Transfer Apparatus Holding Unit for Frame Units
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional transfer apparatuses for frame units, which require rigid holding units to invert and transfer platelike workpieces with a tape and ring frame, face challenges in navigating narrow spaces between stored units and necessitate large centering mechanisms, hindering size reduction of processing apparatuses.
Innovation Solution
A transfer apparatus with a holding unit featuring gripping portions for the ring frame at two separate positions and an abutting portion to stabilize and position the frame unit, allowing for precise gripping, partial drawing, and transfer without a centering mechanism, enabling efficient handling and size reduction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a holding unit for holding the frame unit is composed of thick members to reliably hold the frame unit, then the holding strength is improved, but the holding unit cannot be inserted into a narrow space between adjacent frame units stored in a cassette
Solution Approach 1:
The holding unit is divided into multiple thin plate members (first plate member, second plate member, third plate member) arranged in parallel, replacing a single thick member structure. This segmentation allows the holding unit to fit into narrow spaces between frame units while maintaining holding capability through the distributed structure of multiple members.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of increasing thickness in one dimension to improve holding strength, the solution uses multiple thin members arranged in parallel along the width direction. This transforms the problem from a one-dimensional thickness issue to a two-dimensional arrangement problem, achieving both space compatibility and holding strength.
2Measurement precision
If a centering mechanism with guide rails is used for positioning the frame unit, then the positioning accuracy is improved, but the apparatus requires a considerable space for installation
Solution Approach 1:
The centering mechanism and guide rails are completely removed from the system. Instead of using a separate centering mechanism, the positioning function is integrated into the transfer arm structure itself, which has abutting portions that directly position the frame unit during transfer, eliminating the need for additional space-consuming components.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning function is merged with the transfer arm structure. The transfer arm includes abutting portions that serve both as transfer interfaces and as positioning elements, combining multiple functions into a single component and reducing overall apparatus size.
Data Source
AI summary
A frame unit is transferred from a cassette to a predetermined position. The frame unit has a platelike workpiece, a tape attached to the workpiece, and a ring frame supporting a peripheral portion of the tape. The apparatus includes a holding unit for the frame unit, a moving unit for the holding unit, and a control unit. The holding unit includes a pair of gripping portions for gripping a front portion of the ring frame at two separate positions, and an abutting portion adapted to abut against the outer circumference of the ring frame. The ring frame is gripped, partially drawn from the cassette, and released. The abutting portion is brought into abutment against the outer circumference of the ring frame so as to move the ring frame into the cassette. The ring frame is gripped again, raised, and transferred to the predetermined position.