SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICE REEL DEFORMATION PREVENTION APPARATUS

Abstract

An apparatus for storing semiconductor devices includes a reel having a hub and at least two flanges along an axis of the reel. The flanges are spaced and face each other. The semiconductor devices, which typically are attached to a tape, are wound around the hub and between the flanges. At least one holding member is disposed between the flanges at the rim of the apparatus, which is the perimeter of the flanges, and abuts the inner surfaces of the flanges. The holding member prevents the flanges from being deformed during vacuum packing.

Description

BACKGROUND

The present application is generally directed to an apparatus for storing semiconductor devices, and more particularly to an apparatus for preventing reels for packing semiconductor devices from being deformed.

After semiconductor devices are assembled, they often are attached to a tape that is then wound around a reel for shipping and delivery. The reel typically is sealed in a vacuumed bag to protect the semiconductor devices from unwanted environmental influences, e.g., moisture or dust particles. This vacuum packing can be problematic especially when the reel is not fully loaded.

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a conventional reel 100 comprising a hub 102 and a pair of spaced flanges 104. There is a space 106 between the flanges 104 for receiving a tape of semiconductor devices 108. In this example, the reel 100, which has a radius R₁, is only rolled up with packed tape 108 to the extent of about half that radius, while the remaining space 106 between the flanges 104 is empty. The flanges 104 may be solid or spoked and typically include a space for receiving a label. When the tape 108 and reel 100 are sealed in a vacuum bag, the vacuum process can cause the flanges 104 to deform since there is no support at the edges of the flanges 104, as shown in FIG. 1, where the distal ends of the flanges 104 have been pulled towards each other.

The deformation of the flanges 104 can cause problems, for example, when the tape 108 is unloaded from the reel 100, the now narrowed space between the flanges 104 can block the tape 108 from being unloaded smoothly. The deformation of the flanges 104 can also damage the tape 108 and sometimes even the semiconductor devices attached to the tape 108. Therefore, it would be advantageous to have a reel loaded with a tape of semiconductor devices that is not apt to deformation.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

So that the manner in which the above recited features of the present invention can be understood in detail, a more particular description of the invention, briefly summarized above, may be had by reference to embodiments, some of which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of this invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, for the invention may admit to other equally effective embodiments. The drawings are for facilitating an understanding of the invention and thus are not necessarily drawn to scale. Advantages of the subject matter claimed will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading this description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals have been used to designate like elements, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a conventional reel half-loaded with a tape of semiconductor devices;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of an apparatus for storing semiconductor devices in accordance with a first embodiment of a holding member of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a planar side view of an apparatus for storing semiconductor devices in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a planar side view of an apparatus for storing semiconductor devices in accordance with another exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of an apparatus for storing semiconductor devices in accordance with a second embodiment of a holding member;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of an apparatus for storing semiconductor devices in accordance with a third embodiment of a holding member;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of an apparatus for storing semiconductor devices in accordance with a fourth embodiment of a holding member;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of an apparatus for storing semiconductor devices in accordance with a fifth embodiment of a holding member; and

FIG. 9 is a top plan view of a holding member with openings on its bridge in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention provides an apparatus for storing semiconductor devices including a reel having a hub and at least two parallel flanges along an axis of the reel. The flanges are spaced and face each other, and receive the semiconductor devices therebetween. There is at least one holding member disposed between the flanges that prevents the flanges from being deformed, such as during vacuum packing.

The holding member(s) can be configured to include at least one clip that clamps a part of an edge of a corresponding flange. The holding member may be T-shaped, M-shaped, or U-shaped, and can have surfaces at respective distal ends that support the inner surface of the flanges. The holding member(s) also may include one or more openings in an outer surface thereof. In a presently preferred embodiment, a plurality of holding members are spaced around the rim or perimeter of the reel.

Referring now to FIG. 2, a partial cross-sectional side view of an apparatus 200 for storing semiconductor devices according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown. Generally, the apparatus 200 includes a reel 202 having a hub 102 and spaced, parallel flanges 104, and a holding member 204. The flanges 104 are connected to opposing sides of the hub 102 along an axis x-x of the hub 102. The flanges 104 extend perpendicularly to the axis x-x and are parallel with each other. The flanges 104 can be disc-shaped, with one side thereof facing another flange. The space between the flanges 104 is used for receiving a tape of loaded semiconductor devices, where the loaded tape is wound around the hub 102 and between the flanges 104, as is known in the art. It will be understood that the reel 202 may include more disc-shaped flanges 104 supported by the hub 102, configuring the multiple flanges 104 to be parallel with each other. In such a way, the reel 202 may have more spaces between pairs of neighboring flanges 104 for receiving additional tapes. The reel 202 is rotatable about the axis x-x for loading and unloading tapes of semiconductor devices. The reel 202 can be constructed of various types of material such as a high temperature thermoplastic material, paper, composite material, etc. The dimensions of the reel 202 may vary but typically conform with known industry standards such that they are compatible with various machines used in the semiconductor device assembly process.

The holding member 204 is sized to be fit between the distal or outer ends of the flanges 104 and abut an inner surface of the outer ends of the flanges in order to hold the flanges 104 in place—that is, the holding member 204 prevents the ends of the flanges 104 from being deformed when sealed in a bag and vacuumed. The holding member 204 can be adapted to match the peripheral edge of the flanges 104. For example, if the flanges 104 are circular, the holding member 204 can be arc shaped.

Along the axis x-x, the holding member 204 has respective distal ends 206. At each end 206, the holding member 204 has a surface 208 that faces and abuts an inner surface of the flange 104. The surfaces 208 facing the flange 104 are in contact with the flange 104 so that the ends of the flanges 104 are supported and resist deformation, keeping the flanges 104 in position such that any tape therebetween is not pinched. Between the distal ends 206 of the holding member 204, there is a bridge 210 that extends parallel to the axis x-x and connects the distal ends 206.

The apparatus 200 can include at least one holding member 204 for holding the ends of the flanges 104. In one embodiment, with reference to FIG. 3, a holding member 302 extends along the entire perimeter of the reel as defined at the outer edges of the distal ends of the flanges 104. In other embodiments, with reference to FIG. 4, multiple holding members 402 may be discontinuously distributed along the perimeter defined by the outer edges of the distal ends of the flanges 104. It will be understood that there may be multiple holding members evenly or unevenly distributed along the outer edges of the flanges. In a presently preferred embodiment, the apparatus 200 includes at least four of the holding members 204 spaced along the perimeter of the reel 202.

Referring again to FIG. 2, on at least one of the flanges 104, the surface 208 of the holding member 204 covers an outer surface 112 of one of the flanges 104 such that the holding member 204 fits around an inner surface of the flange 104, a peripheral surface 114 of the flange 204, and the outer surface 112 of the flange 104 such that the holding member 204 acts as a clip (portion of the holding member 204 within the dotted circle) that attaches to the edge of the flange 104. In such configuration, the holding member 204 is M-shaped.

The holding member 204 has an arm that extends along the outer surface 112 of the flange 104. The arm has a length that may vary, as will be discussed in greater detail with reference to FIG. 7.

With reference to FIG. 5, another embodiment of a holding member 502 is shown. The holding member 502 in this embodiment is generally U-shaped and has distal ends with surfaces 504 that are perpendicular to the x-x axis and that abut the inner distal ends of the flanges 104. The distal ends of the holding member 502 also have surfaces that abut the peripheral surfaces 114 of the flanges 104. However, in this embodiment, the distal ends of the holding member 502 do not face or abut the outer surface 112 of the flange 104. That is, the ends of the holding member 502 are flush with the outer surfaces 112 of the flanges 104.

Referring to FIG. 6, a still further embodiment of a holding member 602 is shown. The holding member 602 has a central bridge 604 that is thicker than that of the holding member 502 shown in FIG. 5. The holding member 602 is thus configured to be T-shaped, with the surfaces 606 at distal ends of the bridge 604 that abut the inner surfaces of the distal ends of the flanges 104. Similar to the embodiments shown in FIGS. 2 and 5, the distal ends of the holding member 602 extend to cover the peripheral surfaces 114 of the flanges 104, but in this case not the outer surfaces 112. That is, the outer ends of the distal ends of the holding member 602 are flush with the outer surfaces 112 of the flanges 104.

Referring to FIG. 7, yet another embodiment of a holding member 702 is shown. The holding member 702 is similar to the holding member 204 (FIG. 2) in that the holding member 702 has distal ends 704 that clip over the ends of the flanges 104 and cover the inner walls of the flanges 104, the outer walls 112, and the peripheral ends 114 of the flanges 104. The holding member 702 differs from the holding member 204 in that outer arms 706 that abut the outer surface 112 of the flanges 104 are longer than inner arms 708. In alternative embodiments, the outer arms 706 may be equal to (as in FIG. 2), slightly shorter (as illustrated with dashed line 710) or much shorter (as illustrated with dashed line 712) than the inner arm 708.

It shall be understood that, the holding member 704 can be made through bending a piece of rigid material, such as aluminum, steel, etc., or can be formed as bended through molding. Optionally, a bending angle a from a bridge 714 at the inner arm 708 can be from around 90° to around 180°. A distance d₁ between the inner arms 708 of the distal ends 704 at each end of the bridge 714 can be greater than twice a thickness t of the bridge 714. The length of either the inner arm 708 or the outer arm 706 of the distal ends 704 may be configured to be in the range of 0 to half of the diameter of the reel 202.

FIG. 8 illustrates yet another embodiment of a holding member 802 of the present invention. The holding member 802 is similar to the holding member 202 depicted in FIG. 2, except that a central bridge 804 of the holding member 802 is thicker than the bridge 210 of the holding member 202. In this embodiment, a thickness of the bridge 804 is greater than a length of the outer arms at the distal ends of the holding member 802.

FIG. 9 shows yet another embodiment of a holding member 902 having distal ends (e.g., clips) 904 connected by a central bridge 906. The holding member 902 may be U-shaped, T-shaped, or M-shaped, as previously discussed. In this embodiment, the holding member 902 includes multiple openings 908 formed in the bridge 906. The openings 908 function for stress relief. The openings 908 also can reduce the weight of the holding member 902. The openings 908 may be formed by punching or etching the bridge 906. Preferably the openings extend through the entire thickness of the bridge 908 - that is, the openings form through holes. Besides the circular shape illustrated in FIG. 9, the openings 908 may have other possible shapes, such as triangular, square, etc. The openings 908 are not necessarily queued up linearly, and any other distribution on the bridge 906 is possible.

With the holding members being included in the apparatus, the flanges of the reel are supported by the holding members even when the reel is not filled with tape. In situations where the loaded reel is sealed in a bag and vacuumed, the edges of the flanges are prevented from deforming, either inwards or outwards such that a tape of semiconductor devices wound around the reel is protected from being pinched. During unloading, the tape can be smoothly released, eliminating potential damage to the devices stored on the tape. Furthermore, as the reel is often stacked with other reels during storage and transportation, the holding member provides necessary support for the edges of the flanges, substantially enhancing the stiffness of the apparatus.

The use of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and similar referents in the context of describing the subject matter (particularly in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. Furthermore, the foregoing description is for the purpose of illustration only, and not for the purpose of limitation, as the scope of protection sought is defined by the claims as set forth hereinafter together with any equivalents thereof entitled to. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein, is intended merely to better illustrate the subject matter and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the subject matter unless otherwise claimed. The use of the term “based on” and other like phrases indicating a condition for bringing about a result, both in the claims and in the written description, is not intended to foreclose any other conditions that bring about that result. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the invention as claimed.

Preferred embodiments are described herein, including the best mode known to the inventor for carrying out the claimed subject matter. Of course, variations of those preferred embodiments will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. The inventor expects skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventor intends for the claimed subject matter to be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, this claimed subject matter includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.

Claims

1. An apparatus for storing semiconductor devices, comprising:

a reel having a hub and a pair of spaced, parallel flanges attached to the hub opposing sides of the hub, wherein the semiconductor devices are received between the flanges and wound around the hub, wherein the flanges have proximal ends adjacent the hub and distal ends spaced from the hub; and

at least one holding member disposed between the flanges, the at least one holding member being arranged between at least part of an edge of the flanges at the distal ends of the flanges, wherein the holding member prevents the flanges from being deformed.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one holding member has a central bridge that connects opposing distal ends of the at least one holding member, wherein the distal ends of the at least one holding member abut inner surfaces of the distal ends of the flanges to prevent deformation thereof.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the central bridge includes one or more through holes.

4. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the at least one holding member is T-shaped.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein outer ends of the at least one holding member are flush with outer surfaces at the distal ends of the flanges and a vertical portion of the T-shape abuts the inner faces of the flanges.

6. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the at least one holding member is U-shaped.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, further comprising projections extending from the distal ends, wherein the projections extend over the distal ends of the flanges and are flush with outer surfaces of the flanges.

8. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the at least one holding member is M-shaped.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the distal ends of the at least one holding member form clips that receive the distal ends of the flanges.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the clips have outer arms of length L.

11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the lengths of the arms is less than a thickness of the central bridge.

12. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the lengths of the arms is greater than a thickness of the central bridge.

13. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the at least one holding member comprises at least one clip that clamps to the distal end of one of the flanges.

14. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the holding member is rigid.

15. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one holding member comprises a continuous band that covers the distal end of the flanges and the space therebetween.

16. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one holding member comprises a plurality of holding members spaced from each other around the distal ends of the flanges.