Magazine for storing lead frames

Abstract

We provide a lead frame storage magazine that is less prone to accumulating foreign objects. [Solution] The lead frame storage magazine includes a magazine body, grooves, multiple air outlets, an air supply port, and an air pipe. The grooves extend in the depth direction of the magazine body and are provided in multiple stages on each of the two sides of the magazine body. Each groove holds both ends of the lead frame, storing the lead frame in the space inside the magazine body. Multiple air outlets are provided along the grooves at the back of the grooves and spray air toward the inside of the magazine body. An air supply port is provided on the outer surface of the magazine body and supplies air to the multiple air outlets. The air pipe connects the air supply port to the multiple air outlets.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a magazine for storing lead frames.

Background Art

[0002] A semiconductor device is provided with a lead frame as a terminal that can be connected to the outside (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In the manufacturing process of the semiconductor device, the lead frame is stored in a magazine, and the lead frame is transferred between the magazine and a transfer device. For example, the lead frame is loaded from the magazine to the transfer device or unloaded from the transfer device to the magazine.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The magazine is provided with grooves for storing the lead frames, but foreign matter tends to accumulate in the grooves. When the lead frame is loaded or unloaded with such foreign matter adhering to the grooves, various problems occur, such as a decrease in the yield in the manufacturing process of the semiconductor device.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a magazine for storing lead frames in which foreign matter is less likely to accumulate in order to solve the above problems.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The lead frame storage magazine according to this disclosure includes a magazine body, grooves, multiple air outlets, an air supply port, and an air pipe. The grooves extend in the depth direction of the magazine body and are provided in multiple stages on each of the two sides of the magazine body. Each groove holds both ends of the lead frame, storing the lead frame in the space inside the magazine body. Multiple air outlets are provided along the grooves at the back of the grooves and spray air toward the inside of the magazine body. An air supply port is provided on the outer surface of the magazine body and supplies air to the multiple air outlets. The air pipe connects the air supply port to the multiple air outlets. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to this disclosure, a lead frame storage magazine that is less prone to accumulating foreign matter is provided.

[0008] The purpose, features, aspects, and advantages of this disclosure will become clearer from the following detailed description and accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This diagram shows the configuration of the lead frame storage magazine in Embodiment 1. [Figure 2] This is a cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of the magazine for housing the lead frame. [Figure 3] This is a cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of the magazine for housing the lead frame. [Figure 4] This is an enlarged view showing the configuration of the air outlet. [Figure 5] This is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the lead frame storage magazine in a modified example of Embodiment 1. [Figure 6] This figure shows the configuration of the lead frame storage magazine in Embodiment 2. [Figure 7] This is a cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of the magazine for housing the lead frame. [Figure 8] This figure shows the configuration of the lead frame storage magazine in Embodiment 3. [Figure 9] This is a cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of the magazine for housing the lead frame. [Figure 10] This is an enlarged view showing the configuration of the air outlet. [Figure 11] This diagram shows the configuration of a detachable jig that can be attached to the storage compartment of the magazine body. [Figure 12] This is a front view showing the configuration of a lead frame storage magazine with a jig attached. [Figure 13] This is a cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of a lead frame storage magazine with a jig attached. [Figure 14] This is a cross-sectional view showing the internal configuration of the lead frame storage magazine in a modified example of Embodiment 3. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] <Embodiment 1> Figure 1 shows the configuration of the lead frame storage magazine 101 in Embodiment 1. Figures 1(a), 1(b), and 1(c) show the top view, front view, and side view of the lead frame storage magazine 101, respectively. Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the internal configuration of the lead frame storage magazine 101, showing the cross-sectional configuration along A-A' shown in Figure 1(b). Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the internal configuration of the lead frame storage magazine 101, showing the cross-sectional configuration along B-B' shown in Figure 1(b).

[0011] The lead frame storage magazine 101 consists of a magazine body 1, a groove 2, multiple air outlets 3, an air jet insertion port 4 as an air supply port, an air pipe 5, and a partition groove 6.

[0012] The magazine body 1 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape surrounded by an upper surface, a lower surface, and both side surfaces, and has an opening in the front surface in the depth direction. Both side surfaces of the magazine body 1 are composed of side plates 1A. The magazine body 1 can store a lead frame (not shown) in the space surrounded by its upper surface, lower surface, and both side surfaces, that is, in the storage portion 1B inside the magazine body 1. The lead frame is stored in the storage portion 1B through the opening provided in the front surface of the magazine body 1, or taken out from the storage portion 1B. That is, the opening of the magazine body 1 is the access port for the lead frame.

[0013] The grooves 2 are provided in multiple stages on each of the both side surfaces of the magazine body 1 and extend in the depth direction of the magazine body 1. The lead frame slides along the grooves 2 and is inserted into the storage portion 1B. That is, the grooves 2 hold both ends of the lead frame for each stage, and the lead frame is stored in the storage portion 1B of the magazine body 1. In the lead frame storage magazine 101 of Embodiment 1, multi-stage grooves 2 are formed, and the lead frame is held in the grooves 2 of each stage.

[0014] As shown in FIG. 2, a plurality of air outlets 3 are arranged at regular intervals along the grooves 2 at the inner depth portion of the grooves 2. The air outlets 3 jet air toward the inside of the magazine body 1. FIG. 4 is an enlarged view showing the configuration of the air outlets 3. FIG. 4(a) shows the configuration of the cut surface, that is, the end surface, along C-C' shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 4(b) shows the configuration of the side surface of the air outlet 3. The air outlets 3 of Embodiment 1 face the inside of the magazine body 1 along the width direction of the magazine body 1 orthogonal to the depth direction of the magazine body 1.

[0015] The air jet insertion port 4 as an air supply port is the starting point of air supply in the magazine body 1 and supplies air to the air outlet 3. The air jet insertion port 4 is a connection port for connecting an air jet machine, and the air jet machine injects compressed air into the air jet insertion port 4. Note that as long as air can be supplied, it is not limited to an air jet machine. The air jet insertion port 4 is provided on the outer surface of the magazine body 1. In Embodiment 1, two air jet insertion ports 4 are provided on the upper surface of the magazine body 1.

[0016] The air pipe 5 connects the air jet insertion port 4 and the air outlet 3. The air pipe 5 in Embodiment 1 is provided inside the side plate 1A of the magazine body 1 as shown in FIG. 3. The air injected into the air jet insertion port 4 is sent to the air outlet 3 through the air pipe 5.

[0017] The partitioning groove 6 extends in the depth direction of the magazine body 1 and is provided at the center of each of the upper and lower surfaces of the magazine body 1. The partition plate 7 is a plate that extends parallel to the depth direction and can be inserted into the partitioning groove 6. In other words, the partition plate 7 is detachable from the partitioning groove 6.

[0018] Next, an air cleaning method for the lead frame storage magazine 101 will be described. This air cleaning is performed before the lead frame storage magazine 101 is used in the manufacturing process of semiconductor devices.

[0019] First, an air jet machine is set at the air jet insertion port 4 of the magazine body 1. The compressed air injected from the air jet machine into the air jet insertion port 4 passes through the air pipe 5 and is sent to each air outlet 3. The air blows out from the air outlet 3 toward the inside of the magazine body 1. The entire groove 2 is hit by an air shower, and foreign matters such as metal chips accumulated in the groove 2 are blown away, and the groove 2 of the magazine body 1 is cleaned.

[0020] Furthermore, during this air cleaning process, a partition plate 7 may be set in the partition groove 6. The partition plate 7 prevents foreign matter blown out of the groove 2 by the air from re-adhering to the groove 2 on the opposite side. After air cleaning, with the partition plate 7 removed, the lead frame is placed in the groove 2 and the semiconductor device manufacturing process is carried out.

[0021] In summary, the lead frame storage magazine 101 in Embodiment 1 includes a magazine body 1, a groove 2, a plurality of air outlets 3, an air jet insertion port 4 as an air supply port, and an air pipe 5. The groove 2 extends in the depth direction of the magazine body 1 and is provided in multiple stages on each of the two sides of the magazine body 1. The groove 2 holds both ends of the lead frame at each stage and stores the lead frame in the space inside the magazine body 1. The plurality of air outlets 3 are provided along the groove 2 at the back of the groove 2 and spray air toward the inside of the magazine body 1. The air jet insertion port 4, which serves as an air supply port, is provided on the outer surface of the magazine body 1 and supplies air to the plurality of air outlets 3. The air pipe 5 connects the air jet insertion port 4, which serves as an air supply port, and the plurality of air outlets 3.

[0022] In this type of lead frame storage magazine 101, foreign matter is less likely to accumulate in the groove 2. As a result, the yield of semiconductor devices manufactured using this lead frame storage magazine 101 is improved, and the likelihood of defects in the manufacturing process is reduced, leading to increased productivity.

[0023] (Modified version of Embodiment 1) Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the lead frame storage magazine 101A in a modified example of Embodiment 1. The multiple air outlets 3 face inward towards the magazine body 1 along a direction inclined with respect to the width direction perpendicular to the depth direction of the magazine body 1, i.e., an oblique direction. In this modified example, the air outlets 3 are inclined at 45 degrees with respect to the width direction of the magazine body 1 within the plane defined by grooves 2 of the same height provided on each of the two sides. Therefore, the air outlets 3 spray air in that oblique direction.

[0024] Even with this configuration, the air blows away any foreign matter such as metal shavings that have accumulated in groove 2, cleaning groove 2 in the magazine body 1.

[0025] <Embodiment 2> Figure 6 shows the configuration of the lead frame storage magazine 102 in Embodiment 2. Figures 6(a), 6(b), and 6(c) show the top view, front view, and side view of the lead frame storage magazine 102, respectively. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view showing the internal configuration of the lead frame storage magazine 102, and shows a cross section along D-D' shown in Figure 6(b).

[0026] The air jet inlet 4, which serves as the air supply port, is located in the center of the side of the magazine body 1, as shown in Figure 6(c). The air pipe 5 is located inside the side plate 1A of the magazine body 1, as shown in Figure 7. The air pipe 5 connects the air jet inlet 4 and the air outlet 3, similar to Embodiment 1. The air pipe 5 has a piping configuration that corresponds to the position of the air jet inlet 4. The other configurations are the same as those of the lead frame storage magazine 101 in Embodiment 1.

[0027] In this lead frame storage magazine 102, the maximum distance between the air jet inlet 4 and the air outlet 3 is smaller compared to the lead frame storage magazine 101 of Embodiment 1. Therefore, the air pressure at the air outlet 3 located at the end of the air pipe 5 is maintained. In other words, a decrease in air pressure is prevented. As a result, foreign matter such as metal shavings that accumulate in the groove 2 are efficiently blown away by the air jet.

[0028] <Embodiment 3> Figure 8 shows the configuration of the lead frame storage magazine 103 in Embodiment 3. Figures 8(a), 8(b), and 8(c) show the top view, front view, and side view of the lead frame storage magazine 103, respectively. Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view showing the internal configuration of the lead frame storage magazine 103, and shows a cross section along E-E' shown in Figure 8(b).

[0029] The lead frame storage magazine 103 consists of a magazine body 1, grooves 2, multiple air outlets 3, an air jet insertion port 4 and an air pipe 5 as air supply ports, and does not have partition grooves 6.

[0030] The air outlets 3 are arranged at regular intervals along the groove 2, as shown in Figure 9. The air outlets 3 are positioned facing inward towards the magazine body 1. Figure 10 is an enlarged view showing the configuration of the air outlets 3. Figure 10(a) shows the configuration of the cross section, or end face, along F-F' shown in Figure 9. Figure 10(b) shows the configuration of the side of the air outlets 3. In Embodiment 3, the air outlets 3 are oriented 45 degrees downward with respect to the width direction of the magazine body 1.

[0031] Figure 11 shows the configuration of a jig 10 that can be attached to and detached from the storage compartment 1B of the magazine body 1. Figures 11(a), 11(b), and 11(c) show the top view, front view, and side view of the jig 10, respectively.

[0032] The jig 10 includes a frame 11, a guide 12, and a wall 13. The guide 12 is a plate-shaped member provided on the side of the frame 11 and extending in the depth direction. The guide 12 is provided so as to protrude diagonally downward from the inside of the frame 11. When the jig 10 is inserted and installed in the storage section 1B of the magazine body 1, the guide 12 guides the direction of air ejected from the multiple air outlets 3 diagonally downward. As will be described in detail later, the guide 12 is provided at a position corresponding to the groove 2 of each stage. The wall 13 is provided in the center of the frame 11 in the width direction of the magazine body 1. The wall 13 extends in the depth direction.

[0033] Next, the method for air cleaning the lead frame storage magazine 103 will be described. This air cleaning is performed before the lead frame storage magazine 103 is used in the semiconductor manufacturing process.

[0034] First, the jig 10 slides toward the depth of the magazine body 1 and is inserted into the storage section 1B. This attaches the jig 10 to the magazine body 1. Figure 12 is a front view showing the configuration of the lead frame storage magazine 103 with the jig 10 attached. Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view showing the internal configuration of the lead frame storage magazine 103 with the jig 10 attached, showing the configuration of the cross section along G-G' shown in Figure 12.

[0035] An air jet machine is set into the air jet insertion port 4 of the magazine body 1. Compressed air injected from the air jet machine into the air jet insertion port 4 passes through the air pipe 5 and is sent to each air outlet 3. The air is blown out from the air outlet 3 toward the inside of the magazine body 1. In Embodiment 3, the air is blown out at a 45-degree angle downwards. The air shower hits the entire groove 2, blowing away foreign matter such as metal shavings accumulated in the groove 2 and cleaning the groove 2.

[0036] During this process, the air is guided downwards by the guide 12, causing any foreign matter to be blown downwards as well. The wall 13 also prevents the foreign matter blown out of the groove 2 by the air from reattaching to the groove 2 on the opposite side. After cleaning is complete, the jig 10 is removed, the lead frame is placed in the groove 2, and the semiconductor device manufacturing process is carried out.

[0037] In the lead frame storage magazine 103 described above, the air outlet 3 is angled downwards at 45 degrees, making it easy for air to come into contact with foreign matter. The guide 12 facilitates the downward expulsion of foreign matter, and prevents the blown-away foreign matter from re-adhering to the groove 2. The wall 13 also prevents foreign matter from re-adhering to the groove 2.

[0038] (Modified example of Embodiment 3) Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view showing the internal configuration of the lead frame storage magazine 103A in a modified example of Embodiment 3. The air outlet 3 is angled diagonally backward from the front of the magazine body 1, where the lead frame insertion and removal opening is provided, toward the rear of the magazine body 1. In this modified example, the air outlet 3 is tilted 45 degrees diagonally backward.

[0039] With this configuration, the air is blown out at a 45-degree angle backward and downward. The air shower hits the entire groove 2, making it easier to blow away foreign matter such as metal shavings that have accumulated in the groove 2. As a result, the cleaning effect of the groove 2 is improved.

[0040] This disclosure allows for the free combination of each embodiment, and enables the modification or omission of each embodiment as appropriate.

[0041] The various aspects of this disclosure are summarized below as an appendix.

[0042] (Note 1) The magazine itself, The magazine body extends in the depth direction and is provided with multiple stages on each of the two sides of the magazine body, and each stage has a groove for holding both ends of the lead frame and housing the lead frame in the space inside the magazine body, Multiple air outlets are provided along the groove at the back of the groove, and spray air toward the inside of the magazine body, An air supply port is provided on the outer surface of the magazine body and supplies the air to the plurality of air outlets, A lead frame storage magazine comprising an air pipe connecting the air supply port and the plurality of air outlets.

[0043] (Note 2) The lead frame storage magazine as described in Appendix 1, wherein the plurality of air outlets are directed inward of the magazine body along the width direction of the magazine body which is perpendicular to the depth direction of the magazine body.

[0044] (Note 3) The lead frame storage magazine as described in Appendix 1, wherein the plurality of air outlets are directed toward the inside of the magazine body along a direction inclined with respect to the width direction of the magazine body which is perpendicular to the depth direction of the magazine body.

[0045] (Note 4) The aforementioned magazine body is A partition groove is provided in the center of the upper and lower surfaces of the magazine body, A lead frame storage magazine as described in Appendix 1, comprising a partition plate that can be attached to the partition groove.

[0046] (Note 5) The magazine body, which has a frame and is capable of housing the lead frame, further comprises a detachable jig that can be attached to the inner space of the magazine body, The aforementioned jig is A guide is provided on the side of the frame body and guides the direction of the air ejected from the plurality of air outlets diagonally downward, A lead frame storage magazine according to Appendix 1, comprising: a wall provided in the center of the frame in the width direction of the magazine body, which is perpendicular to the depth direction of the magazine body; and a lead frame storage magazine according to Appendix 1.

[0047] (Note 6) The lead frame storage magazine described in Appendix 5, wherein the plurality of air outlets are oriented diagonally backward from the front of the magazine body, where the lead frame insertion and removal opening is provided, toward the rear of the magazine body.

[0048] (Note 7) The aforementioned air supply port is located in the center of the side of the magazine body, in the lead frame storage magazine described in Appendix 1. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0049] 1 Magazine body, 1A Side plate, 1B Storage compartment, 2 Groove, 3 Air outlet, 4 Air jet insertion port, 5 Air tube, 6 Partition groove, 7 Partition plate, 10 Jig, 11 Frame, 12 Guide, 13 Wall, 101-103A Magazine for storing lead frame.

Claims

1. The magazine itself, The magazine body extends in the depth direction and is provided with multiple stages on each of the two sides of the magazine body, and each stage has a groove for holding both ends of the lead frame and housing the lead frame in the space inside the magazine body, Multiple air outlets are provided along the groove at the back of the groove, and spray air toward the inside of the magazine body, An air supply port is provided on the outer surface of the magazine body and supplies the air to the plurality of air outlets, A lead frame storage magazine comprising an air pipe connecting the air supply port and the plurality of air outlets.

2. The lead frame storage magazine according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of air outlets are directed inward of the magazine body along the width direction of the magazine body which is perpendicular to the depth direction of the magazine body.

3. The lead frame storage magazine according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of air outlets are directed toward the inside of the magazine body along a direction inclined with respect to the width direction of the magazine body which is perpendicular to the depth direction of the magazine body.

4. The aforementioned magazine body is A partition groove is provided in the center of the upper and lower surfaces of the magazine body, A lead frame storage magazine according to claim 1, comprising a partition plate that can be attached to the partition groove.

5. The magazine body, which has a frame and is capable of housing the lead frame, further comprises a detachable jig that can be attached to the inner space of the magazine body, The aforementioned jig is A guide is provided on the side of the frame body and guides the direction of the air ejected from the plurality of air outlets diagonally downwards, A lead frame storage magazine according to claim 1, comprising a wall provided in the center of the frame in the width direction of the magazine body, which is perpendicular to the depth direction of the magazine body.

6. The lead frame storage magazine according to claim 5, wherein the plurality of air outlets are angled diagonally backward from the front of the magazine body, where the lead frame insertion and removal opening is provided, toward the rear of the magazine body.

7. The lead frame storage magazine according to claim 1, wherein the air supply port is provided in the center of the side surface of the magazine body.

Images