Containment and transportation tray for electronic components having small dimensions and low weight

Tray for containing electronic components formed by a bearing body, substantially planar, having a first and a second face. First holding structures extend from the first face of the bearing body and second holding structures extend from the second face of the bearing body. Each second holding structure is aligned with a respective first holding structure in a vertical direction perpendicular to the first and the second faces of the bearing body. Each first holding structure is formed by first protrusions mutually spaced by first spaces and arranged along a first closed line; each second holding structure is formed by second protrusions mutually spaced by second spaces and arranged along a second closed line. Each second protrusion is aligned, in parallel with the vertical direction, with the first spaces and each first protrusion is aligned, in parallel with the vertical direction, with the second spaces.

BACKGROUND

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to a containment and transportation tray for electronic components having small dimensions and low weight.

Description of the Related Art

As known, in the handling of electronic components to be subject to various processing steps (production, assembly, testing) or to be supplied to customers, trays are generally used that have a plurality of seats, also called “pockets,” which are normally aligned as a matrix.

The electronic components (meaning there with both singulated dice and packaged chips) are generally arranged one per pocket, oriented in a desired manner, so that they may be picked up by handling machines (also called “pick and place” machines) through gripping elements having cylindrical shapes, called “barrels.” These gripping elements, single or mutually aligned, are connected to a vacuum source and thus can suck the component(s) from the respective pockets, and, maintain the correct orientation thereof, placing them on supports (for example on tape reels) for further processing steps or for sale.

Normally, during transportation, the trays are stacked on each other, so that they may be transported or stocked together. In this case, each tray also forms a top wall for the components accommodated in the pockets of a respective bottom tray, to prevent them from coming out, moving or rotating, which would make it difficult or impossible for the handling machine to grip and correctly place the electronic components.

However, current devices, such as wearable devices, cell phones, drones, etc., demand a continuous reduction in the dimensions, thickness and weight of the used components. In particular, now LGA (Land Grid Array) or BGA (Ball Grid Array) devices currently developed for these applications have extremely small dimensions, with an area of, for example 2×2 mm2and a height of less than 1 mm (for example 0.55 mm). As a result of these small dimensions, the components are also extremely light, with a weight of a few milligrams.

However, this reduction in the dimensions and weight of the electronic components is problematic for the current trays, which, even when suitably sized, are not always capable of effectively holding the components and ensuring the desired position and orientation.

In fact, the components cannot be fitted in position in their respective seats, so as to allow a simple grip thereof, without any risk of damage, and are held in the pockets with a certain play.

Furthermore, due to the low weight of the components, even reduced air flows, for example due to the Venturi effect, when the trays are detached from each other, are sufficient for the components to move from the desired position, “flying” away, since the force of gravity is very low and holds them only weakly at the bottom of the pockets.

This means that more and more often, during transportation or detachment of the trays, the components axially rotate by 90° or more degrees, turn upside down, come out of the pockets and gather in a corner of the trays, or even slip into small interstices in the pockets due to the existing geometries. In some cases, it becomes even difficult to extract them and in any case the component pick up cannot be carried out by automatic pick and place machines.

BRIEF SUMMARY

The present disclosure provides a tray which overcomes the drawbacks of the prior art and allows the components to be safely held both during transportation and handling operations of the trays.

According to the present disclosure, a containment and transportation tray for electronic components is provided.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG.1shows a tray1for containing and transporting electronic components, meaning thereby both singulated dice and packaged chips, to be subject to further processing, testing or to be transported for sale. Specifically, the tray1is particularly suitable for electronic components having very small dimensions (e.g., 2×2 mm2or 2×2.5 mm2), and low height (e.g., 0.55 mm) and therefore low weight (a few milligrams), but the present disclosures may be suitable for electronic components of any shape and size, by suitably sizing the tray1. As a result, while the following description refers for simplicity to a component of parallelepiped shape with a square base, what is described below and shown in the Figures within the present disclosure applies, with small dimensional and shape changes, to components with a rectangular base, for example of truncated pyramid shape (such as, for example, in UV sensors).

The tray1, typically of molded plastic, is formed by a bearing body2, generally of rectangular shape, having a first face2A and a second face2B (FIG.5) and provided with a frame3. Here, the frame3extends perimetrally to the bearing body2, for example, the frame3extends around the bearing body2. Here, the first face2A is opposite to the second face2B.

With reference toFIG.6, the frame3is thicker than the rest of the bearing body2and transversely protrudes both with respect to the first face2A and with respect to the second face2B of the bearing body2.

The tray1is stackable, with the frames3of trays1being stacked to each other in mutual contact. In particular, to allow a correct mutual alignment of multiple trays1, the frame3may have engagement means5, which may alternatively be referred to as an engagement structure or some other similar or like reference to the engagement means5.

For example, the frame3may have a top edge6and a bottom edge7, counter-shaped to each other, here with the shape of respective steps. In the embodiment shown, the top edge6extends on an inner perimeter of the frame3, in the portion protruding with respect to the first face2A of the bearing body2; the bottom edge7extends on an outer perimeter of the frame3, in the portion protruding with respect to the second face2B of the bearing body2.

The frame3and the edges6,7may have sizes and arrangements to couple with a small interference, aligning and mutually fitting trays1which are superimposed. In other words, the top edge6of the tray1B at the bottom ofFIG.6abuts the bottom edge7of the tray1A at the top ofFIG.6based on the orientation as shown inFIG.6.

In any case,FIG.6, the frame3(comprising the edges6,7) protrudes, with respect to the first and the second faces2A,2B of the bearing body2, by an average height so as to define a distance d between bearing bodies2of stacked trays1.

With reference toFIGS.1-7, the tray1has first holding structures10transversely protruding from the first face2A of the bearing body2and second holding structures11transversely protruding from the second face2B of the bearing body2. The first and the second holding structures10,11are arranged so that each first holding structure10on the first face2A of the bearing body2is vertically aligned, along an axis perpendicular to or transverse to the faces2A,2B of the bearing body2, with a second holding structure11, see in particular inFIGS.5,6.

Furthermore, as described in greater detail below and shown inFIG.6, the shapes and the dimensions of the first and the second holding structures10,11are such that the second holding structures11of a tray1arranged at the top (indicated by1A inFIG.6) fit in the first holding structures10of a tray1arranged at the bottom (indicated by1B inFIG.6).

In detail, with reference toFIGS.2A and3, each first holding structure10comprises a first raised portion15having here, in plan, a square shape, and four first protrusions16arranged at mutual distance along the perimeter of the square shape of the first raised portion15, and in particular on the corners of the first raised portion15.

In practice, the first raised portion15is arranged among and is delimited by the first protrusions16. In other words, the first protrusion16are spaced around the first raised portion15.

The first protrusions16have a first height H1(FIG.5) and the first raised portion15has a second height H2, which is less than the first height H1.

Each first protrusion16has a generally truncated pyramid shape, delimited by two first inner lateral surfaces17(facing the first raised portion15) and two first outer lateral surfaces18, here mutually connected by a rounded corner. Each first protrusion16has a first base surface20, remote with respect to the first face2A of the bearing body2and generally transverse to the first inner lateral surfaces17and to the first outer lateral surfaces18. The first base surface20is connected to the first inner lateral surfaces17through bevels21each extending transversely to the first base surface20and to the respective first inner lateral surfaces17and intended to facilitate the insertion of a component50(shown in ghost inFIGS.2A,3and6) and the stacking. The first base surface20may be referred to as a minor base surface or an end surface of the first protrusions16.

Each first protrusion16also has, along each corner formed by the respective first inner lateral surfaces17, a notch25(see also the enlarged detail ofFIG.7). The notches25of all the first protrusions16of each first holding structure10are counter-shaped to the corners of the respective first raised portion15to hold the component50with play, as visible inFIG.3.

Each first raised portion15has four transverse sides22, each extending between pairs of first, adjacent protrusions16arranged, and a first planar face23.

The first planar face23of each first raised portion15is generally parallel to the first face2A of the bearing body2and therefore transverse to the first protrusions16.

Furthermore, the first planar face23of each first raised portion15has a first groove24, here cross-shaped with ends terminating at the transverse sides22of the respective first raised portion15. In this manner, any air trapped underneath a component50(shown in ghost inFIGS.2A,3and6), resting against the first planar face23, may escape laterally and does not form a cushion which could lead to the detachment of the component50.

With reference toFIGS.2B and4, each second holding structure11comprises a second raised portion35, having here, in plan, a square shape, and four second protrusions36, arranged at mutual distance on the sides of the second raised portion35.

In practice, the second raised portion35is arranged between and is delimited by the second protrusions36. In other words, the four second protrusions36are spaced around the second raised portion35.

The second protrusions36are arranged rotated by 45° with respect to the first protrusions16, as is noted from the comparative observation ofFIGS.3and4, but the second raised portion35is angularly coincident with the first raised portion15.

In practice, the first and the second raised portions15,35are superimposed and vertically aligned with each other with respect to a vertical axis perpendicular to the first and the second faces2A,2B of the bearing body2and the second protrusions36are vertically aligned to the spaces between the first protrusions16.

The second protrusions36have a third height H3(FIG.5) and the second raised portion35has a fourth height H4, which is less than the third height H3.

Each second protrusion36has here a generally oblique truncated cone shape, with a square base and a vertical axis which is not perpendicular to the second face2B of the bearing body2, as may be seen in particular inFIG.5.

Furthermore, each second protrusion36is delimited by a second inner lateral surface37(facing the respective second raised portion35) and three second outer lateral surfaces38. The second inner lateral surfaces37of the second protrusions36of a same second holding structure11extend so as to approach to each other, starting from the second face2B of the bearing body2(FIG.5).

Each second protrusion36has a second base surface40, remote with respect to the second face2B of the bearing body2, generally transverse to the second inner lateral surface37and to the second outer lateral surfaces38. The second base surface40is connected to the second inner lateral surface37through one or more beveled surfaces41extending transversely to the second base surface40and to the second inner lateral surface37. This arrangement is intended to facilitate the lateral containment of the component50without damaging it, as explained in detail hereinafter. The second base surface40may be referred to as a minor base surface or an end surface of the second protrusions36.

This shape and arrangement of the second protrusions36therefore facilitates, together with the shape and arrangement of the first protrusions16, the self-alignment and the fitting of the first and the second holding structures10,11.

Each second raised portion35has a second planar face43generally parallel to the second face2B of the bearing body2and therefore transverse to the second protrusions36.

In the embodiment ofFIGS.2B,4-6, the second planar face43of each second raised portion35has a second groove44that is cross-shaped. The second groove44is for example rotated by 45° with respect to the first groove24; therefore it has ends terminating at the corners of the second planar face43, between the second inner surfaces37of pairs of second protrusions36adjacent to each other. The second groove44also allows the lateral outflow of the air while stacking the trays1and prevents depressions and the Venturi effect while removing the trays1from the stack, as discussed hereinafter.

The dimensions of the first and the second protrusions16,36are chosen so as to allow the first and the second protrusions16,36to mutually fit and form a containment chamber, as discussed below.

In particular, as visible inFIG.6, the heights H1and H3are designed so that, when the trays1are stacked, as shown inFIG.6, the second protrusions36of a top tray1A insert between the first protrusions16of a bottom tray1B.

In other words, the sum of the heights H1and H3of the first protrusions16and of the second protrusions36is greater than the distance d as shown inFIG.6:
(H1+H3)<d(1)

Furthermore, the width of the second protrusions36(distance between two outer surfaces38, not adjacent, belonging to a same second protrusion36) of the top tray1A are chosen so that, when the trays1A and1B are stacked (FIG.6), there is at least one horizontal section plane (parallel to the first and the second faces2A,2B of the bearing body2) where this width is approximately equal to, or slightly greater than, the distance, on the same horizontal section plane, between the first protrusions16of the bottom tray1B, and vice versa.

Furthermore, the mutual dimensional ratios are designed so that, after stacking, the space between the first raised portions15of the bottom tray1B and the second raised portions35of the top tray1A is slightly greater than the thickness of the component50(and however smaller than the dimensions of the sides of the component50, so as to prevent it from flipping over).

As a result, the sum of the heights H2and H4of the first raised portions15and of the second raised portions35is lower than the distance d between the two trays1A,1B:
(H2+H4)<d(2)

Furthermore, calling L the side of the component50, the following relation applies:
(H2+H4+L)<d,(3)
so that the free space above the component50does not, in any case, allow it to flip, while allowing it to move in the height direction to a certain amount.

Furthermore, the area of the first and the second raised portions15,35is chosen according to the components to be transported.

In particular, the length of the sides of the planar faces23,33of the first and the second raised portions15,35is chosen so as to be slightly greater than the side L of the components50. In particular, as shown inFIG.3, these dimensions are chosen so that the components50may rotate, with respect to a position completely aligned with the sides of the planar faces23, by an angle α of at most 5°.

In this manner, the components50are held each with a small play in the space between the planar faces23,43, without being capable of coming out or overturning.

In use, a pick and place machine inserts each component50in a respective first holding structure10, to rest against the respective first planar face23. The flared shape of the first and the second protrusions16,36and the dimensions of the first faces23facilitate a correct insertion of the components50.

During stacking, as already indicated, the second protrusions36of the top tray1A insert into the space between the first protrusions16of the bottom tray1B, facilitated by the flared shape of the protrusions16,36. In this step, as indicated, the protrusions16,36may slightly get stuck together, creating a force coupling.

In this manner, each first holding structure10of the top tray1A forms, with a respective second holding structure11of the bottom tray1B, a chamber45surrounded by the respective planar faces23,33and by the respective first and second protrusions16,36.

As discussed above, each chamber45accommodates a respective component50with play, so that both its placing and its picking-up are simple and do not entail any risk of damage or incorrect insertion/pick-up or loss of the component.

Furthermore, in particular while stacking and thus closing the chambers45, the grooves24,44allow the air to outflow/enter, avoiding in the first case a local pressure increase which complicates the introduction and in the second case a depression causing a force on the component50which might cause the component50to “jump off”. In other words, the grooves22,44allow the air to escape without causing the component50to “jump off” or “fly away.”

However, due to the open shape of the chambers45, the presence of both grooves24,44is not essential and/or the grooves24,44may have a different shape.

For example,FIG.8shows an embodiment wherein the first holding structure, here indicated by10′, has a first groove, indicated by24′, rotated by 45° with respect to the first groove24ofFIGS.2A and3; therefore it has ends terminating at the corners of the first planar face23, between the notches25.

In this case, in a manner not shown, also the second holding structure11may have the second groove44rotated by 45°, and therefore is similar to the first groove24ofFIGS.2A and3, or no groove at all, as shown inFIG.9.

InFIG.9, the second holding structure, here indicated by11′, has no groove. This solution is applicable when the first groove24,24′ (FIGS.3,8) allows a sufficient and rapid outflow/inflow of air during stacking/removing the trays1.

FIG.10shows a different embodiment of the first holding structure, here indicated by10″, having a recess28in the center of the first planar face23. The same solution may also be adopted for the second holding structure11, in a manner not shown.

The tray1may be provided with alignment structures, using molds and solutions similar to those of the holding structures.

For example,FIGS.11and12show possible alignment structures60formed on the first face2A of the bearing body2.

In the embodiment shown, the alignment structures60comprise truncated pyramids61and truncated cones62, of different size and diameter of the bases. In fact, the pick and place machines have different recognition abilities, and the variety of shapes allows a matching to the different characteristics of these machines. Furthermore, by variously arranging the alignment structures60, it is possible not only to identify the position of the alignment structures and therefore of the tray1, but also to assess the angular position thereof.

The tray1may also be provided with grippers, as shown inFIGS.13-15. In detail, inFIGS.13and14, the grippers comprise a wall65extending along the sides of a closed line, here the perimeter of a rectangle, on the first face2A of the bearing body2. In the embodiment ofFIG.15, multiple walls65are arranged on the tray1, here four walls65arranged in proximity to the corners of the bearing body2. In both cases, the walls65may surround one or more holding structures10and have a greater height with respect to them.

The grippers allow the trays1to be lifted and automatically aligned. In particular, while handling a tray1, for arranging it on a stack of trays or removing it from the stack, a pad of the pick and place machine may be arranged above the wall(s)65, and create a vacuum in the space delimited by each wall65.

The position of the pad may be automatically controlled by virtue of the alignment structures60, recognizable by camera systems. The alignment may be performed in two steps: a first step of recognition of the area concerned, and a second step of more precise positioning and alignment of the pick and place machine to the tray1, arranged on the top.

In this manner, the tray may be lifted and transported. In the event that the wall(s)65surround the holding structures10, these are suitably empty and do not accommodate components50.

The tray described herein has numerous advantages, highlighted by the foregoing description.

In particular, it is emphasized here that the tray is particularly suitable for containing electronic components of small and very small dimensions and low weight, without damaging them, since the shape of the holding structures10,11allows their insertion and extraction without any effort or risk for the electronic component50of getting stuck, while allowing limited movement and rotation, which prevent the electronic components50from overturning or getting out of the chambers45.

The shape of the holding structures10,11, here of a truncated pyramid, allows the self-alignment and self-containment of the electronic components50.

Furthermore, the shape of the holding structures10,11makes the tray1simple to mold and to extract from the mold.

The electronic components50are easily accessible for their placing and their grip; and are safely held in their respective chambers45.

The presence of grippers favors the handling of the trays1; the presence of alignment structures60favors the correct placing and orientation with respect to the pick and place machine.

Finally, it is clear that modifications and variations may be made to the tray described and illustrated herein without thereby departing from the scope of the present disclosure, as defined in the attached claims.

For example, the exact shape of the first and the second protrusions16,36, may vary, as well as the shape of the grooves24,44, which may also be missing.

Similarly, the exact shape of the first and the second planar faces23,43of the raised portions15,35may differ from what has been shown; for example the first and the second planar faces23,43may be the same or different from each other, and/or the same or different with respect to the shape of the components50.

The raised portions15,35may be missing or raised portions may be provided only on the first or only on the second face2A,2B of the bearing body2.

Furthermore, while in the embodiments shown, the first protrusions16extend on the corners of the first face23and the second protrusions36extend along the sides of the second planar face43, such arrangement may be reversed, with the first protrusions16extending along the sides of the first face23and the second protrusions36extending on the corners of the second planar face43.

A tray (1) for containing electronic components, may be summarized as including a bearing body (2), substantially planar, having a first and a second face (2A,2B); first holding structures (10) extending from the first face (2A) of the bearing body (2); second holding structures (11) extending from the second face (2B) of the bearing body (2), each second holding structure (11) being aligned with a respective first holding structure (10) in a vertical direction perpendicular to the first and the second faces (2A,2B) of the bearing body (2); wherein each first holding structure (10) includes first protrusions (16) mutually spaced by first spaces and arranged along a first closed line, each second holding structure (11) includes second protrusions (36) mutually spaced by second spaces and arranged along a second closed line, each second protrusion (36) being aligned, parallel to the vertical direction, with the first spaces and each first protrusion (16) being aligned, parallel to the vertical direction, with the second spaces.

The first protrusions (16) of each first holding structure (10) may have respective first lateral surfaces (17) facing the first spaces and the second protrusions (36) may have second lateral surfaces (38) facing the second spaces; the first lateral surfaces (17), facing each other, of pairs of adjacent first protrusions (16) may be tilted and get away from each other, starting from the first face (2A) of the bearing body (2); and the second lateral surfaces (38), opposite to each other, of each second protrusion (36) may be tilted and approach each other starting from the second face (2B) of the bearing body (2).

The distance between at least two points of the first lateral surfaces (17), facing each other, of the pairs of adjacent first protrusions (16), wherein the two points belong to a first plane parallel to the first face (2A) of the bearing body (2), may be equal to or less than the width of the second protrusions (36), measured between the second lateral surfaces (37), opposite to each other, of each second protrusion (36) in at least one second plane parallel to the second face (2B) of the bearing body (2).

The first and the second protrusions (16,36) may be truncated pyramid-shaped with a respective major base surface contiguous to the first and, respectively, to the second faces (2A,2B) of the bearing body (2) and a respective minor base surface (20,40) opposite the respective major base surface.

The first and the second lateral surfaces (17,38) may have entry bevels (21,41), adjacent to the respective minor base surface (20,40).

The first holding structures (10) may have a first raised portion (15) protruding with respect to the first face (2A) of the bearing body (2), the first raised portion (15) being surrounded by the first protrusions (16) and having a first planar surface (23) substantially parallel to the first face (2A) of the bearing body (2), the first planar surface (23) having, in plane view, a polygonal shape and being a rest surface for an electronic component (50).

The second holding structures (11) may have a second raised portion (35) protruding with respect to the second face (2B) of the bearing body (2), the second raised portion (35) being surrounded by the second protrusions (36) and having a second planar surface (43) substantially parallel to the second face (2B) of the bearing body (2), the second planar surface (43) having, in plane view, a polygonal shape and being a top closing surface for a containment chamber (45) for an electronic component (50).

The polygonal shape of the first planar surface (23) may have a plurality of corners, the first protrusions (16) extend alongside the corners of the first planar surface (23), the polygonal shape of the second planar surface (43) may have a plurality of sides and the second protrusions (36) extend alongside the sides of the polygonal shape of the second planar surface (43).

Each first protrusion (16) may have a notch (25) extending transversely to the first face (23) of the bearing body2, between the first lateral surfaces17.

The first planar surface (23) of each first holding structure (10) may have a first groove (24) extending between opposite sides or corners of the respective first planar surface (23).

The second planar surface (43) of each second holding structure (11) may have a second groove (44) extending between opposite sides or corners of the respective second planar surface (43).

The tray may further include alignment structures60protruding from the first face (2A) of the bearing body (2).

The tray may further include at least one wall-shaped gripper (65) extending from the first face (2A) of the bearing body (2) along the sides of a closed line, the wall-shaped gripper (65) having a greater height than the first protrusions (16).

A tray stack, may include a first tray (1B) and a second tray (1A), wherein the second tray (1A) may be configured to be stacked on top of the first tray (1B), wherein the first protrusions (16) of the first holding structures (10) of the first tray (1B) extend into the second spaces between the second protrusions (36) of the second holding structures (11) of the second tray (1A).

The first and the second trays (1B), (1A) may be made wherein the first protrusions (16) of the first holding structures (10) of the first tray (1B) may be fitted in the second spaces between the second protrusions (36) of the second holding structures (11) of the second tray (1A) and encompass a containment chamber (45) for an electronic component (50).