GB2178723A

GB2178723A - Orienting an electronic component

Info

Publication number: GB2178723A
Application number: GB08613783A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Tadao Isono; Toshio Mikuni
Original assignee: MANIX Ltd
Current assignee: MANIX Ltd
Priority date: 1985-06-11
Filing date: 1986-06-06
Publication date: 1987-02-18
Also published as: GB8613783D0

Abstract

An apparatus for orienting an electronic component 34 on a substrate comprises a movable axially with respect to a housing, one end of the gripper extending beyond one end 36 of the housing and being adapted to engage and hold the component. Orienting members 88, 90 are disposed on opposite sides of the housing and have parallel component-engaging surfaces movable between a first portion in which they engage a component held on the gripper and a second position in which they are spaced from the component. As the members move between their position the component is rotated through 90 DEG to centralise the component. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Apparatus for orienting an electronic component Background of the Invention The present invention relates generally to an apparatus for orienting electronic components and, more particularly, to such an apparatus which is adapted for use in connection with an automated machine for the selection and placement of surface mounted electronic components on a sutstrate.

In recent years, there has been tremendous growth in the commercial electronics industry.

This, in part, has been supported and reinforced by an increased demand for high tech consumer products such as video cameras, video cassette recorders, personal computers, etc. The growth of the industry to fill these and other demands for electronic products has created intense competition for producing high quality and low cost electronic products.

Thus, electronic manufacturers have employed new technologies, including sophisticated automated devices, for mass producing electronic components with superior quality control.

Previously, the positioning and orienting of small electronic components or chips for placement on a substrate or printed circuit board was performed primarily by human operators. Since the placement of small sized chips or other electronic components on a substrate is a very exacting procedure, workers often utilized magnifying glasses and/or microscopes and tweezers to ensure precision. This technique not only proved to be expensive, inefficient and tedious, it also suffered from inherent poor quality control.

The present invention overcomes these and other drawbacks associated with the use of human operators by automating the procedure of selecting, picking up, orienting and placing a chip or other component on the substrate.

Furthermore, the present invention is infinitely adjustable for varying conditions (e.g., different sizes and types of components, changes in the sequence of manufacture, changes and variances in work sites, etc.). In addition, the present invention affords flexibility in orienting a component for placement. This includes the ability to rotate a chip 360 , stopping at predetermined intervals. Also, the present invention permits placement of a component with greater accuracy than human manipulation.

Since the present invention can operate rapidly, continuously, and with superior precision, it is extremely cost-effective for manufacturers. The net result of using this invention is the production of high quality and lower cost electronic products.

Summary of the Invention Briefly stated, the present invention relates to an apparatus for orienting and aligning electronic components for placement in a substrate. The apparatus includes a support member secured to and extending outwardly from a base member, a bit member having an axis which is disposed within a bit housing rotatably secured to the support member for engaging and holding an electronic component, a first and second orienting member disposed on opposite sides of the bit housing having surfaces for engaging, holding and aligning electronic components, a means for rotating the bit housing around its axis, a means for moving the bit member axially with respect to the bit housing, a means for moving the first and second orienting members between two positions, a first position for engaging a component and a second position for disengaging a component.

In one embodiment, the support member is fixedly secured to an irregularly shaped base member. Furthermore, the axial movement of the bit housing to engage an electronic component is independent of the movement of the first and second orienting members. In a second embodiment, the support means is movably secured to a generally rectangular shaped base member. Furthermore, the axial movement of the bit housing which is secured to the movable support member is directly related to the corresponding movement of the first and second orienting members to engage and hold an electronic component. In a third embodiment, the orienting members movably slide on supporting rods to engage the electronic component rather than pivot on pins, as is the case in the first and second embodiments.

Brief Description of the Drawings The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there are shown in the drawings, embodiments which are presently preferred, it being understood, however, that this invention is not limited to the precise arrangements or instrumentalities shown.

In the drawings: Fig. 1 is a left side elevational view of the apparatus for orienting an electrical component in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 2 is a front end elevational view of the apparatus of Fig. 1; Fig. 3 is a top plan view of the apparatus of Fig. 1; Fig. 4 is a cross sectional view taken along line 4-4 of Fig. 3; Fig. 5 is a cross sectional view taken along line 5-5 of Fig. 3; Fig. 6 is a perspective view of an apparatus for orienting an electronic component in accordance with a second embodiment of the pre sent invention; Fig. 7 is a front end elevational view of the apparatus of Fig. 6; Fig. 8 is a left side elevational view, partially broken away, of the apparatus of Fig. 6; Fig. 9 is an enlarged left side elevational view of the apparatus of Fig. 6 showing the orienting members in a first position;; Fig. 10 is an enlarged left side elevational view of the apparatus of Fig. 6 showing the orienting members in a second position; Fig. 11 is a bottom plan view taken along line 11-11 of Fig. 9; Fig. 12 is a fragmentary sectional view of a portion of Fig. 8; Fig. 13 is an enlarged fragmentary top plan view of the rack and pinion assembly of Fig.

6; Fig. 14 is a front elevational view of an apparatus for orienting an electronic component in accordance with the third embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 15 is a bottom plan view of the apparatus of Fig. 14; Fig. 16 is a left side elevational view of the apparatus of Fig. 14; Fig. 17 is a cross sectional view taken along line 16-16 of Fig. 16; and Fig. 18 is a cross sectional view taken along line 17-17 of Fig. 16.

Description of Preferred Embodiment Referring to the drawings in detail wherein like numerals indicate like elements throughout, there are shown in Figs. 1 and 2 side and front elevational views of a first preferred embodiment of an electronic conponent-orienting apparatus 10 in accordance with the present invention.

The electronic component-orienting apparatus 10 is utilized in conjunction with an automatic mounting apparatus or pick and place machine (not shown) for mounting electrical, electronic or chip components on a substrate or printed circuit board (not shown). Such an apparatus is shown and described in U.S. Patent No. 4,459,743, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference. In the present embodiment, the electronic componentorienting apparatus 10 includes a base member 12 which is secured to a movable and programmable arm of a mounting apparatus (not shown). The arm is employed to move the electronic component orienting apparatus 10 toward an electronic component storage location (not shown). Generally, at the component storage location, electronic components are dispensed by a feeding means (not shown) or are arranged on holding trays (not shown).The arm subsequently positions the electronic component-orienting apparatus 10 above the electronic component to be engaged and oriented.

In the present embodiment, the irregularly shaped base member 12 is generally rigid and is formed from a high strength, light weight material such as a steel alloy. A support means, in the present embodiment a generally rigid support member 14, is secured to the upper surface of the base member 12 by suitable means. An example of such means is a plurality of screws 16, 18, 20, respectively, arranged in a triangular manner. The support member 14 extends outwardly generally parallel to the top of the base member 12, as illustrated in Fig. 1. As best shown in Fig. 2, the support member 14 is generally U-shaped in cross section and is secured to the base member 12 in inverted manner.

A generally tubular bit housing 22 is supported in an appropriate sized opening in the support member 14 by a bushing assembly 24 and within an opening in the lower end of the base member 12. As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the bit housing 22 is generally perpendicular to and extends through an opening in the portion of the support member 14 which extends beyond the top of the base member 12 (toward the right when viewing Fig. 1).

The bit housing 22 has an axis and is supported by the bushing assembly 24 and the base member 12 in such a manner as to permit free rotation of the bit housing 22 with respect to the support member 14 and the base member 12 around the axis.

A generally tubular elongated bit member 26 is disposed within the bit housing 22 along the sane common axis. The bit member 26 has an outer diameter which is at least slightly less than the interior diameter of the bit housing 22 to permit relative axial movement between the bit member 26 and the bit housing 22. The bit member 26 is removably secured within the bit housing 22 by an axial screw and slot arrangement 28 (see Fig. 4) which permits the bit member 26 to move axially with respect to the bit housing 22 a distance determined by the axial length of the slot. A coil spring 29 (Fig. 4) engages the upper end of the bit member 26 and a shoulder 23 within the bit housing to generally maintain the bit member in an extended position as shown. The screw and slot arrangement 28 also restrict independent rotation of the bit member 26 relative to the bit housing 22 so that the bit member 26 and the bit housing 22 rotate as an integral unit. The bit member 26 is removably secured within the bit housing 22 to facilitate quick substitution of bit members of varying size or design to accommodate components of varying size and/or shape. One end, the lower end 30 of the bit member 26 extends beyond the corresponding lower end 32 of the bit housing 22 and is generally conically shaped or is inwardly tapered to form a generally cylindrical hollow tip 31. The tip 31 is sized to engage and hold an electronic component 34 in a manner which will hereafter become apparent. Bit members 26 having bit tips 31 of varying sizes may be utilized with components of varying sizes.

The bit housing 22 and the bit member 26 are both hollow and cooperate to form a generally cylindrical air or gas passageway.

The upper end 36 of the bit housing 22 is secured to a first gas-type connector assembly 38 of a type well known in the art. A second gas connector assembly 40, also of a type well known in the art, is connected to the top surface 42 of the base member 12. A suitable gas conducting means such as a plastic tube 44 or the like interconnects the first and the second gas connector assemblies 38 and 40. Lock nuts 46 and 48 encompassing each end of the plastic tube 44 are employed to secure the tube to the first and second gas connector assemblies 38, 40 with an airtight seal. A third gas connector assembly 50, also of a type well known in the art, is secured to the rear or the back surface 52 of the base member 12. An internal first gas conduit (not shown) within base member 12 interconnects the second and third gas connector assemblies 40 and 50.When the apparatus 10 is secured to a pick and place machine (not shown) the third gas connector assembly 50 is connected through a suitable conduit (not shown) to a vacuum source (not shown). A generally airtight gas circulation system is thus established between the tip 31 of the bit member 26 and the vacuum source. Activation of the vacuum source creates a suction force enabling the tip 31 of bit member 26 to engage and hold an electronic component 34.

For proper operation of the apparatus 10 the bit housing 22 is movable axially with respect to support member 14 and the base member 12. To accomplish such axial movement, an air or gas actuated piston 152 (best seen in Fig. 4) is located within a cylinder chamber within the portion of the base member 12 which surrounds the bit housing 22.

The piston 152 is secured to the bit housing 22. A fourth gas connector assembly 146 of a a type well known in the art is located on the top surface 42 of the base member 12. The fourth gas connector assembly 146 is in fluid communication with the piston 152 and chamber by a generally L-shaped conduit 150 (Fig.

4) located within the base member 12. The fourth gas connector assembly 146 is connected to a controlled source of pressurized fluid or gas (not shown) when the apparatus 10 is secured to a pick and place machine (not shown). Pressurized gas from the source flows through the fourth connector assembly 146 at controlled times, through the L-shaped conduit 150 and engages the piston 152 to move the piston 152 and the attached bit housing 22 downwardly for picking up and later placing selected electronic components 34. A spring member, such as coil spring 138, surrounds a portion of the bit housing 22, engaging the bit housing 22 and the base member 12.When the bit housing 22 moves downwardly by the application of pressurized gas to the fourth connector assembly 146, spring 138 is compressed so that when the pressurized gas is removed spring 138 expands to move the bit housing 22 upwardly to its initial position.

Referring now to Figs. 2, 4 and 5, a generally rigid, L-shaped bracket member 60 is secured to the undersurface of the support member 14 by any suitable means, preferably a pair of screws 64 and 66. The one leg 68 of the L-shaped bracket member 60 extends downwardly beyond the support member 14, generally parallel and proximate to the bit housing 22. Leg 68 of the bracket member 60 includes a transverse slot 70 of a predetermined size extending generally perpendicular to the axis of the bit housing 22. As best seen in Figs 2 and 5, an elongated generally rigid member 71 having a rack 72 on one surface is slidably supported on the bracket member 60 by screws 74 and 76 which extend through slot 70.The rack 72 is positioned and sized so that its teeth are axially aligned with and intermesh with the teeth of a pinion member 82 which is secured to the bit housing 22 proximate the bottom surface of the support means 14.

As best shown in Fig. 5, one end of the rack member 71 is secured to the rod 79 of a piston 78. The piston 78 is located in a suitable size cylindrical chamber 77 within the base member 12. The cylinder 77 and piston 78 are connected by a conduit 80 to a fifth gas connector assembly 84. When the apparatus 10 is secured to the pick and place machine (not shown), the fifth gas connector assembly 84 is connected through a suitable conduit or hose 85 to a controlled source of pressurized fluid or gas (not shown). At controlled times, gas at a predetermined pressure passes through the fifth gas connector assembly 84 through the conduit 80 and engages the piston 78 moving the piston 78 and rod 79 with respect to the cylindrical chamber 77 (toward the right when viewing Fig. 5).Movement of the rod 79 results in corresponding movement of the rack member 71 for the predetermined distance permitted by the slot 70. The rack 72, in turn, rotates the pinion 82 which rotates the bit housing 22. In the present embodiment, the slot 70 permits rotation of the bit housing 22 of approximately ninety degrees. Thus, an electronic component 34 held by the bit member 26 can be rotated ninety degrees. A spring member or coil spring 75 surrounds the piston 78 within the cylindrical chamber 77. When the piston 78 translates toward the right, the spring 75 is compressed so that when the pressurized gas is removed, the spring 75 expands to return the piston 78, rack 72 and bit housing 22 to their original positions.

First and second orienting members 88 and 90 (Fig. 2) are disposed on opposite sides of the bit housing 22. In the present embodiment, orienting members 88 and 90 are generally L-shaped with the smaller or shorter legs 89 and 91 being generally flat proximate the intersection of the legs and tapered toward their distal ends. Each of the orienting members 88 and 90 is formed from a high strength material such as a steel alloy and has a generally flat component-engaging surface 92 and 94 on the distal end of the shorter legs 89 and 91 proximate the lower end 32 of the bit member 26 for engaging the sides of an electronic component 34. The component-engaging surfaces 92, 94 are generally parallel to each other.The first and second orienting members 88 and 90 are pivotally mounted to the base member 12 by suitable means, in the present embodiment, pins 93, 95 which extend through suitably sized and aligned openings in the orienting members 88 and 90 and into the corresponding portions of the base member 12. The orienting members 88 and 90 are movable or pivotal between two positions as illustrated in Fig. 2. In a first position illustrated in phantom in Fig. 2, the lower ends of the component-orienting members 88 and 90 move toward each other so that the component-engaging surfaces 92 and 94 engage a component 34 held on the tip 31 of the bit member 26 for aligning or orienting the component 34 with respect to an orthogonal axis.In the second position shown in solid in Fig. 2, the lower ends of the component-orienting members 88 and 90 move or pivot away from each other so that the component-engaging surfaces 92 and 94 are disengaged and spaced from the component 34 and/or the tip 31 of the bit member 26.

Suitably sized grooves 100 and 102 (shown in phantom in Fig. 2) are provided to receive the component-orienting members 88 and 90 when in the first position within the base member 12.

A pair of generally cylindrical rods 112 and 114 extend through suitable openings proxi mate the upper ends of the orienting members 88 and 90. One of the ends 120 of each of the rods 112, 114 extends beyond the front ends of the orienting members 88 and 90 (Fig. 1) and are interconnected by a spring member, for example, a coil spring 118.

Spring 118 is extended when the orienting members 88 and 90 pivot or move to the first position and contracts to move the ori enting members 88 and 90 to the second position. The other ends 122 of rods 112, 114 include cam followers or rollers 140 and 142 which freely rotate around the rods 112, 114.

As best shown in Fig. 4, a cam member 134 generally in the shape of the frustum of a cone is secured to the lower end of a gener ally tubular piston member 123 located within a generally cylindrical piston chamber 128 within the base member 12. A conduit 127 provides fluid communication between the piston 123 and a sixth gas connector assembly 144. When the apparatus 10 is secured to a pick and place machine (not shown), the sixth gas connector assembly 144 is connected by a suitable gas conduit means such as plastic tube 148 to a controlled source of pressurized gas or fluid (not shown). Pressurized fluid from the source flows through plastic tube 148 and connector assembly 144 to engage and move the piston 123 downwardly when viewing Fig. 4. Downward movement of the piston 123 results in corresponding movement of the cam member 134.A pin member 124 extends upwardly from the base member 12 and into an opening on the lower end of the cam member 134 to serve as a guide for insuring that cam member 134 moves axially upon translation of the piston 123. The cam 134 is positioned to engage the rollers 140, 142 of rods 112, 114 so that downward movement of the cam 134 toward rollers 140, 142 forces the rods 112 and 114 and the upper ends of orienting members 88, 90 outwardly (away from each other), thereby causing the componentengaging surfaces 92 and 94 to move inwardly (toward each other) to engage the component 34. A spring means, preferably coil springs 136, are positioned above and below the cam member 134 around piston 123 and pin member 124.

When the cam 134 moves downwardly, the lower spring 136 is compressed. When the pressurized fluid is removed, the spring 136 expands, moving the cam 134 up and to its initial position. As previously stated, when the cam 134 moves upwardly, spring 118 moves the orienting members 88 and 90, as well as rods 112 and 114, inwardly to their initial positions.

In operation, the electronic componentorient ing apparatus 10 is secured by the base member 12 to a movable arm on a pick and place machine (not shown) and all of the above-described gas or fluid connections are made. Electronic components are dispensed at a storage site by a feeding means (not shown) or are arranged on a holding tray (not shown). The arm moves the electronic compo nent-orienting apparatus 10 to a position above an electronic component 34 to be engaged. The bit housing 22 is lowered by activating the external gas source (not shown) in the manner described above until the tip 31 of the bit member 26 engages the electronic component 34. The vacuum is activated as described above to secure the electronic com ponent 34 to the tip 31 of the bit member 26 and to move the bit member 26 axially up wardly within the bit housing 22. The pressur ized fluid is removed and the bit housing 22 moves upwardly by the expansion of spring 138. With the bit member 26 and the bit housing 22 in their upper positions, pressur ized gas is introduced through the sixth gas connector assembly 144 to move the component-engaging surfaces 92 and 94 inwardly toward each other, as described above, to engage and orient the electronic component 34 with respect a first orthogonal axis. The pressurized gas is released permitting the cam member 134 to move upwardly under the urging of lower coil spring 136 and to permit the component-engaging surfaces 92 and 94 to move away from the component 34 under the urging of spring 118.Pressurized gas is then introduced through the fifth gas connector assembly 84, causing piston 78 to move rack member 71, rotating pinion 82 and bit housing 22 to rotate the component 34 ninety degrees in a first direction, or orthogonally to its first aligned position. Pressurized gas is again introduced into the sixth gas connector assembly 144 to move the component-engaging surfaces 92 and 94 inwardly toward each other to engage the component 34, thereby aligning component 34 with respect to a second orthogonal axis and orthogonally to its prior aligned position. The pressurized gas going to the sixth gas connector assembly 144 is removed, moving the component-engaging surfaces 92 and 94 away from component 34. The pressurized gas is also removed from the fifth gas connector assembly 84, causing the bit housing 22 and component 34 to rotate ninety degrees in the opposite direction.

The arm to which the electronic componentorienting apparatus is mounted moves the apparatus to a predetermined position above the substrate for placement of the component 34. The bit housing 22 is lowered toward the surface of the substrate for component placement. The vacuum is inactivated to release the component 34 on the substrate surface. The apparatus 10 is then returned to the component storage site to pick and place the next component.

The foregoing sequence of events can be programmed and microprocessor controlled for rapid, continuous and accurate assembly of electronic components. In addition, the following sequence of steps may be used to reorient a component in any one of other preferred placements (e.g., rotating the electronic component 90 , 180 , 270 , etc. from its initial pickup position):: (1) bit housing 22 is lowered to pick up component 34 and is then raised; (2) component-engaging surfaces 92 and 94 are moved inwardly to engage and align the component 34 with respect to the first orthogonal axis; (3) component-engaging surfaces 92 and 94 are moved away from component 34; (4) bit housing 22 rotates, rotating the component 34 ninety degrees; (5) component-engaging surfaces 92 and 94 are moved inwardly to engage, align and hold the component; (6) while the component-engaging surfaces 92 and 94 engage and hold the component 34, bit housing 22 rotates ninety degrees in the opposite direction to its initial position, thereby rotating the component ninety degrees with respect to its original orientation on the bit member 26;; (7) component-engaging surfaces 92 and 94 are moved away from and dibengage component 34 while the component remains movably secured to the bit member 26; (8) repeat steps 4 through 7 in sequence to rotate the component 34 by ninety degree increments with each repetition of these steps.

The first embodiment of the present invention provides a cost-effective means for automating the procedure of selecting, picking up, orienting and placing a chip or other electronic component on a substrate. The above embodiment is adjustable for varying conditions (e.g., different sizes and types of components, changes in the sequence of manufacture, etc).

In addition, the present embodiment provides flexibility in orienting a component for placement. The present embodiment can operate rapidly and continuously with superior precision to provide high quality and lower cost electronic products.

Description of Second Preferred Embodiment Referring now to Figs. 6-13, there is shown a second preferred embodiment of an electronic component-orienting apparatus 210 which is also utilized in conjunction with an automatic apparatus (not shown) for mounting electrical, electronic or chip components on printed circuit boards. In the second preferred embodiment, the electronic component-orienting apparatus 210 includes a base member 212 which is secured to a movable and programmable arm of a mounted apparatus (not shown). As with the above-described embodiment, the arm moves the electronic component-orienting apparatus 210 toward an electronic storage location (not shown). Generally, at the component storage location, electronic components are dispensed by a feeding means (not shown) or are arranged on holding trays (not shown).The arm subsequently positions the electronic component-orienting apparatus above an electronic component to be engaged.

In the second embodiment, the rigid, generally rectangular shaped base member 212 is formed of a high strength, light weight material such as a steel alloy. The base member 212 within the center of its structure has a generally rectangularly shaped cavity 213 (shown in phantom in Fig. 8). A rigid inverted support means or member 214 generally Lshaped in cross section, is movably secured to the base member 212 by an axial screw and slot arrangement (as shown in Figs. 6 and 7). In this manner, the support member 214 is movable up and down (axially) when viewing Figs. 6 and 7 a distance determined by the axial length of the slots. The screw and slot arrangement is comprised of a pair of slots 218, 220, respectively, within the longer leg 222 of the L-shaped support member 214 and a pair of screws, 226, 228 threadingly engaging suitable threaded openings within the base member 212.The slots 218 and 220 are sized to cooperate with the slot screws 226 and 228 to permit smooth axial movement of the support member 214 relative to the base member 212.

A mounting plate 236, illustrated in Fig. 6, is secured by a plurality of screws to the front surface 215 of the support member 214. The mounting plate 236 is generally Tshaped in front elevation and is formed from a high strength, light weight material such as a steel alloy. A bracket member 238 is secured to the mounting plate 236 for movement with the support member 214. The bracket member 238 is generally U-shaped (Fig. 8) and is formed of a light weight, high strength material such as steel. Legs 248, 250 (as illustrated in Figs. 6, 8 and 9) of the U-shaped bracket member 238 are generally perpendicular to the mounting plate 236 and generally parallel to the plane of the top surface 230 of the base member 212.

A A generally tubular bit housing 252 is rotatably supported in appropriate sized openings in the legs 248, 250 of the U-shaped bracket member 238 by bushing assemblies 253, 255. A generally tubular elongated steel bit member 254 is disposed within the bit housing 252 along a common axis. The bit housing 252 and the bit member 254 are substantially the same as bit housing 22 and bit member 26 as shown and described above in connection with the first embodiment. The bit member 254 is removably secured within the bit housing 252 by an axial screw and slot arrangement 256 (Fig. 7) which permits the bit member 254 to move axially with respect to the bit housing 252 a distance determined by the axial length of the slot.A spring means, in the present embodiment a coil spring 257 (Fig. 8), engages the bit member 254 and an annular shoulder 259 within the bit housing 252 to generally maintain the bit member in an extended position, as shown.

The lower end of the bit member extends beyond the corresponding lower end 260 of the bit housing 252 and is generally conically shaped or inwardly tapered to form a generally cylindrical hollow tip 262 which is sized to engage and hold an electronic component 264.

The bit housing 252 and the bit member 254 are both hollow and cooperate to form a generally cylindrical air or gas passageway.

The upper end of the bit housing 252 is secured to a first gas-type connector assembly 268 of a type well known in the art. A second gas connector assembly 270, as illustrated in Fig. 6 and also of a type well known in the art, extends from a screw valve joint 272 which is connected to one side panel surface 274 of the base member 212. A suitable gas conducting means, such as a plastic tube 276 interconnects the first and second gas connector assemblies, 268, 270. A third gas connector assembly 278, as illustrated in Figs. 6 and 7, is connected to the top surface 230 of the base member 212. An internal gas conduit (not shown) within the base member 212 interconnects the second and third gas connector assemblies 270, 278, respectively.

When the apparatus 210 is secured to a pick and place machine (not shown), the third gas connector assembly 278 is connected through a suitable conduit 279 to a vacuum source (not shown). A generally airtight circulation system is thus established between the tip 262 of the bit member 254 and the vacuum source. Activation of the vacuum source creates a suction force, enabling the tip 262 of the bit member 254 to engage and hold an electronic component 264.

Referring now to Figs. 8 and 12, a fourth gas connector assembly 282 is connected to the top surface 230 of base member 212.

The fourth gas connector assembly 282 connects a controlled external source of pressurized fluid or gas (not shown) with the second internal gas conduit 280 within base member 212. A suitable gas conducting means, such as tubing as illustrated in Fig. 6, connects the external source of gas (not shown) with the fourth gas connector assembly 282 while extending through a circular hole 283 within the smaller leg 224 of the support member 214.

The internal second gas conduit 280 in turn, is connected to a piston assembly within the second internal gas conduit 280. The piston assembly moves the support member 214 and the bit housing 252 connected thereon downward (axially) with respect to base member 212 by pneumatic means. The piston assembly, as best illustrated in Fig. 12, comprises a cylindrical piston member 281 slidable within the internal gas conduit 280. When the external source of gas is activated, gas is dispensed into the second internal gas conduit 280 and on the cylindrical piston member 281. The gas forces the piston member 281 to move axially downward within the second internal gas conduit 280. The downwardly moving piston member 281 extends through an orifice 286 in base member 212 and engages a flange member 290 moving the flange member 290 axially downward with respect to the base member 212. The L-shaped flange member 290 is attached by its longer leg 292 to the support member 214. The shorter leg 300 of the flange member 290 is perpendicular to the support member 214 and extends rearwardly within a generally rectangular cavity 213 in the housing 212. In this manner, the support member 214 moves axially (down wardly) relative to base member 212 when the external source of gas is activated and the piston member 281 engages an moves the shorter leg 300 of the flange member 290. A means, such as a coil spring 302, is located between the bottom surface of the shorter leg 300 of the flange member 290 and the interior surface of the rectangular cavity 213.

When the flange member 290 moves downwardly the coil spring 302 is compressed so that upon the disengagement of air pressure the coil spring expands, returning the support member 214 and thus the bit housing 252 to their initial positions.

The apparatus further comprises an irregularly shaped orienting member support housing 308 secured to the lower leg 248 of the bracket member 238 proximate and generally surrounding the bit housing 252. The support housing 308 is comprised of a pair of generally L-shaped support side panels 310 and 312, shown in Figs. 6 and 7, a generally cross-shaped bottom panel 314 shown in Fig.

11, and a generally rectangularly shaped front face panel 316 shown in Figs. 6 and 7. The side panels 310 and 312, bottom panel 314 and front face panel 316 are each formed from high strength, light weight material such as a steel alloy. The side panels 310, 312 are secured generally perpendicular to the corresponding end of opposed legs of the crossshaped bottom panel 314 with the short legs of the side panels 310, 312 facing each other. The L-shaped side panels are mounted and aligned to be mirror images of each other, relative to the axis of the bit housing 252.

The side panels 310, 312 have slots 324, 326, as illustrated in Figs. 6 and 7, proximate the intersection of the interior surfaces of the shorter legs and the longer legs. The slots 324, 326 are sized to slide onto opposite sides of the lower leg 248 of the U-shaped bracket member 238 and are secured in position relative to the leg 248 by screws 332, 334, which extend through threaded openings in the side panels 310, 312 and engage the leg 248. The front face panel 316 is also secured to the bottom panel 314. The crossshaped bottom panel 314, illustrated in Fig.

11, has a generally centered hole 336 which receives the bit housing 252. The bottom panel 314 also has a pair of generally rectangularly shaped grooves 338, 340 extending therethrough.

First and second component-orienting members 344, 346, shown in Figs. 9 and 10, are disposed on opposite sides of the bit housing 252. The orienting members 344 and 346 are generally L-shaped. The lower legs of the orienting members 344 and 346 each include a generally flat component-engaging surface 352 and 354 proximate the lower end 260 of the bit housing 252. The component-engaging surfaces 352, 354 are generally parallel to each other and are employed for engaging the sides of an electronic component 264. The first and second orienting members 344 and 346 are movably or pivotably secured to the bottom panel 314 by a pair of pins 360, 362.

The orienting members 344 and 346 are movable between two positions as illustrated in Figs. 9 and 10. In a first position, illustrated in Fig. 9, the lower ends of the component-orienting members 344, 346 mpve toward each other so that the component-engaging surfaces 352, 354 engage a component 264 held on tip 262 of the bit member 254 for aligning or orienting the component with respect to an orthogonal axis. In the second position, illustrated in Fig. 10, the componentengaging surfaces 352, 354 are disengaged and spaced from the component 264 and bit member 254. The grooves 338 and 340 within bottom panel 314 are provided to receive the component-orienting members 344 and 346 and to permit movement between the first and second positions.

The ends of the upper or larger legs of the orienting members 344, 346 include angled extended portions to which are secured rotatable cam followers or rollers 376, 378, respectively. A cam member or cam 380, generally frustoconically shaped, encompasses the bit housing 252 between the bottom surface of the lower leg 248 of the U-shaped bracket member 238 and the bottom panel 314. The cam 380 is aligned to engage the rollers 376, 378 of the orienting members 344, 346. A tension means, in the present embodiment a wire tension spring 381, as illustrated in Fig. 11, is secured by screw 383 to the bottom surface of the side panel 310.

The spring 381 urges the lower end of the orienting members 344, 346 apart or outwardly toward the position as shown in Fig.

10. The spring 381 correspondingly urges the upper ends of the orienting members 344, 346 inwardly or toward each other, causing the rollers 376, 378 to engage and remain in contact with the cam 380. A spring means, in the present embodiment a generally flat spring member or tab 386, illustrated in Figs. 8, 9 11, has one end pivotally secured within openings in the sides of the front face panel 316. The spring member or tab 386 is formed of a resilient material such as spring steel. As best shown in Fig. 11, a portion of the tab 386 has been removed so that the tab 386 fits around the bit housing 252 and the orienting members 344 and 346. As shown in phantom in Fig. 11, the tab 386 extends between the cam member 380 and the lower leg 248 of the U-shaped bracket member 238.In this manner, when the support member 214 is in the upward position (Figs. 6, 7 and 9), the other end of the tab 386 extends and is bent or arched under the bottom surface of base member 212 (see Fig.

9). The tab 386 biases or urges the cam member 380 downwardly, causing the upper ends of the orienting member 344, 346 to be urged outwardly. The outward movement of the upper ends of orienting members 344, 346, in turn, forces the component-engaging surfaces 352, 354 to swing inwardly to the first position as shown in Fig. 9. Correspondingly, downward movement of the support member 214 (as described above) relative to the base member 212 reduces the downward bias on the cam member 380 causing the cam member 380 to move upwardly under the urging of a biasing means or coil spring 379 which is positioned around the bit housing 252 between the lower surface of the cam member 380 and the upper surface of the bottom panel 314.Upward movement of the cam member 380 permits the componentengaging surfaces 352, 354 to move apart or outwardly (away from the bit member) under the urging of spring 381 to the second position (Fig. 10).

The present embodiment includes means for rotating the bit housing 252 and bit member 254 substantially as described above in connection with the first embodiment. The means includes a generally rectangular bracket member 390 secured to mounting plate 236 by a pair of screws 396, 398 extending through transverse slots 392, 394. In this manner, the bracket member 390 is movable transversely with respect to the mounting plate 236 a distance determined by the length of the slots 392, 394. As best seen in Figs. 6 and 7, an elongated generally rigid member 399 having a a rack 400 on one surface is fastened to the bracket 390. The rack 400, as illustrated in Fig. 13, is positioned and sized so that its teeth are axially aligned with and intermesh with corresponding teeth of a pinion member 402 mounted on the bit housing 252.Thus, transverse movement of the rack 400 causes rotation of the pinion 402 and attached bit housing 252. The bracket member 390 is connected to the rod 404 of a standard fluid activated piston (not shown) which extends into a suitably sized cylinder chamber 406 held in position on the mounting plate 236.

As illustrated in Fig. 6, a suitable gas conducting means such as a plastic tube 408 connects the gas cylinder 406 with a fifth gas connector assembly 410. The fifth gas connector assembly 410 is connected to a sixth gas connector assembly 412 by the third internal gas conduit (not shown) within the base member 212. When the apparatus 210 is secured to a pick and place machine (not shown), the sixth gas connector assembly 412 is connected through a suitable conduit or hose 414 to a controlled source of pressurized fluid or gas (not shown) at a predetermined pressure. Thus, a gas passageway is formed between the external source of gas and piston 404 within cylinder chamber 406.

The application of an external source of gas at a predetermined pressure engages the piston, moving the piston (toward the right when viewing Fig. 7) with respect to the cylindrical chamber 4Q6 which results in corresponding movement of the bracket 390 and rack 400.

The rack 400, in turn, rotates the pinion 402 in a first direction which rotates the bit housing 252. In the second embodiment, the slots 392 and 394 permit rotation of the bit housing 252 of approximately ninety degrees.

Thus, electronic component 264 held by bit member 254 can be rotated ninety degrees.

A spring member on spring 418 extends between the bracket member 390 and the mounting plate 236. Movement of the bracket member 390 for rotation of the bit housing 252 expands the spring 418. When the pressurized gas is removed, the spring 418 contracts, returning the bracket member 390 to its original position and thereby rotating the bit housing 252 approximately ninety degrees in the opposite direction.

Operation of the electronic componentorienting apparatus 210 is substantially the same as is described above in connection with the first embodiment. The apparatus 210 is secured by the base member 212 to a movable arm on a pick and place machine (not shown) and all the above-described gas or fluid connections are made. The arm moves the electronic component-orienting apparatus 210 to a position above an electronic component 264 to be engaged. The bit housing 252 is lowered by activating the external gas source (not shown) to introduce pressurized fluid into the fourth gas connector assembly 282 in a manner described above, until the tip 262 of the bit member 254 engages the electronic component 264. The activating of the external gas source also forces the cam 380 upwardly, causing the engaging surfaces 352, 354 of the orienting arms 344, 346 to swing outwardly.The vacuum is activated through the third gas connector assembly 278, as described above, to secure the electronic component 264 to the tip 212 of the bit member 254 and to move the bit member 254 axially upward within the bit housing 252. The pressurized fluid is removed from the fourth gas connector assembly 282 and the bit housing 252 moves upwardly under the urging of spring 302. The upward movement of the bit housing 252 and the bracket member 214 also forces the cam 380 downwardly under the urging of tab 386, and the upper ends of the first and second orienting arms, 344, 346 to swing outwardly, causing the componentengaging surfaces 354, 356 to move inwardly to engage and orient or align the electronic component 264. The external source of gas is then reactivated to the fourth gas connector assembly 282, lowering the bit housing 252 and disengaging the component-engaging surfaces 354, 356 from the electronic component 264. Gas is then introduced into the sixth gas connector assembly 412 to rotate the bit housing 252 and to correspondingly rotate the component 264 ninety degrees in a first direction or orthogonally to its first aligned position. The external source of gas is again deactivated from the fourth gas connector assembly 282, which again causes the component-engaging surfaces 352, 354 to move inwardly to engage the electronic component 264, thereby orienting or aligning the component with respect to the second orthogonal axis orthogonally to its prior aligned position.The arm to which the electronic component-orienting apparatus 210 is mounted moves the apparatus to a predetermined position above the substrate location for placement of the component 264. The bit housing 252 is lowered towards the surface of the substrate for component placement by again activating gas from the fourth gas connector assembly 282. The component-engaging surfaces 352, 354 are disengaged from the component. The pressurized gas is removed from the sixth gas connector assembly 412 to rotate the bit housing 252 to its original position. The vacuum is then inactivated to release the electronic component 264 on the substrate surface. The apparatus 210 is then returned to the component storage site to pick up and place the next component.

The second embodiment of the present invention could be operated to reorient a component in any one of other preferred placement positions (e.g., rotating the electronic component 1800, 270 , etc.) from its initial pickup position in a manner substantially the same as described above in connection with the first embodiment.

Description of the Third Preferred Embodiment A A third embodiment of the present invention is shown in Figs. 14-18. In the third embodiment, an electronic component-orienting apparatus 610 is utilized in conjunction with an automatic apparatus (not shown) for mounting electrical, electronic or chip components on printed circuit boards (not shown). As with the two above-described embodiments, the apparatus 610 is secured by a base member (not shown) to a movable and programmable arm of a mounting apparatus (not shown). The third preferred embodiment is substantially similar in structure to and can be adapted to function with the component parts of the apparatus previously described in the first and second embodiments.The third embodiment is different from the previously described embodiments in that it employs an alternative means for moving first and second component-orienting members 614, 616 between a first position (not shown) and a second position (shown in Fig. 14), respectively, to engage and align an electronic component 612.

Since the remaining features of the third embodiment are substantially the same as the above-described embodiments, these features will not be shown or described.

In the third embodiment a piston cylinder bracket member 622 (shown in Figs 14 and 16) is secured by a screw 624 to a rigid support means or member 626. The bracket 622 is formed of a rigid material similar to a steel alloy and is employed to support a cylindrical piston chamber 628. One end of the cylindrical piston chamber 628 is connected to a first external controlled source of gas or fluid (not shown) at a predetermined pressure, by a suitable conduit (not shown. The other end of the cylindrical piston chamber 628 is similarly connected to a second external controlled source of gas or fluid (not shown).

A piston rod 630 is disposed within the other end of the cylindrical piston chamber 628. When gas from the first external source of gas is applied to the cylinder 628 a piston (not shown) connected to the piston rod 630 moves downward axially (when viewing Fig.

16) with respect to the piston chamber 628.

The lower end of the piston rod 630 is rigidly secured to a generally rectangular, rigid piston block 632. Thus, when the gas from the first external source of gas is applied, the piston rod 630 and, in turn, the piston block 632 move axially straight downward with respect to the piston chamber 628. When gas from the second external source is applied to the other end of the cylindrical piston chamber 628 the piston rod 630 and the piston block 632 move upwardly. A spring member, such as a coil spring 639, as illustrated in Fig. 14, surrounds a portion of the piston rod 630 to cushion movement of the piston rod 630.

A generally rectangular link member 634 is pivotally secured at one end to the piston block 632. A generally cylindrical pin 636 extends through a suitably sized opening in the support member 626. The support member opening supports the pin 636 with a fit loose enough to permit free rotation of the pin 636.

One end of the pin 636 is fixedly secured to the other end of the link member 634. The other end of the pin 636 is secured to a pinion 638 located inside the support member 626 (Fig. 17). The downward movement of the piston block 632 rotates the link member 634 and the pin 636 around the axis of the pin 636 which, in turn, rotates the pinion 638 a predetermined distance determined by the distance of the movement of the piston rod 630.

A pair of generally cylindrical support rods, 640, 642, best illustrated in Fig. 18, extend through and are firmly secured within the support member 626. A pair of end panels 644, 646 having suitably sized openings are slidably mounted to the support rods 640, 642 for lateral movement. As best shown in Fig.

17, a pair of rack rods, 648, 650, each having a rack member 652, 654, respectively, on one surface, extend through and are slidably secured within suitable openings extending through the support member 626. The rack members 652, 654 face each other on opposite ends of pinion 638 and are sized to engage and intermesh with the teeth of pinion 638. Thus, the rotation of pinion 638 results in corresponding lateral or transverse movement of the rack rods 648, 650, rack rod 648 moving in a direction opposite the movement of rack rod 650.

As illustrated in Figs. 14-18, the end panels 644, 646 are generally rectangular and are formed from a high strength, light weight material such as a steel alloy. The end panels 644, 646 are positioned and movably secured to each of the support rods 640, 642 parallel to each other and on opposite sides of pinion 638. End panel 644 is secured to one end of rack rod 650 by suitable means such as a nut 651 which engages threads (not shown) on the rack rod 650. Correspondingly, end panel 646 is secured to one end of rack rod 648 by suitable means such as a nut 649 which engages threads (not shown) on the rack rod 648. In this manner, end panel 644 moves with rack rod 650 and end panel 646 moves with rack rod 648.Suitably sized and positioned openings 645, 647 are provided in end panels 644, 646 for permitting unimpaired movement of rack rods 648, 650, respectively, therethrough when the end panels 644, 646 are moved toward or away from each other. The rotation of pinion 638 which causes the movement of the rack rods 648, 650, in turn, causes the corresponding end panels 644, 646 to move toward or away from each other, depending upon the direction of rotation of the pinion 638.

As illustrated in Figs. 14 and 15, the irregularly shaped first and second component-orienting orienting members 614 and 616 are secured at one end to the end panels 644 and 646, respectively. Each of the orienting members 614, 616 is formed from a high strength material such as a steel alloy. The other end of each of the orienting members 614, 616 include a generally flat componentengaging surface 660, 662, respectively. The component-engaging surfaces 660, 662 are generally parallel to and face each other and are appropriately positioned on opposite sides of a bit housing and bit member shown in phantom in Figs. 14 and 15. The rotation of pinion 638, depending on the direction of rotation, causes the orienting members 614 and 616 to move toward or away from each other.In a first position (not shown), the component-orienting members 614, 616 move toward each other so that the component-engaging surfaces 660, 662 engage and align an electronic component shown in phantom as 612 held by a bit member disposed within a bit housing, also shown in phantom in Figs.

14 and 15. In the second position, the component-orienting members 614, 616 move away from each other so that the componentengaging surfaces 660, 662 are disengaged or spaced from the electronic component 612.

Operation of the third embodiment is substantially the same as the first and second embodiment described above. However, unlike the other embodiments, the component-orienting members 614 and 616 move laterally rather than pivot. At the appropriate time in the operation, gas from the first source of pressurized gas is applied to the piston chamber 628 to move piston rod 630 and the piston block 632 axially downward with respect to the piston chamber 628. The downward movement of the piston block 632 pivots the link member 634 which, in turn, rotates the pinion 638 a predetermined distance.

The pinion 638 causes the transverse movement of the rack rods 648, 650 which, in turn, move the end panels 644, 646 toward each other. The orienting members 614, 616 secured to the end panels 644, 646 move toward the first position (not shown) and the engaging surfaces 660, 662 engage and align an electronic component 612 secured to the bit member. The application of gas from the second source of pressurized gas to the piston chamber 628 results in rotation of the pinion 638 in the opposite direction to disengage the component-engaging surfaces 660, 662 from the component 612 and to return the component-orienting members 614, 616 to their original positions as shown in Fig. 14.

From the foregoing description of three different but related embodiments, it can be seen that the present invention comprises an apparatus for orienting electronic components.

It will be recognized by those skilled in the art that changes may be made to the above-described embodiments of the present invention without departing from the broad inventive concept thereof. It is understood, therefore, that this invention is not limited to a particular embodiment disclosed, but is intended to cover all modifications which are within the scope and spirit of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. An apparatus for orienting an electronic component comprising: base member; support means secured to the base member and extending outwardly therefrom; a bit housing having an axis, the bit housing being supported by the support means for rotation about the axis; means for rotating the bit housing about the axis; a bit member disposed within the bit housing for rotation therewith, the bit member being movable axially with respect to the bit housing, one end of the bit member extending beyond one end of the bit housing and being adapted to engage and hold the component; means for moving the bit member axially with respect to the bit housing;; first and second orienting members, disposed on opposite sides of the bit housing, the orienting members each having a component engaging surface proximate the one end of the bit housing, the component engaging surfaces being generally parallel to each other, the first and second orienting members being movable from a first position wherein the component engaging surfaces engage a component held on the one end of the bit member and a second position wherein the component engaging surfaces are spaced from the component; and means for moving the first and second orienting members between the first and second positions whereby the bit member engages and holds the component with the orienting members in the second position, the one end of the bit member moves axially until the component is axially aligned with the component engaging surfaces, the orienting members move to the first position so that the component engaging surfaces engage and orient the component with respect to a first orthogonal axis, the orienting members move to the second position, the bit housing rotates substantially 90 , the orienting members move to the first position so that the component engaging surfaces engage and orient the component with respect to the second orthogonal axis and the orienting members move to the second position.

2. The apparatus as recited in claim wherein the bit member is removably secured within the bit housing to facilitate substitution of bit members of varying sizes or designs to accommodate a component of varying size or shape.

3. The apparatus as recited in claim 1 wherein each of the first and second orienting members comprises a generally rigid member, L-shaped in cross section with the component-orienting surface on the distal end of one leg of the member, the member being pivotally mounted to the base member distal to the component-engaging surface.

4. The apparatus as recited in claim 3 wherein the means for moving the first and second orienting members between the first and second positions comprises: a cam member adapted for movement; a pair of cam followers which engage the cam and are connected to the first and second orienting members; first means for moving the cam in a first direction to engage the cam followers to force the orienting members to pivot and to engage a component with the component-engaging surfaces in the first position; and second means for moving the cam in a second direction, the cam followers and the orienting members pivoting to the second position.

5. The apparatus as recited in claim wherein each of the first and second orienting members comprises a generally rigid member, Lshaped in cross section with the componentorienting surface on the distal end of one leg of the member, the member bring pivotally mounted to a support means.

6. The apparatus as recited in claim 5 further comprising a support housing for supporting the orienting members, the support housing comprising: a pair of side support panels, generally Lshaped in cross section; a generally cross shaped bottom panel; and a generally rectangularly shaped front face panel, the side support panels and front face panel being secured to the bottom panel to form the support housing, the support housing being secured to the support means.

7. The apparatus as recited in claim 6 wherein the means for moving the first and second orienting members between the first and second positions comprises: a cam member adapted for movement; cam followers connected to the first and second orienting members distal to the component-engaging surfaces; first means for moving the cam member in a first direction to cause the cam followers to pivot the orienting members to the second position; and second means for moving the cam in a second direction so that the cam followers and the orienting members pivot to the first position.

8. The apparatus as recited in claim 1 wherein the means for moving the first and second component-orienting members comprises: a pinion rotatably supported by the support means; a pair of generally parallel rods, the rods being supported for lateral movement on opposite sides of the pinion, each rod including a rack member which intermeshes with the pinion, one of the orienting members being secured to each rod; first means for rotating the pinion in a first direction causing the rods to move toward each other to move the orienting members to the first position; and second means for rotating the pinion in a second direction causing the rods to move away from each other to move the orienting members to the second position.