Pneumatic wire mounting device and method

Abstract

The present invention provides an automated wire loading device that is strategically positioned between the air tensioner and bonding tool of a wire bonding apparatus. [Solution] A wire mounting device for automatically mounting bonding wires in a wire bonding apparatus comprises a wire guide block configured to form a guide passage for oriented the wire during the mounting process and a slot connected to the guide passage for releasing the wire after the mounting process, the wire guide block being positioned between the air tensioner and the bonding tool during use to guide the wire from the air tensioner of the wire bonding apparatus to the bonding tool, and a pneumatic wire tensioning mechanism having a plurality of air passages extending in a direction intersecting the axial direction of the guide passage, the pneumatic wire tensioning mechanism applying a plurality of tensile forces to the wire through the air passages, and pulling the wire into the guide passage and passing it through during the mounting process.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention generally relates to wire threading in wire bonding apparatuses, and more specifically to an automatic wire threading device equipped with a pneumatic wire pulling mechanism. Background Art

[0002] Wire bonding is an important process in semiconductor packaging for establishing electrical connections between an integrated circuit (IC) chip and its package via a conductive bonding wire typically made of gold, aluminum or copper. In ultrasonic wire bonding, a bonding wire fed from a spool is threaded into a capillary of an ultrasonic transducer, and ultrasonic energy and force are applied at the tip of the capillary to weld the bonding wire to a bonding pad.

[0003] The wire threading process must be performed every time the spool of bonding wire is replaced, or every time the bonding wire becomes loose from the capillary. During this process, the bonding wire needs to be re-threaded from the spool through intermediate devices to the capillary. Existing wire threading processes involve delicate handling of the bonding wire, thus substantially requiring manual labor and skilled operators.

[0004] While various automated wire loading methods have been proposed in the prior art, they often face limitations in terms of efficiency, reliability, and accuracy. For example, U.S. Patent No. 9,397,066 (B2) discloses a wire feeding system in which a wire clamping section is positioned between the air tensioning unit and the capillary of a wire bonding apparatus to guide the bonding wire during the wire loading process. However, the loading process is limited because it relies solely on the wire clamping section to facilitate loading between the air tensioner and the capillary. The movement and positioning of the wire clamping section are further constrained by the two wire clamping sections positioned between the air tensioner and the capillary, limiting the overall loading performance. Some prior art wire loading devices incorporate multiple wire guide members to orient the bonding wire between the air tensioner and the capillary. However, due to their design, the bonding wire can easily slip out of or fly off the guide members during the loading process, compromising effectiveness and reliability.

[0005] Therefore, providing an improved wire mounting device for wire bonding equipment is beneficial. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] US Patent No. 9397066 (B2) [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0007] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide an automatic wire mounting device for mounting bonding wires through a bonding tool of a wire bonding apparatus, which is strategically positioned between the air tensioner of the wire bonding apparatus and the bonding tool in order to improve the efficiency, reliability, and accuracy of the mounting process. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a wire mounting device is provided for automatically mounting a wire in a wire bonding apparatus. The device comprises a wire guide block configured to form a guide passage for oriented a bonding wire during a mounting process and a slot connected to the guide passage for releasing the bonding wire from the guide passage after the mounting process, the wire guide block being positioned between an air tensioner and a bonding tool during use to guide a bonding wire from an air tensioner to a bonding tool in a wire bonding apparatus, and a pneumatic wire tensioning mechanism having a plurality of air passages extending in a direction intersecting the axial direction of the guide passage in the wire guide block, the pneumatic wire tensioning mechanism being configured to apply a plurality of tensile forces to the bonding wire through the plurality of air passages, thereby drawing the bonding wire into and passing through the guide passage during the mounting process. In some embodiments, the plurality of air passages are arranged to extend in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the guide passage in the wire guide block.

[0009] Because multiple air passages are formed in the wire guide block, the pneumatic wire tensioning mechanism can apply balanced tensile force to the bonding wire during the wire mounting process. These balanced tensile forces ensure that the bonding wire is carried in a direction substantially parallel to the axial direction of the guide passage, effectively preventing the bonding wire from flying out through the slot. As a result, the efficiency, reliability, and accuracy of the wire mounting process can be significantly improved.

[0010] According to a second aspect of the present invention, an automatic wire mounting device is provided. The wire mounting device comprises a first wire guide block configured to form a first guide passage for directing a bonding wire during a mounting process and a first slot connected to the first guide passage for releasing the bonding wire from the first guide passage after a mounting process, the first wire guide block being positioned between an air tensioner and a first wire clamping portion during use; a second wire guide block configured to form a second guide passage for directing a bonding wire during a mounting process and a second slot connected to the second guide passage for releasing the bonding wire from the second guide passage after a mounting process, the second wire guide block being positioned between a first wire clamping portion and a second wire clamping portion during use; and a third guide passage for directing a bonding wire during a mounting process and a second slot connected to the second guide passage for releasing the bonding wire from the second guide passage after a mounting process. A third wire guide block configured to form a third slot connected to a third guide passage for releasing a wire from the third guide passage, the third wire guide block is positioned between a second wire clamping section and a bonding tool of a wire bonding apparatus during use, and a pneumatic wire tensioning mechanism comprising first and second air passages extending in a direction intersecting the axial direction of the first guide passage in the first wire guide block, and / or third and fourth air passages extending in a direction intersecting the axial direction of the second guide passage in the second wire guide block, the pneumatic wire tensioning mechanism is configured to apply a plurality of tensile forces to the bonding wire through the first and second air passages and / or the third and fourth air passages, so as to be able to pull and pass the bonding wire into and through the first and / or second guide passages during the mounting process. In some embodiments, the air passages may be arranged to extend in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the guide passage.

[0011] A third aspect of the present invention provides a method for automatically mounting a wire in a wire bonding apparatus. The method includes providing a wire mounting device comprising a wire guide block forming a guide passage and a slot connected to the guide passage, and a pneumatic wire tensioning mechanism having a plurality of air passages extending in a direction intersecting the axial direction of the guide passage in the wire guide block; positioning the wire guide block at an operational position between an air tensioner and a bonding tool of the wire bonding apparatus to guide the bonding wire through the guide passage during the mounting process; applying a plurality of tensile forces to the bonding wire by the pneumatic wire tensioning mechanism through the plurality of air passages to pull the bonding wire into and pass through the guide passage during the mounting process; and moving the wire guide block away from the operational position and releasing the bonding wire through the slot.

[0012] These and other features, embodiments, and advantages will be better understood in connection with the descriptive portion, the attached claims, and the attached drawings.

[0013] Herein, embodiments of the present invention will be described using only examples with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0014] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of a wire bonding apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention, which includes a wire mounting device for automatically mounting bonding wires through a bonding tool of the wire bonding apparatus. [Figure 2A] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the wire attachment device. [Figure 2B] This is a perspective view of the first component of the intermediate wire guide block of a wire mounting device. [Figure 2C] This is a perspective view of the intermediate wire guide block. [Figure 2D] This is a cross-sectional view of an intermediate wire guide block according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2E] It is a cross-sectional view of the pneumatic wire tension mechanism in the intermediate wire guide block. [Figure 3A] It is a diagram of the main steps implemented by the wire mounting device shown in FIG. 1 during mounting of a bonding wire through a wire bonding apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3B] It is a diagram of the main steps implemented by the wire mounting device shown in FIG. 1 during mounting of a bonding wire through a wire bonding apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3C] It is a diagram of the main steps implemented by the wire mounting device shown in FIG. 1 during mounting of a bonding wire through a wire bonding apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3D] It is a diagram of the main steps implemented by the wire mounting device shown in FIG. 1 during mounting of a bonding wire through a wire bonding apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3E] It is a diagram of the main steps implemented by the wire mounting device shown in FIG. 1 during mounting of a bonding wire through a wire bonding apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3F] It is a diagram of the main steps implemented by the wire mounting device shown in FIG. 1 during mounting of a bonding wire through a wire bonding apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4A] It is a perspective view of a wire bonding apparatus including a wire mounting device for automatically mounting a bonding wire through a bonding tool of the wire bonding apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4B] It is a perspective view of the wire mounting system depicted in FIG. 4A. [Figure 4C] It is a cross-sectional view of the wire mounting system depicted in FIG. 4A. [Figure 4D] It is a cross-sectional view of the first wire guide block in the wire mounting device shown in FIG. 4A. [Figure 5A] It is a diagram showing main steps performed by a wire mounting device during mounting of a bonding wire through a wire bonding apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5B] It is a diagram showing main steps performed by a wire mounting device during mounting of a bonding wire through a wire bonding apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5C] It is a diagram showing main steps performed by a wire mounting device during mounting of a bonding wire through a wire bonding apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5D] It is a diagram showing main steps performed by a wire mounting device during mounting of a bonding wire through a wire bonding apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5E] It is a diagram showing main steps performed by a wire mounting device during mounting of a bonding wire through a wire bonding apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5F] It is a diagram showing main steps performed by a wire mounting device during mounting of a bonding wire through a wire bonding apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5G] It is a diagram showing main steps performed by a wire mounting device during mounting of a bonding wire through a wire bonding apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0015] In the drawings, similar components are denoted by similar reference numerals.

[0016] Before examining embodiments of the present invention in more detail, an overview is provided first. To improve the accuracy, reliability, and efficiency of the wire mounting process for a wire bonding apparatus, a movable pneumatic wire mounting device is provided that is strategically positioned between the air tensioner and the bonding tool of a wire bonding apparatus during the mounting process, for automatically mounting bonding wires through two wire clamping sections of the wire bonding apparatus from an air tensioner to a bonding tool.

[0017] According to a particular embodiment of the present invention, the wire mounting device comprises a wire guide block and a pneumatic wire tensioning mechanism. The wire guide block is configured to form a guide passage for oriented the bonding wire during the mounting process and a slot connected to the guide passage for releasing the bonding wire from the guide passage after the mounting process. The pneumatic wire tensioning mechanism comprises a plurality of air passages extending in a direction intersecting the axial direction of the guide passage in the wire guide block, and is configured to apply a balanced tensile force to the bonding wire through the plurality of air passages, and to allow the bonding wire to be pulled into and passed through the guide passage formed by the wire guide block during the mounting process. The angle formed between the direction of the air passages and the axial direction of the guide passage may range from 30° to 90°. Preferably, the plurality of air passages are arranged to extend in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axial direction of the guide passage. The plurality of air passages of the pneumatic wire tensioning mechanism may be arranged in various configurations to ensure a balanced tensile force in the bonding wire. To prevent the bonding wire from being damaged by strong airflow, the pneumatic wire tensioning mechanism is configured to regulate the flow rate in each air passage to a maximum of 5 L / min.

[0018] In some embodiments, the pneumatic wire tensioning mechanism may comprise a pair of air passages arranged symmetrically with respect to the guide passage in the wire guide block. This symmetrical arrangement allows for the application of tensile forces from different directions, ensuring balanced tension in the bonding wire. By generating airflow at substantially equal rates through both air passages, the mechanism effectively draws and guides the bonding wire into the guide passage with improved stability and precision.

[0019] In some embodiments, pairs of air passages can be arranged to have the same dimensions and shape.

[0020] In some embodiments, each air passage may be configured to have a first section extending along a first direction and a second section extending along a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction. In other words, each air passage is configured in an L-shape. Both the first and second directions extend at an angle with respect to the axial direction of the guide passage, and preferably are oriented substantially perpendicular to the axial direction of the guide passage. This L-shaped design can help regulate the airflow within the air passage, ensuring a more controlled and consistent pneumatic tensile effect. For example, the flow rate in each air passage can be adjusted by changing the dimensions of the first and / or second sections of the air passage.

[0021] To further improve flow rate control in the air passage, the pneumatic wire tensioning mechanism further comprises at least one airflow regulator positioned in one or both of the air passages for controlling the flow rate. In one example, each airflow regulator may have a stopper portion that can be inserted into the corresponding air passage to adjust the size of the airflow path.

[0022] To prevent unnecessary stress on the bonding wire, the pneumatic wire tensioning mechanism is configured to regulate the flow rate in the air passage, ensuring it does not exceed 5 L / min.

[0023] To prevent bonding wires from flying out of the guide channels during the mounting process, at least one wire guide block in the wire mounting device may be designed to include two separate parts. At least one part is movable relative to the other part between a first position in which the slot of the wire guide block is open and a second position in which the slot is closed, and the device further includes an actuation mechanism connected to the wire guide block and configured to move at least one part relative to the other part.

[0024] In some embodiments, the actuation mechanism may include a rotating shaft connected to the wire guide block, which moves one part of the wire guide block relative to the other. Alternatively, the actuation mechanism may include an elastic element connected to the wire guide block and an actuation air passage formed in the wire guide block. The elastic element is deformable by compressed air introduced through the actuation air passage to open or close the slot in the wire guide block. The elastic element may include a spring or a leaf spring.

[0025] To further prevent the bonding wire from easily flying out of the guide passage, the wire mounting device may also include a motion control device configured to position the wire guide block in a working position between the air tensioner and the bonding tool before mounting, such that there is a misalignment angle between the direction in which the slot opens and the direction in which the first and second wire clamping sections of the wire bonding apparatus open. By ensuring that the direction in which the slot opens is not aligned with the direction in which the wire clamping sections open, this configuration effectively prevents the bonding wire from slipping out of the guide passage during the mounting process. In one example, the misalignment angle between the direction in which the slot opens and the direction in which the wire clamping sections open is substantially 90 degrees. In other words, the direction in which the slot opens is substantially perpendicular to the direction in which the wire clamping sections open.

[0026] To facilitate the attachment process, the wire attachment device may further include a vacuum suction device connected to a bonding tool and configured to exert a pulling force on the bonding wire during the attachment process.

[0027] In some embodiments, wire guide blocks can be positioned at different operating positions between the air tensioner and bonding tool of the wire bonding apparatus. In some embodiments, the wire mounting device may comprise a plurality of wire guide blocks, each positioned at a different operating position between the air tensioner and bonding tool during the mounting process. The different operating positions may include a first operating position between the air tensioner and a first wire clamping section of the wire bonding apparatus, a second operating position between the first wire clamping section and a second wire clamping section, and a third operating position between the second wire clamping section and the bonding tool. The plurality of wire guide blocks may be formed separately and then connected to each other, or they may be formed as a single component. To further enhance the performance of the wire mounting device, a plurality of pneumatic wire tensioning mechanisms may be incorporated. Specifically, at least two wire guide blocks in the device may be equipped with their respective pneumatic wire tensioning mechanisms to ensure more effective and reliable wire mounting.

[0028] Details of wire mounting devices according to several embodiments of the present invention will be described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0029] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a wire bonding apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention, which includes a wire mounting device 100 for automatically mounting bonding wires through a bonding tool 15 of a wire bonding apparatus 10.

[0030] Referring to Figure 1, the wire bonding apparatus 10 comprises an air tensioner 11, a first wire clamping section 12, a second wire clamping section 13, a transducer 14, and a bonding tool 15 attached to the transducer 14. The bonding tool 15 is in the form of a capillary. The wire mounting device 100 is configured to receive bonding wires passing through the air tensioner 11 and to mount the bonding wires through the bonding tool 15 via the first wire clamping section 12 and the second wire clamping section 13.

[0031] The wire mounting device 100 is a key component of the wire mounting system designed for the wire bonding apparatus 10. The wire mounting system is configured to automatically mount the bonding wire from the wire spool through the bonding tool 15, passing it through the air tensioner 11, the first wire clamping section 12, and the second wire clamping section 13 in sequence. The wire mounting system may also include other components or devices (not shown) for transporting the bonding wire to the air tensioner 11 in order to perform wire mounting.

[0032] The wire mounting device 100 comprises an upper wire guide block 110, an intermediate wire guide block 120 connected to the upper wire guide block 110, and a lower wire guide block 130 connected to the intermediate wire guide block 120. As shown in Figure 1, during the mounting process, the wire mounting device 100 is positioned between the air tensioner 11 and the bonding tool 15 of the wire bonding apparatus 10. More specifically, the upper wire guide block 110 is positioned in a first operating position between the air tensioner 11 and the first wire clamping section 12, the intermediate wire guide block 120 is positioned in a second operating position between the first wire clamping section 12 and the second wire clamping section 13, and the lower wire guide block 130 is positioned in a third operating position between the second wire clamping section 13 and the bonding tool 15.

[0033] The wire mounting device 100 may further include a motion control device that can move the three guide blocks along a direction D1 in order to position the three guide blocks between the air tensioner 11 and the bonding tool 15. Direction D1 is parallel to the opening and closing directions D2 of the first wire clamping section 12 and the second wire clamping section 13. The opening direction refers to the gripping direction of the first wire clamping section 12 and the second wire clamping section 13.

[0034] Figure 2A is a perspective view of the wire mounting device 100. The upper wire guide block 110 is configured to form an upper guide passage 110a for guiding the bonding wire during the mounting process and an upper slot 110b connected to the upper guide passage 110a for releasing the bonding wire from the upper guide passage 110a after the mounting process. The intermediate wire guide block 120 is configured to form an intermediate guide passage 120a for guiding the bonding wire during the mounting process and an intermediate slot 120b connected to the intermediate guide passage 120a for releasing the bonding wire from the intermediate guide passage 120a after the mounting process. The lower wire guide block 130 is configured to form a lower guide passage 130a for guiding the bonding wire during the mounting process and a lower slot 130b connected to the lower guide passage 130a for releasing the bonding wire from the lower guide passage 130a after the mounting process.

[0035] During the installation process, the upper guide passage 110a, the intermediate guide passage 120a, and the lower guide passage 130a are aligned with the air tensioner 11, the first wire clamping section 12, the second wire clamping section 13, and the through-opening or through-hole of the bonding tool 15, so that a complete guide passage is established between the air tensioner 11 and the bonding tool 15.

[0036] Referring to Figure 2A, the intermediate wire guide block 120 comprises a first component 121 and a second component 122. The second component 122 is movable relative to the first component 121 between a first position in which the intermediate slot 120b is open and a second position in which the intermediate slot 120b is closed. The opening or closing direction of the intermediate slot 120b is perpendicular to the opening and closing directions D2 of the first wire clamping portion 12 and the second wire clamping portion 13. In this embodiment, the intermediate slot 120b may be closed to prevent the bonding wire from popping out during the mounting process. The upper slot 110b and the lower slot 130b may remain open throughout the mounting process. It should be understood that this arrangement is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. In other embodiments, two or more slots may be closed.

[0037] Figures 2B and 2C are perspective views of a first component 121 and an intermediate wire guide block 120 according to one embodiment of the present invention, respectively. Referring to Figure 2B, the first component 121 has a first groove 121a with a tapered upper portion A1 and a tapered lower portion A2. The tapered upper portion A1 has a wider opening to facilitate the smooth guidance of the bonding wire into the intermediate guide passage 120a. The tapered lower portion A2 has a narrower opening at its end to accurately guide the bonding wire into the second wire clamping portion 13. Referring to Figure 2C, the second component 122 has a second groove 122a similar to the first groove 121a. The second part 122 is movable relative to the first part 121 between a first position in which the first groove 121a and the second groove 122a are aligned and in contact with each other to close the intermediate slot 120b, and a second position in which the first groove 121a and the second groove 122a are separated to form the intermediate slot 120b after the mounting process and release the bonding wire.

[0038] The wire mounting device 100 is connected to a second component 122 and also includes an operating mechanism that moves the second component 122 between a first position and a second position, thereby opening and closing the intermediate slot 120b. Figure 2D is a cross-sectional view of the intermediate wire guide block 120. As shown in Figures 2A and 2D, the operating mechanism includes a rotating shaft 123a and an actuator 123b. The actuator 123b is configured to move the second component 122 between a first position and a second position. The second component 122 is mounted on the rotating shaft 123a and rotates the second component 122 about the rotating shaft 123a, moving the second component 122 between the first position and the second position.

[0039] The wire mounting device 100 also includes a pneumatic wire tensioning mechanism. Figure 2E is a cross-sectional view of the pneumatic wire tensioning mechanism in an intermediate wire guide block 120 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Figure 2E, the pneumatic wire tensioning mechanism comprises a first air passage 121b formed in a first component 121 and a second air passage 122b formed in a second component 122. These two air passages are arranged along a direction substantially perpendicular to the axial direction of the intermediate guide passage 120a in the intermediate wire guide block 120. Each air passage has a first section extending along a first direction T1 and a second section extending along a second direction T2. ​​The second direction T2 is perpendicular to the first direction T1.

[0040] These air passages are connected to at least one air generator (not shown) through two connectors 124. The two connectors 124 are attached to the first component 121 and the second component 122, respectively. During the wire fitting process, the pneumatic wire tensioning mechanism is configured to apply balanced tensile force to the bonding wire through the two air passages, thereby drawing the bonding wire into and passing through the intermediate guide passage 120a during the fitting process. More specifically, the pneumatic wire tensioning mechanism is operable to generate airflows with substantially equal flow rates in the first air passage 121b and the second air passage 122b in order to apply balanced tensile force to the bonding wire, thereby drawing the wire into and passing through the intermediate guide passage 120a.

[0041] As shown in Figure 2E, the pneumatic wire tensioning mechanism further comprises an airflow regulator R positioned in the first air passage 121b to control the flow rate. The airflow regulator R includes a movable stopper portion that can be inserted into the first air passage 121b to adjust the size of the air passage. The stopper portion may be configured to adjust the size of the air passage in a second area of ​​the first air passage 121b by moving relative to the first air passage 121b in a direction perpendicular to direction T2. ​​In other embodiments, at least one airflow regulator may be positioned in the second air passage 122b to control the flow rate.

[0042] Figures 3A to 3F show the main steps performed by the wire mounting device 100 during the mounting of a bonding wire 50 through a wire bonding apparatus, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] In Figure 3A, the motion control device moves the wire mounting device 100 from its standby position to its operating position along direction D1. Specifically, the wire mounting device 100 is positioned in its operating position such that the upper wire guide block 110 is inserted into a first operating position between the air tensioner 11 and the first wire clamping section 12, the intermediate wire guide block 120 is inserted into a second operating position between the first wire clamping section 12 and the second wire clamping section 13, and the lower guide block 130 is inserted into a third operating position between the second wire clamping section 13 and the bonding tool 15.

[0044] To prevent the bonding wire from popping out of the wire mounting device 100 or the first wire clamping section 12 and the second wire clamping section 13, the wire mounting device 100 is positioned in operation such that there is a misalignment angle between the direction of movement of the second component 122 between the first and second positions and the gripping direction of the first wire clamping section 12 and the second wire clamping section 13 for gripping the bonding wire 50. The misalignment angle may range from 10 to 90 degrees. The direction of movement of the second component 122 refers to the open and closed positions of the intermediate slot 120b, and the gripping direction of the first and second wire clamping sections refers to the open and closed directions of the wire clamping sections.

[0045] In Figure 3B, the second component 122 of the intermediate wire guide block 120 rotates around the rotary shaft 123a to move relative to the first component 121 and close the intermediate slot 120b. More specifically, the second component 122 is actuated to move from a first position where the intermediate slot 120b is open to a second position where the intermediate slot 120b is closed. In this embodiment, the initial position of the second component 122 is the first position where the second component 122 is open.

[0046] In Figure 3C, the bonding wire 50 is attached via the air tensioner 11.

[0047] In Figure 3D, the pneumatic wire tensioning mechanism connected to the intermediate wire guide block 120 is started to receive the bonding wire 50 from the air tensioner 11, pull it into the guide passage formed by the upper wire guide block 110, the intermediate wire guide block 120, and the lower wire guide block 130, and guide it through it. If the wire mounting device 100 further includes an upper pneumatic wire tensioning mechanism connected to the upper wire guide block 110, the upper pneumatic wire tensioning mechanism is also started to pull the bonding wire into the guide passage formed by the wire mounting device 100 and guide it through it. The two pneumatic wire tensioning mechanisms may be started simultaneously or sequentially.

[0048] In Figure 3E, the first wire clamping section 12 and the second wire clamping section 13 are operable to clamp the bonding wire 50 after it has been mounted through the bonding tool 15. The pneumatic wire tensioning mechanism is stopped, and the intermediate slot 120b of the intermediate wire guide block 120 is opened by moving the second component 122 from the second position to the first position.

[0049] In Figure 3F, the wire attachment device 100 releases the bonding wire 50 through the upper slot 110b, the open intermediate slot 120b, and the lower slot 130b, and moves back from its operational position to its standby position.

[0050] Figure 4A is a perspective view of a wire bonding apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention, which includes a wire mounting device 200 for automatically mounting bonding wires through a bonding tool 15 of a wire bonding apparatus 10. Figures 4B and 4C show a perspective view and a cross-sectional view of the wire mounting system 200, respectively.

[0051] As shown in Figures 4A and 4B, the wire mounting device 200 comprises a first wire guide block 210, a second wire guide block 220, and a third wire guide block 230. These three blocks are arranged in sequence to guide the bonding wire from the air tensioner 11 through the first wire clamping section 12 and the second wire clamping section 13 to the bonding tool 15. Each wire guide block is configured to form a guide passage with all guide passages aligned to ensure the smooth passage of the bonding wire and to accurately direct the bonding wire to the bonding tool 15. Specifically, the first wire guide block 210 forms a first guide passage 210a for directing the bonding wire between the air tensioner 11 and the first clamping section 12 during the mounting process, and a first slot 210b connected to the first guide passage 210a for releasing the bonding wire after the mounting process. The second wire guide block 220 forms a second guide passage 220a for directing the bonding wire between the first clamping section 12 and the second wire clamping section 13 during the mounting process, and a second slot 220b connected to the second guide passage 220a for releasing the bonding wire after the mounting process. The third wire guide block 230 forms a third guide passage 230a for directing the bonding wire between the second clamping section 13 and the bonding tool 15 during the mounting process, and a third slot 230b connected to the third guide passage 230a for releasing the bonding wire after the mounting process. All of the first, second, and third guide passages are aligned with through-openings or holes in the air tensioner 11 and the bonding tool 15 to form a complete guide passage for mounting the bonding wire from the air tensioner 11 through the first wire clamping section 12 and the second wire clamping section 13 to the bonding tool 15.

[0052] Referring to Figure 4A, the wire mounting device 200 may further include a vacuum suction device 240 connected to the bonding tool 15 to further facilitate the mounting of the bonding wire.

[0053] In this embodiment, both the first slot 210b formed in the first wire guide block 210 and the second slot 220b formed in the second wire guide block 220 can be closed to prevent the bonding wire from popping out of the first guide passage 210a and the second guide passage 220a during the mounting process.

[0054] Referring to Figures 4B and 4C, the first wire guide block 210 comprises a first component 211 and a second component 212. Each component has an elongated groove 211a along its length. As shown in Figure 4C, which illustrates the shape of the elongated groove 211a, the elongated groove 211a includes an upper tapered portion and a lower tapered portion. The upper tapered portion has a wider opening that gradually narrows, ensuring smooth guidance of the bonding wire into the first guide passage 210a of the first wire guide block 210. The lower tapered portion, on the other hand, has a narrower opening at its end to precisely direct the bonding wire towards the first wire clamping portion 12. The second component 212 has a similar elongated groove along its length.

[0055] Similarly, the second wire guide block 220 comprises a first component 221 and a second component 222. Each component has an elongated groove similar to the elongated groove 211a and therefore does not need to be described in detail.

[0056] Referring to Figure 4B, the wire mounting device 200 further comprises a first actuation mechanism 213 connected to a first wire guide block 210 and a second actuation mechanism 223 connected to a second wire guide block 220. The first actuation mechanism 213 is configured to move a second component 212 of the first wire guide block 210 relative to a first component 211 in order to open or close a first slot 210b. The second actuation mechanism 223 is configured to move a second component 222 of the second wire guide block 220 relative to a first component 221 of the second wire guide block 220 in order to open or close a second slot 220b.

[0057] Each operating mechanism may include either a pneumatic actuator or an electronic actuator. In some embodiments, each operating mechanism also includes an elastic element connected to the wire guide block, along with an operating air passage formed within the block. When compressed air is introduced through the operating air passage, the compressed air deforms the elastic element, causing a slot formed in the wire guide block to open or close. The elastic element may be a pair of springs or leaf springs. Specifically, if the slot is initially open, the compressed air deforms the elastic element, causing one part of the wire guide block to move relative to the other, thereby closing the slot. Conversely, if the slot is initially closed, the compressed air deforms the elastic element, causing relative movement between the two parts of the wire guide block, thereby opening the slot.

[0058] Figure 4D schematically shows a cross-sectional view of a first wire guide block 210 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Figure 4D, the first actuation mechanism 213 includes an actuation air passage 215 formed in the first component 211 and connected to the second component 212 via a seal ring 213a. When compressed air is supplied through the actuation air passage 215, the second component 212 moves relative to the first component 211 between a first position in which the first and second components of the first wire guide block 210 are aligned and in contact with each other to close the first slot 210b, and a second position in which the first component 211 and the second component 212 are separated to open the first slot 210b. The configuration of the first actuation mechanism 213 in Figure 4D is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. The position, shape, and dimensions of the operating air passage 215 and the seal ring 213a may be adjusted as needed in other embodiments of the present invention.

[0059] The wire mounting device further comprises a first pneumatic wire tensioning mechanism connected to a first wire guide block 210 and a second pneumatic wire tensioning mechanism connected to a second wire guide block 220. Referring to Figure 4D, the first pneumatic wire tensioning mechanism comprises two air passages 211b and 212b arranged in the first wire guide block 210 along a direction substantially perpendicular to the axial direction of the first guide passage 210a, and is configured to apply balanced tensile force to the bonding wire through the two air passages 211b and 212b, thereby drawing the bonding wire into and passing through the first guide passage 210a during the mounting process. Similar to the air passages shown in Figure 2E, each of the two air passages 211b and 212b is arranged in an L-shape.

[0060] During the installation process, the first pneumatic wire tensioning mechanism is operable to generate airflows with substantially equal flow rates in the first air passage 211b and the second air passage 212b in order to draw the bonding wire into and pass it through the first guide passage 210a by applying a balanced tensile force to the bonding wire.

[0061] As shown in Figure 4D, the first pneumatic wire tensioning mechanism further comprises an airflow regulator R positioned in the first air passage 211b to control the flow rate. The airflow regulator R includes a movable stopper portion that can be inserted into the first air passage 211b to adjust the size of the airflow path. The stopper portion may be configured to adjust the size of the airflow path in the first air passage 211b by moving relative to the first air passage 211b in a direction perpendicular to the direction of the airflow. In other embodiments, at least one airflow regulator may be positioned in the second air passage 212b to control the flow rate.

[0062] Similarly, the second pneumatic wire tensioning mechanism comprises two air passages arranged in the second wire guide block 220 along a direction substantially perpendicular to the axial direction of the second guide passage 220a, and is configured to impart balanced tensile force to the bonding wire through the two air passages, thereby drawing the bonding wire into and passing through the second guide passage 220a during the mounting process. The second pneumatic wire tensioning mechanism is similar to the first pneumatic wire tensioning mechanism in function, components, and structure, and therefore a detailed description thereof is omitted.

[0063] Figures 5A to 5G show the main steps performed by the wire mounting device 200 during the mounting of bonding wires 50 through the wire bonding apparatus 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0064] In Figure 5A, the motion control device moves the wire mounting device 200 from its standby position to its operating position. Specifically, the wire mounting device 200 is positioned in its operating position such that the first wire guide block 210 is inserted into the first operating position between the air tensioner 11 and the first wire clamping section 12, the second guide block 220 is inserted into the second operating position between the first wire clamping section 12 and the second wire clamping section 13, and the third guide block 230 is inserted into the third operating position between the second wire clamping section 13 and the bonding tool 15. A vacuum suction machine 240 is connected to the bonding tool 15. When the wire mounting device 200 is positioned in its operating position, the guide passages formed in the wire mounting device 200 are aligned with the through-openings in the air tensioner 11 and the bonding tool 15.

[0065] To further prevent the bonding wire from protruding from the wire mounting device 200, the wire mounting device 200 is positioned in the operating position such that there is a misalignment angle between the opening and closing directions of the first slot 210b and the gripping directions of the first wire clamping section 12 and the second wire clamping section 13 for gripping the bonding wire 50. The misalignment angle may range from 10 to 90 degrees. The gripping directions refer to the opening and closing directions of the two wire clamping sections 12 and 13.

[0066] In Figure 5B, the first slot 210b and the second slot 220b are closed by the first and second operating mechanisms, respectively. More specifically, the first operating mechanism moves one part of the first wire guide block 210 from a first position (its initial position) in which the first slot 210b is open relative to the other part, to a second position in which the first slot 210b is closed by introducing compressed air into an operating air passage formed in the first wire guide block 210. Similarly, the second operating mechanism moves one part of the second wire guide block 220 from a first position (its initial position) in which the second slot 220b is open relative to the other part, to a second position in which the second slot 220b is closed by introducing compressed air into an operating air passage formed in the second wire guide block 220.

[0067] In Figure 5C, the bonding wire 50 is attached via the air tensioner 11.

[0068] In Figure 5D, the first and second pneumatic wire tensioning mechanisms of the wire mounting device 200 are activated to receive the bonding wire 50 from the air tensioner 11, and to pull the bonding wire 50 into the first, second, and third guide passages formed in the first, second, and third wire guide blocks 210, 220, and 230, and to guide it through them continuously.

[0069] In Figure 5E, the vacuum suction device 240 is activated to pull the bonding wire 50 toward the bonding tool 15.

[0070] In Figure 5F, the first wire clamping section 12 and the second wire clamping section 13 are operable to clamp the bonding wire 50 after it has been mounted through the bonding tool 15. After the bonding wire 50 has been clamped by the first wire clamping section 12 and the second wire clamping section 13, all pneumatic wire tensioning mechanisms, actuation mechanisms, and vacuum suction device 240 are stopped. The first slot 210b and the second slot 220b are opened after the introduction of compressed air is stopped by stopping the first and second actuation mechanisms. Specifically, after the first actuation mechanism is stopped, the movable part of the first wire guide block 210 returns to its first position (initial position) so that the first slot 210b can be opened, and after the second actuation mechanism is stopped, the second wire guide block 220 returns to its first position (initial position) so that the second slot 220b can be opened.

[0071] In Figure 5G, the wire attachment device 200 releases the bonding wire 50 through the first slot 210b, the second slot 220b, and the third slot 230b, and moves back from the operating position to its standby position.

[0072] As previously described, embodiments of the present invention provide a wire mounting device for automatically mounting bonding wires from an air tensioner through a bonding tool of a wire bonding apparatus. The proposed wire mounting device comprises a plurality of wire guide blocks, each wire guide block configured to form a guide passage for oriented the bonding wire during the mounting process and a slot connected to the guide passage for releasing the bonding wire after the mounting process is completed. To effectively pull the bonding wire into the guide passage and to prevent the bonding wire from flying out of the guide passage during the mounting process, the wire mounting device is configured to include at least one pneumatic wire tensioning mechanism. Each pneumatic wire tensioning mechanism is connected to a wire guide block and configured to impart a balanced tensile force to the bonding wire through a plurality of air passages arranged along a direction substantially perpendicular to the axial direction of the guide passage in the wire guide block. To further enhance the reliability and efficiency of the mounting process, at least one of the wire guide blocks is configured to include two separate parts, at least one of which is movable relative to the other part to close its slot during mounting and to open its slot after release to release the bonding wire.

[0073] Although the present invention has been described in considerable detail with reference to specific embodiments, other embodiments are possible. Therefore, the spirit and scope of the appended claims should not be limited to the embodiments described herein. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0074] 10 Wire bonding apparatus 11 Air Tensioner 12 First wire clamping section 13. Second wire clamping section 14 Transducers 15 Bonding Tools 50 Bonding Wires 100 Wire-Attached Devices 110 Upper wire guide block 110a Upper guide walkway 110b Upper slot 120 Intermediate wire guide block 120a Intermediate guidance passage 120b Intermediate slot 121 First part 121a First groove 121b First air passage 122 Second part 122a Second groove 122b Second air passage 123a Rotating shaft 123b Actuator 124 Connectors 130 Lower wire guide block 130a Lower Guide Passage 130b Lower slot 200 wire attachment devices 210 First wire guide block 210a First guideway 210b First slot 211 First part 211a Elongated groove 211b First air passage 212 Second part 212b Second air passage 213 First operating mechanism 213a Seal ring 215 Operating air passage 220 Second wire guide block 220a Second guideway 220b Second slot 221 First part 222 Second part 223 Second operating mechanism 230 Third wire guide block 230a Third guideway 230b Third slot 240 Vacuum Suction Machines, Vacuum Suction Devices A1 Tapered upper part A2 Tapered lower part D1 direction D2 Opening direction, closing direction R Airflow regulator T1 First direction T2 Second direction

Claims

1. A device for automatically attaching wires in a wire bonding apparatus, A wire guide block configured to form a guide passage for oriented a bonding wire during the mounting process, and a slot connected to the guide passage for releasing the bonding wire from the guide passage after the mounting process, wherein the wire guide block is positioned between the air tensioner and the bonding tool during use to guide the bonding wire from the air tensioner of the wire bonding apparatus to the bonding tool, A pneumatic wire tensioning mechanism comprising a plurality of air passages extending in a direction intersecting the axial direction of the guide passage in the wire guide block, wherein a plurality of tensile forces are applied to the bonding wire through the plurality of air passages, and the bonding wire is pulled into and passed through the guide passage during the mounting process. A device equipped with the following features.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the pneumatic wire tensioning mechanism comprises a pair of air passages arranged symmetrically with respect to the guide passage in the wire guide block, and the pneumatic wire tensioning mechanism is configured to generate an airflow having substantially equal flow rates in the pair of air passages in order to pull the bonding wire into and through the guide passage.

3. The device according to claim 2, wherein each pair of air passages has a first area extending along a first direction and a second area extending along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

4. The device according to claim 2, wherein the pneumatic wire tensioning mechanism further comprises at least one airflow regulator positioned in one or both of the pair of air passages for controlling the flow rate.

5. The device according to claim 4, wherein each airflow regulator is provided with a stopper portion that can be inserted into the corresponding air passage to adjust the size of the airflow path.

6. The device according to claim 1, wherein the pneumatic wire tensioning mechanism is configured to ensure that the flow rate in each of the plurality of air passages does not exceed 5 L / min.

7. The device according to claim 1, wherein the wire guide block comprises two separate parts, at least one of which is movable relative to the other part between a first position in which the slot is open and a second position in which the slot is closed, and the device further comprises an actuation mechanism connected to the wire guide block and configured to move at least one of the parts relative to the other part.

8. The device according to claim 7, wherein the operating mechanism comprises a rotating shaft connected to the wire guide block, which moves one part of the wire guide block relative to the other part.

9. The device according to claim 7, wherein the operating mechanism comprises an elastic element connected to the wire guide block and an operating air passage formed in the wire guide block, the elastic element being deformable by compressed air introduced through the operating air passage to open or close the slot in the wire guide block.

10. The device according to claim 1, further comprising a motion control device configured to position the wire guide block in an operational position between the air tensioner and the bonding tool before mounting, such that there is a misalignment angle between the direction in which the slot opens and the direction in which the first and second wire clamping portions of the wire bonding device open.

11. The device according to claim 10, wherein the motion control device is further configured to position the wire guide block in the operating position such that the opening direction of the slot is substantially perpendicular to the opening direction of the first and second wire clamping portions.

12. The device according to claim 1, further comprising a vacuum suction device connected to the bonding tool and configured to exert a pulling force on the bonding wire to facilitate the attachment of the bonding wire through the bonding tool.

13. The device according to claim 1, wherein the wire guide block is positioned between the air tensioner and the first wire clamping portion of the wire bonding apparatus, between the first wire clamping portion and the second wire clamping portion, or between the second wire clamping portion and the bonding tool during the mounting process.

14. A wire mounting device for automatically mounting wires in a wire bonding apparatus, A first wire guide block configured to form a first guide passage for oriented a bonding wire during the installation process, and a first slot connected to the first guide passage for releasing the bonding wire from the first guide passage after the installation process, wherein the first wire guide block is positioned between an air tensioner and a first wire clamping portion during use, A second wire guide block configured to form a second guide passage for oriented the bonding wire during the mounting process, and a second slot connected to the second guide passage for releasing the bonding wire from the second guide passage after the mounting process, wherein the second wire guide block is positioned between the first wire clamping portion and the second wire clamping portion during use, A third wire guide block configured to form a third guide passage for oriented the bonding wire during the mounting process and a third slot connected to the third guide passage for releasing the bonding wire from the third guide passage after the mounting process, wherein the third wire guide block is positioned between the second wire clamping portion and the bonding tool of the wire bonding apparatus during use, A pneumatic wire tensioning mechanism comprising first and second air passages extending in a direction intersecting the axial direction of the first guide passage in the first wire guide block, and / or third and fourth air passages extending in a direction intersecting the axial direction of the second guide passage in the second wire guide block, wherein a plurality of tensile forces are applied to the bonding wire through the first and second air passages and / or the third and fourth air passages, and the bonding wire is pulled into and passed through the first and / or second guide passages during the installation process. A wire-attached device equipped with the following features.

15. The device according to claim 14, wherein the pneumatic wire tensioning mechanism is configured to generate airflows having substantially equal flow rates in the first and second air passages, and / or airflows having substantially equal flow rates in the third and fourth air passages, in order to draw the bonding wire into and pass it through the first guide passage.

16. The device according to claim 14, wherein the first wire guide block comprises two components, at least one of which is movable relative to the other component between a first position in which the first slot is open and a second position in which the first slot is closed, and the device further comprises a first actuation mechanism connected to the first wire guide block and configured to move at least one component relative to the other component.

17. The device according to claim 14, wherein the second wire guide block comprises two components, at least one of which is movable relative to the other component between a first position in which the second slot is open and a second position in which the second slot is closed, and the device further comprises a second actuation mechanism connected to the second wire guide block and configured to move at least one component relative to the other component.

18. The device according to claim 14, further comprising a motion control device configured to position the first to third wire guide blocks to their respective operating positions before the bonding wire is installed, such that there is a misalignment angle between the opening or closing direction of the first to third slots and the opening or closing direction of the first and second wire clamping portions of the wire bonding apparatus.

19. The device according to claim 18, wherein the motion control device is further configured to position the first, second, and third wire guide blocks in their respective operating positions such that the opening and closing directions of the first, second, and third slots are substantially perpendicular to the opening and closing directions of the first and second wire clamping portions.

20. A method for automatically attaching wires in a wire bonding apparatus, The step of providing a wire mounting device comprising a wire guide block forming a guide passage and a slot connected to the guide passage, and a pneumatic wire tensioning mechanism having a plurality of air passages in the wire guide block that extend in a direction intersecting the axial direction of the guide passage, During the installation process, the wire guide block is positioned in an operational position between the air tensioner and the bonding tool in order to guide the bonding wire through the guide passage from the air tensioner of the wire bonding apparatus to the bonding tool, During the aforementioned mounting process, the bonding wire is drawn into the guide passage and, in order to pass through it, a plurality of tensile forces are applied to the bonding wire by the pneumatic wire tensioning mechanism via the plurality of air passages, The steps include moving the wire guide block away from the operating position and releasing the bonding wire through the slot, A method that includes this.

Images