U.S. patent application number 11/220784 was filed with the patent office on 2006-03-16 for sawing and sorting system.
Invention is credited to Tai-Kew Choi, Ho-Seong Kim, Hyun-Ho Kim, Yong-Kuk Kim, Yong-Kyun Sun.
Application Number | 20060056955 11/220784 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36034155 |
Filed Date | 2006-03-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060056955 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kim; Yong-Kuk ; et
al. |
March 16, 2006 |
Sawing and sorting system
Abstract
A sawing and sorting system combines a sawing apparatus and a
sorting apparatus. The sawing and sorting system comprises a
loader. The loader comprises a magazine receiving a plurality of
strips. A mounting unit mounts the strip thereon. A plurality of
transfer and sawing robots each comprises a picker unit. The picker
unit comprises a rotatable chuck table. The transfer and sawing
robot transfers the picker unit horizontally and vertically. The
rotatable chuck table holds the strip. The picker unit rotates the
rotatable chuck table. A plurality of sawing spindle units each
comprises a rotary blade. The sawing spindle unit moves the blade
horizontally to divide the strip into unit packages. A cleaning
unit cleans the unit package. A test means inspects the unit
package according to a test criteria. A sorting table mounts the
unit package for sorting. An unloader provides trays. A sorting
transfer robot sorts the unit packages into the trays.
Inventors: |
Kim; Yong-Kuk;
(Chungcheongnam-do, KR) ; Kim; Hyun-Ho; (Seoul,
KR) ; Kim; Ho-Seong; (Seoul, KR) ; Sun;
Yong-Kyun; (Chungcheongnam-do, KR) ; Choi;
Tai-Kew; (Chungcheongnam-do, KR) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MARGER JOHNSON & MCCOLLOM, P.C.
210 SW MORRISON STREET, SUITE 400
PORTLAND
OR
97204
US
|
Family ID: |
36034155 |
Appl. No.: |
11/220784 |
Filed: |
September 6, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
414/806 ;
414/935 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B28D 5/0082 20130101;
B28D 5/029 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
414/806 ;
414/935 |
International
Class: |
B65H 1/00 20060101
B65H001/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Sep 8, 2004 |
KR |
2004-71767 |
Claims
1. A sawing and sorting system comprising: a plurality of transfer
and sawing robots to position a substrate strip in the system, each
transfer and sawing robot comprising: a chuck table to hold the
substrate strip; and a picker unit movable in vertical and
horizontal directions to rotate the chuck table; a plurality of
sawing spindle units, each sawing spindle having a rotary blade to
divide the substrate strip into unit packages; a cleaning unit to
clean the unit package; and a testing and sorting unit to sort the
cleaned unit packages.
2. The system of claim 1, further comprising: a loader having a
magazine to receive a plurality of substrate strips; and a mounting
unit to mount the substrate strips individually from the loader to
the plurality of transfer and sawing robots.
3. The system of claim 1, further comprising: an alignment unit to
align the substrate strip in the picker unit.
4. The system of claim 3, wherein the alignment unit comprises: a
camera to check the alignment of the substrate strip; and an
alignment table to adjust the alignment of the substrate strip,
wherein the camera and the alignment table are installed between
the mounting unit and the sawing spindle units.
5. The system of claim 1, wherein the testing and sorting unit to
sort the cleaned unit packages comprises: a sorting area to receive
the cleaned unit packages from the cleaning unit; a test unit to
inspect the cleaned unit packages in the sorting area according to
a test criteria; and a sorting transfer robot to sort the inspected
unit packages according to the test results.
6. The system of claim 5, wherein the sorting area comprises a
plurality of sorting tables.
7. The system of claim 5, wherein the test unit comprises a
plurality of cameras.
8. The system of claim 5, wherein the sawing spindle unit, the
cleaning unit and the sorting table are arranged in order, spaced
from the mounting unit.
9. The system of claim 1, comprising two transfer and sawing robots
arranged in parallel to each other.
10. The system of claim 1, wherein the picker units of the transfer
and sawing robots face in opposite directions.
11. The system of claim 1, comprising two sawing spindle units,
wherein the sawing spindle units move perpendicularly to the
movement direction of the picker unit.
12. The system of claim 1, wherein each sawing spindle unit moves
vertically and horizontally.
13. The system of claim 9, wherein one of the transfer and sawing
robots and the sawing spindle units performs a sawing process and
the other of the transfer and sawing robots performs any process
other than the sawing process.
14. The system of claim 1, wherein the substrate strip is held
underneath the chuck table.
15. A method of sawing substrate strips into unit packages and
sorting the unit packages, comprising: mounting substrate strips
individually on a plurality of transfer and sawing robots;
transferring the substrate strips to a plurality of sawing spindle
units; dividing the substrate strips into a plurality of unit
packages; cleaning the unit packages; inspecting the unit packages;
and sorting the unit packages.
16. The method of claim 15, wherein dividing the substrate strips
comprises: sawing the substrate strips in a first direction;
rotating the substrate strips in a second direction perpendicular
to the first direction; and sawing the substrate strips in the
second direction.
17. The method of claim 15, wherein cleaning the unit packages
comprises: cleaning top and bottom surfaces of the substrate strips
at the same time; and drying the top and bottom surfaces of the
substrate strips at the same time.
18. A sawing and sorting system, comprising: a means for
positioning a substrate strip in the system; a means for dividing
the substrate strip into unit packages; a means for cleaning the
unit packages; and a means for sorting the cleaned unit
packages.
19. The system of claim 18, further comprising: a means for
receiving a plurality of substrate strips; a means for mounting the
substrate strips individually to the means for positioning the
substrate strip in the system.
20. The system of claim 18, further comprising: a means for
aligning the substrate strip before dividing the substrate into
unit packages.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This U.S. non-provisional application claims priority and
benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 2004-71767, filed on Sep.
8, 2004, the entire contents of which are herein incorporated by
reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The invention relates to an apparatus for manufacturing
semiconductor chip packages and, more particularly, to a sawing and
sorting system.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] For a semiconductor chip package, for example a fine pitch
ball grid array and a tape ball grid array, a substrate strip
(hereinafter referred to as a strip) may be used during a die
attaching process, a wire bonding process, and a molding process.
The substrate strip, which may comprise a plurality of unit
substrates, is divided into unit semiconductor chip packages
(hereinafter referred to as unit packages). The unit packages are
then tested and sorted into good or faulty packages.
[0006] A sawing and sorting system performs a sawing process and a
sorting process. The sawing and sorting processes include a
cleaning process to remove debris and/or moisture from the unit
packages and a visual test process to inspect the appearance of the
unit packages.
[0007] FIG. 1 is a schematic plan diagram of a conventional sawing
and sorting system. FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional diagram
of a sawing process by a sawing apparatus of a conventional sawing
and sorting system.
[0008] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the conventional sawing and
sorting system 300 comprises a sawing apparatus 303 and a sorting
apparatus 301. The sawing apparatus 303 divides a strip 1 into unit
packages 5. The sawing apparatus 303 includes a rotatable chuck
table 335, a sawing spindle unit 361 having a blade 363, and a
nozzle unit 365. The sorting apparatus 301 sorts the unit packages
5 according to their quality. The sorting apparatus 301 includes a
loader 310, a transfer robot 330 having a picker unit 331, vision
cameras 355 and 357, a cleaning unit 373, a drying unit 376, a
turntable 375, a sorting table 381, a buffer table 377, a sorting
transfer robot 385, and an unloader 393 having trays 7, 8 and 9.
The sorting apparatus 301 and the sawing apparatus 303 may be
installed adjacent to each other so that the sorting process and
the sawing process may be performed consecutively.
[0009] In the conventional sawing and sorting system 300, the
transfer robot 330 moves between the sawing apparatus 303 and the
sorting apparatus 301. The rotatable chuck table 335 of the sawing
apparatus 303 and the cleaning unit 373, the turntable 375, the
drying unit 376, the buffer table 377, and the sorting table 381 of
the sorting apparatus 301 are arranged along the traveling route of
the picker unit 331 of the transfer robot 330.
[0010] The operation of the conventional sawing and sorting system
300 is now described. The sawing process begins with a magazine 3
having the strip 1 being provided in the loader 310. The strip 1 is
mounted one after another on a guide rail 321 by a pusher 317 and a
gripper 319. The strip 1 is moved to a pick up position of the
picker unit 331 of the transfer robot 330, which transfers the
strip 1 to the rotatable chuck table 335.
[0011] The rotatable chuck table 335 supports the strip 1 by
vacuum. The blade 363 of the sawing spindle unit 361 saws the strip
1 in one direction. After sawing the strip 1 in one direction, the
rotatable chuck table 335 rotates through 90 degrees. The blade 363
then saws the strip 1 in another direction. The strip 1 is divided
into unit packages 5. The rotatable chuck table 335 also supports
the unit package 5 by vacuum.
[0012] During the sawing process, debris may be generated. Debris
remaining on the rotatable chuck table 335 may cause an operational
error to a subsequent process and/or hinder a stable sawing
operation and thus, should be removed.
[0013] The cleaning process begins with the nozzle unit 365,
installed adjacent to the blade 363, ejecting a cleaning solution
at a high pressure and removing the debris. Next, the picker unit
331 of the transfer robot 330 absorbs the unit package 5 by vacuum
and moves the unit package 5 to the cleaning unit 373. The cleaning
unit 373 cleans the unit package 5 using the cleaning solution
and/or air. The cleaning operation is performed on one surface of
the unit package 5, i.e., the surface opposite to the surface
wherein the solder balls 6 are formed. After cleaning one surface
of the unit package 5, the unit package 5 is transferred to and
mounted on the turntable 375. The turntable 375, rotatable through
180 degrees, inverts the unit package 5 to allow the other surface
to be cleaned and dried.
[0014] After sawing and cleaning, the unit packages are then tested
and sorted into good or faulty packages. A first vision camera 355
inspects one surface of the unit package 5. The unit package 5 is
temporarily mounted on the buffer table 377. The picker unit 331
transfers the unit package 5 to the sorting table 381. A second
vision camera 357 inspects the other surface of the unit package 5.
The sorting transfer robot 385 sorts the unit package 5 into, for
example, the tray 7 for good packages or the tray 8 for faulty
packages.
[0015] Thus, the conventional sawing and sorting system may have a
sawing apparatus and a sorting apparatus formed separately and
independently. If a target of operation is changed, a new tool
and/or parameter may be set on each of the sawing apparatus and the
sorting apparatus.
[0016] The conventional sawing and sorting system removes debris
using a cleaning solution and air, which results in consumption of
a considerable amount of cleaning solution and air and an increased
cleaning time. The conventional sawing and sorting system also
includes first and second cleaning operations, thereby resulting in
reduced productivity and an inefficient cleaning operation.
[0017] Further, the conventional sawing and sorting system may
include operations substantially unrelated to the sawing and
sorting operations, for example a strip and/or unit package
transfer operation, a visual test operation, a cleaning operation
and a drying operation.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0018] An exemplary embodiment of the invention is directed to a
sawing and sorting system, in which a combination of a sawing
apparatus and a sorting apparatus may facilitate change and/or
maintenance of a tool and/or parameter.
[0019] Another exemplary embodiment of the invention is directed to
a sawing and sorting system, in which the amount of a cleaning
solution and/or air used in a cleaning operation may be reduced and
the cleaning time may be reduced.
[0020] Another exemplary embodiment of the invention is directed to
a sawing and sorting system, in which the time of operations other
than sawing and sorting operations may be reduced, thereby
improving productivity.
[0021] In an exemplary embodiment, a sawing and sorting system
combines a sawing process and a sorting process. The sawing and
sorting system comprises a loader having a magazine receiving a
plurality of strips. A mounting unit, which may include a guide
rail, mounts the strip on a plurality of transfer and sawing
robots, each transfer and sawing robot comprising a picker unit
having a rotatable chuck table, which holds the strip by vacuum.
The picker unit is preferably movable in horizontal and vertical
directions. The sawing and sorting system comprises a plurality of
sawing spindle units, each having a rotary blade. The sawing
spindle unit moves the blade horizontally to divide the strip into
unit packages. A cleaning unit cleans the unit package. A sorting
table mounts the unit package for sorting. A test means inspects
the unit package according to predetermined test criteria. An
unloader provides trays. A sorting transfer robot sorts the unit
package into the trays according to the test results.
[0022] The sawing spindle unit, the cleaning unit and the sorting
table are preferably arranged in order, spaced from the mounting
unit. In an exemplary embodiment, there are two transfer and sawing
robots. The picker units of the transfer and sawing robots
preferably face in opposite directions to avoid a collision.
[0023] In an exemplary embodiment, there are two sawing spindle
units. The sawing spindle units preferably move perpendicularly to
the traveling direction of the picker unit. Preferably, each sawing
spindle unit independently moves in horizontal and vertical
directions.
[0024] In an exemplary embodiment, the sawing and sorting system
includes a plurality of the sorting tables.
[0025] The sawing and sorting system further comprises a vision
camera and an alignment table located between the mounting unit and
the sawing spindle unit.
[0026] In an exemplary embodiment, the transfer and sawing robots
may perform separate operations. While one of the transfer and
sawing robots may perform a sawing operation, the other transfer
and sawing robot may perform cleaning, drying and sorting
operations and start an alignment operation for a new strip.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0027] The above and other features and advantages of embodiments
of the invention will become readily apparent by reference to the
following detailed description when considered in conjunction with
the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals
designate like structural elements.
[0028] FIG. 1 is a schematic plan diagram of a conventional sawing
and sorting system.
[0029] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional diagram of a sawing
process by a sawing apparatus of a conventional sawing and sorting
system.
[0030] FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective diagram of a sawing and
sorting system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the
invention.
[0031] FIG. 4 is a schematic plan diagram of a sawing and sorting
system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the
invention.
[0032] FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective diagram of a transfer and
sawing robot of a sawing and sorting system in accordance with an
exemplary embodiment of the invention.
[0033] FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective diagram of a sawing
spindle unit of a sawing and sorting system in accordance with an
exemplary embodiment of the invention.
[0034] FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional diagram of a sawing
process by a sawing and sorting system in accordance with an
exemplary embodiment of the invention.
[0035] FIG. 8 is a timing chart illustrating the operation of a
sawing and sorting system in accordance with an exemplary
embodiment of the invention.
[0036] These drawings are provided for illustrative purposes only
and are not drawn to scale. The spatial relationships and relative
sizing of the elements illustrated in the various embodiments may
have been reduced, expanded, or rearranged to improve the clarity
of the figure with respect to the corresponding description. The
figures, therefore, should not be interpreted as accurately
reflecting the relative sizing or positioning of the corresponding
structural elements that could be encompassed by an actual device
manufactured according to the exemplary embodiments of the
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
[0037] The invention will be described below with reference to the
accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodiments of the
invention are illustrated. It will be appreciated that the
invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be
construed as limited to the particular embodiments set forth
herein. Rather, the disclosed embodiments are provided so that this
disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the
scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.
[0038] Well-known structures and processes have not been described
or illustrated in detail to avoid obscuring the invention. For
simplicity and clarity of illustration, some elements illustrated
in the figures may not be drawn to scale. For example, the
dimensions of some of the elements may be exaggerated or reduced
relative to other elements for clarity.
[0039] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, an exemplary embodiment of a
sawing and sorting system 100 combines a sawing process and a
sorting process. The sawing and sorting system 100 comprises
transfer and sawing robots 30 and 40, sawing spindle units 61 and
62, cleaning units 71 and 72, and sorting tables 81 and 82. The
sawing and sorting system 100 further comprises a loader 10, a
guide rail 21, an unloader 93 having trays 7, 8 and 9, and vision
cameras 55 and 57.
[0040] The functions of the elements of the sawing and sorting
system 100 are now described.
[0041] The loader 10 is preferably installed at one end of the
sawing and sorting system 100. The loader 10 comprises a magazine 3
for receiving the strip 1. The loader 10 further comprises an
elevator 15, which moves the magazine vertically, and a pusher 17,
which pushes the strip 1 received in the magazine 3 to the guide
rail 21. The guide rail 21 mounts the strip 1 on the transfer and
sawing robots 30 and 40 by guiding the strip 1 to a pickup position
of the first and second transfer and sawing robots 30 and 40. The
guide rail 21 may use an air pressure cylinder or a belt driven by
a motor.
[0042] A first vision camera 51 and an alignment table 37 are
preferably located at one side of the guide rail 21. The first
vision camera 51 and the alignment table 37 are preferably
installed and movable on their operating rails 52 and 38,
respectively, which extend in the Y direction. Reference numeral 39
is a tool station.
[0043] The transfer and sawing robots 30 and 40 extend in the X
direction and comprise picker units 31 and 41, respectively. In one
embodiment, the picker unit 31 is preferably configured as shown in
FIG. 5. The picker units 31 and 41 each comprise a rotatable chuck
table 35. The strip 1 and/or a unit package 5 may be held under the
rotatable chuck table 35 by vacuum. The picker units 31 and 41 are
preferably movable in the X and Z directions and face in opposite
directions so that the transfer and sawing robots 30 and 40 may
perform separate operations. The picker units 31 and 41 also
preferably have rotation axes 33 and 43, respectively, to change
the sawing orientation and adjust the sawing position.
[0044] Referring back to FIGS. 3 and 4, the sawing spindle units 61
and 62 are located in the traveling route of the picker units 31
and 41. The sawing spindle units 61 and 62 are preferably of a
so-called twin type to allow a double sawing performance. The
sawing spindle units 61 and 62 are also preferably movable in the
X, Y and Z directions to adjust their vertical and horizontal
separation. The movement direction of each of the sawing spindle
units 61 and 62 may be adjustable, if necessary. For example, the
sawing spindle unit 61 may be movable in the Z direction and the
sawing spindle unit 62 may be movable in the X direction.
[0045] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the sawing spindle units
61 and 62 are installed and movable on guide axes 65 and 66,
respectively, which extend in the Y direction. The guide axes 65
and 66 may be modified to various types, for example a rail
type.
[0046] As shown in FIG. 4, the cleaning units 71 and 72 are
preferably located adjacent to the sawing spindle units 61 and 62.
The cleaning units 71 and 72 clean and dry the top and bottom
surfaces of the strip 1. The cleaning and drying processes may be
performed consecutively.
[0047] Referring again to FIGS. 3 and 4, the sorting tables 81 and
82 are preferably located adjacent to the cleaning units 71 and 72.
The sorting tables 81 and 82 are installed and movable on sorting
table rails 83 and 84, respectively, which extend in the Y
direction. A second vision camera 55 is located above the sorting
tables 81 and 82 along the traveling route of the sorting tables 81
and 82. The second vision camera 55, installed and movable on a
second camera rail 56, inspects one surface of the unit package
5.
[0048] A tray guide rail 91, located adjacent to the sorting tables
81 and 82, guides the movement of the trays 7 and 8. A tray
transfer unit 95 transfers the trays 7 and 8 from the tray guide
rail 91 to the unloader 93. When trays 7 and 8 are already filled
with packages, tray 9 may be provided for receiving packages next.
The tray transfer unit 95 also transfers the tray 9 to the tray
guide rail 91.
[0049] A third vision camera 57, located between the tray guide
rails 91, inspects the other surface of the unit package 5. The
third vision camera 57 is installed and movable on a third camera
rail 58, which extends in the Y direction. A sorting transfer robot
85 moves between the sorting tables 81 and 82 and the tray guide
rail 91. The sorting transfer robot 85 sorts the unit package 5
according to the test results.
[0050] The operation of a sawing and sorting system in accordance
with the exemplary embodiment of the invention will be described.
The magazine 3 receiving the strip 1 is provided in the loader 10.
The strip 1 is mounted on the guide rail 21 and then moved to a
pickup position of the first and second transfer and sawing robots
30 and 40. The picker units 31 and 41 of the first and second
transfer and sawing robots 30 and 40 absorbs the strip 1 by vacuum
and transfers the strip 1 above the first vision camera 51. The
first vision camera 51 inspects the strip alignment on the picker
units 31 and 41. If the strip alignment is incorrect, the picker
units 31 and 41 place the strip 1 on the alignment table 37. The
strip alignment is adjusted by rotating the picker units 31 and 41
along the rotation axes 33 and 43, respectively. If the strip
alignment is correct, the picker units 31 and 41 move the strip 1
to the sawing spindle units 61 and 62.
[0051] To begin the sawing process, either the picker units 31 and
41 move downward or the sawing spindle units 61 and 62 move upward.
The rotary blades 63 and 64 then saw the strip 1 in one direction,
together with the Y-axis movement of the sawing spindle units 61
and 62. After the strip 1 is sawn in one direction, the blades 63
and 64 are withdrawn from the strip 1. To begin sawing in the other
direction, the picker units 31 and 41 rotate through 90 degrees by
rotation of the rotation axes 33 and 43. Next, either the picker
units 31 and 41 move downward or the sawing spindle units 61 and 62
move upward. The rotary blades 63 and 64 then saw the strip 1 in
the other direction. The operation of the two sawing spindle units
61 and 62 may allow a reduced time of the sawing process.
[0052] In the case of a flexible substrate such as a tape type or
film type, a strip carrier or frame (not shown) may support the
substrate strip. However, the strip carrier supporting the strip 1
may be unnecessary after the sawing process. Thus, after the sawing
process, the strip carrier supporting the strip 1 is received in a
carrier box 79.
[0053] During the sawing process, debris may be generated.
Conventionally, debris generated during the sawing process was
separated from the strip 1 and/or unit packages 5 using a cleaning
solution. In some instances, debris may drift onto the unit
packages 5 due to the spraying of the cleaning solution. Thus, the
conventional art may require a considerable cleaning time to
completely separate debris from the unit packages 5.
[0054] In the exemplary embodiment of the sawing and sorting system
100, debris generated during the sawing process may be removed
during the sawing process. Contrary to the conventional art as
shown in FIG. 2, in the sawing and sorting system 100, the unit
packages 5 may be held below the rotatable chuck table 35 by vacuum
as shown in FIG. 7. A nozzle unit 67 installed adjacent to the
blade 63 sprays a cleaning solution toward the unit packages 5.
Therefore, debris generated during the sawing process is also
separated from unit packages 5 by gravity. Thus, the use of gravity
in the sawing and sorting system 100 may decrease the amount of
debris that remains on the unit packages 5, thereby reducing the
cleaning time required.
[0055] After the sawing process, the picker units 31 and 41 pick up
the unit packages 5 and move the unit packages 5 to the cleaning
units 71 and 72. The cleaning units 71 and 72 clean and dry the top
and bottom surfaces of the unit packages 5 to remove debris and
moisture from the unit packages 5. The cleaning units 71 and 72 are
preferably located apart from the other units, thereby preventing
the cleaning solution from splashing to the other units.
[0056] After cleaning, the picker units 31 and 41 transfer the unit
packages 5 to the sorting tables 81 and 82. The vision cameras 55
and 57 inspect the unit packages 5 according to the inspection
criteria. The sorting transfer robot 85 sorts the unit packages 5
into, for example, the tray 7 for good packages or the tray 8 for
faulty packages.
[0057] In the exemplary embodiment of the invention, each of the
transfer and sawing robots 30 and 40 may perform separate
operations. For example, while the transfer and sawing robot 30 and
the sawing spindle units 61 and 62 divide the strip 1 into the unit
packages 5, the transfer and sawing robot 40 cleans and dries the
unit packages 5, transfers the unit packages 5 to the sorting
tables 81 and 82, and then picks up a new strip 1 from the guide
rail 21 and performs a subsequent process. Further, while the
transfer and sawing robot 40 and the sawing spindle units 61 and 62
divides the strip 1 into the unit packages 5, the transfer and
sawing robot 30 cleans and dries the unit packages 5, transfers the
unit packages 5 to the sorting tables 81 and 82, and then picks up
a new strip 1 from the guide rail 21 and performs a subsequent
process. In other words, while one of the transfer and sawing
robots 30 and 40 performs a sawing process, the other of the
transfer and sawing robots 30 and 40 performs any process other
than a sawing process.
[0058] Thus, the exemplary embodiment of the sawing and sorting
system combines a sawing apparatus and a sorting apparatus, which
may facilitate changes and/or maintenance of a tool and/or
parameter.
[0059] The sawing and sorting system comprises a twin blade type
sawing spindle unit, thereby reducing the time of the sawing
process. The sawing and sorting system may also reduce the amount
of the cleaning solution and air used in the cleaning process.
[0060] Further, the sawing and sorting system may reduce the time
of a process other than a sawing process and a sorting process. For
example, the strip and/or unit package transfer, the cleaning, and
the drying processes require reduced time compared with a
conventional system. Particularly, the efficiency of the cleaning
process may be improved.
[0061] Having described exemplary embodiments of the invention, it
is noted that modifications and variations can be made by persons
skilled in the art in light of the above teachings. Therefore, it
is to be understood that changes may be made to the embodiments of
the invention disclosed that are nevertheless still within the
spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended
claims.
* * * * *