Patent ID: 6462534
Filing Date: 2002-10-08
Classification: G01R,H01L

Abstract:
A loader for use in loading a semiconductor package onto a test socket, said loader comprising:a main loader body; a main nozzle body disposed below the center of said main loader body, said main nozzle body having an internal vacuum line, and said main nozzle body being mounted to said main loader body so as to be movable vertically relative thereto between an upper home position and a lower pick-up/delivery position; a vacuum suction head disposed below said main nozzle body and connected to said vacuum line such that a vacuum produced in said line creates suction at an end of the head, the end of said vacuum suction head being configured to pick up a semiconductor package using the suction; a socket cover depressing head extending around said main nozzle body and said vacuum suction head, and disposed below said main loader body, the socket cover depressing head configured to depress a socket cover of a test socket; and a package guider fixed to said main loader body, said package guider including a plurality of lower package guide members interposed between an inner surface of said socket cover depressing head and respective outer surfaces of said main nozzle body and vacuum suction head, said lower package guide members having respective inner guide surfaces confronting each other adjacent the end of said vacuum suction head so as to define a space therebetween in which the end of said head is accommodated, said guide members being supported in the loader so as to be movable between a closed position and an open position, said guide surfaces being located further away from one another and the vacuum suction head when said guide members are in said open position than when said guide members are in said closed position wherein said space is wider when said guide members are in said open position than when said guide members are in said closed position, and said package guider including a mechanism by which said package guide members are brought to said open position when said main nozzle body is at said pick-up/delivery position, and to said closed position when said main nozzle body is at said upper home position, said guide surfaces of the guide members extending below the end of said vacuum suction head when in said closed position, whereby the guide surfaces of said package guide members guide a semiconductor package dropped by the vacuum suction head once the vacuum suction in the vacuum suction line is turned off while the main nozzle body is in said upper home position.