Container for storing component carriers and logistics system for component carriers

Abstract

There is described a container (150) for storing at least one component carrier (100), the container (100) comprising: at least two slots (151) disposed opposite each other inside the container (150), the slots (151) being configured to support the component carrier (100); at least one slot (151) of the slots comprises a fixed part (152) and a variable part (153); and the variable portion (153) is configured to change a length of the slot (151) to correspond to a length of the component carrier (100) to be stored in the container (150).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a container for storing at least one component carrier. The container is intended to accommodate one or more component carriers, for example, between intermediate steps during manufacturing. The container is suitable for protecting the at least one stored component carrier during transport, for example, from one manufacturing step to the next. The container includes at least two slots located within the container, which are configured to support component carriers. At least one of the slots includes a variable portion, which is configured to accurately adapt the length of the slot to the length of the component carrier to be stored. The present invention also relates to a component carrier transport device and a logistics system for component carriers. Finally, the use of the container for accommodating at least one component carrier and a method for adapting a container to accommodate a component carrier are disclosed. Background Art

[0002] Against the background of the increasing functionality of products with component carriers equipped with one or more electronic components, the increasing miniaturization of such electronic components and the increasing number of electronic components that need to be mounted on component carriers (such as printed circuit boards), increasingly powerful array components or packages with multiple electronic components are being used, which have numerous contacts or connection points with the spacing between these contacts becoming increasingly smaller. The removal of heat generated by these electronic components and the component carriers themselves during operation is becoming an increasingly important issue. Effective protection against electromagnetic interference (EMI) is also becoming an increasingly important issue. At the same time, the component carrier should be mechanically strong and electrically and magnetically reliable so that it can operate under harsh conditions.

[0003] Manufacturing such component carriers is a special task. Manufacturing component carriers requires multiple successive production steps or method steps. Typically, component carriers are manufactured at different workstations or machines. Between the different manufacturing steps, the component carriers must be transported from one station to the next. During transport, the component carriers must be protected to prevent physical damage and damage from electrostatic discharge. Sometimes, multiple component carriers are manufactured starting from a common panel, on or within which the multiple component carriers to be manufactured are arranged. In the initial manufacturing steps, the panel comprising multiple component carriers is moved from one manufacturing step to the next. In subsequent steps of manufacturing the panel, the panel can be divided into smaller parts or subsequently into individual component carriers (splitting, cutting). The panels and the finished component carriers can have different sizes. Although attempts have been made to at least standardize the dimensions of the panels, it is always possible that there will be panels of different sizes and / or panels that vary in size, especially in order to manufacture component carriers for special applications.

[0004] In order to transport and protect the panels or component carriers on the way from one manufacturing step to the next, containers that accommodate one or more panels or component carriers are used. Typically, these containers include a plurality of slots into which the panels or component carriers can be inserted. In order to prevent the panels or component carriers from moving within the container, the slots must have a small gap relative to the panels or component carriers to be accommodated. This means that the width and length of the slots in the container must be accurately adapted to the dimensions of the panels or component carriers. Therefore, different containers with different slot dimensions must be provided for different sizes of panels or component carriers to ensure safe accommodation. However, providing and handling a plurality of different containers for storing and transporting panels or component carriers can be difficult and cost-intensive. In addition, a plurality of such containers requires a large amount of space, which is often not available in a protected manufacturing environment. Summary of the Invention

[0005] There may be a need to provide for efficient handling of component carriers, in particular between different manufacturing steps.

[0006] A container, a component transport device, and a logistics system for component carriers are described. Furthermore, the use of the container and a method for changing the container are described.

[0007] According to one aspect of the invention, a container for storing at least one component carrier (i.e., a printed circuit board, an IC substrate, or a panel) is described, the container comprising:

[0008] At least two slots are arranged opposite to each other inside the container, the slots being configured to support a component carrier, at least one of the slots comprising a fixed portion and a variable portion, and the variable portion being configured to change the length of the slot to correspond to the length of the component carrier to be stored in the container.

[0009] The component carrier can be inserted between two opposing slots, for example by sliding. During the insertion phase, the component carrier can be supported or held by the slot. Preferably, at least a partial form fit can be formed between the slot and the supported component carrier. The two slots are arranged in a protected space within the container. The fixed part is fixed within the container in terms of its shape and position. The variable part is changeable in terms of its shape and / or relative position relative to the fixed part. The variable part is intended to define the available length or available space for the component carrier to be stored in the slot. In order to adapt to the length for the component carrier to be stored, the variable part can be changed in shape and / or position. After changing the shape or form of the variable part, the variable part can be stabilized or fixed in the adjusted shape or position.

[0010] According to another aspect of the invention, a component carrier transport device is described, comprising:

[0011] A container according to the aforementioned aspect of the present invention, and at least one component carrier. The component carrier is stored and preferably secured or enclosed within the container, wherein the component carrier is supported by two opposing slots within the container. The length of at least one of the slots in the guide direction (the direction along which the component carrier can be inserted into the slot) is defined by a variable portion to correspond to the length of the component carrier. The component carrier transport device is a container that securely stores one or more component carriers therein.

[0012] According to another aspect of the invention, a logistics system for component carriers is described, in particular for moving (and protecting) component carriers between production steps (or between different workshops or different production locations).

[0013] To store at least two component carriers, at least two containers according to the aforementioned aspects of the present invention are generally required. However, the present invention provides a solution in which the length of at least one slot in each container can be adapted to the length of at least one component carrier via a variable portion. Traditionally, logistics systems typically include more than two containers for storing component carriers of more than two different sizes. With the present invention, the slots in the containers can be easily adapted to the different lengths of different component carriers, eliminating the need for different types of containers. Thus, a single embodiment of the container can be used to accommodate different types of component carriers.

[0014] A logistics system for component carriers, in particular for moving component carriers between production steps, is described, comprising:

[0015] at least two containers according to the preceding aspects of the invention; and

[0016] at least two component carriers of different lengths;

[0017] The length of at least one slot of each container can be adapted to the length of at least one component carrier via a variable portion.

[0018] According to another aspect, a container having a variable portion to adapt the slot length to accommodate component carriers of varying lengths is described. This not only maximizes the use of container space, but also significantly reduces the investment and effort required to develop different containers and the infrastructure required to utilize them in production. Furthermore, significant space within the production line is saved for storing excess containers of varying sizes, and the configuration of the loading machines used to load these containers can be modified for efficient production.

[0019] According to another aspect of the invention, the use of a container according to the preceding aspect of the invention for supporting and housing at least one component carrier, in particular during transport of the component carrier between different manufacturing steps, is described.

[0020] According to another aspect of the present invention, a method of adapting a container to accommodate component carriers of different lengths is described, the method comprising:

[0021] The container according to the aforementioned aspect of the present invention is provided, and the length of at least one slot is changed to correspond to the length of the component carrier to be accommodated by adjusting the variable portion. Adjusting the variable portion can be accomplished by changing the position or shape of the variable portion.

[0022] In this context, the term "container" can refer to any object that provides a protected interior space. Such a container is suitable for accommodating objects, such as component carriers. Containers can have varying lengths and, for example, be cube-shaped or rectangular. Preferably, the container includes a door or lid that can be opened to provide access to the interior space. When closed, the door or lid seals or isolates the interior space from the environment. Containers can be made of various materials that are easily formed and resistant to most substances in the production environment, such as plastics. However, containers used to store electronic products in cleanrooms should be made of fatigue-resistant and / or antistatic materials, otherwise they may generate or accumulate a lot of foreign material, and static electricity may damage the circuits, especially for those electronic products with delicate circuit structures. In addition, the material used to construct the container should not be easily deformed, otherwise it will not only cause a lot of waste but also affect the quality of the products inside. In addition, the material should also meet environmental standards. Containers can also be made of other materials, such as metals and composite materials (e.g., fiber-reinforced plastics, recyclable bio-based materials). The material selected for the container depends on the application. The container may consist of a single part (eg a hollow body) or be an assembly comprising different parts, eg an assembly comprising different wall portions.

[0023] In this context, the term "slot" may refer to an element, component, or portion that provides a cavity for accommodating a portion of a component carrier. For example, a slot may include a groove or channel extending in a straight line. In this case, the component carrier can be inserted into the slot by sliding it into the groove or channel along the straight line. The slot may include different parts that provide different functions. The slot may be integrated with a wall of a container or be an assembly of different components connected to the inner wall of the container. The slot may extend along the entire length of the area where the component carrier is to be supported. The slot may also include interruptions or gaps along the area where the component carrier is to be supported. Multiple slots can be provided by providing a plurality of mutually parallel ribs, where two adjacent ribs together form a slot. At least two opposing slots may be positioned within a common guide plane. This means that the portion of the slot configured to support the component carrier defines this common guide plane. The slot may include a surface that is oriented perpendicular to the guide plane. This surface may be configured to guide the component carrier within the guide plane. The intersection of the guide plane and the surface perpendicular to the guide plane may define the guiding direction for inserting the component carrier into the slot.

[0024] In this context, the term "fixed portion" may refer to a portion of the slot that cannot be changed in terms of shape and / or position within the container, and therefore has a fixed length. The fixed portion supports component carriers of different lengths without modification.

[0025] In the context of this article, the term "flexible portion" can refer to a portion of a slot that can be changed or adjusted in terms of shape and / or position within a container. The size of the slot, in particular its length, can be adjusted or changed by adjusting the flexible portion. The flexible portion can consist of a single part or an assembly comprising different parts. In order to be able to adjust, at least one part of the variable portion can, for example, be slidable, rotatable or transformable relative to other parts of the container or other parts of the variable portion. In the case of providing more than one slot, a single variable portion can constitute the variable portions with respect to different slots. The variable portion can be connected to a fixed part and / or to other parts or components of the container.

[0026] In this context, the term "component carrier transport arrangement" may refer to a combination of a container and at least one component carrier. In such an arrangement, the container and at least one component carrier can be separated from each other. A component carrier transport arrangement may also refer to how and / or how many component carriers are stored in a container. This also means that the size / shape corresponds to the size / shape of the component carrier to be stored.

[0027] In this context, the term "logistics system" may refer to a combination of two or more containers and at least two component carriers of different lengths. The at least two containers may be the same or different. A logistics system may be used, for example, in a component carrier manufacturing plant to process component carriers as they progress through different manufacturing steps. The logistics system may also include infrastructure for automatically and / or manually moving or transporting containers from one location at the manufacturing site to another. Such infrastructure may include hardware, such as a transport system for containers located high above the manufacturing site. The infrastructure may also include one or more controllers and corresponding software running on the controllers to control the logistics system's infrastructure hardware. In addition, the logistics system's infrastructure may be linked to and / or adapted to the manufacturing equipment used to manufacture the component carriers. "Linked" and / or "adapted" means that the infrastructure is compatible with the manufacturing equipment. For example, the logistics system may include one or more interface portions for connecting to the processing means of the manufacturing equipment, where the processing means automatically removes the component carrier from the container and inserts the component carrier into the container after completing the corresponding manufacturing step.

[0028] In the context of this document, the term "component carrier" may refer to a carrier or substrate formed by laminating a plurality of electrically conductive layer structures with a plurality of electrically insulating layer structures, for example by applying pressure and / or by providing thermal energy. In addition to one or more components that may be embedded in the component carrier, the component carrier is typically configured to accommodate one or more components on one surface or on two opposite surfaces. The components may be connected to the corresponding main surfaces by welding. The dielectric part of the component carrier may consist of a resin with reinforcing fibers (such as glass fibers). The term "component carrier" includes a finished component carrier with all its functions complete. The term "component carrier" also includes any preforms of the finished component carrier that exist between the manufacturing steps. A component carrier may also be a panel comprising a plurality of unfinished or finished printed circuit boards (PCBs) or IC substrates.

[0029] According to an exemplary embodiment, the present invention can be based on the concept that when a single type of container is used to store and transport component carriers of different sizes (e.g., lengths), component carriers can be handled efficiently (in particular between different manufacturing steps). Based on this concept, only one type of container is required to handle a plurality of component carriers of different sizes. The container can include at least one variable portion, which is configured to adapt the length of at least one slot in the container to the length of one or more component carriers to be stored. The variable portion can be easily adjusted and is easily understandable to the person using the container. The solution according to the present invention thus simplifies the handling of component carriers between different manufacturing steps.

[0030] Existing containers used to transport and handle component carriers between different manufacturing steps are only suitable for a single size and shape of component carrier to be stored. To ensure a consistent form fit between the slots in the container and the stored component carriers, only a small gap is provided between the slots and the outer dimensions of the component carriers. Due to this design and concept, existing containers provide good protection for stored component carriers during transport. However, these existing containers cannot be used for component carriers with different outer dimensions. Component carriers with larger outer dimensions simply do not fit into these containers. Component carriers with smaller outer dimensions are not properly supported in these containers and may shift around during transport. This undesirable movement of component carriers within the container can cause damage to the component carriers. Therefore, it is recommended to use containers designed for component carriers of a specific size to store component carriers of different sizes. Providing different containers for all different sizes is necessary to provide optimal protection for each component carrier, but it consumes considerable effort and cost. To optimize the production of component carriers, the dimensions of a component carrier or a panel (including multiple component carriers) can be adjusted with only minor changes in length and width, for example, within a range of between 1 mm and 15 mm. These minor adjustments can improve the utilization of the entire panel layout. This means that with only slight changes in dimensions, the entire panel layout can accommodate more product units and reduce costs. Existing containers are also unable to adapt to such small dimensional variations of component carriers or panels. Therefore, a new type of container must be provided for such optimized, modified component carriers.

[0031] The solution according to the present invention makes it easy to adapt a container to changes in component carrier size. A variable portion, provided and configured to adjust the length of at least one slot within the container, allows the container to be adapted to new component carrier sizes and easily stores component carriers within the container. The variable portion can be configured to define multiple different slot lengths within the container. Furthermore, the variable portion can be reworked or replaced to store component carriers of a completely new size. The effort required to adapt a container to component carriers of varying sizes is significantly reduced compared to using existing containers that are not adaptable to component carriers of varying sizes. According to one exemplary embodiment, a variable portion can be provided that can accommodate, for example, four different lengths of component carriers. This variable portion can be rotatably supported within the container, with four different rotational positions defining four different slot lengths. This design is simple, reliable, and easy to adjust. This embodiment of the container can handle component carriers of up to four different lengths. The variable portion can be designed based on a variety of concepts and principles. These various concepts and principles are described below as exemplary embodiments.

[0032] The rotational position involves the positional change of the stopper of the variable portion. The variable portion can include two to four different stoppers at two to four different rotational positions. The stopper has its own unique position in the variable portion, and this position defines different lengths or depths in the variable portion. By rotating the variable portion, the different stoppers change their initial positions to positions that align with the fixed portion, defining two to four different slot lengths.

[0033] The container, component carrier transport device, logistics system, use of the container, and method for changing containers according to the present invention are advantageous solutions for simplifying and streamlining the component carrier manufacturing process. Furthermore, the present invention provides a highly secure way to store component carriers between various manufacturing steps. The improvements described in the component carrier manufacturing process can lead to significant cost reductions and shortened component carrier manufacturing times.

[0034] Exemplary embodiments

[0035] In one embodiment, the variable portion is configured to change positions, each of which corresponds to a length of component carrier to be stored in the container. The relative position of the variable portion relative to the fixed portion can be variable. By changing this position, the length of the slot can be adjusted. The position can be a linear position, a rotational position, or a combination of the two. Preferably, the position can be changed with a predetermined stroke. However, the position can also be continuously variable. This increases the space available in the container for storing component carriers horizontally and / or vertically. This design, which can accommodate products of different sizes, not only provides considerable flexibility in terms of materials for processing tasks in the production area, but also saves a lot of money on investment in different types of containers and different types of rooms in the production site. In addition, it simplifies the processing equipment and equipment in the manufacturing process equipment. A universal processing system is provided, which contributes to good efficiency and low cost in smart production.

[0036] In one embodiment, the variable portion is shiftable between at least two positions relative to the fixed portion, each of which corresponds to a length of component carriers to be stored in the container. In this context, the term "shiftable" may refer to the ability to change position between two or more specific or predefined positions. The variable portion can be shifted between linear and / or rotational positions. The shifting operation and the portion of the shifting operation on the variable portion facilitate sizing.

[0037] In one embodiment, the variable portion can rotate between at least two rotational positions, each of which corresponds to a length of the component carrier to be stored in the container. The variable portion can be supported so as to be rotatable relative to the fixed portion. In this context, the term "rotatable" can refer to being able to rotate about one or more rotation axes. Rotating the variable portion changes the length of the slot. One advantage of this embodiment is that the rotatable variable portion requires only a small amount of space within the container and is easy to handle. The rotatable portion also perfectly matches the configuration of the container.

[0038] In one embodiment, the variable portion is slidable between at least two positions, wherein each of these positions corresponds to a length of component carriers to be stored in the container.

[0039] In particular, the variable portion can slide horizontally and / or vertically. In the present context, the term "slidable" can refer to being able to translate along one or more axes in three-dimensional space. For example, the variable portion can be supported so as to be able to move linearly horizontally and / or vertically. The variable portion can also be rotatable and slidable.

[0040] In one embodiment, the variable portion is releasably mounted in the container, in particular, the variable portion comprises a plurality of inserts that differ from one another in at least one dimension, the at least one dimension defining the position of the inserts relative to the fixed portion when installed in the container. More particularly, one of the inserts is installed or can be installed in the container to correspond to a length of the component carrier to be stored in the container. The variable portion may comprise two or more interchangeable inserts. In order to adapt the length of the slot to the length of the component carrier to be stored, a user selects a suitable insert and releasably mounts it in the container, preferably adjacent to the fixed portion. The plurality of inserts differ from one another in at least one dimension. Inserts of different sizes are used to adapt the length of the slot to the different lengths of the component carriers. A stop may be provided at each of the inserts, against which the component carrier abuts when inserted into the slot. The insert can be a groove or cavity formed in the variable part, and there can be 2 or 3 or four grooves or cavities of different depths in the variable part to help define the different storage lengths of the container, and the stop can be molded on the lateral side wall of the groove or cavity to block the panel at this position. The stop has at least one stepped or flat surface. The insert currently installed in the container to adjust the length of the slot can be stored inside or outside the container, and the position of the insert can be changed by rotation, sliding or displacement. An advantage of this embodiment is that new inserts can be easily added to the multiple inserts to adapt the slot length to the new length of the component carrier. In addition, inserts that are no longer needed can be easily removed from the container.

[0041] In one embodiment, the container and / or the variable part comprises a locking device, which is configured to fix the position of the variable part, the position of the variable part corresponding to the length of the component carrier to be stored in the container. In the present context, the term "locking device" may refer to a component or an assembly comprising a plurality of components that are suitable for preventing the variable part from changing in shape or position. In the enabled state, the locking device fixes the position of the variable part and thus the length of the slot. In the unenabled state, the locking device releases the variable part and thus allows the position and / or shape of the variable part to be changed. The locking device prevents the variable part of the container from causing an unexpected change in the length of the slot and thus improves the protection of the component carrier within the container.

[0042] In one embodiment, the locking means is associated with a distal end or peripheral portion of the variable portion.

[0043] In one embodiment, the locking device is connected to the fixed part of the container and / or is connected to the part of the position of the relatively fixed part of the container that cannot be adjusted. The locking device is connected to the region that is fixed in the container with at least a portion of the variable part or this variable part. This region can be the fixed part of the slot or another fixed part, and preferably this another fixed part is located near the fixed part of the slot. In other words, the locking device is connected to the movable part of the variable part on the one hand and is connected to an immovable or non-adjustable part in the container on the other hand.

[0044] In one embodiment, the locking means comprises at least one releasable key,

[0045] In particular, the key locks the locking device and the relative position of the variable part and the fixed part to each other in a locked state, and releases the locking device and the relative position of the variable part and the fixed part to each other in a released state. In the context of this article, the term "key" can refer to a component or a combination of multiple components of the locking device, which locks or fixes the variable part relative to the fixed part of the slot. This fixation of the relative position can be completed on the basis of a form-fitting locking or form fit between the key and a part of the variable part. In the enabled state corresponding to the locked state, the key actually fixes the variable part relative to the fixed part. However, the key can be released from the locked state and can be deactivated so that the key is converted to an unactivated state corresponding to the released state. In the released, unactivated state of the key, the variable part can be moved to adjust the length of the slot. The key may include a handle or gripping surface so that the key can be manually deactivated and activated.

[0046] In one embodiment, the locking device does not require a key and the locking device includes a switch that can open or close the variable portion.

[0047] In one embodiment, the length of the slot corresponding to the length of the component carrier is defined by a stop, wherein the stop is located within or on the variable portion. In this context, the term "stop" may refer to any component or portion of a component that is adapted to abut against a component carrier inserted into the slot. The stop can be formed by a flat surface of the variable portion. This flat surface can be located at an extension or within a recess. The stop can include a tapered portion that tapers from the flat surface. This flat surface is the area where the panel always comes to rest or abut. The tapered portion is a surface lower than the flat surface to stop the panel. This lower surface is intended to prevent scratching when the fork clamps the panel entering the slot. The entry level is higher than the slot, so the tapered area provides a cushion for the fork and the panel with the fork. Otherwise, the fork and panel may collide with the surface and cause scratching. The stop limits the length of the slot and thus defines it. The variable portion can include multiple stops to define different slot lengths by moving or changing the position of the variable portion. Preferably, each stop defines a predetermined length of the slot.

[0048] In an embodiment, the position of the stop relative to the variable portion is adjustable to change the length of the slot to correspond to the length of the component carrier to be stored in the container. The stop may be adjustable in its position relative to other portions of the variable portion. In this embodiment, the variable portion includes a portion that does not move when the stop is adjusted to define the length of the slot.

[0049] In one embodiment, the position of the stop relative to the fixed portion can be adjusted by moving the variable portion relative to the fixed portion, thereby changing the length of the slot to correspond to the length of the component carrier to be stored in the container. The stop can be fixed to another portion of the variable portion. In this case, the position of the stop moves along with the other portions of the variable portion to change the length of the slot. Preferably, in this embodiment, relative movement of the stop relative to the other portions of the variable portion is not possible.

[0050] In an embodiment, the length of the fixed portion supporting the component carrier is greater than the length of the variable portion supporting the component carrier. The length of the fixed portion supporting the component carrier in the inserted state can be significantly longer than the length of the variable portion supporting the component carrier. For example, the support length of the fixed portion can be at least five times the support length of the variable portion. The variable portion can also serve merely as a stop against the component carrier and provide no support length at all to support the component carrier in the vertical direction.

[0051] In one embodiment, the length of the fixed portion supporting the component carrier is shorter than the length of the variable portion supporting the component carrier. Alternatively, the variable portion can be configured to have a longer length supporting the component carrier than the fixed portion. This configuration may be useful, for example, when the overall length of the component carrier is very short.

[0052] In an embodiment, the length of the slot can be varied by means of the variable portion to correspond to component carriers of different lengths to be stored in the container.

[0053] In particular, the slot length can be adjusted to at least one of the following lengths: 11 mm, 13 mm, 15 mm, and 17 mm. The slot length can be adjusted to the typical length of component carriers. In this embodiment, the container can be easily adapted to transport different typical component carriers within a manufacturing facility. Of course, the slot length can also be individually adjusted to accommodate specific component carriers, for example by changing the shape and size of the slot's variable portion.

[0054] In an embodiment, the variable portion is located in a position within the container that extends the support portion of the fixed portion, thereby supporting the component carrier. The fixed portion extends in a direction. When the component carrier is inserted into the fixed portion, the component carrier moves in the direction. The variable portion is located in a position within the container that extends the support portion, and this position is in the direction in which the fixed portion extends.

[0055] In an embodiment, the variable part is rotatable relative to the fixed part between at least two, in particular four, rotational positions, in particular wherein the rotational positions are within a range between 0° and 270°. The rotatable variable part is easy to operate and adjust. Different stops can be provided at different rotational positions of the variable part. Preferably, these rotational positions are distributed around the rotation axis of the variable part at equal angles relative to each other. When the variable part comprises two different rotational positions and / or stops, these rotational positions can be located at 0° and 180°. When the variable part comprises four different rotational positions and / or stops, these rotational positions can be located at 0°, 90°, 180° and 270°.

[0056] In an embodiment, the container further comprises a door. The door can be provided to close and seal an opening in the container through which the component carrier can be inserted into the container. In a closed state, the door protects the interior space from environmental damage and contamination.

[0057] In an embodiment, the container further comprises a top flange. The top flange may include an interface for temporarily connecting the container to an overhead travel system of a manufacturing plant. The top flange may also serve as a handle to manually transport the container, including the component carriers within, from one manufacturing step to the next.

[0058] In an embodiment, the container includes an air circulation system. This air circulation system can be configured to exchange air from the container with the surrounding environment. This allows the component carriers to be stored within the container under optimal climate conditions, such as at a specific temperature or humidity. Alternatively, the air circulation system can be connected directly to the surrounding environment via a top flange or to an air conditioning system installed at the manufacturing site.

[0059] In an embodiment, two opposite slots in a pair of slots are formed symmetrically to each other. Such a symmetrical design provides good guidance for the component carrier inserted into the container.

[0060] In an embodiment, the container includes a housing at least partially enclosing an interior space of the container; and

[0061] At least two slots are arranged within the interior space on opposite sides of the housing. In this context, the term "housing" can refer to any type of housing that protects the interior of the container from environmental influences. The housing can also be referred to as a shell. Preferably, the housing is closed and provides only an opening for inserting and removing the component carrier.

[0062] In one embodiment, the fixing portion includes a support portion that is configured to directly support the component carrier, wherein the support portion includes a flat surface that defines a guide plane for the component carrier, particularly wherein the guide plane is a horizontal plane. The support portion of the fixing portion is the area that supports the component carrier inserted into the slot. The support portion defines an imaginary guide plane within which the component carrier inserted into the slot is oriented and guided. Preferably, the guide plane is oriented horizontally. In alternative embodiments, the guide plane can also be oriented differently, for example vertically.

[0063] In an embodiment, the fixing portion includes a guide portion that is configured to guide the component carrier within a guide plane, wherein the guide portion includes a flat surface that is oriented perpendicularly to the guide plane, and wherein the intersection line between the flat surface of the guide portion and the guide plane defines a guiding direction. The fixing portion may include a guide portion that guides the inserted component carrier within the guide plane. In other words, the guide portion defines the orientation of the inserted component carrier within the guide plane. To provide good guidance, the guide portion may be positioned perpendicular to the guide plane. The intersection line between the flat surface of the guide portion and the guide plane defines an imaginary guiding direction. The guiding direction indicates the direction along which the component carrier can be inserted into the slot. The guiding direction may be oriented horizontally.

[0064] In one embodiment, the variable portion is arranged relative to the fixed portion in the guiding direction and defines a limit on the length of the slot. The variable portion is configured to limit the length of the slot. The length of the slot is preferably limited in the guiding direction. The variable portion is positioned relative to the fixed portion in the guiding direction so that an inserted component carrier abuts a stop of the variable portion when inserted into the slot in the guiding direction.

[0065] In an embodiment, at least two opposing slots each include a fixed portion and a variable portion, wherein the at least two opposing slots are positioned relative to each other so as to define a common guide plane. The support portions of the two opposing fixed portions may define a common guide plane. This means that the two opposing slots are perfectly positioned relative to each other, thereby accommodating the component carrier in a well-defined manner.

[0066] In an embodiment, the container includes a plurality of pairs of opposing slots, wherein the slots are oriented parallel to each other. The configuration of the plurality of pairs of slots being parallel to each other allows for the placement of multiple component carriers within the container. Thus, the interior space of the container is efficiently utilized.

[0067] In an embodiment, a portion of the variable portion is rotatable about a rotation axis directed perpendicular to the guide direction. In this configuration, multiple stops can be arranged circumferentially around the rotatable variable portion. By rotating the variable portion about a rotation axis perpendicular to the guide direction, the length of the slot can be easily changed. Another benefit of this configuration is that the assembly of the variable portion requires very little space. In addition, multiple variable portions can be provided consisting of a single variable portion. In this case, the variable portion only requires one support member, and the complexity of the variable portion is significantly reduced.

[0068] In an embodiment, the variable portion includes at least two stops, each of which is disposed at different rotational positions in a circumferential direction about the rotation axis. To change the length of the slot, the variable portion can be rotated about the rotation axis, which is a simple task for the user. Preferably, the stops are disposed at evenly distributed rotational positions, and preferably, the angle between adjacent stops is constant.

[0069] In an embodiment, each stop comprises a positioning surface oriented parallel to a plane intersecting the variable portion in a radial direction relative to the axis of rotation, wherein the distance between the positioning surface and the axis of rotation is different for each of the stop portions. In this context, the term "positioning surface" may refer to a preferably flat surface, which means the area where the component carrier inserted into the slot abuts the stop portion. Each positioning surface is oriented parallel to a plane intersecting the variable portion in a radial direction relative to the axis of rotation. In the case where the axis of rotation is oriented perpendicular to the guide direction, the positioning surface is also oriented perpendicular to the guide direction. The distance between each positioning surface and the axis of rotation is different for each stop portion. This distance defines the length of the slot. By rotating the variable portion about the axis of rotation, different stops having different distances from the axis of rotation are moved into a position adjacent to the fixed portion.

[0070] In one embodiment, a locking device is located between at least one end of the variable portion in the direction of the rotation axis and a portion of the fixed portion and / or the container whose position relative to the fixed portion cannot be changed. In this configuration, the locking device is arranged at a distal end or peripheral portion of the variable portion in the direction of the rotation axis. Due to its location at the end of the variable portion, the locking device does not interfere with a component carrier inserted into the slot. Furthermore, a single locking device can be used to lock the position of a rotatable variable portion, which serves as the variable portion of multiple fixed portions.

[0071] In an embodiment, in the locked state, the key of the locking device enables a positive locking between the rotatable variable part and the fixed part and / or the part of the container that cannot be changed relative to the fixed part, and wherein, in the released state, the key can move to release the positive locking. The key of the locking device can move between the locked state and the released state. In the enabled state corresponding to the locked state, the key prevents any movement of the variable part. By deactivating the key, the locking device is converted to the released state, in which the variable part can move to change the length of the slot. In the locked state, the key can fix the variable part by positive locking form fit. Alternatively or additionally, the key can fix the variable part by force locking.

[0072] In one embodiment, the locking device includes a spring that, in the locked state, presses the key into a recess in the variable portion. When released, the key can be moved out of the recess against the force of the spring. The spring automatically holds the key in place within the recess in the variable portion. This ensures that the position of the variable portion and the length of the slot cannot be accidentally changed. However, the key can be removed against the force of the spring to deactivate the locking device and intentionally change the length of the slot. The spring can be a coil spring, with one end of the spring connected to a fixed position within the container and the other end connected to the key.

[0073] In an embodiment, each stop of the variable portion includes a recess configured to receive a key in the locked state. Each of the stops may have its own recess, assigned to the rotational position of the stop. As the rotational position of the variable portion changes, the key is removed from one recess and inserted into another. This configuration allows for a very simple and reliable design of the locking device and the variable portion.

[0074] In one embodiment, a single variable section serves as the variable portion for multiple fixed sections positioned one above the other in a direction perpendicular to the guide direction. Combining multiple variable sections into a single variable section and using this single variable section as the variable portion for multiple fixed sections simplifies the design of the slot and container. The number of required components can be reduced. Furthermore, the slot, and particularly the variable section, requires less space within the container's interior. Consequently, the interior space can be used to accommodate more components than with other solutions.

[0075] In one embodiment, the slots, with their fixed and variable parts, are mounted on lateral inserts of the container, wherein the position of the inserts relative to the housing is variable in a direction perpendicular to the guide direction, and wherein the distance between two opposing slots can be adapted to the width of the component carriers to be stored in the container. The container can be adapted to the component carriers to be stored in two dimensions: the length of the slots can be varied by the variable parts, and the width between two opposing slots of a pair of slots can be varied via lateral inserts connecting the slots to the inner wall of the container. The thickness of these lateral inserts can be varied, or they can be interchanged to change the distance between the two opposing slots.

[0076] In one embodiment of the component carrier conveying device, the component carrier abuts a stop of the variable portion in the guiding direction. The final position of the component carrier accommodated or inserted into the slot of the container can be defined by the stop, against which the edge of the component carrier abuts. The stop clearly defines the correct position of the component carrier in the slot and facilitates correct insertion of the component carrier into the container.

[0077] In one embodiment, the component carrier is formed as a plate. This facilitates a compact design, while still providing a large base for mounting components on the component carrier. Furthermore, bare chips, in particular as an example of embedded electronic components, can be easily embedded in thin boards such as printed circuit boards due to their low thickness.

[0078] In an embodiment, the component carrier is configured as one of a printed circuit board, a substrate (particularly an IC substrate), a panel and an interposer.

[0079] In the context of the present application, the term "printed circuit board" (PCB) may particularly denote a plate-like component carrier formed by laminating a plurality of electrically conductive layer structures with a plurality of electrically insulating layer structures, the lamination being performed, for example, by applying pressure and / or by supplying heat. As a preferred material for PCB technology, the electrically conductive layer structures are made of copper, while the electrically insulating layer structures may comprise resin and / or fiberglass, so-called prepregs or FR4 materials. The individual electrically conductive layer structures may be connected to one another in the desired manner by forming holes through the laminate, for example by laser drilling or mechanical drilling, and by partially or completely filling the holes with an electrically conductive material, in particular copper, thereby forming vias or any other through-hole connections. A filled hole connecting the entire stack (a through-hole connection extending through multiple layers or the entire stack) or connecting at least two electrically conductive layers is referred to as a via. Similarly, optical interconnects may be formed through the various layers of the stack to receive an electro-optical circuit board (EOCB). In addition to one or more components that can be embedded in a printed circuit board, a printed circuit board is typically configured to accommodate one or more components on one or both opposing surfaces of the plate-shaped printed circuit board. The one or more components can be connected to the corresponding major surfaces by soldering. The dielectric portion of the PCB may include a resin with reinforcing fibers (such as glass fibers).

[0080] In the context of the present application, the term "substrate" can particularly refer to a small component carrier. Relative to a PCB, a substrate can be a relatively small component carrier on which one or more components can be mounted, and can be used as a connection medium between one or more chips and another PCB. For example, a substrate can have approximately the same size as the components (particularly electronic components) to be mounted on the substrate (for example, in the case of a chip scale package (CSP)). More specifically, a substrate can be understood as a component carrier for electrical connectors or electrical networks and a component carrier for connectors that are comparable to a printed circuit board (PCB) but have a relatively high density of lateral and / or vertical arrangements. Lateral connectors are, for example, conductive paths, while vertical connectors can be, for example, drill holes. These lateral connectors and / or vertical connectors are arranged in the substrate and can be used to provide electrical, thermal, and / or mechanical connections between accommodated components or unaccommodated components (such as bare wafers), particularly IC chips and printed circuit boards or intermediate printed circuit boards. Therefore, the term "substrate" also includes "IC substrates." The dielectric portion of the substrate may comprise a resin with reinforcing particles such as reinforcing spheres, particularly glass spheres.

[0081] In the context of this application, the term "inorganic layer structure" may particularly denote a layer structure comprising an inorganic material, such as an inorganic compound. In particular, the dielectric material of the inorganic layer structure or even the entire inorganic layer structure may be made solely of inorganic material or at least substantially solely of inorganic material. In another embodiment, the inorganic layer structure may comprise an inorganic dielectric material and an additional dielectric material. The inorganic compound may be a compound lacking carbon-hydrogen bonds or a compound that is not an organic compound. In an example, the inorganic layer structure may comprise glass, such as silicon-based glass, in particular soda-lime glass, and / or borosilicate glass, and / or aluminosilicate glass, and / or lithium silicate glass, and / or alkali-free glass. In another example, the inorganic layer structure may comprise a ceramic material, such as aluminum nitride, and / or aluminum oxide, and / or silicon nitride, and / or boron nitride, and / or tungsten comprising a ceramic material. However, in another example, the inorganic layer structure may include semiconductor materials such as silicon and / or germanium and / or silicon oxide and / or germanium oxide and / or silicon carbide and / or gallium nitride. In another embodiment, the inorganic layer structure may include (elemental) metals and / or metal alloys such as copper and / or tin and / or bronze. In yet another embodiment, the inorganic layer structure may include inorganic materials not listed in the above examples, such as MoS2, CuGaO2, AgAlO2, LiGaTe2, AgInSe2, CuFeS2, BeO.

[0082] The substrate or interposer may include or be composed of at least one layer of glass, silicon (Si), and / or a photoimageable or dry-etchable organic material such as an epoxy-based buildup material (e.g., an epoxy-based buildup film), or a polymer compound (which may or may not include photosensitive and / or heat-sensitive molecules) such as polyimide or polybenzoxazole.

[0083] In an embodiment, at least one electrically insulating layer structure (and / or a curable dielectric element) comprises at least one of the following: a resin or polymer, such as an epoxy resin, a cyanate resin, a benzocyclobutene resin, a bismaleimide triazine resin, a polyphenylene derivative (e.g., based on polyphenylene ether, PPE), a polyimide (PI), a polyamide (PA), a liquid crystal polymer (LCP), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), and / or a combination thereof. Reinforcement structures may also be used, such as those made of glass (multilayer glass) to form a composite material, such as a mesh, fibers, spheres, or other types of filler particles. Semi-cured resins combined with reinforcing agents, such as fibers impregnated with the above resins, are referred to as prepregs. These prepregs are often named after their properties, such as FR4 or FR5, to describe their flame retardant properties. Although prepregs, particularly FR4, are generally preferred for rigid PCBs, other materials, particularly epoxy-based laminates (e.g., buildup films) or photoimageable dielectric materials, may also be used. For high-frequency applications, high-frequency materials such as polytetrafluoroethylene, liquid crystal polymers, and / or cyanate ester resins may be preferred. In addition to these polymers, low-temperature co-fired ceramics (LTCC) or other low-DK materials, relatively low-DK materials, or ultra-low-DK materials can be used as the electrical insulation layer structure in the component carrier.

[0084] In an embodiment, at least one electrically conductive layer structure comprises at least one of copper, aluminum, nickel, silver, gold, palladium, tungsten, carbon, platinum, (doped) silicon, and magnesium. Although copper is generally preferred, other materials or other types of coatings thereof are also possible, in particular coated with a superconducting material or a conducting polymer, such as graphene or poly (3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT), respectively.

[0085] At least one component can be embedded in the component carrier and / or can be surface-mounted on the component carrier. Such a component can be selected from: a non-conductive inlay, a conductive inlay (such as a metal inlay, preferably comprising copper or aluminum), a heat transfer unit (such as a heat pipe), an optical element (such as an optical waveguide or optical conductor connector), an electronic component, or a combination thereof. The inlay can be, for example, a metal block with or without an insulating material coating (IMS-inlay), which can be embedded or surface-mounted to promote heat dissipation. Suitable materials are defined according to their thermal conductivity, which should be at least 2 W / mK. Such materials are generally based on, but not limited to, metals, metal oxides and / or ceramics, such as copper, aluminum oxide (Al2O3) or aluminum nitride (AlN). In order to increase the heat exchange capacity, other geometric structures with increased surface area are also often used. Furthermore, the component may be an active electronic component (implementing at least one pn junction), a passive electronic component such as a resistor, an inductor, or a capacitor, an electronic chip, a memory device (e.g., a DRAM or other data memory), a filter, an integrated circuit (e.g., a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a programmable array logic (PAL), a general array logic (GAL), and a complex programmable logic device (CPLD)), a signal processing component, a power management component (e.g., a field effect transistor (FET), a metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor (MOSFET), a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS), a junction field effect transistor (JFET), or an insulated-gate transistor (IGFET)). The present invention also includes a first embodiment of the present invention and a second embodiment of the present invention. The present invention relates to a first embodiment of the present invention and a second embodiment of the present invention. The first embodiment of the present invention relates to a first embodiment of the present invention and a second embodiment of the present invention. The first embodiment of the present invention relates to a first embodiment of the present invention and a second embodiment of the present invention. The first embodiment of the present invention relates to a first embodiment of the present invention and a second embodiment of the present invention. The first embodiment of the present invention relates to a first embodiment of the present invention and a second embodiment of the present invention. The first embodiment of the present invention relates to a first embodiment of the present invention and a second embodiment of the present invention. The first embodiment of the present invention relates to a first embodiment of the present invention and a second embodiment of the present invention. The components can be surface mounted on the component carrier and / or can be embedded in the interior of the component carrier. In addition, other components can also be used as components, in particular those that generate and emit electromagnetic radiation and / or are sensitive to electromagnetic radiation propagated from the environment.

[0086] In an embodiment, the component carrier is a laminated component carrier. In this embodiment, the component carrier is a composite of multiple layers that are stacked and connected together by applying pressure and / or heat.

[0087] After processing the internal layer structure of the component carrier, one or both main surfaces of the processed layer structure can be covered symmetrically or asymmetrically with one or more further electrically insulating and / or electrically conductive layer structures (in particular by lamination). In other words, the stacking can be continued until the desired number of layers is obtained.

[0088] After the formation of the stack of electrically insulating and electrically conductive layer structures has been completed, the resulting layer structure or component carrier can be subjected to a surface treatment.

[0089] In particular, with regard to surface treatment, an electrically insulating solder resist can be applied to one or both opposing main surfaces of a laminate or component carrier. For example, such a solder resist can be formed over the entire main surface and then patterned to expose one or more electrically conductive surface portions used to electrically connect the component carrier to an electronic peripheral. Surface portions of the component carrier that remain covered with the solder resist, particularly those containing copper, can be effectively protected from oxidation or corrosion.

[0090] In terms of surface treatment, a surface treatment can also be selectively applied to exposed electrically conductive surface portions of the component carrier. This surface treatment can be an electrically conductive covering material on exposed electrically conductive layer structures (such as pads, conductive traces, etc., particularly comprising or consisting of copper) on the surface of the component carrier. If such exposed electrically conductive layer structures are not protected, the exposed electrically conductive component carrier material (particularly copper) can oxidize, making the component carrier less reliable.

[0091] The surface treatment can then be formed as a joint between, for example, a surface-mounted component and a component carrier. The surface treatment has the function of protecting the exposed electrically conductive layer structure (particularly copper circuits) and enabling a joining process with one or more components, for example by soldering. Examples of suitable materials for the surface treatment are organic solderability preservative (OSP), electroless nickel immersion gold (ENIG), electroless nickel immersion palladium immersion gold (ENIPIG), gold (particularly hard gold), chemical tin, nickel-gold, nickel-palladium, and the like. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0092] The aspects defined above and further aspects of the invention are apparent from the examples of embodiment described hereinafter and are explained with reference to these examples of embodiment.

[0093] Figure 1A three-dimensional illustration of a container according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0094] Figure 2 A three-dimensional diagram of the components making up a receptacle of a container according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0095] Figure 3 A side view of components constituting a slot of a container is shown according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0096] Figure 4 A three-dimensional diagram of a locking device assembly of a container according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0097] Figure 5 A schematic top view of a portion of a variable portion of a container according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0098] Figure 1 1 shows a three-dimensional view of a container 150 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The container 150 is used to store a plurality of component carriers 100. For ease of viewing, Figure 1 These component carriers 100 are not shown in FIG. The container 150 includes a plurality of slots 151. The slots 151 are arranged in pairs of two slots 151, wherein the two slots 151 of a pair of slots are arranged inside the container 150 in a manner opposite to each other in a horizontal direction. The horizontal direction is Figure 1 A plurality of pairs of slots 151 are arranged to be connected to the Figure 1 The relevant vertical directions are adjacent to each other. Figure 1 In the illustration, only one slot 151 of each pair of slots 151 is visible on the left side of the container 150. The opposite slot 151 of each pair of slots 151 is on the right wall side of the container 150 and is therefore not visible. The slots 151 extend parallel to each other, wherein the distance between adjacent slots 151 is constant.

[0099] The length of at least one slot 151 in each pair of slots 151 can be changed to correspond to the length of the component carrier 100 to be stored in the container 150. Each pair of opposing slots 151 is configured to support one component carrier 100 together. Each of the slots 151 includes a fixing portion 152. The shape and position of each fixing portion 152 in the container 150 are fixed. Figure 1In the exemplary embodiment shown, each fixed portion 152 includes a notch for receiving a component or portion of the component carrier 100. The notch extends in the horizontal direction. In order to make the length of the slot 151 adaptable, at least one of the paired slots 151 includes a variable portion 153. The length of the slot 151 can be changed by moving or changing the variable portion 153. Figure 1 In the exemplary embodiment shown, the variable portion 153 can be rotated between at least two rotational positions. Each of these rotational positions corresponds to the length of the component carrier 100 to be stored in the container 150. Figure 1 In the embodiment shown, the variable portion 153 is located to the right of the fixed portion 152, which is opposite to the left opening of the container. Figure 2 150 is shown separated from the other components of the container 150. More details about these components will be referred to Figure 2 Provide a description.

[0100] exist Figure 1 In the exemplary embodiment shown, the container 150 comprises an opening, which in the illustration faces left. The component carrier 100 can be inserted into the slot 151 through this opening. The component carrier 100 can be inserted along Figure 1 The guide direction 158 shown by the arrow in the figure slides into the slot 151. The definition of this guide direction 158 will refer to Figure 2 The container 150 includes a door. Figure 1 The door is not shown. The door is used to close the opening so as to protect the inner space 156 of the container 150 from the environment during the transportation of the component carrier 100. The container 150 includes a shell 150a, which serves as a housing and accommodates a slot 151. Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, housing 150a is made of plastic and is shaped like a cube. Two slots 151, forming a pair of slots 151, are located on opposite sides of interior space 156 of housing 150a. Housing 150a may include components that protect interior space 156 from electromagnetic influences, contamination by foreign matter, and / or damage from static electricity. Such components may, for example, be metal foil or metal mesh embedded within one or more walls of housing 150a. Such foil or mesh shields component carrier 100 within container 150 from electromagnetic fields.

[0101] exist Figure 1In the exemplary embodiment, container 150 further includes a top flange located on the outer surface of the top of container 150. This top flange is shaped like a plate and provides an interface for a bridge crane system at the manufacturing facility. To transport container 150 within the manufacturing facility, the top flange is temporarily connected to the bridge crane system. Once connected, the bridge crane system moves container 150 from one manufacturing step to the next.

[0102] exist Figure 1 In the exemplary embodiment, the left side portion visible from the interior of the container 150 includes a fixed portion 152 and a variable portion 153 of the container, and the left side portion visible from the interior of the container 150 is designed to be symmetrical with the right side portion not visible from the interior. The two slots 151 in each pair of slots 151 are formed to be mirror-symmetrical with respect to an imaginary vertically oriented plane located between the left and right walls of the container 150.

[0103] exist Figure 1 In the exemplary embodiment, slots 151 having fixed portions 152 and variable portions 153 are mounted on lateral inserts of the container 150. These lateral inserts connect the slots 151 to the inner wall of the housing 150a. The horizontal dimensions of these lateral inserts define the horizontal distance between two opposing slots 151. Therefore, the distance between two opposing slots 151 can be adapted to the width of the component carriers 100 to be stored in the container 150. The lateral inserts are interchangeable, allowing the container to accommodate component carriers 100 of varying widths.

[0104] Figure 2 A three-dimensional view of components constituting a receptacle 151 of a container 150 is shown according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 A plurality of slots 151 are shown oriented parallel to one another. Figure 2 Shown Figure 1 The illustrated embodiment of the container 150 includes slots 151 that are assembled to the left inner wall of the housing 150a.

[0105] Figure 2 The left side portion of the embodiment includes a plurality of fixing portions 152 stacked one above the other in the vertical direction. All of these fixing portions 152 extend in parallel with each other in the horizontal direction. Figure 2 The right side is a single variable portion 153, which serves as a Figure 2 The variable parts 153 of all the fixed parts 152 are stacked on top of each other at the left side. Figure 1 In the assembled state of the container 150 shown, the fixed portion 152 and the variable portion 153 are arranged adjacent to each other in the horizontal direction. Figure 2The fixed portion 152 and the variable portion 153 are shown separated from each other.

[0106] Each of the fixing portions includes a support portion that is configured to directly support the component carrier 100. Each support portion includes a flat surface. When the component carrier 100 is accommodated between the two slots 151, the outer edge of the component carrier 100 rests on the support portions of the two opposing slots 151. The flat surfaces of the two opposing fixing portions define a guide plane 157. Figure 2 In the exemplary embodiment shown, guide plane 157 corresponds to a horizontal plane. Each pair of opposing slots 151 defines its own guide plane 157. When component carrier 100 is inserted into the pair of opposing slots 151, component carrier 100 moves parallel to guide plane 157. Each of the fixed portions also includes a guide portion configured to guide component carrier 100 within the guide plane. The guide portion also includes a flat surface. The flat surface of the guide portion is directed perpendicular to guide plane 157. The intersection of the flat surface of the guide portion and guide plane 157 is defined as guide direction 158. Guide plane 157 and guide direction 158 are imaginary references to simplify the description of the design of slots 151. Fixed portion 152 extends along guide direction 158. The variable portion is positioned adjacent to fixed portion 152 in guide direction 158.

[0107] exist Figure 2 In the exemplary embodiment shown, a portion of the variable portion 153 can be rotated about a rotation axis 159 oriented perpendicular to the guide direction 158. Figure 2 The variable portion 153 shown in FIG is rotated about the rotation axis 159 to change the length of the slot 151 in the guide direction 158. The working principle of the variable portion 153 and the assembly details of the fixed portion 152 and the variable portion 153 are described in FIG. Figures 3 to 5 FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a schematic ...

[0108] Figure 3 A side view of components forming a receptacle 151 of a container 150 is shown, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 Shown as Figure 1 and Figure 2 The component is the same as the component shown in , and includes a fixed part 152 and a variable part 153. Figure 3 The components are shown in an assembled state in a side view directed perpendicular to the Figure 1 The left inner wall of the housing 150a is shown in FIG. Figure 3Some simplified component carriers 100 are also shown in order to illustrate the relationship between the fixed part 152 , the variable part 153 and the component carrier 100 in the inserted state in the container 150 .

[0109] Figure 3 The left portion includes a plurality of fixed portions 152 extending along a guide direction 158 and arranged parallel to one another in a direction perpendicular to the guide direction 158. A single variable portion 153 is rotatably assembled to the left portion including the fixed portions 152. The rotation axis 159 of the variable portion 153 is oriented perpendicular to the guide direction 158. The variable portion 153 includes a plurality of stoppers 155 arranged equidistant from one another. Each stopper 155 corresponds to or belongs to one of the fixed portions 152. Each stopper 155 defines the length of one slot 151. Figure 2 All stops 155 visible in FIG are arranged in the same rotational position relative to the rotation axis 159. The variable portion 153 also comprises Figure 3 The further stops 155 which are not visible in FIG. 1 are arranged in different rotational positions. Details of these rotational positions of the stops 155 are given in FIG. Figure 5 Shown in.

[0110] In order to insert the component carrier 100 into the slot 151, the component carrier 100 is Figure 3 The left side is inserted into the slot 151. The component carrier 100 moves along the fixed part 152 in the guide direction 158, while the component carrier slides on the support part until the right edge of the component carrier 100 abuts against the stop 155. The stop 155 defines the final position of the component carrier 100 and the length of the slot 151. In order to adapt the length of the slot 151 to different lengths of the component carrier 100 in the guide direction 158, the variable part 153 can be rotated about the rotation axis 159. By this rotation of the variable part 153, a different stop 155 at another rotational position is positioned adjacent to the fixed part 152 in the guide direction 158. This different stop 155 is at a different distance 160a from the rotation axis 159 in the guide direction 158, which distance is Figure 3 Different stoppers 155 define the following lengths of the slot 151 at different rotational positions of the variable portion 153: Figure 3 The length at the stop 155 in the illustrated rotational position is reduced in comparison. Figure 5 A top view of the variable portion 153 is shown to better understand the different rotational positions.

[0111] exist Figure 3In the exemplary embodiment shown, the container 150 and / or the variable part 153 include a locking device 154, which is configured to fix the rotational position of the variable part 153. The locking device 154 connects the variable part 153 to the fixed part 152 in a releasable manner. In the embodiment shown, the locking device 154 is associated with the end portion of the variable part 153. The locking device 154 is connected to the fixed part 152 on the one hand and to the rotation part of the variable part 153 on the other hand. The locking device 154 locks the rotational position of the variable part 153 in the activated state. However, the locking device 154 can be deactivated, for example by a user's finger. In the deactivated state of the locking device 154, the variable part 153 can be rotated about the rotation axis 159, so that the length of the slot 151 can be changed. After the rotational position is changed, the locking device is activated again to fix the newly adapted length of the slot 151. Details about the locking device 154 are described in Figure 4 Shown in.

[0112] Figure 4 A three-dimensional view of a locking device 154 assembly of a container 150 is shown according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 The variable portion 153 and the fixed portion 152 shown in FIG. Figures 1 to 3The embodiment shown corresponds to the embodiment shown. The variable portion 153 is rotatable relative to the fixed portion 152 about a rotation axis 159. In the illustrated state of the locking device 154, the locking device 154 secures the position of the variable portion 153 relative to the fixed portion 152. The locking device 154 includes a releasable key 161. The engaged state of the locking device 154 can also be referred to as the locked state. In the illustrated locked state, the rotational position of the stop 155 is fixed relative to the fixed portion 152. The key 161 forms a positive locking between the rotatable variable portion 153 and the fixed portion 152. The key 161 is disposed within a recess in the variable portion 153 to form a positive locking. The locking device 154 also includes a spring that presses the key 161 into the recess, automatically securing it there. However, the key 161 can be moved against the force of the spring, removing it from the recess and releasing the positive locking. For example, the user of the container 150 can use a finger to move the key 161 against the spring force. In this state where the key 161 is moved out of the recess, the key 161 is released, and the locking device 154 is transformed into a released state, which corresponds to the deactivated state of the locking device 154. In the released state, the variable part 153 can rotate freely around the rotation axis 159 to adapt the length of the slot 151. After adjusting the length of the slot 151, the key 161 is placed in another recess of the variable part 153, which corresponds to another stop 155 at a different rotational position. After releasing the key 161, the key is held in the groove under the action of the spring force and is automatically held in the locked state. Figure 4 In the embodiment shown, the variable portion 153 includes a stop 155 in two different rotational positions. The variable portion 153 includes two different recesses to receive the key 161. Each of these recesses is associated with a stop 155 in a different rotational position. Figure 4 The embodiment shown represents only one possible solution for providing the locking device 154 . Other solutions of different designs are also suitable for use as the locking device 154 in order to fix the variable part 153 relative to the fixed part 152 .

[0113] Figure 5 A schematic top view of a portion of a variable portion 153 of a container 150 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 5 Shown according to Figures 1 to 4 Simplified top view of the variable part 153 of the illustrated embodiment. In this simplified top view, some details about the locking device 154, such as the recess for the key 161 and the bearing portion about the rotation axis 159, have been omitted for a clearer illustration. Figure 5The rotation axis 159 in the slot 151 is perpendicular to the drawing plane and faces inward. The variable portion 153 according to the illustrated embodiment includes two stoppers 155, which are arranged at different rotational positions in the circumferential direction around the rotation axis 159. Each of these stoppers includes a positioning surface 160 oriented parallel to a plane that intersects the variable portion 153 in a radial direction relative to the rotation axis 159. Positioning surfaces 160 are flat surfaces. The component carrier 100 inserted into the slot 151 abuts against the stoppers 155 at its positioning surface 160. Each positioning surface 160 is positioned a distance 160a from the rotation axis 159. As shown in the figure, the distance 160a between the positioning surface 160 on the left side of the illustration and the rotation axis 159 is smaller than the distance 160a between the positioning surface 160 on the right side. When the corresponding stopper 155 is rotated flush with the fixed portion 152, the distance 160a defines the length of the slot 151. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the length of slot 151 is equal to the length of fixed portion 152 plus the radius of the rotatable portion of variable portion 153, minus a corresponding distance 160a (length of slot 151 = length of fixed portion 152 + radius of variable portion 153 - distance 160a). By varying the distance 160a of positioning surfaces 160, container 150 can be easily adapted to component carriers 100 of varying lengths. It is also possible for variable portion 153 to include more than the two stops 155 shown at different rotational positions. For example, variable portion 153 may include four different stops 155, which may be arranged at rotational positions spaced 90° apart about axis of rotation 159.

[0114] In addition, the technical solution of this application may also include the following:

[0115] Item 1. A container for storing at least one component carrier, the container comprising:

[0116] at least two slots, wherein at least two of the slots are arranged opposite each other inside the container, the slots being configured to support the component carrier;

[0117] wherein at least one of the slots comprises a fixed portion and a variable portion; and

[0118] The variable portion is configured to change the length of the slot to correspond to the length of a component carrier to be stored in the container.

[0119] Item 2. The container of Item 1, wherein the variable portion is configured to change positions, wherein each of the positions corresponds to a length of a component carrier to be stored in the container.

[0120] Item 3. The container according to item 2, wherein the variable portion is movable between at least two positions relative to the fixed portion, wherein each of these positions corresponds to a length of a component carrier to be stored in the container.

[0121] Item 4. The container according to Item 2, wherein the variable portion is rotatable between at least two rotational positions, wherein each of these rotational positions corresponds to a length of a component carrier to be stored in the container.

[0122] Item 5. A container according to Item 2, wherein the variable part is capable of sliding between at least two positions relative to the fixed part, each of which corresponds to the length of the component carrier to be stored in the container, in particular, the variable part is capable of sliding in the horizontal direction and / or the vertical direction.

[0123] Item 6. A container according to Item 1, wherein the variable part is mounted in a releasable manner inside the container, in particular, the variable part includes a plurality of inserts, the plurality of inserts differing from each other in at least one dimension, the at least one dimension defining the position of the insert relative to the fixed part in the installed state inside the container, more particularly, one of the inserts is mounted or can be mounted inside the container to correspond to the length of the component carrier to be stored in the container.

[0124] Item 7. The container according to Item 1, wherein the container and / or the variable portion comprises a locking device configured to fix a position of the variable portion corresponding to the length of the component carrier to be stored in the container.

[0125] Item 8. The container according to Item 7, wherein the locking device is associated with a terminal end portion or a peripheral portion of the variable portion,

[0126] In particular, the locking device is connected to the fixed portion and / or to a portion of the container whose position relative to the fixed portion cannot be changed.

[0127] Item 9. A container according to item 7 or 8, wherein the locking device includes at least one releasable key.

[0128] Item 10. The container according to Item 1, wherein a length of the slot corresponding to a length of the component carrier is defined by a stop provided in or on the variable portion.

[0129] Item 11. The container of Item 10, wherein the position of the stop relative to the variable portion is adjustable so as to change the length of the slot to correspond to the length of a component carrier to be stored in the container.

[0130] Item 12. A container according to Item 10, wherein the position of the stop portion relative to the fixed portion is adjustable by moving the variable portion relative to the fixed portion to change the length of the slot to correspond to the length of the component carrier to be stored in the container.

[0131] Item 13. The container of Item 1, wherein a length of the fixed portion for supporting a component carrier is greater than a length of the variable portion for supporting the component carrier.

[0132] Item 14. A container according to Item 1, wherein the length of the slot can be changed by the variable part to correspond to different lengths of the component carrier to be stored in the container, in particular, the length of the slot can be changed to at least one of the following lengths: 11 mm, 13 mm, 15 mm, 17 mm.

[0133] Item 15. The container according to Item 1, wherein the variable portion is located in the container at a position for extending a supporting portion of the fixed portion for supporting a component carrier.

[0134] Item 16. A container according to Item 1, wherein the variable part is capable of rotating between at least two rotational positions relative to the fixed part, in particular, the variable part is capable of rotating between four rotational positions relative to the fixed part, in particular, the rotational positions are in the range of 0 degrees to 270 degrees.

[0135] Item 17. The container of Item 1, further comprising a door.

[0136] Item 18. The container of Item 1, further comprising a top flange.

[0137] Item 19. The container of Item 1, wherein opposing two slots in the pair of slots are formed symmetrically with each other.

[0138] Item 20. A container according to Item 1, wherein the container includes a shell that at least partially encloses an interior space of the container; and wherein at least two of the slots are arranged on two opposite sides of the shell within the interior space.

[0139] Item 21. A container according to item 1, wherein the fixing portion includes a supporting portion, which is arranged to directly support the component carrier, wherein the supporting portion includes a flat surface, which defines a guide plane for the component carrier, in particular, the guide plane is a horizontal plane.

[0140] Item 22. A container according to Item 21, wherein the fixed portion includes a guide portion, which is configured to guide the component carrier in the guide plane, wherein the guide portion includes a flat surface, which is directed to be perpendicular to the guide plane, and wherein the intersection line between the flat surface of the guide portion and the guide plane defines the guiding direction.

[0141] Item 23. The container according to Item 22, wherein the variable portion is arranged relative to the fixed portion in the guide direction and defines a restriction with respect to the length of the slot.

[0142] Item 24. The container of Item 21, wherein at least two opposing said slots each comprise a fixed portion and a variable portion, and wherein at least two opposing said slots are positioned relative to each other to define a common guide plane.

[0143] Item 25. The container of Item 1, wherein the container comprises a plurality of pairs of opposing slots, the slots being oriented parallel to one another.

[0144] Item 26. The container of Item 22, wherein a portion of the variable portion is rotatable about a rotation axis directed perpendicular to the guide direction.

[0145] Item 27. The container according to Item 26, wherein the variable portion includes at least two stoppers, and the stoppers are arranged at different rotational positions in the circumferential direction around the rotation axis.

[0146] Item 28. A container according to Item 27, wherein each stop portion includes a positioning surface, which is oriented parallel to a plane intersecting the variable portion in a radial direction relative to the rotation axis, and for each stop portion in the stop portion, the distance between the positioning surface and the rotation axis is different.

[0147] Item 29. A container according to Item 7, wherein the locking device is located between: at least one end of the variable part in the direction of the rotation axis; and a part of the fixed part and / or the container that cannot be changed in position relative to the fixed part.

[0148] Item 30. A container according to Item 29, wherein, in the locked state, the key of the locking device forms a form-fitting lock between: the variable part that can rotate; and a part of the fixed part and / or the container that cannot change its position relative to the fixed part, wherein in the released state, the key can be moved to release the form-fitting lock.

[0149] Item 31. A container according to Item 30, wherein the locking device includes a spring, which in the locked state presses the key into the recess of the variable part, and in the released state, the key can be moved out of the recess against the force of the spring.

[0150] Item 32. The container of Item 30, wherein each stop of the variable portion includes a recess configured to receive the key in the locked state.

[0151] Item 33. The container of Item 22, wherein a single variable portion serves as the variable portion of a plurality of fixed portions positioned one above the other in a direction perpendicular to the guide direction.

[0152] Item 34. A container according to Item 22, wherein the slot with the fixed part and the variable part is mounted on a lateral insert of the container, wherein the position of the lateral insert can be changed relative to the housing in a direction perpendicular to the guide direction, and wherein the distance between two opposing slots can be adapted to the width of the component carrier to be stored in the container.

[0153] Reference numerals

[0154] 100-component carrier

[0155] 150 containers

[0156] 151 slots

[0157] 152 fixed part

[0158] 153 variable part

[0159] 154 locking device

[0160] 155 stopper

[0161] 150a housing

[0162] 156 interior space

[0163] 157 Guide plane

[0164] 158 Guidance

[0165] 159 rotation axis

[0166] 160 positioning surface

[0167] 160a distance

[0168] 161 keys.

Claims

1. A container (150) for storing at least one component carrier (100), the container (100) comprising: at least two slots (151), wherein at least two of the slots (151) are arranged in an opposite manner to each other inside the container (150), and the slots (151) are configured to support the component carrier (100); wherein at least one of the slots (151) comprises a fixed portion (152) and a variable portion (153); and The variable portion (153) is configured to change the length of the slot (151) to correspond to the length of the component carrier (100) to be stored in the container (150).

2. The container (150) according to claim 1, wherein The variable portion (153) is configured to change positions, wherein each of these positions corresponds to the length of the component carrier (100) to be stored in the container (150).

3. The container (150) according to claim 2, wherein The variable portion (153) is movable relative to the fixed portion (152) between at least two positions, wherein each of these positions corresponds to the length of the component carrier (100) to be stored in the container (150).

4. The container (150) according to claim 2, wherein The variable portion (153) is rotatable between at least two rotational positions, wherein each of these rotational positions corresponds to the length of the component carrier (100) to be stored in the container (150).

5. The container (150) according to claim 1, wherein The variable part (153) is releasably mounted inside the container (150), in particular, the variable part (153) comprises a plurality of inserts, the plurality of inserts differing from one another in at least one dimension, the at least one dimension defining the position of the inserts relative to the fixed part (152) in a mounted state inside the container (150), more particularly, one of the inserts is mounted or can be mounted inside the container (150) to correspond to the length of the component carrier (100) to be stored in the container (150).

6. The container (150) according to claim 1, wherein The length of the slot (151), which corresponds to the length of the component carrier (100), is defined by a stop (155) which is provided in or on the variable portion (153).

7. The container (150) according to claim 6, wherein The position of the stopper (155) relative to the fixed portion (152) is adjustable by moving the variable portion (153) relative to the fixed portion (152) to change the length of the slot (151) to correspond to the length of the component carrier (100) to be stored in the container (150).

8. The container (150) according to claim 1, wherein The variable portion (153) is located in the container (150) at a position for extending a supporting portion of the fixed portion (152) for supporting the component carrier (100).

9. The container (150) according to claim 1, wherein The variable part (153) is rotatable relative to the fixed part (152) between at least two rotational positions, in particular, the variable part (153) is rotatable relative to the fixed part (152) between four rotational positions, in particular, the rotational positions are in the range of 0 degrees to 270 degrees.

10. The container (150) according to claim 1, wherein The two opposing slots (151) of the pair of slots (151) are formed symmetrically to each other.

11. The container (150) according to claim 1, wherein The container (150) includes a shell (150a) that at least partially encloses an interior space (156) of the container (150); and wherein at least two of the slots (151) are arranged on two opposite sides of the shell (150a) within the interior space (156).

12. The container (150) according to claim 1, wherein The fixing portion (152) comprises a supporting portion which is arranged to directly support a component carrier (100), wherein the supporting portion comprises a flat surface which defines a guide plane (157) for the component carrier (100), in particular the guide plane (157) is a horizontal plane.

13. The container (150) according to claim 12, wherein The fixing portion (152) comprises a guide portion, which is arranged to guide the component carrier (100) in the guide plane (157), wherein the guide portion comprises a flat surface, which is directed perpendicular to the guide plane (157), wherein an intersection line between the flat surface of the guide portion and the guide plane (157) defines a guide direction (158).

14. The container (150) according to claim 13, wherein The variable portion (153) is arranged relative to the fixed portion (152) in the guide direction (158) and defines a limit portion with respect to the length of the slot (151).

15. The container (150) according to claim 12, wherein At least two of the opposite slots (151) each include a fixed portion (152) and a variable portion (153), and wherein the at least two opposite slots (151) are positioned relative to each other to define a common guide plane (157).

16. The container (150) according to claim 1, wherein The container (150) includes a plurality of pairs of opposing slots (151) oriented parallel to each other.

17. The container (150) according to claim 13, wherein A portion of the variable portion (153) is rotatable about a rotation axis (159) directed perpendicularly to the guide direction (158).

18. The container (150) according to claim 17, wherein The variable portion (153) includes at least two stoppers (155) disposed at different rotational positions in a circumferential direction around the rotation axis (159).

19. The container (150) according to claim 18, wherein Each stop (155) includes a locating surface (160) oriented parallel to a plane intersecting the variable portion (153) in a radial direction relative to the rotation axis (159), and a distance (160a) between the locating surface (160) and the rotation axis (159) is different for each of the stop portions (155).

20. A component carrier transport device, comprising: The container (150) according to claim 1; as well as At least one component carrier (100), wherein the component carrier (100) is supported by two opposing slots (151) in the container (150), wherein the length of at least one of the slots (151) in the guide direction (158) is defined by the variable portion (153) to correspond to the length of the component carrier (100).

21. The component carrier transport device according to claim 20, wherein: The component carrier (100) abuts against a stop (155) of the variable section (153) in the guiding direction (158).

22. A logistics system for component carriers (100), in particular for moving component carriers (100) between manufacturing steps, comprising: at least two containers (150) according to claim 1; at least two component carriers (100), at least two of the component carriers comprising different lengths; The length of at least one slot (151) of each of the containers (150) can be changed via a variable portion (153) to correspond to the length of at least one component carrier (100).

23. A method of using a container (150) according to claim 1 to support and house at least one component carrier (100).

24. A method of modifying a container (150) to accommodate component carriers (100) of different lengths, the method comprising: Providing a container (150) according to claim 1; as well as By adjusting the variable portion (153), the length of at least one slot (151) is changed to correspond to the length of the component carrier (100) to be accommodated.

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