Patent ID: 6092713
Filing Date: 2000-07-25
Classification: B23K,H01L

Abstract:
An automated stacking and soldering apparatus for three dimensional stack package devices comprising:a package loader which transfers at one time a plurality of upper individual packages to be stacked to a first loading position in the apparatus;a package loader/unloader which transfers at one time a plurality of lower individual packages to be stacked to a second loading position in the apparatus and transfers a plurality of three dimensional stack packages which have been stacked and soldered to an unloading position;an indexing system which receives a predetermined number of upper and lower individual packages and thereafter transports the stacked upper and lower packages, said indexing system comprising a rotary indexing plate mounted in the apparatus so as to be rotatable about a central axis, and a plurality of guide fingers each fixed to the indexing plate at the periphery thereof, said guide fingers comprising a plurality of blocks spaced from one another so as to define a predetermined number of mounting grooves therebetween, each of said mounting grooves sized to accommodate a stack of upper and lower ones of the individual packages;an applying unit which applies a solder flux or a solder paste to metal leads of said plurality of upper individual packages;a first transfer tool dedicated to transfer the lower individual packages loaded by the package loader/unloader to the indexing system and to transfer three dimensional stack package devices from said indexing system to said package loader/unloader, said first transfer tool including a plurality of first grippers capable of gripping a row of lower individual packages at one time at the second loading position, and at least one movable master arm to which said first grippers are connected, said at least one movable master arm providing said first grippers with a working range encompassing said second loading position to which the lower individual packages are transferred;a second transfer tool dedicated to transfer the upper individual packages loaded by the package loader to the applying unit and then to the indexing system, said second transfer tool including a plurality of second grippers capable of gripping a row of upper individual packages at one time at said first loading position, and at least one movable master arm to which said second grippers are connected, said at least one movable master arm of the second transfer tool providing said second grippers with a working range encompassing said first loading position to which the upper packages are transferred and said applying unit; anda heating unit confronting said rotary indexing plate, at the periphery thereof, so as to heat the stacked upper and lower packages transported by the indexing system, so that metal leads of the upper and lower packages are solder jointed.