KR20040043114A - Belt apparatus for carrying elements during treatment - Google Patents

Abstract

A belt device 10 is provided for holding a strip of lead frame 38 during processing. The device consists of a belt 12 and an attached clip 14. The clip 14 is attached to the belt 12 only at one end. The free end of the clip, which is the clamping end 36, is held away from the first surface of the belt 12. The belt 12 has a hole 16 retracted in its lower edge such that the clamping end 36 of the clip 14 passes through the second surface. At the same time, the strip 38 is inserted between the clamping end 36 and the second surface. When the clamping end 36 is released, the ends spring back to clamp the strip 38 with respect to the second face.

Description

Belt device for carrying urea during processing {BELT APPARATUS FOR CARRYING ELEMENTS DURING TREATMENT}

The strip of the leadframe is processed by electroplating, etching and the like. This typically includes those carried in rows on the endless belt via a series of process steps. They are automatically attached to the loading station prior to the first processing step and then removed from the unloading station after the processing is completed. After the unloading station, each part of the belt is typically further treated to be cleaned before being used next.

Since the target of the treatment is a strip, the belt is only for carrying the belt, and typically the strip is kept under the belt, so that the belt does not interfere with the treatment.

Such a belt device carrying a leadframe is disclosed in published patent US Pat. No. 4,534,843. The specification describes a belt having slits in its lower edge to create fingers. The fingers have their crimps around their ends, the crimp for one set of alternating fingers is in a certain direction, and the crimps for the other are in the opposite direction. Similarly, one set of alternating fingers is bent in a certain direction and the remaining fingers are bent in the other direction. In use, each finger is bent back in the opposite direction to the vertically bent finger, and the leadframe strip is placed and released between the back bent fingers. One set of alternating fingers is pressed against the first side of the strip and pressed against the other side of the remaining finger strip to keep the strips in place.

Since all the fingers are actively pushing against each other in the staggered direction, this attempts to deform the clamped edge of the strip. If several fingers produce a force greater than the force around them, the effect will be noticeable. Another disadvantage is that when the fingers are broken or can no longer be held firmly, they cannot be easily replaced. In addition, when one finger is no longer available, it is very foolish to use that portion as if the finger is still present, which may accelerate deformation. If a part of the belt is no longer available, only that part may not be used. However, the automation system needed to prepare for such a thing would be simpler to add cost and replace the entire belt.

Another design of such a belt device is disclosed in the published patent specification EP 0,382,283. The belt has a plurality of removable clips attached to it. Both ends of the clip abut against the same side of the belt. The first end of each clip is connected to the belt, while the remaining clamping end is elastically biased relative to the lower edge of the belt. The intermediate part between the two ends passes through the holes in the belt to the other side to provide elasticity to the clamping end in the correct direction and to secure the connection of the clip to the belt.

To load or unload the strip onto the belt, the middle portion of the clip is pushed in the direction of the belt, pushing the clamping end away from the belt. The strip may then be placed between the clamping end and the belt at the loading station and then at the unloading end when the clamping end holding it is pushed away from the belt.

One problem with any such belt device that includes this is that over time, the clips tend to lose their elasticity. In this example, the clips are always stressed because the clamping positions are separated by their strip width from their normal positions. Even if the clips are new, they do not provide very strong crimping force and do not take long for a noticeable drop in the clamping force, thus requiring replacement of the clip. Also, although the clip can be replaced, the clip must be replaced from inside the loop of the endless belt. Typically, this requires someone to bend over with a belt that is supposed to work at or near chest level, which can be very tiring. An alternative is for someone to stand in the loop, which may not be so easy or safe (because the belt transfer mechanism may have to be started to bring the belt to the correct position to replace the corresponding clip). In either case, the clip must be pressed to attach or remove it, which can also be cumbersome, and sometimes the clip may bounce off the hand in an undesired direction. Finally, since the clamping end of the clip is always in contact with the belt (when not clamping the strip), those parts of the belt and the clip in contact are not properly cleaned and require time for proper inspection.

The present invention relates to a belt device for carrying the elements during processing of the elements. The invention also relates to clamping means used in such devices and devices for treating such elements and methods of treating the same. In particular, it relates to such an apparatus, means and method when the elements pass through a treatment bath or the like, when in the form of a strip, such as a strip of leadframe.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in more detail by way of a norm-limitative example with reference to the accompanying drawings.

1 is a first front perspective view of a part of a belt apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

2 is a second front perspective view of the portion of FIG. 1;

3 is a rear perspective view of the portion of FIG. 1;

4 is a front plan view of the portion of FIG. 1;

5 is a side view of the portion of FIG. 1;

6 is a bottom plan view of the portion of FIG. 1;

7 is a perspective top view of the portion of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is the same view as in FIG. 5 showing the clamping means being pushed through the belt means; FIG.

FIG. 9 is the same view as in FIG. 8, showing the clamping end being released to clamp the element with respect to the belt means; FIG.

10 is a front plan view of a part of the belt apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention;

11 is a side view of the portion of FIG. 10;

12 is a front plan view of the portion of FIG. 10 showing a state in which the clamping means are removed;

13 is a front plan view of a part of the belt apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention;

14 is a side view of the portion of FIG. 13;

15 is a front plan view of the portion of FIG. 13 showing a state in which the clamping means are removed;

16 is a schematic view of a first processing apparatus using the belt apparatus of the present invention; And

17 is a schematic diagram of a first processing apparatus using the belt apparatus of the present invention.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a novel and innovative apparatus and / or means and / or method.

Ideally, the present invention seeks to solve or at least alleviate at least some of the problems associated with the prior art mentioned and / or found elsewhere.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a belt device for carrying the elements in the processing of the elements, the belt device comprising:

Belt means; And

Clamping means for clamping the elements relative to the belt means,

The belt means has a plurality of first holes therein; Also

The clamping means has attachment parts attached to the belt means, has clamping parts spaced apart from the first surface of at least a portion of the belt means, through the first hole and against the elasticity of the clamping means, the Clamping portions are arranged to be pushed from the first face to the second face of the at least part of the belt means, to clamp the elements with respect to the second face.

The invention also provides clamping means and belt means for use in such devices.

The present invention also provides a processing apparatus including the belt apparatus.

Another embodiment of the present invention,

Inserting the attachment means of the clamping means into the second hole of the belt means, with the clamping portions of the clamping means above the height of the second hole;

Pivoting the clamping means about the second hole to bring the clamping parts below the height of the second hole; And

A method for attaching the clamping means on the belt means for providing such a belt device comprising the step of releasing said clamping means,

After the releasing step, the clamping means is ready for use,

The attaching method does not comprise the clamping parts passing through the hole in the belt means.

In addition, the present invention,

Mounting the elements on a belt device;

The elements undergo at least one treatment step; And

Unloading the processed elements from the belt device and providing a method of processing the elements using the belt device.

In summary, for at least one embodiment, a belt device is provided to hold a strip of leadframe during processing. The belt device includes a belt and an attached clip. Those free ends, which are clamping ends, are held away from the first face of the belt. The belt has a retracted hole in its lower edge so that the clamping end of the clip can be pushed through the hole to the second side. At the same time, a strip is inserted between the clamping end and the second surface. When the clamping end is released, the end is spring back to clamp the strip about the second side.

In this specification, the terms vertical, horizontal, upward, downward, etc. are used to describe the parts of the present invention relatively, assuming that the belt means is maintained "vertically" above the bottom. Used.

A first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 9, which show a part of the first belt device 10 from various perspectives.

The first belt device comprises a belt means in the form of a flat belt 10 and a clamping means in the form of a plurality of clips.

Belt 12 is typically used as an endless belt. The belt has parallel bottom and top edges with a first hole 16 along the length of the bottom edge. These first holes are in the form of recesses 16 which are elongated in a vertical direction separated by elongate fingers 18 of the belt to act as passive gripping surfaces. In addition, the series of second holes 20 extends along the length of the belt. They extend horizontally along the belt 12. Near the top of the belt is a series of guide holes 22 used to guide the belt in use.

Each clip 14 is effective with a bent planar leaf spring with an intermediate bend. An attachment portion 24 at the first end of the clip 14 is attached to the belt 12, and a clamping portion 26 is provided at the second end of the clip 14 away from the first end.

The clip 14 is mounted on the first face portion of the belt 12, which is on the first face of the belt 12. The ends 28, 30 of the attachment part 24 are horizontally onto the second face portion of the belt 12, on the second face of the belt 12, through the second hole 20 of the belt 12. Passed through. Each clip has three ends 28, 30 with respect to its attachment, and the center end 28 is separated from two side ends 30 lying on the sides of each of the center ends 28. Each end is through a separate second hole. The central end 28 is bent upwards after passing through the second hole 20 to abut against the second surface. The two side ends 30 are shorter than the central end 28 and protrude shorter from the second surface.

Two butting means 32 are provided on each clip 14 for abutting the first surface of the belt 12. The butting means extends from the portion of the clip, in front of which two side ends 30 pass through their second holes 20. They are formed by cutting the two sides and the ends of the rectangular holes in the clip 14 and bending the flaps 32 formed by the cuts upwards. The ends of the flap 32 abut the belt on the first face, and the central end 28 abuts the second face of the belt at approximately the same height. As most clearly seen in FIG. 5, this holds the clip 14 in place.

The clamping part 26 and the attachment part 24 of the clip 14 are connected by coupling parts. These include at least the top of the leg portion 34. Each clip has two legs with their respective ends clamped 26. In general, the attachment portion 24 is generally in the horizontal direction on the first surface, the coupling portion is coupled to the attachment portion 24 and the leg portion 34 at an acute angle with respect to each other, the leg portion 34 is a belt It is oriented diagonally downward towards (12). As can be seen in FIG. 5, the clamping end 36 of the clamping portion 26, which clamps the elements against the belt, is generally directed downward and is obtuse with the leg portion 34.

The clamping portion 26 is narrower than the first holes 16. Thus, they can be pushed against the elasticity of the clip 14 through the first hole to the second face of the belt 12, and they tend to return to their original position on the first face. The length of the first hole is such that the clamping portion (eg, a portion of the element, for example the upper edge of the strip of the leadframe 38) is inserted between the first side of the clamping portion 26 and the second side of the finger 18. 26) can be pushed onto the second surface over a sufficient distance. 8 shows the clip 14 with the clamping portion 26 pushed through and beyond the first hole 16. Once the top edge of the strip of leadframe 38 is inserted, clamping portion 26 is released. Then, as can be seen in FIG. 9, the elasticity of the clamping portion is such that the clamping portion is held at the upper edge of the strip with respect to the finger 18 with this single strip 38 held by the number of clamping ends 36 along its length. Hold it firmly. As can be seen in FIG. 9, the clamping ends 36 are designed to be perpendicular when they are clamping strips 38.

The clip 14 can be easily attached and removed from the first surface right away of the belt 12. To remove the clip, simply lift the front face of each clip to pivot it about where the ends 28, 30 are through the second hole 20. The removal must overcome some of the elasticity given by the butt means 32, which can be done by pushing the butts into the clip (if the clips are to be reused). If you do so, the clip can be removed completely. Likewise to add a new clip, the end is slotted into the second hole 20 from the diagonally upward direction, with the top of the butting means against the first face of the belt. Then, since the front part of the clip is lowered slightly below the horizontal (with respect to the elasticity of the center end 28), the end of the butt means can be spring rounded to come into contact with the first surface. . Then, the clip 14 is released for use.

A second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 to 12, which show a part of the second belt device 100 from various perspectives.

The second belt device 100 includes a belt means in the form of a flat belt 112 and a clamping means in the form of a plurality of clips 114.

The belt 112 of the second embodiment is similar to that of the first embodiment. As shown, only one first hole 116 and two rounded second holes 120 per clip 114 differ. It also has two rounded third holes per clip 114.

Each clip 114 is effective with a U-shaped wire having two spring coils 132, which coil 132 is between each end of the wire and the U-shaped base. Each end of the wire is an attachment 124 that is at the first end of the clip 114 and is attached to the belt 112. The U-shaped base is the clamping portion 126 at the second end of the clip and spaced apart from the first end.

The clip 114 is mounted on the first face portion of the belt 112, which is on the first face of the belt 112. Each portion 128 of the attachment portion 124 is on the second side portion of the belt 112 and is horizontally through the second hole 120 of the belt 112, on the second side of the belt 12. Through direction. Each clip has one such end 128 per attachment. Each end 128 passes through a second second hole and is bent upwards once through the second hole to abut against the second surface. The uppermost part 142 of each end protrudes shortly toward the first surface through the third hole 140.

Each spring coil also acts as abutting means 132 for abutting the first surface of the belt 112. One edge of each spring coil 132 abuts the belt 112 on the first face and each end 128 abuts the second face of the belt 112. As most clearly seen in FIG. 11, with the tops protruding through the third hole, this holds the clip 114 in place.

The clamping portion 126 and each attachment portion 124 of the clip 114 are connected by coupling portions comprising a spring coil 132. These include at least the top of the leg portion 134. Each clip has two leg portions 134 whose respective ends are clamping portions 126. The attachment portion 124 is generally in a horizontal direction on the first surface, the coupling portion is coupled to the attachment portion 124 and the leg portion 134 at an acute angle with respect to each other, the leg portion 134 is a belt 112 It is oriented diagonally downwards towards. As can be seen in FIG. 11, the clamping end 136 of the clamping portion 126, which clamps the elements against the belt, is generally directed downward and is obtuse with the leg portion 134.

The clamping portion 126 is narrower than the first holes 116. Thus, they can be pushed against the elasticity of the clip 114 through the first hole to the second face of the belt 112, and they tend to return to their original position on the first face. As in the first embodiment, the length of the first hole 116 is such that the portion of the elements, for example the upper edge of the strip of the leadframe, is the first surface of the clamping portion 126 and the second of the finger 118. The clamping portion 126 is pushed over the second surface over a sufficient distance so as to be inserted between the surfaces. These are loaded and unloaded from the belt apparatus in a similar manner as in the first embodiment.

The clips 114 can be easily attached and removed from the very first surface of the belt 112. To remove them, simply lift the front face of each clip to pivot it around the end 128 through the second hole 120 and flip the clip 114 over. Similarly, in order to add a new clip, it is kept upside down and the top 142 is pushed into the second hole 120 from the front, and then the front face of the clip is lowered horizontally.

A third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 13 and 14, which show a part of the third belt device from various viewpoints.

The third belt device 200 includes a belt means in the form of a flat belt 212 and a clamping means in the form of a plurality of wire clips 214.

The belt 212 of the third embodiment is similar to that of the first embodiment. As shown, the only difference is that each first hole 216 is wider than the wire of the clip. The belt also has one horizontal elongated second hole 220 per clip 214 and one horizontal elongated third hole 240 per clip 214.

Each clip 214 is effectively an inverted U-shaped wire with two spring coils 232, which coil 232 is between each end of the wire and the inverted U-shaped base. The inverted U-shaped base of the wire is an attachment 224 that is at the first end of the clip 214 and is attached to the belt 212. Each end of the wire is a clamping portion 226 at the second end of the clip 214 and away from the first end.

The clip 214 is mounted on the first face portion of the belt 212, which is on the first face of the belt 212. Each portion 228 of the attachment portion 224 is on the second surface portion of the belt 212 and is horizontally through the second hole 220 of the belt 212 on the second surface of the belt 212. Pass through. Each clip has one such end 228. The two wires at the end 228 are bent upwards through the second hole to abut against the second surface. The top 242 of the end with the inverted U-shaped base protrudes shortly toward the first surface through the third hole 240.

Each spring coil also acts as abutting means 232 for abutting the first surface of the belt 212. One edge of each spring coil 232 abuts the belt 212 on the first face, and each wire of the end 228 abuts the second face of the belt 212. As most clearly shown in FIG. 14, with the tops protruding through the third hole, this holds the clip 214 in place.

The clamping portion 226 and the attachment portion 224 of the clip 214 are connected by coupling portions including the spring coil 232, which comprise at least the top of the leg portion 234. Each clip has two separate leg portions whose respective ends are clamping portions 226. Generally, the attachment portion 224 is horizontal in relation to the first surface, the coupling portion engages the attachment portion 224 and the leg portion 234 at an acute angle with respect to each other, and the leg portion 234 is the belt 212. Oriented diagonally downwards toward). As can be seen in FIG. 14, the clamping end 236 of the clamping portion 226 which clamps the elements with respect to the belt is generally directed downward and is obtuse with the leg portion 234.

The clamping portion 226 is narrower than the first holes 216. Thus, they can be pushed against the elasticity of the clip 214 through the first hole to the second end of the belt 212, and they tend to return to their original position on the first side. As in the first embodiment, the length of the first hole 216 is such that the portion of the elements, for example the upper edge of the strip of the leadframe, is the first face of the clamping portion 226 and the second of the finger 218. The clamping portion 226 can be pushed onto the second surface over a sufficient distance so as to be inserted between the surfaces. These are loaded and unloaded from the belt apparatus in a similar manner as in the first embodiment.

The clips 214 can be easily attached and removed from the very first surface of the belt 212. To remove them, simply lift the front face of each clip to pivot it around the end 228 through the second hole 220 and turn the clip 214 upside down. Similarly, in order to add a new clip, it remains upside down, pushes the top 242 into the second hole 220 from the front, and then the front face of the clip is lowered horizontally.

The belt apparatus and method of the present invention can be used with existing processing machinery for providing the apparatus as in FIG. It can also be used with new machinery for providing a device such as for example in FIG. 17.

In FIG. 16, the leadframe is loaded onto the belt device 300 in the loading station 302 and unloaded at the unloading station 304 on the same side of the device. Between these two stations, the strip is processed in the treatment baths 306. After unloading, the empty belt device 20 is cleaned in cleaning baths 308 lying on the other side of the machinery before returning to the loading station 302.

The apparatus of FIG. 17 shows that stripping takes place in the baths 306a, 306b over two sides of the machinery; Loading and unloading stations side by side; Similar to the apparatus of FIG. 16, except that belt cleaning 308 is performed in the middle of the apparatus.

The loading and unloading devices 302, 304 simultaneously work by pushing means pushing a plurality of clamping portions (at least equal to the length of the strip to be treated) through the first hole to the second side of the belt. In the loading station 302, a strip is inserted between the clamping portion and the second side of the belt and released to load the strip. In the unloading station 304, the processed strips immediately fall off. It is more preferable for the pushing means to allow the pushed clamping portion to slide along the pushing means, or more particularly to move them while the pushing means are being pushed. Likewise, the bracing means supports the second face of the belt against twisting due to the pushing means and allows the belt to slide along it, or more preferably (to bring it closer to the bottom of the belt). It is more desirable to move it while pushing.

Alternatively, the loading and unloading portion can be achieved by using an end wheel through which the endless belt passes. The clamping means are on the inside of the loop and on the outer circumference of the end wheels have a profile to receive the clamping means in them as the belt passes them. However, part of the profile is shaped to contact the clamping means to push the clamping portion through the first hole, if appropriate, to allow loading or unloading. In the case of loading, the strip is fed to the belt tangential to the end wheel.

The loading and unloading may use the concept disclosed in at least the previously mentioned patent publication EP-0,382,283 (although at least the profile of the wheels should be different).

The belt means and clips are typically stainless steel or may be metal or other conductive or nonconductive material.

Although the clamping end does not hold the elements directly with respect to the parts of the belt, it is held diagonally with the fingers, and the above-described embodiments do not cause deformation problems as in the prior art. This is because the belt itself acts only on the passive surface, so that the transverse position of the belt does not change during the loading process and the belt does not deform.

Although the belt has been described as having a first hole that is a recess in the lower edge, other configurations are possible. For example, they may be completely enclosed by the belt means or almost almost enclosed, but with a slot for the lower edge. The difference between this embodiment and those described above may be the extra part of the belt means which continues to extend along with the lower edge of the belt. In other words, the clamping means do not clamp the elements directly against the belt means, but in addition to them diagonally beside the clamping means, it will provide an extra manual gripping surface diagonally under the clamping means.

Manual gripping surfaces for this embodiment are roughened (not shown) to improve clamping even if this is not required. It may likewise be desirable to provide some form of roughening on the first face of the clamping end of the clamping means.

The clamping means described above are all elastic clips. It is possible to use other clips provided with clamping force by other means such as attached springs. In addition, other clamping means, whether clipped or not, are included in the present invention.

The clamping means is embodied above as a clip with one or two clamping parts. However, a single clip or other clamping means may have two or more, for example three or four. For example, the clamping means may be two or more equivalents, or clips 14 of the first embodiment joined together, preferably with some form between the clips to allow the belt means to bend. It may have a hinge portion.

As described above, the attachment portion is at one end of the clamping means, and the clamping portion is at the opposite end. This is not necessary. The clamping means can extend beyond the attachment and / or beyond the clamping, as long as they do not interfere with their function.

The first holes are shown at different spacings in the first and third embodiments and are consistently shown in the second embodiment. This is not important.

Various embodiments of the above-described embodiments are planar or hang in a predetermined direction or in other directions. Obviously this is not always necessary, but may be desirable. In the case of belt means, if the clamping means have a surface for interoperation, it need not be flat or flat.

In the above-described embodiment all of the second holes through which the ends of the clips pass are separate. According to the invention, all the ends of the single clamping means can pass through a single second hole. This is possible even if several clamping means share the second hole.

The clamping means have been described as having ends directed upwardly after passing through the second holes. Of course they can be down. To remove them, although this requires manipulation from a larger second hole and second surface, they can have them in both directions on the same clip. Likewise, the butting means may be above or below the second holes, or both. Indeed, the present invention encompasses embodiments in which there is no such abutment means in which there is nothing in the clamping means to stop the abutment means from rotating upward. This may make their addition and replacement easier. However, in the loading and unloading station, it may also be a horizontal plane directly above the top of the clamping means which prevents them from rotating upward as the clamping parts are pushed to the second side.

Claims (43)

A belt device for carrying said elements in the processing of the elements, Belt means; And Clamping means for clamping the elements relative to the belt means, The belt means has a plurality of first holes therein; Also The clamping means has attachment parts attached to the belt means, has clamping parts spaced apart from the first surface of at least a portion of the belt means, through the first hole and against the elasticity of the clamping means, the clamping means A belt device arranged to be pushed from the first surface to the second surface of the at least part of the belt means to clamp the elements with respect to the second surface. The method of claim 1, At least some of said first holes have a recess in the edge of said belt means. The method according to claim 1 or 2, At least some of the first holes have portions of the belt means on all sides, with at least one slit on one side with respect to the edge of the belt means. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, At least some of said first holes are all surrounded by said belt means. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, Said belt means being substantially planar at a height at which said element is clamped against it. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, The belt means being substantially planar, the first surface of at least a portion of the belt means being a first surface of the belt means, and the second surface of at least a portion of the belt means being a second surface of the belt means Belt device. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, And the belt means is a belt. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, And the belt means is endless. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, And said clamping means is removable from said belt means. The method of claim 9, And said clamping means is reattachable to said belt means. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, And the attachment portion is at the first end of the clamping means. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, And the clamping portion is provided at a second end of the clamping means away from the first end. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 12, And the attaching portion passes from the first surface to the second surface via a second hole in the belt means. The method of claim 13, And the attaching portion passes back to the first surface through the third hole in the belt means. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 14, And said attaching portion is in contact with said second surface. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 15, The clamping means further comprises a coupling portion for coupling the clamping portion to the attachment portion. The method of claim 16, And said attaching portion extends away from said first surface of at least a portion of said belt means, and said engaging portion includes a leg portion directed back diagonally toward said belt means. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 17, The clamping means further comprises abutting means in contact with the first surface. 19. The method of claim 18, wherein, if at least dependent on claim 13, A portion of the attachment portion passing through the second hole is between the butt means and the clamping portion. 19. The method of claim 18, if dependent on at least 13, The parts of the attachment portion passing through the second hole are on the other side of the butting means from the clamping portion. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 20, The clamping means is a belt device, characterized in that the elastic material. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 21, The clamping means is a belt device, characterized in that it comprises a spring portion. The method of claim 22, wherein at least according to claim 18, The butting means comprises a spring unit. The method of claim 22 or 23, The spring unit comprises a coil spring unit. The method of claim 22 or 23, The spring unit is a belt device, characterized in that it comprises a leaf spring. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 24, The clamping means is a belt device, characterized in that it comprises a wire spring. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 26, The clamping means is a belt device, characterized in that consisting of a plurality of clips. The method of claim 27, At least some of said clips each have a plurality of separate clamping parts. The method of claim 28, At least some of said clips each have two clamping portions. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 29, And the elements are arranged on the basis of which the elements are strip-shaped elements. The method of claim 30, And the strip-shaped element is arranged on the basis of being a strip of the leadframe. In the clamping means for a belt device, 32. A clamping means for a belt device, comprising an attaching part and a clamping part, and arranged to attach to the belt means to provide the belt device according to any one of claims 1 to 31. In the belt means, 32. Retracts in one edge and a second hole for use with the clamping means according to claim 32 to attach the clamping means to the belt means for providing the belt device according to any one of the preceding claims. A belt means having a first hole in a negative form. In a device for processing an element, 33. An apparatus for processing an element comprising a belt device according to any one of claims 1 to 31, a clamping means according to claim 32 and / or a belt means according to claim 33. The method of claim 34, wherein And loading means for pushing the clamping portion through the first hole as part of the process of mounting the element on the belt device. The method of claim 34 or 35, And unloading means for pushing clamping means for further clamping the elements through the first hole to unload the elements from the belt device. 32. A method for attaching clamping means on a belt means to provide an apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims. Inserting the attaching means of the clamping means into the second hole of the belt means, with the clamping portions of the clamping means above the height of the second hole; Pivoting the clamping means with respect to the second hole to bring the clamping parts below the height of the second hole; And Releasing said clamping means, After the releasing step, the clamping means is ready for use, And said attaching method does not comprise said clamping parts passing through a hole in said belt means. In the method of processing elements, Mounting said elements on a belt device according to claim 1; The elements undergo at least one treatment step; And And unloading the processed elements from the belt device. In the processed element, 39. An element according to claim 38, wherein said element is processed according to the method of claim 38. A belt device constructed and arranged substantially as described above with reference to the accompanying drawings and / or as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Clamping means constructed and arranged substantially as described above with reference to the accompanying drawings and / or as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Apparatus for processing an element constructed and arranged substantially as described above with reference to the accompanying drawings and / or as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. A method of processing an element substantially as described above with reference to the accompanying drawings and / or as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.