Patent Publication Number: US-2007111484-A1

Title: Dicing sheet frame

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION  
      This application is based on and incorporates herein by reference Japanese Patent Application No. 2005-331211 filed on Nov. 16, 2005 and Japanese Patent Application No. 2006-277680 filed on Oct. 11, 2006.  
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
      1. Field of the Invention  
      The present invention relates to a dicing sheet frame, particularly to the dicing sheet frame, which is used when a semiconductor wafer is attached to a dicing sheet and is cut into chips.  
      2. Description of Related Art  
      As shown in  FIG. 9A , when a semiconductor wafer W, which includes a semiconductor, such as silicone, is diced by a laser beam, a dicing sheet is usually adhered on a back surface of the wafer W. The above dicing sheet is called a wafer sheet, a dicing film, or an expandable tape. In this specification, the dicing sheet is called tape T. The tape T is usually made of an adhesive resin film on a side which holds the wafer W. Also, a peripheral portion of the tape T is held by an annular frame (dicing sheet frame) in a state where the tape T is expanded (stretched), and is placed on a mounting table.  
      Then, modified layers are formed inside the wafer W, which is adhered to the surface of the tape T by the laser beam application. After this, as shown in  FIG. 9B , a pressure device upwardly presses the tape T from the back surface such that the tape T expands in a horizontal direction. Therefore, the wafer W, which is adhered to the tape T, receives a force that expands the tape T in a radial direction. Thus, cracks start from the modified layers such that the wafer W is divided into a plurality of semiconductor chips CP. This conventional technique is disclosed in, for example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2005-1001 (paragraphs [0057] to [0069] and  FIG. 18 ) corresponding to US2006/0011593A1 and US2005/0202596A1, and in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2003-10986 (paragraphs [0062] to [0064],  FIGS. 19 , and  29 - 32 ) corresponding to US6992026B2, US2006/0160331 A1, US2005/0194364A1, US2006/0040473A1, US2005/0189330A1, US2005/0184037A1, US2005/0181581 A1, and US2005/0173387A1.  
      As shown in  FIG. 9B , once the tape T is expanded by the pressure device P, the tape T does not completely go back to its original state even after the tape T is released from the pressure. Thus, as shown in  FIG. 9C , there exists a part γ, which does not go back to the original state. Therefore, a tape Ta, which has been processed, remains loose even when the tape Ta is held by the frame  100 . Thus, by cutting a peripheral part (shown as a dotted x in  FIG. 9C ) of a part t, which is not loose, the not-loose part t is separated. Then, the separated tape is remounted on a smaller frame  200  such that the tape t, which is smaller than the tape Ta, can be reutilized.  
      However, the above reutilization of the tape requires a removing operation for removing the loose part γ from the processed tape Ta (see  FIG. 9C ), and also a remounting operation for mounting the separated tape t to the other frame  200  (see  FIG. 9D ). Thus, these operations may disadvantageously reduce operation efficiency.  
      Also, the smaller frame  200  needs to be prepared in addition to the usual frame  100 . This may disadvantageously increase apparatus cost. Therefore, even if a manufacturing cost is reduced by reutilizing the tape, this cost reduction due to the reutilization may not be maximized because of the above removing operation and the remounting operation of the tapes, and the cost increase of the apparatus.  
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
      The present invention is made in view of the above disadvantages. Thus, it is an objective of the present invention to address at least one of the above disadvantages.  
      To achieve the objective of the present invention, there is provided a dicing sheet frame, which is used when a semiconductor wafer adhered to a dicing sheet is cut into chips, the dicing sheet frame including a plurality of frame parts and a connecting device. The plurality of frame parts supports the dicing sheet. The connecting device connects the plurality of frame parts such that the plurality of frame parts has an annular shape. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
      The invention, together with additional objectives, features and advantages thereof, will be best understood from the following description, the appended claims and the accompanying drawings in which:  
       FIG. 1A  is a schematic drawing of a frame when the frame is set in a first annular shape according to a first embodiment of the present invention;  
       FIG. 1B  is a schematic drawing of the frame when the frame is set in a second annular shape according to the first embodiment of the present invention;  
       FIG. 2A  is a schematic diagram of a link mechanism of the frame observed from a direction IIA shown in  FIG. 1A  according to the first embodiment of the present invention;  
       FIG. 2B  is a schematic diagram of the link mechanism of the frame observed from a direction IIB shown in  FIG. 1B  according to the first embodiment of the present invention;  
       FIG. 3A  is an explanatory diagram of an expansion process by the frame according to the first embodiment showing a state prior to a first expansion;  
       FIG. 3B  is an explanatory diagram of the expansion process by the frame according to the first embodiment showing a state during the first expansion;  
       FIG. 3C  is an explanatory diagram of the expansion process by the frame according to the first embodiment showing a state after the first expansion;  
       FIG. 3D  is an explanatory diagram of the expansion process by the frame according to the first embodiment showing a state prior to transportation to a downstream process;  
       FIG. 4A  is a schematic diagram of a frame when the frame is set in the first annular shape according to a second embodiment of the present invention;  
       FIG. 4B  is a schematic diagram of the frame when the frame is set in the second annular shape according to the second embodiment of the present invention;  
       FIG. 5A  is a schematic diagram of a modification of the frame when the frame is set in the first annular shape according to the second embodiment of the present invention;  
       FIG. 5B  is a schematic diagram of the modification of the frame when the frame is set in the second annular shape according to the second embodiment of the present invention;  
       FIG. 6A  is a schematic diagram showing a fixed state of a frame by a fixing device when the frame is set in the first annular shape according to a third embodiment of the present invention;  
       FIG. 6B  is a schematic diagram showing a released state of the frame by the fixing device when the frame is set in the second annular shape according to the third embodiment of the present invention;  
       FIG. 7A  is a schematic diagram showing a fixed state of a frame by a halving-joint fixing device when the frame is set in a second annular shape according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention;  
       FIG. 7B  is a schematic diagram showing the fixed state of the frame by a bar-joint fixing device when the frame is set in the second annular shape according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention;  
       FIG. 7C  is a schematic diagram showing the fixed state of the frame by a tongue-and-groove-joint fixing device when the frame is set in the second annular shape according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention;  
       FIG. 7D  is a schematic diagram showing a fixed state of the frame by a plate-joint fixing device of the frame when the frame is set in the second annular shape according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention;  
       FIG. 8A  is a plan view of the fixing device of the frame according to the second embodiment of the present invention showing a fixed state of the frame by the fixing device when the frame is set in the second annular shape;  
       FIG. 8B  is a side view of the frame observed from a direction VIIIB shown in  FIG. 8A ;  
       FIG. 8C  is a sectional view of the frame taken along line VIIIC-VIIIC in  FIG. 8B ;  
       FIG. 9A  is an explanatory diagram of an expansion process using a conventional frame in a state prior to a first expansion;  
       FIG. 9B  is an explanatory diagram of the expansion process using the conventional frame during the first expansion;  
       FIG. 9C  is an explanatory diagram of the expansion process using the conventional frame when the frame is released from the first expansion; and  
       FIG. 9D  is an explanatory diagram of the expansion process using the conventional frame in a state prior to transportation to a downstream process. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
      Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to accompanying drawings. Here, in the embodiment, a dicing sheet frame of the present invention is applied to a frame of an expandable tape used in a laser dicing. The expandable tape is referred as a tape, and the frame that supports the tape is referred as a frame. The tape corresponds to a dicing sheet, and the frame corresponds to a dicing sheet frame of the present invention.  
     First Embodiment  
      A structure of a frame  20  of the first embodiment will be described with reference to  FIGS. 1 and 2 . As shown in  FIGS. 1A and 1B , the frame  20  is a mount body, which has a generally square annular shape, and mainly includes frame parts  21 ,  22 ,  23 ,  24 , links  26 , bolts  27 , and wingnuts  28 . Here, the frame parts  21 ,  22 ,  23 ,  24  correspond to a plurality of frame parts, and the links  26 , the bolts  27 , and the wingnuts  28 , respectively, correspond to a connecting device of the present invention.  
      Each of the frame parts  21 - 24  is structured to hold (support) a tape T therebetween, and each of the frame parts  21 - 24  is structured similar to each other. Thus, the frame part  22  will be described as a representative.  
      As shown in  FIGS. 1A  to  2 B, the frame part  22  includes a front side frame part  22   a , which has a rectangular bar shape, and a back side frame part  22   b , which has the rectangular bar shape. The frame part  22  is arranged together with the other frame parts  21 ,  23 ,  24  to form the frame  20 . The frame parts  21 - 24  are designed in length such that the frame  20  can surround a wafer position Wx, to which a wafer W is to be adhered.  
      Each of the front side frame part  22   a  and the back side frame part  22   b  is tapered at both ends, each of which has a generally 45 degree. Thus, the front side and back side frame parts  22   a ,  22   b  are assembled with the other frame parts  21   a ,  21   b , to form a corner (90 degree) of the square annular frame  20 . In other words, each of the front side and back side frame parts  22   a ,  22   b  is formed to have a trapezoidal shape as shown in  FIG. 1A .  
      Each of the front side and back side frame parts  22   a ,  22   b  has elongated holes  25 , which extends in a longitudinal direction, at both end portions thereof. The elongated holes  25  constitute the connecting device of the present invention together with the links  26 , the bolts  27  and the wingnuts  28 . Thus, each elongated hole  25  has a diameter larger than an axial diameter of the corresponding bolt  27 . Also, the elongated hole  25  is designed to have a stroke length such that the frame  20  is displaceable (transformable) from a first annular shape to a second annular shape. Here, the first annular shape corresponds to a state, where the frame  20  is closed by the links  26  as shown in  FIG. 1A , and the second annular shape corresponds to a state, where the frame  20  is opened as shown in  FIG. 1B .  
      In the first embodiment, the front side frame part  22   a  is positioned on a front surface of the tape T. Similarly, the back side frame part  22   b  is positioned on a back surfaced of the tape T. Therefore, the front side and back side frame parts  22   a ,  22   b  have generally similar shapes, and hold both surfaces of the tape T by corresponding facing surfaces of the frame parts  22   a ,  22   b  to hold the tape T therebetween. In this case, for example, although this is not illustrated, the front side frame part  22   a  may have multiple protrusions on its surface, and also the back side frame part  22   b  may have the corresponding multiple recesses on its surface such that the tape T can be reliably engaged and held between the protrusions and the recesses. Here, the front side and back side frame parts  22   a ,  22   b  are fixed together using the links  26  through the bolts  27  and the wingnuts  28  in the first embodiment.  
      As shown in  FIGS. 1A  to  2 B, each link  26  has a link feature, which includes a front side link  26   a  and back side link  26   b . Here, the front side and back side links  26   a ,  26   b  are made of thin bar plates. In the first embodiment, because the frame  20  is structured by the four frame parts  21 - 24 , the front side and back side links  26   a ,  26   b  are provided to connect the frame parts  21 - 24  at four positions such that the frame parts  21 - 24  form the annular shape.  
      In other words, each of the front side and back side links  26   a ,  26   b , which constitute the link  26 , has holes  26   x  at both end portions thereof. The corresponding bolt  27  can extends through the hole  26   x . The bolts  27 , which extend through the holes  26   x , fasten the frame parts  21 ,  22  through the corresponding elongated holes  25  formed at both end portions of the frame parts  21 ,  22 . A group of the frame parts  22 ,  23 , another group of the frame parts  23 ,  24  and the other group of the frame parts  24 ,  21  are structured and fastened in the similar way as described above in a case of a group of the frame parts  21 ,  22 . Thus, as shown in  FIG. 1A , the frame parts  21 - 24  are connected to form the square annular shape. Also, as shown in  FIG. 1B , the frame parts  21 - 24  are outwardly displaceable in arrow directions shown in  FIG. 1A .  
      The bolt  27 , which constitutes the link mechanism together with the links  26 , has substantial longitudinal length to fasten the frame part  21  and the link  26  together. The wingnut  28 , which facilitates fastening and loosing the nut, serves as the corresponding nut for the bolt  27 .  
      By designing the frame  20  as the above structure, the frame  20  can be displaceable (transformable) between a closed state and an open state as shown in  FIGS. 1A and 1B . Here, in the closed state (the first annular shape state), the frame  20  is closed through the links  26 , and in the open state (the second annular shape state), the frame  20  is opened through the links  26 . That is, the frame parts  21 - 24  can be set at the first annular shape (the frame  20  shown in  FIG. 1A ), which surrounds the wafer position Wx. Here, the first annular shape surrounds a first area α. Also, the frame parts  21 - 24  can be set at the second annular shape (a frame  20   a  shown in  FIG. 1B ), which surrounds a second area β larger than the first area α.  
      Therefore, when the frame  20  of the first embodiment is used in the expansion process of the wafer W, the following effects and advantages can be achieved.  FIG. 3A  shows a state prior to the first expansion. The frame  20 , which is closed (in the first annular shape state), holds the tape T through the frame parts  21 - 24  to keep the tape T stretched. In this state, the wafer W is adhered to the surface of the tape T, and the laser beam is applied to the wafer W to form a modified layer inside the wafer W (modification process).  
      Then, as shown in  FIG. 3B , the wafer W is pressed upwardly from the back side of the tape T by a pressure device P for expansion. Therefore, the wafer W, which is adhered to the tape T, receives a force that expands the tape T in a radial direction. Thus, cracks start from the modified layers such that the wafer W is divided into a plurality of semiconductor chips CP (division process).  
      As shown in  FIG. 3C , when the division process of the chips CP is completed, the wafer W (the tape T) is released from the expansion by the pressure device P. Even after the release from the expansion, a tape Ta, which is once stretched or used, cannot completely go back to its original state (a shape of the tape T prior to the use). Thus, a portion γ remains without going back to the original shape. Thus, the frame  20  is transformed by the links  26  from the closed state (the first annular shape state) to the open state (the second annular shape state). This is a frame expansion process. Here, in  FIG. 3C , a symbol t indicates a part, which is not loose.  
      Thus, as shown in  FIG. 3D , the utilized (used) tape Ta, which is held by of the frame  20 , is expanded or stretched from the first annular shape ( FIG. 1A ) to the second annular shape ( FIG. 1B ). Thus, the part γ, which otherwise remains loose and does not go back to the original shape, can be again kept in a stretched state. Here, the first annular shape surrounds the wafer position Wx and corresponds to the first area α, and the second annular shape surrounds the second area β larger than the first area α. Thus, even without a remounting operation for remounting the tape to another frame as shown in  FIG. 9D , the multiple chips CP, which are adhered to the tape Ta, can be stably retained. Here, in the remounting operation, the tape Ta is remounted to a frame  200 , which has a smaller diameter. This may facilitate a preparation for a downstream process (e.g., a visual inspection process, a die pick up process). Here, in  FIG. 3D , rectangular shapes shown by a dotted line indicate frame parts  21 - 24  in the closed state (the first annular shape state).  
      Thus, according to the frame  20  of the first embodiment, the link mechanism, which includes the elongated holes  25  of the frame parts  21 - 24 , links  26 , bolts  27 , and wingnuts  28 , connects the frame parts  21 - 24  in the first annular shape that surrounds the wafer position Wx. Also the link mechanism displaceably connects the frame parts  21 - 24  such that the frame parts  21 - 24  can be transformed into the second annular shape, which surrounds the second area β larger than the first area α. In this structure, the tape T is held by the frame parts  21 - 24 . Even when the loose part γ is formed on the utilized tape Ta due to the expansion by the compression in the first annular shape state, the loose part γ can be stretched without remounting the tape Ta to the smaller frame  200  shown in  FIG. 9D . This is because the entire of the utilized tape Ta can be stretched outwardly when the frame parts  21 - 24  are displaced to form the second annular shape. Therefore, the removing operation for removing the loose parts γ described with reference to  FIGS. 9C and 9D , and the remounting operation for remounting the tape Ta to the smaller frame  200  can be limited. Thus, the operation efficiency can be improved. Also, because the above smaller frame  200  is not necessary, the apparatus cost can be limited from increasing.  
      Also, in the frame  20  of the first embodiment, the frame parts  21 - 24  correspond to four parts, into which the square annular shape is generally equally divided. When the frame parts  21 - 24  are displaced from the closed state shown in  FIG. 1A  (the first annular shape state) to the open state shown in  FIG. 1B  (the second annular shape state), the frame parts  21 - 24  are radially displaced. This makes it possible to generally equally stretch the entire of the tape T, which is held by the frame parts  21 - 24 . This may limit the tape Ta, which is held by the frame parts  21 - 24 , from becoming wrinkled or twisted after the frame parts  21 - 24  have been displaced to be the open state (the second annular shape state). Thus, the multiple chips CP can be easily adhered in a state ready for transmission to the downstream process. Therefore, a removing operation for removing the wrinkles or twists is limited from occurring. Thus, the operation efficiency can be improved.  
     Second Embodiment  
      Then, structures of frames  30 ,  40  of the second embodiment will be described with reference to  FIGS. 4 and 5 . The frame  30  of the second embodiment is designed to have a generally circular shape. This is different from the frame  20  of the first embodiment, which is designed to have the square annular shape. Therefore, components, which are similar to the components of the above frame  20  of the first embodiment, are indicated by the same numerals and explanation thereof will be omitted.  
      As shown in  FIGS. 4A and 4B , the frame  30  of the second embodiment has the generally circular shape and includes arc frame parts  31 ,  32 ,  33 ,  34  (frame parts  31 - 34 ), each of which has a quadrant arc shape. Each of the frame parts  31 - 34  includes a corresponding front side frame part  31   a - 34   a  and a corresponding back side frame part  31   b - 34   b  similar to the frame  20  of the first embodiment. Also, the frame parts  31 - 34  correspond to the plurality of frame parts of the present invention.  
      In this structure, when the frame parts  31 - 34  are displaced from the frame  30  to the frame  30   a  (i.e., when the frame parts  31 - 34  are displaced from positions corresponding to the frame  30  to other positions corresponding to the frame  30   a ), the held tape T can be stretched by a better balanced applied force compared with the case of the frame  20  of the first embodiment, in which the frame  20  has the square annular shape (the first annular shape has a rectangular shape). Here, the frame  30  corresponds to the closed state shown in  FIG. 4A  (the first annular shape state), and the frame  30   a  corresponds to the open state shown in  FIG. 4B  (the second annular shape state). This structure may limit the tape Ta, which is held by the frame parts  31 - 34 , from becoming wrinkled or twisted after the frame parts  31 - 34  have been displaced to be the open state (the second annular shape state). Thus, the multiple chips CP can be easily adhered in a state ready for transmission to the downstream process. Therefore, the removing operation for removing the wrinkles or twists is limited from occurring. Thus, the operation efficiency can be improved.  
      The frame  40  shown in  FIGS. 5A and 5B  serves as a modification of the frame  30  of the second embodiment. That is, the frame  40  includes wire passages  45 , a wire hole  46 , and a connection wire  47  as the connecting device instead of having the link mechanism (elongated holes  25 , the links  26 , the bolts  27  and the wingnuts  28 ). The wire passages  45  are formed in the frame parts  31 ,  33 ,  34 , and the wire hole  46  is formed in the frame part  32 . Also, the connection wire  47  is inserted through the wire hole  46  and the wire passages  45  to be fixed to the frame part  32  at an end portion  47   a  of the connection wire  47 . Here, the wire passages  45 , the wire hole  46 , and the connection wire  47  correspond to the connecting device of the present invention.  
      Therefore, without using the link mechanism, the frame parts  31 - 34  can be displaced from the frame  40  to the frame  40   a . Here, the frame  40  corresponds to the closed state (the first annular shape state) shown in  FIG. 5A , and the frame  40   a  corresponds to the open state (the second annular shape state) shown in  FIG. 5B . Also, in contrast, when the frame parts  31 - 34  are to be displaced from the frame  40   a  to the frame  40 , the frame parts  31 - 34  are easily displaced to the closed state (the frame  40 ) by pulling the connection wire  47  radially outwardly relative to the frame  40   a . In one embodiment, an opposite end of the connection wire  47  opposite from the end portion  47   a  may be pulled radially outwardly for easy displacement of the frame parts  31 - 34 . Therefore, the structure can be simplified, and also the operation can be facilitated. Thus, the operation efficiency can be further improved.  
      Here, in each of the above embodiments, the tape T is held between the front side frame parts  21   a - 24   a ,  31   a - 34   a  and the back side frame parts  21   b - 24   b ,  31   b - 34   b , all of which constitute the frames  20 ,  30 ,  40 . However, the embodiment is not limited to this structure. For example, as will be explained in a third embodiment and a fourth embodiment, a periphery of the tape T may be fixed to the frame parts by affixing the tape T to the frame parts. Thus, the tape T may not have to have a structure to be held between the frame parts. In this case, the structure of the frame can be simplified.  
     Third Embodiment  
      Next, a structure of a frame  50  of the third embodiment will be described with reference to  FIGS. 6A and 6B . The frame  50  of the third embodiment differs from the frame  20  of the first embodiment in the following two points. As the first point, the frame  50  includes a fixing plate  56 , instead of the links  26  of the frame  20 . Here, the fixing plate  56  also serves as the fixing device for the frame  50 . As the second point, in the frame  50 , the periphery of the tape T is adhered and fixed to the surfaces of frame parts  52 ,  53 . Therefore, components, which are similar to the components of the above frame  20  of the first embodiment, are indicated by the same numerals and explanation thereof will be omitted.  
      As shown in  FIGS. 6A and 6B , the frame  50  of the third embodiment includes polygonal-bar-shaped frame parts  52 ,  53 , a narrow thick fixing plate  56 , the bolts  27 , and wingnuts  28 . The polygonal-bar-shaped frame part  52  includes through grooves  52   a , which are relatively long recesses and extend in a longitudinal direction, at both ends thereof. The polygonal-bar-shaped frame part  53  includes through grooves  53   a , which are relatively long recesses and extend in a longitudinal direction, at both ends thereof. The narrow thick fixing plate  56  has a shape and a size such that the narrow thick fixing plate  56  extends between the through grooves  52   a ,  53   a  and is fitted in the through grooves  52   a ,  53   a . The bolts  27  and the wingnuts  28  are designed to fix the above structure through fastening.  
      Then, the frame part  52  has threaded holes  52   x  at both ends thereof such that the corresponding bolt  27  can intersect through the through groove  52   a . Also, similar to this, the frame part  53  has threaded holes  53   x  at both ends thereof such that the corresponding bolt  27  can intersect through the through groove  53   a . The fixing plate  56  has elongated holes  55 , through each of which the bolt  27  extends in a transverse direction of the fixing plate  56 . Also, the bolt  27  is displaceable within the corresponding elongated hole  55  in the longitudinal direction of the fixing plate  56 .  
      Because the frame parts  52 ,  53  and the fixing plate  56  are structured as above, the fixing plate  56  can be located in the through grooves  52   a ,  53   a  of the frame parts  52 ,  53 . Also, the fixing plate  56  and the frame parts  52 ,  53  can be fastened using the bolts  27  and the wingnuts  28  in a state where the fixing plate  56  is held between the end portions of the frame parts  52 ,  53 .  
      As shown in  FIG. 6A , the frame parts  52 ,  53 , which are connected through the fixing plate  56  serving as the connecting device, are fixed as the frame  50  through the fixing plates  56 , the bolts  27 , and the wingnuts  28 , all of which also serve as the fixing device. Here, the frame  50  corresponds to the first annular shape state (e.g.,  FIGS. 1A, 4A ). The tape T is fixed to the surface of the frame parts  52 ,  53  by adhering the periphery of the tape T thereto.  
      Therefore, because the multiple frame parts are kept in the first annular shape (e.g.,  FIGS. 1A, 4A ), an expansion force for radially expanding the wafer W can be applied to the whole surface of the wafer W when the wafer W, which is held by or adhered to the tape T, is upwardly pressed from the back side of the tape T. This process corresponds to the expansion process shown in  FIG. 3B . Therefore, variations of a magnitude of the radial expansion force applied to the wafer W can be limited.  
      In contrast, as shown in  FIG. 6B , the frame parts  52 ,  53 , which are connected through the fixing plate  56 , the bolts  27 , and the wingnuts  28 , are released from the fixation by the fixing plates  56 , the bolts  27 , and the wingnuts  28 , all of which serve as the fixing device, when the fixing plate  56 , the bolts  27 , and the wingnuts  28  are loose in a frame  50   a  state. The frame  50   a  state corresponds to the second annular shape state (e.g., shown in  FIGS. 1B, 4B ).  
      Here, even in the frame  50   a  state, which corresponds to the second annular shape state, the frame parts  52 ,  53  are fixed through the fixing plate  56 , the bolts  27 , and the wingnuts  28 . Thus, the multiple frame parts can be retained as the second annular shape. Thus, the frame parts can be kept in a state where the loose part γ ( FIG. 3C ), which is expanded to be loose in the expansion process ( FIG. 3B ), is stretched. Therefore, the tape T is limited from deforming. Thus, the downstream process (e.g., die pick up, the visual inspection) can be facilitated.  
     Fourth Embodiment  
      Frames  60 ,  70 ,  80  of the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to  FIGS. 7A  to  7 D. The frames  60 ,  70 ,  80  of the fourth embodiment differ from the frame  20  of the first embodiment and from the frame  50  of the third embodiment mainly for the following points. The frames  60 ,  70 ,  80  do not include the above links  26  of the frame  20 . Thus, after the frame of the first annular shape (e.g.,  FIGS. 1A, 4A ) is opened to form the second annular shape (e.g.,  FIGS. 1B, 4B ), the frame is fixed using a fixing jig  66 ,  67 , which serves as the fixing device. Thus, components, which are similar to the components of the above frames  20 ,  50 , are indicated by the same numerals and explanation thereof will be omitted.  
      As shown in  FIG. 7A , a frame  60  of the fourth embodiment includes polygonal-bar-shaped frame parts  62 ,  63 , a fixing jig  66 , the bolts  27 , and wingnuts  28 . The polygonal-bar-shaped frame part  62  includes step grooves  62   a  at both end portions, each step groove  62   a  having a step shape and extends in a longitudinal direction. Also, similar to the above, the polygonal-bar-shaped frame part  63  includes step grooves  63   a  at both end portions, each step groove  63   a  having a step shape and extends in a longitudinal direction. The fixing jig  66  has a narrow thick plate shape, and includes step grooves  66   a  at both ends such that the fixing jig  66  extends between the step grooves  62   a ,  63   a  to serve as a joint between the step grooves  62   a ,  63   a . The bolts  27  and the wingnuts  28  are designed to fix the above structure through fastening.  
      The frame part  62  has threaded holes  62   x  at both ends thereof such that the corresponding bolt  27  extends to intersect the step groove  62   a . Also, the frame part  63  has threaded holes  63   x  at both ends thereof such that the corresponding bolt  27  extends to intersect the step groove  63   a . Each step groove  66   a , which is assembled to the corresponding one of the step grooves  62   a ,  63   a  as the connector, has a threaded hole  66   x , which communicates with the corresponding one of the threaded holes  62   x ,  63   x  of the frame parts  62 ,  63 .  
      Thus, the frame parts  62 ,  63 , and the fixing jig  66  are formed such that each step groove  66   a  of the fixing jib  66  is assembled to the corresponding one of the step grooves  62   a ,  63   a  of the frame parts  62 ,  63 . Also, the assembled part between each end portion of the fixing jig  66  and the corresponding one of the frame parts  62 ,  63  is fastened by the bolts  27  and the wingnuts  28  in a state where the assembled part is pressed.  
      Therefore, as shown in  FIG. 7A , when the adjacent frame parts  62 ,  63  form the frame  60 , which correspond to the second annular shape (large annular shape) (e.g.,  FIGS. 1B, 4B ), the frame parts  62 ,  63  are fixed using the fixing jig  66 , the bolts  27 , the wingnuts  28 , all serving as the fixing device. Thus, the above multiple frame parts remain in the second annular shape. This results in that the frame parts can be kept in a state where the loose part γ ( FIG. 3C ), which has been expanded to be loose in the expansion process ( FIG. 3B ), is stretched. Therefore, the tape T is limited from deforming. Thus, the downstream process (e.g., die pick up, the visual inspection) can be facilitated.  
      Also, as shown in  FIG. 7B , the frame  70  of the fourth embodiment includes polygonal-bar-shaped frame parts  72 ,  73 , a fixing jig  76 , the bolts  27 , and wingnuts  28 . The polygonal-bar-shaped frame part  72  includes through grooves  72   a , which are relatively short recesses and extend in a longitudinal direction, at both ends thereof. Similarly, the polygonal-bar-shaped frame part  73  includes through grooves  73   a , which are relatively short recesses and extend in the longitudinal direction, at both ends thereof. The fixing jig  76  has a shape and a size such the fixing jig  76  extends between the through grooves  72   a ,  73   a  and is fitted in the through grooves  72   a ,  73   a . The bolts  27  and the wingnuts  28  are designed to fix the above structure through fastening.  
      Then, the frame part  72  has threaded holes  72   x  for the bolts  27  at ends thereof, such that the corresponding bolt  27  can intersect through the through groove  72   a . Also, similar to this, the frame part  73  has threaded holes  73   x  for the bolts  27  at ends thereof, such that the corresponding bolt  27  can intersect through the through groove  73   a . Each end of the fixing jig  76 , which end is assembled to the corresponding one of the through grooves  72   a ,  73   a  as the joint, has a threaded hole  76   x  for the bolt, which communicates with the corresponding one of the threaded holes  72   x ,  73   x  of the frame parts  72 ,  73 .  
      The frame parts  72 ,  73  and the fixing jig  76  are structured as above such that the fixing jig  76  can be located in the through grooves  72   a ,  73   a  of the frame parts  72 ,  73 . Also, the fixing jig  76  can be assembled to the frame parts  72 ,  73  through a bar joint. Also, the fixing jig  76  and the frame parts  72 ,  73  are fastened using the bolts  27  and the wingnuts  28  in a state where each end portion of the fixing jig  76  is held between the corresponding one of the end portions of the frame parts  72 ,  73 .  
      Therefore, as shown in  FIG. 7B , when the adjacent frame parts  72 ,  73  form the frame  70 , which correspond to the second annular shape (e.g.,  FIGS. 1B, 4B ), the frame parts  72 ,  73  are fixed using the fixing jig  76 , the bolts  27 , the wingnuts  28 , all serving as the fixing device. Thus, the above multiple frame parts remain in the second annular shape. This results in that the frame parts can be kept in a state, where the loose part γ ( FIG. 3C ), which has been expanded to be loose in the expansion process ( FIG. 3B ), is stretched. Therefore, the tape T is limited from deforming. Thus, the downstream process (e.g., die pick up, the visual inspection) can be facilitated.  
      Here, as shown in  FIG. 7C , a fixing jig  77  may have a width similar to that of the frame parts  72 ,  73  such that each end of the fixing jig  77  and the corresponding one of the end portion of the frame parts  72 ,  73  can be assembled as a tongue-and-groove-joint. Thus, connections between the fixing jig  77  and each of the frame parts  72 ,  73  can be more reliably fixed.  
      Also, as shown in  FIG. 7D , frame parts  82 ,  83  may not have through grooves at end portions. Thus, a fixing jig  86  may be designed to cover the end portions. That is, the frame  80  of the fourth embodiment shown in  FIG. 7D  has the fixing jig  86 , which is formed to have an H-shape in a vertical section such that the fixing jig  86  has through grooves  86   a  at both ends thereof. Here, the through grooves  86   a  are recesses. Then, the fixing jig  86  has a threaded hole  86   x  at each end thereof such that the bolt  27  can intersect through the corresponding one of the through grooves  86   a . An end of the frame part  82  is assembled to the corresponding through groove  86   a  as a joint, and the frame part  82  has a threaded hole  82   x  at the end such that the threaded hole  82   x  communicates with the corresponding threaded hole  86   x . Similar to this, an end of the frame part  83  is assembled to the corresponding through groove  86   a  as a joint, and the frame part  83  has a threaded hole  83   x  at the end such that the threaded hole  83   x  communicates with the corresponding threaded hole  86   x.    
      The frame parts  82 ,  83 , and the fixing jig  86  are formed as above such that each end of the frame parts  82 ,  83  is located in the corresponding one of the through grooves  86   a  of the fixing jig  86 . Thus, the frame parts  82 ,  83 , and the fixing jig  86  can be assembled as a plate-joint. Also, the frame parts  82 ,  83 , and the fixing jig  86  are fastened using the bolts  27  and the wingnuts  28  in a state, where each of the end portions of the frame parts  82 ,  83  is held (received) by the corresponding end portion of the fixing jig  86 .  
      Therefore, as shown in  FIG. 7D , when the adjacent frame parts  82 ,  83  form the frame  80 , which correspond to the second annular shape (e.g.,  FIGS. 1B, 4B ), the frame parts  82 ,  83  are fixed using the fixing jig  86 , the bolts  27 , the wingnuts  28 , all serving as the fixing device. Thus, the above multiple frame parts remain in the second annular shape. This results in that the frame parts can be kept in a state, where the loose part γ ( FIG. 3C ), which has been expanded to be loose in the expansion process ( FIG. 3B ), is stretched. Therefore, the tape T is limited from deforming. Thus, the downstream process (e.g., die pick up, the visual inspection) can be facilitated.  
      The above frame  40  of the second embodiment is designed without the link mechanism (the elongated holes  25 , the links  26 , the bolts  27 , and the wingnuts  28 ) as the connecting device. However, an example of the frame  40 , which has the fixing device, will be described with reference to  FIGS. 8A  to  8 C.  
      As shown in  FIGS. 8A  to  8 C, a fixing jig  80  serving as the fixing device includes an annular wire  81  (first fixing device) and an annular wire (second fixing device)  82 . The annular wire  81  expands radially outwardly such that the diameter thereof increases. The annular wire  82  contracts radially inwardly such that a diameter thereof decreases. The annular wire  81  is a resilient metallic wire, which has a generally rectangle sectional shape, and has an annular shape of a diameter larger than an inner diameter of a frame  40   b , which is in the second annular shape state (e.g.,  FIG. 5B ). The annular wire  82  is also a resilient metallic wire, which has a generally rectangle sectional shape, and has an annular shape of a diameter smaller than an outer diameter of the frame  40   b , which is in the second annular shape state (e.g.,  FIG. 5B ).  
      Also, the annular wires  81 ,  82  are both made of the same resilient wire. Therefore, an expansion force of the annular wire  81 , which expands radially outwardly, is designed to be generally equal to a contraction force of the annular wire  82 , which contracts radially inwardly.  
      The fixing jig  80 , having the two annular wires  81 ,  82 , is provided to the frame  40   b , which is in the second annular shape state (e.g.,  FIG. 5B ). Specifically, the annular wires  81 ,  82  are, respectively, placed at a radially inner face and a radially outer face of the frame  40   b . Thus, the annular wire  81  radially outwardly presses the frame  40   b  from the radially inner face thereof. In contrast, the annular wire  82  radially inwardly presses the frame  40   b  from the radially outer face thereof. Here, because the spring forces of both the annular wires  81 ,  82  are generally equal to each other as discussed above, it becomes possible that the frame  40   b  is kept in the second annular shape state (e.g.,  FIGS. 1B, 4B ) in a state, where the frame  40   b  is held between the annular wire  81  and the annular wire  82 .  
      As above, the fixing jig  80 , which has the two annular wires  81 ,  82 , can fix the frame  40  without modifying the frame  40 . Thus, a machining work hour or the number of components can be effectively reduced. Also, by changing the annular shape of the annular wire depending on the shape of the frame, the various fixing jigs can be easily realized.  
      Additional advantages and modifications will readily occur to those skilled in the art. The invention in its broader terms is therefore not limited to the specific details, representative apparatus, and illustrative examples shown and described.