DE112007002445T5 - Component carrier and method for its production - Google Patents

Abstract

Carrier tape for components, with:
- an elongated flexible strip;
- A plurality of longitudinally arranged in the elongated strip and formed for receiving a component pockets, wherein each of the pockets is separated by a transverse web of an adjacent pocket;
- Wherein at least one transverse web has at least one Lösemerkmal.

Description

Reference to related applications.

The The present invention claims the priority of the provisional U.S. Patent Application 60 / 829,807, filed October 17, 2006.

Technical area

The The present invention relates generally to carrier tapes with a plurality of longitudinally spaced pockets in the tape for receiving components in these.

Background of the invention

Carrier tapes, which are used for receiving and transporting components are generally known. In the field of assembly of electronic circuits For example, it is common practice to have a continuous one Supply of electronic components to robotic placement devices to achieve by using a carrier tape. conventional Carrier tapes generally comprise an elongated one Strip, which has a number of identical pockets which at predetermined regular intervals over the length of the band are formed, with the pockets each formed for receiving an electronic component in this are. The component manufacturer usually loads Components in the row of bags. After the components in the pockets are placed over the elongated strip a masking tape applied to the components in their respective To hold bags. The loaded carrier tape is wrapped in a roll or on a spool and then from the component manufacturer to another manufacturer or assembly company shipped where the carrier tape roll used in a kind of mounting device can be. The carrier tape usually becomes unwound from the roll and automatically a robotic receiving station fed. The delivery of the carrier tape is usually done using a series of through holes, which are evenly spaced along a or both edges of the carrier tape forming elongated strip are formed. The through holes pick up the teeth of a drive sprocket which Moves the tape towards the robotic placement machine. After all the masking tape is removed from the carrier tape, the components are taken out of the pockets, and then on the PCB placed.

overview about The invention

carrier tapes can be formed by means of a rotary drum. The rotary drum has several forms, which are arranged around the circumference of the drum. The shapes may be convex (i.e., male) or concave (i.e., female) shapes. In the production of a Embossed carrier tape using a Convex rotatable mold is usually a web of a moldable Materials guided around the circumference of the drum. That softened Material settles over the forms and gets into tight Contact with essentially the entire side surface of the convex shapes, with the exception of the areas of the track that are between located adjacent convex shapes. The web can be reduced by negative pressure pulled to the forms or by a pressure roller against The molds are pushed to the web in the spaces between to press adjacent forms. After the malleable web material the shape of the forms has been adopted, the cooling and Curing the web material introduced and the formed sheet material is removed from the molds. Since the molded sheet material for Time of removal from the forms not yet fully cured is, uneven loads, which are applied to areas of the formed sheet material, cause desirable features of the resulting Carrier tape offset or deformed.

At least One aspect of the present invention provides a backing for components with an elongated flexible band, several pockets running lengthwise along the elongated strip arranged and formed for receiving a component in this are, with each of the pockets from an adjacent pocket through a transverse web is spaced, wherein at least one transverse web at least has a Lösemerkmal. The carrier tape for Components can have multiple release features on a single Have crosspiece. The multiple release features can with respect to one or more of the following properties be: size, shape, height, width, depth and Distance. The top of the Lösemerkmals can on or below the plane of the elongated flexible strip lie. A solvent feature can be a trough-shaped Be deepening. It can be more than a tub-shaped Well be provided and the trough-shaped depressions can be separated by a ridge. alternative can make two burrs through a trough-shaped depression be separated from each other. The Lösemerkmal can when losing weight the component carrier tape of a mold as a Act joint. In some embodiments, the Release feature bendable up to an angle of 45 ° be.

Another aspect of the invention provides a flexible carrier tape for receiving components and outputting components by a moving mechanism, wherein the carrier tape ei NEN elongated flexible strip having an upper side and an upper side opposite bottom, a plurality along the strip having spaced pockets for receiving components which are open at the top of the strip, wherein adjacent pockets are spaced from each other by a transverse web, and wherein the upper side of at least one transverse web has a release feature.

One Another aspect of the present invention provides a method for Production of an embossed carrier tape before, comprising the following steps: providing a rotatable Tool having an outer peripheral surface, wherein the outer circumferential surface is a series of protrusions For form a plurality of longitudinally spaced component receiving pockets and at least one structured recess between adjacent ones Having projections to form at least one crosspiece, the at least one release feature between adjacent component receiving pockets having; Applying a polymeric web to the tool; to shape the polymer web around the tool to the web with the protrusions and stamp depressions of the peripheral surface of the tool; and removing the embossed web from the tool.

Brief description of the drawings

1A Fig. 12 is a fragmentary perspective view of a carrier tape according to an embodiment of the present invention.

1B Fig. 12 is a fragmentary perspective view of a carrier tape according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

1C is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of 1B ,

2 is a schematic representation of an exemplary method for producing a carrier tape according to an embodiment of the invention.

three is a photograph of a carrier tape according to an embodiment of the invention.

4 is a photograph of a cross section through a carrier tape according to an embodiment of the invention.

In the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments Reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which is a Form part of it, and which specific embodiments represent in which the invention can be carried out. It should be noted that other embodiments Application and structural or logical changes can be made without the scope of the present To leave invention. The following detailed description is therefore not to be construed as limiting, and the context The present invention is defined by the appended claims Are defined.

Detailed description

At least An aspect of the present invention provides an elongate Carrier tape for components in front, which has several pockets for picking up, transporting and other electronic handling or other components, wherein the pockets by transverse webs are separated from each other, on which there are one or more Lösemerkmale. Although in the following illustrative embodiments of component carriers with reference to carrier tapes for use with electronic components, however It should be noted that the component carrier for use can be customized with materials or substances of any kind.

In the 1A of the drawings, to which reference is now made, an embodiment of a carrier tape according to the invention is shown. A one-piece flexible carrier tape 100 has a strip area 101 on which a top 102 and one of the top 102 opposite bottom 103 Has. The strip area 101 includes longitudinal edge surfaces 104 and 106 and a series of aligned sprocket holes 108 and 110 which are formed in one, preferably both edge surfaces and extend along these. The transport holes 108 and 110 provide means for receiving a transport mechanism, such as the teeth of a sprocket drive (not shown) around the carrier belt 100 to move in the direction of a predetermined location.

A set of bags 112 is in the strip area 101 formed and spaced along this, with the pockets at the top 102 of the strip area are open. Within each carrier tape is every bag 112 Usually practically identical to the other bags. Usually the bags are 112 aligned and evenly spaced from each other. In the illustrated embodiment, each pocket 112 four side walls 114 each extending substantially perpendicular to each adjacent side wall. The side walls 114 borders to the top 102 of the strip area and extend downwardly therefrom and border the formation of the bag 112 to the bottom wall 116 at. Although not explicitly shown, the pockets have more or fewer side walls than the four side walls shown in the preferred embodiment. The bags 112 may be circular, oval, triangular, pentagonal, or have other contours. The bottom wall 116 is substantially flat and parallel to the plane of the strip area 101 , The transverse side walls 114 adjacent longitudinally arranged pockets 112 limit crossbars 117 , which neighboring bags 112 separate each other. The crossbars 117 have Lösemerkmale 119 on. With the solvent features 119 these are two ridges separated by a trough-shaped depression. The 1B and 1C show an alternative embodiment in which the release features 119 are formed by two trough-shaped depressions. The uppermost regions of the trough-shaped depressions lie in or below the plane of the strip region 101 ,

Although in the drawings only a single row of bags 112 however, two or more rows of aligned pockets may also be shown across the length of the strip area 101 be designed to facilitate the simultaneous delivery of multiple components.

The the strip area 101 forming web may be of any thickness as long as the web is sufficiently flexible to allow it to be wrapped around the hub of a storage roll. The strip area 101 may be optically clear, pigmented or modified to be electrically dissipative or conductive. Electrically conductive material allows the dissipation of electrical charge through the carrier tape and preferably to ground. This feature can prevent damage to the components contained in the carrier tape by accumulated static electrical charge.

The carrier tape 100 Optionally an elongated masking tape 120 exhibit. The masking tape 120 is about the bags 112 of the carrier tape 100 applied to hold the components in this. An exemplary component 118 is schematic in 1A shown. The masking tape 120 It can also protect the components from dirt and other contaminants that could penetrate the pockets. How best in the 1A shown is the masking tape 120 flexible, superimposed a part or the entire pockets 112 and is between the rows of sprocket holes 108 and 110 along the length of the strip area 101 arranged. The masking tape 120 is detachable at the top of the strip area 101 attached so that it can then be removed for access to the included components. As shown, the masking tape 120 parallel longitudinal attachment areas 122 and 124 on, at the longitudinal edge surfaces 104 respectively. 106 of the strip area 101 are attached. For example, a pressure sensitive adhesive, such as an acrylate material, or heat activated adhesive, such as an ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer, may be used to adhere the cover to the edge surfaces 104 and 106 to install. Alternatively, the masking tape 120 by other means at the strip area 101 be attached. The masking tape 120 can also be omitted and the components can, for example, by an adhesive in the pockets 112 being held.

In an exemplary embodiment, the carrier tapes according to the invention are produced by the pockets 112 are formed in a polymeric material web and the carrier tape is wound on a spool to form a roll. 2 is a schematic representation of an apparatus and a manufacturing method, which in the manufacture of a carrier tape for components according to an embodiment of the present invention find use. A rotatable tool 200 has a structured outer circumferential surface 202 on. The area 202 is with of this extending projections 204 and recesses (not shown) corresponding to the various features included in the carrier tape 100 be designed for components, such as component bags 112 , Crossbars 117 , Solvent features 119 , Alignment features in the pockets, lugs for sprocket or alignment holes, etc. For illustrative purposes, the protrusions 20 in the schematic representation in 2 shown greatly enlarged.

At the in 2 The method illustrated is a melt processable polymer from an extruder 220 a slot nozzle device 222 fed. The melt processable polymer becomes the slot nozzle device 222 at or above its melting temperature (ie, the temperature at which it can be molded or poured). A polymer web 230 gets out of the nozzle device 222 in the gap 240 between the rotatable tool 200 and the pressure roller 210 issued or immediately before that with the pressure roller 210 formed gap 240 falling on the rotatable tool 200 cast. The resilient outer surface of the pressure roller 210 deforms while the polymer web 230 between the rotatable tool 200 and the pressure roller 210 pressed and with the features of the rotatable tool 200 is shaped. The peripheral surface 212 the pressure roller 210 is preferably coated with an elastomeric material. Suitable elastomeric materials include, but are not limited to, gums, silicones, ethylene propylene diene monomers (EPDM), urethanes, TEFLON, nitriles, neoprenes, and fluoroelastomers. In some embodiments, the compliant outer surface has 212 the pressure roller 210 depending on the for Material have a Shore A hardness in the range of 30 to 100, preferably in the range of 50 to 90. By the resilient pressure roller 210 on the train 230 applied pressure is sufficient to melt the resin of the web 230 in small recesses between the protrusions 204 of the rotatable tool 200 to push (which features the carrier tape 100 , such as the pocket crossbars 117 and the release features 119 be formed) and the web 230 to convey a backside feature definition (ie, features will be on the bottom 103 of the strip area 101 educated).

As an alternative to using a pressure roller, the web can be vacuum pulled against the molds to pull the web into the spaces between adjacent molds. Rotary molds used in the blank-forming of a carrier tape are generally formed by stacking a plurality of drum sections, as in FIG U.S. Patent 5,800,772 described. If several drum sections are assembled, then a suitable rotatable tool is formed. The space between the drum sections allows the use of vacuum to pull down the web to form pocket features.

When Alternative to extruding a melt processable polymer the nozzle device may further comprise a preformed polymeric web, which was heated and softened, on the rotatable tool to be placed. The preformed polymer web can be used as an endless roll present, gradually heated and on the rotatable Tool is issued.

The temperature of the polymer web is at a point after which it conforms to the shape of the rotatable tool 200 has been adjusted, preferably to a temperature below the melt processing temperature, in order to those in the polymer web 230 To obtain trained structures and to give the track mechanical stability. To the temperature control of the web 230 can support the rotatable tool 200 and / or the pressure roller 210 if used, may be heated or cooled as needed. The result of in 2 The processing shown is an embossed web 250 for the formation of the carrier tape according to the invention 100 can be used.

To cool the web and to sufficiently harden the material, removing it from the rotatable tool 200 can be taken, any ge suitable cooling device can be used. Cooling may be accomplished, for example, by convective air cooling, direct impingement of jets of air from high pressure blowers, a water bath or mist, or a cooling oven until the thermoplastic polymer is sufficiently solidified.

suitable Resin compositions for inventive Component carrier tapes dimensionally stable, durable and easy to get into the desired shape. suitable Materials include, but are not limited to, polyester (glycol-modified polyethylene terephthalate or polybutylene terephthalate), polycarbonate, Polypropylene, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, amorphous polyethylene terephthalate, polyamide, polyolefins (e.g. Polyethylene, polybutene, or polyisobutene), modified poly (phenylene ether), Polyurethane, polydimethylsiloxane, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene resins, and Polyolefin copolymers. In some embodiments the material has a melting temperature in the range of 400 ° to 630 ° F. The material can be electrically dissipative or be designed conductive. In the latter case, that can Material an electrically conductive material such as carbon Black or vanadium pentoxide, the material either in the Polymer material distributed or subsequently on the web is applied. These materials may also contain dyes, Colorants, pigments, UV stabilizers or other additives include.

Although the tool 200 illustrated and described herein as a roller, but the tool 200 alternatively, be formed as any other rotatable structure suitable for continuous web forming processing, such as an endless belt. In general, the rotatable tool 200 consist of any substrate that is suitable for shaping by direct machining. Suitable substrates provide clean machining with minimal or no burr formation, exhibit low ductility and low graininess, and maintain dimensional accuracy after machining. A variety of machinable metals or plastics can be used. Suitable metals include aluminum, steel, brass, copper, chemical nickel, and alloys thereof. Suitable plastics are thermoplastics or thermosetting materials such as acrylic or other materials. In some embodiments, the material containing the rotatable tool 200 forms a porous material, so that in combination with or instead of the pressure roller 210 a negative pressure through the material of the rotatable tool 200 can be applied through.

The rotatable tool 200 is preferably as a one-piece sleeve with projections 204 and optional recesses (not shown) for all desired features of the carrier tape 100 formed on the one-piece sleeve. The sleeve may include projections for forming the pockets, alignment features, release features, and off have cutting projections for forming, for example Kettenradlöchern. The sleeve may further include recesses for forming transverse webs and release features. Whether a release feature is formed using a protrusion or depression depends on the desired characteristics of the release feature.

Projections and depressions of the outer periphery 202 of the rotatable tool 200 are preferably cut directly into the sleeve using either a carbide or diamond machine tool capable of forming each of the projections with high precision. Moore Special Tool Company, Bridgeport, CT, Precitech, Keen, NH, and Aerotech Inc., Pittsburgh, PA, make machines suitable for such purposes. Such machines typically include a laser interferometer positioning device, a suitable example of which is available from Zygo Corporation, Middlefield, CT. The diamond tools suitable for use are available, for example, from K & Y Diamond, Mooers, NY, or Chardon Tool, Chardon, OH.

The sleeve may be machined using techniques and methods known in the art to provide the desired protrusions 204 and to form pits therein. For example, the protrusion surfaces corresponding to the component pockets 112 and the release features as shown in FIGS 1B and 1C be formed by rotating the sleeve in a typical lathe operation, wherein the sleeve is rotated and the cutting tool is stationary. The the crossbars 117 the component pockets and the release features 119 as shown in 1A corresponding recessed areas can be formed by holding the sleeve stationary and slitting slots or features into the sleeve. Additional protrusions, such as those for forming cut-out pins, may be formed in a similar manner as the protrusions which serve to form the pockets. Advantageously, the projections 204 be formed on the sleeve to simultaneously produce a plurality of carrier tapes. In particular, pockets and features for multiple carrier tapes can be made on a single sleeve, and the web 250 be cut after molding for separating the individual carrier tapes.

If the shaped carrier tape 120 from the rotatable tool 200 can be difficult, the web material from the rotatable tool 200 to separate. release features 119 at the crossbars 117 assist in releasing the web material from the rotatable tool. The release features 119 Contribute to a reduction of the load of the formed sheet material in the decrease of the same of the rotatable tool. Vorzugsswiese form the Lösemerkmale 119 one or more hinge points, which allow the stepwise release of the formed sheet material. Preferably, the release features are 119 bendable at an angle of up to 45 °. Typically, a smaller bend angle is sufficient to reduce the load applied to the formed web material upon removal from the rotatable tool. This reduction in stress prevents the features of the carrier tape from being displaced or deformed by the rotatable tool due to difficult loosening. The release features do not affect the operability of the carrier tape, and because the release features are located in the transverse webs between the pockets, the pocket features need not be altered because of the additional release features. The release features may be of any size or shape that allows for easier removal of the carrier tape from the rotatable tool.

For example The features can be linear, curved or as a combination of which, whether continuous or interrupted, discreet or connected, as Projections or depressions, etc. may be formed. You can can extend from one edge of the crosspiece to the other edge run from one edge to the inside of the crosspiece, or they can only be arranged within the crosspiece. If more than one solvent feature is provided, they can be separated from each other by any suitable distance (not between all the release features be constant) and it can be any act appropriate number of features. The one or more Release features can be any suitable diameter or Shape, radius, height, etc.

three is a digital image of a carrier tape with a first crosspiece 310 with an example of solution features according to the invention and a second transverse web 312 without inventive Lösemerkmal. The first crosspiece shows several burr and trough-shaped release features.

4 is a photograph of a cross-sectional view of a carrier tape with a first crosspiece 310 with a first example of release features according to the invention, a second transverse web 312 without Lösemerkmale invention, and a third transverse web 314 with a second example of solution features according to the invention. How out 4 can be seen, provided with the Lösemerkmalen transverse webs are significantly less warped than the cross bar without Lösemerkmal. The offset arises when removing the carrier tape from the rotary tool. Like from the 4 As can be seen, the radii of the ridges and the trough-shaped recesses of the first example differ the release characteristics of the radii of the ridges and the trough-shaped depressions of the second exemplary Lösemerkmale.

Once the bags 112 of the carrier tape 100 are produced, then the transport holes 108 . 110 formed in a separate process, for example by punching the strip area 101 , or by separating projections, which on one or both longitudinal edge surfaces 104 and 106 are formed, such as in the U.S. Patent 5,738,816 described. The carrier tape 100 is then wound around a coil (either concentric or layered) 260 wound to form a supply roll, which is stored until the carrier tape is equipped with Baueilen.

Though were for purposes of describing preferred embodiments certain embodiments illustrated and described however, it is on this for the average professional Area that the particular illustrated and described Embodiments by a large variety alternative and / or equivalent designs, which are to fulfill the same purposes can, without departing from the scope of the present invention. One skilled in the art will readily recognize that the present invention executed in a variety of different embodiments can be. The present application is intended to be all adaptations or Variations of the embodiments discussed herein cover. It is therefore expressly intended that the present invention only by the claims and their equivalents is limited.

Summary

Component carrier and Process for its preparation

One Carrier tape for components is provided with a elongated flexible strip and several longitudinally arranged in the elongated strip and for receiving a Components formed pockets, each of the pockets by a Cross bar is separated from a neighboring bag; at least a cross bar has at least one Lösemerkmal.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list The documents listed by the applicant have been automated generated and is solely for better information recorded by the reader. The list is not part of the German Patent or utility model application. The DPMA takes over no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• US 5800772 [0023]
• US 5738816 [0036]

Claims (11)

Carrier tape for components, with: - one elongated flexible strip; - several in Longitudinal arranged in the elongated strip and pockets formed to receive a component, each one the pockets separated by a crosspiece from an adjacent pocket is; - At least one crossbar at least one Has Lösemerkmal. Carrier tape for components according to claim 1, with several Lösemerkmalen on at least one crosspiece. Carrier tape for components according to claim 2, in which the multiple release features with respect to one or more of the following properties: size, Shape, height, width, depth and distance. Carrier tape for components according to claim 1, in which the uppermost region of the Lösemerkmals itself in or below the plane of the elongated flexible strip located. Carrier tape for components according to claim 1, wherein at least one Lösemerkmal a trough-shaped Deepening is. Carrier tape for components according to claim 5, with at least two trough-shaped depressions. Carrier tape for components according to claim 3, wherein the Lösemerkmale at least two by a trough-shaped depression has separate burrs. Carrier tape for components according to claim 1, in which the Lösemerkmal when removing the carrier tape for components of a mold acts as a joint. Carrier tape for components according to claim 8, in which the release feature is at an angle up to about 45 ° is bendable. Flexible carrier tape for picking up and delivering of components by a transport mechanism, wherein the carrier tape having: - an elongated flexible strip with a top and one opposite the top Bottom; - Several along the strip at a mutual distance arranged pockets for receiving components facing the top are open, with adjacent pockets by a crosspiece from each other are separated; and - where the top at least a crosspiece has at least one Lösemerkmal. Method for producing an embossed carrier tape, with the following steps: - Provide a rotatable tool having an outer peripheral surface, wherein the outer peripheral surface is a series of protrusions for forming a plurality of longitudinally spaced component receiving pockets and at least one structured recess between adjacent ones Having projections, which forming at least one crosspiece serves, which at least one Lösemerkmal between adjacent Having component receiving pockets; - applying a Polymer web on the tool; - Forming the polymer web around the tool, around the web with the protrusions and depressions to emboss on the peripheral surface of the tool; and - Remove the embossed web from the Tool.