Selective driving of magnetic rollers and selective deactivation of other magnetic rollers for transporting component carrier structures.

Abstract

To provide a magnetic drive device, a structure, and a method for selectively driving one of a plurality of magnetic rollers.SOLUTION: A magnetic drive device for selectively driving one of a plurality of magnetic rollers for conveying a component carrier structure includes a drive mechanism configured to selectively drive at least one selected magnetic roller by a magnetic drive force and an operation release mechanism configured to selectively release operation at least one different selected magnetic roller.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a magnetic drive device, a component, and a method for selectively driving each one of a plurality of magnetic rollers.

Background Art

[0002] In the context of improved product functionality of a component carrier comprising one or more electronic components, and in the context of such components being further miniaturized, and in the context of an increasing number of components connected to a component carrier such as a printed circuit board, increasingly more powerful array-like components or packages having several components are used, which have a plurality of contacts or connections and have an even smaller spacing between these contacts. In particular, the component carrier must be mechanically robust, electrically reliable, and operable even under severe conditions.

[0003] Component carriers such as printed circuit boards are usually manufactured at the panel level and may be individualized after the manufacturing process is completed. During the manufacturing process, panels, arrays, or other component carrier structures need to be handled, for example, to be transported between different manufacturing stages.

Summary of the Invention

[0004] There may be a need to efficiently handle component carrier structures during manufacturing.

[0005] According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, a magnetic drive device is provided for selectively driving one of a plurality of magnetic rollers for transporting a component carrier structure (particularly for transporting a component carrier structure along its longitudinal direction), comprising: a drive mechanism configured to selectively (and preferably actively) drive (particularly to rotate) at least one selected magnetic roller by a magnetic drive force (particularly for transporting a component carrier structure by at least one magnetic roller driven by a magnetic drive force); and a deactivation mechanism configured to selectively (and preferably actively) deactivate (particularly not to rotate) one of the other selected magnetic rollers.

[0006] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a configuration is provided comprising a plurality of magnetic rollers and a magnetic drive device having the aforementioned features for selectively driving one of the plurality of magnetic rollers (in particular for selectively deactivating one of the other of the plurality of magnetic rollers).

[0007] A further exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides a method for selectively driving one of a plurality of magnetic rollers for conveying a component carrier structure, the method comprising the steps of: selectively driving at least one selected magnetic roller by a magnetic driving force; and selectively deactivating at least one other selected magnetic roller (for example, partially or completely simultaneously).

[0008] In the context of this application, the term “component carrier” may specifically refer to any support structure capable of housing one or more components on and / or within a support structure in order to provide mechanical support and / or electrical connections. In other words, a component carrier may be configured as a mechanical and / or electronic retainer for components. In particular, a component carrier may be one of the following: a printed circuit board, an interposer, or an IC (integrated circuit) board. A component carrier may also be a hybrid board that combines different types of component carriers as described above.

[0009] In the context of this application, the term “component carrier structure” may specifically refer to a preform of a component carrier currently being manufactured. In particular, the component carrier structure may comprise a plurality of more integrally connected component carriers, or preforms of component carriers, which may be manufactured in a batch process prior to individualization. In particular, the component carrier structure may be a panel (e.g., having dimensions of 18 inches x 24 inches or larger) or an array (e.g., of six component carriers currently being manufactured). For example, the component carriers being manufactured may be printed circuit boards or IC boards.

[0010] In the context of this application, the term “magnetic drive device” may specifically refer to a device configured to trigger mechanical movement of a component carrier structure (particularly longitudinally) by controlling the movement of magnetic rollers under the influence of a magnetic force to move the component carrier structure in conjunction (particularly to rotate). For this purpose, the magnetic drive device may generate a magnetic driving force acting on the magnetic rollers to drive the magnetic rollers.

[0011] In the context of this application, the term “drive mechanism” may specifically refer to an entity of a magnetic drive device that actively generates, in a controllable manner, a magnetic driving force to mechanically move, in particular, a dedicated magnetic roller that transports together with the component carrier structure that is consequently transported, in order to rotate it.

[0012] In the context of this application, the term “deactivation mechanism” may specifically refer to another entity of the magnetic drive that actively prevents a dedicated magnetic roller from moving in a controllable manner, for example, by generating a deactivation force. For example, the deactivation mechanism may ensure that a magnetic roller that is not currently active is prevented from moving, in particular from rotating.

[0013] In the context of this application, the term “magnetic roller” may specifically refer to a movable, particularly rotatable (particularly cylindrical) object that moves under the influence of a magnetic driving force acted by a magnetic drive device, and may comprise a magnetic material configured to be controllable in particular to rotate. Furthermore, the magnetic roller may be molded (for example, as an elongated roll or as an array of one or more wheels connected by a common shaft) to move, particularly to rotate, under the influence of a magnetic driving force. Furthermore, the magnetic roller may be configured to move a component carrier structure when the magnetic roller rotates. To illustrate, the magnetic roller may be configured to act as a drive to move a component carrier structure when the magnetic roller moves. Each magnetic roller in a set of rollers may be individually and independently movable and controllable from the other magnetic rollers.

[0014] According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, a magnetic drive mechanism may be provided, comprising a plurality of (e.g., parallel-arranged) magnetic rollers that are individually movable to individually move component carrier structures (e.g., stored in a rack) in a highly selective or controllable manner. More specifically, the magnetic drive mechanism may be configured to actively rotate one magnetic roller (which may be connected to the component carrier structure being driven at the time) at a particular time or predetermined time, while other magnetic rollers may be actively controlled to prevent rotation. By taking this approach, individual, appropriately controllable, and precise movement of individual component carrier structures stored or buffered in a container such as a rack can be enabled without the risk of undesirable movement of other magnetic rollers (and therefore other component carrier structures) due to stray magnetic fields or the like. This can be achieved by providing a dedicated deactivation mechanism that operates actively to deactivate any magnetic rollers that are not currently active. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0015] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows a configuration according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, comprising a magnetic drive device, magnetic rollers, and a container having multiple compartments. [Figure 2] Figure 1 shows the details of the deactivation mechanism for the magnetic drive device. [Figure 3] Figure 1 shows the details of the drive mechanism of the magnetic drive device. [Figure 4] This illustrates different operating states of the components according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 5] This illustrates different operating states of the components according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 6] A configuration having a container and two magnetic drive devices is shown according to yet another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7]A configuration having a beltless matrix of magnetic rollers for moving a component carrier structure is shown according to yet another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The illustrations in the figures are schematic. Similar or identical elements are denoted by the same reference numeral in different figures. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0016] [Detailed description of exemplary embodiments] Further exemplary embodiments of magnetic drive devices, components, and methods are described below.

[0017] In one embodiment, the drive mechanism and the deactivation mechanism are configured to operate simultaneously. In other words, the drive mechanism can rotate one magnetic roller while the deactivation mechanism actively prevents another magnetic roller from rotating. This ensures that at a given time, only one of the component carrier structures mechanically connected to the currently activated magnetic roller is moved, while other component carrier structures mechanically connected to one or more currently deactivated magnetic rollers remain stationary.

[0018] However, the drive mechanism and the deactivation mechanism do not necessarily have to be configured to operate simultaneously. In one scenario, for example, the upper roller can be driven without the upper deactivation mechanism in the drive unit being activated. Similarly, the bottom deactivation mechanism does not need to be activated in order to drive the bottom roller.

[0019] In one embodiment, the drive mechanism is configured to actuate the currently driven magnetic roller in a non-contact manner, i.e., without direct physical contact. Depending on this configuration, the deactivation mechanism may be configured to deactivate the currently deactivated magnetic roller in a non-contact manner, i.e., without direct physical contact. In particular, the power transmission from the drive mechanism to the actuated magnetic roller and / or the power transmission from the deactivation mechanism to the deactivated magnetic roller may be purely magnetic in nature. This simplifies control and avoids wear by preventing friction and the like.

[0020] In one embodiment, the deactivation mechanism is configured to selectively deactivate at least two other magnetic rollers, between which at least one driven magnetic roller is located. For example, when magnetic rollers are arranged along a straight line or axis and a magnetic drive unit moves along the alignment line or axis of the magnetic rollers, the operating magnetic force generated by the drive unit to drive the magnetic roller closest to the drive unit may also unintentionally create a stray magnetic field, which may also unintentionally move adjacent magnetic rollers. However, by configuring the deactivation mechanism to ensure that the stray magnetic field does not artificially move adjacent magnetic rollers that should now be deactivated, the undesirable movement of such adjacent magnetic rollers can be advantageously suppressed.

[0021] In one embodiment, the deactivation mechanism is configured to selectively deactivate only a subset of the remaining magnetic rollers that are closest to at least one driven magnetic roller. In other words, the deactivation mechanism may actively deactivate only two (or a greater number) of the other magnetic rollers that are closest to the currently actively driven magnetic roller. The spatially closest magnetic rollers that should not be rotating currently are most likely to experience unintentional rotation due to the stray magnetic field created by the drive mechanism and / or the stray magnetic field created by the currently driven magnetic roller that is currently causing rotation of the magnetic roller. Since the magnetic force weakens over longer distances, the artificial stray magnetic field is less likely to cause interference to more remote magnetic rollers. Thus, the magnetic drive device may be configured to actively deactivate the rotation of only two (or a predetermined greater number) of the magnetic rollers that are closest to the currently driven magnetic roller. The more remote magnetic rollers may be maintained in an idling state, in which the more remote magnetic rollers are not actively driven and not actively deactivated, but considering the sufficient distance from one or more currently operating magnetic rollers, they will not rotate. By this design rule of actively deactivating only a subset of the remaining magnetic rollers that are closest to at least one currently driven magnetic roller while keeping the rest of the magnetic rollers (where the rest of the magnetic rollers are not actively driven and not actively deactivated) in an idling state, the control effort is kept low and the magnetic drive device is kept small.

[0022] In one embodiment, the deactivation mechanism comprises one or more magnetic field sensors configured to magnetically detect information indicating the drive state of a roller to be deactivated. Such magnetic field sensors may also be configured to magnetically control the roller to be deactivated based on the sensor signals of the magnetic field sensors. Specifically, such magnetic field sensors may detect the magnetic field created when a magnetic roller moves unintentionally despite being currently deactivated. For example, such magnetic measurement may be configured as a negative feedback measurement. Negative feedback or balance feedback may occur when the magnetic output of a currently deactivated magnetic roller receives feedback, such as to reduce variations in the output, whether caused by changes in the input or other disturbances. Such a control scheme can efficiently ensure that one or more currently deactivated magnetic rollers remain stationary.

[0023] In one embodiment, the magnetic field sensor is a Hall effect sensor. In a Hall effect sensor, a metal strip may have an applied current along the metal strip. When a magnetic field to be detected is present, electrons in the metal strip may be deflected to one edge, generating a voltage gradient across the shorter face of the strip and perpendicular to the supply current. Hall effect sensors have the advantages of high accuracy and a simple, compact structure.

[0024] In one embodiment, the drive mechanism is configured to magnetically control the rollers to be driven by controlling at least one operating electromagnet accordingly. Correspondingly, the release mechanism may be configured to magnetically control the rollers to be released by controlling the release electromagnet accordingly. The electromagnet may be shown as a magnet whose magnetic field is generated by an electric current. The electromagnet may include a wire wound in the form of a coil. The electric current passing through the wire creates a magnetic field concentrated at the center of the coil. The magnetic field disappears when the electric current is cut off. Therefore, the electromagnet may be configured to include a coil, and a current or voltage may be applied to trigger the electromagnet to generate a time-dependent magnetic field with controllable amplitude and direction for the coil. Thus, the operating electromagnet may create a magnetic field to rotate the currently operating magnetic roller. In response to this magnetic field, one or more release electromagnets may create a magnetic field to prevent the currently released magnetic roller from rotating. In particular, one or more release electromagnets may partially or entirely cancel out the stray magnetic field, which may be generated by the operating electromagnet and / or the operated magnetic roller and may act unintentionally on the currently release electromagnet.

[0025] In one embodiment, at least one operating electromagnet includes at least two operating electromagnets, particularly exactly three operating electromagnets. By providing a plurality of operating electromagnets, it becomes possible to finely adjust the spatial force distribution of the magnetic field for operating the magnetic rollers to be operated and / or to efficiently suppress the stray magnetic field acting on adjacent magnetic rollers (which must be currently released).

[0026] In one embodiment, at least one actuating electromagnet comprises at least three actuating electromagnets having a center of attraction arranged along a common circle. In other words, the at least three actuating electromagnets may be arranged in directions toward concentric circles. In particular, the at least three (in particular, strictly three) actuating electromagnets may be arranged along concentric circles arranged within a partial circular angular range, the partial circular angular range may be between 10° and 60°, and more specifically between 15° and 30°.

[0027] In one embodiment, the drive mechanism is configured to selectively drive exactly one of the magnetic rollers at a given time, while keeping all other magnetic rollers static. Therefore, at a given time, only one magnetic roller may be driven. This makes it possible to precisely define which of the multiple component carrier structures, each assigned to its respective magnetic roller, must be moved at any given moment.

[0028] In one embodiment, the roller comprises or is composed of a magnetic material, particularly a permanent magnetic material. A permanent magnet may refer to an object manufactured from a magnetized material that creates a permanent magnetic field of its own making. When a magnetic roller is constructed of such a permanent magnetic material, simple operation is possible because the magnetic roller is purely passive. This is because such a magnetic roller does not require active control other than operating the drive mechanism and the release mechanism. Therefore, only the drive mechanism and the release mechanism may require control in such circumstances.

[0029] In one embodiment, the magnetic drive device includes a magnetic shielding structure positioned between adjacent rollers to magnetically shield each magnetic roller from undesirable influences from adjacent rollers and / or from currently undesirable influences from the drive mechanism and / or deactivation mechanism. Such a magnetic shielding structure may be made of a metallic material, or preferably a magnetic material, and may shield the assigned magnetic roller from magnetic influences from the environment to prevent undesirable movement of the currently deactivated magnetic roller as a result of a stray magnetic field or the like.

[0030] In one embodiment, the configuration comprises a buffer container having a plurality of compartments, each compartment for housing its respective component carrier structure, and each compartment having at least one roller. For example, such a container may be a rack having different compartments at different vertical heights, and each compartment is configured to house its respective component carrier structure (such as a panel). Each compartment may have one or more magnetic rollers for moving the corresponding component carrier structure into or out of the compartment. Furthermore, each of the magnetic rollers may be connected by its respective belt, etc., such that the rotation of the actuated magnetic roller may cause movement of the assigned belt or other type of conveyor. Once each component carrier structure is positioned on its respective belt, the component carrier structure may be moved by the corresponding magnetic roller when actuated.

[0031] In one embodiment, the container is configured such that each component carrier structure can move into or out of a compartment to which the selectively driven at least one roller assigned to each compartment is assigned, by selectively driving at least one roller assigned to each compartment and deactivating at least one roller assigned to at least one adjacent compartment. In other words, it may be possible to selectively control only one assigned compartment to move the corresponding component carrier structure into or out of the compartment. All other compartments may be deactivated by the magnetic drive, in particular by deactivating at least some of the assigned magnetic rollers accordingly.

[0032] In one embodiment, the magnetic drive and the container are configured to move relative to each other. During such relative motion, the magnetic drive may be moved to a spatially close proximity to the selectable compartments and assigned magnetic rollers, thereby defining which compartments and which assigned component carrier structures must be moved or operated.

[0033] In one embodiment, a loading unit for loading a component carrier structure into a container compartment and / or an unloading unit for unloading a component carrier structure from a container compartment, and the container itself, are configured to move relative to each other. This may allow for the handling of multiple containers, each having a single loading / unloading unit.

[0034] In one embodiment, the magnetic drive is configured to be movable, while the container is configured to be immovable. Such an embodiment may be advantageous because the magnetic drive may be small and lightweight, and may be the only component that needs to be actively moved to support larger containers or racks with multiple compartments.

[0035] In other embodiments, however, the magnetic drive may be configured to remain stationary and the container to be movable. In such an embodiment, it may be particularly preferable that the magnetic drive is equipped with a loading unit and / or unloading unit (which can then be kept stationary), as described below.

[0036] In one embodiment, the magnetic drive system comprises a loading unit configured to load a component carrier structure into a container compartment. Additionally or alternatively, the magnetic drive system may also comprise an unloading unit configured to unload a component carrier structure from a container compartment. Thus, for example, the magnetic drive system may comprise a loading unit for loading a component carrier structure into a container compartment and an unloading unit for unloading a component carrier structure from a container compartment. The loading unit may comprise a loading conveyor, such as a loading belt, which may hold component carrier structures loaded onto a belt or another type of conveyor in a particular compartment of the container. Accordingly, the unloading unit may comprise an unloading conveyor, such as an unloading belt, which may position the component carrier structure for unloading the component carrier structure from a particular compartment to the unloading unit. The drive mechanism, deactivation mechanism, loading unit, and / or unloading unit may thus constitute a magnetic drive that can remain stationary as a whole, while the container may move relative to the magnetic drive. When a particular compartment of the container is aligned with the loading unit and / or unloading unit, the drive mechanism may be operated to load a component carrier structure from the loading unit into the compartment, or to unload a component carrier structure from the compartment into the unloading unit.

[0037] In yet another embodiment, both the magnetic drive and the container may be configured to be movable.

[0038] In one embodiment, the configuration comprises a further magnetic drive having the features described above, and at least a portion of the container is positioned between the magnetic drive and the further magnetic drive. For example, the first magnetic drive may operate on one side of the container, and the second magnetic drive may operate on the other opposite side of the container. In such an embodiment, one magnetic drive may comprise a loading unit (for example, having the features described above), and the further magnetic drive may comprise an unloading unit (for example, having the features described above). Relative motion between the magnetic drive and the container may be performed to load the component carrier structure from the loading unit into a specific compartment of the container. Relative motion between the further magnetic drive and the container may also be performed to unload the component carrier structure from a specific compartment of the container into an unloading unit.

[0039] In one embodiment, one drive unit and the other container are configured to move relative to each other. This configuration makes it possible to select a compartment for loading the component carrier structure and / or a compartment for unloading the component carrier structure.

[0040] In one embodiment, the magnetic drive devices are configured to move relative to each other. This configuration may allow loading operations in the first compartment and unloading operations in the second compartment to be performed simultaneously.

[0041] In one embodiment, at least one of the compartments includes a conveyor, particularly a belt mounted on at least one of the magnetic rollers assigned to the compartment, for moving component carrier structures by the conveyor, in particular on the belt. Such a belt-type conveyor, or other types of conveyors, may be configured to hold assigned component carrier structures, such as panels (which may have shapes and dimensions in particular).

[0042] In one embodiment, in at least one of the compartments, at least one roller assigned to the compartment may be configured to move the component holding structure using direct physical contact. In other words, the component carrier structure may be placed directly on a conveyor such as a belt in the compartment.

[0043] In one embodiment, the method includes the step of driving or deactivating magnetic rollers for handling multiple component carrier structures in each of the multiple compartments of a container. A single magnetic drive or a pair of magnetic drives may be sufficient to efficiently operate the multiple compartments of the container by the mere movement of each magnetic drive relative to the compartment currently being operated in.

[0044] In one embodiment, the method includes the step of transporting a component carrier structure by at least one magnetic roller cooperating with a belt (see, for example, Figures 1 to 6). Alternatively, the component carrier structure may be transported by a beltless array (in particular, a matrix) of magnetic rollers (see, for example, Figure 7). In other words, the transport mechanism may use one or more conveyors consisting of magnetic rollers and a belt, or consisting of magnetic rollers alone.

[0045] In one embodiment, the method includes the step of installing magnetic drive units on a common support structure in a beltless array. For a beltless matrix, the support structure is advantageous in ensuring that at least two drive units remain at the same height. With a belt, one drive unit is possible, but for a beltless matrix, at least two drive units are preferred.

[0046] In one embodiment, the component carrier structure comprises a stack of at least one electrically insulating layer structure and / or at least one conductive layer structure. For example, the component carrier structure may be a lamination of the aforementioned electrically insulating layer structure and the aforementioned conductive layer structure, in particular, formed by applying mechanical pressure and / or thermal energy. The aforementioned stack may provide a plate-like component carrier that can be very thin and compact, even though it can provide a large mounting surface for further components.

[0047] In one embodiment, the component carrier structure is formed as a plate. This shape contributes to a compact design, and despite the compact size, the component carrier provides a large base on which components are mounted. Furthermore, particularly in the case of embedded electronic components, bare dies can be easily embedded in thin plates such as printed circuit boards thanks to their thinness.

[0048] In one embodiment, the component carrier individualized from the component carrier structure is configured as one of a group consisting of a printed circuit board, a substrate (particularly an IC substrate), and an interposer.

[0049] In the context of this application, the term “printed circuit board” (PCB) may particularly refer to a plate-like component carrier formed by laminating several conductive layer structures having several electrically insulating layer structures, for example by applying pressure and / or supplying thermal energy. As preferred materials for PCB technology, the conductive layer structures are made of copper, and the electrically insulating layer structures may include resin and / or glass fibers, called prepreg materials or FR4 materials. The various conductive layer structures may be connected to each other in a desired manner by forming through-holes through the lamination, for example by laser drilling or mechanical drilling, filling the through-holes with conductive material (particularly copper), and forming vias as through-hole connections by filling. Apart from one or more components that may be embedded in the printed circuit board, the printed circuit board is usually configured to house one or more components on one surface of a plate-like printed circuit board, or on surfaces on both opposite sides. The components may be connected to their respective main surfaces by soldering connections. The dielectric portion of the PCB may consist of a resin (such as glass fiber) with reinforcing fibers.

[0050] In the context of this application, the term “substrate” may specifically refer to a small component carrier. A substrate may be a component carrier of comparable size to a PCB, on which one or more components may be mounted, and which may function as a connecting medium between one or more chips and further PCBs. For example, a substrate may be substantially the same size as the components (particularly electronic components) mounted on it (e.g., in the case of a chip-scale package (CSP)). More specifically, a substrate can be understood as a holder for electrical connections or networks, and for component carriers corresponding to a printed circuit board (PCB), but having a significantly higher density of lateral and / or vertically arranged connections. Lateral connections may be, for example, conductive paths, while vertical connections may be, for example, drilled holes. These lateral and / or vertical connections are located within the substrate and may be used, with a printed circuit board or intermediate printed circuit board, to provide electrical, thermal, and / or mechanical connections of housed or unhoused components (such as bare dies), particularly IC chips. Therefore, the term “substrate” also includes “IC substrate.” The dielectric portion of the substrate may be composed of a resin having reinforcing particles (such as reinforcing spheres, particularly glass spheres).

[0051] The substrate or interposer may include, or be composed of, at least a layer of photographic photosensitive material or dry-etchable organic material such as glass, silicon (Si), epoxy build-up material (such as epoxy build-up film), or polymer compounds such as polyimide, polybenzoxazole, or benzocyclobutene-functionalized polymer.

[0052] In one embodiment, at least one electrical insulating layer structure comprises at least one of the group consisting of resins (such as reinforced or unreinforced resins, e.g., epoxy resins or bismaleimidotriazine resins), cyanate ester resins, polyphenylene derivatives, glass (especially glass fibers, double-glazed glass, or glass-like materials), prepreg materials (such as FR-4 or FR-5), polyimide, polyamide, liquid crystalline polymer (LCP), epoxy build-up film, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE, Teflon®), ceramics, and metal oxides. Alternatively, reinforced structures such as webs, fibers, or spheres made of glass (double-glazed glass) may be used. Prepregs, particularly FR4, are generally preferred for rigid PCBs, but other materials, particularly epoxy build-up film or photographic photoelectric material, may be used. In high-frequency applications, high-frequency materials such as polytetrafluoroethylene, liquid crystalline polymers and / or cyanate ester resins, low-temperature co-fired ceramics (LTCC), or other low-dielectric or ultra-low-dielectric materials may be implemented in component carriers as electrical insulating layer structures.

[0053] In one embodiment, at least one conductive layer structure comprises at least one of the group consisting of copper, aluminum, nickel, silver, gold, palladium, and tungsten. Copper is usually preferred, but other materials or coatings of other materials are also possible, in particular coatings using superconducting materials such as graphene.

[0054] At least one component that may be embedded in the stack and / or surface-mounted on the stack may be selected from the group consisting of non-conductive inlays, conductive inlays (metal inlays, preferably containing copper or aluminum), heat transfer units (e.g., heat pipes), light guide elements (e.g., optical waveguides, light guide connections), optical elements (e.g., lenses), electronic components, or combinations thereof. For example, a component may be an active electronic component, a passive electronic component, an electronic chip memory (e.g., DRAM or another data memory), a filter, an integrated circuit, a signal processing component, a power management component, an optoelectronic interface element, a light-emitting diode, a photocoupler, a voltage converter (e.g., a DC / DC converter or AC / DC converter), a cryptographic component, a transmitter and / or receiver, an electromechanical transducer, a sensor, an actuator, a micro-electromechanical system (MEMS), a microprocessor, a capacitor, a resistor, an inductor, a battery, a switch, a camera, an antenna, a logic chip, and an energy harvesting unit. However, other components may be embedded in the component carrier. For example, a magnetic element may be used as a component. Such magnetic elements may be permanent magnetic elements (such as ferromagnetic elements, antiferromagnetic elements, multiferroic elements, or ferrimagnetic elements such as ferrite cores), or they may be paramagnetic elements. However, the components may also be substrates, interposers, or further component carriers, for example, in a board-in-board configuration.

[0055] In one embodiment, the component carrier structure is a multilayer type component carrier structure. In such an embodiment, the component carrier structure is a composite of multilayer structures that are stacked and connected together by pressing and / or applying heat.

[0056] After processing the internal layer structure of the component carrier structure, it is possible to coat (particularly by lamination) the main surfaces opposite one or both of the processed layer structures, having one or more further electrical insulating layer structures and / or conductive layer structures symmetrically or asymmetrically. In other words, the build-up may be continued until the desired number of layers are obtained.

[0057] After completing the creation of stacks of electrical insulating layer structures and conductive layer structures, it is possible to proceed with surface treatment of the resulting layer structures or component carriers.

[0058] In particular, the electrically insulating solder resist may be applied to the main surface opposite to one or both of the layer stacks or component carriers, from a surface treatment viewpoint. For example, it is possible to form a solder resist over the entire main surface, and then pattern the layer of solder resist to expose one or more conductive surface portions which may be used to electrically couple the component carriers to the electronic periphery. The surface portions of the component carriers that remain covered with solder resist may be efficiently protected against oxidation or corrosion, particularly copper-containing surfaces.

[0059] From a surface treatment perspective, it is also possible to selectively add a surface finish to expose the conductive surface of the component carrier. Such a surface finish may be a conductive coating material on the exposed conductive layer structure on the surface of the component carrier (particularly containing or composed of copper, such as electrode terminals, conductive tracks, etc.). If such exposed conductive layer structure is left unprotected, the exposed conductive component carrier material (particularly copper) may oxidize, and oxidation reduces the reliability of the component carrier. Subsequently, the surface finish may be formed, for example, as an interface between surface-mounted components and the component carrier. The surface finish has the function of protecting the exposed conductive layer structure (particularly copper circuits) and enables bonding with one or more components, for example, by soldering. Examples of suitable materials for surface finishing include preflux (Organic Solderability Preservative: OSP), electroless nickel / substitution gold (ENIG), gold (especially hard gold), tin chemicals, nickel gold, nickel palladium, and electroless nickel / electroless palladium / substitution gold (ENIPIG).

[0060] The embodiments defined above, and further embodiments of the present invention, will become apparent from the examples of embodiments described below, and will be explained with reference to these examples.

[0061] Before describing exemplary embodiments in more detail with reference to the figures, we will summarize some basic considerations on which exemplary embodiments of the present invention were developed based on these considerations.

[0062] According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, a magnetic drive is provided which may operate in a non-contact manner and may be configured to support a plurality of conveyors (such as belts), each of which conveyors is capable of handling and housing an assigned component carrier structure. For example, such a component carrier structure may be a panel comprising a plurality of further integrally connected preforms of a printed circuit board (PCB).

[0063] More specifically, exemplary embodiments of the present invention provide a magnetic drive system that uses one or more electromagnets to drive each individual unit of a plurality of conveyor units. Such a magnetic drive system may be configured to drive a plurality of conveyors using a single drive unit. Advantageously, mechanical contact with the drive unit is not necessarily required. In particular, it may be possible to hold or fix two conveyors in place and drive only another conveyor in between, or only another conveyor between the aforementioned conveyors. Advantageously, a magnetic shielding structure may be implemented to prevent undesirable magnetic interference between adjacent conveyors. In particular, a conveyor buffer mechanism may be constructed based on the aforementioned units. A fork mechanism may also be implemented in such a buffer mechanism. The magnetic drive system according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention may operate in a non-contact manner, which reduces the risk of foreign matter contamination in the manufacturing process. Advantageously, a single magnetic drive system may drive many magnetic rollers in subsequent operating states. Thus, the conveyor transfer buffer mechanism can be provided with reduced labor and reduced space occupancy from a powered standpoint.

[0064] In particular, exemplary embodiments of the present invention may implement magnetic rollers and corresponding conveyors for transporting, for example, PCB-type component carrier structures. In one embodiment, to drive multiple conveyors in a non-contact manner but to drive each conveyor individually, an electromagnet for the drive mechanism and a release mechanism and magnets for the magnetic rollers may be combined. Advantageously, it may be possible for only one or more selected magnetic rollers to enable the movement of selected conveyor slots for transporting component carrier structures.

[0065] More specifically, exemplary embodiments of the present invention may use one or more magnetic drive units to selectively drive magnetic drive rollers in a PCB buffer mechanism (such as a rack). In particular, exemplary embodiments may enable driving a single magnetic roll or magnetic roller to displace a component carrier structure or another type of product. In particular, a non-contact magnetic drive unit may be provided, which can be configured to provide functionality to multiple conveyors. Such a magnetic drive unit may be used as a foundation for building a panel buffer mechanism between conveyors. Preferably, a single drive module may be sufficient to drive multiple conveyors. Avoiding any direct physical contact with the magnetic drive unit may reduce or even minimize the risk of foreign matter entering the manufacturing equipment. Advantageously, it may be possible to directly connect the component carrier structure and conveyors without the need to use forks or the like. Preferably, a non-contact magnetic drive unit may be provided, which is capable of driving multiple slots. More specifically, such a magnetic drive unit may be configured to drive individual slots without affecting other slots. It may be sufficient to provide only a single drive module for all slots, while further ensuring the smooth transport of the component carrier structure.

[0066] Figure 1 shows a configuration 120 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention for transporting each component carrier structure 126 along the horizontal direction shown in Figure 1, using a magnetic drive unit 100, magnetic rollers 102, and a container 122 having a plurality of compartments 124 or trays. The magnetic drive unit 100 is positioned and configured to apply transport force to each component carrier structure 126 when housed in an assigned compartment 124. Figure 2 shows a detail of the magnetic drive unit 100 of Figure 1, showing a deactivation mechanism 106 configured for deactivating magnetic rollers 102 that are assigned to remain stationary. Figure 3 shows another detail of the magnetic drive unit 100 of Figure 1, showing a drive mechanism 104 configured for activating magnetic rollers 102 that are assigned to rotate.

[0067] The illustrated configuration 120 is configured to transport multiple component carrier structures 126, such as panels for manufacturing printed circuit boards, IC boards, or other component carriers. As shown in Figure 1, the configuration 120 comprises multiple magnetic rollers 102, each of which is configured to transport its assigned component carrier structure 126 horizontally as it rotates. The various magnetic rollers 102 may be cylindrical or tubular bodies made of magnetic material and are arranged in a linear vertical row.

[0068] As shown on the left side of Figure 1, the structure 120 comprises a buffer container 122 having a plurality of compartments 124, each of which is for housing a respective component carrier structure 126, and the buffer container 122 is equipped with one of the magnetic rollers 102. The container 122 is a rack having a plurality of compartments 124 or trays at different vertical heights, and each compartment 124 is embodied as a rack having a conveyor or belt 128 that holds a panel-type component carrier structure 126. By rotating one of the magnetic rollers 102 while keeping all the magnetic rollers 102 stationary, only the belt 128 connected to the rotating magnetic roller 102 moves to transport the component carrier structure 126 on the belt 128 into or out of its assigned compartment 124 in the container 122. In other words, each of the compartments 124 is equipped with a conveyor or belt 128 mounted on an assigned magnetic roller 102 to move the belt 128 together with a component carrier structure 126 mounted or supported on the belt 128 as the corresponding magnetic roller 102 rotates.

[0069] The aforementioned functions are provided by a magnetic drive unit 100 configured to selectively drive one of the multiple magnetic rollers 102. The structure of the magnetic drive unit 100 is shown in detail on the right side of Figure 1, and the function of the magnetic drive unit 100 will also be described with reference to Figures 2 and 3. The magnetic drive unit 100 comprises a centrally located drive mechanism 104 configured to selectively drive one of the selected magnetic rollers 102 by magnetic driving force (see arrow 190). Selecting a particular magnetic roller 102 to be actuated can be done by simply moving the drive mechanism 104 relative to the magnetic roller 102 to be actuated. On the right side of Figure 1, the actuated magnetic roller 102 is the central one, corresponding to the magnetic roller 102 shown on the right side of Figure 3. As illustrated, the drive mechanism 104 is configured to selectively drive exactly one of the magnetic rollers 102 at a given time while keeping all the other magnetic rollers 102 static. More specifically, the drive mechanism 104 is configured to magnetically control the roller 102 to be driven by controlling three actuating electromagnets 110 accordingly. A single actuating electromagnet 110 may be sufficient, but providing two, or preferably three, actuating electromagnets 110 may be preferable for obtaining a stronger magnetic actuating force or for better and more precise control of the magnetic field characteristics. Advantageously, the multiple actuating electromagnets 110 may be arranged in different orientations (as shown in Figures 1 and 3), for example, with different orientations of the coil axes of the various actuating electromagnets 110. Advantageously, the three actuating electromagnets 110 may be arranged along concentric circles. Depending on their arrangement, the different orientations of the actuating electromagnets 110 may preferably be directed toward the same center of a circle parallel to the cross-section of the assigned roller 102. The three operating electromagnets 110 described above may be arranged along a concentric circle, or within a partial circular angular range of the concentric circle, preferably between 15° and 30°. This may allow for precise adjustment of the magnetic operating force acting on the magnetic roller 102 to be actuated. The multiple operating electromagnets 110 may also be arranged in a fan shape.

[0070] In other words, the actuating electromagnet 110 may be controlled to trigger the rotation of the actuating magnetic roller 102. Preferably, the drive mechanism 104 is configured to actuate the magnetic roller 102 in a non-contact manner by simply generating a magnetic field that is suitable for triggering the rotation of the actuating magnetic roller 102. This configuration prevents wear, extends the lifespan of the components of the structure 120, and, advantageously, avoids the introduction of foreign matter into the manufacturing process.

[0071] Furthermore, the magnetic drive unit 100 includes a deactivation mechanism 106 configured to selectively deactivate two magnetic rollers 102 located directly adjacent to the currently activated magnetic roller 102. In other words, the deactivation mechanism 106 is configured to selectively deactivate the other two magnetic rollers located between the driven magnetic roller 102, namely the uppermost and lowermost magnetic rollers 102 on the right side of Figure 1. Selecting a particular magnetic roller 102 to be deactivated can be done simply by moving the deactivation mechanism 106 relative to the magnetic roller 102 to be deactivated. On the right side of Figure 1, the deactivated magnetic rollers 102 are the upper one and the lower one, one of which is shown on the right side of Figure 2. Preferably, the release mechanism 106 is configured to selectively release only the magnetic rollers 102 that are spatially close to the release mechanism 106 by simply generating a magnetic field that is suitable for release, for example, suitable for compensating for the stray magnetic field created by the drive mechanism 104 and / or the currently rotating magnetic rollers 102, in a non-contact manner. The non-contact nature of the magnetic actuation mechanism and magnetic release mechanism prevents wear, extends the life of the components of the structure, and, advantageously, prevents foreign matter from entering the handling process.

[0072] As is most clearly shown in Figure 3, the deactivation mechanism 106 comprises two symmetrically arranged magnetic field sensors 108, each of which is positioned around the respective magnetic drive unit 100 and configured to magnetically detect information indicating the drive state of a spatially assigned magnetic roller 102 to be deactivated. The magnetic field sensors 108 are positioned immediately next to each of the magnetic rollers 102. Preferably, the magnetic field sensors 108 are embodied as Hall effect sensors. To elaborate, the magnetic field sensors 108 may detect whether or not the magnetic roller 102 to be deactivated is moving. The deactivation mechanism 106 is configured to magnetically control the magnetic roller 102 to be deactivated based on the respective sensor signals of the assigned magnetic field sensors 108. More specifically, the deactivation mechanism 106 is configured to magnetically control each magnetic roller 102 to be deactivated by controlling each deactivation electromagnet 112 accordingly. To explain, each of the deactivation electromagnets 112 may be controlled to ensure that the assigned magnetic roller 102 to be deactivated is not rotating (because if the deactivation magnetic roller 102 moves, the wrong panel will be moved out of the rack). For example, the deactivation mechanism 106 may control the current flowing through the deactivation electromagnets 112 until the magnetic field characteristics sensed by the magnetic field sensor 108 satisfy at least one predefined deactivation criterion. For example, negative feedback adjustment logic may be implemented in the deactivation mechanism 106. By taking this measure, undesirable stray magnetic fields that unintentionally move the deactivation roller 102 may be reduced or even canceled out by adding a compensating magnetic field created by the deactivation electromagnets 112.

[0073] Apart from the three magnetic rollers 102 shown on the right side of Figure 1, all other magnetic rollers 102 or the remaining magnetic rollers 102 may remain uncontrolled or idling. This keeps the control effort of the magnetic drive unit 100 light and keeps its dimensions small. Since the remaining magnetic rollers 102 are located further away from the magnetically driven central magnetic roller 102, unwanted rotation caused by stray magnetic fields and / or other magnetic materials is less likely to occur.

[0074] Advantageously, the drive mechanism 104 and the release mechanism 106 are configured to operate simultaneously. Therefore, the drive mechanism 104 and the release mechanism 106 can operate independently of each other.

[0075] In the position of the magnetic roller 102 that is currently deactivated, one or more magnetic shielding structures 114 (made of iron or other magnetic metal) may be positioned between adjacent rollers 102 to suppress or shield the undesirable stray magnetic field created by the drive mechanism 104 and / or the rotating magnetic roller 102, in order to magnetically shield adjacent rollers 102 and things around each other. The magnetic shielding structures 114 may form part of the magnetic drive unit 100 (i.e., move together with other parts of the magnetic drive unit 100 relative to the magnetic roller 102), or they may be spatially fixed between each pair of adjacent magnetic rollers 102 (so that the magnetic drive unit 100 is also movable relative to the magnetic shielding structures 114).

[0076] A container 122 having components of a belt 128 (each capable of holding its respective component carrier structure 126) and magnetic rollers 102 assigned to various compartments 124 (each magnetic roller 102 being moved by a drive mechanism 104, thereby moving the belt 128 to which it is assigned) is configured such that when the magnetic drive device 100 selectively drives the selected magnetic roller 102 assigned to each compartment 124 and deactivates two adjacent magnetic rollers 102 assigned to adjacent compartments 124, each component carrier structure 126 can move into or out of the compartment 124 to which the selectively driven magnetic roller 102 is assigned. In Figure 1, the belt 128 assigned only to the rotating magnetic rollers 102 is indicated by an arrow 150. Thus, the component carrier structures 126 on the belt 128 can be unloaded from inside to outside the container 122.

[0077] To select a specific magnetic roller 102 for rotation by the magnetic drive unit 100, the magnetic drive unit 100 and the container 122 are configured to move relative to each other along the vertical direction in Figure 1. More specifically, the magnetic drive unit 100 may be configured to be movable, and the container 122 may be configured to be immovable. Thus, the magnetic drive unit 100 may be the only part that is actively moved in terms of compartment selection. This is indicated by arrow 152 in Figure 1. As a result, the magnetic drive unit 100 may be moved vertically upward or downward to allow the magnetic drive unit 100 to access a desired compartment 124 of the container 122.

[0078] In Figures 2 and 3, the magnetic rollers are again shown using reference numeral 102. As shown, each magnetic roller 102 may be configured as an array of alternating south pole portions 191 and north pole portions 192. The south pole portions 191 and north pole portions 192 may correspond to the corners of the cylinders that make up each magnetic roller 102. The south pole portions 191 and north pole portions 192 may be connected so as to alternate with each other along the periphery of the magnetic roller 102. To elaborate, each of the south pole portions 191 and north pole portions 192 may be shaped like a slice of cake. As a result, the magnetic roller 102 is formed such that the south pole portions 191 and north pole portions 192 continuously alternate with each other around its periphery.

[0079] Furthermore, the south poles of electromagnets 110 and 112 are indicated by reference numeral 154, while their north poles are indicated by reference numeral 156. Referring again to Figure 2, we see one of the Hall effect sensors that detects a magnetic field at the position of the magnetic roller 102 that is currently being deactivated and transmits a corresponding feedback signal to the controller 160. Based on the signal received from the Hall effect sensor reading, the controller 160 may be configured to control the deactivation electromagnet 112 to ensure that the deactivated magnetic roller 102 does not rotate. This control may be performed in terms of negative feedback control logic.

[0080] Referring here to Figure 3, magnetic shielding may be implemented by a magnetic shielding structure 114 to prevent the rotating magnetic roller 102 shown from rotating and / or vibrating nearby magnetic rollers 102. The controller 160 sends signals to individual actuating electromagnets 110 to rotate the magnetic rollers 102. The corresponding function may be analogous to a servo motor.

[0081] Figures 4 and 5 show different operating states of the component 120 according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0082] In the embodiments of Figures 4 and 5, the magnetic drive unit 100 remains stationary (as indicated by the support 162 on which the magnetic drive unit 100 may be mounted), and the container 122 is moved vertically, i.e., upward or downward (as indicated by the arrow 164). As shown, the magnetic drive unit 100 according to Figures 4 and 5 includes, in addition to the elements described with reference to Figures 1 to 3, a loading unit 166 for loading the component carrier structure 126 into the compartment 124 of the container 122. Furthermore, the magnetic drive unit 100 includes an unloading unit 168 for unloading the component carrier structure 126 from the compartment 124 of the container 122. The loading unit 166 may include a loading conveyor, which may be embodied as loading rollers 174 cooperating with a loading belt 170 to hold the component carrier structure 126 loaded onto the belt 128 of a particular compartment 124 of the container 122. Accordingly, the unloading unit 168 may include an unloading conveyor, which may be embodied as an unloading roller 176 cooperating with an unloading belt 172 on which the component carrier structure 126 may be positioned, for unloading the component carrier structure 126 from a specific compartment 124 to the unloading unit 168. The drive mechanism 104, deactivation mechanism 106, loading unit 166, and unloading unit 168 of the magnetic drive unit 100 may remain stationary, while the container 122 may move vertically and relative to the magnetic drive unit 100. Accordingly, the loading unit 166 (used to load the component carrier structure 126 into the compartment 124 of the container 122) and the unloading unit 168 (used to unload the component carrier structure 126 from the compartment 124 of the container 122) and the container 122 are configured to move relative to each other.When a specific compartment 124 of the container 122 (see the top compartment 124 in Figure 4 and the lower compartment 124 in Figure 5) is aligned horizontally with the loading unit 166 and the unloading unit 168, the drive mechanism 104 may be operated to load the component carrier structure 126 from the loading unit 166 into the compartment 124, as shown in Figures 4 and 5. Although not shown in Figures 4 and 5, it may also be possible to unload the component carrier structure 126 from the compartment 124 into the unloading unit 168, respectively.

[0083] Therefore, Figures 4 and 5 show the implementation configuration of the magnetic drive unit 100 for a buffer system (more specifically, a buffer-operating type). According to Figures 4 and 5, the position of the magnetic drive unit 100 is fixed, while the buffer-type container 122 can move up and down, allowing different active slots to be provided for function by the magnetic drive unit 100.

[0084] Figure 6 shows a configuration 120 having two individually controllable magnetic drive devices 100 according to yet another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0085] Therefore, in contrast to the embodiments in Figures 1 to 5, two independently operable magnetic drive units 100 are provided in the embodiment of Figure 6. In contrast to the embodiments in Figures 4 and 5, the magnetic drive units 100 are each individually movable, while according to Figure 6, the container 122 remains stationary.

[0086] Therefore, the structure 120 in Figure 6 includes an additional magnetic drive unit 100, while the container 122 is partially positioned in the space between the magnetic drive unit 100 and the additional magnetic drive unit 100. Furthermore, one magnetic drive unit 100 and the other container 122 are configured to move relative to each other. The magnetic drive units 100 are also configured to move relative to each other. Arrows 178 and 180 in Figure 6 indicate that each of the magnetic drive units 100 can move independently in the upward or downward direction.

[0087] As shown in Figure 6, the magnetic drive unit 100 shown on the left side of Figure 6 is equipped with a loading unit 166 but not a loading unit, as described with reference to Figures 4 and 5. The further magnetic drive unit 100 shown on the right side of Figure 6 is equipped with a loading unit 168 but not a loading unit, as described with reference to Figures 4 and 5. Therefore, the magnetic drive unit 100 on the left side is operable to load the component carrier structure 126 into the selectable compartment 124. In addition, the magnetic drive unit 100 on the right side is operable to unload the component carrier structure 126 from the selectable compartment 124. At a particular point in time, the first compartment 124 may be loaded using the magnetic drive unit 100 on the left side, while the second compartment 124 is simultaneously unloaded using the further magnetic drive unit 100 on the right side.

[0088] Therefore, the configuration 120 shown in Figure 6 may also be implemented as a buffer system (which may be embodied as a shuttle operation type). Each drive unit mounted on the shuttle may move up and down to enable different active slots.

[0089] Figure 7 shows a side view of a component 120 according to yet another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In the component 120 according to Figure 7, two magnetic drive units 100 are mounted on a common support structure 184. In the embodiment shown, the component carrier structure 126 or another product may be driven by a plurality of cooperative magnetic rollers 102 without a belt. To illustrate, the beltless embodiment shown implements a drive roller matrix to drive the component carrier structure 126.

[0090] Note that the term "includes" does not exclude other elements or stages, and "a" or "an" does not exclude plurality. Also, elements described in relation to different embodiments may be combined.

[0091] Furthermore, it should be noted that reference numerals in the claims should not be interpreted as limiting the scope of the claims.

[0092] The implementation of the present invention is not limited to the preferred embodiments shown in the figures and described above. Rather, numerous variations are possible that use the solutions shown and the principles of the present invention, even in the case of essentially different embodiments.

Claims

1. A magnetic drive device for selectively driving one of a plurality of magnetic rollers for transporting a component carrier structure, A drive mechanism configured to selectively drive at least one selected magnetic roller among the plurality of magnetic rollers by magnetic driving force, A release mechanism configured to selectively release at least one other selected magnetic roller from among the aforementioned magnetic rollers. Equipped with, A magnetic drive device in which the release mechanism is configured to magnetically control the at least one magnetic roller to be released by controlling at least one release electromagnet accordingly.

2. The magnetic drive device according to claim 1, wherein the drive mechanism and the release mechanism are configured to operate simultaneously.

3. The magnetic drive device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the drive mechanism is configured to actuate the at least one selected magnetic roller in a non-contact manner.

4. The magnetic drive device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the release mechanism is configured to release the at least one other selected magnetic roller in a non-contact manner.

5. The magnetic drive device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the release mechanism is configured to selectively release at least two other magnetic rollers in which the at least one driven magnetic roller is located.

6. The magnetic drive device according to claim 5, wherein the deactivation mechanism is configured to selectively deactivate only a subset of the remaining magnetic rollers that are closest to the at least one driven magnetic roller.

7. The aforementioned release mechanism It has at least one magnetic field sensor configured to magnetically detect information indicating the drive state of at least one magnetic roller that should be deactivated, The release mechanism is configured to magnetically control the at least one magnetic roller to be released based on the sensor signal of the at least one magnetic field sensor. A magnetic drive device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The magnetic drive device according to claim 7, wherein the at least one magnetic field sensor is configured to be positioned immediately next to each of the plurality of magnetic rollers.

9. The magnetic drive device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the drive mechanism is configured to magnetically control the at least one magnetic roller to be driven by controlling at least one operating electromagnet according to each of them.

10. The aforementioned at least one operating electromagnet has at least two operating electromagnets, The at least one operating electromagnet has at least two operating electromagnets arranged in different spatial orientations, The aforementioned at least one operating electromagnet has at least three operating electromagnets arranged in concentric circles. The magnetic drive device according to claim 9, having at least one of the features of the above.

11. The aforementioned at least one operating electromagnet has three operating electromagnets, The at least one operating electromagnet has at least two operating electromagnets arranged with their coil axes inclined relative to each other. A magnetic drive device according to claim 10, having at least one of the features of the above.

12. The magnetic drive device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the drive mechanism is configured to selectively drive exactly one of the magnetic rollers at a given time, while keeping all other magnetic rollers stationary at that time.

13. A magnetic drive device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, comprising a loading unit configured to load a component carrier structure into a compartment of a container for housing a component carrier structure.

14. The magnetic drive device according to claim 13, wherein the loading unit has a loading conveyor for holding component carrier structures that are loaded into the compartment of the container.

15. The magnetic drive device according to claim 14, wherein the loading unit has at least one loading roller that cooperates with a loading belt for holding a component carrier structure to be loaded in the compartment of the container.

16. A magnetic drive device according to any one of claims 1 to 15, comprising an unloading unit configured to unload a component carrier structure from a compartment of a container for housing a component carrier structure.

17. The magnetic drive device according to claim 16, wherein the unloading unit has an unloading conveyor for receiving component carrier structures to be unloaded from the compartment of the container.

18. The magnetic drive device according to claim 17, wherein the unloading unit has at least one unloading roller that cooperates with an unloading belt for receiving a component carrier structure to be unloaded from the compartment of the container.

19. The magnetic drive device according to any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the magnetic drive device is configured to move relative to a container having a plurality of compartments, each compartment for housing its respective component carrier structure, and each compartment having at least one of the magnetic rollers.

20. The magnetic drive device according to any one of claims 1 to 19, further comprising at least one magnetic shielding structure to be positioned between adjacent magnetic rollers.

21. A component for transporting a component carrier structure, Multiple magnetic rollers, A magnetic drive device according to any one of claims 1 to 20 for selectively driving one of the plurality of magnetic rollers, A structure comprising the following components.

22. The configuration according to claim 21, comprising a container having a plurality of compartments, each compartment for housing its respective component carrier structure, and each having at least one of the magnetic rollers.

23. The configuration according to claim 22, wherein when the magnetic drive device selectively drives at least one magnetic roller assigned to each compartment and deactivates at least one other magnetic roller assigned to at least one adjacent compartment, the container is configured such that each component carrier structure is movable into or out of the compartment to which the selectively driven at least one magnetic roller is assigned.

24. The configuration according to claim 22 or 23, wherein the magnetic drive device and the container are configured to move relative to each other.

25. The configuration according to any one of claims 22 to 24, wherein a loading unit for loading a component carrier structure into a compartment of the container, and / or an unloading unit for unloading a component carrier structure from the compartment of one container and the other container, are configured to move relative to each other.

26. The configuration according to any one of claims 22 to 25, wherein the magnetic drive device is configured to be movable, and the container is configured to remain stationary.

27. The configuration according to any one of claims 22 to 26, wherein the magnetic drive device is configured to remain stationary, and the container is configured to be movable.

28. The configuration according to any one of claims 21 to 27, comprising a further magnetic drive device according to any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein at least a portion of the container is disposed between the magnetic drive device and the further magnetic drive device.

29. The configuration according to claim 28, wherein the magnetic drive device on one side and the container on the other side are configured to move relative to each other.

30. The configuration according to claim 28 or 29, wherein the magnetic drive devices are configured to move relative to one another.

31. The configuration according to any one of claims 22 to 30, wherein at least one of the plurality of compartments is provided with a conveyor for moving the component carrier structure by the conveyor.

32. The configuration according to claim 31, wherein at least one of the plurality of compartments comprises the belt, which is installed on at least one of the magnetic rollers assigned to the compartment for moving the component carrier structure on the belt.

33. The structure according to any one of claims 21 to 32, wherein the magnetic roller comprises or is composed of a magnetic material.

34. The configuration according to claim 33, wherein the magnetic roller comprises or is composed of a permanent magnetic material.

35. The configuration according to any one of claims 21 to 34, further comprising at least one magnetic shielding structure positioned between adjacent magnetic rollers.

36. The configuration according to claim 21, wherein at least one magnetic shielding structure forms the magnetic drive device, or a part of the magnetic drive device, positioned between adjacent magnetic rollers.

37. The configuration according to any one of claims 21 to 35, wherein the magnetic drive device is individually movable in the upward or downward direction.

38. A method for selectively driving one of a plurality of magnetic rollers for transporting a component carrier structure, A step of selectively driving at least one of the plurality of magnetic rollers by magnetic driving force, In particular, the step of simultaneously selectively deactivating at least one other selected magnetic roller from the plurality of magnetic rollers. Equipped with, A method for magnetically controlling the at least one magnetic roller to be deactivated by controlling at least one deactivation electromagnet according to the procedure for deactivating the operation.

39. The method according to claim 38, further comprising the step of driving or deactivating the plurality of magnetic rollers for handling a plurality of component carrier structures in each of the plurality of compartments of a container.

40. The method according to claim 38 or 39, further comprising the step of treating a panel and, in particular, one of the group consisting of a printed circuit board or an integrated circuit board or an array of component carriers of a preform thereof, as the component carrier structure.

41. The method according to any one of claims 38 to 40, further comprising the step of transporting the component carrier structure by one of a group consisting of at least one of the plurality of magnetic rollers and beltless arrays of magnetic rollers, particularly beltless matrices, which cooperate with a belt.

42. The method according to claim 41, further comprising the step of installing a plurality of magnetic drive devices on a common support structure in the beltless array.

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