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 clamping electronic components having various processing tolerances or curvatures. According to the present invention, electronic components having processing tolerances or curvatures occurring during manufacturing are properly clamped to the adapter, while the electronic components can also be accurately electrically connected to a tester, thus improving 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] Typically, SSDs come in various specifications depending on the type of electronic components they contain or their intended use, requiring 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.

[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 during one cycle of operation or continuous operation.

[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 manufacturing tolerance range, 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 adapter needs to clamp the SSD so that the terminals of the SSD placed in the adapter remain flat. However, during the production process of the substrate, the substrate is often manufactured in a bent state. Therefore, SSDs with electronic components are also manufactured with a bent state. Thus, even when there are multiple bent SSDs, they need to be placed in the adapter in a way that keeps the terminals flat. Summary of the Invention

[0020] 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 lengths within the error range.

[0021] In particular, the present invention was proposed with regard to the following technology: it enables the terminal portion of an electronic component with curvature on an adapter to be positioned in a way that is accurately flat.

[0022] An adapter for an electronic component testing sorting machine 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 end portions 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, on the facing surfaces of the pair of clamping rods, guide grooves formed elongated in the front-rear direction for clamping the ends of electronic components and guiding movement in the front-rear direction, and through grooves through which support protrusions of support members located on a support are allowed to pass.

[0023] The spacing operation device is disposed in the mounting frame in a manner that allows for linear movement in the front-back direction. The spacing operation device includes: an operation portion configured to contact the pair of clamping rods at both ends, and when the pair of clamping rods moves linearly backward by an external force, an operation force is applied to the pair of clamping rods in a direction that widens the gap between the pair of clamping rods, and the operation force is released when the external force is removed and the pair of clamping rods moves linearly forward. The pair of clamping rods have rolling rollers on their opposing sides for reducing friction with the operation portion, and the rolling rollers are configured to protrude further in a direction facing each other. The operation portion has an inclined portion whose width gradually narrows towards the rear, so that the inclined portion applies an operation force to the pair of clamping rods while moving rearward in contact with the rolling rollers.

[0024] It also includes: a pressurizing component, which is supported on one side by the setting frame and on the other side in contact with the interval operating device for elastically pressurizing the interval operating device backward.

[0025] The frame has guide rods that are elongated in the left-right direction to guide the movement of the pair of clamping rods. Through holes are formed on the clamping rods for the guide rods to be inserted through, and at least one of the guide rods has a region with a straight shape in a cross section cut in the front-back direction.

[0026] The mounting frame has multiple position setting protrusions on its left and right sides, which can be inserted into position setting slots for a test hand used to move the adapter.

[0027] A receiving groove is formed at the rear end of the frame to accommodate the rear end of the electronic component. The left and right width of the receiving groove is greater than the left and right width of the rear end of the electronic component, so that the rear end of the electronic component can be suspended in the air.

[0028] The guide groove has a horizontal holding section that keeps the held electronic component horizontal and a width increasing section that gradually widens from the front end of the horizontal holding section toward the front.

[0029] The guide groove has an open section located in front of the width-increasing section and is formed to have a width at least equal to or greater than the front end of the width-increasing section. The open section is further subdivided into a rear horizontal section and a front descending section, and the descending section is further expanded downward compared to the horizontal section.

[0030] In the frame, multiple positioning slots are formed on the left and right sides, into which the positioning pins for placing the adapter bracket can be inserted.

[0031] The mounting frame includes: a pair of mounting rods, with the pair of clamping rods positioned at the rear; and a clamping plate component for connecting the rear ends of the pair of mounting rods to prevent widening of the gap between the pair of mounting rods due to use, wherein the clamping plate component has an exposure window that exposes the contact terminals of electronic components.

[0032] According to the present invention, the following effects are achieved.

[0033] First, even if manufacturing tolerances occur during the manufacturing process, the electronic components can be properly clamped and positioned in the adapter.

[0034] Secondly, electronic components of various lengths can be appropriately housed in the adapter, thereby improving the versatility of the sorting machine.

[0035] Third, due to the tight clamping of the clamping rod caused by the elastic component and the ability to support the electronic components during posture changes due to the stepped structure of the guide groove, the electronic components can be properly maintained in their placement state, while the flatness of the terminal parts can be formed and maintained. This allows the electronic components to be accurately electrically connected to the tester, thus improving the reliability of the sorting machine. Attached Figure Description

[0036] Figure 1 This is a reference figure used to illustrate the electrical connection structure between electronic components and the test instrument.

[0037] Figure 2This 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.

[0038] Figure 3 It is aimed at Figure 2 A schematic 3D view of a sorting machine.

[0039] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of an adapter according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Figure 5 It is aimed at Figure 4 An exploded 3D view of the adapter.

[0041] Figure 6 It is for application Figure 4 A cutaway diagram of the adapter's clamping rod.

[0042] Figure 7 It is for those located in Figure 6 A virtual cutout of the guide groove of the clamping rod.

[0043] Figure 8 It is used for explanation Figure 7 An enlarged view showing the function of the guide groove.

[0044] Figure 9 It is used for explanation Figure 4 The relationship between the adapter and the test hand is shown in the figure.

[0045] Figure 10 It is used to describe the location Figure 4 The adapter's position is set according to the reference diagram.

[0046] Figure 11 This is a perspective view of an adapter according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] Figure 12 It is aimed at Figure 11 An exploded 3D view of the adapter.

[0048] Figure 13 It is for those located in Figure 10 A cutaway diagram of the adapter's clamping rod.

[0049] Figure 14 It is for those located in Figure 13 A virtual cutout of the guide groove of the clamping rod.

[0050] Figure 15 It is for those located in Figure 14 The front view of the adapter's guide rod.

[0051] Figure 16 It is aimed at Figure 15Example of a modified guide rod.

[0052] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0053] 100: Adapter for electronic component testing sorting machine; 111, 112 / 211, 212: Clamping rod; GG: Guide groove; HM: Horizontal holding range.

[0054] WG: Width Increase Range OG: Operation Slot

[0055] TH: Through hole; TG: Through groove

[0056] 120 / 220: Set the frame 121 / 221: Set the position of the protrusion

[0057] 125, 126 / 225, 226: Guide rod AG: Receiving slot

[0058] FG: Position fixing grooves 123, 124 / 223, 224: Setting rods 128, 228: Clamping plate component W: Exposure window

[0059] 130 / 230: Interval operating device; 131 / 231: Operating section

[0060] TP: Inclined part

[0061] 141, 142, 143, 144 / 241, 242, 243, 244: Elastic components

[0062] 161, 162 / 261, 262: Pressurizing components; R: Rolling rollers Detailed Implementation

[0063] 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.

[0064] <Instructions for electrical connections between electronic components and testing instruments>

[0065] 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.

[0066] 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.

[0067] <Illustrative explanation of the structure of the sorting machine>

[0068] Figure 2This 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.

[0069] The sorting machine HR according to this embodiment includes a connecting part CP, a stacker part SP, and a transfer device TA.

[0070] 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.

[0071] The stacker section SP stores and transports customer pallets CT loaded with electronic components ED to be tested to 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. 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.

[0072] 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.

[0073] <Illustrative process description of the electronic components involved in the adapter>

[0074] 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.

[0075] 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.

[0076] 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.

[0077] <Description of the adapter according to the first embodiment>

[0078] 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.

[0079] 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 pressure members 161, 162.

[0080] 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 where the interval between them narrows or widens. Therefore, if the interval 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 electronic component ED from both ends. And if the interval 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.

[0081] From such Figure 6 As can be clearly seen from the cutaway diagram, each of the pair of clamping rods 111 and 112 has two rolling rollers R arranged in the front-to-back direction. The rolling rollers R are configured to protrude more prominently than the clamping surfaces of the pair of clamping rods 111 and 112 in the direction they face each other.

[0082] And, as Figure 6As shown, a guide groove GG is elongated along the front-rear direction on the upper side of the rolling roller R on the facing surfaces of a pair of clamping rods 111 and 112. 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 to be tested for 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, the guide groove GG also functions to clamp the electronic component ED because both ends of the electronic component ED are inserted into and locked in the vertical direction within the guide groove GG.

[0083] 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.

[0084] The width of the horizontal maintenance 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 flatness at the location of the contact terminal T at the rear end of the electronic component ED while properly clamping both ends of the electronic component ED.

[0085] 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 or the curvature of the substrate itself in areas other than the area held by the moving hand, the two ends of the electronic component ED can be properly held by the two clamping rods 111 and 112.

[0086] The through section TS is formed with a predetermined width along the front-rear direction from the front end of the width-increasing section WG, corresponding to the front-rear width of the through groove TG through which the rear support protrusion sp of the support member SE in the bracket can pass. For reference, the support member SE can be raised and lowered. If it is raised, the upper end of the support protrusion sp passes through the through groove TG, thereby being in a state that can support the electronic component ED during the placement process. If it is lowered, the support for the electronic component ED is released. Of course, a support platform J for supporting the electronic component ED is formed on the support protrusion sp, and preferably, four or more are arranged in a symmetrical pattern in the front, back, left, and right directions. If such a support member SE is provided on the bracket, even if the adapter 100 has slight deformation, the fixed-position support protrusion sp can correspondingly prevent adverse conditions from occurring during the placement of the electronic component ED.

[0087] 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.

[0088] Furthermore, the guide slot GG is open in the front-to-back direction.

[0089] like Figure 8 As shown in the enlarged view, even when the electronic component ED is bent downwards, it has the following characteristics: Figure 7 The guide slot GG adapter 100 shown in the figure does not cause any problems when clamping the electronic component ED, and at the same time maintains the flatness 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 slot S.

[0090] The frame 120 is provided for setting up and supporting the clamping rods 111, 112, the interval operating device 130, the elastic members 141, 142, 143, 144, and the pressure members 161, 162.

[0091] The frame 120 has two protrusions 121 on its front end, one on the left and one on the right.

[0092] 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. 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.

[0093] As shown in this embodiment, if multiple positioning protrusions 221 are arranged on the left and right sides at predetermined intervals along the front-back direction, the front end of the adapter 200 held by the test hand 400 will rotate and descend due to gravity, thereby preventing improper clamping of the electronic component ED. Referring to... Figure 10 It can be seen that one of the two position setting protrusions 121 is a cylinder with a relatively small protrusion, while the other has a slightly larger protrusion and is roughly conical. Based on the above example, during the process of the test hand 400 clamping the adapter 200, the conical position setting protrusion 121 can help correct the position and posture of the adapter 100, while the cylindrical position setting protrusion 121 can help accurately maintain the set position, thereby eliminating defects caused by the manufacturing tolerances of the position setting protrusion 121.

[0094] 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.

[0095] 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. Since the lateral width of the receiving groove AG is wider than the lateral width of the front end of the electronic component ED, the front ends of the electronic component ED are not mechanically clamped or held by the adapter 100, but remain suspended in the air. This receiving groove AG, like the guide groove GG, is open in the front-rear direction. This means that the placement space for the adapter 100, which holds the electronic component, is open in the front-rear direction. In other words, the placement space including the guide groove GG and the receiving groove AG is open in the front-rear direction. Therefore, electronic components ED of various lengths can be placed across the guide groove GG and the receiving groove AG without being limited by their length.

[0096] Furthermore, in the frame 120, two position fixing slots FG are formed on each of the left and right sides, allowing the insertion of a position fixing pin into the rear end of the bracket. More than two position fixing slots FG may be formed on each of the left and right sides. The position fixing slots FG and the position fixing pins serve to correct and secure the position of the adapter 100 clamped to the bracket. Therefore, the adapter 100 is prevented from detaching when the bracket moves or rotates. Moreover, the position fixing slots FG and the position fixing pins function such that even if an external force in the front-back direction is applied to the adapter 100 attached to the bracket, the frame 120 can maintain its position.

[0097] Furthermore, in addition to having a pair of setting rods 123 and 124 with a pair of clamping rods 111 and 112 at the rear, the setting frame 230 also has a separate clamping plate component 128.

[0098] The clamping member 128 connects the rear ends of a pair of clamping rods 111, 112, thereby preventing the spacing between the setting rods 123, 124 from widening due to use caused by the continuous application of pressure from the elastic members 141 to 144. This clamping member 128 has an exposure window W that exposes the contact terminals T of the electronic component ED.

[0099] 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.

[0100] The operating part 131 has two inclined portions TP on each of its left and right sides along the front-back direction, the width of which gradually narrows towards the rear. Therefore, as the inclined portions TP move rearward in contact with the rolling rollers of the clamping rods 111 and 112, the operating part 131 applies an operating force to the pair of clamping rods 111 and 112 along the direction in which their spacing widens. Conversely, when the spacing operating device 130 moves forward, the operating force applied to the two clamping rods 111 and 112 is naturally released as the spacing operating device 130 moves forward.

[0101] 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.

[0102] 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.

[0103] 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.

[0104] 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 within manufacturing tolerances.

[0105] When the external force generated by the opener is removed, the pressurizing components 161 and 162 apply a forward elastic force to the spacing operating device, so that the spacing operating device 130 is smoothly reset forward. Since the pressurizing components 161 and 162 press the spacing operating mechanism 130 forward, it also helps to strengthen the clamping force of the elastic components 141 to 144 that apply elastic force to the pair of clamping rods 111 and 112 in a direction that narrows towards each other.

[0106] Next, the operation of the adapter 100 as described above will be explained.

[0107] 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. 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 mounting frame 120 is fixed to the support by the position fixing slot FG, only the spacing operating device 130 moves backward under the pressure of the opener. During this process, the inclined portion TP of the operating part 131 moves backward in contact with the rolling rollers R of the clamping rods 111, 112, and simultaneously applies a lateral force to the clamping rods 111, 112, thereby widening the gap between the two clamping rods 111, 112, and opening the adapter 100. Furthermore, as the support member SE of the support rises, the support protrusion sp is in a state capable of supporting the electronic component ED. Therefore, the rear end of the electronic component ED can be supported across the support platforms J located at four points on the support member SE.

[0108] Once the adapter 100 is fully opened, the movable hand that adsorbs and holds the upper surface of the electronic component ED will descend to the height where the rear end of the electronic component ED is placed on the support platform J. This descent process is also the process of transforming the curved rear end of the electronic component ED into a flat state. That is, the electronic component ED is lowered by the movable hand until it is flattened so that the left and right ends of its rear end are properly inserted into the guide grooves GG of the clamping members 111 and 112. Therefore, even if the electronic component ED is bent to a certain extent, it can be properly held by the clamping rods 111 and 112 through the guide grooves GG. Since the rear end of the electronic component ED is supported by the support platform J on four sides (front, back, left, and right), the rear end of the electronic component ED is flattened by the downward pressure applied by the movable hand. For this purpose, the point where the movable hand adsorbs and holds the component needs to be located between the four support points (preferably, the point where the two diagonals connecting every two support points intersect in the diagonal direction). Therefore, preferably, the support protrusions sp in the support member SE have at least four or more.

[0109] Next, with the rear portion of the electronic component ED supported by the support platform J, the external force applied to the spacing operation device 130 is released. Then, by the elastic force of the elastic members 141 to 144, the gap between the two clamping rods 111 and 112 is reduced, and the spacing operation device 130 is also pushed forward. During this process, the left and right ends of the electronic component ED are inserted into the guide grooves GG of the clamping rods 111 and 112, thereby completing the clamping of the electronic component ED by the adapter 100. At this time, due to the shape of the guide groove GG, the rear end portion of the electronic component ED (more specifically, the portion with the contact terminals) can remain flat. Furthermore, even if there is a wider tolerance in the left and right width of the electronic component ED, since the width of the receiving groove AG is wide enough, the rear end portion of the electronic component ED will not get stuck on the wall constituting the receiving groove AG.

[0110] If the electronic component ED is clamped by the clamping rods 111 and 112, the moving hand moves to other positions after releasing the clamp on the electronic component ED.

[0111] Furthermore, the adapter 100, which is subsequently placed on the bracket, is erected vertically. At this time, the lower end of the vertically erected electronic component ED is supported by the wall forming the guide groove GG and the support platform J. Furthermore, its placement is properly maintained by the pressure applied by the clamping rods 111 and 112 and the bending recovery force that may occur depending on the situation, thus being clamped in the guide groove GG. The adapter 100, which is vertically placed on the bracket as described above, is clamped by the test hand 400. During this process, the position setting protrusion 121 is inserted into the position setting groove SG. Accordingly, the adapter 100 is clamped by the test hand 400, so that the adapter 100 is in the accurate setting position. Moreover, since the position of the setting frame 120 can also be fixed and maintained under the external force subsequently applied to the adapter 100, the position of the adapter 100 can ultimately also be fixed and maintained.

[0112] Next, if the tester 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 open element in the tester 400 slightly pushes the spacing operation device 130 to slightly widen the gap between the two clamping rods 111 and 112. In this state, the connecting element in the tester 400 pushes the electronic component ED toward the test slot S side, thereby inserting the rear end of the contact terminal T of the electronic component ED into the test slot S.

[0113] 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.

[0114] <Description of the adapter according to the second embodiment>

[0115] Figure 11 This is a perspective view of the adapter 200 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Figure 12 It is aimed at Figure 11 Exploded perspective view of adapter 200.

[0116] The adapter 200 includes a pair of clamping rods 211, 212, a setting frame 220, an interval operating device 230, elastic members 241, 242, 243, 244 and pressure members 261, 262.

[0117] A pair of clamping rods 211 and 212 can be configured to face each other and can be guided by guide rods 225 and 226 provided on the mounting frame 220. They can move linearly in the left and right directions where the interval between them narrows or widens, thereby being in an open state of clamping or releasing the electronic component ED.

[0118] like Figure 13 As shown in the cutaway diagram, two operating grooves OG are formed on the opposite surfaces of a pair of clamping rods 211 and 212.

[0119] Operating grooves OG are formed at the contact points between the clamping rods 211 and 212 and the spacer operating device 230. Two operating grooves OG located on the same clamping rods 211 and 212 are formed side by side along the front-rear direction. Furthermore, the operating grooves OG are formed as inclined surfaces with a recessed depth that gradually becomes shallower towards the rear.

[0120] As shown in the first embodiment, a guide groove GG is formed elongated along the front-rear direction on the upper side of the operating groove OG on the facing surfaces of a pair of clamping rods 211 and 212. Similarly, as Figure 14 As shown in the virtual cutout diagram, the guide groove GG has, from rear to front, a horizontal maintaining section HM, a width increasing section WG, a through section TS, and an open section OS. However, in the second embodiment, the open section OS can be further subdivided into a rear horizontal section OS1 and a front descending section OS2, and in the descending section OS2, its width extends further downward, thereby appropriately accommodating the electronic component ED, which has a corresponding greater curvature.

[0121] A setting frame 220 is provided for setting and supporting clamping rods 211, 212, spacing operation device 230, elastic members 241 to 244, and pressure members 261, 262. The setting frame 220 in the second embodiment also includes a position setting protrusion 221, setting rods 223, 224, guide rods 225, 226, a receiving groove AG, a position fixing groove FG, and a clamping plate member 128 with an exposure window W.

[0122] However, as Figure 15 As shown in the cutaway front view, at least one of the guide rods 225 and 226 in the second embodiment (guide rod 226 in this embodiment) is formed such that, when viewed from the left and right directions in a cross-section cut along the front and back directions at both ends, the upper side has a straight shape. Furthermore, the guide rod 226 is joined to the mounting rods 223 and 224 in the area of ​​the straight shape, thereby preventing its rotation by means of the straight shape.

[0123] Furthermore, the guide rod of reference numeral 226 is flattened on the upper and lower sides of the middle region, forming a straight shape on both the upper and lower sides in a cross-section cut along the front-back direction. This prevents the upper side of the guide rod 226 from interfering with the electronic component ED and the lower side from interfering with the spacing operation device 230, while also ensuring a large cross-sectional area. Therefore, the toughness of the guide rod 226 is improved, thereby preventing the guide rod 226 from bending or deforming due to use.

[0124] Of course, in order to prevent rotation and maintain toughness, such as Figure 16 As shown, it is also possible to fully consider that the cross-section of the guide rod 226 has a quadrilateral shape throughout the entire region.

[0125] An interval operation device 230 is disposed on a mounting frame 220 and applies an operating force to a pair of clamping rods 211, 212 to move the pair of clamping rods 211, 212 in a direction that widens the interval between them. The interval operation device 230 in the second embodiment also includes an operation part 231, a push plate 232, and a transmission rod 233.

[0126] In the second embodiment, the operating portion 230 corresponds to the operating groove OG and has two rolling rollers R on each of its left and right sides. The rolling rollers R form protruding portions extending outwards from both sides. Furthermore, the rolling rollers R, with a portion inserted into the operating groove OG, contact 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 211 and 212 via the rolling rollers R. Therefore, when the interval operating device 230 moves rearward, the rolling rollers R, as they move, contact the inclined surface where the depth of the recess in the operating groove OG decreases. Thus, the interval operating device 230 naturally applies an operating force to the two clamping rods 211 and 212 in the direction where the gap between them widens. Conversely, when the interval operating device 230 moves forward, as the interval operating device 230 moves, the rolling rollers R contact the inclined surface where the depth of the recess in the operating groove OG gradually increases, thus naturally releasing the operating force applied to the two clamping rods 211 and 212.

[0127] The elastic components 241 to 244 and the pressure components 261 and 262 are the same as in the first embodiment.

[0128] The operation of the adapter 200 according to the second embodiment, as described above, is substantially the same as that of the adapter 100 in the first embodiment, and therefore its description is omitted.

[0129] 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 facing surfaces of the pair of clamping rods, there are guide grooves that are elongated in the front-back direction for clamping the two ends of the electronic components and guiding their movement in the front-back direction, and through grooves that allow support protrusions of the support components located on the bracket to pass through. The guide groove has a horizontal maintaining section, a width increasing section, a through section and an open section in sequence from rear to front. The through section is formed to have a predetermined width from the front end of the width increasing section along the front-rear direction and corresponds to the width of the through groove in the front-rear direction.

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 two ends that contact the pair of clamping rods, and when the pair moves backward in a straight line by an 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 when the pair moves forward in a straight line by removing the external force, the operating force is released. The pair of clamping rods have rolling rollers on their opposing sides to reduce friction with the operating part. Furthermore, the rolling rollers are configured to protrude further in a direction facing each other. The operating part has an inclined portion that gradually narrows in width towards the rear, so that the inclined portion moves backward in contact with the rolling roller while applying an operating force to the pair of clamping rods.

3. The adapter for the electronic component testing sorting machine according to claim 1 further includes: The pressurizing component, which is designed to elastically pressurize the interval operating device backward, is supported on one side by the frame and in contact with the interval operating device on the other side.

4. The adapter for the electronic component testing sorting machine according to claim 1, wherein, The frame has guide rods that are elongated in the left-right direction to guide the movement of the pair of clamping rods. The clamping rod has a through hole for the guide rod to be inserted through. Furthermore, at least one of the guide rods has a region with a straight-line shape in a cross-section cut along the front-back direction.

5. The adapter for the electronic component testing sorting machine according to claim 1, wherein, The mounting frame has multiple position setting protrusions on its left and right sides, which can be inserted into position setting slots 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 rear end of the frame. The width of the receiving groove is greater than the width of the rear end of the electronic component, so that the rear end of the electronic component can be suspended in the air.

7. The adapter for the electronic component testing sorting machine according to claim 1, wherein, A support platform for supporting the electronic component is formed on the support protrusion.

8. The adapter for the electronic component testing sorting machine according to claim 7, wherein, The open section is located in front of the width-increasing section and is formed to have a width at least equal to or greater than the front end of the width-increasing section. The open interval is further subdivided into a horizontal interval behind and a descending interval in front. Furthermore, the descending range expands further downwards compared to the horizontal range.

9. The adapter for the electronic component testing sorting machine according to claim 1, wherein, In the frame, multiple positioning slots are formed on the left and right sides, into which the positioning pins for placing the adapter bracket can be inserted.

10. The adapter of the electronic component testing sorting machine according to claim 1, wherein, The setup framework includes: A pair of setting rods, with the pair of clamping rods positioned at the rear; and A clamping plate component is used to connect the rear ends of the pair of setting rods to prevent widening of the gap between the pair of setting rods due to use. The clamping plate component has an exposure window that exposes the contact terminals of the electronic components.

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