Adapter for electronic component testing handler

Abstract

The present invention relates to an adapter for a handler for electronic component testing. The adapter for a handler for electronic component testing according to the present invention has a structure capable of properly holding electronic components having various manufacturing tolerances and lengths, and capable of properly maintaining the set state of the electronic components. According to the present invention, various electronic components having manufacturing tolerances and lengths can be properly set and held in the adapter during the manufacturing process, while the set posture is maintained, so that the electronic components can be accurately electrically connected to a tester, thereby improving the reliability with respect to the handler.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an adapter that can be used in a sorting machine for testing electronic components. Background Technology

[0002] The manufactured electronic components (e.g., semiconductor elements, substrates, SSDs, etc.) are tested by a testing instrument and then classified as good or bad products, with only good products being shipped out.

[0003] Electronic components can only be tested when they are electrically connected to a testing instrument. In this case, the device that enables the electronic components to be tested by electrically connecting them to the testing instrument is called an electronic component testing sorting machine (hereinafter referred to as "sorting machine").

[0004] The sorting machine was proposed and manufactured as new electronic components were developed, and various follow-up developments are underway to stabilize it.

[0005] Recently, the popularity of solid-state drives (SSDs), which are large electronic components containing multiple electronic parts, has been expanding.

[0006] Initially, when the demand for SSDs was low and only a small amount of production was carried out, the SSDs were manually connected to the tester and disconnected. However, as the demand increased dramatically, it became difficult to support testing through manual operation.

[0007] However, since the thickness, structure and weight of SSDs are different from existing electronic components, existing sorting machines cannot be directly applied. Therefore, a sorting machine suitable for supporting the testing of large electronic components such as SSDs has been developed and proposed in Korean Patent Nos. 10-2019-0050483 and 10-2019-0061291.

[0008] SSDs can come in various specifications depending on the type of electronic components they contain or their intended use, necessitating a sorting machine to support testing of these diverse electronic components. However, due to the high cost and large scale of sorting machines, a technology is needed that can process the testing of electronic components with multiple specifications within a single sorting machine, taking into account production costs and installation space requirements.

[0009] Furthermore, to test electronic components with different specifications, it is necessary to replace them with components that conform to the specifications of the corresponding electronic components. Even if component replacement is not required, downtime is still needed to supply the new electronic components. Consequently, due to the reduced operating rate of the sorting machine and testing equipment and the resulting complex labor losses, there is a need for a sorting machine that does not require additional downtime even when the sorting machine is running in one cycle or continuously.

[0010] Furthermore, in the case of semiconductor components produced in small batches, the following approach is adopted: a test tray capable of holding hundreds or more semiconductor components is provided, and multiple picks are used to directly clamp the semiconductor components and insert them into the inserts of the test tray. In this system, since the precise position of the semiconductor components can be ensured in the inserts and also during connection with the tester, even a slight decrease in accuracy will not be a problem.

[0011] However, electronic components, such as SSDs, which contain multiple electronic components including semiconductor elements, are increasingly being produced in small quantities to accommodate the diversity of applications. Furthermore, they often require multiple tests. Since test sockets for various testers are not located in the same places, expensive test trays need to be manufactured according to the type of electronic component or tester, and these trays need to be equipped with matching sorting machines. Previous research has shown that, without considering the aforementioned issues, connecting electronic components to test sockets while they are directly clamped by a gripper presents significant problems.

[0012] For example, electronic components come in various types, lengths, and widths. Due to the nature of their manufacturing, even components of the same type are difficult to produce with 100% uniform size due to processing errors. However, if electronic components are held in place without considering this, they may be lost due to inaccurate gripping, or damaged due to excessive pressure. Even when the gripper is adjusted to hold the components well, the following drawbacks are identified: depending on the location and strength of the grip, the component may be twisted or rotated during gripping, making it difficult for the gripper to accurately contact the test socket. To improve this, the drive unit needs to be precisely controllable and correspond to all electronic components, thus requiring a very long drive shaft. Furthermore, to prevent breakage, twisting, or unwanted rotation, a high-priced motor capable of torque control is needed. However, this requires large-scale equipment and high production costs, making it impractical. Furthermore, precise contact requires automatic calibration to set the accurate clamping position of the electronic components of the gripper, which is a part that actually requires a huge amount of money and technical expertise.

[0013] Typically, in the case of SSDs, regardless of type, their width is the same within the range of manufacturing tolerances, but their length varies depending on the number or size of the electronic components they carry.

[0014] Therefore, the applicant of this invention previously proposed an invention in patent application No. 10-2020-0073725 (hereinafter referred to as the "prior application technology") that equips a sorting machine with an adapter in order to enable a sorting machine with versatility. The adapter is designed to serve as a carrier for supplying electronic components to a tester, and increases the versatility of the sorting machine by enabling it to accommodate electronic components of various sizes.

[0015] The most important cases in the section related to adapters are as follows.

[0016] First, the adapter should be able to properly clamp both ends of all SSDs with widths within the tolerance range caused by manufacturing tolerances.

[0017] Second, it should be able to hold all SSDs within the typical length range that the electronic components of a so-called SSD can have (from the shortest SSD to the longest SSD).

[0018] Third, a characteristic structure is needed to accurately mount the SSD on the adapter. This characteristic structure could refer to the structure surrounding the adapter, but it also requires a structure specific to the adapter itself. Poor mounting of the SSD could subsequently prevent a proper electrical connection between the SSD and the testing equipment.

[0019] Fourth, the orientation of the SSD mounted on the adapter must be maintained accurately. Sorting machines typically generate various operational shocks, and the adapter needs to be moved while containing electronic components. However, if the SSD cannot be properly positioned due to operational shocks or shaking during movement, resulting in a malfunction, this will ultimately lead to a poor electrical connection between the SSD and the tester.

[0020] Therefore, ongoing research is needed on adapters that take all of the above situations into account. Summary of the Invention

[0021] This invention was proposed with regard to the following technology: an adapter can properly clamp a variety of electronic components regardless of manufacturing tolerances or length within the error range.

[0022] Furthermore, the present invention is proposed with regard to the following technology: electronic components can be accurately placed in the adapter and their state can be maintained appropriately after placement.

[0023] An adapter for a sorting machine for testing electronic components according to the present invention includes: a pair of clamping rods facing each other and linearly moving in a direction that narrows or widens the gap between them, thereby clamping or releasing the rear ends of electronic components at both ends; a mounting frame configured to enable the pair of clamping rods to move linearly; a spacing operation device disposed in the mounting frame for applying an operating force to the pair of clamping rods to move the pair of clamping rods in a direction that widens the gap between them; and an operating member for applying pressure to the pair of clamping rods in a direction that narrows the gap between them, thereby moving the pair of clamping rods in a direction that narrows the gap between them if the operating force applied to the pair of clamping rods by means of the spacing operation device is released, wherein the pair of clamping rods have guide grooves formed on their facing surfaces for clamping the ends of electronic components and guiding movement in the front-rear direction, the guide grooves being elongated in the front-rear direction.

[0024] The spacing operation device is disposed in the mounting frame in a manner that enables linear movement in the front-back direction. The spacing operation device includes: an operation part, configured to contact the pair of clamping rods at both ends, and when the device moves linearly backward by an external force, it applies an operation force to the pair of clamping rods in the direction that the gap between the pair of clamping rods widens, and releases the operation force when the device moves linearly forward as the external force is removed.

[0025] On the faces of the pair of clamping rods facing each other, an operating groove is formed at the part that contacts the operating portion. The operating groove is formed as an inclined surface with a recessed depth that tends to be shallower towards the rear. The operating portion has a protruding part corresponding to the operating groove and the protruding part contacts the inclined surface, thereby changing the interval between the pair of clamping rods according to the position of the operating portion.

[0026] The operating component includes an elastic member, configured such that one side is supported by the setting frame and the other side is engaged with the pair of clamping rods.

[0027] The setting frame has at least one position setting protrusion on each of the left and right sides, which can be inserted into the position setting slot of a test hand for moving the adapter.

[0028] A receiving groove is formed at the front end of the frame to accommodate the front end of an electronic component. Support platforms are formed on the left and right walls of the receiving groove to support the front ends of the electronic component. This allows the electronic component to be inserted between the left and right walls of the receiving groove and aligned by the support platforms.

[0029] The space for placing electronic components, including the guide slot and the receiving slot, is open in the front-back direction.

[0030] The guide groove includes: a horizontal holding section for keeping the electronic component held in a horizontal position horizontal; a width increasing section whose width in the vertical direction gradually widens from the front end of the horizontal holding section toward the front; and an open section having a width greater than or equal to the front end of the width increasing section toward the rear.

[0031] The adapter further includes: a support member having a pair of support protrusions for supporting the lower end of the electronic component, wherein a support platform is formed on the pair of support protrusions for preventing the lower part of the horizontally positioned electronic component from detaching, and a through groove is formed on the pair of clamping rods for allowing the support protrusions to pass through.

[0032] The frame has at least one position fixing groove formed on each of the left and right sides, which is capable of inserting a position fixing pin for placing the adapter.

[0033] According to the present invention, the following effects are achieved.

[0034] First, even with manufacturing tolerances present during the manufacturing process, electronic components can be properly clamped and positioned in the adapter.

[0035] Secondly, electronic components of various lengths can be appropriately housed in the adapter, thereby improving the versatility of the sorting machine.

[0036] Third, the electronic components can be properly maintained in their placement state by means of the tight clamping of the clamping rod of the elastic component and the step structure of the guide groove and the support platform, which can support the electronic components during posture changes.

[0037] Fourth, within the horizontal maintenance range of the guide groove, the rear end of the electronic component can be precisely kept flat, thereby minimizing the possibility of malfunctions in the electrical connection between the electronic component and the tester, thus improving the reliability of the sorting machine. Attached Figure Description

[0038] Figure 1 This is a reference figure used to illustrate the electrical connection structure between electronic components and the test instrument.

[0039] Figure 2 This is a conceptual structural diagram of a sorting machine for testing electronic components using an application adapter, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Figure 3 It is aimed at Figure 2 A schematic 3D view of a sorting machine.

[0041] Figure 4This is a perspective view of an adapter according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] Figure 5 It is aimed at Figure 4 An exploded 3D view of the adapter.

[0043] Figure 6 It is for application Figure 4 A cutaway diagram of the adapter's clamping rod.

[0044] Figure 7 It is for those located in Figure 6 A virtual cutout of the guide groove of the clamping rod.

[0045] Figure 8 It is used for explanation Figure 7 The function of the guide groove is shown in the figure.

[0046] Figure 9 It is used for explanation Figure 4 The relationship between the adapter and the test hand is shown in the figure.

[0047] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0048] 100: Adapter for a sorting machine for testing electronic components; 111, 112: Clamping rods

[0049] GG: Guide groove; HM: Horizontal maintenance zone

[0050] WG: Width Increased Range; OS: Open Range

[0051] OG: Operating groove; TH: Through hole

[0052] TG: Through slot 120: Set frame

[0053] 121: Position setting protrusion; 125, 126: Guide rod

[0054] AG: Reception tank; J: Support platform

[0055] 130: Interval operating device; 131: Operating section

[0056] 141, 142, 143, 144: Elastic component R: Rolling roller Detailed Implementation

[0057] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. For the sake of brevity, descriptions of repetitive or substantially identical configurations will be omitted or compressed as much as possible.

[0058] <Instructions for electrical connections between electronic components and testing instruments>

[0059] The sorting machine using the adapter according to the present invention is more suitable for situations where the contact terminal side of electronic components such as SSDs is inserted into the test slot of the tester.

[0060] For example, such as Figure 1 As shown, it has the following structure: the tester TESTER is equipped with a test slot S, and the contact terminal T side of the electronic component ED is inserted into the test slot S, thereby electrically connecting the electronic component ED to the tester TESTER.

[0061] <Illustrative explanation of the overall structure of the sorting machine>

[0062] Figure 2 This is a schematic plan view of a sorting machine HR that uses an adapter (hereinafter referred to as "adapter") for testing electronic components according to the present invention. Figure 3 It is aimed at Figure 2 A schematic 3D diagram of the sorting machine HR.

[0063] The sorting machine HR according to this embodiment includes a connecting part CP, a stacker part SP, and a transfer device TA.

[0064] The connection section CP removes the electronic component ED to be tested from the customer tray CT and provides it to the tester TESTER, or retrieves the electronic component ED after testing from the tester TESTER and loads it back into the customer tray CT. An adapter according to the invention is used for this connection section CP.

[0065] The stacker section SP stores and moves customer pallets CT loaded with electronic components ED to be tested into the sorting machine HR in order to supply them to the connection section CP, or retrieves customer pallets CT loaded with electronic components ED that have completed testing from the connection section CP and stores them before removing them from the sorting machine HR. Furthermore, the stacker section SP supplies the customer pallets CT loaded with electronic components ED that are being stored to the transfer device TA, or retrieves customer pallets CT loaded with electronic components ED that have completed testing from the transfer device TA.

[0066] The transfer device TA transfers customer trays CT between the connection section CP and the stacker section SP. That is, customer trays CT loaded with electronic components ED to be tested are transferred from the stacker section SP to the connection section CP by means of the transfer device TA, and customer trays CT loaded with electronic components ED that have finished testing are transferred from the connection section CP to the stacker section SP by means of the transfer device TA.

[0067] <Illustrative process description of the electronic components involved in the adapter>

[0068] Regarding the sorting machine HR, since it has been explained in detail in the prior technical application, the process mainly based on the adapter will be illustrated here.

[0069] With the adapter in place on the bracket, the mobile arm (not shown) removes the electronic component ED from the customer tray CT and places it on the adapter. At this point, the opener (not shown) opens the adapter, allowing the mobile arm to place the electronic component ED on the adapter.

[0070] The adapter, with the electronic component ED mounted on it, moves from the set position to the clamping position along with the bracket and is erected by rotation. The test hand (not shown) clamps the erected adapter and moves it, electrically connecting the electronic component ED to the tester TESTER. Afterwards, when the testing of the electronic component ED is complete, the reverse operation is performed to load the tested electronic component ED onto the customer tray CT.

[0071] <Description of the adapter according to the first embodiment>

[0072] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of the adapter 100 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 It is aimed at Figure 4 Exploded perspective view of adapter 100.

[0073] The adapter 100 includes a pair of clamping rods 111, 112, a setting frame 120, an interval operating device 130, elastic members 141, 142, 143, 144, and a support member 150.

[0074] A pair of clamping rods 111 and 112 can be configured to face each other and can be guided by guide rods 125 and 126 provided on the mounting frame 120, and can move linearly in a left-right direction as the distance between them narrows or widens. Therefore, if the distance between the pair of clamping rods 111 and 112 narrows, the pair of clamping rods 111 and 112 are in a state of clamping the rear end of the horizontal electronic component ED from both ends. And, if the distance between the pair of clamping rods 111 and 112 widens, the pair of clamping rods 111 and 112 are in an open state of releasing the clamp on the electronic component ED. Therefore, if you want to place the electronic component ED on or remove it from the adapter 100 by moving your hand, the pair of clamping rods 111 and 112 should be in an open state of releasing the clamp on the electronic component ED.

[0075] like Figure 6 As shown in the cutaway diagram, two operating grooves OG are formed on the opposing surfaces of a pair of clamping rods 111 and 112.

[0076] Operating grooves OG are formed at the contact points between the clamping rods 111 and 112 and the spacer operating device 130. Two operating grooves OG located on the same clamping rods 111 and 112 are formed side by side along the front-rear direction. Furthermore, the operating grooves OG are formed with a recessed, shallower slope that tends to be rearward.

[0077] And, as Figure 6 As shown, a guide groove GG is formed elongated along the front-rear direction on the facing surfaces of a pair of clamping rods 111 and 112 and on the upper side of the operating groove OG. This guide groove GG guides the movement of the electronic component ED during its front-rear movement (e.g., during the movement of the electronic component under test to make electrical connection with the tester, or during the removal of the electronic component from the tester and its movement towards the adapter after testing). Furthermore, when the pair of clamping rods 111 and 112 are clamping the two ends of the rear end portion of the electronic component ED, since the two ends of the electronic component ED are inserted into and locked in the guide groove GG along the vertical direction, the guide groove GG also functions to clamp the electronic component ED.

[0078] like Figure 7 As shown in the virtual cutout diagram, the guide slot GG has, from back to front, a horizontal maintenance section HM, a width increasing section WG, a through section TS, and an open section OS.

[0079] The width of the horizontal holding interval HM is relatively narrow, and its vertical width is almost the same as the vertical thickness of the electronic component ED, thereby forming a horizontal position at the contact terminal T at the rear end of the electronic component ED while properly clamping both ends of the electronic component ED.

[0080] The width-increasing interval WG is formed such that its width gradually increases from the front end of the horizontally maintaining interval HM towards the front. Therefore, during the placement of the electronic component ED, even if it falls due to gravity in an area other than the part held by the moving hand, both ends of the electronic component ED can be properly held by the two clamping rods 111 and 112.

[0081] The through section TS is formed to have a predetermined width along the front-back direction from the front end of the width-increasing section WG, and corresponds to the width in the front-back direction of the through groove TG through which the left and right support protrusions of the support member 150 described later can pass.

[0082] The open interval OS is formed to have a width that is at least the same as or wider than the front end of the width-increasing interval WG.

[0083] Furthermore, the guide slot GG is open in the front-to-back direction.

[0084] like Figure 8As shown in the enlarged view, even when the electronic component ED is bent in a predetermined direction, it has the following properties: Figure 7 The guide groove GG shown in the diagram ensures that the adapter 100 will not have any problems when clamping the electronic component ED, while maintaining the horizontality of the contact terminal T side at the rear end, thereby helping the contact terminal T side side to be accurately inserted into the test groove S.

[0085] The frame 120 is provided for setting up and supporting the clamping rods 111, 112, the interval operating device 130, the elastic members 141 to 144 and the support member 150.

[0086] The frame 120 has protrusions 121 on the left and right sides of its front end, respectively.

[0087] like Figure 9 As shown in the reference figure, the position setting protrusion 121 is associated with the position setting groove SG formed on the clamping surface of the test hand 400. That is, when the test hand 400 clamps the setting frame 120 and finally clamps the adapter 100, the position setting protrusion 121 is inserted into the position setting groove SG. Therefore, even if an external force in the front-back direction is applied to the adapter 100 while the test hand 400 is clamping the adapter 100, the position of the setting frame 120 can be fixed and maintained, thereby ultimately fixing and maintaining the position of the adapter 100. Only one such position setting protrusion 121 needs to be provided. Of course, according to the embodiment, a position setting groove may be formed in the setting frame 120 and a position setting protrusion may be formed in the test hand 400.

[0088] Furthermore, the frame 120 is provided with guide rods 125 and 126, which are elongated in the left-right direction to guide the linear movement of a pair of clamping rods 111 and 112. Of course, through holes TH are formed on the clamping rods 111 and 112 for the guide rods 125 and 126 to be inserted through.

[0089] Furthermore, a receiving groove AG is formed on the front end of the frame 120 to accommodate the front end of the electronic component ED. Support platforms J are formed on the left and right walls forming the receiving groove AG to support the two ends of the front end of the electronic component. Therefore, while the front end of the electronic component ED is supported by the support platforms J on both sides, it can be precisely inserted between the two walls to form an aligned structure, thereby achieving proper placement and maintenance of the electronic component ED. Thus, even in a horizontal position, the electronic component ED can be properly aligned, and even when it is in an upright position after a posture change, the electronic component ED can still be properly aligned.

[0090] Similar to the guide slot GG, the receiving slot AG is also open in the front-rear direction. This means that the placement space for the adapter 100, which houses the electronic components, is open in the front-rear direction. That is, the placement space including the guide slot GG and the receiving slot AG is open in the front-rear direction. Therefore, electronic components ED of various lengths can be placed across the guide slot GG and the receiving slot AG without being limited by their length.

[0091] An interval operation device 130 is disposed on the setting frame 120 and applies an operating force to a pair of clamping rods 111 and 112 to move the pair of clamping rods 111 and 112 in a direction that widens the interval between them. For this purpose, the interval operation device 130 is disposed on the setting frame 120 in a manner that allows it to move in the forward and backward directions, and includes an operation part 131, a push plate 132, and a transmission rod 133.

[0092] The operating part 131 has two rolling rollers R on the left and right sides respectively, and the rolling rollers R form protruding parts that protrude outwards to the left and right sides.

[0093] The rolling roller R is positioned corresponding to the location of the operating groove OG. Therefore, the rolling roller R, with a portion inserted into the operating groove OG, contacts the surface constituting the operating groove OG. That is, both ends of the operating portion 131 of the interval operating device 130 contact the clamping rods 111 and 112 via the rolling roller R. Therefore, when the interval operating device 130 moves rearward, the rolling roller R moves and contacts the inclined surface of the operating groove OG where the depth of the recess becomes shallower. Consequently, the interval operating device 130 naturally applies an operating force to the two clamping rods 111 and 112 in the direction that the gap between them widens.

[0094] Conversely, as the interval operating device 130 moves forward, the rolling roller R contacts the inclined surface of the operating groove OG, which has a deeper recess, thus naturally releasing the operating force applied to the two clamping rods 111 and 112.

[0095] The push plate 132 receives the external force applied to the spacing operation device 130 in the positive direction via the opener (not shown). That is, the opener applies a force backward through the push plate 132, thereby supplying a driving force that enables the spacing operation device 130 to move backward, and the spacing operation device 130 moves backward by means of this driving force of the opener.

[0096] The front end of the transmission rod 133 is fixedly connected to the push plate 132, and the rear end is fixedly connected to the side of the operating part 131, thereby transmitting the external force of the opener that pushes the push plate 132 backward to the operating part 131.

[0097] The elastic members 141 to 144 are configured such that one side is connected to the mounting frame 120 and the other side is connected to the clamping rods 111 and 112. Therefore, the elastic members 141 to 144 apply a spring force to the pair of clamping rods 111 and 112 in the direction that the gap between them narrows. Accordingly, if the operating force applied to the pair of clamping rods 111 and 112 by the spacing operating device 130 is removed, the pair of clamping rods 111 and 112 move in the direction that the gap between them narrows due to the spring force of the elastic members 141 to 144, thereby clamping the electronic component ED. From this viewpoint, the elastic members 141 to 144 function as operating members that generate and maintain the pressure required by the pair of clamping rods 111 and 112 to clamp the electronic component ED, and further function as a means of sealing the adapter 100. Of course, motors or cylinders can be considered as operating components, but in order to handle all widths of electronic components within the machining error range without the need for separate settings, it is most preferable to use elastic components such as springs to constitute the operating components.

[0098] The elastic members 141 to 144 determine the spacing between the pair of clamping rods 111 and 112 according to their degree of compression. Furthermore, this fact means that the elastic members 141 to 144 also function as variable elements that alter the clamping width between the pair of clamping rods 111 and 112 (the width that the pair of clamping rods need to be spaced apart for clamping electronic components). That is, depending on the degree of compression of the elastic members 141 to 144, the clamping rods 111 and 112 can clamp electronic components ED with various widths.

[0099] The support member 150 is provided to prevent the horizontally positioned electronic component ED from falling downwards when the pair of clamping rods 111, 112 are in a state of releasing the clamp on the electronic component ED. Therefore, the support member 150 has support protrusions that protrude upwards on the left and right sides, and a support platform 151 for supporting the lower end of the electronic component ED is formed on the support protrusions.

[0100] The support component 150 is generally formed as follows It may be U-shaped and fixed to the mounting frame 120, with support protrusions at both ends protruding upwards and passing through the through groove TG. A support platform 151 is provided on the upper side of the support protrusions. For reference, in this embodiment, the support member 150 is integrally disposed on the mounting frame 120, but according to the embodiment, it may be configured to be fixed to the mounting frame 120 by means of a fixing device or to be detachable from the mounting frame 120.

[0101] Next, the operation of the adapter 100 as described above will be explained.

[0102] As the initial or test electronic component ED is replaced, the operator places an adapter 100, matching the specifications of the test electronic component ED, onto the support 200. Then, when the operator moves the electronic component ED removed from the customer's tray to the adapter 100, the opener pushes the spacing operating device 130 backward. At this time, since the setting frame 120 is fixed to the support by a positioning slot (not shown), only the spacing operating device 130 moves backward under the pressure of the opener. During this process, the rolling roller R moves backward in contact with the inclined surface of the operating slot OG while applying a lateral force to the clamping rods 111, 112, thereby opening the adapter 100 as the gap between the two clamping rods 111, 112 widens.

[0103] When the adapter 100 is fully opened, the moving hand places the electronic component ED onto the adapter 100. At this time, the rear end of the electronic component ED is placed on the support platform 151, which serves as the support member 150, and the front end of the electronic component ED is placed on the support platform J, so that the electronic component ED is placed onto the adapter 100 while maintaining an accurate horizontal position.

[0104] Subsequently, if the moving hand releases the clamp on the electronic component ED and moves to another position, the release mechanism releases the external force applied to the spacing operating device 130. Then, by means of the elastic force of the elastic members 141 to 144, the gap between the two clamping rods 111 and 112 narrows, and the spacing operating device 130 is also pushed forward. During this process, the left and right ends of the electronic component ED are inserted into the guide slots GG of the clamping rods 111 and 112, thereby completing the clamping of the electronic component ED by means of the adapter 100. At this time, the degree of compression / expansion of the elastic members 141 to 144 will naturally change according to the left and right width of the electronic component ED within the processing error range.

[0105] At this time, due to the shape of the guide groove GG, the rear end of the electronic component ED can remain flat. Furthermore, even if the electronic component ED is bent to a certain extent, it can still be properly clamped by the clamping rods 111 and 112 through the guide groove GG. Moreover, even if there is a wider tolerance in the left and right width of the electronic component ED, because the width of the receiving groove AG is sufficiently wide, the rear end of the electronic component ED will not become stuck against the wall constituting the receiving groove AG.

[0106] Furthermore, the adapter 100, which is mounted on the bracket 200, is erected vertically. At this time, the lower end of the vertically erected electronic component ED is supported by the wall of the support platform J through the guide groove GG, thereby properly maintaining its mounting state.

[0107] The adapter 100, standing vertically, is held by the test hand 400, during which the position setting protrusion 121 is inserted into the position setting slot SG. Accordingly, the adapter 100 is held by the test hand 400, ensuring that the adapter 100 is in the accurate setting position. Furthermore, since the position of the setting frame 120 can also be fixed and maintained under subsequent external forces applied to the adapter 100, the position of the adapter 100 can ultimately also be fixed and maintained.

[0108] Next, if the test hand 400 moves the adapter 100 toward the tester TESTER side to accurately set the position between the adapter 100 and the test slot S, the opening element in the test hand 4 slightly pushes the spacing operation device 130 to slightly widen the gap between the two clamping rods 111, 112. In this state, the connecting element in the test hand 400 pushes the electronic component ED toward the test socket side, thereby inserting the rear end of the contact terminal T of the electronic component ED into the test slot S located in the test socket.

[0109] Furthermore, when the test is completed, the adapter 100 is operated to a fixed electronic component ED state, and then the electronic component ED is removed from the test slot S by the test hand 400. The removed electronic component ED is moved through the reverse process and is finally loaded onto the customer tray CT.

[0110] As described above, the present invention has been specifically described with reference to the embodiments in the accompanying drawings. However, the above embodiments are only preferred embodiments of the present invention and should not be construed as limiting the present invention to the above embodiments. The scope of the present invention should be understood as the scope of the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An adapter for a sorting machine for testing electronic components, comprising: A pair of clamping rods face each other and move linearly along the direction in which the gap between them narrows or widens, thereby clamping or releasing the rear end of the electronic component at both ends. The frame is configured to allow the pair of clamping rods to move linearly. An interval operating device is disposed in the setting frame for applying an operating force to the pair of clamping rods to move the pair of clamping rods in a direction that widens the interval between them; as well as An operating component applies pressure to the pair of clamping rods in a direction where the distance between them narrows, thereby causing the pair of clamping rods to move in the direction where the distance between them narrows if the operating force applied to the pair of clamping rods by means of the spacing operating device is released. Among them, on the pair of clamping rods, guide grooves are formed on the facing surfaces for clamping the two ends of the electronic components and guiding their movement in the front-to-back direction. The guide groove is formed in a slender manner along the front-to-back direction. The guide groove includes: a horizontal holding section, the vertical width of which is configured to keep the contact terminal of the rear end of the electronic component being clamped in a horizontal position horizontal; a width increasing section, the vertical width of which gradually widens from the front end of the horizontal holding section toward the front, so that the electronic component can be clamped even if it is bent; and an open section, the width of which is greater than or equal to the front end of the width increasing section toward the front.

2. The adapter for the electronic component testing sorting machine according to claim 1, wherein, The interval operating device is disposed in the mounting frame in a manner that allows it to move linearly in the front-back direction. The interval operation device includes: The operating part is equipped with both ends in contact with the pair of clamping rods, and when the pair of clamping rods move backward in a straight line by external force, an operating force is applied to the pair of clamping rods in the direction that the gap between the pair of clamping rods widens, and the operating force is released when the pair of clamping rods move forward in a straight line by removing the external force.

3. The adapter for the electronic component testing sorting machine according to claim 2, wherein, On the facing surfaces of the pair of clamping rods, at the points of contact with the operating portion, operating grooves are formed. The operating groove is formed as an inclined surface with a concave depth that tends to become shallower towards the rear. The operating part has a protruding part corresponding to the operating groove, and the protruding part contacts the inclined surface, thereby changing the interval between the pair of clamping rods according to the position of the operating part.

4. The adapter for the electronic component testing sorting machine according to claim 1, wherein, The operating component includes an elastic member, configured such that one side is supported by the setting frame and the other side is engaged with the pair of clamping rods.

5. The adapter for the electronic component testing sorting machine according to claim 1, wherein, The mounting frame has at least one position setting protrusion on each of its left and right sides, which can be inserted into a position setting slot for a test hand used to move the adapter.

6. The adapter for the electronic component testing sorting machine according to claim 1, wherein, A receiving groove for accommodating electronic components is formed at the front end of the frame. The left and right walls forming the receiving groove have support platforms on both sides that can support the front end of the electronic component, so that the front end of the electronic component can be inserted between the left and right walls forming the receiving groove and aligned by the support platforms.

7. The adapter for the electronic component testing sorting machine according to claim 6, wherein, The space for placing electronic components, including the guide slot and the receiving slot, is open in the front-back direction.

8. The adapter for the electronic component testing sorting machine according to claim 1, further comprising: The support component has a pair of support protrusions for supporting the lower end of the electronic component. Among them, a support platform is formed on the pair of support protrusions to prevent the lower part of the horizontally positioned electronic components from detaching. Through slots are formed on the pair of clamping rods to allow the support protrusions to pass through.

9. The adapter for the electronic component testing sorting machine according to claim 1, wherein, In the frame, at least one position fixing slot is formed on the left and right sides, into which a position fixing pin for placing the adapter bracket can be inserted.

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