U.S. patent application number 11/856370 was filed with the patent office on 2009-03-19 for carrier tape segment including mechanical interlocking features thereon.
Invention is credited to Andrew N. Contes.
Application Number | 20090071868 11/856370 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40453316 |
Filed Date | 2009-03-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090071868 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Contes; Andrew N. |
March 19, 2009 |
Carrier Tape Segment Including Mechanical Interlocking Features
Thereon
Abstract
A carrier tape segment to carry a microelectronic component
thereon. The carrier tape segment includes a tape segment body
having a head portion and a tail portion, and a component carrying
portion between the head portion and the tail portion. The head
portion includes a first mechanical interlocking feature thereon.
The tail portion includes a second mechanical interlocking feature
thereon. The first mechanical interlocking feature is configured to
mechanically interlock with a mechanical interlocking feature
belonging to a separate carrier tape segment and shaped similarly
to the second mechanical interlocking feature, and the second
mechanical interlocking feature is configured to mechanically
interlock with a mechanical interlocking feature belonging to a
separate carrier tape segment and shaped similarly to the first
mechanical interlocking feature. The carrier tape segment is
thereby configured to be linked to other carrier tape segments to
form a carrier tape chain therewith.
Inventors: |
Contes; Andrew N.;
(Chandler, AZ) |
Correspondence
Address: |
INTEL/BSTZ;BLAKELY SOKOLOFF TAYLOR & ZAFMAN LLP
1279 OAKMEAD PARKWAY
SUNNYVALE
CA
94085-4040
US
|
Family ID: |
40453316 |
Appl. No.: |
11/856370 |
Filed: |
September 17, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
206/714 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H05K 1/0393 20130101;
H01L 2221/68313 20130101; H05K 2203/1545 20130101; H05K 2201/10598
20130101; H01L 21/6835 20130101; H05K 3/0097 20130101; H01L 2924/14
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/714 |
International
Class: |
B65D 85/00 20060101
B65D085/00 |
Claims
1. A carrier tape segment to carry a microelectronic component
thereon, the carrier tape segment including a tape segment body
having a head portion and a tail portion, and a component carrying
portion between the head portion and the tail portion, wherein: the
head portion includes a first mechanical interlocking feature
thereon; the tail portion includes a second mechanical interlocking
feature thereon; the first mechanical interlocking feature being
configured to mechanically interlock with a mechanical interlocking
feature belonging to a separate carrier tape segment and shaped
similarly to the second mechanical interlocking feature, and the
second mechanical interlocking feature being configured to
mechanically interlock with a mechanical interlocking feature
belonging to a separate carrier tape segment and shaped similarly
to the first mechanical interlocking feature, the carrier tape
segment being thereby configured to be linked to other carrier tape
segments to form a carrier tape chain therewith.
2. The carrier tape segment of claim 1, wherein the component
carrying portion is configured to carry a single component
thereon.
3. The carrier tape segment of claim 1, wherein the component
carrying portion is configured to carry multiple components
thereon.
4. The carrier tape segment of claim 1, wherein one of the first
mechanical interlocking feature and the second mechanical
interlocking feature comprises a male interlocking feature, and
another one of the first mechanical interlocking feature and the
second mechanical interlocking feature comprises a female
interlocking feature.
5. The carrier tape segment of claim 4, wherein the first
mechanical interlocking feature is configured to snap into a
mechanical interlocking feature belonging to a separate carrier
tape segment and shaped similarly to the second mechanical
interlocking feature, and the second mechanical interlocking
feature is configured to snap into a mechanical interlocking
feature belonging to a separate carrier tape segment and shaped
similarly to the first mechanical interlocking feature.
6. The carrier tape segment of claim 5, wherein the first
mechanical interlocking feature is configured to automatically snap
into a mechanical interlocking feature belonging to a separate
carrier tape segment and shaped similarly to the second mechanical
interlocking feature as a result of a predetermined alignment and
spacing of the carrier tape segment with the separate carrier tape
segment, and the second mechanical interlocking feature is
configured to automatically snap into a mechanical interlocking
feature belonging to a separate carrier tape segment and shaped
similarly to the first mechanical interlocking feature as a result
of a predetermined alignment and spacing of the carrier tape
segment with the separate carrier tape segment.
7. The carrier tape segment of claim 1, wherein the tape body
defines index holes on at least one side thereof.
8. The carrier tape segment of claim 1, wherein the component
carrying portion includes one or a plurality of pockets, or an
adhesive portion adapted to hold the component thereon.
9. A set of carrier tape segments, each of the carrier tape
segments including a tape segment body having a head portion and a
tail portion, and a component carrying portion between the head
portion and the tail portion, wherein: the head portion includes a
first mechanical interlocking feature thereon; and the tail portion
includes a second mechanical interlocking feature thereon; the
first mechanical interlocking feature being configured to
mechanically interlock with a mechanical interlocking feature
belonging to a separate carrier tape segment and shaped similarly
to the second mechanical interlocking feature, and the second
mechanical interlocking feature being configured to mechanically
interlock with a mechanical interlocking feature belonging to a
separate carrier tape segment and shaped similarly to the first
mechanical interlocking feature, the carrier tape segment being
thereby configured to be linked to other carrier tape segments to
form a carrier tape chain therewith.
10. The set of claim 9, wherein the component carrying portion is
configured to carry a single component thereon.
11. The set of claim 9, wherein the component carrying portion is
configured to carry multiple components thereon.
12. The set of claim 9, wherein one of the first mechanical
interlocking feature and the second mechanical interlocking feature
comprises a male interlocking feature, and another one of the first
mechanical interlocking feature and the second mechanical
interlocking feature comprises a female interlocking feature.
13. The carrier tape segment of claim 12, wherein the first
mechanical interlocking feature is configured to snap into a
mechanical interlocking feature belonging to a separate carrier
tape segment and shaped similarly to the second mechanical
interlocking feature, and the second mechanical interlocking
feature is configured to snap into a mechanical interlocking
feature belonging to a separate carrier tape segment and shaped
similarly to the first mechanical interlocking feature.
14. The carrier tape segment of claim 13, wherein the first
mechanical interlocking feature is configured to automatically snap
into a mechanical interlocking feature belonging to a separate
carrier tape segment and shaped similarly to the second mechanical
interlocking feature as a result of a predetermined alignment and
spacing of the carrier tape segment with the separate carrier tape
segment, and the second mechanical interlocking feature is
configured to automatically snap into a mechanical interlocking
feature belonging to a separate carrier tape segment and shaped
similarly to the first mechanical interlocking feature as a result
of a predetermined alignment and spacing of the carrier tape
segment with the separate carrier tape segment.
15. The set of claim 9, wherein the set comprises one of a stack
and a carrier tape chain including the carrier tape segments chain
linked to one another via the mechanical linking mechanisms.
Description
FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to carrier tapes for
temporarily carrying microelectronic components for storage or
transportation.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The prior art uses carrier tape packaging systems to
facilitate automatic handling of microelectronic components, such
as IC chips or surface mount devices (SMD's), in a manner to
protect those components and to avoid damage to the same while
simultaneously minimizing electro-static charge buildup during
automatic handling. Existing carrier tape packaging systems
typically include an elongated double sided and flexible carrier
tape which is made of paper or plastic. The flexible carrier tape
has a multiplicity of either punched or embossed cavities or
pockets which are utilized for retaining microelectronic components
therein
[0003] Generally, heat sealed cover tapes, one on each side of a
punched carrier tape, or one on the open side of an embossed
carrier tape, are used to retain components within the pockets. The
current manufacturing process sends a singulated IC chip or other
SMD to a Tape and Reel Die Sort (TRDS) module. At the TRDS module,
the die is picked from a mounting Mylar, flipped over so that it is
placed bump-side in a pocket of the carrier tape, then covered with
the tape to hold the die in the carrier tape pocket. The carrier
tape is then wound onto an output reel. When the correct amount of
die are processed, the carrier tape is cut and the output reel is
removed from the TRDS tool and transported to the chip attach
module (CAM module). At the CAM module the cover tape is peeled
back, and the die is then removed from the carrier tape and placed
on a substrate. In order to standardize output reel sizes from the
TRDS and to avoid wasting remnant carrier tape, a tape splicer is
typically used at the output of the TRDS. A tape splicer is a
machine that welds one reel of carrier tape to the next.
[0004] Disadvantageously, the tape splicer has performed poorly
with carrier tapes, and especially with 24 mm carrier tapes,
because index holes exist on only one side of 24 mm carrier tapes.
The splicer was originally designed to utilize index holes on both
sides of the carrier tape during the splicing process. Where index
holes exist on only one side of the pocket, this could cause poor
splicing and/or indexer jams within the splicer. Furthermore, the
poor splicing could cause problems at the CAM module if the
transition of a pocket to the CAM module is not smooth.
[0005] The prior art fails to provide an effective arrangement to
standardize output reel sizes and to avoid wasting remnant carrier
tape.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] FIG. 1a is a top plan view of a carrier tape segment
according to a first embodiment;
[0007] FIG. 1b is a cross-sectional view through the segment of
FIG. 1a through lines Ib-Ib;
[0008] FIG. 2 is a top plan view of two carrier tape segments
similar to the segment of FIG. 1a chain linked together; and
[0009] FIG. 3 is a top plan view of a carrier tape segment
according to a second embodiment.
[0010] For simplicity and clarity of illustration, elements in the
drawings have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the
dimensions of some of the elements may be exaggerated relative to
other elements for clarity. Where considered appropriate, reference
numerals have been repeated among the drawings to indicate
corresponding or analogous elements.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0011] In the following detailed description, a carrier tape
segment and a set including a plurality of such segments are
disclosed. Reference is made to the accompanying drawings within
which are shown, by way of illustration, specific embodiments by
which the present invention may be practiced. It is to be
understood that other embodiments may exist and that other
structural changes may be made without departing from the scope and
spirit of the present invention.
[0012] The terms on, above, below, and adjacent as used herein
refer to the position of one element relative to other elements. As
such, a first element disposed on, above, or below a second element
may be directly in contact with the second element or it may
include one or more intervening elements. In addition, a first
element disposed next to or adjacent a second element may be
directly in contact with the second element or it may include one
or more intervening elements.
[0013] Aspects of this and other embodiments will be discussed
herein with respect to FIGS. 1a-1b, 2 and 3 below. The figures,
however, should not be taken to be limiting, as they are intended
for the purpose of explanation and understanding.
[0014] Referring to FIGS. 1a, 1b, 2 and 3, an embodiment includes a
segment of a carrier tape, or carrier tape segment, such as carrier
tape segment 100, an individual segment having been shown in FIGS.
1a, 1b and 3, it being noted that FIG. 1b is a cross-sectional view
of the carrier tape segment of FIG. 1b along lines Ib-Ib. By
"carrier tape segment," what is meant in the context of embodiments
is a segment of carrier tape material which, when assembled with
other such segments, yields a carrier tape chain for
microelectronic components. Carrier tape segment 100 as shown
includes a tape segment body 102 having a head portion 104 and a
tail portion 106. The "head portion" of the tape segment body is
meant to refer to that portion of a tape segment body which is
adapted to advance in a feed direction of the tape segment body,
such as in a TRDS module, ahead of the "tail portion" of the tape
segment body, and, in contrast, the "tail portion" of the tape
segment body is meant to refer to that portion of a tape segment
body which is adapted to advance in a feed direction of the tape
segment body, such as in a TRDS module behind the "head portion" of
the tape segment body. The tape segment body 102 further includes a
component carrying portion 108 between the head portion 104 and the
tail portion 106. The "component carrying portion" is that portion
of the tape segment body 102 which is configured to carry one or
more microelectronic components thereon. For example, the component
carrying portion 108 may include one or a plurality of pockets,
such as pockets 110 shown in the figures, either embossed or
punched, and adapted to receive a microelectronic component
therein, or an adhesive backed tape portion (not shown) such as an
adhesive portion adapted to hold the microelectronic component
thereon. While the embodiment of the tape carrier segment 100 of
FIGS. 1a, 1b and 2 includes a single component carrying portion
(pocket 110), the embodiment of the tape carrier segment 100 of
FIG. 2 includes a plurality of component carrying portions (pockets
110). The component carrying portion according to embodiments is
not limited to pockets or adhesive backed tape portions, but
includes within its scope any configuration of the tape segment
body that would allow the carrying of a microelectronic component
of a carrier tape including the carrier tape segment.
[0015] Referring still to FIGS. 1a, 1b, 2 and 3, the head portion
104 may include a first mechanical interlocking feature 112
thereon, and the tail portion 106 may include a second mechanical
interlocking feature 114 thereon. As shown, the first and second
mechanical interlocking features 112 and 114 may be complementary.
In other words, the first mechanical interlocking feature may be
configured to mechanically interlock with a mechanical interlocking
feature belonging to a separate carrier tape segment and shaped
similarly to the second mechanical interlocking feature, and the
second mechanical interlocking feature being configured to
mechanically interlock with a mechanical interlocking feature
belonging to a separate carrier tape segment and shaped similarly
to the first mechanical interlocking feature, the carrier tape
segment being thereby configured to be linked to other carrier tape
segments to form a carrier tape therewith. By "mechanical
interlocking feature," what is meant in the context of the instant
description is a structural feature that allows a mechanical
linking or locking, by virtue of its geometric configuration, with
another complementarily shaped mechanical interlocking feature,
without necessitating the use of chemical linking (including for
example, adhesives, chemical bonding, etc). An example of the
complementary nature of the first mechanical interlocking feature
112 and the second mechanical interlocking feature 114 is best seen
in FIG. 2. As shown in the example of FIG. 2, two carrier tape
segments 100 similar to the carrier tape segment 100 of FIGS. 1a
and 1b may be linked to one another using the first mechanical
interlocking feature 112 on one of the carrier tape segments 100,
which may be interlocked with the second mechanical interlocking
feature 114 on the other one of the carrier tape segments 100 as
shown, the carrier tape segments 100 thereby being configured to be
linked to one another, and to other carrier tape segments to form a
carrier tape chain therewith.
[0016] According to an embodiment, one of the mechanical
interlocking features on a given carrier tape segment, either the
first or the second, may comprise a male interlocking feature, and
another one of the mechanical interlocking features, that is, the
remaining mechanical interlocking feature on the given carrier tape
segment, may comprise a female interlocking feature. In the shown
embodiments of FIGS. 1a, 1b, 2 and 3, the first mechanical
interlocking feature 112 is a male interlocking feature, which may
include a rectangular projection 116 of the head portion 104. In
addition, in the shown embodiments of FIGS. 1a, 1b, 2 and 3, the
second mechanical interlocking feature 114 is a female interlocking
feature, which may include parts of the tape segment body 102
defining a hole 118 configured to receive a rectangular projection
of a separate carrier tape segment, which projection is shaped
similarly to projection 116. In the shown embodiment, the first and
second mechanical interlocking features are adapted to snap into a
complementary mechanical interlocking feature of a separate, or
neighboring, carrier tape segment. According to an embodiment, such
snapping of a male mechanical interlocking feature into a female
mechanical interlocking feature may take place either by way of
external force, such as by using additional tooling to effect such
snapping, or automatically. As used herein, mechanical interlocking
features may "snap into" one another when such features overcome
initial mechanical resistance, such as, for example, by a slight
deformation of portions of the carrier tape segment, before
engaging one another. In the shown embodiments of FIGS. 1a, 1b, 2
and 3, the mechanical interlocking features 112 and 114 of
neighboring carrier tape segments 100, such as those shown in FIG.
2, for example, are configured to automatically snap into one
another as a result of a predetermined alignment and spacing of the
adjacent carrier tape segments. For example, two individual carrier
tape segments such as segment 100 of FIGS. 1a, 1b, 2 or 3, may be
aligned and spaced with respect to one another such that the male
mechanical interlocking element of one of the carrier tape segments
slides under a tail portion of an adjacent carrier tape segment to
first temporarily deform such tail portion before automatically
snapping into the female mechanical interlocking element of the
adjacent carrier tape segment. Alignment may be performed for
example by using indexing holes on one or more sides of the carrier
tape segments. A sprocket in the feed system of the TRDS tool, for
example, could introduce its spikes into those indexing holes in
order to move carrier tape segments forward toward one another. The
indexing may, for example, be controlled by the number of index
holes between neighboring carrier tape segments. A final adjustment
may be made by the operator in the carrier tape segment setup prior
to processing. A plurality of such carrier tape segments snapped
into one another may then yield a carrier tape chain. In addition,
the carrier tape segments may include any number of features
thereon to facilitate processing of the same, such as, for example,
index holes at one or more sides thereof, such as index holes 120.
The index holes are generally provided to facilitate handling the
carrier tape segments and/or the chain resulting therefrom through
the TRDS module and CAM.
[0017] Advantageously, embodiments provide an effective system to
standardize output reel sizes and to avoid wasting remnant carrier
tape, in this way overcoming the problems of the prior art noted
above and obviating the necessity for splice tools. Specifically,
embodiments as described above allow uniform indexing quality,
increase cost savings and decrease consumables by avoiding carrier
tape waste and allowing the carrier tape segment to be reused
and/or recycled. In addition, embodiments as described above may
advantageously be implemented within the TRDS machine and even
integrated into the pick setup of the TRDS machine, although to do
so would require machine changes on the pick and place mechanisms
as well as on the feed system. While such modifications are
possible, a path of least difficulty would be to link the carrier
tape chain within the feed system of the TRDS tool. Doing so would
also require a machine modification to allow the feed system to
feed and link the carrier tape segments to one another.
Additionally, advantageously, using a chain link geometry as a
proposed linking mechanism as described above requires no external
heat or sonic welding processes, and allows for a reloading the
carrier tape segments into the TRDS module during a functioning of
the module without stopping the same. The segments of carrier tape
may come pre packed in a dispensing cartridge by the supplier,
which dispensing cartridge may be recyclable. The input of the TRDS
module may include a section adapted to receive a set of carrier
tape segments as described above. The sets may, for example, be in
stacked format. The TRDS module may then provide an adhesive tape
on top of the carrier tape chain moving therethrough, the adhesive
tape being, for example, similar to adhesive tapes used on top of
carrier tapes of the prior art. The adhesive tape may
advantageously strengthen the mechanical chain linked connection
between individual carrier tape segments. The thus strengthened
carrier tape chain may then be wound onto an output reel in a
conventional manner.
[0018] The various embodiments described above have been presented
by way of example and not by way of limitation. Having thus
described in detail embodiments of the present invention, it is
understood that the invention defined by the appended claims is not
to be limited by particular details set forth in the above
description, as many variations thereof are possible without
departing from the spirit or scope thereof.
* * * * *