adjacent first protrusions of the plurality of first protrusions extend away from the first surface of the carrier; And As each second protrusion of the plurality of second protrusions extends away from the second surface of the carrier, the second side surfaces of each second protrusion of the plurality of second protrusions are inclined towards each other and approach each other.

3. The tray according to claim 2 further includes a first distance that extends between at least two points on the first side surface of a pair of adjacent first protrusions among the plurality of first protrusions, the two points belonging to a first plane that is substantially parallel to the first surface of the carrier, and the distance is substantially equal to or less than the width of the second protrusion, the width of the second protrusion being measured between opposite second side surfaces of each second protrusion among the plurality of second protrusions in at least one second plane parallel to the second surface of the carrier.

4. The tray according to claim 2, wherein: each respective first protrusion among the plurality of first protrusions has a truncated pyramid shape, and the respective first protrusion tapers as it extends away from the first surface; each respective second protrusion among the plurality of second protrusions has a truncated pyramid shape, and the respective second protrusion tapers as it extends away from the second surface.

5. The tray according to claim 2, wherein, The first side surface and the second side surface respectively have inclined surfaces that are adjacent to end surfaces of the first side surface and the second side surface respectively.

6. The tray according to claim 1, wherein, The first raised portion of the one or more first support structures has a first flat surface that is substantially parallel to the first surface of the carrier, and the first flat surface has a polygonal shape.

7. The tray according to claim 6, wherein, The second raised portion of the one or more second support structures has a second flat surface that is substantially parallel to the second surface of the carrier, and the second flat surface has a polygonal shape.

8. The tray according to claim 7, wherein, The first flat surface of the polygonal shape has a plurality of third corners, and the plurality of first protrusions extend alongside the plurality of third corners of the first flat surface, the second flat surface of the polygonal shape has a plurality of sides, and the plurality of second protrusions extend alongside the plurality of sides of the second flat surface of the polygonal shape.

9. The tray according to claim 8, wherein, Each first protrusion among the plurality of first protrusions has a notch that extends transversely from the first surface of the carrier, and the notch is located between transverse first side surfaces of each first protrusion among the plurality of first protrusions.

10. The tray according to claim 6, wherein, The first flat surface of each first support structure among the plurality of first support structures includes a first groove that extends between opposite sides or corners of one of the first flat surfaces in the first flat surface.

11. The tray according to claim 7, wherein, The second flat surface of each second support structure among the plurality of second support structures has a second groove that extends between opposite sides or corners of one of the second flat surfaces in the second flat surface.

12. The tray according to claim 1 further includes one or more alignment structures that protrude from the first surface of the carrier.

13. The tray according to claim 1 further includes at least one wall-shaped gripper extending from the first face of the carrier, and the wall-shaped gripper extends further outward from the first face than the first protrusions of the plurality of first support structures.

14. A system includes: A first tray including: A first face; A first support structure extending from the first face, the first support structure including: A first raised portion including a plurality of first corners and a plurality of first sidewalls; A plurality of first protrusions spaced apart from each other, each corresponding first protrusion being at a corresponding first corner of the plurality of first corners; and A plurality of first spaces, each corresponding first space of the plurality of first spaces being located between a corresponding pair of first protrusions of the plurality of first protrusions; A second tray including: A second face facing the first face; A second support structure extending from the second face, the second support structure being aligned with the first support structure, the second support structure including: A second raised portion including a plurality of second corners and a plurality of second sidewalls; A plurality of second protrusions spaced apart from each other, each corresponding second protrusion being at a corresponding second sidewall of the plurality of second sidewalls; and A plurality of second spaces, each corresponding second space of the plurality of second spaces being located between a corresponding second corner of the plurality of second corners and a corresponding second protrusion of the plurality of second protrusions; and wherein the plurality of second protrusions of the second support structure extend between a pair of first protrusions of the plurality of first protrusions of the first support structure of the first tray and extend into the plurality of first spaces.

15. The system according to claim 14, wherein an electronic component is located between the plurality of first protrusions, between the first raised portion and the second raised portion, and between the plurality of second protrusions.

16. The system according to claim 14, wherein: The first raised portion is surrounded by the plurality of first protrusions; and The second raised portion is surrounded by the plurality of second protrusions, and the second raised portion overlaps with the first raised portion.

17. The system according to claim 16 further includes an electronic component located between the first raised portion and the second raised portion and between the plurality of first protrusions.

18. A tray includes: A first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface; A first support structure including a plurality of first protrusions extending from the first surface, each first protrusion of the plurality of first protrusions having a first truncated pyramid shape, the first support structure further including a first central raised portion surrounded by the plurality of first protrusions, the first central raised portion including: A first sidewall; A second sidewall opposite the first sidewall; A third sidewall transverse to the first sidewall and the second sidewall; The fourth sidewall, the fourth sidewall being transverse to the first sidewall and the second sidewall, and the fourth sidewall being opposite to the third sidewall; The first groove, the first groove extending from the first sidewall to the second sidewall; The second groove, the second groove intersecting the first groove, being transverse to the first groove, and extending from the third sidewall to the fourth sidewall; The second support structure, including a plurality of second protrusions extending from the second surface, each of the plurality of second protrusions having a second frustum shape, the second support structure further including a second central convex portion surrounded by the plurality of second protrusions, and the second central convex portion including: The first corner; The second corner, the second corner being diagonally opposite to the first corner; The third corner; The fourth corner, the fourth corner being diagonally opposite to the third corner; The third groove, the third groove extending from the first corner to the second corner; and The fourth groove, intersecting the third groove, being transverse to the third groove, and extending from the third corner to the fourth corner, and wherein the first frustum shape is configured to receive the second frustum shape, and the second frustum shape is configured to receive the first frustum shape.

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