A carrier tape loading, forming, detecting and integrating device

Abstract

The application discloses a carrier tape loading, forming, detecting and integrating device and belongs to the field of electronic product processing. The device comprises an element screening device, an element transfer device, a hot-pressing device and a carrier tape conveying device which are sequentially arranged along the product conveying direction. The element screening device is used for screening elements into individual bodies. The element transfer device is used for transferring the individual bodies onto a carrier tape. The hot-pressing device is used for hot-pressing a plastic sealing film, the carrier tape and the individual bodies. The carrier tape conveying device is used for conveying the carrier tape. The element transfer device comprises a non-contact pickup head. The bottom surface of the non-contact pickup head is provided with an annular gap with a "Laval" shape cross section. The annular gap extends from the center of the non-contact pickup head to the periphery, so that the airflow flows obliquely downward from the center of the non-contact pickup head to the periphery. The application can improve the product yield and solve the pollution problem of air dust particles on the hot-pressing forming process.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of electronic product processing, and in particular to an integrated equipment for carrier tape feeding, forming and testing. Background Technology

[0002] Tape and reel feeding technology is a core method for automating and continuously feeding small components (resistors, capacitors, ICs, sensors, etc.) in electronic manufacturing. It is widely used in SMT assembly, semiconductor packaging and testing, LED sorting, and other scenarios. Before tape and reel feeding, the small components must first be transferred to a carrier tape, then laminated with a molding film, and finally thermo-pressed to form a carrier tape containing the small components for subsequent use.

[0003] During the transfer of small components to carrier tape, some components (such as MEMS sensors) have nano-coatings or are highly susceptible to scratches and electrostatic discharge (ESD). Direct contact with traditional vacuum nozzles can create stress concentration points, leading to decreased product yield. While a force needs to be applied to move the component, this force must not cause any physical contact or harmful effects to protect it. Simultaneously, components are highly susceptible to contamination by airborne dust particles during transport, particularly affecting the encapsulation of the molding film, carrier tape, and component during the thermoforming process, thus reducing product quality.

[0004] Based on this, this application provides an integrated equipment for carrier belt feeding, forming, and testing to solve the above problems. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In order to improve product yield and solve the problem of airborne dust particles contaminating the hot pressing process, this application provides an integrated equipment for carrier belt feeding, forming and testing.

[0006] The technical solution of the integrated carrier belt feeding, forming, and testing equipment provided in this application is as follows:

[0007] A carrier belt feeding, forming, and testing integrated equipment includes a component screening device, a component transfer device, a hot pressing device, and a carrier belt conveying device arranged sequentially along the product conveying direction. The component screening device is used to screen components into individual bodies, the component transfer device is used to transfer the individual bodies onto the carrier belt, the hot pressing device is used to hot press the plastic sealant, the carrier belt, and the individual bodies, and the carrier belt conveying device is used to convey the carrier belt.

[0008] The component transfer device includes a non-contact pickup head, the bottom surface of which is provided with an annular slit with a cross-section in the shape of a "Laval". The annular slit extends from the center of the non-contact pickup head to the periphery, so that the airflow flows obliquely downward from the center of the non-contact pickup head to the periphery.

[0009] By employing the above technical solution, a negative pressure zone is created above the component using high-speed airflow, enabling contactless pickup and transfer of the component. This fundamentally avoids physical contact with the component caused by traditional nozzles or grippers, effectively preventing scratches, stress damage, or contaminant transfer from the component surface. Simultaneously, the high-speed airflow flowing from the center outwards forms an "air curtain," actively shielding and isolating microparticles in the environment, protecting the component from secondary contamination throughout the handling process, and significantly improving product yield.

[0010] Optionally, the non-contact pickup head includes a pickup head body and a pickup seat. The bottom of the pickup head body has a groove, and the groove wall extends downwards and outwards from the center of the pickup head body. The pickup seat is detachably connected to the center of the groove, and the annular gap is formed between the side of the pickup seat facing the bottom of the groove and the bottom of the groove.

[0011] By adopting the above technical solution, the pickup head is designed as a modular, split structure, allowing the core component, the "annular slit," to be assembled from two relatively simple parts. This not only significantly reduces the processing difficulty and manufacturing cost of the precision Laval nozzle but also facilitates cleaning, maintenance, or replacement of the slit. The detachable design also provides convenience for subsequent adjustments to the slit size and adaptation to different components, enhancing the maintainability and versatility of the equipment.

[0012] Optionally, the pickup head body has a balancing cavity and a pressurizing channel. The balancing cavity is located at the center of the pickup head body and communicates with the pressurizing channel. The pressurizing channel is arranged around the periphery of the balancing cavity wall and communicates with the annular gap.

[0013] By adopting the above technical solution, after the external air source enters the pickup head body, it is first stabilized and buffered in the balance chamber, and then evenly distributed to the entire annular gap through the annular pressurization channel. This structure ensures that the speed and pressure of the airflow ejected from the annular gap are uniform, symmetrical and stable in all directions, thereby generating a smooth levitation force. This effectively prevents the component from tilting, shaking or shifting during the pickup process due to uneven airflow, and improves the stability and success rate of the pickup action.

[0014] Optionally, a connecting post is connected to the top surface of the pickup seat, the connecting post is threadedly connected to the pickup head body, and the balance cavity is formed between the end of the connecting post and the inner wall of the center of the pickup head body.

[0015] By employing the above technical solution and utilizing a threaded connection, the screw-in depth of the connecting post can be precisely adjusted, thereby fine-tuning the distance between the pickup seat and the pickup head body. This distance directly determines the height of the annular gap. Therefore, this structure provides a simple and precise adjustment method, enabling convenient changes in the gap size to optimize the pickup force for components of different weights and sizes, offering strong adaptability. Simultaneously, the clever use of the space between the connecting structures to form a balancing cavity results in a more compact overall design and higher integration.

[0016] Optionally, the balance chamber is connected to an air intake channel, and the air intake channel is connected to an electrostatic ion generator.

[0017] By adopting the above technical solution, the ionized air, processed by the electrostatic ion generator, is used as the air source for the pickup head. In this way, the high-speed airflow provides levitation force while carrying a large number of positive and negative ions that actively and continuously neutralize the static charge accumulated on the surface of components due to friction and other factors. This perfectly integrates the two independent functions of "Bernoulli transport" and "ion fan static elimination" through the medium of "air path." It achieves "active static elimination while performing contactless transport," upgrading the ESD protection level from the traditional "passive conduction / grounding" to "active neutralization," providing the ultimate protection solution for the highest-level electrostatic sensitive components.

[0018] Optionally, the non-contact pickup head has an auxiliary channel at its center, and an auxiliary release air tube is installed in the auxiliary channel.

[0019] By adopting the above technical solution, when a component needs to be released, a precisely controlled airflow can be blown out from the center through the auxiliary release air tube. This airflow can instantly break the negative pressure balance at the bottom of the pickup head, achieving rapid and stable release of the component and avoiding inaccurate placement caused by the slow disappearance of negative pressure. In addition, this structure can also be used for active sorting. When the vision system identifies defective products, this air tube can be used to accurately blow the defective products into the waste bin, realizing the integration of pickup, placement, and sorting functions.

[0020] Optionally, the outer edge of the bottom surface of the non-contact pickup head is provided with at least three stabilizing pins.

[0021] By employing the above technical solution, the stabilizing pin provides a flexible restriction on the lateral movement range of the component without contacting it. This effectively prevents the component from sliding or rotating horizontally due to slight airflow disturbances or inertia when suspended by airflow, ensuring that the component remains centered on the pickup head throughout the transfer process, thereby guaranteeing the accuracy of its final placement in the carrier tape cavity.

[0022] Optionally, the hot pressing device includes a hot pressing block and a hot pressing drive assembly. The hot pressing drive assembly is used to drive the hot pressing block to rotate so that the acute angle between the hot pressing surface of the hot pressing block and the top surface of the carrier belt gradually decreases, and the opening of the acute angle faces the opposite direction to the conveying direction of the carrier belt.

[0023] By employing the above technical solution and using a rotary hot-pressing method, the hot-pressing block gradually adheres to the sealing film and carrier tape through a "rolling" motion. This method smoothly expels air from one side to the other, effectively avoiding the air bubble problem that easily occurs in the cavity with traditional vertical pressing methods, thus ensuring the quality and reliability of the sealing. At the same time, the progressive pressure method also reduces the instantaneous impact force on the components in the cavity, improving the protection effect for vulnerable components.

[0024] Optionally, the component transfer device further includes a robotic arm, with the non-contact pickup head mounted on the output end of the robotic arm. The robotic arm is used to drive the non-contact pickup head to transfer between the carrier belt and the output end of the component screening device.

[0025] By adopting the above technical solution, a complete automated transfer path is constructed by combining the non-contact pickup head with the robotic arm. This enables the automated operation of accurately and efficiently transporting components from the screening device to the designated position on the carrier belt, replacing manual operation and improving production efficiency and consistency.

[0026] Optionally, the integrated carrier belt feeding, forming, and testing equipment further includes a receiving tray, and the carrier belt conveying device is disposed between the receiving tray and the hot pressing device. The carrier belt conveying device includes a conveying roller and a needle wheel, and the conveying roller and the needle wheel clamp the conveying carrier belt.

[0027] By adopting the above technical solutions, a complete carrier tape conveying, processing and winding process is set up, providing a stable and precise conveying driving force for the carrier tape, ensuring the smooth operation of the entire tape-making process, and forming a fully functional automated tape-making equipment.

[0028] In summary, this application includes at least one of the following beneficial technical effects:

[0029] 1. It achieves non-destructive and pollution-free handling of components, avoids physical contact through the Bernoulli effect, shields micro-dust with air curtains, and actively eliminates static electricity through ion wind, greatly improving the processing yield of precision and fragile components.

[0030] 2. Improved the stability and accuracy of equipment operation. Through optimized internal air path design and external stabilizing pin structure, the smoothness of the picking action and the accuracy of the placement position are ensured.

[0031] 3. It enhances the versatility and maintainability of the equipment. The modular and adjustable pickup head design allows it to adapt to different components and reduces manufacturing costs and maintenance difficulty.

[0032] 4. It enhances the versatility and maintainability of the equipment. The modular and adjustable pickup head design allows it to adapt to different components and reduces manufacturing costs and maintenance difficulty. Attached Figure Description

[0033] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of an embodiment of this application.

[0034] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 An enlarged schematic diagram of part A in the middle.

[0035] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the non-contact pickup head of this application.

[0036] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 Enlarged diagram of part B.

[0037] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0038] 100. Carrier belt; 101. Track; 102. Component; 1. Component screening device; 2. Component transfer device; 21. Robotic arm; 22. Non-contact pickup head; 221. Annular slit; 222. Pickup head body; 2221. Groove; 2222. Balance chamber; 2223. Pressurization channel; 2224. Air inlet channel; 223. Pickup seat; 224. Connecting column; 225. Auxiliary air release pipe; 226. Stabilizing pin; 3. Hot pressing device; 31. Hot pressing block; 32. Hot pressing drive assembly; 4. Carrier belt conveyor; 41. Conveyor roller; 42. Pinwheel; 5. Receiving tray. Detailed Implementation

[0039] The following is in conjunction with the appendix Figure 1 - Appendix Figure 4 This application will be described in further detail.

[0040] See Figure 1 This embodiment provides an integrated carrier belt feeding, forming, and inspection device, the structure of which is arranged sequentially along the conveying direction of the product (also referred to herein as "component"). The integrated carrier belt feeding, forming, and inspection device includes a component screening device 1 for separating and sorting incoming materials, a component transfer device 2 for picking up components and placing them onto the carrier belt 100, a hot pressing device 3 for hot-pressing and sealing the plastic sealing film (not shown) covering the component with the carrier belt 100, and a carrier belt conveying device 4 for providing the carrier belt 100 substrate for the entire process.

[0041] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 The carrier belt feeding, forming and testing integrated equipment also includes a track 101 set at the front end of the carrier belt feeding, forming and testing integrated equipment. The carrier belt 100 is conveyed above the track 101, and the track 101 is used to support the component 102.

[0042] In this embodiment, the component screening device 1 can be a vibratory feeder commonly used in the art. Through vibration and a specific track, it automatically arranges the disordered components 102 into a single queue and forms a working area, i.e., the output end, for individual conveying of each component to the component transfer device 2. It is understood that in other embodiments, the component screening device 1 can also be other equipment depending on the packaging form of the components 102, such as a tape feeder for tape-packaged components 102 or a pallet feeder for pallet-packaged components 102.

[0043] See Figure 1 and Figure 2 The component transfer device 2 includes a robotic arm 21, a non-contact pickup head 22 mounted on the end effector of the robotic arm 21, and a detection element (not shown in the figure). In this embodiment, the robotic arm 21 is preferably a SCARA (four-axis horizontal multi-joint) robot or a three-axis Cartesian coordinate robot, which has the characteristics of high speed and high repeatability positioning accuracy, and can drive the non-contact pickup head 22 to perform rapid and precise reciprocating motion between the output end of the component screening device 1 and the target cavity on the carrier belt 100. The detection element can be a vision system. Before the robotic arm 21 grasps, the vision system captures images of the vibratory feeder outlet and the carrier belt 100, accurately identifies the position and orientation of the component 102 and the positioning holes on the carrier belt 100, calculates the precise coordinates of each cavity in real time, and guides the robotic arm to achieve precise grasping and placement.

[0044] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 The bottom surface of the non-contact pickup head 22, facing the element 102, has an annular slit 221. The slit has a Laval tube cross-section (a converging-expanding nozzle shape). This special shape significantly accelerates the incoming airflow, creating a stable negative pressure region between the bottom surface of the non-contact pickup head 22 and the upper surface of the element 102, with pressure far below atmospheric pressure. This generates strong levitation lift based on the Bernoulli effect. The annular slit 221 extends outwards from the center of the non-contact pickup head 22, and its overall structure causes the airflow to be ejected at a high speed downwards at an angle of approximately 30 to 60 degrees from the center. This high-speed air curtain not only generates lift but also forms a protective shield, effectively blowing away surrounding dust.

[0045] Specifically, the non-contact pickup head 22 includes a pickup head body 222 and a pickup seat 223. A centrally symmetrical groove 2221 is formed at the bottom of the pickup head body 222. The groove wall of the groove 2221 extends downwards and outwards from the center, forming the outer wall of the "Laval" nozzle. The pickup seat 223 is detachably connected to the center of the groove 2221, and its edge contour matches the groove wall of the groove 2221, forming the inner wall of the "Laval" nozzle. The aforementioned annular gap 221 is precisely formed between the pickup seat 223 and the bottom of the groove 2221. Preferably, both the pickup head body 222 and the pickup seat 223 are made of PEEK (polyetheretherketone) or anodized aerospace aluminum alloy, to achieve a combination of light weight, high strength, and excellent antistatic properties.

[0046] To ensure a stable airflow supply, a balancing cavity 2222 is provided at the center of the pickup head body 222 to stabilize and buffer the incoming airflow. A pressurization channel 2223 is annularly arranged around the balancing cavity 2222. The pressurization channel 2223 communicates with the balancing cavity 2222 and extends downwards, eventually connecting evenly to the entire annular gap 221.

[0047] Preferably, the top surface of the pickup base 223 is integrally formed with a connecting post 224, which has fine threads machined on it and screws into the threaded hole at the center of the pickup head body 222. By rotating the pickup base 223, its relative position with the pickup head body 222 can be precisely adjusted, thereby fine-tuning the height of the annular gap 221 to accommodate components 102 of different weights. At the same time, the balance cavity 2222 is formed between the end of the connecting post 224 and the inner wall at the center of the pickup head body 222. When subsequent cleaning and maintenance of the balance cavity 2222 is required, it can also be quickly achieved by removing the connecting post 224.

[0048] Preferably, the balance chamber 2222 is connected to an air inlet channel 2224, which is also connected to a high-frequency AC corona discharge electrostatic ion generator (not shown). Before entering the balance chamber 2222, the compressed air is ionized by this generator into an ion wind containing balanced positive and negative ions, thereby actively neutralizing the static electricity on the surface of the component 102 while picking it up. This perfectly integrates the two independent functions of "Bernoulli transport" and "ion fan static elimination" through the medium of "air path". It achieves "active static elimination while handling without contact", upgrading the ESD protection level from the traditional "passive conduction / grounding" to "active neutralization", providing the ultimate protection solution for the highest level of static sensitive component 102.

[0049] Furthermore, the molding compound and plastic carrier tape 100 are almost entirely made of polymer insulating materials, which easily generate and accumulate static electricity during friction or peeling. This static electricity attracts dust and fibers from the environment, forming "bubbles," "pinholes," or localized weak seals after hot pressing, causing the molding compound to peel off or tear prematurely during subsequent bonding. In this application, due to static electricity elimination, the molding compound and carrier tape 100 are free from static interference during the hot pressing process, improving product yield. The supply and transportation of the molding compound are conventional methods and will not be elaborated upon here.

[0050] Meanwhile, an auxiliary channel is provided in the center of the non-contact pickup head 22, and an auxiliary release air pipe 225 is installed in the auxiliary channel. The auxiliary release air pipe 225 is connected to an external air source. When placing the component 102, a weak airflow can be blown out from this auxiliary release air pipe 225, and the auxiliary component 102 can be quickly and smoothly detached.

[0051] Preferably, at least three stabilizing pins 226 made of zirconia ceramic are evenly distributed on the outer edge of the bottom surface of the non-contact pickup head 22. The height of the stabilizing pins 226 is adjustable, and the stabilizing pins 226 have inclined guide surfaces to define the horizontal position of the element 102.

[0052] Please refer to the following: Figure 1 and Figure 4 The hot pressing device 3 includes a hot pressing block 31 and a hot pressing drive assembly 32. The hot pressing drive assembly 32 includes a servo motor and a connecting frame driven by the servo motor. The hot pressing block 31 is mounted on the connecting frame. During operation, the hot pressing drive assembly 32 drives the connecting frame, on which the hot pressing block 31 is mounted, to swing around a fixed axis point, causing its hot pressing surface to gradually adhere to the plastic sealing film and the carrier tape 100 from one side in a "rolling" manner. Specifically, the acute angle between the hot pressing surface of the hot pressing block 31 and the top surface of the carrier tape 100 gradually decreases, and the opening of this acute angle faces the opposite direction to the conveying direction of the carrier tape 100. This method can effectively squeeze out the air in the encapsulation cavity, thereby avoiding the generation of air bubbles and ensuring the encapsulation quality.

[0053] The integrated carrier tape feeding, forming, and testing equipment also includes a take-up tray 5, and a carrier tape conveying device 4 is disposed between the take-up tray 5 and the hot pressing device 3. Optionally, the carrier tape conveying device 4 includes a conveying roller 41 and a needle wheel 42 arranged opposite to each other. The input end of the needle wheel 42 is connected to a servo motor or a stepper motor, which drives the carrier tape 100 to provide precise stepping or continuous conveying. After hot pressing, the finished carrier tape 100 is conveyed to the take-up tray 5 via the conveying roller 41 and the needle wheel 42, where the take-up tray 5 completes the final winding. The specific structure of the conveying roller 41 and the needle wheel 42 is prior art and will not be described in detail here.

[0054] The implementation principle of the carrier tape feeding, forming, and testing integrated device in this application is as follows: A blank carrier tape 100 is driven by the carrier tape conveyor 4 and steps to below the component transfer device 2. Simultaneously, the component screening device 1 conveys a single component 102 to a designated pickup position. The robot arm 21 moves the non-contact pickup head 22 directly above the component 102, activates the air source, and uses the Bernoulli effect to non-contactly adsorb the component below the pickup head. Subsequently, the robot arm 21 quickly transfers the component 102 to directly above the cavity of the carrier tape 100, stops the air supply or blows air through the auxiliary channel, and smoothly places the component 102 into the cavity. The carrier tape 100 continues to step to below the hot pressing device 3, where a plastic sealing film covers it, and the rotating hot pressing block 31 completes the bubble-free hot pressing seal. This cycle is repeated until the finished carrier tape 100 is finally wound up by the receiving tray 5.

[0055] The above are all preferred embodiments of this application, and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, all equivalent changes made in accordance with the structure, shape and principle of this application should be covered within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A carrier belt feeding, forming, and testing integrated device, characterized in that, The device includes a component screening device (1), a component transfer device (2), a hot pressing device (3), and a carrier belt conveyor (4) arranged sequentially along the product conveying direction. The component screening device (1) is used to screen the component (102) into individual components. The component transfer device (2) is used to transfer the individual components onto the carrier belt (100). The hot pressing device (3) is used to hot press the plastic sealant, the carrier belt (100), and the individual components. The carrier belt conveyor (4) is used to convey the carrier belt (100). The component transfer device (2) includes a non-contact pickup head (22), and the bottom surface of the non-contact pickup head (22) is provided with an annular slit (221) with a cross-section of "Laval" shape. The annular slit (221) extends from the center of the non-contact pickup head (22) to the periphery, so that the airflow flows from the center of the non-contact pickup head (22) to the periphery and downwards. The non-contact pickup head (22) includes a pickup head body (222) and a pickup seat (223). The bottom of the pickup head body (222) is provided with a groove (2221). The groove wall of the groove (2221) extends downward from the center of the pickup head body (222) outward. The pickup seat (223) is detachably connected to the center of the groove (2221). The side of the pickup seat (223) facing the bottom of the groove (2221) forms the annular gap (221) with the bottom of the groove (2221).

2. The integrated equipment for carrier belt feeding, forming, and testing according to claim 1, characterized in that: The pickup head body (222) has a balance cavity (2222) and a pressurization channel (2223) inside. The balance cavity (2222) is located at the center of the pickup head body (222) and communicates with the pressurization channel (2223). The pressurization channel (2223) is arranged around the periphery of the cavity wall of the balance cavity (2222) and communicates with the annular gap (221).

3. The integrated equipment for carrier belt feeding, forming, and testing according to claim 2, characterized in that: The top surface of the pickup seat (223) is connected to a connecting post (224), the connecting post (224) is threadedly connected to the pickup head body (222), and the end of the connecting post (224) and the inner wall of the center of the pickup head body (222) form the balance cavity (2222).

4. The integrated equipment for carrier belt feeding, forming, and testing according to claim 2, characterized in that: The balance chamber (2222) is connected to an air intake channel (2224), and the air intake channel (2224) is connected to an electrostatic ion generator.

5. The integrated equipment for carrier belt feeding, forming, and testing according to claim 1, characterized in that: The non-contact pickup head (22) has an auxiliary channel in the center, and an auxiliary release air tube (225) is installed in the auxiliary channel.

6. The integrated equipment for carrier belt feeding, forming, and testing according to claim 1, characterized in that: The outer edge of the bottom surface of the non-contact pickup head (22) is provided with at least three stabilizing pins (226).

7. The integrated equipment for carrier belt feeding, forming, and testing according to claim 1, characterized in that: The hot pressing device (3) includes a hot pressing block (31) and a hot pressing drive assembly (32). The hot pressing drive assembly (32) is used to drive the hot pressing block (31) to rotate so that the acute angle between the hot pressing surface of the hot pressing block (31) and the top surface of the carrier belt (100) gradually decreases, and the opening of the acute angle is oriented in the opposite direction to the conveying direction of the carrier belt (100).

8. The integrated equipment for carrier belt feeding, forming, and testing according to claim 1, characterized in that: The component transfer device (2) also includes a robot (21), and the non-contact pickup head (22) is installed at the output end of the robot (21). The robot (21) is used to drive the non-contact pickup head (22) to transfer between the carrier belt (100) and the output end of the component screening device (1).

9. The integrated equipment for carrier belt feeding, forming, and testing according to claim 1, characterized in that: The integrated equipment for feeding, forming and testing of carrier belts also includes a receiving tray (5). The carrier belt conveying device (4) is located between the receiving tray (5) and the hot pressing device (3). The carrier belt conveying device (4) includes a conveying roller (41) and a pin wheel (42). The conveying roller (41) and the pin wheel (42) clamp the conveying carrier belt (100).

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