BELT-GUIDING WHEEL WITH RADIALLY MOVABLE DRIVING PINS INTRODUCED IN RADIAL BORES

摘要

A miniature variable drive pin projection mechanism is disclosed for driving a conveyer belt to transport semiconductor chips from a test point to a sequence of sorting locations. The drive wheel is mounted to an indexing shaft which is sequentially rotated in a start and stop mode. The wheel has spring-loaded pins which are radially mounted in the wheel and are spring-loaded so as to be withdrawn from the peripheral surface of the wheel. Drive means are provided to actuate the pins during only 60 degree rotation of the wheel. During the remainder of 300 degree rotation of the wheel, there is substantially frictionless engagement. The resultant mechanism significantly reduces wear, vibration and misregistration of the assembly and lengthens its operating life.