Sorting machine for testing electronic components

Abstract

The invention relates to a sorting machine for testing electronic components. According to the sorting machine for testing the electronic components, if a moving hand moves the electronic components to a shelving device by taking the shelving device capable of shelving the electronic components as a medium, a testing hand moves the electronic components from the shelving device to a tester side, and then the electronic components and the tester are electrically connected. To this end, the present invention is characterized in a stacker section for supplying and recovering electronic components. According to the present invention, large electronic components such as a solid state drive can be automatically and electrically connected to a tester, and particularly, electronic components of various specifications can be processed, thereby having an effect of minimizing construction costs for testing electronic components.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application with the application date of March 2, 2022, application number "202210198748.1" and invention name "Sorting machine for electronic component testing". Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to a handler for electronic component testing that supports supplying electronic components to a tester so as to enable testing. Background Art

[0003] The electronic components produced (such as SSDs, circuit boards, semiconductor components, etc.) are tested by testers and classified into good and defective products, and only good products are shipped out.

[0004] Electronic components can only be tested when they are electrically connected to a tester. In this case, a device that supports testing of electronic components by electrically connecting the electronic components to the tester is an electronic component test handler (hereinafter referred to as a "handler").

[0005] Conventionally, relatively large electronic components such as solid-state drives (SSDs) have been tested by operators who directly connect or disconnect them to a tester. However, with the surge in demand for SSDs, the present applicant has developed a sorting machine for automatically handling SSDs, electrically connecting or disconnecting them to a tester, and the present invention relates to such a sorting machine.

[0006]

Prior art literature

[0007] [Patent Literature]

[0008] (Patent Document 1) Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2019-0050483

[0009] (Patent Document 2) Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2019-0061291 Summary of the Invention

[0010] The present invention is proposed to realize a sorting machine that can automatically supply large electronic components, particularly those having various specifications, such as solid-state drives, to a tester, or can recover and remove the electronic components from the tester.

[0011] According to the first form of the electronic component testing sorting machine of the present invention, it includes: a stacker part, which receives customer trays with electronic components to be tested or customer trays with electronic components that have been tested; a connecting part, which takes out the electronic components to be tested from the customer tray transmitted by the stacker part and electrically connects the electronic components to the tester, or places the electronic components tested by the tester on the customer tray; and a transferring part, which transfers the customer tray with electronic components to be tested from the stacker part to the connecting part, and transfers the customer tray with electronic components that have been tested from the connecting part to the stacker part, wherein the stacker part includes: at least one entry and exit stacker, which is used to receive customer trays with electronic components to be tested from the outside, or to transfer customer trays with electronic components that have been tested to the outside; and at least one storage stacker, which stores customer trays received from the outside by the entry and exit stacker The tray, or the customer tray that needs to be transported to the outside through the entry and exit stacker is stored before being transported to the entry and exit stacker; and the conveyor supplies the customer tray loaded with electronic components that need to be tested and placed on the entry and exit stacker or the storage stacker to the transfer part, and recovers the customer tray loaded with electronic components that have completed the test from the transfer part and loads it on the entry and exit stacker or the storage stacker, wherein the connecting part includes: a shelf that can hold electronic components; a moving hand that moves the electronic components that need to be tested by the customer tray transferred from the stacker part by the transfer part and places the electronic components on the shelf, or moves the electronic components that have completed the test and placed on the shelf to the customer tray; and a testing hand that moves the electronic components that need to be tested and placed on the shelf and electrically connects the electronic components to the tester, or moves the electronic components that have completed the test and places the electronic components on the shelf.

[0012] By installing an adapter for placing electronic components on the holder, the holder can place electronic components via the adapter. The moving hand places the electronic components to be tested on the adapter or takes out the electronic components that have completed the test from the adapter. The testing hand moves the electronic components placed on the holder to electrically connect the electronic components to the tester.

[0013] The adapter can be detachably mounted on the holder, and the test hand moves the electronic component placed on the adapter by moving the adapter.

[0014] The connecting portion further includes a reciprocating mover that moves the shelf between a first operating area where the moving hand operates and a second operating area where the testing hand operates; wherein the first operating area and the second operating area are separated from each other.

[0015] The connecting part also includes: a converter, which converts the posture of the electronic component placed on the shelf from a horizontal position to a vertical position, or from a vertical position to a horizontal position by rotating the shelf, wherein the moving hand can clamp the horizontal electronic component and the testing hand can clamp the vertical electronic component.

[0016] The converter converts the posture of the electronic component so that the terminal side portion of the electronic component can be inserted into the test slot.

[0017] The stacker part also includes: at least one buffer stacker, which is equipped separately from the entry and exit stacker and the storage stacker, and the conveyor can temporarily load and place the cover pallet or customer pallet located at the entry and exit stacker or the storage stacker on the buffer stacker, and the cover pallet is a pallet covering the upper customer pallet of the customer pallet in a bundle, wherein the buffer stacker includes: a support member, which supports the side of the cover pallet or customer pallet accommodated in the storage space while forming a storage space capable of accommodating the cover pallet or customer pallet; and a support plate, which supports the cover pallet or customer pallet accommodated in the storage space.

[0018] The buffer stacker may further include a lifter for lifting and lowering the support plate.

[0019] According to the second form of the present invention, a sorting machine for electronic component testing includes: a holder capable of holding a solid-state drive; a moving hand that clamps the solid-state drive placed in a horizontal position on a customer tray by vacuum adsorption and moves the solid-state drive to the holder; a converter that rotates the solid-state drive placed on the holder by rotating the holder, thereby changing the posture of the solid-state drive; and a testing hand that clamps the solid-state drive whose posture is changed by the converter or the adapter on which the solid-state drive is placed and electrically connects the solid-state drive or the adapter to a tester, wherein the converter rotates the holder so that the solid-state drive rotates with a virtual line that is a long straight line in the direction of movement of the solid-state drive and divides the terminal side of the solid-state drive into two halves as a rotation axis, so as to insert the terminal side of the solid-state drive into the test slot of the tester.

[0020] According to the present invention, a large electronic component (such as a solid-state drive) can be automatically electrically connected to a tester, and in particular, electronic components of various specifications can be processed, thereby minimizing the construction cost for testing electronic components. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] Figure 1 This is a reference diagram used to explain the electrical connection structure between electronic components and a tester.

[0022] Figure 2 It is a schematic plan view of a handler for electronic component testing according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 3 It is aimed at Figure 2 Schematic perspective view of a sorting machine.

[0024] Figure 4 It is applied to Figure 2 Extraction diagram of the stacker portion of the sorter.

[0025] Figure 5 It is applied to Figure 4 Extraction diagram of the stacker crane for entering and exiting the stacker crane part.

[0026] Figure 6 It is aimed at Figure 5 Exploded perspective view of the access stacker.

[0027] Figure 7 It is used to describe the application Figure 5 Schematic reference diagram of the function of the first shutter of the access stacker.

[0028] Figure 8 It is shown that the application Figure 5 Schematic reference diagram of the forward and backward states of the storage container of the input and output stacker.

[0029] Figure 9 It is applied to Figure 5 Extraction diagram of the first forward and reverse mover of the stacker for entry and exit.

[0030] Figure 10 It is shown that the application Figure 5 Schematic reference diagram of the rotation of the storage container of the loading and unloading stacker.

[0031] Figure 11 It is applied to Figure 5 Extraction diagram of the first mover of the stacker crane for entry and exit.

[0032] Figure 12 It is used to describe the application Figure 11Conceptual diagram of the rotation axis of the first mover.

[0033] Figure 13 It is applied to Figure 2 Extraction diagram of the stacker used for storage of the sorting machine.

[0034] Figure 14 It is applied to Figure 4 Extraction diagram of the conveyor of the stacker crane section.

[0035] Figure 15 It is applied to Figure 14 Extraction diagram of the first gripper of the conveyor.

[0036] Figure 16 It is applied to Figure 14 Extraction diagram of the second gripper of the conveyor.

[0037] Figure 17 It is aimed at Figure 16 Exploded view of the second gripper.

[0038] Figure 18 is extracted Figure 16 Extraction diagram of a portion of the second gripper.

[0039] Figure 19 is applied to Figure 4 Extraction diagram of the buffer stacker crane part of the stacker crane.

[0040] Figure 20 It is applied to Figure 19 Extraction diagram of the lifter of the buffer stacker crane.

[0041] Figure 21 It is applied to Figure 2 Extracted diagram of the connection part of the sorting machine.

[0042] Figure 22 It is for Figure 21 Extracted graph of the main parts of the connected part.

[0043] Figure 23 It is for Figure 21 Extraction diagram of the main parts of the shelf.

[0044] Figure 24 It is for Figure 21 Extraction diagram of the main parts of the shelf.

[0045] Figure 25 It is for Figure 21 Extracted image of the test hand with the connected part.

[0046] Figure 26 It is applied to Figure 25 Extraction diagram of the gripping member of the test hand;

[0047] Figure 27 It is applied to Figure 25 Extraction diagram of the open component of the test hand;

[0048] Figure 28 It is applied to Figure 25 Extracted diagram of the connected components of the test hand;

[0049] Figure 29 It is applied to Figure 2 Schematic perspective view of the transfer part of the sorting machine.

[0050] Figure 30 It is applied to Figure 29 Schematic extracted view of the feeder of the transfer part.

[0051] Figure 31 It is applied to Figure 29 Schematic extracted view of the supply lifter for the transfer part.

[0052] Figure 32 It is applied to Figure 29 Schematic extracted diagram of the conveyor of the transfer part.

[0053] Figure 33 Various forms of solid-state drives as one type of electronic component are exemplified.

[0054] Figure 34 is a reference diagram for explaining the rotation of a solid-state drive.

[0055] Explanation of symbols

[0056] HR: Sorting machine for electronic component testing SP: Stacker part

[0057] 100: Stacker for loading and unloading 200: Stacker for storage

[0058] 400: Conveyor 500: Buffer stacker

[0059] 511: Support member 512: Support plate

[0060] 513: Lifter CP: Connecting part

[0061] 610: Shelf 620: Moving Hand

[0062] 640: Converter 650: Reciprocating mover

[0063] 660: Test Hand TP: Transfer Part DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0064] Preferred embodiments according to the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. For the sake of brevity, descriptions of repeated or substantially identical configurations will be omitted or shortened as much as possible.

[0065] <Explanation on Electrical Connections between Electronic Components and Tester>

[0066] The handler according to the present invention is more suitable for use in a case where the contact terminal side of an electronic component such as a solid state drive (SSD) is inserted into a test slot of a tester.

[0067] For example, Figure 1 As shown, the tester TESTER is equipped with a test slot S. By inserting the terminal T side portion of the electronic component ED into the test slot S, the electronic component ED is electrically connected to the tester TESTER.

[0068] <Schematic Description of the Overall Structure of the Sorting Machine>

[0069] Figure 2 is a schematic plan view of a sorting machine HR according to an embodiment of the present invention, Figure 3 It is aimed at Figure 2 Schematic perspective view of a sorting machine HR.

[0070] The sorting machine HR according to the present embodiment includes a stacker portion SP, a connecting portion CP, and a transfer portion TP.

[0071] The stacker section SP receives customer trays CT containing electronic components ED. This stacker section SP is used to receive customer trays CT containing electronic components ED requiring testing from the outside, or to deliver customer trays CT containing tested electronic components ED to the outside. Furthermore, the stacker section SP is used to store customer trays CT brought in from the outside or waiting to be unloaded.

[0072] The connection part CP takes out the electronic components ED from the customer tray CT transferred from the stacker part SP and electrically connects them to the tester TESTER located behind, or sorts the electronic components ED tested by the tester TESTER according to the test level and places them on the customer tray CT.

[0073] The transfer section TP transfers customer trays CT between the stacker section SP and the connection section CP. Specifically, customer trays CT containing electronic components ED requiring testing are supplied from the stacker section SP to the connection section CP via the transfer section TP, while customer trays CT containing tested electronic components ED are returned from the connection section CP to the stacker section SP via the transfer section TP.

[0074] The following will classify each part (SP, CP, TP) according to the catalog and provide a more detailed explanation.

[0075] <Explanation for stacker crane>

[0076] like Figure 4 As shown in the schematic extraction diagram of FIG, the stacker section SP includes five loading and unloading stackers 100, five storage stackers 200, five stackers 300, a conveyor 400, and two buffer stackers 500. In the following description of this stacker section SP, "outside" and "inside" are defined based on the arrangement relationship between the stackers 100, 200, and 300 and the conveyor 400. That is, the side from the conveyor 400 toward the stackers 100, 200, and 300 (at Figure 2 The left side in the plan view of the stacker is defined as the “outer side”, and the side from the stackers of symbols 100, 200 and 300 toward the conveyor 400 is defined as the “inner side” (in the Figure 2 on the right side of the plan view).

[0077] 1. Description of the stacker crane for entry and exit

[0078] The stacker cranes 100 for loading and unloading all have the same structure and are arranged in a horizontal direction (with Figure 2 There are 5 arranged side by side (front and back direction based on the picture).

[0079] The in-and-out stacker 100 is used to receive customer trays CT in bundles containing electronic components ED to be tested from the outside, or to deliver customer trays CT in bundles containing electronic components ED that have been tested to the outside. In other words, the five in-and-out stackers 100 can be used to move customer trays CT into the sorting machine HR or to move customer trays CT out of the sorting machine HR according to control. For this purpose, Figure 5 Extraction diagram and Figure 6 As shown in the exploded perspective view of , the loading and unloading stacker 100 includes a storage container 110 , a first shutter 120 , a moving plate 130 , a base plate 140 , a first forward and backward moving device 150 , a rotator 160 , and a first moving device 170 .

[0080] The accumulator 110 can store customer pallets CT in bundles. Specifically, multiple customer pallets CT are brought into or unloaded from the sorting machine HR by human operators or an automated system. Alternatively, a separate cover tray can cover the topmost customer pallet CT. Therefore, the accumulator 110 must ensure a first storage space S1 to accommodate customer pallets CT received from or delivered to the outside in bundles. To this end, the accumulator 110 includes first supports 111o and 111i and a rotating plate 112.

[0081] The first supports 111o and 111i support the corners of the four sides of the customer tray CT, thereby preventing the customer tray CT stored in the first storage space S1 from escaping. Therefore, the first supports 111o and 111i define the first storage space S1 capable of storing the customer tray CT on the inner sides of the edges connecting them.

[0082] The rotating plate 112 is rotatably disposed and is provided with a conveyor belt 171 for connecting the first shutter 120 and the first mover 170 described later. Obviously, the customer tray CT is placed on the conveyor belt 171. Furthermore, the first supports 111o and 111i are fixedly provided on the rotating plate 112.

[0083] The first shutter 120 rotates the first support member 111i located on the inner side of the sorting machine HR in the forward or reverse direction, so that the first support member 111i can support the side surfaces of the four inner corners of the customer tray CT, or as shown in FIG. Figure 7 At this time, if the first supporting member 111i is in a state of releasing the support for the four inner corners of the customer tray CT, the first storage space S1 is opened inward, so that the customer tray CT can move inward.

[0084] The moving plate 130 is provided to be movable in the inner and outer directions, and is provided with a rotator 160 to be described later.

[0085] The base plate 140 is fixed, and the movable plate 130 is track-coupled to the rail R on the base plate so as to be movable inward and outward. Furthermore, the base plate 140 is provided with a second cylinder 153 of the first forward and backward moving device 150 and an operating motor 172 of the first moving device 170 , which will be described later.

[0086] As reference Figure 8 As shown in the conceptual diagrams (a) and (b), the first forward and backward moving device 150 moves the storage container 110 forward to the outside of the sorting machine HR to become Figure 8 After the state (a) is reached, the container 110 is moved back again to return to the state as shown in FIG. Figure 8 's original position shown in (b). According to this embodiment, the storage stacker 200 is located on the upper side of the in-and-out stacker 100. Therefore, it is difficult for the operator or the automation system to store the customer pallet CT in the storage unit 110 or to recover the customer pallet CT stored in the storage unit 110. In order to solve this problem, in this embodiment, the storage unit 110 is moved forward to the outside of the sorting machine HR by the first forward-backward moving device 150, so that the operator or the automation system can store the customer pallet CT in the first storage space S1 or recover the customer pallet CT from the first storage space S1. Furthermore, if the customer pallet CT is stored in the first storage space S1 or the customer pallet CT is recovered from the first storage space S1, the first forward-backward moving device 150 moves the storage unit 110 backward to the inside of the sorting machine HR, thereby restoring the storage unit 110 to its original position. For this reason, as Figure 9 As shown in the extracted diagram, the first forward and backward moving device 150 is composed of a first cylinder 151, a support plate 152, and a second cylinder 153.

[0087] Since the piston rod of the first cylinder 151 is coupled to the movable plate 130 , when the first cylinder 151 is operated, the movable plate 130 moves once inward and outward directions.

[0088] The support plate 152 is track-coupled to the base plate 140 so as to be movable inward and outward. A first air cylinder 151 is fixedly mounted on the support plate 152 .

[0089] The second cylinder 153 is fixed to the base plate 140, and its piston rod is coupled to the support plate 152. Therefore, when the second cylinder 153 is operated, the support plate 152 moves inward and outward directions, so that the moving plate 130 performs a secondary movement.

[0090] As described above, the two air cylinders 151 and 153 are used to enable the movable plate 130 to be repeatedly moved, thereby ensuring a sufficient moving distance of the container 110 .

[0091] The rotator 160 rotates the rotating plate 112 forward or reverse at an angle of 90 degrees. Therefore, considering the electrical connection direction between the electronic component ED and the tester TESTER, even if the customer tray CT supplied by the conventional automation system is supplied in a direction having a difference equivalent to 90 degrees, the direction of the customer tray CT can be corrected by the operation of the rotator 160. For example, in the case where the conventional automation system supplies the customer tray CT in the correct direction, there is no need to operate the rotator 160. However, if the conventional automation system supplies the customer tray CT in a direction having a difference equivalent to 90 degrees from the normal direction, as shown in FIG. Figure 10As shown in the conceptual diagram, after the rotator 160 is operated to rotate the accumulator 110 90 degrees forward, if the customer tray CT is stored in the first storage space S1, it is rotated 90 degrees in the reverse direction to correct the orientation of the customer tray CT. Therefore, regardless of the type of electronic components ED, the existing automated system can be used to smoothly load and unload customer trays CT into and out of the sorting machine HR. Of course, to minimize installation space, the rotator 160 is preferably implemented and controlled so that it rotates only when the accumulator 110 is advancing toward the exterior of the sorting machine HR.

[0092] For reference, in this embodiment, the rotator 160 is configured by the cylinder 161 , the rack 162 , the pinion 163 , etc. However, any configuration that can rotate the rotating plate 112 may be appropriately applied depending on the embodiment.

[0093] The first mover 170 is configured to move the bundled customer pallets CT stored in the storage container 110 inwards to allow the customer pallets CT to exit the first storage space S1, or to move the customer pallets CT transferred from the inside inwards to allow the customer pallets CT to enter the first storage space S1. Figure 11 As shown in the extracted diagram, the first mover 170 is implemented as a conveyor belt 171. However, any structure capable of moving bundles of customer pallets CT inward and outward is not limited to a conveyor belt structure. The first mover 170 includes a driving motor 172 for driving the conveyor belt 171, a rotating shaft 173, and a power transmission device 174.

[0094] The operating motor 172 provides power for the circulating movement of the conveyor belt 171 .

[0095] The rotating shaft 173 is rotated by the power of the operating motor 172 .

[0096] The power transmitter 174 transmits the rotational force of the rotating shaft 173 to the conveyor belt 171 .

[0097] For reference, Figure 12 As shown in the conceptual diagram, the rotating shaft 173 is divided into an upper shaft 173T, a lower shaft 173B, and a movable shaft 173M. The movable shaft 173M coupled to the lower shaft 173B is raised and lowered by the lifting member 175, so that the upper shaft 173T and the movable shaft 173M can be coupled to or released from each other and separated. Therefore, when the movable plate 130 is in a state of moving forward, backward, or moving outward, as shown in FIG. Figure 12As shown in (a) of FIG. 1 , the movable shaft 173M is lowered by the lifting member 175 so that the upper shaft 173T and the movable shaft 173M are separated from each other, thereby preventing interference between the rotating shaft 173 and the movable plate 130. Of course, when the movable plate 130 is restored to its original position, especially when the first mover 170 is operated to withdraw the customer trays CT in bundles from the first storage space S1, as shown in FIG. Figure 12 As shown in (b), the movable shaft 173M needs to be raised by the lifting member 175 so that the movable shaft 173M is coupled to the upper shaft 173T, thereby transmitting the power of the operating motor 172 to the conveyor belt 171 through the rotating shaft 173 and the power transmission device 174. For reference, the lower shaft 173B is connected to the operating motor 172, and the upper shaft 173T is gear-engaged with the power transmission device 174.

[0098] Next, the operation of the loading and unloading stacker 100 will be described.

[0099] First, when bundled customer trays CT are supplied by an operator or an automated system, the first forward / reverse mover 150 operates, moving the accumulator 110 forward toward the outside of the sorting machine HR. In this state, the bundled customer trays CT are lowered from above and loaded into the first storage space S1. If the orientation of the customer trays CT requires adjustment, the rotator 160 is activated before the accumulator 110 is lowered, rotating the accumulator 110 forward by 90 degrees. Once the bundled customer trays CT are stored in the first storage space S1, the rotator 160 is activated in the reverse direction, rotating the accumulator 110 backward by -90 degrees.

[0100] When the customer trays CT in bundles are stored in the first storage space S1, the first forward and backward mover 150 is operated to move the accumulator 110 backward toward the inside of the sorter HR, thereby returning the accumulator 110 to its original position.

[0101] Furthermore, to move the bundled customer trays CT located in the first storage space S1 inward, the first shutter 120 is operated to rotate the first support members 111i located inward, thereby opening the first storage space S1 inward. Furthermore, in this state, the first mover 170 is operated to move the bundled customer trays CT inward, thereby allowing the bundled customer trays CT to exit inward from the first storage space S1.

[0102] 2. Description of stacker cranes for storage

[0103] The five storage stackers 200 all have the same structure and are located below the in-and-out stacker 100. They are used to store customer pallets CT in bundles received from the outside by the in-and-out stacker 100, or to store customer pallets CT in bundles that need to be transported to the outside by the in-and-out stacker 100 before they are transported to the in-and-out stacker 100. For this purpose, Figure 13 As shown in the extracted diagram of , the storage stacker 200 includes four second supports 211 o and 211 i , a second shutter 220 , and a second mover 270 .

[0104] The four supporting members 211 o and 211 i support the four corners of the customer tray CT and form a second storage space S2 capable of storing the customer tray CT.

[0105] The second shutter 220 and the second mover 270 are substantially the same as the first shutter 120 and the first mover 170 , respectively, and thus their descriptions are omitted.

[0106] 3. Description of Stacker 300

[0107] The five stackers 300 all have the same structure and are located below the loading and unloading stacker 100. Since the stackers 300 have substantially the same structure as the loading and unloading stacker 100 or the storage stacker 200, detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0108] The stacker 300 can be applied to various uses as exemplified below.

[0109] For example, when the cover pallet covers the uppermost customer pallet CT among the customer pallets CT in bundle units, any of the stackers 300 can be used for storing the cover pallet.

[0110] For example, the stacker 300 can be used to store a customer tray CT on which a small number of electronic components ED determined to be defective are placed.

[0111] For example, the stacker 300 can be used to sort non-defective electronic components ED according to test levels and temporarily store them.

[0112] For example, when it is difficult to move the customer pallet CT using the current loading / unloading stacker 100 or the storage stacker 200 , the stacker 300 can be used for a temporary standby purpose.

[0113] That is, the stacker 300 can function as a multi-purpose stacker that can be applied to various purposes according to control.

[0114] Furthermore, it is preferable that the stacker 300 has a smaller storage capacity for customer trays CT than the loading / unloading stacker 100 or the storage stacker 200 to prevent the sorter HR from becoming larger.

[0115] 4. Description of the conveyor

[0116] The conveyor 400 is provided to be responsible for the following movement of customer pallets CT in the stacker section SP: moving customer pallets CT in bundles at a time between the loading and unloading stacker 100 and the storage stacker 200, or supplying customer pallets CT in single sheets (i.e., one sheet) located in the loading and unloading stacker 100 or the storage stacker 200 to the transfer device TA. Of course, the conveyor 400 also moves customer pallets CT in single sheets transferred by the transfer device TA to the stackers 100, 200, and 300. For this purpose, Figure 14 As shown in the extracted diagram of , the conveyor 400 includes a first clamper 410, a second clamper 420, a lifter 430 and a horizontal mover 440.

[0117] The first clamper 410 is provided on the upper side of the second clamper 420 and can clamp or release the customer pallets CT in bundles at one time. Figure 15 As shown in the extracted diagram, the first clamper 410 includes third supporting members 411o and 411i, a third shutter 412, and a third mover 413.

[0118] The third supports 411o and 411i support the sides of the four corners of the bundled customer trays CT and form a storage space S3 therein for storing the bundled customer trays CT. The third supports 411o and 411i are connected to the upper surface of the connection plate JP.

[0119] The third shutter 412 rotates the third support member 411o located in the outer direction to allow the bundled customer pallets CT, which are horizontally moved inward or outward, to enter or exit the storage space S3. In other words, the storage space S3 is opened or closed to the outside according to the rotation state of the third support member 411o by the operation of the third shutter 412.

[0120] The third mover 413 is equipped to horizontally move the customer trays CT in bundle units entering or exiting the storage space S3 , and is implemented in the same manner as the first mover 170 to include a conveyor belt 413 a in this embodiment.

[0121] The second clamper 420 is positioned below the first clamper 410. Specifically, the first clamper 410 and the second clamper 420 are aligned vertically and joined together with a joint plate JP sandwiched between them. Specifically, the first clamper 410 and the second clamper 420 are also attached to the joint plate JP.

[0122] The second clamper 420 can clamp or release the customer tray CT in units of single sheets. Figure 16 Extraction diagram, Figure 17 Exploded perspective diagram and Figure 18 As shown in the partially extracted figure, the second clamper 420 includes a first forward and backward moving plate 421, a second forward and backward moving plate 422, a pair of clamping rods 423, a pair of spacing adjustment sources 424, and a second forward and backward moving device 425.

[0123] The first forward and backward movable plate 421 is coupled to the coupling plate JP rail so as to be movable forward and backward in the inner and outer directions.

[0124] The second forward / reverse movable plate 422 is track-coupled with the first forward / reverse movable plate 421 so as to be movable forward / reverse inward / outward directions.

[0125] A pair of gripping bars 423 are provided on the second forward and backward movable plate 422 so as to face each other in the front-rear direction in the figure, and have gripping hooks GH for gripping customer trays CT in units of individual sheets.

[0126] The pair of gap adjustment sources 424 provide power for reducing or increasing the gap between the pair of clamping bars 423. Therefore, depending on the operating state of the pair of gap adjustment sources 424, the pair of clamping bars 423 are in a state of clamping the customer pallet CT or a state of releasing the clamping.

[0127] The second forward / backward moving device 425 provides a forward / backward moving force that enables the first forward / backward moving plate 421 and the second forward / backward moving plate 422 to move forward / backward inward and outward directions. The second forward / backward moving device 425 has a dual conveyor belt structure and includes a drive motor 425a, a first conveyor belt 425b, and a second conveyor belt 425c.

[0128] The driving motor 425a provides power to rotate the first conveyor belt 425b and the second conveyor belt 425c in a circular manner.

[0129] The first conveyor belt 425b is provided on the coupling plate JP and is coupled to the first forward / reverse moving plate 421 so that the first forward / reverse moving plate 421 moves linearly inward and outward directions by the cyclic rotation of the first conveyor belt 425b.

[0130] The second conveyor belt 425c is attached to the first forward / reverse movable plate 421. Furthermore, the second forward / reverse movable plate 422 is coupled to one side of the second conveyor belt 425c at point P1. A coupling member JE is interposed at point P2 on the other side of the second conveyor belt 425c and coupled to the coupling plate JP. To prevent interference between the coupling member JE and the first forward / reverse movable plate 421, a through hole TH is formed in the first forward / reverse movable plate 421 along the inner and outer sides, allowing the coupling member JE to pass through.

[0131] For reference, it is preferable to equip the second clamper 420 with a pressure plate PP elastically supported by an elastic member E, such as a spring, to elastically pressurize the upper surface of the clamped customer pallet CT, thereby stably clamping the customer pallet CT. Of course, the elastic member E is positioned between the pressure plate PP and the second forward / reverse movable plate 422. Furthermore, in this embodiment, a first forward / reverse movable plate 421 and a second forward / reverse movable plate 422 are provided to ensure sufficient travel distance for the clamping rod 423, and dual conveyor belts 425b and 425c are employed. However, it is also possible to equip only one forward / reverse movable plate with the clamping rod 423, and for the second forward / reverse movable plate 425 to move only one forward / reverse movable plate in the inward and outward directions.

[0132] The lifter 430 moves the first clamper 410 and the second clamper 420 coupled to each other together in a vertical direction.

[0133] The horizontal mover 440 moves the lifter 430 in the horizontal direction, thereby moving the first gripper 410 and the second gripper 420 coupled to the lifter 430 together in the horizontal direction. Here, the horizontal direction refers to the horizontal line direction perpendicular to the direction in which the customer tray CT in bundles moves inward or outward (in the horizontal direction). Figure 2 (in the figure, the front-to-back direction).

[0134] Next, the operation of the second gripper 420 will be described by taking an example of gripping a customer tray CT in units of individual sheets from the storage stacker 200 .

[0135] The lifter 430 and horizontal mover 440 operate to position the second gripper 420 corresponding to the storage stacker 200 requiring operation. The second forward / reverse mover 425 then operates to move the second forward / reverse movable plate 422 into the second storage space S2 of the storage stacker 200. This causes the pair of clamping rods 423 to engage the front and rear sides of the uppermost customer pallet CT. The gap adjustment source 424 then operates to narrow the gap between the pair of clamping rods 423, thereby clamping the customer pallet CT. At this point, the clamping hooks GH enter the gap between the upper customer pallet CT and the lower customer pallet CT. The lifter 430 then slightly raises the second gripper 420, completely separating the upper customer pallet CT held by the second gripper 420 from the lower customer pallet CT so that they do not interfere with each other. The second forward / reverse mover 425 then operates in the reverse direction, allowing the second forward / reverse movable plate 420 to exit the second storage space S2. By the above operation, the conveyor 400 can take out the customer tray CT in units of one sheet from the storage stacker 200. Of course, by the reverse operation, the conveyor 400 can also move the customer tray CT in units of one sheet to the storage stacker 200.

[0136] That is, the conveyor 400 of this embodiment can move bundles of customer trays CT all at once using the first gripper 410, or can move only one customer tray CT per sheet using the second gripper 420. Therefore, the operation of moving bundles of customer trays CT or the operation of moving individual sheet trays CT can be prevented from interfering with each other, thereby preventing the sorting machine HR from becoming excessively large.

[0137] 5. Description of buffer stacker

[0138] To facilitate the rapid and smooth logistics of customer pallets CT, the two buffer stackers 500 are spaced apart from the inlet / outlet stacker 100 , the storage stacker 200 , and the stacker 300 . In this embodiment, the two buffer stackers 500 are located below the second gripper 420 .

[0139] like Figure 19 As shown in the extracted diagram of , the buffer stacker 500 is equipped with four fourth supports 511 , a support plate 512 , a lifter 513 , a setting plate 514 and four guides 515 .

[0140] The fourth support member 511 forms a fourth storage space S4 capable of storing the cover tray and supports four corner sides of the cover tray stored in the fourth storage space S4 .

[0141] The support plate 512 supports the cover tray accommodated in the fourth accommodation space S4 .

[0142] The lifter 513 makes the support plate 512 rise and fall. Figure 20 As shown in the extracted diagram, it includes a lifting motor 513a, a transmission belt 513b, a lifting shaft 513c and a rotating component 513d.

[0143] The lifting motor 513a generates power for lifting the lifting shaft 513c.

[0144] The transmission belt 513 b transmits the lifting rotation force generated by the lifting motor 513 a to the rotating member 513 d .

[0145] The lifting shaft 513 c is in the form of a long rod extending in the vertical direction, and is ultimately coupled to the installation plate 514 so as to be able to be lifted.

[0146] The rotating member 513d is rotatably coupled to the mounting plate 514. The lifting shaft 513c and the rotating member 513d are coupled with bolts and nuts. When the rotating member 513d rotates due to the operation of the lifting motor 513a, the lifting shaft 513c, which is prohibited from rotating, is raised or lowered.

[0147] The installation plate 514 is provided for installing the support member 511, the lifting motor 513a, the lifting shaft 513c and the rotating member 513d.

[0148] The guide member 515 guides the lifting movement of the support plate 512 and the lifting shaft 513 c coupled to the support plate 512 , and prohibits the support plate 512 and the lifting shaft 513 c from rotating.

[0149] For reference, in this embodiment, it is envisioned that the buffer stacker 500 is loaded with cover pallets, but depending on the embodiment, it is also possible to use it exclusively for temporarily loading customer pallets CT.

[0150] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a lifting motor 513a is provided for raising and lowering the support plate 512. However, depending on the implementation, a lifting cylinder may be used instead. However, if lid trays are stacked on the support plate 512, the lifting height of the support plate 512 needs to be adjusted. Therefore, a lifting motor 513a with adjustable lifting height is more suitable than a lifting cylinder.

[0151] Next, the purpose of the buffer stacker 500 will be described.

[0152] To move bundled customer trays CT located on the loading / unloading stacker 100 or the storage stacker 200 to the connecting section CP individually, the top cover tray must first be removed. However, if this removal process takes a long time, the flow of customer trays CT will be significantly delayed. Therefore, the conveyor 400 is used to first move the cover trays to the buffer stacker 500, and then the customer trays CT are moved to the transfer section TP. Of course, the cover trays located on the buffer stacker 500 can be transferred to the storage stacker 300 during periods of inactivity on the conveyor 400.

[0153] Furthermore, it can be realized that the customer pallet CT transferred from the connecting part CP by the transferring part TP can also pass through the buffer stacker 500 in the logistics process.

[0154] The buffer stacker 500 is preferably located at the leftmost position in a portion of the right side (inside) of the storage stacker 200, the loading and unloading stacker 100, and the stacker 300, which are arranged on the first to third floors in the vertical direction, and is also located in an area below the movement path of the second gripper 420. The reason for this is to position the buffer stacker 500 closest to the pallet when quickly temporarily storing cover trays and incoming customer trays CT.

[0155] <Instructions for the connection section>

[0156] like Figure 21 Conceptual floor plan and Figure 22 As shown in the extracted diagram of the main part I, the connection part CP includes a holder 610, a moving hand 620, an opener 630, a converter 640, a reciprocating mover 650 and a testing hand 660.

[0157] The shelf 610 is used to store electronic components ED. Figure 23 As shown in parts (a) and (b) of the extracted diagram, the shelf 610 includes a pair of fixing parts 611, a driving source 612 and a pair of transmission components 613.

[0158] The pair of fixing members 611 can secure or release the electronic component ED by increasing or decreasing the spacing between them in the left-right direction. Specifically, the fixing members 611 move linearly in the left-right direction under the guidance of the guide rails GR. When the spacing between the fixing members 611 increases, the electronic component ED or the adapter AD on which the electronic component ED is mounted can be placed on or removed from the holder 610. When the spacing between the fixing members 611 decreases, the electronic component ED is fixedly mounted on the holder 610.

[0159] The driving source 612 supplies a driving force for adjusting the distance between the pair of fixing members 611 and is configured as an air cylinder in this embodiment.

[0160] The transmission member 613 transmits the driving force applied by the driving source 612 to the pair of fixed members 611. In this embodiment, while the transmission member 613 is configured to convert the forward and backward force of the driving source 612, which is a cylinder, into a left and right moving force for the fixed members 611 and transmit it as the transmission member 613 rotates, various modifications are possible depending on the implementation.

[0161] The mobile hand 620 moves an electronic component ED requiring testing from a customer tray CT transferred from the stacker section SP via the transfer section TP and places the electronic component ED on the shelf 610, or moves a tested electronic component ED on the shelf 610 to the customer tray CT. This mobile hand 620 grips the lying electronic component ED through vacuum suction. By equipping the mobile hand 620 with multiple suction members, selective suction is achieved by one or more suction members, enabling suction and gripping of electronic components ED of various sizes (see Korean Application No. 10-2020-0019380).

[0162] The opener 630 is used to place the electronic component ED on the shelf 610. Figure 24 The adapter AD shown is used. Here, the adapter AD is a carrier for handling relatively small electronic components ED having a size that is difficult to place directly on the shelf 610 (refer to Korean application number 10-2021-0017446). That is, the opener 630 pushes the operating part OE of the adapter AD located in the first working area W1 to open the adapter AD, thereby enabling the moving hand 620 to load or unload the electronic component ED on the adapter AD. This opener 630 can be composed of a pushing member 631 and an advance and retreat source 632, wherein the pushing member 631 is used to push the operating part OE, the operating part OE is used to be operated to open the adapter AD, and the advance and retreat source 632 is used to move the pushing member 631 forward and backward.

[0163] The converter 640 eventually converts the posture of the electronic component ED placed on the shelf 610 by rotating the shelf 610. That is, the posture of the electronic component ED can be converted from a horizontal position to a vertical position, or from a vertical position to a horizontal position by the converter 640. The electronic component ED whose posture is converted from a horizontal position to a vertical position by such a converter 640 is in a state where the part on the side of its contact terminal T can be properly inserted into the test slot S, and the electronic component ED whose posture is converted from a vertical position to a horizontal position is in a state where it can be properly adsorbed and clamped by moving the hand 620. Of course, when the electronic component ED is in a horizontal position and is electrically connected to the tester TESTER (for example, when the test slot is formed to be long in the horizontal direction), the converter 640 may not perform its function, or the structure of the converter 640 may be omitted.

[0164] The reciprocating mover 650 moves the shelf 610 between the first work area W1 where the moving hand 620 operates and the second work area W2 where the testing hand 660 operates. Since the shelf 610 moves back and forth between the first work area W1 and the second work area W2 by means of the reciprocating mover 650, the first work area W1 and the second work area W2 can be separated, thereby eliminating interference between the moving hand 620 and the testing hand 660.

[0165] The test hand 660 grips the electronic component ED placed on the holder 610 in the second work area W2, moves the electronic component ED, and inserts the portion of the electronic component ED on the contact terminal T side into the test slot S. When the test on the electronic component ED is completed, the electronic component ED is removed from the test slot S and the tested electronic component ED is placed back on the holder 610. Of course, when the adapter AD is used, the test hand 660 moves the adapter AD gripping the electronic component ED. To this end, Figure 25 As shown in the extracted diagram of FIG, the test hand 660 includes a clamping member 661, horizontal moving members 662a and 662b, a vertical moving member 663, an opening member 664 and a connecting member 665.

[0166] The clamping member 661 is provided for clamping the electronic component ED or the adapter AD or releasing the clamping. Figure 26 As shown in the extraction diagram, the clamping member 661 has a pair of clamping parts 661a-1 and 661a-2, and the distance between the clamping parts 661a-1 and 661a-2 is expanded or reduced by the driving force of the driving source 661b, so that the electronic component ED or the adapter AD can be clamped or the clamping can be released.

[0167] The horizontal moving members 662 a and 662 b can move the electronic component ED toward a currently empty test slot S among the plurality of test slots S by moving the clamping member 661 in the horizontal left-right direction and the front-back direction.

[0168] The vertical moving member 663 moves the clamping member 661 in the vertical direction, so that the clamping member 661 can clamp the electronic component ED or adapter AD in the clamping position, or can raise the clamped electronic component ED or adapter AD to the height required for testing, and can also perform the opposite operation.

[0169] In the case of applying the adapter AD, the opening member 664 slightly opens the adapter AD within the limit of the degree to which the electronic component ED can be held in the adapter AD. Figure 27 As shown in the extracted diagram, the opening member 664 includes a pusher 664a that can be moved forward and backward by a drive source 664b. Here, while the clamping member 661 is holding the adapter AD, the pusher 664a slightly pushes the operating member OE, thereby opening the adapter AD. This allows the electronic component ED to move rearward while remaining attached to the adapter AD. In other words, the opening member 664, attached to the test hand 660, only opens the adapter AD to the extent that the electronic component ED can move rearward without being separated from the adapter AD. Therefore, the electronic component ED can move rearward while still being loaded onto the adapter AD.

[0170] like Figure 28 As shown in the extracted diagram, the pusher 665a of the connecting member 665, which is advanced and retreated by the operating source 665b, pushes the electronic component ED backward so that the portion of the electronic component ED on the contact terminal T side can be inserted into the test slot S.

[0171] For reference, in this embodiment, the test hand 660 is configured to clamp the electronic component ED or adapter AD in a horizontal position and convert it into a vertical position by means of the converter 640. However, depending on the shape of the test slot S, the test hand 660 can also be implemented to clamp the horizontal electronic component ED or adapter AD.

[0172] <Explanation on Transfer>

[0173] Figure 29 It is a schematic perspective view of the transfer portion TP.

[0174] The transfer section TP is located approximately below the front side of the connection section CP and is configured to ride on the stacker section SP and the connection section CP. The transfer section TP receives a customer tray CT loaded with electronic components ED to be tested from the conveyor 400 of the stacker section SP and moves the customer tray CT to the supply position FP (refer to FIG. 1 ) where the mobile hand 620 can grip the electronic components ED. Figure 21 ), and the customer tray CT loaded with the electronic components ED that have completed the test is taken from the recovery position RP (refer to Figure 21 ) returns to the stacker part SP. To this end, the transfer part TP is equipped with a supplier 710, a recycler 720, five supply elevators 731, three recovery elevators 732, and a conveyor 740. In this structure, the supplier 710 and the recycler 720 are located on the stacker part SP side, and the elevators 731, 732, and the conveyor 740 are located on the connection part CP side.

[0175] The supplier 710 is provided to supply the customer tray CT loaded with the electronic components ED to be tested received from the conveyor 400 to the transferor 740. Figure 30 As shown in the extraction diagram, this supply device 710 is equipped with a movable plate 711 capable of loading customer pallets CT. Since the movable plate 711 is configured to be able to move back and forth between the area where the conveyor 400 operates (stacker part side) and the area where the transfer device 740 operates (connection part side), the customer pallets CT received from the conveyor 400 can be supplied to the transfer device 740.

[0176] The recycler 720 is provided to recycle the customer tray CT loaded with tested electronic components ED received from the conveyor 740 and to transfer the customer tray CT to the conveyor 400. Similarly, the recycler 720 has the same structure as the supplier 710, and can transfer the customer tray CT received from the conveyor 740 to the conveyor 400.

[0177] The five supply lifters 731 on the supply line side are respectively as shown in FIG. Figure 31 As shown in the extracted diagram, the supply lift plate 731a is provided on which a customer tray CT is placed. Furthermore, the supply lift plate 731a is raised and lowered by a lifting source 731b. Therefore, the conveyor 740 can raise the customer tray CT placed on the supply lift plate 731a to a height at which the movable hand 620 can grip the electronic components ED on the customer tray CT. Furthermore, when the raised customer tray CT is secured by a fixture (not shown) provided in the connecting portion CP, the supply lift plate 731a is lowered again, thereby ensuring that the supply lift plate 731a does not interfere with the operation of the conveyor 740.

[0178] When all the electronic components ED tested by the moving hand 620 are loaded onto the customer tray CT, the recovery lift 732 lowers the customer tray CT, allowing the transfer device 740 to move the customer tray CT to the recovery device 720. The recovery lift 732 also includes a recovery lift plate 732a, which has the same structure as the supply lift 731.

[0179] The conveyor 740 moves the customer tray CT loaded with electronic components ED to be tested from the supplier 710 to the supply elevator 731, and moves the customer tray CT loaded with electronic components ED that have been tested from the recovery elevator 732 to the recycler 720. In addition, the conveyor 740 plays the following role: if the customer tray CT placed on the supply elevator plate 731a is emptied, the conveyor 740 moves the emptied customer tray CT to the recovery elevator plate 732a, so that the electronic components ED that have been tested can be loaded on the customer tray CT. Such a conveyor 740 is as follows: Figure 32 As shown in the extraction diagram of , there is a pair of clamping rods 741a, 741b for clamping the customer pallet CT or releasing the clamping. Of course, the clamping rods 741a, 741b can move in the left-right direction, the front-back direction, and the vertical direction.

[0180] Hereinafter, the transfer flow of the cover tray, the customer tray CT, and the electronic components ED formed in the connection portion CP will be described.

[0181] <Description of the Lid Pallet Transfer Process>

[0182] The cover trays are transported to the sorter HR along with the bundled customer trays CT by the loading and unloading stacker 100. Depending on the load level of the sorter HR, the customer trays CT may or may not pass through the storage stacker 200, and thus the cover trays may or may not pass through the storage stacker 200.

[0183] 1. Cases where the stacker is not used for storage

[0184] The conveyor 400 uses the second gripper 420 to grip lid trays from the bundled customer trays CT located on the inlet / outlet stacker 100 and then transfers the lid trays to the buffer stacker 500. Subsequently, during a rest period, the conveyor 400 transfers the lid trays located on the buffer stacker 500 to the stacker 300, while the lid trays located on the stacker 300 remain on the stacker 300 or are removed from the sorter HR. Of course, depending on the current capacity of the buffer stacker 500, the lid trays may remain on the buffer stacker 500.

[0185] 2. The situation of stacker crane for storage

[0186] The conveyor 400 uses the first gripper 410 to transfer bundles of customer trays CT covered by lid trays from the loading / unloading stacker 100 to the storage stacker 200. At this time, the lid trays are also transferred from the loading / unloading stacker 100 to the storage stacker 200. The conveyor 400 then uses the second gripper 420 to grip the lid trays from the bundles of customer trays CT on the storage stacker 200 and transfer them to the buffer stacker 500. During the rest period of the conveyor 400, the lid trays on the buffer stacker 500 are then moved to the stacker 300. Alternatively, the lid trays on the stacker 300 may remain on the stacker 300 or be removed from the sorting machine HR. Similarly, the lid trays may remain on the buffer stacker 500.

[0187] For reference, when the customer trays CT that have completed testing are subsequently unloaded from the sorter HR in bundles through the storage stacker 200 and the loading / unloading stacker 100, the conveyor 400 covers the top of the customer trays CT loaded in bundles with the cover tray located on the stacker 300 or the buffer stacker 500. The customer trays CT in bundles thus covered with the cover tray are then unloaded from the sorter HR.

[0188] <Instructions on the basic transfer process for customer pallets>

[0189] 1. Cases where the stacker is not used for storage

[0190] The customer trays CT, in bundles, are loaded into the sorting machine HR by the in-and-out stacker 100. If a cover tray is present, the conveyor 400 first uses the second gripper 420 to move it to the buffer stacker 500. The conveyor 400 then uses the second gripper 420 to remove individual customer trays CT from the customer trays CT located in the in-and-out stacker 100, starting with the topmost customer tray CT. These customer trays CT are then supplied to the feeder 710 of the transfer section TP. The customer trays CT in the feeder 710 are then moved to the supply position FP by the operation of the feeder 710 and the transfer section 740, and then raised by the supply lifter 731. Afterwards, while the customer trays CT are secured by the holders located in the connection section CP, the transport hand 620 empties the loaded electronic components ED. In this manner, the customer tray CT, emptied of all electronic components ED, is lowered by the supply elevator 731, moved to the collection position RP by the conveyor 740, and then secured by the holder while being raised by the collection elevator 732. The moving hand 620 then loads the empty customer tray CT at the collection position RP with tested electronic components ED. The customer tray CT loaded with tested electronic components ED is lowered by the collection elevator 732 and then moved to the stacker section SP via the conveyor 740 and the recycler 720. The conveyor 400 then moves the customer tray CT from the recycler 720 to the loading / unloading stacker 100. Once the customer tray CT is loaded into the loading / unloading stacker 100 in bundles, it is covered with a cover tray and unloaded from the sorter HR in bundles.

[0191] 2. The situation of stacker crane for storage

[0192] When bundles of customer pallets CT are loaded into the sorting machine HR by the loading / unloading stacker 100, the conveyor 400 uses the first gripper 410 to move the bundles of customer pallets CT from the loading / unloading stacker 100 to the storage stacker 200, thereby clearing the loading / unloading stacker 100. Thus, the loading / unloading stacker 100 can accommodate the continuously supplied incoming cargo.

[0193] Furthermore, when it is necessary to supply the customer tray CT located in the storage stacker 200 to the connection portion CP, the conveyor 400 supplies the customer tray CT in units of individual sheets to the transfer portion TP using the second gripper 420. Of course, if a cover tray is also present in this case, the conveyor 400 first moves the cover tray to the buffer stacker 500 using the second gripper 420.

[0194] Then, the customer pallet CT is moved to the supply position FP in the same process as described above, and then returned to the recycler 720 via the recycler 720 through the recycler 720. Similarly, the customer pallet CT collected by the recycler 720 is moved to the storage stacker 200 via the conveyor 400. When the customer pallet CT is loaded into the storage stacker 200 in bundles, it is covered with a cover pallet and moved to the loading and unloading stacker 100, where it is then unloaded from the sorting machine HR.

[0195] <Flow of electronic components transferred to the connection section>

[0196] The movement of the electronic components ED by the stacker section SP and the transfer section TP is performed together with the movement of the customer tray CT described above.

[0197] Furthermore, electronic components ED requiring testing, located at supply position FP, are moved by mobile hand 620 and placed on shelf 610 located in first work area W1. Shuttle 650 then moves shelf 610 to the rear, second work area W2, thereby also moving the electronic components ED there. Shelf 610 is then rotated by switch 640, thereby changing the position of the electronic components ED placed on shelf 610 from a horizontal position to an upright position.

[0198] Then, the electronic component ED, which has been transformed into an upright position, is gripped by the test hand 660 and electrically connected to the tester TESTER. The electronic component ED, having completed testing, is retrieved from the tester TESTER by the test hand 660 and placed on the shelf 610. Then, the converter 640 rotates the shelf 610 in the opposite direction, causing the upright electronic component ED to become a horizontal position. The mobile hand 620 then moves the horizontally-positioned electronic component ED, which has completed testing, from the shelf 610 to the customer tray CT at the recovery position RP.

[0199] <References>

[0200] 1. Number of stackers

[0201] In this embodiment, five stackers are provided for each of the load / unload stacker 100, the storage stacker 200, and the stacker 300. However, depending on the processing capacity of the sorting machine HR, more than one stacker may be provided for each. Furthermore, the storage stacker 200 may be provided in multiple layers above the load / unload stacker 100 to increase processing capacity.

[0202] 2. Supplementary explanation of the process for customer pallets

[0203] The above process of customer pallet CT only illustrates the most basic process.

[0204] Therefore, even if the storage stacker 200 is not used on the route where the customer tray CT carried into the sorter HR is supplied to the connecting portion CP, the storage stacker 200 can be used on the route where the customer tray CT is carried out.

[0205] Similarly, even if the storage stacker 200 is used on the path where the customer tray CT carried into the sorter HR is supplied to the connection portion CP, the storage stacker 200 may not be used on the path where the customer tray CT is carried out.

[0206] That is, according to the present invention, by providing the storage stacker 200 and the stacker 300 independently of the loading and unloading stacker 100 , the flow of customer pallets CT can be realized in a wide variety of combinations, and efficiency can be improved accordingly.

[0207] 3. Supplementary instructions for stackers

[0208] According to conventional general sorting machine technology, the stackers are divided into stackers for carrying in customer pallets CT and stackers for carrying out customer pallets CT (for example, stackers for loading and stackers for unloading), and their arrangement positions are fixed.

[0209] However, according to the present invention, only the loading and unloading stacker 100 and the storage stacker 200 are used. Furthermore, depending on the current situation, the loading and unloading stacker 100 can be used for loading customer pallets CT into the sorting machine HR or for unloading customer pallets CT from the sorting machine HR. In other words, the loading and unloading stacker 100 can be selectively used for loading or unloading according to the current situation. This significantly improves the efficiency of the customer pallet CT transfer operation.

[0210] Of course, the storage stacker 200 can be selectively used according to the current situation.

[0211] 4. Identification of customer pallets in bundles

[0212] When the conveyor 400 transfers the bundled customer pallets CT from the loading / unloading stacker 100 to the storage stacker 200, an identification code (e.g., a barcode) can be used to identify the bundled customer pallets CT. This is preferable because it allows for management of the customer pallets CT in bundles.

[0213] 5. Identify customer pallets in single units and confirm the placement status of electronic components

[0214] When individual customer trays CT are moved from the stacker section SP to the connection section CP by the transfer section TP, the electronic components ED can be managed for each customer tray CT by recognizing an identification code (eg, a barcode) of each customer tray CT.

[0215] Furthermore, it is preferable to implement such that when the customer trays CT in units of individual sheets are moved from the stacker part SP to the connection part CP by the transfer part TP, the placement state of the electronic components ED is confirmed by a camera.

[0216] In this way, when the customer pallet CT in single units is moved by the transfer part TP, the customer pallet CT can be identified and the placement status of the electronic component ED can be confirmed, so that the identification operation of the customer pallet CT and the confirmation operation of the placement status of the electronic component ED can be performed only by a minimum number of identification devices and confirmation devices, thereby reducing production costs.

[0217] 6. Expansion of processing capacity

[0218] The sorting machine HR according to the present invention can expand the processing capacity by combining another connecting part CP and transfer part TP on the right side of the connecting part CP and transfer part TP, and the expansion of the processing capacity can be achieved as much as the storage capacity of the stacker part SP.

[0219] 7. Matters concerning the handling of electronic components

[0220] In the present invention, a solid-state drive is given as an example of a large electronic component ED, but the handler according to the present invention is not limited to processing solid-state drives.

[0221] 8. Types of Solid-State Drives

[0222] Figure 33 Various forms of solid-state drives as one type of electronic component are shown.

[0223] That is, the size of the solid-state drive can vary depending on the functions or specifications of the finished product to which it is applied. Therefore, a large solid-state drive can be directly placed on the shelf 610, but a smaller solid-state drive cannot be directly placed on the shelf 610. Therefore, an adapter AD is required to place the smaller solid-state drive on the shelf 610.

[0224] 9. Rotation direction of electronic components

[0225] Since the test slot S in the tester TESTER is formed long in the vertical direction, when the solid-state drive as the electronic component ED is in a horizontal position, the terminal T side of the solid-state drive cannot be inserted into the test slot S. Figure 34As shown in (a), this is because the terminals T of the horizontally positioned solid-state drive are arranged long in the horizontal direction at the terminal T side. Therefore, in this embodiment, by rotating the horizontal solid-state drive into an upright position, the terminals T are positioned so that they can be arranged long in the vertical direction. This position change allows the terminal T side of the solid-state drive to be inserted into the test slot S.

[0226] Therefore, according to this embodiment, the mobile hand 620 uses vacuum suction to grip a horizontal solid-state drive from the customer tray CT and moves it to the shelf 610. The shelf 610 is then rotated 90 degrees by the converter 640, thereby converting the horizontal solid-state drive placed on the shelf 610 into a vertical position. Furthermore, the test hand 660 grips both ends of the vertical solid-state drive (or an adapter containing the solid-state drive) and electrically connects it to the tester.

[0227] Here, the solid-state drive is rotated by the converter 640 in a direction such that the portion on the terminal T side can be inserted into the test slot S. Figure 34 (a) and (b) are described in more detail.

[0228] exist Figure 34 In (a), the solid-state drive as the electronic component ED is in a horizontal position. That is, the wide surface faces upward or downward, and a long terminal T is formed in the left-right direction at the rear.

[0229] exist Figure 34 In the state (a) of FIG, the solid-state drive is converted into the state shown in FIG. 1 by rotating the solid-state drive 90 degrees using a virtual line that is a long straight line in the front-to-back direction (the direction in which the fixed drive moves when the terminal side portion of the solid-state drive is inserted into the test slot) and divides the terminal T side portion into two halves as the rotation axis RS. Figure 34 The solid-state drive shown in (b) is in a vertical position with its wide side facing the left-right direction.

[0230] 10. Supplementary instructions for the adapter

[0231] The adapter AD may have various placement structures depending on the type of the electronic component ED.

[0232] For example, Figure 23 The adapter AD is used to hold large solid-state drives such as U.2. Figure 24 The adapter AD is used to hold relatively small solid-state drives such as M.2. In the case of a U.2 drive, it is moved directly by the test handle 660, while in the case of an M.2 drive, it is moved by the test handle 660 while being mounted on the adapter AD.

[0233] As described above, the present invention is specifically described by referring to the embodiments of the accompanying drawings, but the above embodiments only illustrate preferred examples of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention should not be understood as being limited to the embodiments, and the scope of rights of the present invention should be understood as the scope in the claims and their equivalent concepts.

Claims

1. A sorting machine for electronic component testing, comprising: The stacker section receives customer pallets containing electronic components that need to be tested or customer pallets containing electronic components that have completed testing; a connecting part, which takes out the electronic components to be tested from the customer tray delivered by the stacker part and electrically connects the electronic components to the tester, or places the electronic components tested by the tester on the customer tray; as well as The transfer part transfers the customer tray with the electronic components to be tested from the stacker part to the connection part, and transfers the customer tray with the electronic components that have been tested from the connection part to the stacker part. Wherein, the stacker part includes: At least one in-and-out stacker, configured to receive a customer tray on which electronic components to be tested are placed from the outside, or to deliver a customer tray on which electronic components that have been tested are placed to the outside; at least one storage stacker that stores customer pallets received from the outside by the access stacker or stores customer pallets that need to be transferred to the outside by the access stacker before being transferred to the access stacker; and The conveyor supplies the customer tray loaded with electronic components to be tested placed on the loading and unloading stacker or the storage stacker to the transfer section, and retrieves the customer tray loaded with electronic components that have completed testing from the transfer section and loads it on the loading and unloading stacker or the storage stacker. Wherein, the connecting part includes: a shelf capable of holding electronic components; a moving hand for moving electronic components to be tested from the customer tray transferred from the stacker part by the transfer part and placing the electronic components on the shelf, or for moving the electronic components on the shelf that have been tested to the customer tray; and The tester moves the electronic components that need to be tested and places them on the shelf and electrically connects them to the tester, or moves the electronic components that have been tested and places them on the shelf. The storage stacker is located above the entry and exit stacker. The in-and-out stacker comprises: A storage container, equipped with a storage space capable of storing the customer tray; a first forward and backward mover for moving the receiver from the conveyor toward the outside of the stacker portion and from the stacker portion toward the inside of the conveyor; A rotator rotates the receiver to correct the orientation of the customer tray.

2. The electronic component testing sorting machine according to claim 1, wherein: By installing an adapter for placing electronic components on the shelf, the shelf can accommodate electronic components via the adapter. The mobile hand places the electronic component to be tested on the adapter or takes out the electronic component that has completed the test from the adapter. The testing hand moves the electronic component placed on the holder so that the electronic component is electrically connected to the tester.

3. The electronic component testing sorting machine according to claim 2, wherein: The adapter can be detachably mounted on the holder, and the test hand moves the electronic component placed on the adapter by moving the adapter.

4. The electronic component testing sorting machine according to claim 1, wherein: The connecting portion further comprises: a reciprocating mover for moving the shelf between a first operating area serving as an area for the moving hand to operate and a second operating area serving as an area for the testing hand to operate; Wherein, the first working area and the second working area are separated from each other.

5. The electronic component testing sorting machine according to claim 1, wherein: The connecting portion further comprises: A converter, which converts the posture of the electronic component placed on the shelf from a horizontal position to a vertical position, or from a vertical position to a horizontal position, by rotating the shelf. The mobile hand can hold a horizontal electronic component. The test hand can clamp a vertical electronic component.

6. The electronic component testing sorting machine according to claim 5, wherein: The converter converts the posture of the electronic component so that the terminal-side portion of the electronic component can be inserted into the test slot.

7. The electronic component testing sorting machine according to claim 1, wherein: The stacker part also includes: At least one buffer stacker is provided separately from the loading and unloading stacker and the storage stacker. The conveyor can temporarily load and place the cover pallet or customer pallet located at the loading and unloading stacker or the storage stacker on the buffer stacker. The cover pallet is a pallet that covers the upper customer pallet of a bundle of customer pallets. The buffer stacker includes: a support member that forms a storage space capable of accommodating the cover tray or the customer tray and supports the side surfaces of the cover tray or the customer tray accommodated in the storage space; and The support tray supports the cover tray or the customer tray accommodated in the storage space.

8. The electronic component testing sorting machine according to claim 7, wherein: The buffer stacker also includes: A lifter is used to lift the support plate.

9. A sorting machine for electronic component testing, comprising: a shelf capable of housing a solid-state drive; The moving hand grasps the solid-state drive placed in a horizontal position on the customer tray by vacuum adsorption and moves the solid-state drive to the shelf; a converter for rotating the solid-state drive mounted on the shelf by rotating the shelf, thereby converting the posture of the solid-state drive; a test hand that holds the solid-state drive or the adapter in which the solid-state drive is mounted, the posture of which is converted by the converter, and electrically connects the solid-state drive or the adapter to the tester; and The stacker section receives customer pallets containing electronic components that need to be tested or customer pallets containing electronic components that have been tested. The converter rotates the shelf so that the solid-state drive rotates about a virtual line that is a long straight line in the direction of movement of the solid-state drive and divides the terminal-side portion of the solid-state drive into two halves, so that the terminal-side portion of the solid-state drive is inserted into the test slot of the tester. The stacker part includes: At least one in-and-out stacker, configured to receive a customer tray on which electronic components to be tested are placed from the outside, or to deliver a customer tray on which electronic components that have been tested are placed to the outside; at least one storage stacker that stores customer pallets received from the outside by the access stacker or stores customer pallets that need to be transferred to the outside by the access stacker before being transferred to the access stacker; and The conveyor supplies the customer tray loaded with electronic components to be tested placed on the loading and unloading stacker or the storage stacker to the transfer section, and retrieves the customer tray loaded with electronic components that have completed testing from the transfer section and loads it on the loading and unloading stacker or the storage stacker. The storage stacker is located above the access stacker. The in-and-out stacker comprises: A storage container, equipped with a storage space capable of storing the customer tray; a first forward and backward mover for moving the receiver from the conveyor toward the outside of the stacker portion and from the stacker portion toward the inside of the conveyor; A rotator rotates the receiver to correct the orientation of the customer tray.

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