WO2020046107A1 - A spring loaded clamp - Google Patents

A spring loaded clamp Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2020046107A1
WO2020046107A1 PCT/MY2019/050044 MY2019050044W WO2020046107A1 WO 2020046107 A1 WO2020046107 A1 WO 2020046107A1 MY 2019050044 W MY2019050044 W MY 2019050044W WO 2020046107 A1 WO2020046107 A1 WO 2020046107A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
spring
clamp
spring loaded
jaws
balancer
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/MY2019/050044
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Chee Kin LEONG
Original Assignee
Intotest Sdn Bhd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Intotest Sdn Bhd filed Critical Intotest Sdn Bhd
Priority to SG11202102070WA priority Critical patent/SG11202102070WA/en
Priority to CN201990001017.5U priority patent/CN217345103U/en
Publication of WO2020046107A1 publication Critical patent/WO2020046107A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B25—HAND TOOLS; PORTABLE POWER-DRIVEN TOOLS; MANIPULATORS
    • B25B—TOOLS OR BENCH DEVICES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, FOR FASTENING, CONNECTING, DISENGAGING OR HOLDING
    • B25B5/00—Clamps
    • B25B5/04—Clamps with pivoted jaws
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01L—SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES NOT COVERED BY CLASS H10
    • H01L21/00—Processes or apparatus adapted for the manufacture or treatment of semiconductor or solid state devices or of parts thereof
    • H01L21/67—Apparatus specially adapted for handling semiconductor or electric solid state devices during manufacture or treatment thereof; Apparatus specially adapted for handling wafers during manufacture or treatment of semiconductor or electric solid state devices or components ; Apparatus not specifically provided for elsewhere
    • H01L21/683—Apparatus specially adapted for handling semiconductor or electric solid state devices during manufacture or treatment thereof; Apparatus specially adapted for handling wafers during manufacture or treatment of semiconductor or electric solid state devices or components ; Apparatus not specifically provided for elsewhere for supporting or gripping
    • H01L21/687—Apparatus specially adapted for handling semiconductor or electric solid state devices during manufacture or treatment thereof; Apparatus specially adapted for handling wafers during manufacture or treatment of semiconductor or electric solid state devices or components ; Apparatus not specifically provided for elsewhere for supporting or gripping using mechanical means, e.g. chucks, clamps or pinches
    • H01L21/68714—Apparatus specially adapted for handling semiconductor or electric solid state devices during manufacture or treatment thereof; Apparatus specially adapted for handling wafers during manufacture or treatment of semiconductor or electric solid state devices or components ; Apparatus not specifically provided for elsewhere for supporting or gripping using mechanical means, e.g. chucks, clamps or pinches the wafers being placed on a susceptor, stage or support
    • H01L21/68728—Apparatus specially adapted for handling semiconductor or electric solid state devices during manufacture or treatment thereof; Apparatus specially adapted for handling wafers during manufacture or treatment of semiconductor or electric solid state devices or components ; Apparatus not specifically provided for elsewhere for supporting or gripping using mechanical means, e.g. chucks, clamps or pinches the wafers being placed on a susceptor, stage or support characterised by a plurality of separate clamping members, e.g. clamping fingers
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B25—HAND TOOLS; PORTABLE POWER-DRIVEN TOOLS; MANIPULATORS
    • B25B—TOOLS OR BENCH DEVICES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, FOR FASTENING, CONNECTING, DISENGAGING OR HOLDING
    • B25B5/00—Clamps
    • B25B5/02—Clamps with sliding jaws
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B25—HAND TOOLS; PORTABLE POWER-DRIVEN TOOLS; MANIPULATORS
    • B25B—TOOLS OR BENCH DEVICES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, FOR FASTENING, CONNECTING, DISENGAGING OR HOLDING
    • B25B5/00—Clamps
    • B25B5/06—Arrangements for positively actuating jaws
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16B—DEVICES FOR FASTENING OR SECURING CONSTRUCTIONAL ELEMENTS OR MACHINE PARTS TOGETHER, e.g. NAILS, BOLTS, CIRCLIPS, CLAMPS, CLIPS OR WEDGES; JOINTS OR JOINTING
    • F16B2/00—Friction-grip releasable fastenings
    • F16B2/02—Clamps, i.e. with gripping action effected by positive means other than the inherent resistance to deformation of the material of the fastening
    • F16B2/06—Clamps, i.e. with gripping action effected by positive means other than the inherent resistance to deformation of the material of the fastening external, i.e. with contracting action
    • F16B2/10—Clamps, i.e. with gripping action effected by positive means other than the inherent resistance to deformation of the material of the fastening external, i.e. with contracting action using pivoting jaws
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01R—MEASURING ELECTRIC VARIABLES; MEASURING MAGNETIC VARIABLES
    • G01R31/00—Arrangements for testing electric properties; Arrangements for locating electric faults; Arrangements for electrical testing characterised by what is being tested not provided for elsewhere
    • G01R31/28—Testing of electronic circuits, e.g. by signal tracer
    • G01R31/2851—Testing of integrated circuits [IC]
    • G01R31/2855—Environmental, reliability or burn-in testing
    • G01R31/286—External aspects, e.g. related to chambers, contacting devices or handlers
    • G01R31/2865—Holding devices, e.g. chucks; Handlers or transport devices
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H05K—PRINTED CIRCUITS; CASINGS OR CONSTRUCTIONAL DETAILS OF ELECTRIC APPARATUS; MANUFACTURE OF ASSEMBLAGES OF ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
    • H05K13/00—Apparatus or processes specially adapted for manufacturing or adjusting assemblages of electric components
    • H05K13/0061—Tools for holding the circuit boards during processing; handling transport of printed circuit boards
    • H05K13/0069—Holders for printed circuit boards

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a clamping device and more particularly to a spring loaded clamp for holding objects securely.
  • a spring load clamp are one type of clamps that are commonly used for clamping any objects. These clamps generally include a pair of clamps and a spring arranged in between them. The clamps are usually pivoted at centre or on a support and on one end is a gripping end and bending force is applied on another end, for the gripping end to clamp and unclamp the object. The spring in between the clamp jaws undergoes compression and relaxation to facilitate the clamping and unclamping process.
  • the spring undergoes compression and the gripping ends move away from each other to unclamp and when the applied force is released the spring relaxes and the gripping end mate to clamp the object.
  • the spring undergoes uneven compression and relaxation of coils along its length by causing deflecting or buckling of the spring body. This causes pivoting motion of the spring and further both ends of the spring are not maintained in parallel.
  • the present invention provides an improved spring loaded clamp which provides linear compression and relaxation of the spring for effective handling of the objects.
  • the present invention provides a spring loaded clamp suitable for handling integrated circuit chips, which clamp comprises a coil spring which interacts with a pair of clamp jaws and wherein means are provided to mitigate buckling of the spring so that the coils are compressed and relaxed evenly along the length of the spring during relative movement between the clamp jaws.
  • the means to mitigate buckling is a balancer arranged within a recess provided in one of the clamp jaws.
  • one end of the spring is held by the balancer in one jaw and another end of the spring is seated into a channel provided by the other jaw to facilitate compression.
  • one of the jaws is statically mounted on a support and includes a blind recess in which one end of the spring abuts, wherein the other end of the spring cooperates with the means to mitigate buckling of the spring and wherein the other of the jaws is pivotally mounted on the support.
  • the means to mitigate buckling comprises an end cap at said other end of the spring which end cap cooperates with a cam surface provided by the other jaw and wherein the cam surface rocks against the end cap during relative pivoting of the jaws.
  • the cam surface is arcuate and is formed integrally with the other jaw.
  • the end cap is held captive within a recess formed in the other jaw and transmits axial force between the other end of the spring and the arcuate cam surface as the arcuate cam surface rocks against the end cap.
  • a gap between the jaws and the gap is determined by the length of the spring and the balancer arranged between them.
  • the balancer is U-shaped having an inwardly curved base.
  • the recess is provided with a curved protrusion on an inner side so as to mate with the base of the balancer in such a way that the associated jaw articulates on the balancer.
  • the support is a rotary table of an integrated circuit handling machine.
  • a rotary table for an integrated circuit handling machine having an annular series of spring loaded clamps each provided with above mentioned features.
  • an integrated circuit handling machine having a rotary table as mentioned above.
  • the present invention also provides a spring loaded clamp for use in a rotary testing handler machine comprising: a pair of clamp jaws, for clamping and unclamping of the electronic component on its one end; and, a coiled spring, held in position in between the clamp jaws facilitates during the clamping and unclamping, characterised in that, a balancer is arranged on one end of the spring, in such a way that to prevent the spring from deflection and allows the spring to undergo linear compression and linear decompression during the clamping and unclamping of the electronic component by the clamp jaws.
  • Fig. 1 is an isometric view of a spring loaded clamp in accordance to the present invention.
  • Fig. 2 is a top view of the spring loaded clamp in unclamped position in accordance to the present invention.
  • Fig. 3 is a top view of the spring loaded clamp in clamped position in accordance to the present invention.
  • Fig. 4 shows arrangement of the spring loaded clamp on a rotary handling machine for integrated chips in accordance to the present invention.
  • a spring loaded clamp (100) comprises of a coil spring (120), a means to mitigate buckling (130) and a pair of clamp jaws (110).
  • the coil spring (120) can be arranged in between the clamp jaws (110) and interacts with the clamp jaws (120).
  • the means to mitigate buckling (130) of the spring (120) is provided so that the coils of the spring (120) are compressed and relaxed evenly along the length of the spring (120) during relative movement between the clamp jaws (110).
  • the clamp jaws (110) are statically mounted on a support member (140) by a fastening means, where one of the clamp jaw (110) is pivotally mounted on the support member (140) and other jaw (110) is rigidly fixed onto the support member (140).
  • the clamp jaws (110) are preferably separated by a gap between them. The gap can be determined by the length of the spring (120) and the balancer (130).
  • Each clamp jaws (110) includes a blind recess in which one end of the spring (120) abuts, while the other end of the spring (120) cooperates with the means to mitigate buckling (130) of the spring (120) arranged within that recess in one of clamp jaw (110).
  • the means to mitigate the buckling (130) of the spring (120) comprises an end cap at other end of the spring (120) which the end cap cooperates with a cam surface provided by the other clamp jaw (110) and wherein the cam surface rocks against the end cap during relative pivoting of the jaws.
  • the cam surface is arcuate and is formed integrally with the other jaw (110).
  • the end cap is held captive within the recess formed in the other jaw (110) and transmits axial force between the other end of the spring (120) and the arcuate cam surface as the arcuate cam surface rocks against the end cap.
  • One of the clamp jaw (110) is preferably longer in length compared to other clamp jaw (110) and has a bent portion at right angle on one end, where the bent portion covers or extends over one side of the other clamp jaw (110).
  • Each clamp jaws (110) includes an elongated vertical member extending from it on one end has a gripping end and when these elongated members mate, the gripping end holds an object (140) in between them securely and in position.
  • the means to mitigate the buckling (130) is a balancer arranged within a recess provided in one of the clamp jaws (110).
  • One end of the spring (120) is preferably held by the balancer in the recess of one of the clamp jaw (110) and another end of the spring (120) is seated into a channel provided by the other clamp jaw (110) to facilitate compression.
  • the balancer is preferably a U-shaped having an inwardly curved base.
  • the recess in the clamp jaw (110) is preferably provided with a curved protrusion on its inner side so as to mate with the base of the balancer in such a way that the associated jaw (110) articulates on the balancer.
  • An external force is applied on the bent portion of the pivot-able clamp jaw (110) causes the pivot-able clamp jaw (110) to articulate on the balancer from original positon to extended position. Due to this movement, coils of the spring (120) undergo compressions and the balancer prevents the spring (120) from buckling during the compressions by allowing the spring (120) to undergo even and linear compressions along its length. Further, the balancer ensures that ends of the spring (120) are maintained in parallel. A spring tension is generated and is stored within it.
  • the pivot-able clamp jaw (110) articulates on the balancer from the extended position to original position. During this movement, the spring tension is released and causes the spring (120) to undergo relaxation.
  • the balancer prevents the spring (120) from buckling during the relaxation by allowing the spring to undergo even and linear relaxations along its length. Further, the balancer ensures that ends of the spring (120) are maintained in parallel.
  • the pivot-able clamp jaw (110) moves from unclamped position to clamp position and clamps the object (140) placed in the spaced.
  • the spring loaded clamp (100) be used in various applications. For an example, it can be used in semiconductor manufacturing industry.
  • FIG 4 illustrates a top view of a rotary test handler machine, it is an automated testing system and includes a rotary table comprises a rotary table, an integrated circuit placing means, integrated circuit pick up means and an integrated circuit testing means.
  • the rotary table has a plurality of spring loaded clamp (100) attached to it for holding integrated circuits such as LED units.
  • the support member (150) is preferably the rotary table having an annular series of spring loaded clamps (100) arranged on it.
  • the spring loaded clamp (100) for use in the rotary testing handler machine comprises of the pair of clamp jaws (110), coiled spring (120) and the balancer (130).
  • the pair of clamp jaws (110) are arranged to clamp and unclamp of the electronic component on its one end.
  • the coiled spring (120), held in position in between the clamp jaws (110) facilitates during the clamping and unclamping.
  • the arrangement and working mechanism of the spring loaded clamp is explained above.
  • On end of the rotary table includes the integrated circuit placing means and on to its opposite end includes the integrated circuit pick up means.
  • a motor is arranged to drive the rotary table to rotate at a pre-set speed.
  • a sensor arranged on the integrated circuit placing means and on the integrated circuit pick up means to detect the presence of the spring loaded clamp (100) approached near it during the rotation. Upon the detection of spring loaded clamp (100) near the integrated circuit placing means, the motor is triggered to stop the rotation of the rotary table.
  • the automated plunger is trigger to apply a bending force on the pivot-able clamp jaw (112) to extend forming the space to place the integrated circuit in that space by the integrated circuit means.
  • the balancer (130) prevents the spring (120) from deflection and allows the spring (120) to undergo linear compression.
  • the automated plunger releases the applied force causing the clamp jaws to clamp the integrated circuit.
  • the motor is triggered to rotate to transport the integrated circuit pick up station on the other side. The rotation of the rotary table is stopped upon detection of the spring loaded clamp (130).
  • the automated plunger applies the bending force on the pivot-able clamp jaw (110) to extend.
  • the balancer (130) prevents the spring (120) from deflection by allowing the spring (120) to undergo linear decompression to unclamp of the integrated circuit from the clamp jaws (110).
  • the integrated circuit pickup means picks up the integrated circuit from the spring loaded clamp (100) for the testing purpose.

Abstract

A spring loaded clamp (100) suitable for handling integrated circuit chips, which clamp comprises a coil spring (120) which interacts with a pair of clamp jaws (110) and wherein means (130) are provided to mitigate buckling of the spring (120) so that the coils are compressed and relaxed evenly along the length of the spring (120) during relative movement between the clamp jaws (110).

Description

A SPRING LOADED CLAMP
FIELD OF INVENTION
The invention relates to a clamping device and more particularly to a spring loaded clamp for holding objects securely.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
A spring load clamp are one type of clamps that are commonly used for clamping any objects. These clamps generally include a pair of clamps and a spring arranged in between them. The clamps are usually pivoted at centre or on a support and on one end is a gripping end and bending force is applied on another end, for the gripping end to clamp and unclamp the object. The spring in between the clamp jaws undergoes compression and relaxation to facilitate the clamping and unclamping process.
When the bending force is applied on one end of the clamp jaws, the spring undergoes compression and the gripping ends move away from each other to unclamp and when the applied force is released the spring relaxes and the gripping end mate to clamp the object. During this process, the spring undergoes uneven compression and relaxation of coils along its length by causing deflecting or buckling of the spring body. This causes pivoting motion of the spring and further both ends of the spring are not maintained in parallel.
There are several drawbacks due to the uneven compression and relaxation of the spring such as it leads to easy breakage of the spring due to which the spring needs to be replaced. Further, it effects the clamping and unclamping process of the object where the force generated during the clamping of an object is greater than pre determined. Thus can result in the damage of the object. Furthermore, the clamp jaw may extend more than the estimated range during the unclamping process and may cause the clamp jaw to be stuck. This effects the tool to great extent.
Therefore, the present invention provides an improved spring loaded clamp which provides linear compression and relaxation of the spring for effective handling of the objects.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
The present invention provides a spring loaded clamp suitable for handling integrated circuit chips, which clamp comprises a coil spring which interacts with a pair of clamp jaws and wherein means are provided to mitigate buckling of the spring so that the coils are compressed and relaxed evenly along the length of the spring during relative movement between the clamp jaws.
Preferably, the means to mitigate buckling is a balancer arranged within a recess provided in one of the clamp jaws.
Preferably, one end of the spring is held by the balancer in one jaw and another end of the spring is seated into a channel provided by the other jaw to facilitate compression.
Preferably, one of the jaws is statically mounted on a support and includes a blind recess in which one end of the spring abuts, wherein the other end of the spring cooperates with the means to mitigate buckling of the spring and wherein the other of the jaws is pivotally mounted on the support.
Preferably, the means to mitigate buckling comprises an end cap at said other end of the spring which end cap cooperates with a cam surface provided by the other jaw and wherein the cam surface rocks against the end cap during relative pivoting of the jaws. Preferably, the cam surface is arcuate and is formed integrally with the other jaw.
Preferably, the end cap is held captive within a recess formed in the other jaw and transmits axial force between the other end of the spring and the arcuate cam surface as the arcuate cam surface rocks against the end cap.
Preferably, a gap between the jaws and the gap is determined by the length of the spring and the balancer arranged between them.
Preferably, the balancer is U-shaped having an inwardly curved base.
Preferably, the recess is provided with a curved protrusion on an inner side so as to mate with the base of the balancer in such a way that the associated jaw articulates on the balancer.
Preferably, the support is a rotary table of an integrated circuit handling machine.
Additionally, a rotary table for an integrated circuit handling machine having an annular series of spring loaded clamps each provided with above mentioned features.
Preferably, an integrated circuit handling machine having a rotary table as mentioned above.
The present invention also provides a spring loaded clamp for use in a rotary testing handler machine comprising: a pair of clamp jaws, for clamping and unclamping of the electronic component on its one end; and, a coiled spring, held in position in between the clamp jaws facilitates during the clamping and unclamping, characterised in that, a balancer is arranged on one end of the spring, in such a way that to prevent the spring from deflection and allows the spring to undergo linear compression and linear decompression during the clamping and unclamping of the electronic component by the clamp jaws.
One skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the invention is well adapted to carry out the objects and obtain the ends and advantages mentioned, as well as those inherent therein. The embodiments described herein are not intended as limitations on the scope of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
For the purpose of facilitating an understanding of the invention, there is illustrated in the accompanying drawing the preferred embodiments from an inspection of which when considered in connection with the following description, the invention, its construction and operation and many of its advantages would be readily understood and appreciated.
Fig. 1 is an isometric view of a spring loaded clamp in accordance to the present invention.
Fig. 2 is a top view of the spring loaded clamp in unclamped position in accordance to the present invention.
Fig. 3 is a top view of the spring loaded clamp in clamped position in accordance to the present invention.
Fig. 4 shows arrangement of the spring loaded clamp on a rotary handling machine for integrated chips in accordance to the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The invention will now be described in greater detail, by way of example, with reference to the drawings.
Referring to Fig. 1, illustrates a spring loaded clamp (100) comprises of a coil spring (120), a means to mitigate buckling (130) and a pair of clamp jaws (110). The coil spring (120) can be arranged in between the clamp jaws (110) and interacts with the clamp jaws (120). The means to mitigate buckling (130) of the spring (120) is provided so that the coils of the spring (120) are compressed and relaxed evenly along the length of the spring (120) during relative movement between the clamp jaws (110).
Preferably, the clamp jaws (110) are statically mounted on a support member (140) by a fastening means, where one of the clamp jaw (110) is pivotally mounted on the support member (140) and other jaw (110) is rigidly fixed onto the support member (140). The clamp jaws (110) are preferably separated by a gap between them. The gap can be determined by the length of the spring (120) and the balancer (130). Each clamp jaws (110), includes a blind recess in which one end of the spring (120) abuts, while the other end of the spring (120) cooperates with the means to mitigate buckling (130) of the spring (120) arranged within that recess in one of clamp jaw (110). The means to mitigate the buckling (130) of the spring (120) comprises an end cap at other end of the spring (120) which the end cap cooperates with a cam surface provided by the other clamp jaw (110) and wherein the cam surface rocks against the end cap during relative pivoting of the jaws. The cam surface is arcuate and is formed integrally with the other jaw (110). The end cap is held captive within the recess formed in the other jaw (110) and transmits axial force between the other end of the spring (120) and the arcuate cam surface as the arcuate cam surface rocks against the end cap. One of the clamp jaw (110) is preferably longer in length compared to other clamp jaw (110) and has a bent portion at right angle on one end, where the bent portion covers or extends over one side of the other clamp jaw (110). Each clamp jaws (110) includes an elongated vertical member extending from it on one end has a gripping end and when these elongated members mate, the gripping end holds an object (140) in between them securely and in position.
Preferably, the means to mitigate the buckling (130) is a balancer arranged within a recess provided in one of the clamp jaws (110). One end of the spring (120) is preferably held by the balancer in the recess of one of the clamp jaw (110) and another end of the spring (120) is seated into a channel provided by the other clamp jaw (110) to facilitate compression. The balancer is preferably a U-shaped having an inwardly curved base. The recess in the clamp jaw (110) is preferably provided with a curved protrusion on its inner side so as to mate with the base of the balancer in such a way that the associated jaw (110) articulates on the balancer.
Referring to figure 2, the working mechanism of the spring loaded clamp (100). An external force is applied on the bent portion of the pivot-able clamp jaw (110) causes the pivot-able clamp jaw (110) to articulate on the balancer from original positon to extended position. Due to this movement, coils of the spring (120) undergo compressions and the balancer prevents the spring (120) from buckling during the compressions by allowing the spring (120) to undergo even and linear compressions along its length. Further, the balancer ensures that ends of the spring (120) are maintained in parallel. A spring tension is generated and is stored within it. This causes the bent portion of the pivot-able clamp jaw (110) to mate on one end of the fixed clamp jaw (110) and other end to move away from the fixed clamp jaw (110) causing the clamp jaws (110) to move from clamped position to unclamped position to release the release the object or to place the object in space formed in between the clamp jaws (110).
Referring to figure 3, when the applied force is released the pivot-able clamp jaw (110) articulates on the balancer from the extended position to original position. During this movement, the spring tension is released and causes the spring (120) to undergo relaxation. The balancer prevents the spring (120) from buckling during the relaxation by allowing the spring to undergo even and linear relaxations along its length. Further, the balancer ensures that ends of the spring (120) are maintained in parallel. Upon the release of the applied force the pivot-able clamp jaw (110) moves from unclamped position to clamp position and clamps the object (140) placed in the spaced.
The spring loaded clamp (100) be used in various applications. For an example, it can be used in semiconductor manufacturing industry.
Referring to figure 4, illustrates a top view of a rotary test handler machine, it is an automated testing system and includes a rotary table comprises a rotary table, an integrated circuit placing means, integrated circuit pick up means and an integrated circuit testing means. The rotary table has a plurality of spring loaded clamp (100) attached to it for holding integrated circuits such as LED units. The support member (150) is preferably the rotary table having an annular series of spring loaded clamps (100) arranged on it. The spring loaded clamp (100) for use in the rotary testing handler machine comprises of the pair of clamp jaws (110), coiled spring (120) and the balancer (130). The pair of clamp jaws (110) are arranged to clamp and unclamp of the electronic component on its one end. The coiled spring (120), held in position in between the clamp jaws (110) facilitates during the clamping and unclamping. The arrangement and working mechanism of the spring loaded clamp is explained above. On end of the rotary table includes the integrated circuit placing means and on to its opposite end includes the integrated circuit pick up means. A motor is arranged to drive the rotary table to rotate at a pre-set speed. A sensor arranged on the integrated circuit placing means and on the integrated circuit pick up means to detect the presence of the spring loaded clamp (100) approached near it during the rotation. Upon the detection of spring loaded clamp (100) near the integrated circuit placing means, the motor is triggered to stop the rotation of the rotary table. The automated plunger is trigger to apply a bending force on the pivot-able clamp jaw (112) to extend forming the space to place the integrated circuit in that space by the integrated circuit means. During this stage, the balancer (130) prevents the spring (120) from deflection and allows the spring (120) to undergo linear compression. Upon placement, the automated plunger releases the applied force causing the clamp jaws to clamp the integrated circuit. The motor is triggered to rotate to transport the integrated circuit pick up station on the other side. The rotation of the rotary table is stopped upon detection of the spring loaded clamp (130). The automated plunger applies the bending force on the pivot-able clamp jaw (110) to extend. The balancer (130) prevents the spring (120) from deflection by allowing the spring (120) to undergo linear decompression to unclamp of the integrated circuit from the clamp jaws (110). The integrated circuit pickup means picks up the integrated circuit from the spring loaded clamp (100) for the testing purpose.
The present disclosure includes as contained in the appended claims, as well as that of the foregoing description. Although this invention has been described in its preferred form with a degree of particularity, it is understood that the present disclosure of the preferred form has been made only by way of example and that numerous changes in the details of construction and the combination and arrangements of parts may be resorted to without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A spring loaded clamp (100) suitable for handling integrated circuit chips, which clamp comprises a coil spring (120) which interacts with a pair of clamp jaws (110) and wherein means (130) are provided to mitigate buckling of the spring (120) so that the coils are compressed and relaxed evenly along the length of the spring (120) during relative movement between the clamp jaws (110).
2. A spring loaded clamp (100) as claimed in claim 1 wherein the means (130) to mitigate buckling is a balancer arranged within a recess provided in one of the clamp jaws (110).
3. A spring loaded clamp (100) as claimed in claims 1 or 2 wherein one end of the spring (120) is held by the balancer in one jaw (110) and another end of the spring is seated into a channel provided by the other jaw (110) to facilitate compression.
4. A spring loaded clamp (100) as claimed in any of claims 1 to 3 wherein one of the jaws (110) is statically mounted on a support (150) and includes a blind recess in which one end of the spring (120) abuts, wherein the other end of the spring (120) cooperates with the means (130) to mitigate buckling of the spring (120) and wherein the other of the jaws (110) is pivotally mounted on the support (150).
5. A spring loaded clamp (100) as claimed in claim 4 wherein the means (130) to mitigate buckling comprises an end cap at the other end of the spring (120) which end cap cooperates with a cam surface provided by the other jaw (110) and wherein the cam surface rocks against the end cap during relative pivoting of the jaws (110).
6. A spring loaded clamp (100) as claimed in claim 5 wherein the cam surface is arcuate and is formed integrally with said other jaw (110).
7. A spring loaded clamp (100) as claimed in claim 6 wherein the end cap is held captive within a recess formed in the other jaw (110) and transmits axial force between the other end of the spring (120) and the arcuate cam surface as the arcuate cam surface rocks against the end cap.
8. A spring loaded clamp (100) as claimed in any of claims 2 to 7 wherein a gap is provided between the clamp jaws (110) and the gap is determined by the length of the spring (120) and the balancer arranged between them.
9. A spring loaded clamp (100) as claimed in any of claims 2 to 8 wherein the balancer is U-shaped having an inwardly curved base.
10. A spring loaded clamp (100) as claimed in any of claims 2 to 9 wherein the recess is provided with a curved protrusion on an inner side so as to mate with the base of the balancer in such a way that the associated jaw (110) articulates on the balancer.
11. A spring loaded clamp (100) as claimed in claim 4 wherein the support (150) is a rotary table of an integrated circuit handling machine.
12. A rotary table for an integrated circuit handling machine having an annular series of spring loaded clamps (100) each as claimed in any of the preceding claims.
13. An integrated circuit handling machine having a rotary table as claimed in claim 12.
14. A spring loaded clamp (100) for use in a rotary testing handler machine comprising:
a pair of clamp jaws (110), for clamping and unclamping of the electronic component on its one end; and,
a coiled spring (120), held in position in between the clamp jaws facilitates during the clamping and unclamping,
characterised in that, a balancer (130) is arranged on one end of the spring
(120), in such a way that to prevent the spring (120) from deflection and allows the spring (120) to undergo linear compression and linear decompression during the clamping and unclamping of the electronic component by the clamp jaws (110).
PCT/MY2019/050044 2018-08-28 2019-08-16 A spring loaded clamp WO2020046107A1 (en)

Priority Applications (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
SG11202102070WA SG11202102070WA (en) 2018-08-28 2019-08-16 A spring loaded clamp
CN201990001017.5U CN217345103U (en) 2018-08-28 2019-08-16 Spring loading clamp, rotary table using same and integrated circuit manipulator

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
MYPI2018703033 2018-08-28
MYPI2018703033A MY196268A (en) 2018-08-28 2018-08-28 A Spring Loaded Clamp

Publications (1)

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WO2020046107A1 true WO2020046107A1 (en) 2020-03-05

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CN (1) CN217345103U (en)
MY (1) MY196268A (en)
SG (1) SG11202102070WA (en)
WO (1) WO2020046107A1 (en)

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20090320280A1 (en) * 2008-06-25 2009-12-31 Endicott Interconnect Technologies, Inc. Spring actuated clamping mechanism
CN105357947A (en) * 2015-11-30 2016-02-24 成都市天目电子设备有限公司 Novel device capable of automatically and stably clamping pcb (printed circuit board)
US9352451B1 (en) * 2013-05-02 2016-05-31 Chick Workholding Solutions, Inc. Workholding apparatus
WO2017093388A1 (en) * 2015-12-03 2017-06-08 Protosonic Limited Apparatus for holding a printed circuit board
US20170267305A1 (en) * 2016-03-15 2017-09-21 Abus August Bremicker Sohne Kg Holder

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20090320280A1 (en) * 2008-06-25 2009-12-31 Endicott Interconnect Technologies, Inc. Spring actuated clamping mechanism
US9352451B1 (en) * 2013-05-02 2016-05-31 Chick Workholding Solutions, Inc. Workholding apparatus
CN105357947A (en) * 2015-11-30 2016-02-24 成都市天目电子设备有限公司 Novel device capable of automatically and stably clamping pcb (printed circuit board)
WO2017093388A1 (en) * 2015-12-03 2017-06-08 Protosonic Limited Apparatus for holding a printed circuit board
US20170267305A1 (en) * 2016-03-15 2017-09-21 Abus August Bremicker Sohne Kg Holder

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CN217345103U (en) 2022-09-02
MY196268A (en) 2023-03-24
SG11202102070WA (en) 2021-03-30

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